A/N:
Tickledblue tries to dodge hurling objects thrown by readers.
Hurling objects hit her. Thankfully, nothing too sharp.
Readers: HA! That's what you get for not updating!
Tickledblue: I'M SORRRRRRRRRY!
And yes, I changed my name. And yes, I know that the correct term is tickled pink.
Well, um, hi everyone…yes, I know it's been centuries. All I can say is that I'm sorry, and I feel like a neglecter. Which I am. But anyway, I want you to know that I wouldn't have put that cliffhanger if I had known that it would take me this long to update. You guys have probably already forgotten this story…I'M SO SORRY! I feel horrible.
Thanks to my super awesome reviewers! Honestly, you guys are the ones that keep me going.
Baby perfectionist: I'm sorry they placed the blame on you. But if it makes you feel any better, your review actually helped me. After reading it, I was like, "Finish the chapter NOW!" Kestrel; KayBee; Clarylissa: I'm glad you don't like Ennael. That was my intent, hehehe. Manda: I KNOW! I'M SORRY! shadowed ambience: Explanation? Um…um…laziness…? Yeah, yeah, you can stop rolling your eyes (are you rolling your eyes?). I know it the lamest excuse ever. I'm sorry! CuriousAngel; devlish angel; Shokhida; Dreamer at heart: Welcome to this story! Lil angel: I think I have some idea what it's like. I am a reader too. And yes, I know, it's frustrating. I hate it when authors don't update for a long time…aw…meaning I'm supposed to hate myself…? Erm…anyway, I never got an email from you! And are you kidding me? I write like Jo? Erm…no…I wish…but no…but thanks. And Darrin will come back…um…soon? Yes, soon. Sakura Blossom: THANK YOU! Quistislm; Honey Herm; Manda; Satan's Advocate: Wow, thank you! another reader: That's actually a pretty awesome idea. Hehe, hmmm… Kat; turkishjones35; fairybells4: You read my reply? Hehehe… DivineLevine; rani singla; somethingdifferent; Manda; Elvislivesagain: Um…chapter 22 isn't even near the end. I can't put an epilogue just yet.Soon, though, I hope…Eveiveneg; mello80; blue-hello-kitty; Sirael; Nessie8: Congratulations! School captain of what? dancrchick; Rose: Hahahahaha…okay, I just did. Henriettakidd; ElvislivesAgain; Josephinelee: I hope so too! Thank you! Laelai; Lisa; knight-whosays-ni; dancrchick: Hmm…I think I do. Sorta. I have received…um…a billion threats so far. I really do hope none of them mean it. Aka Yuki-hime: Awww, thank you so much! real3; heatherika; lilsakura; glacialrose; CARI: Yeah, I like Christian too…more than Jerrold, I think (GASP!).As for the Eleanor/Gavin thing, in the book, Eleanor ends up with a man named Peter, then she has Ella. I wish I can bring them together, but sadly, I can't… Noooo: For the sake of your sanity, here is the next chap. Alison; inima de la Tara; glowing cinderella; candyluvr4554; Princess Persephone; Frodocrazi; slw; starlight; flammingirl; Tamaran Girl: Um…I don't know if it's a common name, but it is a name…okay, I don't think that even made sense.Lol, don't you have a funny doctor. And your poor, poor nails…maybe I should not put Christian moments in for the sake of your nails. Hehehe, too late. I'm warning you now: there are Christian moments in this chapter. Bella; whiskeygirl: Hehehe. And was it a smirking look? Hmmm…maybe. Tami; UruvielTinuviel: Plays are fun! And being depressed sucks. Goldilocks31890; Berekka; seizingthemoment; littlelambug; Dee; em; Kat; Jaid Ziaen; Indian Ink; CrimsonEnchantress: Hey there! Welcome back! You doing okay? LuvonWings: Yeah, I know…where's MY Mr. Darcy? Mailgirl; Miss Piratess; LilliannaRose; anniebaby of Tortall; New York Yankees: I gave a hint that Gavin likes Eleanor. And thank you! Me; Fandun: omg, your review was hilarious! I'm like grinning like an idiot while typing this! Notaboy: Um…huh? BlUeAnGel124; smackenberry: Past 26 chaps? Hmm…yes, most likely. Gummiebr; Rowenhood; smartblondee: Hmmm…I guess Cruising Through is on hiatus because I've lost interest in it. I think it's because of Leigh. I don't know. Her character seems…bland, so I need to edit CT before I continue it. Manda; OH MY GOD! NO I 'M NOT AN ONE FROM THE CAST OD FRIENDS; Tallemera Rane: I don't remember anything about Jerrold's siblings. Hmmm…but Char has one sister (Cecilia). KILL OFF CHRISTIAN? GASP…excuse me while I pass out…j/k. Yeah, maybe I will kill him off. Heheheheh….Wayretro: NoooOooO! Christian would never whip someone! (the horror: I love him too much to make him a villain.) sealednectar; Shima And Tempis; QueenSabriel5: Oh yeah, the bracelet! Soon…soon… threeevils; butterscotchwarrior; The-Ever-Lazy-One: Hehehe, thanks!I meant to make it funny. I hardly carry a grudge. Daffodil8728; fairypixie3; crypticmaidenrk; Lil Bazza; slickchick650; hwena; Belle Quest; Pointy Objects: Your character will always be gorgeous just for you. At least gorgeous on the outside. Antikia Lighten; SourJellyBeans56; Vanessa-Black and Zabini livingdead2010
Love you all, tell me if I missed you! Thank you for your unending support!
Chapter Twenty-Three
The Aftermath
And the world around her stopped.
Time froze. Daria froze. All she did was stand there, dumbfounded. "No…" she whispered.
After what felt like centuries later, she blinked slowly and looked around. Everywhere she turned, she saw people smiling, cheering, and clapping enthusiastically.
But she heard nothing. There seemed to be a loud roaring in her ears.
She turned and saw Princess Ennael surrounded by many people. They were congratulating her, and she looked jubilant. Prince Jerrold seemed to be getting the same treatment as well. But because he was surrounded, she couldn't see a single part of him.
Trembling violently, she glanced across the dance floor and saw Antoniette sneering at her. Her eyes were dancing with pure, malicious triumph.
She squeezed her eyes shut, whirled around, and opened them again. She felt like the biggest fool that had ever walked the earth. She nearly burst out crying, but pride stopped her in time. HOW COULD I FALL FOR HIM? she cried to herself. It was all a game to him! He was toying with my emotions! I'm a FOOL! It was idiotic of me to open up to him and actually BELIEVE him! NEVER AGAIN!
A small touch on her arm snapped her to her sense. She turned and saw Eleanor, looking rather worried.
"Daria?" she said anxiously. "Are you all right? You look very pale."
Daria was barely able to find her voice. "F-fine," she whispered. "Just…a headache." She looked over the girl's shoulder and saw that Jerrold and Ennael were still surrounded by many people. She still couldn't see one bit of Jerrold, and was thankful for that. She had no idea how she would react if they happened to make eye contact. Those eyes…those cold, dark, deceitful eyes!
"A dance, my lady?" a young man before her asked. Daria frowned; she hadn't realized that the orchestra had recommenced.
Eleanor was the one who answered for her. "She would love to," she said, pushing Daria forward gently. Daria, who had quickly fallen into another reverie, did not consent nor protest. It was only when her partner asked her a question when she came out of her thoughts.
"No," she said icily, "I do not know the prince at all."
The man frowned, but did not make any comment on her hostility. "There was a hint of possible engagement between the two, but no one had been sure of it yet. I guess everything has been cleared now," he said, trying to continue the conversation.
Daria sent him a frigid smile and remained silent. She didn't care about her rudeness. She was too angry, too miserable, too confused to talk. Her dance partner also remained silent. The result was a long tension between them.
And finally, when Daria happened to glance over her partner's shoulder, she saw him. And he was looking right at her.
Christian. His smoky grey eyes were intense, and she felt naked under his gaze. She didn't like it all. She was feeling complete and utter humiliation. Didn't she tell him about her engagement with Jerrold? Did he think that she had been lying earlier? What was he thinking about now? Those eyes were revealing nothing!
Her heart skipped a beat when she saw him head towards her. She stiffened noticeably. No, she thought, beginning to panic, I CANNOT face him!
Move it, a voice whispered. Get away from here.
"F-forgive me," she spoke to her partner, "I need fresh air."
He looked offended. Daria was already walking away when he was halfway with his curt nod. She walked quickly, managing to avoid people who wished to have a friendly word with her or perhaps a dance. She tried not to look suspicious.
Everything is fine. Everything is just dandy. Don't look upset.
As she weaved her way through the crowd, she knew that Christian was trying to catch up. She never looked back once, but she could strangely sense him. He was following her determinedly. That she knew.
After passing the long hallway and its guards (and making sure that she was not being watched), she broke into a run. Tears began to form. She mentally cursed everything about her. Each step was shaky, each step was tiring. She felt as if she was going to collapse soon.
"Daria! Stop!"
Move faster, the voice whispered.
She obeyed. Despite the numb feeling in her legs, she quickened her pace.
Faster.
She raced through the palace doors. As she was vaulting down the never-ending palace stairs, the guards, who had been standing by the doors, began to chase her; after all, she did look guilty, running like that.
A few seconds later, Christian arrived at the main doors and ordered the guards to stop (and to leave it to him). The guards obeyed. Daria felt slight gratitude for that, but no more than that because he was still chasing her.
"Stop, Daria!"
At the bottom of the stairs…
Through the garden…
She didn't know how it happened, but a few seconds later, she found herself in the palace stables. Many horses were in their stalls, and she quickly picked the best one. It was a stallion with a jet-black coat.
"Cerrus," she whispered. She hurriedly released him from his stall and mounted, dismissing the thought of using a saddle.
She kicked his sides. Cerrus reacted immediately. He neighed loudly, raised his front legs, and galloped off.
Daria could hear the wind whistling loudly. She rode past someone—Christian—but did not bother to slow down. The air was cold, but she could barely feel it. All she was concentrating on was escaping from there—the ball…Christian…Jerrold…
Miraculously, no one stopped her as she rode away from the palace.
Daria didn't know where to go. She wanted to go to the cliff, but that spot would surely bring too many memories of him. No. That was definitely not a good place to be. She considered just returning home, but then realized that the servants would start talking and asking questions. Why did she not go home with the master and mistress? Daria snorted. She could already imagine their gossips. No. Definitely not home.
She vaguely considered being sought for due to theft. Would guards be searching for her because she had stolen the prince's horse? She shook her head. Christian would most likely prevent that.
A few minutes later, she found herself by Lake Coriel, a small lake that joined with River Lucarno. She flopped down on the grass ungracefully and stared at the glistening water, for the moon was shining down on it.
It was cold. No…it was not cold. It was freezing. It was winter, and all she had on was her gown. She sighed, mentally adding this to her list of idiotic doings.
As she gazed at the calm lake, tears began to fall once more. They streamed down her pale, frozen cheeks. She began to shiver, from both the cold and this wretchedness she was feeling.
A few minutes later, she was trembling violently. Daria wanted to get up, but her legs were too numb. She couldn't even feel them. She wrapped her arms around her, closed her eyes, and leaned against a boulder. A few minutes later, it seemed as if it was getting warmer and warmer.
It would be nice if I could take a nap for a short while…
"Daria? Daria!" The voice sounded distant, but Daria knew it was someone familiar. She struggled to open her eyes and tried to speak, but ended up croaking out something completely inaudible.
"Take her, Christian!" Rain screeched. Daria winced slightly. She didn't know whether or not to scold Rain for disturbing her. She was about to fall asleep, for crying out loud!
Suddenly, she felt the warmest sensation cover her body. She blinked slowly, realizing that it was a very thick cloak. Then two strong arms lifted her effortlessly and positioned her on a horse. According to what Rain had said (or shrieked), she assumed that her carrier was Christian. She felt him mount behind and wrap his arms tightly around her as he took the reins.
"Promise me you'll stay awake," he whispered in her ear.
Daria nodded weakly, choosing to ignore the fact that their positions were too close for comfort. "All right," she mumbled. "Whatever you say."
The ride to the Embleton Estate was quiet. Daria was too cold and too tired to speak. She wasn't sure about Christian and Rain. She had a feeling that they wanted to say words of comfort, but were silent for her sake. Those words of comfort would have been unnecessary anyway. She told herself that she didn't need any comforting.
Oh, who am I jesting? she thought desperately. I'm miserable! A few tears escaped her eyes, and she unconsciously wiped them away. The move did not escape Rain or Christian's notice. The two exchanged grave looks, which she missed.
Finally, Rain spoke up. "I know what happened," she said quietly. "I wasn't at the ball, of course, but…Christian told me. You have to let Jerrold explain, Daria. There must be a good explanation for this."
Daria laughed bitterly. "What is there to explain?" she whispered hoarsely. "He was toying with me. He was playing with my emotions. It was all a game to him."
"But Jerrold loves you!" Rain protested. "I know he does. I can tell. I can tell, Daria…"
"He's simply a good actor," Daria snapped. "People can be deceiving."
Rain shook her head. "No," she said firmly. "Jerrold has a good heart. He would never do that."
Christian had remained gravely silent throughout. Daria wondered what he was thinking, but did not dare start a conversation with him. She had no idea what he felt about this whole situation. Did he think that she was a liar? Did he think that she was some shallow maiden?
Suddenly, she felt the hairs on her neck rise, and she shivered. Something was going to happen…
Sure enough, she heard hoofbeats. She shifted slightly and pulled her hood more forward. Then she was still.
"Daria! Is that you?"
She felt Christian stiffen. She did, too, but only slightly.
"Daria!"
She closed her eyes as she heard the rider dismount. It was him. She knew that he would be coming. He walked quickly, as if afraid that the horse she was on would suddenly run away. It would have been true, had she been the one holding the reins.
"Daria," he said strongly (and shakily too; he was a good actor, wasn't he?) "That wasn't supposed to happen. I swear it wasn't! I was just as shocked as you. I couldn't believe it when my mother announced it…Daria? Daria! Daria, please talk to me…I-I…please…"
Daria remained silent. She mentally thanked her hood. It was covering the upper half of her face. Had it not been, he would have seen her eyes so full of expression.
"Daria," Jerrold repeated, more strongly this time, "I beg you to just…just understand. I didn't mean for this to happen. Please forgive me. Talk to me. Please."
Daria remained still and silent. Go away…just go away…
"She's sleeping, Jerrold," Christian spoke up. There was strange aloofness in his voice.
"No, she's not," Jerrold said, a bit angrily.
They were silent. Daria could almost imagine the two staring unflinchingly at each other.
Christian was the one who broke the thick silence. "She's not ready to speak to you, Jerrold," he said, a bit gentler this time. "Give her a couple of days."
There was silence once more. This time, Jerrold was the one who broke it. "All right," he said softly. Daria imagined hearing pain in his voice…but that was just her imagination, right? Right? "I'll see you in a couple of days, Daria," he whispered. A few more seconds of silence passed before he added: "Please…give me a chance…"
Angry tears blurred her vision as she listened quietly to the retreating hoofbeats.
The three horses stopped in front of Daria's manor. Christian dismounted first, not giving Daria a chance to protest as he gallantly helped her down. She remained silent, though she offered him a small, thankful smile.
"Do not worry about Cerrus, Daria," Rain spoke up. "I will take him back to the palace."
Daria nodded. "All right."
Rain smiled at her. "Good night."
"Good night."
And then Rain was gone, along with the prince's dark stallion. An awkward silence grew quickly as Daria and Christian stood out there in the dark. Finally, the girl turned and headed towards her house. She wasn't surprised when Christian fell into step beside her. She did, however, felt tension.
He spoke first. "Is your engagement with Jerrold over?"
So he had believed her. She breathed a sigh of relief, glad that he had never thought of her as some shallow maiden who made up stories.
"I suppose," she replied quietly. "Christian…this is all too sudden. Everything happened in just one night, and…I-I…I…"
"I understand," he cut in. "You need some time to think things over."
She sighed. "Yes…perhaps Jerrold…HOW COULD HE DO THIS TO ME?" she suddenly burst out. "I'm…I'm…HUMILIATED! It won't be long before people around here will start talking about what is going on here! They will start gossiping! Christian," she said exasperatedly, "there were guards who saw Jerrold and me go to the garden just before the ball. From witnessing that, they would have concluded…things…and they will surely tell others about it!"
Then she burst out crying. She felt incredibly foolish for doing so in front of Christian (of all people!), but she couldn't help herself. She buried her face in her hands (due to the humiliation of the situation) and continued to cry. She had already proven herself idiotic; therefore an attempt to preserve dignity was out of the question. For sure she had none left.
All of a sudden, she felt two arms wrap themselves around her. Odd. Those arms were starting to feel familiar now. She allowed him to embrace her, and she cried into his doublet, like the stupid, foolish girl that she was.
Finally, she broke away. "Thank you," she whispered, very much avoiding his eyes. She had no courage whatsoever to look up at him.
"You're welcome," he replied softly.
She scoffed. "I must look like a mess. Are my eyes red?"
There was a long silence before Christian replied, saying, "I won't be able to tell if you don't look at me."
Daria stiffened. She gulped and forced herself to look up.
Stunning grey eyes. They stared into her intently before the owner smiled softly and shook his head.
"You look fine," he said. "You just look…exhausted…but people always are after a ball, right?"
Daria was about to reply when the front door suddenly opened, revealing Lady Gina.
"Oh, Daria! How was your ride with Christian?" Her voice was pleasant-sounding, but there was obvious worry in her eyes.
"Tiring," Daria replied. When she stepped in, she saw two maids, pretending to look busy. She knew that they were only acting because one, who would dust at 12:30 in the morning, and two, they had been dusting the same area just this late afternoon. Plus, she could see their thoughts based on the curious glances they were sending her way. It was…pathetic.
"Won't you stay, Christian? Perhaps have a hot drink?" Lady Gina asked courteously.
"I thank you, but it is late, and I must be off." And with a polite bow to the two ladies (and perhaps a somewhat lingering look on Daria, who looked sickly), he turned and walked out of the door.
It wasn't until Daria was preparing for bed when she realized that she had been wearing a cloak that didn't belong to her…and that Christian left the manor without wearing one.
He couldn't stand it. He just couldn't stand them. When he returned from his mission to find Daria and settle things right with her (and how very unsuccessful that task was), there were still many guests talking, laughing, and dancing in the ballroom. Many paraded themselves before him the moment he entered, and he just couldn't stand it!
So now, there he was, standing in the balcony, hardly feeling the bitter cold. His thoughts were keeping him away…
Jerrold approached his parents up on the dais and cleared his throat. "Mother, Father, may I have a word with you?"
His mother smiled at him. "Of course. Sit down and be comfortable."
He nodded silently and took his accustomed seat. "I am here to talk to you about this ball," he began.
Something flashed in his mother's eyes. "Yes…go on…"
"Does this ball have anything to do with me and a future wife?"
She broke into a large grin and laughed pleasantly. "Why, Jerrold! How clever of you to figure it out!"
Jerrold nodded. "You made it pretty clear to me. Anyway, I am here to tell you that there already is—"
"I know, I know," said the Queen. "I know that, Jerrold. And I was just telling your father about how we should announce your secret engagement with her tonight."
Jerrold was shocked. He frowned, with evident confusion on his face. How on Tierra did they know about his secret engagement with Daria? Was it possible? No one knew besides Daria…right? This wasn't making any sense!
"You know already?" he asked in disbelief.
She waved her hand impatiently. "Yes, yes. It is pretty obvious that there is something between you two. A very strong affection…or dare I say love?" She smiled. "And Jerrold, I saw the way you two danced." She turned to her husband. "Alaric, should we make the announcement now?"
The King shrugged. "I don't see why not."
"Wonderful! I shall do it myself!"
"Wait, let me just make sure that we are talking about D—"
Jerrold didn't get a chance to finish what he wanted to say, for Queen Cynthia had already called for silence. The crowd obeyed immediately, and all turned to the royal family; curiosity was the dominant expression on their faces.
"I'm sure that you have all been wondering what this ball is for," his mother began as she made her way down to the dais. Jerrold was anxious. For some reason, he felt that there was something…not right. It was this strong, nagging feeling inside him.
The Duke of Demby spoke up, but Jerrold didn't hear a word from that man. He was too busy wondering about this tension building up inside him. He frowned confusedly when the Queen laughed in response.
"I'm sure you all do," she said cheerfully. "But now is the time to reveal the reason for this ball."
There was a pause. Jerrold began to stand up. What was this he was feeling? What was wrong? Why was he worried? About what, for crying out loud!
"I am pleased to announce that my son, Prince Jerrold, is engaged…"
Jerrold began to stand. He had to stop her…but WHY? "Mo—"
"…to Princess Ennael of Ayortha!"
THERE was the reason. Jerrold froze completely and stared at his smiling mother. He felt as if he had just suffered a fierce blow on the stomach.
Before he knew what was happening, Ennael was beside him, her arm very tightly linked to his. All around them were faces…people congratulating them.
He couldn't get free.
Jerrold cursed under his breath. Why was this happening? What did he do to deserve this? He felt like a monster! He unconsciously tightened his grip on the railing and stared (or perhaps glared) out into the distance; his eyes were much darker than usual, for there was deep anger and misery in them. He had never felt this way before…
He didn't know how long he had been standing out there, but before he knew it, the ball was over, and the guests were gone. He was surprised that he wasn't called in to say farewell to them.
"Jerrold?" Ennael came out, but his gaze remained fixed on the dark horizon. He didn't want to be rude, but he did not want to talk to the Ayorthaian princess. Why did she not speak up? Why did she…agree? He would have protested against his mother's false announcement, but that would have humiliated the princess. And despite the fact that his heart was already fixed on someone else, he still had to be the courteous gentleman.
"Jerrold?" Ennael repeated.
He took a deep breath. "Yes?"
"Are…are you all right?"
He turned and gazed impassively at her. "Um…yes…actually, no. Ennael," he began, suppressing his anger, "why did you not say anything? Why did you not object?"
She was confused. "To what?"
"To our supposed engagement!"
"Supposed?" She sounded incredulous. "Jerrold, we are engaged!"
He stared at her, hardly believing his ears. "What?"
"We've been engaged since birth. Our parents formed an arranged marriage."
"WHAT?"
"You mean…you never knew?"
"No!"
She looked shocked. "I thought you knew…"
"How come you never spoke of it before, Ennael?" Jerrold asked sharply.
"Because I only found out three days ago!" There was frustration in her voice. "Yes, that's right," she said, in response to the shocked expression on his face. "I only found out three days ago, through a letter from my father. I didn't speak of it afterward because it would be so awkward." She paused. Jerrold would have spoken, but he was too shocked to utter a word. How could this be? Engaged since birth? HOW COULD HIS PARENTS NOT TELL HIM? DAMN THEM!
The princess sighed, then took a deep breath. "The truth is, Jerrold…this engagement doesn't bother me at all," she said softly. "I think I've loved you ever since our childhood. Every summer, I looked forward to visiting Kyrria because it meant seeing you…"
Jerrold still could not speak. Ennael studied him with her intense hazel eyes. Then she sighed softly and looked away. She gazed quietly at the city before her, just like what he had been doing earlier.
"I do love you, Jerrold," she whispered. "I just hope that you feel the same way…"
The doors of the royal bed chamber burst open. The King and Queen frowned when they saw their son enter with a dark expression on his face.
"Why did you not tell me?" he said, close to yelling at them.
Their frowns deepened. Then the Queen stood up and said, "What are you talking about, Jerrold?"
"My engagement with Ennael!" Jerrold exclaimed. "Why did you not tell me that we have been engaged since birth?"
King Alaric frowned thoughtfully. "We never told you? I always thought that we did… Oh, well," he said with a shrug, "does it matter if we never told you? You love Ennael, don't you?"
"Yes, b—"
"Then there is no problem," Queen Cynthia cut in breezily. "Really, Jerrold. Why are you so overdramatic?"
"I DO LOVE ENNAEL, BUT NOT IN THAT WAY!" Jerrold burst out. "I only love her as a sister!"
His mother looked shocked. "But in the ball…you said that—"
"I wasn't talking about Ennael!" Jerrold said, glad that he finally got a chance to interrupt her. "I was talking about someone else! Had you let me explained, this wouldn't have happened! Now she HATES me! She HATES me, thanks to YOU!"
There was a ringing silence as the King and Queen stared speechlessly at their son. The expression on his face had darkened, and he carried with him a very menacing air. He was, without a doubt, extremely intimidating.
King Alaric then broke the cold silence. "Then who were you talking about?" he asked softly.
Jerrold took a deep breath. "Lady Daria Embleton."
The Queen gasped. "The orphan?" She shook her head in disbelief. "Jerrold, honestly! You would choose a lowly orphan over a powerful princess?"
"She is not an orphan, but the daughter of a highly respectable marquess and marchioness," Jerrold said through gritted teeth. How dare she? How DARE she say that?
The Queen laughed and shook her head once more. "She's not really their daughter, Jerrold. Did she not used to be a maid?"
"STOP IT, MOTHER!" Jerrold burst out. "I mean it!"
The Queen was rendered speechless once more. The King breathed in sharply and took over. "We signed a contract with Ennael's parents after she was born," he said. "Mind you, it was a secret agreement, and therefore a secret engagement. Why do you think she always visited Frell during the summer? It was so that she would become more acquainted with you."
"Why?" Jerrold asked hoarsely. "How could you do this to me?"
His father gave him a look. "Really, Jerrold. You already know the answer to that. The merging of two powerful kingdoms—"
"I don't want to hear about it," Jerrold cut in sharply. "It's always about the kingdom isn't it? Whatever you do, you do for the kingdom."
His father looked at him with a piercing gaze. "Well, that is the job of a ruler, Jerrold. You of all people should know that."
"And your son's happiness doesn't matter."
"No, it does matter…but the kingdom's happiness always comes first."
Jerrold clenched his fists. "I cannot marry Ennael," he said, his anger building up once more.
"I am sorry, Jerrold," his mother said coolly. "According to the contract, the engagement can only be broken if both sides agree to it. You can try to convince Ennael…but I'm very much certain that she will refuse to break it off. I've seen the way she looks at you."
Jerrold glared at them. Afraid that he was about to lose all tolerance and just explode with rage, he turned and walked briskly out of the room.
Knowing that he would not be able to get any sleep tonight, the Crown Prince of Kyrria headed over to the training field. The moon was thankfully very bright. He set up the target, then assumed position. He nocked an arrow, aimed, and released.
Centre.
"Nice shot."
Jerrold grunted. Then he wiped away his scowl, and turned to the new arrival. "How is she?" he asked softly.
Christian shrugged. "I won't lie to you. She is very upset."
Jerrold closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "You have to understand," he said, not bothering to hide the pain in his voice, "I didn't mean for it to happen."
"Then explain it to me, Jerrold," Christian replied. "Go."
Jerrold frowned and looked at his friend intently. Christian raised an eyebrow and returned the gaze.
"Well?" he said impatiently.
Jerrold sighed. Then he began to relate the whole story. Christian listened in silence and without interrupting. His eyebrow rose at various points, especially when Jerrold told about the secret engagement.
Finally, when Jerrold was done, he spoke. "All I can say is this: you have to tell Daria."
"Really, Christian?" Jerrold rolled his eyes. Then he sighed, quickly losing his sardonic manner. "I tried talking to her," he said quietly. "You saw me. But she wouldn't listen."
"She will after a few days. All she needs is time."
Jerrold nodded. A few seconds later, a somewhat uncomfortable silence began to develop between them. Jerrold turned and nocked another arrow. As he was aiming, he spoke. "You like her, don't you?" he said gravely.
There was a short pause. Then Christian said, with an impassive voice, "Yes. I do. Very much."
Thwang! Centre. If Jerrold had not mastered archery, the arrow would have completely missed the target. He stood there, staring fixedly at the arrow. His lips were pursed together tightly.
"I'm not surprised," he replied tersely. "I saw and sensed your protectiveness when I tried talking to her."
Christian nodded, then said, "This contract concerning you and Ennael…is it fixed?"
Jerrold raised an eyebrow. "Yes," he said coolly. He turned and nocked another arrow.
"So you have to marry Ennael," Christian remarked. "And Daria…"
Thwang! Centre. Again, it was all due to impressive skill. Jerrold turned to Christian. A dark expression was on his face.
"What are you saying?" he said menacingly.
"You have always been bound to Ennael," Christian said simply. "You were never supposed to court Daria."
Jerrold now had a death-grip on his bow. "I do not love Ennael," he said, glaring fiercely, "I will settle things right with Daria. Ennael will not be my wife."
"Yet she's your fiancée," Christian replied. "You are already duty-bound, Jerrold. However, since I know now that you will not be yielding, I shall not intervene…unless it is Daria who breaks away and calls it an end. After that, you cannot stop me."
Jerrold frowned and studied his friend carefully. Then he nodded. "Fine," he said with a grim voice. "Fair enough."
Christian nodded and took the bow. He nocked an arrow, aimed, and released.
Centre.
A/N:
I had to include archery in because I made it in the archery team (surprisingly)! It's really fun…not that you guys care, but…IS IT JUST ME OR SHOULD DARIA END UP WITH CHRISTIAN?