Some years have passed and Finn still longs for his lost love. His parents and his friends all think he needs to get over it. His parent have already set up another match. As much as he begged for them to not do it, he was now set to marry Lady Quinn.
She was nice and all, beautiful of course. But they didn't see eye to eye. The jokes he use to write Santana made her annoyed and she was always rolling her eyes at him and telling him to stop talking. She was also obsessed with his dancing. He was tall and lanky, he couldn't move all graceful like her. But she was always forcing him to dance. And whenever he messed up a step or bumped into something, she yelled at him. She'd also get all crazy whenever he mentioned Santana.
Everyone did as a matter of fact. His best friend, Puck would call him a girl. He always teased him about it. Finn tried to let it roll off his back. But it hurt. He tried to move on. He had his servant, Sam hide all the letters and gifts he had exchanged with Santana over the years. But he longed for them and eventually broke down and began to beg his servant for them back. It was probably the lowest point in his life.
Today though, was especially hard for him. Today was their birthday. Yes, Finn and Santana shared a birthday. They always talked about the great parties they'd throw for themselves once they were married. But that would never happen now. He tried to convince his family no balls or parties or anything. But they wouldn't listen.
This wasn't just for his birthday though. Two kingdoms from Maxima Caesariensis are coming to join the Peace Treaty that was created by Anthony Lopez, her father. The two Kingdoms were Wiltshire, ruled by the Berry family and Hampshire, ruled by the Hummels.
Finn only knew a little about the two families. And everything he learned was from Santana. Though the two kingdoms weren't apart of their territory, the Lopez family was close to them. Santana would tell Finn that Rachel, the only heir to the Berry throne, was an annoying, loud mouth girl. She told him how their family was odd because there were two men and one women. None related by blood, none knew who the father was of Rachel. She called them both dad. And The Hummels were decent people, according to Santana. Kurt, the only heir and son of Burt, was fragile (once again, according to Santana).
Finn was some what excited to meet the two families. He would never admit why to his friends, but he planned on learning more about Santana. He planned on getting as much information about her. The little stories could keep him on a Santana high for the next year. He prayed daily for a connection to her, and today he would get it.
Brittany, Artie, Quinn and their families had already arrived. The royal families planned on staying for a three week long feast in celebration of Finn's sixteenth birthday and the new Treaty of Peace. Puck was already planning pranks on the new kids, who they learned are the same ages as them. Finn tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldn't listen. He instructed Sam to not get convinced into helping Puck in any way.
Sam was a good manservant. Finn got him when he was fourteen. They found him wondering around a deserted village while on a ride. Raiders had stolen everything and in the rush to flee, his family lost him. He agreed to come back and work for Finn in the palace, one day hoping to search for his family. Finn figured Sam was just going to stay now, since he had worked to earn enough gold in search of them. Finn didn't mind. He liked Sam. The boy wasn't the smartest of people and he was always talking about far away kingdoms in the sky. He was a little odd, but Finn liked that too. He was funny and good to talk to. He was the only one who didn't judge him about the Santana thing.
Finn sat in the large chair on his father's left. His mother at his right. The Knights stood around the hall and the visiting royals were seated along the wall at a large table. He heard the squire announce the arrival of the two families.
The Berry's came in first. Shelby, the woman of the household walked in front of Hiram and Leroy walked on either side of her, a few paces behind. They bowed respectively and offered their well wishes to Finn. They each offered some sort of gift. Next came there daughter. Finn would be lying if he said she wasn't beautiful. She wasn't like Quinn or Brittany. She was different looking, but beautiful all the same. She sang him a song as his gift. He was honestly blown away by her voice. Everyone clapped. Finn could even see Sam clapping from behind the wall.
The Hummels came in next, King Burt and Prince Kurt stood side by side. You honestly couldn't see the resemblances, except for the noses. Burt was built a little bigger, rough around the edges and Kurt, well, he looked fragile. Just like Santana said. They offered Finn a new sword and shield. The Hampshire kingdom was known for their steel, so Finn was pretty excited to test his gifts from them out.
The festivites began and Finn broke away from his parents, making his way to Rachel and Kurt. He chatted about small things, the weather, the ride, his gifts. Rachel was starring at him, making him feel a little awkward. He cleared his throat, wanting to get to the point of the reason he even came over to them.
"You two were close to Lady Santana, right?" He asked, his voice hushed not wanting anyone to tell him to drop the subject of her.
Rachel gave him a sad look and bowed her head, Kurt equally sad, nodded. "You could say that."
"Santana didn't exactly like us." Rachel spoke up a little. "Whenever our families would visit with each other and we went along, she would go off and perch herself up in a tree and write. She was always writing. What she wrote, I have no idea."
"What did she look like?" He asked, deseprate to know.
"She was beautiful." Answered Rachel.
"She had an exotic look to her. Tanned skin, dark eyes, raven hair. I was jealous of her looks." Added Kurt, putting his hand to his chest.
Finn thought it was weird he'd be jealous of her looks, but then again he probably meant her skin. Kurt was pale. Like, very pale.
"Why do you ask?" Rachel probed.
Finn sighed and looked around. "I was to marry her once we came of age. And I was just curious to know about what would have been."
Rachel bowed her head. "You love her?" He voice was weak, like she was hurt.
"I met her only once." He said, not wanting to give into his weakness for the dead girl.
"The last time I saw Santana was when we were eight." Kurt began. "Do you remember that Rachel?" The small girl's head lifted up, a small smile forming on her lips. "It was my birthday and she came to visit me. She gave me the softest silk I have ever felt. Light blue in color, like the sky. She said it looked good against my porcelain skin." He laughed at the memory. "It began to rain and I was upset that it would rain on my day. She wouldn't take the though. She pulled off her dress and walked out in just her undergarments. It was crazy. But we joined her. We danced in the rain for hours. Our parents went mad."
Finn heard Rachel sniffling, he looked to her and saw tears in her eyes. "And after we were scolded, she just rolled her eyes and pulled out her book and began to write a story about our future adventures together. She was so nice that day. Usually she called me an annoying bird. But that day, it was so wonderful. We didn't get to see each other again because of how much trouble we got in. We were going to visit her after she returned from the Treaty signing. But…" Rachel trailed off, her eyes watering again.
Kurt put his arms around the girl and she folded into him. Finn stood there awkwardly, unsure of what to do. After a few moment passed, Rachel was fine. She apologized for being a mess. He told her it wasn't necessary. He turned from the two, happy with the small information he learned. Though, he wish is was more. They hadn't seen her for four years before she passed. No one could tell him was she looked like before it happened. No one could tell him how she was before it happened.
Finn saw Brittany skipping over to him, his mood lightened up a little.
"Dear, Brittany." He greeted, smiling at her.
"Hello, Finn." She beamed, stopping in front of him. "I have a gift for you."
"So do many people."
"Mine it better." She said, her voice promising.
"Ok, give it here." He was curious.
She laughed and shook her head. "Follow me."
Brittany turned from him and bounced out of the grand hall, him following close behind. He saw out of the corner of his eye, Quinn glaring and walking toward them, quickly followed by Puck. Finn motioned for Sam to come with them, so he could take the gift to his chamber with the others. The five of them made their way to Brittany's chambers, Finn's curiosity going with each step. What gift could Brittany had gotten him that had to be stored in her room and not given to him while the others gave their gifts.
She stopped suddenly, turning the face them, her eyes filled with excitement. "Ready?" She asked, as if they weren't all obviously dying to know. She didn't wait for an answer though. She swung the doors open and stepped inside. "Happy Birthday!" She shouted.
Finn looked around the room, a few candles flickered but he saw nothing but the room. Quinn scoffed and Puck laughed lightly. Brittany must have had a delayed reaction because she huffed with frustration. "Where did it go?"
Finn laughed at this, Brittany was always losing stuff. He watched her look under her bed and then inside her cabinets as if the item sprouted legs and ran away. She scratched her head and turned to him.
"Oh, I think I know where your gift is." She was beaming again as she walked back out of the room and down the hall.
"Are you really going to play this hide and go seek game with her?" Quinn snapped.
"No one asked you to come." Finn answered and walked off toward Brittany.
He could hear Puck laughing and Quinn stomping after him. He glanced back and saw the three of them once again following after him and Brittany. She led them outside and down toward the gardens. Finn figured this meant Brittany was outside earlier with his gift and she must have dropped it. They followed her past the gardens and into the woods. She stopped and turned to them.
"Stay here." She whispered and then walked toward a large oak tree.
Everyone listened to her. They stayed put and watched her bend down. The top half of her body was hidden by the tree.
"It's took dark to see anything she might have dropped." Quinn whined.
"Sir, should I help?" Offered Sam.
"No. She said stay."
"You know we could be inside dancing right now, Finn."
Finn sighed. "No one forced you out, Quinn." He really didn't know why she insisted on ruining everything.
"You're my future husband, that forced me out here." She snapped.
"That doesn't make sense." Puck butted in before Finn had the chance to say the same exact thing.
Before anyone else had the chance to say anything else, Brittany was walking back. But she had someone with her. Everyone wore the same confused expression, stepping back into the moonlight as Brittany emerged with a girl. It was dark but you could tell she was beautiful, yet a bit messy.
"Happy Birthday." Brittany repeated in the same voice she used in the room, pushing the girl toward Finn.
"She got you a whore!" Puck shouted and laughed loudly.
The girl backed up toward the trees again, she looked scared. Brittany grabbed her and rubbed her back gently.
"She's not a whore." She told Puck. Brittany looked hurt.
"Brittany…I don't think you can give people as presents." Quinn said, her voice soft.
"But..I…Finn?" She frowned, trying to hold the girl in place who looked like she was trying to run.
"Can we discuss this inside? I'm cold." Quinn snapped, grabbing Finn's arm and pulling him back toward the palace.
Everyone followed, Brittany pulling the girl in with her. Once inside, they went to the kitchen, knowing it was empty and the brightest area. The cooks leave a fire burning for hours so the servants could cook their own food. The girl looked even more beautiful in the light. She had dark, long hair. Tanned skinned and deep brown eyes. Finn could tell by the look on Puck and Sam's face that they thought she was beautiful too. He could tell Quinn did so as well since she was wearing that face she only wore when she was jealous.
"Her name is Maria." Brittany informed them.
"Hello, Maria." Finn greeted. She didn't respond. She was stared into the flames of the fire.
"She doesn't talk." Brittany told him, laughing a little.
"Then how do you know her name?" Quinn asked, her bad attitude on high.
"I named her." The girl slipped out of Brittany's arm and sat on the ground in front of the fire, just starring at it. Everyone looked at Brittany, as if asking for her to explain more. "On our way here, we heard screaming. And we sent a guard out in check. They came back with her. Some men were trying to rape her. My parents won't let me keep her as my personal servant since I have Tina. They suggested I give her to you. You don't have a female servant. She can clean your chamber and draw your bath."
Finn felt bad for the poor girl. For all they knew she was raped before she was found. But that didn't change the fact that he didn't need her. "I have Sam for that."
Brittany looked heartbroken. "Please, Finn. If not my parents said she'll go to a brothel. She's too pretty to be a whore. Please." She begged.
Finn sighed, ready to cave into her. He couldn't say no to Brittany. Not when her pretty eyes were swarming with tears. "Ok. I accept my gift."
"What?" Quinn demanded. "Oh, boo hoo, a peasant girl becomes a whore. It happens all the time."
"You really are heartless?" That was the meanest thing anyone has ever heard Brittany say.
Quinn looked crushed. Her mouth hanging open. She looked between the three boys for some back up and when she got none, she stormed out. Finn turned to Sam, smiling lightly.
"Please, take Miss Maria to the servant quarters and have her fed. She looks starved. Also, get her some clothes that fit her."
Sam nodded and moved to the girl. He bent down and put his hand on the small of her back. "Come with me, Maria." He said, his tone soft. She turned and looked up at him. Her expression still showed fear. She looked at Brittany who only nodded and then she stood up.
She pointed to the fire. No one understood. She kept pointing, frowning as no one answered whatever she seemed to be asking.
"Fire?" Puck said, stepping forward.
Maria turned to it and stepped closer, reaching her hand out. Before she got too close, Sam pulled her away. She gasped and pushed him away, moving behind Brittany. Everyone stayed silent.
"What happened to you?" Sam wondered out loud, smiling softly at her, trying to show her not to be afraid of him.
She must have sensed he meant no harm because she stepped forward and reached her hand out to him. Brittany, Finn and Puck all stood there and watched them exchange smiles. Maria had an amazing smile. It was bright and made her eyes twinkle a bit. Brittany later told him that was the first time she had seen the girl smile in the three weeks of knowing her. Apparently, her family had some business in Dorset and on their leave they found her. His mind wondered to Santana and how Maria looked similar to how Kurt and Rachel had described his lost bride. He figured any tanned girl with dark hair would resemble Santana to him though.
After the guest went to bed, Finn laid awake in his bed, thinking of the new knowledge he learned of Santana. He also thought about Maria. He wondered why she couldn't speak and what happened to her family. He wondered why she tried to touch the burning fire and what made her so scared of everyone. As his thoughts consumed him, he could hear Sam in his quarters next to his room, talking. Finn sat up, trying to listen.
"Maria, you're not suppose to sleep in here. Only I am. I am Finn's manservant so I must be near him at all times." It was muffled but the walls where thin enough and the rest of the palace was silent enough for him to hear Sam's one side conversation. "I'll let you stay tonight. But you must stop being scared of everyone else. You have to sleep in the servant quarters tomorrow." Finn could hear the soft creak of Sam's bed. He wondered if they were laying next to each other or if Sam was laying on the floor. He heard another creak and Sam's heavy outtake of breath. "Fine, I'll lay with you. This is against all the rules though." That answered Finn's question and for some reason unknown to him, he envied Sam.
The next morning Finn awoke to Maria gazing down at him.
"Hello." He said softly.
A moment later Sam entered, sighing and walking over to Maria. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her off the bed. She giggled as he set her down and took a seat on the bench under his window. Sam turned to Finn, looking amused by Maria's antics.
"Your Grace, forgive her. I don't think she knows any better."
Finn sat up, his eyes on Maria. She looked happy. "It's forgiven." He stayed under the covers, not wanting to be rude and be in front of a lady with in his sleeping attire. "Oh, and Sam. If she wishes to sleep in your room, she can. I won't tell."
Sam's face went red and he bowed. Finn knew a man and woman could not sleep together in the same bed unless married. It was a sin. But, Finn's family practiced the old religion and they only saw sin if they did more than sleep. He knew Sam practice the new religion though and was probably already begging for forgiveness for the night before.
"Has she spoken?" Finn asked, turning the attention back on the girl, who was now pressed against the window, peering out at the whatever has caught her attention. She was like a child, discovering everything for the first time.
"She said her name, my name and fire." He answered, smiling over at her. The envious feeling of the night before was coming back to Finn. He couldn't explain it.
"Can you escort her out so I can dress?" He requested.
Sam nodded and called her name. She turned and got up, walking to him, the smile still on her face. Finn wondered what Sam did to make her attitude change so fast from the previous night. When Sam came back into the room to help him dress, he waved him off, telling him to show Maria around.
Hours had passed since his morning encounter with Sam and Maria. They followed him around, Sam doing whatever needed to be done. It was like any other day. Expect Maria would stop and gaze at something and Sam would have to pull her away or tell her not to touch. And much to the norm, Finn found himself in the hall, begging his parents not to make him marry Quinn. The only difference is that Quinn was witnessing it today, along with Puck, Artie, Brittany, Rachel, Kurt, Sam and Maria.
"Please, Father. We have nothing in common." He begged.
"What are you talking about? We both love to dance." She interjected,
"No, you love to dance. I hate it." He corrected.
"Enough!" His father raised his hand. "I told you, son. You cannot stay unwed. Santana is dead. You must move on."
"Ok, I get that. But why not wed me to Brittany or even Rachel. At least someone nice."
Quinn scoffed and he heard Brittany laughing lightly. He saw Rachel beaming at him. Though he didn't know her, she seemed like a much better match then Quinn.
"Brittany is to wed King Artie." His father answered, ignoring a reason for not choosing Rachel.
Finn turned to Artie. "Want to trade?"
"Who's Santana?" It was a light, sweet, musical voice. The most beautiful sound Finn had ever heard. He searched the room to place the voice with the person, only coming upon Maria. Everyone was looking at her. She repeated. "Who's Santana?" Her voice a little louder, but still amazing to hear.
"You will speak in turn." His father said, his tone harsh and angry that a servant would speak in the matters of royals.
"Ok, when is my turn?" She asked, seeming to believe there was some sort of assigned order of who was allowed to speak.
"Father." Finn said before anything bad could happen to Maria. "She doesn't know any better."
Maria turned to Sam and whispered. "Is it my turn?"
Sam shook his head and put his finger over his lips. Maria nodded and turned back to Finn, smiling as if she was still waiting for her turn. Finn couldn't believe it. No one could. His father was even standing there, eyes wide, mouth hanging open. How do you tell and lost girl who barely knows anything that she isn't allowed to speak in front of certain people unless spoken to first?
"Sam, take your leave and bring Maria with you." Finn instructed.
Sam looked relieved as he bowed and started to pull Maria out of the room with him. Maria pulled away from him and bowed liked him, causing Finn to laugh a little. Another thing she didn't know apparently. Only men bow at the waist. The discussion wore on about Finn not liking Quinn, Quinn getting offended, his dad telling him to get over it. Nothing was gained except a new reason for Quinn to dislike him.