Author's Note: Guys, I am so sorry this took a while but I've been stuck in front of the piano instead of the computer (recital coming up). So really sorry if this took a while!

We are slowly nearing the end of this fic. But I shall return! hehe!

Anyway, here's your update! Thanks so much for your reviews (most of them were quite amusing—in a good way of course!)

NotSupposedToBeHere: yes, sadly though, Peter is STILL daft!

Ze Ultimate Fanfic Writer: be gentle with the guy, man:)

krystya101: here, have a hanky…

musafa: swearing is welcome! if you need to vent, please proceed to Argour!

haha!

Supernova45690: newbies are welcome, my dear!

EquestrianPunk1992: you're welcome…? hehe.

brezzybrez: update's here, mon ami!

Thanks so much!

nascar-freak

Chapter 13: Dying Too Many Times

Let me explain to thee what the purpose of the ruby's spell truly is. The ruby is bewitched to curse someone ill. This I trust, you understand. In the situation of Aravinia, her curse takes four days to complete. Yes, the four days to Christmas. As of the moment, Aravinia's spell is still underdeveloped, which is the reason why she is in need of the ruby to keep her disguise. Now, what happens when the four days have passed? Her spell is now completed. She need not wear the ruby and still be seen as Giovane. But what happens to Giovane? The ill? I would not want to answer that question for it is too much…

Giovane awoke with a horrible feeling in her chest. She cringed, unable to sit up. She shifted in her bed and screamed, hoping someone would hear her. Unfortunately nothing happened. Giovane clutched her chest in terror. Her heart pounded and burned. She couldn't take it! Giovane sat up quickly and curled into a ball. The pain slowly ebbed away and it was the first relief she felt in… How long?

What's happening to me? Giovane thought, What's happening to me?

The Celestian looked around, cold sweat slid down her pale face. The princess looked outside the window. It was dark, but the position of the moon was different, Two days, she thought, I've been in my chambers for two days!

Giovane dangled her feet on the edge of the bed. She will resume, once more, yet another trip to the window.

Peter looked out the library window. He sighed as he watched snowflakes falling gently from the night sky above. He was waiting for Giovane and Lucy. Both girls wanted to join in the merriment of the Fauns this evening, and both girls were late,

Something is…out of place, a voice in the back of Peter's mind said,

Pardon?

Something is not right.

Giovane?

Yes. Though I can't place my finger on what the problem is! It's frustrating!

Where is she anyway?

The library door creaked open and in walked Giovane. She had on a dark blue riding dress ('tis no wonder where or whom she got it from) and cloak. Her hair was pulled back and ready for the winter wind to attack it. Peter looked solemnly at her, she looked back and smiled, "Where's Lucy?" Aravinia asked. Peter shrugged and turned away. Aravinia bit her lip and walked to Peter. She put a light hand on his shoulder, "Peter," she said softly. Peter didn't move. Aravinia sighed, "I'm sorry for the way I acted," she said. At that Peter shot her a look of shock, "Sorry?" he asked. Aravinia nodded. Peter kissed her cheek and whispered, "Past is past, love," he said. Aravinia smiled.

Giovane gasped and screamed. The pain her chest flared, "Why!" Giovane screamed, "Why won't you leave me alone?"

Thou art within my grasp,

Thou shall never escape me.

Giovane burst into sobs, "Oh, Peter," she cried, "Where art thou?"

Lucy came to the library door and took in a deep breath, "Keep your eyes peeled," she whispered, "And keep your ears alert!"

Lucy had promised herself that she would watch for any signs of what might be the matter with Giovane. She raised a hand and twisted the doorknob open, not bothering to knock. When she entered the library she found Peter and Giovane break away from what would have been a locked kiss. Normally, Lucy would have found this sweet, but knowing that something was wrong, she was not sure what to think. She pretended that she hadn't noticed anything and said as enthusiastically as possible, "That's right! Enough kissing! Let's go!"

Peter blushed. Aravinia smiled, "Alright, then," she said, "Let's!"

-Ebony's Point of View-

This is truly strange. I watch as Giovane mounts me. The way she pats my neck, 'tis different. She takes hold of my reins, and her grip seems tighter. My sensitive mouth twitches but she notices not. How rude! She slides her foot into the left stirrup, and she seems heavier. This is truly strange. Something is wrong. Giovane falls heavily on my back and my hindquarters fall beneath her. King Peter and Prancer are busy discussing something, and so they did not see, but I catch Queen Lucy's eyes. She stares back at me with concern. There is something wrong. There is something the matter. This is truly strange. Giovane is different tonight.

-End of Ebony's Point of View-

Giovane gripped the windowsill as she peeked through the glass of the window. Everything was so peaceful this evening, but what she saw next was just agonizing. She forced her body to look further to the left. She literally had her face pressed against the glass. She could barely see the main gates, but she could clearly see who was leaving the castle. It was Peter, on Prancer. It was Lucy, on Tristan, and it was Aravinia, on Ebony!

Giovane's hand flew to her mouth as she burst into hiccups of sobs. Why was Peter deceiving her? Was he not aware of what was happening? Was he not-

No!

What?

Don't you understand?

Giovane tried to quiet down her sobs as she tried to make out a voice in her mind, Oh stop crying! it screamed. Giovane froze, What?

Something is not right!

Oh, isn't it obvious?

Wait! Peter isn't coming here wondering where you are, right?

So? He cares for someone else! I don't even want to know if he already knew Aravinia before!

But then, why isn't Susan, Edmund or Lucy, coming to check on you? They can't possibly allow their own brother to deceive you!

Giovane's eyes widened. Why, of course! If Peter was deceiving her, then why wasn't at least Lucy, coming to comfort her? Why wasn't Susan coming to see if she was alright? Why wasn't Edmund coming to give her advice? It was so strange that it was difficult for Giovane to process. The last thing she wanted to think about was, No, it can't be! Bewitchment?

Giovane looked down at the black dress she was wearing, Am I bewitched? Am I under a spell?

The princess turned back to the window and watched as Peter, Lucy, and Aravinia disappeared out of the gates, Is Aravinia a sorceress?

Author's Note: If this short, I ask for pardon. Personally though, I am satisfied with it… Well anyway, I hope I didn't confuse you with the last few paragraphs of Giovane's thoughts. Good gracious… haha!

Anyway, please go to my website (in the profile page, look for the link or just go to my homepage) and PLEASE go the Main Halls! Yay! I drew a scene from 'The Curse Upon Ivory' and I'd love your opinions (scanned image might appear weird). Yes, the scene is called, 'Giovane's Tears'. TCUI readers, it's when Giovane is crying in Peter's arms. They were in the forest by then ;) yes, by the rock. Please leave a comment in the Guestbook (Dost Thou Need Lodging?) link, and tell me what you think! There's also a portrait of Giovane (not so perfect). Please check it out! (gets down on knees and folds hand over head) Pretty Pleeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaase? (pouts)

--it's also my way of sayin' thanks to y'all!-- :)