A/N:I can't believe it! 32 reviews on just the first two chapters? You are all too kind to me. I am very thankful of all the people that told me that it was good that I have returned to writing. You don't know how much that means to me. Well, I guess maybe you do now.

This chapter was the toughest one for me to write. I have never before wrote and rewrote a chapter so many times from the ground up. Every time I would finish, I would hate it and toss it in the garbage. Finally, this is the version I am most pleased with. And if nobody likes it - imagine how bad those earlier drafts were ;-)

Things are really picking up here and wait until the next chapter!

Victoria knocked on the door to Princess Jadelyn's chambers and waited for what seemed like forever when it finally opened, revealing the most beautiful woman in all the kingdom.

"Victoria!" she smiled. "Nice to see you again so soon."

The kind words made her mind blank for a moment before remembering what brought her to here.

"Oh, sorry, your father said that you needed to get ready for the special guest."

Whatever light was in Jadelyn's face began to fade.

"Oh I see," the Princess replied in more of a whisper. "Please come in."

Jadelyn looked into the full length mirror, her own reflection looking back at her. Meanwhile, Victoria is at work tailoring her garment accordingly. She had been purposefully avoiding these matchmakings her parents were instituting, trying to set her up with some prince or something. The whole ordeal was a show that grew more and more unbearable as time wore on.

And Jadelyn really wanted no part of it.

"Are you alright, princess?" asked Victoria.

"Truthfully?"

"Y-Y-Yes," the brown-eyed girl hesitated.

Jadelyn took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

"If I was completely honest with myself, I would much rather be at the gallows."

Victoria nearly dropped her sewing upon hearing that. "My Lady, you cannot possibly..."

"You can rest at ease" the princess said. "My mind is uneasy but not hasty."

As Jadelyn looked ahead, she was finding comfort in Victoria's presence. Something about seeing her in close proximity to her felt right. She was sure enough time had gone by and asked Victoria, "How is it coming?"

"I believe it is finished."

Victoria stepped away from Jadelyn, so she could get a better look in the mirror. The princess was a little disappointed when Victoria's reflection left her view.

"You look positively radiant," Victoria sighed with her hands together.

Jadelyn moved around, looking behind herself to see the various angles.

"Thanks to you. You have done a grand job, as always."

The servant girl smiled broadly. She works hard around the castle and is accustomed to a kind word here and there. But when Princess Jadelyn says something complimentary, Victoria sees another flower blooming in her garden.

The daughter of the king must have caught wind of the brown-haired girl's heart taking flight because the pair suddenly shared a quiet gaze. No words were spoken during these few seconds; they just smiled. Both young ladies had some unpleasant obligations that lie ahead but right in this moment, they were just enjoying each other's company.

They both turned when the door swung open and another server came in.

"Princess Jadelyn?"

"Is it time?" the blue-eyes girl asked.

"Yes, My Lady."

Victoria looked down as she contritely exited the room. She wanted to stay but she knew that it wasn't appropriate. Little did she know, Jadelyn almost spoke up wishing she wouldn't leave.

It wasn't a matter of some archaic law for Jadelyn to marry someone. She was next in line for the throne regardless; it was not unheard of for a queen to rule on her own. In her parent's eyes, a monarch needs companionship if they are to govern with a sound mind. Jadelyn would be surrounded by subordinates her whole life. But it was that emotional equal that her parents knew she would require. The king and queen were concerned about their daughter having that life mate who would be by her side after they were long gone. And being of royal blood, seeking men of title or wealth seemed appropriate.

To put it in the context of English feudalism; anything less than a Lord or a Vassal was not considered desirable. The king and queen were not snobbish; they were just naïve about the prospect of finding a suitor that met a certain criteria so they stayed within circles they understood.

Tragically, there was only one that came close to Jadelyn's heart and right now she was humbly tending to her chores. Jadelyn personally saw nothing wrong having feelings for a servant girl. But she knew a princess and a servant girl would be most improper. She hated it but that was the way things were. Until her coronation, her duty was to her mother and father.

On the surface, it was her choice. In reality, it was a lack of options.

Victoria resumed her duties around the castle, keeping her ears up and her eyes open. Any moment when she found herself near the royal family and this mystery man, Victoria paid close attention while simultaneously regarding her responsibilities.

She caught the man's name: Beckett. His family apparently hailed from the northern white plains. Victoria has heard about that region in passing; it's said to be quite cool there, even during the day. This Beckett fellow was tall and handsome with flowing black hair. He was no prince but being a ranking military man out of uniform, his manner of dress resembled that of a nobleman.

The last time a nobleman tried to woo Jadelyn, his busy hands earned him a week's lockup in the pillory down in the town square. You do not lay a hand on the princess, much less her backside, without her permission.

He was a little older than Jadelyn but he was still very much youthful in appearance. For his age, becoming a captain and given a company to take charge of was a big deal. It has been told that he was in line for knighthood during the next seasonal festival where such things were declared. Despite being impressed by these achievements, Victoria kept her guard up for Jadelyn's sake. An enterprising young man could potentially be a self-aggrandizing lout seeking another feather in his cap.

What better way to bolster one's ego than to marry a beautiful princess?

There were outdoor matters that Victoria was forced to tend to, far removing her from observing Jadelyn and Beckett. She wondered with what she admitted to her back in her chambers, if there could be any spark between them.

One thing was for sure; Victoria was not relishing showing Beckett to his guest quarters. Seeing how this man was not sent screaming from the castle grounds nor was anything shouted or thrown; the king saw this meeting as a success. And hopefully, the start of a courtship.

"Here we are," Victoria told Beckett as they both went inside the open door. "I hope it is to your liking, sir."

"I appreciate the propriety," he smiled. "But I am not a sir. Not yet anyway."

Victoria noticed something shiny was protruding from one of his bags. It was wrapped but started to become undone. Victoria knew exactly what it was. Not really paying mind to what she was doing, she carefully took out the sword and started to unfurl the burlap around the blade. Victoria held it high, admiring the craftsmanship of the handle.

She quickly turned around at the sound of Beckett clearing his throat.

"My apologies, sir" Victoria said while keeping a firm grip on the handle. "I was just admiring your sword. The engravings on the hilt are impeccable."

"I beg your pardon?"

"And I can tell that it is a solid piece; the blade goes right into the handle. You can feel it. I have seen too many weapons where they try and save on time and effort."

Victoria handed the sword, her palms open, to Beckett. She didn't know what to make of the man but she handled his weapon as if it were a precious treasure.

"Forgive my brazenness but it is quite possibly the most beautiful sword I had seen."

"Forgive me," he remarked as he placed it on the table. "I was not aware I was in the presence of a connoisseur."

The servant girl blushed a little but quickly dispelled her pleasure from the comment. Her guard was still up and she had to figure this man out.

"But perhaps you are more than that," he quipped.

That caught Victoria more off guard than the previous statement.

"What do you mean?" she asked evasively.

"I may not be the most observant person in the world but I know somebody that has handled a sword. I saw how you looked when holding it. You were careful but not fearful of it. There was a sense of respect in your hands and dare I say your eyes."

"I suppose you find it ludicrous a woman to be enamored with such things."

"Not...necessarily" he replied.

"Oh?"

"I mean...it is interesting to say the least. But I was hoping you could tell me about the princess. It is my understanding that you are her..."

"Lade in waiting?" Victoria sternly shot back when she placed his bags on the bed.

"The word I was looking for was friend but...was there anything about Her Highness that I should know?"

"She does not speak of such things as warfare or weaponry, if that is what you are alluding to. The princess has her interests; art and music and poetry."

Beckett smiled, "I like poetry as well. Though I am not clever enough to conjure up my own prose."

"I see," Victoria whispered. "I will go now, sir. Have a pleasant evening."

Victoria walked down the halls, puzzled at this man. He was certainly not like the others. He was not disrespectful or self-obsessed or perverted. She was a servant, as insignificant as they come; yet he treated her with the dignity one would give the consul to a king. Victoria has seen her fair share of suitors coming in and out of these stone walls and for the first time, here was a man that was worth his salt.

She brought a candle into Jadelyn's chambers, lighting one of the larger candle holders for illumination.

"Oh, Victoria" said a startled Jadelyn. "I did not see you."

"Apologies, My Lady."

"Victoria, I want to know - have you met Beckett yet?"

Victoria hesitated before nodding.

"What do you think of him? Frankly, I could not stand the opinion of any of the other people in this castle. Even my father is amused. I want to know what you think. You tell me what I need to hear when I ask, so please."

The brown-haired girl took a deep breath.

"Beckett seems fine in my opinion. I did not detect any deceit or ill will from him. We briefly conversed and I found him to be erudite and respectful. He looks to be strong but there is a tenderness there. He appears to be honorable."

Jadelyn contemplated what she had been told and nodded discreetly.

"I have to agree," she told her.

Victoria could feel her heart crack.

"He does seem kind and intelligent; not some brute. I suppose he would do."

Victoria looked at the floor beneath her feet, unable to face what was coming next.

"I think I will sleep on it but if there is no doubt come morrow next, I think Beckett may just be it."

The servant girl slipped away and was almost out the door when she heard...

"Vic-toria?"

She slowly turned around to face the princess.

"Am I making the right choice?"

Everything boiling inside her very guts wanted Victoria to tell Jadelyn that she shouldn't wed this man. But what was she to do? She was a lowly servant that had no future outside this castle and nothing of value to offer anyone, let alone a princess. Victoria was also reminded of her duty and knew that if she did not endorse Beckett, she may be at risk of marrying some terrible, barbaric monster. At least he would treat her well.

"Yes," Victoria replied, her voice slightly breaking. "Well, goodnight Princess."

"Goodnight."

Despite Victoria's recommendation; Jadelyn was still conflicted.

Even as she laid her head for the night, she was still awake for a while.

Her mind was active as the body fought for sleep.

Jadelyn was still conflicted.

About a great many things.