Thanks to everyone who has sent reviews. I am really enjoying writing this story and I hope that you enjoy reading it. I think that the plot twists are interesting and I love it when Buffy and Spike are around each other. If you want to book mark this story it might make it easier for those of you who might find it hard to locate it for updates. I think you can also log in and request emails when I update. I do that with the stories that I follow. Thanks for all the positive feedback. I will try to update again soon. Look for their first kiss in Chapter 9. Yeh!
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Chapter 8 Look Who's Coming to Dinner
The dining room was huge. The table was fit to serve twenty people but only 3 places were set. It looked like something out of King Arthur and the food was delicious looking. Buffy hadn't realized how hungry she was until she saw the food. The servant girls were finishing setting the table. The prince was already there waiting for them.
"Buffy, William, please sit down. I hope that you found your room and clothing sufficient to your needs?" Julian was leading them to their seats and he looked gorgeous. Buffy noticed that his clothing was similar to Spike's and he was just as handsome in them.
"Fancy you should ask, mate, cause I would like to talk to you about these clothes"….Spikes voice stopped suddenly as Buffy grabbed his hand and continued for him. "Yes, Julian, we wish to thank you for your wonderful hospitality and the beautiful clothing. They are appreciated. William and I are very happy with the clothing." She was squeezing Spikes' hand as she was speaking.
Spike was startled by her sudden gesture. She was holding his hand. It felt nice. He leaned over and kissed her gently on the cheek. "Yes, doesn't my wife look lovely tonight prince?" Two could play this game.
The prince gazed at Buffy. She certainly was lovely. What she was doing with this man he wasn't sure. He seemed unrefined and ….somewhat pale…and…..possibly dangerous. He hadn't quite figured it out yet, but he would have to keep an eye on this one.
"Yes, she is quite lovely tonight. That blue dress belongs to my……sister……and I must say it looks even more beautiful on you, Buffy.
Buffy was blushing now. She wasn't sure if it was Spike's sudden kiss on the cheek or the compliment from the prince. Spike was going to push her buttons tonight. She could feel it.
"Thank you, both of you. I feel like a princess in this gown. You say it belonged to your sister? Does she live here with you?
The prince was a little nervous but seemed to take the question with stride. "My sister is not well you see. She keeps to her room. You won't be seeing her about. She has been ill for some time."
Buffy was disappointed at this news. Another female to talk with would have been nice. She missed Willow and suddenly wished she was here with her. Their talks were always helpful.
"Oh, I am very sorry to here that Julian. It must be hard for you, caring for your ailing sister here by yourself. Or, are you married?" Buffy knew it was a bold question to ask, but he never mentioned a wife and the table was set for only three. A bold of lightning flashed outside. It was still storming and the thunder rumbled throughout the castle.
"No, I am afraid, unlike William here, that I have not found the perfect woman to share my life with." Julian was staring into her eyes deeply. It was as if he was seeing through her disguise and her lies. But he couldn't be. She had done a fine job of lying about her and Spike being married. It was very believable, right?
She looked at Spike with pleading eyes, as if she wanted him to help her out. He then realized what the prince had said and reacted. "Yes, Buffy is a rare gem isn't she? A bloke would be daft not to grab her up right away." He put his arm around Buffy's shoulder to show her his support. His next sentence was in a low gravely voice that sent shivers down Buffy's spine.
"She is one of a kind mate. And she's mine…….all mine."
They were locked in that moment just looking at each other. Buffy blinked and broke the temporary haze they were in. She looked back at Julian and responded. "I am sure, Julian, that one day you will find the woman you are looking for."
Julian just smiled. "Yes, I am sure that I will."
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The library was business as usual. Patrons walking about blind to the happenings in Sunnydale. It was often hard for Giles to believe that people could go about their everyday lives as if vampires and demons didn't exist.
"Well, we are here. Let's have a look around. Maybe someone saw Buffy here last night." Willow was stunned by what Giles had told her. She needed to find Buffy and they would start with good old fashioned detective work. If that didn't work, then she would resort to more "magical" methods.
"Right, yes. Good idea." Giles removed his glasses and held them by his side. He was exhausted and clearly weary from the last day's revelations. Buffy was his responsibility. He was her watcher. When she let him be of course.
"Let's start with the information desk. That's a good place to get information, right?" Willow began walking toward the front desk where a young girl was sitting and reading a book.
"Hi, I was hoping maybe you could help me." The girl looked up from her book. Willow continued with the questioning. "Were you working here last night around 9:00?"
The girl looked at little nervous. "Are you the police?" Willow was surprised by her question.
"No, I am looking for my friend. She came in here last night around 9:00 and we haven't seen her since. I was hoping maybe you had seen her come in."
The girl was fumbling now and clearly nervous. "I see a lot of people come in here. I can't possibly remember all of them."
"You might remember this girl. She would have probably been asking a lot of questions. She was here looking for three girls that have gone missing recently."
The girl stood up and looked around as if she were watching for someone. "I really shouldn't be talking to you unless it's library business. I work here. I don't want to lose my job."
Willow was getting upset now. It was obvious that this girl knew something. So why was she being so elusive to the question. "You did see her didn't you? Did you talk to her? Did you see where she went?"
The girl took a deep breath. "Yes, I do think I talked with your friend. She said she was looking for these missing girls and she showed me some pictures. I told her not to mess around with that book. The girl I recognized from the picture messed with the book. I told your friend it wasn't safe."
"Book? What book did Buffy want?" The girl was really looking ill now. She was pacing behind the counter making Willow dizzy, and angry. "Please miss, we need to find our friend. Tell us what book she was looking for."
She didn't think it was the smartest idea to continue to tell people about the book. But it was their decision, not hers. "It's called The Keeper of the Dead."