A/N: Hey! I know, I know, this is WAY overdue but hey, I just couldn't seem to write this chapter. Sad...but I DID put a little sappy part at the beginning, so hopefully, you won't be all that mad at me. But, you probably will kill me after this chapter...and this chapter isn't at all full of humor and sarcasm as it usually is. You'll find out soon.
Oh and I forgot to say: OMG, I GOT 300 REVIEWS! THIS IS THE FIRST TIME! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED! AS TREAT, THERE WILL BE SOME HINTS AT THE END OF THIS CHAPTER! ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU!
Chapter 14 - A Turnabout of Things
My eyes opened slowly, blinking a few times as I recalled what had happened. After Dane and I had stayed in that position for quite some time, he occasionally kissing my fingertips (go on, you know you want to say "aw!"), we both got very tired. So, we went back inside to realize we had a slight problem: one bed, two people.
Now, Dane being the gentlemen he is offered me the bed and he would take the floor. Now, think about this people. He's the crowned prince and he's going to sleep on the floor! So I immediately said no, it was his room, so I'll take the floor. Then of course, Dane had to object and said I was sleeping in the bed and that was that. Evil person.
So, finally after some bickering, we came to a compromise: he would get the left side of the bed and I would get the right side. So we both got a comfy bed and didn't have to sleep on the floor!
Okay, now present time. I woke up, blinking a few times before realizing two things. One: I had to go to the bathroom really, really bad and two, you might ask? Two was that an arm was around my waist.
I bit back a scream as thoughts flew through my mind. DEAD PERSON! SOMEONE MURDERED SOMEONE AND NOW SOMEONE'S ARM IS ON ME! AH! SAVE ME! But then I realized it was Dane's arm. Ahh…this was slightly awkward…of course, not for him, he's just sleeping. I guess he didn't realize that the whole point of the I-get-right-and-you-get-left-side was so we would have a little space…
Anyways, the bathroom calls! I was about to wedge out of Dane's hold on me when his arm suddenly tightened around me, like he could read my thoughts of getting away and going to the bathroom. I pulled harder but his hold was an iron grip. Grr…
"Dane?" I whispered. "Are you awake?" Silence. Dang. "Dane?" Okay, I really have to go right now… time for some drastic measures. "DANE!"
"Huh?" came the suddenly alarmed and just recently – very recently – awoken Dane. Aw, how intelligent of a response was that! "Go back to sleep," he muttered. Stupid prince. Can't he tell I need to use the darn bathroom!
"Dane, let go of me."
"Nuh-uh." What a baby.
"Dane, let go of me now!" I turned around to face him, his eyes shut "DANE!"
"You won't come back," his voice came out muffled. What…? "If I let go, it'll all be a dream and you won't come back." His grip tightened on me. "And I need you." Okay…lack of sleep must be the problem. I know, I seem heartless but what would you do if your bladder was going to explode? "I can't lose you," Dane whispered, his eyes opening and facing me. "I rather die."
I stopped struggling. Aw…that was really sweet…okay, sweet time came be later, now is that if Adena doesn't go to bathroom, she's going to wet the crowned prince's bed. "Dane, you are really, really sweet but right now I really, really have to go to the bathroom!" Ah, ah! BATHROOM!
Dane didn't hear me or chose to ignore me because he whispered again, his voice sleepy, "You won't ever leave me, will you? Will you?" I felt like biting him. I know you want to hit me but he can be Mr. Perfect later; I need to GO! "I need you, Adena…I really do…" his voice was getting sleepier.
"Don't you dare go back to sleep!" I snapped. "Dane, if you don't let go of me, I'll bite you. I need to go to the bathroom now!"
Dane suddenly seemed to realize that I was serious and his grip on me lessened, although reluctantly. "Come back?" He whispered, already back into dreamy sleepy world.
"Yes," I responded before rushing to the bathroom. Stupid, annoying prince. Yes, I'm heartless. I know, but hey, it's the BATHROOM! After I went I came back, true to my promise.
"You're back," Dane whispered, which startled me, since he had sounded like he was going back to sleep. "You're back…Adena Maria…Maria Adena…" wow, he sounds like Flora. And it sounded really sweet when he said my name backwards and forwards…I need some water to splash on myself, I really do. I must be delirious…
"Yes, I'm back," I said, confirming his statement. I climbed into bed, ready to go to sleep but then felt someone (duh, it's Dane, only other person) stroking my hair.
"I used to wonder about your hair," Dane said drowsily. My eyebrow raised. He wonders about my hair? Is that a compliment? Hmm…thinking, thinking, thinking…"I remember thinking it looked so soft…and I always wanted to touch it…and I was right…it is soft…"
Okay, I know I said he can be sweet later, but this is a tad bit overwhelming. I turned to Dane and said sweetly, "Dane, my oh so wonderful prince?"
Dane smirked. "I can tell there is some sarcasm in that sentence, milady." His arm
went around my waist, holding me tight again.
"As much as I love you being a sweet, kind guy…I need some sleep." Yes, that was heartless, wasn't it? "You can continue this in the morning. I promise I'll listen and be a good little girl if you do."
Dane chuckled. "All right. Go to sleep." Thank you! I rolled over and closed my eyes, and fell back to dreamland before hearing Dane whisper, "I love you."
-
"Adena Maria…" I felt someone shaking my shoulder. "Adena Maria, wake up this instant!" The voice was whispered and a little annoyed. No, sleepy time, go back to sleep, you annoying person…Jeez, Gabrielle, get a life or something…
My eyes flew open. Gabrielle! I saw Gabrielle over me, shaking me awake. Elaine was behind her, glaring at my…waist? Oh, the arm on my waist! Dane's arm on my waist. Ohhh! I get it now!
"Come on," Gabrielle said. "Come now." She stood up and took a step backwards, waiting for me to follow her. Aw…now? Come back later. But I knew she'll tell Father and he'll probably have my head if I said that. Darn, it had been such a wonderful free Gabrielle week – or somewhat week.
I tried climbing out of bed but Dane's arm only tightened. I rolled my eyes. Here we go again. I slowly edged myself out and put my pillow in between his arms. Then, I jumped out, slid the pillow completely in his arms and took a step backwards. I am a GENIUS! Dane didn't wake up, only his arm around the pillow – err, me – tightened.
"Come," Gabrielle ordered me and Elaine and her walked towards the…open door? "We'll explain later," she snapped. I blinked. Was it just me or was Gabrielle less of a ditz? Hmm…probably just me…there's a lot of things that's "just me" really. Like that time – "Adena Maria!" EEK!
I immediately hurried after them, somewhat sliding back into sleeping time. It was about three o'clock in the morning, I'm sure of it! Actually, it was because of that really big clock tower outside that showed the time, which currently said 3 o'clock.
I followed Elaine and Gabrielle into Elaine's room. And then a sudden thought hit me. What if they were going to commit the evil deed of killing me right now? Darn it, I want a goodbye letter to write to everyone!
Elaine shut the door, her eyes gleaming. "So…" she said. "So." So…what? Me confused. I stood in the middle of the room, both Gabrielle and Elaine circling me like predators. I gulped. "Gabrielle and I have observed you, Adena Maria." Stalker. "We have seen things. Like the way Dane looks at you, the way he smiles…the way the whole royal family favors you, even those twin brats!" Hey, they weren't brats, they're cute, identical, doing-everything-the-same twins! And hey, where are those kids? Haven't seen them in awhile. "We even know that Jacob favors you." Jacob…oh right! Jacob, wow, haven't seen him in awhile either!
Gabrielle now spoke, "And we decided that we can't have you around anymore, Adena Maria. You're too much of a problem, a distraction, to Dane and we will not have him distracted." Ahh…they're going to commit the evil deed! Help me! Save me!
"But how, we asked," Elaine said, her voice full of glee. "How could we sneak away the girl Dane so openly loves?"
"We thought of it – pondered of it," Gabrielle continued, her voice equally full of glee. "And – "
"Excuse me?" I said. "Um…just a quick question, then you can continue. What happened with the door? It was opened. Err…yeah…"
Elaine looked disgusted I had interrupted. She said coldly, "Because instead of waiting for Queen Camilla to get the man, we got one ourselves and got him to open the door. Now, shut up and listen." Err…okay? She nodded towards Gabrielle. "Gabrielle, continue."
"And we hatched up a fool-proof plan to get you away," Gabrielle said. "We wanted, of course, Clover to help, since she seems a bit close to you, but we doubted she would. We also thought of asking your handmaid, Megan; soft enough to control, easy enough to manipulate." I tried not to scoff at that. Soft? Easy? Megan? More like now-abusive-used-to-be-sweet Megan. I let Gabrielle continue. "But we decided against it. No, we were going to use someone already on our side, someone who would already help us." At that moment, the door opened and I felt like screaming "BLOODY MURDER!"
The door opened, revealing Priscilla, who was smiling evilly. She entered and closed the door softly. Oh Lord, the deed, I'm going to die, I'll never have food to eat again, oh no, oh no, oh no.
"Priscilla here is going to so graciously help us," Elaine said. "She holds a special dislike for you."
"Why?" Oops, forget, shut up and listen. Oh well, I was dead anyways. Not that bad of a life, either. Hmm…guess I should've apologized to that stable boy who I punched…oh well, he deserved it.
Priscilla spoke, her voice full of anger, "Because your stupid fairy godmother. Yes, I know you have one. Calla," she spat the name as if it were dirt. Hey that's my weird fairy godmother you're talking about, lady! "But we'll speak no more of the matter. Let us continue."
"Yes, well, we'll have to tell Adena if this is going to work," Elaine said. She turned to me. "Adena…Priscilla is my fairy godmother. I don't need a Watcher Fairy because Priscilla already is here, always watching over me."
Priscilla….fairy…godmother? I need water…too much information to know before getting killed, really. I wonder if I get one last request…hmm…
"Now, you might be confused. Let us make it simpler," Gabrielle said, grinning evilly. "We want you eliminated, out of the way. Priscilla is a fairy. We want Dane – doesn't matter who, at least one of us. You stand in the way. Priscilla is a fairy." Her grin widened. "Understand?"
"Death?" I said, not really meaning to say that allowed. Priscilla the fairy godmother is going to kill me! Calla, get over here, I'm going to be MURDERED!
Gabrielle blinked. "What?"
"You're…you're going to kill me?" I asked, really confused. Death, death, death. Ah!
"Of course not, you idiot," Elaine snapped. "We're going to disguise you. You see, my handmaid just arrived. Except I sent her away, disguised as a lady…disguised as you. She's pretending to be you and is ill. We couldn't send you, no. What if someone looks for you and finds you? So we're going to disguise you. As a servant. Our servant."
"And I would agree to this because…?" After getting over my shock of not being murdered, I was a bit confused. Why would I agree to becoming a servant again? Give me one good reason.
"Because…we have this…" And from Elaine's pocket, she extracted a necklace. My necklace. My mother's necklace. And Elaine had suddenly held a lit candle now and was holding my mother's necklace above it, dangling it dangerously close to the flame. "And if you do no agree, Adena Maria…we burn this right in front of your eyes."
Oh…my…Lord. My eyes widened as they watched the necklace dangle helplessly near the flame. I swallowed deeply. Mother's necklace…I remember when Flora had gave it to me, before I had left.
Flora gave something wrapped in cloth. "This belonged to your mother," she whispered. "Take care of it and don't show it to Gabrielle."
I swallowed deeply again. Don't show it to Gabrielle…I felt like punching myself. It was my fault. I should've taken better care of it, should've never let Gabrielle have seen it.
"Do we have a bargain, Adena Maria?" Elaine asked, her eyes gleaming, and knowing she had already won and I was defeated. I hung my head sadly and nodded, feeling tears prick my eyes. "Good." She tossed the necklace carelessly to Priscilla, who pocketed it. "She'll make sure if you step one toe out of line, the necklace will burn."
I nodded again, showing my comprehension and all humor gone. The only thing left of mother's…they had taken it…all because of Dane's love for me…I hate myself…I hate my life…tears pricked my eyes.
"Now, in order for the disguise to work, you need to agree so. Only then can Priscilla transform you into someone else."
I nodded and said, "Agreed." Normally, I would've laughed at such seriousness that was used in my voice. But I couldn't find it within in me to laugh at such a time.
Elaine clapped gleefully. "All right, Priscilla, your turn. Turn her into her inner, disgusting self!" Inner self? "I know it'll be hideous as the girl on the outside is!" Elaine smirked. "Priscilla can only change people into their inner looking self; she could do a whole new image but it would have to be passed by the Fairy Council and we cannot have the fairies alerted of this, now can we?"
There's a fairy council? When? And how did Elaine know this? I decided not to ask any of these questions, just close my eyes as Priscilla muttered something at me, holding her hand out at me. But, then again, I could resist peeking a little and seeing Priscilla muttering fast, her eyes closed, her eyes raised to be in front of me. I felt something whoosh by me and enter me and I opened my eyes to look in the mirror. And my eyes widened to the size of the plates we are served at dinner.
My dark brown hair was transforming to red hair with loose curls and lengthening. It was shining and full, not one strand out of place. As I continued staring, my eyes widening, my eyes changed from the dark blue to a sea blue green. My eyelashes thinned a little and weren't as thick as mine as before and not as curly but they weren't short. I grew a bit smaller, smaller than my normal self, at least. I used to be a little bit taller than Gabrielle but was a bit shorter now. I felt something in my throat and, guessing, knew my voice was changing as well. My cheeks got a rosy tint to them, making me appear to be kind and gentle.
My clothes began to transform as well. My gown slowly transformed to a servant's attire, my eyes watching its progress.
My transformation was complete. And, really, I didn't look that bad…in fact, I looked…nice…not at all hideous or anything…I studied my self, my face still holding surprise. I would've never expected something like this to happen to me.
"What?" Elaine hissed. "She…not…pretty…what is going on?"
Priscilla frowned, eyes flashing. "She isn't bad on the inside, Elaine," she said coldly. "Her inner self isn't hideous. I managed to only change her clothes to a servant's attire, however."
"This cannot be happening," Elaine muttered furiously. "I want her hideous! With a scar on her face, an over-large nose, something! Something gruesome!" She grabbed a vase and was about to chuck it when Priscilla muttered something and the vase slipped right out of her hand and came flying to Priscilla. She quietly took a rose from vase and pealed off a petal, one after the other. What…? She came to the last one and stared at me, her eyes cold.
"I'm not insane," Priscilla said quietly. "And don't 'what' me." I blinked but remembered her mind-reading powers. I nodded quickly, my eyes still wide. "After that large use of magic, I'm a bit tired. Taking the petals from a rose but the last and mixing those petals with tea makes me feel better." Oh.
"What are we going to do?" Elaine cried, looking at her fairy godmother for guidance. Priscilla made no response, only made a pot of tea appear out of nowhere. She turned back to me and snapped, "Fine. Fine! We'll just cover you face with soot."
"Cinders Cindy," Gabrielle snickered. I tried my best not to raise my eyebrow. But I wasn't in the mood to joke around, not even in my own brain. All I could do was think about mother's necklace…the one Flora had entrusted into me. And how I failed them both. I'm so sorry.
"Yes, we'll be needing to think of a new name for the scum," Elaine sneered. "Hmm…something not lady-like. Something that is humiliating." She paused, in thinking. "I can't think of a stupid name!"
"Rose," Priscilla suggested, sitting on the chair, breathing a little heavily. "Whenever I hear the word rose, I'll be strengthened a bit more. By calling her that, and since she was my creation, you must call her Rose. I will help me become farther healthier. And besides, I need to keep up my strength since I'm doing this continuously, until the balls, I think."
Elaine frowned but nodded. "Fine. Her name is Rose. Now, Rose. You'll be moving to the room next to mine; that's where my handmaiden was suppose to sleep. You will obey everyone of my commands or the necklace – might I add, your mother's, since Priscilla told me that's who it belongs to since she read your mind – will be burned and you will be returned the ashes."
"Ashy, Sooty Cinderella," Gabrielle laughed coldly. "Sad thing is, Sooty Adena Maria, is that your ending will not be one of happiness; instead, I believe it will be quite the opposite." She laughed, her cold laugh sending chills in me. I never heard Gabrielle sound so…evil. This was so unlike her.
"Now go," Elaine snapped. "Priscilla has all your belongings sent back to your father, to make it look as you really left and my handmaiden has so graciously left her trunk of clothing. Now get out of my sight. And out of my way to Prince Dane, my future husband."
I nodded and turned to leave when Priscilla's voice entered my mind, taunting, "What are you forgetting, my dear?"
Wincing, I turned around, curtsied and said in a sad voice (which had went a bit higher, kinder and softer, and without my usual joking tone in it), "Yes…milady." And I left, my head hung and the threesome laughing at my defeated state. And I went to my room and did something I haven't done in awhile: I cried.
-
"WHERE IS SHE?" came the booming voice of Dane, waking me from my sleep. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HER?" He was next door, in Elaine's room, I could tell. My eyes hurt a little from crying and I hated myself for being so weak but I immediately got out of bed and went to Elaine's room to see what was happening.
I was surprised at the sight that greeted me. Dane was standing in front of Elaine, looking furious, his face red and his fists clenched, eyes flashing dangerously. He looked ready to kill. Queen Camilla stood to the side, looking furious as well. King Matthew stood at his wife's side, frowning at his son's loud voice. Gabrielle was nowhere to be found and neither was Priscilla.
"Your Highnesses!" Elaine gasped, her eyes widening innocently. She was in bed, where I suspected she had pretended to be sleeping. "What are you doing my quarters? It is highly un-gentlemanly to walk into a lady's quarters while they are resting! Now, please – "
Dane took a threatening step forward. "Where. Is. Adena. Maria?" he said in a furious voice. "I know you did something, now tell me what!"
Elaine frowned. "Dane, I have – " she began but Dane cut her, his face getting even madder.
"DON'T INFORM ME FOR INFORMALLY!" He bellowed. I winced, and it hit me that I had never seen Dane this mad before. At least, not when I had been around. "TELL ME WHERE SHE IS, YOU SPOILED, ROTTEN, GOOD-FOR-NOTHING PRINCESS!"
Fake tears welled up in Elaine's eyes. King Matthew's frown deepened. He said to his steaming son, "Dane, you have no proof whatsoever that Princess Elaine has done anything wrong. Now, please, let us leave the lady to change and we'll talk about this downstairs."
The tears were now rolling down Elaine's face. "Your Majesty," she said, gulping and turning to King Matthew, "I would never hurt Lady Adena Maria. I know I may have seemed cruel to her but it was only because I looked up to her. She was so wonderful."
Queen Camilla lost it. She screamed, "YOU LIAR! YOU HATED HER! I KNOW YOU ARE LYING! NOW TELL ME WHERE THE GIRL IS OR I'LL HAVE YOU BEHEADED!"
A bit extreme. At least only King Matthew and I thought. Dane thought it was a perfect solution. Dane was nodding along with his mother, furiously.
Elaine swallowed again and said in a shaky voice, "I was here sleeping all night. I even have a witness." She then called to me, me standing by the doorway uncertain. "Isn't that right, Rose?" She turned back to the royals. "She's my handmaiden; she came in the night. She even saw the Lady Adena Maria leave, did you not, Rose?" While the royal family turned to me, Elaine's tear-filled eyes suddenly filled with malice and a threatening look.
I curtsied. "Yes, milady, that is correct. I came in the eve, late at night, while thy lady was sleeping. I accidentally awoke you, milady, and you told me where I should put my belongings. Then I had asked why was a lady leaving at the nighttime. Milady had been most surprised and asked for me to describe her. I did my best, although she had hooded herself soon after and it was darkness. I'm sure the guards can tell you that the lady left, Your Majesties, if you do not believe my word."
Dane stared at me. He then said softly, "You saw…you saw her leave?"
I nodded, although I felt my heart breaking as a sad, hurt look came into his eyes. "Yes and by the looks of it, she was a ill. I don't think she wished to pass her sickness to the royal family, Your Highness, and thought it best to departure."
Dane looked so helpless, as if I could not be lying. I wanted to tell him that no, it was all a lie, all a plot for Elaine or Gabrielle to marry him but I bit my tongue. My mother's necklace…an item that she had worn, of a lady I had never known. I couldn't let it burn.
"She…She didn't say of any letter, did she now?" Dane asked softly, his shoulders falling in defeat, as if he knew the answer.
I shook my head. "None that I know of, Your Highness."
Dane nodded and, zombie-like, left the room, his mother throwing a glare at Elaine before stomping out of the room. King Matthew said in a grave voice, "I am sorry, Princess Elaine, for the disruption and accusations made towards you. My son overreacted and he will soon come around to apologizing, I am sure of it." Meaning he would make him say sorry. "Once again, begging your pardon." He then left, not even glancing at me.
"Close the door, Rose," Elaine said. I did so and a grin formed on her face as she waited for the footsteps to fade away. "He will forget you, Adena," she whispered, her eyes alit with malice. "He will grow to hate you for leaving him and his heart will feel as if it were breaking into a million pieces. All because of you. Do not worry; as I stated before…he will no longer care for you and I will become his wife." She smiled sweetly. "Now then. Go fetch me breakfast. I wish for it in bed today, servant." Her eyes glinted. She had complete power over me. But she didn't know of one little trick up my sleeve.
I nodded and curtsied. "As the lady wishes," I said, not used to acting like a servant for quite some time. I then left the room and walked the hall when I suddenly saw Clover with Megan, both whispering in hushed voices.
When they spotted me, they immediately stopped talking and pretended just to be enjoying the day. I wanted to tell them and was about to when they quickly strolled by and began their whispering again, although I caught some.
"…can't believe Adena's gone," Clover said, her voice hard and cold. "This has Elaine's and Gabrielle's name written all over it."
Megan nodded. "Yes, it does." She sighed. "Can I be your handmaiden, for the time being? I fear to be Elaine's; I hear she isn't kind to her handmaidens."
Clover nodded, sympathetically. "Yes, of course you can. But, like that handmaid over there, you better get me breakfast in my room. I don't want to dine with the royal family this morning after that little display of Dane's."
Megan nodded and a faint smile came onto her face. "Yes, milady." She sighed again. "Adena never made me call her that; she treated me like an equal."
"And you don't have to call me that either," Clover said. "Now, follow that other handmaiden. She might have some information."
Megan nodded and came running after me. "Hello," she said quietly. I nodded, not knowing how to start. "Did you hear of the prince's display this morning over the girl Adena Maria?"
I nodded again and whispered, "I was there."
Megan nodded. "Oh. Would you by chance know where the Lady Adena Maria is?"
I was silent and didn't respond until I saw a smaller door, one that looked as if to be an unused closet…without thinking, I grabbed Megan's arm and yanked her inside the closet, covering her mouth before she made a noise. I closed the door quickly and only saw a faint outline of Megan's figure.
"What are you doing?" She whispered, nervous. "We have to get our ladies' breakfast."
I closed my eyes, not knowing what or how to state the truth. I then opened my eyes and whispered, "Megan…Megan, it's me."
Megan frowned. "How do you know my name?" She asked suspiciously. "Has El – I mean, Her Highness Princess Elaine been telling you things about Lady Clover and myself? And who is me?"
"No, Elaine hasn't," I said and I saw Megan's eyes widen. "I know, I used the princess's name improperly. But, Megan, listen: I am Adena. It's me!"
Megan stared at me and then began laughing a little bit, out of nerves, I could tell. "You cannot be the Lady Adena Maria," she said, her voice nervous. "You look nothing like her!"
I frowned. How to prove that I was? "What can I do to prove that I am?"
Megan rolled her eyes. "There is nothing you can do. Now, if you excuse me – "
But something hit me, something I knew that would make her realize the truth. I suddenly said, "You evil, vial, iniquity people."
Megan stopped. "What?"
I knew I had caught her attention and continued. "At least I don't spend my time memorizing words from the dictionary. Jeez, talk about no life."
Megan's eyes began to wide. But I wasn't done yet. I began feeling my humorous side coming back. "Hmm, should I have another pointless yet ridiculous fantasy again? And yes, both of you two – Clover and yourself – punching me on the arm yesterday and practically made me BRUISE!"
Megan's eyes were watering. "A-Adena?" She whispered. Finally, the girl gets it! "I-It can't be. It just can't be."
I rolled my eyes; yup, humor was definitely back. I took advantage of Megan's shocked state and said with sarcasm, "Of course not, it's the boogeyman. Argh, I shall kill you! Fear me!"
Megan stared at me for a second before laughing. "It is you!" she exclaimed. "No one else does stupid or say stupid things like you." I raised an eyebrow. Umm…thanks? Megan said quickly, "Not that you're stupid or anything but – hey wait one second, if you're here, then why are you supposedly…and…Dane…care to explain?"
So I told her everything from the moment I got locked in with Dane (yes, including the whole balcony scene, where her eyes got watered and look so happy) and then continued on until reaching right now. "…so I took you into this closet, told you who I was, you didn't believe me, I had to clarify for you, and finally, you believed me and asked what happened and I began telling you the story, beginning with – "
"Adena," Megan said, interrupting me. Hey! How rude! "I don't need to hear it all over again. And Elaine, how could she? How could she be so cruel to Dane and not care that he loves you?" She began muttering fast and furious, with my picking up some…words. Bad Megan.
Suddenly, Megan stopped her ranting and said, "Adena, go! You need to get Elaine's breakfast and who knows with Elaine, she might get Priscilla to read your mind!" Her eyes got a bit dazed. "Fairies…I never knew they existed. But why did she tell – oh, never mind, I'll ask later, just go, I'll tell Clover everything. And stay out of trouble." Who me? She gave me a meaningful glare. All right, maybe me. "Meet me in the library in two days if you can; that's the earliest I can think of for both of us to make. I have to do something that make take up some time." Ooh, secrets! Me want to know!
She quickly left and I followed. We silently got the breakfasts and went upstairs, not talking, just in case someone overheard or got suspicious. I stopped at Elaine's door and gave Megan, with the slight tilt of my head, to get going, for she had paused for a split second. She walked on, making her face deprived of any emotions.
I entered the room and saw Elaine looking bored. When she caught sight of me, she snapped, "There you are!" She looked furious. "Where were you?"
"Getting milady's food as she requested, milady," I answered, curtseying, except I felt like punching her. Must…resist…temptation…temptation…very…strong. Gah!
Elaine's eyebrows narrowed dangerously. Her voice came out in a threatening tone and her eyes filled with malice, reserved for me. Ah, I feel loved – err, hated. Hmm…isn't that a bad thing? "Rose," Elaine said, using my fake name. "It is in your best interests not to try and fool me. I am the one in control here and if I suspect anything, I'll make sure there will be hell to pay. Hell. To. Pay." Her face suddenly cleared up and she said with a smile, "Now, bring me my breakfast."
I blinked. Uh…okay? I walked up towards her with the tray of breakfast and handed it to her. She looked at the food and then said to me, "It better be good." Her voice was snappish again. Very confused…
"I had heard footsteps passing the door, that is why I was being polite," Elaine snapped to my confused state. Um, thanks for clearing that up. Hey, wait; am I deaf or something since I didn't hear them?
I stepped backwards and let Elaine eat her foot in her delicate, ladylike way, just in case someone walked in so she could look at the door with a smile (food free) and say, "Why, hello," all innocently. Ugh, gag me. Me, well, I would eat like a horse and wouldn't care who saw me, so long as they didn't disturb me eating but hey, that's me.
My eyes began to wander, out of boredom. Really, this place was amazingly clean. Not a spot was on the floor or anything. Perfect room…what if she messed it up and made me clean it? It was kind of big…ooh, bad thought. An image of Elaine laughing above me with a whip and me on the floor, scrubbing wasn't very appealing to me, don't you think?
I spotted an envelope written in very fancy cursive. I almost tilted my head to follow the loops and twirls of the cursive handwriting. Sheesh, a little too much effort in one word, really. The word was Elaine and it had been open, the envelope. Hmm…nosy side is getting curious as to what was inside envelope…
Curiosity killed the cat, I reminded myself and clasped my hands together so I didn't go read the envelope with the loopy, fancy handwriting.
But, a thought entered my mind, satisfaction brought it back. You know, that always got me confused. I mean, if curiosity killed the cat, how did it get the satisfaction of finding out if it was dead? Really, so wouldn't it be curiosity knocked out the cat unconscious but when it woke up again, it found out what the thing was?
I spend too much time thinking of nothings, really. I need a hobby. Or a life.
"You are staring at my envelope," Elaine said suddenly and my eyes whipped back towards her, where her eyes were narrowed. "Curiosity killed the cat, Rose. Killed it." Was she implying that she wanted me to be killed? How rude! I know everyone loves me on this wonderful world!
…Okay, shut up.
"It is just a letter from my mother," Elaine said with a shrug. "She just wanted to see how I was doing and all and if I am being treated in the proper way. Which I am not, due to the fact Dane is being ever so rude to me and when not so, he is ignoring me. Really, no man has ignored me and it is annoying and I will – "
The door suddenly opened and Elaine finished sweetly, replacing her angry voice, " – help charities, don't you think, Rose? Help all those poor little – why, hello," she said, pretending to be surprised and look toward to door. Dang, mood swings. "Hello, Dane, whatever do you need?"
Dane? DANE! I quickly turned to look and yes, it was Dane, looking downcast. His mother was behind him and was looking mad, although trying to keep it on a low profile.
"Hello, Princess Elaine," Dane said in an emotionless voice. I felt my eyebrow rise but I made sure it stayed. Stay, eyebrow! I curtsied and muttered, "Your Majesties," but I doubt they even heard me; I mean, that is what good handmaids and servants do, they stay hidden.
"Princess Elaine," Queen Camilla said curtly and looked as if she rather be fighting a three – no, five – headed dragon with only a piece of wood as defense and to fall off a cliff on fire. Wow. What a brave soul. I salute her.
"Why, both the prince and queen of Amea!" Elaine's voice sounded both innocent and surprised. "Whatever do I owe this pleasurable visit?" She smiled kindly at Dane who stared back stonily. I think I saw in Queen Camilla's fire eyes an image of her beating up Elaine and shoving her off a cliff, laughing evilly. Umm…remind me never to get on the bad side of Queen Camilla, okay?
There was silence as everyone stared – or in Queen Camilla's case, glared – at one another. Finally, Dane said in his emotionless voice, "We have come to apologize to you, Princess Elaine, for our accusations on previous matters spoken beforehand." Wow. That was really formal like and properly. Can't he talk all…improperly and informally? More fun and less tension in the room. "It was out of line on both of our parts and we are sorry to have accused you so unjustly and we hope you can forgive us."
More silence. And Elaine was still playing Oh-my-I'm-so-shocked-and-surprised-I-hadn't-expected-anyone-but-hey-what-the-heck-it's-the-prince-and-queen-and-I-want-to-marry-the-prince-so-I'll-pretend-to-be-all-sweet-and-nice-when-I'm-not. Wow. That was a long expression. Hmm…I want to play too!
"But of course!" Elaine said. "Of course I forgive you, Prince Dane! It would be foolish of me not to do so. I forgive you as well, Queen Camilla."
I guess Queen Camilla lost it because she took a threatening step forward and hissed with her finger jabbed in Elaine's pretty yet shocked (for real now) face, "I know you did something to Adena Maria and I will find out what, if it is the last thing I do! Oh, and I never said I was sorry. The only thing I am sorry for is not throwing you out of my palace before you did this horrendous crime!" With that said, she stomped off, steam practically coming off her. I silently cheered her on. GO QUEENIE, ROCK ON! FIGHT THE EVILNESS!
Elaine's eyes got wide. "I…I…" she said, her voice wobbly and shaky, as if she were going to cry. Oh Lord, here we go again with the fakeness. "I would never do – "
"It is all right, Princess Elaine," Dane cut in, his voice flat. "I do not blame you in the slightest or still believe you have done anything wrong. Good day, milady." With that said, he left, although he kind of looked as if he still believed Elaine was up to no good.
After the door was closed for a full minute, Elaine dropped the act and glared at nothing in particular. Better nothing than me! "Why won't he love me?" Elaine muttered, her voice furious. "He must! I have never encounter a man who hasn't fallen to my feet, begging for marriage!"
Hmm, she mustn't have met a lot of men then. "Why does he love a scum, a petty pathetic thing like you," here, she glared at me. What? I'm innocent I tell you, innocent! "And not me? I just acted nice and sweet and still he doesn't love me! I get everything I want and I will get his affections if it's the last thing I do!" She was breathing heavily, her nostrils flaring, and her face red. Umm…somebody is a little worked up over this…really, just a tad…
"Rose, get out of my room and go to yours," Elaine snapped. "I need some time to myself." I knew better than to mess with Very-Angry-And-Likely-To-Kill-You-If-You-Dare-Defy-Me so I left quickly and went to my room.
I sat on my small bed, not as large as my old one. The room, actually, was much smaller, almost smaller than my room back at the manor. I flopped backwards on my bed and sighed, staring at the ceiling. This was a turnabout of things. One second I was being told by Dane that he loved me and the next…I was a servant again.
My life is definitely not easy. And I doubt it would ever be. Darn it, I had been wanting someone to feed me grapes on a couch too. Well, there goes that dream. And now…what to do?
"ROSE, COME TO MY ROOM IMMEDIATELY!" Well. That answers my question rather obviously, don't you agree?
A/N: I think I might go back and revise this chapter; I wasn't all too please as how it came out, although the whole concept (Adena being transformed and "hidden") will be the same, so sorry. LOL. And ahh, you are all going to kill me! Please don't! And whoever said Priscilla was a fairy, good job! You'll all find out exactly why she hates Adena. I mean, who could hate Adena? Hmm...tons of jealous, evil people. LOL. Review time! (thank you, thank you, thank you!)
Crazayladay - Hmm...cheese is okay...I'm not a real big fan, however. EEK, don't hurt me! LOL. Are you really on pain medication? Hope you feel better! I know, I hate it when people are just bugging you and it's just not your day...I'm like "Are. You. KIDDING ME!" LOL. You're currently wearing two colored socks? Hmm...currently, I'm wearing no socks. And my feet are cold, come to think of it. LOL, well duh, obviously. Hmm, I don't have a boyfriend; I'm perfectly happy being single. YAY, single people! LOL. Yeah, I'm clumsy too, although I was never dubbed it. Two schools? Did you transfer? I did too, once. :also gets British accent: Well, I thank you for such a long and entertaining review; it must certainly made my day. Miss Lisa aka Crazaylady, I bid you farewell. (cool, you turned 14 too. Cool. And hey, belated is a vocab. word we just learned! Fascinating. LOL.)
Ileana DuBaer - Stomping is fun :stomp stomp: WHEE! LOL. Thanks so much for the compliments, really, these kind of reviews just make my day, especially funny reviews! Reviews such as these (did I just say such as?) make my day! YAY! LOL. Thank you for the compliments once again; even though I probably do not deserve such high praise. (What is it with me and "such"? Hmm...idea for next chapter...thanks!)
Florida-babe07 - Ah, this isn't soon, is it:winces: sorry. I got so busy and then I had to answer reviews and then...yeah...being a teen is definitely tough. LOL. Yes, sometimes cheesy parts are fun to read, although I don't like too cheesy parts, which was that whole garden story. Way cheesy. And the first section for this chapter? Definitely cheesy. LOL.
Mellem - Ow, hope you feel better! That's got to hurt. YAY, I'm happy when people say Adena relates to themselves because it means I have created a character that is like a real person. That just makes my day! LOL. I'll do a victory dance with you :dances: LOL. Yes, socks are scary. Warm, but scary. LOL. And who knows what will happen at the balls? Except for me, of course. LOL. Sorry about the long update; things kept coming up.
Aura Rayne - Yes, I hope no one hates this story either! Yeah, well, you'll probably give me a flame for 1.) long wait for update and 2.) Adena is seperated from Dane. :GASP: LOL. Hopefully, the pair will be reunited soon. Hopefully. :evil grin: What? i was just practicing...uh...my...my smiles! Yes! LOL.
Pencil3 - LOL, yes, a bit serious towards the end although in my opinion, a bit corny. Amazing? Brilliant?Thank you! Yes, I'm a tad bit obsessed and it was terrible that Sirius died; he rocked! Now Remusa.k.a. Moony is the last Marauder left, excluding that stupid rat. Last good Marauder, that is. Is this really the first fairy tale you read? Thanks for picking this story to be the first one to read, it honors me (honors me? how corny am I?) that you chose it. Yes, the horrible event happens in this chapter. EEK! I had to for...some reasons. :grins: Hehe. LOL. Yes, I will keep writing, I love it, it's my hobby. And yes, hiss those bad people! If I make a sequel (I might, since this people said they wanted one), bad people might (probably) will be back, with some new characters. But for now, we'll stick to this.
Anywien - :laughs: talking tacos? That's amazing! Wish I did...hmm, did I ever have a dream with food talking? Probably. LOL. Well, Adena didn't say she loved Dane because she was uncertain about her feelings and didn't want to give him the false idea and then live a life full of regret. Yup. So, hey, don't worry, she'll figure it out...hopefully before it's too late. LOL. I'm so happy that you think that these characters seem so real; it's one of my goals in writing! Oh, and question: when did I forget a character in my story? I can't remember when...oh well!
whiskeygirl - :nods slowly: well, nobody's perfect and Adena cannot be without flaw. So I suppose sometimes she might get annoying, as people sometimes do. Mature? Perhaps with upcoming events that will force her to grow up. I mean, who really wants to leave their childhood to enter the world of adults and the "real world"? I still wish to be a kid, problem-free, worry-free. Nowadays, although I am only a teen, I am getting piled tests and homework and can get a bit stressed out. Dane laughed because Adena is so unpredictable, full of wonderful surprises! LOL. Yes, very long chapter it was. I'm trying now to write ten or more pages chapters. Sound good? LOL.
sour-peach - I think the Half Blood Prince is a new character, because Hagrid didn't really fit the description that was released. Well...he kind of did. But I'm not sure. Abs from laughing? Hmm, that would be fun. LOL. Let's try! LOL. I could just see myself getting a six-pack and have bugging out eyes in shock! LOL. Yeah, it happens all the time to me; I don't want to look like a weirdo 'cause I'm laughing at something I just thought of and then I think of everyone's expression and then I just end up laughing! LOL. :frowns: For your question if i have MSN or AOL, yes I do but I'm not allowed to talk with peopleI meet online. Sorry. It's a rule my parents made and they'll kill me if they ever found out I was doing so. I mean, yeah, I talk here but...I don't know, it's justa bit safer. I hope. Anyways, yes, I can't wait for the movie and book to come out! WHOOHOO! LOL.
Sirenic Griffin - Nope, this story has yet to be called "finished", "done", or "completed." There is (estimated, not positive) 28 chapters in this story. I calcuted that many chapters, however, it might shorten or might lengthen, depending on what ideas come to me throughout the story. Wow, that's a lot of interruptions! That happens to me too, people always bothering me to the point of losing my cool. LOL. You saw this story on other people's Favorite Stories list? Wow, that's amazing! I never really thought it would be. LOL, thanks!
stars-above - I love writing and hope to one day, perhaps, to actually publish a book. I might do this one, once I revise it, but then again I might just write a new story and publish that one (hopefully)! Anyway,I'll be sure to inform you if I ever do publish a book.
Rowenhood - Jacob (Dane's knight friend) will be back next chapter, I'm sure of it.I miss the poor guy, although (I admit) I wasn't sure he would be back again until the very last chapter. Happily Ever After? Hmm, who knows, with Gabrielle, Elaine, and Priscilla acting like this, who knows if Adena will even make it out all right? LOL. Ah, don't hurt me! And yes, I'm checking to make sure my locks are secure as well. LOL. Oh and Calla (Adena's fairy godmother) and Carl (Dane's fairy godfather)? They'll be making an appearance. I'm pretty sure Carl will be making one in the next chapter; Calla will be mentioned but I am not sure if she will be in it or in any soon to come chapters. She will return, however! And Flora might make an appearance as well in the next chapter.
UruvielTinuviel - Yes, the boys at my school are stupid and immature as well. I cannot see why any of the girls in my grade could actually like them. Well, we do have some ditzes...LOL. I too love romantic stories yet I'm not looking for a guy; I'm perfectly content being single for the time being and do not need a guy busying up my time. I already have school doing that. LOL. And yes, I remember your old pen name you used to sign with and will keep it in mind when I even think of putting this story on hold (I don't think I will, be assured.)
rainkisser - LOL, yes, of course I wouldn't have Dane get pushed over by an evil princess! If I had, I would not have been in my right mind. Adena will NOT fall in love with a pushover prince, never! LOL. And yes, Queen Olivia and her plans to get Adena and Dane together. Hehe, she's going to name that attempt something, although that is yet to be revealed. And yes, Adena feels uncertain and will not say something that she isn't sure of and maybe live a life of regret. Oh and yes, I did know that corsets were to also help lift their boobs or chest area. LOL. My friends forced me to get over my embarrasment of saying that word, along with balls. Evil friends. AH, don't torture Adena! ...hmm, okay, better her than me. LOL. And doughnuts (or donuts) are AMAZING! LOL.
Akwyn - Your story is actually interesting. Much better than my first story. And first stories always do have a slow start. Mine most certainly did. As you can see, it isn't very successful as this one. And there are much better writers and stories than me who have a thousand of reviews by now and I don't. But what can one do? Try harder. From my first story, I think my writing has gradually improved and I saw my mistakes and took help from reviewers. It is a good way to become a better writer and learn how to write better. :shrugs: who knows? You probably will be a star writer and I hope you will remember us little people! LOL. LOL, bed sheets rocks! You rock my socks too!
Aelimir - :grins sheepishly: well...at least you can still count the number on your fingers, right? That's a good thing? Don't throw anything:ducks: LOL. Yes, well, school decided to be harder and then I had this major brainstorm for One Day Never Seems To Come and could not write it so I did and am currently on the 90th page for that story! LOL. Yes, I always miss those days when I was a little kid and could get away with so many things. And not have to be worried about so many tests and the such! LOL. Ha, isn't the queen a genius? Queenie Genius. Hmm...that might be useful :scribbles it down, just incase might use it: LOL. I never want to forget things like that. Yes, I knew that chapter was cheesy but hey, I needed to do something nice before this evil plan was put into action. Yes, Adena is uncertain about her feelings and isn't going to say something that she isn't sure of. LOL. Of course you're not insane:coughs: LOL, JK.
Arwen Veancawen - Hmm, this being published. It might be, whoknows? I actually am intersted in publishing a book, one day. Who knows? And yes, I am heavily considering a sequel, due to the popularity of this story and my interest. And LOL, you take Spanish? WHOOHOO, love it! LOL. Hope you didn't get in trouble for laughing. Then you would have to explain and I could just see your Spanish teacher leaving a comment saying, "Stop distracting my student!" LOL. And yes, sorry for the long wait. I'm sorry, truly and deeply!
Also, a special thanks to: secludeddark, starlight, Writer/Reader, Riley Clearwater, amieken, fairypixie3, flyinghigh808, sweet-strawberry692010, milocachica, Tainted-Blood3033,(this person left no name), healergirl, Nethrion, mistyqueen, rey-rey-3, letylyf, Redreader445 (wow, you were really close; Adena did get transformed, although not into a hag), Dreamer at heart, shumshum.haha, anonymous, LilliannaRose (update your story! it's so good!), Sirael, Misukii, some random person, afairytalelover, Abby, Angel of Despair, Olivia, LillyNyx (not even I know how many evils and marvelous are used in this story! LOL),and triple-goddess-619.
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR REVIEWING!
NOTE: I had this chapter out ever since February 22. Things just kept coming up and I am truly sorry for not updating. My other story, One Day Never Seems to Come, interests me so much, I'm on the 90th page, somewhere in chapter 8. LOL.
Oh and please don't hurt me :gets battle helmet on: Me scared. LOL.
Please review and thank you again for those you did, you are all AMAZING and made me so happy! Thank you!