Hey guys!

Thank you to everyone who's been reviewing, it really cheers me up knowing you guys are enjoying these!

I'm currently reading "Gray's Anatomy" - Not the TV series - as in the Medical book! I know, how intellectual! Trying to stay on top of the game for when I start my Nursing Course - but this will always be my favourite hobby, even if (as pointed out to me) my grammar and clarification aren't the best they could be. I suppose it's a good thing I'm not planning on being a professional Author ey?

I'm also very excited because I've been checking my Story Stats (Thank you Fan fiction!) and have learnt that in July alone, I've had over 3280 readers from The USA! Hello America! Separately I've had registered readers from 36 countries! We've gone international people!

Having the plot already in mind, this colour is more befitting than the others…but you won't really get that until the end….

Thank you Romanian Princess for this chapters colour

Copper! Part 2/3

Tess called them The Sugar Puff Fairies. To everyone else they were Princess Opal and Princess Jade - The Twins.

They stood identical.

Both 5'6.

Both with Blonde bobs and full fringes, only Opal kept hers with a soft curl.

The same shoes.

The same dresses.

The same colour lipstick.

And of course, the same matching Crowns.

Both with sparkling sets of chocolate eyes and perfect teeth.

Tess had once said that they looked like the human incarnation of sweetness.

Thus it had come as a surprise to all the girls getting ready in the room, including her sister, when Princess Jade stated she never wished to get married.

They were lucky that the mothers had all left to join the guests downstairs, other wise there would have been a full on debate occurring.

All the girls knew where this was coming from.

"Marriage is fine for you Lia…and Rapunzel…and you Alyona…in fact its fine for all of you, but I personally don't see myself being married…I don't see the point - Just look at Mother-!"

With that there was a monumental sigh.

Everyone; from Bolnia, to Colestuine, the shores of Monada and the forests of Corona, knew about their mother.

Queen Rubina had been abandoned by her husband shortly after the birth of their daughters. When news that he had been killed by highway men reached her, she did not hand over the crown to a male heir. She kept her title and ruled the Kingdom on her own. The first to have a ruling female Monarch. The Kingdom of Amara had never been so prosperous and she was loved by her people.

However, both herself and now her daughter, had never learnt to trust men again.

"Don't listen to her Lia," Comforted Hattie, "I only wish I were as lucky as you are. Leopoldo loves you very much and nothing will ruin your day"

Lia smiled at this, the reminder of the twins mothers ruined marriage had shaken her. Opal, however made her way forwards and grasped Lia's hands in her own.

"My mother and sister are very foolish! You have the greatest gift on earth - to be in love"

Opal was so sweet and girly It made Tess shudder.

Beautiful - Yes

Smart - possibly if you could find it under all of the sparkle

Blonde? - Most definitely

It had been an incredible relief when Acelin had informed her that just talking to Princess Opal made his teeth ache.

"Tess!" Cried Sweetest Sugar Puff, "Why aren't you dressed yet?"

"I am" Tess was beginning to worry she'd be demoted from guest to "Go sit in the servants quarters where you belong" - until Lia giggled.

"No Tess, I invited you as my personal guest. You are one of my bridesmaids"

Tess wasn't sure if she was frozen with nerves or fear. Either way, she couldn't move.

A bridesmaid?

To the future Queen?

Hattie and Rapunzel led her to her own, specially made, Bridesmaid dress.

After Alyona finished tying her up, Tess felt like a Princess too.

"Oh Tess, you look beautiful" admired Rapunzel.

"She looks like-"

"One of us!" Squealed the Twins

"A vision" Alyona tenderly whispered.

"I'm so glad you could do this with us Tess!" Cried Lia, as she too was having the finishing touches made to her wedding dress. "Rapunzel could you help me with my hair?" Just as they left to make the final touch to her hair, Hattie looked at Tess slyly.

"A certain someone won't be able to keep their eyes off you"

"Who's this?" Alyona's mature sensitivity was quickly replaced by that of a Gossip Mill.

"Prince Acelin" The cries from the Sugar Puff Fairies were almost deafening.

"Tone it down girls - some people are getting married today!" laughter washed across the room and faded at the same rate as Tess' blushing face.

"We thought it was you-" Cried Opal

"But we couldn't be sure! When we heard the rumours-"

"We thought "Well that just sounds like Tess?" and it IS!"

"Only you would have captured his heart! He's so-"

"Kind and gentle! Not to mention-"

"Drop dead gorgeous! Not our type but-"

"Perfect for you!"

"-and you will be happy to know my plan is already in circulation" all the girls now turned to Jade, curious as to what she had planned.

"What plan? Oh you don't mean?-" conspired Opal, seemingly reading her sisters mind.

"I do! Who else would I have arranged to walk her down the Isle?"

"Oh you are so devious when you want to be Jade!"

"Thank you Opal, I do try"

The Sugar Puff Fairies were annoying; sweet, affectionate and cunning, but still incredibly annoying.

The other girls didn't think they would like them any other way.

The Wedding

Prince, soon to be King, Leopoldo looked like he was about to faint.

The Cathedral was huge and currently sat around three thousand guests. He stood between the priest and his father and looked paler than any Monadaen should ever look.

From Royalty to native Monadaens, everyone had arrived to witness the Royal Wedding.

To say it was stressful on him would have been a major understatement.

Eugene and Ivan stood at the back of the giant building, awaiting their turn to lead their respective woman down the isle.

"Poor guy looks like he's about to have a heart attack" acknowledged Eugene.

"I remember. Its not easy waiting for someone in front of thousands of people, I'll remind you in two months."

"Nice to see you being so supportive" The gentle scolding words of his wife caught Ivan by surprise.

"Darling!" He grabbed her waist and kissed her passionately. Eugene coughed awkwardly whilst most of the princesses giggled.

"Daaad that's gross" Cried his son, who promptly ran towards his mother, who had opened her arms awaiting a hug.

"And how are my favourite girls?" Ivan called to his daughters, both looking adorable in their own little dresses.

"Gwood Daddy" Nodding towards her mother, Irina clasped hands with her sister Kata. The music started and with that the little red head and brunette walked down the isle.

Alyona settled her baby girl in her arms whilst Ivan watched his son follow after his sisters.

With that, Alyona, Ivan and baby Nadya made their way down the isle.

Princess Jade stepped forward and linked arms with Leopoldo's brother Prince Carlos, seemingly unimpressed by the medal covered Royal garments he wore.

"Your Majesty" She curtly nodded.

"Your Majesty" For anyone else such an interaction would have appeared cold. But for Jade, it was a sign she didn't dislike him as much as she did other men.

Opal happily walked along side the next brother Eduardo, whilst Hattie followed in with Gualtiero (Her darker skin making the pair look less odd than Opal and Jade had looked with the tanned men) swiftly followed by the other three brothers who marched in after them.

Tess fiddled with the hem of her skirt, unaware of Acelin beaming at her.

"You look stunning" the gentleness in his voice shook her from her thoughts

"Really?" He winked at her, un aware of the leap her stomach did at the sight.

"Of course I do you silly goose"

They walked happily down the isle together, both basking in the delighted whispers of;

"Who's that beautiful Lady with Prince Acelin?"

And

" Prince Acelin looks to happy and in love"

Before they knew it, Eugene and Rapunzel were the final pair to make their way down the isle.

"You ready?" He clasped her hand in his. She jumped up and ran towards Lia.

"I almost forgot!" She reached into her mini bouquet and pulled out a happy looking Pascal. "I thought, if you wanted, he could be your something borrowed AND your something blue?" Tears in her eyes, Lia simply nodded and allowed him to wriggle his way deep into the Princesses large bouquet of hydrangeas and forget-me-nots. Rapunzel made her way back to Eugene and grinned.

"I'm ready" They smiled at one another before he placed a kiss atop her head.

"And in two months, This will be our day. I promise."

They made their way down the long isle and separated at the Alter. Eugene stood between Ivan and Carlos whilst Rapunzel stood waiting for her friend.

The wedding march began and as Princess Lia made her way down the isle, as far as Leopoldo was concerned, no one else in the world mattered.

Her white dress floated around her and appeared almost as though she too were gliding.

She looked like an angel. She shone in the light of the Cathedral and beamed at him, making both their worries vanish.

Today was their Wedding day.

Today was their Coronation.

Today was the beginning of the rest of their lives.

Later that Night

The Kingdom rejoiced throughout the night and the Royals all waved their friends good bye as they departed for their honeymoon.

Most of the Monarchs had begun drinking and dancing, much to the amusement of the sober.

Ivan had just made his was back from putting his children to bed and sat beside Eugene.

"Where's your Rapunzel?" Eugene pointed over to the corner where his tired girlfriend sat with Princess Hattie.

"Over there. She's still recovering from her attack but didn't want to go to bed just yet."

Ivan shook his head in admiration.

"I've gotta say Eugene, I'm impressed with you. If anyone even tried to hurt my Ally-Cat I'd be a wreak. Not even the macho, smashing things wreak. The emotional break down kind!"

"Good to know"

"Why?"

"Because I was." Both men chuckled and grabbed a drink from the table.

They hadn't heard the commotion from the other side of the room, all they saw was their dear friend Acelin storming out of the room with a look they had never seen on his face.

Anger.

"That's odd…"

"Tell me about it…"

Before they had chance to discuss the unusual event, the music in the room stopped and three guards stood at the door, clearly just arriving at the Palace.

"Your Majesties! Where is Prince Acelin!" The guard looked panicked and fear spread throughout the room.

"He just left now, why?" Called Ivan, quick to change into the role of a leader.

"Your Highness we have grave news…"

Five Minutes Earlier

No one in the room enjoyed a Royal gathering as much as Prince Acelin. He had pulled strings so that a few select servants to come as well, knowing Tess would appreciate that he made it possible for Caleb to join in. Said young man was now talking animatedly with Princess Opal, who, even from a distance, he could tell was flirting with him.

He shook it off with a smile and made his way across the room in search of Tess.

She had looked more than stunning today. She had been the most beautiful woman in all the world.

It was then that he saw her stood with Prince Marcos, renound womaniser.

He was also known for persuading women into leaving their current suitors, taking what he wanted and leaving the poor woman alone and miserable.

Two unfamiliar emotions stabbed at Acelin;

The first being that of anger that anyone would dare try to hurt his beloved Tess.

The second being jealousy that Tess might prefer the Monadaen Prince to himself.

With that he marched over to them.

"Tess, would you mind coming outside with me?" Tess stared at him in wonder.

"Sorry Acelin, I'll come out in a minute. Prince Marcos was just telling me about-"

"Please Tess I really think you should come" with that he grabbed her hand and tried to get her away from the leering eyes of the other Prince.

Acelin knew that look.

It was the look Marcos gave when he found his prey.

Acelin would not allow her to suffer at his hands.

When they had finally made their way to the other side of the room, Tess pulled her hand away from him and glared at him.

"What do you think your doing Acelin? That was very rude!"

"I'm sorry Tess - but he has a certain reputation and I don't want you-"

"I can look after myself Acelin. I was doing it long before I met you." She was angry with him. It both broke his heart and riled his spirit. For the first time in his life, Acelin finally understood why people said love was crazy.

"I'm just trying to protect you Tess…"

"Well maybe I don't need protecting Acelin! I don't need anyone! I'm just fine on my own!"

"Why can't you see that I love you too much to watch you get hurt!"

He had finally said it.

They had both felt it, thought it, but neither had the courage to tell each other that they Loved one another.

Not until then.

"Acelin I-"

But it was too late.

Acelin stormed out of the Palace and onto the beach that lay before it.

His feet stopped him walking straight into the ocean and never stopping.

It hadn't been the romantic confession he had been planning. It was nothing like what he had planned.

Despite the short time they had known one another, Acelin understood Tess completely. She needed time, she wouldn't rush into telling him how she felt.

So he was going to wait until Eugene and Rapunzel's Wedding.

But now he had said it.

In a moment of hurt and passionate anger.

Acelin was more angry with himself than anyone else involved.

He was the calm one. The happy peacemaker.

He was not the one who dragged the woman he loved about and try to force her not to speak to someone.

Acelin was not a suspicious man, thus did not question the hooded figure making his way towards him.

"Everything alright there Prince Acelin?" The hooded figure sounded older than himself, but not the voice of an old man as he had anticipated.

"What? Oh, yes, yes, I'll be fine. Just…well…women I suppose"

A hum of agreement from the stranger.

"I see you attended the wedding today." Acelin nodded in agreement. "And you will be attending the Coronan Wedding too I suspect?"

"I highly look forward to it"

"I would have too…but then she's decided to marry that half brained excuse of a man"

Still riled from earlier and adrenaline still pumping threw his veins, Acelin stood to defend his friend.

"That is poor show for a man who does not know him. Eugene is one of the kindest men I have ever met and consider him a close friend. What ever he has done in his past cannot warrant such a -"

Prince Acelin had not expected the harsh blow to his torso.

He doubled over in pain and fell into the sand.

Another hit to his face followed.

"That commoner humiliated me in front of hundreds of Royal guests!"

Another blow now, this one applied to the back of his head. By the handle of the strangers sword.

Acelin immediately tasted blood. A mixture of copper and other foul tastes filled his mouth.

"Your brother mentioned a girl"

"My…my brother?" Acelin coughed out "When did you see my brother?"

"Oh only the other day. I had wondered why you were not with him, I had hoped to see the two of you together. He told me you left in pursuit of a servant girl, living with in Corona. I must say, even for a fool like you Acelin, I had never imagined you going after a commoner" the stranger spat.

"How dare you speak about her in such a manner!"

Acelin tried to stand but the stranger made another blow to his abdomen.

More copper stained blood erupted from his mouth.

"My dear boy, so quick to defend her…If my assumptions were correct I'd say you loved the dirty little commoner…Pity" With this the stranger drew his sword and placed the hilt at the young Princes throat.

"You're far to sensitive little Prince…Lead with your heart - Just like your Mother, aren't you?"

The calm tones of the strangers voice sent chills threw Acelin's spine.

"Pretty little Josianne. She fell in love with a commoner too. She's handed a Kingdom all of her own by her father and gives it to the first young man who she falls in love with. And then she spawns your brother and yourself…. You look just like her Acelin. Same hair, same eyes…only you have your fathers chin. I should know of course - she was my sister."

There was no sadness in his voice when he mentioned his deceased sister. Only coldness. "She got herself killed because she was too kind…Silly girl. Did you know that I was the heir to the Opeamene Throne?…that is, of course, if you and your Brother hadn't been born. And now Corona is about to lose their crown to another commoner…shame. But I'm going to get my crown Prince Acelin"

The stranger quickly withdrew his sword. Acelin had let out a breath of relief but the terror spread again when the man began to laugh.

"How foolish of me, you are not a Prince any more, King Acelin…"

"No" His brother. His only family left.

"He begged me to spare you-" His beloved Brother.

"Begged me not to kill you like I killed him. As I am a good man I will keep my word." He smiled and placed the sword ready to strike him threw the heart. "I shan't cut your throat and watch you die like I did Charlton-"

Dead

"-I shall simply watch you bleed to death."

And with that, struck.

If it had not been for the cries from the palace, the wound would have killed him almost instantly.

But the stranger had been distracted, thus striking him across the chest.

He retracted the sword and looked around with panicked eyes.

Before fleeing he grabbed Acelin by his now, battered face.

His copper scented blood running across his face and torso.

"I will find you again little King. And next time I will not be so merciful"

Ivan and Eugene sprinted across the Palace grounds, desperate in their search to find their friend.

Eugene felt his heart swell in hope at seeing Tess.

"Tess have you seen Acelin?" Worry immediately flooded into the young girl.

"He left about half an hour ago…what's wrong?" Dread. She felt it course threw her veins before she even knew what had happened.

Ivan spoke up, un aware of the panic already setting in on Tess.

"His brother, King Charlton was found dead this morning. It is of strict importance he is not left alone."

Before Tess had time to begin to worry, terror spread throughout the Palace.

The scream could have been heard from miles around.

The marble of the entrance hall was stained red.

Laying there, gasping for air, was Acelin.

Oh no! Another Cliff Hanger!

What did you expect from me though, its half way threw!

If you guys hadn't been able to tell from my not so subtle clue in here, Well done Penguin and Wolfram-and-Hart-Sauron for correctly guessing! You clever sausages!

Cookies for both of you!

Shall update the final part soon! Reviews = Love and happy writer. Happy Writer = I don't kill off any of my good characters or make them upset.

Colours are needed! Check out Wikipedia's colour page….I've never seen so many colours before…O.0

All my love to you guys!

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx