Hey Guyz!

Thank you so much for your patience, but these last few weeks have been very stressful for me.

I am in the process sending applications to universities.

This chapter is dedicated to Pixie's; thank you for your kind reviews! I hope you like the chapter :D

Disclaimer: I do not own the character's of this fanfiction.

Enjoy Everyone!

Chapter 4:

The next morning, Sydney woke to find that she had a strange headache. She was usually an early riser, but when she went to check on her sister, her bed was made and she was nowhere to be found. Hurrying to get ready, she wore a simple pale blue dress, and ran her fingers through her golden curls. Just as she was about to leave her chambers, she noticed a note had been slipped under her door.

Sage,

I am grateful to you for your help last night and I want you to know that it did not go unappreciated. I realize that my reputation has done nothing to convince you of my competence, but I do care. Meet me on the west wing balcony at one o'clock and I'll show you.

I'll be waiting,

A. Ivashkov

By the end of the note, Sydney didn't know whether this was another of his games or whether he was actually being serious. What had happened to the irresponsible young man that she would catch in the arms of a different woman every other day? Of course, he was still as irritating, but it felt like he was working to prove himself to her.

Smiling slightly, she checked the huge clock that was in her room. It was now half past twelve. Hurrying, she decided to fix her room so that it didn't look so messy, and then decided she would start walking to the west wing.

The west wing was generally unoccupied, so it wasn't a place she frequented. Still, she was too intrigued by what Adrian wanted to show her to care. As she walked through the large halls, and elegantly designed lounges, she finally made it to the west wing.

It was a dark and almost spooky looking place, but Sydney immediately understood why Adrian would want to go there. They could have some privacy. No guards. No maids. No social graces. When she finally reached the balcony, she gasped. The whole place was decorated with paintings, and paintings. There were some of magnificent sunsets, and others of intricate flowery designs. Looking closely at them, she noticed that all of the paintings had the initials "AI" written on them in cursive.

Realization flooded through her as she realized why Adrian was the way he was. He never wanted to be a tradesman like his father. He was an artist, and a talented one at that. She now understood why he had never wanted to learn any of the subjects that were taught to him. She now understood that this was the reason that he had wanted to learn about Leonardo Da Vinci, because he was an artist like him.

"Sydney?" An uncertain voice called, from behind her. Smiling, she turned to meet a pair of beautiful emerald green eyes.

"Why have you never told me?" asked Sydney, knowing that he would understand her question. She had known him for so long, and always thought that she was the one with the secret, the one who hid a part of her life from everyone. Adrian's passion for art was a far bigger secret than her passion for education.

"I thought you might find art insignificant compared to universal trade," explained Adrian, moving his eyes from her, and off in the direction of the gardens below.

"How can you say that? I appreciate all kinds of studies, and if art is what interests you, then why have you never made an effort to tell your father?" asked Sydney warmly.

"I thought that you of all people would understand. Do you tell your father that you have completed most of my studies, because being a lady in waiting is not interesting to you?" he asked challengingly. There was a new fierceness to his eyes that Sydney hadn't seen.

"But your life is so much different from mine. If you wish to make your father proud, you should try to do the things you feel you are good at, not hide behind me. I have been your mask for the past four years, and although I am grateful to you, I care about your future; I will learn from somewhere else if I must, but you need to start thinking about yourself," said Sydney at last. She was terrified at the thought of not learning more, but she felt obligated to Adrian as well. He had helped her, and now it was her turn to do the same.

"Sage, do you know what you are asking me to do? You won't be able to learn at all. Ever. I know how they are about letting you into the library," said Adrian uneasily, ever aware of how carefully Sydney was avoiding his gaze.

"I know what I'm asking… But I won't let you ruin yourself either," said Sydney softly, finally meeting his eyes. "Why did you even let me study for you? Was it because you were scared to tell your father that what you truly love, is art?" she asked curiously.

"No… I-"

"Sydney!" said a voice from behind them. Both Adrian's and Sydney's heads shot up in the direction of the sound. Sydney recognized the pitch of her sister's scream. Zoe came bursting into the west wing.

"Sydney! Where have you been? Lady Ivashkov has been looking for you! She said that she would wait in her chambers for you," Zoe let out breathlessly. Sydney didn't hesitate, and started to follow her younger sister.

"Sage!" called Adrian, from behind her. She halted to excuse herself from him.

"I shall see you at the ball, Adrian," she stated, using a formal tone.

"I did it to make you happy," he admitted, with a tender look on his face. Sydney was frozen in place as he walked closer to her. "Your smile when you would get a new assignment was worth it. You looked happy," he whispered, before going back onto the balcony. She stood there, still unable to move. An unfamiliar sensation arose in her stomach, a sort of fluttering. She almost felt dizzy.

"Sydney, we must leave immediately," said her sister, who had gone off ahead, and had just halted, waiting for Sydney to follow.

"I'm coming!" Sydney shook off the odd feeling, and hurried to keep up with her sister.

As she and Zoe ran, Sydney earned a few amused smiles from her, that she tried – and failed – to ignore. She knew that Zoe had always had a soft spot for the younger Ivashkov. Zoe had always been the voice of reason when it came to Adrian, but Sydney had refused to believe it . . . until now.

"So, you have started to appreciate Adrian's company?" she said sweetly. Sydney could tell that this revelation was bringing great joy to her sister.

"I have always appreciated his company, dearest sister, but I understand him better now," said Sydney, hoping that she sounded convincing.

When they finally made it to Lady Ivashkov's chambers, Zoe claimed she had chores to complete. Sydney knew better, but didn't voice her disapproval. She knocked on the door, and waited for an answer.

"Enter," responded Lady Ivashkov, in her melodious voice. Sydney slowly opened the door, and entered the luxurious suit.

"Ah Sydney! Just the person I wished to see," she exclaimed, her kindness, as always, befuddling Sydney.

"You wished to see me Lady Ivashkov?" asked Sydney, hoping that there were no mistakes made with the planning of the ball.

"Nothing you ought to be worried about my dear," replied the Lady, a sweet smile on her face. "Won't you sit down for a while so I may discuss a few things with you?"

Nodding, Sydney sat down on the velvety sofa across from Lady Ivashkov.

"Have you already decided upon your attire for this evening?" asked Lady Ivashkov, her eyes weighing Sydney's.

"No… not as of right now. I had hoped I would find a dress in town yesterday, but nothing seemed to feel like the right choice. Alas, I do not think that it was meant to be. I might not even attend. I haven't been feeling well," Sydney told her uneasily, remembering all the confessions that Adrian had made to her that morning.

"Nonsense. Not being able to find a dress is hardly a worthy excuse. As it so happens, I received a delivery for you this morning." There was a hidden smile, which almost reminded Sydney of Adrian's.

"I wasn't expecting a package . . ." stated Sydney logically. Lady Ivashkov then gestured to a huge, white, parcel. On it was a note. Sydney stood to go examine it.

Dearest Lady Ivashkov,

Please ensure that the lovely Miss Sydney wear this to the ball tonight. She will look stunning in scarlet.

Lia DiStefano

"Natalia was under the impression that you would not wear the dress if I didn't insist," said Lady Ivashkov, pointedly. "I must say she is craftier than I originally gave her credit for."

"Natalia? Is that Lia's full first name? It's very pretty," noted Sydney.

"Yes it is, isn't it? She changed it after she opened her boutique to make the name memorable. Now speaking of pretty, what is in the parcel? I can only guess, but I didn't dare open it without your presence."

Reluctantly, Sydney opened the parcel, which revealed a silk scarlet dress. Sydney had never seen a color so brilliant and intense. It was as if the fabric had been stripped from the Egyptian Pharaohs Sydney had read so much about. She had nearly stopped breathing as she admired the dress. Pulling it out of the parcel, Sydney held it up against herself, and looked down. She heard Lady Ivashkov gasp, and praise the dress. She had to admit it, Lia had created a spectacular dress. The top was a V-neck cut, and the skirt consisted of layers and layers of fabric. Although one would expect the dress to be heavy, Sydney found the silk number lighter that any cotton dress she owned.

Still, she shook her head and put the dress back in the parcel.

"Oh my, that is a lovely dress, Sydney. How can a young woman such as you not realize the finesse of the dress is incomparable?" asked Lady Ivashkov, shocked at Sydney's reaction.

"I do appreciate its extravagant beauty, but that is beside the point. I do not wear such bold colors. I would not feel right if I wore such a brilliant shade," said Sydney, apologetically.

"I'm afraid I insist. Come, I shall help you get ready. I've already asked the maids to fill the bath with warm water for you. I wish to create your look for the evening."

Unable to disobey, Sydney reluctantly made her way to the bathing chamber, and closed the door securely behind her. She then disrobed to bathe as quickly as possible, knowing that Lady Ivashkov would be waiting for her. She let the warm water soak into her skin for a while, and made sure to scrub every inch of herself. When she was certain that she was clean and smelt of roses, she emerged from the bathing room, wearing a black corset and undergarments that had been laid out for her. She felt uncomfortable, but forced herself back into the chambers.

"Miss, if you could please seat yourself in front of the mirror," said one of the maids that had entered the room. Following her request, Sydney seated herself where it would be easier for her to see what was being done to her. The maids started brushing her hair, and then they slowly perfected her natural curls. Taking a few strands from each side of Sydney's head, the maid tied them back with a golden ribbon.

"Lady Ivashkov? Why are you doing this for me?" asked Sydney, thoroughly confused.

"Sydney, you are like a daughter to me. Not a lady in waiting. I feel that you try harder than anyone I have ever seen, and to be completely honest, I know that the world has greater things planned for you," Lady Ivashkov told her slowly and thoughtfully. "I believe you have become quite an educated person," she said with a mischievous smile that once again reminded Sydney of Adrian's.

"How? How did you find out? I apologize for overstepping my boundaries, I just couldn't help myself," she said, like a little girl trying not to get in trouble. Just then the maid motioned for her to stand up so that she could help Sydney into the dress. The silk felt light as a feather against Sydney's skin.

"I know my son better that you think. He has never accepted his father's orders, and for him to be so bright, when he is so preoccupied by his art is absurd," said Lady Ivashkov, knowingly. Sydney realized the woman was as logical and observant as she.

"Do you mean to say that you will not allow for me to be your lady in waiting?" She asked, not quite understanding the implication of this new knowledge.

"No, we will find a way for you to be happy. I vow it to you," said Lady Ivashkov. Sydney got the feeling she was ready to drop the subject.

"I think I'm ready," said Sydney, slowly trying to ease the uncomfortable feeling that was starting to emerge in her. What was she thinking sharing this with the Lady? She took hold of her gold cross and placed it around her neck to secure it back in its place. She suddenly got up, and hoped that she would be awarded the permission to leave.

"Yes, you are. Will you please make sure that Adrian is ready? You know how late he tends to be for these galas," sighed Lady Ivashkov, as she started to open a silk cloth that revealed an emerald green dress which Sydney assumed was her attire for the evening.

"Of course," said Sydney, and she left the chambers feeling like a heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders. For too long she had held the burden of Adrian and her secret.

When she was close to his chambers, Sydney started to adjust her necklace, and hold on tightly to it as if it would protect her from an evil to come. Calming herself down, she knocked on his door. No instant reply came, so she knocked again, ever so lightly.

"Adrian? Your mother sent me to see if you were ready," called Sydney, to the silence from behind the doors. "It's getting late, maybe we should head down to the ballroom." When there was still no reply, Sydney tried again. "Adrian? May I come in?"

Slowly the door opened, and a suited up Adrian Ivashkov emerged from the darkness. He didn't look at her at all, and merely walked away from the door deeper into his room, allowing Sydney to come in. Sydney followed, slightly confused, and saw that he was perfectly ready. Even his hair, which was usually styled to look messy, was in order.

"Adrian, I never properly thanked you for everything that you've done," said Sydney, trying to spark a conversation. When Adrian finally looked at her, he seemed tired, but that look evaporated as he took in her appearance. The deep emerald green eyes suddenly grew wide in shock, and appreciation.

"God Sage, what are you wearing?" he asked, not able to meet her eyes. He just seemed to stare, and stare… and stare.

"Red. Please don't say anything about it. I haven't even seen anyone other than you but I'm going to get tired of hearing about the bold color choice," stated Sydney.

Adrian still appeared unable to tear his eyes away from her frame.

"Funny, because I don't think I'll get tired of looking at it," he said with such an intensity, that Sydney's breath was caught short. Her heart began to race. Surely, surely, he was being sarcastic. He couldn't be implying that she looked pretty…right?

"We have to go. The guests will arrive soon, and you should be there to greet them," said Sydney finally, starting to walk away from him and out the door. She felt the uncomfortable feeling linger, as she heard his footsteps follow hers.

"So tell me Sage, why the gala? What have my parents planned this early in the year? My birthday isn't for a month, so if you wanted to impress me you could have organized the ball for the night of my birthday," suggested Adrian in a cheery tone. Any hint of the strange comment was gone, or so it seemed. Sydney was glad that his light mockery was back intact.

"Don't flatter yourself. The Lord and Lady wished to host a friendly gathering. I'm certain you have already planned out your birthday celebration anyway," said Sydney, with a knowing smile on her face.

"Now that you mention it, I have. I want a fountain in the center of the ballroom that ejects red wine instead of water, and a candle lit room, where the chandeliers are made of pure gold. And I want the crystals to be made of glimmering diamonds," said Adrian, acting out posh hand gesture in front of her.

"I must say, you do seem to have this well planned out. May I ask who is on the guest list?" asked Sydney, with a teasing smile.

"All the eligible bachelorettes of the land, of course," replied Adrian, mocking a British accent.

"A birthday would be nothing without bachelorettes," Sydney sighed, still playing along.

"You qualify as one, Sage. I would ask you to dance with me, and since it'd be my birthday, you would have to oblige," said Adrian, a wicked smirk plastered on his handsome face.

"It's unlikely I would find myself dancing in the arms of such an old man," laughed Sydney, jokingly.

"I'm only four years your senior, Sage. In fact, now that I think about it, I am of perfect age for you. Would you truly deny me the pleasure?" asked Adrian sincerely, stopping to look into Sydney's eyes.

"No… I… I was merely jesting," replied Sydney slowly. Before realizing that they had even entered the ballroom, Sydney felt Adrian's hand take hers and swing her so that his body was against hers.

"Good, because that was my way of an invitation," said Adrian gallantly, a bright smile on his face.

He danced her to the center of the ballroom, where he twirled her with expert coordination. Sydney let him sway her around for a symphony, but told Adrian that she needed air for a bit. Adrian took the hint, and asked a young girl not far away if she wanted to dance. Eagerly she accepted, and Sydney watched as he made his way back onto the ballroom floor with the girl.

She hadn't thought of the implications of dancing with Adrian. After all, she was nothing compared to him. She was a lady in waiting, and had been foolish to let herself feel otherwise, even if only for a few moments. She had told Adrian she needed air the second she realized that half the room's eyes were upon them.

She made her way to the servants who were serving the drinks and asked for a glass of cold water. Just as she received one, her father walked to her, looking irritable.

"What were you thinking?" he asked her angrily.

"Adrian wanted a dance partner, and I happened to be-"

"He is Lord Ivashkov, to you. Have I taught you nothing of respect? He is not a suitor for you, so stop acting as if he is." Said her father controlling his emotions.

"I never said he was, I was simply doing as he requested. That is my job, Father," she replied, almost bitterly. She swallowed, working to keep her emotions in check.

"Your job is to stay in line, and become Lady Ivashkov's lady in waiting, do you understand that?" he asked slowly, yet sternly, his eyes shooting fire.

A stiff "Yes, Father," was all that she could manage. He left her standing in the corner, looking lost. Sydney gritted her teeth at her idiocy, and moved behind the curtains next to the balcony so as not to be seen. Just then, she heard voices of two men, one of whom she recognized. Her father.

"Lord Ivashkov, are you sure that your son will accept this?" asked her father, in a grave and serious tone.

"My son has finally started to understand the art of my trade. I believe that it is high time he settled down. In a new home," said Lord Ivashkov, in his typical brusque fashion.

"I understand. What about the more delicate aspect to this new lifestyle?" questioned her father.

"Yes, that is the reason that the gala was organized tonight. I will make the announcement at midnight," stated Lord Ivashkov. Sydney's curiosity was growing with each passing second.

"But are you sur-"

"Mr. Sage, I believe I am in no need of your counseling. Adrian will celebrate his 22th birthday with the news of who will be his bride," snapped Lord Ivashkov, leaving no room for argument. It took a moment for the true meaning of the Lord's words to sink in.

Adrian was getting married.

Surprised yet?

Haha don't worry, I am hard at work on the next chapter, so it should be out soon.

I would like to thank SavannahKristen fo being such an amazing Beta!

xXx