Author's Notes: Hello again i have gotten so lazy. only updating sometimes im so sorry. Ok i am going to try and write another chapter tonight, but i am going away on a road trip for a few days so it won't be edited or anything till i get back.

I would love to thank Gabi Web who is going to be my beta, and help me with my terrible spelling etc. etc

Thanks to my reviewers:

word junky: thanks for your kind words and explaining flamers to me, i hope i dont get any of those any time soon.

amelia: they are going to find out before any ball. sorry i do have something that could be discovered at a ball though ;)

QueenTatooine: yeah there was a line in there i will re submit the chapter later. but it was just meant to say they kinda of skirted around subjects and they both had the feeling that the other was hiding something.

Gabi Web: thanks again for helping with the chapter if you have any extra ideas your willing to share or add things in. i dont mind ;)

hope you enjoy the chapie :)

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The next few days were rather interesting at Datson Manor. Melanie was
parading around in her best gowns and accessories everyday. Convinced that
the prince would come at anytime to sweep her off her feet, and everyday
when he didn't come she would destroy almost everything in her way. She
pushed Katherine, one of the servants, down the stairs during one of her rages
yesterday.

"You're lucky you didn't break your neck" Christine sighed she was sitting
on the edge of the bed

"I know, I'm lucky I went rear end first" Katherine giggled slightly and winced.

"Well you're neck is going to be sore for the next few days from where you
hit it out of place on the way down" Christine stood up and smoothed her old brown gown and apron. "And a bump on the head," She added in an after thought.
"You're staying in bed today and resting. I'll make sure your chores are done."

"Thanks Chris" Katherine said weakly

"Now rest," Christine said as she left the room shutting the door. She headed
towards the kitchen to start breakfast.

"Morning, Mandy" Christine called walking over to the sink and washing her
hands. Mandy walked out of the pantry.

"Morning, Lady Chris, how is Katherine?" She asked as she put down the oil

"She will be just fine after a day of rest; I'll do her chores for the day"

"But Lady, it is Thursday. You have been looking forward to seeing Derek all
week."

"I know, but what else can I do?" Christine pulled out a pan and settled it
on the already lit stove.

"I shall ask the other servants to do a few each; you are the lady of the
house to all of us, you shouldn't be doing the work." Christine hugged Mandy

"Thank you."

"Now, on with breakfast," Mandy said as they set about making bacon and eggs.

"Good morning, Lady," Christine said as, half an hour later, she brought Melanie her breakfast.

"This is the day Maid. He will come for me." Christine didn't need to ask who
"he" was; she has been saying the prince was coming for her all week.

"I'm sure you're right, Lady," Christine said calmly as she robed Melanie who
walked straight over and began eating her breakfast, as Christine began to
make her bed and tidy her room. It was one of the only rooms she hadn't
destroyed at least twice this week.

"I think I will wear my sea green ball gown with my white silk shawl, you
pick out the other accessories," Melanie continued, eating.

Christine inwardly sighed; here we go again she thought as she collected the
gown and accessories.

Melanie had finished breakfast so Christine helped her dress in her elaborate gown then did her hair in a half up twist that made her blonde hair shine. Christine chose a pearl choker with matching a bracelet and earrings. In Christine's opinion Melanie looked perfect, again.
"Absolutely perfect, Lady," Christine curtsied.

"He won't be able to resist someone like me." Melanie looked over Christine in her shabby brown gown with her long hair pulled back in a long plait out
of the way. Christine saw smugness in her eyes before she left the room.
Christine sighed and followed.

A few hours later after changing in to black pants, shirt and riding boots,
Christine, mounted on Phoenix, was racing towards the south field. When she
arrived, Derek was already there stroking his black stallion's mane. He was
dressed in black pants and riding boots and a plain white shirt half open so
Christine could see the top of his broad chest. She blushed slightly as he
came and helped her off her horse.

"I was afraid you weren't coming," he said quietly gently putting Christine
down like she was a valuable object.

"I said I would be here." Derek still had his hands on her waist and they
were standing close together staring in to each other's eyes. His brown
eyes that Christine felt she could have stared in to forever... She came
back to her senses first and stepped away.

"Well let's get started then!"

She un-sheathed her sword from the belt on her slim waist and Derek did the
same.

"On guard!" They got into stance and Derek suddenly attacked Christine who
stepped aside and swung down to block Derek's attack, then dealt an attack
of her own which Derek effortlessly blocked. They were fighting fiercely.

Suddenly Derek swung around and Christine's sword went flying. Derek
advanced on her and she found herself trapped between a tree and Derek's
sword. He lowered it and stepped forward again. They were only inches apart.

"Now that was a great fight, and it looks like I won."

"You wouldn't have hurt a lady, now would you?"

"You don't look like a lady dressed like that" Derek glanced at her clothing. Liar, liar he thought.

"Ah, but there is one thing you don't know," Christine lent against the tree
and bent her knee up so her foot was braced against the tree.

"What would that be?" Derek asked slightly confused. In one swift movement
Christine withdrew her dagger which had been concealed in her boot and
brought it up to Derek's throat.

"Lowering you weapon to an enemy can cost you your life, while you're too busy being distracted by her clothing!" Derek didn't even have time to blush as he stepped back and Christine stepped forward, still holding the dagger near his throat.

A soldier stepped in to the clearing holding his sword braced for battle
"Drop the dagger and step away from the Prince"

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Ok as always tell me what you think. any ideas let me know.

E J Riddle