IMPORTANT: Do read the author's note below for information about the SPIN OFF to this story. Enjoy!

The Black Knight IV

The King had been on tenterhooks for the past few weeks because of the lack of apparent activity from the Black Knights in the past 2 months. And he, concerned for the safety of all the guests and his family, had requested that Jerry doubled the security that evening, fearing an attack from the Black Knights. And now, it seemed like his worst fears were coming true.

"The Black Knights?!" Lady Gabriella exclaimed loudly in shock and worry when King Stephen relayed to her the news. Lady Stella and Lady Carmen were having the same anxious reaction.

"Are you certain?" Lord Frank asked urgently.

"Yes. I am certain." The King affirmed. "The suitor that was dancing with Samantha earlier IS Timothy Scam, twin brother of the previous leader of the Black Knights Jackson Scam. I recognise him now." He added on, his expression completely unreadable.

Lady Gabriella clutched her hands together tightly, muttering a silent prayer for her eldest. Her face had lost much colour, and she was as pale as a ghost, scared stiffed for Samantha. Lady Carmen and Lady Stella immediately escorted her for a seat on the throne.

"I have asked Jerry and his men to scout the gardens for both of them." The King said, sighing as he sat down heavily onto the throne.

"I can't believe it. How can the Black Knights infiltrate the castle? General Jerry's security is really tight." Lord Alexander, who had been silent ever since receiving the news, commented bitterly.

There were twin gaps after Lord Alexander's words. Both royals and their friends' heads instantly snapped up towards the source of the sound. The information that King Stephen had shared was sure to cause much unwanted pandemonium; they didn't want unnecessary people to find out.

Thankfully, it was Clovera and Alexis who had overheard the conversation. The two girls scurried up to the raised platform so that they could address the adults.

"Is it true your Majesties?" Alexis whispered in a small voice. "Do the Black Knights have Sammy?" With a heavy heart, Lady Gabriella nodded sadly.

All the adults saw the facial expressions of Clovera and Alexis crumbled before their eyes. Clovera even seemed to be blinking back tears.

"Don't worry girls. We have the guards scanning the rose gardens for them." King Stephen tried to assure the duo, but even he himself had doubts about finding Samantha quickly.

Both girls nodded, unable to say anything.

"For now, I think it is best for you to act natural Clovera, Alexis. Same goes for your Majesties as well, if you don't mind me saying. The ball would be ending shortly, I don't think it would be wise to display emotions that would cause concern among the guests." Lord Frank suggested gravely. The rest of the adults agreed.

"Can we please be excused your majesties?" Clovera asked after a moment, wiping her eyes with the corner of her hand. King Stephen dismissed them with a wave of a hand, his mind elsewhere as he tensed up when he saw General Jerry approaching them again. Clovera and Alexis decided silently to stay and see what the General had to say.

General Jerry bowed, his emotions masked.

"Well Jerry? Did you find her?" Lady Gabriella demanded instantly. General Jerry lowered his head.

"We have searched the grounds, but no sign of Princess Samantha or Timothy Scam anywhere. I have already instructed the guards to start searching inside the castle just in case he has gotten Princess Samantha captive somewhere..."

"Noted, General Jerry. And do get a few of your men to keep watch on that suspicious carriage that you pointed out. Follow the carriage if it does leave. Just in case." King Stephen ordered.

None of the royals or Clovera and Alexis' parents noticed the two other girls quietly slipped out of the ballroom to the hallway.

"Are you thinking what I am thinking Alexis?" Clovera hissed out once they were certain they were alone and won't be overheard. Alexis quirked her eyebrows, but she spilled her own theory either ways.

"That they are running away?"

Clovera huffed in exasperation, rolling her eyes at the obvious. "Don't you see Alexis? That was why Sammy was behaving so strangely this morning, and asking us about the passageway!" She cried out. Alexis' brain worked fast and she drew the links instantly.

"You mean they are using the secret passage to escape?" Her eyes widened, as everything became clear. Clovera nodded her head frantically.

"And I think Sammy might want us to meet her there. It is the only reason why she would bring up the passageway." Clovera added. Alexis looked at her friend in admiration.

"In that case Clovera, we need to warn them that General Jerry has men watching the carriage! Hurry!" Alexis exclaimed, as the two girls picked up their skirts and scurried down the hallway to Samantha's quarters.


"We're here." Princess Samantha breathed, as she carefully pushed the door to her quarters open. She and Timothy tiptoed into her quarters quietly and shut the door. Timothy stood on guard, his back against the door so as to prevent people from entering. He pressed his ear to the door.

Princess Samantha got to work instantly, lighting up only two candles in the massive room, just enough to be able to see what she was doing. First of all, she went to her large wardrobe and pulled out a bundle of clothes stored secretly at the back of the wardrobe. She had only packed three sets of the most simple gowns she had own, some bread for both Timothy and herself, and some of her jewellery for them to sell if there was a need to.

Satisfied that they were not followed, Timothy took the bundle of clothes from his beloved, and crossed with large strides to the mirror. He pulled the lever to open the passageway, and silently crept in to check for intruders.

Meanwhile, Samantha hastily grabbed a simple blue dress off the hanger and went behind the screen to change into that. The gown that she wore that evening was tossed into her wardrobe and she removed all the jewellery she was wearing, leaving them on her side table. She tied her hair neatly with a bow and took out the tiara. She also changed into the most comfortable slippers she had.

Finally, she took out two hand written letters that she had done a few days back from under her mattress, and placed them gingerly on her bed. The headings of the letters were: To Alexis and Clovera as well as To Mother and Father.

Finally accomplishing all that she had to do, Princess Samantha sighed as she scanned the room that had been her safe haven for the past eighteen years. As much as she hated to leave some of her most precious treasures, she couldn't bring them along. Biting her lower lip, she grabbed two of her favourite novels off the shelves. By this time, Timothy had returned, and stood patiently at the entrance of the secret passageway waiting for Samantha.

"Come Sammy. We must go. The diversion won't last forever." Timothy said, understanding in his voice. Giving a stiff nod, Princess Samantha allowed herself to be escorted down the secret passageway, after blowing out the candles.


"Stop Clovera. There are more guards coming this way." Alexis said sharply as they rounded the bend. Both girls quickly hid behind a pillar. The sound of heavy clunking from the guards' boots echoed down the empty hallways close to the one they were at.

Alexis and Clovera had wisely taken off their slippers and were tiptoeing down the hallways barefooted. The tiles chilled their feet, but they didn't care. They were much focused on getting to Samantha's room as soon as they could. They needed to warn their friend.

The moment that both girls heard the guards' footsteps fading away, Clovera and Alexis continued their journey to Samantha's room, praying that they won't get caught. Soon, both girls arrived at their destination, and they slipped into the dark room. Clovera groped in the dark towards the mantle to light a candle.

"Alexis! That candle is still warm! And the wax hasn't really solidified yet either." Clovera cried out once she had a lighted candle in hand. She was pointing to another candle that was on Samantha's dresser. Alexis crossed the room to examine the candle, and nodded her head.

"You're right! That means they were here not long ago!" She agreed with her friend. The duo took a quick glance around the room. Nothing seemed out of place, except for a small empty space on Samantha's bookcase and two letters on Samantha's pillow. With no time to waste, Alexis flipped up the latch and they cautiously went down the passageway. The wall rolled back to its original location once both girls were out of sight.


Meanwhile:

"Men! Take a few horses with you, and head over to the main entrance whereby the mysterious carriage is. Tail it if it moves, Princess Samantha's life is at stake here." General Jerry was in full battle mode, barking out orders.

He had already sent groups of men to check all the rooms and corridors in the castle. The castle was well patrolled, and there were men stationed at the entrance of all the secret passageways that were on the castle map. But General Jerry believed that the carriage outside the castle was most likely the form of escape Timothy Scam would use. With such good security, General Jerry was confident that there was no way Timothy Scam would escape with the Princess.

"General Jerry. I would like to tag along with the group following the carriage if you don't mind." Lord David, a close family friend of the royals, offered. He was obviously concerned for the Princess' welfare, seeing how Lord David saw Samantha as his sister.

Lord David had overheard the conversation between the King, Queen and General Jerry earlier in the throne room as well, and had volunteered to aid in the search for the Princess instantly. General Jerry nodded as consent. "I put Lord David in charge of this mission. Listen to his orders, men." Three other men who were going with Lord David saluted.

In one fluid motion, Lord David was saddled up comfortably on a brown mare. With a grim nod at General Jerry, the four men were off towards the main gates of the castle.

"I sure hope she will be fine." Lady Gabriella prayed as she watched the men ride off. The ball had ended about ten minutes ago and all the guests had left, having the notion that Princess Samantha was tired and had returned to her quarters to rest.

King Stephen wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulders in comfort. "We'll find her Gabriella, don't worry."


"Sammy. Come on, we must go soon." Timothy tried to urge Princess Samantha along. They had made it to the abandoned barn from Samantha's room without any problem, and were now at the barn. There was a carriage waiting for them, pulled by two brown horses which were commanded by coachman that Samantha recognized as John, one of Timothy's good friends from the Black Knights. Timothy had already loaded their possessions onto the carriage, while Samantha stood rooted to the spot, her eyes never leaving the entrance to the secret passageway.

All she wanted was for someone to see her and Timothy off. Someone to wish the both of them well. That was why she had dropped a hint about the secret passageway to Clovera and Alexis that morning, in hopes that they would get the hint and meet her here before she had to leave. But with each passing moment, Samantha felt her hopes beginning to fade. Maybe they were too early; maybe her parents hadn't heard the diversion yet, maybe… Her heart clenched. Maybe her parents had cornered her best friends and were interrogating them about her and Timothy. God, she hoped that was not the case. She didn't doubt where her friends' loyalties laid, but she didn't want her friends to be caught in the dilemma.

"Sammy. We must go soon." Timothy said again. Without a doubt, he knew how Samantha was feeling right now; having to leave her friends and family both behind in one night. And how could he not know that she was most probably waiting for her friends to show up?

Sighing in defeat, Princess Samantha spun around slowly, taking small steps towards the carriage. There was still the letter she wrote for her friends

"SAMMY!" Two calls of her name came from behind. A spark of hope and happiness ran through the Princess, and she turned around to see her best friends running towards her. A lone tear rolled down her eye as she rushed over to embrace both of her friends.

"Alexis! Clovera!" She hollered, letting her emotions get the better of her.

"You weren't leaving without saying goodbye were you?" Clovera cried out, her eyes watery. Princess Samantha could only shake her head. There was so much she wanted to say to her best friends that had gone through everything with her. But yet, now, she couldn't find the words to express her gratitude to her friends.

"I...I…" She stuttered, wiping away tears from her eyes.

"Do you really have to go Sammy?" Alexis whispered, clinging onto her friend for dear life.

"I'm sorry girls…I'm so sorry." Samantha answered sadly. "It is the only way Tim and I can be together." She added on, throwing a quick look at her beloved before returning her attention to her friends. Timothy and John had wisely given the girls space to say their goodbyes.

"No need for apologies Sammy. We understand." Clovera said.

"Yeah Sammy…Just take care of yourself, okay?" Alexis told her friend fiercely.

"I can't thank you girls enough for all that you have done for me…for us. And I'm sorry for not telling you guys." Samantha sniffed. "There are letters on my bed, one for you girls, and one for my parents. Just tell them that you found them in my room while searching for me. Leave yourselves out of this mess okay? I don't want my decisions to affect you guys." Samantha told her friends.

Alexis and Clovera gazed sadly at their friend, admiration running through them at her selflessness and thoughtfulness.

"Give everyone my love." She whispered, hugging her friends for the last time. They were all reluctant to let go. Who knows how long it would be until they see one another again?

"You guys are the best." Timothy had approached the group, placing a hesitant hand on Samantha's shoulders, and she had broke away from the hug unwillingly.

"Thank you for everything, Clovera, Alexis. We really appreciate it. Samantha has found herself wonderful friends." Timothy addressed the other two girls as he linked hands with his beloved.

"Thanks for giving her happiness Timothy. Take care of her, alright?" Clovera murmured, stepping back with Alexis. Timothy nodded solemnly.

"Write whenever you can Sammy. We'll always be here for you." Alexis couldn't help but say.

"We love you Sammy."

"I love you guys too, so so much. Take care girls." With one last watery smile, Samantha allowed herself to be escorted to the carriage.

"Princess Samantha." John, remembering his manners, held out a hand to help the Princess up to the carriage.

"Samantha, John." Princess Samantha said as she accepted the gentleman's hand to help her up the carriage. "It is just Samantha." She added as she lowered her head and went through the carriage doors.

She didn't see the hidden smile that John shared with Timothy, or the look of pride and admiration that Clovera and Alexis exchanged.

The moment she entered the confined carriage, she allowed herself to cry. She was really going to miss her dearest friends a lot. This was no doubt one of the most difficult decisions she had to make in her eighteen years of life. The carriage shifted as an extra weight entered, but still, Samantha didn't move an inch. Hands touched her shoulders and guided her such that her head rested against Timothy's chest. A gentle kiss pressed against her temple. No words were said as Timothy provided his beloved with the silent comfort she needed.


Outside the carriage, John gave a friendly nod at Clovera and Alexis, before hoisting himself up in his position as the coachman.

"Thank you sir John." Alexis told the man gratefully, wiping away the stray tears with her handkerchief.

"Take care Lady Alexis, Lady Clovera." With that, the carriage rode off to the night, in the opposite direction of which the diversion carriage would travel to. Watching the silhouette of the carriage grow smaller and smaller, Clovera and Alexis bowed their heads and said silent prayers of safety for the pair of lovers.

"Come on Alexis. We better be getting back. We need to get the letters before the Queen or anyone else does." Clovera sighed once she couldn't see the carriage any longer. As much as she didn't want to leave, they had to. With heavy hearts, two pairs of feet shuffled back into the secret passageway.


"Follow that carriage! Hurry!" Lord David ordered once the wheels of the carriage, drawn by black horses, began to turn. The other three men immediately signaled their horses to move. The men didn't speak, the only sounds surrounding them was the regular beats of the horses' hooves on the stone floor. They kept a respectable distance away from the carriage, until the path widened enough space for the men to ride next to the it. Then, they urged their horses to a fast canter, surrounding the carriage.

"This is a direct order from the King. Pull over!" Lord David hollered as he rode next to the coachman. He couldn't help but shudder at the sight of the man. The coachman was decked fully in black, with a strip of black cloth covering his mouth and nose such that only the eyes could be seen. His gaze met Lord David's, the orbs full of malice and a hint of challenge. It was obvious that he had heard Lord David's command, but didn't react to it.

"I repeat good sir. This is a direct order from the King for you to pull over! We need to check your carriage." Lord David shouted once more. When the man made no move to adhere to the order, Lord David urged his horse to go at its fastest. He overtook the carriages' black horses until he rode in front of the carriage. Then he directed his horse to a stop. With no other choice, the coachman was forced to stop his carriage as well. There was a cry of pain from inside the carriage.

The curtains of the carriage windows were pulled apart roughly from the inside.

"What is going on here?" The voice of a woman cried. Lord David came down from his horse and strode over to the carriage. In the carriage, were a woman and a little girl, who couldn't be more than five years old. They were dressed simply, in everyday robes that identified themselves as only common people.

"Why were you lingering around the castle?" Lord David demanded. The coachman had also came down from his seat at the front, and stood protectively in front of the woman and the little girl.

"My daughter wanted to see the festives tonight. But we weren't invited. So we brought her here to just to get a glimpse of the castle. Is that a crime?" The man said, while the woman shifted the scared little girl in her arms.

Lord David was about to reply, but his sharp eyes caught a glimpse of something sewn on the corner of the curtain. The emblem of the Black Knights. With a start, realization dawned over him and he fought the urge to curse.

"It is a diversion! Men! Hurry! Back to the castle!" Lord David shouted in fear and panic. The diversion had worked, and that was what scared him the most.

The men hurriedly scurried back onto their horses and urged their horses on a gallop back to the castle.

By the time Lord David realized that he should have left some men to guard the family that was there, the carriage had already vanished to the night.

This time, Lord David really did curse under his breath for his mistake.


Back in the throne room, Lady Gabriella was pacing frantically back and forth, while King Stephen spoke in hushed tones with General Jerry, Lord Frank and Lord Alexander. The tension that was in the air could be sliced with a knife, as Lady Stella and Lady Carmen tried their very best to calm Lady Gabriella down.

Prince Eric stood to the side of the throne room, his face grim and expression unreadable. Prince Brandon had offered to stay behind and see if he could help with anything. He was currently standing next to Prince Eric, keeping a watchful eye on the Prince. The room was deathly silent; everyone engrossed in their own thoughts. Reports had already come in from all the guards searching the castle grounds, rooms and secret passages. It seems as if Timothy Scam and Princess Samantha were no longer in the castle grounds. No one could believe that the Black Knights were so bold as to capture Princess Samantha during the ball.

Everyone waited in tensed silence for Lord David's return, hoping he would bring good news.

"Queen Gabriella! King Stephen!" The door to the throne room was flung open suddenly, startling the occupants in the room. Clovera and Alexis dashed in; waving what looked like an envelope in their hands. They looked as if they had been running away from mad dogs, with their dresses creased and hair matted with light beads of sweat.

"Calm yourselves girls! Mind your manners." Lady Carmen chided instantly, appalled by the state of which the girls were in. Clovera and Alexis took deep breaths, calming themselves down, while the others looked on curiously. Lady Gabriella looked as if she wanted to burst; for the girls might have brought news about Princess Samantha.

But before either royal could utter a word, Lord David walked in. In an instant, Lady Gabriella had ceased her continuous pacing and rushed forward to Lord David.

"Did you find her?" She demanded hoarsely, face etched with worry lines.

"Gabriella, take a seat first. It won't do for you to faint my dear." Although King Stephen was worried for his child, he was equally worried for his wife's well-being as well. All that stress and worry laden onto Lady Gabriella had caused her to become pale. Without any choice, Lady Gabriella sinked onto her seat.

"It was a diversion." Lord David reported, clenching his fist as he berated himself for the mistakes he made that evening. He relayed the incident to the royals.

"I've already sent the three men with me westwards to search the forests. We were heading eastwards earlier." Lord David said tiredly.

"You've done your best David. Thank you. General Jerry will take over from here, do get some rest." King Stephen finally said, nodding his thanks. Lady Gabriella had buried her face in her hands and sobbed, with Lady Carmen and Lady Stella on either side of her.

King Stephen then dismissed Prince Brandon and Prince Eric as well, claiming that there was nothing else that they could help with. General Jerry left to give more orders for his men to patrol the forests, while a chambermaid escorted Prince Eric, Prince Brandon and Lord David out for some rest.

The adults then turned to Clovera and Alexis, not forgetting how they had barged into the throne room earlier.

"What was so urgent that you had to rush like so Alexis, Clovera?" King Stephen addressed the girls curiously. Alexis held out the envelope that they had picked up from Samantha's bed earlier. Clovera had hidden the letter that was addressed to the two of them.

"Forgive us your majesties, but we were helping to search for Princess Samantha earlier, and we found this letter in her room. It is addressed to both King Stephen and Lady Gabriella." Alexis explained, allowing King Stephen to take the letter from her outstretched hand. With shaking fingers, King Stephen opened the letter.

"What does it say?" Lady Gabriella asked, puzzled by the turn of events. King Stephen and Lady Gabriella read the contents of the letter silently.

Dearest Mother and Father,

If you are reading this letter, it means that I am no longer in the walls of the castle. First of all, I must apologize for the distress my actions have caused everyone.

Contrary to what you may believe, I am NOT kidnapped by the Black Knights. Please don't overreact when you read this. I have decided to run-away with Timothy Scam, former leader of the Black Knights because I LOVE HIM. You may not know this, but there is a secret passageway in my room that is not on the castle plans; Alexis and Clovera know about the passageway too. I have to admit that I have used the passageway to explore the forests and the village countless times. It was during one of those journeys out of the castle that I met Timothy, and we fell in love. Regardless, we understand that our relationship will not be accepted, and so we made plans to run-away together.

Please do not be upset with me. I'm sorry for making such a rash choice without discussing this with anyone, but I know that Timothy will most likely be contained should I tell anyone. No one knew of my escape plans, not even Alexis and Clovera, so please don't blame them at all for this.

I hope that you both can understand my decision, and please do not come looking for us. I will send word of my safety as soon as I can. Thank you both for all that you have done for me, I love you both dearly. Please give Rosemary and Eric my love, and tell Rosemary I am sorry for not being able to watch her grow up. Tell them to follow their heart no matter what, and to have faith.

To Lord Frank, Lord Alexander, Lady Stella and Lady Carmen, thank you for being such wonderful guardians, advisers and for all the love you have showered on me.

To Clovera and Alexis, thank you for being the best friends that a girl could ever ask for. I love you guys so much.

Thank you all for giving me the best memories in the eighteen years of my life. And I am sorry.

-Princess Samantha Marie Simpson.

"THIS IS PREPOSTEROUS!" King Stephen roared with rage once he finished reading the letter. He very nearly tore the letter into shreds; if not Lord Frank had stopped him and snatched the letter away to read the contents himself.

Lady Gabriella was lost for words as she absorbed the information that she had just been told. Her mind spun with countless flashbacks, of Samantha blushing, of catching Samantha daydreaming, or how contented she looked while dancing with Timothy Scam that evening. There were so many hints; just that she hadn't pay attention to them.

King Stephen on the other hand, was on the rampage.

"I want BOTH OF THEM found and PUNISHED for their crimes! THAT INSOLENT CHILD! HAVE WE TAUGHT HER NOTHING? RUNNING AWAY WITH THE NOTORIOUS LEADER OF THE BLACK KNIGHTS NO LESS?" King Stephen shouted, his face turning redder and redder in rage. Nothing that the other adults said could coax him to calm down.

"FIND THEM GENERAL JERRY. NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES." He spat out, before stomping out of the throne room in a fit of anger. Lady Gabriella hurried after him, anxiety evident in her eyes. King Stephen was prone to do stupid things when in a fit of anger.

Clovera and Alexis were trembling in fear, stunned by the violent display of emotions by King Stephen and also scared that their friend would be found. Lord Frank, Lord Alexander, Lady Carmen and Lady Stella turned to observe their daughters.

Lord Frank's sharp eyes caught something amiss in both girls. There was a strand of hay sticking out from Clovera's hair, and the bottom of Alexis dress had smears of dirt on it. It was obvious that they hadn't just been in Princess Samantha's rooms….

"Clovera, Alexis. Tell us honestly. Did you know of this plan of Samantha's?" Before Lord Frank could get a word in, Lord Alexander had already thrown the question at both girls. It seemed that none of the adults fully believed that Clovera and Alexis hadn't known a thing.

And so the questioning began.

Luckily, both girls were able to answer honestly to questions regarding the plan because they REALLY had NO idea. They had gone through some clan training before and had smoothly gone through the interrogations in a breeze without revealing confidential information.


"It is here that I bade you both farewell, Samantha, Timothy." Almost an hour after travelling, John had stopped the carriage at the edge of an unknown village. Timothy came out of the carriage and took John's place to lead the horses.

"Thank you for everything John." Timothy told the man sincerely. "Everything went well tonight."

Samantha drew the curtains of the carriage and peered her head out, adding her own words of thanks to John as well.

John tipped his hat and nodded at the couple. "God bless you both. Take care."

"Ready to go Sammy?" Samantha heard Tim call out from the front of the carriage.

"As ready as I'll ever be."


The days following Princess Samantha's kidnapping/escape were one of the most chaotic ones. King Stephen had calmed down from his initial rage, but he still harbored anger towards Timothy, and had still insisted that the couple be found. And thus, General Jerry's guards were busier than ever, searching through the neighboring villages and forests.

After the primary pandemonium had dissolved a few days after, Prince Brandon had asked for Lady Clovera's hand in marriage from Lord Frank and Lady Stella. It was a huge surprise to everyone, and Lord Frank and Lady Stella had informed Prince Brandon they would consider his proposal.

Lord David had finally plucked up his courage to confess his feelings towards Lady Alexis, after dancing about her for ages. Needless to say, Lord David and Prince Brandon were a big help in cheering both Clovera and Alexis up.

The King and Queen did interrogate Clovera and Alexis regarding their daughter's disappearance. But both girls told the honest truth: that although they knew about Timothy, they were not told of Princess Samantha's plan to run away.

About a month after, the Black Knights had made a former truce with the King, stating that they felt it was foolish for them to risk the lives of their loved ones, who were more important. In return for protection, they had offered to help maintain peace in the Kingdom as the King's guards. King Stephen had agreed of course, after much hesitation and discussion with the royal advisors and all.

The search for Princess Samantha and Timothy Scam had made no lee-way after almost two months of intensive searching, despite numerous posters, rewards and search parties formed. It was as if both of them had dissolved into thin air.

3 months later….

Lady Gabriella had nearly gone into depression after her daughter's disappearance. It was with great efforts by Princess Rosemary, Prince Eric and her friends did she slowly manage to pull herself together. But her heart still had an empty void as she thought about her eldest every day.

It was one fine day in the castle whereby Lady Gabriella had decided to take a rest from her needlework and walk out to the balcony she had overlooking the kingdom. She took a deep breath of the fresh air, sighing and closing her eyes.

A little twit and the flapping of wings startled the Queen, and her eyes snapped open. In front of her, was a beautiful white dove. In the dove's beak were two stalks of flowers. The dove landed on the Queen's outstretched hand.

"Hello dear. Where did you come from?" Lady Gabriella stroked the feathers of the dove gently, giving a loving smile at the bird. The bird didn't say anything, but offered the flowers that were in its beak to the Queen. Beyond surprised, Lady Gabriella could only numbly accept the flowers. The dove, seeing as its job was done, tweeted and flew off gracefully.

Lady Gabriela watched the dove fly off, before taking a closer look at the flowers. Lily of the Valley and Purple Hyacinth. Her curiosity heightened beyond words, Lady Gabriella gasped when she noticed that a note was tied with a red ribbon to the stalk of the flowers. Her eyes watered as a familiar handwriting came into view.

I am well. And I'm sorry, mother. Take care.

SS

More emotional than ever before, Lady Gabriella rubbed her eyes to ensure she wasn't dreaming. She looked at the flowers again. Lily of the Valley, a flower commonly used in weddings which symbolized happiness. And Purple Hyacinth, often meaning that "I am Sorry."

Few may know this, but Lady Gabriella had taught Princess Samantha the language of flowers a few years back, when the curious princess had questioned her. Tears of happiness streamed down her cheeks.

Her daughter was alright.

Lady Gabriella had ordered the search for Princess Samantha to be dissolved that very same day.


A Year Later…

Clovera sighed, sitting down on her knees as she slumped below the white Cherry Blossom tree, the wet grass beneath her staining her dress. She bit her lower lip, staring at the bare marble headstone before her, lost in her own thoughts. It had been one crazy year.

Only the royal crest of Prince Brandon's family marked the headstone. A lone tear seeped down her cheek. She raised a tentative finger and traced the shape of the crest.

"Clovera!" A voice behind her broke the girl out of her train of thoughts. She turned around, her face emotionless, to see Alexis, looking at her sympathetically.

"I thought I would find you here Clovera." She said quietly, sinking down so that she was kneeling next to Clovera as well, in front of the headstone.

"What's up Alexis?" Clovera asked tiredly.

"I got a letter from Sammy." The few words caused Clovera's eyes to widen in shock, and in slight happiness. The misery she was feeling was temporarily forgotten.

Wordlessly, but with a broad smile, Alexis handed the letter to Clovera, before leaving the latter to read the letter.

Dearest Clovera and Alexis,

I hope this letter finds you well…..


"A penny for your thoughts?" Somewhere, quite far away from the white Cherry Blossom Tree Clovera was under; a young woman was looking out of the window of her home. She had long crimson waves that reached her lower back, and bright emerald orbs. The hands, which were once smooth and delicate, were now rough and callused. But, she was happy.

A man, slightly older than the woman, stood behind her, and rested his face on her shoulder. He had long brown hair that touched the edge of his collar, a handsome face and broad shoulders. The young woman leaned back towards the man's touch, sighing in contentment.

"Just thinking about the past year, really." The woman answered quietly, as the man's arms wrapped around her waist and rested on her very swollen belly.

"No regrets?" It was a question he asked more than once in the past year, and her answer was always the same.

"No regrets." She smiled at him.

Fin.

It is done! YAY! Haha, thank you guys so much for your endless support and reviews! I really enjoyed writing this.

Credits to the idea of Lady Gabriella receiving flowers and Clovera sitting next to the headstone go to Athena Katorea Knightstar! Thank you for being so helpful in planning for the story and for all the advice you have given!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Athena Katorea Knightstar will also be doing a SPIN OFF to this story! It will be based on Prince Brandon and Clovera's story, and what exactly happened for Clovera to be kneeling in front of a nameless headstone. I promise it will be a really exciting ride! She has already posted the first chapter so do take a look!

If anyone is interested in writing either a SEQUEL or a PRESEQUEL to the story (how Tim and Sam fall in love) do PM me! I'll be happy to hear from you! But I won't be doing either anytime soon, studies are more important for me now.

It has been a pleasure writing this, hope that you guys like this! Please leave your thoughts about what you think!

Do read the SPIN OFF by Athena Katorea Knightstar! (Already posted :))

-TrixieNancy124