My best friend's sister is getting married in two days so I won't be able to update on the weekend as I had originally planned. I try to give a break in my posting to garner more reviews (greedy, I know) but the response to all the fluff was so positive and happy that I didn't have the heart to ruin it for you guys by putting in any (extra) unpleasant surprises. This is a filler chapter, mostly because the ball hasn't happened yet and that's the most important part of the story so far, but I thought I should give you a treat. Originally most of the stuff that happens here wasn't going to happen at all, its just a result of me getting slightly carried away. Still, it seemed worth posting. Thank you so very much to hpswst101, sarahmichellegellarfan1, JadeynKate, HelenaWayne10, BlueMoonsAndTooSoons, SweetSunnyRose and the various guest reviewers that reviewed the last chapter :))

"Liana, I took out a dress for you this morning," Susan's voice was conversational as she cut into her chicken. Lucy kept her gaze fixed onto her plate, but her lips twitched when she heard her sister speak. "It's Lucy's, but she's never worn it and its going to waste. You'll look lovely in it."

Liana looked up from the orange she was peeling. "Oh, that's sweet of you, Susan, but I don't need any new dresses."

"But you said so yourself you didn't have anything for the ball," pointed out Lucy. "It's a very pretty blue, Liana. You'll like it."

Peter looked up curiously from his plate. "Are you coming to the ball then, Liana?"

Liana blinked. Next to her, Edmund was giving his sisters suspicious looks. They both kept their gazes fixed on Liana. Edmund discreetly squeezed her hand under the table. Her face was full of confusion. "Not that I'm aware of, Your Highness."

"Oh, didn't I tell you?" Susan shook her head, blinking in innocent confusion. "Dear me, I wonder where my head has been at. You see, Lady Ivanna can't attend tonight and that puts us at an odd number of men against women. I know you only didn't want to come because you felt uncomfortable, but I really don't know what else I can do."

"Oh, well," Liana seemed to struggle for words. "Its very kind, Susan, and I appreciate it, but I am needed in the Houses. Besides, I can't keep accepting gifts from you."

"You can return the dress if you want," said Lucy diplomatically. "Trust me, Liana, asking you to come to the ball is no extraordinary kindness. You will probably hate it, but do say you'll come, for our sakes if for no one else's!"

Liana looked incredibly uncomfortable, but no one except Peter seemed to notice. He stood up from the table and gave his sisters a stern look. "You can send Liana's dress to her rooms, and if she wants to she is more than welcome to attend. But I won't have you two bullying her into it."

"I highly doubt Liana will be bullied by the likes of us," scoffed Lucy. Peter rolled his eyes and left the room, nodding to Liana on his way out, who gave him a look of gratefulness.

"I have some paperwork to do. Excuse me," Edmund's departure was abrupt.

"I'll send your dress to your rooms," said Susan, smiling angelically. Liana nodded. "If you want, you can come to my chamber and get ready with Lucy and me."

"Oh yes, please," said Lucy, her eyes shining with excitement. "You must wear flowers in your hair, Liana. It will look absolutely beautiful on you."

"I'm sure I won't need something so grand," smiled Liana. She couldn't help but be amused by Lucy's enthusiasm. "I appreciate the offer, I really do. Please don't think my reluctance rude."

"We know you too well by now, Liana," said Susan, rolling her eyes. "You couldn't offend me even if you tried. But do come. I promise you, it will be worth it."

Liana bit her lip again. She wasn't sure if she had imagined the double meaning of her friend's words. As she caught her gaze, Susan's warm brown eyes seemed to say I know everything, why on earth did you even try to hide it? It gave her a headache. She excused herself quickly and made her way to her room. Edmund was waiting for her inside.

"Is this really necessary?" asked Liana wearily. "You'll get caught and this is a hundred times more inappropriate than going for a ride together."

"I won't get caught. You told them you have a headache and they're so anxious for you to attend tonight that they won't dare to disturb you," Edmund rolled his eyes and leaned back in her chair. "I wonder why they want you to come."

"I'm not coming, Edmund."

"Why not?"

"Because there is no need and I won't know anyone there."

"Lias will come."

"Lias is my superior, not my friend."

"Susan and Lucy-"

"-are my queens. I didn't think I'd have to explain this to you," she frowned. "You're usually very good at understanding these things."

"I want you to come, Liana," sighed Edmund. "Is that really so difficult to fathom?"

"Not after this afternoon, it isn't," she rolled her eyes, but Edmund saw the light blush grace her cheeks. He smiled and stood up, holding out his hand. She took it and gladly accepted his embrace, settling her face into the crook of his neck. "I have a headache and I'm tired," her voice was a murmur. "I'll be a horrible guest."

"I don't mind."

"You won't be the only person I talk to."

"No, but you'll be the only person I dance with."

"You can't do that. People will talk."

"Let them."

"Edmund," Liana sighed and pressed a quick kiss to the nape of his neck before locking eyes with him. "This is a horrible idea."

"Anything that involves me spending time with you is not a horrible idea, Liana."

"It'll just look so odd," Liana drew away from his embrace and wrapped her arms around herself, turning away from him. "I'm a Healer, Edmund. I don't belong in the world of nobles and titles anymore. The most I can do is hope to marry well to secure my future, and even that-"

"-and even that is in danger now because you've met me," Edmund's voice was quiet as he completed her sentence. Liana bit her lip and refused to face him. She felt him approach her, but he kept his distance. His hand touched hers. "You are not someone I can leave whenever it strikes my fancy, Liana. You deserve much better than that. Please, never think that you are not safe with me."

"Its not that," she turned towards him. "You are a good, kind person, King Edmund, and you deserve to be with someone who can uphold those qualities."

"You are one hundred times a better person than I am."

"That doesn't matter. I am a commoner. You have nothing to gain by being with me."

"How can you say that?" Edmund's tone was incredulous as he looked at her. "I refuse to listen to this, Liana. You are upset and your judgment is clouded. I have enough for both of us; I don't need you to give me anything except yourself."

"Oh, Edmund, don't you see?" Liana's eyes glinted with unshed tears. "Don't you see that that is the whole problem? Of course you don't need my money or my titles! But everyone knows I need them. Everyone knows I need to marry well or I won't have a penny to my name in a few years, especially if my brother remarries. Everyone knows that because I've always been so open about it, and now…" she turned away again. Her head was pounding and she was about to burst into tears.

"And now it is backfiring," he completed her sentence again. Miserably, Liana nodded. She felt his arms wrap around her from behind. Her tears were falling freely now, but she couldn't stop them. "I don't care what people think," he murmured in her ear. "I know you, Liana. You're not capable of doing what those people may accuse you of. They don't matter to me; only you do."

Liana shook her head. A bitter smile crept upon her face. "What would you say if I told you that the real problem isn't what those people think, it is what I think?"

"I don't understand."

"The thought of getting married to someone wealthy enough to support me and yet continue my current lifestyle has plagued me for many years," Liana sighed and turned around in Edmund's arms so she could lock eyes with him. She rested a hand against his face as she took a deep breath. "I-I care about you, Edmund, I honestly do. But I don't trust myself."

"You're worried you care about me more than you should because you know I can offer you comforts that no one else can," Edmund tilted his head to one side. "Is that it?" Liana closed her eyes and made to step out of his arms, but Edmund held fast. She refused to look at him, but gave a little nod. Bracing herself, she prepared for him to push her away in disgust. To her utter surprise, he merely kissed her cheek. "Good," he murmured against her skin.

Her eyes flew open. "What-"

"I want to take care of you. I want you to know I can take care of you," he was grinning. "Honestly? It's not the worst thing in the world if you already know that."

"But I don't-"

"I know you don't want me to, and that's exactly why I want to continue doing it," Edmund shook his head. He was still smiling. "How can you be so perceptive and yet know nothing about your own heart? Forgive the cliché, Liana, but you must understand this: You care about me, and you probably have for quite some time. The fact that I want to help you makes you care more; it doesn't change why you started in the first place."

Liana continued to stare up at him, eyes wide. Edmund reached down to her level and pressed a soft kiss against her mouth, coaxing her to relinquish control. Liana became limp in his arms, but her hands clutched at his shoulders, holding him to her. She didn't know what she was feeling; her pulse was racing, tears still pricked behind her closed lids, her head hurt and she most definitely was blushing. Nevertheless, a strange calmness had settled over her troubled thoughts. They were not buried and gone; no doubt they would resurface as soon as Edmund's lips left hers. But for now, she could almost say she was content. It was strange. She had expected to be content with her marriage, not in the arms of the man who had made a crude pass at her two years ago. And yet, here she was; if she was being honest with herself, there was nowhere else she would rather be at that moment.

"Thank you," she whispered when he pulled away. His lips pressed against her forehead as her eyes opened.

"Don't thank me," his voice was hoarse. "I enjoy having any excuse to kiss you."

"I know you do," Liana rolled her eyes even as she let out a shaky breath, banishing the last of her tears.

Edmund noticed. "Don't be upset," he pleaded. "I've told you that you're worrying about nothing. What could be bothering you now?"

She smiled, biting her lip to keep from sobbing. "I can't believe my luck."

"Luck?"

"Has anyone ever told you that you're perfect, King Edmund?"

He snorted. "I am far from perfect, Liana."

She shook her head. "You're perfect to me," she gave him a short, sweet kiss, affectionate and tender. "And I am so lucky to have you."

"You'll always have me," Edmund stroked her cheek gently. "I would be a fool to let you go and, perfect or not, I am no fool."

She laughed. The tension was broken and Edmund laughed with her, still holding her close. Liana shook her head and untangled herself from his arms. "You need to leave," she told her. Her lips still twitched. "The ball is in a few hours and I have to get ready."

"You'll come?" his eyes lit up.

She laughed. "I'm afraid to leave you alone with all those beautiful women, King Edmund, now that I know what I've been missing."

Edmund bowed and took Liana's hand, pressing a quick kiss to her knuckles. "Never be afraid," he murmured. "You know where my heart belongs." Without another word, he left the room and Liana wiped away the last of her tears.