Taking A Chance
Written by Deanna, copyrighted. 2006

--

Prince Nickolas always knew that he wanted more out of life. Much more than any amount of money could get him. He wanted out of this prison his Mother called a 'palace', wanted to be out in the real world, to know what it was like.

So here he stood on his balcony resting his hands on the stone railing looking out onto the village below. At times he thought that living in the village would be alot better than dealing with his parents, all they seemed to care about were themselves. They didn't care about the village or the people in it. But Nick was different he didn't want to be remembered as a terrible person. He wanted to help people, spend time with them, show them that he cared but his parents wouldn't hear of it, they claimed it was 'unnoble' for a prince to fratenize with commoners. But Nick had explained to them the world of good it would do for him to want to help the kingdom he would rule one day. He sighed at his wayward thoughts and turned his gaze upwards looking at the sky seeing the stars twinkle above him.

Aaron, Nick's younger brother walked down the hall towards his brothers room. Maybe he'd try one last time to get him to come to his senses and stop talking nonsense. Once there he knocked softly on his door calling out for him, when he got no answer he pushed the door open and walked in looking around. That's when he spotted him on the balcony gazing at the stars. Aaron walked towards the balcony and just stood there watching. Why would he want away from this? Any man would love to be in his position and yet he still craved for more.

"You're not still thinking about that are you?"

Nick turned towards the voice to see his brother walking out onto the balcony to join him. "Thinking about what?" He turned away looking back out into the night.

"About going into town. Dressed as one of those people."

"You say that as if it's a horrible thing."

"It is. They are not like us, don't have what we have."

Nick turned to his brother "And I guess I should feel privledged?"

"Well...Yes."

Nick sighed his brother didn't understand, he probably never would. This isn't the life he wanted to lead he didn't ask to be born into this family, so why should he have to stay?

"I suppose you've told Mother and Father about this?"

"No I haven't."

Nick walked past Aaron and through the doors to his room. "Haven't you ever wondered what it would be like?"

"Not really."

When Nick heard his brothers response he quickly turned around looking at him, which was quite easy seeing as they were almost identical in height.

"That's because they are trying to turn you into them, they tried that with me. Tried to make me as uncaring and unfeeling as them, I refuse to be remembered like that."

"If Mother and Father..."

Nick quickly cut him off holding up his hand "...will know nothing of this. Understood?"

Aaron just looked at him not sure what to say.

"Understood?"

Aaron sighed and replied softly "Understood. Can I just say one thing?"

"As always."

"Be careful."

"I will and don't worry about me I can take care of myself." Nick smiled then watched Aaron walked out closing the door.

"Mother and Father will not be pleased..." Aaron mumbled to himself walking down the hallway.

Nick just wanted a change was that so wrong to want something that badly? He had stayed up half the night thinking about what Aaron had said and he was right their parents would not take his departure in stride. If only his brother could be more like him then perhaps he would be the prince that everyone hopes he would be.

---

The next morning he walked down the long hallway to the dining area taking a deep breath before joining his parents and siblings for breakfast.

"Good Morning Mother..." Nick said softly kissing his mothers cheek

"Good Morning to you too Nickolas. I take it you slept well?"

"Yes."

"That's good to hear."

The servants came in with the trays placing them on the table then proceeded to serve the food.

"Aaron tells me that your going into town today. May I ask what for?"

"Nothing really..." Nick said resting his cheek against his palm as he pushed the food around on his plate suddenly not hungry "Just to overlook a few things."

Jane sipped on her juice then asked "What kind of things?"

"Just things..." Nick looked across the table catching his brothers glance which told him not to say a word, even though he knew he desperately wanted to.

After breakfast Nick changed into what he thought would pass for decent 'commoner' clothes. He looked at himself in the mirror and smiled, he could pass for a commoner. He grabbed his cape and gloves as he exited his room. As he started making his way down the hall he heard footsteps rapidly approaching, he looked in the direction they were coming from and saw his Mother coming towards him.

He proceeded to keep walking when he heard her scream "Nickolas Gene Carter what were you thinking?!"

"I have no idea what your talking about."

"What's this I hear about you going into town to..." She trailed off as she glanced at him taking in his clothes "What on earth are you wearing?"

"These would be clothes Mother, surely you know that."

"Don't use that tone with me and there is no way that any son of mine is going out into public in such rags. Take those off at once."

"No. I will do no such thing."

"Nickolas come to your senses, what has gotten into you? Aaron tells me you are wanting to become one of them?"

"And what if I do? Are you going to hold it against me?"

"Well no but..."

"But what? You know what? Save it, I'm out of here."

Nick looked past his Mother and spotted Aaron walking towards them "I thought we had an understanding?"

"I had to."

"No you didn't, you had to be the little sneak you are and tell? Some brother..."

Leslie, Angel, and BJ heard the commotion and rushed out into the hall to see what was going on.

"How could you do this to us, to me, to yourself?!"

"Maybe I'm tired of all of this..." He said waving his hand gesturing to the grand hallway they were standing in "And want to see what else the world has to offer."

"What are you talking about? You have everything anyone could ever want."

"As far as I'm concerned I don't and I'll never have what I want if you keep me locked up in this hellhole for the rets of my life. I need to see things for myself, to see if things are really as bad as you say they are."

"It's who and what you are, it's what you were born into."

"But it's not what I want, it's what you want. I can't be like you and I never want to be."

All his siblings simply stood there and watched as their eldest brother ranted at their Mother, they had never seen Nickolas so furious. Nick took one last look at his Mother and turned on his heels, tying the black cape around his neck.

"Nickolas! Nicko--" Jane called then sighed when she got no answer. "He is gonna destroy the family name." She muttered walking away.

Aaron could do nothing but watch as his brother descended the stairway that lead out of the palace. He didn't see why Nick wouldn't want this they were rich, never had to work, got waited on hand and foot, and had women falling at their feet.

Nick put on his black gloves tightening them as he walked towards the stable, he stopped and glanced back at the palace in the backdrop. He didn't regret what he was doing he wanted to know, wanted to prove that there was something else out there that didn't involve being a prince. He walked into the stable and unlocked the gate gently pulling on the horses reins. He rubbed her coat then climbed up and tied the reins around his hands a few times, he yelled out 'Yah!' and the horse galloped away. He never once looked back at what he was leaving behind.

Deanna and her sister Christallina walked through the market each carrying a basket for the food they were to buy.

"Is it just me or does Mama's list get longer and longer with each trip?" Deanna commented.

Chrissie rolled her eyes "Dee it's not that long."

"It sure seems that way." Deanna said then sighed.

Chrissie directed her to a fruit stand "You go and get the fruit and I'll take care of everything else."

Deanna did as told and walked towards the stand surveying what they had in order to pick ripe ones. She picked a few and placed them in her basket, then picked a few more.

---

Meanwhile Nick made it to the marketplace and jumped off of his horse tying her to a nearby tree. He walked in surveying the surroundings having never seen it this close before, it wasn't as bad as his Mother had made it out to be. He looked at the nearby stands and what they were selling when something caught his eye or rather someone, he looked to his right to see a young girl which couldn't be much older than himself purchasing fruit.

She was a vision of beauty and he couldn't help but smile even though she was not aware of his presence. 'No definitely not bad at all' He thought as he watched her pay for her fruit and walk away.

Deanna held onto her basket already feeling the weight of it as she started making her way to where her sister was, she stumbled but her grip on the basket never faltered. She wasn't watching where she was going and bumped into something or someone she didn't know which, which sent the fruit in her basket flying everywhere.

"Oh hell..." She muttered then quickly bent down to retrieve her fruit. Nick saw her distress and quickly bent down to help her and couldn't help but think that he'd never heard a lady curse before.

"Allow me." He said as their hands moved at the same time over a peach. When his hand touched hers she looked up at him, mesmerized by his blue eyes.

"Please forgive me." Nick said standing up and held out his hand to help her up. She eyed him suspiciously and stood up on her own refusing to take his hand not knowing what he may want. She looked into his eyes again and she couldn't help the smile that crept up on her face.

He held the peach out to her and she took it putting it in her basket. She continued to look at him trying to recall if she had seen him before, nothing. She looked over his attire and assumed that he must be passing through.

"I don't believe I've seen you here before. Are you a traveler?"

"Yes I am." Nick lied then continued "Your town is lovely..." He grabbed her hand lightly kissing it and looked up at her smiling "Like you. May I ask for your name fair maiden?"

She wasn't sure she could speak for she'd never had a man look at her this way. Nick smiled when he saw her blush and look down.

"Alright then...my name is Eric."

"My name is Deanna, kind sir." She smiled as he reached for her hand, kissing it again "Simply beautiful." She took her hand from his and held onto her basket.

Christallina looked over in the direction of her sister to see her talking to someone she could never recall seeing.

"Ah...there you are...I was wondering where you wandered off to." She looked up at Nick not having remembered seeing him before after a few minutes it dawned on her, she bowed. "It's a pleasure to meet you your highness."

Nick looked confused "I'm sorry...come again?"

"You are Prince Nickolas are you not?" Deanna looked at him, nope there was no way he could be who her sister spoke of, he was far too nice. Nick pulled her up from her kneeling position.

"No my fair maiden I am not, I am sorry to dissapoint you. I have been told of how much I resemble young Nickolas."

"Oh..." Christallina said a little disappointed.

"You'll have to excuse my sister, she doesn't like to be proven wrong."

"Well dear sister we must be going." Chrissie grabbed Deanna's arm wanting to leave

"Wait...are you here visiting family?"

"Not exactly."

"Do you have a place to stay for the night?"

"No, I can't say that I do."

"Then you shall stay with us."

Chrissie pulled her sister closer "Are you crazy Dee? Mama will not go for this."

"But he has nowhere to go." Deanna said looking back at Nick who gave her a smile "And I'm sure Mama will love him. He seems harmless."

Chrissie sighed, her sister was always wanting to help someone less fortunate than herself. "Ok he can come."

Deanna smiled then walked over to where Nick stood "Your coming with us, come on."

"Wait...my horse."

Deanna and Christallina looked at each other then watched as the stranger they'd just met dissapear through the crowd.

"He's bluffing."

"What?"

"Get real Dee, how many men in this village own a horse?"

"None now that I think of it, they're too costly."

"Exactly...are you sure we should be bringing him with us?"

"I don't see the harm he seems nice."

Their conversation was cut short by Nick reappearing with a rein tied around his hand.

"Whoa...he wasn't kidding..." Chrissie said under her breath then placed her basket on the ground walking towards the creature. "She's beautiful."

"You can pet her if you like, she's very friendly."

"Ummm..." Chrissie wavered then looked back just as her sister gave her a gentle push, when she was close enough she reached out her hand and petted her. The horse nuzzled against her hand which caused Chrissie to smile. "Did you know that when a man owns a horse he is considered to have some kind of wealth?"

"I did not know that. Do many men in this village own horses?"

Chrissie smiled at him, maybe he was harmless "No I can't say they do, most families only have enough money for food and other neccessities."

"Oh..."

"Can I..."

"...ride her? Of course. Here let me help you." Nick said holding out his hand helping Chrissie up onto the saddle. He looked up at her and saw her smiling from ear to ear "I take it you've never ridden a horse before?"

"Heavens no...no man I've ever known has had one, let alone been able to afford one."

Nick laughed a little and lightly pulled on the reins urging the horse to follow. Nick glanced over at Deanna, she was a beauty as was her sister and they seemed nice enough. They looked very much alike apart from the fact that Deanna had a much fairer complexion then that of her sister, but other than that there was no denying that they were related. They went down the dirt road aways until they came to a few rows of houses, or what seemed to look like houses. Nick couldn't help but feel bad for them he lived in a palace and they barely had a roof over their head.

They made their way down a side alley and finally stopped in front of a very small house. Nick brought the horse to a stop and helped Chrissie down, handing her back her basket. She smiled at him then walked towards the house as he walked over to a nearby post and tied the horse there for the night.

An older latin woman emerged from the kitchen "There are my girls, I trust you got everything I asked for?"

"Of course Mama." Chrissie said handing her the basket as Deanna did the same. She smiled and saw Nick standing in the doorway looking a little worried about if he should come in or not. "And who might this handsome young stranger be?"

"My name is Eric and your lovely daughters have invited me to stay here. That is...if you approve ma'am."

"Of course, you seem like a nice young lad. And mi mi'jas have good judgement. You are welcome here."

"It is greatly appreciated."

Deanna leaned in and whispered to her sister "See told ya."

"Yeah yeah..." Chrissie replied and walked off.

Nick took off his cape and gloves sitting them on a nearby table, he then walked into the kitchen and inhaled the scent. "My something smells good."

"Chicken, hope your hungry." Anna smiled sweetly and turned back to her cooking. Nick sat down in the chair nearest Deanna. "So young Eric, from which village do you come from?"

"None really I hardly ever stay in one place to call it home."

The woman shook her head "Shame. You should have a place to call home."

"I do...I mean I did but I needed to get away."

"Family problems?"

"Something like that."

Anna decided to drop the subject, whatever the young mans past was it was his business.

Back at the palace Nick's Mother was pacing the floor wondering just what to do about her son. In all of his 21 years he had never brought up about wanting to live among them. Not even a hint. She wondered where she had gone wrong. The royal family was not to care for anyone outside of the palace walls, but she knew her son was different.

He had always been curious even as a small child as to why they had what they did and why the village people didn't. Robert, Nick's father walked in to see his wife pacing and placed his hands on her shoulders stopping her.

"Something troubling you my dear?"

She sighed heavily "It's Nickolas..."

"What has the boy done now?"

"He went into town today."

"A marvelous idea must keep on those public appearances if he is to please the towns people." Robert said smiling at his sons enthusiasm

"No Robert. You don't understand, he went dressed as a commoner." She put her hand to her forehead suddenly feeling ill at the word.

"Our Nickolas?"

"Yes Robert, our Nickolas."

"What in god's name would make him do that?"

"I do not know Aaron told me about it after breakfast, I'm worried."

"My dear, Nickolas will be home soon."

"I pray that your right."

Aaron was outside of the throne room overhearing the conversation, he thought that Nick would have seen how awful it was and would come home by now. This wasn't right, any member of the royal family was NOT to be seen with commoners. Aaron thought of this as betrayal.

'Nick should consider himself lucky for what we have' He said to himself walking down a winding hallway. Leslie turned down the same hallway and as she approached him she saw Aaron looking deep in thought.

"Has Nickolas returned?"

"Not yet sister, though I cannot see why."

---

Nick sighed taking in the scent of wildflowers, Deanna had lead him to a garden not far away from the village that had a pretty good view of the palace. The scenery was beautiful but that wasn't what Nick was looking at. He looked over as she twirled a flower in her hand then look at him, or in this case Eric and smile.

"You haven't said a word since we got here, something on your mind?"

"Nope nothing at all." Nick lied leaning back on his hands.

Deanna looked in the direction of the palace and pulled her legs up to her chest resting her chin on her hands sighing.

"I'd love to live there."

"At the palace?"

"Yeah...having all those people wait on you. I bet it's lovely."

"How do you know that?"

"It has to be to be that beautiful."

Nick looked ahead he had to admit it did look pretty from far away, if only she knew what really happened there, how things really were. "Maybe you'll know one day." Nick said to himself not realizing he had said it out loud.

Deanna turned to him and asked "Really...? You think so?"

Nick smiled at her "Anything is possible."

She sighed sitting back like Nick admiring the view, thinking that one day she might know what living at the palace was like.

Nick enjoyed staying with Deanna and Chrissie. He had wondered how long it would take for his Mother to send out a search party to bring him home. That wasn't home to him anymore, it was a prison. He hated it and he never wanted to go back. The girls Mother, Anna had really taken a liking to him. He didn't mind helping out with the daily chores the washing, or the cleaning, seeing as he had never done any of those things. It made him feel normal somehow.

Nick was doing some work outside upon the request of their Mother, and Deanna stood in the doorway admiring him. She didn't really know how or why but she was falling for him. Maybe it was because he was not like her and came from somewhere completely different, or maybe it was the fact that he treated her so nicely. Whatever the reason there was never a day she could not look at him. She had talked to her sister about it only to have her say 'It's too soon'. And her Mother certainly approved of him so what was the problem? She smiled then went back into the house.

Later on that day, Deanna walked outside, holding a wicker basket full of laundry. Upon walking out, she saw Nick on his knees hand-washing the clothes, shirtless. Deanna placed her hand over her chest admiring the sight. "Dear Lord..." she thought. "Why must this man torment me so?" Deanna slowly walked over, placing the basket next to him.

He looked over at her and smiled grabbing a handful of clothes for the wash. "And how are you this fine afternoon?"

"Um..." She just froze, examining him with her blue eyes.

At this point she couldn’t help but to look at him, for he was absolutely beautiful. Deanna had to heed the warning of her sisters saying of 'It’s too soon', but it was so complicated to do. "I...I also brought you some water, Eric..."

Nick took the brown, leather water satchel and drunk out of it, pouring some over his face, letting the rest splash upon his chest. She saw how his chest glistened in the afternoon sun, and she couldn’t turn away. Deanna was startled from her thoughts by hearing her sister calling her.

"Be right there..." She said not taking her eyes off of Nick.

Chrissie walked up behind her and grabbed her arm "I ain't got all day stop ogling over Eric for one second would you?"

"But I wasn't..."

"Uh huh...don't lie Dee. Admit it you like him."

"I do...a little."

"A little? No more like alot, something tells me that he's not who he says he is." Chrissie said glancing out of the door again to see Nick hanging the clothes

"What makes you say that?"

"I don't know I just have this feeling that he's running from something."

Over the next few days Jane began to grow worried for her eldest son, he still had yet to return. Aaron walked past the throne room to see his Mother in deep thought. He went in and walked to her.

"Mother is something troubling you?"

"Your brother has yet to return."

"Why don't I go into town and fetch him?"

"Aaron, I don't want to lose another child to the common world...you stay here. I'll send a search party to find him, and bring him back home."

Aaron placed a hand on the queen's shoulder. "Do you REALLY want Nickolas back home? Just tell me that, Mother."

Jane looked down, and looked at her young prince. "Go find him. You have 3 days to retrieve your brother, and to bring him back home. Is that clear?"

Aaron bowed to his mother. "I won't let you down, Mother."

Aaron backed out of the throne room and made his way down the spiral staircase that lead outside. When he got outside he quickly called to the two guards standing at the palace gates. "You two come with me."

"Are you quite sure your highness?"

"Yes I am sure, I will need you to assist me in finding Nickolas."

They went to the stables, each grabbing a horse, and galloped off towards the town.

"Where do you think he could have gone your highness?"

"I do not know Alexander but if I have to turn this town upside down then so be it."

"I don't think that would be necessary, your Highness...His Highness thinks he should do a normal search?" Asked the guard of Latin descent.

"No a normal search would take much longer. We do this my way."

"But, your Highness--"

"If we were to do a normal search as you say that could possibly take days...weeks..."

"It was just a suggestion Your Highness..." He said in a upset tone

"Next time keep it to yourself."

"Fine..." He pulls the reins, and stops

"Why have you stopped?"

"Your highness, there is no need to tear a whole town apart to find your brother...it's not right. I did not become a knight in your court to cause harm."

He pulls up beside him "Then what do you suggest we do oh wise one?"

"Do a normal search Your Majesty. If you ever want to find your brother, at least have some courtesy towards the less-fortunate." Dorough stated, staring at him, waiting for a response.

"Courtesy you say? I do not know the meaning of the word. It is them that have caused my brother to run off."

Alexander galloped behind Dorough, and whispered "Watch your tone to the Prince, Dorough..."

"Listen...I was once like them...beaten down and thrown about like trash...and now, I thought I came to the Cartesan court to do good, not harm."

"You will do as I say or I shall take you to my Mother and let her do as she wishes."

"You may be the Prince...but you're not the King...and you don't rule what I can or cannot do, so don't thou darest go there with me....Your Highness..."

"You dare raise your voice to me? Listen Dorough the only reason my Mother hasn't gotten rid of you is because Nickolas is so fond of you, if it wasn't for him you wouldn't even be here."

"You know what? You know what I think of you? You're nothing but an obnoxious little runt, and the bitch of the litter. I loathe the fact that you're prince."

"Mother will hear of this when I return but, you sir can forgot about EVER returning to the palace."

"Frankly, Aaron...I don't give a damn." Dorough turned his horse around, and whipped the reins, galloping away.

"Are you coming with me or going with him?," Aaron asked looking at Alexander

"Yeah...I'm coming with you, your Grace."

Alexander pats the horse, and goes forward to the direction of town. Aaron follows closely behind cursing under his breath about the day Nickolas had made Dorough a knight.

Alexander dismounted his horse just as the young prince did and walked up to him.

"What do we do now your highness?"

"We search this town high and low he has to be here somewhere."

Both of them walked towards the town Aaron walking a little ways ahead of Alexander. Aaron glanced around at the marketplace already disgusted by what he saw, there was no way he would want to live like this. As he and his knight walked past passersby a few of them bowed recognizing him immediately. Aaron and Alexander stopped in front of a fruit cart and Aaron made a motion as to tell Alex to ask him about Nickolas.

"Excuse me kind sir..." Alex began as the guy saw Aaron standing beside him and bowed

"Your highness to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"His highness is looking for his brother, Nickolas. Have you seen him?"

"No I have not, I am sorry."

"Are you quite sure?" Aaron asked rather angrily

"I am your highness and I am quite sure that if I had seen him I would have recognized him right away. Once again I am sorry."

"Thank you for your time." Alex said politely and walked off with Aaron trailing behind, and the man bowing as he retreated.

When Alex and Aaron were out of sight and hearing range the man's wife walked up to him "I do not like that boy. He is very ungrateful."

"That he is my dear...that he is..."

Aaron and Alex continued walking through the streets of the village with no luck. "Your highness if I may suggest."

"Very well, speak freely Alex." "We might have better luck if we split up, perhaps he has found shelter somewhere?"

"Great idea Alex. I will go this way and you shall go that way, we will meet up once we've found him. And Alexander?" He turns around to his majesty. "Bravery and cunning prowess has proved to me that you are worthy of head knight. I shall make you Lord of Macleania, after your Father, King Maclean VIII."

"Than...thank you, My Liege..." Alex took off in the direction that Aaron had suggested, and Aaron took off in the direction of Chrissie's and Deanna's house.

The sun began to set, and Anna was preparing dinner. She looked in the cupboard, to see that she was out of basil.

"Eric? Could you buy us some basil for this turkey?"

"Say no more, Ma'am." Nick got up, and walked to the door opening it. Upon opening it he saw someone coming towards the house that he didn't want to see: Aaron.

"Eric is something the matter?" Deanna asked

"Um...nothing is the matter, it's---"

"NICKOLAS! OPEN THIS DOOR AT ONCE!"

Deanna walked up to him and went to open the door "Allow me."

"Maiden...don't..." She opened the door "Look whoever your looking for is not he---" She quickly realized who it is and knelt before him "I am sorry your highness, I did not know it was you." She kept her head lowered afraid to look at him.

"I am looking for my brother Nickolas, he is here I know it."

"Well, look somewhere else." Said Christallina snappishly towards the Prince.

"Who is Nickolas?" Asked Anna, walking towards the door.

Nick kept silent for a moment then gave in not wanting to see the wrath his younger brother would bring upon these ladies. He sighed and stepped out from behind the door facing Anna "I am."

The three women looked at Nickolas. The main one that was shocked, was Deanna. "You're Nickolas...Prince of the Cartesan Empire?"

Nick looked over at his brother then at the ladies who had given him a home for the past few days "Yes I am. I lied and for that I am sorry."

"I knew something wasn't right. You could have told us...we would have understood...Right, Mama? Deanna?"

"Unless there was a reason behind the lie?" Anna spoke up

"There was actually..." Nick began "I was tired of being at the palace and I wanted to experience a different life. I wanted to tell you who I was, but then you would have treated me like the prince I am and not the commoner I had posed to be."

Deanna could not say a word, the man that she lusted over was a prince, one that had lied and decieved them.

"So...you do not wish to be prince?"

"No I do not wish to be."

"Nickolas listen to yourself, we have to get you out of here. Mother has been worried sick."

"Do you want to return home?"

Nick walked to Deanna and looked into her eyes "I do not wish to leave." He then held her hands and she blushed.

Aaron looked on at the obvious public display of affection and felt his stomach lurch, he looked from his brother to the commoner not liking what he was seeing "You cannot be serious...Mother would be furious!"

"Oh, silence, you villain." said Christallina. "You have no right to come to our home, and do this...THIS! This is his home now."

Aaron walked to her and grabbed her wrist, saying through clentched teeth "You dare insult me?"

"Let me go! You ungrateful bastard child!"

He twisted her wrist "All hell would have to freeze over before I would let my brother be with that wench. You understand me commoner?" With her free hand she slapped him, but it only fueled the young prince's fire.

Suddenly galloping was heard from the distance, then an arrow was shot, and it hit between Christallina and Aaron hitting the wall of the house. Nickolas stepped away from Deanna and violently pushed his brother back "You will not harm her, you hear me?!"

He then looked up seeing Dorough dismounting his horse. Christallina rubs her wrist, and sees the person that yielded his crossbow.

"You dare harm an innocent young woman?" Dorough walked up to the prince, then placed the bow on the ground, yielding his sword.

"Dorough, what are you doing here?"

"I got lost. I came here to ask for directions to my home, and I saw you..."

"Right on time as always...I take it my brother has caused you trouble?"

"I was banished from the Cartesan Court...Forgive me, my fair Prince..." Dorough said bowing to him. "I could not stay in that palace one day longer."

"I cannot say I blame you, that is why I myself have left it behind."

"My Liege...you are the only one that I serve. But whatever shall you do, now that you have disowned the throne?"

"I shall stay here these ladies were kind enough to take me in and give me a home." Nickolas said smiling at Deanna

"Mother will not be pleased."

"I do not care for her, nor you."

"Silence." commanded Dorough, placing the sword on his neck, Aaron gulped taking a step back.

"You will let him treat me this way?" Aaron asked looking over in the drection of his brother

"After the way you treated Christallina I should say I would."

Christallina jumped back, her hands to her chest, smiling at Dorough's fine swordsmanship. "I...I'm impressed, kind sir..." said Christallina, softly to Dorough.

"Fine I shall make a proposition...you tell Mother I will come back one on condition..."

"And what might that be?"

"That Deanna comes with me. If not then I shall give up the throne and stay here in the village."

"She will not go for such a thing."

"That is the only way...being here has shown me what I've been missing. Anna has been more of a mother to me then ours had for all of my 21 years, Christallina I consider a dear friend, and Deanna has shown me that there are more things to life then just power and jewels."

Deanna was dumbfounded, was he talking about...? She didn't know he felt the same way.

"For your sake I will tell her, I shall return with her news."

"Very well, now go. You are not welcome here."

Aaron quickly backed away walking up the dirt path.

Christallina had not heard of what happened for she was lost in the looks of the Latin Knight. "Kind sir? What is thy name?"

"My name is Dorough...Christallina, I presume?"

"Ye--yes..."

"A beautiful name..." He reached out and kissed her hand, looking into her eyes. She nearly melted at his stare.

"Christallina I take it your wrist is well?" Nickolas asked as Deanna went in the house

"What's that?" She asked in a dream like state.

"I take it your wrist is well?" Nick repeated

"Oh! Yes...it's fine..."

Dorough walked closer to her smiling and touched her face. "Has anyone ever told you, that you have a beautiful face?" Christallina smiled, then fainted, Dorough quickly caught her.

The moon was full, and everyone was in the little cottage, eating dinner.

"I cannot believe him hurting me, and trying to whisk you away like that."

"That brother of mine does not care for others like I do." Nick smiled at her then continued "And Dorough is one of the kingdoms best knights and one of my closest friends."

"That, I am. And you, maiden..." He looked over at Deanna

"Are no wench...I am sorry for the insult he has given you."

"Thank you kind sir it is much apreciated."

"A thousand times welcome. You would make, may I add, a fine princess."

"You made Mama cry when you said she was like a mother to you."

"Well she is..." Nick looked over at the girls mother "Don't you agree?"

"Yes...and you are like the son I never had...you are God's gift to the world, my child."

Deanna smiled pleased with her mother's comment.

"Thank you for saving me, Dorough..."

"It was no problem at all fair maiden..." Dorough smiled and brought her hand to his lips kissing it.

Anna got up from the table and walked into the kitchen but not before stopping in the doorway to admire the sight. Her daughters were not going to be put through this any longer they each had a loving man to look after them. She did not want to see them grow up this way and god had finally answered her prayers. She smiled when she saw Nickolas take Deanna's hand in his and kiss it which caused her to blush. And Dorough sure seemed like a nice enough lad, he was a close friend of Nick's afterall.

"If you will excuse me I must go help Mama in the kitchen."

Deanna got out of her chair and looked back at Nickolas who gave her a smile. She then went into the kitchen to help her mother.

Alex reached the spot Aaron told him to meet him at, but didn't see him. He sat on a rock as he waited for the young princes return. A few minutes passed when he noticed a figure approaching, which he saw was Aaron. He got up and met him halfway.

"Any suck luck your highness...?"

"Oh I found him but he refused to leave. Now I must go tell mother his proposition which she will not take lightly."

Both Alex and Aaron mounted their horses. "And that would be...?"

Aaron sighed "He wouldn't come home unless a commoner he supposedly loves can come with him..." Aaron scoffed at the idea of a commoner stepping foot in the palace "As if."

He galloped away with Alex not far behind. Alex despised that boy, really he did. He had no idea of what it was like to have nothing. To be told where you could live, what you could eat, what you could wear. He was just downright coldhearted. He couldn't help but wonder if what the young prince had said earlier was true, would he really make him head knight? Something in his gut told him he wouldn't fall through with his promise.

They reached the palace and dismounted their horses going in. Aaron prepared himself for the outburst he knew was coming. The guards standing at the door bowed to him as he pushed open the doors.

"I knew you wouldn't let me down, so...have you found your brother?"

"Indeed I have Mother."

"And...where is he?"

"He refused to come home."

"What do you mean he refused to come home?"

"He wouldn't come...made quite the proposition..."

Jane sat back in her throne "Did he now, and what might that be?"

"He has found shelter in a rat house...he claims to have fallen in love with a villager, a common wench."

Alex got up from his kneeling position not able to take anymore of Aaron's harsh words "You take that back."

"And if I don't...? That's exactly what she is."

"She is not. How can you berate people this way? You are not fit to be prince or run a kingdom for that matter."

"How dare you...you will lower your tone Alex..."

"I will do no such thing."

"Are you defying me? I should think you would know your place by now..."

"Oh I know my place perfectly well and it is not here."

"Is that so...?" said Aaron, walking towards the disrespectful knight.

"Yes...it IS so. How could you say that to someone you don't even know?!"

"BECAUSE I CAN! And no one...not even YOU can tell me other wise, MacLean!"

Alexander hung his head down, trying to 'obey his commander'.

"Now...you WILL bow to me..."

Alex looked up at him, anger written in his hazel eyes. "Never."

Aaron turned around, looking at him. "What did you say?"

"I said Never!"

He walks to him, and lays a stinging slap across his face, a wet instantly rising. "I said BOW TO ME!" Alexander cowers over his master in fear. the prince looks down at him, and spits at his direction.

"And as for you becoming a Lord...you can forget it! I don't need anyone weak and puny to be Lord of this empire...your father was a disgrace to this court, and NEVER shall his name live on through these walls..."

"Why you..." Alex charges at the young prince only to be pulled back by two guards

"Get him out of my sight."

"LET ME GO!"

The guards carried him out as he screamed at the young prince who wasn't even paying attention to the words that were being thrown at him. Once Alex had been carried out he turned back to his mother.

"What do you propose we do Mother?"

"I say we go and retrieve him ourselves, I will not allow any son of mine to live among those...commoners..."

"I must warn you he will not leave with out a fight."

"Then if it's a fight Nickolas wants then it's a fight he's gonna get."

Jane stepped down from her throne and rushed out the doors, willing to beat some sense into her son to make him come around.

As she rushed out, members of the court, and the slaves bowed to her. Her blue eyes were lit with blue fire.

"GUARDS!" she shrieked. "Come Forth! Now!"

4 guards came towards her. Lord Madias, Kevin, Brian (pronounced Bree-on) and Lord Acevedo were the only 4 guards loyal to the kingdom.

"What is thy will, your Grace?" said Lord Madias bowing to his Queen.

"You will come with me to find my son. We will spare no expense. Grab the torches." She said in an angry tone, pulling the door to the carriage open and getting inside. The elegant carriage raced towards the direction of the common village. The 4 knights followed thereafter.

---

"How do you think my Mother took my proposition?" Nick asked Dorough as he took a sip of water

"I do not know, my Liege. Hopefully well, but knowing thy Mother...You must really love Deanna, your Grace." Dorough said, looking in the kitchen.

"I do she makes everything worthwhile. She's more precious than my crown, and more valuable than any jewel. And even if Mother forbids it I will still be with her. And I could say the same for you and Christallina she's very nice and has treated me with the kindest repsect."

Nick suddenly hears the galloping of horses "Do you hear that?" He goes to the window and sees the palace guards making their way down the path followed by his Mother's carriage "Dear Lord."

Dorough quickly joins him at the window "What is it my Liege? Oh dear lord indeed..."

Anna looks outside, and crosses herself, putting her hands together, praying in Latin. Christallina and Dorough stood by the door, as did Deanna.

"What's going on?" Dorough asks. One of the knights gets off of his horse, opening the carriage door for the Queen.

"It's my Mother...I take it she didn't take the news well. I'll handle this." Nick opened the door and walked outside as soon as his Mother was out of the carriage.

"Nickolas, no..." Dorough holds Christallina back.

"No...let him..."

"Hello Mother."

Jane slaps him hard. "How DARE YOU give me such a preposition?! You are coming back to the palace, and you are never coming out...I'll see to it..."

"You cannot treat me this way Mother. I am not a child any longer, I wish to stay here."

"Very well..." with a snap of her finger, the 4 knights walked towards everyone, and grabbed Nick. Deanna ran outside and tried pushing the guards away.

"No you leave him alone!"

"You're comin' with us, knave..." said Lord Brian, in a deep voice.

Nick strugles against their hold "Don't touch her! Deanna run!"

At the sound of Nick's voice she quickly backed away and made a run for it running down the dirt road. Lord Madias gallops after her, grabbing her by the torso.

"Where art thou going, my dear?"

"Let me go! Nickolas help!"

"Let her go. Mother please don't do this. I love her."

Lord Kevin and Acevedo make an X, blocking Nick from getting to his beloved. "This kind of love is forbidden...I will not have common blood in my kingdom!" She turns to Brian. "Burn this...this sty down at once."

"As you wish, your Grace..."

"It's only because they are not like you! That's why I left, that's why this kingdom is in shambles because of you!"

Jane ignored her son pretending to hear nothing of what her he had said. Deanna tried to scream but Madias covered her mouth muffling her cries. Brian walked to the house, and set the hay ablaze.

"NO!" Christallina let out a bloodcurdling scream, seeing her home starting to burn.

"How could you be so cruel to the family that has given your son shelter? They took me in...cared for me...unlike what your doing now."

"I won't let you do this!" Christallina rushes to the house, but Lord Acevedo stops her.

"Going somewhere?" He hits her in the face with the handle of his sword. She falls to the ground, having Dorough come to her aid.

Jane quickly had the guards grab Dorough "Take him away...now...and make sure that he won't speak."

Kevin and Acevedo let go of Nickolas and grabbed Dorough, covering his mouth with rope. They tied him up, and push him to a horse, placing him atop. Nickolas ran towards Madias only to have him gallop away, he quickly mounted one of the guards horses and went after Madias who was halfway down the road. Anna silently said a prayer for her daughters.

"Let me go! Unhand them, you asses!" Dorough mumbled through the rope.

---

Later on that dark, moonless night, Dorough, Deanna, and Christallina were chained up in a dungeon deep in the Cartesan Castle. Their clothes tathered, their bodies weak. Everyone had lost all hope.

"HELP US!!!" Deanna and Christallina shouted, their voices echoed throughout the dungeon. Christallina struggled to get out of the chains, but it was to no use.

"We're never getting out of here. It's no use..." Deanna tugged on the bars once more "We'll never get out of here and I'll never see Nickolas again."

Lord Madias, and Lord Brian guarded them with watching eyes. Christallina had an idea. "Psst...Sister..." she whispered. Deanna looked back at her acknowledging that she heard her. "I have an idea..."

"What is it, my dear?"

"It's a woman's thing, Dorough..." Dorough was confused at what she said at first, but understood what she meant. "I'll try anything at this point...what is it?"

"Seduce the guards. You take Madias, and I'll take the other one."

"I don't know if I can...what if they catch onto what we are doing?"

"Trust me." Deanna sat against the wall sighing looking over at Dorough "I can't do it, I'm too shy."

"You don't have to..." Dorough began. "Because he's not into skirts."

"Oh...you mean he likes..." Deanna bowed her head and covered her face "Oh dear lord."

Nickolas stormed through the castle passageways angrily, he never thought his own Mother would pull such a stunt. As he was walking towards the throne room his younger brother stopped him.

"Nickolas..."

"Not now Aaron."

"But Nick---" "I SAID NOT NOW!" Nickolas screamed his voice rising so that it echoed throughout the hall. Aaron stepped back having never seen his brother so angry. "If you will excuse me I need to have a word with our Mother," Nickolas said brushing past him throwing open the doors to the throne room.

"Ah...Nickolas there you are son." Robert said completely unaware of what Jane had done

"Father are you aware of what Mother pulled in the village today?"

"No I don't believe I am."

Jane looked down at her eldest son apparantly pleased at what she had done. She felt it was neccessary to keep that wretched girl away from him. Jane turned to her husband "I had to Robert it was best for everyone."

"Best for everyone?! No best for you. You arrested two young girls and one of our kingdoms best knights and for what? Not a goddamn thing!"

"Nickolas you will watch your tone." his Father stated firmly

"I am sorry Father I will not. She is an evil woman even if she is blood. So what I found love outside of your beliefs, why should that matter?"

"You'll ruin the lineage and you'll bring shame to the family name. If you are to be with a commoner than it makes it ok for any royal to. It just isn't natural Nickolas, I am your Mother and I am only trying to protect you."

"I don't need protecting. And I mean well on my proposition if Deanna is not to be in my life, then I don't want the crown."

"Then so be it, son..." Robert said, looking away from him, as if he was the most disgusting thing on Earth.

"Why does this disgust you so?"

"We've already told you, Nickolas. Commoners are bad people. You should have known better than to run away from home, and finding refuge in a rat house."

"You know nothing of them and you wouldn't know the first thing about any of them. I know what they go through, I know how hard they struggle. Why do I know? That is because I care Mother."

Aaron stood just outside the throne room hearing everything that was said.

"I hope you're happy, Aaron." stated Leslie.

Aaron quickly looked up at his sister "What do you mean?"

"Just because Nickolas was in love with someone outside these castle walls, you tell Mother and Father? How could you, you rat!"

"Sister you don't understand...it's not right and you know that. I did the right thing."

"Sure you did and now he's gonna be banished for it!" she shot back.

"You're nothing, but a little bastard." said Jeanine (BJ) sipping Ambrosia. "You should be banished...you don't even deserve to be a Prince."

"How could you say such a thing?"

"She's right your the one that should be banished." Leslie said agreeing with her sister.

Nickolas stormed out of the throne room before either his Mother of Father could get a word in. He was sick and tired of them trying to run his life, he was a man now and was capable of making his own decisions. He walked past his sisters and brother, but Leslie quickly caught up with him.

"Nick...you didn't get banished did you?"

"No Leslie I did not, but it's only a matter of time."

"If you ask me Aaron should be the one who gets banished seeing as he started all of this."

"I did not!"

"You did too you little rat. Who cares if hes in love with a villager, he should be able to be with whoever he desires."

Aaron walked away not wanting to hear anymore of his sisters ranting. Nick went to walk away again but Leslie grabbed his arm.

"Do you really love her?"

"I do."

"Then come with me." She took her older brother's hand leading him down a bunch of hallways till they got to the stairs that took them down to the dungeons.

"What are you doing?" Nickolas whispered

"Helping you to rescue your beloved."

"But why?"

"I don't want to see my brother banished over stupid shit. You wait here and when you see the gaurds come up then go down." Nickolas nodded as his sister acsended the stairs down to the dungeon.

She quickly cleared her throat noticing that Lord Brian was distracted. Christallina touches his face, massaging it. "You, are a bewitching wench," he began.

"Thank you...Now...why don't you loosen these chains, kind Lord...so I can..." she whispers sexual statements in his ear.

"My Lords..." she began "The King and Queen wish to see you in the throne room."

When neither of them moved she simply stated "Now."

"Hmm...I could do that...but I am needed...maybe later?"

"Fine by me...my virginity will wait for Thee."

Leslie walked closer to them clearing her throat again "My Lords..."

"I heard you, Princess...let us go, Madias..."

"And, maybe we could come in the barn...if you know what I mean..."

"I can't imagine any other place." Said Dorough, through clenched teeth. Madias and Brian leave the dungeon.

"That's the LAST time I take up for you, Maiden."

Nickolas hides behind a pillar waiting for them to come up, once they were out of view he descended the stairs rejoining his sister. He walked to the door and looked into the tiny window just as Deanna looked up.

She smiled when she saw him. "Nickolas!"

"Fair maidens and Lord Dorough I have come to set you free."

Nickolas smiled when he saw Deanna he thought he would never see her again. Leslie unlocked the lock and Nick pushed the door open and ran inside going to Deanna's side as Leslie undid Christallina's and Lord Dorough's chains.

"Your not hurt are you?"

"No I am not, you are most kind."

Leslie came over to her and undid her chains as well and she quickly wound her arms around his neck hugging him tight "You saved me I am eternally grateful." Dorough held out his hand helping Chrissie up.

"You must hurry before the guards come back." Leslie said ushering them out of the cell. Nickolas hugged his sister and she returned his embrace "You four must go. Go on now."

"A thousand thank you's, Milady..." Christallina said, then her, Dorough, Nick and Deanna rushed off, turning into shadows. Leslie placed the keys on the hanging hook and walked up the stairs coming from the dungeons.

"Where are we going?" Deanna asked as Nickolas held her hand tight leading her, Dorough, and Christallina through hallways.

"Far away from here as possible."

"But what about your crown, your giving it up?"

"You could very well say that. I do not want it."

"Just keep running, Sister..."

All four of them made their way outside to the stables where Nickolas and Dorough both grabbed a horse. Nickolas helped Deanna up then got on sitting behind her gripping the reins, as Lord Dorough did the same with Christallina. She holds onto Dorough's waist, snuggling against his back. "Mmm...the feel of a Saint..."

Lord Brian and Madias walked down the hallway that lead to the dungeons, angry at the young princess for lying. They should have expected that, she did that well. When they reached the bottom of the stairs Lord Madias reached for the keys only to find them gone then he noticed the cell door opened.

"Brian we have a problem..."

"What?" he said, dreamily.

"The prisoners they've escaped."

"That woman..." he then looks at the empty cells. "TRICKED US!"

"What did you think she was doing? We have to warn the King and Queen."

"Ok...but...don't kill her...she's beautiful..." Brian said bewitched by her beauty.

"Beautiful women can be deceiving."

"SHUT UP! I love her..." Brian said, looking out the window to see them galloping off away from town.

---

"Wait...what about Mama? We can't leave her alone." Deanna said looking back at the town in the distance

"She's right, Nickolas. We have to see if she's alright..." Nickolas pulled on the horses reins bringing her to a stop then turning her around heading towards town.

"Dorough? If you had a choice...would you leave me for riches? Or anything in the world?"

"I can't say I would fair maiden." Dorough said looking back at her then following Nickolas. She sighs, smiling, rubbing her head on his back. Nickolas comes to a stop in front of what used to be the girls home.

"Where could she be?"

Anna sat in what used to be her house, her home. That awful woman how could she just burn down someones house, someones memories? She looked up to the sky and said a silent prayer. Thankfully the girls father was not alive to see this if he had, he would have been thrown into the dungeons. She sighed looking around at the shambles of where her house had once stood, and felt herself tear up as all the memories of the past years came flooding back. She thought of her girls, she thought of Nickolas...too many problems for such a young lad, hopefully things worked out for him. She looked up when she heard a faint voice that sounded like her eldest daughter, she stood as the galloping got nearer. Her daughters came into view, Deanna with Nickolas and Christallina with Howard. She smiled then stepped out of the rumble and walked out into the street to meet them.

"Anna your alright." Nickolas said smiling down at her

"Yes young Nickolas, I am fine."

"Your daughters insisted we come check on you we are headed out of town. My Mother will be chasing us very soon. Will you come with us?"

It has been nearly two years since Nickolas left behind his life as the heir to the Cartesan throne behind and he couldn't be happier. Nickolas, Deanna, Christallina, Lord Dorough and the girls mother Anna had all found residence in a small village not far from where they ran from. The royals of this village welcomed them and insisted they stay. Nickolas couldn't refuse their kind offer, they even provided them with a house. One that Deanna and Christallina were starting to grow very fond of. But the girls were starting to miss their real home back at the Cartesan village, they had grown up there and that was their true home.

Nick's Mother and Father were starting to grow worried that their son would never return. During this time Aaron had changed significantly, most likely due to his brother's absence. The one Nickolas actually kept in touch with was his younger sister Leslie, the one who helped him free his beloved and his friends. He would send her a letter every few months or so by messenger letting her know how he was doing and that he wanted to return home but not before he was ready. And Leslie learned of something else, the young maiden Deanna that her brother had risked his life to rescue was now his wife. And he explained in vivid detail of their ceremony and how the King and Queen of the kingdom had offered their blessing. She was happy her brother had found love, she could just picture her parents faces when he returned with the news. Nobody knew that she was receiving word from Nickolas, it was kept strictly between them.

---

Nickolas walked out into the garden to get Deanna and Christallina out of the heat, they had been out there for a few hours and Nick thought that was enough. They were working on the garden while pulling vegetables for dinner that night. Deanna smiled when Nick offered his hand to her helping her up.

"You my dear are working too hard."

"I'm used to it and gardening is a woman's work."

"I'm sure whatever the job Dorough and I can handle it." he said taking the small basket from her. "Now go on inside I'll finish up."

Deanna started walking towards the house but stopped and looked back just as Dorough was shooing her sister into the house also.

"Men..." Deanna heard her sister mumble walking past her "Think they can do anything."

"Sister they are only doing it out of love."

"I know."

Later that night after everyone went to bed Nickolas and Deanna were snuggled together in their bed, with Nick running his hand through her hair.

"Do you ever miss it?" Deanna asked breaking the silence

"Miss what?" Nickolas replied looking down at her

"Living at the palace...being a prince..."

"Sometimes...but I would rather be here with you now then back there taking orders from my Mother. Has your love for me changed after having found out I was a prince?"

"Heavens no...I loved you before I knew you were royalty and I would still love you if you were a pauper."

Nickolas smiled lightly kissing her forehead. Nick sat up some curling his finger under her chin, tilting her face up to look at him.

"I promise that when we return you can have anything your heart desires."

"You have my love and my heart and that's worth more to me then any jewel ever could be."

"As do you...you have me mind, body, and soul." He said thumbing her chin then leant in slowly kissing her.

---

Nickolas had sent word to his sister that he would be returning home and she was ecstatic, it had been too long since she had seen her brother. A few weeks earlier he had told her it was alright to tell their parents that she was receiving letters from him. After reading through his most recent letter she ran down to the throne room throwing the doors open.

"Mother, Father I have great news. Nickolas is coming home! I received word from him earlier today."

"That's wonderful Leslie. Make sure everyone knows of Prince Nickolas' return."

Leslie bowed to her parents and hurried out of the throne room doing as her Mother said. Jane sat back in her thrown and thought back to when her son had proposed that the wench he was supposedly in love with to move into the palace. Perhaps his time away was what he needed to break free from her.

Nickolas looked out of the tiny carriage, looking up at the palace and sighed. Deanna placed her hand on his arm.

"Something on your mind my love?"

Nick smiled at his wife "No there is nothing, shall we?"

Nickolas stepped out of the carriage and grabbed Deanna's hand helping her down, then helped Christallina down as well. Doroughs hand immediately slipped into hers and she turned to him smiling. Deanna laced her arm with Nick's as they made their way to the palace gate.

"It is a pleasure to see you your highness."

Nick smiled then proceeded to walk in. The guards stopped them. "I am sorry my lord but under the orders of the Queen, Dorough is no longer allowed on the grounds."

"But I am the prince and I should have some say so on this matter."

"But my Lord your Mother..."

"Will know nothing of this, agreed?"

The guard simply bowed and let them pass. Deanna and Christallina couldn't help but look around in awe, they had never been there before and they knew it wouldn't be the last time they would see it. They approached the throne room and Deanna's grip on her husbands arm tightened.

"No need to worry, you wait here till I've had time to break the news ok?" Nickolas said kissing her forehead and smiled.

Nick walked through the doors, then they were closed.

"Nickolas..." Jane said walking to him hugging him tight "You've returned."

"Hello Mother...Father..." Nick bowed to his Father

"We were worried something happened to you."

"No I just needed to get away, you understand right?"

"Of course and I am sorry for what I said but it needed to be said. Just as long as you didn't run off to marry that awful girl."

Nick's smile quickly faded "Mother there's something I have to tell you."

Jane was reseated at her throne when Nick began to speak "Very well...what is it son?"

Nick walked back through the doors and emerged with what looked like to Jane the village girl she had thrown in the dungeon. Deanna went to bow down but Nick pulled her back up.

"There's no need for that."

Robert looked at his eldest son who was holding the hand of what looked like a local villager. "Nickolas...please say this isn't so..."

"Deanna and I are married now and you will treat her with respect now that she is of royal blood."

"She is not of royal blood Nickolas...she's a commoner, a common wench..."

Nickolas sighed obviously frustrated "I do not care what you think I love her and she doesn't love me because of my wealth."

"Is that so?"

"It is." J

ane looked at Deanna again who wanted to run out of there and never look back. "She is a disgrace to this family. I forbid it."

"There is no law saying we cannot be wed."

"Then I will make one...no royal is to fratenize, look at, or even MARRY a commoner for that matter. So you son are breaking the law."

"A law that you just made and I do not care I love her."

Jane sighed rubbing her head "Robert do something..."

"Son it's not natural what will everyone say?"

"They can say what they wish. Like I said we are married now and..."

"And I forbid it! You are too young to even know what love is!"

---

Christallina and Lord Dorough heard every remark she made. How could someone be so cruel? "I do not care if she is Queen she has no right to berate my sister this way."

"I know but...what can we do?"

---

Deanna looked down quickly withdrawing herself away from Nickolas. His Mother dispised her she knew that from when she first walked into the room. It was a mistake to come here her and Nick should have stayed where they were. She walked backwards quickly retreating the throne room as Nickolas keep going at it with his Mother oblivious to the fact that his beloved had run out.

Christallina just happened to look up when her sister ran past her crying. "That woman just does not know when to let up...," Chrissie mumbled to herself quickly catching up to her sister "Deanna..."

No answer just sobs "Deanna..."

"She hates me. What have I done to her?!" Deanna screamed thankful she was outside of the palace gates. She looked up at the Palace and sighed "His Mother is right he does deserve someone who is more like him."

"No she is not and you know it, Deanna listen to me." Christallina said walking to her sister and placing her hands on her shoulders "You are just as good as any princess but act far better than any of them. You loved him when you thought he had nothing, why change that now?"

"Look at us Chrissie were not exactly royalty."

"We may not be but you and Nick share something that his Mother nor his Father have any control over. I have seen the two of you and he cares a great deal for you and your well being."

Deanna just looked at her sister obviously shocked, she did not know her sister thought that. She then smiled which caused Chrissie to smile as well. "Now no more crying."

Nickolas looked at his Mother than made his way to the door ready to go after his wife, who he knew ran out earlier.

"If you go after her that will ruin your chance of becoming King."

Nick turned to his Mother "Do I look like I care?" When he got no answer he replied "Didn't think so."

"Your throwing away what is your right for a woman?"

"Yes Mother I am, a woman that means more to me than anything in this world and the woman that will one day give birth to your grandchildren. I do not care if you resent her but I will be with her."

Jane looked at her son in disgust "I think not. How could you do this to the family?"

"Love Mother. That young woman captured my heart and as my Mother you should respect my wishes."

Jane just sat there and said nothing. Nickolas looked at his parents one last time then opened the door to see only Lord Dorough standing there.

"Where is she?"

"Outside My Leige...your Mother certainly has a way with words."

"That she does Dorough, that she does. Come shall we go find our maidens?"

Dorough smiled at the prince then followed him towards the front of the palace.

"Nickolas!" Leslie screamed running towards her brother hugging him tightly.

"Leslie it's so good to see you."

"Your not leaving are you?"

Nickolas sighed looking down at his sister "I'm afraid so."

"But why?"

"Mother has made Deanna feel most unwelcome."

"I figured that much at least tell me where your going."

"We have have a house just outside of the village in a nearby kingdom. You would love it Leslie, very beautiful."

"Then I shall come visit you when I can."

"You are welcome in our home anyday dear sister. I must be going."

She leant up and kissed him on the cheek then hugged him again. Nickolas went outside to find Chrissie and Deanna just sitting on the edge of the bridge not talking. Nickolas walked to them and sat beside Deanna rubbing her back.

"Are you alright?"

She turned to him and smiled "Yeah..."

"I am sorry for what my Mother said to you, she had no right."

"She assumes she knows me and the way I live but she will never know unless she spent a day living like my sister and I."

"I agree and I wish to go home, to our home with you."

Deanna and Nickolas both stood and she hugged him tight knowing in her heart she could never let him go. He smoothed her hair down her back resting his chin atop her head, holding her.

Dorough looked on as the couple embraced "Will she be alright?"

"Yes she will just as long as Nickolas is beside her. She has never been good at taking insults, that woman hurt her deeply with her cruel words."

"I could see that, too bad she's not like you. You would surely have given her a piece of your mind."

"That I would." Chrissie looked up into his eyes "No more talk of her, let us go home."

"As you wish my love." Dorough smiled as he linked his hand with hers.

Chrissie smiled at the sight in front of her, he loved her sister greatly and not even his parents could break them apart. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked behind her to see Dorough's smiling face.

"We should start on our journey home it will be dark soon." Nickolas agreed and lead Deanna to the carriage that still sat outside of the palace gates.

"Have a safe trip your highness."

"Thank you, Emanuel."

Nickolas said smiling getting in the carriage. They took off towards home.

Jane walked outside just as the carriage was out of sight "Emanuel."

He quickly stood at the sound of the Queen's voice "Yes your majesty?"

"I want you to follow that carriage, find out where he's going, and when you find him arrest the wench that he was with."

He bowed "As you wish my Queen."

And with that Jane walked back towards the palace smiling "I'll get her away from you one way or another."

Emanuel went to the stable and mounted his horse following the very carriage that the Queen spoke of. But the trail it was on was very unfamiliar to him, he had never been outside of the kingdom before. He stayed out of view to look like a knight on patrol. Once the carriage came to a stop he hid behind some trees as the people riding in it got out.

Nickolas got out and extended his hand to help Deanna down. Emanuel dismounted his horse and walked a little bit so he could get a closer look. Dorough stepped out afterwards helping Christallina out as well.

Deanna took a deep breath and sighed "It's so good to be home." Nickolas quickly picked her up and ran with her in his arms into the house as she giggled "Nickolas put me down." He gave her a sexy smirk and ignored her protests, proceeding to carry her in the bedroom and playfully drop her on the bed. She gently tugged on his shirt collar pulling him closer till she locked her lips with his in a passionate kiss. Nickolas had never seen her like this and smiled at her when he broke the kiss.

"What has gotten into you?"

"Nothing I just needed to be with my husband." She said unbuttoning his shirt looking up at him

"No complaints here." He said leaning in to kiss her again as she slid the shirt to the side running her hands up his chest then wound them around his neck.

---

Meanwhile back at the palace, Queen Jane awaited the guard to return with the wench. If she wouldn't leave her son willingly then she just had to force her. There had to be something she wanted or needed for that matter. The King was out with his youngest son when Emanuel returned with Deanna fighting, kicking and screaming the whole way.

"Shut up you wench." He snarled as he dismounted his horse and dragged her along the drawbridge.

Deanna pulled back against his grip trying to get away but with no such luck "Let me go!"

"I will do no such thing." He said continuing to drag her as she protested.

She immediately recognized where he was taking her, she was in her love's palace, but why would would this guard bring her here? Deanna was brought out of her thoughts by a rough tug to her wrist, she winced at the feeling. The next thing she knew she was being propelled through a set of doors falling to the floor.

"Get up." She knew that voice she slowly stood up and looked up at the Queen, Nick's Mother. "Well what are you waiting for?"

"I'm sorry?"

"You are lower than I so you must bow to me wench."

"But Nickolas said..."

"Is Nickolas here? No he isn't so you will bow."

Deanna didn't need further explaining as she bowed before the Queen. As she stood back up she asked "Why have I been brought here?"

"Aren't you a disrepectful one, I need you to stay away from my son."

"But your Majesty..."

"Did I give you permission to speak?"

Deanna looked down at the floor. "You are a disgrace to this family, this kingdom, and you most certainly are not worthy of my son." Deanna continued to keep her head down pretending to not hear the hurtful words she was saying, rubbing her wrist. Jane smiled obviously pleased. "Now I am going to make you a proposition. How much will it take for you to leave my son?"

Deanna looked up at her then knowing that she was free to speak "Your majesty...I care deeply for Nickolas and no amount of money could ever make me leave him."

"Think about it I could give you enough to take care of your family for the rest of their lives. There has to be something you want..." Jane said letting the last part linger waiting for what she had to say.

Deanna didn't need to think about her answer, it was simple. "The only thing I want and need your majesty is Nickolas' love."

Jane sighed, there just was no winning with this girl, she could have anything she wanted and yet she decided to stand by the fact of her loving the young prince.

---

Once Nickolas returned home he was quick on her trail. Chrissie and Dorough had told him that Deanna had been taken. He knew exactly who took her and why, she just would not be happy until she was out of his life.

'I am not going to sit around and let that happen' Nick said to himself as he got on his horse and galloped away to save his beloved.

---

"Well?"

"I...your majesty is very kind but I cannot trade any sum of money for Nickolas' love."

Jane sighed heavily and walked to her tightly gripping her arm "Alright fine...If you will not do as I say than I shall--" she was cut off by the doors being swung open and she looked up to see her eldest son coming towards them.

"Let her go."

"No. Not until you put an end to this charade."

Nick walked to them and grab ahold of Deanna pulling her to him and held her tight "I'm here my love...don't worry..."

"Nickolas get away from her."

"No Mother. I love her can't you see that? She makes me complete as Father makes you, surely you can understand that."

"How dare you compare that wench to me...I am nothing like her."

"How can you treat someone this way? How can you make someone feel so low?" Deanna buried her face into Nick's shirt as Nick kept his hold on her. "I have had enough, you WILL treat her with respect."

"I will do no such thing."

"Then I shall charge you with treason." Nickolas spat to his mother.

"Ha ha! You? Charge me with Treason? Haven't you forgotten? I am the Queen of the Cartesan Empire!"

"That's true. You're the Queen of the Cartesan Empire. That's a bloodline, not a country."

"So, by the eyes of every person outside your ways, and God, you are nothing."

"How DARE you!?"

"You either accept our marriage, or I shall send you away to a rustic, god-forsaken hellhole...it's your choice...Mother." Deanna looks up at him, faintly smiling. Nickolas' gaze towards his own mother was serious. He was not going to rest until his family accepted their love. "What will it be, Mother?"

Jane sighed realizing there was no use in arguing, her son's mind was already made up "Alright...I will go along with this but nobody says I have to accept it."

"That's too bad if you don't. I'm going to love this woman until my dying day...do I make myself clear, Madam?"

Jane stood stunned that her son would call her that, and talk to her in that tone.

Nickolas looked down at his beloved and smiled "Come my love...let us go home."

"But you are home!" Jane screamed

"No. This is not my home. This...all of this is a prison, my true home is with Deanna in our house outside of this horrible place. Until you can accept our love and change your ways I will NOT return here."

And with that said Nickolas gently tugged on Deanna's arm letting her know it was time to go. Jane still could not believe the fight her eldest son was putting up for this woman he claimed to love. She was going to lose him for good if something wasn't done.

"Alright..." Nickolas stopped and turned to his Mother

"What was that?"

"I said..." she sighed looking at Deanna "Alright...I don't want to lose my son."

"And your suddenly ok with this?"

"No but what am I gonna do?"

"Your right Mother there's nothing you can do, no matter what I will always be there to protect her." Nickolas said holding his love close. Jane sat on her throne "Your Father will not be pleased."

"Have I not proven my love for her? Everytime you try to take her away I am there to help her aren't I?"

"Yes but..."

"That should be proof enough that I am devoted to her and her alone. And I want the whole kingdom to know." Nickolas turned to his wife and held her hands looking into her eyes.

"Fine, Nickolas...if you love that...girl as much as you love your riches, your kingdom, and your own family that's fine by me."

Nickolas looked at his Mother, surely there was more to this. "Mother please...you never treated Dorough that way, why is she any different? All she wants is to love Nickolas, and to be loved in return by us, and you're kicking dirt in her face...Your Highness should have more sense than that."

Nick looked around to see who said that and saw his sister Leslie walking into the throne room.

"How dar---" The Queen stopped in mid sentence. She realized that Leslie was right. After all...she too, was a commoner...if it wasn't for the Cartesan Empire taking her in from her poverty ridden home of Ireland, she wouldn't be where she was now.

Jane looked at her hands as they shook in front of her "Wha---what have I become?"

"Nothing to say to that Mother?" Nickolas remarked

"Nickolas..." said Leslie, putting her hand up to him. Nick looked at his sister then back at their Mother who looked very unsure of herself.

The Queen slowly walked down the long throne steps, and walked to the direction of her son and his bride. Deanna clung to Nickolas afraid of what she might do.

"Nickolas...I...I am tragically sorry. I was blinded by the riches...and the glamour...and the beliefs that commoners are horrible people...never realizing...that I was one myself." Nickolas looked at his Mother in disbelief

"You were a commoner? How is that so?"

"Now, I see what you, young lady, hath gone through all your life...and I have long forgotten that I went down the same road long ago." Deanna looked up at Nickolas unsure of what to say to the Queens confession. "When I was growing up in Ireland...my family was very, very poor...My mother and father saw how beautiful I had become...and sent me to France to find easy work there...that's where I met the Daufine (French King to be once the father has died) of France...your father."

"How come you nor Father told us of this?" Nickolas asked

"He asked me to keep it silent...within family...and within the court...because commoners were supposed to be treacherous and thieving people...yet...he took my hand in marriage."

"If he thought that then why did he wed you knowing you were one?"

"Because he loved me."

Nickolas looked at his Mother then asked "So it's alright for Deanna and I to be together right?"

"Yes my son it is."

Nickolas smiled and turned to Deanna who was smiling too.

"Anyone care to explain what is going on here?" King Robert said as he entered the throne room, his question breaking the silence which caused everyone in the room to look at him.

"Robert I have given them my blessing."

"You did what? Why?"

"Just look at them...he cares for her risked his life to rescue her. That's love Robert, and surely you remember what happened all those years ago." Jane said looking into her husbands eyes still seeing the love that was for her.

"I do."

"Then these two deserve OUR blessing."

Just as Jane finished her statement Aaron walked through the doors immediately seeing them which cause them to look up.

"Nick...um...it's good to see you."

"You too Aaron."

"Look about all those things I said...I'm sorry. I'm sorry for the way I acted and I'm sorry for berating your young bride. I can see you love her very much and if your happy then so am I."

Deanna looked at Nickolas obviously shocked at what Prince Aaron had just revealed, everyone in the kingdom knew that the young prince NEVER apologizes for anything he has said or done.

Nick simply smiled at his brother accepting his apology, then Aaron walked out of the room muttering under his breath.

Robert looked at his eldest son and the young woman who was practically clinging to him afraid that he was gonna do something rash. King Robert walked to them and simply bowed before Deanna.

"My fair maiden please forgive my wife and I for we were blind. I am sorry we put you through so much but from here on out." he looked up at Deanna "You have our blessing. In fact I propose that we host a grand party in honor of Nickolas and his young bride."

"No Father that's really not neccessary."

"Son if you risked your life for this young woman then I think it's only right that the whole kingdom knows of your love."

Nickolas couldn't help the smile that lit up his face, he finally got his parents approval.

"A party? for us?"

"Right you are my dear."

---

Chrissie and Dorough were starting to get worried it was almost nightfall and Nickolas had left long before the sun started to set, he should have been back with Deanna by now.

"What if something happened?"

"Don't worry yourself...I'm sure they are safe and on their way home as we speak."

As if on cue they heard a carriage pull up in front of the house. Dorough looked out the window he mumbled something then walked to the door opening it expecting to see the Queen emerge from the carriage and raise hell once again. But it wasn't the Queen it was Deanna and Nickolas and they seemed happy. After Nick helped Deanna down she kissed him then ran past Dorough eager to find her sister and tell her the good news.

"My Leige what took you so long?"

Nickolas simply smiled "As crazy as this sounds my parents gave us their blessing."

"Really? You don't say..."

"I do say, and Aaron apologized for everything he did."

"Aaron? That arrogant little rat?"

"That would be the one, surprising really."

"I'll say..."

"Chrissie!" Deanna yelled running into the kitchen area as her sister turned to face her

"Deanna? My god..." she ran to her sister and hugged her "We were beginning to think something awful happened."

"No nothing like that."

Chrissie pulled away from her sister a little surprised "No harsh words? no threatening to lock you away?"

"No none of that we got their blessing."

"Wait...what?"

The girls mother entered the room "What's going on?"

"Mama I have great news. Nickolas' parents gave us their blessing and they wanna throw a party for us, isn't that great?!" Deanna said smiling unable to hold in her excitement

"That's wonderful Mi'ja." Anna said embracing her daughter

"So they just happened to change their minds?"

"Well it just so happens that Nick's Mother was once like us."

"Come again?"

"She was poor like us and his Father saved her from that and she let everything go to her head. But I promise I wont get like that."

Chrissie smiled "I know you won't."

---

Over the next few days Aaron watched his brother come and go with that wench he called a wife. Nick had bought his apology, he never liked her and never would. She was a disgrace to the family and to Nickolas. Then why was he the only one seeing it? When he heard of their parents giving them their blessing he was furious. One minute they hated her and the next they didn't. Something wasn't right and he was gonna find out. Aaron walked into the grand ballroom seeing his Mother talking to a decorator.

"Mother...may I have a word with you?"

"Of course Aaron." she talked to the decorator a bit more then smiled turning to her son "What is it my son?"

"What's all of this?" he asked looking around at the halfway decorated ballroom

"We are throwing a ball in honor of Nickolas and his bride."

Aaron looked at his Mother a sif she was crazy "Your what?"

"We are thro---" Aaron cut his Mother off

"But I thought you dispised her?"

Jane sighed Aaron had yet to hear the story behind his father and her. "Just because she is common does not mean she is a bad person."

"But you yourself said that you would not rest till she was out of his life."

"I did before but--" she looked over at the decorators and shoke her head "No no no this is all wrong. The drapery should go this way and the flowers should go here."

Aaron sighed as his Mother walked away from him completely oblivious of what he was saying. "I guess there are somethings that one has to do himself." he mumbled leaving the ballroom. He walked past his twin Angel, brushing past her.

"Rude much." She simply said glancing back at her brother walking down the hallway then entered the ballroom "Oh my...it's so pretty!"

"Thank you dear." Jane smiled at her daughter

"Is this for Nickolas' party?"

"Yes Angel it is."

"This girl he has married..." she said pondering for a moment "Is she nice?"

"For your brother to fall for her she has to be. Now run along." Jane said shooing her youngest daughter towards the door.

---

The party was well under way and Deanna was in Leslie's room getting ready. Leslie opened the wardrobe revealing her dress and Deanna gasped.

"What? you don't like it?"

"No it's not that...I've just never seen a dress quite like this. It's beautiful." Deanna said reaching out touching the soft fabric

"Mother had it specially made." Leslie smiled at her new sister. After Deanna was laced up and in her dress she looked at herself in the mirror and did a little spin 'not bad for a commoner' she thought.

"You look stunning." Deanna turned towards the door when she heard Nick's voice and blushed.

"I'll give you two a minute see you downstairs." Leslie kissed her brother on the cheek and headed out closing the door behind her.

Nick helped her off the pedestal she was standing on and held her out at arms length smiling. "I must be the luckiest man in the world to have a bride as beautiful as you."

Deanna looked down feeling herself blushing again. Nick tilted her face up towards his and leaned in softly kissing her, he then walked to her side and held out his arm.

"Shall we?" Deanna smiled linking her arm with his.

They walked down the hallway that lead to the ballroom and stopped at the doors, the guards opened the doors and Deanna took a deep breath before walking in with her prince. Deanna quickly scanned the crowd and saw her sister standing with Lord Dorough and smiled. Her mother was also standing by them smiling. They walked to the middle of the room and Nick held her hand in his giving a slight bow.

"May I have this dance fair maiden?"

Deanna smiled and laughed a little "Yes."

Nickolas pulled his beloved to him and wound an arm around her waist as the other held onto her hand entertwining his fingers with hers. As they were dancing Aaron was sitting on his throne looking at her with disgust, he then looked at his parents who simply watched the couple. It made him sick. He rested his cheek against his palm sighing, he was already bored. Anna could feel tears in her eyes as she watched her daughter and her prince spin on the dancefloor, things were finally looking up for both her girls.

After the dance Nickolas bowed as Deanna did the same as everyone clapped. Jane stood and quieted everyone.

"I have asked for your presence here today to witness my son, Prince Nickolas and his new bride Princess Deanna along with the love they share."

"Princess my ass..." Aaron muttered

"I wish to celebrate their love and this party symbolizes it. And I wish to say in front of all of you that I give them my blessing, and pray that they have all the happiness in the world." Jane said then looked at her son and smiled slightly bowing as Nick did the same.

Deanna was speechless she never thought that she would say that in front of everyone here, she smiled bowing to the Queen. Jane sat back down and the music started playing again. Aaron got up and walked to Nick and Deanna.

"Pardon me fair maiden...may I have this dance?"

Deanna looked up at Nickolas who simply nodded and put her hand in Aaron's. Nick then walked to where his parents sat, sitting next to his Mother. They started dancing and Deanna was silent, she didn't know what his intentions were. Aaron then looked at her and she smiled.

"What are you smiling at?"

"Nothing...I was just..."

"That's right you have nothing to smile about."

Deanna looked at him recognizing the sudden change of attitude "I beg your pardon?"

"You heard me...what do you think your doing?"

"Whatever do you mean your highness?"

Aaron looked around at the dancefloor then turned back to Deanna. "You know what, with my brother, what are you looking to get from this?"

"I am looking for nothing more than your brother's love, your highness."

"And you think that you are worthy of such a luxury?" Aaron said anger cleary visible in his voice

"I am sorry his highness does not approve of my loving his brother."

Aaron sighed, she was alot stronger than he took her for. "Why don't you just leave and save everyone a whole lot of trouble."

Deanna panicked, he wanted her to leave? but he had apologized. "You wish for me to leave?"

"I do not wish...I WANT you to leave and stop putting on this charade."

Nickolas looked over at his brother and his wife, something wasn't right. He could tell by the expression on her face. With that in mind he got up and made his way over to them.

"May I interrupt?"

"Of course." Aaron said looking at her handing her hand to Nick, and if looks could kill she'd be dead. When Nick was sure his medelsome brother was out of ear shot he looked down at her and she looked away.

"Is something troubling you?"

"No there is nothing..."

"What did Aaron say?"

"Thy brother's apology was not sincere."

Nickolas looked over at his brother seated on his throne and faked a smile then turned back to his bride "Whatever he has said, do not listen to him. You no we..." he said quickly correcting himself "Have my parents blessing and that's all that matters."

She couldn't help it she stepped away from him and ran out of the ballroom in tears. Jane looked at Nick who simply shrugged his shoulders and ran after his beloved.

Jane then looked over at her youngest son "Aaron...what did you say to her?"

"Nothing Mother."

"Then why did she run out of here crying?"

"I do not know."

Jane decided to drop it she had a feeling something was said and it would come out soon enough, besides she had guests to entertain.

"What did he say to her?" Chrissie wondered out loud when she saw her sister run out. "I will return." She kissed Dorough on the cheek and went after her sister as well.

The party continued as if nothing happened. Chrissie ran out into the hall and glanced to her right seeing her sister curled in Nickolas' lap crying. Nick heard footsteps and looked up seeing Chrissie kneel beside them and look at him.

"My brother said something to her and I do not know what."

"Deanna..." Chrissie began "Do not let him see you are weak. Do not let his hurtful words get to you, you hear me?"

Deanna lifted her head from Nick's shoulder looking at her sister with tear filled eyes "Why does he hate me so?"

"Aaron seems to think that anyone who isn't royal are bad people." Nick said rubbing her back "But you, your sister, and I know better. You are just like everyone else."

Deanna smiled feeling relieved by her husbands kind words, she then wiped her eyes "What he said was hurtful...he thinks this is all some sort of charade I'm putting on, that I'm just using you."

"That's an awful thing to say." Chrissie said ready to show the young prince what she really thought of him.

Deanna looked at Chrissie and knew that look, she was pissed. "Sister don't do anything rash."

"Oh trust me there's nothing rash about it." she said standing up smoothing out her dress. "I am sorry to say this...wait no I'm not...your brother is a menace."

"Tell me something I don't know, he's been that way for as long as I can remember." Nickolas helped Deanna up and she dried her eyes "Wanna go back in?"

"Yes, afterall this is our party."

Chrissie stayed out in the hall to calm her nerves, if she were to see Aaron at that moment she may have strangled the life out of him. She returned to the ballroom once she was calm and was asked if she was alright by a very worried, Dorough.

"I'm alright but if I see that menace Aaron he will not be."

"Christallina don't get yourself worked up over him, he's not worth it." He said in a soft voice caressing her cheek.

She gazed into his soft brown eyes and all anger was gone, the hate for the young prince seemed to just dissappear as he leaned down and captured her lips in a soft kiss.

After the party Aaron stormed down the hallway, anger running through him in his failed attempt to get rid of Deanna once and for all.

"Goddamn wench I was sure I would have ran her off by now. I had to apologize and pretend to be supportive of her." Aaron mumbled as he walked down the hallway. Leslie watched her brother pass, she had heard what he had said and could not believe that Aaron had lied to Nick and Deanna.

"How could you?"

Aaron turned at his sister's voice "What are you talking about Leslie?"

"So what you said to Nick and Deanna was a lie? You faked your apology?!"

"I had to make Nick believe that I support him being with that...wench."

"She is not a wench she is a very sweet girl. But you wouldn't know that seeing as your too busy berating her for what she isn't!" Leslie screamed her voice elevating completely pissed at her younger brother for what he had done.

"Will you keep your voice down?"

"No I will not, you will march back in there and apologize for what you said."

"I will do no such thing." Aaron said crossing his arms over his chest glaring at his sister.

Nick heard the commotion and quickly went out into the hall. He looked from Leslie to Aaron "What is going on out here?"

"Ask Aaron he's the one who's been lying." Leslie spat

"Lying? Lying about what?" Nick turned to his brother waiting for him to explain. "Lying about what Aaron?" Nick asked sternly

"I do not approve of that wench."

"You gave us your blessing and now your taking it back?"

"Yes I am."

"Then why do you find it funny by taking me for a fool? That woman has done nothing to you but you insist she is bad when in reality it is you dear brother who is bad."

"Can you not see what she's doing? She's doing this to drive us apart."

"She is doing no such thing!" Deanna heard Nick yelling so she and Nick's parents walked out into the hall seeing him and Aaron going at it.

Aaron spotted her and simply stated "Get out."

Deanna stood her ground and did not move but started walking backwards when Aaron started walking towards her tightly grabbing her arm "I said get out, you do not belong here."

"Your hurting me."

"Take your hands off of her." Aaron turned to his brother and smirked with no intention on loosening his grip.

"Aaron..." Jane started "You will unhand that girl at once."

"He's pulled you into this too Mother?"

"She must mean a great deal to Nickolas if he is trying to protect her. Now unhand her."

Aaron forcefully shoved her in Nick's direction and Nick lunged at his brother grabbing his shirt collar lifting him up.

"How dare you! I will not stand here and let you hurt my wife, you hear me?!" Nick screamed clutching Aaron's collar tightly

"She's nothing but a wench, a whore!"

"Shut up do you hear me?!"

Aaron shoved his brother and he stumbled backwards landing against the wall. Nick looked up at him his eyes full of hate, he never would have thought of his own brother going against him, betraying him this way.

"Jeanine was right you should be banished." Leslie said helping her older brother.

Deanna just stood there and watched, with every word Aaron had bad to say about her Nick would slam him against the wall harder.

"I suggest you leave while you can still walk." Nick said through clecthed teeth not loosening the grip he had on his brother's shirt

"Nick come on your letting a commoner come between us?"

"She is my wife and you will treat her with the respect she deserves you got that?"

"She deserves nothing." Aaron said which caused Nick to loosen the grip he had on him and drop him

"Get out."

"But Nick..."

"I said get out, from this day forth you are banished from ever setting foot on these grounds."

"You can't do that."

"And who says? Mother and Father are on my side now."

Jane walked to Nick and placed her hand on his shoulder looking at Aaron "Your brother is right we have accepted his marriage to Deanna and if you don't then you are banished."

"I cannot believe this!"

"Well believe it. Brian, Madias take him away."

"With pleasure your highness." Brian said giving Aaron an evil look.

When Brian and Madias had pulled Aaron, much to his protest, from their view Nickolas to turned to his bride who was standing by the wall crying. Nick walked to her and caressed her cheek.

"No need for crying my love, all those things he said are not true." He then tilted her chin up to look into her eyes "He will do no more harm with his harsh words."

Deanna smiled and nuzzled against his hand, she looked up into his eyes softly saying "I love you."

"As do I my love. I love you forever and always." She flung her arms around his neck burying her face in his shirt as he caressed her hair.

"I never did like him." Brian said as he walked back onto the palace grounds with Madias

"Did anyone?"

They both laughed as they returned to their posts.

As promised King Robert and Queen Jane publicly announced Nickolas' marriage to Deanna. The villagers were always more prone towards Nickolas because of his good nature and they were happy that he found love. Nickolas was glad that he could now proudly show off his wife, an give her everything she wanted and deserved. But there was one problem...what about their house? They loved that house but Deanna was a princess now and her prince did not want her staying in such a place. It was not fitting, although it would hold very fond memories.

Nick also insisted that Chrissie be allowed to move into the palace as well. As for Dorough, he was once again a knight of the Cartesean Court. The prince's Mother nor his Father showed any sign of protest to his demands, if it kept him happy then so be it. The girls Mother would never have to work another day in her life and Nickolas was in the process of building her a house on the palace grounds since she did not want to intrude on them. Deanna and Chrissie had tried to convince her otherwise but she stood by her word. Her daughters were happy and well taken care of that's all she ever wanted. She got to see one of her children married perhaps it wouldn't be long before Christallina would tie the knot as well. That Dorough lad would certainly make a fine husband for her he was sweet, kind, and cared about her daughters safety. Anna sat on a bench in the palace garden watching Nickolas and her eldest daughter walk along the flowers holding hands. She couldn't help but smile, from the day they took him in she had a feeling that her daughter liked him.

---

Now Deanna stood in front of a floor length mirror spinning in the newly fitted dress that Jane had made for her from the finest fabric in the village. She spun around again to see Nickolas standing in the doorway admiring her, and she blushed.

"Well...?" She asked smoothing out the front of the dress.

Nick walked to her and helped her down from the pedestal on which she stood "Words do not begin to describe of how beautiful you look my love."

She blushed again and Nick took this opprotunity to pull a small object from his pocket. "What's that?"

"Something for you...when we got married I never got the chance to give you a ring. And you should have one, one that sparkles just like your eyes do when I look at you."

She looked down feeling quite embarassed about his words of love. He tucked his finger under her chin tilting her face up to look at him.

"Do my feelings embarass you?"

"Not so much anymore." He smiled then continued

"Now I know you told me that you didn't want overwhelming gifts but this..." He said opening his palm revealing to her the diamond ring that lay in it "I believe you should have."

"Nickolas I do not think..." She started to protest as he grabbed her hand and slid the ring on her finger then brought that hand to his mouth kissing it.

"Nonsense, besides it looks stunning on you." She smiled looking down at the stone shining in the light.

"It is beautiful."

"Like you."

She smiled again then leaned in to kiss him as he gently tugged on her chin opening her mouth to his deepening the kiss. Deanna brought her hand to his neck lightly rubbing her hand against the hair there.

When Leslie heard of what Mother had done she wanted to see for herself. She softly knocked on the door as Nick and Deanna broke apart.

"Nickolas...is it true? Did Mother and Father finally give their blessing?"

"Yes sister they did." Deanna just stood there not sure of what to say

"It's alright." Nick assured her "Your family now."

"I never got to thank you for saving my sister and I so...thank you."

"Your welcome." Leslie said walking to her, hugging her "It was no problem at all."

After Leslie left Nickolas pulled his beloved close and kissed her once more.

Jane walked in on the two ready to tell Deanna that more dresses were here for her to try on but stopped and just admired them. Seeing them together reminded her so much of her and her love. He had really taken a chance on loving this girl...even though they tried their damnest to keep them apart. She smiled and closed the door leaving the two lovers in their own little world.

As for Aaron he was banished to a small village quite a ways from the Cartesean kingdom. He did not like it and he always blamed Deanna for where he was. This was all her fault, if she hadn't come in the picture then he would still be living at the palace.

And Nickolas his own brother chose to protect her then to uphold the family name, some prince. Maybe one day he would return, maybe he could make his brother see just how awful she really was.

Maybe, just maybe...