Author's Notes: Haha. It has come to my attention that the previous chapter was labelled 'Chapter the Twenty Fourth' instead of Chapter the Thirty-Fourth. Apparently I'm slipping, dear readers. Anyway, I thank you all for your encouragement and your nice reviews. I'm always flattered when someone says I match Ms Levine's style; in fanfiction that's what I try to accomplish. Normally, that is. And since this is an alternate ending, that's what I was going for. Did I succeed? Your reviews and support say I do.

I also have to say that I'm entirely amused by the sense of hatred towards Francois. I know he's the villain in his way but he's one of my favourite characters to write. He's just intense. Agree? Disagree? Let me know. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Oh, one more thing, I'd like to know what you think should happen in future chapters. I need some ideas because now I'm just blindly writing. ;D

Chapter the Thirty-Fifth

Someone once expressed the feeling that if a person doesn't want something it gives them a rush. I didn't want Francois sucking my very life from me with his savage mouth and it certainly wasn't giving me a rush. He made a pleased noise against my mouth before pulling away. He smiled at my flashing eyes, sitting back primly. He was acting like nothing had happened. But my mussed hair, crinkled gown and swollen lips said otherwise.

"You shouldn't struggle so much," he said lightly, "because I would really rather not hurt you. You have such fire and I do like it ..."

"Like it more than required," A decidedly male voice commented from the doorway.

Panic rose within me and I heard Francois mutter a curse word under his breath. He obviously recognized the voice. It wasn't Char. It wasn't Etienne. At eleven, it certainly couldn't be Andre. All colour drained from my face.

King Jerrold was standing in the doorway, arms crossed.

"F-Father!" Francois stammered.

"I'm very disappointed in you," his father said coolly. "So much for that double wedding your mother was looking forward to."

Francois' eyes were downcast, his hands folded in his lap. He looked ashamed. "I'm sorry, Father ... I do have problems controlling myself and -"

"It isn't necessarily the losing control I'm speaking of. Killing your own brother for the crown ... that isn't to be taken lightly."

"I -"

"No excuses."

"But Father -"

"I can only imagine what would have happened if Andre hadn't followed Ella."

I gaped. Andre had followed me?

"I suppose," Jerrold continued, "he was worried about his future sister-in-law and I can understand why."

Suddenly, Cyronna and Marie were at my side. They pulled me up together, giving Francois dirty looks, and led me past Jerrold. I was almost afraid to look at him as we passed but he offered me a kind smile. Then I spotted Andre next to him; he, too, smiled kindly at me. I was so grateful to him and knew I would have to thank him later.

"Come along, Princess," Marie said gently.

"There, now, steady," Cyronna added as I almost tripped over my own two feet.

They offered more soft encouragements as they led me to my room. Marie made certain I was laying comfortably on my bed before she sat down next to me, Cyronna on her other side. I thought how I'd previously thought they spoke of nothing more important than hair ribbons. I recalled the look in Marie's eyes when she had spoken of Francois.

"You need your rest, Princess. You have had a terrible ordeal." Marie said suddenly, dress rustling when she stood up. Cyronna followed suit.

"We will come to check on you later."

I nodded. They left and without curling under my covers, I fell into a fitful sleep like nothing else I had ever experienced before.

-x-

"Princess?" Sophia's soft voice woke me from my light, terrible sleep. "Are you ready to have dinner? Prince Charmont and Princess Cecilia wish for you to join them on the terrace."

"I ... how late is it?" I asked, voice scratchy from sleep.

"The sun set two hours ago."

"Oh."

"Should I just tell Mandy to come see you?"

I smiled, nodding. "Yes, I'd like that better." I said, wanting to stay in bed. I didn't trust my legs and Mandy could always make everything better. I wished inwardly for her nutty Tonic. I didn't care that it felt slimy going down. It filled me with such peace that I wanted it. "And Sophia?"

Sophia, already at the door, turned to me. "Yes, Princess?"

"Ask her to bring her Tonic."

"Yes, Princess, I will."

I waited silently, laying on my pillows. Mandy soon came, hair in disarray, eyes wide with concern. "Oh, Ella, Ella, Ella ..." she said, hugging me close. She had obviously been told about my ordeal.

"Did you bring -" I cut myself off and she produced the bottle of Tonic and a spoon. I took it and sucked it down greedily, revelling in it. Once I was finished, Mandy put the spoon and Tonic into her apron, hugging me close again. She smelt like she always did and I felt comforted. "Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?"

"Of course, sweet."

She smoothed the hair on my forehead and kissed it.

End Notes: Ahhh ... that was still so short ... my muse isn't with me these days at all. Hope you liked it anyway! Even though I'm letting you stew about what'll become of Francois. However ... don't think the drama - or the story - is over yet.