A/N:

One week of school has gone. A billion more weeks to go…and I'm so tired…I'm literally about to sleep with my head resting on the keyboard (with drooling, maybe). Noooooooo…must…stay…awake…still…have…to…do…careers assignment…snores.

I really should get my priorities straightened out.

Very (x100) special thanks to:

daffodil

Beatrix B.

Alice

wishing-gurl

littlelambug

Lil Bazza

The Mysterious M

CrimsonEnchantressWELCOME BACK!!! :)

Divya

Jennay

starrlightlin7

Crazayladay

Swishy Willow Wand

Tallemera Rane

Miss Piratess

Shima and Tempis

cutie20

Pacem

singinstrawberri

dragonfirechick

Revi

fairipixie3

LilliannaRoseGrade 10. :)

awaiting impatient person

mephanie

sealed nectar

b2okworm1

BlUeAnGel124

Pointy Objects

chayne710

wonderxwoman

If I missed you, I give you every right to yell at me.

Recap:

She was almost to the balcony (to freedom) when someone stopped her. She turned and saw Eleanor.

"Oh, hi," she said.

Eleanor smiled. Then came a blunt statement: "Christian was staring at you."

Daria blanched. "You know Christian?" she asked.

Eleanor nodded. "Yes, though the only thing I know about him is his name, nothing more. He is so mysterious, don't you think? He always keeps to himself."

"Yes, he is," Daria agreed. "So…you don't know anything about him?"

Eleanor chuckled. "No one does. He constantly goes away in long periods of time. He's barely in Frell." She paused and frowned. "Well," she said later on, "there is one more thing I know about him…"

"What?" Daria asked curiously.

"He's very good at fighting," Eleanor said. "He once joined a tournament. I watched him swordfight. He was really good. I think he would have won, or at least be one of the top fighters, but he dropped out and left in the middle of the season. We don't know why, he just did."

Daria frowned as thoughts flooded her. Thoughts concerning about the mysterious blond man. I met him as a thief, yet he is clearly a nobleman. He is a good friend of the prince, he's always away, and he's very good at fighting…

Then it dawned on her, right there and then. The answer hit her like an unexpected wave.

Of course, she thought. Why didn't I see it before?

Chapter Sixteen

The Banquet: Continued

Of course…why didn't I see it before? It all makes sense now…

"Daria? Are you all right?" Eleanor asked, concerned.

Daria snapped out of her thoughts. She smiled at Eleanor. "I just need some fresh air," she replied, shrugging. "I'll talk to you later?"

Eleanor nodded. "All right."

Daria left and headed for the balcony. As soon as she stepped out, she breathed in the cool, fresh air. It was colder than how she liked it to be, but it didn't matter. She just wanted some peace and quiet. She needed rest. She wasn't used to banquets like this.

She rested her arms on the railing and closed her eyes. The wind blew gently on her face. She smiled, relieved that she was finally able to relax.

Suddenly, she heard a familiar tenor voice. "Hi."

Daria instantly turned around. "Christian?" she said in surprise. She flashed him a curious look. "What are you doing here?"

Christian, frowning, took a step forward. "To talk to you," he said gravely. "I…"

"I forgive you," Daria immediately cut in.

His eyes widened in shock. He was not expecting that. Definitely not. He frowned and studied her face, searching hints of mockery. She seemed to look serious…what made her change her mind?

"Really?" he said doubtfully. "You forgive me?"

She nodded. "Like you said: you had no choice, right?"

"Right…," he said slowly.

She smiled and turned back to the railing, looking at the dark horizon. Christian hesitated, then took his place right next to her. A few seconds barely passed when he discreetly stole a sideway look at his companion. She looked so peaceful, just gazing like that…

"So," she said quietly, "what is it like?"

He gave her a confused look, but she was still not looking at him. "What is what like?" he asked, just as quietly.

She chuckled and faced him. "What is it like being a spy?"

To say that he was shocked was an understatement. His eyes widened. She figured it out?! She knew who he was? Did someone tell her?

No… she probably figured it out. After all, she had caught him when he was in one of his missions. She was bound to solve the mystery sooner or later.

He feigned puzzlement. "A spy?" he echoed. He scratched his smooth chin. "You think I'm a spy?" He snorted and let out amused laughter.

She rolled her eyes. "Don't try that on me. The whole thing makes sense now, with you being a spy. It all adds up."

"I'm not a spy," Christian argued. "I have no idea where you got that, but I'm not."

She raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"

He nodded, seriousness written all over his face. "Really."

She grinned. "So you won't mind if I go back in there and announce it to everyone?"

He faltered a bit. "I-I…"

"All right." She smiled slyly, turned, and headed back to the banquet hall.

Christian reacted immediately. He jumped and held her by the arm, preventing her from taking another step. "Clever, are you?" he said quietly in her ear.

Daria stepped away and faced him. Giving him a look, she shrugged and replied, "No. Just observant."

He nodded. "Fine," he said grimly. "You win." He sighed deeply. "Yes, I am a spy."

Her face broke into a large grin. "I knew it!"

He stepped forward and held her by the shoulders. He brought his face close to hers and whispered, "Don't. Tell. Anyone." His soft voice was filled with authority.

Daria rolled her eyes. "Fine, fine. Your deep, dark secret is safe. Don't worry."

"I mean it, Daria," he said firmly.

She scowled. "I understand! I will not tell anyone, all right?"

"You better not."

She rolled her eyes and turn back to the railing. "You should lighten up," she muttered.

Once again, he took his place beside her. "My job requires me to be serious," he said grimly. "I can't take it lightly."

"Well, lighten up when you're not doing your job. Like right now. Are you supposed to be spying on me or something?"

He cracked a small smile. "Fine. I'll lighten up, on one condition."

She gave him a look. "What?" she asked.

"Give me a kiss," he replied solemnly.

Her eyes widened. "Christian…"

He burst out laughing. "I was jesting, Daria!" He grinned and shook his head. "Honestly, my lady. You tell me to lighten up, I crack a joke, and you get angry."

Daria flushed slightly. "I thought you were being serious," she mumbled.

"I was," he whispered.

Her eyes widened once more. "Wha—"

He burst out laughing. "Just kidding," he said in between breathy chuckles.

"Kid about something else, you jerk!" she said, glaring fiercely at him. "Do you find joy in making me feel awkward?"

He grinned. "Yup."

She rolled her eyes. "You are not a gentleman."

"Whoever said I was?" he asked with a grinning voice. "Many people think I'm a rogue."

Daria laughed and rested her arms on the railings. Her eyes trailed down towards the garden, and when they did, she saw two people taking a nice, evening stroll. It was obviously a young lady and a young man, based on their figures. As she strained her eyes to see better, she was startled to see that it was the prince and the pretty girl he had been dancing with earlier. They were talking and laughing, as if they were good old friends.

Christian followed her gaze and looked down. An impassive look crept up his face as he stared at the two shadowy figures. He then looked back at Daria and frowned. "Are you all right?"

Daria's head snapped to his direction. "Yes!" she snapped, a bit angrily. "Why wouldn't I be?"

He shrugged. "You just seem…never mind," he sighed.

"Who is that girl?"

"Who?"

"The girl down there."

He shrugged. "Her name is Ennael…" He elapsed into silence.

Daria looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to say more. After a few more seconds of suspenseful silence, she spoke. "Well?" she said irritably. "Is that all you can tell me?"

"No…but why do you want to know more?"

She shrugged. "I just want to learn more about my guests, that's all."

Christian raised an eyebrow. "Well…doesn't that name sound familiar?"

Daria paused and frowned. "As a matter of fact, yes, it does," she replied thoughtfully. "However, I cannot place where I have heard it from. Just tell me."

Christian shrugged, then said, "She is the Crown Princess of Ayortha."

Daria literally felt her heart skip a beat. Her eyes widened as it all flooded back to her. Of course! Princess Ennael! Daria had heard so much about her, bits from here and there. She was pretty much the epitome of beauty and kindness. Everybody loved her…she was thoughtful, beautiful, polite, caring…

Daria felt like a complete monster compared to her. A vile, disgusting, black-hearted monster. She was dung compared to that fortunate wench.

She was so busy thinking about all this that she did not notice Christian's piercing eyes on her, watching every emotion that played on her face.

No wonder countless men swarmed her on the dance floor like lovesick fools, Daria thought grimly. And to make things ever better, she's a P-R-I-N-C-E-S-S. No doubt she's the type who servants adore because she just loooves to help out with chores.

She probably insists on being called just "Ennael" too.

Christian decided to break the silence. "You shouldn't feel low," he said softly.

Daria frowned and turned to him. "What do you mean?" she asked stiffly, knowing exactly what he meant.

"I can see it. It is plainly written on your face. You think you're way beneath her, don't you? You feel worthless."

Daria was about to deny it, but judging by the look on Christian's face, she knew that he wouldn't buy it. He was very observant, while she was never good at hiding her feelings. "Well…it's true," she mumbled. "I am worthless. I'm always moody and angry."

"Nobody's perfect."

"Princess Ennael is," Daria said heatedly. "She is so perfect that it makes me want to hate her…" She sighed, a long release. "But it's not fair if I do, is it?"

"She isn't perfect," Christian argued.

Daria raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Then name one bad thing about her."

He frowned thoughtfully. "She's…" He scratched his chin. "She's…" He trailed off.

"You just proved my point."

"Wait!" Christian interjected. "There has to be one bad thing about her…" He paused. "I'll tell you once something comes to mind. Maybe I can get someone to spy on her and discover her faults."

Daria laughed a bit at this. "You really are a rogue."

Christian feigned hurt. He clutched his chest and winced, pretending to be in pain. "Ouch…you wound me deeply, my lady."

She snorted and rolled her eyes. Her eyes then travelled towards the banquet hall, where couples were still dancing the night away. "I should be heading back," she said.

He nodded, then his face broke into a devilish grin. "I would ask you to dance," he said cheekily, "but I don't want my toes to suffer."

She pretended to glare at him. "How very nice of you, Lord Christian."

He gave her a mock bow. "I know. Till next time, Lady Daria." Grinning impishly, he took her hand and placed a soft (lingering) kiss on her knuckles. He then smirked and walked away.

Daria stared at his retreating back. Then, smiling slightly, she touched the spot where he had kissed her.

She could still feel the tingle she had received the moment his lips touched her skin.

After a few more minutes of mingling with nobles, Daria found her second chance to escape for a while. So, she took it, and successfully left the banquet hall. She made her way towards her manor's enormous library, where she had always enjoyed spending quiet and peaceful time. She would have gone back to the balcony, but when she got there, she saw a couple in deep (and heated, mind you) conversation. She did not want to bother them.

The library was slightly dark, despite the ten lanterns that were burning. She didn't mind though. She was used it.

She was looking through the fiction section when she felt a small tap on her shoulder. She yelped and whirled around.

"I'm so sorry!" said the girl before her. "I did not mean to frighten you."

Daria calmed down. "It's all right, Your Highness."

Princess Ennael gave her a look. "You know who I am?"

Daria just shrugged.

"Please…just call me Ennael. I don't like formalities."

Surprise, surprise.

"All right…," Daria said reluctantly. She paused and studied the girl before her. She was even prettier up close. No…scratch that. This girl was drop dead gorgeous. Her dark brown hair was long and silky. She had a beautiful cinnamon complexion, and shining hazel eyes. And her smile…her smile could make all men melt. Daria felt like a hag compared to her.

"You're Lady Daria, right?"

Daria nodded and pasted on a hopefully pleasant smile. "Please call me Daria. I don't like formalities either."

Ennael nodded and looked at her briefly. Her lips curved into a smile. "You're really pretty."

Is this girl mocking me?! Daria thought. She searched the girl's face for any sign of ridicule. She found none. This girl was so…genuine. It made Daria feel even worse. "Um…thank you. But I'm nothing compared to you."

Ennael rolled her eyes. "Oh please," she said. "That's ridiculous. Don't you think that!"

Why?! Why was this girl so nice?! Again, Daria felt even more horrible. Why couldn't she be like that?

She cleared her throat. "S-so…um…what brings you here?"

Ennael shrugged. "Just wanted some peace and quiet." She gave Daria a worried look. "You don't mind me being here, do you? I can leave…"

"No, no!" Daria said quickly. "It's…um…fine."

They elapsed into silence. The two shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other, unsure on what to say.

Finally, Daria broke the silence, after forcing herself to think of something to say. "So…," she said slowly, "what brings you in Kyrria, if you don't mind me asking?"

Ennael smiled. "No, I don't mind at all. I'm here because it's tradition for the future rulers of Ayortha and Kyrria to spend long periods in each other's courts."

"I didn't know that," Daria said. That means the prince is leaving—WAIT! Why do I care? She shook her head and ignored Ennael's curious look when she did so. "How do you like Kyrria so far?" she asked politely.

Ennael beamed. "Oh, it's wonderful! I love this place! I wouldn't mind living here forever."

Was that supposed to be a hint?! Did she mean anything by that?! Daria thought. She paused and frowned. What's this? Why am I getting paranoid?

"What about you? How do you like all this so far?" Ennael said conversationally. She was referring to Daria's change in lifestyle.

Daria smiled. "I like it. It's better than my previous life."

"How…" Ennael stopped. "Never mind," she said sheepishly.

They elapsed into silence once more. Daria, deciding that it was rather silly if they just stood there, started going through the non-fiction books, searching for a good one to read. She was about to pull out a book called The Culture of Geldrin when she heard the library door open. She turned and managed to hide her gasp.

There stood the prince of Kyrria, looking as regal as ever. And handsome, too.

And there was still that penetrating stare.

After what felt like an extremely long period of silence, he spoke, and Daria couldn't help thinking how his voice was so deep and soothing. She smiled a bit, wondering what it would be like if he sang. No doubt he could charm just about anyone.

WAIT. A. SECOND. Why the hell did she sound so…infatuated? Daria mentally cursed and smacked herself. A diminutive punishment for such a heinous crime, according to her.

Fool, fool, fool.

"Good evening, Lady Daria," the prince said politely. "I did not think that you would be here…"

"Jerrold!" Ennael said cheerfully. "What are you doing here?"

Daria certainly did not miss the fact that Ennael called him Jerrold. And she said it in such an informal way, too.

"I came here to tell you that I have to return now," the prince replied. "Do you wish to ride back to the palace with me or would you rather stay?" he asked, his brown eyes flickering towards Daria for a split second.

Ennael frowned. Daria noticed that the Ayorthaian princess still looked extremely beautiful when she frowned. "Hmm…well, I think I'm going to stay. After all, Daria and I still have some bonding to do!" she said with a grin.

Daria started at this. We do? Uh…okay…

Jerrold nodded. "All right." He turned towards Daria. "Farewell, Lady Daria."

Farewell, Daria's brained jeered. F-A-R-E-W-E-L-L. Not "See you later" or "See you soon." FAREWELL…forever…

Daria swallowed nervously and nodded. "Farewell…" she said quietly.

He nodded and left. And he looked serious while doing it too. It was as if he was making sure of that distance between them. That dratted coldness. Well…it was her fault.

Daria sighed inwardly, forcing herself to ignore that mysterious feeling inside her.

Whatever it was, she didn't like it one bit.

Daria let out a happy, relieved sigh as her head touched the soft, fluffy pillow. The banquet was finally over, and she was ready to fall into a relaxing and blissful sleep…

But it would not come to her. Her mind had way too many things going on.

First, there was Ennael. The way she was so cheerful, caring, and pretty much faultless. She was always good, not looking at the bad side of people. She was even graceful at dancing, for crying out loud!

She was flawless. This Daria confirmed to herself after spending more time with the princess.

Then there was Christian. His roguishness…his smile…the brief kiss he planted on her knuckles…she could still feel the touch of his soft (she did not just think that!) lips lingering on her skin. He…intrigued her. She wasn't sure if that was the right word for it, but…

Prince Jerrold. Then there was him. The aloofness he maintained. The dance they shared…

His gaze…

This is so confusing! she thought angrily. She unconsciously gripped her sheets in frustration. I just don't understand this!

AND I CAN'T SLEEP! WHY CAN'T I SLEEP?!

She paused when she suddenly heard the clock by the palace. She waited and counted the dongs…there were twelve of them. It was twelve o'clock.

Growling, she threw her covers aside and got out of bed. She couldn't sleep. She felt restless and tired at the same time. How could that be? She didn't even know that that was possible.

She needed to go out. She needed fresh air. Coming to a decision, she headed over to a chest, threw the lid open, and took out clothes. They were a pair of brown breeches, a white button-up shirt, a boyish cap, and black knee-high boots for men. She got these items from Toby, a stable boy. She had paid him to get them for her. She used to wear them for riding, but that was before Madame Edith took one look at her and almost fainted (delicately) to the ground. Her governess had forbidden her to wear them ever since.

Tonight was the perfect night to wear them again. She put them on quickly, plus her warm black cloak. She then opened the window of her bedroom, where there was a leafless tree nearby. She climbed down almost effortlessly.

She snuck into the stables and saddled Ashwin, who was healed. The horse gave a neigh until Daria quietly shushed him. He seemed to get the message for he quieted down afterwards.

When everything was ready, she mounted her stallion, and they quietly rode off into the misty night.

Daria crossed the forest, taking the hidden path. Soon she was passing through the open grassy glade, heading towards the cliff. She was heading towards the sanctuary she had found before.

She took in her surroundings and noticed that the area certainly looked different at night. It had this…odd ghostliness. Odd, but comforting at the same time.

As she neared the boulder that rested near the edge of the cliff, she saw a grazing horse. She narrowed her eyes and saw that someone was sitting on top of the boulder, gazing thoughtfully at the dark horizon.

That someone looked familiar. Her eyes widened in surprise when she realized who it was.

The wind carried the sound of Ashwin's hoofbeats towards the sitting person, alerting him. He whipped around, and upon seeing Daria, he quickly jumped off and pulled out his sword. Daria smiled, impressed at his agility.

"Who are you?" he demanded. His voice was filled with danger and threat. Impressive, but not surprising.

Daria suddenly remembered that she was wearing a disguise. She laughed softly and pulled off her cap, letting her long hair cascade down her back. She then urged Ashwin forward, allowing the pale moonlight to reveal her face.

His eyes widened in shock. "Daria?!"

A/N:

Who could it be? Da da da dum… Take a guess! And does anyone understand this new C2 community thing? Seems pretty interesting…