Part 10
“Where’s Charlie?” Victoria asked. All she wanted right now was to hold her little brother in her arms.
“My guards are searching for him and Jenkins as we speak. It seems they may have escaped already, but I’m not taking any chances.” Zan explained.
“Oh god I hope so. What did you say to Penburton?” she asked him.
“It’s not important. The only thing you need to know is that you don’t have to worry about him or your father ever again.” Zan told her, slightly brushing her off.
“No Zan, I need to know what was said.” Victoria tried to get it out of him.
“Penburton’s claim to you is no longer valid because it has been over ridden.” He replied casually.
“Over ridden, by what authority? I’m sure that he has the proper licenses,” Victoria question.
“Mine. You are no longer the intended to Penburton because you are now mine.” Zan said in a harsh tone. He knew Victoria wouldn’t appreciate him just walking in and talking over her life, but he couldn’t have stopped himself if he had wanted to back there. The truth was he didn’t want to be stopped and he would have done it all over again. He wanted Victoria as his own and a claim in front of witnesses was enough to seal his hold on her.
Victoria gasped. “What do you mean I’m yours?” Victoria didn’t like the sound of this. She didn’t want a man claiming her like some prized mare. Penburton had done the same thing, and in her mind it made Zan just as contemptible.
“Victoria, I want nothing more than your happiness and if that means I have to use the power given to me from my station, then I will. I don’t like to do it, but I had to in this situation. I claimed you as my intended and there is no backing out now. I’d like to say I’m sorry for my actions, but then I’d be lying.” Zan said in a tone that needn’t be questioned.
“Well, thank you, your highness, for swooping down from the heavens and saving little old common me. I’m so glad you just took away every ounce of freedom I had left with your pompous and self serving declaration. Thank you Prince Zander, what would I have done without you?” Victoria mocked him.
“Don’t get upset with me Victoria. I did what I needed to do to ensure your safety.” Zan reprimanded her.
“Oh, I’m not upset Zan. No, I’m ecstatic at the thought of being forced into marrying a bigger caveman than Penburton. What girl wouldn’t be?” she threw at him.
“I am not forcing you to marry me,” he told her.
“And I’m a natural red head,” she mocked.
“You’re being unreasonable,” he tried.
“No I’m not Zan, but I’m not in the mood to fight with you any more. Just take me to wherever you plan on keeping me. I just want my brother found and brought to me.” Victoria finally threw in the towel. They were both so hot headed and angry that this argument wasn’t going to go anywhere soon. They both needed to cool down and Victoria needed to get away from Zan for a while because being in his presence made it impossible to think straight and rationally.
----------------------------------
The coach pulled up to the palace and Zan climbed out of the carriage. Victoria had nodded off from exhaustion long ago and Zan pulled her into his arms and carried her in through his private entrances. He hoped Liz and Maria were long abed, because if not, he’d have lots of explaining to do.
In her sleepy state, Victoria wrapped her arms around his neck and cuddled into the shelter of his shoulder. He smelled so masculine and fresh. His shoulder was solid, but soft at the same time. Victoria could feel his muscles flex under her cheek as he carried her like she weighed nothing.
Zan placed her on his bed, her translucent skin a sharp contrast to his crisp black sheets. Victoria stirred and surveyed her surroundings, taking in the masculine feel of the room. She could tell the room was Zan’s without being told. The entire room spoke of Zan. His masculinity and sensuality were displayed all over, in the dark burgundy furniture and the giant fire place with the onyx mantle. His floor was black and white tile with white plush throw rugs, splashed around. The walls were a crisp white with a black rail wrapping around the room. He had huge cushioned chairs and an onyx table in front of the fire, giving the room a very social aura while still feeling dominating and strong. The bed was canopied with black and burgundy hangings that were swept back to expose the bed of silk black sheets she now found herself curled up on.
He crossed the room and sat down on the bed next to her, pulling her into his arms. She felt his strong arms wrap around her, molding her body shoulder to hip to his own. His raw strength stole her breath and his gentleness shocked her. He was like a double edged sword; each side of him had an alarming effect on her. His dominating tendencies and iron will made her temper flare and got her ready to stand her ground, while his tenderness made her weak in the knees and light headed.
“Victoria, I know you’re mad at me, and I know you have every right to be, but I hope you won’t hate me for my fallacies. The fact that your father could treat you like he did made my blood boil and then with Penburton trying to lay claim to you, well, I’ll admit that jealousy is another ugly trait of mine. But I’m not sorry for what I said and I won’t take it back. I want you Victoria; I want you more than I have ever wanted anything in my entire life.” Zan told her, rubbing his chin in her gossamer locks on the top of her head. He was a good 6 inches taller than her and she fit perfectly with him.
“But you don’t know me Zan. I’m not Vivian, I’m just Victoria. I’m not this brazen redhead who captivates audiences and mens’ attentions with a wink or lips off to royalty when she is in the palace. Vivian is a character I created and I easily hide behind her persona. I don’t want you to think that Vivian is real, because she isn’t and I can’t be like that. I’m just plain Victoria Carroll who has a monster for a father, a dead mother, a sad little brother, a butler for a best friend and more responsibility than a girl at the age of 20 needs. I can’t pretend just to make you happy Zan…” Victoria babbled trying to explain before Zan cut her off.
“I don’t want Vivian St. James,” Zan told her, grasping her chin and bringing her tear filled eyes to look into his. Victoria could read the truth in his statement. It was written all over his beautiful face, “I want Victoria Carroll. Sure, Vivian is feisty, and that’s what drew my attention, but I knew Vivian was too outrageous to be real. I wanted Vivian for a fling, but I want Victoria for something much more permanent.”
“I’m not ready for permanent Zan, I hardly know you. I can’t marry anyone I don’t love.” She explained.
“But you would have married Penburton without love.” Zan said bitterly.
“Only to protect Charlie.” she corrected him, “He is my responsibility and I don’t take it lightly. I would have found a way to keep him safe.”
“You don’t have to worry about that anymore Victoria, because Penburton cannot have you. I promise to protect not only you, but Charlie and Jenkins. They are your family, and that makes them important to me,” he told her with conviction. He meant it too, every word he said. He would use every resource in his power to protect her and keep her safe. He needed her like he needed air and he was certain that without Victoria, he wouldn’t be able to survive.
“Oh Zan, that means so much to me,” she said as she reached up and pulled him down for a kiss. She knew that she shouldn’t be initiating kisses with him, but she needed to express her gratitude over his promise and kissing him was the best way she knew how.
Zan was slightly shocked at her unexpected kiss, but he quickly recovered, pulling her closer to him and deepening the kiss. He shifted and started lowering her onto the bed, stretching out in top of her. Victoria didn’t resist him like he figured she would, she melted into his embrace, pulling him more on top of her. Her body felt delicious under him, stretched out, aligning all their parts into the correct places, but Zan wanted more. He wanted to feel her skin pressed against his skin, feel her body arch into him much it did in the coach, but he wanted to see all of it. He wanted, no needed to see her reaction, see her face twisted in pleasure that only he could provide.
He pressed her into the mattress, enjoying having her under him and he began to caress her beautiful body, slowly working at opening her already loosened dress. He pulled at the ties and her breasts spilled free, bringing her out of her haze.
“Zan, we can’t,” she told him, pushing at his chest. He pulled back and looked at Victoria. Her face was flushed and her lips were swollen with his kisses. Her top was open, giving him an enticing view of her ample cleavage. Zan unconsciously licked his lips at the sight before him. She looked absolutely ravaged, and he couldn’t think of a better look for her.
“Who says we can’t?” he asked her with a voice heavy laden with seduction.
“Well, I guess no one but it’s just that we shouldn’t do this. We need to focus on the tasks at hand,” she tried to redirect his thinking, but she was quickly discovering he couldn’t be so easily derailed.
“I’m totally focused on my current task,” he purred into her ear. Victoria shivered with excitement.
“And what is that?” she asked breathlessly. He was kissing her neck, laving her hot skin with his expert tongue, creating flames that raced through her blood.
“Pleasuring you,” he answered right before he recaptured her soft, pouty lips. Victoria was lost the instant he kissed her. All her will power to resist him flew right out of her body, along with her good sense and self preservation.
Zan pulled at her dress and easily peeled it off her body, leaving her clad in just her under garters and stocking clad legs. He quickly pulled off his own shirt, needing the skin to skin contact, needing to feel her soft feminine body pressed to his own hard male frame. His pants followed shortly, leaving him completely naked. Zan never wore underwear; he didn’t see much of a reason for it.
He moved down her body, pulling her tight, rosy nipple into his hot, moist mouth and sucked hard. Victoria arched into his mouth, loving the feeling of his mouth on her breast. It made that now familiar liquid heat race to pool low in her body. Zan caressed her flat stomach and her stocking clad thighs, rolling the stockings down as he went. He kissed down her body, placing himself between her now naked legs. He hovered over her moist heat, inhaling her intoxicating scent.
His long fingers slipped through her blond curls at the juncture of her thighs and into her feminine folds. Victoria’s body rose up to meet his touch, praying he would assuage the ache between her thighs as he had done earlier. Her entire body was alive with feeling and her need was building fast. He slipped a long finger inside her body and Victoria let out a deep moan of satisfaction.
Zan slowly pumped his finger, joining it with a second into her tight body. He couldn’t help himself, he needed to taste her. He pulled his fingers out slowly, drawing out the sensation, and her moan of loss caused him to smile to himself. She was so pliant in his arms, his to do with what he pleased. Zan lowered his head and Victoria gasped in surprised.
“Zan, what are you… oh god,” she moaned. He laved her slit and found her clit, flicking it with his long tongue. Victoria’s hands sank into his thick black hair, holding him to her open body. Zan greedily lapped at her honeyed center and brought her to another fevered pitch, making her call out his name in her orgasm.
He moved up her body and slowly pushed her legs open farther, making room for him to settle himself in the cradle of her thighs. He was painfully aroused, on the brink of shattering. Her sweet moans and uninhibited response to him had him so hard he could barely see straight.
He slipped the head of his erection into her waiting body and slowly eased himself in. Her eyes gaped at the sensation of being filled, but cried out when she felt him go deeper.
“Zan, I’ve never done this before,” she confessed to him.
“I know baby, I’ll be gentle,” he whispered into her ear.
“That’s not what I’m worried about,” Victoria tried to explain.
“What is it baby?” he asked. He was on the brink of totally exploding, but he knew that reassuring her was the right thing to do.
“Umm, well, I don’t think that will, umm, fit, cause it’s well, big,” she hedged. Her face blushed beet red and she turned away from him ashamed at her admission. Zan looked down at her and smiled. He was roaring laughing on the inside, but he had enough sense to keep that to himself.
Zan reached up and slowly caressed her cheek, bringing her face back to his. Zan read the uncertainty in her eyes, seeing her virgin innocence written across her face. “What you do to my ego, baby. Trust me, it will fit, you’ll see.” He leaned down and captured her lips in a searing kiss, just as he flexed his hips and buried himself to the hilt.
Victoria cried out at the invasion of her body, but her cries were absorbed into Zan’s mouth. Zan waited until she relaxed; feeling her body accommodating and adjusting to his larger one. Victoria marveled at the feeling of having him deep inside of her body. It was such a new sensation, but it was utterly delicious. The pain had been brief, and lighting hot, but just as quickly as it had occurred it was gone. Now all that was left was the feeling of fullness, like nothing had ever filled her before.
She subtly flexed her hips, moving against him, signaling that she was ready for him to continue in her own naïve way. Zan slowly pulled back and thrust forward, getting a deep moan of satisfaction from Victoria. Zan increased his pace, loving the feeling of her hot body gripping him tightly.
Victoria’s head was spinning. Her body was arched up, matching him thrust for thrust. She felt that familiar tightening in her stomach, her orgasm approaching. Zan could feel it too.
“That’s it baby, just let go, just let it take you,” he prompted.
“Zan, oh Zan, oh god, ZAN!” she called out in passion. Her muscles contracted around him, creating a delicious friction that pulled him over the edge with her. Zan called out her name, letting his seed pour into her body as she milked him for all he was worth.
Zan collapsed on top of her, both of them exhausted from their love making. He finally rolled off to one side and pulled her into his arms, wrapping her up in his embrace. Victoria sighed in contentment. She was sure she should be feeling bad for lying with a man before she was wed, but right now she felt so good she just didn’t care. She drifted off to sleep in Zan’s strong arms.
TBC…
PS: I wanted you all to know I wrote this like months ago, I've just finally had the chance to update. Hope you enjoy.
The Unwanted Prince (UC,Zan,ADULT) [COMPLETE]
Moderators: Anniepoo98, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, Erina, Forum Moderators
-
Strawberry Shortcake 17
- Addicted Roswellian
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2002 8:20 pm
- Location: good old PSU
-
Strawberry Shortcake 17
- Addicted Roswellian
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2002 8:20 pm
- Location: good old PSU
Part 11
Zan crawled out of the bed slowly, hoping he wouldn’t disturb Victoria’s peaceful sleep. She had been through so much lately and she needed this well earned rest, besides he had a few things to check on before she woke up. He pulled on his robe and made his way down to the great hall. Zan entered the hall and found Liz, who he suspected would be waiting for him.
“Good morning my queen,” Zan said as he approached.
“Interesting assessment, my dear brother-in-law,” she replied, “Just be glad Max isn’t up yet.”
“I take it you met our new house guests,” he hedged.
“All but the one currently occupying your bed, although I plan on meeting her soon,” Liz told him, “What have you gotten yourself into this time Zan?”
“I’ve believe they refer to it as love, but since I’m new to it, I’m still not altogether sure,” he told her.
“Oh Zan, finally,” was all she said as she rushed to him to hug him tightly, “Well, it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.”
“Thank you Liz. So, where are “Lord” Jenkins and young Charlie?” Zan asked.
“Both are in the kitchen with Chef Bernard. They were both in need of a good hearty meal and a place to relax from all their excitement,” she told him.
“Lead the way sister dear,” Zan instructed Liz, bowing dramatically while gaining a laugh over his antics from Liz.
--------------------------------
“Zan?” was the first thing Victoria asked when she finally opened her eyes. She was so tired and deliciously sore. She sat up in the bed and pulled the sheets up to cover her nakedness and found Zan sitting next to her at the side of the bed.
Zan was taken aback by her beauty. Her blonde hair was cascading around her face and her translucent skin was tempting him like nothing else. She looked like an angel, sent down to save his very heart and redeem his soul. Zan wasn’t sure what he had done to deserve a woman as breathtakingly beautiful or so incredibly pure, but he swore right then and there that he would spend every moment of his life from her on out cherishing every second he spent with her.
“Zan, where’s Charlie and Jenkins?” she asked.
“They are currently eating their fill in the kitchens, and before you ask, yes they are both alright and escaped long before your father and Penburton had discovered they were missing.” Zan told her.
“Oh thank god,” Victoria whispered as she placed her hands in her face and began to cry. Zan moved up onto the bed and gathered her into his arms.
“Victoria, why are you crying? I promise their ok.” Zan said over her head.
“I…know… I… just…can’t…help…it,” she heaved through her sobs.
“Sweetheart, sweetheart, calm down. Everything is ok. You’re all safe and where you belong. You don’t have to worry about men like your father or Penburton anymore.” He told her, holding her close.
“Thank you Zan, thank you so much,” she said, wrapping her arms around him and kissing him without even thinking about what she was doing. Zan cradled her and kissed her back just as fiercely. It was bittersweet to taste her gratitude mixed with her tears. Victoria finally pulled back, needing to breathe and collect herself. Zan had the ability to totally steal her senses and everything else just melted away in his wake.
“Are you ok?” Zan asked, looking into her eyes. She quietly nodded as she whipped away the tears streaks covering her face.
“Can I go see Charlie and Jenkins?” she asked.
“Of course, we’ll get you cleaned up and dressed and then you can see them. I hope you don’t mind, but Liz wanted to bring some clothes for you personally,” Zan told her as he moved away from the bed and Liz opened the door.
“The queen?” Victoria hissed at Zan. She wasn’t even remotely presentable to receive an audience with her Majesty the Queen.
“Oh please, call me Liz. May I call you Victoria? I hope you don’t mind me coming in, but I’ve been waiting all morning to meet you. I wasn’t quite sure your size, so I grabbed some things out of my closet and raided Maria’s. That girl has more clothes than she could ever know what to do with, so she won’t miss any of it.” Liz gushed as she came into the room.
“I, ah, umm, yes, please call me Victoria. Thank you your majes…I mean Liz. I can honestly say I wasn’t expecting this warm of a reception, considering the impression I left the last time I was here.” Victoria was in shock. Here was the queen, and she was treating her like an equal, like a long lest friend.
“Whatever do you mean Victoria? I met Vivian St. James a few weeks ago; I have yet to meet Victoria Carroll, although I do hope some of Vivian’s spunk does stick around. She caused the biggest stir this palace has seen in centuries and I must confess I enjoyed every minute of it. You sure put Zan in his place, and I know from personal experience that takes a lot.” Liz said sitting down on the bed and laying out all the clothes she had bunched up in her arms, “Zan, don’t you have some things to attend to, like being prince and royal advisor to your brother.” Liz quickly rushed over to his side, “By the way, he knows about our guests. I could only keep it from him for so long. And it seems that Penburton is at the gates, demanding to have his betrothed back.”
“No way in hell,” Zan hissed venomously, “Thank you Liz,” he said giving her a kiss on the cheek. “I have a few things to attend to, but I’ll be back soon Victoria. I’m sure you and Liz will have lots to talk about. Just please keep the really embarrassing stories quiet for now sister dear.” Zan said looking down at Liz.
“I promise not to tell her anything that would make her think anything of you other than you are a dashingly wonderful man. Now, go, we have girl things to do.” Liz said as she closed the door on Zan.
-------------------------------------
“Lord Penburton, would you please calm down. You are way out of line,” Max warned him.
“Please excuse my forward attitude your majesty. You see it’s just I am outraged at the conduct of your brother. How dare he just waltz in and steal my bride-to-be?” Penburton raged.
“The same way you can waltzed in and attempt to ruin Victoria’s life by actually trying to collect on that bet you made with Carroll.” Zan said in a cool tone. He was leaning against a pillar in the back of the great hall.
“Zan, do you know what Lord Penburton is talking about? He’s making some rather damaging charges.” Max asked.
“I know all too well what he is talking about. It seems Lord Penburton had plans on marrying Ms. Victoria Carroll, daughter of Charles Carroll, former Antarian Ambassador to Earth. Mr. Carroll has a rather large gambling problem and when he finally ran out of things to bet, he paid his debt with Victoria’s hand in marriage.” Zan explained as he moved to the front of the room and next to Max’s side.
“Is this true Lord Penburton?” Max asked.
“Carroll and I arranged the marriage long ago. I had finally just come to claim it.” Penburton lied.
“It’s a crime punishable by death to lie to your king, Lord Penburton.” Jenkins said as he came from out of the shadows, “I can testify to Prince Zan’s words.”
“And what of Ms. Carroll now?” Max asked. This was all sounding rather odd, and what was Lord Jenkins doing here. Wasn’t he a friend of that opera singer Zan had brought to the palace a few weeks ago, the one who had slapped him in front if the entire court.
“Ms. Carroll is under my protection, and I have claimed her for my betrothed and I intend on marrying her as quickly as possible. I have invoked my right as prince to choose my bride. Victoria is mine and no one can take her away from me.” Zan said, the challenge was thick in is voice.
“Your majesty, I must protest. Victoria was to be my wife. I can understand why Prince Zan would be rather taken with her, but you cannot allow him to just steal my intended like this.” Penburton pleaded. The snake was now kneeling before the king.
“I already have,” was all Zan said.
“Please tell me you haven’t,” Max said shaking his head.
“So you kidnap my wife and then you steal my husbandly rights. This is unbelievable!” Penburton yelled.
“Since she is my future bride, they were my husbandly rights. I only take what is mine.” Zan told him.
“Enough!” Victoria screamed from the side of the great hall. Liz had brought her into the hall after she had gotten dressed. Now Victoria had heard enough. They were arguing over her like she was a piece of meat, “I will not, and I will repeat this so that every one of you hears this clearly. I will not marry either of you. I am a grown woman. I have been taking care of myself, Charlie, Jenkins and our household ever since my mother died. I don’t need a man to take care of little old me, because I do a damn fine job all by myself and I certainly am not going to stand here and let the bunch of you decide about my hand in marriage which frankly doesn’t belong to you,” she informed the men in the hall.
“Now Victoria, you’re being unreasonable.” Zan’s whole demeanor changed the instant Victoria started to speak. It was easy to see that Zan truly cared for this woman and she had him wrapped around her delicate finger.
“No Prince Zander I’m not. I want to thank you for rescuing me and my family last night and for your hospitality. Thank you your majesties for welcoming us into your home and I enjoyed our morning together your highness.” Victoria said looking over at Liz, “Jenkins, would you please collect Charlie. We have over stayed our welcome.” Victoria said going to Jenkins’ side.
“Victoria, where do you think you’re going?” Zan called out as he ran after her. He caught up with her and grabbed her arm, spinning her around to look at him.
“I’m going somewhere away from you and Penburton and my father and every other male who is attempting to dominate me like I’m some simpering little defenseless woman. Now unhand me your majesty.” Victoria reprimanded him, pulling her arm out of his grasp.
“This is not over between us madam.” Zan told her through clenched teeth, and without warning, pulled her in for a fierce kiss. It was more a kiss of dominance than love or caring and Victoria knew it. She pulled back and slapped him in front of the King and Queen for a second time.
“Yes, it is,” she said as she left the great hall.
TBC…
Zan crawled out of the bed slowly, hoping he wouldn’t disturb Victoria’s peaceful sleep. She had been through so much lately and she needed this well earned rest, besides he had a few things to check on before she woke up. He pulled on his robe and made his way down to the great hall. Zan entered the hall and found Liz, who he suspected would be waiting for him.
“Good morning my queen,” Zan said as he approached.
“Interesting assessment, my dear brother-in-law,” she replied, “Just be glad Max isn’t up yet.”
“I take it you met our new house guests,” he hedged.
“All but the one currently occupying your bed, although I plan on meeting her soon,” Liz told him, “What have you gotten yourself into this time Zan?”
“I’ve believe they refer to it as love, but since I’m new to it, I’m still not altogether sure,” he told her.
“Oh Zan, finally,” was all she said as she rushed to him to hug him tightly, “Well, it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.”
“Thank you Liz. So, where are “Lord” Jenkins and young Charlie?” Zan asked.
“Both are in the kitchen with Chef Bernard. They were both in need of a good hearty meal and a place to relax from all their excitement,” she told him.
“Lead the way sister dear,” Zan instructed Liz, bowing dramatically while gaining a laugh over his antics from Liz.
--------------------------------
“Zan?” was the first thing Victoria asked when she finally opened her eyes. She was so tired and deliciously sore. She sat up in the bed and pulled the sheets up to cover her nakedness and found Zan sitting next to her at the side of the bed.
Zan was taken aback by her beauty. Her blonde hair was cascading around her face and her translucent skin was tempting him like nothing else. She looked like an angel, sent down to save his very heart and redeem his soul. Zan wasn’t sure what he had done to deserve a woman as breathtakingly beautiful or so incredibly pure, but he swore right then and there that he would spend every moment of his life from her on out cherishing every second he spent with her.
“Zan, where’s Charlie and Jenkins?” she asked.
“They are currently eating their fill in the kitchens, and before you ask, yes they are both alright and escaped long before your father and Penburton had discovered they were missing.” Zan told her.
“Oh thank god,” Victoria whispered as she placed her hands in her face and began to cry. Zan moved up onto the bed and gathered her into his arms.
“Victoria, why are you crying? I promise their ok.” Zan said over her head.
“I…know… I… just…can’t…help…it,” she heaved through her sobs.
“Sweetheart, sweetheart, calm down. Everything is ok. You’re all safe and where you belong. You don’t have to worry about men like your father or Penburton anymore.” He told her, holding her close.
“Thank you Zan, thank you so much,” she said, wrapping her arms around him and kissing him without even thinking about what she was doing. Zan cradled her and kissed her back just as fiercely. It was bittersweet to taste her gratitude mixed with her tears. Victoria finally pulled back, needing to breathe and collect herself. Zan had the ability to totally steal her senses and everything else just melted away in his wake.
“Are you ok?” Zan asked, looking into her eyes. She quietly nodded as she whipped away the tears streaks covering her face.
“Can I go see Charlie and Jenkins?” she asked.
“Of course, we’ll get you cleaned up and dressed and then you can see them. I hope you don’t mind, but Liz wanted to bring some clothes for you personally,” Zan told her as he moved away from the bed and Liz opened the door.
“The queen?” Victoria hissed at Zan. She wasn’t even remotely presentable to receive an audience with her Majesty the Queen.
“Oh please, call me Liz. May I call you Victoria? I hope you don’t mind me coming in, but I’ve been waiting all morning to meet you. I wasn’t quite sure your size, so I grabbed some things out of my closet and raided Maria’s. That girl has more clothes than she could ever know what to do with, so she won’t miss any of it.” Liz gushed as she came into the room.
“I, ah, umm, yes, please call me Victoria. Thank you your majes…I mean Liz. I can honestly say I wasn’t expecting this warm of a reception, considering the impression I left the last time I was here.” Victoria was in shock. Here was the queen, and she was treating her like an equal, like a long lest friend.
“Whatever do you mean Victoria? I met Vivian St. James a few weeks ago; I have yet to meet Victoria Carroll, although I do hope some of Vivian’s spunk does stick around. She caused the biggest stir this palace has seen in centuries and I must confess I enjoyed every minute of it. You sure put Zan in his place, and I know from personal experience that takes a lot.” Liz said sitting down on the bed and laying out all the clothes she had bunched up in her arms, “Zan, don’t you have some things to attend to, like being prince and royal advisor to your brother.” Liz quickly rushed over to his side, “By the way, he knows about our guests. I could only keep it from him for so long. And it seems that Penburton is at the gates, demanding to have his betrothed back.”
“No way in hell,” Zan hissed venomously, “Thank you Liz,” he said giving her a kiss on the cheek. “I have a few things to attend to, but I’ll be back soon Victoria. I’m sure you and Liz will have lots to talk about. Just please keep the really embarrassing stories quiet for now sister dear.” Zan said looking down at Liz.
“I promise not to tell her anything that would make her think anything of you other than you are a dashingly wonderful man. Now, go, we have girl things to do.” Liz said as she closed the door on Zan.
-------------------------------------
“Lord Penburton, would you please calm down. You are way out of line,” Max warned him.
“Please excuse my forward attitude your majesty. You see it’s just I am outraged at the conduct of your brother. How dare he just waltz in and steal my bride-to-be?” Penburton raged.
“The same way you can waltzed in and attempt to ruin Victoria’s life by actually trying to collect on that bet you made with Carroll.” Zan said in a cool tone. He was leaning against a pillar in the back of the great hall.
“Zan, do you know what Lord Penburton is talking about? He’s making some rather damaging charges.” Max asked.
“I know all too well what he is talking about. It seems Lord Penburton had plans on marrying Ms. Victoria Carroll, daughter of Charles Carroll, former Antarian Ambassador to Earth. Mr. Carroll has a rather large gambling problem and when he finally ran out of things to bet, he paid his debt with Victoria’s hand in marriage.” Zan explained as he moved to the front of the room and next to Max’s side.
“Is this true Lord Penburton?” Max asked.
“Carroll and I arranged the marriage long ago. I had finally just come to claim it.” Penburton lied.
“It’s a crime punishable by death to lie to your king, Lord Penburton.” Jenkins said as he came from out of the shadows, “I can testify to Prince Zan’s words.”
“And what of Ms. Carroll now?” Max asked. This was all sounding rather odd, and what was Lord Jenkins doing here. Wasn’t he a friend of that opera singer Zan had brought to the palace a few weeks ago, the one who had slapped him in front if the entire court.
“Ms. Carroll is under my protection, and I have claimed her for my betrothed and I intend on marrying her as quickly as possible. I have invoked my right as prince to choose my bride. Victoria is mine and no one can take her away from me.” Zan said, the challenge was thick in is voice.
“Your majesty, I must protest. Victoria was to be my wife. I can understand why Prince Zan would be rather taken with her, but you cannot allow him to just steal my intended like this.” Penburton pleaded. The snake was now kneeling before the king.
“I already have,” was all Zan said.
“Please tell me you haven’t,” Max said shaking his head.
“So you kidnap my wife and then you steal my husbandly rights. This is unbelievable!” Penburton yelled.
“Since she is my future bride, they were my husbandly rights. I only take what is mine.” Zan told him.
“Enough!” Victoria screamed from the side of the great hall. Liz had brought her into the hall after she had gotten dressed. Now Victoria had heard enough. They were arguing over her like she was a piece of meat, “I will not, and I will repeat this so that every one of you hears this clearly. I will not marry either of you. I am a grown woman. I have been taking care of myself, Charlie, Jenkins and our household ever since my mother died. I don’t need a man to take care of little old me, because I do a damn fine job all by myself and I certainly am not going to stand here and let the bunch of you decide about my hand in marriage which frankly doesn’t belong to you,” she informed the men in the hall.
“Now Victoria, you’re being unreasonable.” Zan’s whole demeanor changed the instant Victoria started to speak. It was easy to see that Zan truly cared for this woman and she had him wrapped around her delicate finger.
“No Prince Zander I’m not. I want to thank you for rescuing me and my family last night and for your hospitality. Thank you your majesties for welcoming us into your home and I enjoyed our morning together your highness.” Victoria said looking over at Liz, “Jenkins, would you please collect Charlie. We have over stayed our welcome.” Victoria said going to Jenkins’ side.
“Victoria, where do you think you’re going?” Zan called out as he ran after her. He caught up with her and grabbed her arm, spinning her around to look at him.
“I’m going somewhere away from you and Penburton and my father and every other male who is attempting to dominate me like I’m some simpering little defenseless woman. Now unhand me your majesty.” Victoria reprimanded him, pulling her arm out of his grasp.
“This is not over between us madam.” Zan told her through clenched teeth, and without warning, pulled her in for a fierce kiss. It was more a kiss of dominance than love or caring and Victoria knew it. She pulled back and slapped him in front of the King and Queen for a second time.
“Yes, it is,” she said as she left the great hall.
TBC…
Go Team Zanaholics Anonymous!!!!!!!
Dreaming in Purple
BDjamilah
Antarian Chica
Strawberry Shortcake 17
Dreaming in Purple
BDjamilah
Antarian Chica
Strawberry Shortcake 17
-
Strawberry Shortcake 17
- Addicted Roswellian
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2002 8:20 pm
- Location: good old PSU
Part 12
The silence left in Victoria’s wake was deafening. Zan could only stand there and stare at the door that she had just walked out. She loved him, or at least he had thought she loved him and he was damn sure he loved her. How could she just walk away like that and leave everything they had together? Who was she to refuse the love of a man like him, the prince?
Deep inside Zan’s heart he felt something harden, something that had finally come to life with the presence of Victoria in his life but withered now that she was gone. Now that she was gone, the love left with her. But something darker was forming in Zan, something controlling and demanding, a new demon clamoring to get out.
“Ms. Carroll has had her say and I shall honor her wishes. Neither you nor I will pursue her, but know this. No other man will pursue her either. If she will not marry me, she will not marry anyone.” Zan announced with his back turned to everyone.
“Zan, you can’t do that,” Liz scolded him.
“I can and I will Elizabeth. She is mine and no one else’s. If she cannot she cannot love me for who I am, then she can hate me for who I am. It will not change the fact that she still belongs to me.” Zan replied in a commanding voice.
“Zan, be reasonable,” Max tried.
“Don’t argue with me brother. I have said my piece and I dare any man to defy me,” Zan said staring Penburton down.
------------------------
Four months went past. Victoria did just as she said she would. She took Jenkins and Charlie and disappeared. She found work in a simple dress shop. It wasn’t the same money as the stage, but it kept food on the table and no one knew who she was. Vivian St. James had finally died out in the head lines. The press was convinced Vivian was dead or missing, but they had stopped looking for her a month ago. Victoria couldn’t be more relieved.
One thing she quickly tired of seeing were the gossip columns, detailing Zan’s latest exploits everyday of the week. He was seen with a new woman nightly and was often forcibly removed from shady establishments for drinking too much and causing fights. He had become Antar’s biggest playboy, far surpassing his exploits pre-Victoria.
It disgusted her, hearing about how he could just flaunt himself like some drunken gigolo, and to think she had entertained the thought of loving and possibly marrying that man. Secretly she still loved him. He was the only man she had ever felt anything other than friendship. But, she couldn’t possibly go back now. The man she had fallen in love with had fallen in love with himself and his nightly raves. She had responsibilities, she owed it to her family and to herself, and now she owed it to the new life she was hiding from Jenkins and Charlie, but she wasn’t sure how much longer she could do that.
------------------------------------
“How was your day Victoria?” Jenkins asked. Victoria entered the small townhouse, pulling her long coat and scarf off. Winter was setting in and it was getting rather cold rather quickly. They had settled into the little town of Damira. It was a cozy little place. Somewhere that made anyone in it feel like they had found home.
“Actually it was really good. The Barton wedding kept me busy all day. Becky’s bridesmaids all look so pretty. She picked a lovely shade of green and the style is very flattering. I can safely say this time I out did myself,” Victoria said proudly. Her talents as a dressmaker were now in high demand.
“I’m glad. I’m sure Becky will be pleased,” Jenkins replied, “Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes.”
“Oh, what are we having?” Victoria asked, moving around in the kitchen to find a chair at the table.
“Beef stew with my home made dumplings,” he replied. Victoria took a deep whiff and nearly threw up on the spot. Her face turned a queer shade of green and she ran for the bathroom. Her stomach was empty, so painful dry heaves followed. Jenkins came rushing in. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine, really,” Victoria coughed through the heaves, “I guess I’m not all that hungry.”
“Oh Victoria, when are you going to stop kidding yourself? You’re pregnant and we both know it,” Jenkins accused her.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, pulling herself upright on rather shaky legs. She didn’t want to admit that he was right, but only because she didn’t want to admit it to herself.
“You have all the symptoms. Last month you spent every morning with morning sickness. None of your clothes fight quite right because your body is growing in response to the little one. Every time I mention one of your favorite foods, you turn green, but then you ask me for things like pickles and ice cream. I know what a pregnant woman acts like. You forget I attended your mother through each of hers.” Jenkins laid out for her. She could act like a foolish little girl, but there wasn’t time for such nonsense, not if a baby was coming.
”Oh Jenkins, I’m so sorry. I think I am pregnant. I’m so sorry,” Victoria wailed as she threw herself into Jenkins’ arms.
“I forgot to mention the mood swings,” he teased, “When are you going to tell Zan?” Victoria stiffened in Jenkins’ arms. Just the sound of his name brought dread into her being. Zan wasn’t mature enough to take care of himself let alone her or her baby.
“I don’t need to tell Zan,” she replied.
“Yes you do Victoria. He’s the father. He has a right to know,” he told her.
“How are you so sure he is the father?” she challenged.
“Because I know no one else could be,” he replied.
“I’m not telling him. He doesn’t want a child. He loves himself too much to love anything else. He’s a selfish, womanizing, drunken beast and no child of mine will be exposed to such a horrible father. I survived my childhood; I won’t subject another child to the same torture,” she told him with conviction. Zan didn’t need to know anything. From the minute he had crashed through her life, he had been trying to dominate and control her and she didn’t need a man like that in her life. No, she wanted a man who would love and care for her, not treat her like a piece of property. She had already lived that reality and she wouldn’t willingly go back.
The silence left in Victoria’s wake was deafening. Zan could only stand there and stare at the door that she had just walked out. She loved him, or at least he had thought she loved him and he was damn sure he loved her. How could she just walk away like that and leave everything they had together? Who was she to refuse the love of a man like him, the prince?
Deep inside Zan’s heart he felt something harden, something that had finally come to life with the presence of Victoria in his life but withered now that she was gone. Now that she was gone, the love left with her. But something darker was forming in Zan, something controlling and demanding, a new demon clamoring to get out.
“Ms. Carroll has had her say and I shall honor her wishes. Neither you nor I will pursue her, but know this. No other man will pursue her either. If she will not marry me, she will not marry anyone.” Zan announced with his back turned to everyone.
“Zan, you can’t do that,” Liz scolded him.
“I can and I will Elizabeth. She is mine and no one else’s. If she cannot she cannot love me for who I am, then she can hate me for who I am. It will not change the fact that she still belongs to me.” Zan replied in a commanding voice.
“Zan, be reasonable,” Max tried.
“Don’t argue with me brother. I have said my piece and I dare any man to defy me,” Zan said staring Penburton down.
------------------------
Four months went past. Victoria did just as she said she would. She took Jenkins and Charlie and disappeared. She found work in a simple dress shop. It wasn’t the same money as the stage, but it kept food on the table and no one knew who she was. Vivian St. James had finally died out in the head lines. The press was convinced Vivian was dead or missing, but they had stopped looking for her a month ago. Victoria couldn’t be more relieved.
One thing she quickly tired of seeing were the gossip columns, detailing Zan’s latest exploits everyday of the week. He was seen with a new woman nightly and was often forcibly removed from shady establishments for drinking too much and causing fights. He had become Antar’s biggest playboy, far surpassing his exploits pre-Victoria.
It disgusted her, hearing about how he could just flaunt himself like some drunken gigolo, and to think she had entertained the thought of loving and possibly marrying that man. Secretly she still loved him. He was the only man she had ever felt anything other than friendship. But, she couldn’t possibly go back now. The man she had fallen in love with had fallen in love with himself and his nightly raves. She had responsibilities, she owed it to her family and to herself, and now she owed it to the new life she was hiding from Jenkins and Charlie, but she wasn’t sure how much longer she could do that.
------------------------------------
“How was your day Victoria?” Jenkins asked. Victoria entered the small townhouse, pulling her long coat and scarf off. Winter was setting in and it was getting rather cold rather quickly. They had settled into the little town of Damira. It was a cozy little place. Somewhere that made anyone in it feel like they had found home.
“Actually it was really good. The Barton wedding kept me busy all day. Becky’s bridesmaids all look so pretty. She picked a lovely shade of green and the style is very flattering. I can safely say this time I out did myself,” Victoria said proudly. Her talents as a dressmaker were now in high demand.
“I’m glad. I’m sure Becky will be pleased,” Jenkins replied, “Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes.”
“Oh, what are we having?” Victoria asked, moving around in the kitchen to find a chair at the table.
“Beef stew with my home made dumplings,” he replied. Victoria took a deep whiff and nearly threw up on the spot. Her face turned a queer shade of green and she ran for the bathroom. Her stomach was empty, so painful dry heaves followed. Jenkins came rushing in. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine, really,” Victoria coughed through the heaves, “I guess I’m not all that hungry.”
“Oh Victoria, when are you going to stop kidding yourself? You’re pregnant and we both know it,” Jenkins accused her.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, pulling herself upright on rather shaky legs. She didn’t want to admit that he was right, but only because she didn’t want to admit it to herself.
“You have all the symptoms. Last month you spent every morning with morning sickness. None of your clothes fight quite right because your body is growing in response to the little one. Every time I mention one of your favorite foods, you turn green, but then you ask me for things like pickles and ice cream. I know what a pregnant woman acts like. You forget I attended your mother through each of hers.” Jenkins laid out for her. She could act like a foolish little girl, but there wasn’t time for such nonsense, not if a baby was coming.
”Oh Jenkins, I’m so sorry. I think I am pregnant. I’m so sorry,” Victoria wailed as she threw herself into Jenkins’ arms.
“I forgot to mention the mood swings,” he teased, “When are you going to tell Zan?” Victoria stiffened in Jenkins’ arms. Just the sound of his name brought dread into her being. Zan wasn’t mature enough to take care of himself let alone her or her baby.
“I don’t need to tell Zan,” she replied.
“Yes you do Victoria. He’s the father. He has a right to know,” he told her.
“How are you so sure he is the father?” she challenged.
“Because I know no one else could be,” he replied.
“I’m not telling him. He doesn’t want a child. He loves himself too much to love anything else. He’s a selfish, womanizing, drunken beast and no child of mine will be exposed to such a horrible father. I survived my childhood; I won’t subject another child to the same torture,” she told him with conviction. Zan didn’t need to know anything. From the minute he had crashed through her life, he had been trying to dominate and control her and she didn’t need a man like that in her life. No, she wanted a man who would love and care for her, not treat her like a piece of property. She had already lived that reality and she wouldn’t willingly go back.
Go Team Zanaholics Anonymous!!!!!!!
Dreaming in Purple
BDjamilah
Antarian Chica
Strawberry Shortcake 17
Dreaming in Purple
BDjamilah
Antarian Chica
Strawberry Shortcake 17
-
Strawberry Shortcake 17
- Addicted Roswellian
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2002 8:20 pm
- Location: good old PSU
Part 13
“Charlie, can you do me a favor?” Jenkins asked as he walked the boy to school that morning.
“Sure Jenkins, what do you need?” Charlie asked. He was always willing to help and the conspirator quality of Jenkins voice just couldn’t be resisted.
“I need to go to the capital city today and I don’t know how long I will be gone. I need to go see Prince Zan,” he confided in him.
“Oh, you mean Prince Pompous Butthead,” Charlie commented. He knew that Victoria really disliked this Zan guy, but from what Jenkins had said and from when he had met him he didn’t seem like that bad of a guy.
“Yes, him,” Jenkins smiled. Even though he didn’t agree with Victoria’s rather rude nick name, it did make him laugh a little, “I need you to tell Victoria if she asks where I am that a member of my family fell ill and I needed to attend to them right away. Can you do that for me Charlie?”
“Yeah, I can do that, but Jenkins, why do you need Prince Zan?” Charlie asked.
“Let’s just say it’s really important.”
-----------------------------------------
Liz sat quietly in here personal sitting room after reading the paper for the morning. Once again, Zan’s exploits littered the paper with steamy gossip and tripe. Zan had sent himself into a downward spiral soon after Victoria’s retreat. Liz couldn’t blame the woman for leaving. Zan had acted horribly and then that vow he made just tipped the scale. His heart had broken the day Victoria walked out on him and he decided the best way to purge her memory from his soul was to gorge himself on pleasures of the flesh.
Liz couldn’t take it anymore. She knew her dear brother-in-law was in so much pain and he was just masking it with his outrageous behavior. He needed someone who wouldn’t lecture him, but would actually listen to him for once. Liz was the only person who could possible crack that shell and she planned on doing it today.
Zan entered the room and slowly waked over to Liz, “Good morning sister dear. I got your summons,” he said as he kissed her on the cheek. At one point in time, Zan had been much more intimate than a kiss on the cheek, but the instant Max claimed for his, Zan backed off and he developed a sisterly love for Liz. She was the one person he really trusted. The only person he had ever relied on, more so than Max.
“Please sit down Zan,” she told him, “Zan, I think it’s time you and I had a talk and I don’t intend to talk, I intend to listen.”
“I don’t have anything to talk about Liz,” Zan curtly replied. Now Liz was attacking him. He was sure Liz knew all about his exploits. He didn’t hide how he was and people could write all they want.
“And if I actually believed that I wouldn’t have asked you here. Now please Zan, tell me why you’re actively trying to destroy your self,” Liz asked him in a quiet, sad voice.
“It doesn’t matter what I do Liz, I have nothing to live for anyway,” he replied quietly.
“Oh Zan, but you do,” Liz tried.
“No I don’t Liz. Everything I have to live for rejected me. Why not truly enjoy being the ass you have been described?” he asked thoughtfully.
“But you just can’t go on like this. Victoria is out there if you’d just open your eyes and look for her,” she told him.
“I don’t want to look for her and I don’t want to see her. She ripped out my heart and fed it to me. I won’t give like that ever again,” Zan said getting up and started to pace the room, “God, I don’t even know what came over me. Just thinking about the love sick fool I played for that woman makes me nauseous. I’ve never loved anyone, not ever Zena like I loved Victoria and she just throws it all away, like my love meant nothing.”
“It wasn’t like that Zan,” she tried to explain.
“That was exactly what it was like. I offered her the world and she stomped it into the rug as she left,” he said broodingly.
“You can’t believe that. I know I don’t. After spending that morning with her I knew she loved you, just as much if not more than you did her. It was easy to see and hear her feelings for you in her actions and her voice. She looked over all of the things I brought in and tried to pick the one thing you’d like the best and we did her hair so that you would think she was beautiful. We talked and laughed and I shared stories about you which she loved and then when she was finally ready she couldn’t wait to see you again. It was all I could do to keep her from running down the hall,” Liz explained.
“Then when would she just walk out on me like that? If she really did love me she wouldn’t have just left,” Zan asked, sitting back down again. He was in such turmoil.
“Well, I recall doing almost the same exact thing to your brother and you helped me do it. Seems I remember hearing about him bunching you square in the face and all because you were helping me escape Max and his overbearing pigheadedness,” she reminded him.
“I wasn’t being an overbearing pig head, I was protecting her,” Zan replied.
“By being an overbearing pig head. Trust me Zan, I was there, I saw the whole exchange. I would have run from you too, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have wanted you to follow me,” she explained.
“She said she didn’t want me to follow,” he grumbled.
“No, she said she was going somewhere she knew you wouldn’t find her. If that wasn’t a challenge then I don’t know what is,” she said.
“I can’t go back Liz. I can’t be that man again. I would love to go after her, but I just don’t know how. She’d reject me the instant I walked through her door,” he cried burying his face in his hands. Then a knock came at the door.
“Your majesties,” the voice called.
“We are busy and are not to be disturbed,” Liz called out the attendant.
“I’m sorry my queen, but I have a man named Lord Jenkins in the great hall and he wants to talk to Prince Zan about that missing opera singer Vivian St. James,” he called out in a rather confused tone.
Zan shot up and out of his chair like the hounds of hell were nipping at his feet.
“Charlie, can you do me a favor?” Jenkins asked as he walked the boy to school that morning.
“Sure Jenkins, what do you need?” Charlie asked. He was always willing to help and the conspirator quality of Jenkins voice just couldn’t be resisted.
“I need to go to the capital city today and I don’t know how long I will be gone. I need to go see Prince Zan,” he confided in him.
“Oh, you mean Prince Pompous Butthead,” Charlie commented. He knew that Victoria really disliked this Zan guy, but from what Jenkins had said and from when he had met him he didn’t seem like that bad of a guy.
“Yes, him,” Jenkins smiled. Even though he didn’t agree with Victoria’s rather rude nick name, it did make him laugh a little, “I need you to tell Victoria if she asks where I am that a member of my family fell ill and I needed to attend to them right away. Can you do that for me Charlie?”
“Yeah, I can do that, but Jenkins, why do you need Prince Zan?” Charlie asked.
“Let’s just say it’s really important.”
-----------------------------------------
Liz sat quietly in here personal sitting room after reading the paper for the morning. Once again, Zan’s exploits littered the paper with steamy gossip and tripe. Zan had sent himself into a downward spiral soon after Victoria’s retreat. Liz couldn’t blame the woman for leaving. Zan had acted horribly and then that vow he made just tipped the scale. His heart had broken the day Victoria walked out on him and he decided the best way to purge her memory from his soul was to gorge himself on pleasures of the flesh.
Liz couldn’t take it anymore. She knew her dear brother-in-law was in so much pain and he was just masking it with his outrageous behavior. He needed someone who wouldn’t lecture him, but would actually listen to him for once. Liz was the only person who could possible crack that shell and she planned on doing it today.
Zan entered the room and slowly waked over to Liz, “Good morning sister dear. I got your summons,” he said as he kissed her on the cheek. At one point in time, Zan had been much more intimate than a kiss on the cheek, but the instant Max claimed for his, Zan backed off and he developed a sisterly love for Liz. She was the one person he really trusted. The only person he had ever relied on, more so than Max.
“Please sit down Zan,” she told him, “Zan, I think it’s time you and I had a talk and I don’t intend to talk, I intend to listen.”
“I don’t have anything to talk about Liz,” Zan curtly replied. Now Liz was attacking him. He was sure Liz knew all about his exploits. He didn’t hide how he was and people could write all they want.
“And if I actually believed that I wouldn’t have asked you here. Now please Zan, tell me why you’re actively trying to destroy your self,” Liz asked him in a quiet, sad voice.
“It doesn’t matter what I do Liz, I have nothing to live for anyway,” he replied quietly.
“Oh Zan, but you do,” Liz tried.
“No I don’t Liz. Everything I have to live for rejected me. Why not truly enjoy being the ass you have been described?” he asked thoughtfully.
“But you just can’t go on like this. Victoria is out there if you’d just open your eyes and look for her,” she told him.
“I don’t want to look for her and I don’t want to see her. She ripped out my heart and fed it to me. I won’t give like that ever again,” Zan said getting up and started to pace the room, “God, I don’t even know what came over me. Just thinking about the love sick fool I played for that woman makes me nauseous. I’ve never loved anyone, not ever Zena like I loved Victoria and she just throws it all away, like my love meant nothing.”
“It wasn’t like that Zan,” she tried to explain.
“That was exactly what it was like. I offered her the world and she stomped it into the rug as she left,” he said broodingly.
“You can’t believe that. I know I don’t. After spending that morning with her I knew she loved you, just as much if not more than you did her. It was easy to see and hear her feelings for you in her actions and her voice. She looked over all of the things I brought in and tried to pick the one thing you’d like the best and we did her hair so that you would think she was beautiful. We talked and laughed and I shared stories about you which she loved and then when she was finally ready she couldn’t wait to see you again. It was all I could do to keep her from running down the hall,” Liz explained.
“Then when would she just walk out on me like that? If she really did love me she wouldn’t have just left,” Zan asked, sitting back down again. He was in such turmoil.
“Well, I recall doing almost the same exact thing to your brother and you helped me do it. Seems I remember hearing about him bunching you square in the face and all because you were helping me escape Max and his overbearing pigheadedness,” she reminded him.
“I wasn’t being an overbearing pig head, I was protecting her,” Zan replied.
“By being an overbearing pig head. Trust me Zan, I was there, I saw the whole exchange. I would have run from you too, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have wanted you to follow me,” she explained.
“She said she didn’t want me to follow,” he grumbled.
“No, she said she was going somewhere she knew you wouldn’t find her. If that wasn’t a challenge then I don’t know what is,” she said.
“I can’t go back Liz. I can’t be that man again. I would love to go after her, but I just don’t know how. She’d reject me the instant I walked through her door,” he cried burying his face in his hands. Then a knock came at the door.
“Your majesties,” the voice called.
“We are busy and are not to be disturbed,” Liz called out the attendant.
“I’m sorry my queen, but I have a man named Lord Jenkins in the great hall and he wants to talk to Prince Zan about that missing opera singer Vivian St. James,” he called out in a rather confused tone.
Zan shot up and out of his chair like the hounds of hell were nipping at his feet.
Go Team Zanaholics Anonymous!!!!!!!
Dreaming in Purple
BDjamilah
Antarian Chica
Strawberry Shortcake 17
Dreaming in Purple
BDjamilah
Antarian Chica
Strawberry Shortcake 17
-
Strawberry Shortcake 17
- Addicted Roswellian
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2002 8:20 pm
- Location: good old PSU
Part 14
Zan sat in a stunned silence as Jenkins gave him the biggest news of his life. My god, he was a father. A father! A baby created by him and Victoria, sweet, wonderful amazing Victoria. What had he ever done to deserve the chance to be a father? He always knew Victoria was the woman for him and this baby proved it, he just had to figure out a way to get Victoria to realize it too. Jenkins had come to him because he knew Victoria wouldn’t and while that upset Zan, he understood why she wouldn’t. She was struggling to survive on her own and with the knowledge that her baby’s father was a class “A” bum.
God, he was such a screw up. He had tried time and time again to destroy her memory by losing himself in his exploits, but it never worked. No matter how drunk, no matter how much money he lost and no matter how badly he tried to bed a willing woman, he just couldn’t do it. Nothing compared to the beauty and innocence or the fire and passion of his Victoria. He had managed to get royally drunk and lost money by the pounds by in seedy gambling halls, but the women were another story. Zan, the heartbreaker of countless scores couldn’t bring himself to even sleep with the willingest of women. They had tried endlessly to entice and arouse him, but it just didn’t work. He couldn’t find the desire to make love to any woman. He had left many women in these last few months, giving a minimal apology as he ran. He finally gave up on women and just crawled inside a bottle of brandy. He often smirked when he read the endless gossip articles and they all told how he had several women a night, but that was because none of these women wanted it getting out that the prince had left their bed for lack of desire.
“I need to see her Jenkins. Where is she?” Zan pleaded with the older gentleman.
“I hoped you would say that,” Jenkins said with a relieved smile, “We’re in Damira, a small coastal town about 3 hours from here.”
“I’ll get a carriage ready, we’ll leave immediately,” he said jumping up and heading for the door. Jenkins quickly caught him before he opened the door.
“We need to plan this, your highness. She’ll know what I did the instant we arrive if we arrive together. Come, we have some planning to do and by the looks of it, you need to clean up a bit. When was the last time you showered?” Jenkins teased. Zan just glared at him and smiled. He did look rather bad, but it was all Victoria’s fault. She had messed him up so bad he had even given up showering.
---------------------------------------
Victoria came home early from the shop and opened the front door. Charlie sat in the kitchen doing his homework like a good little boy. Victoria couldn’t have asked for a better brother and she prayed that the little life inside her turned out to be half as wonderful as Charlie.
“How was school kiddo?” she asked as she walked past and ruffled his hair.
“Oh, you know, school. How was the dress shop?” he asked, looking up at his sister. He went over in his head what Jenkins had told him. He knew she’d ask and he had to make sure he got this one right.
“Busy. That wedding is taking up every minute of the day, but that means that business is good,” she replied as she filled a bowl with ice cream and sat down at the table across from Charlie, “Where’s Jenkins?” she asked, finally noticing he wasn’t there.
“Oh, umm he said something about having to go see a sick relative, said it was pretty urgent and he’d be gone most of the day.” Charlie recited from memory. He was proud of himself, that sounded very convincing.
“I hope it’s not something bad. Who did he say he was going to see?” she asked.
“He didn’t say the name but he said they had a terminal case of cirrhosis of the liver,” he told her. Charlie added that little bit of extra just for good measure. He knew she wouldn’t argue with something as gross as that. Then the door opened and Jenkins walked in, his arms filled with food and things he had bought at the local market.
“How is your relative?” Victoria asked him as he entered the kitchen.
“Who?” he asked as he dropped the contents of his arms on the counter, looking at her confused.
“Your relative, the one you went to visit. Remember the one you told me about this morning Jenkins,” Charlie prompted. He was praying Jenkins wouldn’t mess this up and then get him in trouble for lying to his sister.
“Oh, right, my relative. Oh he’s dreadfully sick, heart trouble you know, but the doctor expects a full recovery. Should be right as rain in few weeks,” he replied as the light bulbs went off quickly.
“So wait, your cousin is having heart troubles. Charlie just said he had cirrhosis of the liver,” she stated, confused.
“Oh, ah yes, well it seems he has both and, ah, they are both rather bad. Doctor doesn’t think he’ll live from either,” Jenkins quickly covered. Charlie breathed a heavy sigh of relief and Victoria looked between the 2, not sure what she was missing, but knowing she was missing something.
-------------------------------------------
Dinner was a peaceful event with little conversation as they devoured the simple chicken soup and French bread Jenkins prepared. Victoria’s stomach didn’t rebel at the sight of this meal, so she was able to sit and enjoy the time with her little brother and the man she considered her real father. They had a peaceful family and for once she felt content. She knew that she needed to tell Charlie about the baby and soon, because it would be entering their lives in a short time, but she didn’t want to interrupt this blissful peace they had. She wanted life to continue, just like this for a little while longer.
She did miss Zan though. For all his faults and short comings, she missed him and wished he could share in this with them. She wished there was a way to share the joy of their child with him, but she knew that it wasn’t possible. After she had walked out on him, he had quickly forgotten about her. He didn’t need a woman like her to tie him down. He’d be happier just to continue without her and all she wanted was for him to be happy. She understood that Zan was a lost soul, searching for something that would anchor him, that would satisfy him and she hoped he would find it and be content.
“What are you thinking about Victoria?” Charlie asked.
“Just how happy I am to be here with you and Jenkins, kiddo,” she answered. Charlie accepted her answer but as she looked to the other side if the table, she found knowing eyes staring back at her. She couldn’t hide anything from Jenkins, and even though it often annoyed her she loved him for that.
-------------------------------------------
“I’m going to turn in early Jenkins,” Victoria announced as she put the small blanket she had started down in the sowing basket. She had a baby coming and it needed a beautiful blanket, one fit for the prince or princess that it is.
“Good night my dear,” he said as he looked up from his book. He watched Victoria climb the stairs and then listened for the noises to die down, signaling that she had finally climbed into bed. Jenkins pulled on a coat and headed for the local inn where Zan was waiting for him to fetch him when Victoria had finally gone to bed. The inn wasn’t far from their home and Zan was waiting anxiously at the front door. He hadn’t been able to sit still since he had arrived. He nodded to Zan and Zan waved his guard off as he followed Jenkins to the townhouse.
Zan entered the house and slowly climbed the stairs, hoping he wouldn’t awaken her before he planned to. He opened the door to Victoria’s room and found her sleeping peacefully, the moons casting a bright glow over her fair features. He walked over to the bed and knelt down next to her face, just basking in her presence. His heart was beating erratically and his insides were churning with anxiety. He had no idea what her reaction would be to finding him in her home, in her room.
He traced a tentative hand over the curve of her cheek and the exposed slope of her shoulder. Her skin was still as exquisitely soft as he remembered it was. He leaned in and brushed his lips across her soft parted lips and cupped her cheek. Victoria sighed and her lips relaxed as Zan kissed her. He rose from his knees and leaned over Victoria, kneeling on the bed and pulling her toward him. She snuggled up to him and let the kiss continue.
Zan could hardly believe that Victoria was kissing him back, that she had wrapped her arms around him and was pulling him tighter. He started caressing her and began slipping her sleeping gown off her body. She didn’t fight him, but he was sure she was still slightly asleep.
“Umm, Zan,” Victoria sighed. She was having the most amazing dream. For the first time since she had walked out on Zan four long months ago, she actually felt like this dream was real, like she could actually touch and hold him and no one would take him away from her.
“Oh Victoria, my love,” Zan whispered. God how had he survived without this woman in his arms, in his life, in his heart? He began kissing down her neck and pushed the sleeping gown off to the side to expose her slightly larger breasts. She sighed with pleasure as Zan fondled her sensitive skin, making his way down to her nipple and latching on to it with his mouth.
Victoria cried out with the sensation, snapping out of her dream world to realize that this was no dream and that Zan was in her bed and she was already half way naked. She sat up quickly and looked into his eyes.
“Zan?” she asked tentatively. God she hoped it really was him and not just her sad mind playing tricks on her. He brought up his hands and cupped her face, bringing it in for a sweet, tender kiss.
“I’m here Victoria. Oh god I have missed you so much,” he said kissing her again, this time a little longer, savoring her taste.
“I’ve missed you too. I’m so sorry Zan, I’m so sorry,” she cried as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him with all her might. Zan was caught off guard by her reaction, but his heart cried out with joy. Victoria wanted him, she missed him and she was kissing him. It was like his first kiss, so sweet and wonderful words couldn’t describe it.
He pulled back and looked into her eyes brimmed with tears, whipping the evidence of their predecessors from her face. “I’m the one who should be apologizing. Can you forgive me for being a colossal idiot? I never should have let you go,” he told her, pulling her into his tight embrace.
“You couldn’t have stopped me if you tried,” she teased, tears still flowing but a smile brimming in her eyes. She couldn’t believe he was actually here, in her room, in her arms but…, “Zan, how did you find me?”
“A close friend of the late Vivian St. James came forth with her whereabouts,” he told her.
“I should have known that’s where he was,” she grumbled but was still smiling.
“He also told me some rather interesting news. Is it true? Are you?” he asked. He wanted to be sure, to hear the blissful news from her lips. Zan had never really wanted children, not with Cassie to keep him busy and it wasn’t necessary for him to produce an heir. He was just the spare prince, only there in case of emergency. The unwanted one. But that all changed when Victoria stepped into his life. He was wanted, he was loved and now he had a family.
“Yes, Zan, I’m pregnant. The doctor confirmed it a few weeks ago. The little one will make an appearance in about 5 months,” she told him. She watched his face and was relieved to see it light up with happiness. She was so worried he wouldn’t want a baby and she didn’t know what she would do if he said he didn’t.
“Can I touch it, I mean your stomach?” he asked tentatively.
“Of course,” she said as she moved her night gown to expose her slightly rounded stomach. She had just started to show. Zan ran his hand over the soft flesh and just stared in awe. His child was right under her skin, safe in her body and he would get to hold this precious miracle in a just a few months. Zan laid his head down on her stomach and wrapped his arms around her middle. Tears of bittersweet joy fell as she ran her fingers thru his soft shine hair. She could feel him crying softly and she worriedly asked, “What’s wrong Zan?”
He picked his head up and looked into her beautiful, teary eyes. “Nothing is wrong. Actually, everything is absolutely perfect. I love you Victoria Carroll and everything you have done for me and given to me. I still haven’t figured out what I did or who I pleased to be given a chance to know and love an amazing woman like you.”
“I love you too Zan, I really do,” she replied as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him in for a kiss that started out sweet and then filled with passion. Zan slowly removed the rest of her clothing and then his own and made slow, passionate love to her, loving every part of her body and reacquainting himself with every ounce of her. When Zan finally filled her with his own, she cried out in sweet torment. He rocked steadily in and out of her body, ever conscious of the precious life she was now carrying. Her tight body was like blissful torture. He hadn’t been with anyone in the long months that she had been gone and now he had never been so satisfied. Finally he felt her walls convulse around him and he called out her name as he buried himself deep within her and lost his seed in her body.
Zan collapsed and rolled to the side, conscious of her stomach, pulling her into him and she nestled into his shoulder, molding her body to his. Victoria sighed in satisfaction and fell into a deep, contented sleep. Zan was not far behind her, finally able to sleep for the first time in much too long. He fell asleep with a smile on his face and a beautiful dream behind his eyes.
Zan sat in a stunned silence as Jenkins gave him the biggest news of his life. My god, he was a father. A father! A baby created by him and Victoria, sweet, wonderful amazing Victoria. What had he ever done to deserve the chance to be a father? He always knew Victoria was the woman for him and this baby proved it, he just had to figure out a way to get Victoria to realize it too. Jenkins had come to him because he knew Victoria wouldn’t and while that upset Zan, he understood why she wouldn’t. She was struggling to survive on her own and with the knowledge that her baby’s father was a class “A” bum.
God, he was such a screw up. He had tried time and time again to destroy her memory by losing himself in his exploits, but it never worked. No matter how drunk, no matter how much money he lost and no matter how badly he tried to bed a willing woman, he just couldn’t do it. Nothing compared to the beauty and innocence or the fire and passion of his Victoria. He had managed to get royally drunk and lost money by the pounds by in seedy gambling halls, but the women were another story. Zan, the heartbreaker of countless scores couldn’t bring himself to even sleep with the willingest of women. They had tried endlessly to entice and arouse him, but it just didn’t work. He couldn’t find the desire to make love to any woman. He had left many women in these last few months, giving a minimal apology as he ran. He finally gave up on women and just crawled inside a bottle of brandy. He often smirked when he read the endless gossip articles and they all told how he had several women a night, but that was because none of these women wanted it getting out that the prince had left their bed for lack of desire.
“I need to see her Jenkins. Where is she?” Zan pleaded with the older gentleman.
“I hoped you would say that,” Jenkins said with a relieved smile, “We’re in Damira, a small coastal town about 3 hours from here.”
“I’ll get a carriage ready, we’ll leave immediately,” he said jumping up and heading for the door. Jenkins quickly caught him before he opened the door.
“We need to plan this, your highness. She’ll know what I did the instant we arrive if we arrive together. Come, we have some planning to do and by the looks of it, you need to clean up a bit. When was the last time you showered?” Jenkins teased. Zan just glared at him and smiled. He did look rather bad, but it was all Victoria’s fault. She had messed him up so bad he had even given up showering.
---------------------------------------
Victoria came home early from the shop and opened the front door. Charlie sat in the kitchen doing his homework like a good little boy. Victoria couldn’t have asked for a better brother and she prayed that the little life inside her turned out to be half as wonderful as Charlie.
“How was school kiddo?” she asked as she walked past and ruffled his hair.
“Oh, you know, school. How was the dress shop?” he asked, looking up at his sister. He went over in his head what Jenkins had told him. He knew she’d ask and he had to make sure he got this one right.
“Busy. That wedding is taking up every minute of the day, but that means that business is good,” she replied as she filled a bowl with ice cream and sat down at the table across from Charlie, “Where’s Jenkins?” she asked, finally noticing he wasn’t there.
“Oh, umm he said something about having to go see a sick relative, said it was pretty urgent and he’d be gone most of the day.” Charlie recited from memory. He was proud of himself, that sounded very convincing.
“I hope it’s not something bad. Who did he say he was going to see?” she asked.
“He didn’t say the name but he said they had a terminal case of cirrhosis of the liver,” he told her. Charlie added that little bit of extra just for good measure. He knew she wouldn’t argue with something as gross as that. Then the door opened and Jenkins walked in, his arms filled with food and things he had bought at the local market.
“How is your relative?” Victoria asked him as he entered the kitchen.
“Who?” he asked as he dropped the contents of his arms on the counter, looking at her confused.
“Your relative, the one you went to visit. Remember the one you told me about this morning Jenkins,” Charlie prompted. He was praying Jenkins wouldn’t mess this up and then get him in trouble for lying to his sister.
“Oh, right, my relative. Oh he’s dreadfully sick, heart trouble you know, but the doctor expects a full recovery. Should be right as rain in few weeks,” he replied as the light bulbs went off quickly.
“So wait, your cousin is having heart troubles. Charlie just said he had cirrhosis of the liver,” she stated, confused.
“Oh, ah yes, well it seems he has both and, ah, they are both rather bad. Doctor doesn’t think he’ll live from either,” Jenkins quickly covered. Charlie breathed a heavy sigh of relief and Victoria looked between the 2, not sure what she was missing, but knowing she was missing something.
-------------------------------------------
Dinner was a peaceful event with little conversation as they devoured the simple chicken soup and French bread Jenkins prepared. Victoria’s stomach didn’t rebel at the sight of this meal, so she was able to sit and enjoy the time with her little brother and the man she considered her real father. They had a peaceful family and for once she felt content. She knew that she needed to tell Charlie about the baby and soon, because it would be entering their lives in a short time, but she didn’t want to interrupt this blissful peace they had. She wanted life to continue, just like this for a little while longer.
She did miss Zan though. For all his faults and short comings, she missed him and wished he could share in this with them. She wished there was a way to share the joy of their child with him, but she knew that it wasn’t possible. After she had walked out on him, he had quickly forgotten about her. He didn’t need a woman like her to tie him down. He’d be happier just to continue without her and all she wanted was for him to be happy. She understood that Zan was a lost soul, searching for something that would anchor him, that would satisfy him and she hoped he would find it and be content.
“What are you thinking about Victoria?” Charlie asked.
“Just how happy I am to be here with you and Jenkins, kiddo,” she answered. Charlie accepted her answer but as she looked to the other side if the table, she found knowing eyes staring back at her. She couldn’t hide anything from Jenkins, and even though it often annoyed her she loved him for that.
-------------------------------------------
“I’m going to turn in early Jenkins,” Victoria announced as she put the small blanket she had started down in the sowing basket. She had a baby coming and it needed a beautiful blanket, one fit for the prince or princess that it is.
“Good night my dear,” he said as he looked up from his book. He watched Victoria climb the stairs and then listened for the noises to die down, signaling that she had finally climbed into bed. Jenkins pulled on a coat and headed for the local inn where Zan was waiting for him to fetch him when Victoria had finally gone to bed. The inn wasn’t far from their home and Zan was waiting anxiously at the front door. He hadn’t been able to sit still since he had arrived. He nodded to Zan and Zan waved his guard off as he followed Jenkins to the townhouse.
Zan entered the house and slowly climbed the stairs, hoping he wouldn’t awaken her before he planned to. He opened the door to Victoria’s room and found her sleeping peacefully, the moons casting a bright glow over her fair features. He walked over to the bed and knelt down next to her face, just basking in her presence. His heart was beating erratically and his insides were churning with anxiety. He had no idea what her reaction would be to finding him in her home, in her room.
He traced a tentative hand over the curve of her cheek and the exposed slope of her shoulder. Her skin was still as exquisitely soft as he remembered it was. He leaned in and brushed his lips across her soft parted lips and cupped her cheek. Victoria sighed and her lips relaxed as Zan kissed her. He rose from his knees and leaned over Victoria, kneeling on the bed and pulling her toward him. She snuggled up to him and let the kiss continue.
Zan could hardly believe that Victoria was kissing him back, that she had wrapped her arms around him and was pulling him tighter. He started caressing her and began slipping her sleeping gown off her body. She didn’t fight him, but he was sure she was still slightly asleep.
“Umm, Zan,” Victoria sighed. She was having the most amazing dream. For the first time since she had walked out on Zan four long months ago, she actually felt like this dream was real, like she could actually touch and hold him and no one would take him away from her.
“Oh Victoria, my love,” Zan whispered. God how had he survived without this woman in his arms, in his life, in his heart? He began kissing down her neck and pushed the sleeping gown off to the side to expose her slightly larger breasts. She sighed with pleasure as Zan fondled her sensitive skin, making his way down to her nipple and latching on to it with his mouth.
Victoria cried out with the sensation, snapping out of her dream world to realize that this was no dream and that Zan was in her bed and she was already half way naked. She sat up quickly and looked into his eyes.
“Zan?” she asked tentatively. God she hoped it really was him and not just her sad mind playing tricks on her. He brought up his hands and cupped her face, bringing it in for a sweet, tender kiss.
“I’m here Victoria. Oh god I have missed you so much,” he said kissing her again, this time a little longer, savoring her taste.
“I’ve missed you too. I’m so sorry Zan, I’m so sorry,” she cried as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him with all her might. Zan was caught off guard by her reaction, but his heart cried out with joy. Victoria wanted him, she missed him and she was kissing him. It was like his first kiss, so sweet and wonderful words couldn’t describe it.
He pulled back and looked into her eyes brimmed with tears, whipping the evidence of their predecessors from her face. “I’m the one who should be apologizing. Can you forgive me for being a colossal idiot? I never should have let you go,” he told her, pulling her into his tight embrace.
“You couldn’t have stopped me if you tried,” she teased, tears still flowing but a smile brimming in her eyes. She couldn’t believe he was actually here, in her room, in her arms but…, “Zan, how did you find me?”
“A close friend of the late Vivian St. James came forth with her whereabouts,” he told her.
“I should have known that’s where he was,” she grumbled but was still smiling.
“He also told me some rather interesting news. Is it true? Are you?” he asked. He wanted to be sure, to hear the blissful news from her lips. Zan had never really wanted children, not with Cassie to keep him busy and it wasn’t necessary for him to produce an heir. He was just the spare prince, only there in case of emergency. The unwanted one. But that all changed when Victoria stepped into his life. He was wanted, he was loved and now he had a family.
“Yes, Zan, I’m pregnant. The doctor confirmed it a few weeks ago. The little one will make an appearance in about 5 months,” she told him. She watched his face and was relieved to see it light up with happiness. She was so worried he wouldn’t want a baby and she didn’t know what she would do if he said he didn’t.
“Can I touch it, I mean your stomach?” he asked tentatively.
“Of course,” she said as she moved her night gown to expose her slightly rounded stomach. She had just started to show. Zan ran his hand over the soft flesh and just stared in awe. His child was right under her skin, safe in her body and he would get to hold this precious miracle in a just a few months. Zan laid his head down on her stomach and wrapped his arms around her middle. Tears of bittersweet joy fell as she ran her fingers thru his soft shine hair. She could feel him crying softly and she worriedly asked, “What’s wrong Zan?”
He picked his head up and looked into her beautiful, teary eyes. “Nothing is wrong. Actually, everything is absolutely perfect. I love you Victoria Carroll and everything you have done for me and given to me. I still haven’t figured out what I did or who I pleased to be given a chance to know and love an amazing woman like you.”
“I love you too Zan, I really do,” she replied as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him in for a kiss that started out sweet and then filled with passion. Zan slowly removed the rest of her clothing and then his own and made slow, passionate love to her, loving every part of her body and reacquainting himself with every ounce of her. When Zan finally filled her with his own, she cried out in sweet torment. He rocked steadily in and out of her body, ever conscious of the precious life she was now carrying. Her tight body was like blissful torture. He hadn’t been with anyone in the long months that she had been gone and now he had never been so satisfied. Finally he felt her walls convulse around him and he called out her name as he buried himself deep within her and lost his seed in her body.
Zan collapsed and rolled to the side, conscious of her stomach, pulling her into him and she nestled into his shoulder, molding her body to his. Victoria sighed in satisfaction and fell into a deep, contented sleep. Zan was not far behind her, finally able to sleep for the first time in much too long. He fell asleep with a smile on his face and a beautiful dream behind his eyes.
Go Team Zanaholics Anonymous!!!!!!!
Dreaming in Purple
BDjamilah
Antarian Chica
Strawberry Shortcake 17
Dreaming in Purple
BDjamilah
Antarian Chica
Strawberry Shortcake 17
-
Strawberry Shortcake 17
- Addicted Roswellian
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2002 8:20 pm
- Location: good old PSU
Part 15
Victoria woke up and nuzzled deeper into the thick chest of warm flesh that her head was resting on. She could feel the strong arms wrapped around her body, holding her tightly and the crisp clean scent that could only belong to Zan enveloped her senses.
She sat up in slight surprise, looking down at his sleeping form. He really was there, he wasn’t a dream. She felt a tear crest her eye and quickly wiped it away. Now was not the time for tears, now was the time for happiness. Zan loved her and her baby and had come to get her back. She was given a second chance at happiness with the man she loved more than anyone else in this world.
Zan shifted in his sleep and pulled at her waist, dragging him down toward him. “Staring at people in their sleep is considered rude in some circles,” he mumbled in his half sleepy, half awake state.
“It’s a good thing you don’t care about things like that,” she teased.
“True, true,” he joked and smiled at her, opening his eyes fully and looking into the stunning blue eyes that looked up at him with so much love. “I think we’ve lounged in bed long enough. Maybe we should head down and see if Jenkins has made anything good for a late breakfast.”
“Give me a minute and I’ll be right down,” she said giving him a quick kiss and scurrying behind the privacy screen. Zan got up, picked up his cloths and slowly drug them on. He had the best sleep in quite possibly months, just laying content in her arms. When had his life tipped so far upside down? Probably the instant when Victoria took at stage and winked at him. He had admired her fire and the burn had been deliciously sweet.
Victoria stepped out from the screen in a clean morning dress and her hair drawn up into a simple ponytail, looking ever the part of a simple country lass, but Zan knew better. Victoria Carroll was anything but simple and from now on, she would be treated like the princess she was and was going to become. Never again would he let this amazing woman slip through his fingers and walk out of his life.
Victoria held her hand out to him and he pushed off the bed and tucked her arm under his. They exited the room and made their way down the stairs. They turned the corner to the kitchen to find a beaming Jenkins and a slightly confused Charlie.
“Hey, I didn’t know Prince Pompous Butthead was here,” he pointed out to the adults in the room.
“Charlie,” Victoria scolded her little brother, but not really in a tone that would make him feel threatened in any way. Zan looked at her with his trademark smirk and raised eyebrow. She tried to hide her amusement behind her hand but her shaking form couldn’t be hidden. Zan just smiled and started to laugh along with Victoria and Jenkins, leaving a very bewildered Charlie sitting in his chair watching the crazy adults laugh like idiots.
Zan picked Victoria up and spun her around in a circle and kissed her until they both couldn’t breathe. Zan pulled back and looked into her face to see her joy and love and he knew, that no matter what, this woman was his and he could love her for the rest of his given days, longer if he was given the chance.
“I love you Victoria Carroll Vivian St. James,” he said between kisses.
“And I love you, Prince Zander Xaiver, Zan, the prince of my heart.”
Victoria woke up and nuzzled deeper into the thick chest of warm flesh that her head was resting on. She could feel the strong arms wrapped around her body, holding her tightly and the crisp clean scent that could only belong to Zan enveloped her senses.
She sat up in slight surprise, looking down at his sleeping form. He really was there, he wasn’t a dream. She felt a tear crest her eye and quickly wiped it away. Now was not the time for tears, now was the time for happiness. Zan loved her and her baby and had come to get her back. She was given a second chance at happiness with the man she loved more than anyone else in this world.
Zan shifted in his sleep and pulled at her waist, dragging him down toward him. “Staring at people in their sleep is considered rude in some circles,” he mumbled in his half sleepy, half awake state.
“It’s a good thing you don’t care about things like that,” she teased.
“True, true,” he joked and smiled at her, opening his eyes fully and looking into the stunning blue eyes that looked up at him with so much love. “I think we’ve lounged in bed long enough. Maybe we should head down and see if Jenkins has made anything good for a late breakfast.”
“Give me a minute and I’ll be right down,” she said giving him a quick kiss and scurrying behind the privacy screen. Zan got up, picked up his cloths and slowly drug them on. He had the best sleep in quite possibly months, just laying content in her arms. When had his life tipped so far upside down? Probably the instant when Victoria took at stage and winked at him. He had admired her fire and the burn had been deliciously sweet.
Victoria stepped out from the screen in a clean morning dress and her hair drawn up into a simple ponytail, looking ever the part of a simple country lass, but Zan knew better. Victoria Carroll was anything but simple and from now on, she would be treated like the princess she was and was going to become. Never again would he let this amazing woman slip through his fingers and walk out of his life.
Victoria held her hand out to him and he pushed off the bed and tucked her arm under his. They exited the room and made their way down the stairs. They turned the corner to the kitchen to find a beaming Jenkins and a slightly confused Charlie.
“Hey, I didn’t know Prince Pompous Butthead was here,” he pointed out to the adults in the room.
“Charlie,” Victoria scolded her little brother, but not really in a tone that would make him feel threatened in any way. Zan looked at her with his trademark smirk and raised eyebrow. She tried to hide her amusement behind her hand but her shaking form couldn’t be hidden. Zan just smiled and started to laugh along with Victoria and Jenkins, leaving a very bewildered Charlie sitting in his chair watching the crazy adults laugh like idiots.
Zan picked Victoria up and spun her around in a circle and kissed her until they both couldn’t breathe. Zan pulled back and looked into her face to see her joy and love and he knew, that no matter what, this woman was his and he could love her for the rest of his given days, longer if he was given the chance.
“I love you Victoria Carroll Vivian St. James,” he said between kisses.
“And I love you, Prince Zander Xaiver, Zan, the prince of my heart.”
Go Team Zanaholics Anonymous!!!!!!!
Dreaming in Purple
BDjamilah
Antarian Chica
Strawberry Shortcake 17
Dreaming in Purple
BDjamilah
Antarian Chica
Strawberry Shortcake 17
-
Strawberry Shortcake 17
- Addicted Roswellian
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2002 8:20 pm
- Location: good old PSU
Epilogue
“So tell me again how you survived this horror!” Zan asked the men surrounding him as he nervously paced the room. Victoria was in labor and he couldn’t do a damn thing about it. He knew now why women had the babies. Men just couldn’t handle it.
She had been a wonderful mother to be, making sure to eat right and to exercise when she could and she had to put up with Zan trailing after her every second. One time he told her that he felt utterly helpless when it came to her situation, and she just smiled and told him that it was nature’s way of bringing his ego down a peg or 2.
“You have to be patient, man. The girls in there all know what they are doing,” Michael told him, trying to reassure him, “Except Isabel. What is she doing in there again?” Michael did not want to entertain the thought of little princess Izzy getting pregnant.
“She just wanted to help. Trust me,” Alex swore putting his hands up in defense.
“Don’t worry Zan, it will all be over soon,” Max said coming up behind him to pat him on the back. Then a loud scream came from the delivery room, followed by a tiny wail of a new born baby. Zan looked at Max like his brother had been a psychic all this time and had never told him. He turned toward the room and took off running.
“Wow, how did you…?” Kyle asked.
“Lucky guess,” Max shrugged.
-------------------------------
Zan burst through the doors of the delivery room where Liz, Maria, and Isabel were busy cleaning up and his eyes fell on an exhausted Victoria cradling a little bundle of wiggly cloth. He went to her side and looked down at a red, wrinkly baby that was now snuggled into her chest.
“We have a son Zan,” Victoria told him with a weak smile. He looked into her eyes and he saw the little tear that was threatening to spill over the brim. He too had the same problem. Just looking at this new baby, this new life that they had created made him choke up. He was a father.
“What is his name?” he asked with a voice filled with awe.
“I think I’d like to name him James Xavier. A little piece of his mother and a little piece of his father,” Victoria smiled. Zan smiled as well. Yes, he would be little piece of both of them, and they would love him more than anything on this earth.
“So now that this little guy is born, can we finally get to the wedding?” Isabel asked. Zan rolled his eyes and everyone in the delivery room laughed. Let it to Isabel.
-------------------------------
The big day finally arrived with Isabel in rare form. Kyle walked up to Alex and patted him the back. Alex shook his head, understanding the silent communication of sympathy over her zealous party planning. Alex had proposed to Isabel over a month ago and their wedding was to be in another year. If Alex thought planning someone else’s wedding was bad, he had no idea.
The church was beautiful and almost half the kingdom was in attendance. Mostly everyone came to see if Zan, the self proclaimed indefinite bachelor had actually succumbed to marriage. Zan didn’t really care. Let them think what they want, because he loved Victoria and he wanted everyone to know.
They had decided to hold off on the wedding until after baby James was born, because Victoria was very pregnant by the time her and Zan, along with Charlie and Jenkins had made it back to the palace and she didn’t want to walk down the isle looking like a beached whale, or so she had said. He spent a month in the country with her, just wanting to keep her all to himself. Of course Max knew where he was, but other than that, he had effectively gone into hiding.
Zan waited patiently at the front of the church in his royal best with his crown and his medals, listening as the music struck up and the processional began. Michael stood next to Zan in his dress uniform in the position of best man and Kyle next to him in a black suit and royal regale. Charlie and Cassie were the ring bearer and the flower girl, with Cassie throwing pink rose petals all over the place, many of them landing on guests or herself. She effectively stole the show, but that was her job. Isabel followed in a light purple satin gown that flowed beautifully around her tall curves. Liz then started down the isle in a similar gown and a small crown on her head. She had to wear the crown in public, but she didn’t want to take away from the bride on her big day. Max came next with baby James in a white christening gown, because he was getting christened today as well.
Then the music changed and all eyes turned to the back of the church. Zan felt his heart stop in anticipation. There she stood in a stunning off-white gown that Isabel had designed for her with a thin veil covering her head and her long blonde hair down to frame her face. She was quite possibly the most beautiful sight Zan had ever laid eyes on. She walked up to him on Jenkins’s arm and he gave her away to Zan. Zan reached out and hugged Jenkins, showing the man just how much all the things he had done meant to him. If it weren’t for him, Zan would have never had this chance to be this happy.
The ceremony began and Cassie watched in fascination. It was so fun to be in her pretty purple dress and her favorite tiara. When Aunt Isabel had given her that basket of flower petals, she didn’t want to throw them, she wanted to give them to her mommy, but throwing then had been fun, and everybody thought it was funny. Cassie looked at her new Aunt Victoria and thought just how pretty she looked and how nice and handsome Unca Zan had looked.
Like every young girl, Cassie then began to envision what her wedding might look like with all the flowers and her pretty dress and the music and then looked over at Cameron who was sitting in one of the first rows. He stuck his tounge out at her and then turned his head. Gosh, Cassie thought. I hope I never have to marry Cameron. He’s a yucky old boy.
The preacher announced ‘you may now kiss the bride’ and this brought Cassie’s attention back to the ceremony. Unca Zan kissed Aunt Victoria and everybody cheered. Zan pulled Victoria close for the kiss, but no one saw what he was really doing.
“You have made me the happiest man alive. I love you so much. When everyone else would have bailed, you still took me back and showed me what love really is. I have always been the unwanted prince, but you changed all that,” he confessed as he swooped down for the kiss.
“I love you more than you’ll ever know Zan. And no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t not love you. I’m so glad I’m the one that discovered just how wonderful you are,” she told him in just a voice that only she could hear.
“Then come, my princess. We have a gallant party and the rest of our lives together ahead of us.”
The End
“So tell me again how you survived this horror!” Zan asked the men surrounding him as he nervously paced the room. Victoria was in labor and he couldn’t do a damn thing about it. He knew now why women had the babies. Men just couldn’t handle it.
She had been a wonderful mother to be, making sure to eat right and to exercise when she could and she had to put up with Zan trailing after her every second. One time he told her that he felt utterly helpless when it came to her situation, and she just smiled and told him that it was nature’s way of bringing his ego down a peg or 2.
“You have to be patient, man. The girls in there all know what they are doing,” Michael told him, trying to reassure him, “Except Isabel. What is she doing in there again?” Michael did not want to entertain the thought of little princess Izzy getting pregnant.
“She just wanted to help. Trust me,” Alex swore putting his hands up in defense.
“Don’t worry Zan, it will all be over soon,” Max said coming up behind him to pat him on the back. Then a loud scream came from the delivery room, followed by a tiny wail of a new born baby. Zan looked at Max like his brother had been a psychic all this time and had never told him. He turned toward the room and took off running.
“Wow, how did you…?” Kyle asked.
“Lucky guess,” Max shrugged.
-------------------------------
Zan burst through the doors of the delivery room where Liz, Maria, and Isabel were busy cleaning up and his eyes fell on an exhausted Victoria cradling a little bundle of wiggly cloth. He went to her side and looked down at a red, wrinkly baby that was now snuggled into her chest.
“We have a son Zan,” Victoria told him with a weak smile. He looked into her eyes and he saw the little tear that was threatening to spill over the brim. He too had the same problem. Just looking at this new baby, this new life that they had created made him choke up. He was a father.
“What is his name?” he asked with a voice filled with awe.
“I think I’d like to name him James Xavier. A little piece of his mother and a little piece of his father,” Victoria smiled. Zan smiled as well. Yes, he would be little piece of both of them, and they would love him more than anything on this earth.
“So now that this little guy is born, can we finally get to the wedding?” Isabel asked. Zan rolled his eyes and everyone in the delivery room laughed. Let it to Isabel.
-------------------------------
The big day finally arrived with Isabel in rare form. Kyle walked up to Alex and patted him the back. Alex shook his head, understanding the silent communication of sympathy over her zealous party planning. Alex had proposed to Isabel over a month ago and their wedding was to be in another year. If Alex thought planning someone else’s wedding was bad, he had no idea.
The church was beautiful and almost half the kingdom was in attendance. Mostly everyone came to see if Zan, the self proclaimed indefinite bachelor had actually succumbed to marriage. Zan didn’t really care. Let them think what they want, because he loved Victoria and he wanted everyone to know.
They had decided to hold off on the wedding until after baby James was born, because Victoria was very pregnant by the time her and Zan, along with Charlie and Jenkins had made it back to the palace and she didn’t want to walk down the isle looking like a beached whale, or so she had said. He spent a month in the country with her, just wanting to keep her all to himself. Of course Max knew where he was, but other than that, he had effectively gone into hiding.
Zan waited patiently at the front of the church in his royal best with his crown and his medals, listening as the music struck up and the processional began. Michael stood next to Zan in his dress uniform in the position of best man and Kyle next to him in a black suit and royal regale. Charlie and Cassie were the ring bearer and the flower girl, with Cassie throwing pink rose petals all over the place, many of them landing on guests or herself. She effectively stole the show, but that was her job. Isabel followed in a light purple satin gown that flowed beautifully around her tall curves. Liz then started down the isle in a similar gown and a small crown on her head. She had to wear the crown in public, but she didn’t want to take away from the bride on her big day. Max came next with baby James in a white christening gown, because he was getting christened today as well.
Then the music changed and all eyes turned to the back of the church. Zan felt his heart stop in anticipation. There she stood in a stunning off-white gown that Isabel had designed for her with a thin veil covering her head and her long blonde hair down to frame her face. She was quite possibly the most beautiful sight Zan had ever laid eyes on. She walked up to him on Jenkins’s arm and he gave her away to Zan. Zan reached out and hugged Jenkins, showing the man just how much all the things he had done meant to him. If it weren’t for him, Zan would have never had this chance to be this happy.
The ceremony began and Cassie watched in fascination. It was so fun to be in her pretty purple dress and her favorite tiara. When Aunt Isabel had given her that basket of flower petals, she didn’t want to throw them, she wanted to give them to her mommy, but throwing then had been fun, and everybody thought it was funny. Cassie looked at her new Aunt Victoria and thought just how pretty she looked and how nice and handsome Unca Zan had looked.
Like every young girl, Cassie then began to envision what her wedding might look like with all the flowers and her pretty dress and the music and then looked over at Cameron who was sitting in one of the first rows. He stuck his tounge out at her and then turned his head. Gosh, Cassie thought. I hope I never have to marry Cameron. He’s a yucky old boy.
The preacher announced ‘you may now kiss the bride’ and this brought Cassie’s attention back to the ceremony. Unca Zan kissed Aunt Victoria and everybody cheered. Zan pulled Victoria close for the kiss, but no one saw what he was really doing.
“You have made me the happiest man alive. I love you so much. When everyone else would have bailed, you still took me back and showed me what love really is. I have always been the unwanted prince, but you changed all that,” he confessed as he swooped down for the kiss.
“I love you more than you’ll ever know Zan. And no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t not love you. I’m so glad I’m the one that discovered just how wonderful you are,” she told him in just a voice that only she could hear.
“Then come, my princess. We have a gallant party and the rest of our lives together ahead of us.”
The End
Go Team Zanaholics Anonymous!!!!!!!
Dreaming in Purple
BDjamilah
Antarian Chica
Strawberry Shortcake 17
Dreaming in Purple
BDjamilah
Antarian Chica
Strawberry Shortcake 17
-
Strawberry Shortcake 17
- Addicted Roswellian
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2002 8:20 pm
- Location: good old PSU
-
Strawberry Shortcake 17
- Addicted Roswellian
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2002 8:20 pm
- Location: good old PSU
Hey gang,
Thanks a million for the votes. Look how aweswome this is: I'm a nominee!!! I can honestly say it is an honor to be nominated. Thanks againg everyone who voted for me and I hope you vote for me in the finals.
Katie
Go Team Zanaholics Anonymous!!!!!!!
Dreaming in Purple
BDjamilah
Antarian Chica
Strawberry Shortcake 17
Dreaming in Purple
BDjamilah
Antarian Chica
Strawberry Shortcake 17