The following day was bright and sunny as the servants cleaned Uberta's castle in the aftermath of Derek and Odette's wedding, which wasn't as bad as when they were setting up for it, given that they didn't have to put up with Uberta barking orders at them the whole time. Some of them were even enjoying themselves while working, not just because they enjoyed their work, but also because their prince and princess were finally married after all these years.

Meanwhile, in the castle dining room, Uberta and Rogers sat at the table waiting for Derek and Odette to join them, but they had been waiting for them for almost an hour, and it certainly wasn't helping that breakfast was getting cold.

"What is taking them so long?" Rogers groaned, "They're going to miss breakfast!"

"Oh, give them some time, Rogers," Uberta said as she sipped her tea, "They are newlyweds after all, and this is their first day as man and wife."

"True, but timing is of the essence," Rogers informed her, "they can't stay in bed all day."

"Oh, I don't know about that. This is the perfect opportunity for…" Uberta didn't finish her sentence. She simply giggled, giving Rogers an idea what she was going to say. Just then, Derek walking into the dining room wearing black night pants and a dark blue robe. "And there's the conquering hero now!" Uberta cheered as she saw her son, "The man who achieved his most challenging quest yet!"

"Very funny, mother," Derek said sarcastically as he smiled and rolled his eyes.

"And where's our blushing bride?" Uberta asked as she looked past Derek.

"Odette's still getting ready upstairs, mother," Derek explained as he took a seat at the table, "She'll be down shortly." Derek then looked around the dining room, "Say, where's Brom? I haven't seen him since last night."

"…On a date," Rogers said with a hint of amusement in his voice.

"On a date? Really?" Derek asked surprisingly.

"Yes," Rogers nodded, "Apparently, he and Odette's handmaiden hit it off rather well since you two introduced them last night. I'm rather shocked he hasn't destroyed everything yet like he usually does. But I give it one day until he scares the poor girl off with his usual buffoonish antics."

Derek then gave Rogers a serious look, not enjoying him insulting his best friend, "Rogers, please. I know Brom can be a little pigheaded at times, but he's my best friend, and I'm sure he and Alyssa will be happy."

"Scratch that, I give it till noon," Rogers retorted, causing Derek to sigh in frustration.

"So how is Odette, dear?" Uberta asked.

"She's definitely happier now that we're married," Derek told her. Just then, Derek jumped a bit when he felt two arms wrap around his chest from behind.

"You can say that again," he heard Odette say to him. Derek turned his head and smiled at his new wife.

"Oh hey!" he greeted her.

"Hey you," Odette greeted back with a smile of her own. The two of them kissed and Odette then released her husband from her arms and sat down in a chair next to him. She was still in her nightgown, which was white with long fitted sleeves.

"And how is our dear princess this morning?" Uberta asked.

"I'm fine, Uberta," Odette replied, earning herself a smile from her mother-in-law.

"That's good to hear," Suddenly, Uberta gasped as though a thought had suddenly occurred to her, "I just realized something! There's one thing you need to do now that you're married."

"Mother, we talked about this last night," Derek said irritably, thinking he knew what she was going to say, "Odette and I won't be taking the throne until after we find her father's murderer." As the young prince sipped his orange juice, his mother just shook her head.

"Oh no, darling! I wasn't talking about that!" Uberta said, "I was talking about the baby!"

As soon as the word baby had left his mother's lips, Derek's eyes widened and he spat out his orange juice and choked a little on what he couldn't spit out, causing Odette to pat him on the back to try and help relieve him.

"What?!" Rogers asked in shock.

After a moment of coughing, Derek found his breath again. "MOTHER!" he shouted.

"You heard me," Uberta said as she put her hands on her hips, "now that the love and marriage have happened, it's time for the baby carriage part. You may be crown prince and princess, but you'll still need an heir to secure the throne."

"It's a little early to be thinking about that, isn't it, Uberta?" Odette asked, "I mean, Derek and I have only been married for a day."

"She's right," Rogers agreed, "This cannot be rushed, we just finished a wedding for goodness sake! It's not like the stork will come knocking on the door today!"

As if on cue, everyone turned to the dining room door as they heard a knock on it.
"Oh, please don't let that be the stork," Derek groaned, causing Odette to elbow him. The door opened, but instead of the stork, Uberta's servant, Chamberlain, came into the dining room with an piece of paper in his hand.

"What is it, Chamberlain?" Uberta asked, sounding a bit annoyed with him as usual.

"A...a message f-for Princes Odette," Chamberlain stuttered.

Odette looked up in confusion. "A message for me?" she asked. Chamberlain handed her the message and as Odette read it, her eyes began to widen in shock.

"Who's it from, Odette?"

"It's from Gregory, my father's captain," Odette explained before she began to read the message aloud, "Princess Odette, I may or may not have information on you father's death, but it's too dangerous for me to send it in this message, and I can't come to your new home without the fear of being followed. If you can meet me at my home in your father's kingdom in a few weeks, I can tell you everything I know." Odette knew what this meant. She was finally about to learn the truth behind her father's murder and could bring the person responsible to justice. "I have to see him."

"But Odette-," Rogers began before Odette cut him off.

"I have to do this, Rogers," Odette argued, "If he has information on my father's death, I need to know what it is so I can finally get closure."

Derek then stood up from his chair and put his hand on his wife's shoulder, "You don't have to go alone. I'm going with you."

Odette shook her head, "You don't have to do that, Derek."

"I know, but you're my wife now," Derek explained, "I want to be there for you in case you find out something you don't want to."

Odette smiled at her husband. She was incredibly happy that she was married to someone who loved her and cared about her enough to be with her when she'd need him the most. "Okay," Odette agreed with a nod.

"But what about the baby?!" Uberta shouted.

"Mother please," Derek said in both embarrassment and annoyance, "Odette and I were just married yesterday. We need more time together before having a baby."

Just then, Uberta's eyes widened in sadness, and she once again began to do the 'lip thing'.

"Oh no, Uberta, it's nothing personal," Odette said, trying to reassure her new mother-in-law, "we just want to make sure we're ready before starting a family. You have to understand."

"But...but..." Uberta stuttered, causing Derek to sigh heavily.

"We'll think about it while we're away, mother," Derek gave in.

Uberta then cheered at her son's words, "Thank you, darling!"

"But please don't keep asking about it, mother," Derek continued, "It's a big step and it can't be rushed."

Uberta nodded in agreement, "Alright, fair enough. You two just take your time and I'll just give you your space...and pray," she said, causing Odette to giggle.

Later that evening, Derek and Odette went back to their bedroom and began packing for their journey to William's kingdom. They planned to pack light since it was only going to be the two of them going, and if the message from Captain Gregory was correct, they didn't want anyone following them. As Odette packed the last bit of clothes she was going to take with her, she suddenly placed her hand bellow her neck as if she was searching for something.

"Hey Derek, have you seen my necklace?" she asked.

"Yeah, it's right here," Derek responded as he saw Odette's necklace on her makeup table and picked it up. "Here you go," he said as he put it around his wife's neck. Derek then took the small heart-shaped pendant on it and smiled, "I remember when I gave this to you."

"You were the one who gave it to me?" Odette asked in confusion.

"Yeah," Derek answered with a small nod, "You probably don't remember, though. You were just a baby at the time."

"Really now?" Odette said in astonishment.

"Yep," Derek said, "I was three years old. My mother brought me to your christening after you were born, and I gave it to you as a gift from us."

Odette smiled at her husband's story and wrapped her arms around him, "That was sweet of you, Derek."

The two of them then moved closer to one another and shared a small kiss, but suddenly, Odette remembered something and her expression of joy faded. Derek saw this and immediately grew worried.

"Odette? What's wrong?" he asked.

"It's just…" Odette started.

"Just what?" Derek started sounding worried.

"Derek...I met someone the day before our wedding," Odette finally responded.

"You did? Who was it?" Derek asked, his curiosity growing.

"…Prince Damien of Hashmere," Odette answered.

Derek became disgusted and shook his head, "Oh, not him," Derek groaned.

"So you've heard of him?" Odette responded.

"I've actually met him once," Derek began, "It was a few years ago during the fall. My mother was hosting another one of her beauty pageants, and Damien was one of the guests."

"What was he doing?" Odette asked.

"Trying to find a wife," Derek answered, "He was checking out the contestants to see which one he'll choose. It's custom during the season that young men and women start courting each other and find a husband or wife of the same social status, or higher if they're lucky."

"I take it that he didn't succeed?" Odette guessed.

Derek shook his head, "No, my mother had him thrown out for harassing one of the contestants when the contest was over…and I almost punched him out and started a fight."

Odette looked at Derek in surprise. He had never punched anyone in his entire life, "Why did you do that?"

"Because he called me pathetic," Derek responded.

Odette gently put her hand on her husband's face reassuringly, "You're not pathetic, Derek."

"I know," Derek said with a smile, "I guess he was just being arrogant. So how did you two meet?"

Odette was a little hesitant at first, given that this was the part she was nervous about discussing, "He found me picking wild flowers for my bouquet in the woods," she started explaining, "and he was impressed with my appearance that he…"

Derek raised an eyebrow as his wife paused, "Yeah?"

Odette took a deep breath, "He…asked me to marry him."

Derek's eyes widened and his jaw dropped as he began to breathe heavily. Odette didn't know what was going through her husband's mind in that moment, but by the look on his face, it wasn't good. Suddenly, without any warning, Derek turned around and shouted in frustration. "Where is he?!"

"Derek, please calm down!" Odette exclaimed trying to calm her husband, "I still told him no!"

"I don't care!" Derek shouted, "I'm going to tear him apart! It's one thing to call me pathetic, but to take my woman from me!? I will make him suffer!"

"Derek, listen to yourself!" Something about Odette's words finally made Derek realize that he was scaring her, and that was the last thing he wanted to do.

"I'm sorry, Odette," he apologized, "I don't know what came over me."

"It's okay, Derek," Odette reassured him as she placed a hand on her husband's face, "He didn't know who I was until I told him I was a princess. Besides, after he talked poorly about you, I wouldn't even go on a date with him even if I weren't getting married."

"And I'm glad," Derek chuckled, "So why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"You were already focusing on finding the Great Animal and with the wedding being only a day away from then, I didn't want you to worry," Odette explained.

Derek then sighed and nodded, "I understand. I certainly hope we don't see him again."

Odette nodded, "Agreed."

Derek smiled and kissed Odette's forehead, "Come on, let's finish packing."

"Right," Odette agreed, and they returned to packing for their journey. Soon they finished and Odette felt as if there was something else that she wanted to discuss with her husband, "One other thing, Derek."

"What's that?"

"Do you see us ever having a baby?" Odette asked, causing Derek to look at her in surprise and confusion.

"Why do you ask?"

Odette shrugged at the question, "It's been on my mind since your mother brought it up at breakfast."

"…I see," Derek said, "Well, I don't think we should rush into it."

"Neither do I," Odette agreed, "but…"

"But what?" Derek asked.

"What if it just happens?"

"I don't know, Odette," Derek said with a sigh, "I mean, a baby is a big step in life, and a big responsibility."

"I know," Odette replied.

"Besides…" Derek began as he sat in the chair by the window, "I'm not sure if I'd be ready."

"What do you mean?" Odette asked in confusion.

"Well, remember how my father died when I was little?" Derek asked her.

Odette raised an eyebrow at her husband's question, "Yeah?"

"Because of that, I didn't have a father to look up to," Derek explained, "Sure, there was Rogers, but he never had children. And because I didn't have a father, I'm not sure if I can be a good one."

A sad expression formed on Odette's face. She felt sad for how her husband was feeling. But as she thought about it, she soon understood what he was feeling. She then walked over to Derek, sat across his lap and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

"It's okay, Derek," Odette said as she rested her head on Derek's chest, "I feel the same way."

"You do?" Derek asked in surprise.

"Yes," Odette said with a nod, "My mother died giving birth to me, so I didn't have a mother growing up, and that makes me nervous about being a good mother."

"Oh."

"But I'll tell you something," Odette continued, "I may not have had my mother growing up, but I did have yours. Just like you had my father to look up to."

"I guess that's true," Derek agreed with a shrug, "I mean, I did admire your father, even if he was a bit pushy about us getting married."

Odette giggled at her husband's comment, "Nobody's perfect, Derek."

"That's true. I still don't think we should have a baby until we're both ready, but if by some chance it just happens without us planning on it, I don't think we'd have anything to worry about."

"Me neither," Odette agreed, "I think we'd both be loving and supportive parents."

"I think so too," Derek agreed with a smile, earning one back from Odette. They both then leaned in and kissed passionately.

It was early the next morning when Derek and Odette were in the stables preparing to leave for William's kingdom. Accompanying then to send them on their way were Rogers and Bromley, along with Odette's handmaiden Alyssa who was giving the princess one last hug.

"You take care of yourself out there, Odette," Alyssa told her.

"Thanks Alyssa, you too," Odette said as she returned the hug.

"Are you two sure you don't want a royal escort?" Rogers asked.

"We're positive, Rogers," Derek said with a nod, "The note said that William's captain was afraid someone would follow him. If we attract too much attention, the ones responsible for William's death might try to attack us next. It's best Odette and I lay low."

"I see your point," Rogers reluctantly agreed, "Just take caution and watch your backs."

"Don't worry, we'll just be discrete," Odette reassured him as she and Derek then put cloaks over themselves.

"You sure you won't come with us, Brom?" Derek asked his best friend, "I could use some extra muscle if we run into the Great Animal."

"I'd, uh, love to, Derek," Bromley stuttered, "but, uh, you see I have this thing going on and well..."

"Let me guess, you mean you're too much of a coward to?" Rogers asked mockingly, causing Bromley to glare at him and earning disapproving looks from Derek and Odette.

"What Bromley's trying to say is we have another date tomorrow," Alyssa cut in.

"Another date?!" Rogers exclaimed in astonishment.

"We do?" Bromley asked before Alyssa elbowed him, "I mean, that's right! We do have another date tomorrow!" Rogers grumbled in annoyance at the fact that the most incompetent buffoon he'd ever met had managed not to scare a pretty girl away and was going on another date with her. "Why so sour, Rogers?" Bromley asked with a smirk.

"He bet with me that you'd scare Alyssa off by noon yesterday," Derek commented.

"Well, it looks like you just lost, old man," Alyssa said triumphantly.

"She's right, Rogers," Derek said with a smirk, "Now pay up."

Rogers then began grumbling again as he tossed a gold coin to Derek, and then another one to Odette, causing Bromley to look at her in surprise. "You were in on it too, princess?"

"I never doubted you for a second, Bromley," Odette told him with a smile.

"And Rogers," Derek began, "we need to talk about your gambling problem when Odette and I get back."

"You're lucky you're the prince, Derek," Rogers said with a glare.

Just then, Odette cleared her throat to get her husband's attention, "I think we'd better go now, Derek."

"Right. Take care, everyone," Derek said as he and Odette mounted their horses and rode off.

Several hours had passed since Derek and Odette left the castle. They rode through the forest almost all day and had only encountered a few people, none of whom seemed to recognize them, thanks to their cloaks. Of course, they need to find a village to stay at soon, they were running out of food and they needed a decent place to sleep in as their carriage was the most conspicuous place any thief would find. And their backs were sore from the small mattress and they didn't get much sleep since their departure. As the newlyweds passed through the forest, Derek spoke up, a look of concern on his face. "Odette, can we talk about something?"

"What is it, Derek?" Odette asked.

"It's just…" Derek paused for a moment, "I want you to be prepared for what your father's captain might say."

Odette looked at her husband in confusion, "What do you mean?"

"Well, he might tell you something you don't want to know," Derek explained, "or he might cause you to relive bad memories about your father dying the way he did...especially when William said..."

It's all my fault! This all happened because of a terrible mistake I made when you were born! While my fate is sealed... I fear you and Derek are about to pay the price for it as well! The consequences for my actions are far greater than I imagined, and this is… just the beginning. You two must be… prepared and brace yourself for w-what is about to come!

"He made it sound like he did something really bad...and I'm afraid the Captain might tell us something that will make you despise your father."

"I understand that you're worried, Derek," Odette reassured him, "I am too."

Derek then looked at his wife with a raised eyebrow, "You are?"

Odette nodded, "Yes. I'm worried that whatever he tells me might cause me more pain, but you must understand that this is something I have to do."

"Okay. But just remember, Odette," Derek began, "whatever happens, I'll be there to help you through it."

Odette smiled at her loving husband's words. She was truly lucky to have him to support her, "I know you will."

Derek smiled back, but then looked to notice the sun setting, "It's getting pretty late."

"Yeah," Odette agreed, "we'd better stop somewhere for the night."

"There's a village about two miles from here," Derek said as he looked at the map, "My mother says they have a lovely inn there."

"That's probably a good place to spend the night," Odette commented.

"Race you there?" Derek asked.

"You're on!" Odette exclaimed with a smirk as their horses took off running.

At the outskirts of the village, Derek and Odette finish their race, with Oddete as the winner.

"Looks like you've beaten me once again," Derek said with a smile.

Odette smiled back. "I always did win against you at everything when we were kids.

"Only now we're in more friendly competitions with less violence," Derek commented.

Odette then realized something and turned to her husband. "You let me win!"

Derek stared at Odette with a look of shock "What?! No I didn't!" he said in defense. However, Odette gave him a look and he dropped his defense. "Okay, I let you win," he admitted.

"Why Derek?" Odette asked, a little disappointed, "You've always wanted to beat me at something ever since we were little."

"Because I love you," Derek replied with a smile.

"Oh…," Odette smiled, "Well thank you for being honest, Derek. But you don't have to let me win just because you love me. If you want to win against me just let me know."

Derek just sighed. "Okay Odette."

Odette then smirked at her husband. "But that doesn't mean I'll let you win."

Derek simply chuckled. "I'd expect nothing less."

Derek and Odette rode through the village and towards the inn. Thankfully no one recognized them thanks to their cloaks.

"Remember, we can't use our names until we know for certain that we aren't being followed," Odette reminded Derek.

Derek nodded. "Agreed."

Finally they arrived at the inn, and Derek dismounted his horse and then gently helped Odette off of hers. "You wait here, I'm gonna go get us a room."

"Okay, but be careful," Odette warned.

"Hey, it's me," Derek reminded her.

"That's what I'm worried about," Odette smiled.

Derek just smiled and rolled his eyes at his wife's joke, before going into the inn. He walked up to the desk where the innkeeper was sitting, looking over his records. "Excuse me," Derek said.

The innkeeper looked up from is records, and at Derek, unaware that he was looking at the prince. "Oh, good evening, sir. How can I help you tonight?"

"My wife and I would like a room for the night, and I don't suppose you have any available, do you?" Derek politely asked.

"Actually, yes we do. We're always honored to house weary travelers, sir," responded the innkeeper.

Derek smiled at the good news. "Well, I'm glad to hear that," He then got an idea. "Say, I don't suppose you'd have a honeymoon suite available, would you?:

"Oh so you're newlyweds? Congratulations! In fact, we do have one available, but it'll cost you a bit extra," the innkeeper informed him.

"I don't think that'll be a problem for us," Derek replied. He then paid the innkeeper with three silver coins and the gold coin Rogers gave him.

The innkeeper put the coins in a drawr then handed Derek the key. "Room six, sir."

Derek took the key and nodded to the keeper. "Thank you very much."

"You know, the prince and princess were married recently as well. Two days ago, I believe," the innkeeper added in with a smile.

Derek smiled back "You know what? I did hear something about that." He went back outside to Odette.

"How'd it go?" Odette asked.

Derek showed her the key. "I got us the honeymoon suite."

Odette just stared wide eyed at Derek for a second. "You did?!"

"Of course," Derek replied, "This is kind of like our honeymoon, you know."

Odette thought for a second. "I guess it is."

Later that night, Derek and Odette were in their room and getting themselves ready for bed.

"Well, it's been quite a day hasn't it?" Derek said to Odette.

Odette, while brushing her hair, turned toward Derek. "I'll say. I still can't believe you got us the honeymoon suite."

"Why?" Derek asked, "Don't you like it?"

"No," Odette smiled and put down the brush, "I love it."

"Good," Derek said in relief, "I only want the best for you." After a few more moments they both he and Odette got into bed, and Odette cuddled up to Derek and laid her head on his chest. Derek wraped his arms around her in response. "You sure do like to cuddle." Odette remained silent, which made Derek worry for a second. "Everything okay?" he asked.

"Yeah…I guess I'm just a little nervous is all," Odette responded after a couple seconds.

"Nervous?" Derek asked, a bit surprised, "About what?"

"Meeting with Captain Gregory," Odete said, "I know I said that it was something I had to do, but…"

"It'll be alright, Odette," Derek reassured his wife, "I'll be right there if you need me."

Odette simply smiled in comfort. "Thanks Derek. I'm glad you came with me."

Derek kissed his wife's forehead. "Me too. Now get some sleep. We've got a long journey ahead of us tomorrow."

"Okay," Odette agreed.

With that, Derek blew out the candle, making the room to go dark, and allowing him and his wife to fall asleep. Unknown to anybody, just outside the in watching their window, was Rothbart. "That's right," the evil wizard smirked, "Sleep now, Odette. I may not be able to take you as my own anymore, but that doesn't mean your father's kingdom won't be mine someday."

Me: Oh man! I thought I'd NEVER get this done! But I did with the help of a good friend of mine! For those of you who haven't figured it out yet, I changed Prince Lucas' name to Damien to avoid confusion with the character Lucas from the CGI Swan Princess movies (which I really don't like). I hope you guys enjoyed reading my new chapter! Please review, but be nice!