The Curse and the Traveler's

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Serena grinned wide, "I know you will have a lovely time." She moved up to Skye and took her hand in hers, "We'll practice these simple dances, and you'll have to dance at least once with David, it would be an embarrassment to his people if you didn't." She led Skye through the simple dance moves, "Ow.. that's ok, you didn't mean it." Serena said as Skye stepped on her toe for the tenth or twentieth time. Finally after an hour Skye had mastered one dance. "That is all you should do right now." Serena hobbled towards the closet.

Opening it she pulled out a gown of emerald green for Skye to wear. "This will work lovely for you. Mother got this material from a place called Chihitzi, it is like your silk, I believe." Placing the gown on the bed, she pulled out the long green boots that went with the dress. "These should fit you perfectly." Next she opened the chest of jewels and picked up the emerald necklace and emerald studs for her ears. "These of course will work also."

Serena waited while Skye gawked at the clothes, "Come on now, we don't have time, I still need to dress." She took the shirt and jeans from Skye as well as the slippers, "It is sad the boys didn't see you in this, they must have been out whoring.." She heard Skye's gasp, "I'm kidding Skye!" She laughed and placed the clothes away. "Here put these boots on first."

Serena watched Skye place her long leg in the first boot and then tighten the long strings till the hugged her calf and her thigh. Once she had the other one on, she helped her with the dress, "Lovely," Serena smiled. "See this right here," she pointed to the long slit in the right side of the dress, "that is why you have the boots, it is because if you didn't you would show alot of leg, and well... that would be indecent." Serena moved around her and buttoned the back of the dress, "When your ready to retire, if I'm not able to help you out of this dress, just ring that bell," she pointed to a brass bell that sat on a table by the door, "and a maid will come and help you."

"Here are your earrings and your necklace, I must go and get ready." Serena went to the door, "fill free and look around, David should be here to escort you to the ball and I will be there waiting for you okay." She could see that Skye was still worried, "Skye it really will not be that bad."

She closed the door and hurried to her room, she needed to change and write in her journal. She was going to finally be an actual guest, well a babysitter guest, but that was ok.

 

[caela]

Skye stared at the dress that Serena pulled out like she was afraid to touch it, and she was, she'd never worn anything that fine in her life! The more items she pulled from the closet the more Skye simply stared and suddenly the idea of going in her jeans was looking even better. She'd just embarass herself in those clothes!

Serena obviously wasn't having any of it and informed her that she needed to get dressed so that Serena herself could go change as well. With much trepidation and trembling fingers Skye managed to lace the boots, which she had to admit she really liked and which clung to her calves like a second skin. She was still afraid to touch the dress but Serena helped her into it and Skye had to laugh whens he said that the slit int he side would be indecent if SKye weren't wearing the boots.

"You should see what some girls wear where I'm from Serena, trust me there is nothing indecent about this dress except that I'm the one wearing it."

She watched Serena leave to go get ready herself and sighed softly. The necklace she placed around her neck and she put the earrings in her ears before turning slowly to look in the mirror. What she saw startled her.

She looked taller thanks to the heels on the boots, the dress was sleeveless and clung to her torso like a second skin before loosening slightly and flaring into gente folds around her legs. Indeed when she moved the slit in the side would have shown off quite a bit of leg without the boots. The color of the dress as well as her hair tumbling loose around her shoulders made her soft skin nearly seem to glow and her violet eyes looked a deeper shade, nearly purple, and they glittered with confusion and a touch of fear.

She felt like she was looking at someone else. The girl in the mirror was scared but she was also beautiful and looked like the dress belonged on her. Skye knew it was an illusion created by the dress and wished for her jean once more but just then she heard a knock on the door and sighed as she turned toward it.

She felt like a lamb being taken to slaughter.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Serena dashed into her room, and immediately grabbed the missive from the King and placed it in her trunk. Noting the time she quickly took her journal from the chest and opened it. Sitting on the floor, she penned more of her day's activities.

Oh my.. I can hardly believe I get to address you three times today. I have never had such an exciting day. First the chosen one, then the picnic... ok that wasn't exciting, quite sad actually, I mean, I did enjoy it until, well.. I don't want to think of that right now! I get to go to the ball. I know it doesn't sound like much, I have been to many, but this time it is different.

I get to dance, well if someone asks me. But even if they don't I will be a guest. Well not a guest, guest but a babysitter guest... not that Skye is a baby, but she is new to our world and the King has asked me to look over her and watch her. I still get to go, and since I get to I get to wear a beautiful dress. I know the one, Mother had it made special for me, I was to wear it when I met my mate, it is lovely.

It is simple not at all beautiful like Skye's, but for me it will do. It is actually two pieces. It has a cream colored bodice that fits my breasts snugly, father hated how it made them push together, but mother said I needed to show my attributes so my mate would ignore my rambling. I know she was kidding, it is lower cut then father liked but it is lovely. It has these delicate thin straps that lie over my shoulders and cross in the back.

The skirt is a long piece of material that wraps around me and I tie a string at the waist. It falls to my ankles and mother stitched beautiful silver swirls into the matching slippers. I tell you I will feel like that girl who ran away after the dance from my story Max gave me... Sleeping Cindy or Cindy Slept.. something like that.

Oh goodness... I have to go, I hope I get to dance, but if not I'll survive.

I will tell you all about it when I return!!!

Serena shut the journal and quickly hid it among her treasured belongings. She hurried over to her closet and pulled from it the bodice and skirt. Removing her dress, she quickly donned it and then the slippers. She didn't have such fine of jewels as Skye, so she took the tiny gold chain that David had given her from one of his travels. She placed it around her neck and added a pair of gold stars to her ears, a gift from one of her father's travels.

Sighing she ran her fingers through her hair, "I'll just let it lose and stick this one little comb in it." She picked up a small gold comb and stabbed it into her hair, holding back the bangs that threatened to spill over onto her forehead. Serena pressed her palm to her belly, "I guess I had best go." She hurried from her room, towards the ballroom. "I do hope David didn't disappoint and forget to grab Skye."

 

[poohlive]

David stood there in the hallway, almost a new person. He was a far step away from the wandering kid who stole a kiss from her earlier. In his best dress, a white satin shirt with a high collar. A red coat draped over him, and reached down to his red silk pants. A regal medallion of a lion and snake bound by each other reached down to his mid chest. His hair was waved back, and he had the look of a most uncomfortable man.

Yet, he gave an appropriate smile when Skye opened the door. Not too big, his father warned, and David backed off the smile just a bit. Mustn't make her think too many things, or too little. Just enough, that was the right proportion.

He held out his arm, and bowed slightly. Again, regal, but not too much.

"Milady," He said, most formally, a deep throated voice that she had not heard from him before came out, "It is time. You look..."

He wanted to say she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He wanted to just kiss her again, steal another one on her cheek. She had a warm glow about her he could not deny. But, he stopped himself quite suddenly. That is not what she wanted, and father warned him about being too forward or complimentary. Women hate that, his father said. They do not care of such things.

"You look good," He passed it off, and held out his arm for her to take, "I believe they are waiting for us. If you will..."

 

[only_more_so]

A shout of, "I don't care if it is the latest fashion!" was punctuated by a jewel encrusted cod piece being thrown out the window.

Maximillian was fuming. Why did he get stuck with paragon of fashion for a man-servant, while David got someone nice and sensible. To be fair, Max thought, it wasn't the fussy dressing that was upsetting him. The chosen one was haunting his thoughts. So beautiful, so innocent... so fiesty! As his thoughts continued in those directions Max started to reconsider the cod-piece. Perhaps nothing so flashy, but the tights were not disguising the direction his thoughts were going.

"The plain one, and the charcoal pants. And the blue jacket..."

Eventually Maximillian was ready for the ball. He regarded himself in the mirror and was not displeased. He wore very tight charcoal grey pants tucked into tall glossy black boots. The codpiece was a slightly darker than the pants and almost blue (how appropriate he thought) and it matched the color of his gloves. His dark blue jacket showed red vents on the sides and sleeves. At the cuffs and collars the ruffles of his white shirt peeked out. His hair was slicked back and held in a warrior's queue. Not that there should be any fighting this evening, but Max liked to be prepared.

Grabbing his sword belt in hand he made his way to the Ballroom. His mother would kill him if he brought in the sword so he left it in an alcove of the anteroom before going in.

Maximillian couldn't help but be amazed. The Ballroom was impecably decorated, with streamers and boughs of flowers. The tables were laden with finger foods, and dozens of servants were carrying crystal goblets and pitchers of wine. The room was fairly empty, but names were already being announced as guests arrived. Maximillian hated having his name announced at this events, which is why he always snuck in the side. Later his mother would prod him and he would circle around, but for a while he enjoyed being unnoticed.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Serena had entered the ball through the servants hall and waited against the wall near the door. She was easily seen from those all ready in the room, but not those entering it. She wanted to wait for Skye and see how she was doing. Serena saw Maximillion come in and noticed he looked very handsome and smart in his elegant attire. She watched as he circled the room and made polite conversation with the local gentry, as well as giving small smiles to the young females. "He's such a flirt," she thought to herself.

Pushing from the wall she went to get something to drink. She smiled at Lillian, and thanked her for the punch. As she drank she saw the King and Queen enjoying a game of chess, and then she noticed them looking lovingly at each other. "It will be nice if David and Skye have such an attachment," she thought as she felt a hand on her elbow. Serena turned and looked into the eyes of a handsome young man.

"Excuse me," he said to her.

Serena smiled, "Yes, can I help you?" She recognized Derek, though he had not ever spoke with her, she knew him to be the Chancellor's son.

"If you would dance with me, I would greatly be helped."

She giggled, as she realized he hadn't placed her due to her clothing. Serena placed her hand on his and her cup on a passing tray, "I would enjoy helping you then," she smiled back to him.

The man led Serena onto the floor and slowly they began to mix and move with the other couples. Her ear stayed trained on the music, waiting for the moment it would signal David and Skye were entering. As the man swirled her around the room, a smile of near enchantment, filled her face. "Thank you," she whispered to him.

"For?"

"For dancing with me," she looked up at him.

He only grinned and continued to lead her around the room.

 

[caela]

Opening the door she wanted to sigh when she saw David. He looked wonderful but she was still angry with him and having been thrown into a dress and told to attend a ball hadn't really improved her mood. She watched him bow but didn't return the courtesy. She'd curtsy to the King and Queen and no one else. If they didn't like it they could send her home.

"You look good," He passed it off, and held out his arm for her to take, "I believe they are waiting for us. If you will..."

One delicate brow arched over her right eye. She'd heard him hesitate before telling her she looked good. Did that mean that she didn't or that he thought she looked better than good and was simply playing his cards close to the vest? She really wasn't in the mood for guessing games and this man seemed like a damned mystery. First he's stealing kisses, then diregarding her feelings and now hesitating to tell her what he thought of how she looked.

She wanted to pinch him...hard.

"I don't know what you actually meant to say before you hesitated long enough to change your mind David but do us both a favor and simply be blunt with me. If there is something wrong with my appearance tell me now before I embarass myself or anyone else anymore than I am likely to tonight," she spoke quickly but in a tone that was more resigned than angry. It was obvious she truley believed she'd do something to embarass...oh probably everyone...while at the ball.

 

[poohlive]

David took a moment to pull all of himself out of the situation. He would pretned to be someone else tonight, someone regal and formal, like his father. Someone she would like to spend time with, other than himself. It seemed like the best strategy to win her heart. She would see him as everything she wanted.

"I was beside myself with your beauty," He said in that same thick headed royal accent, "You will embarrass no one at the ball. It is in your own honor, milady. Everyone will adore to see you. We will formally meet everyone, and then dance. I will dance with you first, but then most of the lords will want a dance. Formality would suggest you take them up on the offer. They will adore you."

David was trying to make it clear, but as he droned on he realized how stupid this all was. God, to spend so much time at a dance, speaking with people he either already spoken with time and again, or people who were so boring he had long since stopped hearing their voices. But, still, this is what she wanted. So, he woul give it to her, and then some. David would even pretend to be one himself, to suit her needs.

He loved her so, and only wanted to please her.

"Are you ready?" A page stood out between double doors, expecting them. He was to tell the minstrels to change music, and prepare the whole ball for the lady's entrance.

David gave a fake smile and waved his hand for the boy to go and do his duties.

"Here we go. Step inside as soon as the doors open."

 

[caela]

Her eyes went wide when he mentioned dancing. Apparently no one had told him that the "chosen one" didn't know how to dance. No matter what else he said she knew she was going to embarass all of them and she ached to go anywhere but into that ball room. She had to admit she liked that he'd called her beautiful but she was growing more scared the closer they got to the ball room and he didn't seem to notice.

Looking up at him she suddenly reached up and gripped his chin, forcing him to look down at her, "Two quick things, talk like yourself, that fake accent you have going is giving me a headache and is going to give you a sore throat. Second, you're my escort so play the jealous or protective betrothed or something because I don't know how to dance and if I'm forced to I will embarass us both."

She wasn't angry, she was suddenly terrified of entering that room and it showed in her eyes. She didn't know how to behave in there and if he didn't help her she'd likely kill him.

 

[poohlive]

David tried to hide his shock as best he could. He let his slack jaw close up, standing straight in front of the door. The music had not yet changed, but it would soon. Barely a minute now. It wouldn't hardly take that long.

She said she wanted things formal, she said she wanted all of this. She was the one. He huffed, giving her a stare. A woman who can't dance asking for such formality from him. God, he was only trying to please her.

He dropped his fake voice, "I just wanted to make you happy. I decided to set up this grande ball for you, so you could enjoy company of royals and dance in front of them. I thought that's... "

And before David could get any further, the music began to change. David had this horrible feeling in his gut though, as he saw the change on Skye's face. He didn't know enough of women to know what that face meant, but he knew enough to know it wasn't good.

As if God were coming down to spare David's life as he was tossed and turned inside a hurricane, the doors opened, and everyone began to clap as David ushered himself and Sky into the room. He looked at them all, smiling, making small talk as he went to a few faces he knew.

"Yes, she is lovely isn't she?" He wondered what it was he had done wrong this time...

 

[caela]

"I just wanted to make you happy. I decided to set up this grande ball for you, so you could enjoy company of royals and dance in front of them. I thought that's... "

He'd set this up! On purpose! Oh she was going to kill him later! Her face closed into an unreadable mask however as the doors opened cutting off whatever else he was going to say. It didn't take a genius to realize he'd been about to say that's what he thought she wanted. What she couldn't fathom is what the hell would make him think she wanted all of this! She was still trying to figure out how she'd even gotten here, hell hadn't she told him as much?!

She walked through the room in a daze. Murmuring greetings as best she could and clinging so tightly to David's arm that it must have hurt even through his formal attire. She wasn't trying to hurt him at this point though, she was simply clinging to the only person she knew even a little like he was a lifeline. How she managed to smiled she wasn't sure but she did and she accepted compliment and greetings with a calm grace she didn't feel. The bowing was driving her to distraction when it something dawned on her and she stared suddenly up at David trying not to laugh.

"Pardon us please I need to ask David something," she said to the man and woman he was speaking with. She couldn't remember their names and didn't really care right now. Steering David away slightly she reached up and gripped his ear, gently tugging him down so she could whisper to him, "You did this because I told you you had to impress me didn't you?"

She waited for his answer though she suspected she already knew it. In a crazy sort of way it made sense. She'd meant he had to impress her personally, by being a kind a caring person, the sort of person she would want to remain in a strange land for not by showing off that he was a Prince. Apparently some wires got crossed. If she was right she'd forgive him for the whole ball fiasco, after all he'd only been trying to do what she'd asked, he just went about it the wrong way.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Serena and Derek parted, his hand rested on the small of her back. The music changed signaling that David and Skye were entering. She watched the people part and move from the center of the room, and she suddenly knew this would terrify Skye, all these people watching her, she would probably forget the few dance steps she had shown her.

She looked up at Derek, "I must go, thank you for the dance," she made to leave and he suddenly placed his hand on her elbow.

"You can not go, the Princess and the Prince are coming."

"Oh, no, I am not leaving, I am her guide this evening." Serena answered softly. "She is new and the King asked me to remain close to her this evening."

He looked confused, "You know her?"

Serena smiled, "I met her this morning when I was readying her room."

His eyes took on a questioning look, "You were readying her room? Why.. are you a servant here?"

She looked at him, "Derek, it is I, Serena." His whole demeanor had changed. His voice now was low and sarcastic, and his fingers had begun to grip her elbow harder. "Yes, I am. I serve the King and Queen, I am surprised you did not know this. Where are you from that you would not know who I am." The music was almost at the final stanza and it would only be a few minutes before the couple entered, "Please let me go, I need to be there for my Princess."

"I believe a servant, should be where a servant should be." He sneered at her and brought her closer to him. "Come with me, no one has seen to bring me any entertainment lately."

Her eyes opened wide, as Derek pulled her back through the crowd. Serena did not wish to cause a scene, she would rid herself him quietly, so no one would be the wiser and then she'd return to the ball. She didn't want to cause trouble. Skye is going to be so angry with me, she looked back as the man pulled her along the wall and towards the servants door. She just made out the royal guards beginning to open the door, when he pushed her into the hall and shut it behind them.

Serena tried to explain to him that she was needed back in the room, but he only smirked and told her she was needed elsewhere too. Soon he was pulling her down the hall and through the kitchens, the night air hit her warm skin and Serena shivered. "Derek, you should release me, I need to get back to the Princess, I will be in great trouble."

"In time, I'll send you back. In time."

 

[poohlive]

David reeled in pain as she tugged on his ear. He tried not to show it, but the wince was obvious enough. More than a few women giggled, assuming he had already been trained well. She would make a good queen one day. David just seeped in breath as he looked at Skye.

His eyes, though full of pain, also showed his innocence. He was a prince, he had been born a prince. He would become a king one day, and die with hundreds weeping over him. That was his life, his destiny. That is all he knew. To impress a woman involved feasts and balls, gallant arrays of affection and devotion.

"When we were down at the picnic, just talking and having a nice time, you got so angry with me. I thought that's not what you wanted. You wanted me to impress you, woo you. Is this not what you want either? You do not want fancy balls or dances, you do not want to sit outside and talk as friends..."

He looked at her, completely lost. He no longer knew what to do. Advice of others filled his head, but none of it made sense anymore. He tried to do this so many ways, and it all kept backfiring on him. No matter what he ended up with her staring at him like this, angrier than before.

 

[only_more_so]

Maximillian had been doing his best to avoid the courtiers, and nobles, and mechants who gathered in groups around the hall. No sooner would he disengage from one group and proceed a few paces, then he was beset by another.

He found himself cornered by the Dallen twins, Rowan and Misty and their cohort Ambrosia. They were all daughters of the wealthiest merchants in the town. The twins were wearing matching gowns, Rowan wearing a dark brown version, and Misty a lighter gray. There golden hair fell in cascades of curls down to their corsetted waists. Ambrosia was wearing a deep red dress, that was cut nearly to the navel in front, with a few strands of golden chains holding the two halves together. A week ago they would have been pressing their case with his brother, but since the arrival of the chosen one, Maximillian had become the most eligible bachelor.

When Maximillian heard the announcement that the Chosen one had arrived, he felt his stomach drop. The twins clung to either of his arms as they turned to face the arrivals. Ambrosia turned and seemed to press back against him. At least her hips pressed against him.

The ladies were practiced gossips, and could immediately tell there was something afoot between the Skye and David, and not of the happy variety. Their twittering voices were soon sending hushed barbs Skye's way.

Hoping that Skye hadn't noticed the attention he was getting from the nubile young ladies, Maximillian took the oppurtunity to extricate himself from their company. With a impeccably polite bow, and the promise of a dance with each later in the evening, Max eventually worked free.

As he extricated himself, he noticed two things. The first that his brother was in trouble with Skye, and most likely she with him. The second was that Serena was leaving the party for a dalliance with a young Lothario. Sneaking out the back. Abandoning Skye, again!

Moving as quickly as etiquette would allow, Max followed Serena out through the servants doorway. It took a few moments to determine which direction she had gone, but a frustrated cook pointed a ladle saying they had gone out the back.

Max ran to the back door, and plunged into the night.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Serena glared Derek, “Please you are hurting me, and I really need to get back to the ball, I have to be with Skye.“ She pulled her arm, but was unable to free herself from his clutches. He pulled her towards the garden maze.

“Please, I don't want to cause a scene I'll not be allowed to attend a ball again,“ she was becoming more worried for herself now, she hadn't expected this. “Please, if you just let me go back I'll not say anything, and I won't be missed.“

He stopped and pulled her against him, “You'll not be missed at all, your just a maid, you shouldn't have even been in there, you should have been in you Lord's colors and on his bed, servicing him.“ His eyes roamed to her breasts and he licked his lips, “I'll be sure you return to his bed, with new tricks to delight him.“

Serena hit him with her fist, “Let me go NOW!” she yelled and tried to pull her arm away, his hand came up and slapped her. The smack brought tears to her eyes, that she refused to let fall. He lifted her up and pulled her into the maze.

Beating on his back she pummeled her little fist back and forth on him. “Stop this! Put me down!”

Suddenly she was tossed to the bench on the gazebo. Her elbow hit the bench and pain shot up to her shoulder. She looked around and dashed towards the left, only to have his arm grab her once more. He hauled her against him, and crushed his lips to his.

Bile rose in Serena's throat and she couldn't breath, as she tried to wrench herself from him. Finally he released her mouth and he moved to her neck, biting her white flesh. “Stop please,” she cried as the tears finally fell. His fingers moved to her breasts and dug into them. Serena was scared and terrified, she felt the cool air hit her breasts at the same time she heard the stitching of her bodice give way.

She kicked at his feet and he hit her once more, this time she landed in a heap on the gazebo floor. Her head was spinning, as she looked up at the man that had taken her to the dance floor for her first dance. How had she been so foolish, she didn't belong with them, her eyes were now full of pain and fear as she watched him move towards her, his hand on the button of his slacks.

 

[caela]

"When we were down at the picnic, just talking and having a nice time, you got so angry with me. I thought that's not what you wanted. You wanted me to impress you, woo you. Is this not what you want either? You do not want fancy balls or dances, you do not want to sit outside and talk as friends..."

As he spoke he seemed worried and confused and Skye realized they simply hadn't been talking on the same wavelength and suddenly she was laughing softly. Releasing his ear she smiled up at him and simply shook her head at him.

"David, I said I wanted you to impress me. I didn't mean with fancy balls or dances or whatever else that meant to you, I meant I wanted you to impress me with who you were. You completely dismissed my need to understand what's happening to me, how I got here, why I'm here and the fact that everyone keeps treating me like a Princess.

No matter where we are if I feel like you are pushing aside my feelings as meaningless you had better expect my temper to flare. When I said I wanted you to impress me I meant with little things that will take time to see. I want to know that you're compassionate, kind, intelligent, what type of things you find amusing...what type of a person you are. That is what will impress me. Not all this," she said with a wave of her hand to indicate the ballroom full of nobility who were now staring at them openly and wondering what was going on.

With a small grin she leaned up on her toes and pressed a friendly kiss to his cheek, "I'm sorry I blew up at you, next time you're confused by me (trust me it'll happen more) just ask me what on earth I meant. And since I don't see Serena around to protect me you had better make sure you keep me off the dance floor until I learn to dance.

Where is Serena? She was supposed to be here and I wanted to see what she wore tonight. Her mother's so clever I'm sure her dress is beautiful."

 

[only_more_so]

While waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkness, Maximillian listened intently for talking, laughter, or even footsteps to reveal which way they had gone. His eyes had adjusted enough to make out some footprints on the path. Something about the footprints looked wrong, but before he could figure it out he heard Serena's voice coming from the direction of the garden maze. He couldn't make out what she was saying, except a very loud, "Now!"

Moving more quickly now, Maximillian headed toward the maze. Before entering he once again examined the footprints and a realization started dawning on him. Her footprints weren't leading his, that were following, even being dragged by his.

Was she playing coy with this man? Or had she managed to get herself into trouble. Again. Either way it had to be stopped.

The walls of the maze were high enough to shroud the paths between the hedges in gloom. But there could only be one place they were going. Running now, Max took the turns blindly, seeking the center of the maze from long memory.

Were those whimpers? Or pants? Regardless, something was going on that the gardener would not approve of. Finally Max reached the center of the maze and he knew from the sinister tableau before him that Serena was not here out of her own free will. At least not anymore, a small part of him thought.

Her pale breasts were dazzling in the moonlight, and for a moment Max was frozen. When had she grown such lovely breasts?

The moment was fleeting as he realized that the front of her dress was torn, and that she was crying. He could also see her cheeck reddening where the man had evidently hit her.

The man stood over her, unbuttoning his pants. Evidently the man had heard Max's hasty entrance into the center of the maze because he stopped and turned his head, just as his pants had fallen open. He called over his shoulder, "I'll be done with the slut in a minute. You'll have to wait your turn."

Max only had to glance down at Serena to know how terrified she was. The decision being made he felt a calm settle over him. "I don't believe I am inclined to wait twenty seconds for you to finish," Max said as he approached.

The man turned to face Max. The man's face was contorted in anger as his erection bounced free. "I said wait your turn, or do I have to teach you a lesson."

"Oh, I see why you wanted to go first. You were afraid that if a real man had her first she wouldn't be able to feel your pathetic little bit of manhood. Or should I say boyhood."

As Max was hoping, this fully enraged the would-be rapist and he charged. Max stood his ground apparently at ease. The assailant was two yards away when Max sprang into motion. His fist shot out with all of Max's strength directly toward the man's jaw. The man's rage hadn't totally blinded him and he ducked recklessly below Max's blow. Max's fist connected with the man's forehead, sending him to the ground, but not knocking him out.

Max stood back while the dazed man regained his feet. Max glided in and slapped the man hard across the face. The man swung wildly and Max ducked beneath the blow only to pop back up and slap the man again. If the man weren't so angry he might have realized he was far outclassed. Max's constant slaps kept the man enraged.

Tiring of the game, Max connected with a hard right to the man's jaw. Max then grabbed the dazed man's arm and twisted it hard. Max then swept the man's legs out from under him, and held the would-be-assailant face down on the ground with his arm twisted behind him.

"Serena, do you keep getting into trouble to make me come to your rescue?"

 

[poohlive]

"She must be around somewhere," David started to look, but at that moment another group of royals came up to meet the chosen one, and the dashing new prince. They told of their happy marriage, and how they would love to see the new couple more often. Why, if they were free this weekend...

"I think it is time for the dance," David took Skye in his arms, and sweeped her out into the middle of the floor. At once the floor emptied, and everyone was now staring at the two of them. He gave her a knowing smile, and took a step closer.

"We are required to do at least one," he whispered in her ear, as the minstrels shuffled their instruments, changing the tune from one of joy to a slower simpler beat. It thrummed in their feet, aching to move.

"It's ok... it's ok," His cool voice soothed her. He could feel her shaking, every eye in the room was on her, including his own. David held her tight, refusing to let go.

"Let me help you, do as I say, ok?" David pushed up her chin, so she was looking directly at him. He gave her a wink, as his hand slipped down the sides of her body, to her hips. He held them, pushing her closer to himself. He pressed into her, and at that moment swished from one side to the other.

He moved her hips as he did, and with each step she took, he followed. A slow and not that awkward dance at all. He made sure she stepped first, so she did not step on his toes, and pressed so close, hands on her hips, they could not help moving in unison. He moved with the rhythm, easy and bold, their bodies almost grinding against each other, unavoiadable as the dance progressed.

"Always look at me," He said, as he moved a hand to the small of her back. With a fluid movement, he wrapped his other hand, and pushed against her, hard enough to push her backwards. His warm hands enveloped her, catching her, sweeping her off her feet, twiling her around teh dance floor. Cheers erupted, as several of the group clapped at the lovely couple.

"You dance like an angel," he said, winking again. They continued the dance, a slow rhythm back and forth. Delightful and daring, and the danc efloor soon filled with couples eager to dance as they had done.

He didn't leave the dance floor until they were no longer noticed. People's focus shifted from them dancing, to beautiful men and women in their own arms. David then grasped her arm, and took her to a more or less private corner of the ball room.

"I'm sorry. We had to dance at least one. Now, no one will notice if you leave. I'll take you back to your room. Then, maybe tomorrow we can talk more about what I must do to woo you. I must admit, I have never done this before. you must teach me."

 

[caela]

"I think it is time for the dance," David took Skye in his arms, and sweeped her out into the middle of the floor.

Skye was ready to panic as David led her out onto the dance floor. If she'd been able to get her brain in gear she probably would have bolted but in her sudden flash of fear she couldn't seem to move anywhere but where she was led. She could feel the eyes of those in the ballroom drilling into her and she knew suddenly that she was going to trip over her own feet and fall flat on her face, possibly dragging David down with her.

She was trembling though she doubted anyone but David would be able to notice and she would have doubted he'd notice except that his voice was there, in her ear, trying to sooth her. "It's ok... it's ok," But it wasn't o.k.! She couldn't remember anything Serena had taught her and she was going to make fools of them both!

"Let me help you, do as I say, ok?" David pushed up her chin, so she was looking directly at him. He gave her a wink, as his hand slipped down the sides of her body, to her hips. He held them, pushing her closer to himself. He pressed into her, and at that moment swished from one side to the other.

"I'll t-try," she whispered as she bit into her lower lip and felt her eyes drop to his hands on her hips. She was slightly startled when he pulled her closer against him and her eyes snapped up to his. Some of the fear going out of her violet gaze being replaced by mirth, "Are you taking advantage of your partners lack of experience David?" she asked obviously meaning their slightly unorthadox dancing position.

She let the hands on her hips guide her and simply let her body move where he directed. Once his hand slid around her waist and he'd gripped her hand it was easy enough to just continue to follow his lead. As long as she didn't think about the eyes on her she was alright but when she'd catch sight of someone watching she would stiffen slightly and lose the steps. It seemed like forever but at last others began to join them and as she felt the pressure to perform an odd task before strangers lessen her dancing improved. She became less self-concious and actually enjoyed letting David lead her. Unlike her he knew what he was doing and he did it well.

Finally he led her from the floor and she offered him a warm smile as they reached the privacy of some far corner.

"I'm sorry. We had to dance at least one. Now, no one will notice if you leave. I'll take you back to your room. Then, maybe tomorrow we can talk more about what I must do to woo you. I must admit, I have never done this before. you must teach me."

"Don't be sorry. Just don't make me do it again until I've had lessons either please. I'd...I'd like to stay awhile, that is if you don't mind being a wallflower and just watching. Serena meant to keep me company, is it like her to disappear? You know her better than I but I'm worried about her.

As for teaching you how to woo me I think we'll both have to wing it because I've never been courted before myself so I wouldn't know where to start except to say look out for the temper and don't make a habit of disreagarding my feelings. A question that may seems silly to you might seem of vital importance to me."

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Serena sat there her body trembling, as tears ran down her face. She bit her lip and shook her head no. Her voice trapped inside her as all she saw around her crumbled. She had never heard the things he had said to her, nor had she ever been in a situation such as this and she had never seen Maximillion so angry.

Her skin was pale and she shivered as she tried to repair her torn bodice. She stared Derek, his anger evident from the glare he was casting upon her. Serena stood and rubbed her elbow, then quickly caught her tattered gown. "I'm sorry to be a bother Max," she looked to him, his face unreadable, she still shook from the whole experience.

"Thank you Max, I didn't ask him to bring me here, I'm supposed to be beside Skye, she'll be very angry with me." She stepped around him and her attacker. "I don't know how to thank you Max," Serena sniffed and slowly left the Prince to deal with the man, she weaved her way through the maze, through the servants hall and stopped short of the kitchen entrance, she pressed the loose board and a small door popped open and Serena went in behind it.

She took the narrow passage way and moved through the twists and turns, then reached the hallway door, she opened it and slid out into the quiet corridor. Serena ran to her room, opened the door, shut and locked it, then crawled onto her bed. She curled herself under her blankets and wept, her whole body shivering and shaken as what could have happened hit her hard.

 

[only_more_so]

Max's face softened as Serena spoke. Maybe he was being too hard on the girl. Seeing her clutching her bodice closed, he realized she wasn't a girl any longer. Sure she was as scatterbrained as a hutch full of chickens, but she didn't have a bad bone in her body.

"No need to think me, Serena. Aren't princes supposed to save damsels in distress?" His words clearly weren't helping as he watched her scurry away.

As Serena disappeared the man started to struggle again. "Let me go you lout. Do you know who I am? I'm the... AAKKK!!" He never got the oppurtunity to tell who he was as Max wrenched his arm.

"I don't care who you are. You are in my domain, and you were attempting to rape my friend. Luckily for you, princes don't have the right to high justice, only low justice. Well... maybe not that lucky."

The prince dragged the man to his feet by the arm. He proceeded to march the man out of the maze. Halfway through the man's pants fell to his ankles. This didn't stop Max from dragging him through the maze, making sure to take every oppurtunity to drag the man through the thorny sections. By the time they emerged from the maze, the attacker was covered in small scrapes on every bit of exposed skin. His face, and legs showed dozens of cuts, and the clothing that wasn't aroung the man's ankles were in tatters.

Max continued marching the man to the main gates of the castle. As they approached the guardsman lowered their pikes and advanced, "Halt, who goes there."

"It is Prince Maximillian. I have a prisoner to render over into your custody. He has been found guilty of the attempted rape of a... member of the royal household. Take him to the dungeon and have him bound hand and foot until his punishment is decided." With that Max shoved the man towards the guardsmen who grabbed him securely. Without a backwards glance, Maximillian strode into the castle.

As Max approached the entrace to the Ballroom he caught his reflection in the great mirror. He was shocked at how fierce his face appeared. Gazing at his reflection he tried to relax his scowl. It took a few minutes, but eventually he was almost smiling. Then he noticed the tiny red dots that seemed to be everywhere on the white of his shirt. Oh well, maybe someone will think it is a fashion trend to have a spray of color on the stark white frills.

Struck by inspiration, Max hurried to one of the side halls. Not finding what he wanted, he searched two more corridors before he found the flower arrangement he remembered. It was full of carnations, including the white ones with flecks of red. Snatching a few of them, he tucked them into the front of his jacket, so the carnations were nestled against the frills at his chest.

A quick check at the grand mirror, a bit of straightening (it is amazing how a fight, even a one-sided fight, will ruin the lay of an outfit) and Max headed for the main ball room doors. The footmen opened the doors, and he heard his name announced as he made his formal entrance to the ball.

 

[poohlive]

David saw how Skye worried about her friend, so. He thought maybe she was just too scared to come to her first ball. It was a daunting experience, so Sky herself was now a victim of. However, he thought it best to take her words under advisement.

"Ok," He said, smiling, "How about I go check on her? Ok? Make sure she's all right."

Except, he promised to stay by her side here in the ball. And, how wonderful that his brother should be arriving just as he was looking for a decent escort for his betrothed.

"Max," David said, bowing low, looking at Skye and then himself, "I need to go for a bit, you mind taking care of her? I won't be too long, I promise."

He said the last part to both of them, as he walked out of the room. No one seemed very interested in his leaving. The ball was in full force now, and people were dancing and flirting, getting good and drunk for the night to come. Yes, love would be in the air, and more than one person would go to sleep with a smile on their faces.

A few servants had seen her going the back way to her room, sweeping past corridors and seldom used hallways. He arrived at her door, knocking softly.

"Serena?" he was cautious, but curious as well. She had no reason to be in her room, "Serena, Skye is worried about you. She's wondering why you're not down at the ball, taking care of her and dancing with all the cute boys."

He listened to the door, and could only hear breathing. Hard breathing, maybe even sobbing. Was she crying? David tried to open the door but found it locked.

"Serena?" Worry stung in his voice, "Serena, what's wrong?"

 

[caela]

Skye smiled when David offered to go check on Serena. She'd been so excited about coming tonight and Skye just couldn't imagine what would have kept her. She hoped her friend was alright and hadn't fallen in some quiet hall where no one would find her until the ball was over. She didn't want her to miss out on what she had obviously be grand fun.

"Max," David said, bowing low, looking at Skye and then himself, "I need to go for a bit, you mind taking care of her? I won't be too long, I promise."

Reaching up to place a gentle hand on David's arm she spoke softly, "Thank you. If she's turned an ankle or something please make sure she's taken care of and tell her I'll come in the morning to tell her all about the ball. It's growing late and if she's hurt she'll need rest. I can't think of anything else that would have kept her, she was so excited."

She watched David go before turning a warm smile up to Max, "Fair warning you want to stay right back here and no where near the dance floor unless you want your toes crushed."

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Serena laid in her bed, curled under her blankets when she heard the knocking on her door. She ignored it as best she could, until she heard it was David, then the knocking grew louder. "David, I'm fine go away!" she called to the unseen Prince behind the door, she didn't want him angry, she had all ready caused enough trouble she would just stay in her room this evening, she should have stayed there in the first place.

David continued to pound on the door and insist on being allowed in. Serena would on normal circumstances, the Princes had been in her room plenty of times, now though she was a mess. Serena rose from the bed and walked to the door, "Just a minute," she told him through the wood.

She moved to her closet and picked out a simple white blouse, then slipped the torn bodice off and kicked it towards her bed, as she tied the blouse closed. The mirror caught her image and she ran her fingers through her hair, and brushed away the tears from her face. There was nothing she could do this quickly with the puffy red eyes or the bruise that was now slowly beginning to form on her cheek. She brushed her hair down and around her face. Keeping her head bowed low, she unlocked her door.

"Come in David," she quickly moved away to the furthest part of the room and took a seat, the shadows covering most of her. "What is it, David. I'm sorry I am not there. I just don't feel well."

Serena picked at the small specks of dirt that was on her skirt and trembled as David moved further into the room. "You should be with Skye, please tell her I'm not feeling well, and I'm very, very sorry." She took a deep breath and bit her lip, holding back her fears, wishing only that David would leave. Max had all ready made her realize she was nothing more then trouble and she didn't need further reminding of that.

 

[only_more_so]

As Max approached Skye and David, the first genuine smile of the evening crossed his face. When they noticed his progress toward them, he could see David and Skye exchanging soft words, with what looked like genuine feelings for each other. Max's smile hardened slightly, because while he was very happy for them, he couldn't help but feel left out.

"David..." Max started.

"Max," David said, bowing low, looking at Skye and then himself, "I need to go for a bit, you mind taking care of her? I won't be too long, I promise."

Max couldn't hear what Skye said to David next, but he departed as soon as she was done speaking. Where could his brother be going in the middle of the ball?

"Fair warning you want to stay right back here and no where near the dance floor unless you want your toes crushed."

Finally able to get a word in, Maximillian said, "Milady, if an accident were to occur where my toes were found beneath your delicate feet, their lament would be that it was but a brief encounter and that my boot enjoyed your foot's embrace more directly."

Max bowed deeply, paused a moment and continued, "All fripperies aside, I must say that you look gorgeous this evening, and only a small portion of the credit is due to Serena's mother's handiwork." Max hoped the slight hesititation when he mentioned Serena's name wouldn't be obvious. "Without the dress you would still be the most beautiful woman in the room, because you're smiling. When a woman of such rare and natural beauty enjoys herself, it is a joy to behold."

"What am I thinking? She will believe I'm a total fop," Max thought to himself.