Chapter 3: Can't Have You

Gwen woke up from her bed when she saw the sun rise from the tiny window above her. She yawned and sat up from her bed. The bed was so much more comfortable than the ones at the industry. She smiled; ever so glad she was not there anymore. Her room was right next to Julie's, so that meant Julie would always be next to her if she needed anything particular. She lay in her bed for a few seconds, wondering how she should assert herself to the other servants. Although, she didn't know exactly when the others got up and moving. A few hours? A few minutes? Was everyone already up and moving without her? She sighed with frustration and got out of her bed anyway.

She decided to explore around, looking for the bathrooms and showers, and was glad for a moment when she noticed everyone was still asleep besides the chefs. She was very proud of herself when she did find the restrooms and the showers. She took a shower and went back to her room, only to find Julie awake, sitting on her bed.

"You're an early bird just like me," Julie smiled. "You could sleep in longer though; the king usually doesn't wake up till nine."

"Nah, I like getting up at this hour. So what do I do first?"

"First we are going to set up the targets in the courtyard for his archery lessons, and then you can chill until he wakes up," explained Julie.

"What are you going to do?"

"I am going to hang with you today, show you what he likes and all that stuff…until my mother needs me at least. King Max will be arriving in a couple of hours."

"Of course you would know that," Gwen smirked, putting on her attire. Julie rolled her eyes.

"Come on, let's get ready," sighed Julie, pulling her away. Hours went by and Gwen stood next to Kevin's door, waiting patiently for him to come out. Setting up the targets was pretty easy for the most part, but she was frantically bored with her self while waiting for Kevin to finally awake from his slumber. She even began to drift and get lost in her daydreams for some time. It didn't last long when exactly at nine she heard the door open and saw him looking at her.

"How long have you been waiting there?" he smirked. Gwen blushed; how long have you been waiting there? What kind of stupid question was that? How was she supposed to know? Stop blushing Gwen… She lost her words. She couldn't speak when his eyes were directly peaking into hers. "You are aloud to come in my room any time you need…or I need. None of the others get that privilege." Gwen nodded her head slowly. "Why don't you come in and make my bed."

She walked into his huge room, expecting nothing less than it being huge and amazing. She went to his bed and did her thing, making it look as if he hadn't even touched it. Gwen was pretty impressed with herself. She picked his things that were on his floor up and found the appropriate drawers to put them in. She noticed he was in his bathroom, so maybe she would wait a couple of minutes until he came out. He was probably busy with personal matters…and she didn't want to think how the embarrassment would be if she walked in on him doing something. That is, until she heard a voice that came from behind her.

"Wow, it looks like I haven't even touched the place," said Kevin, thoroughly impressed with what she did. She didn't reply to his remark…a servant wouldn't be so personal to a royal.

"It's time for your archery classes' sire," Gwen finished, holding the bows up for him to grab. He took them and smiled at the girl before leaving the room, as she went to the bathroom to clean it up. Gwen quickly hurried to finish his bathroom. Boy he's a pig…now it's not a mystery why he needed someone like me. She smiled when it was perfect and made her way down to the courtyard, where Julie was already there, standing to the side and waiting for a request if the master needed it. She turned towards Gwen.

"How did it go?" she asked.

"Who would have thought the king would be so messy." Julie merely laughed.

"Actually, I think everyone is like that."

"Kevin! How many times must I tell you to relax?" King Max screamed at Kevin, who couldn't make a bullseye.

"Please, he's never relaxed a day in his life," smirked Prince Ben, watching from the side. Kevin glared at his friend.

"I'm trying Max! It's harder than it looks," replied Kevin, as Max rolled his eyes and Ben chuckled to his friend.

"Really? Is that why I made it on my first try?" Ben sent another comment toward Kevin. Gwen got a good look at Ben. He seemed around her age with brown hair and deep green eyes. Her eyes sort of matched hers, in a way. But the one thing that stood out the most to her was his watch on his wrist. It was the most stylish, and yet peculiar, thing she had ever seen. It was green and looked like something she would not see around these times, but it was so interesting to gleam upon.

"You know what Tennyson?" Kevin started, as he began to crouch next to him.

"Kevin, stop focusing on Ben and focus on the target. How long have we been doing this?" said Max. Kevin immediately relaxed and Ben smirked when Kevin's back was facing him.

"Like a year," Ben had to add another comment again, while Kevin tried to ignore him.

"Exactly, you'd think you would be able to get it by now," said Max.

"Look, I just don't think archery is for me, ok? All you have to do is hit a stupid target…how boring is that?"

"He's just mad because he can't do it, grandpa," said Ben. "It's ok Kevin, really. I am sure everyone has failed miserably at something in their lives." Kevin turned around and glared at the younger boy.

"How about we take a ten minute break? I am going to go inside and get something to eat," sighed Max as he started to walk inside. "Actually, I'll take a break while you keep practicing Kevin."

"Stupid bow," Kevin muttered.

"The only thing that is wrong with the bow is you. You seriously have to relax, Kevin," said Ben.

"Easy for you to say."

"Seriously, try it again, and relax," Ben finished as Kevin raised the bow and fired. He missed again. He growled in frustration.

"Forget it, you are hopeless," sighed Ben, sitting down on the floor, as Kevin joined him. Deciding to forget about archery for the moment, they decided to talk about other things. Kevin decided to speak first.

"I've been hearing rumors…is old man Max really stepping down from the throne?" Kevin pondered. Ben smiled huge.

"Yes, and guess who is going to take it?" he smiled proudly.

"Hmmm, let me see…a monkey?" joked Kevin.

"Very funny, but seriously, grandpa is finally giving me a chance. You should have seen my mother; I think she was more excited than I was."

"Being king is no different…the royal court still runs your lives as if they own you."

"Yeah, but Omnitrix is different. We respect each other," Ben said.

"Yeah, and what are you going to do about the monster sightings?" Kevin asked to Ben personally. Ben touched his watch nervously. "Does your grandpa even know what you've been doing Ben? Turning into a different monster every day and saving people?"

"Of course he does. He's the one who gave me the watch in the first place. He covers up for me when people complain. What do you think the city is named for? This watch has been passed down my family forever…it's just no one else had the guts to use it. Oh and they're not monsters…they are intergalactic animals from far away places."

"Whatever that means…just don't get caught. I can't see you going to prison in your own jail."

"Unless I bail myself out," smirked Ben, making Kevin laugh. Ben noticed some girls talking and watching them and he smiled. "Man Kevin, you always have the cutest maids. Is she new?" He pointed to Gwen.

"Yeah she is," he replied, getting a good glance at her before they discovered that they were looking at them.

"She looks familiar to me, I don't know why though."

"Your head's always in the clouds whenever you see a pretty girl."

"Oh and yours isn't?"

"It can't be right now…you know that," Kevin's face frowned and his voice became soft.

"You're still going to go through with it, huh?" Ben asked nervously, wondering about Kevin's daring decision.

"Yeah, the plan is still definitely on," said Kevin, thinking about their plan that they had going on for years. The subject was going down hill, so Ben started t change it again. He looked at the maids once more and smiled.

"Boy, Julie looks prettier and prettier every day," he smiled.

"I already told you that you can have her and take her back to your kingdom."

"I don't want her to work for me! I want to…spend time with her."

"I can't believe you're falling for a servant, my servant no less."

"That's going to be my first priority when I am king; make a law that states royalty can marry whom ever they want."

"You're a love sick dog, you know that?"

"Status should never come between love Kevin, remember that."

"What are you? Mister quote of the day? Jeez, you're making me want to bring her over here so you can talk to her," Kevin gave a wicked smile. Ben's eyes widened and his face flushed.

"N-no don't! I am not ready yet! Don't do it!" Ben stammered.

"Fine, fine, just don't blame me if she falls for one of my other servants," Kevin said, making Ben some what queasy.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, but it is not against the law to wave at a pretty girl," Ben said, making sure Julie was looking over in his direction as he waved at her. Julie's eyes widened and she blushed a deep color. Kevin smirked.

"Well at least you got some reaction out of her." Ben rolled his eyes.

"Come on, we better look like we are practicing when grandpa comes back," said Ben, standing up with Kevin.

GGGGG

Julie flushed when she saw the prince wave to her. She looked behind her to see no one there. It was true; he did wave to her, he knew she existed.

"You look like a tomato right now," smiled Gwen.

"I can't help it," Julie smiled once more.

"You should talk to him," suggested Gwen.

"A servant talking to a prince? How low would that be? He'd probably spit on me if I did that."

"I don't know Julie, he's seems some what interested in you."

"That's because we are the only two other people out here. If he saw some pretty little princess walk across the field, he would immediately go after her," Julie said making things up. Gwen decided to give up and turned her attention back to the king's progress. He was doing horrible as usual.

"He's horrible," commented Gwen.

"Yeah, he can never get it down."

"Well he's doing it all wrong. Look at his elbow, it should be lower than that…he's too tense," said Gwen, looking at his position.

"And what do you know about archery?" asked Julie, cocking an eyebrow. Gwen actually learned some things from watching kids play with some stolen equipment long ago. She watched and studied the kids with eagerness, and inevitably joining the kids and beating them at their own game. Gwen never told Julie about her life… her time on the streets was oblivious to the girl. She would eventually tell her, but certainly not now. Maybe when she got to know her more…but certainly not now. She did feel she could trust the girl, considering she was the only friend she ever had and known, but she would wait.

"Um, I know some stuff," admitted Gwen, seeing Kevin cursing at himself. Should she help him? It was the question of the day. Gwen smiled and looked at Julie, who looked suddenly nervous. "Watch this." Gwen stepped forward and began walking toward the both of them. Julie silently objected but let her keep going.

"Is there something wrong, sire?" Gwen asked, studying the bow. Kevin and Ben's eyes widened at the girls upfront tone. This girl was definitely different and not afraid. Ben smiled and decided to be friendly.

"King Kevin over here can't shoot an arrow on a bull's eye after practicing for a year," smirked Ben, liking this girl. Gwen nodded understandingly.

"Would you allow me to try, sire?" asked Gwen, taking the bow from Kevin before he even replied to her. She picked up the arrow from the grass and lifted the bow, drawing the arrow. She concentrated a while and let the arrow go; making it perfectly hit the red bull's eye meters in front of her. She heard Julie clapping behind her, finally getting the courage to go up to them. Kevin and Ben couldn't believe there eyes.

"How did you do that?" Max's voice came from behind. She turned around to see the obese old man staring in awe at her. He got up closer to her and studied her. His eyes widened at the sight of her green eyes and hair. Gwen on the other hand was a little freaked out by the man's stares being put upon her, but kept her composure. "What's your name?" Ben and Kevin raised an eyebrow.

"Uh, Gwen, you highness, my name is Gwen," she replied stuttering, seeing the man freak out a little more. Even Ben this time had a peculiar face when he heard her name.

What did I do? I shouldn't have done that, I knew I shouldn't have done that! What is wrong with me! Why must I insist on making a scene! I am getting thrown out for sure…

"Did I offend you in any way sir?" Gwen made a worried look came upon her face. She didn't know what to do…should she bow? Max snapped out of it and had a huge smile. It freaked Gwen more out when he gave her a huge hug. She stiffened at first, and then embraced the hug gently.

"Grandpa, is everything ok?" Ben asked, a little uneasy. Gwen didn't know why, but she felt so peaceful in the old man's arms, like he would protect her no matter what

"Everything is fine Ben. Come on, we're going home," Max said, releasing Gwen hastily and turned around to walk, leaving a surprised Ben.

"Wait, I thought we were staying for dinner?"

"Sorry no time Ben, I realized I have things to do back home. Come on," Max didn't wait for Ben to complain or comply; he continued to walk with haste.

"Well, this is good bye. See you in two weeks buddy," nodded Ben, as Kevin nodded back. "Sorry if he freaked you out." Ben said his statement to Gwen, and she noticed that they were still on good terms. Ben began walking, when Gwen stopped him.

"Uh your highness?" she asked. Ben turned around. "Why doesn't Julie assist you in the front?" Julie's eyes widened and Ben smiled.

"I would love to have Julie's assistance," Ben smiled, leaving his elbow bent out for her to take. Shivers went down her spine when he said her name. She took his arm willingly and led her to the front. Oh yeah…Ben definitely liked this girl.

"That was smooth," commented Kevin on Gwen's part. Gwen smiled at the king.

"I do have my moments." Kevin smirked at Gwen.

"So, show me how to do this," said Kevin, picking up his bow and arrow. Gwen nodded obediently.

"First, show me how you do it." Kevin lifted his bow and hot the arrow, still missing the target. Kevin growled once more.

"I'm no use. You're going to have to stay up all night with me before I can get the hang of it."

"Unfortunately sire-," Gwen was cut off

"Call me Kevin. I honestly don't like the whole 'your highness' thing," he smirked, while giving one of her intense gazes, making her blush slightly.

"Unfortunately, Kevin, I am quite patient when I want to be."

"So what do I do, since you're such a hot shot at archery?" he asked, raising the bow to eyes level, to give it another try once more. He pulled the string, letting go of the arrow, still missing the target. He cursed at himself.

"I can't even shoot an arrow two meters range, but a scullery maid can shoot a six meter range."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Gwen replied. "You're too tense."

"Ugh! That's what the old man's been telling me. What do you mean by that?"

"Try once more, I'll guide you through it," said Gwen, making him try it again. Kevin sighed and picked up the bow once more. "Don't fire just yet." She gently ran her hand across the arm which held the bowstring.

"You're too tense. I can feel your muscles tensing even by a gentle touch. Come on, loosen up. Don't tell me all you do is look at documents all day long? You got to have some fun while you're doing it."

"You know, that's no way to talk to the king," Kevin grinned at her bravery. Was he really playing games right now? Seriously? Especially with a maid no less…normal kings would never do such a thing. Gwen placed her hands on her hips and cocked her head sideways.

"So? Get my death bed ready and sentence me to death, but we are going to get this down," Gwen smirked at her joke. Kevin chuckled softly. He was really starting to like this girl.

"I have never placed the death sentence on a servant before," Kevin said to her, still concentrating on the bow. "I actually have never put the death sentence on anyone before…" He drifted, and Gwen was actually fairly surprised to Kevin's remark. She shook the thoughts out of her head and focused once more.

"Lower you elbow slightly," she touched his arm gently, feeling the blush creep on her face. A servant should never fall for her master…

Kevin concentrated, letting Gwen's guidance sink into his head. He took a deep breath and let the arrow release from his hand. The arrow flew and shot right into the red target, hitting a bull's eye for the first time. Gwen smiled.

"See? All you had to do was relax, but not too much," she sighed as she started to pick up his equipment. He was astonished when he saw his arrow hit the red dot, and this…this woman made it happen. He looked at her fiery hair shine in the sun's rays, making her look so beautiful. Kevin mentally slapped himself. What are you thinking Kevin! You can't be thinking of her like that! Even though she is so beautiful…snap out of it! You already have an objective coming up! You can't get distracted right now!

Gwen bent down to pick up the left over arrows that were scattered on the floor. He bent down and helped her clean up the arrows that were everywhere. Gwen was surprised to see him working and actually doing something. He noticed the confusion on her face.

"What? I'm a king, not helpless. I can do some hard labor," he smiled at her and she smiled back. "But I hate making my bed in the morning." That made Gwen laugh.

Later that night she got his bath ready by pouring some hot water inside his tub. She checked the temperature and it was perfect.

"Kevin, the water is ready," she said, with a smile…calling him by his normal name was surprisingly enjoyable. He walked in the bathroom with his shirt off. Gwen gawked at his muscles when she saw him, but quickly erased it before he could notice. He smiled warmly as he thanked her.

"Good, you're done for the night. See you tomorrow," he smiled at her. She nodded and walked out of his room.

No one has ever smiled so sweetly to me before…

She made her way back to her own room and sighed as she landed on her bed. She felt something she had never felt before. Butterflies were in her stomach as she laid down. I'm…I'm falling for him…something I have never done before…I've never felt this way…I've never been in love before… Julie interrupted her thoughts by coming in her room all excited.

"You are the greatest person in the world!" she ran and hugged her. "The prince and I talked for five whole minutes! He was so kind and generous to me."

"Five whole minutes huh? Sounds insane," joked Gwen, as Julie rolled her eyes.

"That wasn't the best part though. As they were beginning to leave, he kissed my hand good bye," she squealed by lying down next to Gwen and looking at the stars in the tiny window above them.

"You're in love Julie," sighed Gwen. Julie sighed in agreement.

"Did you teach Kevin how to shoot a bull's eye?"

"Yes…he did it," Gwen sighed again. Julie looked up at her. "What?" Julie smiled huge. "What?" Gwen demanded.

"You're falling for our master," Julie said with excitement. Gwen's eyes widened.

"No I'm not!" Gwen objected.

"You so are, I can see it in your eyes," squealed Julie. "Trust me; I know what it is like."

"Ok, ok, so maybe I'm a little…" she drifted.

"I knew it."

"There's just something about him…something deeper."

"Yeah face it, we've got the love bug," Julie started to frown. A frown so deep that even Gwen felt it even when she wasn't looking at her. "And we'll never get to be with them." Gwen frowned with her. She was right; they were royalty…Gwen and Julie…they were poor servants living underground. It was true, finally something Gwen wanted…but could not have.

"You're right," Gwen said softly. This was probably the first and noble thing she ever wanted in her life. All that she did want was to be happy in this life that was granted to her. Unfortunately, the life that was granted to her was being a servant and that would never change. She fell in love…and knew deep inside that it would never return back to her.

"Let's change the subject," Julie started. "King Max gave you a hug today…what was with that?"

"I honestly don't know…but I felt connected to him for some reason…it was weird."

"It almost looked like he recognized you from somewhere."

"Yeah, and he was glad to see me…but that can't be true, considering-," She stopped herself from speaking before she blurted out her life before hand.

"Considering what?" Julie asked.

"Nothing…it's nothing Julie."

"Come on Gwen, you can tell my anything."

"It's just…my life before I became a maid was hard and there is no way I ever knew any people from a royal family. There's just no way. I am sorry it's not as detailed as you'd life it to be."

"Hey, you don't have to tell me. I can wait; trust me…my life isn't perfect as gold either."

"I'll tell you someday Julie…I promise." Gwen smiled.

"Well, I better get some sleep. See you in the morning Gwen," she waved good bye to Gwen who sat there on her bed. She suddenly felt a tear slide down her cheek

Why is everything so hard? Verdona, I miss you… I wish you were here now…I wish everything was back to he way it was and King Hex wouldn't have…

Flashback:

"Gwen…we learn from our mistakes. It is alright if you don't get it the first time," Verdona said the seven year old.

"But you are so good at it Verdona, I wish I could be as good as you."

"It all takes practice Gwen…believe in yourself and anything is possible…"

End:

And now I am in love with someone that can never return the favor…

That was long ago…Gwen silently cried and went to sleep.

GGGGG

"Grandpa, why did we have to leave? I was having a good time with Kevin," muttered Ben. Max seemed distracted with something else as he took out an old photo album. He flipped through the pictures and found one specific one that he had been searching for. It was a photo of two people holding a small child in their arms.

"Why are you looking at the picture of Uncle Frank and Aunt Lily?"

"Because Ben, today I saw the same looking girl in this picture," Max pointed to the little child with green eyes.

"You're not talking about Kevin's servant, are you?"

"That's who I am exactly talking about…Gwen."

"But you said all three of them died twenty years ago by King Hex himself."

"I did Ben…but what if one managed to live?"

"That's impossible; you said all of them perished."

"I'm telling you Ben, I have this feeling…I feel she is her from years ago."

"Look grandpa, I know it was hard letting go of them, but I can't see it."

"Trust me Ben, next time you go over to Kevin's, hang out with the girl more, spend some time with her. I'm sure you'll have a lot in common," Max's mind went everywhere as he stared at the picture. "And you'll be going over there more frequently Ben…and I am talking about spending nights there too."

"Grandpa, why the sudden change? You usually like me and the watch being close to home. What's happening?"

"I just have a feeling Ben…and this is more important than the Omnitrix and our royal status all together," Max ended, as he continued to stare at the picture. Ben decided to look with him, never remembering his aunt, uncle, and cousin. That got him thinking…why did they have to go? Why were they chosen to die?

"Grandpa…why did Hex want to kill them anyway? It's not like they did anything wrong."

"When your aunt and uncle had their child, there was something special about her…something that no other person had. The news went throughout the land that their child had powers. Her parents were so proud…but someone was not," Max sighed, he never liked telling this story. "King Hex hated the fact that there was someone else in the world that could beat him. So he sent out men that would destroy the girl and anyone that got in his way."

"And that's why you hate Hex so much?" Ben asked to have Max nod. "How did the girl have powers anyway? Shouldn't something like that be genetically passed?" Max did not make eye contact with Ben, and stayed silent. Max sighed deeply, making Ben a little nervous for his reaction.

"Nothing you need to worry about Ben…I'll tell you when you are old enough…someday," Max finished, shutting the album abruptly. Ben made no notion to keep asking him questions.

"That's why we have a plan to finally stop Hex and end his reign once and for all. Is Kevin still on for the plan?"

"Yeah, he's still going for it, although I feel bad for the guy for what he has to do."

"He's making a big sacrifice, but in the end it will all turn out good."

"Grandpa…if this girl, my cousin, is who you say she is…then how would she survive?"

"That, Ben, is the part of the story no one knows about…"

"If she is even my cousin in the first place…"

I don't want to fall asleep


Cause I don't know
if I'll get up


And I don't want to cause a scene


But I'm dying without your love


I'm begging to hear your voice


Tell me you love me too


Cause I'd rather just be alone


If I know that I can't have you

That was Chapter 3! So Gwen finally met Max and Ben…and things are stirring along with Gwen and Kevin.

What is their big plan? What is Kevin willing to do? Is Gwen the girl that they say she is? How will Kevin react when he starts to fall in love? Is King Hex going to rule everything? Or will somebody finally stop him? Find out soon…

R&R

Wtncgirl09