Summary: A desperate monarch makes a pact with another king that will one day force him to give his headstrong daughter to the king's harsh son. Within the castle walls lay many secrets, including a deadly curse with one year to break. Let the fairytale begin.
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Chapter Eight
"You haven't been here in the past few days," Derek commented, not looking up from his book as Cecilia tried to come into the room as quietly as possible.
"How do you do that?" Cecilia gasped, startled at his voice. He wasn't even facing her direction and somehow, he knew she was there.
"Magic," Derek said simply. "Now, why have I not seen you lately?"
With a tired grin, Cecilia plopped into the chair opposite him. "I have been trying to train Ilario not go to the bathroom on any carpet and to bark at the door if he wanted to go outside."
Derek snorted. "Good luck with that." A moment passed, then, "Mother says you've named the pup 'Lupo Ilario.' Interesting names—Itallien, I assume. What are the meanings?"
" 'Ilario' means 'cheerful'," beamed Cecilia. "He is so full of energy I never cease to smile when I'm around him."
"And 'Lupo?'" Derek raised an eyebrow.
" 'Wolf', although I'm to call him 'Ilario.' It's easier."
Trying to conceal his surprise, he asked, "Wolf? Why wolf?"
"Everyone thinks he's a wolf because they've never seen husky puppies—I'm not quite sure how this one came to be in Fraanc." Cecilia bit her lip worriedly. "I do hope there aren't any wolves nearby, though. If I let Ilario roam outside, do you think they would harm him?"
Derek's lips twisted into a smirk at her words. "There are no wolves around for miles," he replied smoothly. "Not until you're closer to the other towns, anyway. No, the pup is safe if you let him explore. Although he will need training, I'm sure."
"A great deal of training," Cecilia agreed. "I don't want him to become a hunting dog, though, but I think it would be tedious for him just being a companion."
"I do not think it would be," Derek said finally. "It is a fairly new idea, but I've heard of dogs becoming guardians for nobility. I doubt it would be difficult to train Ilario to be your watchdog."
"Really?" Cecilia's eyes lit up and Derek had trouble not breaking out in a grin. It was refreshing to see someone so good, so pure and innocent, even after horrible wars and famine and poverty. Frowning, Derek wondered if he had ever been so innocent. Probably not, but it was no use dwelling on such things.
"I'll look into it," he promised.
She gave him a tremulous smile and Derek had to look away. This girl was doing strange things to his heart.
"How have you been these past few days?" Cecilia asked suddenly. "Now that you know what I've been doing."
"I have been busy, as usual," he said darkly. "Mother's harassing me about the ball constantly—I don't know why she can't just take care of those sort of things—and the Councilmen are telling me who to invite and who not to invite and we must invite so-and-so but definitely not whats-his-name. Honestly, it's been rather tedious."
"I agree," sighed Cecilia. "Everyone has been going insane because of this ball. All the girls want new dresses, and Ana has been telling me to have one made as well—but honestly, what a waste. I have perfectly usable dresses of my own."
Derek shrugged rudely. "I suppose it depends, doesn't it? When was the last time you got something new for yourself?"
Biting her lip, she answered, "A couple years ago, during my last growth."
Frowning in surprise, Derek said, "But it doesn't seem as if…"
"No, it doesn't, does it? I have someone alter my outfits so they don't seem terribly behind the times—you know how people talk if I am not fashionably conscious. I don't let Father spend money on clothes, although I'm sure people would be happy to create them for free. No… what is important is rebuilding the country," she smiled wistfully, "and although a new dress would be nice, I don't need one."
Derek scoffed. "That is ridiculous. You deserve something new… Let me pay for it."
Raising an eyebrow at him, Cecilia said, "While I thank you for the offer, you and your family have shown me enough generosity; I must decline."
Irritated, the prince replied sharply, "This isn't charity, if that is what you are implying. I am trying to be nice—why can you not accept that?" Obviously, this wasn't the right thing to say.
"You are so insufferable!" She fumed. "I was genuine in my refusal. I realize that you are not being charitable towards me. Either way, I must decline. I may not have many things any more, but I still have my pride." As if daring to reply, she glared at him momentarily, the fire in her eyes igniting even further. Then the moment passed, and she was gone, the door swinging behind her.
That girl was going to be the death of him, he knew it. Rubbing his fingers at his temples, Derek didn't understand where he went wrong. He wasn't being insufferable, or rude, or cruel; what was her problem? But Cecilia was right, he thought grimly. If he was in her shoes, he wouldn't have accepted the offer either. Still…
A sudden thought occurred to Derek. It was a plan that couldn't fail—granted, the Council might be just a tad bit upset, and he doubted Cecilia herself would be pleased, but it was just too ingenious of an idea to pass up.
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With a satisfied smile, Derek inhaled the alpine air. It was the day of the ball and everyone was running around, constantly in a flurry. He, for one, felt dizzy just looking at all of the preparations. Multiple guests began to trickle in from all sorts of places and were making him feel claustrophobic with their incessant chatter and condescending attitudes. With a regretful pang, Derek realized that King Cesario had declined to come, disappointing Cecilia greatly. Perhaps if I had been more polite in my letter to him all those months ago…
So because his territory had been invaded, so to speak, it was decided that Derek needed to get out of the castle and it was the perfect morning for it. A hazy mist settled over the land and the dew that daintily resided on the lush vegetation made a man feel rather poetic. Stopping his trek, his face broke into a wide smile.
Just beyond the waterfall that was near his home was the only meadow around for miles. There was something about meadows… so open and free, where you could see the entire sky, not just bits and pieces like you would if you were in the forest.
Settling down on a random spot of grass, Derek laid back and watched the clouds drift pass. Thinking back to plan he devised and carried out the week before, he couldn't help but smile. Everyone reacted just as he thought they would.
His mother beamed at him; saying it was a wonderful idea, albeit a tad pricy. Yet, they were throwing an entire ball, so what were a few more added expenses?
Derek was fairly sure that if the girls disliked him before, they all adored him now. Even Tessa looked faintly pleased at the prospect and Heidi actually smiled.
The Councilmen were not quite as understanding. Purchasing dresses for ten girls was expensive and while a generous gift, entirely too frivolous.
Derek countered, saying that it wasn't fair that some girls could have new dresses and others wouldn't because of their status after the war.
"If you don't mind me saying, Your Majesty," a man said, "but if life were fair, livestock would have guns and could fight back."
Fury lighting his eyes, Derek snarled, "While I appreciate your input, gentlemen, the last time I checked those young ladies are my guests and I should be able to be as generous as I wish." As he grew older, Derek learned that pulling rank was an arrogant and tacky way to govern people, but there were times when his mouth didn't agree with his mind. Not to mention it was pretty effective.
So now Cecilia had to accept the new dress, if she didn't it would be considered rude. Derek wouldn't put it past her, but knew that even she wouldn't be so stubborn. At least, that was what he hoped.
Suddenly, Derek sat up. Someone was coming. He could sense it. They were approaching rapidly… But were they behind him or in front?
Whimpers and excited yips filled his ears. Turning, Derek saw that blasted pup coming towards him. "Ilario?" he wondered aloud, testing the dog's name on his tongue. Cheerful wolf. Honestly. Who had ever heard of a cheerful wolf? He certainly had not.
The puppy barked in reply. It seemed to say, I've found you!
With a growl, Derek conveyed, Why? Who's looking for me?
Ilario didn't answer, instead coming up to Derek and climbing into his lap, licking him all over his face.
With a sigh of resignation, Derek started to pet the puppy, scratching it behind his ears and right under his chin. Ilario was delighted and wiggled happily in his new alpha's arms.
"There you are!" Soon Ilario was up again and went straight to his mistress. "You shouldn't have gone so fast. I thought you'd run off."
Knowing that voice anywhere, the prince's eyes focused on Cecilia. How had she…?
"What are you doing here?" He wanted to know, his voice curious, not demanding.
"Looking for you, of course," Cecilia replied smoothly, her tones neutral. Derek was immediately suspicious. He had not been alone with her for over a week and had no idea what was running through her mind.
"Did you have Ilario track me?"
"Of course I did. Your mother lent me a favorite shirt of yours to let Ilario sniff. He seemed to know exactly what I wanted." She bent down to pet the puppy, cooing, "Good boy."
"Well, you've found me, milady," conceded the Freench monarch. "Now what is it you wanted to discuss?"
"Do not act as if you are ignorant, milord," Cecilia said crisply. "Do not think I didn't know what you were up to when I heard all of the ladies, including myself, would receive a new dress, courtesy of a certain Prince Derek."
Slyly, Derek smirked, "I should hope that you knew what I was up to. Otherwise I would've overestimated your intelligence."
Cecilia glared. "Insufferable man," she muttered. "And to think, I was coming here to thank you for it." She whirled away angrily until a firm and warm hand held her wrist prisoner.
"Don't go," she heard him say, and was surprised at his soft tones. "Come now, I'll listen to what you have to say with no interruptions, I promise."
With a sigh, she slowly turned and saw that his attention was solely focused on her, even when Ilario had a mouthful of Derek's shirt, trying to get him to play. The situation would have been almost comical if his expression was not so solemn.
"I wanted to thank you for going through so much trouble," she told him, looking at their joined hands. "I hope I'm not being presumptuous, but I believe you devised the plan just so I could get a new dress that I couldn't refuse. And for that, I'm honored to accept," she grinned goofily here, "such a cleverly given gift."
"It was my pleasure," Derek told her, and could not recall the last time he had felt so kind. "You deserve such things," he blurted before he could stop himself. "You've done so much for your people." He felt a twinge of self-resentment. Derek doubted he could ever be as selfless as she.
As if sensing his mood, Cecilia replied softly, "And you deserve to be happy." She didn't know what possessed her to say such things, but they were true all the same.
For a long time the two did not say anything, embarrassed by their respective outbursts. Finally, Derek stood, and held his arm out to Cecilia, saying quietly, "Come. We must prepare for tonight. I'm sure my mother is out of her mind out of worry for us."
"Yes," she agreed. "We have been out entirely too long." She bit her lip, saying hesitantly, "It was nice, though. I can see why you love it so much here."
Silently, he led her and Ilario to his shortcut—a cave that led from the meadow to behind the waterfall. Creeping their way around it, they took a dirt path back to the castle. Once they arrived, Cecilia pointed out the many grass stains Derek had on his shirt, while Derek reminded her of her very dirty dress hem from walking on the dusty paths.
Once Priscilla and Queen Marguerite swooped down on the two, they were immediately separated and taken to get ready for the ball.
"We only have three hours," cried Marguerite, pushing her son towards a male servant. "Nathan, please hurry and help Derek dress," she pleaded.
"Mother!" snapped Derek, "I am not a child."
"Judging by the state of your clothing, I beg to differ," the queen snapped back. "Now hurry!"
After being thoroughly scrubbed in now-cold bath water, Derek's hair was trimmed and his clothing assembled. As he stood fully attired in front of a mirror, Derek eyed himself in a rather critical manner. Shiny black shoes and plain black dress trousers adorned his legs and feet. A simple, yet elegant white dress shirt was worn under a dark navy coat, adorned with various gold trimming and buttons. His dark hair was trimmed short, as was the fashion, and no longer did his bangs hide his eyes.
"I feel like a damn dandy," he muttered, tugging on his collar, which was awfully tight.
"It's what your mother wanted, sire," Nathan told him with a sympathetic smile. "And I dare not argue with her."
"Who would?" Derek said, nodding understandingly.
Before Nathan could answer, a knock on the door was heard. "Derek." Speak of the devil. "It's time."
Taking a deep breath, and with another sneer at his reflection, the young prince turned and left the safety of his room.
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After Cecilia was thrown into Priscilla's care, she was rushed to her room, Ilario trailing behind excitedly. "Where were you and the Master?" Cried Priscilla. "I knew you were out looking for him, but you mustn't make the queen fret so."
"I'm sorry, Priscilla, we just lost track of time," Cecilia replied honestly.
"And what were you doing that lost track of time?" Priscilla raised an eyebrow. "Were you lettin' him woo you, milady?"
With a shocked flush, Cecilia exclaimed, "Heavens no! Derek and I are…" What were they, exactly? Friends? Acquaintances? Certainly not lovers, that was for sure. "Derek and I are not involved romantically," she finished firmly.
Priscilla gave her an "if you say so" look, but said not a word as she quickly undressed Cecilia and forced her into the bath, where she became tender after all the scrubbing.
"Your dress came in while you were away, Your Highness, and I do think you'll like it," Priscilla's eyes danced with glee.
When the dressmaker came to Cecilia the week before, asking what type of dress she wanted, Cecilia merely told the woman to surprise her. And now it was time to see it.
A good hour and a half later, Cecilia was in a similar position as Derek: in front of the mirror, her eyes scrutinizing her own reflection.
Her thoroughly brushed hair resulted in a soft, dark waterfall streaked with red and sun-kissed with honey. However, half of it was pinned up and tiny star flowers were put into her hair.
Draped about her figure, the dress that she wore was spectacular. A deep green color, the layers of satin and silk clung to her curves and brought out the flecks of green and gold in her amber eyes.
Around her neck was a gold chain with a small golden rose as its single charm. As she was a princess, her petite crown, also gold, was placed upon her head.
"Oh, Princess," breathed Priscilla, "you look magnificent."
Cecilia watched as her reflection blushed, pleased and embarrassed. Before she could thank her servant, a knock was on her doors. "Princess Cecilia, it is time."
She closed her eyes for a moment, bracing herself for the events to come. Once it was assured that Ilario would be properly looked after, she then left the cozy room, never suspecting how altered her life would be once she stepped back into it.
Last Edited: 2/7/09
