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Chapter Twenty:
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Maria walks into the kitchen yawning. Elizabeth is already seated at the table, staring at the plate of food before her.
“Good morning, Elizabeth. Did Diane make us breakfast?”
“Good morning, Maria,” Elizabeth says cheerfully. “Yes, she did. She had to go to the warehouse though. I hope you slept well.”
“Like a baby,” Maria says while she took a seat. “I really wished you will have let me take the settee, Elizabeth.”
“Nonsense,” Elizabeth says, shaking her head. “You are my guest.”
“Yes, but it could not have been comfortable.”
“It is fine. Besides, I will only be sleeping there until we have Kyle’s meditation room cleaned out and turn it into yours and Isabella’s bedroom.”
“I cannot wait for you to meet my sister. You will get along great,” Maria gushes.
“I cannot wait either,” Elizabeth says.
“You will meet her at the ball,” Maria says with enthusiasm. “She is going to look gorgeous on Alexander’s arm.”
Elizabeth makes a face. “Diane mentioned something about the two of them going together, but Alexander never mentioned it. He has never mentioned Isabella when we talk.”
“He has never mentioned Isabella to you?” Maria says, somewhat worried. “How often do you talk with Alexander?”
“Oh, all the time,” Elizabeth says with a smile. “He is so charming and so easy to talk to.”
“Alright,” Maria says, eyeing her warily.
“Oh, that reminds me,” Elizabeth jumps from her seat. “I am to meet with him this morning.”
“Really?” Maria asks.
“Yes. I should be going now. I will see you later, Maria,” Elizabeth says as she nearly closes the door behind her. “Before I forget to ask, when do you plan on leaving back to the Kingdom City?”
“I will be leaving tonight,” Maria says, taking a sip of her tea. “Why do you ask?”
“I was going to go to the Kingdom City to visit someone. You do not mind if I join you, do you?”
“Of course not,” Maria says.
“Alright. Thank you,” Elizabeth heads out again.
“Elizabeth,” Maria calls back.
Elizabeth pops her head back in through the door. “Yes?”
“You did not touch your food,” Maria says, pointing towards Elizabeth’s plate.
“I am not hungry,” Elizabeth says and leaves without waiting for Maria to reply.
She makes her way down the trail, humming softly. By the time she reaches town, her breathing is more labored. She has to rest a bit before she continues on to Alexander’s home.
When she reaches the house, she knocks softly. Maxwell answers the door.
“Elizabeth,” he says happily. “You are just in time for breakfast.” He grabs her hand and pulls her toward the kitchen.
Elizabeth slips her hand out of his grip. “Actually, I have already eaten.”
“Alright,” Maxwell eyes her warily but decides not to push it. “I have something I have been meaning to return to you.” Maxwell grabs her hand again, only this time he holds it a bit tighter so that she cannot let go. He pulls her into his bedroom and motions for her to sit on his bed.
Elizabeth does so obediently. “What did you want to return to me?”
Maxwell smiles at her as he begins searching his bedroom for it. “Remember when we first met?” Both Elizabeth and Maxwell blush, thinking upon their first encounter where Maxwell spied on Elizabeth while she bathed. “Well, not the first time we met, but afterwards, you left your bag behind. That is how I had your journal.”
“So, you were the one with my satchel,” Elizabeth says, leaning her arms back on the bed, a sweet smile on her lips.
Maxwell’s imagination runs wild. How often is the girl of your dreams in your bedroom alone with you, on your bed? He shakes his head to clear his thoughts and runs a hand through his hair nervously. “Yes. I apologize for the mishap.”
“It is quite alright,” she says, smiling at him. He is adorable. “So long as I can have it back. It is the only bag I own.”
“If I can find it,” he says, rummaging in his closet and under his bed.
“Oh, it is right here,” Elizabeth says, lifting up his pillow. “What is it doing under your pillow, Maxwell?”
Maxwell wants to give her a logical explanation, but he cannot think of one at the moment. “Um …” he starts chuckling. “See … see it is sort of a … a long story. You see …”
“Do you sleep with my bag underneath your pillow at night?” Elizabeth asks, standing up before him.
“Yes, Elizabeth. You see …” Maxwell fumbles with his words. He turns red from embarrassment.
“You are adorable,” Elizabeth says as she brings her hand up and lightly brushes his cheek.
Maxwell gazes at her. She looks at him with a sparkle in her eyes. Her lips are curled up slightly at the ends. She bites softly on her bottom lip. He licks his lips and slowly lowers his head. Elizabeth tilts her head slightly, and slowly parts her own lips. Maxwell can feel her soft breath on his skin.
“MAXWELL!” comes Alexander’s voice from the hallway. Maxwell and Elizabeth break apart, the moment ruined.
“BLOODY HELL, ALEXANDER! What do you want?!” Maxwell yells as he rips open his door.
“Calm down,” Alexander says, putting up his hands to protect himself. Maxwell looks ready to kill. “I just came to recapture my Elizabeth, since you stole her away from me,” Alexander reaches out to grab Elizabeth’s hand.
Maxwell stops him. “Your Elizabeth?” he asks, staring down at his little brother.
“Yes,” Elizabeth speaks. “I came to meet Alexander today. But we were so busy, I completely forgot.” Elizabeth slips her hand into Alexander’s outstretched one, and allows him to lead her away.
Maxwell stares after them. He wants nothing more than to grab Elizabeth back into his arms and never let her go again. But she obviously does not want that. She wants Alexander. Maxwell swallows hard and closes his eyes, letting the anger and sorrow sweep over him.
He lies down on his bed and puts his arm over his eyes as he wallows in self-pity. Mother lied to him. Mother never lied to him. So why would she start now? He closes his eyes tight and wills himself to sleep.
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Maxwell lets out a low groan as he feels something softly graze over his cheek. He tries to swat it away. He hears a small giggle and then felt something flick his ear. Maxwell tries to swat it away again. He still refuses to open his eyes until he feels gentle lips press softly against his cheek.
It takes a moment for his eyes to adjust to the light, but when he looks up, Elizabeth is leaning on him, her elbows propped upon his chest.
“Finally,” Elizabeth says with a smile. “I have been trying to wake you up for an eternity now.”
“Hmm?” Maxwell still is not yet fully awake.
Elizabeth giggles and sits up but still keeps her hand on his chest. “I wanted to say goodbye to you before I left.”
Maxwell reaches up and held her hand in his. “Left?”
“To the Kingdom City with Maria and Diane.”
“They are all going?” Maxwell asks, sitting up.
Elizabeth smiles at him. “Yes. We are all going.”
Maxwell yawns and stands. “Then, I will go too.”
“Maxwell, we are leaving right this instant. You do not have enough time to pack. The carriage is waiting for me outside as we speak.”
Maxwell pouts. “But I want to go with you.”
She smiles, lightly brushing his cheek. She looks at him thoughtfully. “I will see you at the ball.” She heads for the door.
“Elizabeth,” he picks up her bag and holds it out for her to take.
She smiles at him. “Keep it. I would not want to deprive you of your bedtime companion,” she says with a wink before leaving out the door.
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“Driver, let me off here,” Elizabeth calls out and the carriage comes to a stop.
“Elizabeth, what are you doing?” Diane asks, as Elizabeth is about to exit the door.
“There is someone I want to meet with,” Elizabeth says as she steps off the carriage.
Maria jumps off as well. “Do not worry, Diane. I will make sure nothing happens to her. She will stay at my home.”
“Alright,” Diane says warily. The driver closes the carriage door and leaves.
Maria and Elizabeth wave to Diane as the carriage takes off.
“You did not have to come with me,” Elizabeth says as she turns to face Maria.
“I know. But I have been wanting to talk to you alone,” Maria says, following Elizabeth as she walk down the street.
“What about?” Elizabeth asks, smiling at Maria.
“About you … and Alexander,” Maria says shyly.
Elizabeth looks at Maria, confused. “What about Alexander and I?”
Maria pulls lightly on Elizabeth’s arm, bringing her to a stop. “Elizabeth, I know I am not being fair, but I really do not want you being with Alexander.”
“Being with Alexander?” Elizabeth still has a puzzled look on her face. “You mean to your ball? In that case, you worry needlessly. I am accompanying Maxwell to the ball.”
Maria shakes her head. “I am not speaking of the ball, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth is confused once more. “Then, what are you speaking of?”
“I am speaking of you and Alexander, together,” Maria says. “I know I cannot stop the two of you from anything. But just know this. You may gain Alexander, but is he worth upsetting and losing so many people over?”
“Upsetting which people?” Elizabeth asks, alarmed. “Who will be upset by Alexander and I?”
Maria tries to look Elizabeth in the eyes, but Elizabeth’s sad gaze remains on the ground before her. “You will be upsetting a great deal of people. Specifically, you will be upsetting Isabella and I, and especially Maxwell.”
Elizabeth’s head shoots up at the mention of his name. “Maxwell? Why will he be upset? Alexander is his younger brother.”
“Precisely,” Maria exclaims. But she knew Elizabeth did not understand all that she implies. Of course, Alexander is a great person, but Maria has seen how both of them act around Elizabeth. Maxwell treats Elizabeth better than Alexander did. Maxwell treats Elizabeth like a goddess.
Elizabeth shakes her head. “I still do not understand.”
“Elizabeth, consider what you are giving up for Alexander. Think of Maxwell. Do you not see how hurt he will be by you and Alexander?”
Elizabeth is still confused. “Why will Maxwell be hurt? Alexander and I have never hurt him.”
Maria stares at Elizabeth. “Elizabeth, if you are with Alexander, it will hurt Maxwell to no extent. Do you not see how he feels for you?”
Elizabeth shakes her head no.
How can Elizabeth be so oblivious to how Maxwell feels for her? “Maxwell worships the ground you walk on. He will do anything and everything for you. All you will have to do was ask. Hell, you do not even have to ask and he will do it. So long as it will put just one small smile on your pretty little face.”
Elizabeth shakes her head in disbelief.
Maria looks at Elizabeth and sighs. Elizabeth lives such a sheltered and naïve life. No wonder she is unaware of how Maxwell feels for her. Maria looks her in the eyes and says straightforwardly, “Maxwell loves you.”
Elizabeth looks at Maria in shock, and then slowly lowers her gaze to the ground once more.
Maria sees this. She begins to worry. “Elizabeth? How do you feel towards Maxwell?”
“What do you mean?” Elizabeth’s eyes remain downcast.
“Do you love him?” Maria asks bluntly.
Elizabeth shakes her head. “I … I do not know … what does love feel like?”
Maria lifts Elizabeth’s head until she can look into her eyes. “Love is the most incredible feeling in the world. You have fluttery butterfly feelings in your stomach every time you see him or even think about them. You want to make him happy. You want to take away all his worries and never let anything hurt him, ever. You want to spend every second of every day with him. You need him.”
“Need him as though he were the air you breathe?” Elizabeth asks softly. It was always the analogy she wishes she could feel.
“Yes.” Maria stares at Elizabeth’s face, trying to see if there is even a small flicker in Elizabeth’s eyes that might mean that she reciprocates at least a fraction of Maxwell’s passion. But there is none. Elizabeth’s face remains emotionless. Her eyes did not glow any brighter. She is not even smiling.
Maria sighs in surrender. “You obviously do not.”
Elizabeth lowers her gaze and bites her lip, trying to calm the new feelings inside her. “You should get going. It is late. I still need to visit with someone first.” Elizabeth starts back down the street.
Maria quickly follows after her. “Who?”
“Claudia Parker,” Elizabeth says, remembering the name of the old woman she met on a trip to the Kingdom City earlier. “I think she might know something about my mother,” Elizabeth says excitedly.
“Who is your mother?” Maria asks, curious to know.
“I do not know,” Elizabeth says, shaking her head with a sigh. “All I know about her is her name. It is all Kyle will tell me. That is where my family name comes from.”
“I do not want to be the bearer of bad news, but what if your mom is not alive anymore?”
“She is,” Elizabeth says simply. Maria is still skeptical. Elizabeth sighs. “I know this might sound strange, but I can feel her, Maria.”
“What do you mean?”
“I cannot describe it. It is a feeling I have. It is like a soft, warm, motherly caress that she sends to me. And every time I am in the Kingdom City, it grows brighter.” Elizabeth sighs. She wants to find her family more than anything. It is all she has ever wanted.
“Then, let us find her,” Maria says. No matter what, she will help Elizabeth. “What is her name?”
“Amy Parker,” Elizabeth says with a bright smile.
“AMY … Parker?” Maria asks.
“Yes. Do you know her?”
“No,” Maria says, shaking her head. “But I know someone who might. Let us go see this Claudia Parker first though. Do you think she might be related to your mother?”
“I am hoping so. But the last time I saw her she would not tell me a thing. She did recognize my mother’s name though.”
“Do you get any … what do you call them …” Maria scrunches up her nose, thinking, “… feelings or caresses … from her?”
Elizabeth smiles at Maria. She did not like telling anyone about her unique gifts but she is glad she told Maria. She did not think anyone would accept her for them. They make her feel different.
“Not much, but more than what I perceive from most strangers. It is a really loving and warm caress, friendly too.”
“Is this the place?” Maria asks as they come to a stop at the door to a small house in the bad side of town. “So this is what you were doing out here when I came to rescue you.”
Elizabeth nods her head at Maria before she knocks softly on the door. They wait a few minutes and are about to knock again when they hear the door slowly creak back. A pair of eyes peeks out at them before the door opens wider. An old woman appears from out behind it.
“Elizabeth,” she says in a cheery voice. “It is so good to see you again. Come on in. You girls should not be out around here this late at night,” she says, ushering them inside the house.
“Hello, Claudia. This is my friend Maria,” Elizabeth says, pointing towards Maria, who is standing beside her.
“It is nice to make your acquaintance, Maria,” she says while motioning for both of them to take a seat. “So, Elizabeth, what brings you by this time?”
“I want to see if you remember anything about Amy Parker,” Elizabeth says, pleading with her eyes for Claudia to give her any possible clue about her mother.
Claudia sighs. “Elizabeth, you should stop this search. Amy Parker does not exist anymore.” Maria’s ears perk up at the phrase.
“Please, Claudia.” Elizabeth walks over to where Claudia sits and kneels before her. “I must find her.”
Claudia sighs and looks down at the girl. “What is so important about her?”
Elizabeth looks up at the old woman and says softly. “She is my mother.”
Claudia gasps, holding her hand over her mouth, and staring at Elizabeth.
Tears are forming in her eyes and running down her cheeks as she picks Elizabeth off the ground and pulls her into a fierce embrace. She whispers in her ear, “Honey-bear.”
“Claudia?” Elizabeth asks confused, as she pulls out of the embrace.
“Now that is no way to address your grandmother,” Claudia says with pride as she looks at Elizabeth.
Both Elizabeth and Maria gasp and stare at the old woman, who simply smiles. “Have a seat. I will fix us some tea. We have a long story ahead of us.”
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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 Twenty One:
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Claudia places a cup of tea in front of each girl before she sits down with her own cup. “Now, where to begin?”
“Why does Amy not exist anymore?” Maria asks, very curious to an explanation, since her father refuses to give her one.
Claudia sighs. “Because she does not.” Both girls stare at her, not understanding.
“Then, she is dead?” Elizabeth asks fearfully.
Claudia shakes her head. “Amy does not exist because she is not Amy any longer. She goes by the name of Nancy now.”
“Why?” Maria asks. “And do you know anything about her connection with James Valenti?”
“James Valenti? Yes, I remember little James. Amy and James, they were an item. They were together for the longest time. Amy loved James a great deal. I remember feeling sorry for him after she left. All of us were hurt by her decision,” Claudia says with a sigh.
“What decision?” Elizabeth asks, even more confused.
“To marry. It was the night of James’s brother’s engagement ball. She was very beautiful, all dolled up. She told me all about it when she came home.”
“I still do not see why she changed her name,” Maria says, shaking her head. “Or why she left Elizabeth. Or where she is now.”
“You have to be of high status in order to marry royalty. That is why she changed her name. They made up an identity for her where it will be socially acceptable for her to marry the Prince. I think they said that she was a high priest’s daughter in some far off land. I do not know. I never saw her after that. Everyone who knew her was forbid to speak of her, and she was just forgotten. No one cared, so long as the queen was beautiful. In this society, that is all that matters.”
Elizabeth is too shocked to speak, so Maria did for her. “She is the queen now,” Maria says, realization dawning on her. “So that makes Elizabeth …”
“A princess,” Claudia fills in for her.
Both Elizabeth and Maria stare at each other in disbelief.
“But … why did she leave me with Kyle?” Elizabeth asks dejectedly. “They obviously have enough money to raise me. It is not because they were poor or unable to. They did not want me. Was it because I was too different?”
Maria leans over and embraces Elizabeth. “You are not different. You are special. There is only one of you in this entire world. You have a good heart, Elizabeth. The world loves you the more for it.”
Claudia sighs, unsure of why her daughter had not kept Elizabeth, but glad that Elizabeth found someone to help her, especially someone as sweet as Maria.
“You girls must be hungry. I will make you something to eat, and you can tell me all about yourselves.” Claudia heads into the kitchen and Maria follows her, with her arm still around Elizabeth.
All three sit at the table with a bowl of sweets for each of them. It is not much of a dinner, but Maria suggested it, seeing how Elizabeth needs cheering up. And what better food is there to put a smile on your face than sweets?
“So, how long have the two of you been friends?” Claudia asks.
“Actually, not very long,” Elizabeth says as she stares at the food in her bowl. “I met her the last time I was in the Kingdom City.” Maria notices that Elizabeth has not even eaten a bite. She will have a talk to Elizabeth about it later.
Claudia is surprised. Maria and Elizabeth seem as if they have known each other their whole lives. “So, I want to hear all about you girls.”
“I will start,” Maria says, knowing Elizabeth did not like too much attention. She hopes that it will make Elizabeth a bit more comfortable. “My name is Rosemary. I am eighteen years of age. I have one younger sister named Isabella. And I am engaged to Michael Guerin of the Evans family. And it will be announced this weekend at my engagement ball.”
“Congratulations on your engagement. Love is a beautiful thing,” Claudia says, smiling at the two. Both Maria and Claudia then turn, looking towards Elizabeth.
Elizabeth bites her lip subconsciously under their gaze. “Well, my name is Elizabeth Parker. I am seventeen years of age. I will be turning eighteen in a few months. I grew up on Mount Roswell. There is not much else about me left to say.”
“No special person in your life, Elizabeth?” Claudia asks with a small grin.
Elizabeth shakes her head.
“Oh, come now. A young woman as pretty as you? You have to attract men like bees to honey.”
Elizabeth just shakes her head again. “There is not much to be attracted to.” Elizabeth stares down at the table. Maria has to be wrong. Maxwell cannot love her. Someone as smart, sweet, loving, playful, handsome, charming … the list goes on and on … and overall just an incredible person as Maxwell cannot feel that way about her. Her own parents did not love her enough to want to keep her. She is an outsider, a pariah.
Maria sighs seeing Elizabeth’s dejected look. Elizabeth has such a low self-esteem at times. If only she can look at herself through someone else’s eyes. Then she can see what a great, loving, and beautiful person she is, especially if she sees herself through Maxwell’s eyes. Maria sighs, thinking of Maxwell’s situation. She wonders why Elizabeth does not see how much Maxwell loves her. It is ironic. Maxwell can have any girl he wants. They will come from miles around, throwing themselves at his feet. But he wants the girl that Maria is not certain he can have.
“It is growing late,” Elizabeth says with a sigh, still staring at her uneaten bowl of sweets.
“Yes, we should be going,” Maria speaks. “Thank you, Claudia. I wish I could stay and chat more, but Elizabeth and I have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. My engagement ball is the day after. You should come. I will have an invitation sent to you,” Maria says while Claudia walks them to the door.
“That will be lovely dear, but I am afraid I cannot make it,” Claudia says, giving Maria a hug goodbye.
“I will send you one, just in case you change your mind,” Maria says as she steps outside the door.
“Goodbye, grandmother,” Elizabeth says as she gives Claudia a hug. “I will come visit you tomorrow.”
“I would love that, honey-bear,” Claudia says, hugging her back. “Whoever he is, he will come running back, like bees to honey.” Claudia gives Elizabeth a knowing glance.
Elizabeth is uncertain of what she means but offers her a small smile and leaves with Maria down the street.
Elizabeth and Maria hurry down the street at a fast pace. It is not good to be out in this part of the city late at night. They make it onto the main street that leads to Maria’s estate and walks up to the gate.
“Miss Valenti,” a guard greets Maria. “It is rather late. We were expecting you home sooner. A carriage stopped by earlier this evening with your belongings. I had them sent up to you bedroom.”
“Thank you,” Maria smiles at the guard as he lets her inside. “Is my father asleep?”
“Governor Valenti is spending the night at his office to finish up paperwork before the ball.”
Maria sighs. Her father works far too much. “What about Isabella?”
“She is waiting for you in your bedroom.”
Maria thanks him once more before heading off with Elizabeth into the house.
Maria tells a servant to prepare a guest room for Elizabeth to stay in as they head up the stairs.
“I cannot wait for you to meet my sister. Isabella is going to love you,” Maria says as they reach the top of the stairs and head into Maria’s bedroom. When Maria opens the door, she finds Isabella asleep on her bed.
Maria tiptoes over, putting a finger to her lips to signal for Elizabeth to be quiet. She grabs a pillow off the bed and begins attacking Isabella. Isabella sits up, startled as she is repeatedly hit. She grabs the pillow she was laying on and begins retaliating. Soon, both girls are knocked out on the bed. Elizabeth just watches on, giggling.
Isabella has not noticed someone else in the room until she hears her soft laughter. She freezes and looks in Elizabeth’s direction, somewhat embarrassed at her childish behavior. She stands from the bed and walks over toward Elizabeth.
“Hello, I am Isabella. And you are?” Isabella asks as she extends her hand for Elizabeth to accept.
“Elizabeth Parker,” Elizabeth says politely as she lightly shakes Isabella’s hand.
“Elizabeth?” Isabella looks towards Maria, who nods her head. “So, you are Elizabeth. I have heard a great deal about you.”
“Likewise,” Elizabeth says with the same evil grin adorning Isabella’s face. Both girls break out in a fit of laughter.
Maria watches on with a smile. They will all get along great.
Elizabeth and Isabella are still busy talking that they do not see the sinister smile on Maria’s face. Maria slowly grabs two pillows, stealthily walks up to the two, and succeeds in knocking them both down before running out of the room laughing.
Elizabeth and Isabella share a knowing glance before grabbing the pillows and rushing out the door after her, knocking a few things over on their way.
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The morning after Elizabeth leaves, Maxwell, Michael, and Alexander go up to her cabin and prepare the room for Maria and Isabella to stay in while they were here in town. They hire people to help carry the beds up the mountain. They clear out Kyle’s meditation room and do a small amount of decorating. It does not look all too feminine, but they are positive that once Maria and Isabella move in, they will fix it up with girly frilly things.
After that, they have to have their outfits for the ball fitted, which takes hours to do. Their mother has taken the liberty to purchasing all of their clothing for them. All three of the outfits are basically black, but they had different colors within the different parts to match with their respective companions for the evening. Apparently, Maria’s dress is going to be green, Elizabeth’s white, and Isabella’s blue.
After they are done at the shop, they lunch together. They are quiet most of the meal. They each have different things on their minds, or different people for the most part.
Michael is still having doubts about his engagement. He loves Maria and he wants more than anything to marry her, but what if she suddenly realizes whom she is marrying? What if she decides he is not good enough for her? What if she calls it off last minute? What will he do without her? What if she decides she does not love him anymore? He will just have to put his heart out on the line and risk it. That is what Evans men do, right? They never back down from a challenge. Michael’s mind is crowded with thoughts.
Alexander is nervous. He has but one more day to get things right. Elizabeth helped him a great deal, but she is not going to be there to hold his hand through this. She is going to be out there dancing with Maxwell during the ball. Alexander is going to have to face his fears. So what if he is somewhat skinny and somewhat brainy? If she likes him, then she will like him for him. He will simply have to tell her. They have known each other for so long now. If the feelings are there, they will have developed by now. He will just have to wait and see. He will have to tell her and face the consequences. That is what Evans men do, right? They never back down from a challenge. Alexander’s head is crowded with things to do.
Maxwell is more confused than ever about his Elizabeth, but he is still hopeful. After all, there are plenty of signs that show him she cares for him, right? She came to say goodbye to him before she left. She did not have to, but she did. She gave him her bag. It was her only bag, and yet she gave it to him. They almost kissed. Twice. And she kissed him. Granted it was a peck on the cheek, but she still kissed him, not the other way around. And he is going to escort her to the ball. Maxwell shakes his head. None of that means a thing. It only means that she is his friend. Hell, at least he has that. He does not know what he will do if he cannot have her in his life. But will he be able to take the rejection if he tells her he loves her and she does not say it back? Can he stand there and watch the love of his life walk out on him. No. He will have to put his heart out on the line and hope that she will not step all over it too much. That is what Evans men do, right? They accept the challenge. They embrace it. Maxwell’s momentary confidence soon dwindles. His thoughts are so crowded with emotions.
After lunch, all three go their separate ways.
Michael goes home to think out things. He says that rest will do him good and help clear up his mind to prepare him for the ball. Apparently, Michael thinks more rationally in his sleep than he does awake.
Alexander goes walking around town to think. He decides to stop by a few shops along the way and steps into a music store. He spends hours inside. He always thinks best with an instrument in his hands.
And Maxwell heads off to the warehouse to check up on things while his mother is in the Kingdom City. He can always think clearly when he busied himself with something else. And carrying bags seem more tempting than dwelling on how pitiful he is. He stays there after all the laborers leave for the day and finishes up loading the last of the bags before heading home.
Maxwell opens the door to his house and walks in. Imagining what it will be like to come home to his own house with his Elizabeth waiting for him inside. Maxwell chuckles, playing out the scene in his mind.
He will walk through the door and shut it behind him, calling out, “Darling, I am home.” And Elizabeth will appear in the living room welcoming him home with hugs and kisses. They will talk about their day over dinner. Spend the evening in the garden, looking up at the stars, or in front of the fireplace, just enjoying each other’s company. Then they will both ready for bed and slip in under the covers together, holding each other as they fall asleep with smiles on their faces.
Maxwell sighs. He will give anything to have his blissful fantasy come to life. But if he tells Elizabeth about this dream, will she want the same too? Or will she laugh at him?
Maxwell walks into the kitchen and pours himself a drink before heading up to his bedroom.
Ever the older brother, Maxwell stops by Michael’s room and finds Michael already asleep. His bags are all packed. They are to leave for the Kingdom City early in the morning so they will arrive around the afternoon. This way, they can prepare any last minute details before the ball the next day, and get well rested.
Maxwell checks on Alexander. He creaks open Alexander’s bedroom door, but Alexander is not in his room. His bags are all packed but where is Alexander? Maxwell walks about the house in search of his little brother. It is beyond late, and Alexander should be asleep. They have a long journey ahead of them tomorrow.
Maxwell hears noises from the garden. He heads over to the window and peeks outside. There, in the soft light of the moon, is Alexander, gently strumming his guitar and softly singing a song.
Maxwell smiles, glad that Alexander picked up his old hobby again. Not only is Alexander a genius, he is one hell of a musician. When did Alexander ever stop playing? Maxwell thinks for a while. It was a couple of years ago. Back when Alexander also stopped tutoring as well. Maxwell wonders if there is a connection, but decides not to ponder too much on the subject. His mind is already filled with so many things to figure out, he did not have room for Alexander’s situation. At least, not about Alexander and Isabella. There is already a huge portion of his mind fathoming over Alexander and Elizabeth.
Maxwell shakes his head to clear his thoughts. He did not have time to think about the Alexander and Elizabeth situation. There should not even be a situation. It is late and he still had to pack his things. Maxwell heads off to his room. He walks over to his bed and pulls his suitcase out from underneath it. He unzips it, and begins packing some necessities for the trip.
He packs clothes, money, and cologne among other various items. His outfit for the ball is baggaged separately, as not to get wrinkled. He walks over to his dresser and opens the bottom drawer. He pulled out a rectangular jewelry box. He snaps it open and stares at it. The diamonds sparkle. It cost him a pretty penny, but it is worth it. It is beautiful, but not as beautiful as she. Nothing will ever come close to Elizabeth.
He bought it to give to her on the night of the ball. And Maria assures him it will match well with Elizabeth’s gown for the evening. He will give it to her and confess his love for her. But will she accept it? Will she accept him? Maxwell snaps the box shut and places it into the suitcase. Lastly, he pulls her bag out from under his pillow and places it in the suitcase as well before zipping it up and putting it down beside his bed.
Maxwell readied for bed, stripping down to his shorts, and slipping under his covers. He sighs, finally getting to relax and sleep from the long day. Closing his eyes, he tries to will himself to sleep, but he just cannot. He tosses and turns, trying to find a comfortable position, but something does not feel right. His heart yearns for something just out of reach.
He clutches his pillow tighter and inhaled the sweet smell of flowers, but it just is not enough. Maxwell stands from bed and blindly opens his suitcase, pulling out her satchel. He climbs back under the covers with it placed beside him. He sigh and closes his eyes to sleep. He is content. He finds what is missing. Elizabeth. It is always her. His angel. Her smell just is not enough. He needs to hold on to her, anything of hers. Maxwell longs for the night when it will actually be his love that he holds in his arms. What will it feel like to be in heaven with his angel? What will it be like to touch her skin and run his fingers through her soft, silky hair? To feel her body fit perfectly in his arms again? It will be heaven. Every part of her fills his senses as he drifts to sleep, dreaming about his Elizabeth.
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Chapter Twenty One:
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Claudia places a cup of tea in front of each girl before she sits down with her own cup. “Now, where to begin?”
“Why does Amy not exist anymore?” Maria asks, very curious to an explanation, since her father refuses to give her one.
Claudia sighs. “Because she does not.” Both girls stare at her, not understanding.
“Then, she is dead?” Elizabeth asks fearfully.
Claudia shakes her head. “Amy does not exist because she is not Amy any longer. She goes by the name of Nancy now.”
“Why?” Maria asks. “And do you know anything about her connection with James Valenti?”
“James Valenti? Yes, I remember little James. Amy and James, they were an item. They were together for the longest time. Amy loved James a great deal. I remember feeling sorry for him after she left. All of us were hurt by her decision,” Claudia says with a sigh.
“What decision?” Elizabeth asks, even more confused.
“To marry. It was the night of James’s brother’s engagement ball. She was very beautiful, all dolled up. She told me all about it when she came home.”
“I still do not see why she changed her name,” Maria says, shaking her head. “Or why she left Elizabeth. Or where she is now.”
“You have to be of high status in order to marry royalty. That is why she changed her name. They made up an identity for her where it will be socially acceptable for her to marry the Prince. I think they said that she was a high priest’s daughter in some far off land. I do not know. I never saw her after that. Everyone who knew her was forbid to speak of her, and she was just forgotten. No one cared, so long as the queen was beautiful. In this society, that is all that matters.”
Elizabeth is too shocked to speak, so Maria did for her. “She is the queen now,” Maria says, realization dawning on her. “So that makes Elizabeth …”
“A princess,” Claudia fills in for her.
Both Elizabeth and Maria stare at each other in disbelief.
“But … why did she leave me with Kyle?” Elizabeth asks dejectedly. “They obviously have enough money to raise me. It is not because they were poor or unable to. They did not want me. Was it because I was too different?”
Maria leans over and embraces Elizabeth. “You are not different. You are special. There is only one of you in this entire world. You have a good heart, Elizabeth. The world loves you the more for it.”
Claudia sighs, unsure of why her daughter had not kept Elizabeth, but glad that Elizabeth found someone to help her, especially someone as sweet as Maria.
“You girls must be hungry. I will make you something to eat, and you can tell me all about yourselves.” Claudia heads into the kitchen and Maria follows her, with her arm still around Elizabeth.
All three sit at the table with a bowl of sweets for each of them. It is not much of a dinner, but Maria suggested it, seeing how Elizabeth needs cheering up. And what better food is there to put a smile on your face than sweets?
“So, how long have the two of you been friends?” Claudia asks.
“Actually, not very long,” Elizabeth says as she stares at the food in her bowl. “I met her the last time I was in the Kingdom City.” Maria notices that Elizabeth has not even eaten a bite. She will have a talk to Elizabeth about it later.
Claudia is surprised. Maria and Elizabeth seem as if they have known each other their whole lives. “So, I want to hear all about you girls.”
“I will start,” Maria says, knowing Elizabeth did not like too much attention. She hopes that it will make Elizabeth a bit more comfortable. “My name is Rosemary. I am eighteen years of age. I have one younger sister named Isabella. And I am engaged to Michael Guerin of the Evans family. And it will be announced this weekend at my engagement ball.”
“Congratulations on your engagement. Love is a beautiful thing,” Claudia says, smiling at the two. Both Maria and Claudia then turn, looking towards Elizabeth.
Elizabeth bites her lip subconsciously under their gaze. “Well, my name is Elizabeth Parker. I am seventeen years of age. I will be turning eighteen in a few months. I grew up on Mount Roswell. There is not much else about me left to say.”
“No special person in your life, Elizabeth?” Claudia asks with a small grin.
Elizabeth shakes her head.
“Oh, come now. A young woman as pretty as you? You have to attract men like bees to honey.”
Elizabeth just shakes her head again. “There is not much to be attracted to.” Elizabeth stares down at the table. Maria has to be wrong. Maxwell cannot love her. Someone as smart, sweet, loving, playful, handsome, charming … the list goes on and on … and overall just an incredible person as Maxwell cannot feel that way about her. Her own parents did not love her enough to want to keep her. She is an outsider, a pariah.
Maria sighs seeing Elizabeth’s dejected look. Elizabeth has such a low self-esteem at times. If only she can look at herself through someone else’s eyes. Then she can see what a great, loving, and beautiful person she is, especially if she sees herself through Maxwell’s eyes. Maria sighs, thinking of Maxwell’s situation. She wonders why Elizabeth does not see how much Maxwell loves her. It is ironic. Maxwell can have any girl he wants. They will come from miles around, throwing themselves at his feet. But he wants the girl that Maria is not certain he can have.
“It is growing late,” Elizabeth says with a sigh, still staring at her uneaten bowl of sweets.
“Yes, we should be going,” Maria speaks. “Thank you, Claudia. I wish I could stay and chat more, but Elizabeth and I have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. My engagement ball is the day after. You should come. I will have an invitation sent to you,” Maria says while Claudia walks them to the door.
“That will be lovely dear, but I am afraid I cannot make it,” Claudia says, giving Maria a hug goodbye.
“I will send you one, just in case you change your mind,” Maria says as she steps outside the door.
“Goodbye, grandmother,” Elizabeth says as she gives Claudia a hug. “I will come visit you tomorrow.”
“I would love that, honey-bear,” Claudia says, hugging her back. “Whoever he is, he will come running back, like bees to honey.” Claudia gives Elizabeth a knowing glance.
Elizabeth is uncertain of what she means but offers her a small smile and leaves with Maria down the street.
Elizabeth and Maria hurry down the street at a fast pace. It is not good to be out in this part of the city late at night. They make it onto the main street that leads to Maria’s estate and walks up to the gate.
“Miss Valenti,” a guard greets Maria. “It is rather late. We were expecting you home sooner. A carriage stopped by earlier this evening with your belongings. I had them sent up to you bedroom.”
“Thank you,” Maria smiles at the guard as he lets her inside. “Is my father asleep?”
“Governor Valenti is spending the night at his office to finish up paperwork before the ball.”
Maria sighs. Her father works far too much. “What about Isabella?”
“She is waiting for you in your bedroom.”
Maria thanks him once more before heading off with Elizabeth into the house.
Maria tells a servant to prepare a guest room for Elizabeth to stay in as they head up the stairs.
“I cannot wait for you to meet my sister. Isabella is going to love you,” Maria says as they reach the top of the stairs and head into Maria’s bedroom. When Maria opens the door, she finds Isabella asleep on her bed.
Maria tiptoes over, putting a finger to her lips to signal for Elizabeth to be quiet. She grabs a pillow off the bed and begins attacking Isabella. Isabella sits up, startled as she is repeatedly hit. She grabs the pillow she was laying on and begins retaliating. Soon, both girls are knocked out on the bed. Elizabeth just watches on, giggling.
Isabella has not noticed someone else in the room until she hears her soft laughter. She freezes and looks in Elizabeth’s direction, somewhat embarrassed at her childish behavior. She stands from the bed and walks over toward Elizabeth.
“Hello, I am Isabella. And you are?” Isabella asks as she extends her hand for Elizabeth to accept.
“Elizabeth Parker,” Elizabeth says politely as she lightly shakes Isabella’s hand.
“Elizabeth?” Isabella looks towards Maria, who nods her head. “So, you are Elizabeth. I have heard a great deal about you.”
“Likewise,” Elizabeth says with the same evil grin adorning Isabella’s face. Both girls break out in a fit of laughter.
Maria watches on with a smile. They will all get along great.
Elizabeth and Isabella are still busy talking that they do not see the sinister smile on Maria’s face. Maria slowly grabs two pillows, stealthily walks up to the two, and succeeds in knocking them both down before running out of the room laughing.
Elizabeth and Isabella share a knowing glance before grabbing the pillows and rushing out the door after her, knocking a few things over on their way.
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The morning after Elizabeth leaves, Maxwell, Michael, and Alexander go up to her cabin and prepare the room for Maria and Isabella to stay in while they were here in town. They hire people to help carry the beds up the mountain. They clear out Kyle’s meditation room and do a small amount of decorating. It does not look all too feminine, but they are positive that once Maria and Isabella move in, they will fix it up with girly frilly things.
After that, they have to have their outfits for the ball fitted, which takes hours to do. Their mother has taken the liberty to purchasing all of their clothing for them. All three of the outfits are basically black, but they had different colors within the different parts to match with their respective companions for the evening. Apparently, Maria’s dress is going to be green, Elizabeth’s white, and Isabella’s blue.
After they are done at the shop, they lunch together. They are quiet most of the meal. They each have different things on their minds, or different people for the most part.
Michael is still having doubts about his engagement. He loves Maria and he wants more than anything to marry her, but what if she suddenly realizes whom she is marrying? What if she decides he is not good enough for her? What if she calls it off last minute? What will he do without her? What if she decides she does not love him anymore? He will just have to put his heart out on the line and risk it. That is what Evans men do, right? They never back down from a challenge. Michael’s mind is crowded with thoughts.
Alexander is nervous. He has but one more day to get things right. Elizabeth helped him a great deal, but she is not going to be there to hold his hand through this. She is going to be out there dancing with Maxwell during the ball. Alexander is going to have to face his fears. So what if he is somewhat skinny and somewhat brainy? If she likes him, then she will like him for him. He will simply have to tell her. They have known each other for so long now. If the feelings are there, they will have developed by now. He will just have to wait and see. He will have to tell her and face the consequences. That is what Evans men do, right? They never back down from a challenge. Alexander’s head is crowded with things to do.
Maxwell is more confused than ever about his Elizabeth, but he is still hopeful. After all, there are plenty of signs that show him she cares for him, right? She came to say goodbye to him before she left. She did not have to, but she did. She gave him her bag. It was her only bag, and yet she gave it to him. They almost kissed. Twice. And she kissed him. Granted it was a peck on the cheek, but she still kissed him, not the other way around. And he is going to escort her to the ball. Maxwell shakes his head. None of that means a thing. It only means that she is his friend. Hell, at least he has that. He does not know what he will do if he cannot have her in his life. But will he be able to take the rejection if he tells her he loves her and she does not say it back? Can he stand there and watch the love of his life walk out on him. No. He will have to put his heart out on the line and hope that she will not step all over it too much. That is what Evans men do, right? They accept the challenge. They embrace it. Maxwell’s momentary confidence soon dwindles. His thoughts are so crowded with emotions.
After lunch, all three go their separate ways.
Michael goes home to think out things. He says that rest will do him good and help clear up his mind to prepare him for the ball. Apparently, Michael thinks more rationally in his sleep than he does awake.
Alexander goes walking around town to think. He decides to stop by a few shops along the way and steps into a music store. He spends hours inside. He always thinks best with an instrument in his hands.
And Maxwell heads off to the warehouse to check up on things while his mother is in the Kingdom City. He can always think clearly when he busied himself with something else. And carrying bags seem more tempting than dwelling on how pitiful he is. He stays there after all the laborers leave for the day and finishes up loading the last of the bags before heading home.
Maxwell opens the door to his house and walks in. Imagining what it will be like to come home to his own house with his Elizabeth waiting for him inside. Maxwell chuckles, playing out the scene in his mind.
He will walk through the door and shut it behind him, calling out, “Darling, I am home.” And Elizabeth will appear in the living room welcoming him home with hugs and kisses. They will talk about their day over dinner. Spend the evening in the garden, looking up at the stars, or in front of the fireplace, just enjoying each other’s company. Then they will both ready for bed and slip in under the covers together, holding each other as they fall asleep with smiles on their faces.
Maxwell sighs. He will give anything to have his blissful fantasy come to life. But if he tells Elizabeth about this dream, will she want the same too? Or will she laugh at him?
Maxwell walks into the kitchen and pours himself a drink before heading up to his bedroom.
Ever the older brother, Maxwell stops by Michael’s room and finds Michael already asleep. His bags are all packed. They are to leave for the Kingdom City early in the morning so they will arrive around the afternoon. This way, they can prepare any last minute details before the ball the next day, and get well rested.
Maxwell checks on Alexander. He creaks open Alexander’s bedroom door, but Alexander is not in his room. His bags are all packed but where is Alexander? Maxwell walks about the house in search of his little brother. It is beyond late, and Alexander should be asleep. They have a long journey ahead of them tomorrow.
Maxwell hears noises from the garden. He heads over to the window and peeks outside. There, in the soft light of the moon, is Alexander, gently strumming his guitar and softly singing a song.
Maxwell smiles, glad that Alexander picked up his old hobby again. Not only is Alexander a genius, he is one hell of a musician. When did Alexander ever stop playing? Maxwell thinks for a while. It was a couple of years ago. Back when Alexander also stopped tutoring as well. Maxwell wonders if there is a connection, but decides not to ponder too much on the subject. His mind is already filled with so many things to figure out, he did not have room for Alexander’s situation. At least, not about Alexander and Isabella. There is already a huge portion of his mind fathoming over Alexander and Elizabeth.
Maxwell shakes his head to clear his thoughts. He did not have time to think about the Alexander and Elizabeth situation. There should not even be a situation. It is late and he still had to pack his things. Maxwell heads off to his room. He walks over to his bed and pulls his suitcase out from underneath it. He unzips it, and begins packing some necessities for the trip.
He packs clothes, money, and cologne among other various items. His outfit for the ball is baggaged separately, as not to get wrinkled. He walks over to his dresser and opens the bottom drawer. He pulled out a rectangular jewelry box. He snaps it open and stares at it. The diamonds sparkle. It cost him a pretty penny, but it is worth it. It is beautiful, but not as beautiful as she. Nothing will ever come close to Elizabeth.
He bought it to give to her on the night of the ball. And Maria assures him it will match well with Elizabeth’s gown for the evening. He will give it to her and confess his love for her. But will she accept it? Will she accept him? Maxwell snaps the box shut and places it into the suitcase. Lastly, he pulls her bag out from under his pillow and places it in the suitcase as well before zipping it up and putting it down beside his bed.
Maxwell readied for bed, stripping down to his shorts, and slipping under his covers. He sighs, finally getting to relax and sleep from the long day. Closing his eyes, he tries to will himself to sleep, but he just cannot. He tosses and turns, trying to find a comfortable position, but something does not feel right. His heart yearns for something just out of reach.
He clutches his pillow tighter and inhaled the sweet smell of flowers, but it just is not enough. Maxwell stands from bed and blindly opens his suitcase, pulling out her satchel. He climbs back under the covers with it placed beside him. He sigh and closes his eyes to sleep. He is content. He finds what is missing. Elizabeth. It is always her. His angel. Her smell just is not enough. He needs to hold on to her, anything of hers. Maxwell longs for the night when it will actually be his love that he holds in his arms. What will it feel like to be in heaven with his angel? What will it be like to touch her skin and run his fingers through her soft, silky hair? To feel her body fit perfectly in his arms again? It will be heaven. Every part of her fills his senses as he drifts to sleep, dreaming about his Elizabeth.
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Chapter Twenty Two:
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All three girls are sprawled out in Maria’s room. Maria lies on the bed, leaning over the side. Isabella lies on the floor, propped on her elbows. And Elizabeth sits, leaning against the side of the bed.
They are all exhausted from running around the house, chasing Maria. When Isabella and Elizabeth finally caught her, they pummeled her with pillows until Maria surrendered.
“Maria,” Elizabeth begins, “what does it feel like to soon be the fiancé of Michael Guerin?”
“Michael Evans,” Isabella corrects her.
Elizabeth looks at Maria. “I thought his last name is Guerin?”
“It is,” Maria says, confused. “What do you mean by that, Isabella?”
Isabella groans, she is not supposed to mention anything about it. “Nothing.”
Both Maria and Elizabeth look at her expectantly, knowing she is hiding something.
Isabella gives in. “Fine. Father and Mr. Evans are working on a surprise for Michael but you did not hear it from me.”
“Congratulations, Maria. You are going to be an Evans,” Elizabeth says with a sweet smile.
“You know what they say about Evans men,” Isabella says, winking at Maria. “Just imagine what they will say about Evans women.”
Maria hits Elizabeth’s arm playfully and throws a pillow in Isabella’s direction. “I would not talk if I were you. You will both be Evans women too, sooner or later.”
Isabella mock gasps. “I have no idea what you are speaking of,” Isabella huffs and starts giggling.
Elizabeth looks at Maria, confused. “What do you mean, Maria?”
“Well, I have heard from both father and Mr. Evans that they are already discussing Alexander’s engagement to Isabella,” Maria says, winking at Isabella, who throws a pillow back at her.
Elizabeth is still confused. “But you said we will both be Evans women.”
“Elizabeth, darling,” Isabella begins, “Maria will be engaged to Michael. I will possibly be engaged to Alexander. Who is left?” Isabella asks with a big toothy grin.
Elizabeth gasps. “Are … are you implying that I … and M-Maxwell … engaged?”
“I thought that was what you wanted,” Isabella says, confused. “Do you not like Maxwell?”
“Yes. But I do not think …”
“Isabella,” Maria interrupts her. “Let us not discuss it any longer.”
“We will discuss the ball then,” Isabella says, not wanting to mention anything that might upset Elizabeth.
Maria has an excited look on her face. “It is going to be amazing. I am going to wear the green gown I had made. Remember the design of mother’s dress, Isabella?”
Isabella nods her head.
“I had it designed somewhat similar to it. It is gorgeous,” Maria says, anticipating the excitement.
“You will be the belle of the ball,” Elizabeth says with a smile.
“What does your gown look like, Elizabeth?” Isabella asks.
“It is simply beautiful,” Maria answers for her. “It is a satiny white with bits of gold in it. Elizabeth will look just perfect. She will catch the eyes of more than just one person. Every man will be drooling.”
Isabella giggles. “It gives everyone just one more thing to envy Maxwell Evans over.”
Elizabeth blushes and smiles politely.
“Oh, Elizabeth,” Maria begins, “Maxwell will simply die when he sees how gorgeous you are at the ball. He is already swooning whenever you are near.”
“Already?” Isabella asks. “I never thought I would see the day that the charmer himself, Mr. Maxwell Evans, would fall head over heels for a girl. But then, there cannot have been anyone better.”
Elizabeth blushes again. “Stop, you are embarrassing me,” Elizabeth says softly.
“Oh, come, Elizabeth,” Maria adds in. “There is no need to be modest. You are gorgeous. Look at you, that skin, those cheeks, that hair, and your eyes? Too perfect. All you have to do is pout that lip of yours and guys will come throwing themselves at your feet.”
Isabella mock gasps. “But then we would not want to make Maxwell jealous, now would we?”
“Evans men are quite adorable when they are jealous. Why do you think I flirted with so many men in front of Michael before?” Maria asks with an evil grin.
“Why?” Elizabeth asks.
“So he can see what he was missing out on. Michael would go crazy and start glaring at every man we passed, as if already claiming me as his. But then, Michael never really acted on it though,” Maria says with a sigh.
“Oh, but Maxwell,” Isabella began, “Maxwell is a very active person. He is very much the knight in shining armor who must find his damsel in distress. He would knock down anyone in his path.”
“You know what we should have her do?” Maria suggests to Isabella. “We should have her dance with someone else at the ball. Then we can see how Maxwell will react.”
Isabella brightens at the idea. “If she kept dancing with other men all night, Maxwell will go insane with jealousy.”
Maria giggles. “He will throw her over his shoulder and carry her off.”
Isabella laughs and Elizabeth leans back and sighs. They are talking about her as though she were not there.
Maria’s laughter dies and her face becomes solemn. She looks at Isabella. “But she must not dance with Sean. We have to make certain Sean stays far away from both Maxwell and Elizabeth.”
“You are right,” Isabella says. “Maxwell will kill Sean if he even set eyes on Elizabeth.”
“He would not truly harm him, would he?” Elizabeth asks, worry setting in.
“Maxwell’s threats are never to be taken lightly,” Isabella says softly. “Especially against Sean.”
“Elizabeth, when Maxwell gets here, talk to him. Make sure he does not overreact,” Maria tells Elizabeth.
“I will try, but you know how stubborn he can be at times,” Elizabeth says, biting her lip.
“Elizabeth, if you told him to jump off of a cliff, he would do it without question,” Maria says.
Isabella giggles. “I bet he will walk through fire for her.”
“Juggle swords.”
“Eat worms.”
“Strip.”
“Streak.”
Both Maria and Isabella break out into a fit of laughter. Elizabeth shakes her head and stands, heading towards the door.
“Elizabeth, where are you going?” Maria asks.
“I am surprised you even noticed me, seeing as how you are discussing me as though I am not here.” Elizabeth mocks anger and puts her hands on her hips.
All three girls laugh.
“You are right. It is late,” Isabella says as she picks herself off the floor.
“Yes. We have a great deal to do tomorrow,” Maria agrees. “Goodnight all,” Maria calls out.
Both Isabella and Elizabeth stop at the door and call out before shutting it. “Good night, soon to be Mrs. Michael Evans.”
Maria smirks at them. “And do not you forget it.”
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James finally finishes the paperwork and places it in his briefcase. He spent all night working on it for Philip. Philip told him that there is not a rush, but he wants to do this for his soon to be son-in-law. He is glad Maria found someone as good-hearted as Michael. Michael will take care of Maria, perhaps even better than James himself.
Now he has only Isabella left. He has already begun discussing with Philip the matters of Isabella and Alexander’s relationship. They agree that the two are very fond of one other, but they decide to wait and see if their feelings lead to where Philip and James hopes they will.
The both of his children will marry then. But Philip still has Maxwell. James simply cannot think of a girl good enough to tame that boy. Maxwell needs someone special whom he can care for. But Maxwell is already certain that he has found the perfect girl. At least, that is what Philip tells him.
James is convinced that the girl has to be special to catch Maxwell’s attention. And it is a good thing Maxwell found someone too. His brother has wanted to set up a meeting with Philip to discuss a possible engagement between Maxwell and Tess. James shutters at the notion. He is fond of his niece, but she just will not suit well with Maxwell. She is too … superficial. Maxwell is charming and daring. He needs someone soft, sweet, and loving to complete him. And that is not Tess.
James arrives home later in the morning, after he drops off the paperwork at Philip’s office. The guard informs him of Maria’s return as he enters through the door. Immediately, he hears laughter and feels the warmth and love in the house.
He heads up to Maria’s bedroom and knocks softly on the door before opening it. He pushes the door open and sees her. Long, silky dark brown hair. Bright deep brown eyes. Soft creamy skin. Lips curved in a small sweet smile. She is beauty dressed in the flowing white dress that makes her perfect, too perfect … “Amy?”
Elizabeth stares at him. Maria stands from where she sits on the bed. “No, father. This is Elizabeth Parker.”
“Parker?” he asks Maria, giving her a look.
Maria nods her head knowingly at him. “Parker.”
“We are getting some last minute things together for the ball. Elizabeth was modeling her gown for us to see. Does she not look beautiful, father?” Isabella asks.
James looks at her. She is a replica of Amy from that day so long ago. “Too perfect,” James says softly before heading to his bedroom.
Maria sighs and closes the door. She walks over to Elizabeth. They are deciding how to tell the stylist to do Elizabeth’s hair.
“It is most definitely going up,” Isabella says. “This is a formal affair, her hair must be done up.”
“Adorned with flowers?” Maria asks Isabella.
“No. I think more along the line of beads or pearls of some sort,” Isabella says
Maria nods her head in agreement. “You are right. Flowers will not look as nice. It would be too much.”
“What else do you have to go with the dress, Elizabeth?” Maria asks.
“It is all in that trunk,” Elizabeth says, pointing to the chest near the bed.
Maria opens it up and pulls all of her things out onto the bed. “These are perfect. Did Diane help you pick these out?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth answers, nodding her head.
“Good. Diane has excellent taste,” Isabella says while picking up some of the items.
Both Maria and Isabella help Elizabeth try on the rest of her ensemble. Both are in awe at how gorgeous Elizabeth looks, even without her hair and makeup done. They let Elizabeth change and tell her to join them downstairs later.
Maria and Isabella sit in the living area.
“Elizabeth looked beautiful,” Maria says to Isabella.
Isabella nods in agreement. “That dress is so small though. How can she fit it?”
Maria sighs. “I do not think she is eating,” Maria says, concerned.
Isabella sighs knowingly. “She wants to look perfect for Maxwell.”
“Yes,” Maria agrees. “No matter how much she denies it. She loves him.”
“You see it too?” Isabella asks her sister.
“Yes,” Maria says with a smile. “She had that look in her eyes when we were speaking of him.”
“The look of longing,” Isabella says with a sigh.
“I have seen it on Maxwell’s face far too many times. He loves her too, you know.”
Isabella is confused. “Then why are they not together?”
“She is afraid of something,” Maria says with a shrug. “Possibly afraid of getting hurt.”
“Are not we all?” Isabella asks with a sad face.
“Do not worry, Isabella,” Maria says, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Alexander will come around. He is head over heels for you. You must show him you feel the same. Men are the biggest cowards around. They have the biggest egos that bruise so easily.”
Isabella giggles, then sighs and nods her head.
“Let us go get something to eat,” Maria offers.
“Yes. That sounds nice,” Isabella starts up the stairs to inform Elizabeth they are all going out to eat.
She knocks softly on the door. “Elizabeth, are you ready? How does a meal sound?”
Elizabeth opens the door. “I am not very hungry,” she says as they heads down the stairs.
“You have to eat something, Elizabeth,” Maria says sternly from the bottom of the stairs. “You barely touched your food at breakfast.”
“I am too excited to eat,” Elizabeth says, trying to brush it off.
“Please, just eat something,” Maria pleads with her.
“I will. I promise,” Elizabeth says, nodding her head.
“Let us go then,” Isabella says, waiting for them.
“Oh, but I was planning on visiting Claudia now,” Elizabeth says, following Isabella out the door.
“We will go with you,” Maria insists. “I need to give Claudia her invitation.”
“Actually, I want to talk to my grandmother alone, if you do not mind,” Elizabeth says softly.
“That is alright. Maria and I will go and you can meet us at the Evans’ estate after you are done,” Isabella says, smiling at Elizabeth. “The boys should arrive by then.”
“Alright,” Elizabeth says as she heads down the street.
“Remember to eat something,” Maria calls out to her.
Elizabeth nods her head at Maria and leaves. Maria and Isabella head to a restaurant.
“Do you think she will eat?” Isabella asks.
“No,” Maria replies sadly.
“Shall we inform Maxwell?” Isabella asks, concerned for Elizabeth.
Maria sighs. “We do not want to worry him too much. Only if we must. He will not be pleased though. Not one bit.”
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Chapter Twenty Two:
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All three girls are sprawled out in Maria’s room. Maria lies on the bed, leaning over the side. Isabella lies on the floor, propped on her elbows. And Elizabeth sits, leaning against the side of the bed.
They are all exhausted from running around the house, chasing Maria. When Isabella and Elizabeth finally caught her, they pummeled her with pillows until Maria surrendered.
“Maria,” Elizabeth begins, “what does it feel like to soon be the fiancé of Michael Guerin?”
“Michael Evans,” Isabella corrects her.
Elizabeth looks at Maria. “I thought his last name is Guerin?”
“It is,” Maria says, confused. “What do you mean by that, Isabella?”
Isabella groans, she is not supposed to mention anything about it. “Nothing.”
Both Maria and Elizabeth look at her expectantly, knowing she is hiding something.
Isabella gives in. “Fine. Father and Mr. Evans are working on a surprise for Michael but you did not hear it from me.”
“Congratulations, Maria. You are going to be an Evans,” Elizabeth says with a sweet smile.
“You know what they say about Evans men,” Isabella says, winking at Maria. “Just imagine what they will say about Evans women.”
Maria hits Elizabeth’s arm playfully and throws a pillow in Isabella’s direction. “I would not talk if I were you. You will both be Evans women too, sooner or later.”
Isabella mock gasps. “I have no idea what you are speaking of,” Isabella huffs and starts giggling.
Elizabeth looks at Maria, confused. “What do you mean, Maria?”
“Well, I have heard from both father and Mr. Evans that they are already discussing Alexander’s engagement to Isabella,” Maria says, winking at Isabella, who throws a pillow back at her.
Elizabeth is still confused. “But you said we will both be Evans women.”
“Elizabeth, darling,” Isabella begins, “Maria will be engaged to Michael. I will possibly be engaged to Alexander. Who is left?” Isabella asks with a big toothy grin.
Elizabeth gasps. “Are … are you implying that I … and M-Maxwell … engaged?”
“I thought that was what you wanted,” Isabella says, confused. “Do you not like Maxwell?”
“Yes. But I do not think …”
“Isabella,” Maria interrupts her. “Let us not discuss it any longer.”
“We will discuss the ball then,” Isabella says, not wanting to mention anything that might upset Elizabeth.
Maria has an excited look on her face. “It is going to be amazing. I am going to wear the green gown I had made. Remember the design of mother’s dress, Isabella?”
Isabella nods her head.
“I had it designed somewhat similar to it. It is gorgeous,” Maria says, anticipating the excitement.
“You will be the belle of the ball,” Elizabeth says with a smile.
“What does your gown look like, Elizabeth?” Isabella asks.
“It is simply beautiful,” Maria answers for her. “It is a satiny white with bits of gold in it. Elizabeth will look just perfect. She will catch the eyes of more than just one person. Every man will be drooling.”
Isabella giggles. “It gives everyone just one more thing to envy Maxwell Evans over.”
Elizabeth blushes and smiles politely.
“Oh, Elizabeth,” Maria begins, “Maxwell will simply die when he sees how gorgeous you are at the ball. He is already swooning whenever you are near.”
“Already?” Isabella asks. “I never thought I would see the day that the charmer himself, Mr. Maxwell Evans, would fall head over heels for a girl. But then, there cannot have been anyone better.”
Elizabeth blushes again. “Stop, you are embarrassing me,” Elizabeth says softly.
“Oh, come, Elizabeth,” Maria adds in. “There is no need to be modest. You are gorgeous. Look at you, that skin, those cheeks, that hair, and your eyes? Too perfect. All you have to do is pout that lip of yours and guys will come throwing themselves at your feet.”
Isabella mock gasps. “But then we would not want to make Maxwell jealous, now would we?”
“Evans men are quite adorable when they are jealous. Why do you think I flirted with so many men in front of Michael before?” Maria asks with an evil grin.
“Why?” Elizabeth asks.
“So he can see what he was missing out on. Michael would go crazy and start glaring at every man we passed, as if already claiming me as his. But then, Michael never really acted on it though,” Maria says with a sigh.
“Oh, but Maxwell,” Isabella began, “Maxwell is a very active person. He is very much the knight in shining armor who must find his damsel in distress. He would knock down anyone in his path.”
“You know what we should have her do?” Maria suggests to Isabella. “We should have her dance with someone else at the ball. Then we can see how Maxwell will react.”
Isabella brightens at the idea. “If she kept dancing with other men all night, Maxwell will go insane with jealousy.”
Maria giggles. “He will throw her over his shoulder and carry her off.”
Isabella laughs and Elizabeth leans back and sighs. They are talking about her as though she were not there.
Maria’s laughter dies and her face becomes solemn. She looks at Isabella. “But she must not dance with Sean. We have to make certain Sean stays far away from both Maxwell and Elizabeth.”
“You are right,” Isabella says. “Maxwell will kill Sean if he even set eyes on Elizabeth.”
“He would not truly harm him, would he?” Elizabeth asks, worry setting in.
“Maxwell’s threats are never to be taken lightly,” Isabella says softly. “Especially against Sean.”
“Elizabeth, when Maxwell gets here, talk to him. Make sure he does not overreact,” Maria tells Elizabeth.
“I will try, but you know how stubborn he can be at times,” Elizabeth says, biting her lip.
“Elizabeth, if you told him to jump off of a cliff, he would do it without question,” Maria says.
Isabella giggles. “I bet he will walk through fire for her.”
“Juggle swords.”
“Eat worms.”
“Strip.”
“Streak.”
Both Maria and Isabella break out into a fit of laughter. Elizabeth shakes her head and stands, heading towards the door.
“Elizabeth, where are you going?” Maria asks.
“I am surprised you even noticed me, seeing as how you are discussing me as though I am not here.” Elizabeth mocks anger and puts her hands on her hips.
All three girls laugh.
“You are right. It is late,” Isabella says as she picks herself off the floor.
“Yes. We have a great deal to do tomorrow,” Maria agrees. “Goodnight all,” Maria calls out.
Both Isabella and Elizabeth stop at the door and call out before shutting it. “Good night, soon to be Mrs. Michael Evans.”
Maria smirks at them. “And do not you forget it.”
--------------
James finally finishes the paperwork and places it in his briefcase. He spent all night working on it for Philip. Philip told him that there is not a rush, but he wants to do this for his soon to be son-in-law. He is glad Maria found someone as good-hearted as Michael. Michael will take care of Maria, perhaps even better than James himself.
Now he has only Isabella left. He has already begun discussing with Philip the matters of Isabella and Alexander’s relationship. They agree that the two are very fond of one other, but they decide to wait and see if their feelings lead to where Philip and James hopes they will.
The both of his children will marry then. But Philip still has Maxwell. James simply cannot think of a girl good enough to tame that boy. Maxwell needs someone special whom he can care for. But Maxwell is already certain that he has found the perfect girl. At least, that is what Philip tells him.
James is convinced that the girl has to be special to catch Maxwell’s attention. And it is a good thing Maxwell found someone too. His brother has wanted to set up a meeting with Philip to discuss a possible engagement between Maxwell and Tess. James shutters at the notion. He is fond of his niece, but she just will not suit well with Maxwell. She is too … superficial. Maxwell is charming and daring. He needs someone soft, sweet, and loving to complete him. And that is not Tess.
James arrives home later in the morning, after he drops off the paperwork at Philip’s office. The guard informs him of Maria’s return as he enters through the door. Immediately, he hears laughter and feels the warmth and love in the house.
He heads up to Maria’s bedroom and knocks softly on the door before opening it. He pushes the door open and sees her. Long, silky dark brown hair. Bright deep brown eyes. Soft creamy skin. Lips curved in a small sweet smile. She is beauty dressed in the flowing white dress that makes her perfect, too perfect … “Amy?”
Elizabeth stares at him. Maria stands from where she sits on the bed. “No, father. This is Elizabeth Parker.”
“Parker?” he asks Maria, giving her a look.
Maria nods her head knowingly at him. “Parker.”
“We are getting some last minute things together for the ball. Elizabeth was modeling her gown for us to see. Does she not look beautiful, father?” Isabella asks.
James looks at her. She is a replica of Amy from that day so long ago. “Too perfect,” James says softly before heading to his bedroom.
Maria sighs and closes the door. She walks over to Elizabeth. They are deciding how to tell the stylist to do Elizabeth’s hair.
“It is most definitely going up,” Isabella says. “This is a formal affair, her hair must be done up.”
“Adorned with flowers?” Maria asks Isabella.
“No. I think more along the line of beads or pearls of some sort,” Isabella says
Maria nods her head in agreement. “You are right. Flowers will not look as nice. It would be too much.”
“What else do you have to go with the dress, Elizabeth?” Maria asks.
“It is all in that trunk,” Elizabeth says, pointing to the chest near the bed.
Maria opens it up and pulls all of her things out onto the bed. “These are perfect. Did Diane help you pick these out?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth answers, nodding her head.
“Good. Diane has excellent taste,” Isabella says while picking up some of the items.
Both Maria and Isabella help Elizabeth try on the rest of her ensemble. Both are in awe at how gorgeous Elizabeth looks, even without her hair and makeup done. They let Elizabeth change and tell her to join them downstairs later.
Maria and Isabella sit in the living area.
“Elizabeth looked beautiful,” Maria says to Isabella.
Isabella nods in agreement. “That dress is so small though. How can she fit it?”
Maria sighs. “I do not think she is eating,” Maria says, concerned.
Isabella sighs knowingly. “She wants to look perfect for Maxwell.”
“Yes,” Maria agrees. “No matter how much she denies it. She loves him.”
“You see it too?” Isabella asks her sister.
“Yes,” Maria says with a smile. “She had that look in her eyes when we were speaking of him.”
“The look of longing,” Isabella says with a sigh.
“I have seen it on Maxwell’s face far too many times. He loves her too, you know.”
Isabella is confused. “Then why are they not together?”
“She is afraid of something,” Maria says with a shrug. “Possibly afraid of getting hurt.”
“Are not we all?” Isabella asks with a sad face.
“Do not worry, Isabella,” Maria says, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Alexander will come around. He is head over heels for you. You must show him you feel the same. Men are the biggest cowards around. They have the biggest egos that bruise so easily.”
Isabella giggles, then sighs and nods her head.
“Let us go get something to eat,” Maria offers.
“Yes. That sounds nice,” Isabella starts up the stairs to inform Elizabeth they are all going out to eat.
She knocks softly on the door. “Elizabeth, are you ready? How does a meal sound?”
Elizabeth opens the door. “I am not very hungry,” she says as they heads down the stairs.
“You have to eat something, Elizabeth,” Maria says sternly from the bottom of the stairs. “You barely touched your food at breakfast.”
“I am too excited to eat,” Elizabeth says, trying to brush it off.
“Please, just eat something,” Maria pleads with her.
“I will. I promise,” Elizabeth says, nodding her head.
“Let us go then,” Isabella says, waiting for them.
“Oh, but I was planning on visiting Claudia now,” Elizabeth says, following Isabella out the door.
“We will go with you,” Maria insists. “I need to give Claudia her invitation.”
“Actually, I want to talk to my grandmother alone, if you do not mind,” Elizabeth says softly.
“That is alright. Maria and I will go and you can meet us at the Evans’ estate after you are done,” Isabella says, smiling at Elizabeth. “The boys should arrive by then.”
“Alright,” Elizabeth says as she heads down the street.
“Remember to eat something,” Maria calls out to her.
Elizabeth nods her head at Maria and leaves. Maria and Isabella head to a restaurant.
“Do you think she will eat?” Isabella asks.
“No,” Maria replies sadly.
“Shall we inform Maxwell?” Isabella asks, concerned for Elizabeth.
Maria sighs. “We do not want to worry him too much. Only if we must. He will not be pleased though. Not one bit.”
-------------------------------------------------
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Chapter Twenty Three:
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Maxwell steps out of the carriage and stretches his tired muscles. He has been stuck sitting for hours, and frankly, his muscles are cramped.
Michael playfully shoves him out of the way. "Some of us would like to get off of this moving box as well, you know."
"Ahh ... fresh air," Alexander says with a smile as he hops out of the carriage.
Maxwell smiles at his little brother and then goes to help with the luggage. He wants to make sure nothing happens to his suitcase. If he lost it, he does not know what he will do. It will toss his entire plan off balance and then he will start panicking. A panicking Maxwell is not a good Maxwell.
He grabs most of the bags and hauls them into the house. Working at the warehouse has many advantages. He is a great deal stronger. Maxwell can probably take down Sean twice as fast now.
Maxwell places the bags down in the living room and brings his bags upstairs. Michael and Alexander can handle their own luggage.
He steps into his room. Everything is the same as he left it. He smiles at the familiarity and plops down on his bed with a sigh. He misses this. He misses his life here and his father.
But, wherever Elizabeth will go, he will follow. Maxwell groans. His obsession is growing out of hand. He loves her more than anything, but what if she does not want him following her around on his hands and knees, worshipping her day and night? Perhaps he should shy away from her a bit. Perhaps this is why she is always so anxious to get away from him.
Maxwell laughs at himself. Even if he did decide to stay away from Elizabeth, he just cannot keep from being around her. An entire Roman army will not be able to keep him from her.
He hears a soft knock on his door before it slowly opens. Diane comes in and sits beside Maxwell on his bed. "How is Elizabeth?" he asks her.
"I do not know," Diane says, shrugging. "I have not seen her since the carriage dropped her off with Maria the other day."
"Really?" Maxwell asks, sitting up. "You do not think there can be anything the matter with her, do you?"
Diane smiles at Maxwell's concern. He really does care for Elizabeth. "I am certain she is fine."
Her response does not comfort Maxwell any. "I just have this strange feeling. It is probably nothing," he says, dismissing it while lying back down.
"Well, your father wants to see you after he has a talk with Michael," she says, getting up and heading towards the door. "Your father misses you a great deal. He wants to ask you to come home. Do you think you will?"
"Only if I can tie Elizabeth up and keep her in my closet," Maxwell replies, not even looking at his mother.
"Maxwell," she says with a hint of warning in her voice, "I am serious here."
"As am I," Maxwell answers her.
Diane shakes her head and sighs. "The girls should be over in a short while," she tells him before she heads out the door and down the stairs.
She walks into the living area and finds Alexander waiting patiently. "Eager, are we?"
"I am simply waiting," Alexander says with a smile on his face. His mother knows he is anxious to see Isabella. The whole world knows he is anxious to see Isabella.
"Mother, may I ask you something?" Alexander asks timidly.
"Anything, Alexander," Diane says, giving him her full attention.
"Do you think I am … unattractive?" he asks fiddling with the hem of his shirt. "Honestly, mother."
"No," Diane says, ruffling his hair. "I think you are the most charming person in the world." She leans in to his ear, "do not tell him I told you, but you are even more charming than Michael."
Alexander's face brightens. "Really?"
Diane nods her head with a smile.
Alexander narrows his eyes at her. "What about Maxwell?"
"Of course you are more charming than Maxwell," Diane says.
"So out of the three of us, who do you love the most?" Alexander asks, pouting his lip at her.
Diane rolls her eyes and sighs. "You know I love you all the same."
Alexander smiles widely. "I know. But you cannot blame me for trying. Sure Maxwell is a mother's boy, and Michael is every mother's dream, but I am the youngest in the family. You have to love me."
“I have no comment,” Diane says, rolling her eyes.
“But mother …” Alexander whines.
“I am not listening …” Diane says in a singsong voice.
“But …”
“Look, Isabella is here,” Diane says, pointing towards the door.
Alexander jumps, runs to the door, and swings it open. He turns away from the empty doorway and gives his mother a look.
Diane sits on the couch with an innocent smile on her face.
“Very nice, mother,” he says, still giving her the look.
Diane shrugs. “Is it my fault you are so head over heels for Isabella.”
“Head over heels?” Alexander asks.
“Yes,” Diane says, smiling.
“I may care for her a great deal, but I would hardly describe it in that sense.”
Diane smiles. “Hello, Isabella.”
Alexander scoffs, “Oh, no. I refuse to fall for that one again.”
Diane simply snickers.
“So you care for me a great deal?” comes Isabella’s voice from behind him.
Alexander slowly turns around. He blushes a deep red as he comes face to face with Isabella. Maria stands behind her, snickering as well.
Alexander rubs his neck nervously. “H-hello, Isabella. H-how are you?” he stutters out.
Isabella smirks at him and Maria simply laughs as she pushes past him to join Diane.
Alexander stands frozen in his spot. Isabella smiles, grabs his hand, and tugs him toward the stairs. “Come along. We are going up to your room. We have some things we must discuss.” Alexander nods his head and follows her obediently.
Maria and Diane laugh harder from where they watch.
“Isabella has him wrapped around her little finger,” Maria says, shaking her head.
Diane sighs. “All of my sons are saps for love, just like their father.”
Maria smiles warmly at Diane. “I hope Michael and I are as happy as you and Philip.”
Diane smiles at her soon to be daughter-in-law. “You will be. Trust me, you will be. I can sense these sorts of things. You and Michael will be very happy. As will Alexander and Isabella. And even Maxwell and Elizabeth will have their happily ever after too.”
That reminds Maria. “Has Elizabeth arrived yet?”
“No. She is not with you?” Diane asks.
“No. We went our separate ways. She agreed she will meet us here. But that was several hours ago,” Maria says, concerned.
“Where did she go?” Diane asks.
“To visit family,” Maria begins to panic. “But she is going into the bad side of town. It is where she was attacked the last time.”
“She is where?” Maxwell asks from where he stands at the bottom of the stairs. He walks over to Maria. “Where is she, Maria?” he demands in a stern voice.
“The third alley on the right off of Main Street,” she yells out to him as he races out the door. He should have trusted in his gut instinct. And it is telling him something is wrong, very wrong.
--------------
Maxwell runs as fast as he can down the busy street, trying to avoid bumping into people in his way. Some of the citizens try to greet him and welcome him home to the city, but he just rushes right past them. He does not wish to be rude, but Elizabeth is calling him. He can feel it in his heart. She needs him.
He makes a sharp turn, nearly missing the alleyway and knocking over a small cart in his path. But he does not have time to apologize. He will find the person and pay for any damages later. Right now though, Elizabeth needs him. And nothing will stand in his way of finding his angel.
He makes to the end of the alley, but he still sees no sign of Elizabeth anywhere. He starts panicking. Dear god, where can she be? Maxwell closes his eyes tight. What is the saying? ‘Let your heart be your guide’ or something of that sort. Let us hope it works, Maxwell thinks as he tries to feel for any signal from Elizabeth, any sign that might tell him where she is.
That is when he feels it, the feeling from earlier. Elizabeth is calling him and she is scared. He races down the alley, takes a sharp turn down the street and turns down another alleyway. He makes it halfway there when he sees them, and the sight makes his blood boil.
Elizabeth is lying still on the ground. And someone is hovering above her. Not just someone, Sean Deluca, the scoundrel himself.
Maxwell storms over and launches himself at Sean. Knocking him across the alley, away from Elizabeth. Sean hurries to his feet and flees away. Maxwell wants to go after him and permanently disfigure him for what he did to Elizabeth, but he cannot leave Elizabeth, not in the state she is in.
He kneels down beside Elizabeth’s body. She is so frail, lying there helpless on the ground. Maxwell lifts her into his arms with ease. Is it just him, or is she lighter than she was before? She shifts in his arms, snuggling up closer to his chest.
She opens her lips to say something. She speaks too softly to hear, but Maxwell can make out a soft murmur. He must be imagining things because he swears he hears Elizabeth call out his name.
Maxwell brushes her hair away from her face and gently caresses her cheek. He runs his fingers through her hair, thanking whatever gods in the heavens for allowing him to find her before Sean can do anything worse.
He slowly stands and makes his way back home. Everyone stares at him in the streets, but he pays no heed. His thoughts are all on Elizabeth as he holds her close to him, walking towards his home.
He kicks open the front door to the house and carries Elizabeth in. Everyone comes running up to him, worry for her evident in their faces. But Maxwell ignores them and walks up the stairs to his room.
He places her gently on his bed, adjusting her arms and legs to a more comfortable position. He pulls his desk chair over next to the bed and sits down, holding Elizabeth’s hand, waiting patiently for her to wake.
He does not wish to think about it yet. He does not wish to think about what Sean can have done to Elizabeth. He does not want to think about what he will be doing to Sean. He simply wants for Elizabeth to wake up and tell him everything is going to be fine.
Diane comes in with a tub of water. She places it on the table beside his bed and begins wringing out a towel. She starts to gently clean off Elizabeth’s face and arms. She works around Maxwell, who never moves from his position beside the bed, holding Elizabeth’s hand.
Maxwell stares at Elizabeth. Diane sighs, lifting the tub of water, and heads down the stairs. Maxwell is a wreck. He looks as though he might break down at any second. But there is not anything else Diane can do. The only person who can help Maxwell right now, is Elizabeth.
Diane walks to the kitchen and dumps the water out before she reports back to everyone else in the living room. Philip is seated in the armchair. Isabella and Maria sit on the settee, while Alexander paces back and forth.
They all look up as Diane enters the room.
“How is she?” Alexander asks, voicing the question that is on everyone’s minds.
“She is breathing fine. She is pale though. And she has not waken yet,” Diane sighs as she leans on the armrest of Philip’s chair.
Philip holds her hand and offers her a comforting smile. “I have already sent Michael to call for the doctor. He should be back soon. The Governor is also on his way.”
Diane nods her head and leans back onto Philip’s shoulder.
Alexander stops pacing and heads for the stairs. He has to see her for himself. He creeps up to Maxwell’s door quietly. He does not wish to disturb Maxwell. Alexander knows Maxwell needs his time alone with Elizabeth right now.
Alexander creaks open the door and takes a peek inside. Maxwell is whispering to Elizabeth quietly. Alexander can barely make out what he is saying.
“… and then I would hold her while we both fell asleep, warm and happy. The end. And that is my happy fairytale life with my wife. My wife … the only problem is that I do not have her yet to hold. So the position is still open if you are interested. The only requirement is that … it is you, Elizabeth. So that means you more than qualify. But you have to wake up first, darling. I need you to wake up for me. So we can live our happily ever after.”
Maxwell closes his eyes as the tears come down. He grips on to Elizabeth’s hand even tighter, bringing it up to his lips and kissing it gently.
Alexander watches the scene with tears in his eyes. Maxwell truly did love Elizabeth. There is no doubting it.
Alexander does not want to intrude any longer. He quietly heads down the stairs. Everyone lifts their head and looks at him as he enters the room. He shakes his head, no, and sits down beside Isabella on the couch.
Isabella pulls Alexander into her arms and lets him lean his head on her shoulder. Alexander lets a few tears slip down his face and just pulls Isabella to him. He would never want to be in the situation Maxwell is in right now. He is not strong enough.
He is not certain if Maxwell is strong enough either. But Maxwell must be, for Elizabeth’s sake.
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Chapter Twenty Three:
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Maxwell steps out of the carriage and stretches his tired muscles. He has been stuck sitting for hours, and frankly, his muscles are cramped.
Michael playfully shoves him out of the way. "Some of us would like to get off of this moving box as well, you know."
"Ahh ... fresh air," Alexander says with a smile as he hops out of the carriage.
Maxwell smiles at his little brother and then goes to help with the luggage. He wants to make sure nothing happens to his suitcase. If he lost it, he does not know what he will do. It will toss his entire plan off balance and then he will start panicking. A panicking Maxwell is not a good Maxwell.
He grabs most of the bags and hauls them into the house. Working at the warehouse has many advantages. He is a great deal stronger. Maxwell can probably take down Sean twice as fast now.
Maxwell places the bags down in the living room and brings his bags upstairs. Michael and Alexander can handle their own luggage.
He steps into his room. Everything is the same as he left it. He smiles at the familiarity and plops down on his bed with a sigh. He misses this. He misses his life here and his father.
But, wherever Elizabeth will go, he will follow. Maxwell groans. His obsession is growing out of hand. He loves her more than anything, but what if she does not want him following her around on his hands and knees, worshipping her day and night? Perhaps he should shy away from her a bit. Perhaps this is why she is always so anxious to get away from him.
Maxwell laughs at himself. Even if he did decide to stay away from Elizabeth, he just cannot keep from being around her. An entire Roman army will not be able to keep him from her.
He hears a soft knock on his door before it slowly opens. Diane comes in and sits beside Maxwell on his bed. "How is Elizabeth?" he asks her.
"I do not know," Diane says, shrugging. "I have not seen her since the carriage dropped her off with Maria the other day."
"Really?" Maxwell asks, sitting up. "You do not think there can be anything the matter with her, do you?"
Diane smiles at Maxwell's concern. He really does care for Elizabeth. "I am certain she is fine."
Her response does not comfort Maxwell any. "I just have this strange feeling. It is probably nothing," he says, dismissing it while lying back down.
"Well, your father wants to see you after he has a talk with Michael," she says, getting up and heading towards the door. "Your father misses you a great deal. He wants to ask you to come home. Do you think you will?"
"Only if I can tie Elizabeth up and keep her in my closet," Maxwell replies, not even looking at his mother.
"Maxwell," she says with a hint of warning in her voice, "I am serious here."
"As am I," Maxwell answers her.
Diane shakes her head and sighs. "The girls should be over in a short while," she tells him before she heads out the door and down the stairs.
She walks into the living area and finds Alexander waiting patiently. "Eager, are we?"
"I am simply waiting," Alexander says with a smile on his face. His mother knows he is anxious to see Isabella. The whole world knows he is anxious to see Isabella.
"Mother, may I ask you something?" Alexander asks timidly.
"Anything, Alexander," Diane says, giving him her full attention.
"Do you think I am … unattractive?" he asks fiddling with the hem of his shirt. "Honestly, mother."
"No," Diane says, ruffling his hair. "I think you are the most charming person in the world." She leans in to his ear, "do not tell him I told you, but you are even more charming than Michael."
Alexander's face brightens. "Really?"
Diane nods her head with a smile.
Alexander narrows his eyes at her. "What about Maxwell?"
"Of course you are more charming than Maxwell," Diane says.
"So out of the three of us, who do you love the most?" Alexander asks, pouting his lip at her.
Diane rolls her eyes and sighs. "You know I love you all the same."
Alexander smiles widely. "I know. But you cannot blame me for trying. Sure Maxwell is a mother's boy, and Michael is every mother's dream, but I am the youngest in the family. You have to love me."
“I have no comment,” Diane says, rolling her eyes.
“But mother …” Alexander whines.
“I am not listening …” Diane says in a singsong voice.
“But …”
“Look, Isabella is here,” Diane says, pointing towards the door.
Alexander jumps, runs to the door, and swings it open. He turns away from the empty doorway and gives his mother a look.
Diane sits on the couch with an innocent smile on her face.
“Very nice, mother,” he says, still giving her the look.
Diane shrugs. “Is it my fault you are so head over heels for Isabella.”
“Head over heels?” Alexander asks.
“Yes,” Diane says, smiling.
“I may care for her a great deal, but I would hardly describe it in that sense.”
Diane smiles. “Hello, Isabella.”
Alexander scoffs, “Oh, no. I refuse to fall for that one again.”
Diane simply snickers.
“So you care for me a great deal?” comes Isabella’s voice from behind him.
Alexander slowly turns around. He blushes a deep red as he comes face to face with Isabella. Maria stands behind her, snickering as well.
Alexander rubs his neck nervously. “H-hello, Isabella. H-how are you?” he stutters out.
Isabella smirks at him and Maria simply laughs as she pushes past him to join Diane.
Alexander stands frozen in his spot. Isabella smiles, grabs his hand, and tugs him toward the stairs. “Come along. We are going up to your room. We have some things we must discuss.” Alexander nods his head and follows her obediently.
Maria and Diane laugh harder from where they watch.
“Isabella has him wrapped around her little finger,” Maria says, shaking her head.
Diane sighs. “All of my sons are saps for love, just like their father.”
Maria smiles warmly at Diane. “I hope Michael and I are as happy as you and Philip.”
Diane smiles at her soon to be daughter-in-law. “You will be. Trust me, you will be. I can sense these sorts of things. You and Michael will be very happy. As will Alexander and Isabella. And even Maxwell and Elizabeth will have their happily ever after too.”
That reminds Maria. “Has Elizabeth arrived yet?”
“No. She is not with you?” Diane asks.
“No. We went our separate ways. She agreed she will meet us here. But that was several hours ago,” Maria says, concerned.
“Where did she go?” Diane asks.
“To visit family,” Maria begins to panic. “But she is going into the bad side of town. It is where she was attacked the last time.”
“She is where?” Maxwell asks from where he stands at the bottom of the stairs. He walks over to Maria. “Where is she, Maria?” he demands in a stern voice.
“The third alley on the right off of Main Street,” she yells out to him as he races out the door. He should have trusted in his gut instinct. And it is telling him something is wrong, very wrong.
--------------
Maxwell runs as fast as he can down the busy street, trying to avoid bumping into people in his way. Some of the citizens try to greet him and welcome him home to the city, but he just rushes right past them. He does not wish to be rude, but Elizabeth is calling him. He can feel it in his heart. She needs him.
He makes a sharp turn, nearly missing the alleyway and knocking over a small cart in his path. But he does not have time to apologize. He will find the person and pay for any damages later. Right now though, Elizabeth needs him. And nothing will stand in his way of finding his angel.
He makes to the end of the alley, but he still sees no sign of Elizabeth anywhere. He starts panicking. Dear god, where can she be? Maxwell closes his eyes tight. What is the saying? ‘Let your heart be your guide’ or something of that sort. Let us hope it works, Maxwell thinks as he tries to feel for any signal from Elizabeth, any sign that might tell him where she is.
That is when he feels it, the feeling from earlier. Elizabeth is calling him and she is scared. He races down the alley, takes a sharp turn down the street and turns down another alleyway. He makes it halfway there when he sees them, and the sight makes his blood boil.
Elizabeth is lying still on the ground. And someone is hovering above her. Not just someone, Sean Deluca, the scoundrel himself.
Maxwell storms over and launches himself at Sean. Knocking him across the alley, away from Elizabeth. Sean hurries to his feet and flees away. Maxwell wants to go after him and permanently disfigure him for what he did to Elizabeth, but he cannot leave Elizabeth, not in the state she is in.
He kneels down beside Elizabeth’s body. She is so frail, lying there helpless on the ground. Maxwell lifts her into his arms with ease. Is it just him, or is she lighter than she was before? She shifts in his arms, snuggling up closer to his chest.
She opens her lips to say something. She speaks too softly to hear, but Maxwell can make out a soft murmur. He must be imagining things because he swears he hears Elizabeth call out his name.
Maxwell brushes her hair away from her face and gently caresses her cheek. He runs his fingers through her hair, thanking whatever gods in the heavens for allowing him to find her before Sean can do anything worse.
He slowly stands and makes his way back home. Everyone stares at him in the streets, but he pays no heed. His thoughts are all on Elizabeth as he holds her close to him, walking towards his home.
He kicks open the front door to the house and carries Elizabeth in. Everyone comes running up to him, worry for her evident in their faces. But Maxwell ignores them and walks up the stairs to his room.
He places her gently on his bed, adjusting her arms and legs to a more comfortable position. He pulls his desk chair over next to the bed and sits down, holding Elizabeth’s hand, waiting patiently for her to wake.
He does not wish to think about it yet. He does not wish to think about what Sean can have done to Elizabeth. He does not want to think about what he will be doing to Sean. He simply wants for Elizabeth to wake up and tell him everything is going to be fine.
Diane comes in with a tub of water. She places it on the table beside his bed and begins wringing out a towel. She starts to gently clean off Elizabeth’s face and arms. She works around Maxwell, who never moves from his position beside the bed, holding Elizabeth’s hand.
Maxwell stares at Elizabeth. Diane sighs, lifting the tub of water, and heads down the stairs. Maxwell is a wreck. He looks as though he might break down at any second. But there is not anything else Diane can do. The only person who can help Maxwell right now, is Elizabeth.
Diane walks to the kitchen and dumps the water out before she reports back to everyone else in the living room. Philip is seated in the armchair. Isabella and Maria sit on the settee, while Alexander paces back and forth.
They all look up as Diane enters the room.
“How is she?” Alexander asks, voicing the question that is on everyone’s minds.
“She is breathing fine. She is pale though. And she has not waken yet,” Diane sighs as she leans on the armrest of Philip’s chair.
Philip holds her hand and offers her a comforting smile. “I have already sent Michael to call for the doctor. He should be back soon. The Governor is also on his way.”
Diane nods her head and leans back onto Philip’s shoulder.
Alexander stops pacing and heads for the stairs. He has to see her for himself. He creeps up to Maxwell’s door quietly. He does not wish to disturb Maxwell. Alexander knows Maxwell needs his time alone with Elizabeth right now.
Alexander creaks open the door and takes a peek inside. Maxwell is whispering to Elizabeth quietly. Alexander can barely make out what he is saying.
“… and then I would hold her while we both fell asleep, warm and happy. The end. And that is my happy fairytale life with my wife. My wife … the only problem is that I do not have her yet to hold. So the position is still open if you are interested. The only requirement is that … it is you, Elizabeth. So that means you more than qualify. But you have to wake up first, darling. I need you to wake up for me. So we can live our happily ever after.”
Maxwell closes his eyes as the tears come down. He grips on to Elizabeth’s hand even tighter, bringing it up to his lips and kissing it gently.
Alexander watches the scene with tears in his eyes. Maxwell truly did love Elizabeth. There is no doubting it.
Alexander does not want to intrude any longer. He quietly heads down the stairs. Everyone lifts their head and looks at him as he enters the room. He shakes his head, no, and sits down beside Isabella on the couch.
Isabella pulls Alexander into her arms and lets him lean his head on her shoulder. Alexander lets a few tears slip down his face and just pulls Isabella to him. He would never want to be in the situation Maxwell is in right now. He is not strong enough.
He is not certain if Maxwell is strong enough either. But Maxwell must be, for Elizabeth’s sake.
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Chapter Twenty Four:
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Sean sits in the chair, holding a wet towel to his face where Maxwell had hit him. The blood has stopped and it is now caked to his skin. His lip is swollen and bloody. He has a black eye that is bruised and purple. And he has scratches all over his back from when Maxwell rammed him into the wall.
“What the hell were you thinking you incompetent fool!” Khivar shouts at Sean as he paces back and forth in the room. “You are not supposed to make a move until the ball. That is the plan. Learn to follow orders you dimwitted nincompoop.”
“I did not make a move,” Sean says, defending himself. “I saw her heaving and panting in the alley and asked her if she was alright. I did not even know that she is the Elizabeth you were referring to. I knew she looked familiar though. She resembles the queen so much.”
“You know her?” Khivar asks as he stops pacing and stares down at Sean.
Sean squirms in his seat. Khivar is quite intimidating. “Yes,” Sean nods his head slowly, wincing at the pain it invokes. “She is Maxwell’s girl.”
“The Evans boy?” Khivar asks in surprise.
“Yes,” Sean says. “Who else would dare give me such a bruise?” Sean lifts the towel and shows Khivar his face.
Khivar laughs. “The boy does nice work. But I can do better,” he adds with a smirk.
Sean groans. “You are royalty. Royalty have powers. Can you not heal this?” Sean points to his face, pleading with Khivar to help him. How is he supposed to impress anyone at the ball with a face like this?
Khivar rolls his eyes. “Apparently, you know nothing of the royal family.”
“What does that mean?” Sean asks curiously.
“Nothing,” Khivar answers. “Besides, you are not worth the effort.”
Sean murmurs something under his breath as he slumps down in his chair.
“Just remember the plan for tomorrow night,” Khivar says as he leaves the room. He needs to make certain the rest of the arrangements are made for the ball, when he will eliminate his competition.
--------------
Maxwell waits impatiently outside for the doctor to finish checking on Elizabeth. It took a great deal of effort, but at everyone’s insistence, they were finally able to have Maxwell release his hold on Elizabeth’s hand and leave the room so that the doctor can do his work. But they cannot get him to go far. Maxwell is now pacing back and forth outside of his bedroom door.
Alexander leans against the wall in the hallway, staring at his older brother’s frantic behavior.
Governor Valenti made it here shortly after the doctor arrived and he, as well as everyone else, retreat to the office, discussing what to do about Elizabeth’s situation, the ball, and everything else. Alexander volunteers to keep an eye on Maxwell as to make sure he did not go completely berserk. And inform the others as soon as the doctor is done.
Maxwell’s pacing is making Alexander dizzy and frankly, Maxwell is only getting worse.
Alexander straightens up and walks over to his brother.
“Maxwell,” Alexander says, grabbing him by the shoulders. “You need to calm down. Mother will not approve of you putting a hole in the floor from all your pacing,” Alexander tries to joke, but realizes that it is not the time to be funny by the evil death glare Maxwell sends him.
Maxwell lets out a deep breath. “I am just … worried.” He squeezes his eyes shut tight, to get a hold of his emotions.
“I know,” Alexander says while nodding his head sympathetically. “But you are no good to anyone of us panicking like this. She will not want you to worry so much. She needs you to be strong,” Alexander says, looking Maxwell in the eyes, making sure Maxwell understands what he is saying.
Maxwell nods his head and takes another deep breath. Alexander is right. He has to be strong, for Elizabeth’s sake as well as his own.
Maxwell runs a hand over his face and turns his body towards the door, staring at it, willing it with his eyes to come open. But no such luck. Maxwell lets out a huff.
Maxwell sighs and tries it again. But this time, glares at the door. Still, no such luck. Maxwell sighs in frustration once again.
Alexander snickers at his brother’s attempts. “You want me to give it a try?” Alexander offers Maxwell. “I have been getting better at this than you lately.”
Maxwell steps aside, welcoming Alexander to try his luck.
Alexander smiles widely. He stretches his arms over his head and rolls his head around a good measure. “Alright,” he says, waving his hands at the door. “Abracadabra.”
The door swings open, as if by magic. It startles both Alexander and Maxwell. The doctor steps out and stares at Alexander, who is still standing in a ridiculous magician stance.
Alexander straightens up and smiles nervously at the doctor, rubbing the back of his neck, embarrassed at being caught acting like such an idiot.
Maxwell tries his best to look past Doctor Davis to see Elizabeth.
The doctor smiles at them both before turning to Alexander. “Tell Philip and Diane that I would like to talk to them about Elizabeth’s situation now.”
Alexander nods his head and heads off to the office.
Maxwell attempts to walk past, to check on Elizabeth himself, but the doctor stands in the way, not letting him through.
“Doctor Davis,” Maxwell pleads with him. “Please. I want to see her.”
“Maxwell,” the doctor says sternly. “She needs her rest.”
“But … I simply want to see her,” Maxwell begs. “I will not disturb her.”
The doctor sighs, shaking his head. “I am sorry, Maxwell. But if you want her to recover as soon as possible, you will have to allow her to rest.”
Maxwell concedes with a sigh. He wants Elizabeth to get better as soon as possible. She has to get better. “How is she, doctor?”
He smiles at Maxwell and pats him on the back. “She is fine.” Doctor Davis has known Maxwell ever since he was born, but has never seen him this worked up over a girl. She must be a special young lady.
Everyone emerges from the office, each of them desperate to know Elizabeth’s condition.
“Let us all go downstairs and we will discuss it in the living area,” Philip says as he leads the way down the stairs and out of the crowded hallway.
The doctor walks down. Diane follows close behind him with Michael and Maria after her, and Alexander and Isabella after them.
Maxwell waits until everyone is out of sight before he quietly pushes the door slowly open.
Elizabeth lies peacefully on his bed. She looks better than when he found her earlier in the alley. There is more color in her cheeks. She looks healthier, more alive. Elizabeth seems as though she is simply sleeping. Not as if she was attacked.
Maxwell’s anger rises. As soon as Elizabeth recovers, he will go after Sean and make him pay for even looking at Elizabeth. He wants to make Sean bleed for doing this to Elizabeth, but he cannot leave her side, not until she is better.
After a few moments, Maxwell hesitantly makes his way down the stairs, but not before getting another quick glance at Elizabeth, his angel, dreaming peacefully on his bed. Perhaps, one day he can join her, holding her in his arms while she sleeps.
--------------
Everyone sits when Maxwell makes it down the stairs. Michael, Alexander, and Isabella are seated together on the settee. Maria is sitting in Michael’s arms. Philip sits in the armchair while Diane leans against its armrest. Diane pulls a seat up for Maxwell to sit down in upon seeing him enter the room.
With everyone situated in the living area, Doctor Davis begins. “Now, I know you are all concerned about Elizabeth’s condition. I need you all to know that we have a very serious situation.”
“What?” Maxwell jumps to his feet. “You told me that everything is fine. That she is fine.”
“She is fine, Maxwell. This time. But if this keeps up, she is going to need critical medical attention,” Doctor Davis says, looking at each person, making sure they understand how grave the situation is.
“Do not worry,” Maxwell says with a low growl, “Sean will not be coming near her ever again.”
“Maxwell,” Maria speaks up hesitantly. “I do not think the doctor is speaking of whatever happened with Sean.”
“What do you mean?” Maxwell asks, turning towards Maria, “What else happened to her?” Maxwell suddenly becomes fearful. What if someone else has been hurting her and he has not even realized it?
“Who?” Maxwell hisses out.
“Elizabeth,” Isabella whispers.
“Who is hurting Elizabeth?” Maxwell asks through clenched teeth, trying to restrain his anger, but failing miserably.
Maria lets out a deep breath. “Elizabeth. She is hurting herself.”
“What?” Maxwell asks, not understanding what Maria is saying.
“She is not eating,” Maria whispers out to him. “She has been starving herself.”
Maxwell’s face falls and his breathing quickens. “How long?” he asks as he slowly sits himself down in the chair.
“I am not certain, but it has been for quite a while now,” Maria says, looking down at the ground before her. She feels ashamed that she has not tried to stop Elizabeth, or at least sit her down and fully talk to her about the deadly consequences.
“And no one thinks to tell me? To talk to her? Anything?” Maxwell spits out.
“We tried, Maxwell,” Isabella speaks softly. “We honestly did. But every time we mention it, she will change the subject or avoid talking about it completely, walking away from us.”
Maxwell leans back in his chair with a groan. He is right. Elizabeth is thinner than before. God, why has he not noticed sooner? You would think he would have been able to see it coming. All the signs were there. He does not even remember seeing her eat once before. Maxwell runs his hands over his face and lets out another groan.
“We have a very serious situation on our hands here,” Dr. Davis spoke up, atracting everyone’s attention. He looked over towards Maxwell. “Now, Maxwell. I know that you believe that Sean may have done something to Elizabeth, but there are no signs of an attack in any way. Elizabeth does not have any bruises or any other markings on her.”
“But I saw Sean there,” Maxwell protested. “He had his hand on her.”
Philip looked towards his son, “I’ve already spoken to Valenti about this. He says that Sean may have been simply checking to see if Elizabeth is alright. Unless Elizabeth says otherwise, Sean is just a concerned bystander.”
“Well, she ca not really say anything while she is unconscious now, can she?” Maxwell exploded.
“She is not unconscious,” the doctor spoke up. “She is merely sleeping. Elizabeth is lucky. Her body is weakening due to her lack of nourishment. But as soon as the medicine entered her body, she reacted to it immediately, about ten times sooner than most young girls will. It is miraculous even.”
“When will she wake up?” Maria asks from where she sat.
The doctor thinks for a moment. “At the rate that she is recovering, she will probably wake up any second now.”
“So she will be able to attend my engagement ball?” Maria asks, being very hopeful.
“I will not recommend it,” Doctor Davis replied, shaking his head. “She should remain resting, at least the rest of this weekend. Even after that, I will advise that she refrain from doing any strenuous activity.”
Everyone nodded their heads.
“Thank you, doctor,” Philip says, standing up to shake the doctor’s hand. “Is there anything else we should know about Elizabeth?”
“I advise that you find someone close to her, that she will listen to, and have them sit her down and discuss the full impact of what she is doing to herself. Other than that, just make sure she drinks plenty of liquids and gets plenty of rest.”
“Thank you, doctor,” Philip shakes his hand once more before looking towards Michael’s direction. “Michael, will you take the doctor upstairs to the office to get the prescription and payment for the bill.”
“Yes,” Michael says, nodding his head and heading for the stairs.
“Oh, James should still be finishing up paperwork. I think he needs your signature on a few more items. I will be up shortly,” Philip says to him before turning to the others in the room.
“Now, you all heard,” he says to the group, but mainly toward Maxwell. “Elizabeth is not to do anything to overexert herself. Are we clear?”
Everyone nods their heads, understanding fully well what he means. That means no taking her out to play, no horseback riding, no shopping, no running around, no anything.
Diane sighs, “Who do you think should talk to her about her predicament.”
“I think Maria should,” Alexander suggests. “They seem to be the closest.”
“Isabella and I have tried,” Maria says, shaking her head. “Elizabeth will not listen. I think the person she will listen to will have to be Maxwell.”
“I agree,” Isabella speaks up, “I think Maxwell should. She will listen to him. She practically remembers every word he has ever spoken to her.”
Maxwell ducks his head a bit, blushing. His lips curl up slightly at the corners and he starts getting a dreamy look in his eyes. If Maria and Isabella suggest that he talk to Elizabeth, she has to care for him, right? If she remembers their every encounter? Their every word exchange? God knows he remembers them all too well. Her face is permanently etched into his mind.
“Now, Maxwell,” Philip speaks up. Maxwell lifts his head and looks towards his father. “I know you are very disappointed, but Elizabeth cannot go to the engagement ball. We would postpone it, but the night before is just too late to cancel and get notices out in time. And before you even say anything, yes, you will be going. You are Michael’s brother and your presence is necessary at the ball. I know Elizabeth was to accompany you, and she can no longer go, but you need to be there. You understand that, do you not?”
Maxwell lets out a deep and saddened sigh before he nods his head in agreement.
“Good,” Philip answers. “I know you probably will not like what I am about to say next, but Tess is still available to accompany you to the ball.”
Maxwell stands with a huff, disgusted that his father would even mention such a thing. “Father …”
“Maxwell,” Philip warns. “I am only informing you.”
“Fine,” Maxwell spits out.
“Maxwell. This is a very formal occasion. I am merely suggesting-”
“I will think it over,” Maxwell says, interrupting his father as he rushes by him and up the stairs. There is only one place he wants to be right now. And only one person he wants to see.
Maxwell leaps up the stairs, taking them three steps at a time. When he reaches his door, he takes a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself. He did not want to be angry in the presence of Elizabeth. What if she can feel him like how he felt her this afternoon?
Maxwell quietly turns the doorknob and slowly inches the door open. The doctor says that she will be waking up any moment now, but he did not want to wake her just yet.
Maxwell peaks inside his room. Elizabeth is still lying peacefully on his bed. He tiptoes over to the bed and sits in the chair beside the bed. He takes her hand into his, caressing it gently. She is so beautiful. Maxwell stares at her intently. His intense gaze is filled with such longing that he even startles himself. He knows he loves her, but he does not know to what extent his love is. That is, until he almost loses her. This is when he realizes that she means everything to him. She is his whole world … his angel … his Elizabeth.
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Chapter Twenty Four:
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Sean sits in the chair, holding a wet towel to his face where Maxwell had hit him. The blood has stopped and it is now caked to his skin. His lip is swollen and bloody. He has a black eye that is bruised and purple. And he has scratches all over his back from when Maxwell rammed him into the wall.
“What the hell were you thinking you incompetent fool!” Khivar shouts at Sean as he paces back and forth in the room. “You are not supposed to make a move until the ball. That is the plan. Learn to follow orders you dimwitted nincompoop.”
“I did not make a move,” Sean says, defending himself. “I saw her heaving and panting in the alley and asked her if she was alright. I did not even know that she is the Elizabeth you were referring to. I knew she looked familiar though. She resembles the queen so much.”
“You know her?” Khivar asks as he stops pacing and stares down at Sean.
Sean squirms in his seat. Khivar is quite intimidating. “Yes,” Sean nods his head slowly, wincing at the pain it invokes. “She is Maxwell’s girl.”
“The Evans boy?” Khivar asks in surprise.
“Yes,” Sean says. “Who else would dare give me such a bruise?” Sean lifts the towel and shows Khivar his face.
Khivar laughs. “The boy does nice work. But I can do better,” he adds with a smirk.
Sean groans. “You are royalty. Royalty have powers. Can you not heal this?” Sean points to his face, pleading with Khivar to help him. How is he supposed to impress anyone at the ball with a face like this?
Khivar rolls his eyes. “Apparently, you know nothing of the royal family.”
“What does that mean?” Sean asks curiously.
“Nothing,” Khivar answers. “Besides, you are not worth the effort.”
Sean murmurs something under his breath as he slumps down in his chair.
“Just remember the plan for tomorrow night,” Khivar says as he leaves the room. He needs to make certain the rest of the arrangements are made for the ball, when he will eliminate his competition.
--------------
Maxwell waits impatiently outside for the doctor to finish checking on Elizabeth. It took a great deal of effort, but at everyone’s insistence, they were finally able to have Maxwell release his hold on Elizabeth’s hand and leave the room so that the doctor can do his work. But they cannot get him to go far. Maxwell is now pacing back and forth outside of his bedroom door.
Alexander leans against the wall in the hallway, staring at his older brother’s frantic behavior.
Governor Valenti made it here shortly after the doctor arrived and he, as well as everyone else, retreat to the office, discussing what to do about Elizabeth’s situation, the ball, and everything else. Alexander volunteers to keep an eye on Maxwell as to make sure he did not go completely berserk. And inform the others as soon as the doctor is done.
Maxwell’s pacing is making Alexander dizzy and frankly, Maxwell is only getting worse.
Alexander straightens up and walks over to his brother.
“Maxwell,” Alexander says, grabbing him by the shoulders. “You need to calm down. Mother will not approve of you putting a hole in the floor from all your pacing,” Alexander tries to joke, but realizes that it is not the time to be funny by the evil death glare Maxwell sends him.
Maxwell lets out a deep breath. “I am just … worried.” He squeezes his eyes shut tight, to get a hold of his emotions.
“I know,” Alexander says while nodding his head sympathetically. “But you are no good to anyone of us panicking like this. She will not want you to worry so much. She needs you to be strong,” Alexander says, looking Maxwell in the eyes, making sure Maxwell understands what he is saying.
Maxwell nods his head and takes another deep breath. Alexander is right. He has to be strong, for Elizabeth’s sake as well as his own.
Maxwell runs a hand over his face and turns his body towards the door, staring at it, willing it with his eyes to come open. But no such luck. Maxwell lets out a huff.
Maxwell sighs and tries it again. But this time, glares at the door. Still, no such luck. Maxwell sighs in frustration once again.
Alexander snickers at his brother’s attempts. “You want me to give it a try?” Alexander offers Maxwell. “I have been getting better at this than you lately.”
Maxwell steps aside, welcoming Alexander to try his luck.
Alexander smiles widely. He stretches his arms over his head and rolls his head around a good measure. “Alright,” he says, waving his hands at the door. “Abracadabra.”
The door swings open, as if by magic. It startles both Alexander and Maxwell. The doctor steps out and stares at Alexander, who is still standing in a ridiculous magician stance.
Alexander straightens up and smiles nervously at the doctor, rubbing the back of his neck, embarrassed at being caught acting like such an idiot.
Maxwell tries his best to look past Doctor Davis to see Elizabeth.
The doctor smiles at them both before turning to Alexander. “Tell Philip and Diane that I would like to talk to them about Elizabeth’s situation now.”
Alexander nods his head and heads off to the office.
Maxwell attempts to walk past, to check on Elizabeth himself, but the doctor stands in the way, not letting him through.
“Doctor Davis,” Maxwell pleads with him. “Please. I want to see her.”
“Maxwell,” the doctor says sternly. “She needs her rest.”
“But … I simply want to see her,” Maxwell begs. “I will not disturb her.”
The doctor sighs, shaking his head. “I am sorry, Maxwell. But if you want her to recover as soon as possible, you will have to allow her to rest.”
Maxwell concedes with a sigh. He wants Elizabeth to get better as soon as possible. She has to get better. “How is she, doctor?”
He smiles at Maxwell and pats him on the back. “She is fine.” Doctor Davis has known Maxwell ever since he was born, but has never seen him this worked up over a girl. She must be a special young lady.
Everyone emerges from the office, each of them desperate to know Elizabeth’s condition.
“Let us all go downstairs and we will discuss it in the living area,” Philip says as he leads the way down the stairs and out of the crowded hallway.
The doctor walks down. Diane follows close behind him with Michael and Maria after her, and Alexander and Isabella after them.
Maxwell waits until everyone is out of sight before he quietly pushes the door slowly open.
Elizabeth lies peacefully on his bed. She looks better than when he found her earlier in the alley. There is more color in her cheeks. She looks healthier, more alive. Elizabeth seems as though she is simply sleeping. Not as if she was attacked.
Maxwell’s anger rises. As soon as Elizabeth recovers, he will go after Sean and make him pay for even looking at Elizabeth. He wants to make Sean bleed for doing this to Elizabeth, but he cannot leave her side, not until she is better.
After a few moments, Maxwell hesitantly makes his way down the stairs, but not before getting another quick glance at Elizabeth, his angel, dreaming peacefully on his bed. Perhaps, one day he can join her, holding her in his arms while she sleeps.
--------------
Everyone sits when Maxwell makes it down the stairs. Michael, Alexander, and Isabella are seated together on the settee. Maria is sitting in Michael’s arms. Philip sits in the armchair while Diane leans against its armrest. Diane pulls a seat up for Maxwell to sit down in upon seeing him enter the room.
With everyone situated in the living area, Doctor Davis begins. “Now, I know you are all concerned about Elizabeth’s condition. I need you all to know that we have a very serious situation.”
“What?” Maxwell jumps to his feet. “You told me that everything is fine. That she is fine.”
“She is fine, Maxwell. This time. But if this keeps up, she is going to need critical medical attention,” Doctor Davis says, looking at each person, making sure they understand how grave the situation is.
“Do not worry,” Maxwell says with a low growl, “Sean will not be coming near her ever again.”
“Maxwell,” Maria speaks up hesitantly. “I do not think the doctor is speaking of whatever happened with Sean.”
“What do you mean?” Maxwell asks, turning towards Maria, “What else happened to her?” Maxwell suddenly becomes fearful. What if someone else has been hurting her and he has not even realized it?
“Who?” Maxwell hisses out.
“Elizabeth,” Isabella whispers.
“Who is hurting Elizabeth?” Maxwell asks through clenched teeth, trying to restrain his anger, but failing miserably.
Maria lets out a deep breath. “Elizabeth. She is hurting herself.”
“What?” Maxwell asks, not understanding what Maria is saying.
“She is not eating,” Maria whispers out to him. “She has been starving herself.”
Maxwell’s face falls and his breathing quickens. “How long?” he asks as he slowly sits himself down in the chair.
“I am not certain, but it has been for quite a while now,” Maria says, looking down at the ground before her. She feels ashamed that she has not tried to stop Elizabeth, or at least sit her down and fully talk to her about the deadly consequences.
“And no one thinks to tell me? To talk to her? Anything?” Maxwell spits out.
“We tried, Maxwell,” Isabella speaks softly. “We honestly did. But every time we mention it, she will change the subject or avoid talking about it completely, walking away from us.”
Maxwell leans back in his chair with a groan. He is right. Elizabeth is thinner than before. God, why has he not noticed sooner? You would think he would have been able to see it coming. All the signs were there. He does not even remember seeing her eat once before. Maxwell runs his hands over his face and lets out another groan.
“We have a very serious situation on our hands here,” Dr. Davis spoke up, atracting everyone’s attention. He looked over towards Maxwell. “Now, Maxwell. I know that you believe that Sean may have done something to Elizabeth, but there are no signs of an attack in any way. Elizabeth does not have any bruises or any other markings on her.”
“But I saw Sean there,” Maxwell protested. “He had his hand on her.”
Philip looked towards his son, “I’ve already spoken to Valenti about this. He says that Sean may have been simply checking to see if Elizabeth is alright. Unless Elizabeth says otherwise, Sean is just a concerned bystander.”
“Well, she ca not really say anything while she is unconscious now, can she?” Maxwell exploded.
“She is not unconscious,” the doctor spoke up. “She is merely sleeping. Elizabeth is lucky. Her body is weakening due to her lack of nourishment. But as soon as the medicine entered her body, she reacted to it immediately, about ten times sooner than most young girls will. It is miraculous even.”
“When will she wake up?” Maria asks from where she sat.
The doctor thinks for a moment. “At the rate that she is recovering, she will probably wake up any second now.”
“So she will be able to attend my engagement ball?” Maria asks, being very hopeful.
“I will not recommend it,” Doctor Davis replied, shaking his head. “She should remain resting, at least the rest of this weekend. Even after that, I will advise that she refrain from doing any strenuous activity.”
Everyone nodded their heads.
“Thank you, doctor,” Philip says, standing up to shake the doctor’s hand. “Is there anything else we should know about Elizabeth?”
“I advise that you find someone close to her, that she will listen to, and have them sit her down and discuss the full impact of what she is doing to herself. Other than that, just make sure she drinks plenty of liquids and gets plenty of rest.”
“Thank you, doctor,” Philip shakes his hand once more before looking towards Michael’s direction. “Michael, will you take the doctor upstairs to the office to get the prescription and payment for the bill.”
“Yes,” Michael says, nodding his head and heading for the stairs.
“Oh, James should still be finishing up paperwork. I think he needs your signature on a few more items. I will be up shortly,” Philip says to him before turning to the others in the room.
“Now, you all heard,” he says to the group, but mainly toward Maxwell. “Elizabeth is not to do anything to overexert herself. Are we clear?”
Everyone nods their heads, understanding fully well what he means. That means no taking her out to play, no horseback riding, no shopping, no running around, no anything.
Diane sighs, “Who do you think should talk to her about her predicament.”
“I think Maria should,” Alexander suggests. “They seem to be the closest.”
“Isabella and I have tried,” Maria says, shaking her head. “Elizabeth will not listen. I think the person she will listen to will have to be Maxwell.”
“I agree,” Isabella speaks up, “I think Maxwell should. She will listen to him. She practically remembers every word he has ever spoken to her.”
Maxwell ducks his head a bit, blushing. His lips curl up slightly at the corners and he starts getting a dreamy look in his eyes. If Maria and Isabella suggest that he talk to Elizabeth, she has to care for him, right? If she remembers their every encounter? Their every word exchange? God knows he remembers them all too well. Her face is permanently etched into his mind.
“Now, Maxwell,” Philip speaks up. Maxwell lifts his head and looks towards his father. “I know you are very disappointed, but Elizabeth cannot go to the engagement ball. We would postpone it, but the night before is just too late to cancel and get notices out in time. And before you even say anything, yes, you will be going. You are Michael’s brother and your presence is necessary at the ball. I know Elizabeth was to accompany you, and she can no longer go, but you need to be there. You understand that, do you not?”
Maxwell lets out a deep and saddened sigh before he nods his head in agreement.
“Good,” Philip answers. “I know you probably will not like what I am about to say next, but Tess is still available to accompany you to the ball.”
Maxwell stands with a huff, disgusted that his father would even mention such a thing. “Father …”
“Maxwell,” Philip warns. “I am only informing you.”
“Fine,” Maxwell spits out.
“Maxwell. This is a very formal occasion. I am merely suggesting-”
“I will think it over,” Maxwell says, interrupting his father as he rushes by him and up the stairs. There is only one place he wants to be right now. And only one person he wants to see.
Maxwell leaps up the stairs, taking them three steps at a time. When he reaches his door, he takes a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself. He did not want to be angry in the presence of Elizabeth. What if she can feel him like how he felt her this afternoon?
Maxwell quietly turns the doorknob and slowly inches the door open. The doctor says that she will be waking up any moment now, but he did not want to wake her just yet.
Maxwell peaks inside his room. Elizabeth is still lying peacefully on his bed. He tiptoes over to the bed and sits in the chair beside the bed. He takes her hand into his, caressing it gently. She is so beautiful. Maxwell stares at her intently. His intense gaze is filled with such longing that he even startles himself. He knows he loves her, but he does not know to what extent his love is. That is, until he almost loses her. This is when he realizes that she means everything to him. She is his whole world … his angel … his Elizabeth.
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Chapter Twenty Five:
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“Elizabeth … I …” Maxwell stutters. They are sitting on a bench outside in the garden. The moon is shining brightly, stars flicker in the dark night sky, the sweet aroma of flowers surround them everywhere, and Elizabeth sits there beside him, utterly, utterly beautiful.
“Yes, Maxwell?” Elizabeth asks, leaning towards him. She is so close that her hair brushes against his arm. He wants nothing more than to run his fingers through it, feeling the soft silky strands slip through his fingertips.
Maxwell swallows hard. He must tell her. If only he can work up the courage. “I … I want to tell you … that … y-you … there is this …”
“What ever it is, Maxwell, you can tell me,” she says with a big smile, giggling softly at his nervousness. She bites her bottom lip slightly.
Maxwell stares at her adorable habit. He wants so much to kiss her, to taste her, to be able to feel her lips against his. But none of that may happen until he tells her.
“Alright. Here goes,” Maxwell clears his throat. “I … I bought this for you,” he says as he pulls out the box from inside his coat jacket.
He holds the box out to Elizabeth. She looks at it quizzically. Maxwell takes a deep breath and snaps open the top to show her the beautiful diamond bracelet he bought for her. The diamonds sparkle in the moonlight. Maxwell holds his breath, waiting for her reaction.
“What is that?” Elizabeth asks, pursing her lips and looking at the bracelet.
“It is … it is … for you. I-I bought it as a token … of my love … for you.” Maxwell manages out, still waiting to see her reaction.
Elizabeth looks up at him with questioning eyes. “Maxwell?” There is a soft twinkle which Maxwell interprets to be hope. Perhaps she wants this as much as he does. Perhaps she is just as unsure of herself as he is.
Maxwell’s heart beats a mile a minute. He looks into her eyes and says the words he has only dreamed of saying to her. The words that he has repressed for too long. The words that simply roll off his tongue. The words he has been longing to tell her. “I … I love you, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth stares up at him, gasping. “That is sweet of you, Maxwell. You are adorable. But you really, really should not have done this.”
Maxwell smiles. “I want to …”
“You should not have. See this little thing?” she asks, lifting up the diamond bracelet, swinging it back in forth in front of his face to taunt him before throwing it over her shoulder. It disappears into the rosebushes. “It is nothing compared to this.” Elizabeth flashes a diamond bracelet on her wrist. The diamonds on it are ten times the size of those on Maxwell’s bracelet.
“Sean gave it to me,” Elizabeth says with a big smile. “We are to marry next week!”
Maxwell’s mouth drops open as he stares at her. His heart stops beating.
“Is that not right, darling?” Elizabeth calls out.
Sean pops out of a bush and embraces Elizabeth from behind. “Yes. That is right, darling.”
They share a kiss as Elizabeth leans back into Sean’s embrace. “Maxwell, you should come to the wedding.”
Maxwell wakes with a start. His breathing is rapid and there are drops of sweat all over his face. He uses his sleeve to wipe his forehead. That is one incredibly terrifying nightmare. How on earth did his subconscious come up with that scenario? Maxwell shakes his head to straighten his thoughts. His Elizabeth will never act in that manner. His Elizabeth is sweet and kind. She will not hurt him in such a way, will she?
Maxwell looks down at the angel sleeping soundly in his bed. No, she will not hurt him in such a way. If anything, she will find a way stomp on his heart gently.
He sighs. What if she does not care for the gift he bought for her? What if she does not care for him? He closes his eyes tight and takes a deep breath. He will not know unless he tells her.
Maxwell sits up and straightens his back, wincing at the aching pull in his muscles. He fell asleep sitting in his chair, while leaning his arms and head on the bed. His back is cramping from sleeping in the uncomfortable position. He stretches a bit and slowly lets his muscles adjust.
Maxwell looks back down at the sleeping form in his bed. She still has yet to wake. Doctor Davis said she will wake soon. But that was last night. She has not stirred at all. But the color returned to her face. Her breathing is normal and her cheeks were rosy. And yet Maxwell still worries.
What if she stays this way, a sleeping beauty. Maxwell smiles softly at the thought. What if, all she needs to wake her is a kiss? Is it worth a try? Maxwell is thinking about Elizabeth’s well being here, not how much he wants to feel her lips against his. He might as well give it a try. After all, what is a little sacrifice if it is for a greater good?
Maxwell gently sits down on the bed beside her. He places his arms on either sides of Elizabeth’s shoulders, and starts to lower his head. He runs his tongue over his lips and parts them. He can now feel Elizabeth’s warm breath on his face. He can almost taste her lips, but his conscience is restraining him. His bottom lip grazes hers before he pulls back.
How does Prince Charming do it? It just does not feel right without her permission. Maxwell groans and opts in going to get the doctor instead of furthering his experiment with fairytale mythology.
Maxwell stands and turns toward the door, about ready to break into a run to retrieve the doctor to check up on Elizabeth again. But he does not want to leave her here without his supervision if something should happen. Nor does he want to be gone if she should wake. But what if something is terribly wrong and she never wakes?
Maxwell is about to head out his bedroom door when it creeps open.
“Good morning, dear,” Diane whispers. “Is there still no sign?” she asks, tilting her head towards Elizabeth.
Maxwell shakes his head no. His eyes are cast down, a look of distress on his face.
“I will call for the doctor,” Diane says as she shuts the door softly behind her.
“Oh, Maxwell,” she calls as she opens the door again. “You really should be getting ready for the ball. You have only a couple more hours. Did you find someone to take with you yet?”
Maxwell lets out a long sigh. He nods his head. “Yes,” he says with his head bowed down, ashamed of his answer. He does not lift his head until he hears the soft click of the door being shut completely. He never enjoys lying to his mother, but he refuses to go with anyone other than Elizabeth. His heart belongs to her and he cannot take it back now, no matter how hard he tries. And going with someone else feels as though he is betraying her in some way.
Maxwell walks back over to the bed and solemnly sits down in the chair. He lifts her hand into his, brings it up to his lips and kisses it. “Worry not, Elizabeth. Everything will be fine. You will see. Mother will get the doctor. Mother will make everything better.”
--------------
“Yes. Sure. No problem,” he says, patting Alexander on the back.
“Great. So after the announcement tonight?” Alexander asks the group.
“Anything for you, Alexander,” one of them answers.
“It will be like old times,” another one comments.
“Thank you, guys, I owe you,” Alexander calls out as he heads out the door.
Alexander makes his way down the street with a big smile on his face. Everything is going as planned. Well, except for the whole Elizabeth ordeal.
Alexander’s face falls. Why is it that bad things happen to good people? And Elizabeth is as good as a person gets. She is sweet and kind. She would not hurt a fly. She does get a bit feisty every now and then, but that is only when Maxwell is around.
Alexander is pulled from his thoughts by a voice in front of him.
“Can you direct me to the Evans’ home?”
Alexander looks up and sees a monk asking a few townspeople in front of him. He walks up to the man. “You are looking for the Evan’s estate?”
Kyle looks at the boy in front of him and nods his head. “Yes. Can you tell me where it is?”
“Yes. In fact, I will show you the way. I live there and am on my way home right now,” Alexander says as he starts down the street with the monk at his side. “Is there someone specific you needed to speak with?”
“Are you one of Diane’s sons?” Kyle asks.
Alexander nods his head, wondering how this man knows his mother.
Kyle smiles, patting Alexander on the back. “Then you must be Alexander. I am Kyle, your uncle.”
Alexander stares at the monk for a moment before it hits him. “Uncle K!” Alexander pulls him into an embrace. “Mother has told us all about you. How did you know I am Alexander?”
“Well, she did mention that you were a bit thin,” Kyle says with a teasing glint.
Alexander rolls his eyes playfully. “I will pretend I did not hear that.”
Kyle laughs. He remembers also of Diane saying that Alexander is quite witty.
“You are here about Elizabeth?” Alexander asks with a sad expression on his face.
“Yes. What happened?” Kyle asks. “I only received a small message from your mother saying that Elizabeth is ill and she needs me to watch after her. I came right away.”
“Well …” Alexander starts, not quite sure how to tell his uncle. “She … she has not really been … eating … all too well.”
“Not eating well?” Kyle stares at Alexander, confused. “She has told you that she does not eat meat? She is in training herself. She has not eaten meat in her entire life.”
“It is not that she has not been eating meat,” Alexander says warily, curious as to what Kyle meant by Elizabeth being in training. “It is that she has not been eating at all.”
Kyle stops walking and stares at him. Elizabeth not eating? Why would she not eat? Elizabeth always ate.
Alexander sees Kyle’s confusion. “She fainted the other day. Maxwell found her in an alley. She still has not woken when I left this morning. Although, she looks a great deal healthier than she did yesterday,” Alexander keeps walking, past the gate. “You can see her for yourself though. She is right upstairs in Maxwell’s room.”
Kyle runs past Alexander through the front door. He races into the house. He sees a few people stand and look toward his direction when he enters, but he continues on his way, running up the stairs. He is in such a hurry he runs straight into someone.
Kyle looks at the half-dressed boy he almost knocked over. He is most likely one of Diane’s other sons. Possibly Maxwell. Diane says that Maxwell has the tall, dark, and handsome, Prince Charming look. And this boy’s hair is tamer than how Diane describes Michael’s unruly hair.
“Careful there,” Maxwell says as he leans on to the wall for balance. He is on his way to the bathroom to get his shirt when he is almost knocked over by someone. He stares at the monk that storms into his house. Maxwell thinks for a second, “Uncle K?”
Kyle nods his head. “Where is she?” he asks, panicking, and out of breath.
Maxwell frowns, knowing exactly whom Kyle is referring to. His sleeping beauty. His angel. Maxwell sighs, closes his eyes and points to the open door of his bedroom. He stays in his spot long after Kyle races off in Elizabeth’s direction.
Maxwell lets out a deep breath. The ball is only hours away and Elizabeth has yet to wake. Doctor Davis came by earlier. He did another check on Elizabeth and says that she is fine. She is a lot better than yesterday but that she needed rest. She will wake when she is recovered. He made a special note to Maxwell, not to rush Elizabeth, and to let her wake on her own accord.
Maxwell hangs his head low, how can he not want her to wake as soon as possible? His whole plan … everything … is ruined. Maxwell kicks himself. How can he be selfish now when he should be hoping the best for Elizabeth’s recovery, not that she is dancing with him at the ball tonight. The ball … Elizabeth is to accompany him. Now he will have to settle for the next best thing. Maxwell groans, eyes still cast down.
Alexander walks slowly up the stairs and sees his brother, gloomier than ever. Alexander sighs and puts a comforting hand on Maxwell’s shoulder. “Maxwell. Mother and father have already left to the Governor’s. You should finish dressing and we will head down there together.”
Maxwell shakes his head. “Elizabeth has not wakened. Who is going to watch her?”
“Uncle Kyle will,” Alexander says, steering Maxwell into the bathroom to finish changing. “Mother sent for him to come. He will take good care of her.”
“But …” Maxwell begins to protest.
Alexander shakes his head as he forces his brother into the bathroom. “Maxwell. You know must be there to support Michael. It is his big day.”
Maxwell sighs. “It is just …”
Alexander interrupts him again. “I know, believe me, I am worried for Elizabeth as well, but there is nothing we can do about it now. You need to let her rest, like the doctor instructed.”
“But what if …”
Alexander stares his brother in the eyes. “Even if she wakes, she will not be able to attend the ball. She must spend a day or two more in bed. But Michael needs you there.”
Maxwell nods his head in defeat. He knows Alexander is right. There is not much more he can do. He already stayed by her side all night and day, talking to her, holding her hand. He even sang to her, and he is as terrible a singer as he is a dancer.
Alexander pats Maxwell on the back and shuts the bathroom door behind him as he heads toward his own bedroom. Maxwell stares at the closed door for a second before he throws on the rest of his clothing. He does not even bother with his hair nor does he look in the mirror before heading out the bathroom to see if he looks presentable. He can care less. His mind is focused on more important things … or rather … a more important person.
Maxwell makes his way over to his bedroom and peeks inside. Kyle is sitting in his chair, beside Elizabeth’s bed, holding Elizabeth’s hand. Maxwell feels a small pang in his chest. He shakes his head and laughs at himself. Only over Elizabeth can he ever be jealous of a monk.
Kyle hears a soft chuckling coming from the hallway. He looks toward the door and spots Maxwell standing just outside. Kyle stands, placing Elizabeth’s hand softly on the bed.
When Maxwell sees Kyle stand, he walks into the room quietly. Although he wants Elizabeth to wake, he does not want to be the one to wake her. She looks too peaceful in her sleep. He cannot bring himself to try and wake her now.
“Are you and Alexander about to head off?” Kyle asks as he meets Maxwell halfway in the room.
Maxwell nods his head. “Yes. It will be dark soon. There is a lantern on the table. You can find matches in my desk drawer. Make yourself at home. If there is anything you want, just help yourself,” Maxwell says to Kyle, but his eyes are glued on Elizabeth’s sleeping form.
Kyle nods. He notices the yearning gaze Maxwell is giving Elizabeth. He will have to have a little talk with Elizabeth when she wakes. He raised her in such a sheltered environment, she probably does not realize how much longing is filled in those looks Maxwell gives her. Kyle sighs.
“Maxwell, do not worry. I will watch after her.”
Maxwell sighs, forcing his gaze away from Elizabeth. “Will you do me a favor? Will you send someone to get me if … when she wakes?” Maxwell corrects himself
Kyle smiles and nods his head. “Of course.”
“Maxwell,” Alexander’s voice comes softly from the hallway. “We should be leaving soon.”
Maxwell lets out a deep breath and takes one last glance at Elizabeth, lying on his bed, before heading out the door, away from her, his sleeping beauty, his angel.
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Chapter Twenty Five:
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“Elizabeth … I …” Maxwell stutters. They are sitting on a bench outside in the garden. The moon is shining brightly, stars flicker in the dark night sky, the sweet aroma of flowers surround them everywhere, and Elizabeth sits there beside him, utterly, utterly beautiful.
“Yes, Maxwell?” Elizabeth asks, leaning towards him. She is so close that her hair brushes against his arm. He wants nothing more than to run his fingers through it, feeling the soft silky strands slip through his fingertips.
Maxwell swallows hard. He must tell her. If only he can work up the courage. “I … I want to tell you … that … y-you … there is this …”
“What ever it is, Maxwell, you can tell me,” she says with a big smile, giggling softly at his nervousness. She bites her bottom lip slightly.
Maxwell stares at her adorable habit. He wants so much to kiss her, to taste her, to be able to feel her lips against his. But none of that may happen until he tells her.
“Alright. Here goes,” Maxwell clears his throat. “I … I bought this for you,” he says as he pulls out the box from inside his coat jacket.
He holds the box out to Elizabeth. She looks at it quizzically. Maxwell takes a deep breath and snaps open the top to show her the beautiful diamond bracelet he bought for her. The diamonds sparkle in the moonlight. Maxwell holds his breath, waiting for her reaction.
“What is that?” Elizabeth asks, pursing her lips and looking at the bracelet.
“It is … it is … for you. I-I bought it as a token … of my love … for you.” Maxwell manages out, still waiting to see her reaction.
Elizabeth looks up at him with questioning eyes. “Maxwell?” There is a soft twinkle which Maxwell interprets to be hope. Perhaps she wants this as much as he does. Perhaps she is just as unsure of herself as he is.
Maxwell’s heart beats a mile a minute. He looks into her eyes and says the words he has only dreamed of saying to her. The words that he has repressed for too long. The words that simply roll off his tongue. The words he has been longing to tell her. “I … I love you, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth stares up at him, gasping. “That is sweet of you, Maxwell. You are adorable. But you really, really should not have done this.”
Maxwell smiles. “I want to …”
“You should not have. See this little thing?” she asks, lifting up the diamond bracelet, swinging it back in forth in front of his face to taunt him before throwing it over her shoulder. It disappears into the rosebushes. “It is nothing compared to this.” Elizabeth flashes a diamond bracelet on her wrist. The diamonds on it are ten times the size of those on Maxwell’s bracelet.
“Sean gave it to me,” Elizabeth says with a big smile. “We are to marry next week!”
Maxwell’s mouth drops open as he stares at her. His heart stops beating.
“Is that not right, darling?” Elizabeth calls out.
Sean pops out of a bush and embraces Elizabeth from behind. “Yes. That is right, darling.”
They share a kiss as Elizabeth leans back into Sean’s embrace. “Maxwell, you should come to the wedding.”
Maxwell wakes with a start. His breathing is rapid and there are drops of sweat all over his face. He uses his sleeve to wipe his forehead. That is one incredibly terrifying nightmare. How on earth did his subconscious come up with that scenario? Maxwell shakes his head to straighten his thoughts. His Elizabeth will never act in that manner. His Elizabeth is sweet and kind. She will not hurt him in such a way, will she?
Maxwell looks down at the angel sleeping soundly in his bed. No, she will not hurt him in such a way. If anything, she will find a way stomp on his heart gently.
He sighs. What if she does not care for the gift he bought for her? What if she does not care for him? He closes his eyes tight and takes a deep breath. He will not know unless he tells her.
Maxwell sits up and straightens his back, wincing at the aching pull in his muscles. He fell asleep sitting in his chair, while leaning his arms and head on the bed. His back is cramping from sleeping in the uncomfortable position. He stretches a bit and slowly lets his muscles adjust.
Maxwell looks back down at the sleeping form in his bed. She still has yet to wake. Doctor Davis said she will wake soon. But that was last night. She has not stirred at all. But the color returned to her face. Her breathing is normal and her cheeks were rosy. And yet Maxwell still worries.
What if she stays this way, a sleeping beauty. Maxwell smiles softly at the thought. What if, all she needs to wake her is a kiss? Is it worth a try? Maxwell is thinking about Elizabeth’s well being here, not how much he wants to feel her lips against his. He might as well give it a try. After all, what is a little sacrifice if it is for a greater good?
Maxwell gently sits down on the bed beside her. He places his arms on either sides of Elizabeth’s shoulders, and starts to lower his head. He runs his tongue over his lips and parts them. He can now feel Elizabeth’s warm breath on his face. He can almost taste her lips, but his conscience is restraining him. His bottom lip grazes hers before he pulls back.
How does Prince Charming do it? It just does not feel right without her permission. Maxwell groans and opts in going to get the doctor instead of furthering his experiment with fairytale mythology.
Maxwell stands and turns toward the door, about ready to break into a run to retrieve the doctor to check up on Elizabeth again. But he does not want to leave her here without his supervision if something should happen. Nor does he want to be gone if she should wake. But what if something is terribly wrong and she never wakes?
Maxwell is about to head out his bedroom door when it creeps open.
“Good morning, dear,” Diane whispers. “Is there still no sign?” she asks, tilting her head towards Elizabeth.
Maxwell shakes his head no. His eyes are cast down, a look of distress on his face.
“I will call for the doctor,” Diane says as she shuts the door softly behind her.
“Oh, Maxwell,” she calls as she opens the door again. “You really should be getting ready for the ball. You have only a couple more hours. Did you find someone to take with you yet?”
Maxwell lets out a long sigh. He nods his head. “Yes,” he says with his head bowed down, ashamed of his answer. He does not lift his head until he hears the soft click of the door being shut completely. He never enjoys lying to his mother, but he refuses to go with anyone other than Elizabeth. His heart belongs to her and he cannot take it back now, no matter how hard he tries. And going with someone else feels as though he is betraying her in some way.
Maxwell walks back over to the bed and solemnly sits down in the chair. He lifts her hand into his, brings it up to his lips and kisses it. “Worry not, Elizabeth. Everything will be fine. You will see. Mother will get the doctor. Mother will make everything better.”
--------------
“Yes. Sure. No problem,” he says, patting Alexander on the back.
“Great. So after the announcement tonight?” Alexander asks the group.
“Anything for you, Alexander,” one of them answers.
“It will be like old times,” another one comments.
“Thank you, guys, I owe you,” Alexander calls out as he heads out the door.
Alexander makes his way down the street with a big smile on his face. Everything is going as planned. Well, except for the whole Elizabeth ordeal.
Alexander’s face falls. Why is it that bad things happen to good people? And Elizabeth is as good as a person gets. She is sweet and kind. She would not hurt a fly. She does get a bit feisty every now and then, but that is only when Maxwell is around.
Alexander is pulled from his thoughts by a voice in front of him.
“Can you direct me to the Evans’ home?”
Alexander looks up and sees a monk asking a few townspeople in front of him. He walks up to the man. “You are looking for the Evan’s estate?”
Kyle looks at the boy in front of him and nods his head. “Yes. Can you tell me where it is?”
“Yes. In fact, I will show you the way. I live there and am on my way home right now,” Alexander says as he starts down the street with the monk at his side. “Is there someone specific you needed to speak with?”
“Are you one of Diane’s sons?” Kyle asks.
Alexander nods his head, wondering how this man knows his mother.
Kyle smiles, patting Alexander on the back. “Then you must be Alexander. I am Kyle, your uncle.”
Alexander stares at the monk for a moment before it hits him. “Uncle K!” Alexander pulls him into an embrace. “Mother has told us all about you. How did you know I am Alexander?”
“Well, she did mention that you were a bit thin,” Kyle says with a teasing glint.
Alexander rolls his eyes playfully. “I will pretend I did not hear that.”
Kyle laughs. He remembers also of Diane saying that Alexander is quite witty.
“You are here about Elizabeth?” Alexander asks with a sad expression on his face.
“Yes. What happened?” Kyle asks. “I only received a small message from your mother saying that Elizabeth is ill and she needs me to watch after her. I came right away.”
“Well …” Alexander starts, not quite sure how to tell his uncle. “She … she has not really been … eating … all too well.”
“Not eating well?” Kyle stares at Alexander, confused. “She has told you that she does not eat meat? She is in training herself. She has not eaten meat in her entire life.”
“It is not that she has not been eating meat,” Alexander says warily, curious as to what Kyle meant by Elizabeth being in training. “It is that she has not been eating at all.”
Kyle stops walking and stares at him. Elizabeth not eating? Why would she not eat? Elizabeth always ate.
Alexander sees Kyle’s confusion. “She fainted the other day. Maxwell found her in an alley. She still has not woken when I left this morning. Although, she looks a great deal healthier than she did yesterday,” Alexander keeps walking, past the gate. “You can see her for yourself though. She is right upstairs in Maxwell’s room.”
Kyle runs past Alexander through the front door. He races into the house. He sees a few people stand and look toward his direction when he enters, but he continues on his way, running up the stairs. He is in such a hurry he runs straight into someone.
Kyle looks at the half-dressed boy he almost knocked over. He is most likely one of Diane’s other sons. Possibly Maxwell. Diane says that Maxwell has the tall, dark, and handsome, Prince Charming look. And this boy’s hair is tamer than how Diane describes Michael’s unruly hair.
“Careful there,” Maxwell says as he leans on to the wall for balance. He is on his way to the bathroom to get his shirt when he is almost knocked over by someone. He stares at the monk that storms into his house. Maxwell thinks for a second, “Uncle K?”
Kyle nods his head. “Where is she?” he asks, panicking, and out of breath.
Maxwell frowns, knowing exactly whom Kyle is referring to. His sleeping beauty. His angel. Maxwell sighs, closes his eyes and points to the open door of his bedroom. He stays in his spot long after Kyle races off in Elizabeth’s direction.
Maxwell lets out a deep breath. The ball is only hours away and Elizabeth has yet to wake. Doctor Davis came by earlier. He did another check on Elizabeth and says that she is fine. She is a lot better than yesterday but that she needed rest. She will wake when she is recovered. He made a special note to Maxwell, not to rush Elizabeth, and to let her wake on her own accord.
Maxwell hangs his head low, how can he not want her to wake as soon as possible? His whole plan … everything … is ruined. Maxwell kicks himself. How can he be selfish now when he should be hoping the best for Elizabeth’s recovery, not that she is dancing with him at the ball tonight. The ball … Elizabeth is to accompany him. Now he will have to settle for the next best thing. Maxwell groans, eyes still cast down.
Alexander walks slowly up the stairs and sees his brother, gloomier than ever. Alexander sighs and puts a comforting hand on Maxwell’s shoulder. “Maxwell. Mother and father have already left to the Governor’s. You should finish dressing and we will head down there together.”
Maxwell shakes his head. “Elizabeth has not wakened. Who is going to watch her?”
“Uncle Kyle will,” Alexander says, steering Maxwell into the bathroom to finish changing. “Mother sent for him to come. He will take good care of her.”
“But …” Maxwell begins to protest.
Alexander shakes his head as he forces his brother into the bathroom. “Maxwell. You know must be there to support Michael. It is his big day.”
Maxwell sighs. “It is just …”
Alexander interrupts him again. “I know, believe me, I am worried for Elizabeth as well, but there is nothing we can do about it now. You need to let her rest, like the doctor instructed.”
“But what if …”
Alexander stares his brother in the eyes. “Even if she wakes, she will not be able to attend the ball. She must spend a day or two more in bed. But Michael needs you there.”
Maxwell nods his head in defeat. He knows Alexander is right. There is not much more he can do. He already stayed by her side all night and day, talking to her, holding her hand. He even sang to her, and he is as terrible a singer as he is a dancer.
Alexander pats Maxwell on the back and shuts the bathroom door behind him as he heads toward his own bedroom. Maxwell stares at the closed door for a second before he throws on the rest of his clothing. He does not even bother with his hair nor does he look in the mirror before heading out the bathroom to see if he looks presentable. He can care less. His mind is focused on more important things … or rather … a more important person.
Maxwell makes his way over to his bedroom and peeks inside. Kyle is sitting in his chair, beside Elizabeth’s bed, holding Elizabeth’s hand. Maxwell feels a small pang in his chest. He shakes his head and laughs at himself. Only over Elizabeth can he ever be jealous of a monk.
Kyle hears a soft chuckling coming from the hallway. He looks toward the door and spots Maxwell standing just outside. Kyle stands, placing Elizabeth’s hand softly on the bed.
When Maxwell sees Kyle stand, he walks into the room quietly. Although he wants Elizabeth to wake, he does not want to be the one to wake her. She looks too peaceful in her sleep. He cannot bring himself to try and wake her now.
“Are you and Alexander about to head off?” Kyle asks as he meets Maxwell halfway in the room.
Maxwell nods his head. “Yes. It will be dark soon. There is a lantern on the table. You can find matches in my desk drawer. Make yourself at home. If there is anything you want, just help yourself,” Maxwell says to Kyle, but his eyes are glued on Elizabeth’s sleeping form.
Kyle nods. He notices the yearning gaze Maxwell is giving Elizabeth. He will have to have a little talk with Elizabeth when she wakes. He raised her in such a sheltered environment, she probably does not realize how much longing is filled in those looks Maxwell gives her. Kyle sighs.
“Maxwell, do not worry. I will watch after her.”
Maxwell sighs, forcing his gaze away from Elizabeth. “Will you do me a favor? Will you send someone to get me if … when she wakes?” Maxwell corrects himself
Kyle smiles and nods his head. “Of course.”
“Maxwell,” Alexander’s voice comes softly from the hallway. “We should be leaving soon.”
Maxwell lets out a deep breath and takes one last glance at Elizabeth, lying on his bed, before heading out the door, away from her, his sleeping beauty, his angel.
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Chapter Twenty Six:
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Michael is seated on the stairs as he watches his soon to be announced fiancé run back and forth between the rooms, clearly panicky and nervous about the ball. She runs about so much, it starts to make him dizzy.
Maria counts things off on her fingers as she enters the ballroom once more. “The flowers are set. The decorations are done. Candles are up. The caterers are here. Music is … where is the band?” Maria pauses and looks around frantically. “How are we to hold a ball without music?”
Michael snickers at her distress. Why women get so anxious and worried, he will never know.
Maria spins on her heels, facing the crude hyena. “And just what on earth are you laughing at? I do not find it funny that we are without music for our own ball. Do you? Because if you do, something is certainly not right.”
Michael stands and holds Maria by the shoulders, looking straight into her dazzling emerald eyes. “Maria, dear, the band still has over an hour before they must be here. Do not worry so much. Alexander knows them. They will make it on time. We will have music,” Michael snickers again.
Maria lets out a huff and pouts, knowing fully well she is overreacting. She leans into his embrace, throwing her arms around his neck. “I just want everything to be perfect.”
Michael leans his head down so that their foreheads are touching. “Everything will be perfect, so long as you do not decide that you want out of this engagement, and leave me.”
Maria looks to the side, as if contemplating the thought before looking back and smiling at him. “That is a very tempting alternative, but I highly doubt that you can rid of me that easily. Besides, if I left you, who will be there to knock some sense back into that thick skull of yours, oh love of mine?”
Michael chuckles and leans down to softly kiss her lips. He tightens his grip around her waist, pulling her body against his. He lifts one of his hands to run his fingers through her hair when he hears someone clear their throat.
Michael and Maria pulls apart at lightning speed, both beet-red, embarrassed at having been caught being so intimate in public.
Isabella simply giggles, amused at her sister’s flustered state. “I can just imagine what will have happened if father had caught you two.” Isabella giggles again, earning a glare from Maria.
Upon seeing the scowl on Maria’s face, Isabella suppresses her laughter as much as possible. “Maria, the hairstylist is here. We should be getting ready.”
Maria nods her head, tiptoes, and gives Michael a quick peck on the lips before following Isabella up the stairs toward their bedrooms.
Michael watches her as she ascendes the stairs. She is beautiful. How did he ever manage to become engaged to such a golden-haired goddess as Maria? Not that he is complaining. In fact, he is thanking his lucky stars that she chose him, of all people, to be with.
Michael stands there long after she disappears from his sight. He finally comes out of his reverie when he hears a servant open the door and footsteps approaching from behind him. Michael turns around and sees Alexander walk up towards him.
“Hello Michael. So … today is the big day, is not it?” Alexander asks, slapping Michael on the back.
Michael rolls his eyes at him. “You should see how stressed Maria is.”
“I can imagine.” Alexander says, laughing at the mental picture of Maria pulling her own hair out. “So … where is Isabella?”
Michael smiles at Alexander. “Very subtle, Alexander. I was actually expecting that to be the first question from your mouth.”
Alexander blushes and rolls his eyes.
Michael laughs again. “She is upstairs with Maria, getting dolled up.”
“Great!” Alexander replies with a toothy grin.
“I will bet,” Michael says as he sits back down on the steps. “Oh. Your friend came by and dropped off your guitar. It is in the living area,” he says, looking up at Alexander.
“Great!” Alexander replies with another sparkly smile.
Michael eyes Alexander curiously. “You are a little too chummy today. What are you up to?”
Alexander shakes his head wildly. “Nothing. Why would I be up to something?”
Michael shrugs his shoulders with a smile. “You are just a bit too happy, is all.”
“Hey,” Alexander says, making a face and putting his hands on his hips with a huff, as though he is offended by the comment. “I resent that.”
Michael just laughs.
“Besides,” Alexander says, his face falling, “better to be overly chummy than to be like Gloomy Gus over there.”
Michael looks to where Alexander is pointing and sees Maxwell, leaning against a wall with his back turned towards them. Michael did not even notice Maxwell come in. That is how one knows something is the matter with him. Maxwell thrives on the attention of creating big entrances, and making his presence known to all. And Michael knows exactly what is bothering Maxwell, or rather, who. “Elizabeth not awake yet?”
Alexander shakes his head, his eyes downcast. “I practically dragged him here.”
Michael nods his head in understanding.
“Do not misunderstand him,” Alexander says upon seeing Michael’s dim expression. “You know Maxwell wants to be here to support you, it is just that …”
“I know,” Michael interrupts. “He would rather be with Elizabeth. I do not blame him. I would rather be there too, if the roles were reversed.” Michael lets out a sigh.
Alexander smiles sympathetically. “Uncle Kyle is watching her.”
“Yes, I know,” Michael replies. “Your mother has already informed me.”
“Where is mother?” Alexander asks.
“She is upstairs with Maria and Isabella, critiquing the stylist. Father is with Governor Valenti in his office with more paperwork,” Michael says, his mind clearly elsewhere.
Alexander sighs. He did not want to bring Michael’s mood down. Today is Michael’s big day. Alexander gulps thinking about it. Today is his big day too. Maybe he should just go over it one more time. “I think I am going to spend some time in the garden. Where is my guitar again?” Alexander asks as he heads out the room.
“In the living area,” Michael calls out to him.
“Thanks,” Alexander calls back before disappearing through the door.
Michael sighs and shakes his head, thinking about Elizabeth’s situation. He looks at Maxwell, who has not moved an inch since Michael first saw him. He does not even seem as though he is breathing. It does not matter anyway. Maxwell is already dead inside. That is, until Elizabeth wakes up, of course.
“Maxwell,” Michael calls out as he stands and walks towards him. Michael stops in front of Maxwell and throws a comforting arm around his shoulder as he begins steering him out of the room, forcing Maxwell to walk with him. “Let us go out to the garden. It is beautiful outside today.”
Maxwell nods his head reluctantly and heads out into the garden with Michael.
“So…” Michael begins when they are both seated under a tree in the garden. Michael wants to sit down with Alexander too, just the three of them again, but Alexander seems to have disappeared. “Did you find someone to accompany you?”
“I already have someone,” Maxwell says, shrugging his shoulders.
“Is it Tess?” Michael asks with a look on his face.
Maxwell grimaces and gags at the mention of her name. “Michael, how can you even suggest that?”
Michael laughs. “Come off it, Maxwell. You and I both know that you did not ask anyone to go with you to the ball. Hell, you probably even turned down each and every lovely lady that had the courage to approach you. But …” Michael says, leaning back, “that is not what you told your mother, now is it?”
“No,” Maxwell says, shaking his head guiltily. “But, I do have someone.”
“Maxwell,” Michael says softly. “I know who you are implying, but she cannot. Even if she is to wake, you know what the doctor says …”
Maxwell nods his head. “I know what the doctor says. It is just … I asked her first. I cannot turn around and go with someone else now. It just … it does not feel right.”
“I know,” Michael says, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I support your decision completely. And I am positive your mother and your father do as well, they just want you to go with someone so you can forget about all that has happened and have a good time, even if it is for a short while. They really have the best intentions, Maxwell.”
Maxwell just nods his head. “But they do not understand.”
“I am certain they do. We are still young, and they want us to be able to have fun while we still can,” Michael says as he stands and offers his hand to Maxwell.
Maxwell pulls himself up and brushes blades of grass off his pants.
Michael laughs. “Sorry about that. Not a good idea to sit on the ground in nice and expensive clothing. You look nice, by the way.”
“Yes. I always do,” Maxwell says with a smile.
Michael smiles in return. “Great to know you are back to your normal cocky self.”
Maxwell chuckles. “You should get dressed. I am going to find Alexander.”
“Alright” Michael says. He pats Maxwell on the back before heading off to the guestroom to change.
Maxwell sighs. He still worries for Elizabeth. Everyone worries for Elizabeth. He does not need to have them worrying about him as well. He will have to be more lively, even if it is all just an act. He must smile, and play nice, while his thoughts are far away with a certain beauty asleep in his bedroom.
--------------
“Is everything set?” Khivar asks as he buttons up his shirt, looking at his reflection in the mirror.
“Everything is ready, your Highness,” Sean replies.
Khivar smiles wickedly and walks over towards his chair and retrieves a jacket that is draped across the back of it. “Has the Queen left yet?” Khivar asks casually as he walks back over to the mirror to button up the jacket.
“Yes. The Queen’s carriage has already departed,” Sean says, bowing his head slightly. He remains standing, in his spot, a few feet away from Khivar.
“Excellent. Have you sent the assassin to the King’s quarters?” Khivar asks impassively as he inspects himself in the mirror.
“Actually …” Sean takes several steps away from Khivar. “The King is … is not … he is not in his quarters.”
“Alright then, send the assassin to where ever in the palace he is,” Khivar says, turning around to look at Sean, becoming slightly irritated.
Sean stares down at the ground while he timidly replies. “You see … he … he is not in the palace.”
“Where is he?” Khivar asks, his anger rising.
Sean backs several more steps away from Khivar. “He left with the Queen to the ball.” Sean closes his eyes tight, bracing himself for whatever pain Khivar will inflict on him for his plans becoming disarray.
“What!?” Khivar shouts, causing Sean to flinch. Khivar begins pacing, taking several deep breaths to try to clear his mind. He abruptly stops and looks at Sean.
Sean cowers, fearful of what Khivar might do.
Khivar shrugs his shoulders and walks back over towards the mirror. “No problem. It is just a minor glitch in the plan. Besides, the man will die on his own accord. No need to have more blood on my hands. At least, not to where it can be linked to me.”
“Yes, sir.”
Khivar glares at Sean’s reflection through the mirror. The bruise that Sean received from Maxwell is still highly visible. “How is your eye?”
Sean turns his head to try and cover up his face.
Khivar snickers before his face stones. “Make certain there are no more slip-ups tonight. The girl must be eliminated.”
“Yes, sir,” Sean replies, visibly relieved that nothing is being hurled his way.
“Good. Now, to more important matters …” Khivar says in a cheery tone as he spins around to face Sean. “How do I look?”
“Like a King should, your Highness,” Sean says, bowing his head.
Khivar smiles. “Perfect then. Let us go,” he says as he walks past Sean, out the door.
They walk to the carriage and a servant opens a door for him. Khivar steps in and takes his seat. Sean starts to enter as well, but the coach driver stops him. “I am sorry, sir, but his Highness never rides with others.”
Sean looks at Khivar, who has a look of superiority on his face. “Oh, and Sean, make certain you do not address me in public. Do not even come near me at the ball. We do not want any more slip-ups, now do we? And we do not want any of this linking back to me. Besides …” Khivar says, looking Sean up and down, “you look common.”
Sean nods his head obediently, steps away and watches as the carriage rides off.
“Common? I will show him common,” Sean curses after the carriage is out of sight. How is he to get to the ball now? He can walk, but it is a rather long way to the Valenti estate. Perhaps he can take a horse.
Sean looks around and spots someone. “You there!” Sean calls to a servant standing nearby.
The servant turns around realizing he is being addressed and groans when realizing it is Sean calling him. He never liked Sean. The boy is far too arrogant. Not the charming Maxwell Evans type of arrogance, but rather the kind that makes you wish to punch him in the gut.
Nevertheless though, Sean is higher in status than that of a servant. “Yes, sir?”
“Run along and fetch me a horse,” Sean says, waving a hand in a gesture for him to go.
The servant rolls his eyes. It will be a cold day in hell when he follows orders given by this brainless twit. “I apologize, sir, but the royal horses are not meant to be ridden by others without permission. And the King and Queen have already left for the Valenti and Evans engagement ball.”
“Do you not realize who I am?” Sean asks, glaring at the servant.
“Fully well, sir. But the rules still apply. Even to spoiled brats such as yourself,” the servant adds the last part under his breath. “So, unless you are royalty, which will be an immense felony to claim to be such, when you are not, I cannot and will not retrieve a royal stallion for you.”
“Very well,” Sean huffs. “But I will be royalty someday and you will highly regret this!”
“I apologize, sir, but you do not have the manners or the looks to be royalty, especially with that enormous bruise on your face. How, pray tell, did that happen to you?”
“It is nothing that would concern that of a servant,” Sean sneers out. “Bring me what you do have then.”
“Well,” the servant chuckles, “I think I can find something that will suit you just perfectly.”
“Fetch it then and bring it for me,” Sean spits out. “I do not wish to be late to my cousin’s engagement ball. Why, practically everyone will be there. Everyone that is of high status, that is,” Sean says, holding his head up high.
“An ass for an ass,” the servant mutters under his breath as he rolls his eyes and walks away. It is just like Sean to remind everyone that he is born to a rich family. This is why everyone is always cheering for the Evans boys. They are always friendly to everyone, everyone except for Sean that is.
However, lately, there has not been much news of them, other than the engagement ball. But there is a rumor as to where and how Sean received that bruise on his face. The servant snickers as he enters the stables.
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Chapter Twenty Six:
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Michael is seated on the stairs as he watches his soon to be announced fiancé run back and forth between the rooms, clearly panicky and nervous about the ball. She runs about so much, it starts to make him dizzy.
Maria counts things off on her fingers as she enters the ballroom once more. “The flowers are set. The decorations are done. Candles are up. The caterers are here. Music is … where is the band?” Maria pauses and looks around frantically. “How are we to hold a ball without music?”
Michael snickers at her distress. Why women get so anxious and worried, he will never know.
Maria spins on her heels, facing the crude hyena. “And just what on earth are you laughing at? I do not find it funny that we are without music for our own ball. Do you? Because if you do, something is certainly not right.”
Michael stands and holds Maria by the shoulders, looking straight into her dazzling emerald eyes. “Maria, dear, the band still has over an hour before they must be here. Do not worry so much. Alexander knows them. They will make it on time. We will have music,” Michael snickers again.
Maria lets out a huff and pouts, knowing fully well she is overreacting. She leans into his embrace, throwing her arms around his neck. “I just want everything to be perfect.”
Michael leans his head down so that their foreheads are touching. “Everything will be perfect, so long as you do not decide that you want out of this engagement, and leave me.”
Maria looks to the side, as if contemplating the thought before looking back and smiling at him. “That is a very tempting alternative, but I highly doubt that you can rid of me that easily. Besides, if I left you, who will be there to knock some sense back into that thick skull of yours, oh love of mine?”
Michael chuckles and leans down to softly kiss her lips. He tightens his grip around her waist, pulling her body against his. He lifts one of his hands to run his fingers through her hair when he hears someone clear their throat.
Michael and Maria pulls apart at lightning speed, both beet-red, embarrassed at having been caught being so intimate in public.
Isabella simply giggles, amused at her sister’s flustered state. “I can just imagine what will have happened if father had caught you two.” Isabella giggles again, earning a glare from Maria.
Upon seeing the scowl on Maria’s face, Isabella suppresses her laughter as much as possible. “Maria, the hairstylist is here. We should be getting ready.”
Maria nods her head, tiptoes, and gives Michael a quick peck on the lips before following Isabella up the stairs toward their bedrooms.
Michael watches her as she ascendes the stairs. She is beautiful. How did he ever manage to become engaged to such a golden-haired goddess as Maria? Not that he is complaining. In fact, he is thanking his lucky stars that she chose him, of all people, to be with.
Michael stands there long after she disappears from his sight. He finally comes out of his reverie when he hears a servant open the door and footsteps approaching from behind him. Michael turns around and sees Alexander walk up towards him.
“Hello Michael. So … today is the big day, is not it?” Alexander asks, slapping Michael on the back.
Michael rolls his eyes at him. “You should see how stressed Maria is.”
“I can imagine.” Alexander says, laughing at the mental picture of Maria pulling her own hair out. “So … where is Isabella?”
Michael smiles at Alexander. “Very subtle, Alexander. I was actually expecting that to be the first question from your mouth.”
Alexander blushes and rolls his eyes.
Michael laughs again. “She is upstairs with Maria, getting dolled up.”
“Great!” Alexander replies with a toothy grin.
“I will bet,” Michael says as he sits back down on the steps. “Oh. Your friend came by and dropped off your guitar. It is in the living area,” he says, looking up at Alexander.
“Great!” Alexander replies with another sparkly smile.
Michael eyes Alexander curiously. “You are a little too chummy today. What are you up to?”
Alexander shakes his head wildly. “Nothing. Why would I be up to something?”
Michael shrugs his shoulders with a smile. “You are just a bit too happy, is all.”
“Hey,” Alexander says, making a face and putting his hands on his hips with a huff, as though he is offended by the comment. “I resent that.”
Michael just laughs.
“Besides,” Alexander says, his face falling, “better to be overly chummy than to be like Gloomy Gus over there.”
Michael looks to where Alexander is pointing and sees Maxwell, leaning against a wall with his back turned towards them. Michael did not even notice Maxwell come in. That is how one knows something is the matter with him. Maxwell thrives on the attention of creating big entrances, and making his presence known to all. And Michael knows exactly what is bothering Maxwell, or rather, who. “Elizabeth not awake yet?”
Alexander shakes his head, his eyes downcast. “I practically dragged him here.”
Michael nods his head in understanding.
“Do not misunderstand him,” Alexander says upon seeing Michael’s dim expression. “You know Maxwell wants to be here to support you, it is just that …”
“I know,” Michael interrupts. “He would rather be with Elizabeth. I do not blame him. I would rather be there too, if the roles were reversed.” Michael lets out a sigh.
Alexander smiles sympathetically. “Uncle Kyle is watching her.”
“Yes, I know,” Michael replies. “Your mother has already informed me.”
“Where is mother?” Alexander asks.
“She is upstairs with Maria and Isabella, critiquing the stylist. Father is with Governor Valenti in his office with more paperwork,” Michael says, his mind clearly elsewhere.
Alexander sighs. He did not want to bring Michael’s mood down. Today is Michael’s big day. Alexander gulps thinking about it. Today is his big day too. Maybe he should just go over it one more time. “I think I am going to spend some time in the garden. Where is my guitar again?” Alexander asks as he heads out the room.
“In the living area,” Michael calls out to him.
“Thanks,” Alexander calls back before disappearing through the door.
Michael sighs and shakes his head, thinking about Elizabeth’s situation. He looks at Maxwell, who has not moved an inch since Michael first saw him. He does not even seem as though he is breathing. It does not matter anyway. Maxwell is already dead inside. That is, until Elizabeth wakes up, of course.
“Maxwell,” Michael calls out as he stands and walks towards him. Michael stops in front of Maxwell and throws a comforting arm around his shoulder as he begins steering him out of the room, forcing Maxwell to walk with him. “Let us go out to the garden. It is beautiful outside today.”
Maxwell nods his head reluctantly and heads out into the garden with Michael.
“So…” Michael begins when they are both seated under a tree in the garden. Michael wants to sit down with Alexander too, just the three of them again, but Alexander seems to have disappeared. “Did you find someone to accompany you?”
“I already have someone,” Maxwell says, shrugging his shoulders.
“Is it Tess?” Michael asks with a look on his face.
Maxwell grimaces and gags at the mention of her name. “Michael, how can you even suggest that?”
Michael laughs. “Come off it, Maxwell. You and I both know that you did not ask anyone to go with you to the ball. Hell, you probably even turned down each and every lovely lady that had the courage to approach you. But …” Michael says, leaning back, “that is not what you told your mother, now is it?”
“No,” Maxwell says, shaking his head guiltily. “But, I do have someone.”
“Maxwell,” Michael says softly. “I know who you are implying, but she cannot. Even if she is to wake, you know what the doctor says …”
Maxwell nods his head. “I know what the doctor says. It is just … I asked her first. I cannot turn around and go with someone else now. It just … it does not feel right.”
“I know,” Michael says, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I support your decision completely. And I am positive your mother and your father do as well, they just want you to go with someone so you can forget about all that has happened and have a good time, even if it is for a short while. They really have the best intentions, Maxwell.”
Maxwell just nods his head. “But they do not understand.”
“I am certain they do. We are still young, and they want us to be able to have fun while we still can,” Michael says as he stands and offers his hand to Maxwell.
Maxwell pulls himself up and brushes blades of grass off his pants.
Michael laughs. “Sorry about that. Not a good idea to sit on the ground in nice and expensive clothing. You look nice, by the way.”
“Yes. I always do,” Maxwell says with a smile.
Michael smiles in return. “Great to know you are back to your normal cocky self.”
Maxwell chuckles. “You should get dressed. I am going to find Alexander.”
“Alright” Michael says. He pats Maxwell on the back before heading off to the guestroom to change.
Maxwell sighs. He still worries for Elizabeth. Everyone worries for Elizabeth. He does not need to have them worrying about him as well. He will have to be more lively, even if it is all just an act. He must smile, and play nice, while his thoughts are far away with a certain beauty asleep in his bedroom.
--------------
“Is everything set?” Khivar asks as he buttons up his shirt, looking at his reflection in the mirror.
“Everything is ready, your Highness,” Sean replies.
Khivar smiles wickedly and walks over towards his chair and retrieves a jacket that is draped across the back of it. “Has the Queen left yet?” Khivar asks casually as he walks back over to the mirror to button up the jacket.
“Yes. The Queen’s carriage has already departed,” Sean says, bowing his head slightly. He remains standing, in his spot, a few feet away from Khivar.
“Excellent. Have you sent the assassin to the King’s quarters?” Khivar asks impassively as he inspects himself in the mirror.
“Actually …” Sean takes several steps away from Khivar. “The King is … is not … he is not in his quarters.”
“Alright then, send the assassin to where ever in the palace he is,” Khivar says, turning around to look at Sean, becoming slightly irritated.
Sean stares down at the ground while he timidly replies. “You see … he … he is not in the palace.”
“Where is he?” Khivar asks, his anger rising.
Sean backs several more steps away from Khivar. “He left with the Queen to the ball.” Sean closes his eyes tight, bracing himself for whatever pain Khivar will inflict on him for his plans becoming disarray.
“What!?” Khivar shouts, causing Sean to flinch. Khivar begins pacing, taking several deep breaths to try to clear his mind. He abruptly stops and looks at Sean.
Sean cowers, fearful of what Khivar might do.
Khivar shrugs his shoulders and walks back over towards the mirror. “No problem. It is just a minor glitch in the plan. Besides, the man will die on his own accord. No need to have more blood on my hands. At least, not to where it can be linked to me.”
“Yes, sir.”
Khivar glares at Sean’s reflection through the mirror. The bruise that Sean received from Maxwell is still highly visible. “How is your eye?”
Sean turns his head to try and cover up his face.
Khivar snickers before his face stones. “Make certain there are no more slip-ups tonight. The girl must be eliminated.”
“Yes, sir,” Sean replies, visibly relieved that nothing is being hurled his way.
“Good. Now, to more important matters …” Khivar says in a cheery tone as he spins around to face Sean. “How do I look?”
“Like a King should, your Highness,” Sean says, bowing his head.
Khivar smiles. “Perfect then. Let us go,” he says as he walks past Sean, out the door.
They walk to the carriage and a servant opens a door for him. Khivar steps in and takes his seat. Sean starts to enter as well, but the coach driver stops him. “I am sorry, sir, but his Highness never rides with others.”
Sean looks at Khivar, who has a look of superiority on his face. “Oh, and Sean, make certain you do not address me in public. Do not even come near me at the ball. We do not want any more slip-ups, now do we? And we do not want any of this linking back to me. Besides …” Khivar says, looking Sean up and down, “you look common.”
Sean nods his head obediently, steps away and watches as the carriage rides off.
“Common? I will show him common,” Sean curses after the carriage is out of sight. How is he to get to the ball now? He can walk, but it is a rather long way to the Valenti estate. Perhaps he can take a horse.
Sean looks around and spots someone. “You there!” Sean calls to a servant standing nearby.
The servant turns around realizing he is being addressed and groans when realizing it is Sean calling him. He never liked Sean. The boy is far too arrogant. Not the charming Maxwell Evans type of arrogance, but rather the kind that makes you wish to punch him in the gut.
Nevertheless though, Sean is higher in status than that of a servant. “Yes, sir?”
“Run along and fetch me a horse,” Sean says, waving a hand in a gesture for him to go.
The servant rolls his eyes. It will be a cold day in hell when he follows orders given by this brainless twit. “I apologize, sir, but the royal horses are not meant to be ridden by others without permission. And the King and Queen have already left for the Valenti and Evans engagement ball.”
“Do you not realize who I am?” Sean asks, glaring at the servant.
“Fully well, sir. But the rules still apply. Even to spoiled brats such as yourself,” the servant adds the last part under his breath. “So, unless you are royalty, which will be an immense felony to claim to be such, when you are not, I cannot and will not retrieve a royal stallion for you.”
“Very well,” Sean huffs. “But I will be royalty someday and you will highly regret this!”
“I apologize, sir, but you do not have the manners or the looks to be royalty, especially with that enormous bruise on your face. How, pray tell, did that happen to you?”
“It is nothing that would concern that of a servant,” Sean sneers out. “Bring me what you do have then.”
“Well,” the servant chuckles, “I think I can find something that will suit you just perfectly.”
“Fetch it then and bring it for me,” Sean spits out. “I do not wish to be late to my cousin’s engagement ball. Why, practically everyone will be there. Everyone that is of high status, that is,” Sean says, holding his head up high.
“An ass for an ass,” the servant mutters under his breath as he rolls his eyes and walks away. It is just like Sean to remind everyone that he is born to a rich family. This is why everyone is always cheering for the Evans boys. They are always friendly to everyone, everyone except for Sean that is.
However, lately, there has not been much news of them, other than the engagement ball. But there is a rumor as to where and how Sean received that bruise on his face. The servant snickers as he enters the stables.
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Chapter Twenty Seven:
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Maxwell stands about. The ball began quite a while ago with guests of all kinds, from high royalty to lowly sluts. Well, that was a tad bit cruel of a thing to say about Tess, but he just cannot help himself at times. The way that she flaunts her body and throws herself at men, especially him, just reminds him too much of a cheap whore.
Maxwell knows he should be inside mingling. It will help his father’s company to get into the good graces of some of these prestigious businessmen, but he does not care for it. Not when his mind is somewhere else.
He stands outside, getting a breath of fresh air and greeting people as they arrive to the ball, fashionably late. Some of the lovely women offer to stay outside and keep him company, but he dismisses them all, as nicely as he can. Declining their dance offers as well. He simply does not dance.
It took a little more effort to be rid of Tess though. But Alexander comes to the rescue. Of course, now, Tess has a very lovely crystal blue dress, with a very red punch stain on it. Normally, Maxwell will have felt terrible, but it is just Tess. Besides, she will probably head home and change. That, and go inform Sean about what happened and somehow persuade him to get revenge on Alexander.
Nothing that Maxwell cannot handle though. Where is Sean? He has not seen him arrive with the rest of the Deluca clan. Sean is not going to miss his own cousin’s engagement ball, will he? Maxwell is very anxious to finish the little brawl they began in the alley. Very, VERY anxious.
“Hello, Maxwell,” comes an obnoxiously husky voice, disturbing Maxwell’s thoughts.
Maxwell turns toward the voice and sees a very voluptuous, very blonde, and very scantily clad, Pamela Troy. Can she not see that he wants to be alone? And no matter how much Maxwell wants to tell her off, he cannot. It will not be good business. After all, her father owns one of the shipping companies that his father works with. So he has to at least play nice, even if he despises her.
Maxwell plasters an obviously fake smile on his face. “Good evening, Pamela. That is a lovely gown you have on.” Maxwell inwardly gags after commenting on her dress. It is so tight on her figure that it looks like she painted it on herself.
“Why, thank you, Maxwell,” she says, running her hands over her hips in an attempt to entice Maxwell. But Maxwell, as always, is not susceptible to her advances. But this does not stop her from trying. “You look very yummy yourself.”
Maxwell wants to hurl. Yummy? What sort of a compliment is that? “I apologize, Pamela, but I …”
“Maxwell!” Both Pamela and Maxwell turn towards the voice and see Alexander, standing a few feet away with another cup of punch in his hands and an evil glint in his eyes.
Maxwell is greatly relieved to see Alexander, but Pamela looks more … annoyed. “Alexander, do you not have somewhere else to be?” she sneers out.
“No,” Alexander says cheerily, shaking his head as he approaches the two, taking his steps very slowly.
“Well, Maxwell and I would like to be alone right now,” Pamela says, linking arms with Maxwell. Maxwell tried as much as he can to slip his arm away, but she has a pretty strong grip.
“Well, in that case, I will just …” Alexander pretends to accidentally stumble on something, causing his punch to fly out of his hands. “Oh, my god!”
Pamela screams as the liquid comes out of the cup and splashes onto her, drenching her with a large, red stain, right on her chest.
Alexander and Maxwell suppress their laughter. “I apologize,” Alexander says as he steps towards her, pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket. “Here, let me help you.”
“No,” Pamela says, backing away from Alexander, tripping backwards on a low shrub, ripping her dress and causing another shriek to come from her lips.
“Oh my god, Pamela.” Alexander comes towards her again. “Here, let me help you up.”
Maxwell snickers in the background as he watches the two.
“No. NO!” Pamela almost screams as Alexander approaches her. “I-I am fine. Do not come near me.”
“At least allow me …” Alexander begins.
“No!” Pamela interrupts him, holding her hands up, trying to ward him off.
“You are a mess. You cannot go back into the ball looking like that. I will call a carriage for you,” Alexander says, raising his hand to call a driver forth.
“No! You have done enough, Alexander,” Pamela says, trying her best to keep even a little bit of poise. “I will call a carriage myself.”
“If you are certain,” Alexander says with a toothy grin.
“Yes,” Pamela replies, nodding her head. She turns toward Maxwell. “Goodbye, Maxwell.” She curtseys slightly, and turns on her heel, adding as much hip to her turn as possible before strutting off. Apparently too much hip as her heel catches on her dress and she trips once again.
“Pamela!” Both Maxwell and Alexander yell.
Pamela picks herself back up and storms off, utterly embarrassed.
Maxwell and Alexander give each other a look before they both double over, laughing.
“Oh god, Alexander … I thought that … the Tess thing was comical … but this … this was over the top hilarious!” Maxwell manages out between his spurts of laughter.
Alexander takes a deep breath after his laughter dies down. “I actually would have felt terrible for her, if it was not for what she did to Isabella,” Alexander says with a sigh.
“What did she do to Isabella?” Maxwell asks, concerned for the girl. Whatever Pamela Troy did, has to be bad for Alexander to do what he did to her.
Alexander sighs again. “Pamela tripped her in the ballroom. Isabella was so embarrassed that she ran to her bedroom and will not come out. Not even when Maria pleaded with her.”
Maxwell shakes his head. Appearances are everything to girls. He wonders if that is why Elizabeth stopped eating. Is it because she wants to be skinnier? But she is already thinner than most girls he knows. Maxwell frowns. He has not even gotten the chance to see her gown. She was so excited about it.
He sighs and shakes his head. He is not supposed to be thinking about what he is missing out on with her asleep. He is supposed to simply want Elizabeth to wake.
Alexander notices Maxwell’s expression and knows where his thoughts are. “Do not worry, Maxwell. Uncle Kyle says he will send someone as soon as Elizabeth wakes.”
Maxwell nods his head. “Alright.”
“I think they are going to make the announcement soon. We should go inside,” Alexander says, directing Maxwell toward the house.
Alexander and Maxwell start to head inside but stop when they hear a noise and an animal’s hoofs clanking on the ground behind them. They turn around and both are dumbfounded at what they see.
“M-Maxwell?” Alexander asks, his mouth hanging open.
“Y-yes, Alexander?” Maxwell replies, gawking at the sight before him.
“Do … do you … am I …” Alexander stutters.
“I do not think you are imagining it, if you are seeing the same thing I am,” Maxwell says, still shocked.
“Sean Deluca riding in on an ass?” Alexander asks.
Maxwell nods his head wildly. “Yes.”
Sean dismounts. Brushes off his jacket and straightens up his stance. “Not one word!” he threatens as he brushes past the two.
Maxwell and Alexander stare after him as he enters the house. They look at one another. The scene they just witness is simply too ridiculous, neither of them know how to comment upon it.
“So,” Alexander begins. “I … I did not imagine that, correct?”
Maxwell shakes his head. “I saw it too.”
Alexander nods his head. “Sean rode in on an ass.”
Maxwell bursts with laughter and soon has Alexander following suit.
“That was the highlight of my day,” Maxwell chuckles. “It was more hilarious than that time that you went up to that horse and…”
“Hold it! I believe we were not going to mention that incident anymore,” Alexander says, glaring playfully at his brother.
Maxwell throws his arm over his little brother’s shoulders. “So long as you drop the mud clothes story.”
Both agree before entering the house, side by side.
--------------
“Where is she?” King Jeffrey asks as he scans the crowd of people once again.
“I am not sure,” Nancy says, as she too looks over the mass of people crowding the ballroom.
“I thought you said she will be here,” Jeffrey says, getting somewhat irritated.
“She will be here,” Nancy tries to comfort him. She knows he is anxious to see his daughter. And it is all her fault. She sighs heavily, regretting more than anything, her mistakes. She will do anything to make it right again. Even give her own life, if it will make Jeffrey happy.
“I will go see if she has arrived yet,” Nancy says as she stands up from her seat and leaves the small area reserved especially for them. She enters the ballroom and glances about for a familiar face, for any familiar face.
Nancy spots James mingling with a few other men off to the side and heads in his direction. She almost reaches him when someone grabs her arm and pulls her to the center of the room.
She is finally able to see who it is that grabbed her when he pulls her into his arms and begins swaying to the music.
“Khivar! What is the meaning of this?” she whispers furiously.
“What?” he asks innocently. “Can a man not dance with his brother’s wife?”
“Since when have you even wanted to speak to me? Let alone admit to me being your brother’s wife?” she asks venomously.
“Since never,” he chuckles out. “So there will not be a point in starting now. I have found out some very interesting information about you.”
“Like what?” she spits out, trying to pull herself away from him, but he tightens his grip on her.
“Like what a whore you have been,” he sneers out evilly. “Sleeping around with men behind my brother’s back. What is wrong? The royal bed is not enough for you?”
Nancy gasps. “W-What … what do you mean?”
“You know very well what I mean, Amy,” Khivar spits out.
“I am not Amy,” she bites out threw clenched teeth.
“Oh, but you are. Amy Parker. Amy the whore,” Khivar tightens his grip around her waist. “I warned my brother about you. But did he listen? No! Now look where it has gotten him. His only heir was thrown out. Imagine that. A royal princess mistaken by her own mother to be a bastard child.”
Nancy slaps Khivar hard across the face. “Do not ever speak that way to me that way!” she snarls at him.
“You are in no position to make threats, Nancy!” Khivar spits at her. “Once Jeffrey is gone, I will be King! And you will suffer the consequences of having ever crossed me!” Khivar storms out of the room, leaving Nancy standing there, the center of attention.
Nancy looks about at the people staring at her. She and Khivar had caused quite a scene. She fidgets under everyone’s intense scrutiny. She locks eyes with James, pleading with him to help her in any way to revert the attention away from her.
He nods his head and walks toward the stage, signaling for Philip, Michael, Maria, and everyone else to join him. Nancy sneaks away as inconspicuously as possible and takes her seat beside Jeffrey, who watches her suspiciously.
Philip and Diane walk together, their arms linked, and follow James up the stage.
Maria and Michael follow as well, large smiles on both of their faces.
Maxwell follows after them with a bright smile plastered on his face waving at people on his way to the stage. He looks behind him and sees a very happy Alexander walking up with an equally cheery Isabella clinging to his side.
They all stand on the stage. On the left stands Alexander and Maxwell, their parents beside them, then Michael and Maria, with the Governor and Isabella beside Maria.
“So,” Maxwell whispers to Alexander. “You managed to get Isabella out of her bedroom? Or did you simply join her inside? That smile on your face is leaning me towards the latter.”
Alexander glares playfully at his brother. “I told Isabella what happened to Pamela.”
“Did she thank you and kiss you senseless?” Maxwell asks with raised eyebrows.
Alexander rolls his eyes but grins widely. “She called me her knight in shining armor.”
“How sweet,” Maxwell says, pinching Alexander’s cheek.
Alexander swats Maxwell’s hand away. “Yes. And after she sees what I have planned, she will be mine.”
“And what, pray tell, do you have planned in that devious head of yours, little brother?” Maxwell asks curiously.
“You will see,” Alexander says, refusing to tell Maxwell any more than that.
When everyone is up on the stage, James begins speaking in a cheery and loud voice, clearing his throat. “As you all know, you are all here to celebrate and announce the engagement of my eldest daughter, Rosemary Valen-”
Maria clears her throat loudly.
James chuckles. “I apologize … Maria Valenti, to the son of Philip and Diane Evans, Michael Guerin!”
Everyone cheers and applauds as the couple smiles and bows slightly to the crowd.
“Are they not a lovely couple? I know my wife is smiling down upon us from heaven. She is as proud of my daughter as I am. She is no longer a girl. She is a woman now.”
“Father,” Maria whispers as she gives James a hug.
Everyone in the crowd smiles at the sweet show of affection.
“Now that I have given away my eldest daughter, all I have left is to wait and give my youngest daughter, Isabella, away,” James says, pointing towards Isabella as she smiles and blushes nervously.
All of the young men in the room straighten their stances and hold their heads up high, trying to catch the attention of the beautiful blond on stage.
Alexander glares down at them all, sizing each of them up, and deducing that he can take them all on.
Maxwell chuckles. “I do not think you will have a problem there, Governor. Alexander, here, has that area covered,” Maxwell says, tilting his head towards Alexander’s direction.
Everyone looks at Alexander questioningly, with raised eyebrows.
Alexander turns red, all the way to his ears. Maxwell laughs harder at Alexander’s discomfort and is rewarded with an elbow in the side. Isabella simply smiles a sweet smile at Alexander, causing him to blush again, and Maxwell to laugh harder.
“Before we get out of hand here,” Philip starts. “We also have another announcement to make.”
“STOP!” comes a cry from the crowd. “I am calling off this engagement!”
Everyone turns to look at the intruder and sees a blonde haired girl standing at the doorway.
“He cannot be engaged to HER!” she screams out as she storms towards the stage. “Michael is engaged to ME!”
Shocked gasps emanate from everyone in the room and a hush fall over the crowd as they hold their breaths, watching the scene as it transpires before them.
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Chapter Twenty Seven:
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Maxwell stands about. The ball began quite a while ago with guests of all kinds, from high royalty to lowly sluts. Well, that was a tad bit cruel of a thing to say about Tess, but he just cannot help himself at times. The way that she flaunts her body and throws herself at men, especially him, just reminds him too much of a cheap whore.
Maxwell knows he should be inside mingling. It will help his father’s company to get into the good graces of some of these prestigious businessmen, but he does not care for it. Not when his mind is somewhere else.
He stands outside, getting a breath of fresh air and greeting people as they arrive to the ball, fashionably late. Some of the lovely women offer to stay outside and keep him company, but he dismisses them all, as nicely as he can. Declining their dance offers as well. He simply does not dance.
It took a little more effort to be rid of Tess though. But Alexander comes to the rescue. Of course, now, Tess has a very lovely crystal blue dress, with a very red punch stain on it. Normally, Maxwell will have felt terrible, but it is just Tess. Besides, she will probably head home and change. That, and go inform Sean about what happened and somehow persuade him to get revenge on Alexander.
Nothing that Maxwell cannot handle though. Where is Sean? He has not seen him arrive with the rest of the Deluca clan. Sean is not going to miss his own cousin’s engagement ball, will he? Maxwell is very anxious to finish the little brawl they began in the alley. Very, VERY anxious.
“Hello, Maxwell,” comes an obnoxiously husky voice, disturbing Maxwell’s thoughts.
Maxwell turns toward the voice and sees a very voluptuous, very blonde, and very scantily clad, Pamela Troy. Can she not see that he wants to be alone? And no matter how much Maxwell wants to tell her off, he cannot. It will not be good business. After all, her father owns one of the shipping companies that his father works with. So he has to at least play nice, even if he despises her.
Maxwell plasters an obviously fake smile on his face. “Good evening, Pamela. That is a lovely gown you have on.” Maxwell inwardly gags after commenting on her dress. It is so tight on her figure that it looks like she painted it on herself.
“Why, thank you, Maxwell,” she says, running her hands over her hips in an attempt to entice Maxwell. But Maxwell, as always, is not susceptible to her advances. But this does not stop her from trying. “You look very yummy yourself.”
Maxwell wants to hurl. Yummy? What sort of a compliment is that? “I apologize, Pamela, but I …”
“Maxwell!” Both Pamela and Maxwell turn towards the voice and see Alexander, standing a few feet away with another cup of punch in his hands and an evil glint in his eyes.
Maxwell is greatly relieved to see Alexander, but Pamela looks more … annoyed. “Alexander, do you not have somewhere else to be?” she sneers out.
“No,” Alexander says cheerily, shaking his head as he approaches the two, taking his steps very slowly.
“Well, Maxwell and I would like to be alone right now,” Pamela says, linking arms with Maxwell. Maxwell tried as much as he can to slip his arm away, but she has a pretty strong grip.
“Well, in that case, I will just …” Alexander pretends to accidentally stumble on something, causing his punch to fly out of his hands. “Oh, my god!”
Pamela screams as the liquid comes out of the cup and splashes onto her, drenching her with a large, red stain, right on her chest.
Alexander and Maxwell suppress their laughter. “I apologize,” Alexander says as he steps towards her, pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket. “Here, let me help you.”
“No,” Pamela says, backing away from Alexander, tripping backwards on a low shrub, ripping her dress and causing another shriek to come from her lips.
“Oh my god, Pamela.” Alexander comes towards her again. “Here, let me help you up.”
Maxwell snickers in the background as he watches the two.
“No. NO!” Pamela almost screams as Alexander approaches her. “I-I am fine. Do not come near me.”
“At least allow me …” Alexander begins.
“No!” Pamela interrupts him, holding her hands up, trying to ward him off.
“You are a mess. You cannot go back into the ball looking like that. I will call a carriage for you,” Alexander says, raising his hand to call a driver forth.
“No! You have done enough, Alexander,” Pamela says, trying her best to keep even a little bit of poise. “I will call a carriage myself.”
“If you are certain,” Alexander says with a toothy grin.
“Yes,” Pamela replies, nodding her head. She turns toward Maxwell. “Goodbye, Maxwell.” She curtseys slightly, and turns on her heel, adding as much hip to her turn as possible before strutting off. Apparently too much hip as her heel catches on her dress and she trips once again.
“Pamela!” Both Maxwell and Alexander yell.
Pamela picks herself back up and storms off, utterly embarrassed.
Maxwell and Alexander give each other a look before they both double over, laughing.
“Oh god, Alexander … I thought that … the Tess thing was comical … but this … this was over the top hilarious!” Maxwell manages out between his spurts of laughter.
Alexander takes a deep breath after his laughter dies down. “I actually would have felt terrible for her, if it was not for what she did to Isabella,” Alexander says with a sigh.
“What did she do to Isabella?” Maxwell asks, concerned for the girl. Whatever Pamela Troy did, has to be bad for Alexander to do what he did to her.
Alexander sighs again. “Pamela tripped her in the ballroom. Isabella was so embarrassed that she ran to her bedroom and will not come out. Not even when Maria pleaded with her.”
Maxwell shakes his head. Appearances are everything to girls. He wonders if that is why Elizabeth stopped eating. Is it because she wants to be skinnier? But she is already thinner than most girls he knows. Maxwell frowns. He has not even gotten the chance to see her gown. She was so excited about it.
He sighs and shakes his head. He is not supposed to be thinking about what he is missing out on with her asleep. He is supposed to simply want Elizabeth to wake.
Alexander notices Maxwell’s expression and knows where his thoughts are. “Do not worry, Maxwell. Uncle Kyle says he will send someone as soon as Elizabeth wakes.”
Maxwell nods his head. “Alright.”
“I think they are going to make the announcement soon. We should go inside,” Alexander says, directing Maxwell toward the house.
Alexander and Maxwell start to head inside but stop when they hear a noise and an animal’s hoofs clanking on the ground behind them. They turn around and both are dumbfounded at what they see.
“M-Maxwell?” Alexander asks, his mouth hanging open.
“Y-yes, Alexander?” Maxwell replies, gawking at the sight before him.
“Do … do you … am I …” Alexander stutters.
“I do not think you are imagining it, if you are seeing the same thing I am,” Maxwell says, still shocked.
“Sean Deluca riding in on an ass?” Alexander asks.
Maxwell nods his head wildly. “Yes.”
Sean dismounts. Brushes off his jacket and straightens up his stance. “Not one word!” he threatens as he brushes past the two.
Maxwell and Alexander stare after him as he enters the house. They look at one another. The scene they just witness is simply too ridiculous, neither of them know how to comment upon it.
“So,” Alexander begins. “I … I did not imagine that, correct?”
Maxwell shakes his head. “I saw it too.”
Alexander nods his head. “Sean rode in on an ass.”
Maxwell bursts with laughter and soon has Alexander following suit.
“That was the highlight of my day,” Maxwell chuckles. “It was more hilarious than that time that you went up to that horse and…”
“Hold it! I believe we were not going to mention that incident anymore,” Alexander says, glaring playfully at his brother.
Maxwell throws his arm over his little brother’s shoulders. “So long as you drop the mud clothes story.”
Both agree before entering the house, side by side.
--------------
“Where is she?” King Jeffrey asks as he scans the crowd of people once again.
“I am not sure,” Nancy says, as she too looks over the mass of people crowding the ballroom.
“I thought you said she will be here,” Jeffrey says, getting somewhat irritated.
“She will be here,” Nancy tries to comfort him. She knows he is anxious to see his daughter. And it is all her fault. She sighs heavily, regretting more than anything, her mistakes. She will do anything to make it right again. Even give her own life, if it will make Jeffrey happy.
“I will go see if she has arrived yet,” Nancy says as she stands up from her seat and leaves the small area reserved especially for them. She enters the ballroom and glances about for a familiar face, for any familiar face.
Nancy spots James mingling with a few other men off to the side and heads in his direction. She almost reaches him when someone grabs her arm and pulls her to the center of the room.
She is finally able to see who it is that grabbed her when he pulls her into his arms and begins swaying to the music.
“Khivar! What is the meaning of this?” she whispers furiously.
“What?” he asks innocently. “Can a man not dance with his brother’s wife?”
“Since when have you even wanted to speak to me? Let alone admit to me being your brother’s wife?” she asks venomously.
“Since never,” he chuckles out. “So there will not be a point in starting now. I have found out some very interesting information about you.”
“Like what?” she spits out, trying to pull herself away from him, but he tightens his grip on her.
“Like what a whore you have been,” he sneers out evilly. “Sleeping around with men behind my brother’s back. What is wrong? The royal bed is not enough for you?”
Nancy gasps. “W-What … what do you mean?”
“You know very well what I mean, Amy,” Khivar spits out.
“I am not Amy,” she bites out threw clenched teeth.
“Oh, but you are. Amy Parker. Amy the whore,” Khivar tightens his grip around her waist. “I warned my brother about you. But did he listen? No! Now look where it has gotten him. His only heir was thrown out. Imagine that. A royal princess mistaken by her own mother to be a bastard child.”
Nancy slaps Khivar hard across the face. “Do not ever speak that way to me that way!” she snarls at him.
“You are in no position to make threats, Nancy!” Khivar spits at her. “Once Jeffrey is gone, I will be King! And you will suffer the consequences of having ever crossed me!” Khivar storms out of the room, leaving Nancy standing there, the center of attention.
Nancy looks about at the people staring at her. She and Khivar had caused quite a scene. She fidgets under everyone’s intense scrutiny. She locks eyes with James, pleading with him to help her in any way to revert the attention away from her.
He nods his head and walks toward the stage, signaling for Philip, Michael, Maria, and everyone else to join him. Nancy sneaks away as inconspicuously as possible and takes her seat beside Jeffrey, who watches her suspiciously.
Philip and Diane walk together, their arms linked, and follow James up the stage.
Maria and Michael follow as well, large smiles on both of their faces.
Maxwell follows after them with a bright smile plastered on his face waving at people on his way to the stage. He looks behind him and sees a very happy Alexander walking up with an equally cheery Isabella clinging to his side.
They all stand on the stage. On the left stands Alexander and Maxwell, their parents beside them, then Michael and Maria, with the Governor and Isabella beside Maria.
“So,” Maxwell whispers to Alexander. “You managed to get Isabella out of her bedroom? Or did you simply join her inside? That smile on your face is leaning me towards the latter.”
Alexander glares playfully at his brother. “I told Isabella what happened to Pamela.”
“Did she thank you and kiss you senseless?” Maxwell asks with raised eyebrows.
Alexander rolls his eyes but grins widely. “She called me her knight in shining armor.”
“How sweet,” Maxwell says, pinching Alexander’s cheek.
Alexander swats Maxwell’s hand away. “Yes. And after she sees what I have planned, she will be mine.”
“And what, pray tell, do you have planned in that devious head of yours, little brother?” Maxwell asks curiously.
“You will see,” Alexander says, refusing to tell Maxwell any more than that.
When everyone is up on the stage, James begins speaking in a cheery and loud voice, clearing his throat. “As you all know, you are all here to celebrate and announce the engagement of my eldest daughter, Rosemary Valen-”
Maria clears her throat loudly.
James chuckles. “I apologize … Maria Valenti, to the son of Philip and Diane Evans, Michael Guerin!”
Everyone cheers and applauds as the couple smiles and bows slightly to the crowd.
“Are they not a lovely couple? I know my wife is smiling down upon us from heaven. She is as proud of my daughter as I am. She is no longer a girl. She is a woman now.”
“Father,” Maria whispers as she gives James a hug.
Everyone in the crowd smiles at the sweet show of affection.
“Now that I have given away my eldest daughter, all I have left is to wait and give my youngest daughter, Isabella, away,” James says, pointing towards Isabella as she smiles and blushes nervously.
All of the young men in the room straighten their stances and hold their heads up high, trying to catch the attention of the beautiful blond on stage.
Alexander glares down at them all, sizing each of them up, and deducing that he can take them all on.
Maxwell chuckles. “I do not think you will have a problem there, Governor. Alexander, here, has that area covered,” Maxwell says, tilting his head towards Alexander’s direction.
Everyone looks at Alexander questioningly, with raised eyebrows.
Alexander turns red, all the way to his ears. Maxwell laughs harder at Alexander’s discomfort and is rewarded with an elbow in the side. Isabella simply smiles a sweet smile at Alexander, causing him to blush again, and Maxwell to laugh harder.
“Before we get out of hand here,” Philip starts. “We also have another announcement to make.”
“STOP!” comes a cry from the crowd. “I am calling off this engagement!”
Everyone turns to look at the intruder and sees a blonde haired girl standing at the doorway.
“He cannot be engaged to HER!” she screams out as she storms towards the stage. “Michael is engaged to ME!”
Shocked gasps emanate from everyone in the room and a hush fall over the crowd as they hold their breaths, watching the scene as it transpires before them.
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Chapter Twenty Eight:
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The room is filled with silence as everyone waits for a reaction, for an explanation, for anything.
“What the hell are you saying, Courtney?!” Michael asks, furious that she interrupted his big night, uninvited.
“I am talking about our engagement, dearest,” Courtney says in a sickly sweet voice.
“Michael?” Maria asks through the clenched teeth of a fake smile on her face, trying her best to hide her anger. “What is she saying?”
“Nothing, darling,” he says as he leans in and kisses her forehead.
“Do not darling me,” Maria says softly as she gently pushes him away. “Not until you explain what is going on.”
“Is it not obvious, you green-eyed hussy?” Courtney spits out. “Michael and I are engaged. That means that your engagement, if you can call it that, is invalid.”
“Green-eyed hussy, am I?” Maria asks. “I will show you what a green-eyed hussy can do,” she says as she storms towards Courtney.
“Maria, stop!” Michael calls out as he grabs her arm and pulls her back away from Courtney.
“You are DEFENDING HER!?” Maria asks, tears streaming down her face.
“He damn well should, after all, I am his fiancé,” Courtney says with an evil grin.
“No, Courtney!” Michael says sternly. “You and I are not engaged! Maria and I, we are engaged.” He looks down at Maria, pleading with her to forgive him for allowing Courtney to disturb their night. Maria smiles up into his loving eyes.
“But, dearest,” Courtney pouts.
“Bitch!” Maria screams as she throws herself at the girl. Luckily for Courtney, Alexander and Maxwell are there to stop her before she can maul her.
“Alright,” the Governor yells out angrily, his lips in a tight line. “Michael, I want to know what is going on.”
“We are engaged is what is going on!” Courtney spits out again.
“SHUT UP!” Both Maxwell and Alexander scream at her. They all want to hear what is happening with Michael.
“Michael?” Philip asks.
Michael lets out a deep sigh, his gaze to the ground as he speaks. “This is Courtney,” he says as he points toward her direction.
Courtney holds her head high, until Maria glares at her, causing her to cower her head somewhat, fearfully. The rumor is not to mess with an angry Maria. And Courtney is not certain if she can take her on now that she has seen just how feisty Maria can be.
“I see that!” Valenti says, still staring at Michael. “Would you mind explaining to me what it is she is talking about?”
“Um …” Michael bites his lip. “About how she and I were engaged.”
“So what she is saying is true?” both Philip and James asks.
“No!” Michael tries to clear up. “We were engaged. As in, past tense. As in, not any more.”
“Of course we ARE!” Courtney screams once again.
Alex turns around and glares at her, grinding his jaw. Courtney cowers her head and bites her lip.
Maxwell snickers. Alexander may be scrawny, but he can be very intimidating.
“Michael, will you please explain?” Philip asks, irritated that he is beating around the bush.
“It was back when my old man was still alive,” Michael says, referring to his biological father, the drunk.
“Hank?” Valenti asks.
Michael nods his head. “Yes,” he smiles sorrowfully. “Back then.”
“I am sorry, Michael,” Philip says, coming up to him and placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I know how you do not like discussing your past. We all know you had a rough childhood.”
“I am going to have to face my ghosts sometime,” Michael says with a sigh.
“So, how did you and Courtney become engaged?” Valenti asks cautiously.
Michael laughs. “Hank and Courtney’s father were drinking buddies. My father … obtained … her for me when we were young.”
“So, are you engaged still?” Alex speaks up from where he blocks off Courtney from Maria’s grasp. Maria glares at him. “Sorry,” Alex says to her, timidly, fearful of the intent behind Maria’s look. “I am simply curious,” Alex shrugs.
“No,” Michael answers with a somber smile. “Shortly after my mother passed away, she ran off with some old rich man. He promised her gold, jewelry, things I cannot give her, in exchange for … her.”
“Michael,” Maria says, shaking her head, “you were not even a teenager when your mother …” Maria pauses and thinks about all that Michael implies. She gasps and gives Courtney a dirty look.
Courtney crosses her arms over her chest and lowers her head, feeling a bit filthy at what Maria deduced.
“By doing that, she called the engagement off?” Philip asks Valenti.
Valenti shakes his head and shrugs. “It can still apply. Michael did obtain her, and since her father has passed away, she no longer has family to take her in.”
Michael groans and glances over at Maria. “I apologize, darling. I never meant to hurt you.”
Maria turns her face away, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“There is nothing set, yet,” Valenti continues. “Do you have any paperwork?” he asks Courtney.
Courtney lowers her head and walks slowly towards Valenti while pulling a small piece of paper out of her pocket and handing it to him.
Valenti chuckles when he looks at the ‘document’. “This is written on a napkin,” he says, looking at her with skepticism and then chuckling again. “It is on the back of a tavern napkin,” he showed Philip.
Everyone in the room laughs. Courtney ducks her head shamefully. “But it has everything there, stating that Michael Guerin and I are engaged,” she says quietly.
“Well, you are right there,” Valenti says, looking the paper over once again. “You and Michael Guerin may well be engaged. But there is no Michael Guerin here.”
Courtney looks at the Governor as though he has lost his mind and points her finger towards Michael.
Valenti chuckles once again before standing back on the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen. Like we were about to announce, before we were so rudely interrupted, Michael is now … officially … an Evans!”
“What?” Michael and Courtney both ask.
“It was a surprise, son,” Philip says as he pats Michael on the back. “All that paperwork we have been signing, makes you now Michael Evans. That is … if you want to be. What do you say?”
“O-of course,” Michael says with a wide grin on his face. Michael pulls Philip into an embrace.
Everyone in the room cheers and applauds.
“No! Even with a name change, the engagement should still apply!” Courtney screeches out.
“I apologize,” Valenti says, shaking his head. “But a note written on a cocktail napkin in highly unreliable.”
“Wait, wait,” Maxwell says as he stands on the stage. “We may be a bit rowdy at times, but we are not uncivilized people.”
Everyone nods their agreement.
“Now, Courtney,” Maxwell says, turning towards her. “We will be more than happy to repay you what ever dowry your engagement to Michael was settled over.”
Courtney lowers her head, ashamed, and Michael shakes his head with a grin on his face.
“What is so funny?” Maxwell asks Michael.
“It is just …” Michael cannot finish his sentence.
Maxwell rolls his eyes at his now brother and turns back toward Courtney as he pulls out his money sack. “How much was it?”
Courtney does not want to say. She knows her lying about it will not do any good. Especially since Michael knows about it. She mumbles her answer under her breath.
“You are going to have to speak up. I cannot hear you.” Maxwell says, leaning down closer to her in an attempt to hear her better.
Courtney rolls her eyes and speaks. “Never you mind.”
She starts to turn away but Michael stops her. “No, Courtney. It will not be fair, now will it? Go ahead,” Michael says with an evil glint in his eyes. “Tell Maxwell what your father traded his beloved daughter for.”
Courtney crosses her arms over her chest and lets out a huff before whispering it to Maxwell, barely audible.
“W-what?” Maxwell asks, chuckling. “I do not believe I heard you correctly. Repeat what you said.”
“A shot of whisky, alright?” Courtney screams at him. “My father traded me for a shot of whisky.”
Maxwell stands straight. “You hear that,” he calls out to the bar keep. “Fix the lady a drink.”
Courtney purses her lips and huffs before storming out of the room, thoroughly embarrassed.
“Alright, everyone. Let us get back to the celebration,” Maxwell says, signaling for the band to begin the music.
Everyone in the crowd cheers. Some couples begin dancing again. Others congratulate Michael and Maria. And others began gossiping over the entire situation.
Maxwell scans over the crowd and shakes his head. Everyone will be talking about this for years to come. Maria wants a memorable evening, and ever does she get one. Maxwell freezes. He thinks he sees a glimpse of someone sneaking up the stairs. But when he looks back, the figure seems to have disappeared. He must be seeing things.
“Well,” he decides as he jumps off the stage, “time to mingle.”
He joins his father and a small group of businessmen. The men gab about how much he has grown since the last time they saw him. Maxwell thanks them and holds his head high, though he still feels out of place in the gathering of bearded men.
They ask him if he plans on following in his father’s footsteps and managing the Evans’ business. He nods his head and says that he only hopes he will be able to fill such large shoes. His father looks at him with such pride in his eyes, it makes Maxwell smile.
They then ask him when he plans on moving out and getting a place of his own. Maxwell tells them he already has one in Zanstown with his brothers, thanks to his father. And if things work out the way he wants them to, he will be able to return to it soon and help his father with the warehouse they own there. Philip smiles again and pats him on the back.
Then they comment on Michael and Maria’s engagement and how they make a beautiful couple. Maxwell smiles and nods his head in agreement. He is ecstatic for his brother and future sister-in-law. Maxwell has never seen Michael so happy. He knows Michael has always wanted a family. Of course, he is a part of the Evans family, but Michael wants a family of his own. He wants to be a father, a great father. One that is not like Hank. Michael wants to be the best father to his children, like Philip is to him.
The men then go on to ask Maxwell when he plans on becoming engaged himself and how the women are probably throwing themselves at him, trying to stake their claim on him. Maxwell smiles despondently and nods his head, his heart slightly stinging. He cannot take it any longer and excuses himself as politely as possible.
As Maxwell walks away, he hears the men talking to his father, trying to persuade him that their daughters or their granddaughters will be perfect for Maxwell, Tess’s father’s voice the most dominant of them all. Maxwell grimaces at the thought of him with Tess. Hell, he grimaces at the thought of him with anyone that is not Elizabeth. He cannot imagine himself with anyone else.
Maxwell groans when he hears his father tell Tess’s that he will consider it. His father knows how much he cares for Elizabeth. His father knows how he will do anything for her. But then, he father had suggested that he accompany Tess to this celebration. Perhaps his father does not know after all. Well, Maxwell will just have to make certain that he does as soon as possible.
But not now. Now, he wants to get away from the overbearing group of men. To get away from the young men, trying to buddy up with him, just to be able to claim to know him. And mostly, he wants to get away from the all the not-Elizabeths, asking him to dance.
Maxwell walks away and finds an empty chair to sit in. And this is where he is, leaning back in a chair, by the door, waiting. Waiting for one of their house servants to burst through the door. Waiting for them to announce that Elizabeth has awaken and demands to see him before she sees anyone else, so that she can profess her undying love to him. So he can admit to his devotion to her.
They will kiss, a real kiss this time. It will be mind-blowing, like nothing he has ever experienced before. She will tell him how sad she is that she missed the ball. How much she wanted to attend and was looking forward to dancing with him, just one dance. He will smile at her and pull her into his arms as they sway to the music of their hearts. And then he will stop, pull the bracelet he bought for her out of his pocket and give it to her. She will be so happy she will kiss him all over, and they will dance the rest of the night away, until she becomes tired. Then he will lay her down on the bed, and she will fall asleep in his arms, where she belongs.
Maxwell chuckles at his own thoughts. Only in his dreams will something so magical transpire. It is ridiculous to think that such a thing will happen. Nevertheless, the romantic in him wants, more than anything, for his dreams to come true. He even brought her bracelet along with him in his jacket pocket, so as to give it to her … just in case.
Maxwell chuckles again. She just might possibly request to see him when she wakes, but most likely not implore that he be the first one she sees. And Maxwell highly doubts that she will profess her love for him, though Maxwell senses … or more so hopes … that Elizabeth has at least some sort of feelings toward him. In the general vicinity of love? He will even settle for a slight attraction. A fondness, even?
The way she acts around him makes him think so. Even Maria senses it. Around everyone else, Elizabeth is very timid and modest. But around him, she is more, dare he say, playful. That must be a definite advantage. Besides, if you love someone this much, as Maxwell does, how can they not love you in return … even just a little?
Maxwell is pulled from his thoughts as a pair of white heels materialize in the spot on the ground in which his eyes are transfixed. He slowly lifts his head, running his eyes over the figure in white, before him … hoping … praying …
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Chapter Twenty Eight:
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The room is filled with silence as everyone waits for a reaction, for an explanation, for anything.
“What the hell are you saying, Courtney?!” Michael asks, furious that she interrupted his big night, uninvited.
“I am talking about our engagement, dearest,” Courtney says in a sickly sweet voice.
“Michael?” Maria asks through the clenched teeth of a fake smile on her face, trying her best to hide her anger. “What is she saying?”
“Nothing, darling,” he says as he leans in and kisses her forehead.
“Do not darling me,” Maria says softly as she gently pushes him away. “Not until you explain what is going on.”
“Is it not obvious, you green-eyed hussy?” Courtney spits out. “Michael and I are engaged. That means that your engagement, if you can call it that, is invalid.”
“Green-eyed hussy, am I?” Maria asks. “I will show you what a green-eyed hussy can do,” she says as she storms towards Courtney.
“Maria, stop!” Michael calls out as he grabs her arm and pulls her back away from Courtney.
“You are DEFENDING HER!?” Maria asks, tears streaming down her face.
“He damn well should, after all, I am his fiancé,” Courtney says with an evil grin.
“No, Courtney!” Michael says sternly. “You and I are not engaged! Maria and I, we are engaged.” He looks down at Maria, pleading with her to forgive him for allowing Courtney to disturb their night. Maria smiles up into his loving eyes.
“But, dearest,” Courtney pouts.
“Bitch!” Maria screams as she throws herself at the girl. Luckily for Courtney, Alexander and Maxwell are there to stop her before she can maul her.
“Alright,” the Governor yells out angrily, his lips in a tight line. “Michael, I want to know what is going on.”
“We are engaged is what is going on!” Courtney spits out again.
“SHUT UP!” Both Maxwell and Alexander scream at her. They all want to hear what is happening with Michael.
“Michael?” Philip asks.
Michael lets out a deep sigh, his gaze to the ground as he speaks. “This is Courtney,” he says as he points toward her direction.
Courtney holds her head high, until Maria glares at her, causing her to cower her head somewhat, fearfully. The rumor is not to mess with an angry Maria. And Courtney is not certain if she can take her on now that she has seen just how feisty Maria can be.
“I see that!” Valenti says, still staring at Michael. “Would you mind explaining to me what it is she is talking about?”
“Um …” Michael bites his lip. “About how she and I were engaged.”
“So what she is saying is true?” both Philip and James asks.
“No!” Michael tries to clear up. “We were engaged. As in, past tense. As in, not any more.”
“Of course we ARE!” Courtney screams once again.
Alex turns around and glares at her, grinding his jaw. Courtney cowers her head and bites her lip.
Maxwell snickers. Alexander may be scrawny, but he can be very intimidating.
“Michael, will you please explain?” Philip asks, irritated that he is beating around the bush.
“It was back when my old man was still alive,” Michael says, referring to his biological father, the drunk.
“Hank?” Valenti asks.
Michael nods his head. “Yes,” he smiles sorrowfully. “Back then.”
“I am sorry, Michael,” Philip says, coming up to him and placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I know how you do not like discussing your past. We all know you had a rough childhood.”
“I am going to have to face my ghosts sometime,” Michael says with a sigh.
“So, how did you and Courtney become engaged?” Valenti asks cautiously.
Michael laughs. “Hank and Courtney’s father were drinking buddies. My father … obtained … her for me when we were young.”
“So, are you engaged still?” Alex speaks up from where he blocks off Courtney from Maria’s grasp. Maria glares at him. “Sorry,” Alex says to her, timidly, fearful of the intent behind Maria’s look. “I am simply curious,” Alex shrugs.
“No,” Michael answers with a somber smile. “Shortly after my mother passed away, she ran off with some old rich man. He promised her gold, jewelry, things I cannot give her, in exchange for … her.”
“Michael,” Maria says, shaking her head, “you were not even a teenager when your mother …” Maria pauses and thinks about all that Michael implies. She gasps and gives Courtney a dirty look.
Courtney crosses her arms over her chest and lowers her head, feeling a bit filthy at what Maria deduced.
“By doing that, she called the engagement off?” Philip asks Valenti.
Valenti shakes his head and shrugs. “It can still apply. Michael did obtain her, and since her father has passed away, she no longer has family to take her in.”
Michael groans and glances over at Maria. “I apologize, darling. I never meant to hurt you.”
Maria turns her face away, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“There is nothing set, yet,” Valenti continues. “Do you have any paperwork?” he asks Courtney.
Courtney lowers her head and walks slowly towards Valenti while pulling a small piece of paper out of her pocket and handing it to him.
Valenti chuckles when he looks at the ‘document’. “This is written on a napkin,” he says, looking at her with skepticism and then chuckling again. “It is on the back of a tavern napkin,” he showed Philip.
Everyone in the room laughs. Courtney ducks her head shamefully. “But it has everything there, stating that Michael Guerin and I are engaged,” she says quietly.
“Well, you are right there,” Valenti says, looking the paper over once again. “You and Michael Guerin may well be engaged. But there is no Michael Guerin here.”
Courtney looks at the Governor as though he has lost his mind and points her finger towards Michael.
Valenti chuckles once again before standing back on the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen. Like we were about to announce, before we were so rudely interrupted, Michael is now … officially … an Evans!”
“What?” Michael and Courtney both ask.
“It was a surprise, son,” Philip says as he pats Michael on the back. “All that paperwork we have been signing, makes you now Michael Evans. That is … if you want to be. What do you say?”
“O-of course,” Michael says with a wide grin on his face. Michael pulls Philip into an embrace.
Everyone in the room cheers and applauds.
“No! Even with a name change, the engagement should still apply!” Courtney screeches out.
“I apologize,” Valenti says, shaking his head. “But a note written on a cocktail napkin in highly unreliable.”
“Wait, wait,” Maxwell says as he stands on the stage. “We may be a bit rowdy at times, but we are not uncivilized people.”
Everyone nods their agreement.
“Now, Courtney,” Maxwell says, turning towards her. “We will be more than happy to repay you what ever dowry your engagement to Michael was settled over.”
Courtney lowers her head, ashamed, and Michael shakes his head with a grin on his face.
“What is so funny?” Maxwell asks Michael.
“It is just …” Michael cannot finish his sentence.
Maxwell rolls his eyes at his now brother and turns back toward Courtney as he pulls out his money sack. “How much was it?”
Courtney does not want to say. She knows her lying about it will not do any good. Especially since Michael knows about it. She mumbles her answer under her breath.
“You are going to have to speak up. I cannot hear you.” Maxwell says, leaning down closer to her in an attempt to hear her better.
Courtney rolls her eyes and speaks. “Never you mind.”
She starts to turn away but Michael stops her. “No, Courtney. It will not be fair, now will it? Go ahead,” Michael says with an evil glint in his eyes. “Tell Maxwell what your father traded his beloved daughter for.”
Courtney crosses her arms over her chest and lets out a huff before whispering it to Maxwell, barely audible.
“W-what?” Maxwell asks, chuckling. “I do not believe I heard you correctly. Repeat what you said.”
“A shot of whisky, alright?” Courtney screams at him. “My father traded me for a shot of whisky.”
Maxwell stands straight. “You hear that,” he calls out to the bar keep. “Fix the lady a drink.”
Courtney purses her lips and huffs before storming out of the room, thoroughly embarrassed.
“Alright, everyone. Let us get back to the celebration,” Maxwell says, signaling for the band to begin the music.
Everyone in the crowd cheers. Some couples begin dancing again. Others congratulate Michael and Maria. And others began gossiping over the entire situation.
Maxwell scans over the crowd and shakes his head. Everyone will be talking about this for years to come. Maria wants a memorable evening, and ever does she get one. Maxwell freezes. He thinks he sees a glimpse of someone sneaking up the stairs. But when he looks back, the figure seems to have disappeared. He must be seeing things.
“Well,” he decides as he jumps off the stage, “time to mingle.”
He joins his father and a small group of businessmen. The men gab about how much he has grown since the last time they saw him. Maxwell thanks them and holds his head high, though he still feels out of place in the gathering of bearded men.
They ask him if he plans on following in his father’s footsteps and managing the Evans’ business. He nods his head and says that he only hopes he will be able to fill such large shoes. His father looks at him with such pride in his eyes, it makes Maxwell smile.
They then ask him when he plans on moving out and getting a place of his own. Maxwell tells them he already has one in Zanstown with his brothers, thanks to his father. And if things work out the way he wants them to, he will be able to return to it soon and help his father with the warehouse they own there. Philip smiles again and pats him on the back.
Then they comment on Michael and Maria’s engagement and how they make a beautiful couple. Maxwell smiles and nods his head in agreement. He is ecstatic for his brother and future sister-in-law. Maxwell has never seen Michael so happy. He knows Michael has always wanted a family. Of course, he is a part of the Evans family, but Michael wants a family of his own. He wants to be a father, a great father. One that is not like Hank. Michael wants to be the best father to his children, like Philip is to him.
The men then go on to ask Maxwell when he plans on becoming engaged himself and how the women are probably throwing themselves at him, trying to stake their claim on him. Maxwell smiles despondently and nods his head, his heart slightly stinging. He cannot take it any longer and excuses himself as politely as possible.
As Maxwell walks away, he hears the men talking to his father, trying to persuade him that their daughters or their granddaughters will be perfect for Maxwell, Tess’s father’s voice the most dominant of them all. Maxwell grimaces at the thought of him with Tess. Hell, he grimaces at the thought of him with anyone that is not Elizabeth. He cannot imagine himself with anyone else.
Maxwell groans when he hears his father tell Tess’s that he will consider it. His father knows how much he cares for Elizabeth. His father knows how he will do anything for her. But then, he father had suggested that he accompany Tess to this celebration. Perhaps his father does not know after all. Well, Maxwell will just have to make certain that he does as soon as possible.
But not now. Now, he wants to get away from the overbearing group of men. To get away from the young men, trying to buddy up with him, just to be able to claim to know him. And mostly, he wants to get away from the all the not-Elizabeths, asking him to dance.
Maxwell walks away and finds an empty chair to sit in. And this is where he is, leaning back in a chair, by the door, waiting. Waiting for one of their house servants to burst through the door. Waiting for them to announce that Elizabeth has awaken and demands to see him before she sees anyone else, so that she can profess her undying love to him. So he can admit to his devotion to her.
They will kiss, a real kiss this time. It will be mind-blowing, like nothing he has ever experienced before. She will tell him how sad she is that she missed the ball. How much she wanted to attend and was looking forward to dancing with him, just one dance. He will smile at her and pull her into his arms as they sway to the music of their hearts. And then he will stop, pull the bracelet he bought for her out of his pocket and give it to her. She will be so happy she will kiss him all over, and they will dance the rest of the night away, until she becomes tired. Then he will lay her down on the bed, and she will fall asleep in his arms, where she belongs.
Maxwell chuckles at his own thoughts. Only in his dreams will something so magical transpire. It is ridiculous to think that such a thing will happen. Nevertheless, the romantic in him wants, more than anything, for his dreams to come true. He even brought her bracelet along with him in his jacket pocket, so as to give it to her … just in case.
Maxwell chuckles again. She just might possibly request to see him when she wakes, but most likely not implore that he be the first one she sees. And Maxwell highly doubts that she will profess her love for him, though Maxwell senses … or more so hopes … that Elizabeth has at least some sort of feelings toward him. In the general vicinity of love? He will even settle for a slight attraction. A fondness, even?
The way she acts around him makes him think so. Even Maria senses it. Around everyone else, Elizabeth is very timid and modest. But around him, she is more, dare he say, playful. That must be a definite advantage. Besides, if you love someone this much, as Maxwell does, how can they not love you in return … even just a little?
Maxwell is pulled from his thoughts as a pair of white heels materialize in the spot on the ground in which his eyes are transfixed. He slowly lifts his head, running his eyes over the figure in white, before him … hoping … praying …
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