Roswell Fanatics

HI everyone,

kittens: I'm kinda making this up as I go along, so you'll just have to see.

A huge welcome to all the new readers!!


Ok, here's the next part.


Part 11


"Sinclair, do you know if Max is back yet? it's almost supper time."

"No, I'm sorry Miss Elizabeth, Lord Maxwell is still not back yet. It might be possible his business ran a little late. I'm sure he will be back in a short while."

"All right. Thank you Sinclair."

"Shall I start dinner for you?"

Liz didn't want to start eating without Max, but she had no idea how long he would be before he returned, and she was hungary.

"Yes Sinclair, please start dinner."

As Sinclair walked to the kitchen to see what the cook would be cooking for the night, Liz followed him.

"Miss Elizabeth, dinner will be along shortly, why don't you wait in the dining room?"

"If you would Sinclair, I would very much like to help preparre dinner."

"No, really that is not necessary."

"But--"

"There's a piano in the dining room, why don't you go play on it and entertain yourself for a while?"

Liz could see there was no changing the stubbon butler's mind, so she walked back into the dining room.


When dinner was presented to her a while later, Liz hadn't wanted to eat alone, so she begged Sinclair and Maria to eat with her.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Later that night, a ferocious storm blew its wrath across Verdonia. Thunder clapped like canons at war, and lightning danced brightly in the night sky. The gentle drizzling rain would soon be a torrential down pour.

Liz woke with a start and bolted upright on her bed. Her heart pounded a mile a minute. Another clap of thunder boomed and Liz quickly covered her ears.

"No, no, not again." she muttered.

The echoing vibration of the thunder sounding a lot like the gun that took Andrew's life.

The rain began to pound on the windows creating the illusion that someone or something was knocking to be let in.

Another clap of thunder and Liz was out of bed with terror in her eyes. She ran to Max's room, but no-one was there. She checked the study, but it was empty. Ehere was Max? It was already the middle of the night; he should've been back by now. She ran downstairs and called out his name. No voice answered her back.

Liz started to panic, where was everyone? frantically she ran from room to room calling out to him. Liz ran back upstairs, tears now streaming down her face, her hands covering her ears blocking out the mocking elemental from the outside - mocking her that no-one was going to be there for her; that she was alone. The way it should be.

Liz walked back to her room alone and scared. She walked to the corner of the room near her bed and sunk down miserably, huddling herself into a protective ball.


Maria had been on her way down the hall to get a glass of water to drink when she heard a sobbing sound come from Liz's room. Maria knocked on the door, but the knock was drowned out by the thunder which chose that moment to roar. Maria opened the door and peeked her head in the room. The bed was rumpled, but there was no-one in the room. 'How odd' she thought. She was about to turn away when the sobbing-hiccuping noise came again, and as she looked closely at the darkened corner on the far wall by the bed, she saw a hunched up figure sitting on the floor.

"Mademoiselle?" she asked in concern.

Liz looked up at the voice.

Maria walked over to Liz and placed her arms around her in a protective hug.

"Mademoiselle is afraid of the storm?"

Liz gave her a teary nod.

"Oh, do not worry mademoiselle, I will keep you company. Do not be afraid."

Maria helped Liz up and lead her back to the bed. She tucked Liz in, then lay beside her to keep her company throughtout the stormy night.

"Thank you Maria." Liz said before drifting off to a restless sleep.


TBC!!

HI everyone, thanks for all the wonderful feedback! Sorry I got you's all worried about Max for a minute there. Anyway, this part is kinda lengthy, but it should be a nice read for you until I get the next part out.

Let me know what you think!


Part 12

The following morning, Liz sat alone at breakfast.

"Sinclair, why isn't Max back yet?"

"The storm must have prevented him from returning last night.

It seemed plausible since his meeting probably ran late as Sinclair had suggested, then the storm broke out. But Liz still felt unsettled inside.

After eating breakfast an hour later, Liz got changed into the servants outfit she'd borrowed from Maria the previous day. She'd come to the conlusion that it was probably some test that Max had set for her. Perhaps he wanted to see if she would live there for free, or would she work for her stay. She knew she shouldn't have taken his generosity for granted all these weeks. She knew she should have stuck with the routine she was used to at home no matter what. Everything came at a price in the world. No matter where she was in the world, nothing would change for her. Her father had been correct in telling her that. She'd been a fool to think otherwise, even for a minute.

Liz got herself a bucket full of water, a scrub and an old cloth. Walking back into the main foyer, she got down on her hands and knees and began to scrub the floor.


Half and hour later, the main door opened and Max walked in.

His gaze immediately fell on a frazzled Liz on her hands and knees on the floor wearing servants clothes.

Max rushed over to help her up.

"Liz, what are you doing?" he asked, puzzled.

"What does it look like am doing Max? I'm cleaning the floor." Liz replied as if it was nothing out of the ordinary.

"But why Liz? we have servants who do that. You don't need to do it."

Liz looked down and fidgeted with her apron.

"Yes I do. It's what I'm used to." she said softly.

Max was bewildered. "But Liz, I never asked you to clean the floor, or do any other domestic work for that matter."

Liz looked up at him, her expression uncertain. "So did I pass?"

"Pass what?"

"The test."

"What test?"

"The test you set for me. That was why you didn't come back yesterday. I know you wanted to see if I'll do my share of the work while I'm staying here, or if I'll live here for free and take advantage of your kind generosity." Liz took in a deep breath. "So, did I pass?"

Max was stunned by Liz's statement.

"Liz, I'm very sorry that I didn't return yesterday as I said I would, but business ran late, and then I couldn't return since that storm broke out. But I promise you, my returning late was not part of any test set for you." Max took Liz's hand in his. "Liz, while you are here, living under my roof and under my protection, you are to be treated as a guest. That means all you need will be provided for you. You won't need to lift a finger. You are not under my employment so please don't act like a servant."

Liz had tears in her eyes. Max wasn't going to kick her out any time soon just because she wasn't working for him .He had truly wanted her to stay, wanted her to live a life in comfort without working for it. It was something she hadn't had or experienced in a long time.

"Liz, I can't even begin to comprehend how you lived your life before I met you, I don't know why you insist on doing manual labour, or why I found you sleeping on the floor. You hide so many mysteries from me. Can't you tell me what it is you are hiding? what suffering has caused you to act the way you do?"

"Max, I...I can't tel you. At least not yet anyway. You would probably be ashamed of me even if I told you." she said with a sad sigh.

"No Liz. I wouldn't. I could never be ashamed of you. Whatever it is you've been through, you've shown so much courage, you've survived this long...."

"Max, truth be told, I can't trust you enough to let you get too close to me. I know that sounds like an awful thing to say, but I just can't right now. You've been so kind to me, and I really appreciate that, I really do, but....I....I just have a lot on my mind right now that I need to process. Please Max, lets drop the subject for now. Let us simply concentrate on being friends." Liz pleaded.

Max was about to insist again when a voice interrupted him.

"Max? there you are. I was wondering where you had got to."

Max and Liz looked at the person approaching them. Max had totally forgot that Tessaline had been outside admiring the flower garden and had probably been waiting for him to rejoin her outside.

"Liz, I would like you to eet a good friend of mine. This is Miss Tessaline Harding. Tess, I would like you to meet Miss Elizabeth Parker."

Tessaline gave Liz the once over and grimaced, then plastered a fake smile across her lips.

"Nice to meet you Miss Parker."

Liz could see the fakeness in the other girl. This girl clearly didn't like her one bit.

"Please to meet you Miss Harding, and please call me Liz." Liz gave Tessaline a genuine greeting.

Tessaline turned to Max. "I didn't know you hired new help. I thought you already had enough servants to run this palce."

"Tess, Liz is a friend of mine, she just...she just sometimes likes to help the other servants out."

Tessaline gave Liz a secretive glare.

"Why, how nice of you to help out the lower class people." she said sweetly.

Liz looked down to the floor and shrank back. She had no idea why this girl took a dislike towards her, and they had only just met! Tessaline was probably used to the upper-class life, filled with pampering, shopping and balls. One look at the petite blonde girl on a first impression, it wouldn't be hard to guess her lifestyle. Her face was perfectly made up to match her beautiful dress, which also brought out the illuminating colour of her blue eyes; her nails were perfectly painted. The girl was a walking perfection. Liz had no intention of competing with that. Not that she would want to anyway. She knew she could never be that perfect, she wasn't even pretty or beautiful; her father had said so. Drilled it into her since she was little. No one would want an ugly worth for nothing girl. She was only good for doing chores.

Tessaline turned to Max and held onto his arm possessively while looking up at him adoringly, making sure Liz caught every detail of it.

"Max, sweety, we really need to start planning for our upcoming wedding."

Liz went ashen in the face. She knew she shouldn't be affected by hte news, she had no claim to Max, it wasn't any of her business, yet she still felt a sharp aching pang in her heart. She took a step back and picked up the bucket.

"Excuse me, I'll just go clean up." With that, she retreated away from the couple. One who looked happy and eager, while the other looked forlornly at her retreating back.

After Liz was out of sight, Max turned to Tessaline and pulled away from her grip.

"Listen, Tess, I don't think we should get married. We've been friends forever, and I'd like to keep it that way. I hope you can understand. Please don't be hurt, it's jsut that I really don't want to ruin our good freindship."

Tessaline felt as though she'd been slapped hard across the face. "You don't want to marry me? Max don't you love me?" she said in a small hurt voice.

"Of course I love you! You're like a sister to me."

"But that's all?"

"It's all I have to offer."

Tessaline for silent for about two minutes.

"All right Max, if that's what you want, we don't have to get married straight away. I can wait. I'll give you all the time you need."

Max wondered if Tessaline had heard a single word he said before, or if the shock had somehow scrambled her clear thinking brain.

"I doubt that time would be the answer."

"Whatever Max, we'll just wait and see all right?"

"Nothing will change....."

"But Max...."

Max decided to end the subject, Tess could be a very stubbon person, and they'll probably still be arguing till night fall if they continued.

"Make yourself at home Tess, I have some errands to take care of." With that, he turned and went.

Tessaline stood alone seething with anger and hurt. She had a feeling that Max didn't want to marry her because of that brunette, who, by the way, had nothing when compared to her. But she saw the way Max looked at her, it was enough to make her blood boil with rage. Maxwell Evans was hers, and Tesaline Harding always got what she wanted. She'd make sure of it. One way or another.



TBC!! feedback please!! what do you think so far? any questions? Isn't Tessaline such a B*tch?! lol!

Hello wonderful readers!

Thanks for all the wonderful replies! Guess what? I'm gonna try and make Tesaline b*tch of the year if possible, so er, I guess you'll be wishing I have her killed by the end of this story, but not to worry, I'll try and have some happy times for Max and Liz.


Here's the next part. Hope you'll like it!


Part 13

That night at dinner, Liz mostly kept to herself, while Tessaline and Max chatted away like the old friends they were; laughing and reminiscing their childhood. Liz laughed along at their accounts, but deep inside, she felt like lead. She couldn't relate to them, her life had been so different to theirs. Their lives had been carefree and fun, and even if they got into trouble, their punishment would be minor, probably a week or two of being grounded. In Liz's case, it had become second nature to watch what she said and did, as her punishments were severe if she was thought to be out of line.

"Liz? Liz? are you all right? you've been very quiet tonight."

"Hmm?" Liz broke out of her thoughts. "Oh, sorry Max, I guess am just tired."

"Maybe you should have an early night, get some rest." Tessaline suggested then looked at Max with a twinkle in her eye. "Right Max?"

Liz got the hint. Tessaline wanted to be alone with Max; she was his fiancee after all. Liz forced a small smile.

"Yes, an early night should do me some good."

Max reached out and held her hand in a protective gesture.

"Are you sure you're feeling all right? if you are feeling unwell I can have a doctor called."

Liz was touched by Max's concern over her health, but one look at Tessaline had daggers stabbing into Liz. Tessaline had not been happy at Max's outreach of affection towards her, especially since his hand was still clasped over hers.

Liz quickly pulled her hand from his grasp and lowered her gaze to the table.

"I'm fine Max, I just need some rest, that's all."

Max reluctantly accepted her answer and pushed no further into the subject.


Throughout the rest of dinner, Tessaline made small chitchats with Liz. Even though the three of them were all talking, the tension between them was palpable.


After a while later, Liz excused herself for the night. She bid Max and Tessaline goodnight. Tessaline for once, gave her a genuine smile. "Goodnight Lz! Sleep well." she said happily.


Liz walked halfway up the staircase towards her room when she felt all the tension she'd been feeling well up in her heart and formed as unshed tears in her eyes. Liz willed herself not to cry, that she was being silly about the situation. She was merely a house guest here, and she would eventually leave. It didn't matter about who Max had in his life, who was soon to be his bride, his wife.

As Liz walked. she gritted her teeth to stay in control of her emotions.

She and Max were nothing more than friends, but Tessaline's evident jealousy hurt Liz more than she would have liked to admit.

As she approached her room, the first drops of salty tears tricked down her face.


TBC!! the next part is already completely but no typed up, I'll try and get it done as soon as I can, k?

Hi everyone,

hehe, aren't you all happy that you're getting so many frequent updates? lol.

A HUGE THANKS!!! to everyone who replied to this story. So I take it you all hate Tessaline as much as I do? lol.

abbs007: Welocme! hey, by any chance are you the author who wrote undercover? cos if so, I really LOVED reading that!!

MaxwellsGurlUk: Tess should be bi*** slapped into the middle of next week for that new hired help remark!

OMG! I thought that reply was hilarious!! b*tch slap tess into the middle of next week!! LMAO!!! though, by the end of this story, you might want to slap her into next year. :mad: lol



Part 14

A few days later, Tessaline sat with Liz by the grassy riverbank. They were collecting the exotic flowers that grew in the field and along the riverbank, to use as decorations. Tessaline said she was going to hold a grand ball to celebrate her engagement to Max. She knew Max had cold feet about their engagement and upcoming wedding, but she would just tell him it was a regular ball she was holding; either that or she'd come with another lie.One way or another, people will know of their engagement 'officially.' But in the meantime, there was no reason why she should lie to Liz, on the contrary, it would serve her well to remind Liz as often as possible that Max was engaged to her. No matter what he said. She doubted that mousy little Liz Parker would say anything to Max. She wouldn't question their engagement, and Max hadn't seemed to have said anything to her about it.

Over the last few days, Tessaline had actually been nice to Liz. Though Liz was still wary of Tessaline, her caution towards the blonde girl had slipped a notch or two. She thought that Tessaline's start to warming towards her was due to her keeping her distance from Max as much as possible. She wanted Tessaline to know that she had no competition to worry about. Though in truth, Liz's heart broke more and more each day as she watched them from the sidelines, joking and laughing with each other. Though Max had still been caring and affectionate towards her, Liz had put it all down as his caring personality. He didn't love her, why should he? she was still a stranger to him, a stranger who hid many terrible secrets from him. And besides, he was in love with someone else. And though it shocked Liz that she seemed to have grown feelings for him, she did her best to ignore it. Even if it hurt like hell. No, there was no way she would break up the happy couple. If anything she would try to be happy for them.

Liz wrapped the long stems of the flower wround the rope and secured it. The ropes were to be decorated with flowers, then hung up as decoration for the grand ball.

"Hmm...I need one more flower to complete this rope." Tessaline surveyed around and spotted a large pink and white flower on the otherside of the bank. "Liz, sweet, could you do me a favour and get that flower for me?" she pointed to where it was located.

Liz looked from the roaring flowing waterfall not far to her right, then to the left of the stream where the water swirled and danced. An uneasy feeling passed over her.

"Um, Tessaline, I don't think that's such a good idea. There's no bridge here to get to the other side."

Tessaline surveyed the view before her, then her eyes lit up.

"Look! there are some stepping stones over there by the qieter part of the stream. If you go slowly, you'll avoid slipping, and besides, they look flat enough to walk on, so it should be quite safe."

Liz looked out warily into the river then back at Tessaline's eager face.

"Why can't you go and get the flower?"

"Liz, I would if I could, but I can't swim, plus I'm afraid of the water. You can swim can't you Liz?"

"Well, yes, I suppose..." she and Andrew used to swim in the creek for hours, it had been the happiest time of her life; it was the only time she was willing to let herself be carefree amd not be punished for it.

"Come one Liz, it's the perfect finish for the decoration, I'm sure Max would appreciate it."

Liz felt a tugging in her heart. Well, if it made Max happy, then.... "Well, all right. It would make the perfect finish for the rope bouquet."

Tessaline clapped and squealed with happiness. "Thanks Liz! you're the best!"

Liz walked to the edge of bank and looked into the water, the flow of water seemed calm enough down this end, though the thunderous roar of the waterfall up ahead still made her uneasy.

"It's ok Liz, you can do this. Even if you fall, the water should be calm enough for you to swim back and climb out." she muttered to herself giving herself self-assurance and courage.

Tentatively, Liz lifted up her dress and stepped onto the first stone.


Tessaline sat watching Liz take careful steps on each stone. As she got halfway across the middle of the river, Tessaline heard a bloodcurdling scream and then a loud splash.

Jumping up to her feet, she surveyed the scene before her, at first shock ran through her, then a sense of calmness glided through her as she watched Liz disappear under the churning water.


Liz had gotten to the middle of the river, and as she went to step onto the next stone, she realized belatedly that it was slightly covered in slippery algae; her footing slipped out from under her, and all she heard was her own terrified scream, all she saw was the world spinning in her peripheral vision and then felt the ice cold water shocking her body on impact. She had been wrong. The water had looked calmer than the foaming waterfall, but it was just as deadly. The water made her dress act like a dead weight, pulling her down; the current wrapped itself onto her leg and pulled her even deeper into its depths. Liz kicked and struggled with all her might trying to break back up to the surface; her head appeared just above the water, so she quickly breathed in a gulp of life giving oxygen before being pulled under again.


Tessaline made no attempts in rushing to Liz to help her. Instead she just stood there watching Liz appear and disappear in the churning water fighting for her life, all the while being dragged further and further away down the river where deadly rocks and boulders awaited ahead.

A cruel cold smile spread itself on Tessaline's pretty face.


TBC!! :evil: dum dum dum......nothing like a bit of suspense to keep you on your toes huh? Feedback please!!

Hi everyone! wow! so many replies!! LOVELY!!!

My muse and I was up till 1am last night writing out the next few chapters, so expect some regular updates.......as soon as I type them all up!



Part 15

She head the sound of hoofbeats and turned to face the new presence.

Max.

Damn her luck!

Tessasline sighed and started jumping up in the air, waving her arms around wildly above her head trying to get Max's attention.

"MAX! MAX! THANK GOD YOU'RE HERE! It's Liz, she fell in the water and....." before she could say any more, Max rushed over to her and grabbed her hard on the shoulders.

Tessaline winced in pain.

"WHAT?! WHEN?!" HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!" he roared.

"She..."

Max let go of his killer grip and rushed to the edge of the bank and looked out into the wide stretch of river. His gaze caught just in time, Liz's arm disppear under the current.

Damn. She was being swept away far too fast. He looked towards the direction she was being swept in, and his blood ran cold. Fear gripped him like a metal vice, suffocating him.

Acting on adrenaline and instinct to save her, Max picked up the rope bouquet, and tore the flowers away.

Tessaline gave a silent distress as she watched her hard work being torn to bits.

Max made a loose loop with the rope and secured it together creating a noose. He ran down the river bank to where Liz was now being dragged. He could tell she was trying her best to stay afloat and swim, but she was tiring fast. Her flailing actions were getting sluggish and weak. She was going to lose her battle with the torrent current. Plus hypothermia was sure to set in soon, then she would lost. Max didn't want to think about that possibility.

Max hoisted the rope up and swunged it around above his head and waited for the perfect timing. He saw Liz kick to the surface for a gulp of air. Quickly, he swung the rope out. He missed her by an inch, Liz waas pulled under again.

Frantically, he tried a few more times, but time was something he didn't have very much of on his side. If he didn't get the rope around her soon, she would be lost to him forever. In abother two minutes, she would be thrown and crushed against the rocks.

:Liz felt herself getting weaker and weaker. Her limbs were numb with biting cold, she must've swallowed at least a gallon of water, though she tried her best not to. She had wanted to give up, to surrender to the hungry pull of the undertow, it could've been so easy; but Liz was a fighter, she'd survived this long, but maybe her time was due. With one last huge effort at survival, Liz kicked to the surface and pushed her body upwards and out the water; she something hit her, then slowly oblivion game to her like an old friend.


She felt herself floating, calm and peace flowed around her, it flowed through her. Liz sighed at the amazing sensations flowing throughout her body like gentle waves from the sea. A bright golden ethereal light from the distance moved steadily towards her. Liz covered her eyes at the brightness. When she moved her hand away, her eyes went wide.

"Mama?" she whispered in a lost little girls voice.

The women in front of her, bathed in a golden hue around her, simply smiled and caressed Liz's cheek. Liz felt a warm tingle, she felt all the emotions and feelings that could not be described by words. But if there was words to describe it, it would be: total and unconditional love and......proudness.

The image of Mrs Parker started to shimmer and fade.

"No wait!! mama!" Liz reached out and tried to grasp her mother.

Too late.

Liz eyes widened again when she saw the person now in her mother's place.

"Andrew?" she whispered in disbelief. She never thought she'd get the chance to see him again; to apologize to him for letting him get to know her, for getting him ki.....

He quickly placed his hands on both sides of her head and leaned in, silencing her onslaught of thoughts and regrets.

"Don't. It wasn't your fault. The best thing that ever happened to me was meeting you. Don't you ever blame yourself for that." he said hoarsely, his voice thick with emotion. His amber eyes sparkled with intensity as he looked into her eyes, her soul.

He kissed her. His mouth covering hers, full of love and adoration. All they felt for each other was now stripped and flowed into one abother through their kiss. When he pulled away, he could see the tears streaming down her face. A mirror image of his own.

"I love you. Always and forever."

His mouth sealed over hers once more. A bittersweet kiss.


Liz felt something slam into her chest, she gasped and choked. Water spluttered from her mouth, she coughed it all up and gasped for air. She tried to focus her blurry eyes, but everything was disorientated to her. Someone hovered above her, she closed her eyes, opened them and tried to focus once again.

"Andrew?" she choked out in a weak voice.

"No. Max."

"Max?" but she had just been kissing......

"Liz? Liz, focus on me. Don't leave me, not when I just got you back."


For the past two minutes, Max had performed non-stop CPR on her. Her pumped her chest with his hands trying to restart her heart; her lips had been so cold and blue when he'd opened her mouth to blow air into her lungs. It scared him to death that he'd been too late to save her. His hopes had soared when the rope her threw as a last ditch attempt before her collision with the rocks, fell around her body as she pushed herself up from the water, he's instantly tightened the rope around her and pulled her in. But his hopes had nose dived when he realized she wasn't breathing. But he never gave up on her. He wouldn't allow himself to.

"Max?" Liz gazed up at him like a scared little girl.

"Sshh.... it's all right. You're safe now." he pulled off his cloak and wrapped it over her.

"C...cold...." Liz told him through chattering teeth and began shivering uncontrollably.

Max knew if he didn't get her warmed up and her blood circulation going, the hypothermia was going to set in. He hoisted her up on Aldorian, then got on himself sitting behind her, cradling her body in his, sharing his body heat.

"Liz, what happened?" he asked as they galloped off.


Tessaline stood there rooted to the spot. Alone. Forgotten. She watched them ride off.


"I...I...." Liz's eyes began to drift close, her voice sounding tired and far away. "tired...so...very....tired... .take...quick nap...."

Max forced Aldorian to go faster. One hand holding the reins, the other touched Liz's face which was nestled on his shoulder.

"Liz, Liz, listen to me, you can't sleep. Not yet, you hear me? if you do, you'll lose this battle. I know you're strong, keep fighting Liz.....do it for me." he said desperately.

Her eyes fluttered open and gazed up at him, a mixture of fear and something else......stained his features. That something else.....looked a lot like the expression Andrew used to give her.....what he gave her only a moment ago if she hadn't dreamt it up.

She couldn't think anymore, her head hurt, her body ached with cold, but being nestled in Max's embrace made her feel better. Safe. If felt almost......familiar.

Liz sighed and snuggled even deeper into his embrace, into his warm caring body.

"Anything for you Max. Anything for you."


TBC!! Come on, you know the drill, lots a lovely golden feedback are in order, or just simply rant and range about Tessaline is fine also lol

HI everyone!

Wow! 2 pages of wonderful replies!


abbs007: oh! I forgot to mention last time, and really happy that there's a sequal to Undercover! Yes! please let me know when you've written and posted it. I'd love to read it! *dances with joy that there's a sequal*


Ok, this next chapter is short, but hey, I've been hard at work with the next one!!


Part 16

Liz was resting comfortably in bed as the doctor closed the door behind him and walked into the hallway where Max was waiting.

"Your highness. I must apraise you for your quick thinking and actions, if it had not been for that, Miss Elizabeth would surely have been lost."

"You taught me well when I was in school, though I am surprised that I remembered anything in my panic."

The doctor chuckled, "Sometimes, when faced with a difficult situation, that is the time when you can see things much more clearly."

"I...guess..."Max replied at the doctors puzzling comment.

"You care a great deal for this young lady don't you your highness?"

"Could you address me a little less formally please? I'd prefer to be called by name rather than title."

"As you wish....Lord Maxwell."

Max sat down on a red velvet chair by the wall, and grinned.

"Have you and Sinclair been name plotting again?"

"Og course not Sir." the doctor replied innocently, but grinned in return. They both knew that all the staff members got on well with each other.

Max looked back at Liz's closed bedroom door.

"Can I see her?

"Only for a moment, but you must not disturb her as she is resting."

"Thank you."


Max entered her dimly lit room, the candles casting a soft orange hue on the walls. Pulling up a chair, he sat next to the bed and stared at Liz.

A slight colour had returned to her cheeks, but she still looked deathly pale. Her borwn hair fanned out beneath her on the pillow, the flicker of candle light made her look like a sleeping angel.

Max gently lifted up her hand and held it in his under his chin. It still felt cold. Rasing her hand to his lips he kissed it. Closing his eyes, he exhaled a sigh of relief that everything had turned out ok. He'd saved the angel.

The doctors earlier statement came back in a haunting realization, though he hadn't really answered the doctor.

The doctor had been right, it did take a difficult situation to make him see things clearer. As clear as daylight.

He opened his eyes and gazed at the sleeping beauty lying before him.

Not only did he care for her immensely, but he loved her.


TBC!! hehe, well? wadda ya think?

P.s. I've noticed that on some fics, its PWP. can someone tell me what it means? thanks!!

Part 17

The following morning, Max sat at the breakfast table with Tessaline.

"Max, could you pass the salt please?"

No reaction.

"Max?"

"Huh?" Max snapped out of his daze and looked up at Tessaline.

"Could you pass the salt please?" she reiterated.

"Oh, sure....sorry." Max hands over the salt shaker.

Tessaline sprinkles her boiled egg, then looks back over at Max a worried expression on her immaculate face.

"Max, is everything all right? are you feeling unwell?"

"I'm fine. Just tired from worrying about Liz I guess." he rubs his fingers over his eyes in a tired gesture.

Tessaline's face darkened with jealousy.

"Max, you needn't worry; Liz is resting, she's fine now."

"Yes, but I could've lsot her." It came out harsher than he'd intended, but he made no apologies for it.

"You care a lot about her don't you?"

Care? what an understatement! Love would be the more appropriate word for it; but he was still coming to terms with his realization from the previous night.

"I care for all my friends Tess."

Silence.

"Tess, maybe you should go back home. I know you came here to visit me, but with whats happened to Liz, I'm afraid I won't be a very good host or company."

Silence.

"You...you want me to leave?" Tessaline asked, sounding hurt, though underneath, she boiled with anger. Now he'll devote all his time taking care of little Miss couple wrecker! Damn her luck that that little bitch didn't drown in the river! Damn her!

"Tess, don't you have that ball you mentioned yesterday, to organise? I'm sure there's lots to be done."

"Yes...yes, of course."

"Tell you what. I'll send Maria to accompany you back home, and she could stay and give you a hand."

"Well...."

"Tess, really, it's the least I could do for cutting your visit short."

Tess smiled sweetly. "Thank you Max, that's very considerate of you. I'll let you know the day of the event."

"Of course."

The rest of breakfast continued in somewhat awkward silence.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tessaline left with Maria at noon. Max saw them into the carriage, then waved them off.

Closing the main door behind him, he headed upstairs. Walking down the corridor, he saw Maryanne leaving Liz's room carrying a tray of untouched soup.

"Your highness." she greeted and bowed slightly, trying not to spill the contents she was holding.

"Liz didn't want the food?" he asked worriedly.

"Sir, Miss Elizabeth has yet to awaken. She looked so peaceful, I didn't have the heart to disturb her." Maryanne's cheeks turned a rose-pink colour.

Max was touched by her words.

"Thank you." he said taking the tray from her and entering Liz's room.


He closed the door and settled the bowl of soup on the beside table. He gazed at the sleeping Liz. Maryanne was right, she did look peaceful. But as peaceful as she was, she hadn't eaten in almost 24 hours.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, he caressed her cheek and tried to coax her to awaken.

"Liz, honey, you have to wake up. You need to eat something."

Liz moans something incoherent and continues to slumber on.

"Liz, come on, it's time to wake up." Carefully, Max lifted her up from the shoulders.

"No...tired...sleep...." Liz replied, eyes still closed in a state of wakefulness and sleep. Her body slumping tiredly to where Max held her.

Max propped the piilow against the headboard and sat back leaning against it. He pulled Liz back into his embrace so he cradled her body in his arms. He pulled the bedcover over them again to keep them warm.

"I know tired, but that's because you don't have any food in you. You need to eat to get your strength back." Max's voice was gentle and soothing.

Liz sighed into his shoulder. "All right, I'll eat something."

"That's my girl." Max reached over for the bowl.

Liz's eyes opened at his last statement. Did he jsut say that she was 'his girl?' did he mean it? did he love....

"What? is something wrong?" Max asked gazing down at her face.

"N...no...I....did you.....um, nevermind. I seem to bes till half asleep."

Max chuckled and carefully lifted the spoon, blew on it to cool it down a bit, then placed it to her lips.

Liz took a sip and smiled. "Mmm.....chicken."

Max fed her the rest of the soup, then placed the bowl back down.

"Do you want more?"

"No, I'm fine, thank you. I feel much better now."

Max wrapped both arms around her and held her tight. How had this small vulnerable, yet strong spirited girl gotten into his heart? he hadn't even seen it coming! He didn't know what he would've done if he'd lost her to the river.

"Max?"

"Hmm."

"I'm sorry for what happened."

"Liz, there's nothing to be sorry about. It was an accident. It's over, you're safe now." safe in his arms; safe with him.

"But Max --"

"Liz, please, don't blame yourself for what happened. It wasn't your fault. I'll admit, you scared me half to death, but like I said, it's over now. It's in the past. You're here, and you're safe. That's all that matteres to me."

Liz felt tears prickle her eyes. She mattered to someone. She wasn't nothing after all. She mattered to Max. Emotions overwhelmed her, tears of happiness trickled down her cheeks and dropped onto Max's shoulder, slowly disappearing as his top absorbed it.

"Th...thank you Max."

"Thank you for what?"

"For caring so much about me. For taking care of me. For saving my life."

And he wanted to keep caring and loving her for as long as he lived.

"If it ever happens again, god forbid, I'd do it all again Liz. In a heartbeat."


TBC!!

HI everyone!!

yeah, me again! don't you jsut love seeing the start to this message? lol! I went to see Bruce Almighty today with a friend, OMG! I was laughing so hard my sides hurt!!!!

Ok, on with the replies etc.


BehrObsession: Oh! new reader! welcome! glad you're enjoying it! Thanks for the feedback!


extingman hehe, thanks for the ideas you have swirling inside my head now.....ooh! all the different possibilities of how that ball could go..... mwahahahaha!! *coughs* um, sorry


AlienDreamer101 thanks for the reply!!

Starlight Yeah, tess is a bitch, she's gonna get worse ya know? hey, she is the villian after all in this fic!! thanks for the reply!!


strawberry88 I hope the following chapter will be long enough for you it took me ages to type up!! thanks for the reply!!


Babdreamer thanks for the reply, and about Max finding out the reason Liz fell in will be told in the chapter.

Sweetygurl thanks for the reply!!


abbs007 thanks for letting me know the story title and thanks for the reply!

Beccabehr Oh god.....um, here's a box of tissues for the following chapter and well, for the rest of the story I suppose!! I'm trying to practice my emotional writing skills.


Itzstacie thanks for the reply!!


Eccentric one Yeah you're right, I did have Maria go with Tess for a reason, am playing around with some ideas, so I might need her later on in the story etc


roswellluver thanks for the reply!!


nickimlow lol, come on its tess, the gerbil is always up to something fishy!! thanks for the reply!!


Phew!! Ok, on with the show!


Part 18

Two days later, Max paced the length of his room. Nervous energy emanated from him like the sun emanating its rays into space.

For the past two days, Max had spent most of his time thinking about his new found feelings for Liz - if he could even call it that. He'd probably been in love with her from the day he rescued her, when he found her lying unconscious on the dirt road in the rain, but had been too stupid to realize it. Instead, he'd foolishly dismissed all the feelings he felt for her; the protectivness, the connection he felt towards her....he was a fool. If Liz hadn't been in that near death accident, he probably would still be blinded by the truth of what his heart felt for her. His heart that felt whole and and complete when he was with her. The now undeniable attraction he felt for her.

Right. So he loved Liz. Now comes the question of whether he should tell her or not. He didn't want to scare her off by his declaration of love, but then again, he really wanted for her to know of his feelings, and her feelings towards him.....if there was any. Then there was still the problem of her leaving him to return to wherever it is she came from. The thought of Liz not in his daily life stabbed him painfully in the heart.

Max paced faster on the floor trying to come up with a solution.

"You'll probably find yourself on the ground floor if you keep pacing the same spot."

Breaking out of his thoughts, Max glanced up quickly to find Liz standing in the doorway. His breath caught in his throat as he took in her appearance. She stood there wearing a long strappy shoulder white night-gown that was adorned in perfect precision with lace and some slight frills that made it look more like an evening dress rather than a night-gown. With Liz's brown wavy hair loose and tumbling down her back, she looked so innocent, an angel of innocence who has suffered greatly in the world; but never the less still stood on grace and corage, and secretly wielded the power to bring a grown man weak to his knees by just a mere look. Max continued to stand there gaping at her.

"Um, is there something wrong?"

"Huh?" Max snapped out of his daze and rushed over to her, placing his arms around her and leading her further into his room.

"Liz, you should be in bed restiing." he chastised.

"Max, it's been two days, I think I've already rested enough."

Max looked at her intently to see if she really was fully recuperated. She certainly did seem stronger than two days ago.

"Max, stop worrying. I'm fine now. See?" Liz back and did a little twirl. The innocent act made Max's groin ache and his pants jsut that bit tighter than normal. God, she was so tempting. The flicker of candle light illuminated her making her appear angel like. No. Make that goddess like.

"Liz, I...I...." Max was so nervous and turned on, that no other words came out his mouth.

"Max, what is it? what's wrong?" Liz stepped forward and placed a concerned hand on his arm.

"I....Liz.....god I've been such a fool! I don't know what I would've done if I'd lost you --"

"But I'm fine now. You saved me and I promised you to never set foot on that river again; even if its to pick the best decoration for a friend."

Max suddenly engulfed her in a tight hug. His arms banded around her back, his face buried I her hair. Liz's arms went around his waist instinctively.

"Liz, I can't believe it took me so long to realize....how could I have been so blind?"

"Max, you're not making any sense."

"Liz, please promise me you won't run away or leave me after you hear what I'm about to say."

"Max--"

"Liz, please!"

Liz looked into his eyes and saw.....desperation.

"All right Max. I won't leave. Now will you tell me whats gotten you into such a state?"

"Liz...I.....I love you, with all my heart. I've been falling for you since the fist time I met you, but was too stupid to realize it. It took almost losing you to make me see....."

Liz pulled back and stared into Max's eyes; so many emotions swam in amber. Sorrow, fear....love. Pure unadulterated love, for her and her alone.

"Max I...." emotions caused a lump in her throat as tears danced on the rim of her eyes. "You....you love me?"

"with all my heart and soul."

Liz looked down, her vision of the floor blurred as her tears slipped down her cheeks. finally she looked up at him, her heart aching.

"Max, I've been a fool too. I had feelings for you too, but I pushed them away, it hurt so much to do so, but I had too. You are engaged to Tessaline and--"

Max silenced her with a kiss. A kiss that was full of passion and longing he felt for her. Liz was startled at first, but soon found herself melting under his kisses. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her body flush up against his. They kisses and they loved with their hearts. After a while, Liz broke away slowly as much as it killed her to do so.

"Liz, I told Tess I wouldn't marry her. The engagement to me is no more. I don't love her, not in the way I love you."

"Max...."

"I want to marry for love Liz, not out of obligation or responsibility. Liz, will you marry me?"

Liz closed her eyes. The flickering candlelight sparkled against the new river of tears coarsing down her cheeks. She took in a deep pain breath and looked at Max.

"Max, as much as I love you, I can't marry you."

"But why Liz? I already told you about Tess--"

"Max, you're a royal prince for one. I'm just a petty commoner who you happened to rescue by chance."

"I don't care what status you are! You're the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. I love you and only you."

"You don't even know me Max! I still hide so many secrets from you.....how can you have a marriage without trust?"

"I'll trust you to tell me in your own time, when you are ready to."

"What if I don't?"

"then we'll jsut look forward to the future and leave the past in the past."

"max, your parents will never agree to your marrying a commoner."

"Stop calling yourself that! Liz, don't you see you're the rarest jewel that exists? your grace, your courage, your determination, your kind heart..." Max touched her heart "your gentle soul...." and caressed her cheeks wiping away her tears. "You're the rarest jewel that exists in the world."

Liz felt her whole body ache with sorrowful pain, the main source being at her delicate aching heart. His words had touched her so deeply.

"Liz, I'll talk to my parents, I'll make them see that you'll be the perfect queen someday, a perfect wife who I'll cherish and love for the rest of my life, the wonderful family we'll make together."

"Max..." Liz took a calming breath, as much as they loved each other, or how much they wanted each other, she knew it would never work out. She didn't know a thing about royal protocol and all its rules and regulations, she didn't even know how to act as a royal. She could never disgrace or humiliate Max or his family. And royals were meant to marry other royals, or someone of a high title, not royals and commoners. No. That would never fit. "It's jsut not going to work out, the fates have been working against us from the start." Liz turned and began walking towards the door.

"That's where you're wrong Liz. Fate brought us together, they brought us together the day I found you on the road. The day our paths crossed."

Liz stopped for a brief moment, then continued on her way.

"I'll talk to my parents, if they meet you, they'll see what a wonderful person you are! To hell with tradition!" Max called.

Liz was already out the room, but she heard him loud and clear. More tears ran down her cheeks. How can a prince do all this? to defy all things he was brought up to respect and believe in, how could he drop his engagement to one girl and propose to another. Would he defy his parents wishes? The answer came to Liz as if someone had spoken inside her head.

Yes.

why?

Because the prince was a man. A man who loved a woman. Simple as that.


TBC!! Ok, listen, it might be a few days before the next chapter is up cos I haven't finished writing it yet.

So, how is my emotional writing skills? I think it got out of hand cos it went on waaaaay too long, I think I had them babbling the dialigue, but I really wanted the readers to feel their emotions as if they were them.

If I need more practice or suck at it, them please be honest and tell me!! no lying!!

Part 19

Over the next few days since his declaration to Liz, Max noticed how distant Liz had become. She seemed to be in a world of her own, constantly deep in thought about something. When he's asked her if anything was wrong, she smiled at him and insisted that nothing was wrong. But Max knew something was bothring Liz, yet she wouldn't share it with him. Max thought it had been rather rash of him to jsut blurt out his feelings for her, then asked her to marry him, but one thing was for certain; he wasn't sorry he'd told her.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The full moon shone over the flower garden, its moonbeam dancing on the dewdrops, creating sparkles on the delicate petals of the exquisite flowers. The air smelled fresh and mingled with the perfumery smell of the flowers. Crickets chirped into the night, while small moths danced and wooed the flame of the camdles scattered around the garden for light.

Max found Liz sitting alone on the stone bench in the gazebo; deep in thought as usual.

"Hey." he greeted, sitting down beside her.

"Hello Max."

"So what are you still doing up so late?"

"I could ask you the same thing." Liz smiled back.

"Couldn't sleep." Max replied.

Liz sighed and looked down at her hands. "Me neither."

"Liz, I know something's been bothering you for the past few days. I jsut wish you'll talk to me about it and not keep it all bottled up in here." he placed a finger on her heart.

"I know. It's jsut that I really needed to think things through."

Max stayed silent and just stared at her beautiful face.

"Max, remember when I said I didn't trust you enough for you to get close to me? and I kept my secrets guarded from you?"

Max nodded. He wanted her to do this in her own time, revealing only what she wanted him to know rather than pressuring her.

"Well, now I do trust you Max. I trust you with my life." Liz took in a breath "Max, whether you believe what I tell you is entirely up to you, but know that I would never lie to you. I love you too much for that."

Max entwined his fingers into hers and held her hand to his lips. "I love you too Liz. With all my heart and soul."

Liz gave him a loving look, then turned to look out before her. The moon full silver moon smiled down overhead at her from the starry night sky above.

"When I was little, my mother used to tell me a story, a fairytale really. She said that the world we lived in was a magickal place, and only a few people knew of it. The people who truly believed in it. She said that other worlds just like our own exissted alongside ours......other Earths. These other worlds were created out of possibilities."

"Possibilities?" Max asked puzzled.

"Yes, possibilities. Everything we do and whatever happens to us in out lives is 50/50. When we go down one path, we pick out one of the 50s. So with the other half remaining, it is an unknown to us since we chose a different path. That unknown gets created into a parallel world. It exists in another time and place to ours. The names and places might either be the same or they can differ, but the people will be the same. However, their life might be different from one world to another. Ot they could be the same, who knows." Liz looked at Max's scrunched up puzzled face.

Max looked at her sheepishly. "Sorry, I'm just trying to group all this information in."

Liz nodded and became silent.

"You know how I kept accidently referring you as Andrew? and I said you looked similiar to one another?"

Max nodded not trusting his voice.

"I lied. The truth is Max, I think you and Andrew are the exact same person, but the possibilities created different lives for you."

Max stood and paced around, rubbing a hand over his face.

"Wow! that's...." he gave a incredulous laugh "that's quite an assumption."

"Max, you and Andrew don't just look similar to each other. You're exactly the same. Looks, mannerism, personality......" Liz sighed. "You see, Andrew never had a great life where I come from. But what if he was born with a good life?"

"And you think I'm that good life? that other unknown possibility?"

"Yes."

"But Andrew died, if we were the same person, then why am I still here?"

"Because of the different possibilities. Each one isn't the same, so one cannot affect the other....well, unless if something happens to you in this world, god forbid."

Max was silently taking in all Liz had told him, then he looked at her. "So....is there another you in this world? another Liz?"

"I don't know, perhaps, perhaps not."

Silence.

"So, where are you from?" Max pacing and sat back down beside her.

"I'm from a palce called Antaria."

Max thought for a moment, then replied. "I don't think there is an Antaria here; but Verdonia, where we are now, is located next to the country of Cyrion."

Liz perked up. "We have a Cyrion back on my world too!"

"You think Antaria and Verdonia could be the same place, but just with a different name?"

"Perhaps..." Liz looked thoughtful.

"So, how exactly did you get here?"

Silence.

Max could see the pain on Liz's features. He didn't mean to hurt her, but he was jsut so curious.

"My life at home, after my mother died wasn't exactly a stroll in the countryside. My father was a cruel man; I lived in fear every waking moment of my life; fearing the slightest thing would result in my being punished. Everything I did and said I had to be careful, it becamse second nature to me. I'm surprised I survived this long with all the daily beatings I received from my father." Liz gave Max a pained sad smile. "When you first met me and gave me my own room to stay in, I never did once sleep in that bed, well, not until you accidently came in and found me sleeping on the floor and forced me to sleep in it. Back home, I never had mattress for a bed, actually, I didn't really have a bed at all. Father said good little girls slept in comfort. Me? in his eyes, everything I did was wrong. I was a bad little girl, I didn't deserve any confort."

"So where dod you sleep?" Max asked, his voice was hoarse with sadness and pain for Liz. He even feared her answer.

"I slept a lot like the way Cinderella did. I slept on the floor by the stone fireplace; well, I did have two blankets. I used one as a sheet to lie in and another to cover with. It was hard at first, I couldn't undestand why a father, any father for that matter would do such a thing to their own children. I spent nights staring up at the ceiling trying to come up with an answer. I never did come up with an answer; and with time, I just accepted my place in the world. That was until....." A tear slipped down her cheeks and dropped onto her lap. Liz sniffed, trying to control her never ending floodgate of tears. "Um..."

"Liz, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I know how hard this is for you."

Liz sniffed again and took in a deep breath.

"No, I want to. I want you to know who I really am. I don't want anymore secrets between us."

Max nodded and waited for her to continue.

"Remember when I told you of what happened to Andrew?"

Again Max nodded.

"Well, after....after what happened, father pulled me inside and gave me a beating of a lifetime."

Images of Liz being struck and kicked entered Max mind. He tried to push them away, but they were relentless. More images of Liz, bleeding and bruised assailed him.

"I couldn't take it anymore. I used whatever strength left in me to escape out the house. Father chased after me, said I'd be dead if he ever caught me, that I had ever dared defy him by running away. He got some of his friends to chase after me too. As I ran, I truly did wish that there was another place in the world for me. I wanted to believed that the tale mother told me was real. I wanted so desperatly to believe.....so I just kept running and wishing with my heart. I ran into the woods for cover, since it was nightfall, I knew the trees would hide me. But then, they sent the search dogs after me, and they would get my scent, so I started running again. I was beyond exhausted, but I knew I couldn't stop. I'd be dead if I did."

Max took in Liz's features, she seemed to be in a trance, like she was reliving the moment as she was telling it.

"I looked behind me once to see if they were gaining on me, but as I turned back forward again, I felt a pressure in the air in front of me, since I was running, I couldn't stop. All I saw was this sparking rippling silver air, and I went right through it. Still scared of being caught I continued to run, I thought back to the silver doorway I saw, but thought my exhaustion was causing me to be delusional. It started to rain after a while, I lost track of time, then I must've passed out on the road where you found me."

Max nodded. So that's how she came to be on the road that day.

"At first nothing seemed familar to me, this place.....but then after seeing you and spending time with you, I realized my wishing and believing must've opened the gateway for me to this parallel world." Liz looked at Max, then stood and walked to the edge of the gazebo and looked out into the flower garden. "You must think I'm either insane or lying."

Max blew out a breath and rubbed his face.

"It's just a lot to take in right now."

Liz turned and faced him. "You don't believe me do you? you think I'm making this up."

Max got up and walked over to her. He held her face and tenderly caressed her cheeks. "I admit it's a little hard to grasp at the moment.....but.....I'll believe because you believe."

It wasn't exactly the answer Liz was looking for, but it will do for now. Max hadn't called her a lier, but he hadn't really fully accepted her statement either. But at least he had an open mind. He jsut needed some time to process everything. And that was fair enough for Liz.

Liz gave Max a small smile and nodded her head. "All right Max. I can understand that. I know you need time to process everything."

Max pulled her flush up against his body and kissed her with all the passion and love he felt for her.

"I love you."

"I love you too Max."


TBC!! feedback please!! Oh! and just to quickly let you know, I've started to write a new story called Latino Lovers (I couldn't come up with anything better! anyway, its a M/L AU story, go check it out!)

Hey everyone, I'm back, I've finally finished tpying up the chapter.


Nickimlow: hey nicole, I read The Last Sunset the other day, and I msut say, wow! it was so romantic yet tragic. I read it before bed, and it wasn't a good move cos I ended up going to bed in tears. I loved how you wrote out the ending even though it was totally sad.

Btw, are you going to update Battling til the end anytime soon? I love reading that too!


Anyway, here's the next part. enjoy!



Part 20

"Good morning, mother and father."

Max breezed into the breakfast room of King Phillip's Palace.

"Ah son! you're back I see." Phillip greeted.

"care to join us for some brunch, sweetheart?" Max's mother invited.

Max sat down at the table and helped himself to some food.

"I'm back because I have very important matter to discuss with both of you."

"Oh?" Phillip raised a curious eyebrow.

"Mother, father, I plan to wed soon."

"That's wonderful news Maxwell! I knew you'd get your head round marrying Tessaline."

"Father, I'm not marrying Tess. Infact, we broke off our engagement."

Max stared at his startled parents and waited patiently for them to say something.

"B...broke off your engagement? and you have both reached a mutual agreement on it?"

"Yes. Tess was fine with the decision when I told her."

Max saw his father's eyes darken a little.

"And just who is it exactly that you are planning to marry?"

"Her name is Elizabeth Parker, and she is the love of my life." Max spoke proudly.

Phillip's brow furrowed trying to recall the 'Parker' name in the royal circles he knew, but drew a blank.

"Tell me son, who are her parents?"

At his father's question, Max's face darkened.

"Liz's mother died when she was a young girl, and her father....well, he's no longer a part of her life, which is for the best really."

Diane looked up from her teacup in shock. "She's an orphan?"

Max's lips drew in a thin line. "No. She has me."

"Maxwell, just exactly, what is her station?" Phillip inquired.

Max took a deep breath and looked at his parents solemnly. They weren't going to like what they were going to hear, but by hell he was going to convince them otherwise.

"Father,Liz is neither royal nor pauper. She is one of a kind in the world. Her compassion, strength and courage has shown me what she could do for our people. Her gentle soul and compassionate personality will better the lives of thousands. If any trouble should arise, her courage and strength will help pull us all through the hard times. Liz is a survivor and can be level headed in difficult situations. As a wife she will be loving and caring towards me and our future children. Don't you see how much I love her, as she loves me? You know, you really shouldn't judge a person by their station, it's best to see them for who they truly are, because that's where the rare jewel lies."

"Maxwell, this Elizabeth you speak of has no background, a station that does not fit with our traditions...."

Max was now pleading for them to see what he sees in Liz.

"Father, I know it's not tradition and it would be breaking the rules, but when it comes to love, nothing can stand in the way of that. Look, if you would just meet her and get to know her, you'll see what a wonderful person she is, what she's capable of. See her for who she is rather than what life has given her to work with."

Phillip sighed and looked at his wife, whose hand covered her mouth, her eyes tearing up at the emotional desperate state of her son. He truly loved this girl, and would do anything to convince them of that. She had never seen him act like this in her life.

Phillip shook his head sadly and breathed a resignated sigh.

"I'm sorry son, but I cannot allow you to marry this girl - a commoner - no matter how wonderful you say she is. You are the royal heir and msut continue on with royal traditions."

Max's face was now stony. "Then I don't want to be the crowned prince any longer."

Phillip looked like he was about to have a heart attack at his son's statement.

"You would give up all that was bestowed upon you at birth; the riches the power--"

"I would sooner give it all up just to be with Liz. Inm y heart she would outweigh all I have been given since birth." Max's eyes flashed defiantly.

Phillip seemed to turn ashen right before Max's eyes.

Diane rested her hand on her husband's arm. It was time she intervened in the father/son battle before things thundered into a storm that both might not be able to take back.

"Phillip, why don't we meet with this young lady like Max suggested, there's no harm in that."

"But--"

Diane leaned in clsoe to her husbands ear so max wouldn't overhear her.

"Phillip, your son can be as stubborn as you. Do not be rash in your haste, for Max will carry out his threat just to spite you. We need time to think this through and work it out."

Diane was truly happy that her only son had found someone to love and love him back. To find that one someone who could be your other half was difficult as it is; she would not allow protocol to ruin her son's happiness. If this girl is as perfect as Max said she was, the they deserve to be together, regardless of her background and station.

"But Diane! It goes against regulations that has been a part of our royal society for generations. Maybe Max and Tessaline culd work something out--"

"Phillip," Diname cut him off in a stern tone "you cannot push when it comes to love. I know that uniting our kingdom with the Hardings will be of great benefit to us, but would you forfeit your son's happiness? he's a young man, let him choose who to love and marry. Don't make the decision that you will regret, be wise my husband."

Phillip looked at his wife's gentle face; how can he protest against her? she always has to be the voice of reason. Heaving an aspirated sigh he addressed Max.

"Fine. We shall meet with this Elizabeth Parker, then we shall see where we will go from there."

Max lit up with happiness. Quickly he rushed over and hugged his parents.

"Thank you mother, father. You won't regret meeting her. Let me go and fetch her." with that, Max strolled away to find Liz.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tessaline had been on her way to the breakfast room to say hello to thier Majesties, but as she neared the door, she heard several animated voices, and one of them sounded a lot like Max's voice. Max was here? she didn't even know he had returned to the Palace. Looking around to make sure she was alone, Tessaline pressed her ear to the door and listened.


After listening for a while, Tessaline's fury rivalled that of a volcano. When she heard footsteps heading towards the door, she quickly hid behind one of the large marble pillars that supported the structure of the Palace. She watched Max's back retreating down the hallway. Taking in a deep breath, she tried to calm her fury and to think clearly. No none social-standing mousy bitch was going to stand in the way of getting what she wanted. No. Max was hers to begin with and it shall remain that way. The sooner she remedied the 'problem' the better. Several treacherous schemes swirled through her head, and a sinister smile spread across her red lips. Tessaline walked down the hallway with a calm poise, but inside her head, an evil cackle reverberated over and over.



TBC!! dum dum dum........Tessaline just won't it alone will she? *sighs*