A/N: I'm terribly sorry about the wait for this chapter. I have excuses, but I won't bother you with them. I just want to say though how much I adore you all. Thank you for being so kind and patient. A very special thanks goes to Ashlanielle. She is a gem. Without her, this story would be a hot mess.

This is it, kids! Just the epilogue to go...

Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who, Ever After or anything related. *Some lines below are borrowed from the movie Ever After. Credit for those lines belong to their respective writers.*

"You are mine, and I am thine, and no power on earth shall make it otherwise."
― Jacob Grimm

"Enter."

Rose shifted the pile of firewood she was grasping, freeing one of her arms to open the door to van Statten's personal study, the room she'd just been granted entry to. Upon entering, she was met with the sight of her new... master... lounging in a large wing-backed chair, a young servant girl by the name of Diana at his feet. Rose sent the poor girl, who was carefully polishing van Statten's boots, a sympathetic look before moving to build up the fire in the room.

Rose felt a certain kinship with the young girl after learning of her background. Apparently Diana was actually can Statten's niece, with him being her mother's brother, and her parents owed several people, including her dear Uncle Henry, a great deal of money. Unfortunately they passed before they could pay back their debt to van Statten. In act of "true charity" on his part (at least in his opinion), he agreed to have Diana come and work off the debt she had inherited. That had been seven years ago. Diana confided in Rose that, while she hated being a servant in his household, she could barely remember any other life and wasn't sure what she would do if he were to suddenly turn her away. Rose was doing her best to build the young girl up, to assure her that there was life away from her uncle , but the three times Rose had attempted an escape, Diana had refused to join her. Of course, it was probably best she hadn't, she thought, looking down at the shackles on her feet. The repercussions after being caught were not pleasant, and she was glad the younger girl had not had to suffer in the same way.

"I do so hate to see you in irons. I'd remove them, if only you'd promise not to run away again," van Statten commented as if reading her very thoughts.

"I make no promises. I have no reason to stay," she replied, never once turning from the fire.

"I'll give you a reason. You belong to me."

Rose stood to her feet, keeping her back to the vile man. "I belong to no one, least of all you."

"You keep on thinking that," he drew out, moving to stand directly behind her, his back against her chest. She shrugged away when she felt him running his hands through her hair. "Oh, I do wish you'd reconsider my offer."

"I'd rather be trapped with the devil himself," she spat, cringing when she felt his presence behind her once more.

Monsieur van Statten chuckled. "I had a horse like you once. Magnificent creature. Stubborn just like you, willful to a fault, it too just needed to be chained. Broken in."

"You will maintain your distance, sir," she ordered, carefully. Out of the corner of her right eye she could see the dagger van Statten was sporting on his side, to her left a pile of swords Diana had just finished cleaning. An idea formed.

"Mmmm." He brushed her hair aside and kissed the side of her neck before whispering. "I suppose Diana will have to amuse me until I break you in."

Wasting no more time, Rose reached around and grabbed the dagger, spinning quickly so the tip of the blade was pointed directly at van Statten's neck. "Touch her and I will kill you," she threatened.

His eyes narrowed, but he wisely kept still.

"I could hang you for this."

"Not if you are dead."

"Ohho!" he crowed. "I do love your spirit." Pushing the dagger from his neck, he lunged for her.

Rose pushed his face away with the palm of her hand, using the spare second to grab a sword from the table. Leveling both dagger and sword, she prompted him backwards, into his open chair. "Diana," she glanced down at the cowering young woman, "go and fetch some rope." The girl remained frozen on the spot. "Now, Diana!"

Van Statten smirked as the young girl ran out of the room. "Gonna tie me up? I didn't think you were the type."

"If I were you and valued my life, I would stop talking," she advised.

"Impressive." He nodded to the sword and dagger. "You actually look as if you know what you're doing."

"My father was an expert swordsman, Monsieur, he taught me well," she told him.

"But you won't kill me. You're just too good." He smiled knowingly.

She nodded. "Maybe I am. Tie 'im up nice and tight, Diana," she said as the girl reentered with the rope she'd been sent for.

"What do you think is going to happen?" he asked as the rope began circling him. "I'll tell you. You'll tie me up and run on out of here. Within minutes, one of my many servants will untie me and I'll have you brought back here where you will be punished accordingly."

"You keep on thinking that," she repeated his earlier words. "I think that no one here holds any loyalties to you. You have treated your servants like the dirt beneath your fingernails for far to long. I think you'll be in that chair for a very long time. You're right. I'm good," she leaned down and whispered in his ear, "but never mistake good for nice." She moved back. "Where is the key?"

He huffed, but refused to answer.

"It's on a chain," a quiet, female voice spoke up.

Rose turned and saw Diana standing beside her nervously. "A chain?"

"Around his neck," she replied. Slowly, Rose handed over the dagger to the young girl, before pulling the key from around van Statten's neck.

Her now former master bowed his head. "Your freedom, my lady."

Freedom. Oh, how the word was taking on a new meaning for her. When she was a little girl freedom meant running in the fields with Michael, spending her days at her father's side watching him work, doing whatever she pleased. After her father died, her idea of freedom meant spending time out of the house and away from her step-family, those rare moments when she was not required to walk on eggshells. After she met Jamie, the idea of what freedom meant to her changed yet again. Suddenly just being away from her step-family for a few hours no longer seemed like freedom. Freedom seemed so much bigger than that. And now? Now freedom was waiting for her, all she had to do was walk out the front door. What would happen after that? She had no idea, but she was ready to find out. She was ready to find her new freedom.

Riding up to van Statten's manor, Jamie felt as if his heart was going to beat right out of his chest. Jakoby had asked him several times since they mounted their steeds and set off if he had any sort of plan, but all he could think of was rescuing Rose. So, no, he didn't exactly have a plan, but that didn't matter to him. None of that mattered. His Rose had been sold. Sold. And, in a way, that made things simple. Very simple. Because now there was no power in the universe that could stop him from getting her back. As Tardis trotted into the courtyard of the manor, Jamie halted the horse and descended, ready to charge in and rescue his love, but was instead met with the sight of Rose running out of the manor. She slowed her steps when she saw him, but continued forward, using the sleeve of her dress to wipe at the dirt on her cheek.

Her dress, hanging off her unusually thin frame, was torn in places, smudged with dirt or ash, he couldn't really tell. Her normally shiny blonde hair was tangled and matted in places, as if she hadn't been allowed to brush it in days. The dark circles under her eyes lead him to believe she hadn't had any proper rest in ages. Still, he knew without a doubt that she was the most beautiful creature he had ever beheld.

As she stepped closer he felt his throat close with only one word escaping.

"Hello."

Hello," she replied carefully. "What are you doing here?"

He mentally cringed at the harshness of her question. "Well, I, uh, I was sort of looking for you and I ran into your, uh, friend? Yes, I suppose he's your friend. Uh Richard? No, no that wasn't it... Michael! Yes, it was Michael, and he said you'd been... Well, he said you'd been sold and then Lynda came and told me where I could find you. I couldn't very well... I mean, I couldn't leave you here with that van Statten, because..." He sighed. "I'm here to rescue you."

"Rescue me?" she scoffed. "A commoner? I am nothing."

Jamie shook his head. "I should have never... Please, Rose. I was the biggest sort of fool. I offered you the world and at the first test of honor I betrayed your trust. I will never be able to forgive myself for that, but I just had to tell you how very sorry I am. I am so, so sorry, my Rose."

Tears began pouring down her face, breaking the Prince's heart. "Say it again," she requested.

He bowed his head. "I'm sorry," he repeated, his voice cracking with emotion.

Her feet appeared in his line of vision as she stepped closer to him. Suddenly, he felt her fingers under his chin, urging him to look at her. "No," she whispered. "The part where you said my name."

"Rose." Hope built in his chest as he reached inside his riding clock and pulled out the glittering slipper Lord Mott had given him after the ball. "Perhaps you would be so kind as to help me find the owner of this rather remarkable shoe."

She gasped. "Where did you get that?"

"She is my match in every way." He reached forward and cupped her face, resting his forehead against hers. "Please tell me I haven't lost her."

His heart sank as she pulled away, wearily sitting on large stone. "It belongs to a peasant, your Highness, who only pretended to be a courtier to save a man's life."

"Mmm, yes, but from what i've been told, you are more than a peasant. It is only because of your step-mother that you classify yourself as one. And it's Jamie, if you don't mind."

"But I lied to you! You say you betrayed my trust, when really-"

"Rose," he cut her off. "None of that matters to me. Courtier, peasant, I don't care." Lowering himself down on one knee, he said, "I kneel before you not as a prince, but as a man in love and I would feel like a king if you, Rose Tyler, would be my wife." Lifting her right foot, he slipped off her tattered brown shoe, and replaced it with the glass slipper she wore to the ball. He waited with baited breath as she covered her face with her hands, giving in to the sobs she'd clearly been holding back. It was a great sense of relief when she drew her hands away and threw herself in his arms.

"Yes, yes, yes," she repeated in his ear. With a cheer of delight, Jamie lifted her in his arms and swing her in circles, peppering her beautiful face with kisses.

Later, after Jaokby had been sent in to deal with van Statten ("You'll possibly find him a bit tied up," Rose had warned much to Jamie's amusement. "And there's a young woman. Diana. Please see that she's cared for.") and a carriage had been sent for, Jamie and Rose were finally on their way to the palace. They could have easily just taken Tardis back, but Jamie wanted the privacy the carriage would allow them, not to mention that Rose looked dead on her feet and a long horse ride was the last thing she needed. It was his job now to pamper and spoil her as much as humanly possible. She deserved it.

"What happens after we get to the palace?" Rose asked when they were both settled side by side in the carriage. Jamie wiggled his eyebrows in response. "Jamie!" she giggled, slapping his arm playfully. "That's not what I meant and you know it."

"We're going to be married," he answered kissing the top of her head.

"When?"

"Today if you'd like. After you've had a bit of rest," he tacked on. "But I want us to married as soon as possible. I never want to spend another day without you by my side."

"Jamie," she mumbled quietly, shaking her head.

"What is it? What's wrong?"

Rose turned away as she answered. "I don't have anything... This is it." She gestured to poor excuse for a dress she was currently wearing. "What will your parents think of me? Of you wanting to marry me? They will be so ashamed."

Jamie frowned when he heard the conviction in her voice. She really believed that. "Rose Tyler," he said, urging her to turn back to him, "my parents will love you and they will be thrilled that I'm marrying the love of my life."

"But they're royalty, Jamie. You're royalty! I'm... not."

He took a deep breath. "I admit that there was a time when I thought the status and social standing of my future wife would matter to them, and maybe at that time it did, but that's all changed. None of that matters to them anymore." He grabbed her hand and held it against his chest. "All they want is for me to happy and you make me happy. Nothing else matters."

"Even your bride marrying you in a ratty old dress she's had longer than she can remember?" she questioned tearfully, but with a small attempt at humour.

Jamie chuckled. "Even then. Though I'm sure my mother will have a whole wardrobe waiting for you by the time we arrive," he told her as she tucked herself back in his side.

'He was right,' Rose thought as she ran her hand down the soft red velvet fabric of her new dress. Within moments of arriving at the palace, Rose had been whisked away by several women, including Queen Donna. She'd been intimidated by the woman at first, sure she was about to be met with disapproval, but nothing could be further from the truth. As soon as they were alone and in private, the Queen immediately pulled her into a tight embrace, quietly thanking her for making Jamie so happy. The Queen then made it her personal mission to make sure Rose was properly taken care of. There was a slight hiccup when one of the maids discovered the abrasions from the whipping she'd received from Cassandra. If Rose was worried about what Jamie's reaction might have been to them, it was nothing compared to that of Queen Donna's. It wasn't until after physician had been called and assured the Queen that the markings would heal (even leaving a salve that would help lessen the scarring) that the older woman was able to calm. Of course, her ire returned once more when she learned who exactly had bestowed the lashing on her future daughter-in-law.

It was overwhelming; the love she felt from the women she barely knew. Already, in the short time they had been acquainted, Queen Donna had shown Rose more love and kindness than Cassandra ever had in ten years. And if that wasn't enough, just when Rose thought she couldn't possibly be anymore surprised, the Queen announced that there was a special visitor, and in walked Sarah Jane. It was an emotional reunion for the two women as the elder explained that through Captain Simmonds, Lynda was able to get a message to Sarah Jane and cover for her as she snuck out. Rose worried what Cassandra's reaction would be once she learned of her disappearance, but both Sarah Jane and Queen Donna assured her it wouldn't be an issue.

And now here she was. The big day. A day she had thought about so many times in the past ten years, but never imagined would come to pass. More than anything she wished Jamie could be next to her to hold her hand, but they all had their parts to play and right now he was waiting for her at the head of the throne room. She turned when she heard the door behind her opening, thinking perhaps Jamie had snuck away to say a quick hello, but was surprised to see his father instead.

"It's almost time. How are you feeling, my dear?" King Shaun asked, not unkindly.

Rose shrugged. "Nervous, I suppose. Worried I might mess up."

The King gave her a soft smile. "There's nothing for you to mess up, dear girl. Just speak from your heart."

"That's what I'm afraid of," she admitted. "For so long I've kept my feelings hidden in my heart. I buried them away because there was nothing I could do about them, but now..." she trailed off and took a deep breath. "I just wish..."

"You wish?"

Tears welled in her eyes. "I wish my father was here."

"Ah." King Shaun nodded. "You know, I'm not one for ghost stories and spirits and all that nonsense, but there is nothing in this world that could convince me that your father is not here with you today."

"Really?"

"Oh, yes!" he said in a manner similar to his son. "He lives on in you, Rose. Despite the trials you have faced, you have remained kind and caring to those around you. You treat everyone you meet, royal or peasant, with respect. I'm told that your father was the same, and he would be very very proud of you. He is proud of you."

A large grin spread across Rose's face. "Would it be okay if I hugged you?" she questioned.

The King blinked in clear shock. "Oh. Well. Yes, of course. I don't see why no-oof!" He chuckled as threw her arms around him. "You know, my wife and I had wanted a second child," he confessed, pulling away from her. "A daughter specifically. It always pained me that I couldn't give Donna the daughter she craved. But now we have you. Thank you, my dear girl."

"No," Rose shook her head, "thank you."

A knock on the door sounded and Captain Simmonds entered the side room. "Forgive me for interrupting, but the guests of honour have arrived."

And before she knew it, Rose was alone once more, waiting for her cue to enter. She felt her heart stutter as she heard the doors to the Grand Throne Room open, welcoming the three women Rose had spent the past ten years serving. Sliding open the spy hatch, Rose watched as her step-mother and sisters bowed before The King, Queen, and Prince. It had been rather easy, luring them to to the palace. All it took as Captain Simmonds issuing a royal invitation, informing them that King Shaun requested an audience with them and that they should arrive in style. Knowing Cassandra, the older woman probably assumed that it meant that the Prince was going to choose Reinette as his bride, but nothing could be further from the truth.

As soon as the women were before him, the King wasted no time. "Baroness, did you or did you not, lie to her majesty Queen Donna?"

"I would choose your words wisely if I were you," the Queen informed her, "for they may be your last."

Cassandra's smile faltered. "A woman would do practically anything for the love of her daughter, your Majesties." When no one agreed, she added, "Perhaps I did get a little carried away."

Out of nowhere, Reinette burst into tears. Rose had to stifle a giggle as Jamie blatantly rolled his eyes at the dramatic display.

"Mother, how could you?" the young woman sobbed. "Your Majesty, like you, I am just a victim here. She has lied to us both and I am ashamed to call her family!"

Cassandra gasped and turned to her eldest daughter. "How dare you turn those false tears on! I taught you how to do that and it won't work now!"

"You see," Reinette wailed. "You see what I have to put up with!"

The King stood from his throne as the two women went on arguing with each other. "Enough!" he commanded rather pointlessly as no one seemed to hear him.

Moving next to his father, Jamie let out a loud whistle, causing silence to fall in the room. "Oi! Fingers on lips!"

Rose shook her head as slowly, everyone in the room raised a single finger to their lips.

The King nodded to his son. "Yes, thank you, James. Good lord, are they always like this?" he asked, looking directly at Lynda who had up until then been standing silently behind her mother and sister.

"Much worse, your Majesty," she answered honestly and unashamed as she lowered her finger from her lips.

"Lynda, dearest," Cassandra bit out to her youngest, "I'd hate to think you had anything to do with this."

"Oh, I absolutely did, Mother. What? did you think I was only here for the food?"

Reinette gasped. "Lynda, you backstabbing little wretch!"

Rose bit her lip, unsure and nervous of how her younger step-sister was going to respond, but was pleasantly surprised and proud when Lyndra merely rolled her eyes and moved to stand closer to Captain Simmonds.

Queen Donna cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the room back to her. "Cassandra, you are forthwith stripped of your title and you and your horrible daughter are to be shipped off with the thieves on the next available boat... Unless by some miracle someone here will speak for you."

For a brief moment, Rose almost began to feel pity for her step-mother as the older woman slowly turned about the room, silently pleasing with the courtiers to speak up.

"Well," Cassandra giggled nervously, "There seems to be quite a few people out of town."

"Yes" the King agreed, "or perhaps my people are no longer afraid of you and your blackmailing ways."

"Please! Please do not send me away with the thieves! They'll kill me, I'm sure of it!"

Knowing this was the moment, Rose took a deep breath and opened the door. "I will speak for her," she announced before she could talk herself out of it. Stepping forward, she made her way to Jamie's side and continued saying, "She is, after all, my step-mother."

Cassandra turned about the room, watching in wonder as everyone, except for herself and Reinette, immediately bowed and curtsied respectively, showing Rose the deference a royal deserved. With great reluctance, she too lowered herself, muttering a quiet, "Your Majesty."

Out of the corner of her eye, Rose saw Jamie cock his head towards the one person who had yet to acknowledge her. "Reinette, I don't believe you've met my wife."

The other woman sputtered. "You... She! B-but you're... and she's..."

"The future queen," Queen Donna herself finished. "It would be best for you to remember that."

With a stubborn set to her jaw, Reinette, gave a stiff curtsy to her step-sister. Expecting nothing more, Rose ignored her stepped towards Cassandra. Standing above the woman who had yet to raise herself up, Rose quietly began saying the words she had carefully practiced in private. "I want you to know that living with you for the past ten years was pure misery. The hell you put, not just myself, but Sarah Jane, Gwen, and Rhys through, was never deserved. Not by any of us. It will take me a long time to fully get over the trauma of it all, but with my husband's help, I know that at some point, there will be a day where I won't think of you. Not once. But you, I am quite certain, will think about me ever single day for the rest of your life."

Cassandra finally looked up at her with those last words, tears filling her eyes. "And how long might that be?" She bit back a sob and added, "I don't want to die!"

Rose closed her eyes. This was it. This was the moment where everything would be decided. The fates of her step-mother and sister were now up to her. Jamie had told her that he trusted her to make the right decision. That no matter what she choose, he would support her and protect her. The King and Queen agreed, assuring her that there was no wrong choice. Taking a deep breath, Rose turned to face her husband and his parents. Her new family.

"All that I ask, your Majesties, is that you show her the same courtesy that she has bestowed upon me."

King Shaun nodded. "A fine idea. Cassandra O'brian, you and your eldest daughter are to be sent to the land of de Souza to be servants in their palace as a form of reimbursement after the misunderstandings between our children," he said wryly.

"What!?" Reinette screeched. "What about Lynda? It's not like she'd blameless here! She's just as guilty of any supposed wrongdoing."

"That's where you're wrong," Rose answered before anyone else could. "Lynda has always treated me with as much kindness as she dared with you and your mother around. And she's apologised and shown remorse for any of her actions that have caused myself or anyone else pain, physical or mental."

Queen Donna added, "She also never lied to me, so there's that going for her."

Lip quivering, Reinette turned to her. "Rose, please. I know we haven't always seen eye to eye, but I've always cared about you. I never agreed with the way my mother treated you, but what was I to do? I was young and frightened! Please don't blame me for her actions and influence. I'm so sorry!"

"Oh, enough," Cassandra muttered bitterly. "It's over."

Rose shook her head, looking sadly at her eldest step-sister. "If for one second I actually believed you felt an ounce of the remorse you claim, I would plead on my hands and knees for your pardon." She took a deep breath. "But I don't. Goodbye, Cassandra. Goodbye, Reinette." Turning away from the two women who tormented and abused her for the past ten years, Rose walked straight into her husband's arms, reveling in the warmth and comfort he she knew, they were tucked away in the same side room she had been in before.

She knew Jamie was praising her, telling her how brilliant she had been in there, but her mind wasn't fully registering his words. All she really knew was that she was safe and loved. The part of her life where she lived in constant sadness and fear was over. No longer would she have to sneak about, stealing moments of peace by the fireplace; now she would be cared for, not just by Sarah Jane, Rhys, and Gwen, but by her husbands and his parents. Her family. She would never stop missing her father or the idea of her mother, but for the first time since her father died, her heart felt whole again.