If the Shoe Fits (AU,M/L,ADULT) [COMPLETE] 11/03/04

[LPorter]

Hey everyone, I finally updated and got my story back from my beta Dee, so here you go. Just a few thank you's, then its on with the show. Thanks for all of your patience.

max and liz believer- Josephin, I'm so glad you are back. I hope that your x-ray results came back with good news. Thank you so much for your concern. I don't think I am allergic to flouride. They put flouride in the water in my town, so I wouldn't be able to drink tap water. I've had an allergy test and it came back saying I had the anitbodies for a few things, one of which was soy. Soy is in most everything, the doctor said that he didn't think it was that though...but told me not to have soy milk or anything like that just in case. I'm not going to worry about it though, its a pain...and yes I do get sick sometimes, but I'm at the point right now that I'd rather be sick on occasion then go through the medical crap. Thanks for the fb. Love you!

Gigo- Thanks for the feedback and thanks for the concern. Sleep=Friend....lol yes, very wise words. I've been napping all week, and I hate napping!

MelodyCrsh47- Thanks for the feedback Melody, I'm glad you like this version; I thought it was a great twist, so I took the challenge.

Maia-Thanks for the feedback. I hope you got more sleep than I did in the last week. I can't wait for you next round of updates. I hope you like it!

SmileeUk- Thanks for the feedback. Yeah Liz is feeling that she's pretty much at the peek of her life...and nothing good will ever happen ot her. Only time will tell if she's right.

Crashdown2006- Thanks for the feedback. We'll see what happens with the shoe in chapter 12, but for now you'll just have to wait Thanks for the concern.

RoswellRulz- Thanks so much for reading my story, I'm glad you like it. I hope you enjoy this part just as much.

NewYorker18-Thanks for the feedback, and yeah I feel your pain about all the papers and such. Who said college was all fun. HA! I hope you like this next chapter. Love you girl!

roswellluver - Thanks for the feedback!!

frenchkiss70- Thanks for the feedback, yeah...using a shoe size as the determing factor for who can marry you can turn out disasterous, but if we didn't have that little thing in there, it wouldn't be the Cinderella story we all love. Yes, sadly I'm going to have to break all your dreamer hearts, but I have to do it. It breaks my heart as well. Regradless, I hope you enjoy the next chapter.



Chapter 11

Sobs wracked her body so hard that Liz almost forgot to take off her dress and get back into her regular clothes. Even though she was now back into her role, somehow it felt more foreign than being in that dress had been. Her life seemed darker and more dismal than it had before.

She had nothing to look forward to anymore. Seeing the Prince one last time had been the reason she woke up each day. She had accomplished her dream to see the Prince and then some, but why was she not content? Liz mused it would be like winning an award for your life’s work before you were even half way through it. Now all Liz had to look forward to was a lifetime of slavery to her “family.”

Sliding her fragile body down onto the stool, she looked down at the rags she was now wearing after safely hiding her dress once more. A loud slam of the front door echoed through the once quiet manor. Rampant chatter and whining was heard to be moving in the direction of the front stair case.

‘Please let them go to bed. Don’t come in the kitchen.’ Liz could only hope they were either too tired or too excited about the ball to bother her. She did not think she could handle listening to them right now, let alone them ordering her around.

To her dismay, she heard her stepmother’s footsteps get closer and closer to the kitchen door. Quickly standing up and wiping away her tears, Liz tried her best not to look like she had been crying for the last half an hour. She grabbed a cloth to pretend she was wiping down the counter. The kitchen door swung open behind her, and Liz did her best not to visibly cringe. She feared what her stepmother would say or do. She was not in any mind frame to deal with her cruelty.

Turning towards her stepmother, Liz politely greeted her “Good evening, did you have a good time at the ball?” The last thing in the world Liz wanted to talk about was the ball, but she had to keep up pretenses.

“Yes, it was quite lovely. Tessa put on a good show for Prince Maxwell. I would not be surprised if he came by in the near future in regards of her hand in marriage.” Mrs. Parker proudly answered. So what if Tessa was not the one whose foot fit that shoe? The little brat didn’t need to know. Besides, Tessa did make a good showing, and she’d be damned to let some whore take what is rightfully her daughter’s.

“Oh? That’s… wonderful. I’m glad you had a good time. I have completed my chores; may I go to bed now?” Liz’s stomach was quickly growing ill thinking about the Prince marrying her wretched stepsister.

Mrs. Parker looked around the kitchen and then turned towards Liz. “I suppose so.” She watched how Liz visibly relaxed and started to head out of the kitchen, but she snatched her arm as she walked past her.

“Why is your face red and your eyes puffy? You’re so pathetic, you were crying weren’t you? What, are you not happy here? If my generous hospitality isn’t good enough for you then I will be glad to send you away.” Mrs. Parker spat. What an ungrateful brat!
“
No ma’am, I am happy here. I got some dirt in my eye, that’s all. Please do not send me away; this home is all I have left of my father.” Liz begged. She would love to leave her “family”, but this was her home and she knew what being sent away meant; you would be shipped off to some country to work in some building all day with little sleep. At least here she had her father’s home and Alex.

“Do not ever mention him in my presence again!” Mrs. Parker held her hand ready to strike, but she hesitated and replied “Now go to bed, I have lots of work for you planned tomorrow.”

Liz didn’t have to be told twice, and she quickly headed to her bed. Mrs. Parker stood in the kitchen for a few more moments. Her eyes darted to the cabinet where years ago she had found the poison. He was never supposed to have died; it was that little brat that was supposed to!

She was supposed to marry him and live a luxurious life style, and then one day her Tessa would be Queen. Instead she was stuck in this hell hole living off of what the little brat could produce on the farm and by selling the paintings that once lined the halls. She was determined; the rest of her dream had gone the day he took wrong drink, but her daughter would still be Queen; she was sure of that.

Maria quietly crept down to her stepsister’s room. She had finally gotten bold enough to talk to her. She wanted to tell Liz all about the ball, and how beautiful it all was, but when she got to the door she stopped. She could hear the faint sobs from the other side of the door. Should she go in?

The sobbing slowly died down and Maria could no longer hear anything. She turned the knob and lightly pushed it open. Sticking her head in, she saw Liz lying in bed with the ratty sheets barely covering her body. It was dark in the room, but the glow from the moon allowed Maria to see that Liz’s eyes were closed in slumber.

Maria was tempted to wake her up and comfort her with whatever was bothering her, but she knew better. If her mother found out she was in here she would be in for a lashing herself. Besides, Maria knew how precious sleep was for Liz since she worked hard all day with a little amount of time to rest. “Goodnight Elizabeth, sleep well.”

[LPorter]

I am so sorry about not getting this sooner, it had been done a week or two ago but between my beta being busy then myself being busy...well here we are. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and a great new years. My new years resolution: UPDATE THIS MORE OFTEN! Thanks all for your feedback!


Chapter 12

“I am sorry milady, but the shoe just doesn’t fit your foot, so please stop trying to force it in.” Michael tried to say as politely as possible while still in disgust. The young woman’s foot was nearly twice the size of the shoe, but she insisted that it would fit, and unfortunately according the King’s decree everyone had an opportunity to try it on.

Pamela Troy tried once more to shove her foot in the tiny shoe, but her feet were getting sore, and the prince’s bodyguard was getting rather annoyed. Sighing in defeat she handed over the shoe to Michael. She batted her eyes at the Prince across the room that looked rather bored.

“Your highness, I know I may not be that girl you met at the ball, but I could make you very happy” Pam said in a seductive tone as she pushed her chest out noticeably. This was her last chance to steal him away from whoever the girl was.

“I’m sorry miss, but I have made my decision and you are clearly not the girl I met last night, so please do not waste my time any further; I have many other homes to visit so I must be on my way.” Maxwell tried to be as polite as he could, but this girl was getting on his nerves.

Michael let out a thankful sigh and joined Max at the door where they quickly left the manor and mounted their horses. “Maxwell, we’ve been friends since we were born, but I may just kill you for this insane idea! If I see one more girl try to fit her huge ugly feet in that shoe once more I may just break something!”

“Hey, at least they are not trying to marry you! I have to deal with their whining about how I didn’t pick them!” Max retorted.

“Hey, it was your bright idea to have all the girls try on this shoe so you could find your little girlfriend!” Michael snapped back.

“I know you’ve had a long day, so I’ll forgive you for that nasty comment. I know how frustrating it’s been for you and I’m sorry for that. I didn’t think this would take so long. I just know that I met my match and she’s out there somewhere and this shoe is the only link I have to who she is.” Max sighed in defeat. He had lost count how many homes he had visited that day and he couldn’t blame Michael at all for his anger.

“Did you ever consider Maxwell that maybe, just maybe, that this girl doesn’t want to be found? Why else would she not tell you her name and run out like that. I saw her run out; she ran out of there like her dress was on fire!” Michael tentatively told his friend. He didn’t want to upset him, but he needed to face facts.

“Yes, I have thought a lot about that. All I know is that I’ve met two women in my life that been able to set a spark in my heart and I’ve lost both of them before knowing who they are. I’ve been trying to find that damn path for 8 years with no success. Now this woman comes along and I’ve lost her, but I have this shoe and I’m not letting her get away!” Max said with determination in his voice. He would find her; it was not an option.

They took on their horses as Michael led them to the next house on their list. After a time they brought their horses into a trot as they approached a manor. As they got closer and closer to the front door, Max felt an odd sense of déjà vu flood his body. He shook his head knowing that he had never been out this far before.

The pair reluctantly got off their horses and they approached the thick wooden door. Michael turned towards Max for a moment and softly said, “I hope this is the house, cause if it isn’t I may just throw myself into that river we just passed.” Michael turned back to the door and loudly banged on the door.
***************************************************************

Liz lightly scrubbed the floor, not feeling any motivation in her chores. Everywhere she looked she was reminded of the life she was a prisoner of, and of course of the life she had been dreaming of since that day by the river. Throwing the brush into the soapy suds she wiped her hands off on her rags and picked up the bucket.

Walking into the kitchen and out the back door she threw the bucket of dirty water out onto the dry soil. She looked out onto the vast land of her home and sighed. She used to remember tending the garden with her father and how much fun it had been. Now it was just another one of her chores that she dreaded.

Putting down the bucket she went back into home for a moment and grabbed her garden gloves right as she heard a knock on the door. Dropping the gloves she walked briskly towards the door knowing her lazy family would not dare get up and answer the door. She patted down her hair and made sure her hands were clean then slowly opened the door.

Michael was about to knock again impatiently when the door suddenly opened. Sucking in a breath he looked towards Max who nodded him to enter. He took a step in the door and it was then that he noticed the petite brunette still, holding the heavy door open. He took a deep breath to calm himself as he prepared himself for another announcement of the Prince’s presence.

“Milady, sorry to bother you. I am Michael, the Prince’s bodyguard. I am sure you have heard of the King’s decree.” Michael watched as the girl shook her head that she hadn’t, but he also noticed she seemed fearful. Dismissing it, he continued, “Well milady, the King has announced that whomever fits this shoe will be wedded to Prince Maxwell, could you please get all the woman of the home together so that we may try the shoe on each of them?”

Liz opened her eyes up in shock. At first she was scared that somehow the Prince had figured out who she was and was here to take her to prison, but then felt relieved until she realized that they were going try the shoe on her and as much as she would like to get another chance with the Prince, she couldn’t let them find out it was her. She nodded her head and walked towards the staircase and called out to her mother and sisters.

“The Prince’s bodyguard is here for you to try on a shoe.” As she started to finish what she was saying she could hear a clamor coming from the vicinity of Tess' bedroom. She turned her head and gave Michael a small smile, then turned back to the stairs when she heard her step mother and step sisters gracefully coming down the front stair case with smiles plastered their faces.

“Sir, please come on in, make yourself comfortable.” Mrs. Parker softly spoke towards Michael. She waved her hand towards their sitting room. She was inwardly smiling, she had been hoping the Prince would come today and had made sure Tess was wearing her prettiest and most revealing dress she had.

“Thank you Madame, I must retrieve my companion.” Michael said. He turned back towards the door and stepped out a moment. He ushered Max to come in, whom was holding the precious shoe.

“May I announce his royal highness, Prince Maxwell” Michael proudly spoke as Maxwell made his entrance into the manor. He held he shoe softly in his hand as he looked towards the woman before him. He turned his head towards where Michael was when he heard someone gasp.

He looked and saw a small woman staring at him in wonder. Looking at her he felt something nagging him in his head, but he noticed her rags and dismissed whatever he was feeling. He looked at the other women and saw how eager they were that they were, that is except the girl at the end; she seemed more intrigued by his best friend than him. He watched as they all curtsied, and he politely bowed slightly in response.

“Prince Maxwell, how wonderful it is to have you in our humble home. I would like to introduce you to my daughters Tessa and Maria Parker. Please come into our sitting room and make yourself comfortable.” Mrs. Parker showed them into the room.

Liz stood there after they had all left still in shock. The Prince had looked at her! Not only did he look at her, but also something flashed in his eyes as he looked at her; almost as if he recognized her for a moment. It broke her heart when he noticed her clothing and quickly dismissed her presence. She watched as the love of her life walked away with her deceptive family into the next room.

She slowly made her way to the edge of the room and looked on as Michael was placing the shoe onto Maria’s foot. Michael wasn’t even looking to see if the shoe fit as he was staring into the beauty before him. He stopped watching her face when he realized he could not get the shoe on her foot. He was relieved; he did not want this beautiful woman to be the bride of Max. He slowly stood up and smiled when she winked at him.

Michael turned towards the door when he felt eyes behind him. He saw the brunette standing in the doorway. “Milady, please sit down, we need to try this shoe on your foot.” Michael said softly. The girl looked slightly panicked by his words.

Jumping to her feet Mrs. Parker said, “Excuse me sir, but that is my servant and she is not worthy of trying on that shoe, besides my daughter here has not tried on the shoe yet and surely my daughter should be trying on the beautiful shoe before my filthy servant!” She eyed Michael hoping he would not dare try the shoe on Elizabeth.

Michael, feeling conflicted, looked towards Max and saw his conflicted face as well. Trying to please the woman, he turned towards Tessa and he knelt down to place the shoe on her foot. He gritted his teeth as he looked up at Mrs. Parker before trying on the shoe; he did not like her spoiled attitude.

Liz felt relieved as her stepmother spoke up in protestation. She was hurt by her words greatly, but she couldn’t let Michael put that shoe on her foot. It was then that she noticed her mother’s shoe starting to be placed onto stepsister’s foot. Bile rose up in her throat as the thought of her mother’s shoe on such a witch. She wanted nothing more than to run over and snatch her shoe back, but she was frozen in her spot.

She turned towards the Prince whom was looking at her in slight sympathy. He raised one side of his lips in a half smile. He felt bad for the woman’s rude remarks, and it was then that he noticed her beauty despite the dirt on her face. He only tore his face away from the girl when he heard a shriek coming from Tessa.

“It fits!”

...TBC...

[LPorter]

I really do want to thank you all personally, but college just started for me (which is why this is so late) and even though its Friday I have a lot of work to do this weekend and if I don't get started on the stuff I need to do, I'll never leave my house this weekend. Thanks for all of your support and feedback, they all mean a lot.

A special thanks goes out to a few people who have nominated me since my last update. You have no idea how much it means to me to see my name nominated for things like "Best Challenge Response Fic", "Best All Around Fic", and "Best AU without Aliens". It really touches me and makes me proud of my work. Thank you all and keep nominating, it ends in a week!! Without further chatter, here is your long awaited update!

Chapter 13

Everyone went silent and dropped their jaws as their eyes landed on the shoe fitting Tessa’s foot perfectly. Even Mrs. Parker was stunned into silence; a first in her lifetime. Tess was the only one that broke the silence by jumping up and down screaming with a smile from ear to ear.

Max’s jaw was nearly on the floor. Was this really the girl he was going to marry? Was this the girl from the ball? She was beautiful and the shoe did fit, but something was definitely off. He whipped his head towards his friend and saw that he too was in complete shock.

“Congratulations milady, you seem to be the woman I’ve been desperately looking for.” Max said cautiously. “I just have to ask you two questions before I can ask for your hand.”

“Your highness, I thought…” Mrs. Parker started to interject, but Michael held his hand up signaling her to be quiet. Mrs. Parker ground her teeth and looked towards her daughter nervously.

“Why of course your highness, ask me anything.” Tessa responded sweetly. She could not let her nervousness show through. She was going to be Queen, and no stupid question was going to wreck that.

“First...why does your voice sound so different? And secondly, the night of the ball, what question did I ask you before you went running off?” Max said confidently. If this girl was an imposter then his question would prove her to be one. He noticed that Michael was giving him a questioning look, but he gave him a half smile letting him know that he knew what he was doing.

“I had a cold that night your highness; that’s why it sounds a bit different. As for your second question you, um, asked me…” Tessa stammered. She was trying to wrack her brain trying to remember what she had heard of the conversation. That’s it! She remembered hearing the last few words of what he had said! “You asked me my name, your highness.” She replied with a smile.

Prince Maxwell was stunned that she knew the answer. This was the girl he had been looking for! He slowly kneeled down before Tessa. He looked up at her face and smiled. He held out his hand for her to place in his. After she placed her delicate hands in his he asked, “Tessa Parker, you showed me spirit and a good heart that night. Will you please do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”

Tess squealed and threw her hands around Max. He awkwardly hugged her back. He was thankful to have found her, but then why was something telling him that he had made a huge mistake?

The room erupted in applause. Maria was clapping because she feared what might happen if she didn’t. She knew her sister was not the girl the Prince had been looking for, but what could she do?

Liz stood in dubious shock; her body was frozen in place. She could hardly believe her eyes or ears. She was watching the dream she’s had her whole life being played out in front of her, but instead of her hugging the Prince her evil sister was in her place; wearing her mother’s shoe no less!

This was the worst moment of her life since her father’s passing. Despite all the verbal and physical abuse that she endured over the last eight years, this was more painful than all of that. The very thin thread that had been keeping her going through all torture, her dream of a life beyond the manor, was painfully ripped from her then spat on and then incinerated like firewood.

She wanted to yell and scream at the Prince to take back his words; that she was the girl that he had been looking for, not the blonde imposter in front of him! Her pain and anger was clinging to the edge of being visible to everyone in the room, but she knew there was nothing she could do. Why was she so upset anyways, she knew it was inevitable that he’d find a girl who had small feet like her. Maybe she was just clinging to the hope that he would somehow see through her dirt and recognize her and not care about her status, or maybe it was just that she never expected Tess of all people to be the person he would marry. Either way all she could do was stand there and watch in horror.

Michael was elated that the search for Maxwell’s bride was finally over. Even better was that bride was sisters with a girl he had an interest in. With the wedding planning and Tessa’s move to the castle he would be able to get to know this Maria woman more. Maybe going on this ridiculous search was not so bad after all.

Michael smiled for his friend, but his smile grew a little wider when he looked towards his blonde haired beauty that was still in shock. Why was she shocked that her sister was the girl from the ball? Wouldn’t she know that it was her sister, and if so why is she so surprised right now? Michael felt the back of his neck prickle. There is definitely something strange about this.

Mrs. Parker was so shaken by the whole thing she could not even move. This was everything she had been waiting for! When her husband took the wrong drink, she thought her dreams had gone to the grave right along with him. Without his power and income she could only hope for an opportunity like happened at the ball. She was a determined woman and she would make sure her daughter was Queen one day, but for this to fall so easily into place was surely a sign form the heavens that her kin was meant to rule. A slow smirk of satisfaction spread across her face as her excitement and pride came over her. Her daughter would soon be the future Queen!

The Prince and his body guard left for the castle but not before telling his fiancée that she should pack her things so that she and her family could move into the castle as soon as they liked. Naturally of course as soon as the two men left, Mrs. Parker started barking orders towards Elizabeth to start packing everything up.

As the immense pain of the events started to leak to the back of her mind, she realized that the situation was not all bad. Her step family would move into the castle, and she would finally live in peace in her father’s home and live out her days without their abuse. Tess might be marrying her beloved, but at least she could get her life back. With a new sense of motivations, Liz quickly packed their things.

“Mother, don’t you think this home would be quite lovely for me and my husband to vacation at in the summer; away from the people and the boring royal meetings. We could tear down where Elizabeth lived and create a large balcony to overlook the river. Isn’t that a wonderful idea mother?” Tessa asked, already feeling her newfound status.

“Yes darling, that is a wonderful idea, but don’t you think your husband will have many castles to visit on vacation that would be suitable?” Mrs. Parker replied already imagining all the wonderful places she would be staying at now that her daughter was engaged to the Prince.

“Tear down my room? What are you two talking about? I thought you were moving into the castle, and I would finally be able to live in my father’s home in peace!” Elizabeth yelled. How dare they think those thoughts! They abused her for 8 years and sold off her father’s things, and when they finally decide to leave her home they are going to tear it apart to create a vacation home!

Mrs. Parker promptly slapped Liz across the face as hard as she could. Caught off guard by the attack, Liz stumbled and fell onto the floor. “Don’t you dare speak to me that way! I am your stepmother and I am going to be the future queen’s mother! After everything I have done for you, and this is how you speak to me.”

Liz was furious. Never in her life had she ever wanted to do bodily harm to anyone, but in this moment all she saw was red. Standing up quickly she yelled, “Everything you’ve done for me? You’ve made my life a living hell for the past eight years just so you wouldn’t have to lift your finger!” Knowing she had nothing else to loose, Liz slapped Mrs. Parker right back. She watched as her step mother clutched her face, surprised that her step daughter fought back for once.

Infuriated to see her mother so mistreated by her poor excuse for a step sister, Tess formulated a plan to put Elizabeth in her place. “I have an idea mother. If our dear Elizabeth is so willing to speak and act to you that way, she can come to the palace with us and be my personal servant. But just to show my dear step sister that I am a reasonable princess, I will allow her to keep her stupid room if she goes to the castle without a fuss. She thinks she can get away with that attitude here, but at the palace she will learn her place or she will learn what happens to anyone who disrespects royalty!” Tess sneered at Liz

Mrs. Parker’s lips turned upwards into an evil grin. She liked the way her daughter thought. What better punishment for that brat than to have to wait hand on foot on Tessa and watch her become Queen one day. That would show that pest.

Liz stood there in utter shock and betrayal. After all the years of loyalty and work over the last 8 years and this is what happens. Her already incinerated dream was now defecated on and infested with disgusting maggots. No matter what, she would be going to castle and serving as Tessa’s servant or else she would be forcefully taken when the royal guards got word, and she would be in a worse situation than she is now. With tears threatening to spill forth from her eyes, Liz turned her back towards her family and went to her room to pack.

[LPorter]

Hey guys, I am so sorry for my long absence. My life had been really hard lately. I am actually home sick right now (which is a bad thing when you are in college). I am sorry that this is not longer, but I thought a smaller chapter was better than keeping you all waiting longer. I hope you enjoy it.

I would have liked to have done personal thank you's to all of you who have left fb, given bumps, and supported me... but I need to get some rest. I just want to say thank you to everyone for being so patient, and I appreciate all your comments. Thanks to Dee for betaing and for being patient with me. One last thing, a while ago someone sent me a banner for this fic, but I don't have an account at a place so I can post it (the banner I have is hosted at a friend's site). I will try and get it posted so you can all admire it.


Chapter 14

Galloping behind the carriage, Liz looked at the huge castle as it drew closer and closer. Her stepfamily was in the carriage and Martha and Martin were in front directing the carriage horses. As they passed through the palace gates Liz reflexively slowed down the horse as she gazed at the impressive building. This was her new home, whether she liked it or not.

As she scanned the property Liz’s eyes fell upon numerous guards that were watching her every movement with scrutiny. She wanted to scream at them to arrest her step mother and Tessa. She wanted to turn her horse around and bolt out of the palace grounds back towards home, but she knew that wasn’t an option.

She watched as her step family pull up to the impressive entrance of the palace, which was adorned with more guards. She watched as they slowly exited their carriage. She watched the smiles on Tessa and her step mother grow wider as they looked at the palace. She watched.

The pain was growing in her heart as she watched as a man in a uniform escorted them inside, but did not give her a second glance. Her legs hesitantly walked towards the large doors, but her stomach was turning. She thought as she took her first steps into the palace that she might just vomit on the expensive floor. Memories of the ball flooded her brain without guard. She knew she was in perfect health, but she could have sworn she felt like she knew how it felt to die.

The torture did not end, but instead intensified as she heard the voice of her dreams come calling from the doorway of a secret room. “Good afternoon Lady Parker” Max called out as he walked confidently towards her step family. Liz thought she was going to hyperventilate seeing him again; here where she fell in love with him, but also where she ran away from him.

Max walked up to Mrs. Parker and gave a bow as she curtsied and bowed her head in respect. He turned towards Tessa with a slight smile and politely addressed her and bowed. Tessa made sure to give him a good view of her well endowed body as she curtsied back. Liz watched as his eyes had briefly traveled down to her step sister’s breasts. The vomit was rising in her throat.

Max bowed at Maria, who seemed shocked being addressed by the Prince, and also simply because in a short while the Prince was going to be her brother-in-law. Max finished his bow and looked briefly at Liz, but his eyes quickly reverted to Mrs. Parker and Tess. “My ladies it would be my pleasure to give you a tour of my, err, I mean where you will be living now. Please follow me.”

Liz grudgingly followed the Prince and her step family around the palace grounds. She could hardly believe how beautiful the whole place was. She had never seen anything so beautiful in all her life. Max had showed them the library, but no one was interested, besides her, so they quickly moved on. She had never seen such a large library before, but now that she had she knew if she had any free time, which was unlikely with Tess as her boss, she would spend her time there.

Max had shown Maria, Tess, and Mrs. Parker their rooms so they could change before dinner. He was ready to leave when he realized that Liz was there. With all his nervousness about showing his future wife and her family the palace that he had forgotten that she was there. He looked at her big doe eyes which radiated fear, and if he wasn’t mistaken some pain.

“I’m sorry, I forgot about showing you where you’ll stay. I, um, wasn’t aware that you were going to be coming to castle with Tess, so your room is not prepared.” Max said awkwardly. He did not know what to say to her. She looked somewhat pained by his comment, but he was not sure why.

“I’m sorry your highness, I did not know I was coming. I do not mean to be a bother.” Liz said in a soft voice with her eyes downcast. She figured that he did not want her here. After all she was merely a peasant and he had more than enough. “I can sleep on the floor by Tess’ bed. I am her servant; she will require my services often.”

Max stepped closer to her and took his index finger and placed it under her chin. Gently he pushed her head upwards so that she might look him in the eye. “Please, do not look down. I want to see people’s eyes when I talk to them. Tess will have plenty of servants at her disposal, and as you saw there are plenty of rooms. No one sleeps on the floor at the palace.” He spoke softly. He had a feeling that if he spoke to her like a Prince normally did that he would send her into more of a panic than she was already in. Something made him want to soothe her worries. He had never felt this type of concern for anyone besides his family. He had no idea why he felt it for this girl. “Come with me.”

As he showed her the room down the hall from Tess’, he saw how her eyes lit up as she noticed the bed. The room did not have many furnishings or fancy sheets, but still she looked like he had just given her the world. He smiled as he watched her walk around the room in wonder. His eyes sobered a little though when he thought about why she might be so excited. Was this her first real bed? He did not want to think about it. He couldn’t care about a servant. He just couldn’t. He was a Prince with a wedding to plan. He excused himself and closed the door behind him. He leaned against the wall outside her room. Why did he have a feeling this girl was going to change everything?

[LPorter]

Thanks everyone for being so supportive, and being so understanding of why I didn't post sooner. As a thanks for that, and because my last chapter was so short, I put off my papers and wrote a longer chapter for you. I hope you all like it. I also want to show off this banner mrsjbehr made for me a while back, but I didn't have a site to host it at until now. Thanks so much mrsjbehr, I am truly honored!! Another special thanks to all who nominated/voted for me last round, and to Dee (and anyone else who did too) who nominated me this round. And another special thanks to Dee for beta-ing me. Enough of me, onto the story!





Chapter 15

Liz rubbed her tired back as she made her way back to her room. After the Prince had left she had little time to enjoy her new bed because Tessa had been yelling for her. She helped her stepsister get ready for dinner, and then she was busy unpacking her family’s things. The royal family had sent a few other servants to do that job, but her stepmother had told them that Liz would attend to those things. Liz couldn’t believe that her stepmother would do that. There was a palace full of servants! They did not need her anymore. Why couldn’t they leave her alone!

She had managed to get a late dinner after unpacking all the things, but she had felt awkward walking into the kitchen. She had shyly walked into the hustle and bustle that was the royal kitchen. She felt strange being there, but when a girl around her age recognized that she was new, she helped show her around. Liz was happy that in this intimidating place she had at least met someone friendly.

She was glad that she had the rest of the night off. Her stepfamily was having an audience with the King and Queen. The King had wanted to get to know the Parker family, since his son would be marrying Tessa. Liz was just glad to have the rest of the night off. She couldn’t remember a time when she wasn’t working until bedtime. Liz arrived at her door, but the night was still young. She decided to enjoy what was left of it.

Gently opening the door, Liz was in awe once again of the vast library. She quietly closed the door behind her and made her way to stack of books. Running her fingers over the spine of the books she could hardly believe she was touching all the great classics of literature.

Her fingers stopped abruptly when they touched a book she thought she would never see again. Romeo and Juliet. A tear formed in her eye as she pulled it off the shelf. The last time she had read this book was the last few moments before her father had been taken from her. Her heart clenched as the painful memory filled her small body. She opened the book to a random page. Scanning the words she could hear her father’s voice reading them to her. Closing her eyes she held the book so tightly her knuckles turned white. She did not even hear the door open and close behind her.

Maxwell had finally managed to get away from the meeting with his parents and his future in laws. He did not think he could take another moment. They were discussing the wedding plans. At first Max did not mind, but when his bride was talking about how she wanted pink flowers everywhere he could not take it anymore. He was beginning to think he made a mistake with this girl. She had been so wonderful the night of the ball, but now she seemed flightly. Rather than intriguing him, she was giving him seductive looks and trying to cling to his side as much as possible. What had he done?

He decided to take refuge in the library. He doubted she would think to find him there, and he was willing to bet she was not into reading for pleasure. Making sure no one saw him he quietly opened the door the library and snuck inside. He closed the door and leaned against it in relief. His eyes roamed the library. This had always been his place of refuge because hardly anyone went there, but he also had a deep love for literature.

As his eyes darted from one end of the room to the other he noticed a small figure standing in front of one of the stacks. He could not see her face from this angle, only her delicate dark hair. She was slightly hunched over, and her hands were clutching a book. He slowly walked towards her, curious to whom the girl was.

Liz jumped when she felt a hand touch her shoulder. She dropped the book in shock and turned around to face whoever it was. Her eyes met the most beautiful amber eyes she had ever seen. It only took a moment to realize those eyes belonged to the Prince. Shock was then replaced by a rapid feeling of fear. She quickly dropped her eyes and curtsied.

“I am so sorry your highness. I did not realize you came in. I will go back to my room now.” Liz did not raise her eyes. She quickly stood up, but kept her head down, and took a few steps in the direction of the door. She only stopped when she felt her armed be tugged, causing her body to whip back around. She looked at his angry face, and recoiled slightly knowing he would surely strike her.

“What are you apologizing for? There is no reason to be sorry except that I believe I told you earlier that I want everyone to look at me in the eye. I don’t want to see you lower your eyes to me again? Is that clear?” Max said with a little bit of anger in his voice.

“Yes your highness, I am sorry. It will never happen again.” Liz could barely keep her voice straight. Her voice had been shaky and weak. She was petrified that he would harm her, the way her stepfamily had been doing for the last eight years. Between the emotions of the book and the scare from the Prince, tears were threatening to fall from her eyes. As she felt the tears form, Liz turned her head away from him, so he could not see.

He once again took his hand to her face and directed it back so it faced his own. “Dear me. I should be the one apologizing. I did not mean to frighten you or upset you. That was not my intention. I did not recognize you from behind. I was curious who was in here. No one ever comes in here.” Maxwell explained.

Liz calmed down a great deal when she heard what he had said. He was sorry? He was not going to beat her? Her heart soared as she realized he was being sympathetic. Never had anyone apologized to her before, not since her father had passed on. “Your highness, please do not apologize. I am but a servant, you owe me no apology.” Liz replied softly.

Her words stung Max. It felt like she had slapped him in the face. She did not think he should apologize because he was royalty and she was a servant. He knew she was right, after all royalty is not supposed to care. Wasn’t it just hours ago that he did not want to care about her past because of her status? Just then he realized he never been introduced to her.

“No, I do owe you an apology, servant or not. I might be royalty, and as hard as it is for me to admit, I do make mistakes sometimes.” He watched as his words elicited a small giggle from the girl. Watching her giggle caused a small smile to cross his face. “You know, I have never been introduced to you. What is your name?” He should know her name; she was a servant to his bride. Who was he kidding? He wanted to know what name belonged to such an intriguing woman.

“My name is Elizabeth Parker, your highness.” Liz spoke softly. She could hardly believe that the Prince wanted to know her name. Why did he care? ‘He just wants to know your name so that he can order me to do whatever he needs’, she thought bitterly. She refused to think that maybe, just maybe, he was actually interested in her.

Elizabeth Parker. The name seemed so fitting. He liked the sound of it. Wait, Parker? Tessa’s last name is Parker. Did Elizabeth take her master’s last name? Maxwell was really confused.

“Your last name is Parker?” He asked incredulously. He watched as she nodded in confusion. “But Tessa’s last name is Parker.” He could not figure out what he was missing.

Liz noticed that he seemed confused. “Yes your highness her last name is Parker. Tessa and Maria are my stepsisters. Lady Parker is my stepmother.” Liz explained. She watched as the multiple emotions flickered across his face. He seemed to understand at first, but then a confused expression swept across his face.

“But I thought you were Tessa’s servant.” Max said slowly. He did not understand. Mrs. Parker said that she was Tessa’s servant, and earlier Elizabeth had said she would sleep on Tessa’s floor. What was going on?

“Yes I am your highness. They are my stepfamily, but I am their servant.” Liz explained. Why did he look so confused? He looked at her like she had ten heads. What was he not understanding?

“You’re their servant, but you are their family? I don’t understand. Where is your father?” Max asked. How could this girl be a servant to her own family? How could her father allow his daughter by blood be a servant to her stepfamily. Why hadn’t he moved in with them?

Her eyes dropped with tears sliding her face. Max felt like he had been punched in the gut. He had made her cry. He felt like such a horrible person. She looked back at him, and wiped her tears away. “My father passed away when I was only 10 years old. After he died, my stepfamily put me to work. They could not afford more servants so they put me to work.” Liz attempted to explain and justify her status.

Max was astonished. He felt so badly for her loss and he understood that her family must have had financial problems when her father passed on, but he could not understand why they put a 10 year old girl into the life of a servant. He watched as another tear trickled down her face.

He raised his hand to her face to wipe the tear away, but he saw her flinch. He burrowed his eyebrows in worry, but continued to move his hands closer to her face. He softly brushed the tear off her face. He locked eyes with her. She looked so scared and sad. He leaned slightly in towards her. As his head lowered slightly, they heard Tessa’s bellowing call for Elizabeth. They broke apart quickly. Liz curtsied and quickly excused herself without waiting for him to reply.

He watched as she scurried out of the library. He could not believe what he almost did. He wanted to kiss her! He wanted to kiss a servant, and not just any servant; he wanted to kiss his fiancée’s stepsister! Rubbing his face with his hands, he was about to leave when he noticed the book she had been looking at on the floor. He bent down and picked it up. He read the title. He smiled remembering the story. He held the book at his side as he exited the library.

[LPorter]

Thanks everyone for all your feedback!! I have to get back to my homework, but I wanted to get this posted to you all. I hope you all like it!



Chapter 16

After doing chores for her snobby stepsister, Liz sat down for the first time in hours. Her mind raced as she thought about what had almost happened in the library. She could have sworn he was going to kiss her. Why would he want to kiss a mere peasant, especially when he thought he was in love with her stepsister? She must be reading too much into it. She was a fool to think that he, a prince, could ever find anything about her beautiful. After all she dressed in rags; nothing about her appearance was pretty.

Liz stood up and walked quietly over to the glass door. She had discovered earlier that her room had a tiny balcony. The Prince must have forgotten about that fact when he gave her the room, but she was not complaining. Stepping out onto the balcony she released a sigh. The night sky was clear, revealing gorgeous stars. As she stared the sky she couldn’t help but remember being out on another balcony looking at these same stars, but that time with the company of the Prince.

The little time they shared came rushing back to her. He wanted to know what it was like out there. She found it ironic that he wanted to get of the palace to know what was out there, and all her life she wanted to get out of there and be in the palace. Now she was in the palace, and she couldn’t help but be disappointed. This wasn’t how she had dreamed living at the palace. Liz wondered if the Prince would be as disappointed living away from the palace as she was living in it.

Rubbing her tired back, she had to admit that it was not as bad working here as it had been back at home. She had only been at the palace since the afternoon, but she could tell she wouldn’t have to work as hard because of the enormous staff. The thing was she was almost happier at home. At least when she was home she was living in the home she had grown up in; the home she shared with her father for ten years. She did not want to admit it, but it was also better at home because now she would have to wait hand on foot on Tessa during her engagement and eventual marriage and to the only other person in her life that she loved other than her father and Alex.

Alex. She missed her dear friend. She hadn’t even gotten a chance to say goodbye to him before she left. He would understand where she was and why she hadn’t said goodbye, but it didn’t stop the pain. Alex had been the only person to be there for her when she was feeling down; the only person who tended to her wounds from the lashings, which got infected sometimes.

She was so lost in her thoughts she didn’t even hear her door open. She was taken from her thoughts when she heard the glass door behind her open. Startled, she turned around to see Maria standing nervously. What was she doing in her room?

“I’m sorry to bother you Liz, I realize you’ve had a hard day. My mother and Tessa are sleeping, so I wanted to talk to you if you don’t mind,” Maria said nervously. This was the first opportunity in the last eight years she had to talk to her stepsister without fear of reprisal from her mother.

Confused, Liz slowly nodded her head and gestured for Maria to step out onto the balcony. She had never talked to Maria before. Sure they had exchanged simple words, but they had never talked before. She was nervous and curious as to what Maria would want to talk to her, of all people, about. Liz also couldn’t believe that Maria apologized to her and also acknowledge that she might be tired. No one had ever cared if she was exhausted.

“I have wanted to talk to you so many times since the first day we met. I was so excited when I met your father and he told me that he had a daughter my age. Tessa is my sister, but we never really played together. She bossed me around all the time. I thought my mother marrying your father would finally change things.” Maria looked thoughtful for a moment. She stopped looking at Liz, feeling overwhelmed by her guilt. Looking out towards the stars, she clutched her hands together and continued.

“I saw you standing there that day, your dress all dirty with a brave smile on your face. I know the news must have been hurtful for you, but yet you smiled. I really admired that. So many times I wanted to play with you, but Mother and Tessa wouldn’t allow it. I feared them. After your father passed away, I wanted to be there for you. I don’t even know how to express my regret for what my mother and sister have done to you all these years. I saw how badly they lashed you and I did nothing to stop them. I am so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?” As she asked the question she turned, with tears strolling down her face, towards Liz.

First the whole thing with the Prince and now Maria was apologizing for the last eight years. She gently pinched her arm, but quickly rubbed it when she realized that it wasn’t a dream. She watched as tears fell out of Maria’s eyes.

Liz wanted to forgive Maria. She wanted to forgive her so that the pain of it all could all go away. If she accepted her apology then she and Maria could be friends and never have to deal with this again. Liz knew better though. How could she blindly accept an apology without at least getting her feelings known?

"You have no idea how many times I've wanted to hear you say those words Maria. Every day for the last eight years I've wanted to stick up for me; to let me know that you cared. I was so happy when you arrived that I would finally have sisters to play with. I lost my father, the only person that ever loved me, but it didn't matter to you or your family! Instead I was cast to the side and put to work. If I made a mistake I was beaten and flogged," Liz screamed out. The pain from her childhood was coming back to her again.

"When I should have been playing with other children and learning how to become a lady I was doing almost every chore in the household. I was physically and emotionally harmed for any mistakes. I did have other servants to help me, but they were too old to do much of anything! Did you or your family even say goodbye to them when we left? Did you ever appreciate Martin?" Liz asked.

"All I ever wanted was to be loved. I finally gave up, knowing no matter how hard I tried I'd never get what I wanted. I know you were scared Maria, but so was I. I lived every day in fear. So many times I wanted to die so that I could escape my life and see my father again, but I hoped that one day I'd meet someone who could take me away from all this." As Liz finished what she was saying she looked off towards the palace grounds and smiled bittersweetly.

"When Tessa was annonced to be the future bride of Prince Maxwell, I thought I would finally be free of this hell, but Tessa's sick mind forced me to abandon my father's home to become her servant. Now it is the same thing as before, only I'm in a strange place away from my only friend Alex." Liz managed to say as the tears threatened to spill and a lump was forming in her throat.

"He's not your only friend Liz. I would like to be your friend too, if you can forgive me." Maria was gentle with her words. She saw Liz finally letting out the years of pain and anger, and she knew that Liz might not be able to overcome that to accept what she had to say.

Liz hadn’t even realized she was crying until she walked over to Maria and enveloped her into a hug. She knew that her and Maria still had a lot of things between them, but Maria was offering her the one thing she needed more than anything. Friendship.

Awkwardly pulling out of the hug, Maria looked at her stepsister in sympathy. She knew that her apology meant a lot to Liz, but she couldn’t help but feel guilt for all the years she watched her get abused. Maria knew that she still couldn’t help Liz out of fear of her family, but she vowed this would not be the last time that she talked to Liz.

“I better get going. Long day tomorrow and I need my beauty sleep.” Maria chuckled slightly. Liz wiped her tears away and smiled at Maria. Maria gave her a slightly wave and excused herself.

Liz turned back to the stars. Looking up at the stars once more, she felt like the stars held something more than when she had looked at them a few minutes before. She knew living at the palace was going to test her emotional strength, and knowing Tessa it would test her physical strength as well, but she had a feeling that things were going to better than she had first anticipated. Taking one last glance back at the stars she smiled and headed to bed.

On the other side of the castle a very confused Max was standing out on his balcony. He watched the stars, as he did every night. It had been a very strange day to say the very least. His fiancée was not exactly how he thought she would be. She was beautiful, and she did have some good qualities; however, he felt like that something that sparked him the night of the ball was not there anymore. What had happened?

He had wanted to kiss his fiancée’s servant! He shook his head; she was not just her servant, she was Tessa's stepsister. Something about that was so strange. He just hoped Elizabeth didn’t tell Tessa what happened. The last thing he wanted to do was to disgrace his future bride by being attracted to another woman.

He watched the stars in wonder. He thought back to the night Tessa and he had that conversation. That one conversation had changed his impression and outlook on life. He looked around the palace grounds. His eye caught a figure out on a balcony. He squinted his eyes and saw that the woman was none other than Elizabeth. He watched as she looked thoughtfully at the stars, smiled, and then went back into her room.

There was something almost breathtaking about watching her. Max shook his head, trying to rid himself of thoughts about Elizabeth. He couldn’t think of her like that. He was a prince after all; an engaged prince. Taking one last look at the stars he went to bed.

[LPorter]

Here is the long awaited chapter, and I know it is short but I promise to have a longer chapter 18 out soon. I wanted to add onto my AN from a few days ago. I created a forum on Sunday and that is where I will probably be when I finish this story. I encourage you all to check it out (the link is in my signature) and join if you like! Anyways enough about me, on with the chapter!



Chapter 17

Walking through the palace grounds, Liz was attempting to take her first and probably only break of the day. She looked about her and saw beautiful flowers blooming all around her. She could spend all day here if she just had the time. The only perk about being Tess’ servant at the palace was that she did not have at her home as well as the short breaks she got when Tess was attending one of her royal functions.

Liz slowed down her pace when she saw a big oak tree that looked very inviting from the harsh sunlight. She sat down on the soft grass and took in a deep breath. The soft breeze sifted through her hair, picking it up and making it dance across her face. Pulling the strands out of her face, she let her mind wander. She couldn’t help but notice that she had not seen the prince since her last encounter, and she could not figure out if that was a positive thing or not. Of course it was positive. She was a servant after all; she is not supposed to fraternize with a prince!

Shaking herself out of her thoughts, she noticed a small delicate flower growing by her feet. She picked it out of the ground to take a closer look at it. Despite the fact that it was probably just a weed it was, in fact, a beautiful flower. She lifted the petals to her nose and softly inhaled. Liz was shocked to find a strong, sweet fragrance coming from such a tiny flower.

She pulled the flower away from her face, and she noticed the intricacy of the colors on the soft petals. It was far too beautiful to be a weed. What she couldn't see was that she had a lot more in common with the flower than she could imagine. Liz was so caught up looking at the flower that she did not hear the pounding of feet charging at her at that very moment.

Seconds later Liz found herself lying on her back with a paws planted on her chest with a panting, hairy face staring at her. Before she could even open her mouth or make any attempt to move she saw a pair of strong arms grab the dog to the beast off of her.

Still lying on her back she saw a hand shoved near her face, offering to help her up. She placed her delicate hand in his, feeling her body quickly pulled upright until she was an inch away from the body of her rescuer. Tilting her eyes up, she noticed that ther rescuer was none other than the prince.

Quickly recovering she let go of his hand and curtsied. “Thank you, your highness, for helping me,” she spoke softly.

“No thank yous are necessary Miss Elizabeth. I apologize about my dog Wilson, he can get overly excited sometimes, and he forgets he is not supposed to jump all over everyone he sees,” Max chuckled. His eyes sobered a little and he added, “Are you alright? He didn’t harm you, did he?”

“No your highness, I assure you I am quite alright.” Liz responded with a slight blush. She could hardly believe the prince cared about her well being. Shouldn’t he be more worried that his dog might have gotten himself dirty by touching a servant?

“Well please humor me, I would like to look you over just to make sure he did not hurt you,” Max said with a slight smile on his face. He noticed how she seemed to tense at his comment. Why was this girl so afraid of him? “I assure you, I don’t bite.” He tried to joke with her to ease her tension, but from the look on her face he could see that she was anything but relaxed.

She watched as he gently took her arm and pushed up her sleeve. He looked up and down the bare length of her arm and noticed no marks. Smiling, he looked at her eyes to see her smiling slightly herself. He rolled back down her sleeve, and pushed up her other sleeve for inspection. He looked at her arm, frowning at what he saw. He did not see any cuts, but what he did see was a rather large scar on her right arm.

Liz had forgotten all about her scar on her arm because she was still in shock that the prince was touching her, knowing she was just a servant. When she saw his face scrunch up and begin to frown she looked down to see what he was upset about. She saw him looking at her large scar. Quickly pulling her sleeve back down, she pulled her body away from the prince.

“Thank you, your highness, for being so caring and diligent, but as I said before I am quite alright. I’m sure my step sister will need me shortly, so I must be going.” She couldn’t help her bitter attitude slip through. She did not want the pity of a prince, she only wanted to go to her father’s home and live out the rest of her days in peace. If she only looked deeper, however, she would see that the prince’s care meant more to her than anything since her father’s passing had.

Max watched her walk quickly towards the palace doors. He did not understand what he had done wrong. He was only tending to her, so why was she so angry with him? What bothered him more was the scar he saw on her arm. He tried to tell himself that she must have gotten that from playing as a child or maybe she had accidentally fallen one day, but his heart was warning him that there was more going on with Elizabeth than he knew.

Looking down at his dog, he noticed that he too was watching her retreat. He let out a small bark and then a whining noise. He looked up at his master and tilted his head. Max patted his dog on the head and scratched him behind the ear. “I know boy, I know.”

[LPorter]

Hey guys, I am so sorry for the long delay. My dog was very ill and my mom got in a car accident (she's alright). Overall it was just a bad week and it absolutely killed my muse. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and thank you very much to everyone who left fb. Since there is only a couple days left of nominations I just want to say thank you to the few people who did nominate me this round, I appreciate it.

SarahWhitman- I can't say about Alex, but I will tell you that if you go back to the 6th chapter (?) where Isabel is talking to Max before the ball starts. She is married to Jesse and is expecting a baby. I am actually a pretty hardcore CC person, but to expect that Isabel would embrace Alex, I felt, would be too much of a stretch. Don't worry Alex will be back, but not yet.


Chapter 18

Running past the other servants, Liz ducked to her room and shut the door behind her. She leaned against the cold wood and tried to hold back her tears. She pulled up her sleeve and looked at the very same scar that the prince had been looking at only a minute prior. Slowly tracing her fingers over the slightly raised skin, a tear trickled down her face as she remembered the night she received the scar.

“Elizabeth, where is my tea?” Mrs. Parker bellowed. Her fingers were clutched into fists upon the dinning room table. Her eyes narrowed as she saw Liz walk into the room sheepishly with tea in hand. “It is about time you insolent girl!”

“I am sorry, stepmother” Liz replied softly. Her hands shook as she placed the tea on the table. Her stepmother’s temper scared her deeply. She grabbed the bowl of sugar that was in the middle of the table and brought it over to her stepmother, but before she could place it down she tripped.

“You clumsy brat! You broke the bowl!” Mrs. Parker screamed as she stood above Liz who was beginning to pick up the pieces. Grabbing Liz by the ear, Mrs. Parker dragged Liz outside where she grabbed a switch lying on the ground.

Seeing what she was picking up Liz was horrified. She let out a blood curdling scream as the switch tore open the back of her dress and cut into her flesh. Her heart pumped wildly in her chest as she feared the next lashing She could feel her skin burn as the switch violently split her skin. She also felt her blood gushing from the wounds. Trying to shield herself from the switch, she used her arm defensively. Instead of stopping the switch, the switch cut the flesh on her arm instead. It was only when she heard Maria scream in fright from the doorway that Mrs. Parker stopped.

She turned her weak body towards her stepmother. Mrs. Parker was staring coldly at her. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Maria’s horrified face, but her reaction had no meaning at the moment. Her body was shaking from the trauma. She turned her head back down towards her hands which were clutching the grass. She could feel her head feeling light and she felt as if the world had suddenly started spinning. She felt her body loose its remaining strength and begin to fall, but she never felt the ground hit her body.

When she regained consciousness she found herself lying on her bed. Her back and arm ached and felt as though she had been ripped apart. When she slowly sat up she remembered what had happened. She looked at the wound on her arm. It had been tended too, but who had done that? It must have been Martin, but she had never seen him tend to a wound before. Confused, she started to get back up when her head felt light again. She decided to lay back down on the bed and rest a little before getting back to her chores.

Liz’s body slowly slid down the door as she recalled that day. She had only been 12 years old when that had happened, but it felt like only yesterday. She had been hit before that day, but it wasn’t until that day that she had been beaten that severely. She received a couple similar beatings later, but Liz had quickly learned to not miss a beat in the Parker home, and she made sure she never dropped anything again. However, living in the fear that she might make a mistake again was trying and had eaten away at her over the years. It was not until the prince frowned at her scar that she actually allowed herself to cry over her past. She walked over to her bed and curled up on the bed, letting the sobs fully come out for the first time in her life.

Through her sobs she did not hear the door slowly open. She did not hear a person walk to her bed. She only noticed she was not alone when she felt the weight shift next to her on the bed. She opened her eyes and turned to see a teary eyed Maria next to her.

No words were spoken as her stepsister enveloped her into a hug. Maria did not have to know what was bothering her to know that Liz needed her. It was the first time that they were able to grieve for Liz’s terrible life together. For the first time in her life Liz clung to Maria like her life depended on it. She had confided in Alex over the years, but she never cried in front of him; she wanted to be brave for him.

“What’s wrong?” Maria asked softly. She had never seen her stepsister cry, not even after getting beaten by her mother. What had happened to finally make her cry like this? Wasn’t her life here better?

Liz stopped her tears for a moment and looked at Maria. A part of her heart begged to tell Maria everything, but she was hesitant. She wanted to tell her that she was in love with Prince Maxwell and that she was the girl from the ball, not Tess. She wanted to tell her everything, but could she trust her?

“I was outside trying to take a small break” Liz started quietly. The tears had started to fall once more down her face as she remembered what had happened. “A dog knocked me over. It was Prince Maxwell’s dog Wilson. Prince Maxwell apologized and insisted on looking over my arms for any cuts.” Liz tried to choke back the emotions that were flowing through her body.

Maria looked at her stepsister in confusion. “Why did that upset you so bad? Did he do something to you? Did he take advantage of you? If he did, prince or not…” Maria trailed off as her angered flowed. How could he do that to such a sweet girl?

“No, Maria he didn’t.” Liz interrupted what was sure to be a threat towards the prince. She appreciated her obvious protectiveness, but now was not the time for that. She noticed that Maria relaxed and then looked confused.

“He lifted up my sleeves. My left arm was fine, but when he looked at my right. Well you can see for yourself.” Liz wiped the tears off her face and then lifted up her sleeve on her right arm. She could hear Maria suck in a breath as she looked at the scar. Maria put her hand over her mouth as she remembered what that scar was from.

“Momma? Is my stepsister dead?” Maria asked with unshed tears in her eyes. She was so scared for Elizabeth. She was lying on the ground and not moving. She had taken a few tentative steps towards her mother. Her mother looked at Elizabeth’s body quickly then turned back to her. The look in her eyes told her that her mother wished Elizabeth was dead, but the faint movement in Elizabeth’s body proved that she was, in fact, still breathing.

“No, Maria. She was a wicked girl and needed to be punished. Clean her wounds and help her to bed. You’ll be cooking dinner tonight.” Her mother explained with cold eyes. Her mother turned and headed back to the house, leaving her horrified. She knew her mother had a flaming temper, but she could hardly believe her mother was capable of such violence. She looked down at her stepsister wanting so badly to close her eyes and open them back up and not see her lying there unconscious and bleeding.

She got one of the other servants to help carry Elizabeth gently to bed. She could not bear to look the servant in the eye because she knew he must think her to be just like her mother. She tended to her sister’s wounds, cleaning them as best as she could. She looked down at Elizabeth’s small body lying on the uncomfortable bed, and her heart poured out to her stepsister. She wanted so badly to stand up to her mother, but it was painfully clear by Elizabeth’s wounds that her mother had no heart at least not for Elizabeth. Thinking of the way her mother looked at her earlier, she was sure it was not any different for her either.

She bent down and brushed the hair out of her stepsister’s face. “I am sorry, Elizabeth, I failed you today but I promise that one day I will help you.” After making her vow she stood up and reluctantly left to go prepare dinner for her mother and sister.

“I am so sorry, Elizabeth. I tried tending to the wounds as best I could, but I did not know how to stitch them closed. I had no idea the scar would be that big.” Maria said in between sobs. She felt like she was drowning in guilt for all the years she watched her mother and sister brutalize Liz. She had feared her mother too much to stop the brutality, and she knew she couldn’t have stopped her mother, but in the back of her mind it plagued her that maybe, just maybe, if she and Elizabeth had stood up to her mother together then they could have stopped her together.

Maria knew better though. She knew her mother only put up with her because she was her own flesh and blood. Elizabeth on the other hand was not. She knew if she stood up to her mother than that little bit of mercy her mother had for her would be gone. She would be in no better situation than Elizabeth. Even still, Maria felt the guilt wash over her in waves.

“You were the one that tended to my wounds? I thought that Martin had done it. I was so confused when I woke up in my room. Don’t feel guilty for my scar Maria. You did the best you could, and I am grateful for you taking care of me. I never knew.” Liz could hardly believe that Maria had taken care of her. All this time and she had no idea. “Maria, please call me Liz. That’s what my friend Alex calls me.” Liz said with a slight smile through her tears.

Maria launched herself back into Liz’s arms. She was touched by what Liz had said. She considered her a friend, or at least good enough to be called by her nickname. She could tell that a part of the barrier between them had just been shed with that small gesture.

Walking past the room, Max stopped at Liz’s door when he heard sobbing. He peeked his head in the room to see Maria and Liz, both sobbing and embracing each other. Both looked like the world had just come crumbling down upon them.

What had he done to upset Liz so badly earlier that would not only make her cry, but make her step sister cry as well? What was going on? Knowing it was not the right time, that the situation appeared delicate, he continued walking on. He was going to find out what was going on one way or another. He was determined.

[LPorter]

Thank you all for your fb, but enough chat and onto chapter 19. Enjoy!!



Chapter 19


Max stormed down the hallways of the palace. He was going to find out what was going on with his fiancée and her family right now. If there was one thing that he hated more than anything was dishonesty and hiding. He hated to be left out of things. Max burst through the large wooden doors of his father’s business chambers.

“Maxwell! What is the meaning of this? I am busy right now!” King Phillip roared. He was talking to his advisor when his ungrateful son barged in.

“Father, I have something I need to talk to you and mother about.” Max said through gritted teeth. He never got along with his father very well, but he knew he was the only one who could get this situation straightened out; however, he wouldn’t let his father’s temper interfere this time.

“It will have to wait. In case you forgot your engagement party is tomorrow night and some royalty around here actually have work to do.” Philip narrowed his eyes at Maxwell. “While you’ve been galivanting around the palace the last couple weeks, I have been planning your engagement!”

Max opened his mouth to defend himself, but his father waved him off. He wanted to yell at him and demand his attention, but he knew he was not going to get anywhere with him. He stormed out of the chamber, and walked down the hall to the nearest seat.

Sitting down, he placed his head in his hands. He wanted to tear his hair out. He paused for a moment, thinking about what his father had said. The engagement party was tomorrow night? He had forgotten all about it! Maybe his father was right for once.

What should he care about Elizabeth and Maria crying? After all they were not his responsibility. Tess was his responsibility now, and he needed to start paying attention to his upcoming wedding with her instead of worrying what her stepsister is fretting about. Shouldn’t his future bride be his main focus?

The problem was that he couldn’t seem to pay attention to his fiancée when his thoughts were filled with Elizabeth. The image of her out on the balcony was something that had been burned into his mind. She was beautiful. He hadn’t had a chance to get to know her, but something about her made him feel like he had known her his whole life. He felt normal around her like he did with Michael only different somehow. He couldn’t explain it, but around her he didn’t feel like a prince. He felt like a normal person.

Didn’t Tess make him feel that way? She was, after all, the girl that impressed him so much the night of the ball. She was the one that dared to talk back to him. Shaking his head, he felt frustrated. Ever since Tess had come to the palace she seemed to be sucked into the abyss that is being royalty. She loved the attention and she always expected to be waited hand on foot.

Maybe he had made a bad judgment call with her when he decided she was the one for him that night. Sure she was beautiful and she did have some good qualities, but he grew nervous because she seemed to be acting more and more like a princess the longer she stayed here. That was the problem. He didn’t want a princess. He wanted to be normal. He wanted that girl by the river. He wanted to be seen, not admired for his title.

Sighing, Max stood up. He sluggishly walked out of the palace to the gardens. He needed the fresh air. He looked out to see Wilson chasing a butterfly around. Feeling a little light hearted he let out a small chuckle at his dog’s antics. Wilson heard his laugh and forgot all about the butterfly.
Wilson excitedly ran towards his master and nearly knocked him over as he jumped on him. Max smiled and started petting him. When Wilson gave Max a large lick on the face Max pushed Wilson off him. Wilson decided that meant his master wanted to wrestle.

Maria and Liz had stopped crying a short time ago. They were starting to talk about happier things when they heard the prince’s laugh coming from the window. They both looked at each other with raised eyebrows and headed over to the window.

Both girls giggled as they saw Wilson tackle Maxwell. They laughed even harder when they saw Maxwell and Wilson wrestling each other. Maria turned her gaze over to Liz to say something, but when she saw the look in Liz’s eyes she didn’t say a word.

Liz was watching Max with wonder. Her eyes danced as she watched the two rolling around the grass. Her grin was from ear to ear. Maria had never seen her stepsister smile like that. She looked at Liz carefully and noticed that her expression was not just of amusement, but rather it almost seemed to be a loving one. Could her stepsister be in love with the prince?

Maria turned her gaze back to the prince before Liz noticed her staring at her. Maria had a wide grin on her face, but this time it had nothing to do with the playful dog. After watching the two for a few minutes Maria was about to turn to Liz to tell her she was going to get changed for dinner when she saw Liz’s face contort.

Maria looked in the direction that Liz was looking, and saw why her stepsister was so discomfitted. Her sister Tess was walking slowly over to Prince Maxwell. She watched as the prince turned his gaze towards Tess and smile at her. Maria bit her lip as she knew this was not going to be good.

Maxwell was growing tired of playing with Wilson when he heard footsteps approaching. He turned his head hoping to see Elizabeth walking towards him but instead he saw his fiancée with a bright smile on her face. Feeling obligated to repress his earlier anger and act the way he ought to act with his fiancée, he smiled back at her.

He couldn’t help but notice that her dress was rather revealing for a lady. Despite himself he could feel himself growing aroused at her risque stae of dress. He watched as she sauntered over allowing her chest to bounce seductively even in her tight bodice. He tried to think of other things, but he scolded himself for it. Isn’t it natural to be attracted to your fiancée?

Wilson’s low growling is what broke Max out of his trance. He looked down at him and was surprised to see him with a fixed gaze at Tess. Usually Wilson was really friendly towards people.

“Wilson, stop it!” Max snapped. He watched as Wilson looked up at him with a sheepish look. “Don’t worry Tess, he’s a friendly dog. I am not sure what got into him. He won’t harm you, right Wilson?”

Tess visibly relaxed, and Wilson had stopped growling but his gaze was still fixed on Tess. Tess made her way to Max’s side and placed her arm on his. “I have been looking all over for you. I was hoping we could talk about what we are wearing to our engagement party tomorrow night. After all what would people think if we didn’t match?” Tess said as she batted her eyes.

Max didn’t care if he matched Tess, but he couldn’t help but nod his head as he felt her hand run up and down his arm. She was much shorter than him, so when he looked down to speak her to her he couldn’t help but notice the up close and personal view of her chest. He quickly pulled his eyes up towards hers, and he felt embarrassed when he realized she caught him looking.

“If you appreciate the view your highness maybe you’ll appreciate this as well.” Tess smiled seductively. Max was confused for a moment until he saw her stand on her tip toes and planted her lips on his. Max couldn’t help himself. He didn’t feel the sparks he thought he would feel when he kissed her for the first time, but his libido didn’t care.

Wilson growled and barked loudly at their feet, breaking the pair apart. Tess’ chest heaved as she pulled away, feeling triumphant. Max quickly wiped his lips and grabbed Wilson by the collar. “Excuse me Tess, I must take Wilson inside.” Max dragged Wilson inside without even allowing Tess to say a word.

Once inside Max let Wilson go. The emotions he was feeling was making his head spin. Why was this so hard? Shouldn’t kissing his fiancée be more than just a sexual reaction? Why is it that when she kissed him all he could think of was a dark haired beauty named Elizabeth? Looking down at Wilson he said, “What do you think boy?” Wilson barked at him in response. “Never mind; I already know your answer.” Max placed his head in his hands once more and groaned in frustration.

Meanwhile up on Liz’s balcony she was on the verge of crying once more. She could hardly believe that she just saw her horrible stepsister kissing her beloved. She wanted to vomit. She felt Maria’s hand on her shoulder, but it did little to ease the heartache.

“You love him, don’t you?” Maria asked, but it was more of a statement rather than a question. She saw Liz turn towards her and the expression on her face said it all. “Oh Liz, I am so sorry.” Maria tried to apologize for what they had just witnessed, but Liz put up a hand to gesture her to stop.

“Doesn’t matter how I feel. Tess is engaged to him and I am a servant. I’m going to go take a walk to clear my head.” Liz held her head low so Maria could not see her heart breaking. She needed to calm down. This was merely the beginning of a long road of seeing the couple together, so she needed to get over her feelings for Max as soon as possible.

She walked to the only place she knew would make her feel better. Opening up the library doors she walked over to the stacks of books. She already felt slightly better knowing no one would bother her. She started to pick up a book when she heard someone else opening up the doors. She wasn’t sure why, but when she turned around she was surprised to see Prince Maxwell standing there.

Max was hoping to come to the library to sort out his head, but he should have known he might find Elizabeth there. He wasn’t sure if he was happy or upset to see her there. He enjoyed seeing her, but now wasn’t the best time to be seeing her. He looked at her and noticed that her eyes immediately were downcast and she seemed to tremble slightly.

Not realizing her behavior was because she witnessed his kiss with Tess, he approached her hoping to apologize for his behavior earlier. “I’m sorry Elizabeth for upsetting you earlier. I just wanted to make sure Wilson hadn’t hurt you.” Max spoke softly.

“It’s okay your highness; I should be the one apologizing. I should not have run out on you like that. That was very rude of me.” Liz responded with her eyes still glued to the floor.

Max reached over and lifted her chin gently. “Hey now, there is no need to apologize to me. What did I tell you about looking at me in the eye?” Max chuckled slightly. He was hoping that it would lighten the mood a little, but when she lifted her eyes to his he could see pain in her eyes and something told him it was not because of what happened with Wilson.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how did you get that…?” Max started to ask. He had been desperate to know what happened to her ever since he saw that scar.

Before Max could finish the question she quickly responded “Actually your highness I do mind. Please don’t make me answer.” Liz did not want his sympathy. Max was shocked at her boldness, but he respected it. He nodded his head in agreement that he wouldn’t make her answer. He could see her visibly relax a little, but the pain in her eyes was still present.

Before he could even think his words through he blurted out, “Come to the party tomorrow night.” His heart raced as he realized what he just said. He couldn’t believe he was asking her, a servant, to come.

“To your engagement party?” Liz asked painfully. He was asking her to come to his engagement party? She wasn’t sure if she was flattered or annoyed. She saw Max cringe at the words, but she did not try to interpret his expression. “I can’t your highness; I will be too busy preparing my stepfamily for the event that I wouldn’t have time. Besides, your fiancée would not appreciate my presence.” Liz said in a voice dripping with annoyance.

Max wasn’t sure why, but he could clearly tell that Elizabeth was not appreciating his invitation as much as he had hoped. He couldn’t really blame her though; it was rather insensitive of him to expect her to accept the invitation when she has to work.

“I understand. I’ll get one of the other servants to help your stepfamily get ready. If Tess has a problem with her stepsister being at the party then she can speak to me. She may be my fiancée but I will invite whomever I want.” Max said confidently. He was sure that with that said that Elizabeth would not be able to say no.

“I appreciate your kindness, but I do not have anything to wear and…” Liz started to say when she felt his finger touch her lips. Normally she would have been livid that he was trying to shut her up, but she could hardly believe he was touching her mouth. When she painfully remembered that his lips had just been kissing Tess, she took a step back and attempted to speak again but he cut her off.

“Please Elizabeth, no more excuses. You will not have to worry about a dress, you’ll find something appropriate in your room tomorrow evening. Let me take care of everything.” Max said with a smirk. He could see she was frustrated that she no longer had any excuses. He was not sure why, but the fire in her eyes made her even more beautiful. Before she could speak, Maxwell gave her once last smile and turned around and left, leaving a very flustered and confused Liz in his wake.

[LPorter]

Sorry for the horribly long delay. Here it is.


Chapter 20

Closing the door to his bedroom, Max let out a large sigh. What a confusing day it had been. His feelings towards his fiancée and her stepsister had him reeling. His heart thumped wildly every time he thought of Elizabeth, but his loyalty and marriage was supposed to be with Tess.

Max walked over to the window and glanced out at the stars for a moment. As he looked at the sparkling beauty in front of him he couldn’t help but think of another beauty. He realized he would never be able to see the stars again without picturing her beauty radiating in the glow of the stars. Shaking his head, Max tried to disassociate the two images. Shouldn’t the stars remind him of the night with Tess at the ball? Somehow he just couldn’t.

He felt his exhaustion finally setting in. Rubbing his eyes he made his way to his bed and undressed. He eased himself into his large bed. Even through is exhaustion he couldn’t seem to sleep with the many confusing thoughts and feelings still swimming around in him.

‘What have I gotten myself into? Tessa is a beautiful woman and I have no doubt she would please me, but other than that night at the ball she has shown no qualities that I believe to be present in my future wife and queen. Maybe I’m being too harsh. I should give her more time to adjust, but the engagement party is tomorrow night. What have I gotten myself into?’ Max’s thoughts continued to plague him, but he soon found his body slipping under. Once more he found himself standing by the river watching the beautiful girl with brown hair.

The next morning Max made his way down a corridor that few knew about. He entered the large kitchen and plopped himself down on a stool. Moments later his favorite breakfast was placed in front of him. Smelling the delicious food woke the sleepy prince right up. Max lifted his head up with a huge smile on his face.

“Thank you Olivia. You always have the best timing. I’m not sure how you do it.” He loved Olivia. She had been one of the main chefs in the palace since he was a boy. She always had a meal ready for him for whenever he came in. He had no idea how she managed it.

“Simple my boy. Magic.” Olivia replied as she leaned in, as if to let him in a big secret. Seeing his smile broaden she winked at him and motioned for him to eat up. She didn’t slave over his breakfast for him to let it get cold.

Max dug into his food happily. He loved Olivia’s cooking, and somehow spending time in the kitchen with her made him feel more at ease. No one ever came looking for him in here, plus Olivia always managed to say the right things when he was feeling down. His smile only faded when he heard the shrieking of his fiancée coming from down the hall. He visibly cringed at the sound.

“Trouble in paradise already?” Olivia questioned with a raised eyebrow. She had seen him these past couple weeks and saw a change in his personality. At times he seemed to float around with a silly grin on his face, but as soon as his bride-to-be’s name was mentioned or he heard her Max’s mood would change.

“I don’t know. I am so confused. Tessa isn’t all that bad. She’s beautiful and we have gotten along with me so far, but she’s not…” Max trailed off.

“Not what you thought she’d be? Not a certain dark haired stepsister?” Olivia suggested with a smile. Max whipped his head up at her reference to Elizabeth.

“Yes and how did you…” Max questioned in panic. How did she know of his growing feelings for Elizabeth? He hadn’t had a chance to really get to know Elizabeth, but something about her reminded him of someone. Who that someone was, he couldn’t remember. Something about her just struck him as familiar.

“Simple my boy. Magic.” Olivia replied once more with a wink. She turned her back to grab another plate. She then placed food on the plate and set it down next to Max.

Before Max could question her, he heard footsteps coming from the same corridor as he had come from. He turned his head to see Elizabeth shyly walk in and look eyes with him. Her eyes widened and then turned towards Olivia.

“Eat up Liz. You have a big day ahead of you, and I won’t have you wasting away before my eyes.” Olivia smiled as she watched her sit down next to Max. She really liked this girl. She was beautiful, graceful, courteous, and had this unearthly grace. Watching Max’s expression, she knew he thought so as well.

Liz. Not Elizabeth. Somehow this nickname seemed to be even more beautiful than her birth name. Elizabeth was a beautiful name, but Liz fit her personality and aura better, Max thought.

“Good morning your highness. I hope you slept well.” Liz said politely. She felt slightly uneasy sitting next to him. Why was he eating in the kitchen anyways? Didn’t only servants eat in here?

“Yes I did thank you. I hope your rest has changed your mind about tonight. I will be disappointed if you do not come.” Max said, cutting straight to the point. He was desperate to see her at the ball, and he was hoping she was not going to be stubborn about it like she was the night before. He still hadn’t figured what had possessed him last night to invite her, but whatever the reason was it was the same reason why he wanted badly for her to say yes.

“Well your highness, I…” Liz attempted to respond with food in her mouth. She paused a moment to chew, realizing it was rude to talk to the crowned prince with her mouth full! Liz had finished chewing, but when she was about to finish her sentence she heard her name being called by none other than Tessa.

Liz looked down at her almost full plane and sighed. Yet another morning with barely any food in her stomach. ‘I knew I should have gotten down here sooner.’ She looked up apologetically to Olivia. Olivia nodded her head, understanding that she had to leave.

“I’m sorry your highness, I must go tend to Tessa.” Liz did not give the prince a chance to respond and ran off to Tessa’s room.

“What is with that girl? I see more of the back of her head than I do the front!” Max barked out at no one in particular. Olivia, knowing that it was a rhetorical question, decided to continue her work. Max thought about his question. Something about seeing her run away made him feel like he was missing something, but what?

Sighing in frustration, Max stood up and placed his chair back. He thanked Olivia for the food and made his way to his room. He had a long day ahead of him. A day that he was not looking forward to at all.