A/N: Hugeeee apology for taking so long with this chapter. It's rather short, even :O I've been super busy with school. Anyway, please let me know what you think. Questions asked in the reviews are answered at the end of the chapter. R&R please!

Chapter 9: Making Amends

Oritel gathered everything he needed atop of his desk, ready to head out yet again. He'd been restless during the past couple of days, taking silent strolls through the palace halls during the late hours of the night.

"Headed somewhere..?" his mother asked. He looked up to see her standing in the doorway, in her usual elegant stance.

"Dad asked me to cover for him at today's audience" he told her. Regina nodded understandingly.

"As you should. It won't be long before you take up the throne and it becomes your sole responsibility"

Oritel knew exactly what she was hinting at but decided to let it go. Ignorance was bliss, as they often said…

"I haven't seen Blair in a couple of days. I've been meaning to ask you but you've been busy lately. Did something happen..?" his mother asked, inevitably. Oritel answered as patiently as he possibly could, this was his mother after all. No matter how hesitant he was to speak of the subject.

Though it didn't mean that the subject was really forgotten. He was simply buying his time, choosing the best way to go about all of this.

"Nothing at all. She simply came to warn me about De la Cour's son", he explained. His mother raised her blond brows, seemingly bewildered.

"Which one..?"

"Alister", he replied. Even the name had a bitter taste on his tongue.

"Her very own brother?"

"He's not a decent man, mother" Oritel replied calmly, "I've always known this but she wanted to remind me, just the same".

Regina eyed him curiously. Her son was never very expressive but in the last couple of days something about that had changed. Not only did he carry his emotions in his eyes but he seemed to be hassled by something.

"I should really go" he said, kissing her cheek swiftly before stepping out of his office. Regina provided him with a light smile, not being the expressive type herself. Perhaps her son was finally taking more after his father in that sense. Or maybe it had everything to do with Damon's daughter, the girl she'd initially frowned upon. Regina sighed, if it affected her son to this degree, had they really done the right thing? She was watching out for Domino. As Queen, it wasn't just her priority but her responsibility to do so.

But then, what of her son? Regina stared after him in dismay.

x-x-x-x-x-x

"I want you to investigate everything you can on this arrangement, the dowry they offered, dates, everything" he ordered.

"So you're really going through with this?" Phillip, his assistant asked.

"Should I make myself known..?" he asked hesitantly. Oritel thought about it for a moment.

"Don't. Under no circumstances should they know you work for me", Phillip nodded.

"Very well"

Never in his life had be expected to be this anxious to break up an engagement. Not even in his wildest dreams would he have expected such a thing. It had been several days since he'd last spoken to Marion and every fiber of his being wanted to call her, to know how she was doing, send her a letter, anything. But he had to go about this with caution. She was a promised woman now and the last thing he wanted to look like in front of her family, was indecent. He was still the soon-to-be-King. Not that his title really mattered to him at the moment.

He now found that he was willing to do pretty much anything to end this and have Marion back. And he was confident that he would. All the power he ever had and never meant to exploit was now the anchor he was counting on to pull them out of this.

Flashback

"Why wasn't I informed?" he replied, aghast. His father sighed, a saddened expression took over his features.

"Believe me son, it was our intention. Unfortunately, I made the grave mistake of keeping this from your mother. The moment she found out, we realized that we'd both taken different directions",

"What does that mean…?"

"Your mother had considered Samara of Eraklyon as your bride, while I had already given Lord Damon my word. Your mother wasn't entirely convinced that Marion would be up for the task of becoming Queen. And frankly I can't say that I blame her, you better than anyone can understand what a great responsibility it is"

"And what do you think?" Oritel asked his father.

"Judging from what I've seen…I'd say she's as humble as they come. A dedicated, hard-working young woman. I have to say, all political matters aside, the moment I met her I had a strong feeling that the two of you would get along" his father confessed.

"We do"

"Oritel if this is really what you want-"

"She's engaged" Oritel responded hastily. His father looked down at his hands, and sat back in his seat, looking troubled.

"You already knew" Oritel felt as though he were talking more to himself.

"I was informed just a few days ago by Alister's father. We're supporting his company, he contacted me to inform me of another subject and mentioned Marion and Alister as soon as I asked about his sons"

"Father, I've never gone against your wishes…but Samara…isn't someone I see myself ever falling in love with" Oritel admitted openly.

"I can understand why Lord Damon came to this decision. He had every right to. After receiving his family in our palace, after meeting his daughter, we all but gave him the cold shoulder! I've never been more ashamed" his father said harshly, shaking his head.

"Son, as King of Domino, I do still have the final word. If this is something that you want, I can still decide in spite of your mother, but I can't guarantee that I'll be able to make amends with Marion's father. Heaven knows that I would have done the same had it been my daughter in Marion's place"

"I wish not to disgrace you or the Queen. But I do believe that Marion would make a fit Queen for Domino, father, if I were somehow able to change Lord Damon's mind, if I ask for her hand-"

"If what you're asking is my permission to court Lady Marion, than I must warn you to watch your distance. She is engaged now. And for the record, my deal with Alister's father has no business here. Only her dignity and your position as crowned Prince. In my eyes, both hold the same importance. But yes, if you can in some way sway Damon's decision, then I'd be honored to accept her in my home", his father concluded.

End of Flashback

Marion sat on the old wooden bench looking out toward the lake. Her emotions were a turmoil. She was mad at her father for promising her to Alister, sorry because she was well aware that he didn't know any better and was only trying to do what was best, disappointed because…well, she wasn't sure why exactly. But when she'd confessed to Oritel that she was now engaged to someone else, a part of her had expected him not to settle.

Who was she kidding? Of course she didn't want him to just settle! Even she was having a hard time accepting it. What Marion really wished was that Oritel would fight with her. More than anything, she wanted to hear him say that he refused to give up on them or whatever they seemed to have. But instead, he'd retreated completely. It'd been days since she'd last heard from him.

"Hey" a familiar voice settled itself right by her side.

"I thought I'd find you here. How do you feel..?" her brother asked, nudging her lightly.

"I'm not mad at our father, if that's what you mean" she told him, earnest.

"Nobody would blame you for being upset Marion. It's okay to let it out every now and then, there's no need to hide it…At least not with me. He promised you off to a complete psychopath"

"He didn't know any better"

"But he does now. And he still hasn't changed his decision" Demetri told her, and when Marion stared at him confused, he continued,

"I told him I didn't think Alister was good for you- or anyone for that matter. Still, dad refuses to listen"

"His pride was wounded" she said simply. Demetri scoffed.

"And his pride justifies what he's doing…?"

"That's not what I'm saying" she argued.

"Then what are you saying?"

"Look even if I wanted out of this, Oritel isn't interested in me anymore"

"Who said you had to do it for Oritel?" Her brother asked quizzically.

"I think you owe it to yourself, little sister. With or without a man by your side, you're worth more than this" he said before standing and leaving her on her own.

Marion furrowed her brows. With or without a man…Demetri was right. Marion was starting to realize what a fool she was being. She was sitting there waiting for a Prince to come and rescue her when she'd always vowed to rescue herself. When she'd prepared all her life to be ready, but not for marriage specifically. She'd done it for herself, because she wanted to make it far. On her own.

Normally, she wasn't one to rebel. In other circumstances, Marion simply would've adjusted to society's traditions. It was the right thing to do. But everything about this engagement was wrong. With that in mind, she took a deep breath and stood up.

Marion was going to face this on her own.

Later that evening, the table was set. Marion wore the black satin dress with matching gloves that her mother had set apart specifically for tonight. After Luna finished adjusting her makeup, Marion pulled her curly hair up into an elegant bun with a few loose curls falling delicately at each side of her face. Gazing at their reflections one final time, they left her bedroom and made her way toward the living room where her family awaited.

"If it's it gets overwhelming, just take a minute. But give me a sign first, so I know when to start talking"

"Got it" Marion agreed. It was really a big relief to have her best friend here to support her cause. If she needed to step out for whatever reason, Luna would make sure it went unnoticed, or at least as unnoticed as the bride's absence could be. Luna had more experience with dinners and social events than she ever would, anyway.

"I've never seen anyone look more beautiful" her father told her as she walked down the stairs. Marion gave him a small smile. This was her father, her protector. Deep down, Marion knew her father wasn't truly aware of the seriousness of the situation. He considered her outburst and her brothers' to be a mixture of stubbornness and juvenile hormones.

"Our guests should be here any minute. I expect everyone to be on their best behavior" Damon said, eyeing her brother who was lounging lazily on the couch-in his best attire- nevertheless. Her mother rubbed her hands together anxiously. It wasn't long before their servant rushed in, breathless, to announce the arrival of the family of her soon-to-be-husband and worst nightmare.

"Lord Damon", the same short, robust man she'd seen that day at the Royal Ball, now greeted them. He looked at her rather sternly. Not enough to look offensive but he wasn't exactly warming up to her, either.

"Young lady" he said, in a neutral tone.

"Lord Argan, Sir" she curtseyed.

Behind the man, a line of people followed. Alister was first, followed by three other young looking men who she figured were his brothers, then Blair, and lastly his step-mother, Lady Ofelia. Surprisingly, Blair didn't look happy in the slightest.

Alister stepped toward her father offering a firm handshake and then stood in front of her. Not waiting for her permission, he took her hand forcedly and kissed it, his eyes remaining glued to hers all the while. Marion made her biggest effort to smile.

"I have to say, my fiancée looks gorgeous tonight" he mused, not caring that both their fathers were standing a measly two feet away. Marion subtly pulled her hand out of his grasp.

"You are much too kind, Lord Alister" she bit out.

"Well, since we're all here, shall we have a seat?" Damon proposed.

"It looks like you've prepared a feast" Lady Ofelia mused. Her father beamed with pride.

"Well, it's not every day that my only daughter celebrates her engagement"

"I wish I could say the same" Lord Argan muttered, scowling at his sons, to which they all shared a laugh. Blair was obviously not included in his joke, Marion noted. Perhaps it was because he wasn't her biological father, but Marion found it rude, just the same.

Alister's brother stepped next to him and shook Marion's hand, almost too excited.

"Forgive us, I'm Selym, a pleasure to finally meet you. Now I understand what all the fuss was about", Marion blushed and rolled her eyes.

"Marion, and I wish I understood it myself" she replied, to which Selym burst out laughing, earning himself a scornful look from his younger brother. Meanwhile, Blair stood back in a foul mood, with a glare as dark as the night sky.

"Marion studies at Alfea College, as a matter-of-fact" her father commented.

"Hmph…" was the only response Alister's father could come up, not really bothering to hide his lack of interest, while Ofelia nodded and praised.

Alister, who sat by Marion side, made another attempt at grasping her hand underneath the table. Marion's eyes widened while she quickly tried to slip her hand out of his. But his grip only tightened, almost painfully.

"Don't. We're engaged now, or need I remind you?" he whispered through gritted teeth, the smile never leaving his face.

"Tell us dear, how are your studies going? Blair was interested in entering Alfea but, alas, we chose another school in the end", her mother revealed. Blair only raised her eyes to glare at Ofelia, but made no comment.

"Quite well, madam, Alfea is a great school" she replied, politely.

"She's being modest" her own mother laughed lightly, "She's one of the best students in her class", Grace stated.

"Keep your hands off me before I hurt you" Marion whispered, maintaining a visibly calm façade while the women spoke. Two could play at this game…

"Don't be difficult with me, sweetheart. It'll cost you" he whispered a little more harshly, squeezing her hand just a little tighter. Luna eyed them curiously while lifting her glass of wine for another taste.

"See if I care" she shot back. While they bickered, the rest of their guests continued chatting, courtesy of Lady Ofelia who never seemed to run out of things to say. Marion was convinced, however, that Alister's father hadn't come here voluntarily. Nor was he happy with this union to which Marion had to admit she was pleased. At least she had someone else on her side other than her brother.

When she finally couldn't take it anymore and a panic attack was at bay, she excused herself from the table muttering a quick apology.

Just as Marion stood up and turned away, Alister took hold of her wrist, still grinning for their guests.

"You'll learn to love me like Oritel. No woman rejects me and gets away with it", Marion simply nodded, no matter how angry she was, she couldn't do this in front of them and screaming clearly wasn't an option now.

As soon as she was out of the dining room, Marion ripped her satin gloves off her hands.

"Milady! What are you-" Serenity attempted but Marion stomped right passed her and through the front door. Even the chilly night air wasn't enough to cool her down. She placed a hand on her chest and took in a big gust of air into her lungs.

"Marion..?" she heard a voice call out to her in the darkness. Marion's eyes shot open and she nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound. She knew that voice…but it couldn't be. She squinted her eyes, her vision adjusting to the darkness.

"Oritel…?"

Within a matter of seconds, her feet were running-high heels and all- toward the man she never thought she'd see again. Oritel caught her in his strong arms, pulling her against his chest.

Marion took in his strong scent and for the first time in several days, it no longer hurt to breath.

"What are you doing out here all alone?" he asked in a raspy voice.

"My father invited Alister and his family over tonight" she said quietly, fearing that he would let her go.

"How's it going?"

"Horrible. Worse than anything I've ever imagined!" Marion whined shamelessly. She couldn't see his expression because her face was safely tucked in his neck, but the next time Oritel spoke his voice was rather amused.

"Worse than Griselda's classes, perhaps?"

"I'll have to hug Griselda the next time I see her" she declared, burying her face in his broad chest. Oritel laughed wholeheartedly before kissing her forehead.

"What are you doing here?" she asked. There was a long pause before he spoke,

"I've missed you…" another pause, "I wasn't planning on coming inside, I just…I didn't think that far ahead" he admitted. Marion giggled against him.

"I'm glad you're here" she breathed, holding onto him just a little bit tighter.

"I'd kidnap you if I could"

"Please do, I'll be very quiet" she agreed to which he laughed again, his eyes shining with pure joy. Oritel was glad to know that she'd been suffering without him just as much as he, without her. It was pure torture to imagine her in the arms of another man, so much that by this point he was close to insanity.

"I didn't think I'd ever see you again" she told him quietly. Oritel pulled away and held her face in his hands.

"That would probably be the right thing to do, wouldn't it?" he said, in a light tone. Marion bit her bottom lip unsure of what to say, but his next statement surprised her yet again.

"But I can't stay away from you"

"I don't want to marry him" she burst out, "I never did. Oritel, my father set this up, because-"

"I know, I know" he stopped her, "I spoke to my father"

"What..?"

"You were meant for me in more ways than one. When you told me you were engaged to someone else I…I almost gave up. I lost it" he said, sighing. After years of knowing him from afar as the solid Commander in chief and Prince, it was the first time that he looked so….vulnerable. Marion stared up at him, perplexed.

"But I know now that I can't. I'll be the King of Domino soon and as such, I know that it's wrong for me to be here, or to ask this of you. But…don't marry him" he said finally.

"Oritel…I-"

"I want to do this the right way. I won't ask you break any rules nor rebel against your parents, Marion. But I need you to trust me-", she pressed her index finger against his lips, silencing him.

"Even if you hadn't come here tonight Oritel, I can't stay engaged to him. Alister isn't doing this for love at all, he's wants revenge. The only thing I'd be doing is putting myself in danger. My father will probably hate me for this now, but he'd hate himself even more after we married. Please don't feel guilty if I must fight back"

Oritel's eyes darkened after she said this, Marion could tell what he was thinking. Alister had no respect for women whatsoever. It was sickening.

"Then you won't be fighting alone" he declared. Marion smiled, his vow almost bringing her to tears.

"Demetri's on our side, and Alister's father doesn't look too happy with this either"

"Good. I can use that to my advantage" he agreed, and tilted his head to the side,

"Is there something else..?" he asked, attempting to decipher her expression.

"It's Blair…she doesn't look too happy either? I'm assuming she's here tonight out of obligation"

"Blair's here?" Oritel was taken aback, all of a sudden. Marion narrowed her eyes,

"Yes…she's here" she said slowly, "Why does that surprise you..?"

Oritel looked toward her house for a moment, before speaking again, looking uncomfortable.

"She must be upset. After I spoke to my father, Blair's step-father called. I suppose Blair told him that I wasn't engaged to anyone and he asked my father to form an alliance with his family, by marrying the two of us"

"Blair asked to marry you..?" Marion repeated, astounded. Oritel nodded,

"My father turned him down. I told him there's no other woman for me besides you", he stated. Marion blushed, but internally she was elated. That explained why Blair couldn't celebrate that she was in some way, out of her path toward Oritel.

"I'm not leaving your side" he said, pulling her out of her thoughts, "By the way, your guests must have noticed your absence by now"

"I'll only be another second", she said, looking toward the window of her home where Luna stood, giving her a thumbs up before letting the curtain fall again.

Marion sighed, content. What she'd initially considered to be the worst night,

Had quickly become her absolute best.

1) So sorry for the confusion, Lord Argan is Alister's father, De la Cour is their family name (last name, etc). In this case, it was Alister and Marion's fathers who agreed upon their marriage.

2)There was another interesting question regarding Daphne's hair color, and this goes for both the series and my story, I would think that someone in either Marion or Oritel's families had blond hair. It's actually common for people to inherit traits from their grandparents and I think this would be the case. In my story, its Oritel's mother who has blond hair. The same would go for Bloom's eye color, whereas her red hair is definitely inherited from her mother :) The series doesn't reveal much of Marion and Oritel's backgrounds except for the family tree in season 2 (which looking very closely, sort of indicates that it was Oritel who was of royal blood out of the two). Still wish we could've seen more!

Oh and a HUGE thank you for those who have been worried, or wondering if I'm alright or if I fell off the face of the earth! lol so grateful, thank you so much for reviewing and following this story. You guys make me love writing even more. Some of you have such awesome ideas I'm just waiting to use :) So as always, please review, let me know what you think. Until next time! XoXo