ZaphiraX: I'm pretty busy with school, but now my musical teacher says that I have to learn 5 songs out of my head while dancing on 3 of them. I also have to act for 10 minutes. I have to act on my feelings instead of using my expressions. In short: I snapped at her, saying that I'm way too busy with other stuff to do all that. She got angry with me.

Sephie: Don't worry. I'm practically making your schoolwork anyways XD. We just love telling our readers things what make them think "Why would I want to know that?"

ZaphiraX: THAT'S MY BUSINESS! Besides, my author notes aren't that bad. I used to read a story on . Half of the chapter was AN. That's just horrible.

Sephie: Touché. Sorry we're so late with the chapter by the way. I was sick for some days, so I couldn't work on it. ZaphiraX is healing slowly. It will take a while longer before she can write again. Also, we're having a big writers block. We're pushing, but it's not helping.

Chapter 7: The End

Alice is about to leave the castle when she hears the horrible news. Two servants are gossiping while they walk past her when she is close to the exit. 'The king has ordered for two guards to appear before him. He thinks one of the two is the lover of the second princess. He is going to hang the man that admits his "Crime". The head of guards is fetching the Jones brothers while everyone is ordered to go to the throne room.'

Alice turns around and looks at the maids with panic while the two walk away. The jones brothers? She told Alfred that they would die together if her father would find out. And that she will do, but not in these clothes. She has to hurry. She runs back towards her room.

The head of guards, Arthur, opens the door to the quarters for the guards. Two guards behind him arrest Alfred and Matthew. 'One of you two is guilty of having a love affair with the second princess, Alice Kirkland. The person to admit the crime will be hanged immediately.' Arthur says while the two are pushed forward.

Both are surprised. They look at each other with panic, but Alfred calms down. He doesn't regret what he has done, but he won't let his brother suffer for his own selfish reasons. The two are taken away to the throne room. Arthur walks in front. Behind him are Alfred and Matthew, who are pushed forwards with two guards behind them. it doesn't take long for the group to reach the throne room. Arthur pushes open the big doors. All the people inside the castle are already gathered inside the throne room. The group walk over a long carpet.

Patrick looks at Alfred with shock. "Was Alice with Alfred?" He thinks while he sees the guard walk forward. He thinks back on what he said before. Does he have the courage to defend his sister's lover? He does like Alfred a lot. He knows he can trust the man and that he would never do anything to betray his sister. He knows that Alice liked to talk to him. He starts to doubt himself. Will he sacrifice Alfred to get to the throne, or will he make his sister happy?

Arthur kneels, while the other two are thrown against the ground. 'Your majesty, I have brought you the Jones brothers.' He says before joining the crowd. The guards do the same thing. Alfred and Matthew are left kneeling on the carpet.

The king stands up and looks at the two boys with disgust. 'So, which one of you two thought themselves worthy of my daughter.'

Alfred looks up with determination. 'I did.'

Everyone in the throne room gasps. Matthew looks at him with terror in his eyes. His eyes are starting to fill with tears. 'Alfred… why?' He whispers to his older twin.

'I'm sorry, Matt. I fell in love with her. I just couldn't let her go. I'm so sorry. I don't want you to suffer because of my selfishness, but I guess people won't be nice to you after this.'

Matthew silently let's his tears walk over his cheeks while he closes his eyes and looks away from his brother. Alfred feels horrible. He has betrayed his brother and Matthew would never forgive him for it. Not that he has much time to get his forgiveness. He will be dead soon anyway.

'I'm sorry, Matthew. I love you. I want you to know that.' Alfred says with guilt in his eyes as a guard pulls Matthew away. Matthew looks back at his brother with shock.

'ALFRED!'

Alice never reached her chambers this fast before. She opens the doors and changes her clothes as soon as possible. She takes of the glasses and pulls her hair out of their pigtails while running towards the throne room. She throws them away somewhere in the long hallways and tears run down her face. "Alfred. Alfred. Alfred. Alfred"

She stops in front of the door. She wipes her face and takes deep breaths. Her breath stops when she hears someone yell 'ALFRED!'

She throws the doors open and sees that Matthew is taken away from his twin. She is filled with shame and guilt. She never thought about the sweet twin brother Alfred has. She is taking away his beloved brother without even thinking about how he would feel.

Everyone turns around when they hear the doors swing open and looks at their princess. Even Alfred turns around with shock in his eyes. Alice walks towards Alfred when she sees her father turns beet red with anger. The king walks towards the knight while taking his sword out of his sheath. 'I have decided to execute the man right here, right now. The two of you have angered me too much. He admits his crime, so I will not hold back'

Alfred looks back at the king with shock and fear. But then he thinks back about all the time he spent with Alice. "I don't regret a thing." He thinks as he braces for a sword to slit his throat. The king raises his sword above his head with one arm. Alfred closes his eyes and has his head towards the ground, waiting for the blade.

He opens his eyes and looks up in curiosity when the blade doesn't come. Alice stands in front of him, her arms spread. 'You want to kill him? Go ahead. But you'll have to kill me first.'

Everyone in the throne room gasps again. A princess, willing to give her life for a guard. It is not heard off. Affairs where always thrown away as soon as the husband or father would find out. The women or man wouldn't blink as their "lovers" were executed.

The king tries to calm himself down. 'Alice. Step aside.' He hisses through his teeth. Alice shakes her head. Her determination slowly disappearing. She is terrified, but she doesn't want her father to kill Alfred.

'ALICE.' The king yells. Alice flinches, but she doesn't move. She takes all of her courage.

'NO, I WON'T MOVE.' She yells back. 'I don't want to lose Alfred. I'll die without him. If you can't accept him, then either let us go or kill us.'

The king looks sad, but replaces it with anger. 'Fine. Have it your way.' He says as he takes the sword with his second hand, swinging it down. Alice closes her eyes. Alfred is in shock, but he recovers fast enough to stand up and pull Alice out of the sword's reach.

Alfred hugs her tightly. James wants to raise his sword again, but Patrick stops him. 'Stop it, father. Ye lost. Admit it. It looks like ye lost yer mind if ye go on. Put away yer sword.' Patrick looks around at all the people. 'Get lost, ye buggers. There's nothin' to see. Come on, move it.' The people leave the throne room. They walk out slowly. All the people left in the room are Alfred, Matthew, Francis, James, Alice, Patrick, Aednat, Bryn and Dylan.

The princes and princesses all walk towards James to calm him down. Except Alice. She stays inside Alfred's arms. She feels warm and safe. Matthew walks towards Alfred and Alice. 'Alfred. Could you please tell me what's going on?'

Alfred's hold on Alice tightens. One arm around her waist and one on her back. Alice's arms are trapped between their bodies and her hands rest on Alfred's shoulders. Her head rests on one of her hands. 'I'm sorry I didn't tell you Matt, but Alice and I are in love.'

'I know that. But how did the king find out?'

Alfred looks at his twin with shock. 'You knew?'

Matthew chuckles. 'You are very predictable, Alfred. I knew the moment you tried to cover it up.'

Alfred blushes. 'I guess I am. But now that you ask me, I have no idea how the king knows. I'm just as surprised as you are.'

Alice lowers her hands so they are on Alfred's chest and pushes a little. Alfred notices and let's go of her, even though he doesn't want to. Alice turns to face Matthew, but she doesn't look up. She still feels guilty for almost taking away his twin.

'Matthew…I…. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for taking away Alfred from you. I should have been reasonable and push him away, but I love him so much. I understand if you're angry with me, but…'

Matthew cuts her of by hugging her. Alice is surprised, but hugs him back with tears in her eyes.

'I'm not mad at you, Alice. I understand that you two love each other very much, so don't apologize. I'm already happy that you remember me. Most of the people Alfred ever brought home always ask me who I am, even when they already met me a few times.' Matthew smiles at his brother, who smiles back.

While Alice and the twins have their conversation, the others are trying to calm down James. After a little while, James is finally calm. James looks at Francis. 'I'm sorry, Prince Francis. I didn't know she was with someone behind your back.'

Francis smiles at him. 'I understand, your majesty. I know what it feels like to 'ave a lover. I can't go and meet her zough. She lives in Seychelles.'

James gets an idea. 'Then I will send you to Seychelles. It's the least we could do after all this.'

Francis looks at the king with shock. He smiles gently when he recovers. 'It would be an honor to be zend to 'er. I would be forever grateful. My father won't allow it zough. He hates the woman I fell in love with.'

James shakes his head. 'He doesn't need to know.'

Tears form in Francis' eyes. 'Zank you, your majesty. I could never be more happy.'

James looks at Patrick before he looks at Alice and Alfred. 'I guess I have to let her go, don't I?' Patrick nods. James sighs. 'I guess it is my petty prejudice that made my wife unhappy. I have such a horrible temper. I was actually willing to sacrifice someone's life to calm myself down. I am a despicable person.'

'No, yer not.' Patrick gives his father a sad smile. 'Yer willing to see yer own faults and mistakes. That means you can change.' The other siblings nod. 'Mom might not have loved ye, but she did like ye. Else she wouldn't have stayed here.'

James looks back at his youngest daughter. 'I can't apologize right now. I need to think about all this first. I might apologize after a few days. Alice and that… person… have to stay separated in the time that I have to think. Francis, will you come with me? Than we can talk about how to get you to your next destination.' He then walks away with Francis and leaves the throne room.

Alice sees her father leave. She sighs and turns sad. Alfred notices and gathers her into his arms again. 'It'll all turn out fine. He just needs time to think about it. Just give him some time.'

Alice nods and hugs him back. 'I know. But I feel like I'm letting him down. Like I'm disappointing him.'

Alfred huffs. 'Then he'll have to live with it. Not everyone can be perfect. I mean, everyone would be boring if they were perfect. No one can be perfect. Not even your father.'

Alice and Matthew laugh. 'But are you sure you want to stay with Alice, Alfred? Not that it's a bad thing, but then you will have princes and a princess as brothers and sister – in law. And the angry man that wanted to chop of your head will turn into your father – in law.'

Alfred gulps. 'Nice way to start to know each other. I will never start a fight with him again.'

Alice laughs again. 'Don't worry. For as far as I can remember, my father doesn't hold grudges. My sister is nice. My brothers too, but you might want to be careful with Patrick.'

Little did Alice know that her siblings were walking towards them. 'What did ye say about me. I'm not horrible. I just love to pull pranks on ye.'

'That is why Alice says he has to watch out.' Aednat says. Everyone laughs except Patrick.

'Ye know, that would actually be funny if it weren't true.' Patrick says with fake sadness. 'But don't forget Aednat. She has a horrible temper. Just like father.' He says with a proud grin.

'Too bad, Patrick. That's a family trait you share with Aednat and Alice.' Dylan says with a smile.

The group keeps talking about themselves and each other. Alfred and Matthew learns a lot about Alice's siblings, while they learn a lot about Alfred and Matthew. The two are send home after they are done talking. They are also released from their duty as guard.

A few days later, Francis is ready to leave. 'Goodbye, Kirkland family.' Francis says with a wink. 'Zough it is 'ard to admit, I zink I will actually miss all of you.'

Alice smiles. 'I think we might have been friends, but nothing beyond.' Francis nods in understanding. James apologizes once more and everyone says their goodbyes before Francis enters a carriage and heads for the harbor.

The king goes to his room as soon as everyone enters the castle. The siblings watch as their father walks away. Alice sighs. 'Will he ever forgive me? I can't help but feel that he's disappointed in me.'

'Don't worry, he'll get over it.' Patrick says with a soft smile. 'He'll forgive ye sooner or later.'

'Cheer up, Alice. Everything will be fine after a few weeks.' Dylan says and the rest nods. 'Besides, maybe father won't get that angry if any of us bring home a "Pauper".' Dylan says with a big smile. They all laugh.

'I sure hope so. You should be with the person you love most.' Alice says with a smile before heading to her own room. She starts to run when they don't see her anymore. When she opens the door to her room, Alfred is looking out of the window. She walks towards him while he turns around and the two hug.

'He's gone.' Alfred says with a relieved sigh.

Alice laughs softly. 'Yes. He's gone. And he won't be coming back anytime soon. He is heading for his own love now.'

Alfred just hums as he kisses her. He wraps his arms around her waist and tightens his grip when Alice throws her arms around his neck. 'I won't miss him much.' He murmurs when they stop the kiss to breathe.

Alice smiles and takes his head in her hands. 'I don't care as long as you're with me.' The two smile some more before they kiss again.

Francis arrived at Seychelles a little while ago. He bought a little house with the money he got from James. He put all his luggage inside the little house and went to the beach he went a long time ago. The beach where he met the girl that stole his heart, even though she doesn't even know him.

Francis walks around and starts to lose hope, until he suddenly sees her. She sits on the ground with her legs pulled up and her arms wrapped around them. she looks at the sea with a soft and happy expression. The same long black hair, tied into two pigtails with red ribbons. The same blue dress that reaches her knees. He smiles softly as he watches her from far away. He slowly walks towards her. He is very nervous, but he takes all his courage as he tries to talk to her.

'Hello. What is a beautiful girl as you doing out 'ere? All alone.' Francis asks with a soft smile as he looks at the sea.

The girl looks up with shock, but calms down and also looks back at the sea. 'Staring at the sea. I love to watch the sea. It calms me down. She looks up with a smile. 'you have a beautiful accent.'

Francis looks down in surprise, but smiles back at her. 'Would you like to 'ear more of it?' He says as he helps the girl up.

The girl doesn't let go of the hand, but instead shakes it. 'My name is Michelle. And I would love to hear that accent of yours.'

Francis smiles. 'My name is Francis and you can hear my accent as much as you like.'

The two walk over the beach as they talk and start to learn about each other. "It will take long before she will fall in love with me. That she wants to be with me. But for the first time, I don't care how long it takes or how long I have to wait. As long as she ends up with me." Francis thinks as they smile at each other.

A few weeks later:

Alice is inside her room. This time she is alone. Her father has locked her up since the departure of Francis. James doesn't want Alfred anywhere near her. He is still thinking about the idea of allowing his second daughter to marry a "poor man". Patrick and Alice were nice to point out that Alfred isn't that poor, because he is a guard, but James doesn't want to hear it.

Alice sighs. She would give anything in order to go out of her room and to meet her beloved. Patrick tried to help her, but James found out and scolded Patrick and told the guards not to trust him.

Now that she can't see Alfred, she has started writing a book. She always loved to write, so now she wants to write something so no one will forget her. She is already far. She decides she will write one more chapter before she makes a book out of it.

That's not the only thing that happened in those weeks.

Alice met a half-brother. She shares her mother with him. It seems the head of guards, Arthur, is her brother. When the queen was pregnant of Arthur, Great Britain was in a big war with France. The king was gone to fight, so the queen hid herself inside the castle. The only ones who know are a few maids who worked at the castle at the time. Alice and James found out when they found and read the queen's diary.

James got mad and wanted to fire Arthur. He calmed down when Patrick and Dylan explained to James it isn't Arthur's fault. He didn't choose to be born a bastard. James still doesn't like it, but he is trying to cope with it.

James locked himself up inside his room for a week. The shock that his wife was not happy with him was hard, but the shock that she cheated on him is even harder. He didn't want anyone to enter his room and he wanted to be left alone as much as possible.

He got over it, but he is still mad at Alice. How dare she falling in love with a soldier. James actually hopes there will be another war, just so the soldier dies. Of course, he hasn't told anyone his thoughts, because if he would, his daughter would forever hate him. He doesn't let it show, but he really doesn't want to lose his children's love and trust. Though he lost both nearly when he wanted to cut down Alice.

James is ashamed of himself. He can't believe he wanted to kill his own daughter. Just because she fell in love with a soldier. James doesn't want anyone to see him. He is to ashamed of himself.

Patrick is taking up all of the king's duties. He said he wants to practice before he is king, but he basically IS king when you look at his work. Patrick has to do close to everything a king has to do. His father has thrown the most on his shoulders, but Patrick doesn't mind.

Also, Patrick also has a lover now. His father hasn't seen her because of his depression. And maybe that's better too, because the girl is not rich. Something his father will not approve off.

But he doesn't mind. He and the girl are madly in love and Patrick doesn't want to let her go. All the siblings congratulated Patrick with finding his girl. He has never been more proud of himself. The other siblings won't follow them though. They have found princesses for themselves. Dylan is already writing her a letter, asking her how she feels about him.

Shockingly, it seems that Aednat has something for Matthew. She told Alice about her little crush, but she doesn't want to tell Matthew just yet.

Alice stops thinking about what has happened lately when she hears a knock on the door. Matthew opens the door for Sakura. 'I have brought you your runch.'

'Thank you, Sakura.' Alice says with a sad smile. 'I guess my father still hasn't left his room?'

Sakura shakes her head. 'I'm afraid not.' Alice sighs. She would give anything to go outside of her room. She hasn't left her room after the fight in the throne room. Her father doesn't allow it. Instead, Alice looks outside every day. She either looks outside or writes in her book. Anything to distract her from Alfred. Though looking outside is not really helping.

Alice stands up from her chair next to the window and sits down at the table in her room. She eats the fruit her maid brings for her. Sakura is about to leave, but Alice stops her. 'Sakura.'

Sakura turns around. 'Is there something wrong?'

Alice looks like she wants to say something, but in the end decides against it. She gives her a fake smile. 'Never mind. It's not important.'

Sakura leaves the room and Alice starts eating. She hums to herself as she eats.

Alas, my love you do me wrong
To cast me off discourteously
And I have loved you so long
Delighting in your company

When she is done eating, she goes back to her place at the window. She hears something in the woods and a man walks towards the castle. Alice smiles. Alfred. He takes of his glasses and washes his face. He takes of his shirt to dry his face. When he puts on his glasses again, he smiles.

He waves at Alice. Alice smiles as she waves back at him.

Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight
Greensleeves was my heart of gold
And who but my Lord Greensleeves.

She softly sings as she watches Alfred go. She can't believe that she fell in love with him so fast. She thought that it was one sided love. She does know that she fell in love with him at first sight. She has been so reckless, she's embarrassed.

She hears a knock on the door. She is surprised when she sees her father, James enter the room. He looks sad, so Alice lets him enter. He sits down at the table. He sighs once before looking at his youngest daughter.

'Are you really happy with him?' Alice nods and gives her father a sad smile.

'Yes, father. He makes me very happy. I have never regretted my choice. Though I am sorry if you cannot accept it.'

James nods. 'Than I have no more to say. I promised your mother that I would make all of you happy. Though I'm not sure if I should keep myself to that promise. After all, she broke a horribly important one herself. But that is not your fault, so in order to protect future promises, I will let you go.'

Alice cries and hugs her father as soon as he stands up. 'Thank you. Thank you, father.' James smiles weakly as he hugs her back. Matthew smiles from behind the door.

"You're lucky, Al." He thinks as he opens the door for the king. Alice gives Matthew a hug.

Matthew blushes, but hugs her back. 'I'm sorry, but I overheard your conversation. Congratulations, Alice.' Matthew says softly. Alice nods, but she doesn't talk. She finally lets go after a little while.

'I'm sorry, Matthew. You must be shocked.' Alice says while blushing. Matthew laughs softly.

'I'm just glad you don't mistake me for Alfred. A lot of his girlfriends either mistake me for him or don't see me at all.' Alice smiles.

'Thank you, Matthew.' She says as she enters her room.

Greensleeves, now farewell! adieu!
God I pray to prosper thee;
For I am still thy lover true
Come once again and love me.

Alice writes Alfred a letter. She writes about her father and his approval and what happened inside the castle while he was gone. She writes that she misses him and that she wants to see him as soon as possible.

When she is done writing, she gives the letter to Sakura and tells her where Alfred lives. She looks outside her window while she waits.

Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight
Greensleeves was my heart of gold

Matthew enters the room and keeps her company while she waits for Alfred. He tells her how happy he is with her and that he's happy for his brother. Alice in turn tells about Aednat. Matthew gets all red. He starts to argue, saying he's not old enough or good enough. Alice laughs and says he has to make the choice himself.

They stop talking when they hear impatient knocking. Matthew smiles knowingly at Alice, who now is blushing. Matthew opens the door for Alfred, who smiles brightly at Alice. Matthew leaves the room, leaving the two alone.

The two walk towards each other and hug. She hugs him tightly. Alfred smiles. 'I've missed you too. Especially holding you in my arms like this.' Alice nods, but doesn't let go. Suddenly she laughs softly. Alfred smiles. 'What's wrong?'

Alice shakes her head a little. 'I'm afraid you will have to change your last name.'

Alfred frowns. 'What do you mean?'

Alice smiles. 'Who knows? Maybe I'll tell you someday.'

.

.

.

And who but my Lord Greensleeves

ZaphiraX: It was really had to end. I really wanted to end it with Greensleeves though. Even though I used it in a other chapter as well.

Sephie: 2 chapters ago if I'm right. And I'm afraid we lost inspiration for this story. At the beginning, we were like 'we're going to do this and that and people are going to die and too much stuff is going to happen for one lifetime…' But after a little while we kind of lost our touch.

ZaphiraX: That's what they call a writer's block. You lose inspiration for stories. That's why two of my stories still aren't finished.

Sephie: And then there is school. They are pushing more and more assignments on us. Bloody bastards.

ZaphiraX: England?

Sephie: What do you mean, England?

ZaphiraX: Nothing