I first must apologize to ALL of you for Ruth's rudeness. I'm embarrassed at her behavior. But she refused to be nice. I promise next chapter she won't be nearly so uncouth! You have my permission to smack her.

Thanks for the reviews! And thank-you Jyocka my beta!

Chapter 10: First Impressions

"Your home town had better be close at hand!" I had to yell over the crash of thunder and roaring pitter patter of the blasted rain. It was only the second day of our journey to Fred's hometown and my fan; it had started with an overcast sky, and a bad breakfast. The blasted rain had quickly followed, and I had pushed back my hood when my skin got soaked. What was the point in having it on? It was just a heavy, sodden burden. Due to the dark clouds I had no idea what time it was, but I was sure the fools would force me to travel well towards midnight.

Fred either didn't hear, or chose to ignore me. Either way, his silence infuriated me. I was on the horse by myself, since the extra weight of Fred slowed the poor creature down as it lumbered through the mud. Lawrence tried to insist that he walk, and Fred ride, but the man wouldn't listen. I had learned that Fred rarely listened to another's advice, the arrogant jerk.

To my surprise he stopped all of a sudden in his muddy tracks causing the mare to halt as well. Tilting his head toward me, he flashed me one of those annoying grins and asked, "Do you see the light?"

I squinted into the gloomy, wet obscurity, searching for the supposed glow. I saw none. Frustrated, I glared back down at Fred and shook my head. He pointed to our far right, and I peered again into the darkness. There, flickering in the sheets of downpour, was a spark of light.

"I'd say that's it," he called out. "Right Lawrence?"

As if awakening from a nap, Lawrence shook himself and looked at Fred with half opened eyes. He nodded dumbly and muttered something. How could the man sleep under such conditions? He let out a weak cough and mumbled nonsense again.

The horse lurched as Fred started for the right, and I instinctively grasped the mane. I was sure when I finally slid down from the cursed animal my legs would not be able to return to their normal position, and I'd walk squat legged for the rest of my life. It was my fault, I suppose. I was anxious to reach Fred's hometown as soon as possible, so as to return home sooner. I didn't let them stop for lunch, and barked every time they even thought of stopping. With the rain, there was no hot dinner, and Lawrence and Fred chewed on bits of jerky. My own stomach was feeling far too upset to hold anything.

I had done a lot of thinking since that stupid servant of Fred's had so triumphantly waved that blasted contract in my face. I knew I was being blackmailed, and that I could do nothing about it. If Fred wanted me to do anything, he had only to reminisce about a certain parchment and I would have to do his bidding. I was in a very sticky position.

But what could I do? My father's signature was as good as mine, if not better, and I was in no way even capable of running away. Where would I go? Who would take me in? I had no friends. I had two younger sisters, but father could easily find me. But would he drag me to the altar hog tied and struggling? No. I wouldn't allow for such a disgrace. However, running away was hardly on my 'what to do' list. For me, it was to get this bloody agreement through with so that I could go back to my castle and try on the dresses. I wondered what colors they would be this time? Surely nothing could beat the Azure...

We had reached the source of the light, and I recognized it to be a large cottage. It was about two stories high, and made of simple adobe bricks and thatch. I wondered if it really kept rain and snow out, but it appeared to be better off than most of the mean huts I'd seen that belonged to poor folk. I slid off the horse, hating the way my dress stuck to me. My once lovely hair lay limply on my shoulders, and stuck very unbecomingly to my face. I pushed the wet mop away as Lawrence automatically grabbed the horse's reins, taking them around the house to where I assumed the stables were.

Fred placed a hand gently on my back and pushed me forward. I glared at him, but he smiled encouragingly. I wondered how he could still smile with the rain and late night. We stepped up to the door and Fred rapped soundly on the wood. I realized that if this was Fred's home he should just walk in. I didn't mention anything just then, as we could hear movements within.

Eventually the door opened and candle light flooded the doorway, revealing a tall stately young woman. Her plain brown hair was braided carelessly, and she stood shamelessly before us in her night gown and shawl. She gasped at the sight of us, but quickly opened the door wider.

"Fred!" she whispered, surprised. "We did not expect you so soon!"

"Really, Minnie I never take long," drawled Fred, pushing me forward into the dry house. "I thought you'd realize this by now."

The maiden pinked, and my womanly instincts suddenly told me that this country lass with a starched night gown was to some degree in love with Fred the Fool. I nearly laughed. Who in the world would want that idiot? Of course, only a poor girl with no other prospects. Even now, she probably hated me, knowing I was somehow associated to the man she wanted. I could not wait to tell her there was no way I would be stealing her precious Fred.

"Where's Lawrence?" wondered the girl. She still hadn't looked at me and I felt a sting of irritation.

"Taking care of the horses, of course; he'll be inside in a moment. Minnie, please show Princess Ruthia to her room."

She finally deigned me a glance over. Her glance was sad, and of course envious. She looked about to say something, but Fred's tight smile silenced her. I immediately wondered what it was she had to say. I was actually expecting more from her. Surely the announcement that I was Princess Ruthia should have raised an eyebrow, brought her to her knees and made her remember her manners. But no, she just nodded and turned away to light another candle for Fred. It was almost as if I was expected. But that was a preposterous idea.

I said nothing as I followed her up the steep, narrow steps. I was in such a sleepy condition I was surprised I did not stumble and fall. At the top of the stairs I saw a row of bedrooms, most doors closed, others open. Soft snores and deep breathing emitted from many of them. I was right in my assumption. It was the middle of the night.

"Here you are, princess," she was forcing a smile as she opened a door to a modest bedroom. I walked blindly in and shut the door in her face. I let the soaked cloak drop to the floor, and I fell onto the mattress, giving myself into dreamland.

Some time in the wee hours of the morning I suppose I got cold and got under the covers, because when I opened an eye, my head was under them.

A soft giggle, made me open the other. Then I groaned. Oh, dear it was morning, and I was in Fred's house. Could anything be worse? I felt movement on the bed, and I immediately tossed aside the covers, ready to rebuke the intruder. I stopped when I saw who it was though, and stared, wondering if I was still asleep.

A little girl, no more than six sat cross legged at the foot bed, a soft purring kitten in her arms. Her head was adorned with long straight strands of dusty blonde hair. Freckles dotted her nose, and her large brown eyes were doe like, curious, and full of happiness. I did not remember the last time I had seen such a young child. The sight startled me. What was a princess to say to an unexpected child in her room?

"Who are you?" I muttered.

I must have said something else because she smiled brightly, slid off the bed and stood right in front of me. I backed away a little.

"I'm Aspen. May I call you, Ruthia, princess?"

"Ruth will do," I replied, slightly surprised at her request, and my own answer. Of course, it would be far more proper if I had her call me by my title, but at the moment I did not feel like royalty. I felt very hungry. I furrowed my brows and asked, "Is the breakfast ready, yet? What time is it?"

"Oh, breakfast is past. We all already ate. I don't know how to tell time yet. Mama hasn't gotten around to showing me." She smiled brightly. "Maybe you could! We could borrow father's big gold watch, and you can tell me what the little dashes and ticking mean."

I shook my head. How had I just gotten into this? "I'm not going to do that," I replied flatly. "I'm going to eat first."

"But we all already ate," protested Aspen.

"Who are we?" I inquired.

She began counting off on her fingers, "Mama, Papa, Gwen, Fred, Master Hyde, Master Daniel, Sir Joseph, Minnie, Lawrence, and me!"

I put a hand to my head. Too, many names...I couldn't handle it all. I recognized Minnie's name, and of course Fred and Lawrence, but the rest were completely unfamiliar. Was Fred's family this big? Goodness, I wondered which one was his sister. Perhaps the very little girl before me. I hoped this was true, for it meant I could leave at once.

"Are you Fred's sister?" I asked.

She emitted a giggle, and shook her head.

"Is...Gwen?"

Again she chuckled. "Oh, no. Gwen is Lawrence's sweet heart. He said so himself. They are always cuddling, and smiling at each other. It's funny to watch."

"I'm sure. Who is Fred's sister then?"

"Lilly. But she isn't here."

I could have screamed. "What! Where is she?"

Aspen looked surprised. "At her home, of course. She doesn't live here."

I gaped at her. "What do you mean? Is this not Fred's home?"

She smiled, forcing back a giggle and shook her head. Her giggly responses were getting rather annoying. Infuriated, that he had not told the truth, I tossed away the covers and jumped from the bed. I noticed that there was another bed in the room, smaller, obviously Aspen's. Great, I shared the room with the bubbly child.

Ignoring the fact that my hair was wild, and my dress wrinkled, I flew carefully down the steep stairs to the room below where Fred stood chatting to Lawrence and another girl, who was apparently Gwen, since Lawrence had his arm around her comfortably.

Fred grinned when he saw me. "Princess! Good morning! How was your night?"

"Is this not your home?" I demanded pointedly.

He looked startled for a moment, but then saw Aspen trot up behind me. He shook his head casually. "No, it's not."

"But you said...!"

"I said nothing of the sort," interrupted Fred. "I said this was my hometown. I was born here. I don't live here. I live further west. This is Lawrence's family. His parents own this boarding house. Let me introduce you to them all. They are like family to me. I see you've already met Aspen, Lawrence's youngest sister." He smiled broadly at Aspen and she giggled.

Aspen grinned at me and pointed directly at her brother. "See! I told you he got all cuddly with Gwen!"

Fred laughed. Lawrence pinked, and Gwen chuckled. I rolled my eyes, still annoyed. Gwen detached herself from Fred's henchman and extended a hand to me, her eyes warm, and her smile bright. She was young, probably a year or two younger than I was.

"Hi, Ruth, I'm Gwen. I'm so pleased to meet you."

"I wish I could say the same," I sniffed, folding my arms defiantly. "But I never lie."

Her smile froze in shock, as she lowered her arm. Lawrence looked mad, as if unsure whether to scold me or comfort his darling. I nearly smirked. But suddenly Fred stepped in. He was still smiling that obnoxious, calm, casual smile, which had become his perpetual trait.

"It is in the Princess's nature to get to know someone before warming up to them. It is a trait, which I've come to acknowledge it as being wise, especially for someone with royal blood. Don't worry, Gwen, soon she will see that you mean no harm."

Was he serious? Is that what he saw in my prickly remarks to everyone? A wary welcome to those I haven't trusted yet...well, I suppose it was plausible. I had never thought of it in that way. Especially, as something wise? Who would have thought my sharp tongue would be seen as wise? The fool! I nearly flattered.

He continued, "Gwen is a handmaid to Lawrence's mother, Marta. Come, I'll introduce you to her." He placed his hand on my arm, as if to lead me to this Marta, but I stood my ground, determined to set things straight.

"Where is your sister?" I challenged.

"She is not here, yet. I've just sent a messenger to her, telling her to come here to meet you." His tone was reassuring, but I was unhappy.

"How long will she take?"

"About a month."

"A month!" I shrieked in horror. "Do you mean to tell me I have to stay in this wretched hovel for a whole month before I can see your sister?! I have a birthday to attend to, and many other...royal responsibilities that can not be detained!"

I drew in breath to continue, but Fred slid in to say, "Really, princess, I don't think it is necessary for you to yell and make a scene. I can hear you perfectly well, even when you whisper."

I stopped, to glare. Was he rebuking me? How dare he...I suddenly happened to glance around. Aspen was staring at me widely with those liquid brown eyes. She appeared shocked, as if she had never heard anyone shout before. Warmth tinged my cheeks, and I felt as if I had just somehow sullied some of her innocence. Gwen looked uncomfortable, and Lawrence hadn't changed. I noticed Minnie in the doorway; she was smirking. Smirking! As if the whole thing was some big entertaining show. If anything, I would not be anyone's entertainment. I lifted my chin up higher, and gave her a superior look. The smirk faded and she glared effectively.

Fred went on. "If you'd like we can discuss the matter privately, later. Now, I wish to finish the introductions. Ah, here is Minnie, I believe you saw her last night. She is Lawrence's sister, and is always willing to help anyone with anything, a trait greatly to be admired."

Minnie blushed and smiled, and I felt a prick of...oh, I don't know, irritation I guess. Girls in love are always so annoying to watch, the way they pink and smile. She nodded politely, yet coldly to me and murmured, "'Ello, princess."

"I wonder, Miss Minnie," I said mockingly, "How long have you been in love with this fool? Too bad Fred has never noticed, eh?"

She jerked her head up, eyes widened with disbelief and panic. Fred's expression was priceless. He stared at Minnie with astonishment, then back at me with...I don't know what it was. Shock? Admiration? Revulsion? Perhaps all those things, one after another.

"You have no basis for that!" she gasped.

"For what?" I asked, "For the fact you're in love, or that Fred here has never noticed. Easy. Womanly instinct. I don't suppose you have any."

Her face flushed red, and she stuttered out nonsense. I almost felt sorry for her. On second thought, I nearly laughed at her. She was more foolish and dumb than Fred. At least Fred had managed to over his awkward moments.

Suddenly a new voice spoke up, laughter issuing forth, "What truth, milady! What truth!"

I turned in surprise, and was immediately enveloped by large warm arms, and a shaking body. I gasped in astonishment and stepped back, but the man kept a tight bear hug around my shoulders. I glanced up, half fearfully, half angrily into the beard covered face of a giant. Perhaps I did allow for some exaggeration, but the man was huge! Towering at least two feet above me, I suddenly felt tiny and minuscule. His laugh rang out again as he took in my shocked expression.

"I am Jess, Minnie's Father, and I repeat, what truth, you've just spoken, my dear! Who can not help but fall in love with Fred, for he is affection itself! Minnie, loves him, aye, like a dear brother, for that is what he is! I love him, Lawrence loves him, Gwen loves him; we all love him. In time I'm sure you'll come to love him as well." He winked at me and I flushed angrily. Chuckling he turned back to Fred and declared, "Welcome home, lad!"

He released me and scooped Fred up into one of his enormous hugs. I gasped for breath, amazed that I had barely escaped death by a hair. If he had held me any longer...

"Tell, me lad," exclaimed Jess the giant, as he turned toward me, his large palm still resting on Fred's shoulder, "Who is this fair damsel, who is so inclined to speak her mind?"

Fred, recovered from his shock and from having his breath squeezed out of him, grinned his flashing smile and said, "She is Princess Ruthia, of Luzcando, Jess. She will stay with us until Lily can meet her. I dare say you and she will get along swimmingly."

He laughed again. That laugh was getting annoying. He smiled benevolently at me through his massive beard. "You may dare say that, Fred. I completely agree. Welcome, Ruthia of Luzcando. I welcome you to my humble home." He stuck out his hand in greeting.

I ignored it. "It is humble indeed," I agreed. "As well as dirty, mean, and quite quaint. I hope I shan't sully my appearance during my stay here."

Jess raised a brow, and then emitted an amused chuckle. "Begging your pardon, Ruth, but you aren't exactly the cleanest sight around either."

I flushed, realizing he was completely right. I could only glare at him angrily, since truth was on his side. I suddenly felt a gentle hand on my elbow. I jumped nervously and saw yet another new comer. She looked like a very old Minnie, and I immediately guessed her to be the mother of this motley crew...not that I'd say Aspen was motley...

She smiled kindly. "Be easy on the lass, Jess," she scolded. "She's only just awakened, and has gone through an awfully rough journey. Give us an hour, and you'll see her full beauty. Come, Ruth, I'll help you get proper looking."

I blushed, pleased at the compliment. After sending Jess a triumphant smirk, I turned to follow the good woman Marta. I nearly stopped, shocked. I had remembered her name! Heavens, what was the world coming to?