A/N:

Hey everyone! Yes, I'm still alive! I'm soooo sorry! I'm horrible, I know. Here's an answer to an important question some of you asked: No, this story is NOT going to be over soon. Here's why:

1) Where does Daria come from? We don't know yet, but I have dropped obvious hints…

2) What about Lady Linelle and Antoniette? They're psychopaths. I'm not done with them yet.

3) And this third spot belongs to a reason that I haven't revealed yet. You'll find out in the next chapter.

I'm not saying that there are twenty more chapters to go. No way. What I'm saying is that this won't be over in less than five chapters, as many of you (I think) believe. Anyway, many thanks to:

Slw

Cutie20 or glowing cinderella

Luna Leigh

Frodocrazi

Manda

Someone

Megan h

Loving-life…Eleanor's love interest should be Peter, since she's going to end up marrying him. I don't think I'd be putting him in this story, though.

Whiskeygirl or soccer girl…Good question. You'll find out soon.

Blackfphoenix

LilliannaRose…Of course I forgive you!

Nessie8…Yeah, me too. But there's no other way to describe Antoniette/Linelle in a mean way. I can't exactly use the B word, you know?

Bella

Pointy Objects

KottonKandy

Amelia…Um…maybe, maybe not. Hehehe…that was evil laugh, by the way.

Jellybelly

Toomuchhomework

Pinkpenguin0000

Iluvdance89…Yes, that is possible. Great suggestion.

Lilsakura

Notanauthor

Tallemera Rane

Threeevils

Revi

FoREvErends

SourJellyBeans56

Miss Piratess…Wow. You are soooo good.

Daffodil8728

Ilenya the fair

Francesca

QueenSabriel5

Soccergirl

BlUeAnGel124

Shima and Tempis…Okay, thank you! I'll make sure to change that. If you notice that I haven't, please remind me again. I tend to forget easily.

Rowenhood

Tamaran Girl…Yeah! I kind of liked the serious one too!

Blue

Divinelevine

AuthorFairy

Sarah…Wow. I cannot believe I missed that. Thank you sooo much for pointing that out.

Eclectus

CrypticMaidenRK…Areida is Ella's best friend. The one from Ayortha. I never mentioned her in this story because she wouldn't be born yet.

CrimsonEnchantress…Aw, thank you!!!

Awaiting impatient person…Hehehe. I dunno.

Jaid Ziaen

Sealednectar

Madison

The-Ever-Lazy-One

Lil Bazza

Fairiepixie3

Fiery-star90

Gemm'n2590

Caronee

Danna

BelleQuest

Secludeddark…Thank you so much!

Slickchick650…I have no idea, actually. Hmm…

Ginerva lily

Crazayladay

If I missed you, you know what to do right? No? Okay, well, you have the right to yell at me. Read on…

Chapter Twenty-One

Yellow, White, and Red

It was nearly sundown. Daria paced around the drawing room, while mentally screaming at herself for being so…fidgety. It was only Jerrold, for crying out loud! She shouldn't be nervous. She then paused and thought about that. Only Jerrold? It was the Crown Prince of Kyrria!

Yet, for some reason, she didn't see him as the prince. In fact, that title seemed insignificant to her at the moment…so why was she nervous?! If she wasn't nervous about the prince coming, why was she nervous about plain, old, normal Jerrold coming?!

Did that even makes sense? She snorted and shook her head.

"Lady Daria?"

Daria nearly jumped at the manservant's calling. "Yes?" she said, almost timidly.

"You have a visitor."

She gulped and nodded. "Please show him in."

It didn't take long for the manservant to return, followed by the person Daria had been thinking about not too long ago. He was dressed in very simple clothes, yet he still had that regal and confident air about him. And when Daria's eyes met his, his face broke into a familiar roguish grin.

"Daria," he swept a bow, "so nice to see you again."

The manservant coughed quietly, bowed, and exited the drawing room. Daria, mentally telling herself to stay calm, curtsied.

"Good evening," she said, her lips curving into a small smile.

"Do—"

"Jerrold! So nice to see you!"

The two turned simultaneously and saw Lord Ormond, who had what looked to be a smirk on his face. His eyes darted from Jerrold to Daria, and his smirk grew bigger. Daria rolled her eyes and mentally noted to have a talk with her father later on, though she couldn't help smiling amusedly at his brilliant discreetness.

Jerrold grinned and bowed. "Good to see you too, Ormond." He said the marquess's name as if he had been saying it his entire life.

"And what brings you to my home?" the marquess asked jovially.

"I came to see Daria and ask her if she would like to go riding with me," he said, turning to the girl in question.

Daria felt her heart skip a beat, though she successfully maintained the calm expression on her face. "Of course," she replied.

"Just keep her safe, Jerrold," Lord Ormond said lightly, though with a hint of sternness in his face.

Jerrold nodded confidently. "I assure you that she is safe with me."

The two left the drawing room and after Daria donned her cloak, exited the house. They mounted their respective horses, and Daria turned to her companion, an inquiring look on her face.

"Where to?" she asked.

A mysterious smile formed on his lips. "Just follow me," he replied.

They began to move, with him leading the way.

Daria found herself at the heart of the commoners' territory. Despite that, she didn't feel an ounce of unpleasantness in her. In fact, she felt quite comfortable among these people, even though she was daughter of a high-ranking noble. She did, however, wonder why Jerrold, Crown Prince of Kyrria, was in such a place as this.

There was a celebration going on in the square. Many torches were lit all around, and the fires roared and danced. It was winter, yet the combined heat of the numerous bright flames warmed the air.

"What's going on here?" Daria asked as she dismounted her horse.

"Just a thanksgiving celebration," Jerrold replied, pulling his hood up. "They hold it every year, on the same day."

"Thanksgiving for what?"

He grinned at her. "Anything. Everything. Come on, the musicians are about to play again." Before Daria could reply, he grabbed her hand and led her to the dance floor. She protested and tried to struggle free, but since he was much stronger than her, it was to no avail.

The musicians had started, and they were playing a lively musical piece. Daria didn't know what type of dancing to do (gavotte or sierana?), but when she looked around, she realized that it didn't matter. The commoners around her were not dancing a specific type of dance, but were just moving along with the beat. They were so relaxed, not caring about looking awkward or being laughed at.

Being preoccupied at observing everyone around her, she jumped when she felt someone touch her gently on the shoulder. She turned and saw that it was Jerrold. He raised an eyebrow at her.

"Will you honour me with a dance, my lady?" he said gallantly, holding out his hand.

Daria grinned. "Of course." She stepped closer to him and accepted his hand, while mentally telling herself not to stiffen when he placed a hand at the small of her back. Then they began to dance, spinning, twirling, and weaving their way through the dance floor. They weren't the only ones: there were many other couples doing the same thing. Those who didn't have a partner danced with a large group of friends. No one was left out.

It was a spirited night, full of laughter, music, and dancing. A long table was set out at the side, with different kinds of food contributed by many people. Those who didn't want to dance were at the sides, talking and laughing with others.

And amidst of it all were the son of a king and daughter of a marquess, enjoying each other's company.

A slow musical piece started afterward. The crowd on the dance floor thinned, the couples staying and large groups leaving. Daria looked up uncertainly and met Jerrold's piercing eyes.

When he spoke, his voice was so soft that she could barely hear him. "Would you like to dance?"

Daria swallowed nervously. "Actually," she said, just as softly, "I need to rest for a while. I'm…tired." She had maintained eye contact with him throughout; hence she didn't miss seeing that flash of something in his eyes. However, she couldn't tell what it was.

"As you wish," he said with a nod. He broke away from her and led the way out off the dance floor.

As Daria walked with Jerrold at the sides, she saw an elderly woman selling flowers to people. The flowers were bell-shaped. The woman was having quite a busy night, for a lot of people were buying from her. Sometimes she would sell one with red petals, sometimes she would sell one with white petals, and sometimes she would sell one with yellow petals.

"Do the flowers mean anything?" Daria asked.

Jerrold glanced at the woman, then nodded briefly. "Yes," he said emotionlessly, which made Daria look at him in an odd way. Before she could ask him what was wrong, he said, "When you give a flower to someone, it's a way of showing that person that he or she means something to you. You give a white one to your spouse and a yellow one to a relative or friend."

"What about the red one?" Daria asked curiously.

He gazed intently at her before replying. "The red one," he said quietly, "is for someone you really care for, maybe even love. One who you could end up marrying."

Why that made Daria flush, she didn't know. Maybe it was because of the way he looked at her when he said it. She could be imagining things, but…

The musicians began another lively piece. People began to make their way back to the dance floor, but for some reason, Daria didn't want to at the moment. Jerrold seemed to sense it, for he remained silent.

"How come nobles don't have celebrations as this?" she wondered out loud.

"They do," Jerrold said, "but usually in a stiff and formal way. They can be extremely dull."

She chuckled. "I would definitely have to agree with you on that," she said, remembering back to the ball when she was "introduced" to "society".

"Enjoying yourselves?" a voice piped up. Daria turned, and before her stood a cheerful-looking girl her age. She was a scrawny girl, with tiny freckles on her nose and cheeks. She was slightly taller, reaching Jerrold's ear. Her hair was a shocking red. It was fiery and vibrant, spilling down her back. And her eyes were unique: blue-grey with a hint of green. Daria had never such eyes before.

"We are, thank you," she replied.

The girl smiled. "That's good." She turned to Jerrold. "Charmont! So nice of you to come."

Daria raised an eyebrow at the prince. "Charmont?"

"I like that name," Jerrold retorted, though in a good-humoured way.

"Never said I didn't like it," she replied.

The girl leaned forward, close to Daria. "That's his code name when we're in public," she whispered. "Of course, I do know that he's Jerrold."

Daria looked at her in surprise. "I'm Daria."

The girl grinned. "You can call me Rain."

"Rain?"

"Yup. Like the water that comes down from the sky, you know?"

"Uh…sure. All right."

"The Verenéa Dance will be done in an hour, Daria, so we must hurry and practice," Rain said, taking her by the wrist.

Daria started. "W-what…?"

"It's a traditional dance, done by the unmarried maidens who are fifteen and older. It's traditional, Daria, so you have to do it as well."

Daria turned to Jerrold and looked at him pleadingly. Jerrold, catching the look, nodded and turned to Rain.

"Rain, she doesn't want to," he said firmly. "Don't force her."

Disappointment fell on her thin face. She looked at Daria pleadingly. "But it's fun!" she protested. "And it's traditional."

"Well, I-I am just a visitor," Daria said weakly. "I'll just watch you from the side."

Rain looked even more disappointed than before, if that was possible. Daria found that she couldn't stand seeing such a crestfallen face.

This girl is good, she mused. Rain must be extremely excellent at persuading people. It made her wonder what she did for a living.

"This dance…does it involve drums?" she asked the red-haired girl.

Rain looked confused. "Yes, but…why?"

"I will do the drums," Daria said firmly. "Nothing more. I do not want to be mocked, thank you."

"But you won't be mocked!" Rain protested. "These are good people."

"Nevertheless, I'll be staying at the side."

Rain stared intently at her, then emitted a defeated sigh. "Fine," she said wearily. "I'll go tell Adrienne you'll be a drummer."

"Thank you."

An hour later, Daria found herself sitting at the side, with a drum in her hand. About twenty girls were on the dance flower, with flower wreaths on their heads. Daria chuckled quietly, for she couldn't imagine herself being part of such a group.

The music began. It was slow and melodic, giving a tranquil air. For some reason, it reminded her of calm ocean waves. The beats of the drums were slow and rhythmical. Not to mention very simple. She was thankful for that. She need not disgrace herself in front of so many people by not knowing how to play such a simple instrument.

The dancers were graceful. The dance was very simple and modest, yet strangely intriguing. Perhaps it was because of the way the dancers put their heart into it.

Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom. Daria was playing almost absent-mindedly. She was busy watching the dancers. Rain, in particular, had caught her attention. The girl was extremely graceful. Her steps were light and silent. She reminded Daria of a proud cat.

When Daria turned her head slightly to the right, she accidentally caught someone's eye. Jerrold's. She started, and because of this, lost her rhythm. The other drummers gave her a confused look, but she didn't notice, and neither did the audience.

Why is he looking at me and not the dance?

It unnerved her. She shot him a look, and he replied by smiling just slightly and turning to the dancers. She frowned and continued to stare at him, wondering how long he had been observing her.

The dance was over a few minutes later. The audience cheered and applauded, and the dancers, their cheeks rosy and glowing, smiled and bowed. Daria got up, gave her drum to the girl beside her, and headed towards Rain.

"How did I do?" Rain asked her.

Daria smiled. "Wonderful. I wouldn't have been able to do such a thing."

Her friend snorted and shook her head. "Nonsense. It's a very simple dance. I'm sure you can do it."

Daria chuckled. "You'd be surprised."

Rain laughed, then looked over Daria's shoulder. Her face broke into a large grin. "Hello, Charmont."

Daria turned and saw the prince standing right behind her.

"That was a lovely dance, Rain," Jerrold commented.

She raised an eyebrow. "Really? You think so?"

"I do."

"Well, odd. Because I saw you, and you were barely watching the dance," she said cheekily, her eyes flickering towards Daria. Daria saw it and felt her cheeks flame. She scowled at Rain, but remained silent. Jerrold, on the other hand, looked ready to kill. Rain could perfectly sense his mixed anger and humiliation, but kept on grinning. "I don't know what's so interesting about the drummers…"

"Enough, Rain," Jerrold said sharply.

Rain looked at him with fake innocence. "What did I say?"

Daria rolled her eyes and said, "Excellent dance. I should be going now, so…" She turned to Jerrold and looked at him questioningly.

He nodded. "All right, we'll go." He turned to Rain. "Good night. And behave."

Rain's eyes twinkled. "Good night, Charmont." She turned to Daria and smiled. "I'll see you again, I hope?"

Daria nodded. "Of course. Come by my manor anytime. It's the—"

"Yes, yes," Rain cut in. "I know which one." She smirked when she saw Daria's startled look. "Don't you know? Lady Daria is not unknown among the commoners." She smiled. "I'll visit you when I can."

Daria nodded dazedly. "All right…"

They left Rain and headed over to their horses. Daria mounted absent-mindedly. Jerrold, noticing her silence, shot her a look and said, "Something wrong?"

"I'm just wondering…what do people say about me?"

"Nothing," he replied breezily. Then his lips curved into a devilish smirk. "Other than the fact that you have caught the attentions of the Crown Prince."

Daria started. She looked up abruptly and gaped at him. His brown eyes were twinkling, but she could plainly see that there was also a hint of solemnity in them.

He smiled at her, then shrugged. "How they found that out, I do not know."

Jerrold walked with Daria to the front door. She stopped there, and turned to look at him. Contrary to her stiffness, he was standing oh-so-casually before her, his hands in his pockets.

"Well…um…good night," she said awkwardly. She started for the door.

"Daria, wait," he said, making her stop dead in her tracks. She turned back around and looked at him questioningly. He smiled a bit and said, "Did you receive the invitation to my ball?"

Daria paused and frowned. "I think so…yes, I did," she said as she recalled back to a few days ago. She did receive an invitation in a white envelope. She remembered wondering what it was for.

"My parents did not want to tell me what the ball is for, but I do have a guess," he said, answering her unspoken question. "I think the ball is for announcing my engagement."

She remained silent. Engagement? To whom? She stared at him, not knowing that the questions going through her mind were evident in her eyes.

He stepped forward. Now, barely a gap was between them. Daria froze. She felt glued to the spot. Her legs felt like they were made out of lead.

"Daria," he began softly, "I know this may be sudden, but I've never felt surer of anything in my life." He stepped forward once more, completely closing the gap between them. He then took her hand gently in his, sending her his warmth. "Will you do me the honour of giving me your hand in marriage?" he whispered.

Daria felt her insides freeze. She started and gazed uneasily at him. For a long moment there, she searched his eyes, looking for a hint of mockery in them. There was none.

She frowned slightly. He is serious? Is he truly serious about this?! No...this can't be. This is just not...

"Say something, will you?" he said, slight amusement in his voice.

She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She blushed a little and cleared her throat. She tried again. "I…" She swallowed nervously. "Jerrold, we…we don't know each other that well…"

"I know," he said, "but we can make it a long engagement. And we can use that time to get to know each other better, don't you think?"

She looked down on the ground. "I don't know…"

He caught her chin and lifted it gently. When she looked up, she was surprised to find him holding a flower in his other hand.

A red flower. He must have bought it from the woman while she was playing the drum.

"I will be gone for three days," he said quietly. "Will that be enough time for you to think it over?"

She gulped, then nodded. "Yes…I…think so."

"Good. For the time being, will you accept this?" he said, holding up the red flower.

All she could do was nod. He smiled and handed it over, and she (to her annoyance) took it with shaky fingers. She held her breath unconsciously and stared at it, as if wondering if she was actually holding it.

"The next time I'll see you will be at the ball," he spoke up, snapping her out of her reverie. "I will meet you by the front steps, where I will ask for your answer."

"Where are you going?" she asked curiously.

He smiled and said, "Ogre hunting."

She looked at him in disbelief. "Ogre hunting?!" she almost yelled. "That's dangerous! Are you insane?!"

He smirked at her. "Aww…are you worried about me?"

She glared. "No. I hope you get eaten."

He burst out laughing. Daria just continued to glare at him, wondering how he could take something like this so…lightly. Ogre hunting?! For crying out loud!

"It's not funny, Jerrold," she said bitterly.

Jerrold, upon sensing her resentment, sobered up at once. He gazed at her with a serious expression on his face, then said, "Don't worry. I've done this many times before. I promise I'll be back."

She raised an eyebrow. "Do princes ever break their promises?"

"To the ones they love? Never." He grinned and used her startled condition as an opportunity to place a kiss on her cheek, but dangerously close to her lips. She didn't know if he did that purposely, but she decided to let it go.

"Good night," he said quietly, staring deeply into her eyes.

She nodded, not breaking his strong gaze. "Good night."

A/N:

Ugh. So much mush. I promise it won't be like this next chapter. By the way, I have a new story, called Grey Rain Curtain (Lord of the Rings). Check it out, k? Thank you!