Author's Notes: hey again i had this chapter already done so i thought i would get it up. although today i had a panic attack says the doctor so i have to take it easy for a bit. so it could be a week before the next chapter, which is mostly finished
thanks to my reviewers:
Gabi Web: I haven't got another beta, because the story is winding up i just really cant be bothered to get another one. lazy i know but if people can ignore my terrible punctuation and all lol it would work for me ;)
QueenTatooine: I honestly put alot of thought it to what is inside the coffin, so you just have to read and find out ;) dont worry i still have a fair bit to go with the story. youll see
word junky: Ok next chapter here, forgive me please?
Mistyqueen: read the chapter and find out what happens ;) dont worry i am a sucker for happy endings so it will end happy ;)
Ok so i dont own anything so lets not sue me, on with the chapter and ignore all spelling and puntuation mistakes ;)
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There wasn't a sound when the king's soldiers took a step back.
"Would you look at that?" One of them murmured
The coffin was indeed empty, except for a pendant and chain.
Christine hesitantly walked forward and picked it up.
"What is it Chris?" Derek asked coming to stand just behind her
"It's mine, It was a gift from my father, I thought I had lost it" She turned to look at Derek "I used to take it off before I went to bed, then one morning I woke up and it wasn't there"
King Travis walked over to Christine and Derek
"Well I think we have all the proof we need, your land must be restored to you, and I shall get my people on it right away" Christine nodded silently "It is getting late we shall retire"
Christine didn't say anything she just silently returned to her horse mounted and turned it in the direction of her home, before Kings Voice stopped her.
"Lady Christine, where are you going?"
"Back to the manor" she paused to look at the king with a questioning expression "where else would I be going?"
"Back to the castle with us, your mother and sister are joining us for lunch tomorrow it would be a good time to question them about it, and until then I think it best you don't go home, just in case the truth leaks out in some way"
Christine started to argue, but one look from the King she decided against it. Instead she turned her horse around and rode with them back to the palace.
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Once they returned the Queen Bethany came out to greet them.
"Did you find what you were looking for?" She asked as she kissed her husband on the cheek
"Yes, Christine is the former Duke's daughter; she will be staying with us tonight so we can talk to her family about it tomorrow"
"A wise choice, dinner will be in an hour and a half" Bethany turned to Christine "Come, I'll show you to your stay room"
So Christine followed her, casting one last glance at the silent Derek.
They walked through the magnificent entrance hall with its marble floors, up the main stair case carpeted in plush red carpet, down one of the richly decorated hallways that the Queen identified to be the left wing:
"Derek's room is just down the hall" She pointed to the door "There is a gown inside for you to wear to dinner, and a maid is there to help you dress and do your hair"
Christine thanked the queen,
"Please call me Bethany" Christine nodded and entered the room to meet the maid named Alyssa. A middle aged lady who reminded Christine of Mandy.
After her bath with scented soaps of lilac and her hair had been washed, Alyssa helped Christine in to the undergarments then brought out the corset.
"You don't expect me to wear that do you?"
"It is the style, Lady"
"I asked you to call me Chris, and I know it is but they look so uncomfortable"
"You have never worn one?"
"Never needed to, chores were easier without them" Alyssa gave Christine a confused glance, Christine just shook her head
In the end Alyssa won out and Christine was laced in to the corset
"This is dreadfully uncomfortable" Christine complained as she sat and let Alyssa do some elaborate coils in her auburn hair so it was half up and half down. Then carefully a small amount of face powder and eye make up was applied and Christine went over to the mirror to look at her self.
There stood a tall and slim lady, it a soft emerald gown that showed of her slim waist enhanced by the corset, the bodice was a simple design with a few beaded details, and then dropped in to a full skirt the three quarter sleeves billowed slightly at her elbow. All Christine could go was gape, she couldn't remember seeing her self done up like this, she looked beautiful, like the lady she was born to be.
A knock at the door brought Christine out of her staring contest with the Lady in the mirror. Alyssa went and opened the door.
It was Derek, when he saw her, his jaw dropped and for a moment he was stunned. He thought Christine was beautiful before, He knew better now.
"You look stunning Chris" He said softly when he finally got himself under control.
Christine stared at Derek Dressed in evening wear, like the first time she ever met him. He looked so hansom. Her heart sped up and she felt all in knots.
Finally Christine Nodded and Derek offered his arm to escort her to dinner.
Walking down the richly decorated wing for the second time, Christine felt really out of place walking on the rich carpet on Derek's arm, but she pushed it away. Telling her self she just wasn't used to it.
After a few minutes they reached the dinning room it had a high ceiling with a long table that could seat at least 50 taking up most of the room. Again the feeling of being out of place came back in full force. Come on Christine this is your birth right. She shock it off once more.
It a family dinner that night and the conversation flowed in a relaxed way through the courses. Christine hadn't had this much fun in years, not having to worry about cleaning up or serving someone else. Christine stared off in to space for a moment
This is how she was supposed to live her life; this is the world she was born in to, even if through the course of life she ended up somewhere else.
She knew it was going to be difficult making the transition from Servant to Lady again. She was on some level frightened.
Her train of thought ended there as she was asked a question by Bethany, and was brought back in to the conversation.
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Later Christine and Derek went for a walk through the palace garden. It was like a maze with different style gardens divided by hedges or walls. Christine particularly loved the rose garden that had a fountain in the centre and many benches surrounding it. Together they say there and stared up at the stars.
"I should say thank you Derek, if is wasn't for you pushing me I would never have told anyone" Christine turned slightly to face Derek and took his hand "I could never think of a way to prove who I was"
"Chris, I understand that, I'm sorry I pushed you in to telling my parents" He thought back to this afternoon and laughed "I'm sorry I - uh - handled you the way I did" Christine on the other hand scowled and released his hand
"That was so humiliating, I have never been so embarrassed- and stop laughing Derek" Finally after a few moments of sulking slightly Christine joined in.
After then finally finished laughing they were silent for a moment each in their own thoughts.
"I guess this means I big change for you, doesn't it?"
"It is still sinking in, ask me that again tomorrow" Christine laughed "I think my sister would die if she knew I was here with you, it has been her dream since she was little to be queen" Christine looked at Derek, but he wasn't laughing "I'm sorry it isn't really a joke to you is it"
"Ever since I came home it has been like hunting season, everyone has been after me that is what led me to the clearing that day, it was what lead me to you" Derek said looking at Christine's face bathed in the moon light
"I had wondered why you were trying to cut through our property"
"Fate, some would call it"
"Stupidity, I could have really hurt you"
"But you didn't" Derek bent closer and ran his lips softly over Christine's
Christine's heart sped up as he lips connected fully to hers. It was like coming home to something that she had been missing.
They separated and Christine looked in to Derek's eyes and smiled.
"I didn't say so before but you look really beautiful Christine" Christine smiled shyly but Derek continued "But you are beautiful, whether you are in your own clothes or dressed up like you are now"
"Well least you think it is worth it, the corset it killing me, no wonder so many ladies suffer fainting spells these days"
"Well if it makes any different it looks really nice" Christine laughed again and snuggled closer to Derek
"It makes a little difference" They fell in to a comfortable silence
"I think it is time to turn in" Derek said laughing slightly
"Yes it probably is, only one problem"
"What is it?"
"I don't think I will be able to find my way back to my room" Laughing Derek rose and offered his hand to Christine who took it with no hesitation
"Do not fear fair lady, I shall show you the way" Laughing they set off together.
Once they reached Christine's room, Christine thanked him again.
"I'll come and escort you to breakfast, so you don't get lost" There was laughter sparkling in his eyes. Christine nodded as Derek leant down and kissed her again.
About five minutes later Christine entered her room, changed in to her borrowed night gown, thankful to be out of the corset and got in to the large and most comfortable bed. There she fell asleep straight away with a small smile still on her face.
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Ok so what did you all think. hope you enjoyed and i hope you review.
Emma Riddle