OK I made a Mistake with Alice's last name, Brandon; he he he. I forgot Charles last name was Brandon, so her last name will be switched to Bradley. An someone please tell, me I'm not good with roman numerals (sp); for the number eight. Thank you for all the lovely Alerts, but I want your REVIEWS please, I need your feedback. An too answer your questions about a love triangle? Hmmmmmm maybe. Ok remember I own nothing, nothing belongs to me.

The palace was massive was an understatement to say the least, History books did not do this place justice. Massive green gardens cased the surroundings of the palace, while in the middle stood a grand palace surrounded by guards. It was a sight to behold.

"Oh my stars", I let out a long breath; Charles chuckled behind me, as we trotted through the gates, as the guards gave me questionable looks.

"Noting, like this in New York?" He chuckled "Lady Alice?" I shook my head, to awed to utter a word.

"It's breathtaking" I said not taking my eyes off the palace, as he helped me off the beast.

He laced his arm with mine as to fellow guards followed behind us "Where are we going?" I asked looking up at him; he shook his head and smiled.

"So many questions Lady Alice" I scoffed, I was getting really tired of this 'Lady Alice' thing.

"Your chambers" he smiled, as we walked down some stone passageways; I turned towards him sharply "My chambers?" I questioned, he laughed and stopped with me. "Well you don't expect to stay in my chambers Lady Alice?" He was mocking me I blushed " It wouldn't be proper, for a Lady Such as yourself".

I've never had a man make me stutter, be a loss of words before in my entire life. He was handsome god yes, he was beautiful. Can a man be beautiful? Of course right he can be, I mean it's my opinion, right? I knew he was watching me, as we silently walked with each other; he seemed to be studying me.

"Have you figured me out yet Duke?" I said with a cheeky smile, he looked down at me with the same cheeky smile. He took my hand gently and brought me around to face him, bringing his lips ever so softly to my hand, I watched his eyes close; he seemed to be savoring the touch.

My knees almost buckled from the contact.

"I haven't even scratched the surface" It wasn't a question, more of a statement.

I looked down and blushed, "No" I whispered, he looked into my sapphires eyes, trying to figure me out "I'm a puzzle, you cannot solve, Duke" he smiled again, God I was starting to fall in love with that smile.

"A challenge" He stated, he tilted his head towards me " I swear on my honor, I will solve you" he whispered almost to himself, he stepped away slowly; and disappeared down the corridor.

The room, or no scratch that; mini house was beautiful. A little to dark a dreary for my taste, I mean I'm a New Yorker; I love the sun. These brits seem to shut it out, I loved the warm rays on my skin, but being in dreary England in the 1500's; probably wasn't going to see it for awhile.

However long that was going to be.

"Lady Alice", I screeched, there stood a girl about my age; curtsey with her head bowed. God I wasn't a queen or a princess, I was supposedly of some nobility; I was going to have to get my story straight.

"I'm sorry Lady Alice" she bowed her head, god I wasn't some queen " I'm sorry for startling you," I chuckled, I was going to have to get use to these customs.

I brought my hand to my chest, to calm my heart, "It's alright….." I trailed, she stood up straight, but still looked down "I'm one of Lord Brandon's Lady's "She stated, "He sent for me to help you dress-for the feast" she clutched her hands together

"For what?" I asked leaning on my hip, she still looked down " Ok stop!" It startled her, she finally looked up.

"What is your name miss?"I asked

She clutched her hands together "lady Richford" It sounded so rehearsed, I smiled "What's your first name?"

"Melanie" She said in a shaky tone, I smiled

I took my hands in hers "Melanie, call me Alice" I said with a smile, her eyes widened

"I'm never allowed to call someone of high nobility-" I waved my hands and laughed

"Who said that?" I asked, her eyes shifted

Her hands tightened in mine "The duke "I shook my head " Or so he suspects-the king and him will speak with you"

Now I'm nervous.

Corsets, where torture let me tell you; I bet a man designed it. I mean it compressed everything; and pushed the boobs up. Hmmm the girls did look good; I did have a little trouble breathing, beauty is pain.

The gown was beautiful though, it was the lightest shade of baby blue, with sliver; pearls woven through the chemise. The skirt made of pure silk, the sleeves made of white lace, pearls woven though the entire thing. There was a slight Tran I was concerned about, but I had lady Richford following behind me.

"Lady Alice" she breathed "You looked stunning" She finished placing the lace white hat onto my head, it itched a bit.

"The gown is br-" I began

"Breathtaking" Came Charles's voice "I know-that's why I picked it"

Lady Richford curtsey, I followed suit "Thank Milord" I whispered.

He chuckled, "Ready to meet the King?" he asked, I started to shake

I laughed "No" I stated, he gave a booming laugh

He kissed my hand "Didn't expect you to" he laced his arm with mine.

I felt like I was meeting my maker.

I felt like I was walking the green Mile, Charles was trying to small talk to me to calm my nerves; but I want having it. He was trying to calm my nerves, and it was sweet; but it wasn't going to work. I mean this was one of the cruelest Kings in History, I was going to get my head cut off.

I couldn't exactly tell them the truth, they would think I was crazy, and chop my head off; I could also lie. They could find out, and chop my head off; not good odds.

"Relax" he said rubbing my arm "Be honest and True-that's all he wants" he soothed, we made it to another steal door, and nodded to the guards there; they looked at me with interest.

The door swung open, and we walked through.

" Your Majesty" Charles called " I present to you, Lady Alice"