Author's Notes: Ok thank you for all being so patient for the next chapter.
I will put replied to thest chapter in the next chapter because my computer is going slow today and it would take me ages to get it up.
Thank you to Gabi Web for Beta reading this chapter :)
i dont own anything sao dont sue me ;) enjoy
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In the coming weeks Derek and Christine settled into a routine, if you could call it that. At least twice a week you could find them having sword-fighting lessons, swimming in the creek, sitting under a tree talking or even going for the occasional horse ride.
Derek also came to the Manor and was entertained by Melanie at least once a week. Christine thought they made a funny pair. Her sister was at least a half a foot taller than him. But Christine had to grudgingly admit that they did look good together, and Derek seemed to get along with her really well.
There was no point in Christine's mind to deny it; she had feelings for Derek, which was rather awkward. She was a servant and all. She could not pin point when it happened, it kind of snuck up on her. First it was pangs when Melanie was around, then it was thoughts when he was close to her.
She just kept telling herself that it would pass. She just wished it would hurry up.
"Chris, you are, by birthright, going to be a Duchess," Mandy had told her, when she had confided in her that she was falling for the prince.
"You know the only thing in my future is serving Melanie," Christine replied
"No one can take away what is rightfully yours, you should fight for it Chris."
"I have to finish cleaning the library." Christine stood up to leave.
Mandy sighed, she hated seeing Chris treated like this, and she had lost the fight she had in her when she lost her father. Mandy hated watching Chris sit and take what her sister and mother dished out to her. Mandy didn't know how, but she knew she would get through to her and make sure that Christine became the Duchess she was meant to be.
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Christine walked into the library and started her daily clean. She worked in silence for a few moments then started singing softly, she didn't know why but it felt so right.
You were once my one companion . . .
you were all that mattered . . .
You were once a friend and father -
then my world was shattered . . .
Christine remembered it all so well, it had come as such a shock to her: One day her father was there and then he wasn't.
Wishing you were somehow here again . . .
wishing you were somehow near . . .
Sometimes it seemed if I just dreamed,
somehow you would be here . . .
If only dreams really did come true… Christine mused as she took the priceless objects off the desk and began wiping it down.
Wishing I could hear your voice again . . .
knowing that I never would . . .
Dreaming of you won't help me to do
all that you dreamed I could . . .
Christine didn't know that just outside the hall, Melanie and Derek were walking past and Derek was listening intently to her soft sweet voice as Melanie talked about a picture just outside the door, pretending that there wasn't any singing going on.
Passing bells and sculpted angels,
cold and monumental,
Seem, for you, the wrong companions -
you were warm and gentle . . .
Replacing all the items on to the table she moved over and began dusting the top of some books.
Too many years fighting back tears . . .
Why can't the past just die . . .?
Christine stopped dusting and moved to the window to stare out at the grounds as she sang the end of the song.
Wishing you were somehow here again . . .
knowing we must say goodbye . . .
Try to forgive . . . teach me to live . . .
give me the strength to try . . .
No more memories, no more silent tears . . .
No more gazing across the wasted years . . .
Help me say goodbye…
On the other side of the door Melanie had had enough; the maid was singing and was distracting the prince from her.
"Excuse me, your highness." Melanie curtsied and walked in to the library to see the maid by the window. Derek snapped back to reality as Melanie shut the door behind her.
"What did you think you were doing" Derek could hear Melanie pretty much scream.
"I am sorry lady, I didn't think anyone was listening!" He heard Chris reply.
"You have to learn your place, Maid." Melanie seemed to spit the last word.
"Maybe you should learn yours, because you have been occupying mine for the past few years." Derek didn't understand that and he stepped back as Chris stepped out of the room and closed the door just as something hit it from the other side.
"Is Lady Melanie alright" Derek asked, slightly alarmed.
"She will be fine, though I suggest you maybe stay outside for a few more minutes while she collects herself," Chris replied coolly as something else shattered in the room behind them.
"Are we still on for this afternoon?" Derek asked quietly stepping closer to Christine
Chris only nodded and silently left, and he soon found out why as Duchess Datson walked towards him and engaged him in conversation about nothing in particular trying to cover Melanie in the Library throwing a tantrum.
Derek left ten minutes later to wait for Chris, even more confused that she could get away with talking to her Mistress like that. Although he suspected that she would pay for it later. And he was right; Chris didn't join him for their afternoon practice session. He was worried for her; he hoped nothing happened to her. He had begun to care for her greatly and admitting it that way, was easier than admitting the truth.
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Derek did not see Chris for a whole week; it was like she had totally disappeared. He decided if she didn't show up to the clearing today he was going to go up to Datson Manor and ask for her, no matter how it would look.
Christine broke through the clearing on her horse Phoenix that afternoon. She was pale and looked like death on her feet, then she seemed faint from exhaustion. Derek rushed forward and caught her before she hit the ground.
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Ok i hope you all enjoyed that, as always R&R i cant read minds ;)
E J Riddle