Author's Note; Wow, it's been three years since I updated this story but rest assured I'm not dead. I've merely been lost and drawn away from this beloved fandom of mine. I am going to finish this story though, even if it kills me. I expect about eight more chapters are left. Maybe more maybe less, but I will get this story done so please, enjoy this chapter and leave a review if you would be so kind.

The summer time had come once again. Elizabeth had travelled once again to the Sheppard's castle and as she was pushed into the grand ballroom she refused to look at him. Little did she know that John was reeling the same but decided to turn around and even from the back we was surprised.

'That can't be...'

As if she could sense his eyes, Elizabeth turned and was amazed. Instead of the disgust that she usually saw on the prince's face. There was a smile that made her knees buckle and it was the smile and the look in his eyes that suddenly made all her doubts disappear. 'He's so different. He's handsome and his face seems to kind... this is not the John Sheppard that I have known all my life.'

John was having similar thoughts. 'She was such an ugly duckling growing up- but now she's a swan...'

"So- so happy to be here," Elizabeth whispered as she curtsied to John who hurried over to her to help her stand up straight.

"Till now..." he could hardly form the words as he held Elizabeth's hands. "I never knew..."

"I agree." Elizabeth whispered, her hazel eyes staring into blue eyes of Prince John. "It was you..."

"Like a dream." John finished with a smile. "Would you- would you like to dance?"

Elizabeth smiled. "It would be my pleasure."

Little did they know, but their parents and the entirety of John's court were watching from the shadows; all of them thinking the same thing. 'This is love!'

John and Elizabeth danced unaware that the court was coming from the shadows and when they stopped their dancing- John leaned in for a kiss which earned cheers from the court. That caught their attention and John turned to them all proudly. "Arrange the marriage."

John's announcement caused the crowd to cheer even louder and while Elizabeth could see her mother and his father congratulating each other she couldn't help but a little wary. Which is why she spoke out, "Wait." Elizabeth stated causing all eyes to turn to her and while she saw her mother's disapproving glare, the princess knew that she had to pres the issue.

"What?" asked John as he turned to her in confusion. "You're all I've ever wanted, you're beautiful."

"Thank you." Elizabeth answered with a small smile. "But what else?"

"What else?" John asked as through it was the most ridiculous question in the world.

"Yes." Elizabeth continued. "What else. Is beauty all that matters to you?"

"Well I uh..." John faltered unsure on what to say.

"Go on son." King William prodded. "What else."

Her question had caught him completely off guard so John said the first thing that came to his mind. "What else is there?"

Instantly the feeling in the room deflated and Elizabeth looked away with tears in her eyes. That had not been the answer she was looking for and despite what fledging feelings she might have had for the prince, she was not going to pursue a relationship with a man who only liked her because of her beauty.