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 Twelve
Backing out of the library, Cecilia frowned. It seemed as if she had checked everywhere! The stables, the armory, the music room, the drawing room, the ball room, the dining room… It was as if her wolf prince and pup had disappeared into thin air.
By process of elimination, Cecilia determined that there were only three places he could be: his private chambers, in the village, or in his special place that he had only showed her the day before.
Goodness, the day before… it seemed like so long ago. Four and twenty hours ago, she had not known, could have never suspected what Derek was. And yet, while it changed things, it only made her more curious about the Crown Prince.
Lost in her own thoughts, the soft calling of "Princess?" made her flinch. She turned to find Lord Adrian coming towards her, an easy smile on his face.
"Lord Adrian," smiled Cecilia as she gave him a deep nod of respect. In turn, he bowed, murmuring how delightful it was to see her that morning.
"I would have thought you were still sound asleep," she said.
The handsome man chuckled. "I'm afraid I am too much of a morning person to sleep in, regardless of circumstances," he told her.
The two stood in silence, not knowing what to say, before Lord Adrian said, "To be honest, I wanted to find you this morning and request a walk in the gardens."
Cecilia blinked, surprised. She was unsure whether or not she should be pleased. Derek's face seemed to pop up in her mind's eye. Telling herself it was because she should be looking for him and not just because she would rather walk the gardens with him than Lord Adrian, the doubtful Cecilia let herself be guided by the man beside her to the gardens.
There, Lord Adrian spoke of her beauty and grace, and overall made Cecilia quite uncomfortable. Several times did he hint at courtship and of visiting her native land of Italle. Not having been in such a situation, Cecilia had no idea as to what to say. To his last statement all she could say was, "Perhaps."
They spent an hour in the gardens, where Cecilia spent the majority of the time trying to come up with a reasonable and polite excuse to get away. Finally, she said, "Lord Adrian, as much as I have enjoyed our outing, I am afraid that I'm quite behind in feeding my pet, Ilario. He will be very hungry once I find him."
Lord Adrian frowned. "Is that not what servants are for? To do what we should not?"
Cecilia bit her lip, trying to find a suitable lie. Then, "Um, yes, that is quite true. However, Ilario will bite anyone besides myself who does not feed him. I would not want to inconvenience Her Majesty Queen Marguerite with wounded help."
"So considerate, as always," murmured Lord Adrian as he kissed her hand and let her leave. Relieved, it took all of Cecilia's will power not to run. She wasn't quite sure what to make of Lord Adrian's advances, and honestly, she didn't want to think of it now. Her main priority was finding Ilario and Derek.
Even though she did not have Ilario to track Derek, Cecilia had a rising suspicion as to where he could be. She searched the castle, and inquired about the two in the village. No one had seen them. However, it did not worry her. She suspected that Derek had taken Ilario with him to his special place.
Wondering if the two had had anything to eat, Cecilia ventured into the kitchen with the intentions of getting a light snack. Instead, she came out with a picnic basket full of food, a blanket, and a demand from Priscilla to go enjoy the day.
As she exited the castle, she could hear faint murmurs of guests and the like, finally rising from their long slumbers. Everyone had slept in it seemed except for Lord Adrian, herself—and Derek.
Walking down the dirt path, Cecilia's face was the picture of serenity. Although her mind was in turmoil, she took comfort in the shuffling of her feet against fallen leaves, of the chatterings of the birds in the trees, of the whoosh the water made as it tumbled down from the meadow to the river below it…
Lifting her skirts slightly, Cecilia crept carefully on the rock path on the side of the waterfall, getting an unwanted mist from the water. Shaking her head like a wet puppy, she managed to slink into the opening in the dark den behind the waterfall.
When Derek had brought her before, she was in such a hurry to be back that she had never noticed that someone had somehow carved steps into the dirt. They were crude, but served their purpose adequately and Cecilia was grateful as she proceeded up the murky staircase.
Finally seeing some light, she was relieved as she stepped out into the sunlight at the meadow. There was a different tone in the meadow as opposed to the forest. In the forest, it seemed as if noise was inappropriate. It was like a sanctuary, a place where one could go if they wanted to escape from something annoying. The meadow, however, was a different sort of hiding place. It was bright and clear, the chirps of birds could be heard there as well, but they seemed to sing instead of squawk. Here, flowers were able to bloom as light poured onto them, and instead of dirt, there were swaying grasses. She could hear the trickle of a stream nearby, and… was that barking?
"Ilario, where are you going?"
Smiling, Cecilia knew who the voice belonged to. And it seemed to be getting closer, along with the pitter patter of excited feet.
Setting the basket down, Cecilia crouched down and prepared herself for the inevitable. "Ilario!" squealed Cecilia when the vivacious pup jumped right into her arms. "Where have you been? Have you had fun playing with Derek?"
A few moments later, none other than the Crown Prince himself appeared. His handsome face flushed, he didn't say anything for a few moments, attempting to regulate his breathing. Only a minute before he and Ilario had been playing together and then the blasted pup just dashed off. Chasing after him, Derek felt a mild sense of surprise as he saw Cecilia, petting and loving the dog. He only wondered how he hadn't sensed her earlier. It could've been the location, he supposed. She had been downwind from him.
His True One looked as radiant as ever, in a simple, rose pink dress, dancing eyes, and the brightest smile. "How long have you two been up here?" She asked, not looking at him as she fretted with Ilario.
"An hour or two," replied Derek. "I am unsure of the exact time. We left fairly early, around eight or so. What time is it?"
"When I left the castle, it was about half past nine. I assume it is ten o' clock by now," she answered, standing up to her full height and gazing at him. He was dressed simply as well, in a plain white shirt and black trousers.
"Were many people up when you left?"
"Some. Not many, though. I have not seen any of the other girls, or your mother. I was unable to find Ilario anywhere, though, so I assumed he was with you."
"How did you know that I had left the castle? You didn't check my chambers, did you?"
Cecilia shook her head. "Of course not! I just… I just guessed, I suppose," she looked down as hugged her arms to her body, embarrassed.
Derek stored away that little piece of information in his mind before asking, "Would you like to return to the castle then, milady?"
Remembering her picnic basket, Cecilia shook her head. Bending down, she grabbed the basket and held it up. "The kitchen staff gave this to me. Miss Priscilla told me to enjoy the day outdoors." Taking the blanket, she spread it out and settle herself upon it. She glanced up at him, and Derek noticed how sweet she looked. "Have you eaten already? The cook packed so much I just assumed I could share it with you."
Derek never hesitated, settling himself beside her. "No, I haven't eaten. At least not much. I took a roll for myself and Ilario before we left."
Cecilia glared at him. "Goodness, you need to eat more."
"Yes, Mother," chuckled Derek, earning him another scowl.
"Oh, be quiet and eat." She spread out the meal before them. Breads, cheeses, and meats were made into sandwiches. Apples and grapes came after, and to drink there was a small jug of wine. Dessert was two slices of cake from the previous night.
The two ate in silence before Derek blurted, "I've decided that this is the best way to eat. Simply, in a beautiful place with great company." He flushed a little on the last part, but dared not take back his words.
Cecilia smiled. "Yes, I have to agree," she said, before tossing another piece of meat for Ilario to find.
Settling back into the silence, Cecilia let her mind wander to her earlier discussion with Lord Adrian. He was charming, bold, and quite handsome. He seemed intelligent and considerate and all in all, a marriage to him wouldn't be so terrible. However, there was something… there was something off about him.
Cecilia sighed to herself. It wasn't sensible to be so unrealistic about marriage. Cecilia knew that she was not the most eligible of brides considering her childhood. It would be foolish to pass up a marriage arrangement, and especially to a man so eligible and one that she got along with. He was not perfect, that was true, but who was? Perhaps it was not love, but love and politics were two completely different matters and Cecilia hated the fact that her heart protested what her mind knew was right.
Little did she know that she was frowning to herself until Derek asked, "Are you all right? You looked as though you were miles away from here."
Brushing off her thoughts, knowing that this was not the appropriate time to think of such things, Cecilia smiled at him. "Just a little lost in thought. Do not trouble yourself with me. I'm fine." Her marriage worries were not things to be discarded, but Cecilia knew that right then she should enjoy her day and her company.
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The month passed quickly. Many, though not all, quests had long gone, including Ana's brother, whom Cecilia had gotten to know quite well.
King Tristàn had taken the throne of Spainne at the age of eighteen, five years prior. Strong, intelligent, and charming, he and Ana had a close friendship. Out of their five siblings, their bond was the one that got the family through their parents' untimely death in a tragic shipping accident. If one held good favor in Ana's eyes, then automatically they held good favor in Tristàn's and vice versa. Tristàn had taken to Cecilia immensely, considering her a dear cousin or sister, and the three friends spent as much time as they could becoming familiar with one another.
During that time it seemed as if Cecilia had seen less and less of Derek and more and more of Lord Adrian. It seemed that Lord Adrian was always near, walking with her, talking with her, flirting and laughing and hinting. While she enjoyed his company, Cecilia missed Derek. Because of Adrian, she had no time to go to the library, like she normally did.
In the few times that she did encounter Derek, however, were far from pleasant. It was as if he was the exact opposite of who he had been at their secret picnic so long ago. Instead of the carefree, content man, Cecilia was left with a noble who was tense and stiff and formal. Cecilia hated it. When she tried to ask what was wrong, Derek would just shake his head and tell her that it was nothing, that he was fine.
It was the first day of the eighth month and Cecilia bit her lip. Only five more months until Derek's first and twentieth birthday. It made her nervous to think about. She desperately hoped that Derek would be able to find his "True One" before then.
The thought led Cecilia to think about who Derek's True One may be. She would have to be a strong-willed woman, otherwise Derek would be bored of her and not deem her worthy to rule by his side. Intelligence was a must, as the Crown Prince particularly enjoyed engaging in debates of various topics. Due to Derek's infamous mood swings, she would have to be patient. Good lord, would she have to be patient.
After Derek found his True One, Cecilia wasn't quite sure what her role in his life would be. If it at all possible, Cecilia wanted to remain friends, but doubted that Derek's bride would take kindly to that. Even though they argued frequently and didn't always see eye to eye, Cecilia considered Derek one of her best friends, and would hate to lose something so precious to her.
Stilling her thoughts, Cecilia blushed. They were taking a decidedly inappropriate turn, and for that she felt ashamed. She was D—the Crown Prince's friend, nothing more, and it was time she acted like it. Besides, she had more important things to think of, such as escaping from Lord Adrian.
The two were, once again, in the garden, where they walked slowly as Lord Adrian dictated the conversation. Luckily, he was well-versed on a variety of subjects, but Cecilia found herself restless, as she often did while she was in his company. There was something about him that she could not quite put her finger on. It was how he seemed to decide the pace of their walking, the topic of conversation, and even when she could answer.
Suddenly, it came to her. Lord Adrian was, albeit in a subtle manner, controlling. It was so hard to notice, but when it became apparent, it was undeniable.
Cecilia, who had always been a rational, independent creature, felt her blood boil. Trying to calm herself, she reasoned that it was just in his nature, that this attribute was not intentional. However, it was a characteristic that Cecilia felt she could not live with.
Her musings were interrupted when the person in question said, "Crown Princess? Are you quite all right?"
Giving the man at her side a small smile, she replied, "I am fine, sire. Just a bit distracted today. I think I had better—"
Lord Adrian rudely cut her off, saying, "I hate to interrupt, Princess, but there is something that I must do and I cannot hold it in any longer." Cecilia's eyes widened as he bent down on one knee.
"When I first met you, I was instantly captivated by your beauty and charm. When we danced, I had never felt happier. Now as the month has passed and I have gotten to know you more and more, my first suspicions have been confirmed: you are the perfect woman for me. Princess—Cecilia, may I have your hand?"
At this unorthodox proposal, Cecilia blinked. Surely he was jesting… ? The look on his face spoke otherwise and Cecilia's mouth opened, "Milord! We—we hardly know each other! I have not been courted; I barely know anything of yourself."
"That is what marriage is for," Lord Adrian replied smoothly. "And you have been courted; you, my lovely, have just been too naïve to realize it."
"Have you discussed this with my father?"
"I wanted your consent first before I spoke with your father."
As much as Cecilia could appreciate his coming to her first, when it came to a proposal of marriage, she decided that she wanted her father's blessing before she decided to commit to matrimony.
"Lord Adrian," said she, "as much as I am flattered by your proposal, I find it impossible to accept."
Lord Adrian stood back up, looking stunned. Then, his handsome face turned blotchy with anger and humiliation. "I hope you realize, Crown Princess, that you are quite middle-aged when it comes to marrying age and that this will probably be the last offer you shall receive."
Cecilia swallowed, somehow feeling insulted. "While I appreciate the concern, Milord, I can guarantee you that I am in my right mind," she told him stiffly. "Now if you will excuse me, I have other matters to attend to. Good day." With a nod of her head, she strode away, leaving a very temperamental, very dangerous Lord Adrian.
"I gave you a chance, Crown Princess," he hissed once she was out of earshot, "a chance you should have taken. Now you leave me no choice."
Stalking off, the furious lord went in search of a certain Lady Keleigh.
Last Edited: 4/7/09
