Hey there people. This has been sitting a long while. Just sitting peacefully there. When I was updating my other fics, it just sat there, as quiet as a dove. But I couldn't stand it still being there. On its own. So it's flown the coop now.

20/01/08 This has been re-written slightly. I recommend that anyone reading this fic read over all of it, as changes have been made; I wanted to make some secrets quite out in the open, whilst others just barely mentioned. I also changed the beginning, I hated how quick and jumpy it was. I'm still not entirely happy with it.

Selling Lilies

Summary: James Potter is a prince that must, apparently find a bride. A suitable bride. But he has a secret, a dark secret. What happens when he meets Lily, a beautiful woman with exactly the same secret but under the protection of a notorious war-lord? Can he be allowed to marry her? Will she even love him back? Will they choose the rules or will they break free?

New Summary: James and Lily, almost fairytale style. James has a very dark secret that causes his subjects to hate him, and his father to misjudge him. He meets and falls in love with Lily, who in fact, also has a dark secret. Powers are at work in a way that would never be believed. Will they ever be allowed to be together?

Disclaimer: I not only own all of this, but everyone on this planet!!! Mwah!! Sound realistic? I thought not. It isn't true, and although I weep to say it, I do not own anything here except Fletcher, Diego De Silva, Granny Lipton, Jack, George and the PLOT!!. JK Rowling owns everything. (Sob)

Chapter One. - Heir to the Throne and Ward to Notorious War-Lord

James POV

The guards called out as I rode past the gate, determined to find my father before he hid himself away with one of his "Headaches". I was so sick of this, and I was going to tell him to stop this. To let it lie.

I hear Sirius and Remus behind me, struggling to keep up. But they manage it, just.

Thank god, there's father now, or should I say my King.

Yes, I am Prince James Potter, heir to the throne. I live in a world of lies and politics, though many people would claim that they are the same thing, I don't believe so. I wasn't the first heir, but my older brother Harry, died when I was only a young boy. I was never meant for the throne, and although I hate the idea of having to rule the country that has turned it's back away from me, and declares that I'm no good for it, but I have a sense of obligation, and propriety indicates that there is no way out.

I enter the courtyard of the castle that has been my home since I was born. I found it far too grand, too pompous for my taste. Maybe that was why I never liked living here, preferring my little cottage that was given to me by my dear mother when I reached my 17th birthday. My mother always did have simpler tastes than my father in houses.

I jump off my horse, which I affectionately called Snuffles, and walk towards my father, whom I am sure is just dying to know why I have returned here so early.

"James, it's so nice to have you home. Do you bring the sound of wedding bells with you?" Ahh yes, right onto business. No, "How was your trip?" or "Did you ride all the way here?" Something that my mother would've noticed. My father always did prefer Harry to me. He doesn't see me as a man, just a piece of meat to be sold for the country. The country that I had begun to hate, for the subjects hate me as much as I hate my father. I couldn't wait to see his reaction when I tell him about Kathleen...

"Father, I'm afraid I've had to decline to the offer of marriage to that certain young lady. You see, the painting they sent us was dreadfully wrong. The young woman was not so young, her hair not long and blonde, but going grey and thinning. She smelt of sickness, and in fact had no teeth." You see, we live in an age where the only time you see your proposed bride is on a wrongly painted painting, or in person. I wouldn't care as much for her looks if I had at least have been able to hold a conversation with her. Also, I knew that she was secretly engaged to one of the men in the royal court, I saw him with a worried face when I entered the hall.

My father also looks quite worried. The marriage of me and Princess Kathleen was supposed to alliance our small country with another, bringing security to our nation. But alas, as I have told my father many times, if I marry it is to be for love. I know, quite the fairy-tale, blame my dear old departed mother for filling my head with them.

"But James, what are we to do?"

"Father, a war will not happen. If it does they will have De Silva on their case. Do you really think they want that? Our country owes part of itself to De Silva; no other country wants to deal with him." De Silva, a man I would dearly love to get to know or kill. I'm not sure, but probably both.

"But who will you marry now? There are practically no other eligible noble females left, you've declined them all" Ha ha! He will always find more...

"Good, because I don't want to marry because it will help you, I want to marry so it will benefit me!" Uh oh…here's the talk coming now…Now James…

"Now James" told you. "You really must stop with this marrying for love nonsense. Can you really name anyone in this day and age that you know that married for love?"

"Yes!"

"Who?"

"Remus did…and Sirius is going to" I said remembering that my best mate was getting married to my aunt's lady-in-waiting. I couldn't have been happier for him, I really couldn't, but sometimes I wish I could swap with him. Not because I like Georgina, heavens no, but because he can marry the lady of his choosing.

"But James, they aren't Princes. They aren't heirs to the throne. They can't be used in that list I was asking for. Do you know anyone in your position that marries for love?"

I thought for a moment.

"Yes, me" And with that I walked off, knowing full well it was useless to argue with him.

The princess I travelled over 300 miles to see, was the 23rd woman my father has wanted me to get married to over the past two years.

All either too full of graces for themselves, too vain, too old, or too in love with food, and none of them at all what I'm looking for. Hopefully my father will get the idea that at the moment, I don't want to get married. I haven't met the right girl. And even if I did meet her, she probably wouldn't want me, couldn't have me, or I wouldn't be allowed to have her. It's a fickle life, but somebody's gotta live it.

Lily's POV

I hate life. No, that's a lie. I hate living my life. If I were a woman somewhere free to be able to make my own choices, I'd love it. Be able to do nothing or everything. To love or to hate. But I'm not free, and never will be.

My name is Lily Evans. I am a wharf of Mr Diego De Silva, notorious war-lord, drug dealer and whore-handler of this nation. Mr De Silva is an export of Spain, and a mighty proud one as well.

He took me in after he saw me dancing on a street corner the way I had watched the other women do when I went round town with my mother. He told me that he liked the way I danced, and offered me a place to stay. Having just been kicked out of my house, (my mother and father had just died) and being only thirteen years old I was desperate enough to say yes. I was taken to a beautiful house, scrubbed until the dirt came off my face, and given very pretty clothing to wear. I still have those clothes now, four years later. Since then, Mr. De Silva has treated me like a daughter, with a few minor differences.

Now, I know what you are probably thinking, but I am still as innocent as the day I was born. No, I've turned into a maid, who has to do absolutely everything for him. Not that I mind, but I've never left this house since those four years ago. I'm itching to go out and see the world again, but he won't let me.

And he's very protective when it comes to men and me. Any boy my age even looks at me when they enter the house is almost beheaded. I have no idea why they would look at me anyway, I'm not pretty. Or that's what Granny Lipton tells me.

Granny Lipton is an old, sour-faced bulldog that's as round as a spud and just as knobbly. She has always hated me, and taunts me with her cruel words and twisted games. When I first entered the house, I did everything she said. Which was the exact opposite of what I was supposed to do. When Mr. De Silva found out, he almost gave her the sack. Which means he must've really have been angry with her, because apparently they used to be lovers when he was growing up. You know how it is. A boy sleeping with his maid. I don't think Granny Lipton ever got over it though.

There, the floor is finished. God, my hands are sore. Better go see what the next chore is.

James's POV

"It's not fair Sirius, why should I have to marry some stupid air-head of a girl just to please my country. Why can't I just be left alone?" There, bluntly enough I think.

We were in my chamber, stupid place with too much décor for it to be truly a room. There was too much fluff, too much drapery, and way too much furniture. I mean, a bedroom is not supposed to have more furniture that a reception room. It just isn't. Even in my own chamber, not one thing on display was truly mine. It wasn't allowed. Everything had to be powder blue, had to be made of a certain material, had to be silver if it was metal. I tried fighting my father over it, but it was made perfectly clear that if any girl was to see inside my chamber, it must be of a princely appearance. No girl must say that the Crown Prince was a slob. That is mostly why I haven't let any girl inside here.

I want to find the one. The girl that I will love so much that I will never truly acknowledge that any other woman exist in the world again. A bit far-fetched, but if I have to give up everything I've ever wanted, then I think I should be allowed that one thing. But, even as I think this, I know that it will never happen.

"Because Prongs, you're not allowed to. Your heir, you're a prince and you're wanted by almost all of the female population"

"But I don't want to be any of those things. I just want to find my dream girl, settle down, have 12 kids and live happily ever after. Why did it have to be me to marry someone I don't love? Why can't George take over the throne?" George's my kid brother. He's five years younger than me, and totally opposite in everyway.

"Because you are the eldest now. Just think about it, if you left, George would be forced to marry. Do you really want your kid brother to suffer because you wanted a fairytale that might not come true? Do you want to leave him like Harry left you?" No, I didn't want to leave George in the lurch. Especially as I knew how it felt.

"Cheer up Prongs. Me and Pettigrew are going to sneak you out for a night or two while you're here. I'm not officially married yet, there's no reason I can't come with you two" This did cheer me up. I've been to their kind of parties before; none of the upper crust ever go to them. It's not all pomp and ceremony, it's just girls dancing around a fire, all the food and drink you want, and the music playing loudly. If only everyone in my world could see it, they would think twice before coming back to starched shirts and wigs. But even in this heaven that is freedom, I'd have to guard my words. If my secret came out, they'd roast me on the fire. At least I couldn't marry anyone then. I still think that although that sorceress said that my powers were a gift and they wouldn't hurt anyone, they are the worst curse I have ever imagined.

Poor Harry.

Lily's POV

I quietly entered the room that was Mr. De Silva's study. He was there on his own, reading the newspaper Jack had collected for him this morning. Jack is the only boy that is allowed around me. He also belongs to Mr. De Silva. He is thirteen and is the most adorable boy you could see. He's so kind and gentle, and whoever marries him when he grows up will be a lucky lady. For only thirteen years old, he is extremely tall, and in doing everything Mr De Silva wanted, he has built his stature up significantly. He has two sisters, who also work for Mr De Silva.

"Sir, I've finished the floor of the hall, what would you like me to do now?"

He looks up, smiles at me, and then quickly puts his feet on the table. "Ahh, Lily, so pleasant to see you on such a fine day" As he says this he points to the window, to the sky, but all I see is the market place below where I almost long to be. He always makes the point of waffling on, never gets to the point. It puts you off-guard.

"Lily, how old are you now?" he asks me. This confuses me as it's so random and...straight to the point.

"Ughh…seventeen Sir"

"Seventeen…that's quite an appropriate age"

This confuses me even more. Appropriate for what exactly?

"What for…Sir?"

"Several of my guests have commented on you recently, on your beauty, grace, and on your hard work…" with this he trails off with a face that is confused and angry at the same time. Oh! I knew there was someone lurking behind that curtain as I was on all fours washing the floor of the entrance hall the other day. Damn them!

"Really Sir…Are you displeased with the comments? Would you like me to cover up more? Or do my chores only when no-ones visiting?" I started fearing what I thought was the worst, being chucked out of the house, when he said something that made my blood run cold. He takes his feet off the table, and peers in at me, his hands holding each other, wringing each other to death.

"Lily, my dear, I have no choice. I've tried every other way, but alas I must do it. My dear Lily, you know the funding for my organisation recently been running low, well we've almost run out. We have no more financial income until three months away. I've almost sold everything I have" I had noticed the silver and paintings going missing, but assumed it didn't suit Mr. De Silva's taste. "Until my brother gets here, I am in bother" I didn't understand what this had to do with me until he said

"I'm so sorry, my Lily, but I have had to reach the decision to sell you. All men who want you are to report to me in two weeks time, with an amount of money they are willing to give for you, and the highest amount wins." As he said this, I felt tears running down my face.

"I will still look out for your welfare however; the man who wins you will have to report to me monthly to describe how you are doing to keep on my good side. Do not worry so much my dear child, if he mistreats you in anyway he will have Mr Diego De Silva on his case. You will not lose your only father figure just because you will belong in someone else's house. And besides my dear, it will be a learning experience," Yeah, like that makes me feel so much better.

I can think of nothing to say to him but "Thank you" and "What else do you want me to do for today?"

"Nothing else dear, but get ready to go out. We are to attend a party tomorrow night and I want you to look your very best. Go out and buy the nicest dress you can, and make sure that you bring it back with you"

I felt numb, but managed to ask "Go out Sir? As in on my own?"

"No dear child, Granny Lipton is to go with you, and you can take the carriage."

Wow, he must really feel bad if he's letting me use the carriage. Maybe he wants me to do something special tonight like cook a huge feast for his "friends" to eye me up before deciding how much I'm worth. Ugh, it makes me sick.

But I get to go out! This is amazing!

I ran upstairs to get ready, and was flushed with excitement. But a great terror rose in my chest, I was to be sold to another man, and not all men are as kind as Mr. De Silva was. They might ask me to do things I didn't want to do.

There is no point thinking of such things now, I think to myself, better to think all about it later. I was finally going out!!!

Lily's POV Still...

We're strolling around the town, Granny Lipton and I, buying various foods and plants. I'm not really paying attention. All I can think of is that I am out of the house for the first time in four years. How I crave to be able to do this everyday!

Granny Lipton finishes her shopping, and drags me towards the dress shop. I breathe in deeply. Nerves float around in my stomach. I have to look presentable tomorrow night.

We step in the shop, and I wander to the side as Granny Lipton describes the occasion we need the dress and what would be suitable. The staff have a greedy look in their eye. They know that Mr De Silva will pay when he has the money. He is their best customer, after all, all the girls in his "care" (and not the care I'm in) come here to look presentable for their "clients".

They come at me with different colours, different fabrics, until they decide on a light purple, lavender kind of colour. Which I hate. The dress is quite low in the chest, but at least it makes me look like I have a chest. It is quite kind in the waist, and flows over my hips nicely. It is quite plain, and I commend them on finding a nice dress. It's just the colour. As I walk around in it, I start feeling very uncomfortable. I can't wear this! They'll see the shape of my body! But I can't disagree; Granny Lipton is nodding her head, and is already haggling the price. I take off the dress, and wonder what will become of me. I wonder what type of man would want to take part in the selling of a girl. It's like I'm a slave instead of a daughter, which I had almost considered to be the truth in Mr De Silva's eyes. But apparently not.

We head back to the house, and I start to prepare the meal while Granny Lipton is watching. I hate it when she does that. It makes me think of her as a hawk; which is unfortunate for the hawk.

This is my last day with Mr De Silva and Granny Lipton, and although I thank them for taking me in, the only person I will miss is Jack. I wonder what he'll do without me. Maybe I'll be able to visit. If I ask Mr De Silva, I'm sure he'll agree. I'll ask him tomorrow.

I just hope that the man who buys me doesn't end up dead. I've killed a few people. I killed a man just by being born. He was a Prince. I also killed my parents. I live with that knowledge everyday, and I hope that no one else dies because of me.

I don't think I could stand life anymore if that happened.

James's POV

There's a fire in the middle of a field as all types of people are dancing, their hips swaying to the music that the band is playing. I see Peter already out there with two girls, he is the type of man who will never settle down with a wife unless he has two or three mistresses. Sirius is laughing away with a man who has a large scar running from his eye to his chin. That must've hurt. I try to make my way over to him, but the crowd is huge. The next time I look up Sirius has already reached me.

"Prongs, have I got news for you! Never guess what Fletcher just told me!"

"What did he say?"

"Apparently, De Silva is selling one of the most beautiful girls in this small country tomorrow night! She is his ward, and is very special to him, so it's big bucks. I know you love to waste your father's money, what do you say to going tomorrow?" Can he be serious? What for?

"Let me get this straight Padfoot. You want me to pay a huge sum of money for an apparently gorgeous girl, to do what? What is she to do?"

"She can work in the castle. After all, your Aunt needs a new lady-in-waiting after Georgina and I are married. Which is a few weeks away, might I remind you. Just think, De Silva's ward! She's almost a daughter to him! If a country did attack us, De Silva would have to get his men to help as the enemy would attack the castle, where his daughter lives. It's a win-win for us. Not only a pretty girl to look at, but a job filled without the bother of having to look, and contact to De Silva if we ever need it."

I consider what Sirius says, and my drunken brain says that it is a truly genius idea.

"Make the arrangements, my dear Padfoot. We are to buy this girl; I'll ask my father for the money in the morning"

With that, Sirius pats me on the back, and goes over to where Fletcher is sitting.

I hope that this is alright. Well, I might as well as enjoy the rest of the night before facing my father.

Here we go again. I know I shouldn't, but I can't help it if the ideas keep popping into my head. What does everyone who read this think? Is the storyline good, or not? I got the idea from this old film I saw, called the Slipper and the Rose. The idea just popped into my head.

Please REVIEW, as it really makes my day go from the dull grey to a bright highlighter kind of yellow. It makes it happy, and happiness is a joy to have. So, make me happy!!!!REVIEW!!

Thanks

-Elle-