Author's Notes: Sorry it took me so long to update, i did go for my week away then i got a terrible cold and refused to write because i might of killed charaters off or something to that effect. Then i had some terrible writers block. so yeah it has all been happening and i am trying to keep going with the story.

thanks to my reviewers:

Word junky: I am working on getting a beta...I just have to talk to her some more to work out what she wants me to do and stuff so i am working on it. The story is just going how i want it to go really with bits of different things in it at the moment nothing has been set fully. If you have any ideas i would love to hear them. though can you explain what a flamer is?

QueenTatooine: I'm so glad you enjoy the story and I'm sorry you had to wait so long for the next chapter. hope you enjoy.

arandomreader: continuing as requested... enjoy.

A.A.C: I just might be an ever after fan ;)

Tychobrahe: i was wondering when i would hear from you. i will try to keep it original. and i know you like the prince charming ;)

enjoy the chapter everyone :)

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Christine turned and there stood Derek, Dressed immaculately in black riding pants and boots, a white shirt and blue vest. His brown hair was sitting elegantly over his eye. He was looking worriedly at her back Oh no!

"Chris what happened" he rushed forward and knelt next to her. Christine struggled to hide her gash covered back with the cloth and didn't answer.

What is he doing here? What am I suppose to tell him, I fell? Sure that is believable, NOT.

"Chris" Derek gently turned her head to face him she could see how worried he was "Chris what happened?"

"Look it is none of your business, you shouldn't even be here. A: it is indecent because I am hardly wearing anything and B: this is my Mistress's land, which I told you never to trespass on to again"

"I wanted to see you again" Derek said casually "Now I don't care if it is indecent let me help you clean your cuts, you can't reach them properly.

"Look I don't need your help, what I do need is for you to leave" Chris tried to move away but Derek grabbed her shoulder and took the cloth off her and carefully started scrubbing the dirt and blood away ignoring Christine's protests.

After all the cuts were cleaned Derek helped rub the cream on the cuts, and then turned away so Christine could dress.

"Finished" Christine said, Derek turned to see her in a simple dress of green, it was slightly tattered but it clung to Christine in all the right places. Derek couldn't help thinking she was as beautiful as any other girl dolled up in the latest fashions.

"Now are you going to tell me what happened?" Derek leaned against a tree and crossed his arms.

"Look I am a servant that did the wrong thing, by my mistress I am like her property she can do what ever she wants with me or to me" Derek looked outraged "I guess that comes as a shock to someone like you"

"Someone like me?" Derek smirked

"Yes, someone well off, orders people like me around all day with not a care in the world. I bet you have never worked a day in your life"

"Servants should not speak to people 'like me' this way then" Derek said sarcastically.

"You're on my land, my lord so it is my right" Christine sighed. "It is everyday life for me- Derek interrupted

"Don't you mean your mistresses land?"

"Yes, that is what I meant; it is my home so I often refer to it as my land" Way to go Christine… If Derek thought she was lying, he never mentioned it.

They spent the rest of the day getting to know one another, Christine had never felt a connection like this with anyone she felt as if she could tell him anything, except who she really was, which she was forbidden to reveal. In return she found out about Derek, he was an only child and he loved his parents dearly, but felt pressured to be something more than he was a lot of the time. He was also a prized sword fighter having just returned from the neighbouring kingdom, where he had been training for the past three years. They were both hiding something, and they both knew it.

It was early afternoon when Derek said he had to go,

"Can I see you again Chris? I could teach you some of the sword fighting techniques I learnt while I was away or something?"

"I would like that, How about Thursday about lunchtime in the clearing in the south field?" Christine suggested getting to her feet and brushing her dress off.

"Ill see you then" Derek walked over to his horse and mounted and with one sorrowful back glance left Christine alone.

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Christine stayed out till the sun went down thinking about Derek, The temperature dropped considerably arousing Chris from her thoughts. If I stay out any longer ill get sick. She mounted her horse Phoenix and rode back to the stables and Jake took her horse.

"What happened is the Royal family still here?"

"No they were gone hours ago-

'Then why didn't anyone come and get me, I still have chores to finish?"

"The prince disappeared on his way here, the second time that he was suppose to meet Lady Melanie. Let's just say she didn't take it well, been throwing things around and screaming all afternoon"

"Couldn't expect any less, she has her sites set on being Queen" they both laughed and Christine bid him good evening before walking in to the war zone that was Datson Manor.

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Melanie was in the process of destroying the library, screaming all the while.

The Dutchess was trying to reason with her:

"Melanie, I'm sure the prince was just busy" This appeared to be the wrong thing to say. Melanie started screaming/ wailing louder.

"Too busy to meet his future queen, everyone loves me" Christine who was in the hallway outside quietly snorted. Before walking in and beginning the task of claming her sister.

"Lady, the prince would be a fool not to fall in love with you I'm sure Mistress is right, he must have been really busy trying to find a gift worthy of you or learning how to king, if you are to be queen you must know that running the country isn't easy" Christine drew a breathe, it sounded really far fetched to her but Melanie lapped it up she had stopped throwing things. Melanie took a deep breathe and calmed herself.

"Your right Maid, now clean up this mess" Melanie strolled out of the library like nothing had happened. Christine's mother glanced at her then left the room too.

Christine sighed and looked around the room. Almost all of the books were strewn across the room vases and priceless antiques were broken and side tables, table cloths, candles, everything had been tipped over.

Mandy walking in to the room and whistled:

"Well do you think she was upset?" Christine laughed

"I don't doubt it, the only thing she didn't destroy was the curtains" Christine sighed and began the task of putting the books back on the shelf in order.

"Lady, just put them anywhere, neither Mistress or Lady Melanie come in here, they won't notice if they aren't in order"

"No Mandy, but I do care. Father loved this library when ever we weren't riding or practicing we were in here, this is one of the places I feel closest to him"

"But it is already late lady; you will be at this all night"

"Then I'll see you in the morning" Christine continued her task, she could be stubborn when she was really passionate about something, and this was one of those times.

She worked long in to the night and gave the library a good dust and clean while she was at it, so she wouldn't have to do it tomorrow. She was in bed shortly before 2am and her last thoughts were of her father. She sobbed quietly in to her pillow I'm trying to stay positive, life just seems determined to get me. I really miss you father… I wish you were here.

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Ok i hope you guys all enjoyed. i am trying to get on to gabi web, if she could email me as to what is going on, with the last email i sent her...

if anyone has any ideas for the plot etc i would love to hear them as lots of people would like an ogirinal story. i would too, if i had any ideas

until next time R&R and ignore my spelling and punctuation mistakes ;)

E J Riddle