Hey I'm back! Don't you just love Lord of the Rings? And Aragorn. I'm in love. He's so… attractive and cool. Viggo Mortenson (I think that's how u spell it), the actor who plays Aragorn, is alright but he doesn't have long brown hair or anything so basically I'm in love with a character. Life sux. It's better to fall in love with real people. Aragorn got a great character. Liv Tyler or Arwen is sooooo lucky. Sigh. Nways-

Important: I changed Laura's name to Alianne or Sabrina like her name is Alianne Sabrina. I couldn't choose. And most people except of course Cowen calls her Ally. Cowen only calls her Ally when he's thinking about her. Yeah.

Thanks for the reviews everyone!

reply to the wonderful reviewers. Rememba I LUV YA ALL!

Nicole: she updated!. I know. I'm sooooooo happy.. Nways your story is really good. I actually read it finally. It makes mine feel so crap. Holidays are great! School starts soon sux.

rainyaviel: sorry but I dunno if u changed u'r name so yeah. But nways PLEASE UPDATE soon and although I love Christian (almost as much as aragorn) I don't think Daria should end up with him. Jerrold should cause he gets practically nothing if u know what I mean. Christian can get with the princess of Ayortha (srry 4got her name)? I know that's too typical but still. Please Update. I've waited like ages. Thanx so much for reviewing. I know my stories not that good especially next to yours but thanx for being nice.

warriorwolf: thanx so much! I'm glad u liked the fight. Um don't worry she will get back at Cowen badly but not in this chapter though. I'm sorry. Thanx

Belle Quest: thanx for the review

Bibliophile: thanx a lot for reviewing

Baby perfectionist: thanx so much and no I don't know how to write a situation like the one u mentioned so don't worry. Thanks so much for the review. Hey are u Maggie? If u aren't just ignore me if u are She Updated! Yay! BUT ITS STILL GOT A KINDA CLIFFHANGER! GRRRR!

WhiteCamellia: thanx so much. You're my first reviewer! Luv ya!

breathless74: thanx so much. Really appreciated.

Chapter 2

The next morning I got up feeling well rested and good. Then all last night's events came rushing back and I felt very gloomy. I changed my clothes wearing a blue shirt, which brought out my eyes. Oh god today's the ball. But on a happier note Joren was coming! Unfortunately that meant that Edwina, Joren's twin and Ally's best friend, would be coming too. I guess everything comes at a cost.

I decided to go downstairs and check if my parents had stopped arguing yet. One of the problems with being a royal was that there was no privacy and that you either had to be an Oscar winning actor and mislead the entire court or everyone in court found out that something was wrong and the news goes round like wildfire. It always ends up with the later with my parents. Another thing is that they can not avoid each other at all. With the ball and everything. Most people though don't seem to really care as they realized long ago that my parents never fought over something huge, it was almost always trivial.

Anyway so I went downstairs and decided to eat in the kitchen. I wasn't up to presenting myself to everyone this early. Mandy, the palace cook, as always was waiting for me there with a huge basket of freshly baked muffins. I gladly took one and sat down and ate.

After I was half way through it I asked, "Mandy have you heard about mum and dad's fight yet?"

"Off course," she replied with a smile, "your mother came to me at night after all. They fight over the smallest things. Ella can be a bit too suspicious for her own good."

"Have they made up yet?" I asked.

"No not yet but I'll give them till lunch" she replied cheerily. "What's wrong with you?"

"There's a lot on my mind but I'd rather not think about it now"

Mandy backed of and said with a nod, "I understand but you know where to go if you need anyone to talk too"

I nodded, quickly thanked Mandy for the muffins and headed toward the gardens.

There I met Juliana and Jonathon sitting quietly on one of the many carved benches. They smiled and Juliana patted a spot next to her for me to sit down. I sat down and looked at the flower garden. It was really pretty during this time of year. With different types of flowers blooming and scattered everywhere.

She sighed and smiled again. "I see Ella and Char have had a disagreement."

"Yeah dad was saying something about how difficult some of the court ladies were when they were young. Mum became jealous." I replied also smiling slightly.

"They can fight over the silliest things. Char would never do anything, I mean which prince didn't have court ladies following them everywhere and flirting with them constantly?" Jonathon said.

"What do you mean Jon? Have you had affairs with court ladies too?" Juliana asked very suspiciously. A lot like mum did last night.

"Well the court ladies just love me!" said Jonathon very blindly.

Juliana's face paled considerably. Apparently that was not the right thing to say.

"Humph I need to go" Juliana said upset. She got up and made her way back up to the castle.

"What did I do?" asked Jon bewildered.

I shrugged. Jon who still looked confused broke the silence and asked very cautiously, "if you don't mind me asking have you chosen any one to get married to yet?"

"No" I replied.

"Yeah well take your time. And don't just base it on their looks. You have to find the right person or as I have seen you will live a miserable life. Actually after getting married you will live a miserable life anyway. Better enjoy life as much as you can now. Believe me getting married, maybe the worst decision of my life. Actually I take that back. I could never live without Juliana, however angry she is with me at the moment." At this we both cracked smiles.

"Choose carefully Cowen," he advised, "you don't want to regret it. Have any ladies taken your fancy?"

"No, not really. They are mostly all fake." I replied sadly. "I guess I'll end up getting marry to whoever mum and dad choose. Hopefully someone different."

"Oh she's different alright." Jon said grinning. He looked happy.

"So do you know who she would be?" I asked very curious.

"Yes," he said but before I could ask, "I know her really well but we're not sure whether she'd marry you so I won't tell"

I was shocked. Someone who didn't want to marry me? The prince? Who could it be? I sat there thinking only vaguely aware of Jon getting up and saying something about making up with Juliana.

Alliane's POV

I woke up this morning feeling fresh. I didn't forget about last night though. NO Cowen was gonna pay. And badly. Edwina's coming. Yay! I can't wait. Unfortunately Joren's coming too. I sighed got dressed into another gown. Light pink this time. Yuck. Damn dressmaker and headed of to breakfast. There I noticed that Ella and Char were eating apart on different ends of the table. I took a seat in between them and started eating.

Finally after a few more minutes I could barely contain my annoyance and said, trying to keep my voice as calm as possible, "Ella, Char say something already I'm sick of this silence."

"I'd speak but Ella won't talk to me." Said Char looking pointedly at Ella.

"I'll speak when Char leaves the table Ally," said Ella looking into her food.

"Ok what have you guys disagreed on now?" I asked exasperated.

"Ask Char, I wouldn't know the full extent of it." Ella said still refusing too look up from her food.

"Oh for god's sakes Ella can you please listen to me for once, hear me out." Char pleaded very desperately.

I tried not to laugh but I couldn't so to shut myself up I stuffed a spoonful of porridge into my mouth. It stopped me from laughing but I ended up choking in the process. Both Char and Ella ran up to me and patted me on the back. I am one big loser.

"Are you alright Ally? We can get someone if you want," asked Ella very worried.

"Yeah I'll be fine. Don't worry about it I mean I'm not like Pamela "Oh no mama I just sneezed." "Why darling I think you might be allergic to the cheap dress your servants wearing. Don't worry dear when we get home I'll get you a new maid and you can have what ever you want for your poor nose." I imitated one of courts snobbiest, spoilt girls and her mother. That made Char and Ella laugh.

"I can see your fine then," said Char while laughing.

Ella sighed and stopped laughing; "I best be on my may, so much to do. I'll never know why people want to become queen anyway. Oh actually I do because they get too marry a prince who makes you believe they love you. When in reality they go behind your backs and…" Ella's mood changed so quickly.

Finally I know what's going on. Adults, they can be so stupid. That is why people should never get married.

"Ella you know I love you a lot and I've never, I would never, I wouldn't dream of…" Char said.

"Look Char just… I dunno go away." Ella said turning away.

"No Ella", Char said firmly and grabbed Ella's arm.

"Let me go Char," Ella said dangerously her eyes flashing brightly.

"No" Char said even more firmly, "we need to talk, let's go outside."

Ignoring Ella's furious protests Char took Ella outside into the King and Queens private garden.

I've never seen Char like this before. He was almost… menacing? I watched after them until I grew tired. I wondered what Mandy; the palace cook was up to. Mandy was a nice plump old lady who had been cooking here since Ella had come here. She was always the person who everyone would go to talk to and ask for advice.

I was making my way to the kitchens, after some directions from a servant, when I saw something I'd thought I'd never see. Cowen was sitting on a bench in the flower gardens in deep thought. Wow. I didn't know he could think! Hmmm. This is a very rare opportunity for me. I sneaked up behind him and screamed deafeningly in his ear, "what the freaking hell was up with you last night? Embarrassing me in front of the entire court."

All the passing people turned to stare at who was making the noise but when they saw us they shook their heads and turned back to what they were doing. They had learned long ago to just ignore us.

"I see you have not forgotten about last night." He said irritatingly calm and pulled out cotton balls out of his ears. "You know you can be very predictable Alliane." He smirked.

Why that… argh. He can die and go to hell. "Do you always put cotton into your ears?" I asked using all my strength not to scream in frustration.

"Only when you're around. You often tend to get loud around me. I can never figure out why though." He put on a mocking thoughtful face.

" You watch yourself Cowen. I might just accidentally slip something into your drink at lunch. Id be careful if I were you," I said threateningly.

He just smirked and said, "I'm so scared."

"You should be," I replied. I turned to go but he stopped me.

"Alliana, hey Edwina's coming today right?" he asked.

"Yeah and so is Joren," I replied.

"Well I'll see you around," he said and got up and walked of.

That was strange. Oh well. The thinking probably got to his head!

Cowen's POV

After my little talk with Ally I went back upstairs to my room and got my riding stuff. I was planning to go for a ride and maybe catch Joren. We were gonna have so much fun with the girls! I didn't really worry too much about Ally's threat. I mean the most she would put in it would be water. Oh life is so wonderful except for the marriage part. But still.

After getting my stuff I went downstairs and saddled my horse Darkmoon (An I stole from TP, I can't think of names 4 people let alone horses). Just as I was about to mount a messenger ran up to me and said, "Your highness, King Char would like to see you now in his private study, no excuses. I am to escort you there."

Damn. I forgot and I knew I couldn't get away. Still it was worth a try. "Tell dad that I'll come shortly."

"No your highness the King said to bring you to him now no matter what. I may even use force if the need arises." He shivered as he said this.

I sighed and followed him back to the castle.

There dad was waiting for me at his study he looked grave. He motioned for me to sit down opposite him and told the messenger he could go.

"So Cowen. You were trying to get away from me at the moment weren't you?" he asked knowingly.

I changed the subject. "So dad have you and mum made up?"

"I asked you first" he stated.

"Well then you can answer first." I retorted.

"Fine. This time I will. Yes. Now you can answer my question."

"Not exactly dad. You see I planned to ride and maybe find Joren. I had forgotten that I had to see you." I said not entirely lying.

Dad could see right through me. "Well I have something very important to tell you. Wait I'll call your mother."

Dad sent the messenger back and he came back with mum. She also looked grave and sat down.

"Honey, I was wondering if you would like to break the news to Cowen." Dad asked mum.

Alliana's POV

I was standing in the porch with sunlight shining down on my hair and face. Mother was there and so was the evil dressmaker. I was being fitted for my dress for the ball tonight. Great. Oh but you haven't heard the best part yet. The best part was that my gown was to be extra fluffy and girly with an extremely low neckline. In my opinion.

The dressmaker nearly had died of heart failure when mother was describing the dress and she was sketching. Calling it gorgeous and magnificent or I've never seen anything so pretty. You have great taste your highness. I nearly puked when I saw the sketch. I started screaming that I would never wear the dress and I would rather die. Mother said that if I did not wear it she would be forced to use force. Of course I dint believe her and continued resisting. So here I am now with two maids holding my arms tightly and continually apologizing.

I could have escaped from the torture but there was still mother and the dressmaker the deadliest people to have walked the planet and guards were guarding outside. How do I get myself into these things?

At the moment the dressmaker was jabbing me with pins while holding up the material. She was becoming quite frantic. One day is not enough to make a dress of such elegance she had said and insisted on me staying there for the entire day! By the time the dress would be finished I'd have to start getting ready for the ball. Mother left us at lunch.

After mother had gone the dressmaker said, "Oh the prince won't know what hit him when he sees you tonight your highness. He will be beside himself." the dressmaker and maids started giggling like mad.

I totally forgot about Cowen seeing me. No doubt he'll start teasing me about the neckline. I swear I'll do something to him before the night is over.

In the meantime I still had to endure these ladies for more than five hours. I'm counting down the seconds.

After much agony the time came. Finally. Yay! I left the room. My arms were sore where the maids had held me but still I was free! That's all that mattered. Or so I thought. I had forgotten about the ball. But of course mother was there to remind me.

"Dear it is time to get dressed. Now I know I have been very unfair to you these last couple of days but there have been some things going on which have made me rush. The time has nearly come for you to step up and take more responsibility." Mother said sorrowfully. "I just hope you can forgive me."

Mother never apologized to me before. I did wonder why she was acting more menacing than usual. "Mother of course I forgive you but what has happened for you to change and become like this?"

"You will find out soon enough. But now is not the time. Let us go and get ready."

Three painstaking hours later the maids were finished. Apparently I looked like a masterpiece. In my opinion I looked like a cabbage. No one shared my views unfortunately. The gown was a dark, midnight blue, which brought out my eyes with silver embroidery down the bottom and around the neck. It had sleeves, which flared out at my hands.

Mother and the others had put on "light" make up on me and I wore thin, long dangly silver earrings with a matching silver necklace. I also wore a small tiara at the top of my head with my hair falling loose out of the bun mother had made. My hair is untamable.

I walked out the room with great difficulty. I'm not used to wearing such high shoes and long dresses but mother "insisted" and you don't argue with mother when she "insists."

Outside mother and I met dad. He was wearing a white shirt and dark blue tunic and breeches. They brought out his eyes. He was frowning because he had to wear his crown and he hates wearing it. He says it makes him seem more powerful and higher than others. Mother was dressed in a nice, comfortable flowy light green dress that was simple yet elegant. When I asked her why my dress couldn't be like hers she laughed and said she wasn't sixteen. She was also wearing a crown and although you couldn't see outside inside she was frowning. My family could all conceal their feelings easily except for me.

We all walked down and met Ella, Char and Cowen waiting outside the hall to greet the guests. Ella was wearing a dress similar to mothers only hers was a lavender colour. Char was dressed in black and white while Cowen was in an emerald green. They were all also wearing crowns.

We greeted each other formally something we all hate. Though the only person that showed it was me.

Char kissed mother's hand while father kissed Ella's. Both men hugged (an the weird hug that guys do involving shaking hands) each other. While Cowen kissed mother's hand also and hugged father. I hugged Ella and gave my hand to Char who kissed it but when it got to Cowen I didn't know what to do. Everyone was looking at me expectantly. Reluctantly I gave my hand to Cowen who was smirking at me and placed a lingering kiss. I quickly tried to pull my hand away but Cowen held on tightly and wouldn't let go. He was enjoying this a lot I mean what a great opportunity to making me feel uncomfortable without actually doing anything wrong.

"Nice dress Alianne" he looked me up and down pointedly but his eyes lingered too much on my neckline for my liking. I knew he only did that to make me madder.

All the adults smiled laughing inside and just happened to take no notice of him looking at my neck. If it were anyone else I doubt father wouldn't do anything. Cowen that ass. I was definitely going to get him today. Whether it killed me or not. Cowen seemed to know what I was thinking and smiled, daring me. That was it. He was going to pay. This would be the biggest prank in pranking history. No. It would be bigger than a prank. We are too old for that sort of thing. Just wait till Edwina comes. It would be horrible.

We all stood in a line greeting the rest of the guests. Mother pushed me to stand beside Cowen. I was too close to him for my liking. Actually even being in a different country too him is still too close for me. My hand seemed swollen already. He was squeezing that tightly so I couldn't pull away. The doors opened and guests started to come. Most of the adults looked down at Cowen and my hands and smiled while others frowned. A lot of the sluty girls kept giving me the dirty's. Finally Edwina came. We both squealed with delight when we saw each other much to the disaprovemnet of our parents.

"You finally got here," I said.

"Yeah, I see Cowen and you have gotten close," she said looking pointedly at our hands.

"Don't ask," I said looking down with distaste. Thankfully Cowen was busy talking elsewhere and hadn't noticed the exchange.

"Oh yeah I nearly forgot this person here behind me is my dear old friend

Joshua," Edwina introduced us. I gave out my hand and he kissed it saying,

"It is an honour to finally meet you your highness. Edwina talks of you so much it nearly makes me jealous. She was right about you. You look lovely. Never have I seen such a pretty face." Joshua was very charming and extremely good-looking. He had dirty blonde hair and hazel eyes. He was very cute.

"Joshua is the next heir to the throne of Kyrria's neighbor, Aderyll, if the king their dies. You see the king was unable to produce heirs and he sort of adopted his nephew Joshua. Well unfortunately there are still people behind me waiting to be greeted so I'll see you soon and we can catch up," Edwina said before going to Cowen.

"Well I'll be seeing you and please save me a dance your highness," Joshua said before he too followed Edwina and greeted Cowen.

Next came Joren.

"Nice too see you again Sabrina," he said while placing a kiss on my knuckles. Only he and sometimes Cowen call me Sabrina my real first name. Though I do prefer Ally.

"Nice too see you too. I hope the journey went well?" I asked.

"Well it wasn't very good but it was worth it just to see you," he replied smirking.

"I feel so loved," I said sarcastically.

"You and Cowen seem to be getting close" he said noticing for the first time our hands.

"Don't ask" saying the same that I said to his sister Edwina.

The line seemed to be endless and more and more people kept on coming. At last there were only a few people left to greet. Unfortunately among them was Pamela, her mother and George, Pamela's cousin. Pamela had long, curly blonde hair that she had tried to straighten. Her dress, which was bright red, had a remarkable neckline. She was pretty.

Pamela as usual scowled at me and practically threw herself on top of Cowen. Ha. Cowen looked like he was dying and he looked at me pleadingly. Hmm. Should I help him? Nah, he can suffer just a little bit more. I think I know what I'll do to Cowen tonight for revenge. Ha. Cowen will die. He he he.

Unfortunately since I was so busy looking at Cowen and laughing I didn't see George coming up behind me and taking my other hand. Cowen still held onto my right hand. I looked up and saw that George was trying to take my right hand too but Cowen would not let go. Ok maybe I'll make my revenge less dreadful.

"My darling, you look lovely," George said while clutching my hand too his chest. I tried to pull my hand away but it wouldn't budge. Hey I was pretty tired you know especially after all that kissing and hugging.

George was a big round guy who was known to go after rich girls. He was extremely ugly and disgusting. Worst part is he seems to have taken a liking for me or rather my crown.

"Um thank you George now if you may I still have to greet more people." I looked behind him but apparently George was the last person in line. Where did the people go when you needed them?

"I hope you will save a dance for me tonight," George asked still holding my hand possessively.

"Um… I don't think I can George. You see…"I tried to continue but he stopped me by pressing his big, fat, greasy finger to my lips.

Oh My God. I was very pissed now. I stepped back, pulled my hand away which he had loosened his hold on and I slapped him. Or tried too. He caught my hand. Shit. Then Cowen came too the rescue. My knight in shining armor. Not. Thankfully and pulled my hand away from George and took it in his own. George couldn't do anything now. But Cowen could. I don't know if that's worse.

Thankfully just then mother came. "I'm sorry if I'm interrupting anything but could you kind sir please go inside now. The ball is about to start." Mother said looking at George, before she turned to Cowen and me and looked at us knowingly.

"Mother it doesn't look like what you think," I said desperately looking at Cowen for help. But help was something I wasn't about to get.

"No dear of course not. But I can see you have finally taken our advice," she said.

"Mother that horrible George…" I tried.

"I understand dear, don't worry you and Cowen have every right, but maybe you should do these things a little later. We are going to be announced now," mother said.

I looked at Cowen who as usual was smirking at me. I glared at him and freed my hands. We both then went up and stood behind our parents. Cowen offered me his hand. Mother looked back at us smiling at Cowen and glaring at me. I sighed and took it. It was going to be a long night.

The herald had already announced our parents and now it was our turn.

'Presenting his highness Prince Cowen Phillipe Charmont of Kyrria and Her Highness Princess Sabrina Alliane Maria of Rohan'

We both stepped out and walked down the stairs. Just as we reached the bottom and I was just starting to relax, a foot came in front of me and I tripped. Cowen put his arm around my waist to stop me from falling. I looked up at him and saw an evil glint in his eyes. Stupid moron had tripped me on purpose so he could look good and embarrass me in front of everyone at once. He still held me but I pulled back. Right on time mother came up to us and gave me one of her looks.

Great now I had to thank him for tripping me. life is so unfair.

"Thank you, your highness. If you had not been there I may have tripped and died." I said sarcastically. I knew I was going to get it from mother now.

"It was my pleasure," Cowen said smiling evilly at me.

"Well that was unexpected," Ella said clearing the situation up, "um now Prince Cowen and Princess Sabrina will open the ball.

Shit. I forgot about that. Cowen offered his arm again and I accepted. Then he put an arm around my waist again and I put my hand on his shoulder. I made sure to stand as far from him as possible. About one foot but Cowen had different ideas and when the song started he pulled me close. Like really close. I was dying I mean all those people were looking and I couldn't move back now, he had a strong grip. So instead I had too endure one very long, slow dance. The adults probably had something to do with this.

After the song finished I sighed with relief but then everybody else came onto the dance floor and Cowen wouldn't let go. So I had to go through hell a second time. After that song had finished though father saved me and asked to dance with me. After that I danced with Char who was a great dancer and loads more of dad's friends and their sons. It was pretty tiring especially with all the guys trying to make moves on me. Finally managing to escape I sat down on one of the chairs, my cheeks were flushed. Edwina came and sat next to me.

"Finally we can talk. I thought you'd never stop dancing." Edwina said.

"I also had lost hope but me being me I had to get out and so I did, another victory for Sabrina the great." We laughed.

"Oh it's so good to see you again. What did I miss?"

"Nothing much. Just the usual with a little extra. Parents want me to get married by my seventeenth."

"What?"

"Yeah sucks doesn't it?"

"Understatement"

"What's up with you?" I asked Edwina but before she could reply Joshua came up to us.

"Hey there ladies! Anyone want a dance?" he asked so charmingly.

"I would but I'm too tired. Dance with Edwina." I said. He looked disappointed.

"Well that's too bad. Um how about we dance after Edwina and me have?" he tried again.

"Sure," I smiled. Edwina just kept on looking at us form one to the other.

"Well how about it Eddie, up to it?"

"I am if you don't call me Eddie," she replied.

So they went of and danced while I sat their drinking water. But apparently someone else had noticed I was alone. George came toward me. Oh no. I am going to die. I looked around for anyone around me. Father and mother were busy dancing on the other side of the hall so were Ella and Char. But Cowen was nearby. Hmm. Who to pick? Cowen or George? Cowen. I stood up and practically ran to Cowen pulled him up and started dancing.

He just looked astonished until he saw George. Then he smiled. I could tell what was going on inside him now. Whether to make me suffer more by giving me to George or dancing with me and saving me.

Oh god his gonna give me to George. I silently pleaded with my eyes at him but I don't think he'll listen.

I can't be bothered to write anymore so yeah. Please Review if u want me to write the next chapter and remember to go easy on me.