The Curse and the Traveler's

[poohlive]

"Stop, Serena. Just stop," He held her close to him now, on the verge of anger ofr frustration or something he did not quite understand. He just wanted to smack some sense into her, watching her run to and fro like some chicken with its head cut off.

"You can sleep on that bed, in that room. It doesn't matter. Just stop, all right? Why does this happen, Serena, whenever we start to talking about your mate, who you want, how you're going to get him, you seem to just close off and switch to something else."

He sat her down, pouring her a nice martini. Something smooth that would take whatever edge she had off.

"Drink it," He ordered, giving her a stern face.

"Now, you're going to tell me exactly what you want in some guy. You are going to tell me why you though you could find him here instead of on our world, and you're going to tell me just how I can find him. I can't simply grab a guy at random down at the street. And even if I did, don't you think he would just leave the first time you did something strange or weird in his eye. That's why I was trying to help you, so you could stop all of those other habits and let your real self show through. You seem determined to do it another way though. So, tell me Serena. I want to know just what your plan is."

 

[only_more_so]

When Skye pinched Max he was surprised more than hurt. But when she stuck out her tongue he couldn't help but think of how nice that tongue and the lips surrounding it had felt. It really wasn't fair.

"Quint do you know who the lady in the picture was that was wearing this necklace?"

Quint thought for a minute and then said, "I don't know if I ever heard her name before, but I have seen paintings of her before. But they are all really old, and they play tricks on people. Like when you walk past the eyes follow you around. And I just know the pictures change, like sometimes the flowers are blooming and other times they aren't quite. But no one 'cept Prince Max and Prince David believe me. Well, some people say they used to think the paintings were changing, but once they grew up they realized they weren't really."

Max whispered to Skye, "All children in the kingdom can see magic and perform little tricks. Mostly as they grow older their imagination fades and they lose the ability." Max added for Quint's benefit as well, "Skye, I believe I explained that magic is based on imagination, if you can believe it, you can cause it to happen. It is the same way with reading Fairy, if you believe it is in your language, it is. In the paintings, you believe the flowers are in full bloom, or maybe that it is not yet spring, and it will be so in the painting."

Max thought for a moment and then asked Quint, "Quint can you describe what the woman in the locket looked like?"

"She's really pretty. The prettiest woman in the whole world. And she has, um... longish hair that is the same color as Skye's. No, it is more golden blond than that, well maybe it is red. But her eyes were really beautiful too. They were like this kind of purple. But also kind of gray, and a bit green I think. Actually, Prince Max, I really think I don't know what she looks like." The boy was sounding disappointed in himself, but quickly added, "but I would definately recognize her, and I could take you to her portrait!"

Max laughed and reached over and clapped Quint on the shoulder. "Quint, you've described her perfectly, I know exactly who you mean. ANd you have done a spectacular job finding the locket. I never would have thought of that. In fact, I have been so impressed with your work these past few days, that I would say you have earned a promotion to squire."

Quint was bouncing on the bed again. He was so glad that he hadn't let Max down, and to hear that he could be a squire. "Prince Maximillian, do you mean it? You really want me as your squire?"

"Quint, I would love to have you as my squire, but you know the rules. While you were a castle page, you were also my personal page. So when you become a squire you have to squire for someone else. I suppose you are still young enough that you could be a page for another year or so..." Max teased the boy a bit and gave Skye a wink. Before continuing, "But I happen to know someone who is a recent addition to the castle who will definately be needing the services of a clever young man. She will need help not just with errands, but even finding her way around the castle, not to mention discretely helping her understand the strange castle etiquette. Also, I am sure eventually she will want help selecting a couple of ladies in waiting, because what kind of princess doesn't have ladies in waiting."

Max turned to Skye and said, "Right Princess Skye?" Before sticking his tongue out at her.

Quint's face lit up and he looked at Skye expectantly.

 

[caela]

Skye listened with a soft smile as Quint tried to describe the woman he'd seen and she realized that it too must be enchanted. It seemed that everything around here was. Unconciously she would shift every now and then to let her thigh rub against Max's, just reassuring herself he was there.

Quint had so much energy that she couldn't help but wonder if she had ever been so young and precocious herself and the way his dace lit up when Max mentioned a promotion to being a squire just made Skye grin. She'd have to think of some way to repay Max for that small kindness to the boy, it was so obvious that he'd just made Quint's entire week. Her mind started to drift as Max was telling him that he knew just how Quint could squire until she heard him say "she".

That had caught her interest and she stared up at Max. She'd never heard of a woman having a squire. Hell in her world there were no longer squires but she'd only read of knights having them anyway not women. It didn't take her long to realize that he was giving Quint the job as her squire and any thought of rewarding him for making hte boy happy shifted to thoughts of retribution.

Max turned to Skye and said, "Right Princess Skye?" Before sticking his tongue out at her.

Quint's face lit up and he looked at Skye expectantly.

Skye laughed softly knowing she was stuck. She couldn't tell this sweet boy looking at her so happy and expectant, no and the sight of Max sticking his tongue out at her was distracting her from thoughts of retribution and turning her mind back to how it had felt when they'd kissed. How soft and sweet it had been caressing her own.

Turning to Quint she tried to look solemn and serious thought her eyes sparkled with mischief as she spoke, "Well now I'll only take him as a squire if he promises not to call me 'princess' and simply calls me Skye. And he'll have to help me hide from a couple of annoying Princes I know of as well or perhaps play small pranks when they are getting out of line and need to be taught a lesson."

Laughing softly at the boys shocked expression she reached out and patted his hand gently. He seemed suprised that she would want to play pranks on the princes but he'd learn quickly, "And sense he's supposed to help me with castle etiquette he can start now and explain to ignorant red-head just what a squires duties are and if he'll be just my squire or a squire for the whole castle who simply pays especial attention to me?"

 

[only_more_so]

"And sense he's supposed to help me with castle etiquette he can start now and explain to ignorant red-head just what a squires duties are and if he'll be just my squire or a squire for the whole castle who simply pays especial attention to me?"

"So does that mean you would let me be your squire?" Quint said with growing excitement. He turned to Max and said, "You really mean I can become a squire?"

"Yes, Quint. Provided the King approves the choice. Which I am sure he will, have to fear on that subject. But first you better answer her question."

Quint looked at Skye and said, "Don't they have squires where you're from? Well, maybe they do things differently there. A squire is kind of like a junior knight, or a knight in training. Each squire is sponsored by a noble. The noble makes sure the squire gets the training he needs to become a knight, and the squire... Um the squire does things for the noble." Quint was thinking hard to try to explain, but it was all so obvious to him.

Max took some pity on the boy and added, "I think what Quint is trying to say is that a squire has many duties that are similar to that of a personal servant, but of a more trusted and esteemed nature. He will be expected to keep your secrets from everyone, including the king except for instances of treason. Because of that he would be entirely yours, although you could ask him to help out around the castle, say at a dinner banquet. Also, to a certain extent a squire is expected to help guard the noble they serve. While a knight might be a sword, the squires are known as the daggers."

Max paused and looked directly at Skye. He waved his hand in front of Quint's face and the boy went still. He placed his hand on her thigh to indicate the gravity of what he was saying next, "I stilled his mind for a moment. I was being impetuous and should have asked you before bringing this up. But he really is a wonderful boy, and you truly could use a trusted guide in this world. You know that Serena, David and I, would all gladly guide you in learning about our world, but each of us has our own biases. We each want you to be a certain person, so how could our guidance be entirely trusted? I trust Quint, and I think you trust him, plus what I said earlier is entirely true. If he became your squire he would likely not even talk to anyone for a month for fear of saying something that was supposed to be a secret. But don't forget, if you want him as a squire, it really is a two way street. He will need training. Also you will have to figure out a coat of arms and see that he gets a new uniform. You can get him to help, but it would probably end up being a dragon crawling out of a seashell.

I'm going to wake him now, he will still know about his promotion, but I will disguise in his mind that it might be you, until and unless you decide. I wouldn't let him feel bad about not being selected because I was so impetuous."

Max waved his hand again, squeezed Skye's thigh and watched Quint snap out of it. "Prince Maximillian, who do you think I could squire for? Do you think I could still train with you sometimes?"

 

[caela]

Quint looked at Skye and said, "Don't they have squires where you're from? Well, maybe they do things differently there. A squire is kind of like a junior knight, or a knight in training. Each squire is sponsored by a noble. The noble makes sure the squire gets the training he needs to become a knight, and the squire... Um the squire does things for the noble."

Skye laughed softly at the puzzled look on the boys face as he tried to explain what was simply common knowledge to him. "No Quint we don't have squires in my world anymore. We used to but now we can only read about them in books and those are sort of short on details. Thank you for explaining."

She grinned up at Max as he took pity on Quint and started explianing in further detail though she was surprised when he waved a hand in front of the boy and he went still. She could resist the urge to wave a hand in front of Quint's and was amazed when not even a muscle twitched.

Any amazement faded when Max's hand on her thigh drew her gaze up to him. She could feel the warmth of his hand on her skin even through the blanket that seperated him and had to concentrate to listen to what he was telling her. As he explained in greater depth the responsibilities of a noble to their squire and vice versa she nodded her head gently. It had been a good idea on his part even if she would likely be clumsy at sponsering a squire.

And he was right, she needed a guide that she could trust implicitly not to have ulterior motives around her. Serena was a good woman and Skye thought they'd be wonderful friends as they grew to know each other but she was also slightly flighty and have far more energy than Skye would be able to keep up with on a full time basis. David thought of her as his betrothed and everything he did was geared toward that and Max...she wasn't sure entirely what Max wanted from her yet but she felt most herself and most at ease in his presence.

Quint would be perfect and she smiled as Max woke the boy back up.

"Prince Maximillian, who do you think I could squire for? Do you think I could still train with you sometimes?"

"Quint, what would you think of being my squire?" she asked softly. "The King would have to approve it of course and I warn you now it won't be a cushy appointment. You'll have to help me figure my way out around this maze of a palace and you'll have to help me learn how it is a lady behaves here as well."

Grinning impishly she dropped her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "You might even have to help me learn to dance so I don't step all over the princes toes at the next ball they make me go to."

She could see the excitement and eagerness in the boy and wouldn't have been at all surprised if he'd lunged forward to hug her. The look on his face told her she'd just made his day and the fact that she'd been able to make this sweet, eager boy happy thrilled her.

"Max tells me that as your sponser I'd be responsible to see that you're trained as a knight as well, obviously I'm not going to be able to train you in the use of weapons but perhaps I can lean on our dear Max a little to help you there, " smiling up at Max now her eyes sparkled with mirth as she tried to look innocent and asked in her sweetest voice, "You would help me see to his training would you dear, sweet, Max?"

 

[only_more_so]

"Max tells me that as your sponser I'd be responsible to see that you're trained as a knight as well, obviously I'm not going to be able to train you in the use of weapons but perhaps I can lean on our dear Max a little to help you there, " smiling up at Max now her eyes sparkled with mirth as she tried to look innocent and asked in her sweetest voice, "You would help me see to his training would you dear, sweet, Max?"

"Of course, I would love to help with Quint's training. Although you really should be sure to observe his training from time to time, to ensure that he is getting an adequate education." Max felt a growing warmth through his hand that still rested on Skye's thigh.

He started to become aware of how precarious the situation was. He knew if he lingered in this room with Skye too long, he wouldn't be able to contain himself. He looked at Skye and then at the bouncing boy at the foot of the bed and a thought came to him.

"Quint, I'm sure the King will approve of you becoming Skye's squire, but I believe he is a bit tied up at the moment. But that doesn't mean you can't start your training now, unless Skye has another task for you. I know that after lying in bed for so many days, I am going to need to do some exercises."

Max looked at Skye and added, "You are welcome to observe the training, Skye. There is a gallery set aside for just that purpose, and you can feel free to bring that book with you, in case watching us running around gets boring."

"Oh, and on the way we can see one of the portraits of the woman that Quint was speaking of. I am guessing you are still too weak to want to climb the Princess Tower, but perhaps we can do that tomorrow?"

 

[caela]

Skye's eyes went wide when Max offered to take Quint to train now. She didn't want him to leave despite the fact that she was well aware that their staying in the same room would inevitably lead to one thing. She'd never felt such desire for anyone as she did for him and knew that eventually she would have to act on it but now wasn't right and she knew that too.

"You are welcome to observe the training, Skye. There is a gallery set aside for just that purpose, and you can feel free to bring that book with you, in case watching us running around gets boring."

"Oh, and on the way we can see one of the portraits of the woman that Quint was speaking of. I am guessing you are still too weak to want to climb the Princess Tower, but perhaps we can do that tomorrow?"

"I'd love to watch you both train. When you're done Quint can explain to me what exactly I'm watching and you can tell me what I should be looking for as his training progresses so that I can ensure he gets the proper training and education.

Now which one of you fine gentlemen is going to be a dear and get me an actual dress so I don't have to run around the palace in a nightgown and bathrobe," winking at Quint she added, "I'm not Prince David after all to run around with so little on."

She saw the boy snicker and glanced at Max with a devilish grin, "Since you've been lollygagging for days and Quint has been doing all your running perhaps you'd be a dear and go to my room to fetch a dress for me while Quint and I get to know each other?"

 

[only_more_so]

"Lollygagging? Quint, did you know that almost dying is considered lollygagging in Skye's world? They must be made of stern stuff over there!" Max winked at Quint as he got up from the bed, making sure to give Skye's leg a final squeeze.

Turning to Skye, Max said, "You wish is my command, Princess Skye. I shall fetch you a dress, and leave you in Quint's capable hands. Now remember Quint, although you are not yet her squire, you are to behave as if you were. If anyone asks you to perform a castle pages duties, you are to tell them you are on a special assignment from me. Understand?"

Quint eagerly shook his head in acknowledgement. Max rubbed his head and headed for the door. He looked into Skye's eyes as he opened the door, and gave a bow and walked out of the room, closing the door after him. He briefly leaned against the opposite wall to catch his breathe which seemed strangely hard to do.

After a moment he headed toward Skye's rooms, thinking about all that had happened in the past few days. What was that saying he had heard in Skye's world: May you live in interesting times. Interesting indeed. Before he had gone too far down the hallway he saw Claire polishing a bit of woodwork. "Claire, could you see that a bath is brough to Skye, she is still in Serena's room, as well as whatever soaps and such she might need. Also, she will likely want a screen for privacy, they do things differently in her world, remember. Thank you." Claire nodded her head and hurried off, grabbing a couple of pages as she went.

Max soon found himself standing outside of Skye's room. He felt kind of silly as he found his hand making as if to knock. Instead he opened the door and walked in. Even though she had only dwelt in the room a few days, he could almost feel her presense in the room. Perhaps it was a lingering scent?

He went to the closet and opened the doors. There were quite a few dresses that had been made for Skye in anticipation of her arrival. Most of them seemed to be more formal outfits which Max knew that she wouldn't want to wear. In the back of the closet he found a lightweight sleeveless dress made for a deep green silk. There was golden embroidery at the top of the dress that continued down one side and along the bottom hem. The embroidered side had a long slit that would reach nearly to the bottom of Skye's hip. On the hanger with the dress was some sort of hair holding device that was made of gold and more of the green silk.

Max picked up the dress and placed it on the bed. He soon found a piece of white cloth and a bit of string that he used to wrap up the dress so he wouldn't have to worry about messing the dress while walking to back to Serena's room. Max took his time, so that Skye would have some time to bathe and talk to Quint.

Quint meanwhile had hopped off the bed and was bowing deeply to Skye. "Thank you princess Skye. I think you will be wonderful to squire for. I will try not to let you down!"

 

[caela]

"Thank you princess Skye. I think you will be wonderful to squire for. I will try not to let you down!"

"Quint stop bowing!" Skye said with a laugh and pointed to a chair indicating she wanted him to sit. "O.k. first things first, I wasn't born a Princess so please just call me Skye, you don't have to bow to me, and if you're going to be my squire I expect you to always be honest with me...even if you think I'm doing something stupid."

The look on the boys face when she implied she might do something stupid was priceless. It was as if he truly couldn't fathom such a thing which made her smile warmly at him. She truly did like Quint.

"It could happen Quint, especially since I don't know the way things work here yet. My world is very, very different from this one and I'll make lots of mistakes so I need you to help me not make more than necessary."

Before she could say more Claire came in leading a group of pages who were carrying a rather large bathtub and a few with buckets of steaming water. They deftly set up and Claire brought Skye a bag with soaps that smelled much like vanilla.

"Prince Max asked me to have a bath brought up for you Skye. He also asked that we bring a privacy screen because things are different on your world," the maids voice trailed off as if there was something else she wanted to say but wasn't sure she should. Obviously she drew courage from the fact that Skye didn't act like most royalty because after a moment she continued, "Is it true that on your world bathing is a private thing and that none see you doing it?"

Skye grinned at the question and nodded, "Yep. Only small children are ever seen when bathing and only then by the parents that bathe them. Nudity isn't so casual in my world as it seems to be here so I thank you very much for remembering the screen."

Glancing at Quint she smiled warmly, "Quint, would you be so kind as to help me to the bath Claire brought me please?" Obviously dumbstruck the boy silently climbed from his chair and came to help her out of the bed. Having eaten and rested Skye found she was already feeling much better. Still mildly weak but she didn't feel like she was going to be falling over from the short walk to the tub. She could tell that Quint seemed prepared to help her with her bath and blushed slightly.

"Quint would you be a dear please and wait on the other side of the screen. Let me know when Max returns with my gown and if he didn't bring shoes to go with it give his shoulder a whack for me please."

She'd grinned as she spoke and it was clear that he wouldn't be likely to smack Max in the shoulder for her but he scooted dutifully around the screen and gave her the privacy she'd asked for. Sinking into the tub she sighed softly as the warm wather closed around her and began to gently wash herself with the soap Claire had brought her.

 

[only_more_so]

Max was walking down toward Serena's room when a thought came to him. He had forgotten shoes! How could he have forgotten that. Actually, how had he remembered. He turned around and headed back to Skye's room. Opening the closet, sure enough there were a pair of padded slippers that went with the dress. Max scanned the closet again, but couldn't find anything else that obviously went with the dress.

Shrugging, he headed back downstairs and across the castle. He found himself wandering a bit as he navigated the corridors. He definately wanted to see her again, but also wanted to give her some time to bathe. And perhaps the tea he drank would were off a bit.

Outside of Serena's room Max stopped and took a moment to listen. He could hear water splashing and Quint's voice. He listened for a while longer as Skye was saying something to Quint, perhaps asking him a question. He could then hear more water sloshing, as if Skye were standing. He could feel Skye wondering where he was with her dress, and took that as his cue. He knocked on the door and Quint opened the door, standing in the way to deny Max access.

Quint said, "I'll take those to Skye, Prince Maximillian" as he held out his hands toward the bundle. Max couldn't help but laugh a bit at the boy's sudden turn of seriousness, although he did try to cover it with a cough.

"Of course, Squire-to-be Quint," Max said as he handed the bundle to the boy. When the boy saw the shoes on top of the bundle he relaxed visibly.

In what Quint thought was a conspiratal whisper he said, "I'm glad you remembered the shoes Prince Max. I wouldn't have liked having to hit you." Quint then said more loudly, "Skye, Prince Maximillian brought your clothes." Quint then closed the door, leaving Max standing in the hall. Max couldn't figure out if it were Quint taking his job very seriously, or Skye playing a prank on him.

 

[caela]

Skye laughed softly as Quint chattered at her from the other side of the screen. He told her little stories of some of the lords and ladies that came to the castle and she found the funniest to be the ones about how the women of the court all but threw themselves at Max. Poor thing, she'd have to protect him from the big bad leeches.

When at last she was done washing she simply relaxed for a long moment but the water was starting to get cold and she couldn't stay in the tub forever. Reaching into the gem that she hadn't taken off, not even to bathe, she could sense that Max was nearby and wondered where on earth he was with her dress. Almost as if her wondering had summoned him she heard a knock on the door and knew it was Max.

She couldn't help but giggle when she heard Quint, "I'm glad you remembered the shoes Prince Max. I wouldn't have liked having to hit you." Quint then said more loudly, "Skye, Prince Maximillian brought your clothes."

She knew Quint had been trying to whisper the first part but his voice seemed to carry to her. She liked that while Quint seemed a bit torn about the little joke she'd wanted to play on Max it was clear that he would have done as she asked. She really hadn't thought he would. Peeking around the privacy screen she offered Quint a bright smile both for handing her her clothes and for his loyalty.

"Thank you Quint for the clothes and for you willingness to play my little prank on Max if he'd forgotten my shoes. I know that can't have been easy for you. Why don't you run to your own room and get whatever it is you'll need for training with Max while I get dressed and meet us back here."

"Yes Skye," the boy said with a bright and raced out of the room leaving the door open this time so Max could come in.

Opening the package that Quint had handed her Skye gasped softly at the sight of the dress Max had chosen. It was beautiful and unlike most of them that she remembered from her closet it was simple and not at all poofy in any way. Slipping it over her head she all but purred as the silk slithered across her skin and laughed softly when she saw the slit that ran nearly up to her hip. Using the hair caul she captured her thick mane at the base of her neck in the gold mesh that matched the accents that ran through the dress. The slippers were last and she smiled softly as she slid them on, they had a heel but it was slight and she could walk in them easily.

Stepping out from behind the screen she smiled at Max and twirled slowly, "So what do you think?"

 

[only_more_so]

Max wasn't waiting in the hallway long when Quint came running out. The boy was grinning ear to ear and gave Max a wave as he headed down the hallway. Quint had left the door ajar, so Max took it as an invitation and went into the room.

"Skye, your new watch-dog has left you unguarded," Max said as he walked into the room. He could hear Skye gasp slightly as she opened the package Max had brought down. As he took a seat on the bed, leaning against the headboard, he heard the gently swish of fabric as Skye put on the dress. Max closed his eyes, and prepared to wait for the reveal.

"So what do you think?"

Max's eyes snapped opened and he took in Skye's appearance. He was completely overwhelmed, and it took all of his effort to keep his mouth closed. Max knew that Skye was beautiful, but the way the dress hugged her figure displayed her curves to an exquisite degree. The clinging nature of the silk and the high sheen made it appear as if Skye were clothed in a river of jade. An incredibly thin river, Max noticed, realizing he likely forgot whatever sort of garmets women wore under such outfits. Not that he had ever seen a woman in the kingdom wear such an outfit. The queen must have had it made, she always did lament the frumpy nature of the kingdom's attire.

Skye's face was twice as radiant as her dress. Her natural coloring far outshined other women's cosmetic art. Her eyes seemed to sparkle in tune with the gem around her smooth throat. Her hair framed her face in burnished glory and the goldwork holding it in place was challenged in luster.

Max practically jumped off of the bed. All thoughts of trying to remain nonchalant were forgotten. He found himself kneeling in front of Skye clasping her hand in both of his. As he held her hand he could smell her clean scent mingling with the vanilla from the soaps. He lightly kissed the back of her hand as he looked up into her face, "You look exquisite. Beyond exquisite. You are the beauty that causes artists to rend their pantings when their art falls short."

Max stood, still holding her hand in one of his. "If it is possible, you're embarrassment makes you even more lovely," Max quipped as he saw Skye blushing.

He transfered her hand to his elbow, so he could lead her out the door. "I hope you are prepared for what you will unleash on this kingdom. Within a week all the women in the castle will be demanding such a dress. Within two weeks all of the tailors will be running for cover when the women realize they look like ducks swimming in such a dress that is fit only for a swan."

 

[caela]

"I hope you are prepared for what you will unleash on this kingdom. Within a week all the women in the castle will be demanding such a dress. Within two weeks all of the tailors will be running for cover when the women realize they look like ducks swimming in such a dress that is fit only for a swan."

Skye couldn't stop the blush that deepened on her cheeks at his words but she let him take her hand and place it on his arm and as they passed the table she snagged the red diary in her free hand. Smiling up at him she couldn't resist leaning up and placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. Again she was amazed at how the simplest of touches sent pulses of desire firing across her skin but she let it go and moved toward the door with him.

"Max, I almost think you say such things just so you can watch me blush. If I do look as pretty as you say it's because Serena's mother is a very clever seamstress but thank you for the compliment."

As they reached the door Skye gave a laugh when Quint came barreling through the door and nearly knocked them both over. He had a package of some sort that she assumed was whatever equipment he'd need for his training session with Max. With a grin and a sweep of her arm she said, "Lead the way gentlemen. You have pictures to show me and training to do."

Giving Max's arm a squeeze she couldn't help but smile at how right it felt to be walking at his side. She could feel the jewel at her throat pulsing softly with the beating of her heart and wondered if he could feel it as well through his connection to it. She just couldn't believe that this wasn't meant to be and she suddenly realized who the woman in her dream about Max and David was. It was the same woman with each of them and the woman was her.

Whether her dream had actually been some sort of psychic vision she didn't know but she did know that she preferred the furture that it showed her with Max. As they walked however she kept her thoughts to herself and simply allowed him to lead her through the palace and smiled as he and Quint chatted and showed her things she hadn't seen before.

 

[only_more_so]

When Skye kissed his cheek down his spine. She better not kiss him like right before he starts training, or he would never get into his workout pants.

"Max, I almost think you say such things just so you can watch me blush."

Although Max would admit to himself that he liked making her blush, he wouldn't admit it outloud. Also that was a very small part of the reason he said what he did, so instead he settled on a quick wink.

"Lead the way gentlemen. You have pictures to show me and training to do."

Max said to Quint, "Quint, we'll head through the Blue gallery on the way to the training room. Why don't you lead the way. You know where her painting is, right?"

Quint stood there looking at Skye. After waiting a few seconds he nudged Skye gently. Skye seemed a bit startled, but must have realized the boy was waiting for a cue from her, so she gave a slight nod. The nod sent Quint marching down the halls saying, "I'll take us right to it Prince Max."

When the boy was a good twenty feet in front of them Max started following with Skye's hand still resting on his arm. He said softly to Skye, "The boy will only follow your orders now, and will endeavor to prove that to you. Be careful what you ask him to do for a while, because he will take you quite literally until he is taught better."

The blue gallery wasn't very far, and was really more of a hallway with paintings on both sides than a gallery. It was called the blue gallery because the paintings tended to have a good deal of blue in them. Although some people thought it was because they all seemed a little sad, even if you could never put your finger on what made them seem sad. Max always thought they looked determined. Those were not the paintings that brought them to this gallery. Those paintings didn't change, and they didn't show the woman.

Halfway down the gallery, in a deep alcove there stood the painting. The painting filled the entire wall of the alcove, and made it appear as if the woman were standing in the hallway. In fact a few visitors had mistakenly walked right into the painting because they were so decieved by the artistry.

As Max gazed at the picture, he thought she looked happier than he had ever seen. The engimatic half smile was the same, but something made her looked happier. Her hair seemed more red than he remembered, and maybe she was a little taller, but it was the same woman. Behind her the painting was foggy. It was as if the corridor behind her was filled with fog with a light hidden behind her. This was the first time Max had seen that background, it had always been something definate before. He vaguely wondered what Skye saw in the painting, and watched her face patiently for a response.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Serena stared at him. He'd held her close, the feelings of heat had returned, and she closed her eyes. The drink was in her hand and his voice was so demanding that she didn't hesitate to drink the refreshment he'd given her. She took a long drink, enjoyed the taste and finished drinking it. There was a sensation that caressed her head and her eyebrows rose slightly. She laid the empty glass on the table and took a seat at the counter. She took a deep breath and confessed all he'd asked of her and more.

"I'm sorry David. I was wrong to come here and I'm sure that Max will come and rescue us. Syke... she makes sense. She says a person can't just be made to love their mate or forced to love who someone chooses for them," her fingers toyed with her skirt. She never looked up into his eyes, it was hard to tell her friend her fears. She'd never exposed herself so openly, always hiding behind the Princes, their shadow, trying to gain attention by antics that made no sense to some. Now... when she had wanted to explore the way of life that others lived, others that weren't kept at home waiting for a curse to lift or their parents to bring home their mate, she realized she couldn't do that right either.

"I don't have anyone in our world that would marry me David. There is no one there that doesn't see me as the maid from the castle... the Princes' follower, the girl who...," she stopped and looked at him this time.

"David... what man will want me? I'm foolish. I am not refined like Skye. I do not have her beauty, her grace, her decorum. I'm nothing like that and you know that... I know it. I'm not ever going to be like her. I can't... I would try if I thought I could," she told him.

Her lips trembled and she swallowed her pain. "I don' t want a mate any more David... I can't have one. I can't take a mate... hope he loves me... and then leave him. I would leave him... I wouldn't want to, but it would happen. I don't know when, but I can't marry now."

She rose up and moved a few steps away from him. "David this trip to this world... It did something to me, perhaps it didn't do it to you because you have been here several times. But, it did do something to me." Her arms went around her stomach and she took a calming breath.

"David... I'm sick. I get hot all of a sudden. I want to throw up and my body seems to be on fire sometimes. It started when we got here in this world. I worried for you too. I thought because it only happened when you were around, then obviously you were going to get sick to, but then I saw it didn't affect you... you were you and you were fine. It did effect me. I can't have a mate... I'm dying," she whispered.

 

[poohlive]

"You only get sick when I'm around?"

David wondered just what kind of weird sickness that would be. He hadn't really left her side since they came into this world, so perhaps it was just the heat of Vegas in general. She just doesn't understand that it is not like her world. This is something new.

If she had to throw up though, her stomach is weak, perhaps something was wrong then. He bit his lower lip.

Or maybe...

"Let me try something," David said, moving away from her.

"Ok, here I am at the end of the room," A good twenty feet away from her. He waved and gave her a sheepish smile before moving closer.

"Now ten feet," Still way far away, out of arm's reach. He moved in another few steps, getting close now. He could smell the cool sweat of her body, like sweetened lavender rolling off her.

"Closer still," He moved up to her, facing her. He was just inches from her now, their bodies like mirrored images. His hands near hers, his legs positiined as hers were, and his eyes pouring what life he had into her own.

"And this," He had to whisper, as he moved in. They touched, slowly. David's hand moved on hers in an almost too casual way now. He could smell more of her, more than just her sweat. He smelled perfume, her clothing, her hair, the deep musk coming off of her.

His lips were not touching hers, but if anyone else had been in the room they would have said otherwise. They were close, far too close, that special closeness served for the intimate lovers of old, trying desperately to explore each other's bodies.

David let that intimacy linger a moment longer before pulling away.

"Is that what you were talking about?"

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Serena watched him walk across the room. His eyes locked with hers and as he approached it began again. Her skin tingled. The next few steps made her swallow her trembling. More steps. She felt her skin began to grow hotter, her breath quickened. "Oh please... please no," she told herself.

He was so close to her. She could smell him. Her lips trembled. Her fingers curled into the folds of her skirt. She felt her teeth chatter and she gripped them together. There was a tear beginning to form from the flames that seemed to consume her. "I'm scared," she cried to him, the words however never surfaced she kept them locked inside.

He touched her. She gasped quietly. There was a moment when she thought she would fall. The shot of heat that slammed into her was so unexpected that she whimpered. He was so close to her, she felt as if she were on fire. She could feel his breath coat her, blanket her in his heat. Still he was unaffected or was he, "Please... please don't let him feel this... please don't let me have killed him," she begged silently again never voicing her fears.

When he stepped away, she felt empty. "Oh David...," she covered her face. "It happened again... I'm sorry," she felt the hot tears roll down her burning cheeks and she sunk to the floor. "I'm sorry David... I'm sorry I messed this up... I'm sorry I'm sick..."

She didn't know what to tell him. She'd never felt such heat running through her veins, such an overwhelming need to just burn. She burned everywhere. She tingled everywhere. "Please David... just find away to take me home."

Serena sat on the floor. The plush carpet beneath her went unnoticed as she brought her knees to her chest and buried her head in them.

 

[poohlive]

On top of everything that had just happened, this seemed to be the ultimate ending. As if each problem they went through were parts of this incredible ice cream sundae, and the fact that she liked him was some sadistic cherry that had been decoratively placed at the top.

"That's why you left. That's why you were talking with Max. You liked me? That is love, or lust, or I don't know. You feel it for me? You like me?"

David sighed as he poured himself another drink. He needed this one. It was bad enough she had tried so desperately to abandon them both here in Vegas, but she did so because she was in love with him and just wanted to be alone with him for a few days.

"Serena... we need to go home, right now. You're done. I'm through with playing your little games, ok? Stop it, grow up for once in your life. You're dying. What kind of person thinks their dying because of a kiss? What are you 12?"

 

[caela]

"The boy will only follow your orders now, and will endeavor to prove that to you. Be careful what you ask him to do for a while, because he will take you quite literally until he is taught better."

Skye had to think about that for a moment before smiling softly. Yes she'd be careful what she asked Quint to do. She didn't want the boy to get into trouble on her account. In an easy silence she walked beside Max and relished the fact that she felt so at ease with him that she didn't feel the need to fill the silence with mindless chitchat but could simple enjoy his quiet company. Absently her fingers stroked his arm where it rested as they walked.

Entering what Max called the blue gallery Skye's smile brightened. The paintings were lovely! It seemed they weren't alone however, she was certain she saw a woman just down the hallway. As they drew nearer it was the woman's inoordinate stillness that made her realize this woman was an artful creation herself. She also found that the closer they got the less defined the woman became. She appeared tall but her hair seemed to shimmer with every color Skye had ever seen hair be.

"She's lovely!" Skye breathed softly and glanced up at Max, "What do you think she'd thinking to make her appear so happy and...and proud of herself somehow. Yes, she looks like she's just managed to accomplish something that makes her happy.

Why didn't the artist give her a better background Max? She looks like she should be dancing through a field of flowers not standing surrounded by fog. Though I have to admit the backlight behind her makes it all shimmery and very lovely.

Who is she Max?"

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Serena stilled. She looked up at him. “No,” she told herself. She’d liked dancing with that man at the party, but he didn’t make her all warm and sick... at least not until he tried to hurt her. She liked the Doctor until she saw he thought her flighty, but he didn’t make her want to throw up. She liked Max, but even he didn’t make her skin burn. “No,” she whispered that couldn’t be it.

She wiped her eyes and thought of all he’d said. Did she like him? Yes... he was her friend. In love with him? The way Skye was supposed to love him? The way Max seemed to love Skye? She didn’t understand or know what she was feeling. She’d never been allowed to interact with others very often. She remembered when she was little she thought she liked Max and once she thought she liked David, but they immediately treated her like she was a pest, so she quickly decided they were spoiled, but they were still her friends.

David’s back was to her. She stared long at him and something told her he was right. She rubbed her arms and turned away. There was a chair over to the left of the room and she made her way to it. “I’m sorry... I honestly didn’t know. I mean... I do like you... but I’ve liked other boys, none made me feel like this.”

She pushed back her hair suddenly aware of all she was feeling. “Take me home David. Please. I don’t want to be here. I want to go home and go back to my parents home. I’ll marry who they want. I’ll grow up David. Just please take me home.”

Serena was finished. It was as if a cloud lifted and she suddenly knew that all he said was true. She did like him... more than she should have. She was just a child trapped in a woman’s body. Serena sat there and decided that if grown up met proper behavior, seriousness at all costs, then she would do that. She took a deep breath and looked to him. “I’m sorry. You mentioned going home now. Please do it. Please take me home.”

 

[only_more_so]

"She's lovely!" Skye breathed softly and glanced up at Max, "What do you think she'd thinking to make her appear so happy and...and proud of herself somehow. Yes, she looks like she's just managed to accomplish something that makes her happy.

Why didn't the artist give her a better background Max? She looks like she should be dancing through a field of flowers not standing surrounded by fog. Though I have to admit the backlight behind her makes it all shimmery and very lovely.

Who is she Max?"

Max watched Skye taking in the painting. He wondered if she realized this was one of the enchanted paintings he had mentioned to her earlier. In her world the pictures moved while you were watching them, in his they moved when you weren't.

"No one knows. There are a few other paintings of her around the castle, a statue, a bust and a topiary that's never been trimmed. Not to mention the locket that Quint found. That might sound like a lot, but there are other people who have more paintings. There are many who have more statues. But no one else currently has a topiary, although I have heard a few of my not-so-distant ancestors had the gaul to try.

There are of course rumors of who she is, but nothing, not even in the secret family records, indicate a name. The real mystery is, that no one has ever even figured out who painted the potraits, or carved the statues. They didn't even appear out of thin air. It was as if one day a painting of great-great-great-aunt gertrude decided it would rather be a portait of this woman. Except it would take more than a day. Possible a year or a decade. The changes would occur subtly so that no one realized. Then one day someone would realize, and at that same moment everyone else would. No one knows why some things get changed and not others. Some say it is a sign of approval, others a sign of disapproval."

Max lowered his voice to get Skye and Quint to lean a bit closer to hear, "Then there are the rumors that the woman in question is still haunting the halls of the castle. Sometimes you can hear footsteps going down hallways when there is no one there. There are unused corridors where footprints in the dust just fade into nothingness. One rumor, one I happen to believe, is that when a person does catch a glimpse of this woman, she vanishes into the nearest painting, or statue and hides there. Over time her presence casts a spell on the image and transforms it into her image. In fact, this is the most recent painting to have been changed. I have often thought I could feel her hiding behind the face in the portait."

Max was prepared to finish the ghost story with: but really she's hiding right behind you. His father had done it to him and his brother, he'd seen countless servants do it to others, not to mention the visitors. But this time it felt wrong. He looked again at the enigmatic face and wondered if it really were true.

So in a more normal tone he said, "So no one knows. No one even remembers who the images held before, and all the records seem to get misplaced, or destroyed in a fire, or have water spilled on them."

Seeing that Quint was still a bit of edge, and feeling a strange tension from Skye, Max decided it was best to get going. "Shall we proceed to the gymnasium? There are better ways to get the heart pounding than ghost stories."

 

[poohlive]

That drink seemed to steady him some, his nerves had been pinched and gone now softened up, and he saw Serena for who she really was. Who was she? Just some naive young girl from another time that is lost in a few princess stories and tried to make one come real. That's all, nothing more. She was lost in her own fantasy, and thought of a way to live happily ever after. Isn't that what they all wanted, to live happily ever after? Even David wanted that, and he was pretty sure it wasn't going to happen.

"Come here," He said, hugging her, holding her tight, squeezing her in his arms, "I'm sorry, ok. I'm sorry I yelled at you. I forget sometimes just how little you know. I'm not mad, though. Really I'm not. Just a little surprised is all. I never thought you liked me. I always thought you liked Max. He seemed like the one everyone likes. I mean, I was already destined to lift the curse and marry the girl, he was the one everyone was looking to marry off next."

How alike were they in that regard? Her parents were bringing back a suitable mate as they spoke, and he was here betrothed to another woman before his birth. Destiny it seemed was at times like a rock hardened to the floor, and unable to move. Why did so many people still try to push at that rock David did not know, but they did. And they would continue to do so for eternity.

"I would choose you, you know. If it were just me. If it were me and you, and we lived in a world like Vegas. If I were allowed to choose, Serena, I would choose you. You are the perfect girl for anyone to have, and be his own. I am sorry you can not pick your own husband to love you as much as you want."

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Serena didn’t move from his embrace. She wanted to explore all the sensations that were rolling through her. The warmth of his arms around her. Her arms wrapped around him, holding him close. He smelled wonderful. That thought kept running through her head as he spoke. How could she have ever compared this feeling to death. This was beautiful. To die like this would be worth every obstacle in world. Her body was no longer on fire, it had settled into a warmth that radiated throughout her.

His words touched her. She smiled into his shoulder and looked back up at him. “Thank you David. I guess its obvious who I’d choose,” she grinned up at him and laughed softly. She released him and stepped free of his arms.

“Thank you for understanding. I’ll not bother you anymore with my nonsense,” she told him. Serena took a seat and looked up at him. “Could I have another one of those very nice drinks you made me earlier and if your not tired, perhaps we can do something... I honestly will go home when you’re ready and if you’re ready now then that is fine.”

She smoothed down her skirt and looked at her dress. “If we stay longer than this evening I would like to know if you could buy me a dress. I don’t know about you, but eventually... I’m going to start smelling horrid.”

Her fingers picked at the invisible lent on her lap and she kept her eyes cast downward. “I’m sorry though,” she looked up at him. “I’m sorry everyone was clamoring for Max. They were silly to do so. He’s very proper and stuffy... then again... you are a silly Prince who runs around the castle nude.” She chuckled and rolled her eyes at him. “Whatever were you thinking?”

 

[caela]

Skye laughed softly and felt reasonably unsettled as Max told his ghost story. There was something in the painting that made her feel as if Max could very well be right but it was also the fact that the woman's smile simply seemed so self-satisfied...and Skye got the feeling that she was watching herself and Max. She was glad when Max brought up heading to the gym.

Taking his arm once more she waved to the woman in the picture and half expected her to wave back. She didn't of course, enchanted or not she was still a painting. Moving down the hall with Max however she found she couldn't quite put the image of the woman from her mind and knew that she'd be returning to see this picture again.

Almost thoughtfully she stroked Max's arm as they walked. She liked the feel of him so solid and real under her touch and found she simply liked touching him as well. It was as if a part of her needed to touch him, to find some small physical contact when she could. As she thought it she felt the gem pulse against her throat as it agreeing with her and she laughed softly and looked up at Max.

"This stone seems to have a mind of it's own, where do you think such a lovely gem keeps it's brain?"

 

[only_more_so]

"This stone seems to have a mind of it's own, where do you think such a lovely gem keeps it's brain?"

Max looked at Skye and quirked an eyebrow. He didn't really have a good answer that wasn't heavy on the technical aspects of magic, so he just smiled and pretended it was s rhetorical question.

They were soon to the point where their paths would diverge. They were standing before the door to the gallery. Quint was already standing there holding the door open for Skye. Inside there was a relatively large area with a buffet table with plenty of different punches set out, as well as trays of relatively light finger foods. There was also a slightly bored looking servant standing on one side ready to run to the kitchen should anything else be wanted. There were a few women standing in groups of two or three, and not all of them young.

On the other side of the room there were sets of stairs running down to smaller terraces which held groups of chairs that overlooked the training floor below. A few dozen men were running around performing excercises or doing weapons training. Even the women most absorbed in conversation seemed to keep an eye on the action below.

Scanning the crowd Max saw a friendly face to help settle Skye in with the group of strange women. "There is someone I would like you to meet Skye. I am sure she will help you with introductions while Quint and I are busy below."

Max steered Skye to a rather short blonde girl who was busily sighing over all the action below. "Tinka, I would like to introduce you to Princess Skye, although please only call her Skye, she hasn't quite taken to being a princess, yet."

The girl turned quickly and her large blue eyes grew wide. She dipped a quick curtesy and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you princess, I mean Skye. I'm Tinka, but most people just call me Tink. Kind of sounds like a bell doesn't it? I have been dying to talk to my cousin about you, but I haven't been able to find her for a couple of days, or she was always too busy, but then you know that since she has been showing you around. How do you like it so far? I see you have met Prince Max, although walking in with him on your arm might make the other women in here jealous. They all think they are going to marry him, or at least hope they will."

Max cut the blathering buxom blonde off as politely as he could and said to Skye, "The cousin she refers to is Serena, and I believe they are actually second cousins, but there is still a strong resemblance I think." He added in a whisper, "Don't worry, she starts off fast, but she will soon be distracted again, and she will keep the worst of the court intrigue away."

Max could see the objections raising on Skye's face, and couldn't help but grin. "Now Quint and I should be going, we have to get changed and down to the floor. Ready Quint?" He grasped her hand and kissed it lightly before walking for the door.

Quint turned to Skye and said, "By your leave Skye?" Quint waited patiently for her to acknowledge somehow as Max was already out of the room, followed by a wave of whispers and a general movement toward the viewing terraces.

Tinka saw Quint standing there and started talking to the boy, "Quint, why on earth aren't you going? You know how Prince Max is about having orders obeyed. Well, it wasn't exactly an order, but you really shouldn't let him down. You know what happens to people who let Prince Maximillian down? Well, not that it ever happens, because people know what happens. But if it did happen, I am sure it would happen and you wouldn't like that one bit."

Max could hear Tinka talking to the boy as he left the room, and felt a little bad. But it would help teach him, and perhaps Skye. Plus once Tinka knew that Quint was Skye's squire, the word would be spread throughout the castle by dinner time, if not by lunch two hours ago.

When Max got to the changing room he went to his locker and retrieved his outfit. One of the strict rules of the castle was there was no favoritism in the gymnasium, he had a locker right in the middle of the others. As he was changing into his grey tights he could feel lingering pangs from his stab wounds. They were still an angry purple color. He pulled on the lightweight white undershirt, and then pulled on the leather vest. He was sure to pull the straps of the vest tight to give a little extra support.

Quint came in and was dressing into his outfit in the corner. Even though he arrived later and had a more elaborate outfit, he was dressed first. While the men wore only a leather vest for protection, the boys had sleeves on their jerkins and leather wraps for their forearms. They also wore leather plates over their shins.

The boy sat next to Prince Maximillian as he was lacing up his shoes and said, somewhat reluctantly, "Are all women except Princess Skye and Queen Beatrix crazy?"