From Another Time & Place(AU,M/L,Mature)Epilogue 15Jun

[Amber Eyes]

I think that in a part before I saw a part where Maria said that once she was preger's but had a miscarage??? That was the part I was refuring to.


I know that Liz was carring Max's baby. But please let me know if I still have it wrong That was what I was wondering if Michael was that babies father.



Frances.

Hi frances,

You know I've been writing this fic for over a year and a half now I tend to forget some stuff in it! lo I think I know what you're refering to, (I think I did write maria being pregnan) tbut nope, Maria and Michael don't know each other, and Michael is actually away in the Americas.



Ok, I jsut wanted to thank EVERYONE who have left me feedback and have stuck around with this fic, I know I'm a terrible updater *hangs head in shame* but here's the new part, I was listening to the titanic soundtrack for inpiration (mainly track 4 - Rose) and well, my god this is the most heart wrenching thing I've EVER written!!!

TISSUE ALERT!!!




Part 39

The royal physician closed the huge double doors with a gentle click then turned to face Max who had been waiting out agitatedly in the hallway.

"How is she? how's the baby?" Max ran to the doctor as soon as he saw him.

The doctor's face was grim. Sadly he shook his head.

"I'm afraid she's lost the baby. There was heavy internal bleeding due to trauma to the stomach, there's also....."

"What?!" Max demanded and grabbed the physicians shoulders. What wasn't he telling him?

Taking a deep breath the doctor continued, the prince wasn't going to like the news.

"There's also an indication that Miss Elizabeth has been raped."

The blood drained from Max's face leaving him paler than the whitest of snow. Fury and anger burned in his soul. Who would DARE violate his beloved; the next queen of Verdonia. Whoever it was, they have now sealed their own fate. When he found out who it was, he would spare no mercy upon them. He would damn their very souls to hell if possible.

"Will Liz live?"

The doctor patted Max's arm in a fatherly fashion.

"I'm sorry, I have done all that I can. Spend whatever time you have left with her. Don't let her go through this alone." The doctor left Max standing alone in the hall facing Liz's door.

With a deep breath and a shaky hand, Max turned the knob and entered her room.


The candles that burned in the room gave a comforting light from the greying evening light that drifted in from the windows.

Max took off his boots and stepped near the bed where Liz lay deathly still. He stood there, unmoving; and simply gazed upon her sleeping form. He lost their baby and now there was a chance he could lose her too. Max felt the bitter painful ache on his heart. Closing his eyes, he let his silent tears flow down his face.

Taking a deep breath Max opened his eyes and moved onto the bed and lay his body next to Liz's.

"Liz? wake up cherie." He stroked her pale but soft face. "Liz? come on sweetheart, open your eyes for me. It's me Max, I'm here now. Can you hear me?"

He saw her eyelids begin to stir then flutter open.

Liz gazed up into pure liquid amber orbs looking down at her. Eyes that were forever burned into her soul with their intensity and love whenever they looked upon her.

"M....Max?" She asked in a painful whisper.

"Yes sweets, I'm here."

"Y...you came back? You changed your mind about me?"

Max was puzzled by her question.

"I came as soon as I got word of what had happened to you."

"You mean you haven't been here the whole time?"

"No, I just got back earlier today."

"But she said....." Liz closed her eyes as tears ran down her temple. What a mess. She should never have doubted Max and believed in the lies.

"Liz, what's going on? Who did this to you?" Max wiped the tears from her skin.

"Tessaline. She's the one who's behind all this. They threw me in prison and accused me of bewitching you. I swear Max, I never--"

"Shh.... it's all right. I know you mean me no harm."

"Max, I'm in so much pain. How's out baby? Please tell me he's alright."

Max was tearing up inside.

"I.... I'm sorry Liz."

Liz started to shake her head in denial.

"No.... you're wrong... no....."

"I'm sorry Liz, it's the doctors confirmation."

Liz continued to shake her head as harsh sobs wracked through her small body.

Max pulled her into his warm soothing embrace and let her poor her grief over them both.


A few hours later in the dimly lit room, the couple on the bed lay in silence. There was no secrets between them. All that has happened has been revealed and shared, and now only the comfort of each others presence existed in this moment in time.

Liz basked in the feel of being in Max's arms again and forgot about the pain and loss, if only temporarily. Every stroke of his hands along her arm and back imprinted itself into her memory and senses. Liz gazed out the window at the midnight sky, the moon highlighted clouds in the distance that were moving in.

"What are you thinking about?" Max murmured in her ear.

A lot of things had floated through Liz's mind. But most of all, the oppressing truth of what was happening to her. Liz was silent for a moment as more thought floated into her head.

"Snow. I wish I could see it snow. But its not near enough Christmas to be snowing yet."

Max held her tighter.

"You could wait until Christmas for it to snow. We can decorate this place and build snow angels and have snowball fights!"

Liz smiled a bittersweet smile. If only she'd live until Christmas. She could already feel her life slowly draining away.

"That'd be nice Max." She snuggled her back against him.


Hours went by yet it only seemed like minutes to Liz. She knew Max had fallen asleep due to the steady rhythm of his breathing. She continued to stare out the window, the dark clouds had now arrived and was playing peek-a-boo with the moon. She felt so tired, but she didn't want to go to sleep, if she slept, she knew she would never wake up again. So she continued to stare out at the clouds and moon.

By dawn, Liz was shocked to see the first flutters of white soft snow drift down to earth. More and more until it looked like a white blizzard.

Liz smiled to herself. She'd managed to stay until dawn, a new day in which she was a part of. She also got her wish of seeing the snowfall.

Unable to keep her eyes open anymore, she snuggled closer to Max, and with a content smile on her face Liz closed her eyes and let herself drift like the snowflakes outside.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Max woke up two hours later and was shocked to see the window and the world outside blanketed in white snow.

How could this be? it wasn't cold enough to snow, it was truly a miracle.

He sat up and looked down at Liz. She got her wish. He wanted her to see the miracle.

"Liz? wake up, you got your wish, it's snowing!"

Liz didn't move or stir.

"Liz?" Max could feel his heart start to pound erratically and painfully in his chest.

Max lifted Liz into his arms and looked at her sleeping face.

He checked for a pulse.

Nothing.

Max choked back a sob but the floodgates opened. He held her tightly to him and rocked them backwards and forwards.

Outside the snowflakes continued to drift in the light wind like playful souls coming out to dance together.




TBC!! You know Liz's wish? well its not just a storyline. My aunt's mate's husband was really ill, and he wanted to see it snow cos he hadn't seen it snow for years, and right before he died it snow and he got his last dying wish. sad huh? see, miracles do happen.

Lots of feedback please!!! and getting voted for an award would be even better!! lol, nah I love the feedbacks.

[Amber Eyes]

Hi everyone,

Sorry I took so long to post, my boss at work had me doing overtime at christmas and new years. It really bites!


Anyway, here it is the next part. I'm not too sure on it, but please let me know what you think. It's all gonna end soon, the next chapter will probably be the epilogue unless if I had think of something else to write to extend the storyline. But it looks unlikely.



Part 40

It had snowed for an entire week; the world turned into a blanket of soft white.

A week since the passing of Elizabeth Parker. A simple and courageous girl who held a secret, a secret that proved a parallel world existed; a girl who captured the heart and soul of a prince.

Max sat alone in front of a cold grey tombstone and traced the epitaph with his fingers. Taking a deep red rose from his pocket, he placed it on the snow covered floor in front of the gravestone; the redness of the rose a sharp contrast on the pure white snow.

Liz had always loved red roses.

Such a simple, yet precious memory that caused a tear to roll down his cheek and drop, blending with the snow below.

It had only been a week, yet it had felt like a lifetime. How was he suppose to go on without her?

'I love you.'

Yet another treasured memory. Simple murmured words that meant so much to them both.

Not long after Liz's death, Tessasline had come to him all innocent and filled with sympathy for his loss. But he knew the truth. Her jealousy had turned to murder. No matter how indirect it was, it was still murder. She had been behind the plotting.

In his angry rage, he had refused to listen to her pleas; her constant lies to save herself. He had thrown her in jail along with the other persecutors. A full scale investigation had been issued to find anyone else involved with Liz's murder. Max would deal with them all at a later date; when he was ready; when his mind was clear and focused as to the most befitting punishment for their crime. Right now, his grief was too great for anything but mouring.

"Liz....." His broken sob echoed in the gentle wind.

Max heard the crunch of snow behind him. Turning his head, he saw a hunched-back old woman covered in a dull worn cloak from head to toe. She used a long staff as support as she walked towards him.

She stopped a few feet from Max.

Max tried to look at her features, but the lower half of her face was covered with a scarf. Though he could not fully see her face, there was something about her eyes. He doubted they had met before, but when he looked at her, there was a strong sense of deja vu.

"Such strong sorrow from one so young."

"Who are you?" Max asked.

"Just an old beggar woman. No need to be afraid. I mean you no harm."

"I'm not afraid." Max replied. He looked at her a moment longer before turning back to face Liz's grave. "Does it ever get any easier? the pain of loss I mean."

The old woman hobbled closer and took in Max's pained features. Features that had once been so familiar to her in another life.

"Yes, it will get easier to bear the pain and loss in time, but I doubt it will forever leave a person."

Max looked up at her. "You lost someone you loved?"

The old woman sighed and tears burned behind her eyes. "Yes, I had a son...... once. A long time ago."

"He died?"

"No. I was torn away from him. I haven't seen him since that fateful day. I still wonder how he is."

Again a sense of deja vu hit Max.

"Have we met before?" Max asked frowning at his strange feelings.

"In another life perhaps."

"Perhaps." Max agreed absently.

"In life, things happen for a reason; whether it be good or bad."

Max traced his fingers over Liz's name on the stone.

"Then what's the reason for losing the only person who meant more to me than the world? What good can come out of this?"

The old woman placed a crooked hand on Max's shoulder. "You may not see the reason yet, but you will. Don't give up hope of ever loving again, you are young and your heart will mend."

The old woman pulled her cloak closer to her and turned to go. Quickly, Max stood up and placed his thick coat over her frail shoulders.

"You should dress warmer in this weather." Max reprimanded.

The old woman pulled her scarf down so he could see her sad smile. She placed a gentle palm on his cheek.

"Thank you. You area kind man." she hesitated before continuing. "And a fine king one day who will rule with compassion for his people." She turned and began walking away.

Max stood there gazing at the woman's retreating back. A thought flitted through his mind.

"Wait!"

The old woman stopped before some tall evergreen trees and turned to face him.

"What was your son's name?"

Silence filled the cold air between them.

"Andrew. His name was Andrew."

And with that, she turned and disappeared through the alcove of evergreen trees.

Her words were like a punch to his stomach. Andrew. Was it the same Andrew Liz had spoken of? If it was then it would mean the old woman was Andrew's mother, the same woman who had been taken to pay off her husband's gambling debt. The one no one had heard from again. And yet here she was, she must've travelled here just as Liz had; and she had no idea of the fate that had befallen her son.

Max ran through the trees trying to find her, the trees and snow became a blur in his vision and he panted for breath in his exertion.

The old woman as slow as she was, had completely disappeared.



TBC!! Well? what do you think of what's going on? like I said, I'm not too sure on this chapter....



P.S

Sorry, forgot to add. I also want your opinion as to what the best punishment will be for Tessaline and the persectors...... I kinda need some ideas....

[Amber Eyes]

Yessss!!!! it t'is me!!! and I bring you all wonderful readers a new chapter!! No, your ears eyes are not decieving you, I have brought you a new chapter.

Thank you sooo much for your continued support and remember, the more feedback the better!!

I'm glad Michael's back, I've been waiting ages for the perfect moment to bring him back


Enjoy!!




Part 41

Max sat on a bench and stared out at the golden sunset slowly descending over the sparkling lake casting a hue of orange and pinky-purple across the sky.

Another 2 weeks had passed, yet he still felt no change to reverting back to his former self. He doubt he could go back to being the old happy go-lucky Maxwell Evans.

No.

That Max had died the same day Liz had died.

All that was left now was a heartbroken man and a void in his soul filled with pain and never ending grief; so strong was the emotion it overtook and possessed him. It overpowered him to feel anything else.

No joy.

No love.

Nothing.

Nothing but heart wrenching pain of losing a loved one, and the wish to be with his beloved once again.

He'd abandoned his duties; his family; his friends. He'd isolated himself and spent most of his time alone with his grief and thoughts.

The old lady had been wrong. He doubted his heart and soul would ever mend. He was forever to be a broken man wandering the earth until the day he would join his beloved Liz once more in whatever life was to be the next one after this current one.

A hand touched his shoulders.

Max looked up and arched a surprised eyebrow.

"Hey Maxwell, how's it going?"

"Michael?"

Michael sat down next to him.

"Yup, I'm back"

"When."

"A while" Michael raised an eyebrow at Max. "So what's with the rugged look? you know only I can pull that look off and still remain a charm to the ladies." Michael grinned. "You my good friend, just look like a bush-man."

For the first time in weeks, Max actually laughed out loud at his friend.

"What's the matter Michael, afraid of a little competition?"

Michael stretched his arms across the back of the bench and stretched his legs in front of him.

"Nah. You know I'd win hands down every time."

"Wanna make a little wager on that?"

Michael grinned at his friend. "You're on."

"What shall our terms be?"

"I'll get back to you on that. Let me think about it." Michael stared out at the orange evening hue before him. "Listen, I heard about what happened, I'm sorry." Michael continued before Max could reply. "But Max, you gotta snap out of this funk you're in."

"Can't. I'm in too deep already."

"Max, you gotta move on with your life sometime. How long do you plan on putting the world off?"

"Forever, probably."

"Would she have wanted to see you like this?"

"Who?"

"Liz."

No. Liz wouldn't want to see him wallow in this never-ending grief. Liz, who was so full of life and laughter, despite what she went through, would want him to live the remainder of his life to the fullest.

Michael didn't need a verbal thought from Max. He only asked the question so Max could answer himself.

They sat in comfortable silence staring at the sun dipping below the lake's horizon.

Max was the first to break the silence.

"So how was the Americas?"

"Good. I found what iw as looking for."

"Oh?"

"Turned out daddy dearest hadn't been too careful in his affairs years ago, and now I have a long lost half sister. I've always wanted a a sister..... though probably not while we were growing up. She probably would've drove me crazy!"

Max chuckled.

Coming over to visit and having Val and Tess as substitute sisters was probably enough.

The thought of Tessaline made his blood run cold. He had been so caught up in his pain over Liz's death, he had yet to deal with her or anyone else he'd thrown in jail. Tessaline was still running free and alive in the world, while Liz wasn't. He clenched his fist until his knuckles turned white and his bones made a crackling sound.

Michael was right. He had to snap out of his funk and get life back on track. he had to deal with Tess and her conspirators. He wouldn't let Liz's death be in vain. The guilty will be caught and punished.

"What's her name?" Max asked resuming the conversation.

"Arellia Colwyn. She had no idea about me or dad's side of the family. She was pretty shocked to say the least when I showed up and announced who I was. I guess her mom told her, her father had died or something before she was born."

"So how are things between you's now?"

"We're gonna try and build a relationship; it gonna be awkward, mostly for her since she hasn't lived the life of a royal, but that's ok, I prefer her to be normal than a royal snob, all fakeness and pretence."

Fake snob like Tessaline? God, how had be not seen through her lies earlier on? Was he so blind to the truth?

"You're mom's throwing us a welcome party. You should come; join us living for a while. Come meet Arellia." Michael smirked at him.

"Michael, I don't think--"

"Max, you have to meet her. It's the terms of out bet."

Max raised an eyebrow.

"You come meet Arellia, and if she actually likes you and doesn't run away from your bush-man look, then you win."

"And if you win? which you won't by the way."

"If I win, I keep the title of the only man in Verdonia who can pull off the rugged look and still have women falling at my feet without fail. And besides, this'll be the first step of getting you out of this wallowing back hole you seem to have fallen into, and back into society."

"Ok, fine, but Michael, you will lose that title to me. I think I pull the look off pretty well. Longish black hair, a beard that's enough to be called rugged rather than bushy. I'm sure the ladies will be unable to resist me."

"Yeah, whatever bush-man. You only need to impress one."

"Watch and weep. Oh, and I'm not a bush-man! so stop calling me that."

They shook hands to seal the deal, then settled back on the bench.

The sun disappeared below the horizon and the moon came out to play hide-and-seek with the clouds and stars.

"Hey Maxwell?"

"Yeah?"

"Welcome back man."

"You too Michael."



TBC!!! Feedback please!!!

[Amber Eyes]

Here it is, the new part!!! Enjoy!


Part 42

The doors opened to the grand ballroom and Tessaline entered in all her dazzling and sparkling glory. She made sure she looked perfect tonight. All the important Royal Houses and anyone in the position of power were there. She had an image and reputation to maintain and of course, Max would be there. She had been disappointed that he hadn't turned to her for comfort, but it was probably too soon and he needed time alone to grieve for that little wench. But in time, he would need a friend again. And she would be there for him.

She smiled smugly.

"Lady Tessaline from the House of Harding!" The Royal announcer bellowed into the grand room.

Tessaline watched as people grew silent and parted a path for her to walk through. At the end of that path of people stood Max in all his handsome glory decked out in his royal regalia. He looked a true Prince.

Tessaline held her head high and walked regally across the magnificent golden ballroom. She couldn't believe she had stunned everyone into silence with all her beauty! So playing the noble role, she smiled and nodded her head in greeting to the people she passed.

When she reached Max and his parents, she gave a formal Curtsey.

"Your Highnesses."

When she looked up, no one was smiling at her. In fact, as she looked around, she noticed none of the Royal Houses wore a friendly face towards her.

She frowned.

"Has something happened? is something wrong?" She turned and placed a hand on Max's arm "Max?"

Max jerked his arm away and glared at the girl who was once his friend.

"Do not address me so informally. I am Prince Maxwell Evans of Verdonia; and you shall address me by my rightful title."

Max watched Tressaline's wide eyes and shocked expression as she involuntarily took a step back from him.

The King stepped forward.

"Tessaline, I have always treated you as a second daughter to us; what you have done has put all the Royal Houses to shame."

"What have I done?"

"Tessaline, do you know what it means to be a Royal?"

Tessaline was about to answer but the King cut her off.

"To be Royal is to rule with compassion and honour to our people. To treat our position in which we are lucky enough to be born into, with respect." The king walked up to Tessaline and looked down at her with a fatherly face. "We do not abuse the power we hold and use it to hurt others." The king shook his head sadly. "You have disappointed us greatly Tessaline. I had hoped my son would choose you to be his bride, but in the event of what has happened, I am grateful he has not chosen you."

Tessaline flinched at his cruel words as if he had physically slapped her across the face.

"Though not by your actual physical hands," the king continued "you have still caused deaths to innocent people. One in which held the heart of my son. By murdering Princess Elizabeth Parker, you have inadvertently murdered my grandchild; and that is one of the many things I cannot forgive."

Tears slid down Tessaline's face as she looked around the room in humiliation.

Even in death, that bitch was winning.

The king sighed and walked back beside his Queen.

"I will leave the punishment in the hands of your father."

Tessaline's father stepped forward, his face grim, and disappointment shone in his eyes.

"How could you do the things you did Tessa? Your mother and I did not raise you to be a murderer. What became of out sweet little girl?"

"I'm still here father." Tessaline choked back in a small sob.

Lord Harding gave a sigh and shook his head. "All actions have consequences sweetheart. I hope you'll learn that in life."

"I will! I have! father. I'm sorry for what I did. I've learnt my lesson."

Lord Harding placed a hand on his daughters cheek and look down tenderly at her. It broke his heart to do what he was about to do. But it was needed. He had no choice.

"The only lesson you'll learn is to be without the comforts life has so graciously given you."

Tessaline stared numbly at her father as he stepped back and took his place beside his wife; who was in grief over the dire situation, but had no power over her husband's final decision over their daughter's punishment. Yet in her heart, she knew her husband would exact the rightful punishment for a crime she never dreamed would be committed by their daughter.

Lord Harding stood to his full regal height and addressed everyone in the great ballroom.

"I am ashamed to say that my daughter, Lady Tessaline Harding has committed the most horrendous of crimes. Though she is Royal, I am ashamed she has used that power to conduct harm rather than good. As with all the Royal Houses, it is our duty to rule with compassion and responsibility to our people. Tessaline has violated this duty we are bound to, and with her actions she has brought disgrace to the Royal title and to out family name. This shall not be tolerated. As of this day forward, Lady Tessaline Harding shall be stripped of her Royal title and privileges."

A shocked gasp and murmur rang out through the grand hall amongst the people.

"Father no!" Tessaline grasped his arm and pleaded.

But Lord Harding was not through with his speech.

"Though she is our only daughter, and it pains me to no end to do this; but Tessaline shall be disowned from our family line. She will not be allowed to taint our family name any longer."

"Please, father no! Where will I go?"

Lord Harding looked at his daughter's tortured and frightened face. So innocent once. His innocent baby girl. His pride and joy. Where had that innocent soul gone?

Looking up at the crowd again, he projected his voice. "Tessaline, you can stay with anyone who is willing or kind enough to take you in. Is there anyone willing?" he asked the crowd.

Tessaline stared out at the people hopefully. But all she saw was people looking away and shuffling their feet awkwardly. Disappointment and panic stabbed in her heart like a thousand sharp pins.

"Is there no one out there who has the heart to take me in?"

And still the people rejected her. People who once were her friends. people who once respected her.

She turned around.

"Max?" She asked in a broken voice.

He glared icicles at her. "Go to hell Tess; for all the pain and harm you have caused."

Tessaline whimpered and stepped back. She felt a hand on her shoulder.

"The people have made their decision. You are to leave immediately."

Tessaline glared at her father and mother. "How could you do this to your only daughter? and how can you" she addressed her mother "just stand there and accept everything?"

Lady Harding steeped forward and placed a hand on her daughters cheek. "Your father is right. All bad actions have consequences to balance it out. It is the way of the universe. And now, my daughter, you need to accept the consequences for your actions."

Tessaline slapped her mother's hand away.

"What kind of mother are you?! You're suppose to protect your children, not abandon them!"

"THAT'S ENOUGH!!" Lord Harding bellowed so loud everyone jumped. "GUARDS!"

The High Society people who all got dressed up for the grand ball stood there in silence and watched the summoned guards drag a kicking and screaming Tessaline out the grand ballroom. They were the witnesses of Tessaline's downfall, but soon, everyone in every kingdom will know about Tessaline's treachery.

They continued to watch as the heavy golden doors closed with a resounding thump behind the two guards as they dragged Tessaline into exile.


TBC!! I was talking to my mate about a suitable punishment for Tessaline, and death was a bit extreme. (should see the look she gave me! ) There'd been so many deaths already it really wouldn't make it right. So I settled for having everything that Tess values and loves taken a way from her. Instead of death, she now needs to live the life in the real world. In her eyes that's probably eternal torment! lol!

Feedback would be appreciated!

[Amber Eyes]

Hi guys,

Guess what? After starting this fic sometime on 2003, it is now FINISHED!!!! Whoohoo! Wow, its like the longest fic I've ever written!

The next chapter WAS suppose to be the epilogue, but as always it got really long and turned into a chapter instead. But the chapter after that is an epilogue.


Here it is then, both chapters. Enjoy and feecback please!!


Part 43

"Well, that was certainly something you don't see every day." Kyle quipped sometime later.

"Yeah, but at least it's over and done with. Justice has been served." Max closed his eyes. 'Liz, may you and out child rest in peace.'

"Since all that's over and done with, you should enjoy the rest of this ball."

"Actually, I'm not feeling very well. I think I'll have an early night. Enjoy the rest of the part Kyle" And with a friendly pat on his friend's arm, Max walked off.

Max pushed through the throng of people. He had to get out of there. All background noise seemed to blur together, the Royal announcer bellowed some new arrival's name, but he didn't hear it. It was all background noise to him. He had to get out of there and fast. He didn't want to stay and be reminded of what had happened to Tess; what she did. Her punishment had been fitting, Tess was out in the world alone without comforts she took for granted; though he doubted in his heart there was anything in the world that could make up for her crimes. As for her co-conspirators, they would forever remain in prison and to never see the light of day again. That was to be their hell as consequence to the hell they had caused him and to those he cared and loved.

Max was just approaching the open French doors that led to the garden when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey Maxwell, where you off to so soon?"

Max turned to face the person. "Hey Michael, I--"

"Listen, I want you to meet someone. Come on!" Michael said enthusiastically cutting Max off and dragging him across the room again.

Max could see his parents talking to someone, but their back was facing him. All he could make out was a golden silk dress with sparkling embroidery that flowed around her. She had rich dark brown wavy hair that was half held up by crystal barrettes and clips while the rest of it flowed like a chocolate waterfall down her back.

Max looked at his parents facial expression and frowned.

His parents had an almost shocked yet awed expression on their faces.

"Your Highnesses." Michael greeted. Then, "Max, I would like you to meet my long lost sister...."

The dark-haired girl turned around and Max's heart nearly stopped beating.

"....Arellia Colwyn." Michael finished.

Max couldn't move. His mind and body was frozen in a state of numb paralysing shock. This couldn't be.... yet it was.... but how?....

"Arellia, meet my best friend, Prince Maxwell Evans of Verdonia."

Max watched as Arellia smiled shyly at him and gave a small curtsey.

"Your Highness."

Max didn't react, instead he simply stood there gaping at her. He felt an elbow nudge into his arm.

"Hey Maxwell?" Michael inquired. "I know she's beautiful and you've been stunned into silence, but it's impolite to stare at a lady." Michael sniggered.

Arellia blushed crimson as Michael and Max's parents laughed at him in amusement.

Max glared at Michael before turning his attention back to the girl who was the spitting image of Liz.

"Welcome to Verdonia Miss Colwyn. How do you like our kingdom so far?"

"From what little I've seen so far, it is a beautiful place; but there is so much more yet for me to see."

"Then you must allow me to be your tour guide."

Arellia blushed. "That is most gracious of you Your Highness."

"Please, call me Max."

"As you wish..... Max."

"Would you mind so terribly if I called you Arellia? since you are Michael's sister, I don't think we need to address each other too formally."

"No, I don't mind at all."

Max was about to say something else when he noticed three faces watching them with interest and amusement at their exchanges.

Stepping back, he held out his hand to Arellia.

"Would you be so kind as to grace me with a dance?"

"Of course." Arellia said then took his offered hand.

The Queen smiled at her husband as they watched their son and Arellia head for the dance floor.

"She's going to help heal him isn't she?"

The King kissed his wife's cheek.

"Though everything is turning out a bit strange, at least Max is happy."

Max took Arellia into his arms and began a waltz. It felt so right having her here; having her in his arms. Though she wasn't Liz, in a way, she was an aspect of Liz. They were linked in a way. He supposed he could see it as Arellia being the 'Liz' of his time and place.

"What?" He asked when Arellia frowned at him.

"I don't think we've ever met before, yet you seem awfully familiar to me, as though I already know you, but that would not be possible."

"Like deja vu?"

Arellia nodded.

Max chuckled and held her closer and whispered in her ear.

"Perhaps you once knew me from another time and place. Another life."

Arellia nodded slowly. "Perhaps."

After a moment of silence Max spoke.

"Are you staying at the Palace?"

"Yes. Your parents were very kind in letting Michael and me stay here during our visit."

"Good. Have you taken a tour of the Palace yet? or the city perhaps?"

"No, I haven't had much time to explore yet. I've spent most of my time trying to settle in. It was quite a shock to learn about Michael and this whole other life."

"I can only imagine. Not to worry, I will make sure your stay here is as pleasant and comfortable as possible. How about I take you on a tour tomorrow?"

"Are you sure you don't mind?"

"Trust me Arellia, it would be my pleasure."

Arellia gave him a shy smile that to him was seduction and innocence. It sent his heart into a warm flutter.

Everything would be all right now. The guilty have been punished; everything was as it should be in this time. He hoped that Liz was finally at peace and resting....... wherever she was.


Epilogue

Later that night.

Max pulled the bed covers over his body and gave a tired yawn. He couldn't wait until tomorrow when he would see Arellia again. Closing his eyes he felt himself drift.

Max found himself in a large field full of lush wildlife and greenery. Looking around, he saw a girl with chocolate brown hair get up from the grass and smiled at him. It as then, he noticed, she carried a bundle in her arms. A baby.

"We're at peace Max. Everything is as it should be."

He watched her walk up the hill.

The setting sun cast a fiery orange glow across the sky. Max shielded his eyes from the bright glare and squinted at the two silhouettes waiting on top of the hill for the girl. For Liz.

He watched as Liz showed them the baby and they cooed and played with the small bundle.

He could hear the baby's laugh float through the air to him. He felt a warm comfort of love settle around his heart.

The three silhouettes turned to look at him. Max could see an aura of white and gold light surrounding them that was brighter than the glare of the backdrop setting of the sun. The white light highlighed their faces.

There was Liz and the cute chubby baby, a woman who looked to be an older version of Liz, and.... a young man who as the spitting image of himself! Max's mouth gaped open in shock.

The two silhouettes who had been waiting for Liz was Liz's mother and Andrew!

Standing grouped together like a family, they smiled at him then waved.

A final farewell

For this life anyway.

Max watched as they walked down the hill, Andrew's arms around Liz. As they disappeared from Max's view, the sky began to darken to night.

Max stood there and felt a sense of calm peace enter his soul.


Max hugged the pillow closer to him, a smile spread across his sleeping face.

Liz was right.

Everything was as it should be.

And he had a second chance.



The end!



Well, that's that then! Did you enjoy the story? I know it took forever to get updates out, but at least I got here in the end.

Thank you sooooo much to all that have kept up with this fic and have left bumps and feedback, I really appreciated the support, plus it actually motivated me to write.


Angel Falls is still a working progress and needs to be completed soon, why don't you all go over there and read it and support that fic?

Any hey look! I've hit my 300 posts!!

Hugz to all!