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 Thirteen

Thoughts jumbled, Cecilia walked briskly down the hallway, resisting the urge to cross her arms protectively in front of her body.

She had just turned down Lord Adrian. Who, despite his controlling streak, was a flawless man. Besides, compared to other men she may have married, Lord Adrian was quite the catch. So why did she turn him down? Clearly, she wasn't thinking straight…

So lost in her thoughts was she that Cecilia did not even notice Derek coming around the corner. Making a sharp turn around the corner, she and Derek collided, his arms instinctively going around her.

She blinked confusedly up at him. "Oh." She said, a little dazedly. "I did not see you there, Derek. Terribly sorry. Are you all right?"

He frowned at her discombobulated manner. "I think the correct question is are you all right? You look odd. Are you unwell?"

Smiling weakly, Cecilia said honestly, "I'm quite fine, thank you. This day has just been a little exhausting."

Derek's brain urged him to flee from her presence, but his heart demanded he stay. She looked as though she needed comfort.

"I have something to show you," he said in his blunt way.

She looked at him, surprise etched across her face. "Really?" Cecilia smiled. "What is it?"

Twisting his mouth into a crooked grin, Derek replied, "I'm afraid I cannot indulge that information, milady. 'Tis a surprise."

Cecilia made a face. "That is not kind! Must you keep it a secret?"

"I am afraid I must," said the prince, amused at her antics. "However, you need not wait long; I will show it to you now, since your day has been… exhausting. Come." He gave her his elbow and she slipped her hand into it, letting him lead her down the hallway.

They were in the North wing at that time, where the girls' quarters were. Currently, Derek was steering Cecilia towards the West wing, an area Cecilia hadn't explored yet, leaving her curious as to what he would show her. After climbing the grand staircase, they ventured off into the right corridor, passing various doorways until they reached the end of the hall. Huge, foreboding doors, with gold handles, stood in their way.

For a moment Cecilia just gazed at the door, which had Renaissance art carved into it, full of angels and celestial works. It only hinted at what was to come. "Are you ready to be shown what is inside the door?" Derek asked, amused by her reaction to the wooden barriers.

Wide-eyed, Cecilia nodded, unaware of his amusement. Pushing open the doors, Derek saw her eyes light up with wonder and disbelief.

"What is…?"

"This is the library," Derek told her. "Spectacular, is it not?"

And indeed it was. The room was in the shape of a half circle, and, although not particularly large, made up for that fact in the cozy way it was laid out. To the right of the doors, on the same wall, was a large fireplace, just begging to be used during a cold winter's night. A large rug and three cozy looking chairs were nearby. To the right was a huge, curving glass window that stretched from the floor to the ceiling. It overlooked all of Pareis, including the village and the forest. If one squinted, they could even make out what appeared to be a meadow.

To the left of the window were the dozen bookshelves, as large as the window, positively stuffed with books. They curved about the room, and Cecilia could not even imagine how many books the Royal family possessed.

"How many books do you have here?" She breathed in wonder.

"I could be mistaken, but there is the rumor that this library holds every book that has ever been published in Fraanc," Derek replied. Seeing her stunned look, he continued. "Although we do not take as much pride in literature as the Inglish, the Freench do love a good book, and my ancestors produced quite a number of scholars who loved to collect anything literary." Looking at her curiously he asked, "What about you? I assume that your home has a library."

Coming out of her stupor, Cecilia smiled as she thought of her home. "Maybe one day you will see for yourself," she told him.

Derek grinned at the thought. "Yes. Perhaps so." Bemused, he watched his True One languidly explore the library, taking her time to study every minute detail. Upon finding a familiar title, Magical Creatures and the Enchantments that Bind Them, a sudden thought sprung upon Cecilia. "Derek," she said suddenly, turning to face the prince, who stood near the fireplace. "I was wondering… if this is the library, then what is the room that we normally read in?"

The Crown Prince fidgeted a little, as if embarrassed. "That room… is my study."

Processing the information, Cecilia blinked, confused. "Your… study? Why did you say nothing then when you first saw me there?"

"If you remember correctly, I had already made you distraught by being an ass, so I thought it best to say nothing. In time, I enjoyed our daily sessions, so I never thought to bring up the subject."

Frowning, Cecilia recalled another piece of information. "I see. Well, I suppose your mother was confused then, for it was she who directed me where to go."

Derek's twitching remained and his face flamed red. "Erm. Cecilia… I think that my mother's directions were… um. Intentional. I believe she was trying to play matchmaker or some other nonsense."

"Oh," Cecilia could feel her face become warm. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask if his mother's plan worked, but felt herself flush harder with the thought. "I see. Well… that hardly surprises me. Your mother is quite the clever woman."

Smiling at the subtle change in conversation, Derek chuckled, feeling the tension ebb away. "Yes, she certainly is," he told her. "At times I feel inadequate sitting next to her."

Cecilia laughed. "It is hard not to," she admitted. "But as for her matchmaking schemes, don't be too hard on her; 'tis natural for your mother to want you to settle down."

For a moment, Derek's face darkened, and in an instant it was gone—but Cecilia caught it all the same. "Oh, Derek," she said, her eyes looking at him in hope, "don't despair. I'm sure that you'll find your True One—I'm sure of it."

Instead of a morose frown or something equally melancholy, Derek gave her a mischievous little smile. "It is not a matter of finding her, I think," he told her, "but whether or not she would be willing to have me."

Before Cecilia could inquire more upon the subject, Derek swiftly changed it, commenting on some authors that were quite good and that she simply had to read. Shrugging, but not forgetting the conversation, Cecilia stayed silent, but Derek was a silly boy if he thought she was going to let that little comment slip. And to think, with a mother like his, Derek would know not to underestimate women.

0 0 0

To King Cesario of Italle,

Firstly, let me beg pardon for the strangeness of this letter and the unfamiliarity of its sender. I am Lord Adrian Magio of a small region in Spainne. We have never met, but certain circumstances have led me to write this letter, and I respect you too much as a leader and as a man to not inform you of what has been conspiring.

Last month, I had the pleasure of being invited to Her Honorable Majesty Queen Marguerite of Fraanc's welcoming ball. I attended to support my own princess, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Ana Maria, who is a guest at Queen Marguerite's court. There, I met and was thrilled to dance with your lovely daughter, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Cecilia. I also met His Royal Highness Crown Prince Derek of Fraanc. Immediately, my innate senses were uneasy. Although he was cordial, his manner was cold and his nature seemed hostile.

Not long after sharing a wonderful dance with your beautiful daughter, I saw the Crown Prince suspiciously exit the ballroom quickly. At first I thought nothing of it other than he was a horrible host, but when I saw Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Cecilia excuse herself , I knew something was amiss.

However, I convinced myself that I was being paranoid and let her have her privacy. When she did not return, I grew worried, thinking she had done something terribly rash. With that thought in my mind, I left.

Although I did not find Princess Cecilia or Prince Derek, I found Lady Keleigh, widow to the late general of the Freench army. She was hysterical and told me all that she had seen:

The Crown Prince Derek, who the poor girl is foolishly blinded by love for, saw him leave and wanted to comfort her love. What she saw was horrifying: Prince Derek made a magical transformation—from man to beast. By his side was Cecilia, looking on in fascination.

Later, he told Cecilia of his curse: All the males in his family were cursed with becoming a wolf due to an Enchantress's curse centuries back. The transformations occur only when the man in question becomes angry and the curse could only be broken by marrying of their soul mates, or True Ones.

I feel it necessary to write to you, of all people, because of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess's growing closeness. I believe the Crown Prince to be slowly seducing your daughter—I believe that in his mind, she is his True One.

I cannot deny my growing affections for your daughter; because of that and my duty, I beg you to remove her from the Crown Prince's presence. It is the only way to save her.

If you do not believe me, I have enclosed the prince's personal book, written specifically on the curse that has been bestowed upon him. I have risked my well being to procure it, so please pay me the courtesy of reading it.

In a week's time I will be leaving for my native home. If you need any assistance, do not hesitate to contact me.

Your Humble Servant,

Lord Adrian Magio of Spainne

Re-reading the letter, Adrian felt his smirk grow even wider. He had done a smashing job, if he did say so himself. Granted, it was a risk with so many lies entangling each other, but with the lady Keleigh's cooperation, there would be no way to prove that his letter was anything but the truth.

Glancing up at the moon, Adrian could feel himself become irritated. He and the said lady were supposed to rendevouz in the garden, ironically enough, near the exact spot where he proposed to Princess Cecilia. Trying to shake the memory from his mind, Adrian raked his hands through his silky gold hair.

"I have not kept you long, I hope?"

Plastering on a pleasant visage, Adrian smiled. "No, of course not. I was just… admiring the light of the moon. Now. Onto business. Do you have the necessary item?"

Looking around, Keleigh reached into her cloak and pulled out a worn, little book. "I found it."

Eyes glinting greedily, Adrian took it, flipping through it and marveling. "If you do not mind me inquiring, how?"

Keleigh shrugged. "Twas very easy. Prince Derek is a very busy man and his chambers were not hard to find." Slyly, Adrian thought that Keleigh was no novice when it came to searching for a man's chambers.

"From your message," Keleigh said, referring to a note that Adrian had slipped to her earlier that week, "you said that our alibi has been altered slightly. May I see it?"

Absorbed in the book, Adrian wordlessly handed over the letter. For the next few minutes, the two read in silence. Keleigh's eyebrows would raise every few sentences, her conniving soul impressed. Sometimes she would glance over at Adrian, who was chuckling of all things. Once, he muttered, "Oh, that's brilliant. I never knew how vindictive she could be…"

"Who?" Keleigh picked up, alert.

Realizing his error, Adrian shook his head quickly. "Just thinking aloud," he said.

Keleigh wisely said nothing, but her ears were ready for more murmurings from the handsome man.

When both were finished, Adrian took the letter from her again and tucked it into his coat pocket. "I trust that your questions about our alibi are answered?"

The sly woman nodded. "Yes. Although there is something I wanted to discuss with you..."

Adrian said nothing, merely narrowed his eyes at her. What did that insufferable woman want now?

"I have done you a great service by providing damning evidence against Prince Derek so that you may win the heart of the Princess," Keleigh said. "Now how are you going to help me in my quest to become Fraanc's next queen?"

Adrian laughed lowly. "What makes you so sure I'd help you?" He told her. "I plan on conquering Fraanc anyway, so there will be no monarchy when I'm through with it."

Keleigh stood up from the bench, outraged. "We had a deal!" She screamed at him, her eyes flashing. "It would be unwise for you to go back on your word now, my Lord. You still need me as a witness of Derek's transformations."

"I have no such need," Adrian informed her. "Cesario will be so outraged that he will not question the validity. And besides," he held up the book. "This is all the evidence we need. So if you will excuse me, my Lady, I have no need of your services any longer."

"I will go warn Derek," Keleigh snarled, her eyes lighting up deviously. "And then he shall be grateful to me for my services! Yes, yes, that is what I shall do..." she trailed off, her expression desperate and almost crazed. She took no notice of the dark energy ball sitting atop Adrian's hand. When she turned towards him, a smug smirk on her lips, Adrian shoved the energy ball into her chest, watching it electrocute her. Her body convulsed, her eyes rolled in to the back of her head and her mouth opened in a silent scream. Keleigh died almost instantly. Adrian then set her aflame, depositing her ashy remains under the bench, strolling away as if nothing had happened.

"Great," he muttered. "Now I have to find a way for Lady Keleigh to 'leave' the castle without anyone suspecting her death. I don't have time for this."

Above him, the stars twinkled, privy to all of the night's secrets.

0 0 0

"Ah, Your Majesty. So good to see you." All twelve members of The Council, upon seeing their ruler, promptly rose and bowed.

"Likewise, gentlemen." Queen Marguerite nodded regally, indicating that they may be seated. The men took the hint and the meeting commenced.

Once arrangements had been taken care of, the twelve men stayed in the shadows of the operation, not even daring to meet the young women. Derek wanted as little interference as possible from the men, and the men meekly followed orders.

But now they were becoming anxious and requested a meeting with Her Majesty to find out what they needed to know.

"To be blunt, we would like to know Derek's progress with the young ladies," Franklin, who was head of the meeting, said.

"Quite well, I think," Queen Marguerite said. "I have Priscilla checking on him and he seems to be quite good friends with Princess Cecilia."

"Really," smiled Franklin, pleased that the girl he defended was catching his prince's eye. "Is there real hope then, that she could be The One?"

All immortal Councilmen were listening eagerly at that point; The Curse affected them and their families as well; they could not age or die until it was broken. Although none of the men savored the thought of death, if The Curse was broken, there would be hope for their children to experience life and growth.

"I think so," Marguerite said calmly. "There's always hope. I think that Derek is in love with her. Whether or not she is in love with him… I am unsure."

The men seemed to deflate, but Franklin's eyes shone with determination. "I see. Well. I remember seeing the two at the ball, and they did look quite comfortable together… can't imagine why I didn't see it before. Is that not the night the prince transformed after all?"

"Yes, it was," Marguerite admitted. "It was so strange, too. That was the first time he transformed since the girls came here. He seemed entirely unprovoked."

"So His Highness never told you why he…?"

"No. He's been quite closed off lately, although he has not been prone to his usual moodiness. He just seems... pensive."

"He must be in love," declared Franklin. "All young men tend to be quite odd when first experiencing the pangs of first love."

"This cannot be first love though," another man spoke up, shaking his head. "It must be True Love."

An image of the two dancing together fastened in her mind, Queen Marguerite softly smiled. "And perhaps it is," she said. "Perhaps it is."

0 0 0

A few hours earlier Cecilia sat on the windowsill of her room, watching a lone figure and his horse begin their long travel home in the sprinkling rain. Something did not feel right then and perching on the sill again, Cecilia knew it for sure.

Something was amiss.

Ever since she refused Adrian's proposal, he kept his distance, as Cecilia expected he would. However, Cecilia did not realize that he would be so rude as to leave without saying good-bye. So as he and his prized white stallion rode off into the distance, silently Cecilia wished him well and said her farewells from her spot at the window.

Now that the sun was teasing the people on earth with beams of light every so often, Derek and Ilario were prancing about in the gardens, enjoying the good weather.

Frowning slightly, Cecilia knew that something was bothering Derek. Besides the time he showed her the library, he was distant with her. He hardly fought with her, never really spoke to her, and was fidgety and nervous. They never spent time in his den anymore. Although Cecilia adored the library, the study seemed more personal to her… it's small room more cozy and intimate.

A sudden realization shook her. Perhaps that's why Derek was hardly in her presence; he had found his True One and wished to distance himself from her. After all, it was quite improper to be friends with a woman who was not your significant other.

It made Cecilia's heart ache at the thought of not being able to be friends with Derek any longer, but logically she told herself that it was meant to happen, that she should have expected and better prepared herself for it.

Giving the young man below her a sad smile, she turned away from the window and began the trek to her solace, the library.

Little did she suspect that someone was gazing intently at her as she turned away, dark eyes full of quiet longing. "Should I go after her, pup?" He inquired of his companion, never taking his eyes off the empty window.

As if he could understand his alpha, the little dog gave an enthusiastic, squeaky "woof" in reply.

Smiling slightly, Derek turned back to look at Ilario. "Is that a yes?" He responded. Ilario barked again. "If you say so," he said, amused.

After leaving the young pup in the kitchens with Priscilla, Derek proceeded to the library. Maybe he wouldn't tell her his feelings, but he at least needed to mend their somewhat strained friendship before he lost her completely.

Derek hated that he had to avoid Cecilia. At first it was because of that blasted Lord Adrian. Everywhere Cecilia was, Lord Adrian seemed to follow. And Derek knew that if he spent more time with that damn man than he had to, Lord Adrian would come face to face with Derek in his wolf form, and lord knew he didn't want that situation to ever arise. Against his better judgment, he kept his distance. He knew he shouldn't; what if that man proposed and Cecilia accepted? It was during those several days where Derek lapsed back into his bitter, depressed moods, startling everyone who had just become accustomed to the smiling, kind young man they had seen as of late.

But when Cecilia refused Lord Adrian's proposal, Derek was elated. However, soon his feelings of love and marriage turned to confusion. Should he tell her? Should he not? All he could think about when he was with her was confessing his love, and it was too hard to pretend like everything was normal when he was waging an internal war with himself.

But this had gone on long enough; he had to seek her out. He had to try and mend the distance that had grown between them in the last month. Derek decided not to tell her of his feelings quite yet- the timing wasn't right- but he would find a plausible excuse for avoiding her... hopefully.

Opening the large doors to the library, Derek was pleased to find Cecilia perched in a large chair, book in lap. But upon taking in the expression on the princess's face, he frowned. She seemed to be gazing blankly into the fire, her only movement the twirling of a lock of hair 'round her fingertips.

"Cecily?"

She started, whipping her head to look at the intruder. Upon seeing it was him, she blushed furiously and shut the book hastily, standing and doing a small curtsey. "Prince Derek," she said, her cheeks still pink. "I had not… I did not expect to see you until supper."

Sadly, this was true. The only time they had regularly seen each other was during a meal, an affair that had become even more uncomfortable as of late.

Derek cleared his throat. "I… I came to apologize. Things have been quite awkward between us and it is my fault. Since the ball… since the ball, I've been doing a great deal of thinking."

Cecilia braced herself, waiting for the excuse he was going to give her; how he found his True One and they could no longer be friends.

What she did not prepare for was that Derek too seemed to be bracing himself. His shoulders stiffened and he closed his eyes, opening his mouth to say—

Suddenly, his mouth closed. His eyes opened and they were sharp and clear. "Someone's coming," he said, his voice low. "And I dislike the possibility that someone could overhear us. Would you accompany me to my study?"

Cecilia nodded. What else was there to say?

An hour later, safe in his study, sat Cecilia and Derek by the fire. Or rather, just Cecilia. Derek was busy pacing about the room, damning himself for losing his control in front of her.

Cecilia, not one for doing nothing, said not unkindly, "Derek, whatever it is you have to tell me, I can handle it. I am not a child and will not break down in tears at your news."

Good Lord, he hoped she wouldn't.

Caught off guard, Derek stopped, breathing heavily, and once again, tensed up. To his credit, when he spoke, he looked her straight in the eyes.

"The truth of the matter is," he told her, scrambling for something to say, anything, anything but—

"I love you."

Cecilia stared at him. Derek, though wanting to kick himself for admitting his feelings, stared back anyway, unflinching, praying the desperation and the fear and the hope in him were not so obvious to her eyes.

She could scarcely breathe, scarcely think. She was terrified and excited and words, straight from her heart, kept bubbling up in her throat. Pushing them back down, she tried to calm her heart and answer the thought that ran through her mind: What does this mean? What does this mean? Quickly following was the most important question of them all: Does this mean I am…?

"Derek—"

A banging on his door ceased her awed response. "Your Highness! Your Highness!" Bursting in the door was Priscilla, hair frazzled and breathing deep and labored. "Priscilla?" Derek frowned, too concerned at her appearance to be terribly angry.

"It's your father, Princess," she said, ignoring Derek completely and focusing solely on Cecilia. "He has just arrived. And he is demanding you go to him."


Last Edited: 6/29/10