A/N: Hello everyone. Well I managed to upload another chapter. Now I know this are not as long as I wish them to be, but they will get longer, I promise. Reading the reviews from last chapter, you guys aren't happy with Christine's engagement and I am sorry, it's how I set up the story.

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy the chapter. Apologizing for any errors or mistakes

Chapter 8: Village Festival

Four days had gone by since her father told her about her marriage to the prince of France and those four days were all a blur. She was still processing everything as well as figuring out what and who to take to France with her. It was hard when she was currently in Scotland, but her father said they would travel back to London first before leaving for France. That way, she could get all of her belongings before traveling to France for her wedding. Though she wasn't ready to leave her life in England to live in France and be married to a stranger, she really didn't have much of a choice.

Christine had heard about a festival being held in the village from one of the maids who had gone down to the village. The festival happens every year and everyone attends. Hearing this, Christine wanted to attend the festival, it would the last one before she leaves for France. Remembering what her father said, she knew it would take a lot of convincing for him to let her go. She thought of how she could get him to allow her to go. She'd be okay with doubling up the security on her if that would do it, hopefully it would. Using that, she left the room she was in and went to find her father. Finding him in his study, she walked up to him, taking a deep breath.

"Uh oh, you must want something." He said, putting a paper down.

"Yes." She stopped in front of the desk. "There's a festival in the village an-"

"No." He quickly answered.

"Why not?"

"Because it's too dangerous. I told you this before. What if the village is attacked? It's a far run back to the safety of the castle." He did have a point.

"Father, do you really think they will attack here?" She asked him. "You have said it before; you would have known about it if they were near." She paused. "Father please, just one last festival." Looking into her eyes, he could tell that she really wanted to go. Sighing, he knew he should let her.

"Alright, you may go to the festival." Smiling, she walked over to hug her father. "Promise me you will be careful."

"I promise, father." With the smile on her face, she rushed for the door. Leaving the study, she rushed to find William to tell him that she was going to the festival. Of course, he wanted to go and she agreed. Gustave got several guards to protect them and one of Christine's maids came along as well. He watched them head down to the village, hoping that he wouldn't regret his decision.

The village was alive with people. The streets were crowded with people, all stopped whatever they were doing when they saw Christine. Right away, everyone bowed. Christine had gotten used to it over the years, but it sometimes annoyed her.

"Please, continue." She spoke gently and the festival resumed. The guards kept close to Christine and William, knowing if anything happened to them, Gustave would have their heads. Looking around at the vendors, she stopped at a flower vendor. Glancing at the selection of flowers, one flower caught her eye: a red rose. It was slightly larger than the others, far more redder but beautiful. Looking at the merchant, she asked about the price for the rose.

"For you, your highness…it's on the house." He answered, picking up the rose and handing it to her. Smiling, she thanked him but left a small tip for him which he was thankful for. Holding onto the rose, she continued to walk around the village, glancing at the vendors while William watched the small sword play that some men were doing. She bought a few more things and had the maid take them back to the castle, but kept the rose with her.

At one point, musicians started playing and people began dancing. Christine had rejoined with William and they watched some of the people dance to the music. She watched as the people danced around, smiles on their faces. She would miss this; she would miss all of this. Don't think about it, Christine. But it was hard not to think about it. Tomorrow she would return to England and then to France. Sighing, she looked away, in the direction of the trees just outside the village. Feeling a small breeze, she closed her eyes as the breeze touched her face. Opening them up, she looked back at the dancing people. The festival continued, unaware of a pair of eyes watching from the shadows.

Any ideas who is watching?

I'm sure you guys can guess who is appearing next chapter...

Reviews are welcome : )