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Chapter Ten:
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Maxwell stretches as he lies in bed. The sun had yet to rise, and he had not had a better night’s rest in quite a while. He smiles thinking about his encounter with his sweet seraph.
He reaches under his pillow and pulls her bag out from under it. With all the excitement of seeing her yesterday, he had forgotten all about the rest of her things, which included her bag and money. Not to mention the food he ate. Perhaps he can persuade her to allow him to take her out to dinner to compensate for it. It will take work, but he is confident he can find a way to sneak into her heart.
But first, there are matters to attend to. He quickly dresses. If he wants to impress his father, he cannot simply be on time. He has to be early. Nothing impresses his father more than eager little workers.
Maxwell heads out his room when he notices Michael trying to quietly sneak by his parents’ bedroom. Maxwell smiles wickedly.
“Good Morning, Michael!” Maxwell nearly yells. Michael visibly jumps and glares at Maxwell, putting a finger to his lips and making a shushing sound in an attempt to silence him.
Maxwell’s smirk grows wider. “Why, Michael! What are you doing up and about so early this morning? And are those not the clothes you had on the day before?” Maxwell says, never lowering the volume of his voice.
“Shut your mouth, Maxwell!” Michael hisses in a low and threatening tone. Through clenched teeth he adds, “Do you not see I am trying not to wake up the household?” He points towards Philip and Diane’s bedroom door.
Maxwell snickers. “Father has left to the shop and mother left late last night to go visit her brother.”
“Uncle K?” Michael asks after he sighs in relief. He does not want to be caught.
“Yes. The one and only,” Maxwell says.
“Did he not disappear off the face of the earth twenty years ago?” Michael asks, talking normally.
“Yes, well, apparently he has been sighted and he wrote mother a lengthy letter of apology for losing touch. They are going to meet and discuss some things.”
Michael shrugs. He has only ever heard stories about their elusive uncle.
“And where were you all night, young man?” Alexander asks, leaning on his doorframe. He has been listening quietly since he first heard the commotion.
“Nowhere,” Michael says, wishing the brothers would leave it at that.
“Ten gold pieces says he was with Maria,” Alexander says toward Maxwell.
“It is none of your business,” Michael says, obviously not wanting to discuss it.
“Touchy, touchy,” Alexander mutters as he heads back into his room.
“We are not going to repeat what happened here. Is that clear?” He says threateningly towards the both of them.
Both nod and everyone heads in his own direction.
“Oh, Michael?” Maxwell calls out before Michael can enter his room. “Father already knows.” Maxwell smirks as Michael groans. “Plan on being in the house tonight. He wants to have ‘the talk’ with you.” Maxwell wiggles his eyebrows for emphasis.
Michael’s door slams shut and Maxwell chuckles as he makes his way down the stairs.
--------------
“What are you doing up, father?” Maria asks, barricading the front door.
“Well, let us see, shall we?” James says in a playful tone with his daughter. “I have my work uniform on,” he says, glancing down at his uniform. “I have on my work boots.” He stomps his foot for emphasis. “And I have my work briefcase,” he says, patting the outside of it. “Yes, I think I am going to work.”
“No, you are not. You are going to go straight back up to your room and rest,” she says with one hand on her hip and the other one pointing towards the stairs.
Valenti chuckles at her attempt at authoritativeness. “Maria, I have appointments to attend to.” He tries to move past her but she stops him.
“I am serious. You are going to go back to your room. You do not have any appointments today because I cancelled them all,” Maria says, pulling him towards the stairs.
“You did what?” he asks in disbelief. “Rosemary Valenti, I cannot believe you would have the audacity to pull such a stunt. Do you realize how long it is going to take to reschedule all of those appointments?”
“Father, you can use a break. You work nonstop,” Maria says, frustrated. James sees the concern in her eyes and gives in. Maria sees his resolve crumble and smiles inwardly. “It is showing too. Just look at the black spots underneath your eyes.”
“Really?” James decides to play along. He lifts a hand, feeling beneath his eyes. “Goodness gracious, you are absolutely right. I must apply more beauty cream immediately.”
Maria giggles and hugs her father. “Now scamper on upstairs. I will bring a small snack up for you later. Go on.”
“I give up. I am heading off to my room now,” James says as he ascends the stairs.
“You had better. And remember to get some rest and relaxation,” she shouts up to him.
“I will,” he calls back. He mumbles something under his breath.
“Did you say something, father?” Isabella asks as she comes out of her room.
“I said Maria can be one bossy little girl. She is starting to forget which one of us is the parent and which one is the child.”
Isabella just giggles, kisses him on the cheek, and heads down the stairs.
James enters his room. All things considered, he has been more tired than usual lately. A small nap sounds tempting.
He lies down on his bed and soon drifts off to sleep….
James pushed open the door and entered her room.
“Hello, James,” she said in a seductive voice. She was sitting on the side of the bed with nothing on but a short nightgown.
“Am- … Nancy,” he said, correcting himself. “I received a note saying you wished to see me. What is this about?”
She walked over to him gingerly. “Nothing. Can old friends not call upon each other to say hello?” She ran a hand up his chest and whispered in his ear. “I have missed you.”
James stood stiff. “Nancy, what are you trying to do?” He peeled her hand off of him and threw it aside. “We are both married. I, to Melissa, and you to His Highness.”
Amy leaned into him again. “They need not know.”
James could not believe his ears. “Do you not know you could be killed for this kind of betrayal to the King?” He angered. “Besides, you had your chance with me, Nancy. You are the one who turned me down.” He shifted away from her and headed towards the door.
“James, wait.” James stopped. “Just have a drink with me, just one drink. For old time’s sake?”
James gave in. What was one drink going to do? He accepted the glass from her hand and drank it. Nancy grinned wickedly. Everything went black.
Hours later, James woke up with a throbbing headache. He jumped out of bed not recognizing where he was. He looked to the now waking figure on the bed. Nancy just smiled at James.
“Dear God, what have I done?”
“Come back to bed, James,” she said, patting the space on the bed beside her.
“No,” James rushed, putting his clothes on, “I have to go home … to Melissa. She is probably worried sick.”
“What about us, James?”
“There is no ‘us’. You have to forget this ever happened,” James said, heading towards the door.
“We can run away together,” she pleaded.
“We cannot. I cannot.” He said, refusing to look at her. “Melissa is nine months pregnant. I cannot leave her.”
“But, it will be just us, James. We made love. You cannot pretend as though it did not happen.”
“Get it in your head, woman! There is no ‘us’! We did not ‘make love’! What we did was a mistake, Amy!”
The stone cold look that settled over her horrifies James. He was frightened of what she might do in her state.
She stormed over to him, shoving him out the door, screeching, “Amy does not exist anymore!”
When Maria enters her father’s room, he is tossing and turning in his bed. She places the tray on his nightstand and attempts to wake him from his nightmare.
“Father. Father. Father, wake up,” Maria says shaking her father awake.
“Amy …” James mutters.
“Father,” Maria says more forcefully.
James sits up. “Maria, what? What is going on?”
“You were having a nightmare. I brought you a snack,” Maria says, pointing to the tray.
James nods his head and Maria stands to leave. She is almost through the door when she turns back around. “Father, who is Amy?”
James lets out a sigh. His daughter can be quite nosy. “I already told you, Maria. Amy does not …”
“… exist anymore, I know. But I do not understand.”
“Rosemary …” James says in a warning tone.
“Forget it,” she says, storming out of the room. If her father will not tell her, she will have to find out on her own.
--------------
Philip has been swamped with work since he arrived at the office that morning, preparing for a meeting with the over-land distributors. That, in itself, is a handful. He also had to see over personal interviews with possible new workers, specifically someone he can trust to manage his other warehouse in Zanstown.
Philip wants more than anything to be able to give the position to Maxwell, but he has to prove himself worthy first. He begins reading over yet another contract needing his signature when he hears a knock on the door.
“Enter,” Philip calls out and the door swings open. In enters James Valenti. “Hello, Governor. I am surprised to see you. I thought that you were too ill in bed to work today. At least, Maria informed me so.”
“Yes. Maria was concerned I was working far too much and put me under house arrest. I was only able to sneak out of the house when Maria left to her room.”
Philip chuckles. “Be glad she cares about you enough to worry.”
“Yes, just about as much as I worry about her.”
“Yes, that is sort of what I wanted to discuss with you. You see, Michael was out the entire night last night. Do you happen to know where he was?”
Valenti ponders for a moment. “No, I have not a clue. Maria was in all night in her room by herself. I made sure of it, checking in on her every ten minutes or so.”
“Where do you think Michael would have gone?”
“I honestly do not know. But Michael is a good boy. I am sure he would not do anything to disappoint you,” James says reassuringly to Philip. “Is that all you wanted to discuss?”
“Yes. Thank you for stopping by James.”
“I should leave before Maria finds me gone,” James says, shaking his head. “I do not kid myself. The over-concerned bit she is playing is to lessen the focus of her sneaking out.”
“She tries to gain your good graces by being the loving daughter?” Philip ribs.
“Speaking of good graces, Maxwell is down there working up a good sweat,” James says, smiling back at Philip.
Philip is shocked. “Maxwell? Carrying cargo shipment? Are you certain?”
“Yes. I just had a little chat with him while coming in. Well, I should be going.” James shakes Philip’s hand and leaves.
Philip heads out the door to see Maxwell chatting with a worker while he lifts up another bag and carries it off into the warehouse.
“Maxwell,” Philip calls out. Maxwell looks up at his father. “Come into my office for a moment.”
Maxwell nods his head, drops the bag, and heads up to his father’s office. “Is something the matter, father?”
“When I told you I wanted you to show me you are responsible, I did not intend for you to be doing any manual labor. I thought perhaps you would help me supervise.”
“Father, if I do not know what it feels like to be doing the work of one of the lifters, how will I be able to supervise them fairly?”
Philip is astonished at Maxwell’s remark. “How long have you been out there working, Maxwell?”
“Since about sunrise this morning.”
“Well, I am proud of you, Maxwell. Consider yourself ahead of the competition at the time being. I am honestly considering you for the position. Keep up the good work, son,” Philip says, patting his son on the back.
Maxwell smiles. He is one step closer to his goal.
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Accept the Challenge (AU, CC, TEEN) COMPLETE [2/11]
Moderators: Anniepoo98, Rowedog, ISLANDGIRL5, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, FSU/MSW-94, Erina, Hunter, Forum Moderators
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Chapter Eleven:
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Kyle quickly walks up the trail. He unknowingly spent an hour too long meditating at the temple and is going to be late for his meeting in town with her and no one in his or her right mind is ever late when meeting with her.
Nevertheless, he has to check on Elizabeth to make certain she is safe first. Kyle did not enjoy leaving Elizabeth alone by herself but there is nothing he can do. No one knows. He makes sure of that. However small and innocent she is, Elizabeth is a grown girl. He should teach her how to defend herself. He will have to soon, while he still has the chance.
Kyle cannot believe how the years have flown by. It has been seventeen years. She has been with him for this long.
Kyle opens up the door to the small cabin and finds Elizabeth sitting at the table writing in her journal. He smiles at the sight.
She probably cannot think without writing it down first. She has been writing in that thing ever since he bought it for her for her sixteenth birthday. It is possibly the most richly colored item in their home, but it suited her. After all, she is special.
“Kyle!” Elizabeth exclaims. “You frightened me!”
“I apologize. I did not intend to,” he says, taking a seat beside her.
“I thought you were going in to town today,” Elizabeth says with a smile on her face. She closes her journal and faces him.
“I am,” Kyle says while standing up to leave. “I have people to meet and matters to discuss. I will be home late tonight. I wanted to check on you before I left.”
“You worry needlessly,” Elizabeth replies sweetly. “I will be fine. I will be sure to have something warm for you when you come back.” She opens up her journal and busies herself again.
“Do you need anything from town while I am there? More paper, ink, feminine product of some sort?” he asks from the doorway.
Elizabeth blushes. “No. I am fine.” She hates discussing such things with Kyle.
Kyle snickers and leaves, taking the fastest trail down the mountain.
It saddens him to remember upon Elizabeth’s life. She deserves much more than the life she is given. Perhaps, one of the two people he is meeting today can give her that.
Both meetings promise to be rough. He has no seen either one of them in many years and yet both hold such great power over his life and Elizabeth’s.
--------------
“What took you so long? Where were you?”
Kyle is yelled at the instance he comes running up. “I apologize. I …”
“Do you not remember who I am or what I can do? I can have your life with a snap of my fingers. Or have you forgotten?” she berates him as she paces.
Kyle drops to his knees. “I apologize, your Majesty. I assure you I have not forgotten. I wanted to check on Elizabeth before I left.”
Nancy sighs and motions for him to stand. “How is she?”
“She is fine, your Highness. She is very beautiful and highly intelligent.”
Sadness fills Nancy’s eyes for a brief moment. “That is good, very good. Now, what is it you wanted to see me about?”
“There is a small problem.”
“Problem? What sort of problem?” she asks, eyeing him.
“The Elders are no longer allowing me to take residence outside the temple. They no longer condone my caring for Elizabeth now that she has … matured.”
“Well, do you take orders from them or from me?” Nancy demands, lifting her head high.
“Neither, your Majesty. I take orders from the gods. I am a devoted monk,” Kyle says, bowing slightly to the heavens.
“A devoted monk? That is just a disguise to deceive others so you can watch after her,” Nancy seethes out.
“You cannot deceive the gods. They see all. They know all,” Kyle says sternly, hinting towards Nancy’s wrongdoings.
Nancy laughs. “Alright. What is this really about? What is it you want? More money?”
“No. This does not concern money. This is about Elizabeth. She is special. She deserves to have more than what I can give her. She needs someone to take care of her. Take her home with you, into the castle. She is very special,” Kyle speaks the last comment with much emphasis.
“Fine. She may enter the castle … as a servant.”
Kyle is livid at her offer. “A servant?! How can you do that to your only daughter?!”
“She is not my daughter!” she snarls at him. “She is Amy’s mistake, not mine!”
“You are right,” Kyle roars back as equally fierce. It does not matter if she is the queen or not. How can someone abandon someone as sweet as Elizabeth? “She is not your daughter. You do not deserve to have a daughter as amazing as she.”
Kyle smirks at what he says next, “Elizabeth is a very special girl. Unbelievably unique.” He steps closer to her and whispers into her ear. “She is of royal blood.”
Nancy gasps. “H-how are you certain?”
Kyle smirks. “Her resemblance to King Jeffrey is uncanny.”
“That does not prove a thing,” she spits out at him.
Kyle is enraged at her ignorance. “She has gifts! She can do things that normal people cannot do, things that you and I did not even know were possible.”
Nancy turns white. “W-what am I to do now? We told Jeffrey that she died during birth.”
“We did no such thing. You did. I have not a clue what you are intend to do, nor do I care. But I am warning you, unless you want his Majesty, the King, to find out about your little affair, you will not be going anywhere near Elizabeth.”
With that, Kyle heads down the street, leaving a shaken Nancy behind. He wants Elizabeth to have a mother, but not a mother like her. He only had one more place to turn too. Hopefully, his sister will not desert him.
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Michael stays in his bedroom and sulks. He tries not to think about her, but he cannot help himself. He has only a short while before he sees her again.
Courtney wants to meet with him today to talk more. Michael agreed, although does not understand why. They spoke all last night. What they discussed escapes Michael’s memories, but when he left her place, it was morning. And he had not even informed her of his engagement, or of Maria.
Courtney had asked him if he was married yet, and he said no. He felt as though he betrayed Maria in some way by not mentioning their engagement. They were not openly ‘engaged’ until they announce it at the ball, so there really was not anything to mention, Michael tries to reason with himself.
But of course there is something. He is to be married. He is engaged to Maria. He loves Maria. He and Maria will be married. Maria will be his wife. The person he loves finally loves him back for once. Michael’s face brightens but it soon saddens once more. He is still to meet with Courtney.
Just when things begin to look good for him, they go so utterly wrong. He should forget that Courtney is back and focus on Maria. His mind should be filled with thoughts of Maria. He belongs to Maria. He should not be thinking of other women. Courtney may be pretty, but Maria is, and always will be, beautiful.
She is his fiancé. His heart already belongs to her. Then why did he feel such a strong pull towards Courtney?
He should not. He has no more obligations toward her, at least, not anymore. She is the one who walked out on him. She is the one that left him. He does not owe her anything. He does not belong to her. He belongs to Maria. And he is going to tell Courtney such.
Michael jumps from his bed and heads toward the door. He belongs to Maria. He will always belong to Maria. Now, to be able to say it to Courtney.
--------------
Diane walks about the town. Zanstown is her hometown. She loves it here. It has plenty of excitement without the hustle of the city. This is where she grew, fell in love, and married. Philip and she began their business here. When it became overly successful, they expanded to the city. She has always wanted to come back, but do not wish to leave her husband’s side.
Diane enters the small restaurant she is to meet Kyle in. She scans the room for him. Not seeing him, she decides to take a seat. She is shown to an empty table and takes her order before he leaves.
The waiter brings out her food. She has not eaten all day and is starving. She only looks up when someone slides into the seat in front of her. She stares at the monk, strangely.
“I apologize. But this seat is taken. I am waiting for someone,” Diane says sweetly, trying not to offend the monk.
But he remains seated. “Diane, it is I.”
“Oh my goodness. Kyle?” Diane jumps from her seat and embraces her long lost brother. “It has been so long. What have you been doing with yourself? A monk?”
Kyle runs a hand over his bald head. “Yes. I was surprised myself. You are not upset with me for losing contact with you for so long”
Diane smiles. “I have long forgiven you for disappearing on me. There is no use dwelling on the past, just as long as you are here now.”
“Actually, there is something I wanted to with you. Something I need your help with. I know I have no right to ask this of you, but I have nowhere else to turn, Diane. I have not a clue of what to do.” He dreads that her answer might be no.
Diane places her hand over Kyle’s to calm him. “Kyle, what ever it is, I will do what I can.”
“There is this girl that I am taking care of. She lives with me in a small cabin on Mount Roswell. The only problem is that I can no longer care for her. The Elders will not allow me to live outside the temple. So I cannot watch after her anymore. I cannot take care of her anymore,” he pleads with Diane. “She is special, Diane. There is no one else like her around. She needs someone to keep her safe.”
Diane gives in, seeing how much her brother cares for this girl. “How old is she?”
“She is seventeen.”
Diane smiles. “That is the same age as my youngest son, Alexander.”
Kyle looks at her, fully realizing how little he knows about his own sister and what all he has missed out on. “You have children?”
“Yes, three sons. We will get caught up later. Tell me more about this girl. Where are her parents?” Diane asks, curious to know.
He does not wish to lie to Diane, but he is sworn to secrecy and cannot tell a soul, a pledge of loyalty all royal guards take. “Her mother abandoned her.” It is not a lie.
“Oh. How sad.” Diane knows she is going to help the girl in anyway she can. She cannot imagine deserting any of her children.
“Can you help me take care of her, Diane? Just until she can learn to live on her own. She is a grown girl, but I do not want to leave her on her own just yet.”
“I will try, Kyle. I honestly will. But I must speak with Philip first. I cannot make any promises.”
Kyle hugs his sister. “Thank you so much. Thank you, Diane. Thank you.”
“My pleasure, Kyle,” she says.
Kyle breaks away from the embrace. “So, you married Philip Evans?” he asks, wiggling his eyebrows.
She hits him playfully. “We can discuss the past twenty years along out way. I am eager to meet this young lady. What is her name?”
Kyle smiles at his sister. She will make everything alright for him, just like she always did. “Her name is Elizabeth. And she is an exceedingly sweet girl. She is the rarest of the rare, the most beautiful jewel in all the world.”
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Chapter Eleven:
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Kyle quickly walks up the trail. He unknowingly spent an hour too long meditating at the temple and is going to be late for his meeting in town with her and no one in his or her right mind is ever late when meeting with her.
Nevertheless, he has to check on Elizabeth to make certain she is safe first. Kyle did not enjoy leaving Elizabeth alone by herself but there is nothing he can do. No one knows. He makes sure of that. However small and innocent she is, Elizabeth is a grown girl. He should teach her how to defend herself. He will have to soon, while he still has the chance.
Kyle cannot believe how the years have flown by. It has been seventeen years. She has been with him for this long.
Kyle opens up the door to the small cabin and finds Elizabeth sitting at the table writing in her journal. He smiles at the sight.
She probably cannot think without writing it down first. She has been writing in that thing ever since he bought it for her for her sixteenth birthday. It is possibly the most richly colored item in their home, but it suited her. After all, she is special.
“Kyle!” Elizabeth exclaims. “You frightened me!”
“I apologize. I did not intend to,” he says, taking a seat beside her.
“I thought you were going in to town today,” Elizabeth says with a smile on her face. She closes her journal and faces him.
“I am,” Kyle says while standing up to leave. “I have people to meet and matters to discuss. I will be home late tonight. I wanted to check on you before I left.”
“You worry needlessly,” Elizabeth replies sweetly. “I will be fine. I will be sure to have something warm for you when you come back.” She opens up her journal and busies herself again.
“Do you need anything from town while I am there? More paper, ink, feminine product of some sort?” he asks from the doorway.
Elizabeth blushes. “No. I am fine.” She hates discussing such things with Kyle.
Kyle snickers and leaves, taking the fastest trail down the mountain.
It saddens him to remember upon Elizabeth’s life. She deserves much more than the life she is given. Perhaps, one of the two people he is meeting today can give her that.
Both meetings promise to be rough. He has no seen either one of them in many years and yet both hold such great power over his life and Elizabeth’s.
--------------
“What took you so long? Where were you?”
Kyle is yelled at the instance he comes running up. “I apologize. I …”
“Do you not remember who I am or what I can do? I can have your life with a snap of my fingers. Or have you forgotten?” she berates him as she paces.
Kyle drops to his knees. “I apologize, your Majesty. I assure you I have not forgotten. I wanted to check on Elizabeth before I left.”
Nancy sighs and motions for him to stand. “How is she?”
“She is fine, your Highness. She is very beautiful and highly intelligent.”
Sadness fills Nancy’s eyes for a brief moment. “That is good, very good. Now, what is it you wanted to see me about?”
“There is a small problem.”
“Problem? What sort of problem?” she asks, eyeing him.
“The Elders are no longer allowing me to take residence outside the temple. They no longer condone my caring for Elizabeth now that she has … matured.”
“Well, do you take orders from them or from me?” Nancy demands, lifting her head high.
“Neither, your Majesty. I take orders from the gods. I am a devoted monk,” Kyle says, bowing slightly to the heavens.
“A devoted monk? That is just a disguise to deceive others so you can watch after her,” Nancy seethes out.
“You cannot deceive the gods. They see all. They know all,” Kyle says sternly, hinting towards Nancy’s wrongdoings.
Nancy laughs. “Alright. What is this really about? What is it you want? More money?”
“No. This does not concern money. This is about Elizabeth. She is special. She deserves to have more than what I can give her. She needs someone to take care of her. Take her home with you, into the castle. She is very special,” Kyle speaks the last comment with much emphasis.
“Fine. She may enter the castle … as a servant.”
Kyle is livid at her offer. “A servant?! How can you do that to your only daughter?!”
“She is not my daughter!” she snarls at him. “She is Amy’s mistake, not mine!”
“You are right,” Kyle roars back as equally fierce. It does not matter if she is the queen or not. How can someone abandon someone as sweet as Elizabeth? “She is not your daughter. You do not deserve to have a daughter as amazing as she.”
Kyle smirks at what he says next, “Elizabeth is a very special girl. Unbelievably unique.” He steps closer to her and whispers into her ear. “She is of royal blood.”
Nancy gasps. “H-how are you certain?”
Kyle smirks. “Her resemblance to King Jeffrey is uncanny.”
“That does not prove a thing,” she spits out at him.
Kyle is enraged at her ignorance. “She has gifts! She can do things that normal people cannot do, things that you and I did not even know were possible.”
Nancy turns white. “W-what am I to do now? We told Jeffrey that she died during birth.”
“We did no such thing. You did. I have not a clue what you are intend to do, nor do I care. But I am warning you, unless you want his Majesty, the King, to find out about your little affair, you will not be going anywhere near Elizabeth.”
With that, Kyle heads down the street, leaving a shaken Nancy behind. He wants Elizabeth to have a mother, but not a mother like her. He only had one more place to turn too. Hopefully, his sister will not desert him.
--------------
Michael stays in his bedroom and sulks. He tries not to think about her, but he cannot help himself. He has only a short while before he sees her again.
Courtney wants to meet with him today to talk more. Michael agreed, although does not understand why. They spoke all last night. What they discussed escapes Michael’s memories, but when he left her place, it was morning. And he had not even informed her of his engagement, or of Maria.
Courtney had asked him if he was married yet, and he said no. He felt as though he betrayed Maria in some way by not mentioning their engagement. They were not openly ‘engaged’ until they announce it at the ball, so there really was not anything to mention, Michael tries to reason with himself.
But of course there is something. He is to be married. He is engaged to Maria. He loves Maria. He and Maria will be married. Maria will be his wife. The person he loves finally loves him back for once. Michael’s face brightens but it soon saddens once more. He is still to meet with Courtney.
Just when things begin to look good for him, they go so utterly wrong. He should forget that Courtney is back and focus on Maria. His mind should be filled with thoughts of Maria. He belongs to Maria. He should not be thinking of other women. Courtney may be pretty, but Maria is, and always will be, beautiful.
She is his fiancé. His heart already belongs to her. Then why did he feel such a strong pull towards Courtney?
He should not. He has no more obligations toward her, at least, not anymore. She is the one who walked out on him. She is the one that left him. He does not owe her anything. He does not belong to her. He belongs to Maria. And he is going to tell Courtney such.
Michael jumps from his bed and heads toward the door. He belongs to Maria. He will always belong to Maria. Now, to be able to say it to Courtney.
--------------
Diane walks about the town. Zanstown is her hometown. She loves it here. It has plenty of excitement without the hustle of the city. This is where she grew, fell in love, and married. Philip and she began their business here. When it became overly successful, they expanded to the city. She has always wanted to come back, but do not wish to leave her husband’s side.
Diane enters the small restaurant she is to meet Kyle in. She scans the room for him. Not seeing him, she decides to take a seat. She is shown to an empty table and takes her order before he leaves.
The waiter brings out her food. She has not eaten all day and is starving. She only looks up when someone slides into the seat in front of her. She stares at the monk, strangely.
“I apologize. But this seat is taken. I am waiting for someone,” Diane says sweetly, trying not to offend the monk.
But he remains seated. “Diane, it is I.”
“Oh my goodness. Kyle?” Diane jumps from her seat and embraces her long lost brother. “It has been so long. What have you been doing with yourself? A monk?”
Kyle runs a hand over his bald head. “Yes. I was surprised myself. You are not upset with me for losing contact with you for so long”
Diane smiles. “I have long forgiven you for disappearing on me. There is no use dwelling on the past, just as long as you are here now.”
“Actually, there is something I wanted to with you. Something I need your help with. I know I have no right to ask this of you, but I have nowhere else to turn, Diane. I have not a clue of what to do.” He dreads that her answer might be no.
Diane places her hand over Kyle’s to calm him. “Kyle, what ever it is, I will do what I can.”
“There is this girl that I am taking care of. She lives with me in a small cabin on Mount Roswell. The only problem is that I can no longer care for her. The Elders will not allow me to live outside the temple. So I cannot watch after her anymore. I cannot take care of her anymore,” he pleads with Diane. “She is special, Diane. There is no one else like her around. She needs someone to keep her safe.”
Diane gives in, seeing how much her brother cares for this girl. “How old is she?”
“She is seventeen.”
Diane smiles. “That is the same age as my youngest son, Alexander.”
Kyle looks at her, fully realizing how little he knows about his own sister and what all he has missed out on. “You have children?”
“Yes, three sons. We will get caught up later. Tell me more about this girl. Where are her parents?” Diane asks, curious to know.
He does not wish to lie to Diane, but he is sworn to secrecy and cannot tell a soul, a pledge of loyalty all royal guards take. “Her mother abandoned her.” It is not a lie.
“Oh. How sad.” Diane knows she is going to help the girl in anyway she can. She cannot imagine deserting any of her children.
“Can you help me take care of her, Diane? Just until she can learn to live on her own. She is a grown girl, but I do not want to leave her on her own just yet.”
“I will try, Kyle. I honestly will. But I must speak with Philip first. I cannot make any promises.”
Kyle hugs his sister. “Thank you so much. Thank you, Diane. Thank you.”
“My pleasure, Kyle,” she says.
Kyle breaks away from the embrace. “So, you married Philip Evans?” he asks, wiggling his eyebrows.
She hits him playfully. “We can discuss the past twenty years along out way. I am eager to meet this young lady. What is her name?”
Kyle smiles at his sister. She will make everything alright for him, just like she always did. “Her name is Elizabeth. And she is an exceedingly sweet girl. She is the rarest of the rare, the most beautiful jewel in all the world.”
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Chapter Twelve:
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It is late at night when Philip finally starts to leave his office. He stayed after for a few hours to finish reading through several contracts before he finally gives in for the night. He is not eager to head home. Without Diane there, the night promised only restlessness. After all these years, he is still madly in love with her. And Philip is convinced his feelings will never change.
As he locks up his office and heads out the door, he sees a shadowy figure, snooping around in the warehouse. Thinking it is a burglar, Philip grabs a metal bar and creeps down the stairs carefully. He makes his way over to the person and prepares to strike.
“Father! What are you doing?” Maxwell yells, gripping the bar just before it comes down upon his head.
Philip stares at the person before him. “Maxwell? What are you doing here this late at night?” He lets Maxwell take the bar from his hands.
“I was finishing up carrying some of the bags of cargo,” Maxwell replies.
Philip chuckles. “I thought you were a burglar.”
“Obviously,” Maxwell says, placing the metal bar far away of his father’s reach.
“Come along,” Philip says, patting his son on the back. “Let us go on home. The workers can finish storing them in the morning.”
Maxwell shakes his head. “You head home, father. There is only twenty or so left. I do not want to leave it outside tonight. It seems as though it may rain.”
Philip admires his son’s dedication. “You are a good boy, Maxwell, a good son. I am proud of you.”
“Thank you, father,” Maxwell says as he lifts the bag he is carrying.
“How about I help you,” Philip offers, rolling up his sleeves.
“You sure you can handle it, father?” Maxwell teases. “You are getting on in your years. That old back of yours might be wearing down.”
“Old? I could lift twice as many bags as you, son. Let your father show you how it is done,” Philip says, lifting up two bags.
They continue on until all of the bags are loaded into the warehouse. Both are panting and sweating while heading home.
“I am proud of you, Maxwell,” Philip says, patting Maxwell on the back.
“You have said that already, father,” Maxwell smirks. “I think your back is not the only thing wearing out. Your memory seems to be slowing as well.”
Philip glares playfully at Maxwell before he grabs him by the neck. They probably look foolish, wrestling in the middle of the street, but neither care. They are both enjoying their time together.
“Honestly, Maxwell,” Philip starts speaks they make it to the house. “I am very proud of you. I do not get the opportunity to speak those words often when you were younger. But I am glad I get to now. You are maturing to become a fine young man. You will make someone very happy someday.” Philip heads off towards the bedrooms.
Maxwell shakes his head and sighs. “All I must do is convince her of that.”
--------------
Michael walks on the dark street alone. His visit to Courtney’s did not go well. He tried to tell her about his engagement to Maria. But every time he tried, Courtney would change the subject, talking about this or that. It is as if she already knows and does not want to hear it. Michael sighs in frustration and kicks a rock lying in the road, sending it flying.
“Taking out your frustrations on rocks? My, my, Michael,” comes a sweet voice from behind.
Michael spins around and comes face to face with his beautiful blonde pixie.
“Maria,” he says, walking up to her and pulling her into his arms.
“One day away and you are this excited to see me? I should stay away more often,” she teases with him.
Michael pulls back a little, but only enough to gaze into her eyes. “I will not be able to stand it. I will miss you terribly. Do not ever stay away from me. I will die without you.”
Maria swoons at his words.
Michael pulls her back into his arms. He belongs to Maria. Heart, body, soul, and mind.
They are so engrossed in each other they do not see the person walking up to them from down the road until she stops beside Michael.
“Michael, dear,” Courtney says, interrupting the two. “You forgot your pocketbook at my house. I thought you might need it.”
“Um … thank you,” Michael says nervously. If he knows Maria, she is jumping to the wrong conclusions. Were they the wrong conclusions?
“Any time, darling,” Courtney kisses Michael on the cheek before heading back the way she came, grinning an evil grin.
Michael does not dare glance up at Maria until Courtney leaves. He should have waited longer. Maria’s face is cold, her look unfeeling. But her eyes give her away. Her green eyes are a mixture of hurt, anger, jealousy, and sorrow. Michael aches knowing he is the one who put it all there. He is the one who made her sparkle disappear.
“Maria?” Michael attempts to get her to speak to him. Maria can talk for hours on end. So much that getting her to keep quiet is nearly impossible. Her silence now is deafening. It frightens Michael to no extent.
“Maria? Love? Please say something,” he coaxes.
Maria sniffs and lowers her head, causing her golden hair to fall over her face. But Michael sees the tears slipping from her eyes.
His heart aches knowing he hurt her. “It is not what you think. Please let me explain.” He tries to lift her chin to get her to look at him but she jerks her head away.
“Please? I will tell you everything. Everything about her, about me, everything I am was ashamed to tell you before. I will tell you now … if you let me.”
Maria is too numb to be anger, too numb to even acknowledge a word he says, and too numb to protest when Michael lifts her up and carries her off. She just leans into him, clinging on to him for dear life. It might be the last time she will ever get the chance to feel his heart beat for her, if it ever has before.
--------------
Kyle and Diane sit at the table, waiting. They arrived at the cabin hours ago, but there is still no sign of Elizabeth. Diane worries over Elizabeth’s whereabouts. There is note of some sort to alert Kyle of where she has gone. Kyle seems to be calm. They continue to sit.
Diane taps her fingers on the tabletop, impatiently. “Is she typically out this late?”
Kyle shrugs. “Not often. But once ever while.”
“What does she do out this late?” Diane is annoyed at Kyle’s leniency. “Do you not realize how dangerous it is for her to be out this late, at night, by herself?”
“I know,” Kyle says with a sigh. “I know. I worry for her a great deal. But I trust her. She is training her heart.”
Diane cannot find any comfort in Kyle’s words. “Kyle, how daft could you be, letting a young girl stay out this late. Do you know what kinds of people are out this late at night? Drunk and perverted men who probably cannot resist grabbing at her.”
Kyle sees his sister panicking. “Diane, remember how I said Elizabeth is rare? She is special.”
“How special?” Diane asks, eyeing her brother. “She is not blind or deaf, is she?”
Kyle shakes his head. “No. She is … exceptionally unique. She has these … gifts. If she is in trouble, she will get someone to help.”
“But what if no one around wants to help her? What if there is no one around to help her?”
“If she is in trouble, she will call out, and the entire town will come running. If they were miles away, they would hear her,” Kyle explains away.
“What do you mean?” Diane asks curiously.
“Not a thing. I must leave. I must meet with the Elders one more time to try and plead my case. I useless, but I still must make some attempt,” Kyle says, heading out the door.
“You cannot simply leave me here, Kyle,” Diane says sternly. “She does not know who I am. She will be scared to death to see a stranger in her home.”
“She will be fine. Tell her who you are and why you are here. She will take one look at your gentle soul and know she can trust you.” Kyle leaves out the door with Diane still curious as to what he means.
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Chapter Twelve:
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It is late at night when Philip finally starts to leave his office. He stayed after for a few hours to finish reading through several contracts before he finally gives in for the night. He is not eager to head home. Without Diane there, the night promised only restlessness. After all these years, he is still madly in love with her. And Philip is convinced his feelings will never change.
As he locks up his office and heads out the door, he sees a shadowy figure, snooping around in the warehouse. Thinking it is a burglar, Philip grabs a metal bar and creeps down the stairs carefully. He makes his way over to the person and prepares to strike.
“Father! What are you doing?” Maxwell yells, gripping the bar just before it comes down upon his head.
Philip stares at the person before him. “Maxwell? What are you doing here this late at night?” He lets Maxwell take the bar from his hands.
“I was finishing up carrying some of the bags of cargo,” Maxwell replies.
Philip chuckles. “I thought you were a burglar.”
“Obviously,” Maxwell says, placing the metal bar far away of his father’s reach.
“Come along,” Philip says, patting his son on the back. “Let us go on home. The workers can finish storing them in the morning.”
Maxwell shakes his head. “You head home, father. There is only twenty or so left. I do not want to leave it outside tonight. It seems as though it may rain.”
Philip admires his son’s dedication. “You are a good boy, Maxwell, a good son. I am proud of you.”
“Thank you, father,” Maxwell says as he lifts the bag he is carrying.
“How about I help you,” Philip offers, rolling up his sleeves.
“You sure you can handle it, father?” Maxwell teases. “You are getting on in your years. That old back of yours might be wearing down.”
“Old? I could lift twice as many bags as you, son. Let your father show you how it is done,” Philip says, lifting up two bags.
They continue on until all of the bags are loaded into the warehouse. Both are panting and sweating while heading home.
“I am proud of you, Maxwell,” Philip says, patting Maxwell on the back.
“You have said that already, father,” Maxwell smirks. “I think your back is not the only thing wearing out. Your memory seems to be slowing as well.”
Philip glares playfully at Maxwell before he grabs him by the neck. They probably look foolish, wrestling in the middle of the street, but neither care. They are both enjoying their time together.
“Honestly, Maxwell,” Philip starts speaks they make it to the house. “I am very proud of you. I do not get the opportunity to speak those words often when you were younger. But I am glad I get to now. You are maturing to become a fine young man. You will make someone very happy someday.” Philip heads off towards the bedrooms.
Maxwell shakes his head and sighs. “All I must do is convince her of that.”
--------------
Michael walks on the dark street alone. His visit to Courtney’s did not go well. He tried to tell her about his engagement to Maria. But every time he tried, Courtney would change the subject, talking about this or that. It is as if she already knows and does not want to hear it. Michael sighs in frustration and kicks a rock lying in the road, sending it flying.
“Taking out your frustrations on rocks? My, my, Michael,” comes a sweet voice from behind.
Michael spins around and comes face to face with his beautiful blonde pixie.
“Maria,” he says, walking up to her and pulling her into his arms.
“One day away and you are this excited to see me? I should stay away more often,” she teases with him.
Michael pulls back a little, but only enough to gaze into her eyes. “I will not be able to stand it. I will miss you terribly. Do not ever stay away from me. I will die without you.”
Maria swoons at his words.
Michael pulls her back into his arms. He belongs to Maria. Heart, body, soul, and mind.
They are so engrossed in each other they do not see the person walking up to them from down the road until she stops beside Michael.
“Michael, dear,” Courtney says, interrupting the two. “You forgot your pocketbook at my house. I thought you might need it.”
“Um … thank you,” Michael says nervously. If he knows Maria, she is jumping to the wrong conclusions. Were they the wrong conclusions?
“Any time, darling,” Courtney kisses Michael on the cheek before heading back the way she came, grinning an evil grin.
Michael does not dare glance up at Maria until Courtney leaves. He should have waited longer. Maria’s face is cold, her look unfeeling. But her eyes give her away. Her green eyes are a mixture of hurt, anger, jealousy, and sorrow. Michael aches knowing he is the one who put it all there. He is the one who made her sparkle disappear.
“Maria?” Michael attempts to get her to speak to him. Maria can talk for hours on end. So much that getting her to keep quiet is nearly impossible. Her silence now is deafening. It frightens Michael to no extent.
“Maria? Love? Please say something,” he coaxes.
Maria sniffs and lowers her head, causing her golden hair to fall over her face. But Michael sees the tears slipping from her eyes.
His heart aches knowing he hurt her. “It is not what you think. Please let me explain.” He tries to lift her chin to get her to look at him but she jerks her head away.
“Please? I will tell you everything. Everything about her, about me, everything I am was ashamed to tell you before. I will tell you now … if you let me.”
Maria is too numb to be anger, too numb to even acknowledge a word he says, and too numb to protest when Michael lifts her up and carries her off. She just leans into him, clinging on to him for dear life. It might be the last time she will ever get the chance to feel his heart beat for her, if it ever has before.
--------------
Kyle and Diane sit at the table, waiting. They arrived at the cabin hours ago, but there is still no sign of Elizabeth. Diane worries over Elizabeth’s whereabouts. There is note of some sort to alert Kyle of where she has gone. Kyle seems to be calm. They continue to sit.
Diane taps her fingers on the tabletop, impatiently. “Is she typically out this late?”
Kyle shrugs. “Not often. But once ever while.”
“What does she do out this late?” Diane is annoyed at Kyle’s leniency. “Do you not realize how dangerous it is for her to be out this late, at night, by herself?”
“I know,” Kyle says with a sigh. “I know. I worry for her a great deal. But I trust her. She is training her heart.”
Diane cannot find any comfort in Kyle’s words. “Kyle, how daft could you be, letting a young girl stay out this late. Do you know what kinds of people are out this late at night? Drunk and perverted men who probably cannot resist grabbing at her.”
Kyle sees his sister panicking. “Diane, remember how I said Elizabeth is rare? She is special.”
“How special?” Diane asks, eyeing her brother. “She is not blind or deaf, is she?”
Kyle shakes his head. “No. She is … exceptionally unique. She has these … gifts. If she is in trouble, she will get someone to help.”
“But what if no one around wants to help her? What if there is no one around to help her?”
“If she is in trouble, she will call out, and the entire town will come running. If they were miles away, they would hear her,” Kyle explains away.
“What do you mean?” Diane asks curiously.
“Not a thing. I must leave. I must meet with the Elders one more time to try and plead my case. I useless, but I still must make some attempt,” Kyle says, heading out the door.
“You cannot simply leave me here, Kyle,” Diane says sternly. “She does not know who I am. She will be scared to death to see a stranger in her home.”
“She will be fine. Tell her who you are and why you are here. She will take one look at your gentle soul and know she can trust you.” Kyle leaves out the door with Diane still curious as to what he means.
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Chapter Thirteen:
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Michael paces in his room. He brought Maria here to explain, but he has no clue where to begin. He stops and looks at her. Maria sits on his bed. She looks dead inside. All of the sparkle and shimmer has disappeared from her eyes. All that is left is pain and sadness. She has given up on him. And if he knows her well enough, she is now blaming herself.
He cannot stand it any longer. He kneels down before her.
“Maria?” Michael attempts for her to look at him but her eyes remain vacant.
Michael tries again. “Maria, I want to explain, but I need to know that you are listening to what I am saying.”
He reaches out and laces his fingers through hers. “Please do not give up on me just yet.”
Maria lifts her eyes and looks at him. She opens her mouth and mumbles something.
“What did you say, love?” Michael asks, lifting her hand and placing it over his heart.
Maria’s eyes turn cold. “I did not give up on you. You gave up on us!” She yanks her hand away while tears streams down her face.
Her anger is finally coming out. She stands up and screams at him. “How could you, Michael? Not only do I find out that you are out with some whore all night, at her house, nonetheless, but that you are also keeping other things from me? Keeping things that I, as your fiancé, should know. I thought we did not keep secrets.”
“I thought we did not either,” Michael whispers, sitting down on the bed.
Maria lowers her voice at Michael’s somber state, her anger slipping. “What do you mean? Are you still angry with me for not telling you I was the Governor’s daughter? Is that why you are punishing me?”
Michael shakes his head. “I am not punishing you. There is nothing between Courtney and I. What is in the past is done. You have your secrets and I have mine. We keep things from each other for a reason. Sometimes it is better to not know. Sometimes, you only get hurt. And sometimes, it is best to just forget,” Michael says, never lifting his head.
Maria lets out a sigh. “I thought Evans men never back down from a challenge.”
Michael does not acknowledge that she has spoken.
“Michael,” Maria sits on the bed beside him. She places her hands on the sides of his face and forces him to look at her. “I love you. But if you are not ready to tell me these things, then we should not be engaged.”
Michael looks ready to object, to plead with her to give him a chance. But Maria continues on, “You must grow up and take the challenge.” She pauses for a second. “Do you love me, Michael?”
Michael nods his head fervently and is about to tell her so, but Maria interrupts him again.
Maria stands and begins her lecture. “Do you truly love me? Because you need to understand you are taking a risk when you love someone. You are opening up to them and allowing them see all of you, both good and bad. Granted, they might not like what they see, but you still have to take the challenge and chance it. You have to let me see you, all of you. Leaving out no information, whatsoever, no matter how insignificant. And you have to chance it that I will still love you just the same, if not more, afterwards.”
Michael is scared. Maria looks very intimidating, almost violent. She glances down at him and continues, “You know all my secrets. Will you tell me yours? Will you face the challenge, Michael? Will you take the chance and risk it?” Maria leans over and looks him in the eye. “Are you man enough to love me?”
--------------
Elizabeth walks carefully along the path. The trail up the mountain can be very dangerous, especially this late at night, with only a lantern to light the way. But Elizabeth has been traveling up and down this mountain all of her life. She knows each bump and turn in the road.
She takes her time up the mountain leisurely. Kyle informed her this morning to not expect him home until late. This means she should not wait up, but then she always does, or at least tries to.
She is surprised when she sees a candle lit in the cabin. She hurries in, thinking it is Kyle, home early.
“I apologize for being home so late. I was in town all day and I thought you would not be home until later,” Elizabeth calls out as she enters the cabin.
“That is quite alright, Elizabeth,” a warm voice calls out.
Elizabeth stops in her tracks and looks to see to whom the voice belonged. Sitting at the table is a woman, possibly in her forties. Elizabeth can see the woman is wealthy considering the fine clothes she wears. The woman has a warm and motherly smile on her face.
“Hello. How do you know my name?” Elizabeth asks warily.
“Kyle told me,” Diane calls out warmly to her.
Elizabeth gasps. “Are … are you … Amy?”
Diane is confused. Who is Amy? “No, dear. My name is Diane.”
Elizabeth’s face saddens, but she quickly recovers with a smile as she sits down at the table across from Diane. “You look familiar. Like I have sensed you somewhere before,” Elizabeth thinks for one second. “You remind me of someone, a man.”
“That is probably Kyle, I am his sister,” Diane says extending her hand for Elizabeth to shake.
Elizabeth shakes her hand. “It is nice to meet you finally, but it is not Kyle you remind me of. It is someone else. Someone I met recently,” Elizabeth shrugs. “Kyle has mentioned a great deal of you over the years. He misses you. I am glad you are here to see him, but he will not be in until late tonight. He is meeting with someone.”
Diane smiles warmly at the girl. She truly is a sweet girl. “I know, dear.”
“Then, you are welcome to stay and wait. In fact, I insist. We do not have company often. It is always Kyle and I.” Elizabeth stands and pours Diane a cup of tea.
“Actually, I have already spoken with Kyle,” Diane says. She still has yet to take her eyes off Elizabeth. Kyle is not bias when he says she is beautiful. This girl is stunning. She is so captivating even Maxwell would notice.
“Oh, you have?” Elizabeth places a cup in front of Diane before sitting down to her own.
“Yes. Has he mentioned anything to you about not being able to live here in the cabin any longer?”
Elizabeth sighs and puts her cup down. “It is because of me, is it not?”
Diane nods her head.
“I thought just as much. When I visited him last week, everyone stared at me oddly. I suppose I look different than I did when I last visited five years ago. Kyle does not approve of me venturing to the temple. I believe it is because I am a girl.”
Elizabeth accepts the news better than Diane had thought she would. After all, Kyle is the only family she has. “Well, Kyle hopes for me to look after you now that he is no longer able to.”
“Truly?” Elizabeth asks excitedly. She will miss Kyle, but she can always visit him in the temple. And Diane is a woman. Elizabeth will be able to discuss things with Diane that she cannot with Kyle.
Diane is happy to see Elizabeth pleased with the news. “Yes. You will move out to the Kingdom City to live with my family. I live with my husband and my three sons. It will be exciting. Now, I will have a girl to talk about things with. A house full of boys is exhausting. I know it will be strange living in a house with more than one other person. But I am certain you will love it. You will never be lonely.”
Elizabeth lets out a sigh. “I really do not wish to leave Mount Roswell. It is my home. I have lived in this cabin all my life. I do not think I can leave.” Tears slip down Elizabeth’s cheeks. “I have lost everything else, I cannot leave this house too. It is all I have left.”
Diane nods her head and wipes Elizabeth’s tears away. “Worry not. I will not make you leave. We will think of something.”
Elizabeth smiles back. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome. Now, it is late and I do not think Kyle will be back anytime soon. We should turn in for the night.”
“Oh, you can share the bedroom with me. We will force Kyle onto the settee,” Elizabeth says with a smile, directing the way towards the bedroom.
“You share a bedroom with Kyle?” Diane asks warily. Kyle may be her brother and he may be a monk, but men are men.
“Yes. His bed is on the right and mine is on the left. You can have your choice.”
Diane looks at the two twin beds in comprehension. They are as far away from each other as possible. “I will take Kyle’s bed. You can have your bed for the night.”
Both ready for bed and slip under their sheets. “Good night, Diane.”
“Sweet dreams, Elizabeth.”
--------------
Maxwell wakes before the sun rises once again, wanting to leave for work early. He is one step closer to his Elizabeth. He can feel it.
His dreams are becoming more lifelike, as though he could actually feel her. He could feel how perfect she is for him. How their minds seem to mesh well and their bodies fit with one another. Perfect. Utterly, utterly perfect.
Maxwell gives out a longing sigh and readies for work. He puts on a pair of work pants and an old shirt. No matter how much his father protests, Maxwell is going to work another day laboring. That way, he can become acquainted with the workers and work physically while he is at it. Who knows? Perhaps Elizabeth will like what she sees.
He steps into the hallway, closing the door behind him, just in time to see Maria leaving Michael’s room with tears in her eyes. She does not notice Maxwell as she heads down the stairs and out the front door.
Maxwell walks toward Michael’s room to see him wiping tears from his eyes, as well, before groggily plopping himself down on the bed. Maxwell closes the door to Michael’s room gently. Something is definitely in the air.
He walks over to Alexander’s room to see if Alexander has a clue to what has happened. He opens the door to find Alexander, without a shirt, striking different poses and flexing what little muscles he has in front of the mirror, murmuring words of encouragements to himself. Maxwell gently shuts the door, trying his best to keep from chuckling. He cannot help but smile at his little brother’s attempts.
Maxwell shakes his head and sighs. Mornings are becoming stranger and stranger in this household. Maxwell walks across the hallway towards his father’s bedroom and knocks softly before opening the door. His father sits on his bed.
“Good morning, father.”
Philip lifts his head and looks at Maxwell. “Good morning, Maxwell. What are you doing up this early?” Philip asks, standing up.
“I thought we could head to work together. Perhaps stop for something to eat along the way.”
Philip yawns as they head down the stairs together. “That sounds wonderful.”
It is then that Maxwell notices the dark circles under his father’s eyes. He isn’t sleeping well. “When will mother be home?” Maxwell asks, knowing exactly where the problem lies.
Philip sighs and scrubs his face, “She was to be home this morning. I suppose she decided to stay a bit longer. It is for the best. It is dangerous out at night.”
Maxwell knows his father misses his mother and worries for her. He yearns to have the type of love his parents do. And he will, one day.
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Chapter Thirteen:
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Michael paces in his room. He brought Maria here to explain, but he has no clue where to begin. He stops and looks at her. Maria sits on his bed. She looks dead inside. All of the sparkle and shimmer has disappeared from her eyes. All that is left is pain and sadness. She has given up on him. And if he knows her well enough, she is now blaming herself.
He cannot stand it any longer. He kneels down before her.
“Maria?” Michael attempts for her to look at him but her eyes remain vacant.
Michael tries again. “Maria, I want to explain, but I need to know that you are listening to what I am saying.”
He reaches out and laces his fingers through hers. “Please do not give up on me just yet.”
Maria lifts her eyes and looks at him. She opens her mouth and mumbles something.
“What did you say, love?” Michael asks, lifting her hand and placing it over his heart.
Maria’s eyes turn cold. “I did not give up on you. You gave up on us!” She yanks her hand away while tears streams down her face.
Her anger is finally coming out. She stands up and screams at him. “How could you, Michael? Not only do I find out that you are out with some whore all night, at her house, nonetheless, but that you are also keeping other things from me? Keeping things that I, as your fiancé, should know. I thought we did not keep secrets.”
“I thought we did not either,” Michael whispers, sitting down on the bed.
Maria lowers her voice at Michael’s somber state, her anger slipping. “What do you mean? Are you still angry with me for not telling you I was the Governor’s daughter? Is that why you are punishing me?”
Michael shakes his head. “I am not punishing you. There is nothing between Courtney and I. What is in the past is done. You have your secrets and I have mine. We keep things from each other for a reason. Sometimes it is better to not know. Sometimes, you only get hurt. And sometimes, it is best to just forget,” Michael says, never lifting his head.
Maria lets out a sigh. “I thought Evans men never back down from a challenge.”
Michael does not acknowledge that she has spoken.
“Michael,” Maria sits on the bed beside him. She places her hands on the sides of his face and forces him to look at her. “I love you. But if you are not ready to tell me these things, then we should not be engaged.”
Michael looks ready to object, to plead with her to give him a chance. But Maria continues on, “You must grow up and take the challenge.” She pauses for a second. “Do you love me, Michael?”
Michael nods his head fervently and is about to tell her so, but Maria interrupts him again.
Maria stands and begins her lecture. “Do you truly love me? Because you need to understand you are taking a risk when you love someone. You are opening up to them and allowing them see all of you, both good and bad. Granted, they might not like what they see, but you still have to take the challenge and chance it. You have to let me see you, all of you. Leaving out no information, whatsoever, no matter how insignificant. And you have to chance it that I will still love you just the same, if not more, afterwards.”
Michael is scared. Maria looks very intimidating, almost violent. She glances down at him and continues, “You know all my secrets. Will you tell me yours? Will you face the challenge, Michael? Will you take the chance and risk it?” Maria leans over and looks him in the eye. “Are you man enough to love me?”
--------------
Elizabeth walks carefully along the path. The trail up the mountain can be very dangerous, especially this late at night, with only a lantern to light the way. But Elizabeth has been traveling up and down this mountain all of her life. She knows each bump and turn in the road.
She takes her time up the mountain leisurely. Kyle informed her this morning to not expect him home until late. This means she should not wait up, but then she always does, or at least tries to.
She is surprised when she sees a candle lit in the cabin. She hurries in, thinking it is Kyle, home early.
“I apologize for being home so late. I was in town all day and I thought you would not be home until later,” Elizabeth calls out as she enters the cabin.
“That is quite alright, Elizabeth,” a warm voice calls out.
Elizabeth stops in her tracks and looks to see to whom the voice belonged. Sitting at the table is a woman, possibly in her forties. Elizabeth can see the woman is wealthy considering the fine clothes she wears. The woman has a warm and motherly smile on her face.
“Hello. How do you know my name?” Elizabeth asks warily.
“Kyle told me,” Diane calls out warmly to her.
Elizabeth gasps. “Are … are you … Amy?”
Diane is confused. Who is Amy? “No, dear. My name is Diane.”
Elizabeth’s face saddens, but she quickly recovers with a smile as she sits down at the table across from Diane. “You look familiar. Like I have sensed you somewhere before,” Elizabeth thinks for one second. “You remind me of someone, a man.”
“That is probably Kyle, I am his sister,” Diane says extending her hand for Elizabeth to shake.
Elizabeth shakes her hand. “It is nice to meet you finally, but it is not Kyle you remind me of. It is someone else. Someone I met recently,” Elizabeth shrugs. “Kyle has mentioned a great deal of you over the years. He misses you. I am glad you are here to see him, but he will not be in until late tonight. He is meeting with someone.”
Diane smiles warmly at the girl. She truly is a sweet girl. “I know, dear.”
“Then, you are welcome to stay and wait. In fact, I insist. We do not have company often. It is always Kyle and I.” Elizabeth stands and pours Diane a cup of tea.
“Actually, I have already spoken with Kyle,” Diane says. She still has yet to take her eyes off Elizabeth. Kyle is not bias when he says she is beautiful. This girl is stunning. She is so captivating even Maxwell would notice.
“Oh, you have?” Elizabeth places a cup in front of Diane before sitting down to her own.
“Yes. Has he mentioned anything to you about not being able to live here in the cabin any longer?”
Elizabeth sighs and puts her cup down. “It is because of me, is it not?”
Diane nods her head.
“I thought just as much. When I visited him last week, everyone stared at me oddly. I suppose I look different than I did when I last visited five years ago. Kyle does not approve of me venturing to the temple. I believe it is because I am a girl.”
Elizabeth accepts the news better than Diane had thought she would. After all, Kyle is the only family she has. “Well, Kyle hopes for me to look after you now that he is no longer able to.”
“Truly?” Elizabeth asks excitedly. She will miss Kyle, but she can always visit him in the temple. And Diane is a woman. Elizabeth will be able to discuss things with Diane that she cannot with Kyle.
Diane is happy to see Elizabeth pleased with the news. “Yes. You will move out to the Kingdom City to live with my family. I live with my husband and my three sons. It will be exciting. Now, I will have a girl to talk about things with. A house full of boys is exhausting. I know it will be strange living in a house with more than one other person. But I am certain you will love it. You will never be lonely.”
Elizabeth lets out a sigh. “I really do not wish to leave Mount Roswell. It is my home. I have lived in this cabin all my life. I do not think I can leave.” Tears slip down Elizabeth’s cheeks. “I have lost everything else, I cannot leave this house too. It is all I have left.”
Diane nods her head and wipes Elizabeth’s tears away. “Worry not. I will not make you leave. We will think of something.”
Elizabeth smiles back. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome. Now, it is late and I do not think Kyle will be back anytime soon. We should turn in for the night.”
“Oh, you can share the bedroom with me. We will force Kyle onto the settee,” Elizabeth says with a smile, directing the way towards the bedroom.
“You share a bedroom with Kyle?” Diane asks warily. Kyle may be her brother and he may be a monk, but men are men.
“Yes. His bed is on the right and mine is on the left. You can have your choice.”
Diane looks at the two twin beds in comprehension. They are as far away from each other as possible. “I will take Kyle’s bed. You can have your bed for the night.”
Both ready for bed and slip under their sheets. “Good night, Diane.”
“Sweet dreams, Elizabeth.”
--------------
Maxwell wakes before the sun rises once again, wanting to leave for work early. He is one step closer to his Elizabeth. He can feel it.
His dreams are becoming more lifelike, as though he could actually feel her. He could feel how perfect she is for him. How their minds seem to mesh well and their bodies fit with one another. Perfect. Utterly, utterly perfect.
Maxwell gives out a longing sigh and readies for work. He puts on a pair of work pants and an old shirt. No matter how much his father protests, Maxwell is going to work another day laboring. That way, he can become acquainted with the workers and work physically while he is at it. Who knows? Perhaps Elizabeth will like what she sees.
He steps into the hallway, closing the door behind him, just in time to see Maria leaving Michael’s room with tears in her eyes. She does not notice Maxwell as she heads down the stairs and out the front door.
Maxwell walks toward Michael’s room to see him wiping tears from his eyes, as well, before groggily plopping himself down on the bed. Maxwell closes the door to Michael’s room gently. Something is definitely in the air.
He walks over to Alexander’s room to see if Alexander has a clue to what has happened. He opens the door to find Alexander, without a shirt, striking different poses and flexing what little muscles he has in front of the mirror, murmuring words of encouragements to himself. Maxwell gently shuts the door, trying his best to keep from chuckling. He cannot help but smile at his little brother’s attempts.
Maxwell shakes his head and sighs. Mornings are becoming stranger and stranger in this household. Maxwell walks across the hallway towards his father’s bedroom and knocks softly before opening the door. His father sits on his bed.
“Good morning, father.”
Philip lifts his head and looks at Maxwell. “Good morning, Maxwell. What are you doing up this early?” Philip asks, standing up.
“I thought we could head to work together. Perhaps stop for something to eat along the way.”
Philip yawns as they head down the stairs together. “That sounds wonderful.”
It is then that Maxwell notices the dark circles under his father’s eyes. He isn’t sleeping well. “When will mother be home?” Maxwell asks, knowing exactly where the problem lies.
Philip sighs and scrubs his face, “She was to be home this morning. I suppose she decided to stay a bit longer. It is for the best. It is dangerous out at night.”
Maxwell knows his father misses his mother and worries for her. He yearns to have the type of love his parents do. And he will, one day.
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Chapter Fourteen:
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Michael wipes away the tears in his eyes as he drops himself down on the bed. He is exhausted. Maria and he stayed up all night, talking. He told her everything; every thing he held back from her, all his feelings, his thoughts, his dreams, everything.
He told her of Courtney. Of what his relationship used to be with her. Of how she left him a long time ago, and how much he wished she had not returned.
She smiled lovingly at him.
He told her of his childhood. He told her of what it was like to grow up with a father like Hank, the town drunk. He told her of how his father would beat him, and how it only worsened as he got older.
She held his hand tighter.
He told her of his mother. How he missed her so. How much he wished she were still alive. He told her how he wished that his mother had not pushed him out of the way as some maniac drove his carriage at high speed, not even noticing where he was going. How he knew it should have been him that was trampled by the horse. How his father blamed him for her death. And how he blamed himself for her death.
She wiped away the tears streaming down his face.
And he told her of his feelings for her. How he was sorry for hurting her. That it should have never happened. How he loves her, needs her. How much joy she brings into his life. How seeing her brightens his day. How beautiful she is to him. How happy she makes him. And how he wants to make her happy too.
She kissed him, tears streaming down her face.
Michael drifts off to sleep. He is tired, physically and emotionally. But he still smiles, remembering all they discussed. They had no more secrets. He told her everything, and she loves him more for it.
--------------
Diane wakes early. She dresses and creeps out of the room quietly, careful not to wake Elizabeth.
She hears noise coming from the kitchen and notices Kyle making breakfast. Some things never change.
“Good morning,” she calls out quietly as she sits down at the table.
Kyle places a plate in front of Diane before joining her at the table. “Good morning. Did you discuss things with Elizabeth?”
“Yes. I told her yesterday,” Diane says, taking a bite of her eggs. “How was your meeting with the Elders?”
Kyle sighs. “I move into the temple before next week.”
Diane frowns. “She does not wish to leave this house. I will not force her either.”
“I cannot leave her to fend for herself, Diane,” Kyle pleads with his sister. “She is too special.”
“I did not say I was going to leave her, Kyle. I know she is special. And I meant it when I said I was going to help her. I need to have a talk with Philip when I get back, which, by the way, I should be leaving now,” Diane says as she gathers her things.
Kyle shows her to the door.
“Tell Elizabeth I say goodbye and take care of yourself, Kyle,” she says, hugging her brother. “I will be back soon and we will deal with this.”
“Thank you, Diane. You always look out for me,” Kyle says as he hugs her back.
“Of course,” she replies as she pulls out of the embrace.” I would not be your older sister if I did not.”
Kyle watches as she heads down the trail. He stands there long after she is out of sight. He misses her so, but there was nothing he could have done then. He had to forsake his family when he entered the palace decades ago.
He is broken from his thoughts when Elizabeth comes to standing beside him.
“Did she leave already?” Elizabeth pouts. She enjoyed having someone other than Kyle to talk to.
“Yes. She says to tell you goodbye. But do not worry, she will return soon.”
Elizabeth brightens but then her face falls. “She is not going to come back to take me away, is she? You are not going to force me to leave to the Kingdom City, are you?”
Kyle shakes his head. “No one is forcing you to do anything. Now, go eat your breakfast, it is starting to get cold,” Kyle says, pointing towards her seat.
Kyle watches Elizabeth as she sits down and eats her food. “What do you think of my sister?”
Elizabeth swallows her food. “She is nice.”
“I knew you would like her,” Kyle says with a smile, sipping his tea. “She likes you a great deal too.”
“She does?” Elizabeth asks excitedly.
“Yes. She seems about ready to drop everything to stay here and take care of you.”
Elizabeth smiles. “That will be nice. Not to offend you, Kyle, but you do not make for good female companionship.”
Kyle shrugs. “Yes, well, you cannot blame me.” Elizabeth giggles.
“She has sons, you know,” Kyle says with a gleam in his eyes. “One of them is your age, the other, a year older.”
Elizabeth puts her fork down with a frown. “Kyle, you know I have already promised-”
“Yes, yes, I know,” Kyle interrupts. “But I wish for you to consider your actions and how much you are going to be missing out on in life.”
“Kyle, I have lived this way my entire life and nothing has convinced me otherwise so far.” Elizabeth says confidently. “And I highly doubt anything or anyone else will in the next few months.” Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, faraway in Kingdom City, someone else was thinking just the opposite.
--------------
“Welcome back to the palace, your Highness,” one of the royal servants greets her with his head bowed.
“How is he?” Nancy asks.
“The King’s condition is still unstable. The doctors have insisted that he remain in bed. I was told to inform you that he requests your presence immediately as soon as you return.” He keeps his head bowed.
“And he is in his quarters?” Nancy asks.
“Yes, your Highness, at doctors’ orders.”
Nancy sighs, “very well.” She dismisses him with a wave of her hand. She has the entire kingdom at her beck and call. No one dares to displease her, or she will have his head.
Nancy leaves toward the King’s bedchambers. She enters the room to find King Jeffrey sitting up in bed, waiting for her.
“Nancy,” he calls out.
She walks toward the bed and sits down beside him. “You should be lying down, Jeffrey. You are ill.”
He ignores her. “There are matters I must discuss with you.”
“Rest first. Your kingdom needs you. What ever it is, it can wait,” Nancy says, truly concerned for her husband.
“No, it cannot. I am dying, Nancy. I need an heir,” Jeffrey says, looking expectantly at her. Nancy looks away with tears in her eyes.
He regrets having mentioned it. “I know. I apologize, dear. I did not want to dredge up the past, but I am running out of time.”
Nancy sniffles. “You know what the doctors say.”
“I know,” he says, taking her into his arms.
“I cannot …”
“I know, dear,” Jeffrey says, running his fingers through her hair. “I can try to heal it again.”
Nancy pulls back, alarmed that he would even suggest it. “No. That is what caused you to grow ill in the first place.”
Jeffrey pulls her back into his arms and continues to stroke her hair. “I was already ill.”
“But it made you worse,” tears fill Nancy’s eyes.
“I cannot allow my brother to take the throne, Nancy. I simply cannot,” Jeffrey says, thinking for the good of the people. How can an irresponsible and selfish person manage an entire country if he is not fair and just himself? Jeffrey needs an heir. “If only our daughter had not died.”
Nancy tenses. If she had kept Elizabeth, none of this would be happening. How can she tell him now? Jeffrey is usually calm and gentle, but if she tells him, he will go livid. Can she risk being hanged for her affair, or will Khivar ruling the kingdom be that unpleasant?
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Chapter Fourteen:
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Michael wipes away the tears in his eyes as he drops himself down on the bed. He is exhausted. Maria and he stayed up all night, talking. He told her everything; every thing he held back from her, all his feelings, his thoughts, his dreams, everything.
He told her of Courtney. Of what his relationship used to be with her. Of how she left him a long time ago, and how much he wished she had not returned.
She smiled lovingly at him.
He told her of his childhood. He told her of what it was like to grow up with a father like Hank, the town drunk. He told her of how his father would beat him, and how it only worsened as he got older.
She held his hand tighter.
He told her of his mother. How he missed her so. How much he wished she were still alive. He told her how he wished that his mother had not pushed him out of the way as some maniac drove his carriage at high speed, not even noticing where he was going. How he knew it should have been him that was trampled by the horse. How his father blamed him for her death. And how he blamed himself for her death.
She wiped away the tears streaming down his face.
And he told her of his feelings for her. How he was sorry for hurting her. That it should have never happened. How he loves her, needs her. How much joy she brings into his life. How seeing her brightens his day. How beautiful she is to him. How happy she makes him. And how he wants to make her happy too.
She kissed him, tears streaming down her face.
Michael drifts off to sleep. He is tired, physically and emotionally. But he still smiles, remembering all they discussed. They had no more secrets. He told her everything, and she loves him more for it.
--------------
Diane wakes early. She dresses and creeps out of the room quietly, careful not to wake Elizabeth.
She hears noise coming from the kitchen and notices Kyle making breakfast. Some things never change.
“Good morning,” she calls out quietly as she sits down at the table.
Kyle places a plate in front of Diane before joining her at the table. “Good morning. Did you discuss things with Elizabeth?”
“Yes. I told her yesterday,” Diane says, taking a bite of her eggs. “How was your meeting with the Elders?”
Kyle sighs. “I move into the temple before next week.”
Diane frowns. “She does not wish to leave this house. I will not force her either.”
“I cannot leave her to fend for herself, Diane,” Kyle pleads with his sister. “She is too special.”
“I did not say I was going to leave her, Kyle. I know she is special. And I meant it when I said I was going to help her. I need to have a talk with Philip when I get back, which, by the way, I should be leaving now,” Diane says as she gathers her things.
Kyle shows her to the door.
“Tell Elizabeth I say goodbye and take care of yourself, Kyle,” she says, hugging her brother. “I will be back soon and we will deal with this.”
“Thank you, Diane. You always look out for me,” Kyle says as he hugs her back.
“Of course,” she replies as she pulls out of the embrace.” I would not be your older sister if I did not.”
Kyle watches as she heads down the trail. He stands there long after she is out of sight. He misses her so, but there was nothing he could have done then. He had to forsake his family when he entered the palace decades ago.
He is broken from his thoughts when Elizabeth comes to standing beside him.
“Did she leave already?” Elizabeth pouts. She enjoyed having someone other than Kyle to talk to.
“Yes. She says to tell you goodbye. But do not worry, she will return soon.”
Elizabeth brightens but then her face falls. “She is not going to come back to take me away, is she? You are not going to force me to leave to the Kingdom City, are you?”
Kyle shakes his head. “No one is forcing you to do anything. Now, go eat your breakfast, it is starting to get cold,” Kyle says, pointing towards her seat.
Kyle watches Elizabeth as she sits down and eats her food. “What do you think of my sister?”
Elizabeth swallows her food. “She is nice.”
“I knew you would like her,” Kyle says with a smile, sipping his tea. “She likes you a great deal too.”
“She does?” Elizabeth asks excitedly.
“Yes. She seems about ready to drop everything to stay here and take care of you.”
Elizabeth smiles. “That will be nice. Not to offend you, Kyle, but you do not make for good female companionship.”
Kyle shrugs. “Yes, well, you cannot blame me.” Elizabeth giggles.
“She has sons, you know,” Kyle says with a gleam in his eyes. “One of them is your age, the other, a year older.”
Elizabeth puts her fork down with a frown. “Kyle, you know I have already promised-”
“Yes, yes, I know,” Kyle interrupts. “But I wish for you to consider your actions and how much you are going to be missing out on in life.”
“Kyle, I have lived this way my entire life and nothing has convinced me otherwise so far.” Elizabeth says confidently. “And I highly doubt anything or anyone else will in the next few months.” Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, faraway in Kingdom City, someone else was thinking just the opposite.
--------------
“Welcome back to the palace, your Highness,” one of the royal servants greets her with his head bowed.
“How is he?” Nancy asks.
“The King’s condition is still unstable. The doctors have insisted that he remain in bed. I was told to inform you that he requests your presence immediately as soon as you return.” He keeps his head bowed.
“And he is in his quarters?” Nancy asks.
“Yes, your Highness, at doctors’ orders.”
Nancy sighs, “very well.” She dismisses him with a wave of her hand. She has the entire kingdom at her beck and call. No one dares to displease her, or she will have his head.
Nancy leaves toward the King’s bedchambers. She enters the room to find King Jeffrey sitting up in bed, waiting for her.
“Nancy,” he calls out.
She walks toward the bed and sits down beside him. “You should be lying down, Jeffrey. You are ill.”
He ignores her. “There are matters I must discuss with you.”
“Rest first. Your kingdom needs you. What ever it is, it can wait,” Nancy says, truly concerned for her husband.
“No, it cannot. I am dying, Nancy. I need an heir,” Jeffrey says, looking expectantly at her. Nancy looks away with tears in her eyes.
He regrets having mentioned it. “I know. I apologize, dear. I did not want to dredge up the past, but I am running out of time.”
Nancy sniffles. “You know what the doctors say.”
“I know,” he says, taking her into his arms.
“I cannot …”
“I know, dear,” Jeffrey says, running his fingers through her hair. “I can try to heal it again.”
Nancy pulls back, alarmed that he would even suggest it. “No. That is what caused you to grow ill in the first place.”
Jeffrey pulls her back into his arms and continues to stroke her hair. “I was already ill.”
“But it made you worse,” tears fill Nancy’s eyes.
“I cannot allow my brother to take the throne, Nancy. I simply cannot,” Jeffrey says, thinking for the good of the people. How can an irresponsible and selfish person manage an entire country if he is not fair and just himself? Jeffrey needs an heir. “If only our daughter had not died.”
Nancy tenses. If she had kept Elizabeth, none of this would be happening. How can she tell him now? Jeffrey is usually calm and gentle, but if she tells him, he will go livid. Can she risk being hanged for her affair, or will Khivar ruling the kingdom be that unpleasant?
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Chapter Fifteen:
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“One … ugh … t..two … ughh… t..t..three,” Alexander grunts as he does another pull-up on the bar in Maxwell’s room.
“Well, well … what have we here?” Michael teases, leaning on doorframe.
Alexander drops his legs and stands, looking towards Michael. “Good morning, sunshine. Or should I say good afternoon?” Alexander walks over and picks up one of Maxwell’s weights.
Michael chuckles. “Alexander, what are you doing?”
“What does it … ugh … look like?” Alexander says as he does a few arm curls. Alexander places the weight down. “I am training.”
Michael smirks. “Since when?”
“Yes? And since when do you have girls in your room all night long?” Alexander smirks back. He picks up his shirt from off the ground and pulls it over his head.
“It was Maria, and all we simply talk.”
“I’m certain that was all you did, lover boy.” Alexander slaps Michael on the back while passing him out the door.
Michael rolls his eyes. “Where are you going now?”
“I am going to the warehouse,” Alexander says, jumping down the stairs, taking three steps at a time. “If Maxwell can get to look as he has been lately and get into father’s good graces by lifting a few bags of cargo, I might as well do the same.”
“Have fun,” Michael calls out with a smile as Alexander walks out the front door. Alexander sure did have more confidence lately. He is starting to become cocky, like Maxwell. Alexander looks up to Maxwell so much that Michael starts to wonder if he is going to begin dressing like Maxwell as well.
Michael laughs at the vision of puny little Alexander in older brother Maxwell’s clothes. The clothes will literally fall off of scrawny little Alexander.
Michael walks back to his room still chuckling. He changes his clothes. He has to meet with Maria. They are going to lunch together, and take Isabella with them. Maria says something about Isabella being a bit depressed as of late and both want to cheer her up.
That is strange, Alexander has been overly cheerful lately, and yet Isabella is feeling down. What is going on?
--------------
The sun beats down hard as Maxwell lifts one of the last few bags left. He finishes with the cargo from this shipment and walks to join the rest of the men in the shade. He sits down with a huff and pulls off his shirt, using it to wipe the sweat off his face. He is exhausted.
Someone hands him water and he thanks them for it. The men talk about some job positions opening up in the other warehouse in Zanstown. They are in need of young workers. Maxwell ignores their conversations and closes his eyes to rest.
“Good day, fellows,” comes a chirpy voice. Maxwell opens his eyes and sees Alexander standing beside him.
“Alexander, what are you doing here?” he asks, eyeing his younger brother suspiciously.
“I came to help,” Alexander replies with a smile.
Snickers come from some of the men, but Maxwell stares them down. “Alright, Alexander. It is great to have you here.” A chorus of ‘yeah’s’ and ‘great ta have ya’s’ follow Maxwell’s comment.
Alexander smiles and seats himself down beside Maxwell. “Thank you. So what do we do now?”
“We are trying to think of something to do while we wait for the next shipment to come,” Maxwell says, lying back again and closing his eyes.
Before the guys fully recuperate, another large shipment comes in from Zanstown. Maxwell sighs. That is where he needs to be, in Zanstown, with her. He feels a burst of new energy and eagerly continues to work while the other lifters, eyeing the new shipment containing extra-large and extra-heavy bags, decide to take off for the day. At least, Alexander is here to keep him company.
Maxwell chuckles as Alexander tries to move one of the cargo bags. His younger brother has a lot to learn. Maxwell comes back after depositing the bag into the warehouse to find Alexander still struggling with the same bag. Maxwell snickers and walks up to Alexander.
“Alexander, you cannot lift the bag from above and throw it onto your shoulder. It is far too heavy for that. You must bend your knees and lift under the bag. Here, let me show you.”
Alexander watches in awe as Maxwell squats down, pulls the bag onto his back, and carries it off with ease.
“Now, you try,” Maxwell says as he carries his bag into the warehouse.
Alexander rubs his hands together. “I can do this.” He squats in front of the stack of bags, and pulls the top one onto his back. He almost loses his balance. The bags are heavier than he has anticipated. He makes his way into the warehouse and throws the bag down where Maxwell has thrown his.
Maxwell slaps Alexander on the back. “Simple?”
“Piece of cake,” Alexander huffs as they head back toward the shipment.
Several hours and several more extra large, extra heavy bags later, Maxwell and Alexander drop down on the ground, exhausted. It is already pitch dark outside and neither boys notice the figure walking up to them.
Alexander feels someone slap a firm hand on his shoulder. He jumps back and screams in surprise.
Maxwell catches Alexander and steadies him before he falls. “Father, what are you doing here? I thought you left after lunch.”
“Yes, I did.” Philip glances over at Alexander. “What are you doing out here, Alexander?”
“Oh, I was helping Maxwell,” Alexander says, lifting his head up high and trying to stand as tall as possible.
Maxwell slaps him on the back. “Yes, Alexander is quite the muscle man.”
Alexander smiles proudly at his older brother’s compliment. “Is mother home yet?”
Philip smiles at both of his sons. “Yes, she is home. She worries for the two of you and sent me out on the search. Let us venture home, your mother and I wish to discuss something with the two of you,” Philip says, patting both of his sons on the back, leading them home. They walk down the street together, a father and his sons, side by side.
--------------
“I wished you would have gone with us, Isabella. It was quite enjoyable,” Maria taunts when she arrives home from her day with Michael. After Maria mentioned earlier that afternoon of Michael going as well, Isabella had refused to join them.
Isabella huffs and turns the other way, not looking at Maria.
Maria sighs as she sits down on Isabella’s bed. “Will you tell me what the matter is?” she asks as she pats the spot beside her on the bed, motioning for Isabella to come sit beside her.
Isabella stands from her seat at her vanity and storms over towards Maria. But she sits faced away from her older sister.
“Isabella,” Maria says with a hint of warning. “If you do not tell me what is the matter, how am I to fix it?”
Isabella slowly shifts, facing Maria with a solemn face, biting her lip.
Maria takes one look at the girl’s face and sighs. “Is this about Alexander?”
Isabella timidly nods her head.
“Did he hurt you in some way?” Maria asks.
Isabella shakes her head no.
“Isabella, let us discuss the situation,” Maria says, using her older sister tone of voice.
Isabella crumbles. “It is awful, Maria,” Isabella wails as she leans into Maria’s shoulder.
“There, there,” Maria says, rubbing Isabella’s back. “Tell Maria all about it.”
Isabella pulls back, openly sobbing. “I was … with him … in the … the marketplace … and I … I saw … saw him … another girl looking … at him. I was angry … and yelled at him because … he glanced at her too.”
“It is alright, Isabella. It is not your fault. He should not be glancing at other girls while he is with you,” Maria tries to reason with her younger sister.
“But, he is not with me, Maria. We are not together … officially,” Isabella says, wiping away her tears.
“It still gives him no right.”
“Maria, you do not understand. I told him earlier he can,” Isabella says quietly.
“Why would you do such a thing?” Maria looks at her sister as though she has gone mad.
Isabella lowers her head. “Because I somewhat … sort of … waved at Edward the other day.”
“Edward? But he is old!” Maria cries out. “He is nearly thirty years of age. Even I cannot be interested in Eddie.”
Isabella looks up at Maria and sobs again. Maria sighs and pats her sister’s head.
“I’m so stupid,” Isabella exclaims.
“You are not,” Maria comforts her younger sister, still patting her head.
“Yes, I am.” Isabella holds her sister’s hand still. She pronounces her words slowly so Maria can understand the full meaning of them. “I argued with Alexander over Pamela Troy.”
Maria bursts out in a fit of giggles.
Isabella huffs. “It is not funny.” Isabella grabs a pillow and hits Maria over the head. Maria grabs another pillow retaliates. Both girls giggle as feathers fly about.
After they both calm, Maria looks at Isabella sternly. “Talk with Alexander and explain things. Everything will turn out alright.”
Isabella hugs her sister. “Thank you.”
“Anytime,” Maria says with a smile.
--------------
Philip, Maxwell, and Alexander enter the house and find Michael and Diane waiting patiently on the settee. As soon as Maxwell and Alexander spot their mother, they run to her. Diane pulls both of her children in a fierce hug.
“I know I was gone for a short time, but I missed the both of you so much,” Diane says to the two, squeezing them tighter.
“We missed you too, mother,” Maxwell says as he hugs her back.
“I missed you too, mother,” Alexander strains out, the pressure from being wedged between Diane and Maxwell becoming too much. “I need … to breathe.”
Both Maxwell and Diane let go and Alexander falls to the floor. Philip and Michael snicker from where they sit, watching.
“Alright, alright,” Philip says. “We have matters to discuss.”
They scamper to their seats. Philip sits in the armchair, Diane in a chair beside him, leaving the boys on the settee. Michael sits on the left, Alexander on the right, and Maxwell sits in the middle. Just as it has always been.
“Alright, let us begin,” Philip sighs. “First, I would like to discuss the situation with Maxwell.”
Maxwell leans forward, listening intently.
“Son, I know how you are working hard and how much you are looking forward to the managing position in Zanstown, but I am sorry, I cannot give it to you.”
Maxwell stares at his father with a sullen expression on his face. “Father. You said …”
“I know and I apologize, Maxwell,” Philip says with a sigh. “I sympathize for you. I wished to give you the position. It is … well … I found someone more suitable for the job,” Philip says, glancing at his wife. Diane simply smiles.
Alexander looks between the two. “Mother is going to Zanstown?”
Diane and Philip just nod their heads.
Maxwell jumps up, runs over, and kneels before Diane. “You … you cannot leave us,” Maxwell pleads.
Diane pats his head and smiles sadly at her son. “Maxwell …”
“No!” Maxwell says sternly. “I need my mother.”
The rest of the boys snicker but Maxwell keeps his face solemn. “Mother, you cannot simply leave me and go to Zanstown, all by yourself. Who will open jars for you or get things for you that are too high? Who is going to protect you? I need you, mother. I need you to take care of me. I need you to help me with the thing.”
“What thing?” Diane asks, confused.
“The thing,” Maxwell says with emphasis.
“Oh … oh … that thing,” Diane says with realization. “Worry not, dear, I will take care of it.” Diane pats her son on the head again before he stands up and takes his seat with a smile.
Diane turns toward her husband. “Philip, about you saying it will not be safe for me by myself?”
Philip nods his head slowly, not fully understanding what Diane is getting to.
“Well, I was thinking, perhaps Maxwell can come with me,” Diane says sweetly.
Philip sighs, not wanting to lose his son as well, but seems about ready to give in.
Alexander jumps up. “If Maxwell leaves, I wish to leave also.”
Philip lifts his eyebrows. “You wish to leave as well?”
Alexander has a shy smile on his face. “I hear they have very attractive girls in Zanstown.”
“You had better believe it,” Maxwell says, slapping Alexander on the back.
Philip is shocked, his wife and his two sons wish to leave him. “The both of you want to go?”
Maxwell and Alexander look expectantly at Michael. They made a promise as children to stay together, the three of them, no matter what.
Michael grimaces and slowly raises his hand. “I too,” he whispers.
“You too?” Philip stares at Michael. “What about Maria?”
“I am positive we can work something out with the Governor,” Diane says excitedly.
Philip turns and looks at her. He sighs. “That is enough discussion for tonight. I will talk with your mother and we will discuss this again in the morning.” He turns and storms up the stairs with Diane following slowly behind him.
They are on their way to Zanstown. No matter how greatly their father disapproves, he is putty in their mother’s hands.
-------------------------------------------------
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Chapter Fifteen:
-------------------------------------------------
“One … ugh … t..two … ughh… t..t..three,” Alexander grunts as he does another pull-up on the bar in Maxwell’s room.
“Well, well … what have we here?” Michael teases, leaning on doorframe.
Alexander drops his legs and stands, looking towards Michael. “Good morning, sunshine. Or should I say good afternoon?” Alexander walks over and picks up one of Maxwell’s weights.
Michael chuckles. “Alexander, what are you doing?”
“What does it … ugh … look like?” Alexander says as he does a few arm curls. Alexander places the weight down. “I am training.”
Michael smirks. “Since when?”
“Yes? And since when do you have girls in your room all night long?” Alexander smirks back. He picks up his shirt from off the ground and pulls it over his head.
“It was Maria, and all we simply talk.”
“I’m certain that was all you did, lover boy.” Alexander slaps Michael on the back while passing him out the door.
Michael rolls his eyes. “Where are you going now?”
“I am going to the warehouse,” Alexander says, jumping down the stairs, taking three steps at a time. “If Maxwell can get to look as he has been lately and get into father’s good graces by lifting a few bags of cargo, I might as well do the same.”
“Have fun,” Michael calls out with a smile as Alexander walks out the front door. Alexander sure did have more confidence lately. He is starting to become cocky, like Maxwell. Alexander looks up to Maxwell so much that Michael starts to wonder if he is going to begin dressing like Maxwell as well.
Michael laughs at the vision of puny little Alexander in older brother Maxwell’s clothes. The clothes will literally fall off of scrawny little Alexander.
Michael walks back to his room still chuckling. He changes his clothes. He has to meet with Maria. They are going to lunch together, and take Isabella with them. Maria says something about Isabella being a bit depressed as of late and both want to cheer her up.
That is strange, Alexander has been overly cheerful lately, and yet Isabella is feeling down. What is going on?
--------------
The sun beats down hard as Maxwell lifts one of the last few bags left. He finishes with the cargo from this shipment and walks to join the rest of the men in the shade. He sits down with a huff and pulls off his shirt, using it to wipe the sweat off his face. He is exhausted.
Someone hands him water and he thanks them for it. The men talk about some job positions opening up in the other warehouse in Zanstown. They are in need of young workers. Maxwell ignores their conversations and closes his eyes to rest.
“Good day, fellows,” comes a chirpy voice. Maxwell opens his eyes and sees Alexander standing beside him.
“Alexander, what are you doing here?” he asks, eyeing his younger brother suspiciously.
“I came to help,” Alexander replies with a smile.
Snickers come from some of the men, but Maxwell stares them down. “Alright, Alexander. It is great to have you here.” A chorus of ‘yeah’s’ and ‘great ta have ya’s’ follow Maxwell’s comment.
Alexander smiles and seats himself down beside Maxwell. “Thank you. So what do we do now?”
“We are trying to think of something to do while we wait for the next shipment to come,” Maxwell says, lying back again and closing his eyes.
Before the guys fully recuperate, another large shipment comes in from Zanstown. Maxwell sighs. That is where he needs to be, in Zanstown, with her. He feels a burst of new energy and eagerly continues to work while the other lifters, eyeing the new shipment containing extra-large and extra-heavy bags, decide to take off for the day. At least, Alexander is here to keep him company.
Maxwell chuckles as Alexander tries to move one of the cargo bags. His younger brother has a lot to learn. Maxwell comes back after depositing the bag into the warehouse to find Alexander still struggling with the same bag. Maxwell snickers and walks up to Alexander.
“Alexander, you cannot lift the bag from above and throw it onto your shoulder. It is far too heavy for that. You must bend your knees and lift under the bag. Here, let me show you.”
Alexander watches in awe as Maxwell squats down, pulls the bag onto his back, and carries it off with ease.
“Now, you try,” Maxwell says as he carries his bag into the warehouse.
Alexander rubs his hands together. “I can do this.” He squats in front of the stack of bags, and pulls the top one onto his back. He almost loses his balance. The bags are heavier than he has anticipated. He makes his way into the warehouse and throws the bag down where Maxwell has thrown his.
Maxwell slaps Alexander on the back. “Simple?”
“Piece of cake,” Alexander huffs as they head back toward the shipment.
Several hours and several more extra large, extra heavy bags later, Maxwell and Alexander drop down on the ground, exhausted. It is already pitch dark outside and neither boys notice the figure walking up to them.
Alexander feels someone slap a firm hand on his shoulder. He jumps back and screams in surprise.
Maxwell catches Alexander and steadies him before he falls. “Father, what are you doing here? I thought you left after lunch.”
“Yes, I did.” Philip glances over at Alexander. “What are you doing out here, Alexander?”
“Oh, I was helping Maxwell,” Alexander says, lifting his head up high and trying to stand as tall as possible.
Maxwell slaps him on the back. “Yes, Alexander is quite the muscle man.”
Alexander smiles proudly at his older brother’s compliment. “Is mother home yet?”
Philip smiles at both of his sons. “Yes, she is home. She worries for the two of you and sent me out on the search. Let us venture home, your mother and I wish to discuss something with the two of you,” Philip says, patting both of his sons on the back, leading them home. They walk down the street together, a father and his sons, side by side.
--------------
“I wished you would have gone with us, Isabella. It was quite enjoyable,” Maria taunts when she arrives home from her day with Michael. After Maria mentioned earlier that afternoon of Michael going as well, Isabella had refused to join them.
Isabella huffs and turns the other way, not looking at Maria.
Maria sighs as she sits down on Isabella’s bed. “Will you tell me what the matter is?” she asks as she pats the spot beside her on the bed, motioning for Isabella to come sit beside her.
Isabella stands from her seat at her vanity and storms over towards Maria. But she sits faced away from her older sister.
“Isabella,” Maria says with a hint of warning. “If you do not tell me what is the matter, how am I to fix it?”
Isabella slowly shifts, facing Maria with a solemn face, biting her lip.
Maria takes one look at the girl’s face and sighs. “Is this about Alexander?”
Isabella timidly nods her head.
“Did he hurt you in some way?” Maria asks.
Isabella shakes her head no.
“Isabella, let us discuss the situation,” Maria says, using her older sister tone of voice.
Isabella crumbles. “It is awful, Maria,” Isabella wails as she leans into Maria’s shoulder.
“There, there,” Maria says, rubbing Isabella’s back. “Tell Maria all about it.”
Isabella pulls back, openly sobbing. “I was … with him … in the … the marketplace … and I … I saw … saw him … another girl looking … at him. I was angry … and yelled at him because … he glanced at her too.”
“It is alright, Isabella. It is not your fault. He should not be glancing at other girls while he is with you,” Maria tries to reason with her younger sister.
“But, he is not with me, Maria. We are not together … officially,” Isabella says, wiping away her tears.
“It still gives him no right.”
“Maria, you do not understand. I told him earlier he can,” Isabella says quietly.
“Why would you do such a thing?” Maria looks at her sister as though she has gone mad.
Isabella lowers her head. “Because I somewhat … sort of … waved at Edward the other day.”
“Edward? But he is old!” Maria cries out. “He is nearly thirty years of age. Even I cannot be interested in Eddie.”
Isabella looks up at Maria and sobs again. Maria sighs and pats her sister’s head.
“I’m so stupid,” Isabella exclaims.
“You are not,” Maria comforts her younger sister, still patting her head.
“Yes, I am.” Isabella holds her sister’s hand still. She pronounces her words slowly so Maria can understand the full meaning of them. “I argued with Alexander over Pamela Troy.”
Maria bursts out in a fit of giggles.
Isabella huffs. “It is not funny.” Isabella grabs a pillow and hits Maria over the head. Maria grabs another pillow retaliates. Both girls giggle as feathers fly about.
After they both calm, Maria looks at Isabella sternly. “Talk with Alexander and explain things. Everything will turn out alright.”
Isabella hugs her sister. “Thank you.”
“Anytime,” Maria says with a smile.
--------------
Philip, Maxwell, and Alexander enter the house and find Michael and Diane waiting patiently on the settee. As soon as Maxwell and Alexander spot their mother, they run to her. Diane pulls both of her children in a fierce hug.
“I know I was gone for a short time, but I missed the both of you so much,” Diane says to the two, squeezing them tighter.
“We missed you too, mother,” Maxwell says as he hugs her back.
“I missed you too, mother,” Alexander strains out, the pressure from being wedged between Diane and Maxwell becoming too much. “I need … to breathe.”
Both Maxwell and Diane let go and Alexander falls to the floor. Philip and Michael snicker from where they sit, watching.
“Alright, alright,” Philip says. “We have matters to discuss.”
They scamper to their seats. Philip sits in the armchair, Diane in a chair beside him, leaving the boys on the settee. Michael sits on the left, Alexander on the right, and Maxwell sits in the middle. Just as it has always been.
“Alright, let us begin,” Philip sighs. “First, I would like to discuss the situation with Maxwell.”
Maxwell leans forward, listening intently.
“Son, I know how you are working hard and how much you are looking forward to the managing position in Zanstown, but I am sorry, I cannot give it to you.”
Maxwell stares at his father with a sullen expression on his face. “Father. You said …”
“I know and I apologize, Maxwell,” Philip says with a sigh. “I sympathize for you. I wished to give you the position. It is … well … I found someone more suitable for the job,” Philip says, glancing at his wife. Diane simply smiles.
Alexander looks between the two. “Mother is going to Zanstown?”
Diane and Philip just nod their heads.
Maxwell jumps up, runs over, and kneels before Diane. “You … you cannot leave us,” Maxwell pleads.
Diane pats his head and smiles sadly at her son. “Maxwell …”
“No!” Maxwell says sternly. “I need my mother.”
The rest of the boys snicker but Maxwell keeps his face solemn. “Mother, you cannot simply leave me and go to Zanstown, all by yourself. Who will open jars for you or get things for you that are too high? Who is going to protect you? I need you, mother. I need you to take care of me. I need you to help me with the thing.”
“What thing?” Diane asks, confused.
“The thing,” Maxwell says with emphasis.
“Oh … oh … that thing,” Diane says with realization. “Worry not, dear, I will take care of it.” Diane pats her son on the head again before he stands up and takes his seat with a smile.
Diane turns toward her husband. “Philip, about you saying it will not be safe for me by myself?”
Philip nods his head slowly, not fully understanding what Diane is getting to.
“Well, I was thinking, perhaps Maxwell can come with me,” Diane says sweetly.
Philip sighs, not wanting to lose his son as well, but seems about ready to give in.
Alexander jumps up. “If Maxwell leaves, I wish to leave also.”
Philip lifts his eyebrows. “You wish to leave as well?”
Alexander has a shy smile on his face. “I hear they have very attractive girls in Zanstown.”
“You had better believe it,” Maxwell says, slapping Alexander on the back.
Philip is shocked, his wife and his two sons wish to leave him. “The both of you want to go?”
Maxwell and Alexander look expectantly at Michael. They made a promise as children to stay together, the three of them, no matter what.
Michael grimaces and slowly raises his hand. “I too,” he whispers.
“You too?” Philip stares at Michael. “What about Maria?”
“I am positive we can work something out with the Governor,” Diane says excitedly.
Philip turns and looks at her. He sighs. “That is enough discussion for tonight. I will talk with your mother and we will discuss this again in the morning.” He turns and storms up the stairs with Diane following slowly behind him.
They are on their way to Zanstown. No matter how greatly their father disapproves, he is putty in their mother’s hands.
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Chapter Sixteen:
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Maxwell walks down the hall and bangs on both Alexander’s and Michael’s door. It is early in the morning for them, so when Michael and Alexander enter the hallway, they both look about ready to pound Maxwell for disturbing their slumber.
Maxwell chuckles. “Father wants us downstairs.”
Both boys grimace and go back into their rooms to dress as Maxwell heads down the stairs. He steps into the kitchen and finds his father sitting at the table.
“Good morning, father,” Maxwell calls out as he pours himself a cup.
“Good morning,” Philip grumbles back.
Maxwell sits down across from his father. “Where is mother?”
Philip sighs. “She has already left. She says she has something to take care of.”
“She does?” Alexander asks as he and Michael enter the room, each taking their seats.
Philip nods. “Now, let us get to the matter at hand. Your mother and I both agreed, the three of you are no longer children and you can take care of yourselves so long as the three of you stay together.”
Alexander and Maxwell exchange a knowing glance.
“Since you all think you can manage by yourselves, you will no longer be receiving an allowance. You will be earning your own wages working at the warehouse. We need healthy young men who are capable of loading and unloading bags of cargo and you three look healthy enough to me. You can handle the manual labor. Maxwell and Alexander, you both know how this works and you can show Michael the ropes at a later date.”
All three boys nod.
“I managed to obtain for you boys a residence near the warehouse. Here is the key and one thousand gold pieces for each of you,” Philip passes each one a bank note.
“That is all the money I am giving you. Spend it wisely. You will not be asking your mother for money. And if at any time you feel as though you cannot live on your own, you will pack up your things and head back home. Is that understood?”
All three nod their heads and reply, “Yes, sir.”
“Now, are there any questions?”
Alexander raises his hand. “Mother is not staying with us?”
“No, she will not be taking care of you. That is part of the deal. You will be taking care of yourselves and each other and living on your own. Your mother will be staying at her brother’s cabin on Mount Roswell.”
Maxwell looks up. “Uncle K lives on Mount Roswell?”
Philip sighs. “Yes, your mother will explain everything to you later. Now, I suggest you all get packing. I want you out of your rooms and gone by tonight.”
All three boys stand and leave to gather their belongings.
“Michael, may I have a word with you?” Philip asks, stopping Michael before he reaches the stair.
“Of course. What is it?” Michael asks, taking his seat again.
“I spoke to Governor Valenti earlier this morning. He has agreed to allow Maria to go with you all to Zanstown. Isabella managed to convince him into allowing her to go as well. They will be staying with your mother.”
Michael nods his head in understanding.
“James only agreed because I promised Maria will be safer in Zanstown then in the city. I promised him that you will take good care of her.”
Michael nods his head again and thanks Philip before heading up the stairs to pack his belongings for his new life in Zanstown.
--------------
Maxwell finishes packing the rest of his belongings in his one suitcase. He is not taking much with him. He has his clothes, his books, some personal items, and her things. He looks around his room and sighs. He is really leaving everything behind to go chase after a girl. Is she truly worth it?
Maxwell closes his eyes and envisions his angel when he had first laid eyes on her. She is beautiful, twirling about in the water. Her soft, silky brown hair cascading down her back, the ends wet beneath the water. Her large brown eyes are sparkling with light. And her soft pink lips are turned up at the ends in a smile as she hums with a voice that is a melodious lure.
Maxwell sighs. “Yes, she is most definitely worth it.”
“Who? Your mystery girl?” Alexander asks as he lies down on Maxwell’s bed.
Apparently, Alexander let himself in while Maxwell is busy daydreaming.
“Are not you going to pack?” Maxwell frowns at his brother while he gathers a few of his remaining items.
“Already done,” Alexander says with a grin. “I went to see if Michael needed any help but he already headed off to Maria’s. So I came to see if you need any assistance. Did you know the Valenti sisters will be joining us now? Well, not us, they will be joining mother. And not right now, but later.”
“And where did you hear this from?” Maxwell asks, eyeing his brother.
“I was spying on father,” Alexander says, quite proud of himself.
Maxwell smirks at Alexander. “You are learning.”
Alexander shrugs. “What can I say? I take after the best.”
“Flattery does help,” Maxwell replies. “Oh, by the way, thank you for going to Zanstown with me to help look for her.”
Alexander rolls his eyes. “Like I said last night, I am not going for you. I am going for the women.”
“Oh, really? And what about Isabella?”
Alexander groans, “I do not want to discuss her at the moment. So, did you need any help, or shall I return to my room?”
“Actually, there is something you can do, oh genius brother of mine,” Maxwell says. “Lift up the floorboard near my bed and pull out the sacks under it.”
“My, my, dear brother, what have you been hiding?” Alexander stands from Maxwell’s bed and squats to the ground. He lifts up a loose floorboard and pulls out several large and heavy sacks.
“I have saved a great sum of money over my lifetime, the majority of it winnings from Sean,” Maxwell says, sitting down beside his brother.
“My god, Maxwell,” Alexander remarks as he dumps the large sum of money from their bags. “How much do you have saved here?”
Maxwell shrugs. “I do not know. I have yet to count it. I have not had the need to. Father has always given us more than enough to live by.”
“This will take an eternity to count,” Alexander says, staring at the mini-mountain of gold coins.
“Which is why you will do it for me, younger brother. And you had better begin soon if we are to leave by tonight,” Maxwell says as he stands and ruffles Alexander’s hair. “Go find your abacus, Alexander.”
--------------
“I refuse to leave,” Isabella shrieks as she slams her bedroom door.
Maria storms in and shuts the door behind her. “Isabella,” she says sternly, “I did not spend all of last night convincing father to allow you go just so that you can change your mind.”
“But ...” Isabella complains, “I cannot leave all my friends.”
“What friends?” Maria yells back. “You do not have any friends since father does not allow us out of this house.”
“What about Tess?” she says smartly.
“Oh, so you would rather stay here to be with Tess than go to Zanstown to be with your sister?”
Isabella keeps her face grave before turning her head away with a huff.
Maria sighs. Isabella is a very stubborn child. “Besides,” Maria lowers her voice, “I thought I was your friend?”
“You are,” Isabella says, sitting down on her bed. “I just do not know if I can leave father by himself.”
Maria sits beside her. “He will be fine.”
“I know. But it does not feel right.”
Maria sympathizes. “I know. You have a few more days to think it over. Father will not allow me leave until after the engagement ball.”
One of the servants comes in and informs Maria that Michael is here to see her.
Maria stands to leave but stops at the door. “Just remember I want you to go with me.”
“I will think it over,” Isabella says with a smile.
“Okay,” Maria says before she closes the door and heads down the stairs to meet Michael.
He sits in a chair, waiting for her. He stands as he sees her descend the stairs. She walks up to him. “So … you are leaving.”
Michael pulls her into his arms and kisses her lightly on the forehead. “Yes, but worry not, I will be back soon. Maxwell and Alexander want me to go with them and get settled first. With everything for our ball taken care of, there really is not much for me to do here.”
“I will miss you,” Maria says, holding him tighter.
Michael chuckles. “You will be joining me in a few days.”
“I will still miss you.”
Michael smiles lovingly at her. “I will miss you as well.”
“I wish my father would let me go with you,” Maria groans out.
“I would like that too. But they still have to prepare for your stay. We cannot have you sleeping on the floor now, can we?”
Maria sighs. “I suppose not. I cannot wait until we are married. Then we can have a house of our own.”
“I cannot wait either,” Michael says, smiling.
They stay in each other’s arms until Maxwell comes in and interrupts.
“Michael, the carriage awaits,” he says as he heads out the door, giving them a few more minutes alone.
Michael squeezes Maria tighter. She clings to his side as they walk out to the front porch. “I will be see you later, love,” Michael says, caressing her cheek.
“I will see you later, Michael,” Maria says, realizing he did not want to say goodbye. She kisses him softly and he heads into the carriage. She watches as it drives away and out of sight. Sighing, she heads back inside.
Michael watches out the window as the city disappears behind them and they head into the forest. He sighs and slumps back into his seat.
He looks next to him and finds Maxwell staring out the window at the stars with a thoughtful look on his face. Michael snickers. Maxwell is always the romantic, or so Diane enjoyed saying.
Michael looks in front of him. Alexander is still busy, fiddling away at his abacus. His brow is wrinkled in thought, writing down on a sheet of paper and shifting beads back and forth. He has been like this since Michael had entered the carriage.
“Done!” Alexander yells as he places his things aside and picks up the paper. Both Maxwell and Michael lean forward and wait for Alexander’s results. Alexander’s face goes numb.
“Alexander!” Maxwell says, shaking Alexander by the shoulder. “How much do we have?”
“Well,” Alexander swallows, coming out of his daze. “It is … it …”
“Spit it out,” Michael says, also anxious as to how much money they have.
“Well … according to my calculations, combined, Michael’s, mine, and mainly Maxwell’s, we have roughly … t … th … thirty thousand gold pieces.”
Both Michael and Maxwell stare at Alexander in shock. Then they glance at one another before leaning back with a cool smile placed on their faces.
Alexander stares at the two of them before leaning back, placing a big smile on his face as well. “We are going to live like kings.”
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Chapter Sixteen:
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Maxwell walks down the hall and bangs on both Alexander’s and Michael’s door. It is early in the morning for them, so when Michael and Alexander enter the hallway, they both look about ready to pound Maxwell for disturbing their slumber.
Maxwell chuckles. “Father wants us downstairs.”
Both boys grimace and go back into their rooms to dress as Maxwell heads down the stairs. He steps into the kitchen and finds his father sitting at the table.
“Good morning, father,” Maxwell calls out as he pours himself a cup.
“Good morning,” Philip grumbles back.
Maxwell sits down across from his father. “Where is mother?”
Philip sighs. “She has already left. She says she has something to take care of.”
“She does?” Alexander asks as he and Michael enter the room, each taking their seats.
Philip nods. “Now, let us get to the matter at hand. Your mother and I both agreed, the three of you are no longer children and you can take care of yourselves so long as the three of you stay together.”
Alexander and Maxwell exchange a knowing glance.
“Since you all think you can manage by yourselves, you will no longer be receiving an allowance. You will be earning your own wages working at the warehouse. We need healthy young men who are capable of loading and unloading bags of cargo and you three look healthy enough to me. You can handle the manual labor. Maxwell and Alexander, you both know how this works and you can show Michael the ropes at a later date.”
All three boys nod.
“I managed to obtain for you boys a residence near the warehouse. Here is the key and one thousand gold pieces for each of you,” Philip passes each one a bank note.
“That is all the money I am giving you. Spend it wisely. You will not be asking your mother for money. And if at any time you feel as though you cannot live on your own, you will pack up your things and head back home. Is that understood?”
All three nod their heads and reply, “Yes, sir.”
“Now, are there any questions?”
Alexander raises his hand. “Mother is not staying with us?”
“No, she will not be taking care of you. That is part of the deal. You will be taking care of yourselves and each other and living on your own. Your mother will be staying at her brother’s cabin on Mount Roswell.”
Maxwell looks up. “Uncle K lives on Mount Roswell?”
Philip sighs. “Yes, your mother will explain everything to you later. Now, I suggest you all get packing. I want you out of your rooms and gone by tonight.”
All three boys stand and leave to gather their belongings.
“Michael, may I have a word with you?” Philip asks, stopping Michael before he reaches the stair.
“Of course. What is it?” Michael asks, taking his seat again.
“I spoke to Governor Valenti earlier this morning. He has agreed to allow Maria to go with you all to Zanstown. Isabella managed to convince him into allowing her to go as well. They will be staying with your mother.”
Michael nods his head in understanding.
“James only agreed because I promised Maria will be safer in Zanstown then in the city. I promised him that you will take good care of her.”
Michael nods his head again and thanks Philip before heading up the stairs to pack his belongings for his new life in Zanstown.
--------------
Maxwell finishes packing the rest of his belongings in his one suitcase. He is not taking much with him. He has his clothes, his books, some personal items, and her things. He looks around his room and sighs. He is really leaving everything behind to go chase after a girl. Is she truly worth it?
Maxwell closes his eyes and envisions his angel when he had first laid eyes on her. She is beautiful, twirling about in the water. Her soft, silky brown hair cascading down her back, the ends wet beneath the water. Her large brown eyes are sparkling with light. And her soft pink lips are turned up at the ends in a smile as she hums with a voice that is a melodious lure.
Maxwell sighs. “Yes, she is most definitely worth it.”
“Who? Your mystery girl?” Alexander asks as he lies down on Maxwell’s bed.
Apparently, Alexander let himself in while Maxwell is busy daydreaming.
“Are not you going to pack?” Maxwell frowns at his brother while he gathers a few of his remaining items.
“Already done,” Alexander says with a grin. “I went to see if Michael needed any help but he already headed off to Maria’s. So I came to see if you need any assistance. Did you know the Valenti sisters will be joining us now? Well, not us, they will be joining mother. And not right now, but later.”
“And where did you hear this from?” Maxwell asks, eyeing his brother.
“I was spying on father,” Alexander says, quite proud of himself.
Maxwell smirks at Alexander. “You are learning.”
Alexander shrugs. “What can I say? I take after the best.”
“Flattery does help,” Maxwell replies. “Oh, by the way, thank you for going to Zanstown with me to help look for her.”
Alexander rolls his eyes. “Like I said last night, I am not going for you. I am going for the women.”
“Oh, really? And what about Isabella?”
Alexander groans, “I do not want to discuss her at the moment. So, did you need any help, or shall I return to my room?”
“Actually, there is something you can do, oh genius brother of mine,” Maxwell says. “Lift up the floorboard near my bed and pull out the sacks under it.”
“My, my, dear brother, what have you been hiding?” Alexander stands from Maxwell’s bed and squats to the ground. He lifts up a loose floorboard and pulls out several large and heavy sacks.
“I have saved a great sum of money over my lifetime, the majority of it winnings from Sean,” Maxwell says, sitting down beside his brother.
“My god, Maxwell,” Alexander remarks as he dumps the large sum of money from their bags. “How much do you have saved here?”
Maxwell shrugs. “I do not know. I have yet to count it. I have not had the need to. Father has always given us more than enough to live by.”
“This will take an eternity to count,” Alexander says, staring at the mini-mountain of gold coins.
“Which is why you will do it for me, younger brother. And you had better begin soon if we are to leave by tonight,” Maxwell says as he stands and ruffles Alexander’s hair. “Go find your abacus, Alexander.”
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“I refuse to leave,” Isabella shrieks as she slams her bedroom door.
Maria storms in and shuts the door behind her. “Isabella,” she says sternly, “I did not spend all of last night convincing father to allow you go just so that you can change your mind.”
“But ...” Isabella complains, “I cannot leave all my friends.”
“What friends?” Maria yells back. “You do not have any friends since father does not allow us out of this house.”
“What about Tess?” she says smartly.
“Oh, so you would rather stay here to be with Tess than go to Zanstown to be with your sister?”
Isabella keeps her face grave before turning her head away with a huff.
Maria sighs. Isabella is a very stubborn child. “Besides,” Maria lowers her voice, “I thought I was your friend?”
“You are,” Isabella says, sitting down on her bed. “I just do not know if I can leave father by himself.”
Maria sits beside her. “He will be fine.”
“I know. But it does not feel right.”
Maria sympathizes. “I know. You have a few more days to think it over. Father will not allow me leave until after the engagement ball.”
One of the servants comes in and informs Maria that Michael is here to see her.
Maria stands to leave but stops at the door. “Just remember I want you to go with me.”
“I will think it over,” Isabella says with a smile.
“Okay,” Maria says before she closes the door and heads down the stairs to meet Michael.
He sits in a chair, waiting for her. He stands as he sees her descend the stairs. She walks up to him. “So … you are leaving.”
Michael pulls her into his arms and kisses her lightly on the forehead. “Yes, but worry not, I will be back soon. Maxwell and Alexander want me to go with them and get settled first. With everything for our ball taken care of, there really is not much for me to do here.”
“I will miss you,” Maria says, holding him tighter.
Michael chuckles. “You will be joining me in a few days.”
“I will still miss you.”
Michael smiles lovingly at her. “I will miss you as well.”
“I wish my father would let me go with you,” Maria groans out.
“I would like that too. But they still have to prepare for your stay. We cannot have you sleeping on the floor now, can we?”
Maria sighs. “I suppose not. I cannot wait until we are married. Then we can have a house of our own.”
“I cannot wait either,” Michael says, smiling.
They stay in each other’s arms until Maxwell comes in and interrupts.
“Michael, the carriage awaits,” he says as he heads out the door, giving them a few more minutes alone.
Michael squeezes Maria tighter. She clings to his side as they walk out to the front porch. “I will be see you later, love,” Michael says, caressing her cheek.
“I will see you later, Michael,” Maria says, realizing he did not want to say goodbye. She kisses him softly and he heads into the carriage. She watches as it drives away and out of sight. Sighing, she heads back inside.
Michael watches out the window as the city disappears behind them and they head into the forest. He sighs and slumps back into his seat.
He looks next to him and finds Maxwell staring out the window at the stars with a thoughtful look on his face. Michael snickers. Maxwell is always the romantic, or so Diane enjoyed saying.
Michael looks in front of him. Alexander is still busy, fiddling away at his abacus. His brow is wrinkled in thought, writing down on a sheet of paper and shifting beads back and forth. He has been like this since Michael had entered the carriage.
“Done!” Alexander yells as he places his things aside and picks up the paper. Both Maxwell and Michael lean forward and wait for Alexander’s results. Alexander’s face goes numb.
“Alexander!” Maxwell says, shaking Alexander by the shoulder. “How much do we have?”
“Well,” Alexander swallows, coming out of his daze. “It is … it …”
“Spit it out,” Michael says, also anxious as to how much money they have.
“Well … according to my calculations, combined, Michael’s, mine, and mainly Maxwell’s, we have roughly … t … th … thirty thousand gold pieces.”
Both Michael and Maxwell stare at Alexander in shock. Then they glance at one another before leaning back with a cool smile placed on their faces.
Alexander stares at the two of them before leaning back, placing a big smile on his face as well. “We are going to live like kings.”
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Chapter Seventeen:
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“How did you like it here?” Elizabeth asks as she sets a cup of tea in front of Diane before settling down with her own.
“I did not remember there being so many things to do in this town when I was young,” Diane says with a huff.
Elizabeth giggles. They spent the entire day together. Kyle left to the temple yesterday. As soon as Diane arrived at the cabin, Elizabeth and her set about cleaning up and moving Diane’s things in. It is now more homely with a woman’s touch to things.
Afterwards, Elizabeth showed her around town when they went to the market for groceries and stopped to talk to everyone along the way. Who knew there were that many people in this town?
They stopped in for Diane to check up on the warehouse in the middle of town until it got dark. Then, they hiked their way back up the mountain. And frankly, Diane is exhausted.
They sit there, enjoying their tea, when Diane stands and walked over to the window, looking outside.
“Are you expecting someone?” Elizabeth asks Diane curiously.
“Yes,” Diane says with a sigh. “They should have arrived by now.”
“Who?” Elizabeth asks, standing and looking out the window as well.
“Oh, dear. We have been so busy all day I forgot to mention it to you. My sons are coming today,” Diane says excitedly. “They should be stopping by soon.”
They both sit back. “Tell me about them,” Elizabeth says, curious to know.
“Well,” Diane starts. She can talk hours on end about her children. “I have three boys. One of whom was taken in, but we love him all the same. They all have brown eyes and brown hair, though Michael seems to have more hair than the other two combined.”
Elizabeth giggles.
“Okay, let us start with my youngest. His name is Alexander Charles Whitman. He is highly intelligent and very charming. He has a great sense of humor. Although, his jokes can tend to be a bit childish at times.”
Elizabeth smiles. “I am positive Alexander and I will get along fine.”
“Then there is Michael. He was taken in at fourteen. His father passed away and Philip really adores Michael. Michael tends to keep to himself. He had a rough childhood so he does not trust very easily. His only real flaw is that he tends to act on things without thinking first.”
Diane sighs and Elizabeth smiles.
“And last, but not least, there is Maxwell.”
“Maxwell?” Elizabeth asks, she’s heard that name somewhere before.
“Yes, Maxwell Philip Evans. He is an adorable boy. He can be cocky at times, but he has a very big heart. He is …” Diane is interrupted by a knock at the door. “That must be them,” Diane says, standing up to answer the door.
“I will set the tea.” Elizabeth stands excitedly.
Diane opens the door and in comes Alexander and Michael, holding some of her smaller bags of luggage. “Where is Maxwell?”
“Oh, he lost the coin toss and so he is still out there carrying the biggest box of luggage,” Michael says, snickering.
Alexander shakes his head with a sigh. “I told him the probability of an outcome of receiving three tails on three consecutive tosses of a fair coin is not statistically equal to the probability of receiving two tails and one head within three nonconsecutive tosses of that same fair coin. But did he listen to me? No.”
Diane just smiles. “Come along, you can place the boxes down in the bedroom. I will show you the way.”
Michael and Alexander follow their mother through the house, taking a good look around at where she will be staying.
Maxwell kicks open the door and tries to squeeze through. The box is so large, he cannot see around it. Damn that Alexander and his logic! Why did he have to think so much?
The box begins to slip from his grip again. Why on earth does his mother have so many things?
“Here, let me help you,” Maxwell can hear a muffled voice from the other side of the doorway. He feels the box lighten some as someone grabs the other side of it while directing him into the house. They place the box on the ground with a thud. Both look up and gasp when they see the other. “You!”
Maxwell stares at her, his angel. He is in heaven. And she is smiling at him. Life cannot be better. He is so infatuated with her that he barely notices her saying something to him until she waves a hand in front of his face to grab his attention.
“I apologize. I … I dazed out,” Maxwell says with a chuckle.
Elizabeth eyes him warily. “I noticed. Are you alright?”
“Yes … yes, I am fine. Why would I not be … I mean …” Maxwell runs a hand through his hair, nervously.
“What is this?” Alexander asks upon entering the room. “Maxwell not knowing what to say to the pretty lady? Well, I never thought I would see the day.”
Alexander then turns to Elizabeth and holds out his hand. “Hello. I am Alexander. And you are?”
“I am Elizabeth,” Elizabeth says as she shakes his hand enthusiastically. She likes Alexander. She can sense his continuously happy spirit. He will be fun to be around.
“I see you have met my brother, Maxwell,” Alexander says, pointing in Maxwell’s direction.
Elizabeth nods her head. “Several times, in fact,” she says, sending a smile in Maxwell’s direction. It was but a brief smile, yet enough to make him forget of everything else. He dazes out once more.
“Maxwell … Maxwell … Maxwell,” Alexander says, shaking his brother.
“Wha …what?!” he replies angrily.
“Someone has an attitude,” Alexander says.
Elizabeth giggles and Maxwell just about loses it again but Alexander yanks him out of his haze.
“Mother wants the box placed in that room over there,” Alexander says, pointing towards the bedroom.
Maxwell lets out an angry sigh, picks up the heavy box, and rushes off towards the room. He did not want to waste a second he can be spending with his angel.
Maxwell hurries out of the room to get back to Elizabeth. When he enters the kitchen, the sight he sees makes him stop in his tracks. Alexander has his arm around Elizabeth, whispering something into her ear. And Elizabeth giggles in return. Maxwell sees red. He takes several deep breaths to try and calm himself. Alexander is his younger brother. He should not be jealous of Alexander.
Maxwell plasters a smile on his face and enters the kitchen. “Am I interrupting something?”
Alexander and Elizabeth break away from one another in a flash, both have guilty expressions on their faces and neither will look in Maxwell’s direction.
He walks up to them. “What is it?”
“N-nothing,” Elizabeth replies and risks a glance up at Maxwell. As soon as she does, she began chuckling, and quickly covers her mouth with her hand to try and suppress her giggles. She fails miserable. Her harmonious laughter fills the air and Alexander quickly follows suit.
“What is so funny?” Maxwell asks, curious as to what is so amusing that it had them both in this state.
Alexander throws his arm over his brother’s shoulder, still trying to calm his laughter. “I was just … telling Elizabeth here … about the time … when we were young, and you … clothes … the mud …” Alexander bursts out laughing again, as does Elizabeth.
Maxwell turns red all the way to his ears. He had sworn his brother to secrecy about that incident. When they were young, all three of them, Michael, Alexander, and Maxwell, used to go swimming in the stream out in the forest. But one time, Michael and Alexander just happened to think it would be hilarious if they grabbed Maxwell’s clothes and ran off with them. Maxwell could not very well walk back to town naked, so he did the best thing he could. He made temporary clothing … out of mud and grass. He never lived it down.
“Oh? Well, I am positive Elizabeth will love to hear a little story about you, as well. One involving a horse’s rear end and your head.”
Alexander pales. “You would not dare.”
Maxwell smirks, “Watch me.” He makes it over to Elizabeth in two short strides and leans in close. He lifts his hand and gently pushed her soft silky hair behind her ear. He lets his hand linger there a moment longer than necessary, but Elizabeth did not seem to notice.
Alexander watches as Maxwell whispers into Elizabeth’s ear and she begins to laugh.
“Oh, Alexander. That is much worse.” She laughs so hard, tears begin streaming down her cheeks.
Alexander huffs. “Oh? Well Michael …”
“Say one more word and I will guarantee you will regret it later,” Michael says, finally speaking up from where he sits and watches at the table.
Alexander closes his mouth and lowers his head. Maxwell and Elizabeth laugh harder.
Elizabeth keeps giggling until she stops to introduce herself to Michael. They both shake hands.
Elizabeth chances a glance at Alexander and cannot control her laughing once more with Maxwell joining her shortly after.
Diane finally comes out of the room after organizing everything to find quite a sight. Alexander fumes in one corner, Maxwell and Elizabeth are both red with laughter in another, and Michael smiles, watching passively at the table.
“I see you are all acquainted,” Diane says. Maxwell and Elizabeth look at one another. Then they both turn and glance at Alexander before breaking into another fit of laughter.
Diane eyes the two. She must have a talk with Maxwell soon. But right now, it is getting late. “I do not want to break up the commotion, but should you boys not be getting on down the mountain?”
Michael stands first, embraces Diane, kissing her on the cheek, and waves to Elizabeth before heading out the door.
Alexander walks over to his mother, looks over evilly at Maxwell and Elizabeth, and then whispers into his mother’s ear before hugging her and kissing her on the cheek. Both Elizabeth and Maxwell glare at Alexander when he sticks his tongue out at them while he heads out the door.
Diane looks disappointedly at the two of them. “Stop teasing Alexander. You know he is very sensitive about that incident,” she says sternly.
“Yes, ma’am,” replies both Maxwell and Elizabeth.
“Little snitch,” Maxwell mutters under his breath, just loud enough for Elizabeth to hear. She giggles.
Diane eyes them both. “Maxwell, say ‘good night’.”
Maxwell turns to Elizabeth and embraces her goodbye. He rejoices because this time, she embraces him back.
He then goes over to his mother and whispers in his ear, “it is her.” Diane looks at her son and then glances at Elizabeth. Elizabeth is Maxwell’s dream-girl? Diane smiles at Maxwell and ruffles his hair. Silently telling him that she will do what she can.
Maxwell mouths the words ‘thank you’ to her and leaves, winking at Elizabeth on his way out the door. Elizabeth smiles back at him.
Maxwell heads down the mountain with a smile on his face. Mother will make everything better.
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Chapter Seventeen:
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“How did you like it here?” Elizabeth asks as she sets a cup of tea in front of Diane before settling down with her own.
“I did not remember there being so many things to do in this town when I was young,” Diane says with a huff.
Elizabeth giggles. They spent the entire day together. Kyle left to the temple yesterday. As soon as Diane arrived at the cabin, Elizabeth and her set about cleaning up and moving Diane’s things in. It is now more homely with a woman’s touch to things.
Afterwards, Elizabeth showed her around town when they went to the market for groceries and stopped to talk to everyone along the way. Who knew there were that many people in this town?
They stopped in for Diane to check up on the warehouse in the middle of town until it got dark. Then, they hiked their way back up the mountain. And frankly, Diane is exhausted.
They sit there, enjoying their tea, when Diane stands and walked over to the window, looking outside.
“Are you expecting someone?” Elizabeth asks Diane curiously.
“Yes,” Diane says with a sigh. “They should have arrived by now.”
“Who?” Elizabeth asks, standing and looking out the window as well.
“Oh, dear. We have been so busy all day I forgot to mention it to you. My sons are coming today,” Diane says excitedly. “They should be stopping by soon.”
They both sit back. “Tell me about them,” Elizabeth says, curious to know.
“Well,” Diane starts. She can talk hours on end about her children. “I have three boys. One of whom was taken in, but we love him all the same. They all have brown eyes and brown hair, though Michael seems to have more hair than the other two combined.”
Elizabeth giggles.
“Okay, let us start with my youngest. His name is Alexander Charles Whitman. He is highly intelligent and very charming. He has a great sense of humor. Although, his jokes can tend to be a bit childish at times.”
Elizabeth smiles. “I am positive Alexander and I will get along fine.”
“Then there is Michael. He was taken in at fourteen. His father passed away and Philip really adores Michael. Michael tends to keep to himself. He had a rough childhood so he does not trust very easily. His only real flaw is that he tends to act on things without thinking first.”
Diane sighs and Elizabeth smiles.
“And last, but not least, there is Maxwell.”
“Maxwell?” Elizabeth asks, she’s heard that name somewhere before.
“Yes, Maxwell Philip Evans. He is an adorable boy. He can be cocky at times, but he has a very big heart. He is …” Diane is interrupted by a knock at the door. “That must be them,” Diane says, standing up to answer the door.
“I will set the tea.” Elizabeth stands excitedly.
Diane opens the door and in comes Alexander and Michael, holding some of her smaller bags of luggage. “Where is Maxwell?”
“Oh, he lost the coin toss and so he is still out there carrying the biggest box of luggage,” Michael says, snickering.
Alexander shakes his head with a sigh. “I told him the probability of an outcome of receiving three tails on three consecutive tosses of a fair coin is not statistically equal to the probability of receiving two tails and one head within three nonconsecutive tosses of that same fair coin. But did he listen to me? No.”
Diane just smiles. “Come along, you can place the boxes down in the bedroom. I will show you the way.”
Michael and Alexander follow their mother through the house, taking a good look around at where she will be staying.
Maxwell kicks open the door and tries to squeeze through. The box is so large, he cannot see around it. Damn that Alexander and his logic! Why did he have to think so much?
The box begins to slip from his grip again. Why on earth does his mother have so many things?
“Here, let me help you,” Maxwell can hear a muffled voice from the other side of the doorway. He feels the box lighten some as someone grabs the other side of it while directing him into the house. They place the box on the ground with a thud. Both look up and gasp when they see the other. “You!”
Maxwell stares at her, his angel. He is in heaven. And she is smiling at him. Life cannot be better. He is so infatuated with her that he barely notices her saying something to him until she waves a hand in front of his face to grab his attention.
“I apologize. I … I dazed out,” Maxwell says with a chuckle.
Elizabeth eyes him warily. “I noticed. Are you alright?”
“Yes … yes, I am fine. Why would I not be … I mean …” Maxwell runs a hand through his hair, nervously.
“What is this?” Alexander asks upon entering the room. “Maxwell not knowing what to say to the pretty lady? Well, I never thought I would see the day.”
Alexander then turns to Elizabeth and holds out his hand. “Hello. I am Alexander. And you are?”
“I am Elizabeth,” Elizabeth says as she shakes his hand enthusiastically. She likes Alexander. She can sense his continuously happy spirit. He will be fun to be around.
“I see you have met my brother, Maxwell,” Alexander says, pointing in Maxwell’s direction.
Elizabeth nods her head. “Several times, in fact,” she says, sending a smile in Maxwell’s direction. It was but a brief smile, yet enough to make him forget of everything else. He dazes out once more.
“Maxwell … Maxwell … Maxwell,” Alexander says, shaking his brother.
“Wha …what?!” he replies angrily.
“Someone has an attitude,” Alexander says.
Elizabeth giggles and Maxwell just about loses it again but Alexander yanks him out of his haze.
“Mother wants the box placed in that room over there,” Alexander says, pointing towards the bedroom.
Maxwell lets out an angry sigh, picks up the heavy box, and rushes off towards the room. He did not want to waste a second he can be spending with his angel.
Maxwell hurries out of the room to get back to Elizabeth. When he enters the kitchen, the sight he sees makes him stop in his tracks. Alexander has his arm around Elizabeth, whispering something into her ear. And Elizabeth giggles in return. Maxwell sees red. He takes several deep breaths to try and calm himself. Alexander is his younger brother. He should not be jealous of Alexander.
Maxwell plasters a smile on his face and enters the kitchen. “Am I interrupting something?”
Alexander and Elizabeth break away from one another in a flash, both have guilty expressions on their faces and neither will look in Maxwell’s direction.
He walks up to them. “What is it?”
“N-nothing,” Elizabeth replies and risks a glance up at Maxwell. As soon as she does, she began chuckling, and quickly covers her mouth with her hand to try and suppress her giggles. She fails miserable. Her harmonious laughter fills the air and Alexander quickly follows suit.
“What is so funny?” Maxwell asks, curious as to what is so amusing that it had them both in this state.
Alexander throws his arm over his brother’s shoulder, still trying to calm his laughter. “I was just … telling Elizabeth here … about the time … when we were young, and you … clothes … the mud …” Alexander bursts out laughing again, as does Elizabeth.
Maxwell turns red all the way to his ears. He had sworn his brother to secrecy about that incident. When they were young, all three of them, Michael, Alexander, and Maxwell, used to go swimming in the stream out in the forest. But one time, Michael and Alexander just happened to think it would be hilarious if they grabbed Maxwell’s clothes and ran off with them. Maxwell could not very well walk back to town naked, so he did the best thing he could. He made temporary clothing … out of mud and grass. He never lived it down.
“Oh? Well, I am positive Elizabeth will love to hear a little story about you, as well. One involving a horse’s rear end and your head.”
Alexander pales. “You would not dare.”
Maxwell smirks, “Watch me.” He makes it over to Elizabeth in two short strides and leans in close. He lifts his hand and gently pushed her soft silky hair behind her ear. He lets his hand linger there a moment longer than necessary, but Elizabeth did not seem to notice.
Alexander watches as Maxwell whispers into Elizabeth’s ear and she begins to laugh.
“Oh, Alexander. That is much worse.” She laughs so hard, tears begin streaming down her cheeks.
Alexander huffs. “Oh? Well Michael …”
“Say one more word and I will guarantee you will regret it later,” Michael says, finally speaking up from where he sits and watches at the table.
Alexander closes his mouth and lowers his head. Maxwell and Elizabeth laugh harder.
Elizabeth keeps giggling until she stops to introduce herself to Michael. They both shake hands.
Elizabeth chances a glance at Alexander and cannot control her laughing once more with Maxwell joining her shortly after.
Diane finally comes out of the room after organizing everything to find quite a sight. Alexander fumes in one corner, Maxwell and Elizabeth are both red with laughter in another, and Michael smiles, watching passively at the table.
“I see you are all acquainted,” Diane says. Maxwell and Elizabeth look at one another. Then they both turn and glance at Alexander before breaking into another fit of laughter.
Diane eyes the two. She must have a talk with Maxwell soon. But right now, it is getting late. “I do not want to break up the commotion, but should you boys not be getting on down the mountain?”
Michael stands first, embraces Diane, kissing her on the cheek, and waves to Elizabeth before heading out the door.
Alexander walks over to his mother, looks over evilly at Maxwell and Elizabeth, and then whispers into his mother’s ear before hugging her and kissing her on the cheek. Both Elizabeth and Maxwell glare at Alexander when he sticks his tongue out at them while he heads out the door.
Diane looks disappointedly at the two of them. “Stop teasing Alexander. You know he is very sensitive about that incident,” she says sternly.
“Yes, ma’am,” replies both Maxwell and Elizabeth.
“Little snitch,” Maxwell mutters under his breath, just loud enough for Elizabeth to hear. She giggles.
Diane eyes them both. “Maxwell, say ‘good night’.”
Maxwell turns to Elizabeth and embraces her goodbye. He rejoices because this time, she embraces him back.
He then goes over to his mother and whispers in his ear, “it is her.” Diane looks at her son and then glances at Elizabeth. Elizabeth is Maxwell’s dream-girl? Diane smiles at Maxwell and ruffles his hair. Silently telling him that she will do what she can.
Maxwell mouths the words ‘thank you’ to her and leaves, winking at Elizabeth on his way out the door. Elizabeth smiles back at him.
Maxwell heads down the mountain with a smile on his face. Mother will make everything better.
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Chapter Eighteen:
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Apparently their father is not being completely serious with that lecture of them working hard and being able to live on their own and not in the lap of luxury. The home he arranges for them to stay in is enormous. It is not as large as their old home in the Kingdom City, but in this house, they will not have parents to watch over their every action.
Their father will not force them to work until next week, after Michael’s engagement ball. He left a note for them, informing them he wants to get them settled in and adapted to the change in environment before they have to go off and deal with life in the real world.
In all honesty, their father is soft at heart. He does not want his boys to grow up, but he knows it is inevitable. He knows they will have a bumpy road ahead of them, but he wants to make it as smooth of a ride as possible.
“Remind me to thank father when we get back to the city,” Alexander says as he yawns, entering the kitchen.
Maxwell sits down at the table with a cup and Michael makes breakfast.
Alexander looks towards Michael with a smile before he sits down. “Thank goodness one of us knows how to cook.”
“Amen to that,” Maxwell says as Michael places a plate in front of him.
“Yes. You just remember that later when we worry about who will be doing the cleaning,” Michael says as he sits down.
Maxwell shrugs and says simply, “Alexander will.”
“What?” Alexander asks, lifting his head. “I am sorry but ‘Alexander’ and ‘cleaning’ are two things that do not mingle well. Besides, why do we not simply hire someone to do such things for us?”
Maxwell puts his fork down. “Because we have better uses for our money than trivial things such as that.”
“Yes,” Michael agrees. “Philip is paying us more than that of the average laborers. If he finds out we can afford to have someone to do the housework for us, he may reconsider his decision.”
“I suppose we can take turns between the two of us, Alexander,” Maxwell says. “Since Michael is going to be doing the cooking and shopping.”
“Shopping?” Michael asks.
“Yes,” Maxwell nods, “grocery shopping.”
Michael shrugs and continues eating. “At least I do not have to clean the toilets.”
Both Maxwell and Alexander look at one another and grimace.
“I wish mother were here,” Maxwell sighs out loudly. All three boys hold their breath and freeze, waiting.
After a few minutes pass, they give up. “Drat, that normally works,” Maxwell pouts.
“I know,” Michael exclaims. “It is as though she has some sort of built in Maxwell detecting device. Any time Maxwell wants her, she just magically appears.”
“Allow me a turn. I am the youngest in the family and all.” Alexander clears his throat and says loudly, “and as if by magic …”
“I am sorry I am late, boys,” Diane says as she rushes through the door with bundles of groceries in her arms. “We stopped by some stores on the way over.”
Alexander smiles smugly as they all stand to help her with the groceries.
“We?” Michael asks.
“Help,” Elizabeth calls out as she tries her best to balance the tower of shopping boxes in her arms.
Both Alexander and Maxwell hurry over to take the boxes from her.
“What did you buy, mother? The entire town?” Alexander asks as he places the boxes in a nearby chair.
Elizabeth giggles. “I have it,” she says as Maxwell tries to take the rest of the boxes from her.
“Allow me,” Maxwell says, lifting the boxes from her arms. “That way I can show you just how strong I am with all my rippling muscles,” he says with a wink.
Elizabeth rolls her eyes and giggles before they make their way into the kitchen.
Michael places a plate in front of his mother. She takes a bite before nodding her head in approval. “Thank goodness one of you knows how to cook,” she exclaims as she digs in.
Michael fixes Elizabeth a plate while everyone sits down to a late breakfast. Diane takes the seat between Michael and Alexander and Elizabeth takes the other seat between Alexander and Maxwell.
Michael places a plate of sausage, bacon, and eggs in front of Elizabeth before settling down in his own seat. Elizabeth picks up her fork and eats all of her eggs before she pushes her plate aside.
Maxwell looks at her. “Elizabeth, is that all you are eating?”
Elizabeth nods her head and smiles shyly. “I grew up living with a monk. I have never eaten meat in all my life.”
Everyone nods in understanding.
“Why did you not tell me, Elizabeth?” Michael asks. “I can fix you something else.”
Michael grabs her plate to go into the kitchen, but Elizabeth reaches out and stops him. “No. That is quite alright.”
“No need to be modest,” Alexander says, turning towards her. “We are practically family here.”
“I am fine. Honestly,” Elizabeth says with a smile.
“You really should eat more,” Maxwell adds. “You are far too thin,” he says, looking her up and down.
“I will try,” Elizabeth says, looking Maxwell in the eyes. She is touched by their concern. “But right now, I am fine. I am already full.”
“Worry not, boys,” Diane says, breaking it up. “I will make sure Elizabeth has something to eat after our second round of shopping.”
“Second round?” Alexander asks. “Did you not buy enough the first round?” Alexander asks, pointing towards the bags filling the living room.
“Nonsense,” Diane says, standing and heading towards the door. “We still have to buy Elizabeth a whole new wardrobe. She lived with a monk, for goodness’ sake. How much taste in clothes can he have when he walks about in that robe all day?”
Michael chuckles. His mother is beginning to sound like Maria.
Alexander sighs. “How much of father’s money are you planning to spend?”
“Not another word,” Diane says, playfully pointing a finger at Alexander. “It took me all morning to convince Elizabeth to allow me to take her shopping and you are not going to say anything to change her mind.”
“I think it is a great idea,” Maxwell voiced timidly.
“You do, Maxwell?” Michael asks.
Both Alexander and Michael turn to look at Maxwell with raised eyebrows. If they remember correctly, Maxwell just mentioned something to them this morning of not wasting money on trivial things.
Maxwell chooses to ignore them. “Yes. Go on,” he says to Elizabeth. “Go with my mother and shop. Do each other’s hair. Go and have fun. Buy a few dresses, on me,” he says, thrusting a bag full of coins into Elizabeth’s hands and motioning for them to leave.
“Alright. Then, we are off,” Diane says, heading for the door. “Oh, and you boys will be dears and bring these bags up to the cabin later for me? I love you. Goodbye,” Diane leaves hurrying out the door with Elizabeth timidly following behind her.
Maxwell turns around, after waving them off, to find Alexander and Michael standing and looking pointedly at him.
“Let them have their fun,” Maxwell says. “We will suffer the consequences later,” Maxwell says with a sigh.
“No,” Alexander says, chuckling. “You will suffer the consequences.” He walks off to his bedroom.
Michael smirks and heads off as well, but not before turning around and calling out behind him. “I hope you have fun carrying boxes all evening,” Michael says with a wink.
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Diane and Elizabeth go from store to store, buying anything and everything that will fit on Elizabeth.
“Perhaps we should pace ourselves,” Elizabeth says, motioning for Diane to stop before she heads into yet another store. “This is already too much. It will take me forever to repay Maxwell.”
“If that is what concerns you, then worry not,” Diane says to Elizabeth. “Maxwell gave you the money to spend. You do not have to repay him.”
“I am not comfortable accepting his money,” Elizabeth says, shaking her head.
“Fine,” Diane says, thinking. “I will repay Maxwell back, and you can take these new clothes as payment, for allowing me to live in your house.”
Elizabeth smiles and agrees.
“Besides,” Diane says, pulling Elizabeth into another store, “we have yet to find your gown for Michael’s engagement ball this up coming week’s end.”
“This week’s end? Engagement ball?” Elizabeth gasps in realization. “Michael is Maria’s Michael.”
“Yes,” Diane says, browsing through the different gowns in the store. “Do you know Maria?”
“Yes. I met her when I was in the Kingdom City. She is very friendly. She saved my life you know,” Elizabeth says.
Diane freezes. “Why? What happened?”
“I was being harassed by some goon and Maria stopped him,” Elizabeth says, browsing through the racks, pretending as though it were nothing.
“Elizabeth, you should not be out alone, especially at night,” Diane says to her. “What were you doing in Kingdom City anyway?” Diane asks focusing back on finding a dress.
Elizabeth sighs. “I was looking for any clues as to where my family is.”
“I found it!” Diane exclaims.
Elizabeth stops and looks at Diane. “You did?”
“The perfect gown for you, dear,” Diane says, pulling the gown off of the rack.
Elizabeth looks at it and gasps. “I am surprised no one has bought it yet.”
“It is probably because no one can fit it. It is so small,” Diane says, eyeing the waist. “But it will probably fit you. Try it,” she hands Elizabeth the gown and ushers her into a fitting room. “You try it on while I look for shoes.”
Diane browses through the shoes, looking for the right one. She spots a pair of heels that perfectly matched the dress. It is high enough for Elizabeth to gain a few inches, but not too high, so that she will not fall. Just a little taller, picture perfect height next to Maxwell, Diane thought deviously before she heads back to the fitting rooms to hand Elizabeth the shoes.
“Elizabeth, are you about done?” Diane asks impatiently. She wants to see how perfect Elizabeth looks in the gown.
“Yes,” Elizabeth says hesitantly. She sighs and steps out of the fitting room.
The sight makes Diane gasp. Elizabeth is gorgeous. But when Diane glances up at her face, Elizabeth is frowning. “What is wrong, dear? Do not you like the dress?”
“No, that is not it,” Elizabeth says softly. “It is a lovely dress but it is a bit too tight.”
“Well, that is nothing we cannot fix,” Diane says with a smile. “Now, go and change back out of it.”
Elizabeth smiles at Diane before heading back into the fitting room. She carefully changes out of the dress so that the storeowner can wrap it for her. Elizabeth is going to look perfect. Diane will make certain of it.
They pass by a shop and Diane tells Elizabeth to go on and buy something to eat while she runs in and orders a few things.
Elizabeth walks over to a small food vendor.
“What will it be, Elizabeth?” the vendor asks her.
“The usual,” Elizabeth says with a smile, but then looks down at the bags in her hands, specifically, her dress. “On second thought,” she stops the vendor, “I really should not.”
“Are you certain? No charge,” he says, thinking that Elizabeth might not have enough money on her.
“No, thank you,” Elizabeth says, ignoring the growling of her stomach. “I am in a hurry and I really should not stop to eat.”
“Alright, Elizabeth. Come back anytime,” he says, smiling at her.
Elizabeth walks away and heads back towards the shop. She reaches it just as Diane steps out, packages in hand.
“Elizabeth, did not you buy something to eat?” Diane asks as she walks over to Elizabeth.
“Oh, I already finished eating,” Elizabeth lies. “You took quite a while.”
“I apologize for making you wait,” Diane says.
“It is quite all right,” Elizabeth replies as they start walking down the street.
“So, Elizabeth,” Diane begins. “Do you plan on going with anyone to the ball?”
Elizabeth blushes and shakes her head. “No. I have not given it much thought.”
“You should think of going with someone. There will be dancing, and you do not want to miss it.”
Elizabeth sighs and thinks. “Will Alexander be escorting anyone?”
“Umm … probably Isabella,” Diane says. “Since you do not have anyone to go with and Maxwell does not have anyone either …” Diane hints to Elizabeth.
“Maxwell is not escorting anyone?” Elizabeth asks surprised. “I assumed he would. He is obviously very attractive. And many girls go for those sorts of things in men.”
“Maxwell is not interested in any of those kinds of girls,” Diane says, scrunching her nose at the thought of Maxwell with girls like Pamela Troy or Tess Deluca. She will much rather see Maxwell with a nice and sweet girl, like Elizabeth.
“I suppose if he needs someone, I can accompany him,” Elizabeth says with a sigh. “Otherwise, I will have to give the dancing amiss.” Elizabeth giggles, “I do not know how to dance.”
“Well, we must teach you,” Diane says, continuing to walk down the street. “Elizabeth, may I ask you a question?”
“Anything,” Elizabeth says in a cheery voice.
“What do you think of Maxwell?” Diane asks, stopping to look at Elizabeth.
“He is nice,” Elizabeth says with a smile. But she did not say it with the excitement that Diane had hoped for.
Diane pushes further. “Do you like him?”
“I suppose I do,” Elizabeth answers, not fully understanding what Diane means, “He is fun to be around.”
Diane smiles and they continue on down the street.
“So what do we do now?” Elizabeth asks, changing the subject.
“Well, I am starved. Why do we not stop at a restaurant and have lunch?” Diane suggests. At the mention of food, Elizabeth’s stomach growls.
Elizabeth tries to cover up. “Actually, I wanted to visit Kyle today.”
“You really should eat something, Elizabeth,” Diane says, concerned.
“I will grab something along the way, I promise,” she says as she heads in the direction of the temple.
“Alright. I will see you at home later,” Diane calls out before heading down the street.
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Chapter Eighteen:
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Apparently their father is not being completely serious with that lecture of them working hard and being able to live on their own and not in the lap of luxury. The home he arranges for them to stay in is enormous. It is not as large as their old home in the Kingdom City, but in this house, they will not have parents to watch over their every action.
Their father will not force them to work until next week, after Michael’s engagement ball. He left a note for them, informing them he wants to get them settled in and adapted to the change in environment before they have to go off and deal with life in the real world.
In all honesty, their father is soft at heart. He does not want his boys to grow up, but he knows it is inevitable. He knows they will have a bumpy road ahead of them, but he wants to make it as smooth of a ride as possible.
“Remind me to thank father when we get back to the city,” Alexander says as he yawns, entering the kitchen.
Maxwell sits down at the table with a cup and Michael makes breakfast.
Alexander looks towards Michael with a smile before he sits down. “Thank goodness one of us knows how to cook.”
“Amen to that,” Maxwell says as Michael places a plate in front of him.
“Yes. You just remember that later when we worry about who will be doing the cleaning,” Michael says as he sits down.
Maxwell shrugs and says simply, “Alexander will.”
“What?” Alexander asks, lifting his head. “I am sorry but ‘Alexander’ and ‘cleaning’ are two things that do not mingle well. Besides, why do we not simply hire someone to do such things for us?”
Maxwell puts his fork down. “Because we have better uses for our money than trivial things such as that.”
“Yes,” Michael agrees. “Philip is paying us more than that of the average laborers. If he finds out we can afford to have someone to do the housework for us, he may reconsider his decision.”
“I suppose we can take turns between the two of us, Alexander,” Maxwell says. “Since Michael is going to be doing the cooking and shopping.”
“Shopping?” Michael asks.
“Yes,” Maxwell nods, “grocery shopping.”
Michael shrugs and continues eating. “At least I do not have to clean the toilets.”
Both Maxwell and Alexander look at one another and grimace.
“I wish mother were here,” Maxwell sighs out loudly. All three boys hold their breath and freeze, waiting.
After a few minutes pass, they give up. “Drat, that normally works,” Maxwell pouts.
“I know,” Michael exclaims. “It is as though she has some sort of built in Maxwell detecting device. Any time Maxwell wants her, she just magically appears.”
“Allow me a turn. I am the youngest in the family and all.” Alexander clears his throat and says loudly, “and as if by magic …”
“I am sorry I am late, boys,” Diane says as she rushes through the door with bundles of groceries in her arms. “We stopped by some stores on the way over.”
Alexander smiles smugly as they all stand to help her with the groceries.
“We?” Michael asks.
“Help,” Elizabeth calls out as she tries her best to balance the tower of shopping boxes in her arms.
Both Alexander and Maxwell hurry over to take the boxes from her.
“What did you buy, mother? The entire town?” Alexander asks as he places the boxes in a nearby chair.
Elizabeth giggles. “I have it,” she says as Maxwell tries to take the rest of the boxes from her.
“Allow me,” Maxwell says, lifting the boxes from her arms. “That way I can show you just how strong I am with all my rippling muscles,” he says with a wink.
Elizabeth rolls her eyes and giggles before they make their way into the kitchen.
Michael places a plate in front of his mother. She takes a bite before nodding her head in approval. “Thank goodness one of you knows how to cook,” she exclaims as she digs in.
Michael fixes Elizabeth a plate while everyone sits down to a late breakfast. Diane takes the seat between Michael and Alexander and Elizabeth takes the other seat between Alexander and Maxwell.
Michael places a plate of sausage, bacon, and eggs in front of Elizabeth before settling down in his own seat. Elizabeth picks up her fork and eats all of her eggs before she pushes her plate aside.
Maxwell looks at her. “Elizabeth, is that all you are eating?”
Elizabeth nods her head and smiles shyly. “I grew up living with a monk. I have never eaten meat in all my life.”
Everyone nods in understanding.
“Why did you not tell me, Elizabeth?” Michael asks. “I can fix you something else.”
Michael grabs her plate to go into the kitchen, but Elizabeth reaches out and stops him. “No. That is quite alright.”
“No need to be modest,” Alexander says, turning towards her. “We are practically family here.”
“I am fine. Honestly,” Elizabeth says with a smile.
“You really should eat more,” Maxwell adds. “You are far too thin,” he says, looking her up and down.
“I will try,” Elizabeth says, looking Maxwell in the eyes. She is touched by their concern. “But right now, I am fine. I am already full.”
“Worry not, boys,” Diane says, breaking it up. “I will make sure Elizabeth has something to eat after our second round of shopping.”
“Second round?” Alexander asks. “Did you not buy enough the first round?” Alexander asks, pointing towards the bags filling the living room.
“Nonsense,” Diane says, standing and heading towards the door. “We still have to buy Elizabeth a whole new wardrobe. She lived with a monk, for goodness’ sake. How much taste in clothes can he have when he walks about in that robe all day?”
Michael chuckles. His mother is beginning to sound like Maria.
Alexander sighs. “How much of father’s money are you planning to spend?”
“Not another word,” Diane says, playfully pointing a finger at Alexander. “It took me all morning to convince Elizabeth to allow me to take her shopping and you are not going to say anything to change her mind.”
“I think it is a great idea,” Maxwell voiced timidly.
“You do, Maxwell?” Michael asks.
Both Alexander and Michael turn to look at Maxwell with raised eyebrows. If they remember correctly, Maxwell just mentioned something to them this morning of not wasting money on trivial things.
Maxwell chooses to ignore them. “Yes. Go on,” he says to Elizabeth. “Go with my mother and shop. Do each other’s hair. Go and have fun. Buy a few dresses, on me,” he says, thrusting a bag full of coins into Elizabeth’s hands and motioning for them to leave.
“Alright. Then, we are off,” Diane says, heading for the door. “Oh, and you boys will be dears and bring these bags up to the cabin later for me? I love you. Goodbye,” Diane leaves hurrying out the door with Elizabeth timidly following behind her.
Maxwell turns around, after waving them off, to find Alexander and Michael standing and looking pointedly at him.
“Let them have their fun,” Maxwell says. “We will suffer the consequences later,” Maxwell says with a sigh.
“No,” Alexander says, chuckling. “You will suffer the consequences.” He walks off to his bedroom.
Michael smirks and heads off as well, but not before turning around and calling out behind him. “I hope you have fun carrying boxes all evening,” Michael says with a wink.
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Diane and Elizabeth go from store to store, buying anything and everything that will fit on Elizabeth.
“Perhaps we should pace ourselves,” Elizabeth says, motioning for Diane to stop before she heads into yet another store. “This is already too much. It will take me forever to repay Maxwell.”
“If that is what concerns you, then worry not,” Diane says to Elizabeth. “Maxwell gave you the money to spend. You do not have to repay him.”
“I am not comfortable accepting his money,” Elizabeth says, shaking her head.
“Fine,” Diane says, thinking. “I will repay Maxwell back, and you can take these new clothes as payment, for allowing me to live in your house.”
Elizabeth smiles and agrees.
“Besides,” Diane says, pulling Elizabeth into another store, “we have yet to find your gown for Michael’s engagement ball this up coming week’s end.”
“This week’s end? Engagement ball?” Elizabeth gasps in realization. “Michael is Maria’s Michael.”
“Yes,” Diane says, browsing through the different gowns in the store. “Do you know Maria?”
“Yes. I met her when I was in the Kingdom City. She is very friendly. She saved my life you know,” Elizabeth says.
Diane freezes. “Why? What happened?”
“I was being harassed by some goon and Maria stopped him,” Elizabeth says, browsing through the racks, pretending as though it were nothing.
“Elizabeth, you should not be out alone, especially at night,” Diane says to her. “What were you doing in Kingdom City anyway?” Diane asks focusing back on finding a dress.
Elizabeth sighs. “I was looking for any clues as to where my family is.”
“I found it!” Diane exclaims.
Elizabeth stops and looks at Diane. “You did?”
“The perfect gown for you, dear,” Diane says, pulling the gown off of the rack.
Elizabeth looks at it and gasps. “I am surprised no one has bought it yet.”
“It is probably because no one can fit it. It is so small,” Diane says, eyeing the waist. “But it will probably fit you. Try it,” she hands Elizabeth the gown and ushers her into a fitting room. “You try it on while I look for shoes.”
Diane browses through the shoes, looking for the right one. She spots a pair of heels that perfectly matched the dress. It is high enough for Elizabeth to gain a few inches, but not too high, so that she will not fall. Just a little taller, picture perfect height next to Maxwell, Diane thought deviously before she heads back to the fitting rooms to hand Elizabeth the shoes.
“Elizabeth, are you about done?” Diane asks impatiently. She wants to see how perfect Elizabeth looks in the gown.
“Yes,” Elizabeth says hesitantly. She sighs and steps out of the fitting room.
The sight makes Diane gasp. Elizabeth is gorgeous. But when Diane glances up at her face, Elizabeth is frowning. “What is wrong, dear? Do not you like the dress?”
“No, that is not it,” Elizabeth says softly. “It is a lovely dress but it is a bit too tight.”
“Well, that is nothing we cannot fix,” Diane says with a smile. “Now, go and change back out of it.”
Elizabeth smiles at Diane before heading back into the fitting room. She carefully changes out of the dress so that the storeowner can wrap it for her. Elizabeth is going to look perfect. Diane will make certain of it.
They pass by a shop and Diane tells Elizabeth to go on and buy something to eat while she runs in and orders a few things.
Elizabeth walks over to a small food vendor.
“What will it be, Elizabeth?” the vendor asks her.
“The usual,” Elizabeth says with a smile, but then looks down at the bags in her hands, specifically, her dress. “On second thought,” she stops the vendor, “I really should not.”
“Are you certain? No charge,” he says, thinking that Elizabeth might not have enough money on her.
“No, thank you,” Elizabeth says, ignoring the growling of her stomach. “I am in a hurry and I really should not stop to eat.”
“Alright, Elizabeth. Come back anytime,” he says, smiling at her.
Elizabeth walks away and heads back towards the shop. She reaches it just as Diane steps out, packages in hand.
“Elizabeth, did not you buy something to eat?” Diane asks as she walks over to Elizabeth.
“Oh, I already finished eating,” Elizabeth lies. “You took quite a while.”
“I apologize for making you wait,” Diane says.
“It is quite all right,” Elizabeth replies as they start walking down the street.
“So, Elizabeth,” Diane begins. “Do you plan on going with anyone to the ball?”
Elizabeth blushes and shakes her head. “No. I have not given it much thought.”
“You should think of going with someone. There will be dancing, and you do not want to miss it.”
Elizabeth sighs and thinks. “Will Alexander be escorting anyone?”
“Umm … probably Isabella,” Diane says. “Since you do not have anyone to go with and Maxwell does not have anyone either …” Diane hints to Elizabeth.
“Maxwell is not escorting anyone?” Elizabeth asks surprised. “I assumed he would. He is obviously very attractive. And many girls go for those sorts of things in men.”
“Maxwell is not interested in any of those kinds of girls,” Diane says, scrunching her nose at the thought of Maxwell with girls like Pamela Troy or Tess Deluca. She will much rather see Maxwell with a nice and sweet girl, like Elizabeth.
“I suppose if he needs someone, I can accompany him,” Elizabeth says with a sigh. “Otherwise, I will have to give the dancing amiss.” Elizabeth giggles, “I do not know how to dance.”
“Well, we must teach you,” Diane says, continuing to walk down the street. “Elizabeth, may I ask you a question?”
“Anything,” Elizabeth says in a cheery voice.
“What do you think of Maxwell?” Diane asks, stopping to look at Elizabeth.
“He is nice,” Elizabeth says with a smile. But she did not say it with the excitement that Diane had hoped for.
Diane pushes further. “Do you like him?”
“I suppose I do,” Elizabeth answers, not fully understanding what Diane means, “He is fun to be around.”
Diane smiles and they continue on down the street.
“So what do we do now?” Elizabeth asks, changing the subject.
“Well, I am starved. Why do we not stop at a restaurant and have lunch?” Diane suggests. At the mention of food, Elizabeth’s stomach growls.
Elizabeth tries to cover up. “Actually, I wanted to visit Kyle today.”
“You really should eat something, Elizabeth,” Diane says, concerned.
“I will grab something along the way, I promise,” she says as she heads in the direction of the temple.
“Alright. I will see you at home later,” Diane calls out before heading down the street.
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Chapter Nineteen:
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Nancy makes up her mind. Despite how Jeffrey will react, she must tell him about Elizabeth. He is dying inside and she needs to at least give him this small bit of hope.
She makes her way down the hall and knocks softly outside their bedroom door before slowly entering.
Jeffrey sleeps soundly on the bed. Nancy tiptoes over and softly sits beside him. He looks so peaceful in his sleep, not the walking ball of stress that he is when he is awake. He has the weight of a country on his shoulders and he refuses to let them down. Nancy admires him so. The man will do anything for his people. Even push aside his own wife, no matter how much he loves her.
Nancy sighs, thinking back. Years ago, the country was facing a military crisis. Jeffrey had put her aside and focused on work. She wishes she had not been so weak as to go to James. But insecurity and loneliness overcame her, thinking that Jeffrey no longer desired her. She regretted it dearly when she realized what was going on. That Jeffrey does love her. And she loves him too.
Nancy lifts her hand and softly brushes aside a few strands of his hair. He stirs in his sleep and slowly opens his eyes, allowing them to adjust to the dim light of a nearby lamp.
“Nancy?” he whispers, lifting a hand to lovingly stroke her cheek and run his fingers through her soft, silky brown hair.
She slowly nods, tears slipping down her cheeks at his affection.
He gently wipes them away. “What is wrong, dear?” His eyes fill with concern.
“Jeffrey,” she whispers. She softly bites her bottom lip as it quivers and she takes a deep breath, trying to find the courage to go on. “There is something I must tell you, dear.”
Jeffrey can sense the seriously of the matter and tries to sit up, but Nancy stops him. “You need your rest. Allow me to talk and please try not to be angry with me.”
“What ever it is, Nancy, you can tell me,” he says, pulling her hand up to his lips and softly kisses it.
Nancy’s eyes begin to water again, but she must tell him. “Jeffrey. Our … our daughter … she is alive,” Nancy says, biting her lip.
“What?” Jeffrey gasps out, squeezing her hand harder. “H-how can that be?”
Nancy slowly pries her hand from his grip and looks away, dejectedly. “I lied to you. S-she did not die. She is alive.”
There is a long period of silence as Jeffrey thinks. “Where is she?” He tries to calm his anger but can not.
“She is safe, living with a monk. Deluca has informs me that she will be in the Kingdom City soon to attend the Evans and Valenti engagement ball. Her name is Elizabeth,” Nancy says softly.
“Why?” he asks through clenched teeth.
Nancy scoots away from him in fear. “Why what?”
“Why everything!” he screams. “Why did you lie to me? Why did you hide her? Why did you not tell me sooner?”
Nancy cringes at his fury. He has never raised his voice at her before. But she knows she is at fault. “I lied to you and I hid her because I thought that she was not yours. But I was wrong. She is of royal blood. She has special gifts.”
Her words hit Jeffrey hard. “Who?” he whispers out, his voice barely audible, his heart breaking.
“James,” she says softly.
“For how long?” he asks, tears rolling slowly down his face. He makes no attempt to wipe them away.
“Only once, during the military crisis years ago.” She looks over to him, her eyes pleading for forgiveness.
Jeffrey looks away from her, seething with anger and betrayal.
“Jeffrey, please,” she beseeches him. “Let me make it better.”
He turns to her, his eyes cold as he spits out, “bring her home to me and we will discuss everything else later, but not until then.”
She nods her head obediently and leaves out the door. Jeffrey lies back in bed and closes his eyes tight as he wills himself to sleep.
From a shadowy corner of the room, a figure smirks at the dimly lit form of the now sleeping Jeffrey. He makes his way out a secret exit of the King’s bedchambers, hurrying to give this new found information to his superior.
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He waits patiently in his quarters for his informant to return with any useful information. He remains seated as the secret entrance slowly opens and his spy walks over and kneels before him.
“Khivar, your Great, I have much to inform you.”
“Excellent. Now, report,” he commands.
“It seems as though you were right. The queen did have an affair with the Governor. But I have bad news for you, her child is still alive, and she claims the girl is of royal blood.”
Khivar bangs his fist and curses in anger. He signals for his informant to continue.
“The daughter’s name is Elizabeth and she will be attending the Evans and Valenti engagement ball this weekend.”
“Good,” Khivar says with a smile. “We must make certain we attend. We will eliminate her then.” Khivar motions for him to leave with a wave of a hand.
“Oh. And Sean,” Khivar calls out before Sean leaves the room.
“Yes, your Highness?” Sean says with a slight bow.
Khivar tosses a small bag of coins at Sean’s feet. “Buy yourself something nice to wear,” Khivar says. “It is your cousin’s engagement ball, after all.”
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Maxwell kicks the door of the cabin. He cannot knock when both of his hands are filled with boxes his mother left in his living room that morning.
Elizabeth opens the door, smiling widely at Maxwell. “Hello, Maxwell.”
“Hello, Elizabeth,” he manages out as one of the boxes slips from his grasp. Why his palms are always sweating and why he seems to be tongue-tied around her, he will never know.
“Let me help you with that,” Elizabeth says as she grabs a couple of boxes before they fall. “See? I am quite the muscle girl myself,” she says with a wink.
“I can see that,” Maxwell says to her with a smile. Is it his imagination, or is Elizabeth flirting with him? Maxwell shakes his head. He must be imagining it. Elizabeth is so naïve and innocent, she is probably not aware of what she is doing.
They both set the boxes down on the table before Elizabeth settles down on the settee.
“Did you have fun?” Maxwell asks as he sits beside her, close enough to where their arms and legs are touching.
“Oh, we found Elizabeth the perfect gown for Michael’s engagement ball,” Diane calls out from the kitchen.
“May I see it?” Maxwell asks, curious as to what she purchased. Perhaps he can coincidently match with her.
“Of course,” Elizabeth says excitedly as she grabs his hand, stands, and starts pulling him towards her room.
“Halt!” Diane calls from the kitchen.
Both Maxwell and Elizabeth stop, Elizabeth’s hand still holding on to Maxwell’s, and Maxwell not complaining.
“Elizabeth, you will not show Maxwell. And Maxwell, you are not to see Elizabeth’s gown until you escort her down the stairs the night of Michael’s engagement ball.”
Maxwell’s ears perk. “I am escorting Elizabeth to Michael’s engagement ball?”
“Yes, you are,” Diane says with a smile towards her son.
“You do not have to,” Elizabeth says shyly to Maxwell. “I mean … if you have already planned on going with someone …”
“I cannot dream of going with anyone else and I would be honored if you will accompany me,” Maxwell says, bringing her hand up and kissing it.
Elizabeth blushes and shyly pulls her hand away. “I would love to,” she says, smiling widely at him.
“Then, it is settled,” Diane says as she enters the living room, clasping her hands together. “You two will be attending the ball together. Which reminds me, we must teach Elizabeth how to dance.”
Maxwell groans. He can master any sport in the world, but dancing did not agree with him. It is a good thing Sean never learned of Maxwell’s two left feet. “I should be leaving.”
“Do not be silly, Maxwell,” Diane says, smiling at her son. “It is not late. Stay.”
Maxwell hesitates. “I really should not.”
“Please? You can critique us,” his mom adds in. “Elizabeth does not mind, do you?”
They both look towards Elizabeth. She smiles and says simply, “Stay.”
“Alright,” Maxwell says as he sits himself back down on the settee, kicking himself for giving in to her so quickly.
Diane pushes the table aside to clear a makeshift area.
“Alright, Elizabeth. Come here.” Diane says, holding her hand out for Elizabeth to take.
Elizabeth stands in front of her and places her hand in Diane’s.
“Alright,” Diane starts. “Dancing is fairly simple. It is just three simple steps, like this.” Diane shows her. Elizabeth masters the steps effortlessly.
“That is good,” Diane says as they came to a stop. “Now, all you have to do is let the male set the pace and you follow his lead.”
Elizabeth simply nods her head and smiles.
“Of course, I am not a male, and I will not be sure about what they do when they lead.” Diane looks over wickedly at her son. “Maxwell, you are a male. Come over here.”
Maxwell pales. “No, mother. That is quite alright. I would rather not.”
“Oh, come now,” she says, pulling him up from his seat on the couch.
“Mother,” Maxwell complains. “I do not know how.”
“You dance fine. Elizabeth needs a partner,” Diane says, pushing him up next to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth smiles at Maxwell. Maxwell smiles shyly back at her.
Diane sees the exchange and excuses herself. “I have a … a cake baking.” She disappears into the kitchen.
Maxwell looks back at Elizabeth and sees that she is waiting for him, expectantly. “I am not too great of a dancer,” Maxwell says, placing his hand on Elizabeth’s waist as she places her hand on his shoulder. Their other hands intertwined.
“It is alright. You obviously know more than I,” Elizabeth says with a chuckle.
Maxwell lets out a sigh and decides to chance it and take the risk. Evans men never back down from a challenge, right? He pulls her closer to him, placing her hand on his other shoulder before he places his around her waist.
He smiles brightly and his heart flutters when she does not object and clasps her hands together behind his neck.
Diane sneaks a glance at them from the kitchen. Her heart melts at the sight. The way their bodies were so in tune with the other and the way they held each other, makes it seem as though they have been dancing this closely for all of their lives.
Maxwell looks down at Elizabeth with her eyes sparkling. He glances at her soft pink lips. They were curved into a sweet and gentle smile. Time for the final plunge, he decides as he takes a deep breath and prepares himself for the possible rejection. He licks his lips and leans down, slowly tilting his head to the side. She does not back away. Their faces are close. They can feel each other’s warm breaths. It makes him drowsy. She licks her lips and he can almost taste her.
But a knock from the door interrupts their moment. Elizabeth takes several steps back, a shocked and scared expression on her face, staring at Maxwell for a moment before rushing over to the door.
Maxwell groans in frustration. He can kill the person at the door right now. He heads off into the kitchen and sits at the table while Elizabeth opens the door.
“Maria,” Elizabeth yells out, a big smile on her face as she pulls the girl into a fierce hug.
Maxwell scoffs. He is happy to see Maria, but it should be Elizabeth in his arms right now.
“I thought you were not coming until next week,” Elizabeth says, as she pulls away from the embrace.
“I convinced my father to allow me a visit,” Maria says, waving to Diane.
“That is great,” Diane says. “I will go get things ready for you in the room.” She heads off into the bedroom.
Maria looks over at Elizabeth again. “They told me that I was going to be staying with an Elizabeth, but I did not even consider the possibility of it being you.”
“Are you disappointed?” Elizabeth asks playfully.
“The both of you are awfully chummy,” Maxwell says, still a tad bit angry. “How do you know Elizabeth, Maria?”
They only then notice Maxwell sitting at the table a few feet away.
“Oh, hello, Maxwell,” Maria says, going over to embrace him before sitting down in the seat beside him. “I met her in the Kingdom City.”
Elizabeth sits in a chair on the other side of Maxwell. “She saved my life, you know.”
“Why? What happened?” Maxwell asks, concerned.
“I was attacked.”
Maxwell’s anger boils. Who would be so vile as to hurt someone as precious and sweet as Elizabeth? “Who?”
Elizabeth shakes her head. “I did not know the person, but I believe Maria did.”
“Tell me who, Maria,” Maxwell says, already planning a way to torture Elizabeth’s attacker.
Maria groans. She did not want to bring up the incident. It will only begin by Maxwell being angered and end bloody and violent. She sighs and lowers her head. “One of Sean’s goons.”
Maxwell’s rage rises. “Sean? He will pay.” His voice is calm and sweet. It scares Maria to no extent.
Elizabeth’s face pales. She did not think Maxwell would act upon her words. She did not want Maxwell to injure himself over something that happened to her. Elizabeth is about to plead with him to forget about the matter but Diane enters the kitchen.
“Maxwell, may I see you in the room for one second?” Diane asks as she heads back into the bedroom.
“Excuse me, ladies.” Maxwell stands and follows his mother.
Maxwell walks in and sits on the bed as Diane pulls out boxes and places them beside him. “I bought you something today.”
“What is it?” Maxwell asks, eyeing the packages.
“It is your outfit. It matches perfectly with Elizabeth’s gown. All you have to do is go to the shop down the street from the warehouse for a fitting.” Diane smiles smugly.
Maxwell looks at his mother in awe. “Have I told you how much I love you, mother?”
Diane smiles at him. “What is a mother for?” she winks.
“And this as well, Maxwell,” Diane says as she tosses a sack of gold at him.
Maxwell catches it. “What is this?”
“Your money,” she says simply.
“I thought I gave it to Elizabeth,” Maxwell says, confused.
“She will not accept it,” Diane says with a smile.
Maxwell’s face saddens and he lets out a heart-wrenching sigh.
Diane walks up to where her son sits and places a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Maxwell,” she says, lifting up his chin, “I said she did not accept your money. I did not say she did not accept you.”
Maxwell lowers his head again. “What is the difference? She will not accept my generosity so she will not accept me. If Alexander had given it to her, she would have accepted.”
Diane sits down next to him. “I talked to her about you today,” Diane says, trying to cheer him up.
“And?” Maxwell asks, still depressed.
“And,” Diane leans into his ear and whispers, “she likes you.”
Maxwell’s hopes rise. His mother would not lie to him about something this important. “Truly?”
“Straight from the horse’s mouth,” Diane says with a smile.
“Mother,” Maxwell becomes defensive. “She is not a horse.”
“I know,” Diane says as she ruffles his hair.
Maxwell smiles brightly and embraces her tight. “Thank you, mother,” he whispers into her ear.
“Anytime,” she says as she embraces him back.
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Chapter Nineteen:
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Nancy makes up her mind. Despite how Jeffrey will react, she must tell him about Elizabeth. He is dying inside and she needs to at least give him this small bit of hope.
She makes her way down the hall and knocks softly outside their bedroom door before slowly entering.
Jeffrey sleeps soundly on the bed. Nancy tiptoes over and softly sits beside him. He looks so peaceful in his sleep, not the walking ball of stress that he is when he is awake. He has the weight of a country on his shoulders and he refuses to let them down. Nancy admires him so. The man will do anything for his people. Even push aside his own wife, no matter how much he loves her.
Nancy sighs, thinking back. Years ago, the country was facing a military crisis. Jeffrey had put her aside and focused on work. She wishes she had not been so weak as to go to James. But insecurity and loneliness overcame her, thinking that Jeffrey no longer desired her. She regretted it dearly when she realized what was going on. That Jeffrey does love her. And she loves him too.
Nancy lifts her hand and softly brushes aside a few strands of his hair. He stirs in his sleep and slowly opens his eyes, allowing them to adjust to the dim light of a nearby lamp.
“Nancy?” he whispers, lifting a hand to lovingly stroke her cheek and run his fingers through her soft, silky brown hair.
She slowly nods, tears slipping down her cheeks at his affection.
He gently wipes them away. “What is wrong, dear?” His eyes fill with concern.
“Jeffrey,” she whispers. She softly bites her bottom lip as it quivers and she takes a deep breath, trying to find the courage to go on. “There is something I must tell you, dear.”
Jeffrey can sense the seriously of the matter and tries to sit up, but Nancy stops him. “You need your rest. Allow me to talk and please try not to be angry with me.”
“What ever it is, Nancy, you can tell me,” he says, pulling her hand up to his lips and softly kisses it.
Nancy’s eyes begin to water again, but she must tell him. “Jeffrey. Our … our daughter … she is alive,” Nancy says, biting her lip.
“What?” Jeffrey gasps out, squeezing her hand harder. “H-how can that be?”
Nancy slowly pries her hand from his grip and looks away, dejectedly. “I lied to you. S-she did not die. She is alive.”
There is a long period of silence as Jeffrey thinks. “Where is she?” He tries to calm his anger but can not.
“She is safe, living with a monk. Deluca has informs me that she will be in the Kingdom City soon to attend the Evans and Valenti engagement ball. Her name is Elizabeth,” Nancy says softly.
“Why?” he asks through clenched teeth.
Nancy scoots away from him in fear. “Why what?”
“Why everything!” he screams. “Why did you lie to me? Why did you hide her? Why did you not tell me sooner?”
Nancy cringes at his fury. He has never raised his voice at her before. But she knows she is at fault. “I lied to you and I hid her because I thought that she was not yours. But I was wrong. She is of royal blood. She has special gifts.”
Her words hit Jeffrey hard. “Who?” he whispers out, his voice barely audible, his heart breaking.
“James,” she says softly.
“For how long?” he asks, tears rolling slowly down his face. He makes no attempt to wipe them away.
“Only once, during the military crisis years ago.” She looks over to him, her eyes pleading for forgiveness.
Jeffrey looks away from her, seething with anger and betrayal.
“Jeffrey, please,” she beseeches him. “Let me make it better.”
He turns to her, his eyes cold as he spits out, “bring her home to me and we will discuss everything else later, but not until then.”
She nods her head obediently and leaves out the door. Jeffrey lies back in bed and closes his eyes tight as he wills himself to sleep.
From a shadowy corner of the room, a figure smirks at the dimly lit form of the now sleeping Jeffrey. He makes his way out a secret exit of the King’s bedchambers, hurrying to give this new found information to his superior.
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He waits patiently in his quarters for his informant to return with any useful information. He remains seated as the secret entrance slowly opens and his spy walks over and kneels before him.
“Khivar, your Great, I have much to inform you.”
“Excellent. Now, report,” he commands.
“It seems as though you were right. The queen did have an affair with the Governor. But I have bad news for you, her child is still alive, and she claims the girl is of royal blood.”
Khivar bangs his fist and curses in anger. He signals for his informant to continue.
“The daughter’s name is Elizabeth and she will be attending the Evans and Valenti engagement ball this weekend.”
“Good,” Khivar says with a smile. “We must make certain we attend. We will eliminate her then.” Khivar motions for him to leave with a wave of a hand.
“Oh. And Sean,” Khivar calls out before Sean leaves the room.
“Yes, your Highness?” Sean says with a slight bow.
Khivar tosses a small bag of coins at Sean’s feet. “Buy yourself something nice to wear,” Khivar says. “It is your cousin’s engagement ball, after all.”
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Maxwell kicks the door of the cabin. He cannot knock when both of his hands are filled with boxes his mother left in his living room that morning.
Elizabeth opens the door, smiling widely at Maxwell. “Hello, Maxwell.”
“Hello, Elizabeth,” he manages out as one of the boxes slips from his grasp. Why his palms are always sweating and why he seems to be tongue-tied around her, he will never know.
“Let me help you with that,” Elizabeth says as she grabs a couple of boxes before they fall. “See? I am quite the muscle girl myself,” she says with a wink.
“I can see that,” Maxwell says to her with a smile. Is it his imagination, or is Elizabeth flirting with him? Maxwell shakes his head. He must be imagining it. Elizabeth is so naïve and innocent, she is probably not aware of what she is doing.
They both set the boxes down on the table before Elizabeth settles down on the settee.
“Did you have fun?” Maxwell asks as he sits beside her, close enough to where their arms and legs are touching.
“Oh, we found Elizabeth the perfect gown for Michael’s engagement ball,” Diane calls out from the kitchen.
“May I see it?” Maxwell asks, curious as to what she purchased. Perhaps he can coincidently match with her.
“Of course,” Elizabeth says excitedly as she grabs his hand, stands, and starts pulling him towards her room.
“Halt!” Diane calls from the kitchen.
Both Maxwell and Elizabeth stop, Elizabeth’s hand still holding on to Maxwell’s, and Maxwell not complaining.
“Elizabeth, you will not show Maxwell. And Maxwell, you are not to see Elizabeth’s gown until you escort her down the stairs the night of Michael’s engagement ball.”
Maxwell’s ears perk. “I am escorting Elizabeth to Michael’s engagement ball?”
“Yes, you are,” Diane says with a smile towards her son.
“You do not have to,” Elizabeth says shyly to Maxwell. “I mean … if you have already planned on going with someone …”
“I cannot dream of going with anyone else and I would be honored if you will accompany me,” Maxwell says, bringing her hand up and kissing it.
Elizabeth blushes and shyly pulls her hand away. “I would love to,” she says, smiling widely at him.
“Then, it is settled,” Diane says as she enters the living room, clasping her hands together. “You two will be attending the ball together. Which reminds me, we must teach Elizabeth how to dance.”
Maxwell groans. He can master any sport in the world, but dancing did not agree with him. It is a good thing Sean never learned of Maxwell’s two left feet. “I should be leaving.”
“Do not be silly, Maxwell,” Diane says, smiling at her son. “It is not late. Stay.”
Maxwell hesitates. “I really should not.”
“Please? You can critique us,” his mom adds in. “Elizabeth does not mind, do you?”
They both look towards Elizabeth. She smiles and says simply, “Stay.”
“Alright,” Maxwell says as he sits himself back down on the settee, kicking himself for giving in to her so quickly.
Diane pushes the table aside to clear a makeshift area.
“Alright, Elizabeth. Come here.” Diane says, holding her hand out for Elizabeth to take.
Elizabeth stands in front of her and places her hand in Diane’s.
“Alright,” Diane starts. “Dancing is fairly simple. It is just three simple steps, like this.” Diane shows her. Elizabeth masters the steps effortlessly.
“That is good,” Diane says as they came to a stop. “Now, all you have to do is let the male set the pace and you follow his lead.”
Elizabeth simply nods her head and smiles.
“Of course, I am not a male, and I will not be sure about what they do when they lead.” Diane looks over wickedly at her son. “Maxwell, you are a male. Come over here.”
Maxwell pales. “No, mother. That is quite alright. I would rather not.”
“Oh, come now,” she says, pulling him up from his seat on the couch.
“Mother,” Maxwell complains. “I do not know how.”
“You dance fine. Elizabeth needs a partner,” Diane says, pushing him up next to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth smiles at Maxwell. Maxwell smiles shyly back at her.
Diane sees the exchange and excuses herself. “I have a … a cake baking.” She disappears into the kitchen.
Maxwell looks back at Elizabeth and sees that she is waiting for him, expectantly. “I am not too great of a dancer,” Maxwell says, placing his hand on Elizabeth’s waist as she places her hand on his shoulder. Their other hands intertwined.
“It is alright. You obviously know more than I,” Elizabeth says with a chuckle.
Maxwell lets out a sigh and decides to chance it and take the risk. Evans men never back down from a challenge, right? He pulls her closer to him, placing her hand on his other shoulder before he places his around her waist.
He smiles brightly and his heart flutters when she does not object and clasps her hands together behind his neck.
Diane sneaks a glance at them from the kitchen. Her heart melts at the sight. The way their bodies were so in tune with the other and the way they held each other, makes it seem as though they have been dancing this closely for all of their lives.
Maxwell looks down at Elizabeth with her eyes sparkling. He glances at her soft pink lips. They were curved into a sweet and gentle smile. Time for the final plunge, he decides as he takes a deep breath and prepares himself for the possible rejection. He licks his lips and leans down, slowly tilting his head to the side. She does not back away. Their faces are close. They can feel each other’s warm breaths. It makes him drowsy. She licks her lips and he can almost taste her.
But a knock from the door interrupts their moment. Elizabeth takes several steps back, a shocked and scared expression on her face, staring at Maxwell for a moment before rushing over to the door.
Maxwell groans in frustration. He can kill the person at the door right now. He heads off into the kitchen and sits at the table while Elizabeth opens the door.
“Maria,” Elizabeth yells out, a big smile on her face as she pulls the girl into a fierce hug.
Maxwell scoffs. He is happy to see Maria, but it should be Elizabeth in his arms right now.
“I thought you were not coming until next week,” Elizabeth says, as she pulls away from the embrace.
“I convinced my father to allow me a visit,” Maria says, waving to Diane.
“That is great,” Diane says. “I will go get things ready for you in the room.” She heads off into the bedroom.
Maria looks over at Elizabeth again. “They told me that I was going to be staying with an Elizabeth, but I did not even consider the possibility of it being you.”
“Are you disappointed?” Elizabeth asks playfully.
“The both of you are awfully chummy,” Maxwell says, still a tad bit angry. “How do you know Elizabeth, Maria?”
They only then notice Maxwell sitting at the table a few feet away.
“Oh, hello, Maxwell,” Maria says, going over to embrace him before sitting down in the seat beside him. “I met her in the Kingdom City.”
Elizabeth sits in a chair on the other side of Maxwell. “She saved my life, you know.”
“Why? What happened?” Maxwell asks, concerned.
“I was attacked.”
Maxwell’s anger boils. Who would be so vile as to hurt someone as precious and sweet as Elizabeth? “Who?”
Elizabeth shakes her head. “I did not know the person, but I believe Maria did.”
“Tell me who, Maria,” Maxwell says, already planning a way to torture Elizabeth’s attacker.
Maria groans. She did not want to bring up the incident. It will only begin by Maxwell being angered and end bloody and violent. She sighs and lowers her head. “One of Sean’s goons.”
Maxwell’s rage rises. “Sean? He will pay.” His voice is calm and sweet. It scares Maria to no extent.
Elizabeth’s face pales. She did not think Maxwell would act upon her words. She did not want Maxwell to injure himself over something that happened to her. Elizabeth is about to plead with him to forget about the matter but Diane enters the kitchen.
“Maxwell, may I see you in the room for one second?” Diane asks as she heads back into the bedroom.
“Excuse me, ladies.” Maxwell stands and follows his mother.
Maxwell walks in and sits on the bed as Diane pulls out boxes and places them beside him. “I bought you something today.”
“What is it?” Maxwell asks, eyeing the packages.
“It is your outfit. It matches perfectly with Elizabeth’s gown. All you have to do is go to the shop down the street from the warehouse for a fitting.” Diane smiles smugly.
Maxwell looks at his mother in awe. “Have I told you how much I love you, mother?”
Diane smiles at him. “What is a mother for?” she winks.
“And this as well, Maxwell,” Diane says as she tosses a sack of gold at him.
Maxwell catches it. “What is this?”
“Your money,” she says simply.
“I thought I gave it to Elizabeth,” Maxwell says, confused.
“She will not accept it,” Diane says with a smile.
Maxwell’s face saddens and he lets out a heart-wrenching sigh.
Diane walks up to where her son sits and places a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Maxwell,” she says, lifting up his chin, “I said she did not accept your money. I did not say she did not accept you.”
Maxwell lowers his head again. “What is the difference? She will not accept my generosity so she will not accept me. If Alexander had given it to her, she would have accepted.”
Diane sits down next to him. “I talked to her about you today,” Diane says, trying to cheer him up.
“And?” Maxwell asks, still depressed.
“And,” Diane leans into his ear and whispers, “she likes you.”
Maxwell’s hopes rise. His mother would not lie to him about something this important. “Truly?”
“Straight from the horse’s mouth,” Diane says with a smile.
“Mother,” Maxwell becomes defensive. “She is not a horse.”
“I know,” Diane says as she ruffles his hair.
Maxwell smiles brightly and embraces her tight. “Thank you, mother,” he whispers into her ear.
“Anytime,” she says as she embraces him back.
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