Author's Notes: hello again everyone, sadly i didnt make the december dead line that i was hoping for, but my muse is back and writing furiously so you shall have the last chapters soon. :) so thank you my reviewers:
Tychobrache: Thank you for the complements and yea i know tall brunettes are fine ;) i just happen to be one :p. I will be doing two more chapters after this one. so hope you enjoy.
QueenTatooine: lol i love old romantic stories, my mother got my in to romantic novels and now i am addicted :( yay more improvement :) it is something that i will be working on more and more.
hoolihoopergrl131: I am glad you enjoyed the chapters and i love that you continue to review and tell me what you think i dont care if it is short or long :)
cinnimon: It wasnt a proposal, it was more an offer so they could get to know each other better. though in later chapters, who knows ;)
Gigi the Dancer: When i read that i was so embaressed for myselfat that mistake,idont know if i will resubmit it, i will have to see but in the mean time justignore it ;)
Masked Dragonfly 0926: Here is the next chapter and i am sorry that it took so long.
cinnimon-sq: a person of many words ;) thank youfor the encouragement.
Gabi Web: I am gladyou enjoyed all the chapters.It is always fun dressing characters up :)
Ok so that is all from me right now...I dont own anything solets not sue me specially so near Christmas where any money i have is going to presents for people. ok so hope you enjoy..
The next morning Christine was sitting on the stairs in the entrance hall, thinking about last night's ball. True she didn't fall flat on her face or embarrass herself like she was scared she would, but some ladies namely the ones that have their eyes on Derek didn't seem to like her that much.
I guess becoming a princess is important to people, although I don't get why girls want it so bad. It isn't easy controlling a country.
"Hey, Christine" Derek said from behind her as he walked down the stairs "You ok?"
"I'm fine, just thinking about last night" Christine said looking at Derek as he sat next to her.
"Well all things considered you did really well; you didn't even stand on me feet" Christine laughed "You coming to breakfast"
"No I have already eaten" it is after 10. "I am going to Datson manor to talk to my family"
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"No, I'll be fine. This is something that I have to do on my own" Christine said quietly as she stood up and smoothed out her gown "I shouldn't be more than two hours" Christine Kissed Derek's cheek before walking out the main doors to the stables.
The short ride to the Manor seemed to take no time at all and Christine was soon at the stables where she Met Jake.
"Christine, is that you" Jake asked
"Yes, it is me" Christine said as she dismounted "Do I really look that different?"
"Is there anyway for me to answer this without getting hurt" Jake replied jokingly "You look beautiful Chris, a true lady"
"Thank you" Christine said smiling
"What brings you here then?"
"I am here to talk about the living arrangements with my mother and sister. I guess you have heard that everyone knows I am alive?"
"Yes news travels fast, I knew before Lady Melanie and Madame Datson returned home from 'lunch'" Jake said shrugging as he took Phoenix in to her stall. "I am happy for you, no one deserves it more than you" Christine smiled before bidding Jake good bye and walking up to the main house.
Christine found her mother and sister in the drawing room.
"Good Morning" Christine said, as she walked in. Ignoring the fact that neither stood in her presence. "You both know why I am here" Christine continued as she sat down across from them they still remained silent.
"Fine, you both know I said you could still live here at the Manor, although servants will answer to me. Mandy will be in charge of the food ordering and any house hold items that will be needed" Christine took a deep breathe and continued "Anything you need, just let me know"
Christine stood up knowing she wasn't going to get a reply out of her family and started to leave the room to talk to Mandy. She stopped half way and turned to face them
"I wish I didn't have to do this, and I still don't understand why it is so hard to admit I am your daughter and sister. Maybe one day it will all work out, but that entirely depends on you" Christine said before turning and walking out the door.
"Lady, you have finally come to visit me" Mandy said happily from her place in the kitchen
"I know, but everything has been happening so fast, I am sorry it took me so long" Christine said, putting an apron on over her dress and joining Mandy in the Kitchen.
"Don't be silly lady; I have heard from a friend in who works in the palace how busy you have been" Mandy winked and Christine laughed
She then began bringing Mandy up to speed on everything that had happened since she left for her ride with Derek right up to talking with her family just before.
"Your mother isn't worth your time Lady" Mandy said sadly then brightened when she abruptly changed the subject "But Derek wants you to live with him?" Mandy said, smiling, Christine Blushed and nodded.
"Lady that is fantastic, but you won't forget us will you?"
"Mandy I could never forget you" Christine said looking up "I am leaving you in charge of all staff and the Manor" Christine said while stirring a stew "There is no one I trust more than you"
"I will make you proud Lady"
"I know you will do I fine"
"Your father would be so proud of you Christine"
"I hope so" Christine said weakly.
Together they continued to talk while they made lunch, at least an hour before Christine, remembering saying to Derek that she wouldn't be long.
"I had better get back, I told Derek I wouldn't be long and I don't want him to worry" Christine was removing her apron and didn't see Mandy's knowing look. They left for the stable together
"I will come and see you again soon Mandy" Christine said giving her a hug
"See that you do lady" Mandy said as she returned the embrace.
Christine released Mandy then mounted her horse, and waved before cutting across Datson land in the direction of the palace.
I can't believe they didn't have anything to say, it isn't like my mother not to have the last word. Christine thought to her self as she road down a small trail through the forest leading to the palace.
Suddenly a man jumped out from behind one of the tree's spooking her horse; it reared up nearly unseating Christine.
"Phoenix, its ok girl" Christine bent forward to calm her horse, while stroking her mane.
"Sorry I spooked your horse missy, but I seem to be lost" The man looked to be in his late thirties, wearing dirty shirt and pants, he looked like a servant.
"Where were you heading?" Christine asked willing to help
The man just smiled in return, suddenly Christine was pulled off her horse, and a hand came up to cover her mouth and effectively smothering the scream Christine let loose. They were pulling her off the trail and in to the woods. Phoenix her horse was left behind.
Christine struggled to get free. If I only I could reach my dagger she thought desperately, referring to the onethat she had taken to strapping to her thigh for protection.
Christine elbowed her captor in the ribs and bit down on his hand, which was promptly removed Christine let out a scream before someone hit her over the back of her head, and everything went back
Derek was standing outside the palace walls looking down the road for any sign of Christine. It was now late in the afternoon and she still wasn't back.
Bethany walked in to view. She had been looking for her son.
"Give her some more time Derek, don't get too worried yet. Things may have gone better than she thought with her family" Derek just looked at his mother
"I highly doubt it, and I know you do too"
Bethany laid her hand on her son's shoulder "She could be on her way home right now"
"She said she would be home hours ago, I am going to look for her"
"There is no need to worry Derek"
"I know mother, I just have a really bad feeling"
Derek kissed his mother's cheek before going and saddling up his horse and riding out in search of Christine.
Bethany watched him go silently praying that they had nothing to worry about.
Well another chapter down, two more to go... so tell me what you think so far :) hint that means review ;)
Emma Riddle