Oh yes! I forgot to mention! This is a Gio/Betty fanfic, since I absolutely love that pair! I like Henry's character as well, he's very sweet! BUT, Gio as so notoriously titled by many Ugly Betty fans…he is "the guy!" sigh And I really fell in love with his character and the chemistry between Gio and Betty. Also, I've changed the names a bit, since this story takes place around the 18th century….ish..? So just so there is no confusion…

Princess Bettina- Betty

Prince Henrik- Henry

Enchantress Charla- Charlie

And well…Giovanni Rossi is Gio…so there isn't any change there.

So far…..I think those are the only names I've really mentioned differently. smilez Okie, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter Two

Narrator: Prince Henrik held her hand tightly as they rushed through the shadowy forest as quickly and nimbly as possible. He swerved and swung his sword, destroying any sort of obstruction in their path. His extravagant suede cape thrashed around aggressively as he did so. The princess let herself be dragged, her pretty pink dress tailing along as well, not paying any attention what so ever to the commotion that surrounded her. No, she was not fantasizing, but thinking….thinking of how her life would inevitably turn into a disappointment. Remembering the image of Henrik climbing out of a window had made her…………..she just sighed once more. He was right, life was not a fantasy, not all the time. Princess Bettina was just going to have to settle her expectations a little lower, besides the most important thing was that she would be with the one she loved.

Prince Henrik: Oh Heavens! Where did that mount gallop away too.

Narrator: She hadn't realized that they had stopped. Henrik's voice had brought the dazed princess back to the present. She glanced around a little startled, finally setting her eyes upon his puzzled stance. Henrik released her sweaty hand and raised his own up to scratch his head. She looked onto him with an expressionless face.

Princess Bettina: No matter how difficult it would be….

The princess repeated to herself again and again in her head while closing her eyes.

Prince Henrik: Hmm…he must've been hungry…run along with the other little woodland creatures..

Narrator: The prince said a little too cheerfully, smiling a very boyish smile and turning to see his princess. Even in the most difficult times, he had the ability to remain calm. Though irritating at times, his behaviour would often cheer Bettina's spirits. This time was no different. She couldn't help but return his adorable smile, her bright metallic braces shining brilliantly when she beamed.

Prince Henrik: Alright…there may be a town nearby. There must be, some nature of transportation available there. So we mustn't worry too much my dear. We can still reach La Moda safely in time.

Narrator: As he captured her hand once more to travel a little further, she finally spoke, her smile diminishing quickly.

Princess Bettina: But it is only a matter of time that the enchantress will discover my absence. She will be enraged, chaos will ensue and she will send her ghastly servants to look about for us….and we are not safe until we reach our Kingdom, where we can see protection. We still remain in her land, how will we ever get there on time? How can we possibly depend on the probability of a town nearby?

Narrator: She stopped. Her eyes newly exposed to civilized surroundings and her feet treading on cobbled pavement. Peasants in abundance…working busily and zealously all around. Vendors and markets were all open with unfailing business. Children were running around, playing with each other while their parents took care of important matters. The working class had always appealed to the young princess. Such vibrancy and amusement, she had never experienced herself. Her father, Senoir Ignacio, would so very often provide for the peasants whom had very little. He was most gracious and charitable to many, and in return he was praised and respected among his people. Princess Bettina wished to follow in her father's footsteps; to serve and to care for them.

Prince Henrik: Look princess! We are bound to find a source of travel somewhere here. A carriage…you see!! Over there!

Bettina: Oh…I suppose so..

Narrator: She responded slowly and unsurely. He joyfully ran across the busy streets, over to the hansom cab that he had pointed to earlier. Bettina trailed behind, following him with uncertainty. As she neared the carriage, she observed the man who was assumedly the driver. He lazily slept on the elevated seat of the cab, his body weight swaying sluggishly back and forth. His whole being was almost slothful; the only energy left in him emphasized through his rather strong hold on a flask that had visibly held a few ounces of 'spirits'. He was quite a rugged man, his face scratchy with a discernible tuft. He seemed unkempt and judging by his unruly appearance, the princess was certain he would be trouble. But he was fairly handsome…

Prince Henrik: eerh…pardon me, good sir? Umm…. I am in need of assistance…would you be kind enough to-

Narrator: The man interrupted an expectant Henry with a quick and simple hiccup, slightly jumping from his seat as a result. His body swayed further to his left as he continued to sleep. The princess was displeased, expressing her discontent as she rolled her eyes. Henrik was persistent however and attempted to wake the drowsy driver from his sleep, but Bettina had stopped him from doing so.

Princess Bettina: Henrik, I do not think this man is the right person to be asking for help….He looks rather ….incapable

Prince Henrik: Well we ought to give it a try princess, we don't have much time as you have said.

Narrator: The prince turned his attention to the driver once more, addressing him formally as he slightly nudged the man a little more harder. Unexpectedly, the man violently threw his arms up in the air, shouting random inappropriate words and hitting Henrik on his forehead with the small flask consequently. The Prince immediately fell to the floor as his hands hovered over his forehead. He winced and groaned in pain while the bottle had shattered on the floor as well. Nearly devastated, Bettina ran to her Prince's aid and kneeled over to calm and soothe his pain away. Her flustered manner had ruined the calm features of her beautiful face. She looked down with concern, grabbing his one hand and gently placing the other over his injury.

Man: uuuuhhh….what an absolute waste of gin..

Narrator: The man had suddenly spoken…..with utter disgust and annoyance. His voice, abrasive and almost coarse, filled with irritation, so much so it had infuriated the princess. She swiftly turned to glare at the man responsible for her sweet Prince's anguish. Her eyes met his instantly, and for a moment she had forgotten what she had intended to say to him. His eyes were red and watery, a result of an excess of liquor presumably. He looked away lazily, obviously angry his precious 'eau-de-vie' was gone. Renewed rage had erupted as she got up hastily to face the man once more, only this time, determined to verbally abuse him.

Princess Bettina: A young innocent man has just been hurt severely and all you are concerned about is your bottle of gin!!

Narrator: Her voice was loud and snappy, just how she had wanted to sound. "HAH" she had proclaimed to herself, rather proud for having expressed an outburst like that. She was always taught that a gentlewoman was always kind and maintained etiquette under any circumstance. And she did as she was told by her father, for the sake of image and honour. But Princess Bettina believed in expressing oneself, and she was in no mood for hiding what she was feeling merely because of her title. The man turned his head gradually, a lop sided grin forming as he looked upon the princess with amusement.

Man: Hey…lady. If only you'd recognize the value and the importance of a 'simple bottle of gin', as you say…..would you understand how my concern is justifiable….

Princess Bettina: …….you could have killed him! Had your bottle have smashed his poor fragile head any more harder!

Narrator: She growled at him as her eyes grew wilder but only for him to snicker at. He gave a sly smile, his teeth now visible. He almost seemed as if he had enjoyed the princess's brusque statements. Meanwhile, Prince Henrik had tried getting up, but quickly decided to lay back down for a little while longer.

Man: Well, maybe he shouldn't have been disturbing someone who was clearly resting peacefully…

Narrator: 'oooooh!' the Princess huffed to herself as she tried again. She decided to use her power and status to get what it was that she wanted from him. The princess had often times refused to succumb to the privileges that would often come her way. She refused to use her name to get what she wanted……but this man was being just too difficult!

Princess Bettina: Do you have any idea who you are talking too!! I demand that you apologize to this man right now!

Narrator: She sounded very snobby, very unlike herself. And she was surprised with herself, with the behaviour he had so easily driven out from her. He swiftly turned back to look at her. He leaned in a little closer, as she nervously stepped back. His eyes were almost intense as he deviously said with hint of pride…

Man: Eh….Giovanni Rossi, apologizes to nobody.