The Curse and the Traveler's

[caela]

Skye's violet gaze went wide when they reached the door of the gymnasium. She didn't know what she'd expected but this wasn't it! She certainly hadn't expected that Max would leave her though she now realized that was simply silly. She also hadn't expected a crowd and she quickly realized it was nearly all women staring down at the men training below.

Rolling her eyes at the women staring with lust down on the men below she let Max lead her through the throng and wanted to growl. She could the women's heads turning to stare at her and saw the envy and hatred in more than a few eyes. Holding her head she would stare into into eyes of any woman that looked on her with hostility until the woman looked away. After the first three the women at least his their hostil expressions behind maskes of neutrality.

Still Skye had noticed and knew she'd have enemies no matter that she was the Chosen One.

When they reached a pretty blonde who started talking as fast as Serena, Skye sent Max a pleading look. He couldn't leave her with this woman! She was barely getting used to Serena and now he was going to leave her with someone she didn't know who was just as fast paced and confusing!

"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."

Smiling innocently Skye leaned up and whispered her reply, "She'd better end up distracted...or you will," as she said the last she reached up and stroked the stone at her throat while letting her eyes roam laciviously across his face, her eyes promising much more than their kiss earlier had and she knew he could feel the pulse of desire that raced through her body.

When Max kissed her hand and left Skye settled herself into the seat beside Tink and was glad to notice that the woman already seemed to be getting distracted once more. So was she but not by the men in the gymnasium, she was watching the women watching the men, making not of which ones cast furative glances her way...at least until she heard Quint.

"By your leave Skye?"

"Oh! I'm sor..." Skye started but was cut off by Tinka who had also heard Quint asking for permission to leave.

"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."

"Tink, I'll thank you not to chastize Quint. He's quite right to wait until I grant him leave to follow Max. Prince or not Quint has agreed to be my Squire not Max's. He's shown an excellant amount of control in waiting especially since I know how much he wants go down and change," she said both defending and compliments Quint in one breath. She could see the way the boy stood taller at the praise.

"Quint, you can go down now, I'm sorry I didn't give you permission sooner. If you can beat Max out onto the floor there's an extra dessert in it for you tonight," she said and grinned when the boy all but fled the seats at top speed.

"Your squire?" Tink said and leaned in close to Skye in the way of all gossips. Skye knew anything she said would be spread throughout the assembled party the minute she left.

"Yes my Squire," was all she said and left it at that as she saw Max and Quint coming out onto the gymnasium floor.

 

[only_more_so]

Max considered Quint's question with the seriousness it deserved. He stood straightened his outfit and said, "Yes Quint, I believe they are." Thinking back to what Skye had said about distracting him if Tinka didn't get distracted forced Max to continue with a laugh, "I believe even Skye is a bit crazy. But don't worry Quint, one day you'll get used to it."

"So they won't seem so crazy?"

"No, you'll get used to it." Max said as they strolled through the doors to the gymnasium floor. Strange thought Max, Quint stayed side by side with Max, usually he stayed the requisite two strides behind. But he was not presumptuous enough to go in first, although Max could tell it was a close call.

Max could feel the eyes on him from the balcony. Supposedly the gallery was for use during tournaments and exhibitions, but it had long ago been coopted. Some of the women were the girlfriends or wives of the guardsmen or nobles who used the gym for training, and some of the rest were interested in finding husbands. But the rest were interested in... browsing. Even though he had been under their gaze hundreds of times, Max suddenly felt rather naked, and his bare arms felt cool even though he could feel a warm gaze upon him.

Normally Max made a point of not looking up to the women in the gallery. Anyone near the line of his gaze would take that as an invitation. Max spared a quick glance up and his eyes went directly to Skye's. Beside him Quint was also looking up at Skye and was waving.

Laughing, Max said, "Quint, act as if you have been here before. That is step one in your training. I know you are striving to be the best squire you can, and part of that is only following orders from Skye. But here on the gymnasium floor, while you are training, you need to put that out of your mind." Max could see the gears spinning in Quint's head and decided to make it easier for him. "Besides, Skye has ordered you to train with me. So shall we get to it?"

Quint nodded and said, "Yes Prince Maximillian, I'd like that. Thanks."

They went to the mats at one end of the gym and started their stretches. Max winced a few times at the soreness in his side, but followed through with the motions. Soon he was sweating lightly and had gotten into a sort of trance.

The stretching patterns turned into bare hand fighting patterns. A part of his mind could feel Quint following along as best he could, and Max kept to the simpler forms. The fighting forms turned back into stretching forms and they paused for breathe and water. It was only then that Max realized that Quint wasn't the only person following Max's routine. Practically all of the squires and pages who were in the gym were practicing, as well as a few of the guardsmen. Max nodded to the group and they split up to go back to individual or paired exercises.

"Are you ready for the sticks?" The boy nodded and head to the wall and brought back a pair of three foot sticks and handed them to Max. They moved to the middle of the floor. Max starting swinging the sticks in large circles and Quint practiced dodging the blows. Occasionally he would stumble and catch a stick on one of his leather arm guards or shin guards.

Eventually they stopped and Max handed Quint the sticks. "Now it is your turn to show Skye how much you already know. Now don't hold back. Remember in the gym we are all equal in rank, if not in skill. Now see if you can hit me. If you can't I'll tell Skye that you want a nice pink squire's outfit."

That little goad was enough to send Quint chasing after Max with the sticks. But surprisingly not enough to make him lose his concentration. Between the boy's ferocious attack and Max's lingering weakness he was hard pressed to avoid the whistling sticks. The boy's face was red with exertion and he was growing frustrated. But Max was reluctant to let him score a hit.

Suddenly Max felt something through his link with the gem. He didn't know if it were intentional or not, but it was enough to distract him for a moment. Quint took advantage and scored a strike on Max's shoulder. He seemed as surprised as Max was and nearly dropped the stick. The grinning boy glanced up at the booth to make sure that Skye had seen.

"I think we're done... squire Quint. A final stretch and we can go."

 

[caela]

Skye smiled when Max and Quint came out onto the floor. She couldn't help but think that both her boys looked rather handsome in their gear and she felt a pulsing of desire run through her body when Max's eyes caught hers. Smiling at Quint she returned his wave and settled back in her seat to watch them both. She was surprised to realize that she did think of them as 'hers'. Quint was her squire and he'd already shown he would be obediant and she had no doubt that he'd prove just as loyal. She'd do her best to be worthy of both. Max she simply knew was hers as well...but she was his too, she knew that now.

She could feel the gazes that watched her as well as them and she would have sworn that at one point she even heard a whispered, "It's indecent for her to show such attention to Max! She's engaged to David!" What was said to shush the girl SKye didn't know but when she turned her head to find the voice she found everyone nearby looking studiously down into the gymnasium.

With a smirk curling her lips she said to those just generally nearby, "If it's indecent to watch a man that's not your fiance or husband I would think half the women here should be sent back to their rooms and for the information of whichever one of you doesn't know how to whisper, I'm here to learn about and see to my Squires training. I quite obviously can't train him myself and Prince Maximillian has been kind enough to agree to train him for me. If you feel the need to cast aspersions on someone you don't know just to make yourself feel better I'd suggest you do it out of my hearing...or do you think that pissing off a Prince's fiance is a good idea?"

None of the women would meet her eyes after that and she could see Tink smirking at her out of the corner of her eye. As she settled once more the other woman leaned in to whisper softly, "That was brilliant! Proving that they're opinions don't matter to you is the quickest way of earning their respect and fear. It will mean they'll watch their steps around you.

The fact that Quint's your squire will make some people wary as well. It was generally thought that he would eventually be Max's squire if Max didn't go to the fog like most of the twins have."

Tink went back to watching the men but she'd given Skye something to think about. Just how many twins were there and what was the fog they disappeared into? She'd have to ask Max. She was grateful he hadn't though and as she watched him she could feel the strongest pulsing of desire yet run through her and she saw Max pause on the floor. That was when Quint managed to get his hit in and she didn't know which looked more surprised by it, Max or Quint. She couldn't help laughing at the expression each of them gave the other.

She'd Praise Quint for paying attention and using Max's distraction to his advantage and she'd apologize to Max for distracting him. She hadn't meant it. Watching them she suddenly found her gaze splitting and she had that same strange double vision that allowed her to be in one place but see another. She could see down on the mat as if she stood right next to Max and she could hear him talking to Quint as well.

I think we're done... squire Quint. A final stretch and we can go."

She saw the way the boy grinned at Max acknowledging his new status before everyone and it made her want to hug Max. It was a sweet thing to do. Shaking her head gently she managed to snap back into her own head so she only saw things from her own perspective but she reached up for the jewel and used it to whisper down to Max's mind, "I think the tea is wearing off, I'm getting the whole 'vision' thing again. Remind me to thank you for calling Quint a squire in front of the men."

 

[only_more_so]

"I think the tea is wearing off, I'm getting the whole 'vision' thing again. Remind me to thank you for calling Quint a squire in front of the men."

As Max and Quint finished their stretches, Max sent a thought up to Skye, "Well, you don't want to be seen drinking damiana tea right now, it would look indecent. Some of the women make a big deal of drinking a cup before leaving to 'congratulate' a man on his performance... We will clean up as quickly as we can and be back to rescue you."

Max cut the stretches a bit short and jogged back to the locker rooms. Quint seemed anxious to go directly to fetch Skye without changing or cleaning up, but Max reminded him that a stinky squire reflected badly on a sponsor. Soon they had washed off in the cold showers, plumbing technology was one thing Max loved about other worlds! He also took the time to soak his body in the hot bath for a couple of minutes to relax muscles that were stiffening from the workout and the cold shower.

He didn't linger too long, especially when he saw that Quint was already dressed by the time he got into the bath. "Quint, why don't you go attend to Skye, while I finish here. Be sure to comb your hair and make sure your uniform is straight, this is the first time people will be seeing you as Skye's squire and you need to make a good first impression."

The boy had been about to dash out, but did take the time to rebutton his tunic, which had managed to be skewed by one button, and comb his hair carefully. He even double tied the lacings on his shoes, before heading off at a sprint.

Max got out and dried himself, and dressed nearly as quickly as Quint had, but with considerably more care. As he was walking down the hallways to the gallery, Max wondered how things were going in there. He could feeled mixed emotions radiating through his link with the jewel, but couldn't quite place them all. He sent a thought to Skye "Be prepared. It will be a bit of a scene when I walk in. Try not to let it anger you, they will see it as a sign of weakness." Max even winked, before he realized he wasn't really talking to her.

When Max walked in, almost all of the women were clustered around poor Quint. Congratulating him on his appointment and on his fine showing on the gymnasium floor. He could also smell the damiana tea scent in the room.

Suddenlly, like a flock of birds, there was a shift in the swarm. Someone had realized that Max was now in the room and a group detached themselves to congratulate him on his workout. Those closest to Quint and Skye stayed there, knowing that was Max's eventual destination.

"Prince Max, that was a great performance."

"Prince Maximillian, it is so good to see you recovered from your injuries. Do you recover from everything so quickly?"

"You must be sore from that terrible blow to the shoulder, perhaps I can apply some salve for you? And a massage? I am really good with my hands, and other things."

Some of the comments were actually rather innocent, some were innuendo, but disturbingly many were open invitations to personnal sparring matches where Max would wield the stick, and the woman wouldn't try dodging.

Max politely responded to the innocent comments, and gave responses to the innuendos that indicated he didn't get the double meaning, and he pretended he hadn't heard the invitations correctly or at all. He even managed to ignore the hands on his shoulders, arms and the fleeting ones on his bottom.

He walked steadily towards Skye, but was also careful not to appear too intent. He could also feel a growing rage burning inside of Skye. He projected calming thoughts to her and distracting thoughts, anything to inhibit her anger.

Finally he got close enough and said, "Good workout Quint. You took advantage of my hesitation and scored a hit. You will make your sponsor proud."

He turned his gaze to Skye and continued, "Princess Skye, you are lucky to have such a capable squire. He will make you proud."

 

[caela]

"Well, you don't want to be seen drinking damiana tea right now, it would look indecent. Some of the women make a big deal of drinking a cup before leaving to 'congratulate' a man on his performance... We will clean up as quickly as we can and be back to rescue you."

Skye sighed softly and nodded before she realized that Max couldn't see her. She didn't have to concentrate hard yet to keep her vision normal but she knew she would before long and hoped that Max would hurry back to her. Now that Quint and Max were off the gymnasium floor Tink had started chatting again. Skye made polite sounds and nodded as required but mostly she missed what was being said.

Her mood wasn't improved any when she noticed that more than one woman had begun to sip at damiana tea. The scent of it all around her when she couldn't drink it only served to annoy her. She was interupted in her annoyance however by the arrival of Quint. Many of the women swarmed around him congratulating him and Skye could see his distress in trying to get to her and having his way blocked by the women.

At last she stood and glared at the women around her, her voice low but carrying to every woman around Quint and carrying an undertone of displeasure, "So tell me ladies which is the case in this world, are you all unbelievably rude or is it common practice to keep a Squire from his sponsor?"

The women all stopped and stared at her for a moment but a path opened for Quint who made his way to her with a grateful look, "I'm sorry Skye, I tried to get through but..."

Skye held up a hand and smiled gently to calm Quint before turning a glare at the woman that had gasped in shock at Quint's simply calling her Skye, "You have nothing to apologize for Quint. You performed well out on the floor and I'm proud of you. As for what occured just now that wasn't your fault in the least and I know it."

Resting a trusting hand on Quint she drew the lad back and would have growled when the women around them continued to swarm about him but he deserved the praise and so she kept as calm as she could. The touch of Max's mind to hers helped though she didn't like what he said.

"Be prepared. It will be a bit of a scene when I walk in. Try not to let it anger you, they will see it as a sign of weakness."

She wasn't entirely certain what that was supposed to mean until she saw it. The innocent comments she didn't mind and even some of the innuendos weren't that bad but the blatant invitations made Skye shudder in distaste. The longer she was forced to watch the display the women put on for Max the angrier she grew. The didn't even seem to see him as human, just some sort of prize to won! Like he was a trophy and made all the more valuable because of his status as a Prince and the fact that none of them had managed to snare him yet.

She could feel his mind touching hers, seeking to sooth her or distract her and she had to admit some of the images he projected worked rather well and tended to make her skin tingle. When at last he managed to make his way to their table she smiled warmly up at him, a look that grew even warmer when he praised Quint's performance.

He turned his gaze to Skye and continued, "Princess Skye, you are lucky to have such a capable squire. He will make you proud."

"I have no doubt on either Quint's capability or that he'll make me proud but thank you for the compliment to my Squire and for your willingness to help train him. I do believe you agreed to help me set up a training schedule for him as well as helping me to determine what his educational needs are in order to make him a proper knight here in your world.

If you don't have pressing family matters perhaps the three of us could retire to the private library your mother mentioned to set it up. I'll need a list of tutors as well, I want to make sure he's well educated."

"And I want to get both of you away from these leeches!" she added in the privacy of Max's mind and was glad they could communicate in such a manner. She knew she'd already earned a few enemies and that such a comment would have only earned her more but there was nothing that could be misconstrued in her asking him to retire to the library with both her and Quint in tow to work on Quint's training.

 

[only_more_so]

If you don't have pressing family matters perhaps the three of us could retire to the private library your mother mentioned to set it up. I'll need a list of tutors as well, I want to make sure he's well educated."

"Of course, I would be happy to go over a training schedule with you." Max smiled at Skye and offered her his arm. He turned to Tinka and said, "Thank-you for watching out for Skye." Then to the rest of the women he said, "Now if you will excuse us ladies."

Quint didn't need to be told and was already threading his way out of the room. He was holding open the door as Max and Skye crossed the room. Max was sure to say to Skye, loud enough for the women to hear, "Skye, don't forget that my mother wanted to have dinner with you this evening, and I am sure she will want your new squire be there." The last part was delivered while walking through the door. Max saw Quint swell up as he shut the door behind them. Max could hear the voices that had been rising while they walked out, cut suddenly short as the door closed. He also felt the stress seeping out of his body.

"Skye, I hope you don't mind, but I believe we should go over the training schedule in my study. Quint wouldn't be allowed in the private library, and I would hate to interrupt my parent's... studies." Max remembered how much tea his mother had had earlier, and thought it was possible that... He quickly steered his mind away from that thought.

"Plus it has the advantage of being much closer and only up one flight of stairs." Max said as they ascended a wide staircase. Max took the stairs slowly as he could tell that Skye was still a bit fatigued, although she was clearly stronger than before.

They turned left at the top of the stairs and went down a short rather wide corridor that ended at a set of double doors. On the doors was carved the family crest. Quint hurried around them to open the doors to Max's rooms.

The room they entered was large and relatively spartan. The main feature of the room was the large windows that spanned the entire far wall from floor to ceiling. The windows looked over the forest, the mountain and the fog. His brother's suite was on the opposite end of the castle and overlooked the valley, the town and the river.

The room's furniture consisted of a few large leather chairs that were browned with obvious age. There were also a couple of small tables of varying heights with various papers and books scattered on them. There were also a series of niches on the walls each contained a figurine or small sculpture that were obtained on Max's various travels.

In the corners to either side of the entry there was a spiral staircase heading upward. There were also doors in the center of the two side walls. Quint was quickly over to the door on the right hand wall, although Max had a feeling Skye didn't want to set to work immediately.

"Welcome to my apartments, Skye."

 

[caela]

"Skye, don't forget that my mother wanted to have dinner with you this evening, and I am sure she will want your new squire be there."

Skye smiled warmly and simply nodded her head acknowledging his statement. She knew he said it for her and Quint's benefit. Such a simple statement but she could see how it changed a few attitudes. After all if she was in good with not just Prince Max but the Queen as well it made her much harder to attack in any way. He'd subtly let them know that Skye had powerful allies in the palace and so did her new Squire.

She also noticed the way that Quint puffed up just a bit and knew that the side benefit of the dinner invitation would be that he would be on his absolute best behavior. He really was a good lad and Skye was once more glad that she'd followed Max's advice about taking him as a Squire.

As she let Max lead her to his study she was content with the silence that lingered between them. She knew she hadn't known him long but she still didn't feel the need to fill the silence with mindless banter. She was comfortable just being in his presence and she knew what a rare gift that was.

"Welcome to my apartments, Skye."

Skye's eyes were wide as she looked around her. The room itself was spartan but what caught her gaze was the floor to ceiling windows across from her. Slipping her arm from Max's she moved to stare at the view out of them and saw the bank of fog off in the distance. The sight of it made her shudder but it also brought to mind Tink's comment from earlier and she turned to look at Max with curiosity and concern in her eyes.

"What's the deal with the fog Max? Tink made a comment about all the twins disappearing into it, what did she mean?"

 

[only_more_so]

As Skye wandered about the room and gazed out the windows, Max pulled the cord which would bring a servant to his rooms. He wasn't sure if she needed more tea, but he definately wanted a snack and something to drink. He was completely unprepared for Skye's question.

"What's the deal with the fog Max? Tink made a comment about all the twins disappearing into it, what did she mean?"

He went to the nearest chair and sat down rather slowly. His hands caressed the supple leather on the arms and he sank back into the chair. He knew he couldn't lie to Skye, not with the gem around her throat, and not that he would. The chair happened to be one close to the windows which faced outward instead of to the center of the room. He could still see Skye out of the corner of his eye, but mostly he saw the scene outside.

When he started speaking his voice was a bit unsteady, "The fog is part of the curse and it surrounds the kingdom on all sides. Some years the fog claims another portion of the kingdom and other years it gets pushed back. Today the kingdom is half the size that it was originally, since it took many generations to realize that travelling aided the curses spread unless it was done under certain circumstances. That is why we haven't already travelled to rescue David, and won't until tomorrow night.

The fog doesn't kill, but it hides creatures that do. Grey creatures of ferocious cunning who will attack anyone who enters the boundaries of the fog. If a person travels too far into the fog, they never return. The legend says that so long as you can still see something real outside of the fog you can return.

Some days a natural fog will extend the unnatural and the creatures will slip down closer to the town. On those nights the shepards bring their flocks down from the hills and the hunters do not forage outward. On those nights we patrol the fog, keeping the creatures from attacking the people. The princes are the key to the patrols because of our magic and connection to the curse."

Max's eyes got further and further away as he was speaking. His words had slowly trickled to a stop and he was reluctant to go on. Faraway he heard the knocking on the door and a brief conversation behind him. He could also feel a presense close to him, offering him warmth when he suddenly felt so cold.

If he had been thinking clearly, Max would have stopped then. He had answered her question well enough. Even the gem wouldn't tell her there was more left to be said. But faraway as he was, Max could hear the fog calling out to him. Taunting him.

"Once a generation, the curse summons all of its power and all of its creatures. The entire kingdom huddles behind the walls of the castle, the only place where the fog cannot enter. That is, the fog cannot enter if it is opposed from within. Originally troops of guards were sent to guard the gate with huge fires burning. In the morning the troops were found horribly mutilated as were a number of people within the walls.

One generation, a younger brother decided that he alone would face the fog, he would not allow the wholesale slaughter of his men. The people at the gate watched the prince standing outside the gate as the fog rolled in around him. Soon they saw him moving in the thickening fog and heard the clash of his steel on bone and tusk and claw. The fog grew thicker and soon only the sounds of the clash were heard, punctuated on occasion by flashes of light and balls of fire as the prince wielded terrible magics. All night, people watched from the walls and the gate and the fog never reached them, but the terrible sounds did.

In the morning the fog was back to the foothills of the mountain. For the first time, none of the people in the castle died. The people searched all day to find the prince but they never did. They found his footprints all around the castle, splashes of his blood in dozens of different places. The creatures left no footprints, and no bodies, but they did find smoking patches in the grass and earth where the blue-grey blood of the creatures was being burned away by the sun."

Max could hardly see anymore as his eyes had grown watery. He felt his jaw clinching as he spoke, "and that is going into the fog."

 

[caela]

Max could hardly see anymore as his eyes had grown watery. He felt his jaw clinching as he spoke, "and that is going into the fog."

Skye had listened while Max spoke and the longer he told his story the tighter she clenched the gem around her throat. She used the connection through it to send him waves of comfort and to try and wrap him in a blanket of love and caring even while tears filled her eyes and tracked her cheeks. She'd been vaguly aware of the servants knocking at the door and had heard Quint ordering her tea and something for them to eat but the lad had kept them out of the room and when the food and tea had been delivered Quint had taken it without letting them in once more.

Moving to Max when he was done speaking she sank to her knees in front of him and wrapped her arms around his waist, her head resting on his thigh as she growled softly, "No! You listen to me and listen well Maximillian, you are NOT going out into that fog and if you try I'm going to follow your ass. You are not some sacrificial lamb to be sent to the slaughter and if anyone thinks you are I'll have their head on a pike, " she hissed angrily.

She couldn't even begin to fathom what growing up must have been like for Max. To have grown up knowing that your brother was destined to marry the girl and be King and that you might be called on to sacrifice yourself to beasts that no one had ever really seen.

As she held him fiercly she felt the gem at her throat flare almost white hot against her skin and suddenly everything around her shifted and she was no longer kneeling and holding Max but staring into the face of the woman from the painting. Only now her features were real and Skye could see the shimmering wehat gold of her hair that seemed to be streaked with shades of red and brown as well.

The strange woman smiled gently and Skye was instantly at ease with her, espcially when she spoke, "Hello Skye. I thought you might be the one to find me. Well I should say I thought the chosen one of this generation had a better chance of it anyway. Max and David are different from any of the past Prince's and so to are their chosen Princesses.

I know you have questions Skye but I can't stay long. I'm using the gem to speak to you now but if I stay too long I'll start drawing on your own magic and you're still recovering. Listen well my dear, I am the cause of the curse. The fairy Princess that was taken against her will. The gem you wear was once mine and only love, true unselfish love, could have brought it to you. Tell Max and David that that sort of love, not the Chosen one, is the key to the curse.

Be well Skye, perhaps we will speak again."

As the woman finished speaking everything shifted and she was once more clinging to Max and staring up into his eyes with a fierce determination to keep him safe and well.

 

[only_more_so]

Max listened to Skye's outburst, but the feeling of her head resting on his leg and her arms around his waist registered way before the words sank it. He could feel her tears soaking through the shear material of his pants and the warmth of her cheek.

He looked down at her and felt a surge of love swell through him. Over the years, he had thought many times about going into the fog. Even without the pressures of everyone in the kingdom, he felt the pressure within himself. Before it had been for duty, and for an abstract love of the kingdom. Now he knew that he could fight the creatures of the fog for love.

As quickly as the thought came to him, he surpressed it into the deepest part of his mind, locking it away where no talisman, no matter how strong could wrest it free. He would be no sacrificial lamb. He would be a wolf.

Max thought he saw a brief flash of light, but couldn't be sure. He did see Skye's face looking up at his, the shiny violet eyes glistening, streaks of tears on her flushed cheeks. Max cupped her face in his hands and with his thumbs he wiped the tears from her cheeks.

"There, there princess," Max said. For once saying the word as a term of endearment and not as a title. "No one is dead yet. And for all we know, they didn't die in the past. Besides, it all may be a moot point if we don't find David when we travel tomorrow night." The last made Max realize he left out the part where the fog swarmed the castle on the evening when the prince marries the chosen one.

Max smiled down at her and said, "Now, if you are done wetting my pants, something smells delicious and I really am quite hungry."

 

[caela]

Max smiled down at her and said, "Now, if you are done wetting my pants, something smells delicious and I really am quite hungry."

Skye managed to laugh softly and smiled up at him. He touch had been so gentle when he'd wiped away her tears and the way he'd called her 'princess' was sweet. Rising from the floor she didn't tell him that she'd felt that surge of love that had gone through him, she simply pressed a tender kiss to his cheek.

"Alright I'm done acting like a girl. I could something to eat myself."

Seeing that Quint had set up a table for them she sent the boy a grateful smile and pulled up a third chair between her own and Max's, "Come and eat Quint. You have to be just as hungry and Max, if not moreso since you're still a growing boy. Thank you for setting everything out so nicely for us, I do think I'm going to get spoiled having you as a Squire."

Waiting until they were both seated she started to fill out everyone's plates from the dishes that had been brought up. When everyone had something to eat she glanced at Max and bit her lower lip wondering if he'd seen the gem flash before she'd seen the woman.

"Ummm, Max can you tell me if you saw this gem flash or felt it grow hot against your skin? If not I might be slightly delusional but...well um...I had another vision but this one came from the jewel."

 

[only_more_so]

"Ummm, Max can you tell me if you saw this gem flash or felt it grow hot against your skin? If not I might be slightly delusional but...well um...I had another vision but this one came from the jewel."

Max continued chewing the mouthful of food as he thought back. "I did see a brief flash, or at least I thought I did. But it was only for a moment. But before you begin thinking you are delusional, remember we have no idea what powers the jewel might have. Perhaps my parents were able to glean something from the book I left out for them.

Speaking of books, that is one of the first things that Squire Quint needs to study." Quint seemed to squirm a bit in his seat. "I know you don't like reading, Quint, but things you learn in books are much more useful than anything you can learn on the gymnasium floor."

Max shook his head for a second and then said, "I'm sorry Skye, but I seemed to have wandered off on a tangent. What was that you were saying about a flash from the gem?"

 

[caela]

Max shook his head for a second and then said, "I'm sorry Skye, but I seemed to have wandered off on a tangent. What was that you were saying about a flash from the gem?"

Skye sighed softly, apparently this was going to be like the diary. Biting her lower lip she help Max's gaze for a long moment before an idea came to her. Reaching out she laced the fingers of her left hand with his while she reached up with her right to grasp the gem tightly. Closing her eyes she used the gem to draw up the memory of her brief conversation with the beautiful fairy woman in the clearest of details and before Max could ask what she was doing she gave a mental push and sent the memory to him through their connection.

She wasn't sure if it would work or not but the startled look on his face when she opened her eyes seemed to say that it had. How long he'd remember she didn't know but she hoped that this way he'd remember longer since he was connect to the stone as well.

Giving him a moment to digest what she'd sent him she turned her gaze to Quint who was looking relieved at having been forgotten.

"Don't look quite so relieved just yet young Squire. I used to live through my books and while you may not enjoy reading as much as I do I will demand that you become proficient at it. Most of your life won't be lived on a battlefield Quint and trust me when I say that being well educated will help you far more while in the palace than your proficiency with arms will.

You'll have to be well schooled in writing as well Quint. So this is the deal, you can choose any book you want out of the library but each week I want a written report on a book you have read. I won't assign you the books, I always hated it when my teachers did that, but I'm going to trust you to pick books that will be at least a little challenging. They don't have to be so hard you don't understand them but they can't be childrens books either.

Deal?"

She could tell he wasn't thrilled with the idea but he seemed to accept it. He did seem happier when she told him he could choose his own books though some of that had died when she'd said she wanted a written report.

"Deal Skye. Do you want them at the end of the week or at the beginning of the following week?"

Skye grinned and reached out to pat his hand gently, "It won't be so bad Quint I promise. I hated book reports too but they'll help you develop both your reading and writing skill and when you right a particularly good report I'll find ways to reward you for it. I'm not a slavedriver Quint. I wouldn't ask if you didn't think you could do it."

 

[only_more_so]

Max didn't quite know what to make of the vision that Skye sent him through the gem. He had always believed that the woman in the paintings was the Fairy Princess, so to find that the jewel was hers as well wasn't much of a shock. What he couldn't understand was what she said about the curse and about unselfish love. The love Max felt for Skye was selfish. He wanted to touch her, and hold her. He wanted to feel her body against his, and her lips pressed to his. He wanted to see her smile at him, and laugh so he could see her beauty when she did so. His love was a greedy love.

But soon the talk about training squire Quint consummed the impromptu dining table. So much for adjourning to his study for such talk. They talked about training for a long while, and it felt good to speak of such mundane topics. Max was sure to promise Quint a training treat for every training chore. Dancing could be offset by archery, table manners and etiquette by hunting lessons.

Eventually they did move to a cluster of chairs looking out the windows. Well Max and Skye sat, while Quint's energy kept him standing and occasionally pacing as his future was being decided.

Something outside caught Max's attention, but he ignored it until Skye's attention was turned to the pacing Quint. There was something! A tendril of fog creeping down a valley already dark from the nearly setting sun.

"Look how late it is getting! Weren't you going to have dinner with my mother Skye? Perhaps you could send your squire to check what time she is expecting you." Max said with the most casual air he could.

 

[caela]

Skye smiled warmly at both the man and the boy she was with as they decided on Quints future. Both she and Max let the boy say his piece in each decision though they all knew the ultimate choice lay in Skye's hands as his sponsor. She thought that Max had struck a very thoughtful balance between Quint's physical lessons and his social and mental ones. Noticing the way Quint's eyes lit up at the mention of his more physical lessons like archery and hunting made Skye quickly decide that for each well written report he gave her she'd find a way to give him more time for those pursuits. Perhaps allowing him a week off from the writing - though not the reading - to allow him to better his other skills.

They seemed to drift naturally over to the chairs near hte window and Skye was feeling comfortable. Somehow being there like this, in his apartments and even with Quint pacing in the background simply felt right. She could feel the effects of the tea once more but this time she recognized that it only made more obvious what she was already feeling. She wanted to touch him, to feel the warmth of his skin against her own and she had to fight the urge to reach out and run her fingers along her cheek.

When her thoughts would start to drift along those lines she would turn her gaze away from Max and over to Quint. The lad had so much energy! Watching him pace made her smile and she was surprised to find that she felt a familial affection for him much as if he were her nephew and she was proud that he was so willing and happy to be her squire and hoped she'd make him proud to be her sponsor.

"Look how late it is getting! Weren't you going to have dinner with my mother Skye? Perhaps you could send your squire to check what time she is expecting you." Max said with the most casual air he could.

Max's comment startled her but he was right. Beatrix had mentioned dinner earlier. Smiling to Quint she motioned for him to come closer since he'd drifted toward the other side of the room, "Quint would you be a dear and go ask the Queen what time she wanted me to come to dinner? If she's still with the King tell her I'll understand if she would prefer to see me at breakfast tomorrow as well." The last was said with a smile as she recalled the way the Royal pair had been eyeing each other when last she'd seen them.

Once Quint was gone she turned her gaze to Max and asked softly, "Alright, what is it Max? What don't you want Quint to hear?"

 

[only_more_so]

"Alright, what is it Max? What don't you want Quint to hear?"

He couldn't help but laugh. She was absolutely correct to be suspicious, but completely wrong in the direction. He needed her to leave so he could lead the guard squad to ensure the hunters and shephards saw the stealthy approach of the fog.

His laughter faded quickly when he saw that Skye wasn't the least bit amused. He thought about not telling her the truth. He knew that he could hide the truth from her until she was safely talking to his mother over dinner. But he also knew that she would soon pick up his excitement and anxiety while he rode out.

He walked to the window and beckoned Skye over to him. He placed his hand on the small of her back as his other hand pointed out through the windows. "The sunset really is quite beautiful here. Watching the last fingers of light vanishing from the patches between the hills."

It really was quite beautiful Max reflected. He had always thought so. He knew he could have left it at that, a private romantic gesture before he lost Skye for the evening.

His finger pointed to a valley where the fog was starting to spread its tendril. "But that is what I saw. I need you to go to visit the queen, so I can go out there." He heard Skye gasp and turn towards him angrily. But he continued before allowing her to raise any objections.

"No, it isn't that time. This is a routine patrol. The guards are likely already getting ready to ride out. We do a sweep of the area where the fog is creeping inward. One prince rides out with the troops to provide magical support. Usually the other prince watches from the tower to watch the fog's movements and warn of any surpises. But tonight that will be my father up in the tower. This sort of thing happens quite often and there is nothing to be afraid of. I promise I will return very soon."

 

[caela]

She smiled at him when he laughed. It was a sound she enjoyed hearing and one she hoped she'd hear many more times in the future. Just the sound of it warmed her heart and sent a pleasure through her that had nothing to do with the attraction she felt for him. When he motioned for her to join him at the window she rose from her chair and stood close to him, nearly touching but not quite though close enough to feel the warmth that radiated off his body and seemed to reach for hers.

"The sunset really is quite beautiful here. Watching the last fingers of light vanishing from the patches between the hills." His finger pointed to a valley where the fog was starting to spread its tendril. "But that is what I saw. I need you to go to visit the queen, so I can go out there."

A gasp parted her lips and she spun toward him ready to reprimand him. If he thought she was just going to let him run off to fight those monsters and that she wouldn't follow him he had something else to think about! Before she could start her rant however, he was already speaking again and explaining that this was a common occurance. She didn't have to like what he said but she knew he was telling her the truth.

"I don't like it but I understand it," she said before gripping the collar of his shirt and drawing him down. Pulling him close she pressed her lips to his. The kiss was hungry but tender as well, she didn't hold anything back from him and let everything she felt wash through both of them.

Breaking the kiss as abruptly as she'd started it she stared up into his eyes and growled softly at him, "You will come back tonight Maximillian or I will come out into that fog after you and what those beasts could do will seem like childs play to what I do when I find you. Got it?"

 

[only_more_so]

Max's body was still buzzing from the fierce kiss that Skye bestowed on him. He vaguely thought that he had to go into danger more often...

"You will come back tonight Maximillian or I will come out into that fog after you and what those beasts could do will seem like childs play to what I do when I find you. Got it?"

Max smiled at Skye and said, "I understand. Like I said, it really is rather routine. I ride out with the guards and we play hero for a while, then we ride back to the adoration of our women."

Max's hands rested lightly on Skye's hips as he bent now to kiss her softly on the lips. He pulled back a bit and said softly, "could we enjoy the sunset until Quint takes you away from me?" As he spoke Max's fingers slid in intricate patterns on Skye's lower back and on her hips.

He knew it was his imagination, but he could hear the padding of feet in the hall outside his rooms.

 

[caela]

"Could we enjoy the sunset until Quint takes you away from me?" As he spoke Max's fingers slid in intricate patterns on Skye's lower back and on her hips.

Skye smiled softly up at Max and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her body pressed to his and her head rested against his chest while she stared out at the sunset. His fingers dancing on her lower back and hip sent shivers of warmth running through her body and she ached to feel his hands moving over all of her...preferably without any clothing between them.

Drawing her gaze from the sunset the fingertips of her right hand caressed his cheek tenderly as she gazed into his eyes, her own violet gaze glowing with love and desire.

"Can I steal one more kiss before Quint comes tapping on the door?"

 

[only_more_so]

"Can I steal one more kiss before Quint comes tapping on the door?"

"You can't steal what I freely give you." Max said as he brought his lips to hers. His hands stopped there roaming and pulling her body against his. Time seemed to be running both too quickly and too slowly as the kiss lingered. He tasted the sweetness of her lips, and could smell her frangrance growing stronger. The silken material of her dress didn't do anything to hide the heat of her body from him, or the way her body moved against him insistently.

He pulled away to gaze into hers eyes. They were needy and Max was about to steal his own kiss when he heard the knocking on the door starting. He sighed and let his hands slip from around Skye's waist.

He had to take a deep breath before calling out to Quint that he could come in. He hoped the boy didn't realize what they had just been up to.

"Skye, Queen Beatrix said that you and your squire, that's me, could join her for dinner as soon as is convenient. I supposed to show you to her dining room." As he was speaking Quint was crossing the room to where they were standing. He said, "Are you okay Skye? You seem a bit flushed? You too Prince Maximillian."

Max smiled at the boy and said, "I was just telling Skye that I had to go lead the guards on a fog patrol, and she wasn't too happy about it." Max turned to Skye and said, "I have to go now, but I think you are in very capable hands."

Max grasped Skye's hand and gave it a gentle kiss, and her a quick wink, before turning and heading out the door, but not before grabbing his sword from a stand near the door. As he descended the stairs he picked up speed, knowing that the guards were likely waiting for him. Soon he was heading toward the stables and the milling crowd of guards. They had a horse ready for him and as soon as he was mounted they road out through the gates. Max looked back toward where his room was and let his imagination tell him that Skye was looking down at him. Or maybe it wasn't his imagination.

He returned his mind to the task at hand and lead the troop in a wide line toward where the finger of fog was rolling in. He let his magical senses explore the region, watching out for any tricks the fog might be trying to play on them. Oddly enough, his mind seem to focus more readily on the task than it ever had before.

 

[poohlive]

That day became full of events. It seemed as if a huge weight had been lifted off their shoulders, and they could relax and simply enjoy Vegas now. With the money they now had, and free things being thrown at them left and right, it was not a hard thing to do.

David took her to one of those prestine shops that sold clothing. Everything from dresses to swimwear, to jogging shorts that costs so much no one would be caught dead jogging in them.

He bought her whatever she wanted, and with the variety of dresses Serena was shown, she looked happy enough once they had left.

A buffet, where food piled up miles and miles long. All different types of food, everything she could imagine, and since they were in a different world everything else she could not imagine.

They even got to gamble. This was not on the main floor though. Down there hundreds of people were all crowded around, strange smells and weird sounds. No, this was a private place, just a dozen or so nice and kind people that were rich or famous and were gambling at their leisure.

David and Serena met several people, and were able to play lots of fun games. He showed her a little bit of poker, blackjack. Johnny Depp flirted with her for a good hour while he played some baccarat with her. David let them play, and then called her back when he had to run.

It was this European gentleman though that intrigued David the most. This guy was nice, funny, charming, and best of all he shared the penthouse floor with them.

"Sure, I am having a party upstairs later tonight. Not too many people, just some close friends. I would love for you to come, and bring your friend."

David shared a look with Serena, "What do you think, the night is young?"

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Serena was at a loss for words. Everything happened so fast. One moment she mentioned going home, the next David was taking her to all these different stores. He barely seemed to notice her discomfort, yet she kept a smile plastered on her face. He was happy, he’d obviously forgotten that she cared for him, more than she should, and he was chalking it up to a girl’s infatuation with a close friend.

Once they had deposited all the things David bought her as well as his own purchases. She was told to change. She came out in a short skirt that David assured her was fine and soft pink blouse that had little straps that tied around her neck. She wore a pair of sandals and stepped out into the room. David immediately had her downstairs to eat and drink the erotic flavors of Vegas and he still hadn’t really stopped to help her adjust to the noise and the confusion. Serena however remained the patient woman she’d decided to become.

They’d gone up to another level of the Hotel and again she was swept up into the smile and faces of strangers. There weren’t as many, but to Serena all she saw were people that were superficial and uncaring. She looked to David for answers to her questions, but he was having so much fun she couldn’t stop him. He was enjoying himself. He obviously was in his element and not being a Prince at this moment was important for him. So she remained quiet. She let him enjoy himself, she watched him smile, and as he grew more popular with the ladies and the men a part of her seemed to cave in on herself.

She almost felt honored when he seemed to pause long enough to look down at her. For during all this time, all the fun he was having pulling her around taking her to the fancy places, it was during that time that she felt more of a servant than she ever had in her life. Now he chose to speak to her, now he chose to ask her what she wanted. She gazed up at him, wanting nothing more than to return to her home, marry the man her parents chose, and leave David here... in Vegas where he was happy.

She couldn’t do that, she couldn’t take him away from a place he seemed to have so much fun in. So she plastered the charming smile on her face and she let the light sparkle in her eyes. And for a brief time she was the Serena she had bottled down all day. “Yes David. I would love to attend a party... perhaps we’ll make more friends and I can try more of that special drink you made me.” She rattled off to the guest that had invited them to up to his room and she smiled warmly at him, just like she’d seen the women smile at David.

Soon they were headed up to the man’s room and Serena once again retreated inside herself, only wanting to give David what he wanted. Fun and fancy free life that didn’t have the pressures of a Kingdom or a Curse to deal with.

 

[caela]

"You can't steal what I freely give you."

Skye smiled as his lips descended and captured hers. The kiss was gentle but demanding at the same time and as he pulled her body tight against his she whimpered softly in need. Desire pulsed through her body and she longed to simply lock the doors to his apartment and not come out until morning. Of course that wasn't an option and when his lips parted from hers she sighed softly and stared up into his eyes seeing his own need raging through him as well.

She could tell he was about to kiss her again when she heard the knocking on the door and cursed silently to herself though she saw Max's lips twitch slightly and wondered if he'd heard her in his head.

"Skye, Queen Beatrix said that you and your squire, that's me, could join her for dinner as soon as is convenient. I supposed to show you to her dining room." As he was speaking Quint was crossing the room to where they were standing. He said, "Are you okay Skye? You seem a bit flushed? You too Prince Maximillian."

Skye smiled softly at Quint but the look was brief and she had eyes only for Max as he kissed her hand and winked before leaving. Even once he was out of the room she could still feel the warmth of his lips tingling on her skin. She could see that Quint was eager to join the Queen but she shook her head and stared out the window until she saw Max and the gaurds coming out of the castle and heading toward the fog. She saw him look back and wondered if he saw her, hoping he had.

When the men were out of sight she turned at last and gave Quint a full smile, "I'm alright Quint. Just worried about Max. He told me these forays with the gaurds are normal but I'm a worrywort. Now why don't you lead the way and we'll see what she had brought up for dinner."

The whole way to the Queens chambers she had to fight not to stretch her mind out to Max. She desperatly wanted to but she wouldn't distract him, not now, not when his life could depend on his concentration. No she would wait and worry like every other woman in the castle that had a man who had gone out tonight.

She also wondered about how much she should tell the Queen about what had happened and about her feelings for Max. She couldn't tell her that she knew where the gem came from without telling her how she knew and she sighed softly. Waiting until only Quint was there with them she at last told the Queen everything. Her growing love for Max, his telling her about the fog, her reaction, and the vision. The kisses they'd stolen while Quint was checking on whether to come to dinner she left out, they were private no one's concern but her's and Max's.

Having confessed, almost, everything she simply shut up and waited for the Queen's reaction.

 

[poohlive]

Inside, David went straight for the wet bar, but his friend graced an arm around his neck, "No... no, no. My guys will take care of it, whatever she wants. You too."

"Oh, well then," He told them what they liked, and it was soon underway. David himself stuck close by Serena, trying to get her into the party. Lots of stunning conversation, a few people playing games, even a movie was playing in the background. A true party for those wanting to enjoy themselves for a few hours.

David promised himself he wouldn't take her to the back room though, lots of people were coming back from there, sniffing or wide eyed. He expected that at this party, but knew he could keep Serena away from it.

David took his first sip, "This tastes funny."

The European only laughed, "Fresh juice..."

"Oh," And after that the party really livened up. Music and dancing, he could feel the music through his eyeballs. It was a weird sensation, and no matter what another drink was always in his hand. Wasn't this great? He danced and danced.

Everything forgotten...

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Serena stayed beside David and watched him become more and more alive and happy. She was surprised that he didn’t view these people they way she did. The gentleman that invited them to the party had given her a drink. She finished it quickly, her throat parched. He offered her a second and this one she nursed throughout most of the evening. There were women everywhere in various states of dress.

As the music got louder and the laughter grew, David continued to enjoy himself. Soon Serena was not at his side. Soon he was dancing with the others in the room and she watched with a mixture of confusion and fear. She wanted to go to him. To tell him she was ready to go back to their room. To their home. But in her mind all she saw when she looked at him was the face he’d made talking about never having fun, being forced to marry someone he didn’t love. Now she watched him continue to drink, dance, laugh, and smile. “Oh butter-faires... he has a beautiful smile,” she whispered quietly.

A man approached her, the man that had invited them to the party. “You don’t dance?” he asked.

Serena looked from her friend who was surrounded by beautiful women and then to the man. “I do not dance like that Sir,” she replied. Her eyes went back to David. A look of worry crossed her face.

“How do you dance?” the man asked her while he handed her a third drink. She went to refuse, but he held up his hand. “To refuse would be to dishonor me... you do not want that do you?” he stared at her.

A shiver ran through Serena. One that reminded her of the night of the ball... the night she’d almost been used. She shook her head “no” because to offend this man could mean trouble for her, but mainly he would tell David he had to leave and David was having so much fun.

She placed the drink to her lips and drank it rather quickly. It wasn’t long before Serena was dancing with the man on the balcony. The party was growing more wicked and Serena buried her chest in the man’s jacket. “You do not like?” he asked.

She shook her head “no”.

“Then I will take you to your room. Let me tell your friend,” he told her.

“Uh huh,” Serena said, her mind foggy and tired. She wanted to rest, needed to. She leaned against the outer wall of the balcony and waited for the nice man to take her back to her room. He appeared and soon she was walking through the room. Her glazed eyes noticed David surrounded by women, women that were taking liberties on his person that made her blush and tore at her heart. “My room please,” she whispered.

“Of course,” he whispered back to her. He led her to an elevator and she thought how strange. David said they were on the same floor.

“I think,” she yawned. “I am very tir...”

Serena slipped toward the floor and the European smiled. His associates appeared like magic and soon they were escorting the sleeping young woman in a wheelchair from the hotel.