Recap:

"And she will not have to marry a prince of Kemack. She shall marry it's king." His eyes filled with an evil pleasure as she gasped and was left wordless. "Yes my dear, as penance for not allowing her to wed my son, she shall wed me." Still Allegra could not find words to speak. "So my dear, I leave you a plate of refreshment and I trust that all is in order. I am sorry that I cannot stay but I must go and dine with my bride to be. Goodbye."

"But wait your majesty! When shall I be able to see Chloe?" Allegra's voice betrayed her desperation.

He laughed. "She shall visit you after she dines with me, provided she behaves herself. Farewell, beautiful Allegra." With that he left, and one of the two guards set a silver platter down on the table and then he and his companion left also.

Chapter 6: Meeting at last

Allegra wiped the edges of her mouth with the napkin kindly left for her with her meal by the guards. She pushed her chair back and got up from the table, cursing silently for the umpteenth time that day that she had not asked for a clock, a sundial, or something to be left with her so she could tell the time. Walking over towards her window, she looked at the sun, trying unsuccessfully to estimate the time from there. This is hopeless! She thought to herself, I might as well just lie down until they come. Lying on her bed, she stretched her aching body as far as she could. Humming softly to herself, she rolled over on her side and closed her eyes. I won't go to sleep, I'll just lie here until they come. But never the less, her tired mind over ruled her and she soon drifted off into a sleep marred by confusing dreams, of Chloe, Marcius and the fear of what was to come.

Chloe heard the hard knock on her door and was ready for it. She looked lovely, her curls hung down around her slim shoulders, and the pale blue silk dress accentuated her perfect figure beautifully. She was sitting in front of her dresser as Bromof entered, putting the finishing touches on a thick blue ribbon which she had tied around her head.

"Ready Princess? The master awaits you."

Chloe sighed but answered him in her most indifferent tone, "Just let me put my slippers on and we shall be off." Making painstaking efforts to delay the meeting as long as possible, she slid the also pale blue slippers on, pretending to marvel silently at their fine embroidery.

"The master is an impatient man, we must go." Bromof had begun to tap his foot and was clearly starting to become irritated by Chloe's display.

Not wanting Bromof to report back to Marcius that she had been wasting time, she quickly got up wordlessly and left the room.

Walking down the long hallway, she let Bromof take the lead so she could concentrate on making a mental map of the palace. She took many mental notes, of servant stairwells and the like, as well as windows and doors that may come in useful during their escape.

Bromof turned abruptly and halted, opening a heavy oak door similar to the one that shut her in her room and announced her, "Princess Chloe of Frell." He bowed her inside and then retreated from the room, closing the door behind him.

"Aha my dear, you have made it in time." He clapped once, and a manservant entered and pulled back her chair. Chloe curtsied to the king and then sat in her most ladylike manner. On the way she had decided to be as good as possible for the king. Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer, the old saying went. This was exactly what she planned to do. Fool him into thinking she was a friend, that she would comply with his demands, and then escape with Allegra, undetected, I hope.

The dinner was pleasant enough, in a very unpleasant way. Chloe was beginning to enjoy her power over the king, and she seemed to be playing her role to perfection and he was believing her every word. This shall be easier than I first suspected, she said to herself, a small smile gracing her beautiful lips.

Soon the meal was over, and Chloe reminded the King of his promise to let her see Allegra. It seemed to irritate him slightly, as he sighed and said "Oh well, if you must. I have enjoyed our time spent together, and I cannot tell you how exceedingly glad I am not to have to force you into our nuptials." Chloe almost broke her composure at the words, our nuptials. I must get out of here, she thought desperately. "Good night my darling," he said, kissing her hand. "Bromof", he called, "Please escort the Princess to her maid's chambers. Leave her there for an hour and then return her to her own chambers." Turning back to Chloe, he said softly, "Au Revoir, my angel. Sleep well." Bromof then entered the room and Chloe curtsied and exited with him. As they went along, she tried her best to memorize each turn and each curve, so she could find her way back when she needed to. Finally, after walking for what seemed like ever, they arrived at a plain wooden door, and Bromof used the same key, Chloe noted, that he used for her own door, to allow her access into Allegra's chambers. "I shall return for you in one hour, no more, no less", then Bromof abruptly left.

Chloe, having watched Allegra, asleep on the bed, waking with a jolt at Bromof's booming voice, she now ran over to her friend.

"Allegra! Allegra! It is me, Chloe."

A/N: Hey everyone

Thanks to all my wonderful reviewers. I'm sorry I took so long to update, I have been working on my new story, Batih, Angel Face in fairy tales. Check it out and r&r please!

Luv to all my reviewers

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