::there is an adorably cute alex part coming up.he's so cute! And don't
worry, I am a die-hard candygirl so look forward to much of that!::
Part Three
"What could be taking your daughter so long?!"
"I do not know my dear," King Raoul said calmly. He didn't need to look at his wife to know that she was in one of her usual fits. He merely needed to hear the shrill tone of her voice.
"I swear the entire imperial army could be ready for battle in half the time it takes for her to get her gown on." She looked challengingly at the king.
He knew she wanted a fight, but he wouldn't give her the pleasure of angering him. "I believe that possible, you are very insightful my dear." He chuckled to himself, knowing by complimenting her he was only adding fuel to the fire.
She rolled her eyes at the complement. "I know that dear, but still. . ." she paused, "Death could be at her heels and she would still pitter-patter around."
As if on cue, Princess Liz walked through the dining hall entry. She didn't necessarily pitter-patter, but she certainly walked in without any haste. She looked splendid in her gown, even though it was one from the 'Ok' pile. It was twilight blue with a full skirt. Her sleeves clung tightly to her shoulders and arms then loosened after her elbows, widening into large bell shapes. Small, cream colored hands peeked out from them. Liz did have to admit that this gown wasn't really all that bad; it was quite beautiful really. Intricate sky blue and silver embroideries made her seem like a delicate, living tapestry. Her chestnut hair was pulled back into a neat knot, allowing her tiara to sit neatly on her head. She was truly a picture of beauty and grace.
Maria followed the princess closely. Although she was not allowed to attend the feast next to her friend, she was not one to show up ill dressed. She wore her best gown (an old one of Liz's) like a queen. It was far less dramatic than Liz's, but it looked nice on her. It was rose petal pink with a paler pink ribbon hanging down from each of her long sleeved elbows. It was a simpler design than Liz's, no embroidery just gold trimmed. Her blonde hair gently framed her bright face. A bystander might have said she looked like an angel at that moment.
Queen Eleanor huffed at their arrival.
The king smiled broadly. "At last, my dearest daughter has showed up! We feared you were kidnapped by robbers!"
Princess Liz returned her father's warm smile. "No sir! I'm sure no robber would want me a'tall!"
"Nor would I let anyone take her, your Majesty," Maria added quickly.
The king nodded. "I'm sure that is true." He embraced his daughter and she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Maria looked longingly at them. She never knew her father and had always wished that one day, somehow, he would appear, gather her in his arms and swing her around telling her how much he loved her. I don't even know if he is alive, she thought to herself. She glanced towards the queen. Almost instantly she jerked back, the queen had an icy stare so cold it could freeze the fires of hell.
"I'm t'go now, if it is all right with your Majesties?" Maria wanted to get away as quickly as she could.
"Of course my dear," replied the king.
Liz winked, "I'll be seeing you later." She had not seen the queen's look.
Maria turned quickly on her heel and walked towards the other end of the hall. Her thoughts were spinning in her head. Why did the queen have that look on her face? She bit her thumbnail, she always did when she was nervous. Why was she looking at Liz like that? Was she jealous? "Of her daughter? That's absurd," she mumbled.
"What's absurd?" asked a rather gangly looking boy in a nobleman's outfit.
Maria turned her attention to the boy as he joined in stride next to her. She had to look up actually; he towered over her at 6' 2". "You are," she smiled.
The boy mocked an arrow in his heart. "You pierce me with your cruel words."
Maria rolled her eyes. That only encouraged the boy more; he proceeded to make various faces, all of which were insanely crazy. She shook her head, "You really are crazy, you know that Alex?"
"Me crazy? I think you be wrong." Alex lifted the corner of his mouth into a charming half smile.
Maria couldn't stop herself from grinning; she even let a giggle escape.
"Now there's my bright smile," winked Alex. He slung his arm around her shoulder and guided her out the door.
Maria scrunched her nose, "Where are we going?"
"It would be a sin not to enjoy the garden on a day like this. Just look at those flowers, listen to the birds, feel the sun on your face."
It was springtime at the palace gardens, a time when everything was born anew. It was a beautiful day, just like Alex said it was. They strolled along the well-worn path, watching the gardeners run about like busy little bees making last minute touches to make everything perfect. Maria breathed in deeply, taking in the sweet, heavy smell of nature. It cleared her head, allowing her to ignore the heaviness of her heart and feel as light as a butterfly. She breathed in again and smelled Alex's warm, spicy scent. It jolted her into reality.
"If you make me late for the feast, I swear . . ." she didn't finish.
"Don't be a worry-wart." Alex had brought her here on purpose. He was worried, there was something troubling her and it would do her no good to keep it bottled in. The garden usually made her feel better. "Now tell me Mari, what's on your mind?"
Maria looked up at him, he was watching her intently. "What do you mean?" she asked innocently.
"Well, when I came up to you just now, you had that look about you that you were thinking about something very, very hard. You know your face could get stuck screwed up that way for the rest of your life. Its true, my mother told me about a guy it happened to once."
"I think she was talking about you boy," Maria laughed.
"You're just jealous. Anyways, I thought you might want to talk about it some." He looked questioningly at her.
"It really wasn't anything," she explained. Alex raised an eyebrow. "Seriously, just some silly speculations I had. Nothing serious."
Alex knew she was holding back something. However silly she acted, Maria never had silly thoughts and he could tell by the tone of her voice whatever the problem was, it was still bothering her. It bothered him that she had not quite been acting like herself the past couple weeks. Ever since that notice of Prince Max's coming. He didn't want to push her however, because she could be as stubborn as a mule. "Well, if and when you want to talk, even about silly stuff, you can always come to me. You know that right?"
Maria nodded, "Of course. I know I can't get rid of you," she smiled mischievously, "Believe me, I've tried. Everything thought possible since I first saw your scruffy self eight years ago."
Alex laughed out loud, "Got that right Dearie!"
o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o
Princess Liz sat in her seat trying to hide a yawn. She looked quickly to her right, to make sure her mother had not seen it. She did not want to make the queen anymore pissed off than what she already was. Liz had already been given a scolding for being late, but it seemed that Prince Max had never been told the time for dinner. As it was, the prince was nearly a half-hour late. Liz looked around her, trying to find something to ease her boredom. She saw servants bustling around, showing local dignitaries to their seats, and adding last minute touches to everything. She looked farther to the back of the hall and saw Maria come in with a tall youth.
"I wonder who that is," she murmured. She couldn't make out the face of the young man. Finally, there is something a tad bit interesting and I can't make out anything, she thought. She did see them quickly take their places at the end of the long table. A pair of trumpeters announced the arrival of the prince, at last.
He strode in quickly, not waiting for the herald to introduce him properly. He was dressed as finely as a prince should. He wore a dark blue tunic over a silver shirt with gray hose and soft leather boots. His dark raven hair was trimmed and combed neatly. He wore no jewelry except for a single gold ring with his royal seal on it, identifying him as a prince. He did not need to wear any adornments however; his bright clear eyes captured Liz's attention right off the bat.
"My sincerest apologies, you Majesties. I was unaware of the time." Prince Max's voice was deep and powerful, it commanded attention. "My journey was very tiring and I fell asleep in my new quarters," he bowed his head, "That was quite embarrassing, but I truly am sorry. I didn't mean to be late."
The king and queen nodded in unison. The queen plastered on a fake smile to hide her annoyance. The king, however, was genuinely merry.
"Its certainly right Prince Maxwell. I just hope you have gotten enough sleep, it would be a pity if you fell asleep now," his voice dripped with sarcasm.
Max smiled, "Yes of course your Majesty."
"Ok then, lets get this party started!" He raised his hands, "Come let us show the prince how we treat our guests!"
Music erupted from the minstrels in the balcony above. It was cheery and pleasant, perfect to start out a happy meal. Indeed it was, for everyone. The queen got over her anger after she found out the prince was very charming. The king was by nature a happy person, but it helped that his wife wasn't grumbling for once. Prince Max enjoyed talking to the king and found the roasted venison particularly delicious, it reminded him of home. Maria forgot her troubles while with Alex and all his zany antics. He loved to make her laugh.
Then there was Liz; you could say she had the best time out of all of them. She didn't eat or talk much, everything around her faded into a dull blur as she watched Max. He was sitting by her father, three seats over. She couldn't speak to him, but she could hear his voice. It was mellifluous, not exactly music to her ears, it moved her deep inside. One good point about her seat was that she could study his face intently without him thinking she was a lunatic. She traced the lines of his perfect nose, regal cheekbones, full lips, and strong jaw with her eyes. She kept wandering back to his eyes. They were the most beautiful ones she had ever seen. Bright and clear, they revealed an intelligent, noble and caring person. Max had cast a spell over Liz the first time she had seen him and now he was doing it all over again.
What is wrong with me? She thought. Why am I so attracted to this guy? I've only met him once. The princess rested her chin between her palms. The music ended with a great flourish and people began to withdraw from the hall. Her father and mother escorted the prince outside to look at the gardens. Isn't that great! My mother forgot to introduce me to Max, I think she liked his charm a little too much. Liz sighed and pushed her thoughts to the back of her mind. She watched Maria say goodbye to her friend and walk towards her.
"So how was it?" asked Maria. She walked up to Liz with a bright smile, "Too preoccupied?"
Liz looked puzzled, "What do you mean?"
She gestured towards Liz's plate, "It hasn't been touched. I take it you didn't feel like eating . . . you felt something else?" She giggled.
"Oh thanks for making fun of my feelings! I thought you were my best friend."
Maria shrugged, "Its what I'm supposed to do. Don't be so sensitive."
"Then can I rag on you about that guy I saw you with?" she questioned.
"What guy?" the blonde squinted.
"At dinner . . ."
Maria's eyes opened wide. "Oh that guy?"
Liz's faced lit up, "Oh! So there were others I take it."
Maria rolled her eyes, "I wish, no it was just Alex you saw me with. Couldn't you tell?"
"No, you guys were too far away. All I saw was a tall, skinny, fuzzy shape. You guys looked like you were having a good time though. . ." the princess drifted off.
"So you were thinking I was actually being courted by someone? By ALEX?! Our Alex?! Alex, the crazy guy that we've known since we were nine?" Maria grabbed Liz's shoulders, "The one everyone calls 'Duke Alex the absurd'? That guy? That's hilarious!!!" Maria started to laugh really hard, her shoulders shook and her eyes began to tear.
Liz looked like she was trying not to laugh, "Hey, its possible, just because he is a duke doesn't mean he can't fall for you. Besides, I couldn't see who it was."
Maria continued laughing, "That's the dumbest excuse I've ever heard woman! Just admit that you were so completely wrong that it hurts. Seriously, do you really think either one of us will EVER see him as something other than an annoying brother?"
Liz pretended to think for a while and then started to crack up. "That was a silly idea, wasn't it? You and Alex? I guess I seriously need some romance in my life, because I'm starting to see it where there isn't any. But I swear on my grave, I could not see who it was you were with."
"Sure. . . Whatever you say, your Majesty. Although I do hope Alex finds someone someday who can keep him under control."
"Me too, I'd rather not have to banish him from the kingdom when I'm queen," Liz said in mock seriousness, "I'd miss him."
"Ok, enough of that talk, let's go get you vamp-i-fied for the ball tonight. It's supposed to start in an hour." She linked arms with Liz and they started walking to Liz's room. They were nearly out of the hall when Maria spotted Alex on the other side of the hall. She yelled to him, "ALEX! Guess what? Liz thought you were wooing me at dinner! Isn't that funny?"
Liz elbowed her, "Would you shut up?!"
Alex made a face, "But you're so icky Maria! Liz, didn't you know I don't like girls, they have cooties!"
The girls laughed. Liz yelled back, "You know you want some girl cooties, but no girl will give you any!"
"You know me too well," Alex waved them away, "Please go now, I'm too depressed about my lack of cooties to talk anymore."
Part Three
"What could be taking your daughter so long?!"
"I do not know my dear," King Raoul said calmly. He didn't need to look at his wife to know that she was in one of her usual fits. He merely needed to hear the shrill tone of her voice.
"I swear the entire imperial army could be ready for battle in half the time it takes for her to get her gown on." She looked challengingly at the king.
He knew she wanted a fight, but he wouldn't give her the pleasure of angering him. "I believe that possible, you are very insightful my dear." He chuckled to himself, knowing by complimenting her he was only adding fuel to the fire.
She rolled her eyes at the complement. "I know that dear, but still. . ." she paused, "Death could be at her heels and she would still pitter-patter around."
As if on cue, Princess Liz walked through the dining hall entry. She didn't necessarily pitter-patter, but she certainly walked in without any haste. She looked splendid in her gown, even though it was one from the 'Ok' pile. It was twilight blue with a full skirt. Her sleeves clung tightly to her shoulders and arms then loosened after her elbows, widening into large bell shapes. Small, cream colored hands peeked out from them. Liz did have to admit that this gown wasn't really all that bad; it was quite beautiful really. Intricate sky blue and silver embroideries made her seem like a delicate, living tapestry. Her chestnut hair was pulled back into a neat knot, allowing her tiara to sit neatly on her head. She was truly a picture of beauty and grace.
Maria followed the princess closely. Although she was not allowed to attend the feast next to her friend, she was not one to show up ill dressed. She wore her best gown (an old one of Liz's) like a queen. It was far less dramatic than Liz's, but it looked nice on her. It was rose petal pink with a paler pink ribbon hanging down from each of her long sleeved elbows. It was a simpler design than Liz's, no embroidery just gold trimmed. Her blonde hair gently framed her bright face. A bystander might have said she looked like an angel at that moment.
Queen Eleanor huffed at their arrival.
The king smiled broadly. "At last, my dearest daughter has showed up! We feared you were kidnapped by robbers!"
Princess Liz returned her father's warm smile. "No sir! I'm sure no robber would want me a'tall!"
"Nor would I let anyone take her, your Majesty," Maria added quickly.
The king nodded. "I'm sure that is true." He embraced his daughter and she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Maria looked longingly at them. She never knew her father and had always wished that one day, somehow, he would appear, gather her in his arms and swing her around telling her how much he loved her. I don't even know if he is alive, she thought to herself. She glanced towards the queen. Almost instantly she jerked back, the queen had an icy stare so cold it could freeze the fires of hell.
"I'm t'go now, if it is all right with your Majesties?" Maria wanted to get away as quickly as she could.
"Of course my dear," replied the king.
Liz winked, "I'll be seeing you later." She had not seen the queen's look.
Maria turned quickly on her heel and walked towards the other end of the hall. Her thoughts were spinning in her head. Why did the queen have that look on her face? She bit her thumbnail, she always did when she was nervous. Why was she looking at Liz like that? Was she jealous? "Of her daughter? That's absurd," she mumbled.
"What's absurd?" asked a rather gangly looking boy in a nobleman's outfit.
Maria turned her attention to the boy as he joined in stride next to her. She had to look up actually; he towered over her at 6' 2". "You are," she smiled.
The boy mocked an arrow in his heart. "You pierce me with your cruel words."
Maria rolled her eyes. That only encouraged the boy more; he proceeded to make various faces, all of which were insanely crazy. She shook her head, "You really are crazy, you know that Alex?"
"Me crazy? I think you be wrong." Alex lifted the corner of his mouth into a charming half smile.
Maria couldn't stop herself from grinning; she even let a giggle escape.
"Now there's my bright smile," winked Alex. He slung his arm around her shoulder and guided her out the door.
Maria scrunched her nose, "Where are we going?"
"It would be a sin not to enjoy the garden on a day like this. Just look at those flowers, listen to the birds, feel the sun on your face."
It was springtime at the palace gardens, a time when everything was born anew. It was a beautiful day, just like Alex said it was. They strolled along the well-worn path, watching the gardeners run about like busy little bees making last minute touches to make everything perfect. Maria breathed in deeply, taking in the sweet, heavy smell of nature. It cleared her head, allowing her to ignore the heaviness of her heart and feel as light as a butterfly. She breathed in again and smelled Alex's warm, spicy scent. It jolted her into reality.
"If you make me late for the feast, I swear . . ." she didn't finish.
"Don't be a worry-wart." Alex had brought her here on purpose. He was worried, there was something troubling her and it would do her no good to keep it bottled in. The garden usually made her feel better. "Now tell me Mari, what's on your mind?"
Maria looked up at him, he was watching her intently. "What do you mean?" she asked innocently.
"Well, when I came up to you just now, you had that look about you that you were thinking about something very, very hard. You know your face could get stuck screwed up that way for the rest of your life. Its true, my mother told me about a guy it happened to once."
"I think she was talking about you boy," Maria laughed.
"You're just jealous. Anyways, I thought you might want to talk about it some." He looked questioningly at her.
"It really wasn't anything," she explained. Alex raised an eyebrow. "Seriously, just some silly speculations I had. Nothing serious."
Alex knew she was holding back something. However silly she acted, Maria never had silly thoughts and he could tell by the tone of her voice whatever the problem was, it was still bothering her. It bothered him that she had not quite been acting like herself the past couple weeks. Ever since that notice of Prince Max's coming. He didn't want to push her however, because she could be as stubborn as a mule. "Well, if and when you want to talk, even about silly stuff, you can always come to me. You know that right?"
Maria nodded, "Of course. I know I can't get rid of you," she smiled mischievously, "Believe me, I've tried. Everything thought possible since I first saw your scruffy self eight years ago."
Alex laughed out loud, "Got that right Dearie!"
o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o
Princess Liz sat in her seat trying to hide a yawn. She looked quickly to her right, to make sure her mother had not seen it. She did not want to make the queen anymore pissed off than what she already was. Liz had already been given a scolding for being late, but it seemed that Prince Max had never been told the time for dinner. As it was, the prince was nearly a half-hour late. Liz looked around her, trying to find something to ease her boredom. She saw servants bustling around, showing local dignitaries to their seats, and adding last minute touches to everything. She looked farther to the back of the hall and saw Maria come in with a tall youth.
"I wonder who that is," she murmured. She couldn't make out the face of the young man. Finally, there is something a tad bit interesting and I can't make out anything, she thought. She did see them quickly take their places at the end of the long table. A pair of trumpeters announced the arrival of the prince, at last.
He strode in quickly, not waiting for the herald to introduce him properly. He was dressed as finely as a prince should. He wore a dark blue tunic over a silver shirt with gray hose and soft leather boots. His dark raven hair was trimmed and combed neatly. He wore no jewelry except for a single gold ring with his royal seal on it, identifying him as a prince. He did not need to wear any adornments however; his bright clear eyes captured Liz's attention right off the bat.
"My sincerest apologies, you Majesties. I was unaware of the time." Prince Max's voice was deep and powerful, it commanded attention. "My journey was very tiring and I fell asleep in my new quarters," he bowed his head, "That was quite embarrassing, but I truly am sorry. I didn't mean to be late."
The king and queen nodded in unison. The queen plastered on a fake smile to hide her annoyance. The king, however, was genuinely merry.
"Its certainly right Prince Maxwell. I just hope you have gotten enough sleep, it would be a pity if you fell asleep now," his voice dripped with sarcasm.
Max smiled, "Yes of course your Majesty."
"Ok then, lets get this party started!" He raised his hands, "Come let us show the prince how we treat our guests!"
Music erupted from the minstrels in the balcony above. It was cheery and pleasant, perfect to start out a happy meal. Indeed it was, for everyone. The queen got over her anger after she found out the prince was very charming. The king was by nature a happy person, but it helped that his wife wasn't grumbling for once. Prince Max enjoyed talking to the king and found the roasted venison particularly delicious, it reminded him of home. Maria forgot her troubles while with Alex and all his zany antics. He loved to make her laugh.
Then there was Liz; you could say she had the best time out of all of them. She didn't eat or talk much, everything around her faded into a dull blur as she watched Max. He was sitting by her father, three seats over. She couldn't speak to him, but she could hear his voice. It was mellifluous, not exactly music to her ears, it moved her deep inside. One good point about her seat was that she could study his face intently without him thinking she was a lunatic. She traced the lines of his perfect nose, regal cheekbones, full lips, and strong jaw with her eyes. She kept wandering back to his eyes. They were the most beautiful ones she had ever seen. Bright and clear, they revealed an intelligent, noble and caring person. Max had cast a spell over Liz the first time she had seen him and now he was doing it all over again.
What is wrong with me? She thought. Why am I so attracted to this guy? I've only met him once. The princess rested her chin between her palms. The music ended with a great flourish and people began to withdraw from the hall. Her father and mother escorted the prince outside to look at the gardens. Isn't that great! My mother forgot to introduce me to Max, I think she liked his charm a little too much. Liz sighed and pushed her thoughts to the back of her mind. She watched Maria say goodbye to her friend and walk towards her.
"So how was it?" asked Maria. She walked up to Liz with a bright smile, "Too preoccupied?"
Liz looked puzzled, "What do you mean?"
She gestured towards Liz's plate, "It hasn't been touched. I take it you didn't feel like eating . . . you felt something else?" She giggled.
"Oh thanks for making fun of my feelings! I thought you were my best friend."
Maria shrugged, "Its what I'm supposed to do. Don't be so sensitive."
"Then can I rag on you about that guy I saw you with?" she questioned.
"What guy?" the blonde squinted.
"At dinner . . ."
Maria's eyes opened wide. "Oh that guy?"
Liz's faced lit up, "Oh! So there were others I take it."
Maria rolled her eyes, "I wish, no it was just Alex you saw me with. Couldn't you tell?"
"No, you guys were too far away. All I saw was a tall, skinny, fuzzy shape. You guys looked like you were having a good time though. . ." the princess drifted off.
"So you were thinking I was actually being courted by someone? By ALEX?! Our Alex?! Alex, the crazy guy that we've known since we were nine?" Maria grabbed Liz's shoulders, "The one everyone calls 'Duke Alex the absurd'? That guy? That's hilarious!!!" Maria started to laugh really hard, her shoulders shook and her eyes began to tear.
Liz looked like she was trying not to laugh, "Hey, its possible, just because he is a duke doesn't mean he can't fall for you. Besides, I couldn't see who it was."
Maria continued laughing, "That's the dumbest excuse I've ever heard woman! Just admit that you were so completely wrong that it hurts. Seriously, do you really think either one of us will EVER see him as something other than an annoying brother?"
Liz pretended to think for a while and then started to crack up. "That was a silly idea, wasn't it? You and Alex? I guess I seriously need some romance in my life, because I'm starting to see it where there isn't any. But I swear on my grave, I could not see who it was you were with."
"Sure. . . Whatever you say, your Majesty. Although I do hope Alex finds someone someday who can keep him under control."
"Me too, I'd rather not have to banish him from the kingdom when I'm queen," Liz said in mock seriousness, "I'd miss him."
"Ok, enough of that talk, let's go get you vamp-i-fied for the ball tonight. It's supposed to start in an hour." She linked arms with Liz and they started walking to Liz's room. They were nearly out of the hall when Maria spotted Alex on the other side of the hall. She yelled to him, "ALEX! Guess what? Liz thought you were wooing me at dinner! Isn't that funny?"
Liz elbowed her, "Would you shut up?!"
Alex made a face, "But you're so icky Maria! Liz, didn't you know I don't like girls, they have cooties!"
The girls laughed. Liz yelled back, "You know you want some girl cooties, but no girl will give you any!"
"You know me too well," Alex waved them away, "Please go now, I'm too depressed about my lack of cooties to talk anymore."