Tregniw Yoj - Get out of my head!! Serials

The Dargde Shorts: Episode 1 Into the Woods

2017-06-20T12:19:00.002-07:00

Note: These are stories told to me by my 2.5 year old son.

Chapter 1.
One Day Mommy and Eddie were walking in the woods. Batman is walking in the woods too.

Superman flies - ZOOM!

Chapter 2.
One Day the Batman flies to the moon. Superman said, "Go home Batman"

Batman went home.

Then Eddie went home.

Mommy went to do stuff, and then things.

Eddie had an adventure.

The End

Batman walked into the woods, then Superman zoomed to the moon.

"Hello Moon. Nice to see you"

Superman is friends with the moon.

The End

Once upon a [Story]time: The Waterfall

2017-03-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

They had traversed the epic beige desert, and crossed the cold slick tundra. Their guide said that all that was between them and the great waterfall was a field of gray – and a giant pink mountain with its white plateau.

They made their way up the sheer face of the pink mountain. Standing on the plateau, they saw it. The white pool where the waterfall should be… but there was no water.

Three of them rushed ahead. They had waited until the giant creatures had made a mistake. Waited for the one time when they had gone and not ushered them all back to the dark cave. Waited for what seemed like ages – years even. Others, the guides included, had seen the waterfall – taken there by the smaller of the giant creatures – but these three had only heard the tales.

There they stood; just outside the white pool but there was no cool mist, no splash of water from above.

The hasty travelers were joined by the rest of their party, and climbed down into the dry lagoon. The white rock was rough, and cold. The air rumbled, and suddenly a wizard appeared with his knights!

“Fools!” the wizard bellowed. “You have trespassed in the Great Ones waterfall! Only when they enter this lagoon does the water flow. Only they have the power to make the cleansing mist! Only those deemed worthy by them may enter here.”

They had come so far. But for what? The ground rumbled below them.

THE GIANT CREATURE HAD RETURNED!

Before they could escape a hand reached down, and grabbed one of the knights!

Perhaps they were doomed to live in those dark caves forever…

Quote of the Week: A new Blossom

2013-04-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

"And the day came when the risk to remain

in a tight bud was more painful

than the risk it took to blossom."

- Anais Nin

"Boss man wants to see you." A grim face poked around the cubicle wall. His chest tightened. Fridays were firing days now that they had hit a major downturn. "I wouldn't make him wait if I were you."

He had 3 job offers lined up, most of the office did. He had 2 that would be equitable to his salary now, and one that would be a slight loss, but the hours might be better.

In and out of the boss' office was less than 15 minutes. Severance was reasonable, bordering on generous - he might even take a short break before starting the next job. Maybe Julie could take a few days off to go away with him. It could be their first trip together as a married couple, since they couldn't afford the time for a honeymoon.

He walked past the cube of the next victim, told him he was next, walked back to his desk, cleared it out, and walked out the door. He didn't even bother finishing his last report.

On his way home, he stopped at the Farmers Market to pick up dinner items. He couldn't remember the last time he had made Julie dinner. Maybe he would surprise her by vacuuming the house before she got home. His step was a little lighter, and his shoulders a little less drooped.

He had time to vacuum, make dinner, and clean out the fridge before Julie got home from work.

When she saw him setting the table, she knew. She hugged him close and held on tight for a long time. It was nice to feel her heartbeat, he thought to himself.

"You made dinner?" She asked at last.

"I made fish, with salad, asparagus, and baked potatoes. I hope that is still your favorite." She nodded.

"You vacuumed?" Her eyes were a little watery. He nodded. She cried. He was very confused.

"Are you alright?" He asked, helping her sit. She nodded again.

"I'm pregnant. WE are pregnant. Tell me you are happy." He was, he was more than happy.

"Yes, yes, I'm excited!" He knelt down and hugged her close.

They sat, and ate. He suggested the trip, she thought it was the perfect time.

-----

The next week, she went to work, and he cleaned the house. He packed her lunch, and packed their bags. He cleaned out his garage woodshop, and drew up some plans for a crib. He felt the best he had in ages.

They spent 4 days at the beach, swimming, sleeping late, and doing barely anything.

When they returned, he finally made himself call the companies that he had lined up, and made a choice.

The following Monday he woke up, put on his suit, and trudged off to his new job. It turned out to be exactly the same as the last job, no more no less. It was as if nothing had ever changed, like the last two weeks had never happened.

Months passed, Julie's belly grew, and one day they realized they needed to plan for what would happen after the baby was born. So they started a spreadsheet, crunched the numbers, and made the discovery that it would cost more for daycare than he was making at his job. There was no way Juie could leave her job, with her seniority, investment plan, and stock options at stake.

He pondered, as he sanded the last piece for the crib. He painted well into the night, and finally crawled into bed sometime before the sun rose.

Hours later he woke to the smell of coffee, and bacon. Julie stood there with a tray, balanced on her belly. He sat up and smiled. She put the tray down for him and sat next to him on the bed.

"So what if you stayed home." She blurted out. He practically choked on the bacon. "Hear me out. You will be the best dad, and I was thinking... maybe you could stay home with the baby. You are a financial wizard, so you could do some freelance work, and we would come out ahead in the deal."

He promised to think about it - and he did, constantly. What would his friends think? Where would he find freelance clients? What were the risks?

He looked at their finances again, and again. He looked at where they could trim the budget, but he couldn't make up the loss that daycare would hit them with. The risk was huge, if he stayed at his new job. He had only been there a little over 6 months, there was little to no promise of a raise or promotion.

At work, a few days later, he looked around. Grey walls, grey cubicles, no one talking, just processing reports. The lunch room was grey, the bathrooms were grey, and there wasn't a window to be seen anywhere. He sighed. He was happy but not satisfied. Every day he pulled himself out of bed, and everyday he sprinted out to his car to get home to his wife. Was that what he wanted for himself? for his child?

---

It was almost time, the doctor said, it could be any day now. He had put off deciding, and now... she was waiting for an answer. It was physically painful, the very idea of not going back to work after the baby was born, but worse was thinking how much he would be missing.

That night turned out to be The Night. They rushed to the hospital, and the following afternoon they met the newest member of their family. He held their little girl, and suddenly there was no easier decision in the world. There was no way he could ever go back to being the man he was before. He was a dad now, and that was the best job title he could ever have.

He quit the next morning, and never looked back.

Quote of the Week Short Story: Simple Answer to Complex Questions

2013-04-23T20:28:00.003-07:00

"Sometime the questions are complicated

and the answers are simple."

Dr. Seuss

She cracked open the door and peered inside. Dust lay thick on the floor, cobwebs decorated the shelves. The air was thick with age, musty and heavy. She heaved the door opened the rest of the way, making a curved shape in the dust.

This was the room that her parents never opened. This was the room that she fantasised about her whole life. What crazy secrets were here that needed to be hidden away?

After her Mom died, her father still refused to open the door. It took all her will power not to open it when he ended up in a nursing home. Her brother had suggested they wait until after their father's will was read - in case there was something included regarding The Room. When there was nothing, they decided that it was time. They were left with more questions than they had before, and even less answers.

Now here she stood, and her brother stood behind her. They stared a long time into the dim room - flashlights still in hand, unlit. It was hard to make herself step inside. Her brother coughed as the cloud of dust moved past her, and enveloped him. She took the first step and then the second.

The inside of the room was disappointing, empty shelves and one old chest. She sighed. Her brother sucked in his breath, and stepped in next to her. He put his hand on her back. She was seconds from crying. He stepped to the chest, looked back at her. Somehow, her head managed to nod. He lifted the lid.

Baby clothes, folded carefully were the first thing she saw. None of them were ones that she remembered her brother wearing, and they certainly weren't hers. Carefully he lifted out the clothes, and she wiped the dust away from a spot next to him. He placed them gingerly, almost reverently, on the floor, and picked up a photo album. He opened it, gasped, and she peered over his shoulder.

The woman in the pictures was certainly their mother, but the man was not their father. There was a baby, and a woman who looked a bit like their Aunt Jane. As they flipped pages the baby got older, was walking, and apparently potty trained.

She peeled a picture off the last page. The date scribbled on the back was a full 2 years before their parents married.

The secret. After all these years. Mom had another family - but where were they now? What happened to them?

They knew that Mom and Dad had met in high school, and that Dad had gone off to the Army, and then to war. It wasn't until after the war was over that they got back together.

Pieces were settling into place, but so many were missing. They dug further into the chest. A wedding dress, a ring; a marriage certificate, a birth certificate. James was what they named the baby, Chadwick was the father.

Underneath all of this was a funeral bulletin, for Chadwick. A boarding school certificate for James, and more pictures. Letters from school, written by James, but never opened. They sat the letters aside, to read later. She realized that the letter were written while she was a little girl. Her mother had to have snuck into this room when no one was home and put them in the chest... or her father had.

It was making less and less sense as they pulled out item after item. Who had been paying for the boarding school? How had Chadwick died? Why did they seal up this whole room? It didn't make any sense.

In the bottom of the chest, under all the other things were 2 loose pictures. 1 was a little boy, being measured up against a doorjamb. She saw their kitchen in the background. She turned and looked back out the door. This was James' room!

She walked over to the door jamb and saw the gauges into the wood where they had last measured James. A tear escaped her eye. She had another brother, about 7 years her senior - but may never meet.

Her brother piled most of the contents back into the chest, closing it with a wooden 'thunk'. James' birth certificate, the marriage certificate, and the stack of letters. He walked out of The Room, and placed the stack on the kitchen table. Armed with his tablet, he went to work searching for their brother.

As she closed the door of The Room, he turned the tablet around to face her. There, staring at her, was the face of her brother. The funeral director.

Days later, they stood in the funeral home. Ushered into the Director's office, they sat uncomfortably while they waited for James to come in.

"He died."James said from the doorway. "My father." They turned to look at him. "Heart problems. He died in my room. I never went back in." He sat at his large desk. "I didn't handle it well, and ran away a few times, I left Mom no choice but to send me to a boarding school."He sighed. "When she married your dad, I stopped hearing from her - but I still got Christmas and Birthday gifts. When I got out of school, I came back to find you two, and no room for me in the family. I saw Mom twice after that, then not again until her illness. She felt guilty, and remorseful, but we made our peace. I'm not sure your father ever knew who I was."

Finally, all the questions had one simple answer - sadness. All the secrets were because of sadness. Mom had been sad because she lost her husband, James had been so sad he left her too, Dad had been sad because of Mom's first marriage, and in the end she was sad she had been deprived of an older brother for all those years.

The three siblings hugged. No more secrets. No more sadness.

A Zombie Love Story: Chapter 4

2011-04-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

Zombie Chapter 4

Saturday Afternoon 1:15 pm – National Guard Post

Xander, Andrew and 100+ other citizens were sitting in folding chairs. The briefing would be starting at 2pm. Everyone was a buzz about getting to kick some Zombie butt.

Saturday Afternoon 1:24 pm – Brian’s House

Chazz and Joy pulled their SUV into the driveway, then into the garage and hopped out.
They closed and locked the garage door behind them, and started to unpack. Brian’s wife, Chris, slowly opened the door to the garage. “I am so glad you made it safely.” Her face was tear-stained. “Andrew already left for the National Guard meeting.”

Saturday Afternoon 1:30pm – News Conference

“The Evacuation zone has been widened by a 2 mile radius. National Guard SUV’s are being dispatched to this new zone to assist in the evacuation. Please call your local Police Station to find out which Public School your neighborhood is being evacuated to. More on the evacuation plan at 2:30pm”

Saturday Afternoon at 1:37pm – Jess’s House

“Jess! Erik!” Jess’ Mom hollered. “We have to go! We need to pack up now!”
“What!?” Jess said as she poked her head around the corner.
“We are in the new evacuation zone. We have to get some things packed, and then get out of here. We need to get to the High School. Now get packing! Just the basics!”
Jess turned to Erik. She was very anxious. He gave her a huge hug. He wondered how George and Megan were doing.

Saturday Afternoon 1:45pm – Megan’s neighborhood

George had finally had his first meal. It felt weird, and good, and slimey. Now he was hungry again. Megan was insistent that they were heading toward a good meal. She could smell them. They were coming right around the corner… She couldn’t wait.

Saturday Afternoon 2:00pm – National Guard Post.

“Citizens, thank you for volunteering your time. We will be breaking you out into task forces. There are needs for containing the Zombies, organizing the Evacuees, and making sure all houses are evacuated. We will need to be organized, and efficient. We need to keep the so-called Zombies contained and apart from non-affected citizens. If you are interested in assisting the Army, Marines, and Guard members in containing the Zombies, please remain seated. If you are interested in assisting with the evacuation efforts, please make your way to the doors in the rear of the room, and if you are interested in getting all evacuees to the appropriate locations, and organizing temporary housing please head to the doors on the right of the room. Thank you. We will be starting the Containment briefing in 15 minutes.”

Zombie : A Love Story Chapter 3

2010-09-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

Saturday Morning 10:05am Joy and Chazz's House

"How much yarn do you really need?" Chazz asked Joy, as they packed up their truck.

"Enough for at least a week. We don't know how long til the Zombies get here. And no idea when the yarn shops will open back up. Plus, what happens if someone screws up and we end up in some post-apocalypse nightmare?" Chazz just rolled his eyes. Stress makes people think of strange things.

"Ok, you bring what fits after some clothes and tools, and the dogs, and the non-perishables from the pantry." Joy nodded. She really wanted to crawl back in bed and pretend that morning hadn't happened.

Saturday Morning 10:10am Jess' House

Erik finally arrived, to Jess' relief. She was shaking still, and crying. Erik watched the footage, in it's edited form, as the news station played it over and over and over again. He felt sick. Jess was curled up against him on the couch, and he was trying to make her eat something.

Now what would they do? He'd lost his best friend...and so had Jess.

Saturday Morning 10:15 am News Report

"Thank you for joining us for the Governor's Pres Conference. We will keep this brief. Investigation into the explosion last night, and the so-called 'Zombies' is currently underway. We will continue evacuations as already announced. If you want to volunteer to assist in evacuations, and have a 4 wheel drive vehicle, please contact your local county police communications division. The phone numbers will be shown at the bottom of your screen, and will repeat with evacuation updates throughout the day. That is all for now, we will have more information for you as we recieve it. The President will be conducting his news conference at approx 10:30. Thank you for your immediate cooperation.

Saturday Morning 10:20am Andrew's House
"Dad, I'm going to volunteer. Please don't argue." Andrew said, and got up off the couch. His dad knew arguing wouldn't deter his son. He was proud, but concerned. They still didn't know exactly what they were up against.

Saturday Morning 10:20am Xander's house
"Dude, I am TOTALLY volunteering, wonder if they will let me shoot some Zombies in the head?" Xander said to no one in particular.

Saturday Morning 10:25am Megan's house
George's lifeless body stirred. He opened his eyes. He was starving! What time was it? When was the last time he had eaten. He looked around. Where was he? Oh, right, Zombies, Megan...Megan! What they hell had happened after he hugged her? Gosh he was hungry!

He tried to jog over to the house, and knock on the door, but his feet didn't really want to move. It was like they were made of lead. His arms felt heavy, and he had a hard time raising his arm to knock.

It was like he was drugged, or something. He saw his hand, and it was white, pale, pale white. He was cold, and the more he thought about it, the more he realized it was hard to think. It was like his brain was made of pudding. hmmmmmmmm, brain. He shook his head to try and clear it. What was going on? Where was everyone?

Megan swung the door open, well, kind of. It was a jerky movement, and slower than usual. He tried to step up into the house, and it felt like it took forever.

"You get used to it after a few minutes." She said. There was dried red saucy stuff all over her left cheek and jawline, and her eyes were a bit glassy. She looked a bit pale too.

"What?" George asked. That mushy brained feeling was still there. hmmmmm, brain. He shook his head again.

"The slowness. It's a little annoying, but you'll get used to it quickly. Once you've had a quick meal, you'll be better too. I think the neighbor are all done, we may have to go a few blocks to get you a meal."

"Meal?" George asked, still not quite sure what was going on.

"Brains silly," Megan giggled,"Once you have a little brain, you'll feel right as rain." She giggled again. "Come on, let's go!" She took his hand, and she started to head out the door.

"Wait, your face. Is that... blood?" Things were starting to click in his brain...brain...brain. He shook his head again.

"Oh, crap, guess I have a little breakfast on my face huh? Ok, one sec" She moved fluidly into the kitchen, and washed her face in the sink. He wasn't sure, but George suspected that he had been breakfast.

"Well Come on Georgie. Let's find you a meal!" If you could bounce in slow motion, George was pretty sure that Megan was doing just that now. His head was hurting... his brain was hurting... brain... gosh he was hungry... He ambled after Megan, a meal sounded great...

Zombie: A (short) Love Story Chapter 2

2010-02-16T10:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday Morning. 9 am. Jess’ house.
Jess woke up to her Mom screaming, then silence. She tossed the covers off, and ran out of her room and down the stairs. Her mom was staring blankly at the tv.
“Mom?” Jess said quietly, “What’s wrong?” Her Mom turned and looked at her with an ashen face.
“Sweetheart. You need to sit down.” Jess plopped down next to her on the couch. “Something bad happened, to Megan and George.” Jess looked at her mom, then to the floor, and then to the tv, where they were replaying the mornings events. Over and over and over again. Suddenly Jess felt sick, and the room went black.

Saturday Morning. 9 am. Xander’s House.
Almost ready for work, Xander was brushing his teeth. Another Saturday wasted, he thought to himself. His cell phone rang. He looked at it. His boss was calling?
“Yesh?” He said, toothbrush still in his mouth. “Why?” He spat into the sink. “What are you talking about? No, I haven’t seen the news… Really? Whoa. Ok, ok.”
Wow, some dude got his head ripped off by a girl on TV, and he had missed it, and now they were in a state of emergency because of some graves that were empty. Weird. Maybe they’ll show it again, or maybe someone will have posted in online.

Saturday Morning. 9:10 am. Erik’s house.
Quietly dreaming, Erik heard his cell phone buzz next to him. He must have fallen asleep right after talking to Jess the night before. Looking around, he found the phone, and flipped it open.

“Hey babe. Are you ok?” He heard Jess crying. She took a deep breath, and told him what she saw. “What! Ok.Ok. I will be right there. No, I won’t hang up.” Still dressed from the night before, he slipped on his shoes, and grabbed a clean set of clothes out of his drawers, and grabbed his back pack. What the hell was going on? He wondered.

Saturday Morning. 9 am. Andrew House.

“WAKE UP!” His dad bellowed. “Andrew! Wake up!”
Andrew rolled over, and stared at his dad. Something was wrong, very wrong. His dad looked frightened, and there was a gun in his hand.
“What the hell dad?” Andrew said, sitting up. “What’s going on?”
“Apparently… Dead people are roaming around, killing people.”
“Are you being serious?”
“National Guard has been deployed, to get people out of their houses, and to safe locations. We are in a state of emergency. White House Press conference. The whole deal. Joy and Chazz are coming here, we need to get ready son. “
“Wait, we are talking ‘zombies’, right?” His dad nodded soberly.

Saturday Morning. 10 am. News Report.
“Last night, we reported an explosion at a local hospital. This morning, while we were updating you on the rescue efforts, we filmed this disturbing footage.”
*Footage of empty graves, and Zombie attacks*
“The Governor has declared a State of Emergency. The National Guard has deployed trucks of all sizes to get people to safety. The so called ‘Zombies’ are slow moving, but the mass panic this morning’s news footage has caused has resulted in traffic jams. The National Guard, State and local Police, are working together to clear the highways, set up perimeters, and evacuate people who are in the most danger first. The map you are seeing now, shows the immediate evacuation zones in red, and the orange will be after that. If you are in the Green, Purple, or Blue zones, please get to your local Public School. More information on procedures are available on our website, via your local police station, and there is an automated recording available at 1-800-555-1212.”
“We will have the Governor’s press conference for you shortly, as it is scheduled to begin at 10:15, and the White House press conference will be at 10:30.”

Zombie: A (short) Love Story? Chapter 1

2010-02-12T23:11:00.000-08:00

Friday Night. 9pm. Megan’s House.

“BOOOOM!” The walls shook, dishes fell off the counter, and a picture frame fell off Megan’s wall.

“Oh My Gosh!!” Megan screamed, startled. “Mom? Dad?” She carefully crept downstairs. Her parents were looking out the window, staring at the thick black smoke visible just past the graveyard. “What was that?”

“I don’t know, but it doesn’t look good. Let’s check the news.” He flipped over to the local news channel.

Announcer – “Breaking News. Local Hospital seems to have exploded. Our Eye in the Sky Chopper is on the scene. Mass destruction. More information as it is available.”

“That’s just down the road.” Her dad said.

“That’s so sad.” Her mom said quietly.

“And Scary.” Megan added. She decided to go back up to her bedroom, with her trusty puppy, and call her boyfriend. He always made her feel better.

Saturday Morning. 8 am. Megan’s house.

The mist was beginning to clear at the Graveyard across the street. Megan stared out the window, thinking how pretty it usually was. This morning was different, as there was still smoke in the air from the explosion the night before. Just as she was about to turn away to watch tv, she saw something move at the graveyard. She looked harder, and swore she saw a gravestone move a little. She rubbed her eyes, blinked a few times, and looked again. The gravestone fell over… And a figure rose up from the ground. Megan screamed…

Saturday Morning. 8:15am. George’s House.

Bleary-eyed, George groped for his cell phone as it rang on his nightstand. He knew it would be his Meggie, calling to say Good Morning! He hit the answer button, and all he heard was screaming.

Now suddenly very awake, George jumped up out of bed and began getting dressed while he tried to get Megan to say something.

“Meg, Meg, Meg, what is it? What’s going on? Are you ok? I’m driving to your house right now. Should I call the police. Is everything ok? Megan!!??”

Finally, as he was racing down the steps, and snagging the car keys off the key rack, she said the word that stopped him in his tracks.

“Zombie. Dead guy, gravestone. Oh My God, there’s another one!” And the screaming resumed.

George didn’t know what to make of it. There was no such thing as Zombies. Like Vampires, big foot, and Frankenstein’s monster, they were all just myth and legend. But something had scared Megan… He decided to grab his soft air rifle and a baseball bat that was in his garage, and jump in the car.

Saturday Morning. 8:45am. Joy and Chazz’s house.

“Get the phone.” Chazz said, smacking his wife gently on the back.

“Wha?” Joy said, blinking. Oh the phone, she thought. Right. She grabbed her cell off the night stand. George’s picture stared back at her. “It’s George. That’s weird.” She sat up, hugging the blankets around her. “Morning George, what can I do for you?”

“Zombies. They are everywhere here. I think they got into Megan’s house. I’m going in to find her. “ Joy blinked again.

“What? What the hell are you talking about.” Chazz sat up at that one. “George? Did you say Zombies? Are you drunk or something?” In the background she could hear a low grumbly, gurgly noise. “George?!”

“No, I’m serious. Zombies. I’ve got to find Megan. Then we are heading to your house. You might want to call the police, or something.”

Joy turned to Chazz. “ Who do you call for Zombies? Police, or an Ambulance?”

“What the hell are you talking about.” Chazz asked.

“George is at Megan’s and says there are Zombies everywhere. He is going to find Megan and come here, and thinks we should call the police.”

“George,” Joy said into her phone. “What are the Zombies doing?” Chazz laughed, and turned on the tv, to catch the morning news. The Eye in the Sky Chopper is flying over the graveyard next to the hospital that exploded, and there are empty graves… lots of over turned gravestones…. And George on his cell phone. “George, you are on TV!”

“Really?” George looked up to see the helicopter, and then waved.

“Oh look, Meggie just came out of the house!” Joy said, looking at the TV screen.

George turned around. Joy and Chazz realize that something isn’t right.

“George… George… no George, don’t hug her! Oh My God! GEORGE!!!” They watched as George ran over to hug Megan, and then George dropped to the ground.

Joy dropped the phone as she watched George twitch, and stop moving. The helicopter feed stopped as Megan looked up, and everyone saw that she had a good part of George's scalp in her one hand, and blood on her face. Megan smiled. Joy threw up.

Chapter 12 - I see you...

2009-11-06T21:13:00.000-08:00

Chapter 12 – I see you…

“Tell me what you see, sister!” Oswald yelled. Frieda sat stone-faced. There was a time when she had feared her brother, but she had learned that he needed her, and that there was no way he could rule without her.

“What do you want to know, brother.” She droned. There was no love there, only a need to survive. She was the daughter of the king, but had no real rights. The only thing keeping her safe was Oswald, and the only thing Oswald wanted from her was her gift.

“I want to know where Katharine is now. My men tell me she is in Charland, preparing to marry Dane, but you said that they would not be wed this week, you said that they did not want to wed! Now tell me, sister, what do you see?” He pounded his fist on the table, his face a bright red. Frieda gazed into the pool of water and concentrated. She could see faces, and suddenly she was lost in a swirl of liquid light, as if she were underwater looking up at the world. She concentrated harder, and the world became clear again.

“I see Katharine and Dane, together, but… They don’t know each other. They are on horseback, on a picnic? Alone. It is the countryside…” She trailed off. She looked around, but did not recognize the land. She had never seen it before. “There is a small village in the distance. It does not look familiar. They are laughing… “ She stopped. They looked like they were in love. Katharine touched Dane’s arm, like her mother used to touch the King. Frieda wanted someone to look at her the way that Dane looked at Katharine. Frieda did not want her brother to know that they were in love. He would hold off his plan if he thought that they were not going to be wed.

“Inconceivable!” Oswald hollered. “If they are not at Charland Castle than who is? And where are they?” His hollered and stomping about broke her concentration, and she was thrust back through the swirling liquid into her own sad reality. She blinked at the dimness of the room. “Where would a prince and a princess go to hide?” He asked no one. His eyebrows, once furrowed, now raised, and he looked almost excited. “Perhaps… Yes! That has to be it!” He dropped a bag on the table and left the room, without another word.

She wondered how much he had left her this time. She spilled the contents of the bag onto the table. She sighed. The gold and silver coins were scarcely more than what her cook made in a moon, but hardly enough for what she was planning. She needed to get away from Oswald, to somewhere safe. If he kept giving her a mere pittance, than she would never be able to save enough… She wondered if he knew she was planning to run away, to meet the handsome man in her visions. The one who helped King Edward. He was a strong beautiful man, with such kindness in his eyes…

Chapter 11 – Dukes past may come back to haunt him

2009-08-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

They made their way back to the gardens, Elizabeth’s hand holding tightly to Duke’s arm. She was a bit chilly, now that the glow of the pub was behind them. Duke felt her shiver, and he paused. He took off his cloak and put it around her. Now the smell of him enveloped her, and she was entranced.

“Tell me about you…Dane. What are you really like.” Elizabeth asked. “We have heard a great many rumor about you.” Duke looked down at her.

“Oh really, what do they say about me in Moscovia?” Duke asked, amused.

“They say that you are a womanizer, a different pub wench every night, That you are a loud, drunken fool. That’s what they say about the Prince of Charland.” She looked up at him.

“Do not worry, as a Prince, I would never act that way.” He said, dryly.

“Oh good, who would want to marry a man like that?” She said happily. She leaned into him a bit. He suddenly felt horribly sick inside. Perhaps it was better that she was intended for someone else…

When they arrived back, Duke escorted her to her room, where Sarah was waiting to help her get ready for bed.

Katharine and Dane - Chapter 10– Katharine meets Dane

2009-06-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

“Lady Anne!” Dane enthused, “You look lovelier than ever!” Anne hugged the young Prince. She had always adored the boy. She was sad to hear that he did not want to marry Katharine.

He looked around. Not much had changed since the last time that he had visited. The only thing that was really different this time was that there was not as much pomp and circumstance at his arrival. Not being the prince for a week or so could be fun.

“Duke! It is so nice to see you.” Lady Anne winked at him. “Please let me show you to your rooms!” She led him and his few servants to the rooms that had been prepared for them.

“Now,” She said, “Elizabeth will be here soon, and I really want you to meet her. She would be a good catch for a man like you. She’s sweet, kind, a little sheltered, though. Rarely gets out of the castle, but that’s to be expected y’know.” She smiled, “I think you will really like her.”

He wondered if this sweet, sheltered handmaiden was pretty…not that he was all that interested. After all this week he was Duke! Duke didn’t hang around just one woman, he wasn’t tied down. He was free! He could have any woman he wanted, and some that he didn’t want too… Yes, he would really enjoy this week.

He looked around and saw that the servants had already finished unpacking his things. He wondered if there was time to clean up before he met this Elizabeth.

He heard the announcement that someone had arrived, and ventured toward the main entryway. It was some old noble man from Moscovia, no one of great interest. He wandered out the back and into the garden, toward the stable, he loved to ride horses.

“I wonder if Elizabeth likes horses…” He asked aloud to no one in particular. “Well, I guess I’ll find out.” He decided. Then he wandered back inside, past the library, and the small reception area. He was surprised at the lack of young women about. He had remembered Anne’s retreat always having a number of young ladies, usually the daughters of nobility.

“Duke!” He heard one of his servants bellow. “Lady Anne has requested your presence at the Main Entrance.” He quickened his pace.

“Thank you George” Dane patted the man on the back. Good old George, he was a loyal servant, always willing to do a little extra.

“Duke, there you are. You just wandered off…” Anne shook her head at him. He smiled. “Elizabeth is arriving… Straighten your shirt.” He did as he was told. He looked down at his pants to make sure that there was no visible dirt, and as he looked up, she entered.

She was not at all what he had expected. This was a handmaiden? She was slim, pale, with long brown hair. She wore a blue riding gown, that brought out her sparkling blue eyes. Her skin was so milky, and looked quite soft, belying pampering – not hard work. She smiled at Anne, and he melted a little. Her voice was like a songbird…her voice…Oh! She was talking! Had she said something to him? No, he blinked, almost back to reality, she was embracing Anne, and the two women were chatting.

“Duke of Cardborough,” Anne said, holding Katharine’s hand, “This is Elizabeth, handmaiden to the Princess of Moscovia.” Katharine curtsied, and Dane bowed.

“I am quite pleased to meet you.” Dane said taking her hand. He gently kissed the back of her hand, and Katharine felt electricity run up her spine.

“And I you, m’Lord” She said, almost breathless. This Duke was young, and very handsome. His build was muscular, but not bulky. His hair was dark, and thick. He was dressed well. His eyes were so dark they were almost black. She felt she would get lost in them if he held her gaze much longer.

“Come Elizabeth.” Lady Anne interjected. “We need to get you to your rooms. You will need to get ready for dinner.” Yes, rooms, dinner, of course. Katharine collected herself.

“Thank you.” She desperately wanted to get away from this man before she forgot everything she had been taught about propriety. His very presence unnerved her so, that she just wanted to run and hide. His smell was still with her as they reached her rooms. Anne hugged her niece again, and left her with the servants. She had a few words for Dane.

“Young man!” She hissed at him. “How could you look at that young woman that way? Can I trust you with her this week?” She was not as sure as her sister was that this man should be left alone with Katharine. Prince or no, Anne had seen the look in his eyes, and she knew what men could be capable of.

“I am no monster madam!” Dane was hurt, and a little shocked that he was so transparent. He had been thinking of terribly inappropriate things. “She will be perfectly safe with me.” Anne looked at him. If it had been the real Duke standing there, she would have put an end to the nonsense then and there, but Dane was not the rogue his best friend was, no matter what the rumors said. She sighed.

“She is completely innocent, and I expect that she will leave the same way!” Anne stated. “See to it.” She said, leaving in a huff.

Perhaps being Duke was not so great…Especially when he was not in his own kingdom. He really wanted to see Elizabeth again. He wondered what she had thought of him.

Apologies. Life is getting in the way!!

2009-06-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

So my real life is getting in the way of getting the story out to you. I have been trying to get too many things going at once. I should know better by now, but obviously I don't. Expect to see a chapter up tonight or tomorrow morning, and then an updated schedule for when the updates will come.

Thank you for reading!

its back!!!

2009-05-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

ok - so I have patched the hole, and will be back on track this weekend, if not earlier.

Thanks for reading!

I found a hole!!!

2009-04-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

So as I post, I read ahead a few chapters, to make sure everythign still flows right... and found a tiny hole in the plot. Now, I could leave it alone... but I really can't, so I will probably not post again until Thursday or Friday.

Katharine and Dane - Chapter 9 - Dinner and a Brew?

2009-04-09T18:11:00.000-07:00

“Here we go my dear.” He said, offering Elizabeth his hand. “Let us make ourselves scarce.” She smiled sweetly at him, and his heart flipped about in his chest. She had looked so uncomfortable making small talk and nibbling at the massive amounts of food that were in front of them. He hoped a walk in the garden would help her relax. “I’ll show you the garden. Its lovely.” She took his arm, and he led her out of the dining hall.

She wasn’t sure she wanted to be alone with him, but she certainly was happy to get out of there. All the people staring at her, she felt so out of place. Could they tell that she didn’t belong? She hoped not. She did what she was told. Try a little of everything, and eat more of what she really liked, but there was so much. She wasn’t used to big dinners. She mostly went to parties where there was dancing, and only a little food. Katharine usually took her meals in the garden, or her chambers. When it was cold, they would take meals in the library, where she and Katharine would sit and knit around the fireplace. Sometimes she would bring the little bit of mending in, and work on it there too. She missed Katharine. She sighed.

“Are you alright my sweet?” He said, warmly. He looked down at her. She seemed melancholy. He wondered if she missed her intended…

“I miss…. Elizabeth.” She hoped he caught her meaning, which was two fold. He nodded. “She and I were always together, and… it’s hard to be away from her for so long.” She would miss both Katharine, and herself. She knew she had to do her best to be Katharine for now.

Duke understood. It must be hard to be away from home, away from the person you have served for so long. It must also be hard to have to be someone else… He knew it was hard for him.

“Tell me about your real life. We are alone… and I would like to know.” He wanted to know how much she had said before was really her and how much was Katharine.

“Well, its mostly the same, we go everywhere together, she is the best friend I have. I guess the only real difference is I have freedom. I can walk through town, or get an ale at the local pub if I would like.” He raised his eyebrows.

“You like ale?” She looked up at him. He seemed amused.

“I know its not proper, but I do enjoy a pint.” She giggled. “Actually I could go for one right now.” His eyes lit up. A pint? Now?

“Let’s see if we can get to the pub. I know one just a short walk from here.” He looked around, he saw Michael standing in the entryway to the Main hall. He motioned to him.

Michael walked over, unsure of what the Duke could want. “Yes, Dane?” He looked from Duke to Elizabeth. They were obviously smitten, which was dangerous, and interesting at the same time. He had never seen Duke smitten before.

“Elizabeth would like to go to the pub… and I would like permission to take her.” Duke asked, more timidly than he intended.

“Are you crazy?” Michael whispered, “This delicate woman at a Pub?” Elizabeth looked from Duke to Michael. She wasn’t used to be considered delicate.

“Please Michael?” She batted her eyelashes at him. “I would love to have a nice ale.” Michael couldn’t deny her. She was such a sweet young girl. He looked around.

“If Edward and Christine find out we are all dead. Take 2 guards. Do not be long.” He warned harshly. Michael waved over some guards.

“Thank you!” Elizabeth gushed, tempted to hug the gruff man. Instead she just touched his arm.

Duke led their little party to the Pub. It was just inside the main wall of the keep. Elizabeth knew that during the daytime the whole area would be bustling with vendors, selling animals, dried meats, mead, ale, vegetables, clothes, and household goods.

They walked into the smoky pub, and immediately were greeted with a resounding “Huzzah!” The two guards placed them at a table where everyone was visible. A wench came over and took their order. Elizabeth had an ale, and Duke got his usual. The wench looked at him funny. For a moment she thought that Dane was looking a bit odd, but decided that it was just the light.

“Are you here enough to have a usual?” Elizabeth asked. She wasn’t sure how often a Prince or a Duke should go to a pub, or how many times it took to have a “usual”. She knew that she did not have a “usual” at the pub in the Moscovia Castle keep. Duke laughed.

“Dear, I come here with… the Duke about once a week. And I am the Prince, a little more memorable than the average patron.” He winked at her. She laughed. She supposed that was true, a Duke or Prince would be a bit easier to remember than some regular citizen.

Their drinks arrived, and Elizabeth sipped her ale. It was warm, smooth, and a little tangy. Perfect. Duke had gotten a mead, he had forgotten that it was what Dane usually got. He sipped it, and watched Elizabeth enjoy her ale.

She was so beautiful. He put his hand on hers. She smiled. Maybe this week wouldn’t be so bad.

Katharine and Dane - Chapter 8 - Duke and Elizabeth meet

2009-04-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

“You play nice.” Christine hissed at Duke. “I don’t want any of your funny business.” Duke rolled his eyes. Why would he want some fat handmaiden? She was probably some horse faced, bucktoothed….goddess?

“Duke” King Edward bellowed. “I would like to present – Elizabeth.” They stared at each other. Duke just couldn’t bring himself to say anything. She was radiant, curvy, pale, luscious… Not like any servant girl he had ever seen. She had huge brown eyes, and a sweet smile.

Elizabeth didn’t know what to say, or do. Should she curtsy? Or what for him to speak? Perhaps he would kiss her hand? She had seen dukes do that in the Moscovia castle.

“Ahem.” Edward interrupted the awkward silence. “It is of utmost importance that outside of this room, you two are Dane and Katharine. You are in love. You are getting married in one week. Oswald’s spies are out there. I have no doubt that our servants are loyal, however I need everone to be cautious. Everyone understand?” He looked around. “Excellent. Well, it is almost time for supper. Dane m’boy, you need to get ready! Katharine, Sarah will attend to your dress, and hair. Off you go!”

Elizabeth had her doubts about the plan, some about herself, but most were about the Duke. He was attractive, no doubts there, but the way he looked at her, it made her stomach uneasy. She felt flushed, and off kilter. No one had ever looked at her like that before, she wasn’t sure that it was proper… but she liked it.

Up in Dane’s quarters, Duke transformed himself into his best friend. Michael cut Duke’s hair, and trimmed his beard. With Dane’s clothes on there was little difference between the men. Duke was a touch shorter, and more tanned, and slightly more muscular than Dane, but it would be difficult to tell without Dane around.

He hurried to get down to the hall before Elizabeth did. She took his breath away earlier, and he did not want a repeat performance at dinner. If he was there early he could prepare himself for when she was announced.

There was something about the girl that told him she was something special. She made him feel like no other woman had. He had laid eyes on everyone from nobility to bar wench, and none looked like that. None had eyes that seemed to touch his soul. None made him feel like baring his deepest thoughts. He wanted to touch her ivory skin, but was afraid she would break. He ached to run his fingers through her hair…

Christine would kill him if she knew he was thinking this way about Elizabeth. He was afraid of himself, at this point too, because he would have to touch her… court her… woo her as if she were to be his.

But she would never be his, he knew that. He would never have Elizabeth, not the way he had had other women. Christine had made that perfectly clear. He could face horrible repercussions if he cross Christine. He feared he would have to, as he was not sure he could control himself. Perhaps if she were terribly boring… that would certainly make it easier. Well, he comforted himself, how exciting could being a reclusive princess’s handmaiden be?

“Dane, m’boy?” Bellowed King Edward, giving Duke a bit of a start. “Come, sit. As usual the women are taking their time.”

Duke sat in Dane’s chair. He looked at the four head chairs. They were ornate, and padded. All the other tables had benches, the first two rows had padding, but after that were just hard wood.

Duke looked across the table at the chair that Elizabeth would be sitting in, next to the Queens chair. It was a perfect reflection of the chair he sat in now. The Queen chair was a reflection of the Kings. Before Duke could put more thought into why this may be, he heard an annoyed cough from the back of the room. Edward and Duke looked up and saw Christine at the back of the room.

“Ah, yes, propriety m’boy, Christine will be most strict about this tonight. Come, let’s not upset her.” Duke rose and followed the King out of the main dining hall. There was a reception room off to the side, where they would wait until everyone else was seated.

“Then you and Dane will go in, followed by Edward and I”, Christine was explaining to Elizabeth. Duke paused at the doorway, staring at Elizabeth in her deep green dress. Her hair was braided, and a crown sat on her head. She wore it well. There was a ring on her finger, and he knew it was meant for Katharine, as a gift from Dane.

“Dane!” Christine snapped. “Are you listening?” She crossed her arms. He stared at her blankly. “Oh, never mind. Now, when you are announced escort Katharine down the aisle, we will try to keep people away from the crowd. Just be sure to use the correct names.” She practically whispered. Then she took Duke by the arm. “ You stop looking at her like that. She is not intended for you.” The words were barely audible, but he could hear the venom in her voice.

“Then who is she intended for? Does he know where she is? What she is doing?” He shot back.

Christine was puzzled by Duke’s apparent concern, as was Duke. Why did he care who she was intended for? All he had to do was get through this week, and he would be rid of her. Duke decided that it would be a good time to quench his curiosity and talk to Elizabeth, see how boring she was.

“So, Katharine, what do you do all day in the castle. Anything interesting? Or is all quite boring?” King Edward rolled his eyes and Christine looked at them both quizzically.

“Well” She said at last, her voice was like honey. “There really isn’t all that much to do, with all the servants around.” She swallowed. Elizabeth was so nervous, and he was looking at her strangely again. “I enjoy horseback riding when father will allow it. I love to stroll through the gardens as often as I can, the gardener loves to tell me all about the flowers. Occasionally Father lets Elizabeth and I sit in on his meetings. He believes it will make me a better wife, a better helper for him.” Elizabeth found it easier to talk about Katharine’s life, because it was her life too. Katharine had always insisted that Elizabeth go with her everywhere. Elizabeth knew it was not solely for Katharine’s sake, but also for Elizabeth’s. It was not every servant that got to go out in the middle of the day, go horseback riding, or attend parties.

“Really?” Duke finally managed. “You like horses?” her eyes lit up, and Duke was floating on air. They talked about horses up until they were announced.

Katharine and Dane - Chapter 7 - Elizabeth's Arrival

2009-04-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

The very next day Elizabeth arrived at Charland Castle. She was greeted like royalty. Even though she knew it was all a ruse, it still felt so real! She has always wondered what it would be like to be Katharine, and now she would get to find out.

She knew she looked enough like Katharine to fool the people of Charland, and Oswald’s spies, but having never met the Duke or the Prince, she could only hope that they were similar enough to fool Oswald’s men.

There was a lot resting on this meeting, and the next few days. If Oswald’s spies suspected that Dane and Katharine were not in Charland, or knew of Edward and Douglas’ plan…there would be trouble, lots of trouble.

Edward could see so much of Katharine in Elizabeth, the way she walked, and held herself. He was impressed. She had the same chestnut hair, pale skin, slim figure. It was only up close that the illusion began to fail. Elizabeth had a slightly curvier figure, was about 3 inches taller. Katharine’s eyes were blue, while Elizabeth’s were a warm brown. The biggest difference Edward could see was that Elizabeth had a loud, kind, happy voice. Katharine had always had a more mellow, gentle quality to her voice, and rarely spoke. Elizabeth hadn’t stopped talking and asking questions of Christine since she had arrived. Edward smiled, and Christine patted the young woman’s shoulder.

“Child, child, please slow down… All will be answered shortly.” Christine soothed. “All your bags are already being taken to your quarters.” She motioned for one of her ladies to come forward. “This is Sarah, she will attend to you while you are here. She will arrange for anything you need.”

Elizabeth was speechless, looking back and forth between Sarah and the Queen. She got a servant? But…how would that work? She didn’t know how to order anyone around…

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” She finally got out. “I would like to go freshen up before I meet…”

“Dane?” Edward interrupted. “Oh yes Katharine, of course you would!” Oh, yes, Dane, she thought to herself.

“Your highness?” Sarah asked meekly, “May I show you to your bath? I had one drawn for you, it should be ready now. Please, follow me.” Elizabeth nodded, and followed. This would certainly be interesting. She rarely got a real bath, though Katharine had insisted that Elizabeth get a nice bath as often as she could get away with it. Elizabeth realized just how much like sisters the two girls had become, and yet how different they still were. Elizabeth remembered sharing a bath with Katharine when they were little, splashing each other, and getting in trouble for making everything in the bathroom wet. She smiled…

“Here are your quarters, m’lady.” Sarah gestured, “Shall I assist you with your dress?” Elizabeth paused. Then nodded. She felt odd being helped. Not having to do so much for herself. She had always had some help, but not like this. The young servant girl undid the stays on the back of the dress, and Elizabeth stepped out of the simple green riding dress. She felt so naked in just her chemise, but she knew that it was normal to see Katharine in hers… and that the girl helping her would not feel at all awkward. “ The bath is this way m’lady.” There was a beautiful screen, and behind it a tub, much like the one in Katharine’s room. “Can I assist you further?” The young woman asked cautiously. Sarah was not sure how to handle the Princess. She had been told that Katharine was cranky, and could fly off the handle at any moment, yell and scream over the smallest misstep. She had seen no indication of this so far, but didn’t want to chance it.

“No, thank you Sarah. I’d like a little privacy.” Elizabeth said, gently. She smiled gratefully at the young servant girl. Sarah excused herself, and left very, very confused.

Katharine and Dane - Chapter 6 – Douglas and Rebecca's deception

2009-03-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

“Douglas, do you think it’s right?” Lamented Queen Rebecca, “Lying to our only child?” Poor sweet innocent Katharine, she thought to herself.

“It would seem we have no choice. Besides, maybe she will learn to love him this way. Just like I learned to love you.” He loved to watch Rebecca blush.

“Alright, alright. So what are we supposed to tell her?” A smile played on Douglas’ lips.

“Father” She said slowly, “What are you saying? Elizabeth marries the Prince? And I go to Aunt Anne’s? I must say I am a little confused.” Katharine sat on her bed.

“Well, my child, Dane needs a bride, and we promised Edward and Christine… Since you wouldn’t marry him, Elizabeth agreed to go in your stead.” Douglas felt a little bad lying to her, but he was hopeful it would all turn out for the best. “It wouldn’t be appropriate for you to be there, and we cant have you here so close to the marriage deadline. Besides the Duke of Cardborough will be at Aunt Anne’s house, and he should be excellent company. He could be a good match…”

“I don’t know Father. Isn’t he one of Dane’s friends?” Katharine eyed her parents warily.

“Give the man a sporting chance, and it’s only for a week.” Rebecca interjected. Katharine shrugged.

“What could it hurt. I suppose I will pack for the trip.” She felt some relief, a little bit of triumph. Though there was a twang of guilt. Her reluctance to marry had forced her best friend into a marriage. Now she was being sent away, essentially to hide out from Oswald.

She hated this, all of it. The having to grow up, be an adult, but still not able to make her own decisions. She had to marry someone, but she didn’t really like men, they were rude and mean. Men killed other men over stupid things… They lied, and cheated. There were some men like her father who were kind and just, but she had never met anyone else like that, though Kind Edward was a nice enough man, the few times that she had met him.

She packed, while she thought about her future husband. She just wanted someone kind, gentle, and fair. Who didn’t want to rule the world, just wanted the best for his subjects.

She would see of this Duke fellow was worth her time… what precious little time she had left…

Character Intro - Michael

2009-03-29T17:41:00.000-07:00

Michael is King Edwards highest ranking manservant. He is the most loyal, trustworthy and sincere man in the castle. He is honest, and very thorough in his work. He often takes notes during the kings meetings. Edward is known to hold his opinions in high regard.

Katharine and Dane - Chapter 5 – Duke and King

2009-03-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

Around dinnertime, the Duke entered the Castle. The King’s right hand man, Michael, greeted him.

“Michael, I seek counsel with his majesty. Dane has sent me here to speak with him on a very important matter.” Michael rolled his eyes, as the Duke was prone to eloquent speech, without much substance.

“Your Highness. Reginald, Duke of Cardborough is here to see you.” Michael knew how much the Duke disliked his first name, and used it as often as was permissible.

“Ah Duke, So good to see you. No doubt you are here at Dane’s request.” Edward clapped the young man on the back. Christine at him from her seat in front of the fire.

“Don’t you think we should be alone?” The Duke replied, haughtily. Edward snorted, Christine furrowed her brow, and Michael rolled his eyes again.

“Son, sit. We need to talk. Michael, take notes.” Edward sat in his huge chair behind his huge desk. “Dane has filled her head with ideas, I’m sure. He’s got you thinking that you are going to marry Katharine, and be King.” Duke squirmed uncomfortably. “That is not going to happen.” Relief swept over the Duke. “Instead, you are going to lie to Dane, and tell him you will, and then you will help host Elizabeth, Katharine’s handmaiden, while she is here. You will encourage Dane to go to Lady Anne’s house to relax.” Some of Duke’s ego seemed to have deflated.

“Sire, I do not understand what good any of this will do.” Duke replied, while wondering what Elizabeth looked like, probably fat…

“that is not for you to know at this time. Michael will arrange for you and Elizabeth to stay here at the Castle, and you will have plenty of time to spend with her. You will find her a bright girl with a great personality. I believe you will enjoy her company.” Wonderful, Duke thought, Smart, fat, and friendly, not exactly his idea of a great date.

“If you even think, about trying any of your usual antics with her… “Christine interjected, “there will be hell to pay.” The look on her face told him he she was very serious.

“You’ll be wise to stay in our good graces.” Edward said, cordially, but there was a threat lying beneath it. “Dane will be no worse for wear when he returns from Anne’s. Don’t worry about him.” Duke had almost forgotten about him.

“I wont,” Duke finally spat out. Edward excused him, and Michael showed him out Edward smiled at his wife, and she smiled back, not letting on the unease that she felt.

If Dane uncovered their deception before the time was right, all would be lost. She also worried about handing Elizabeth over to the over sexed Duke. Elizabeth was no angel, but she was still a naïve virgin. Christine wanted to see her leave still a virgin, tho maybe not so naïve.

Edward watched his wife, lost in thought. He knew she was worried, it showed on her face. He also knew that she trusted him completely.

“I love you.” He said, kissing her worried forehead. “Everything will turn out alright in the end. Trust me.”

Katharine and Dane - Chapter 4 – Dane and King

2009-03-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

Chapter 4 – Dane and King

“You want I should tell Douglas and Rebecca that instead of you marrying their one and only child, that your sleazy, self absorbed best friend will the be the lucky man… Right.” Edward said. “and what says the Duke of all this?” Dane grinned.

“He said wonderful things, wonderful things.” Dane answered, happy to no have to lie.

“Alright then. Send me the Duke. I’ll chat with him on the subject. You are not out of all this yet m’boy. And I hold you responsible for any wrongs that come from this.” Edward warned.

“I have a bad feeling about this.” Christine murmured. As her son exited the room.

“Don’t worry my dear, don’t worry.” Edward whispered into his dear wife’s ear. He was grateful for the beautiful woman he had married. She was such a blessing, like Katharine would be for Dane. “This calls for drastic measures. If only our fathers were still around. They tricked you into marrying me…” He said, kissing her nose.

“And I have never forgiven him for it,” Christine teased. Edward laughed.

Character Intro - Duke of Cardborugh

2009-03-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

Reginald, Duke of Cardborough - The Duke dislikes his given name, and goes simply by "Duke". He has inherited the title when his father passed away when Duke was only 8 years old. His mother was less than affectionate towards the boy after her husband passed away. The young Duke grew up along side Prince Dane, as their families had always been quite close, and they were paired together for sword fighting, and horse riding lessons. The Duke is a known ladies man, who has no plans for marriage. His mother passed away 2 years previous to the beginning of this story.

Katharine and Dane - Chapter 3 - Dane and the Duke

2009-03-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

“Look, Dane, I don’t know what you want to hear, but I say marry the shrew.” Duke paused to check out the barmaid. “She’s beautiful, she’s virginal, and she’s a princess. You get the added bonus of uniting two kingdoms. More troops, more land, more money, more power. Where do you lose?” Dane knew that there would be no getting Duke to be on his side. Unless…

“Then you marry her.” Duke almost choked on his beer. “You’ll get to be King, and a hero. Everyone wins.” Dane knew that he had Duke, if he denied the idea, then he would have to take back what he said.

“But you are promised to her, not me. There is no way her parents would agree to this – I have a reputation.” Well earned Dane surmised, as Duke winked at a pretty lass. It may be harder than he thought.

“We shall see.” Dane said, standing. “I’ll talk to my father.”

And so he did.

Character Intro - Katharine and Elizabeth

2009-03-24T16:48:00.001-07:00

Katharine - Second born to Queen Rebecca and King Douglas. Almost 16 years of age when the story begins. Her older Brother Brendon died when she was very young, it has affected every part of her life.

Elizabeth - handmaiden, and best friend of Princess Katharine. She is fiercely loyal, fond of boys, and very impressionable. She thinks she knows a lot about men, but doesn't.

Katharine and Dane - Chpater 2 - Katharine's Rant

2009-03-24T16:46:00.000-07:00

“Why did God give me this burden?” She lamented. “To choose between two men I despise… If I do not marry Dane, I shall almost certainly be forced to marry Oswald.” She shuddered at the mere thought of marrying that old man. Ugly…brutish…and those were his good qualities. “Oh Elizabeth, what do I do?” Her handmaiden, and best friend, what would she do with her?

“Kay..There’s only one choice. Marry Dane.” She said… Katharine pouted, well of course Elizabeth would side with her parents. “I hear he’s handsome, strong, lean…easy on the eyes.” Katharine laughed. Elizabeth loved to look at men, and they seemed to love to look at her too.

“But dear Elizabeth, what of the rumors? His many ladies. The bars, the wenches…these are not the things that make a good King, or a good husband.” Elizabeth frowned, Katharine had a good point. What good is a good looking man if everyone else has already had a good look?

“I do not envy you this decision, but remember not to let your pride get in the way of what’s best for the kingdom.” Elizabeth warned, then left her with her thoughts. She didn’t want to marry Oswald, that for certain, but what of Dane? If the rumors were proved true, she would be stuck with an immoral, sex crazed maniac. She certainly didn’t want that either! There must be another way, she thought to herself, Someone else, ANYONE else. But who? She’d talk to Elizabeth about it some more later. She knew that she would give her good advice.