Joey made a face of annoyance at her reflection in the mirror as she untangled her hair. "Jen, I'm going to need your help choosing what to wear."

"You look beautiful in everything." Jen said with a smile. "Although..." She looked through the bureau, "You do look positively stunning in the silver one."

"It does not matter much to me as long as it is clean."

"Perhaps Lord Fulton will be to your satisfaction."

"We shall see," she said with a sigh.

"This one, definitely." Jen held the dress up to her friend. "No man will be able to tear their eyes from you."

Joey smiled faintly and eyed the intricate silver thread. It didn't matter what she wore, it would only pale in comparison to Jen. Jen was beautiful with her lovely blond hair, warm hazel eyes, the perfect upturned nose, full pink lips and breasts. While Joey was just...tall. Jen was the pretty one and she was the tall one. She wasn't jealous--okay perhaps she was a little jealous, but she'd grown use to it.

"Well, shall you put it on or no? I could get another one if you like?"

"No, I'll wear it."

Jen smiled, "Your father will grow impatient." She laid the dress out and helped Joey out of her dressing gown.

"I'll have to hurry then."

"We have never had such a celebration as this." Jen said, helping her into the complicated dress. "Why don't you appear more excited?"

"Bessie's going to be married," Joey said with another sigh. "Do you know what that means?"

"That soon we shall have babies in the nursery," Jen said with a happy sigh.

Joey rolled her eyes. "I'll probably have to be married soon."

"Well, yes." She frowned, "Do you still wish not to marry?"

"Not if I have any say it."

"I think one day you will sing another tune."

"I hope not."

"Someday you will meet that man that makes your heart pound and insist your father let you marry immediately." She smiled, "It will be horribly romantic, and you'll come to me and say. 'Jen, you were so very right.'"

Joey laughed as she took a step back. "And here I thought you'd have more sense by this age. Still a hopeless romantic as ever."

"Perhaps not so hopeless." She said with a secretive smile.

"Now how do I look?"

Jen sighed in pleasure, "Stunning."

Joey smiled. "Thank you. We should go before my father sends someone after us."

Jen glanced at herself in the looking glass, she was nothing compared to Joey. "I guess we shall go."

Joey took her hand and gave it a soft squeeze. "Let us off then."

Jen held open the thick wooden door, and into the hallway. The wedding party was in full swing below, loud and merry. The spicy scents of the huge feast permeated the room. Bessie sat regally beside her father, her husband beside her, as he indulged in the meal.

"Hopefully I'll be able to sneak off after a while without anyone noticing," Joey murmured under her breath before heading inside.

"Just be careful." Jen murmured. Spotting Pacey she smiled shyly. "Would you mind if I join him in a dance?"

"No, go on. I'll be fine."

"Thank you," she kissed Joey quickly on the cheek, "I will be back soon."

The corner of her mouth turned up slightly. "I'll let father know I'm here." Jen bounced off to greet Pacey, her blond curls styled perfectly to fashion. He grinned at her, and bestowed a kiss on her hand.

Joey watched them for a moment sadly before looking away. With Bessie married, it was only a matter of time before she was expected to do the same. Jen seemed to think marriage was some great deal while Joey could only imagine a stifling prison, with what little freedom she had taken away from her. She couldn't imagine all the responsibilities she'd be boggled down with and she couldn't picture herself married to someone like—Lord Dawson Leery.

She looked for a hall to duck into so she could avoid the blonde that was heading her way. She supposed any other girl would be happy with Dawson and he could be considered handsome with his blonde hair, soulful hazel eyes and smooth lips, one could overlook how large his forehead seemed. He was also rather nice to talk too. The problem was that he talked too much. He bored her to tears and she had to restrain herself from casting a spell that would seal his lips temporarily, but she couldn't deny how fond her father was of him. The knowing looks he sent her way. Her father would probably be quite happy if she chose to wed Dawson Leery.

And now that Bessie was married Dawson Leery was only going to be the first of many her father paraded in front of her.

"Your majesty, what could possibly have put that scowl upon your beautiful face?" Pacey wondered, catching her by surprise.

"Be quiet," Joey whispered glancing out at the crowd. "I don't want Dawson to see me."

"Of course not," he whispered back. "Come on." He took her hand, and led her away from the party.

She smiled. "Where are we going?"

"Away from Dawson, of course." He pulled her into a store room off to the side of the main hall. "Here."

"Where did Jen go?"

"I think she went for some food, I don't really know."

"Oh."

"Dance with me, Princess?"

"You can barely hear the music in here."

"Don't break a poor peasant's heart with paltry details." He pouted.

She smiled softly. "Well I suppose as long as you promise not to step on my feet."

"I swear," he promised taking her hand and pulling her closer.

"Where did you learn how to dance anyway?"

"Jen taught me," He replied simply. He touched a curl of her hair, "You look beautiful."

Her breath caught in her throat for a second before she released it sharply and rolled her eyes. "I do not."

"No, you do." He frowned, "You should see yourself as I do. You draw the eyes of everyone in the room to you." His hands, warm and strong, moved over her arms. "You are entrancing, Joey"

She laughed lightly suppressing a small shiver. "Oh, I am sure," she said with mock seriousness. She sighed. "I'll have to be married now."

"Perhaps Merlin could convince your father against it." He chuckled, "You may think you're changing the subject, but you are by far the most beautiful woman, inside and out, in this castle."

She grinned. "What about Jen?"

He leaned forward to whisper in her ear, "Do not say so to Jen, but you exceed her beauty by far."

The corner of her mouth turned up slightly. "I'll never speak of it."

He glanced down to the ground, to discover they were floating a few feet above the rushes. Swirls of blue and purple surrounding them. "How did that happen?"

Her eyes widened in surprise and she tightened her fingers on his arms. "Oh my."

"Must be the magic," he mumbled.

"How do we get down?"

He smiled, "Can't we just stay like this for awhile?" He wondered, his index finger tracing the sinew of her neck.

She shut her eyes for a moment and inhaled deeply. "Hmm...I suppose."

He was quiet for a few moments, holding her closer than was considered appropriate. "Is your father really intent on forcing you to marry some undeserving noble?"

"I'll have to marry eventually. Even if I don't want to."

"You don't want to?"

She shook her head. "No, I do not."

"What do you want instead? You aren't thinking of joining a nunnery, are you?"

She laughed. "No, I am not."

"What else is there for a woman?" He asked quietly, his fingers moving into her hair of their own accord.

"Exactly," she sighed. "Once I get married I'll have no freedom at all."

"Not all men would take away your freedom. I would not."

She smiled. "Then I shall marry you and all my problems would be solved."

"Your father would not allow it." Pacey replied seriously, disappointment tingeing his words.

"No," she said with a heavy heart. "He would not. Speaking of my father, I should go before he wonders where I am."

"If you must." He glanced to the ground, they were only a few inches from touching now. He released her and they drifted back safely to the floor.

"That was very strange." She avoided meeting his eyes.

"I'll ask Merlin about it. Perhaps he has heard of such a thing." He sighed.

"Perhaps..." She leaned over and brushed her lips against his cheek. "I'll see you later, Pacey."

"Right." He smiled weakly as he watched her go.

The hushed whisper of two voices in a side room went unheard by the revelers in the great hall. "There is nothing I could do," a woman's voice, insistent and melancholy.

"You could have said no." A man's voice, petulant and morose.

"And then what? I'd have been banished to a nunnery, at the very least. At worst--"

"Do not say it."

"You should not have pulled me aside. People will wonder. What of my husband?"

"Your husband," the man sneered the word, "Is of no concern of mine."

"Fine, if he does not concern you, what of my father? Dominic, he would kill you if he knew of us." Her words were pleading.

"Your father too, I care not for. It is you that I love."

"And I you, you must know that, but--" Her words were cut off.

"Shhh, let's speak no more of it now. A few stolen seconds are a treasure. We shant waste them." There was silence, save for their soft breathing as they kissed in the dim light of the room.

She spoke first, "I must go." The fabric of her dress rustled as she moved away. "'Tis my wedding night."

"And how will your Prince feel to find his bride ruined?" Dominic's words were cold.

"He will not notice, Dom." She said quietly, "I have made sure of that." She turned away and paused before running back to him, throwing her arms around his neck. "I may have wed him in name, but you are my true husband. In heart, body and soul, my love."

He held her tightly, his face buried in her cascade of honey brown hair. "I shall find a way, Bessie," he hissed. "We will be together."

She nodded her head, withdrawing from his arms, her faith in his words lacking. "Goodnight, Dominic." She kissed his cheek and fled the room, leaving him alone in the darkness to pace for five minutes before he too, took his leave.

Joey stepped out from behind the shadows that she'd hidden in to escape the party after she'd spoken with her father. Her eyes were wide did her dear sister really marry when she loved another? And it was Dominic, no doubt, Joey had always found him rather abrasive. Bessie had always seemed the mistress of propriety and Joey still couldn't quite believe her ears.

"Joey!" Jen's familiar voice called down the hallway. A moment later she pushed the door open and peered inside. "I knew I'd find you in here," she grinned, taking her friends hands. "The most wonderful thing happened as I was dancing with Pacey earlier! I've been looking for you everywhere to tell you of it. 'Tis just like you to hide yourself away like this. Come on, you must return to the feast."

Joey shook her head clear of her thoughts and smiled benignly for her friend. "I will return eventually but not now. There is no great hurry, my father will scarcely notice that I'm gone."

"The King is about ready to send out a search party for you and your sister. 'Tis a good thing that she returned to the hall just moments ago." Jen danced in a happy little circle, her dress swinging around her feet, "I suppose we could wait a few minutes before going back. You would not believe how wonderful this night has been."

"Wonderful does not quite describe it," Joey murmured under her breath.

"You must guess," Jen decided, grinning at her friend as she slowed down, her cheeks pink.

She couldn't help but smile at her friend's excitement. "Oh Jen, you know I am not very good at this game."

"I shall help, do not worry. It happened between now and when I last saw you. Does that hint help you any?"

Joey laughed. "Not at all."

"If I say it involved Pacey...?"

Joey brushed her off with an exasperated smile. "Jennifer just tell me or we're likely to be here forever."

"He has kissed me!" She blurted out excitedly. "It was while we were dancing. Oh, Joey, 'twas so romantic! I thought he never would."

"Kissed you," Joey repeated softly almost inaudibly.

"Yes," she replied, her eyes dancing at the memory, completely unaware that her friend did not share her enthusiasm. "The corner of his mouth turned up in that teasing half-smiling way he has, and he just...pressed his lips to mine." She hugged her arms around herself. "The were so soft and warm...kind of dry though," she wrinkled her nose slightly. "But he made me tingle all the way down to my toes. It was wonderful." She sighed happily.

Joey managed a bright smile for her friend even though her stomach was in knots. "Really? Your toes?" she teased lightheartedly. "You must tell me everything."

Jen fixed her face into a pout, "That's all there was. We were dancing...then we kissed, and he disappeared. I have not seen him since." A horrible thought struck her, "You do not think that maybe I was... bad at it, do you?"

She shook her head and put a reassuring hand on her friend's arm while she smiled faintly. "Impossible."

She smiled, her spirits lifted, "I cannot wait to see him again. Do you think he shall try and kiss me once more?"

"I do not know," she said honestly.

"I hope so, it is ever so divine." She took Joey's hand and pulled her toward the door, "We should go back. Perhaps you shall find your prince tonight and steal a kiss."

She forced a grin. "As long as it's not from Dawson."

"Oh, he is not so bad. You may even like him." She gave her friend a secretive smile, "He is quite good looking."

"I suppose..."

"The feast is being presented," Jen announced as they approached the high table. "I do hope I will get to sit beside Pacey."

Joey merely smiled a little weakly and nodded her head.

Joey took her usual seat beside Bessie, and Jen down next to her grandmother. She felt a tug on her sleeve and turned to find Dominic at her side, leaning too close to her for comfort. "Princess, will you do me the honor of switching seats with me? I would be honored to sit next to the new bride on her wedding day, I wish to give her my blessing."

Joey cast an unsure look at her sister as she remembered what she'd been accidentally witness to. "If my sister does not mind..."

Bessie smiled warmly at Dominic, not even glancing at her little sister. "Not at all."

Joey held back a grimace. "Very well then."

Dominic pulled out her chair for her, and gestured down the table to the empty seat beside Pacey, "My chair is over there."

She nodded and gazed longingly at Jen, who'd probably be the only person she knew willing to switch with her. The blonde's familiar giggle carried over the table as she smiled flirtatiously at Lord Dawson. They shared a trencher of food together and Dawson lifted a tiny morsel of sweetmeat to her lips for her. Jen didn't even notice her friend's pleading eyes.

Joey glared at her flirtatious friend before moving to sit beside Pacey since she was left with no other choice.

"Hello, Princess," he smiled at her. "You're a sight for my sore eyes. I could not stomach much more of Dom's brooding visage."

"Well you need not worry, he sits beside the bride now."

"So I see." He offered her a piece of baked apple. "I had wondered if you had disappeared to your chamber early."

She waved it away. "As if I could. I have responsibilities."

He nudged her with his elbow, "That has never stopped you before, my Princess."

Her stomach twisted further. "That was before, things are different now that Bessie is married."

"Really? Why? Things should not change just because she has taken a husband."

"But they will."

"What exactly do you believe will change. You are still you...you need only to put off marriage for things to remain the same."

She stiffened slightly. "I may not be able to put off marriage any longer."

His normally carefree visage turned serious, "And what will become of you if you marry? You know as well as I, that when you marry you will leave Camelot."

"I shall live with my husband and start a new life, perhaps have my own children one day."

He lowered his voice, "And your magic?"

She swallowed. "If I must, I will give it up."

"You cannot," he shook his head, his brown hair glinting in the firelight. "You have a gift, you cannot let it slip through your fingers to please your father."

"And I will not keep it and lose my father," she said simply. "Some things are far more important."

"Like love?" He threw back at her. Her words from an earlier conversation echoing in his mind.

She nodded. "I love my father and I shall do my best to love my husband, whomever he will be."

"Your father cannot love you much to give you away to the highest bidder."

She glared at him. "You don't know what you speak of."

"Oh, I don't? My father gave me to Merlin without qualm. For what purpose he wanted me, I do not know. It was plainly obvious that my father did not. I know what love is, and love is not keeping you from finding true love on your own."

Her eyes turned cold. "Just because your father did not want you, does not mean my father does not love me."

"If he truly loved you, than he would not force you to love who he chooses for you." Pacey's voice rose, "He would let you find love for yourself."

"The love you speak of is a stupid, silly, frivolous and fickle emotion. At least I know the man my father chooses for me is dependable and my choice will not be clouded." She climbed to her feet. "Now if you'll excuse me."

"Stupid and frivolous?" He repeated, rising and following behind her, ignoring Merlin's ice blue eyes as they followed he and Joey from the great hall. "You never thought that of your parents love!"

She whirled around angrily. "I was young and stupid then. What did I know!"

"No, the question isn't what you didn't know. It's what did you forget!? You told me love mattered more than anything in this world. What happened to that?"

"I've grown up, and what do you know? You value magic above all else!"

"I do not value magic above all else." He ground out through gritted teeth.

Her eyes began to water. "You know nothing about responsibility, family or duty! You're just a stupid boy who knows nothing!"

His blue eyes softened and he approached her, his hand outstretched to touch her arm, "Please don't cry, Joey."

She blinked away tears and backed away. "Do not touch me!"

He bit his lip, "What happened?" He asked quietly, "Before, in the storage room we were..."

Her jaw tightened and she lifted her chin, willed away tears. A mask of emotion that came with years of practice curtained her face. A princess revealed nothing except what she wanted. So when she spoke next her voice was cold. "I've allowed you far to many privileges when it comes too me. It is time we remember who we are."

His eyes darkened, "What are you talking about?"

"You know precisely what I mean." Her heart pounded mercilessly.

"You cannot mean that," he stuttered, "We have been friends more than a decade."

"We're older now. It's not appropriate."

"There is no reason for it to be." He scowled, "And how would you have me address you know, Princess?"

Her eyes threatened tears but she kept her face unmoving. "Properly as any other commoner would."

"I am not a commoner! I am your friend." He protested angrily.

She edged back a bit and shook her head. "Not anymore, you're not."

"You cannot change what there is between us," he shook his head, his voice low. "I will be your friend always, whether you are mine or not."

"Don't forget that you are beneath me, Pacey."

His eyes darkened and he bowed before her, his every movement tense, "I fear you shall forever remind me of that." His voice was horse, "Your Highness."

She looked away and said nothing, almost sure that her eyes would betray her. He turned and left, unable to stay in her presence for fear he'd try to shake some sense into her. He bypassed the great all and escaped into the cool air of the courtyard.

Joey escaped into the confines of her bedroom and it wasn't until the door was closed that she collapsed. She could no longer withhold the weight of tears and she let them flow freely. Oh God, what had she done?

Joey made a face of annoyance at her reflection in the mirror as she untangled her hair. "Jen, I'm going to need your help choosing what to wear."

"You look beautiful in everything." Jen said with a smile. "Although..." She looked through the bureau, "You do look positively stunning in the silver one."

"It does not matter much to me as long as it is clean."

"Perhaps Lord Fulton will be to your satisfaction."

"We shall see," she said with a sigh.

"This one, definitely." Jen held the dress up to her friend. "No man will be able to tear their eyes from you."

Joey smiled faintly and eyed the intricate silver thread. It didn't matter what she wore, it would only pale in comparison to Jen. Jen was beautiful with her lovely blond hair, warm hazel eyes, the perfect upturned nose, full pink lips and breasts. While Joey was just...tall. Jen was the pretty one and she was the tall one. She wasn't jealous--okay perhaps she was a little jealous, but she'd grown use to it.

"Well, shall you put it on or no? I could get another one if you like?"

"No, I'll wear it."

Jen smiled, "Your father will grow impatient." She laid the dress out and helped Joey out of her dressing gown.

"I'll have to hurry then."

"We have never had such a celebration as this." Jen said, helping her into the complicated dress. "Why don't you appear more excited?"

"Bessie's going to be married," Joey said with another sigh. "Do you know what that means?"

"That soon we shall have babies in the nursery," Jen said with a happy sigh.

Joey rolled her eyes. "I'll probably have to be married soon."

"Well, yes." She frowned, "Do you still wish not to marry?"

"Not if I have any say it."

"I think one day you will sing another tune."

"I hope not."

"Someday you will meet that man that makes your heart pound and insist your father let you marry immediately." She smiled, "It will be horribly romantic, and you'll come to me and say. 'Jen, you were so very right.'"

Joey laughed as she took a step back. "And here I thought you'd have more sense by this age. Still a hopeless romantic as ever."

"Perhaps not so hopeless." She said with a secretive smile.

"Now how do I look?"

Jen sighed in pleasure, "Stunning."

Joey smiled. "Thank you. We should go before my father sends someone after us."

Jen glanced at herself in the looking glass, she was nothing compared to Joey. "I guess we shall go."

Joey took her hand and gave it a soft squeeze. "Let us off then."

Jen held open the thick wooden door, and into the hallway. The wedding party was in full swing below, loud and merry. The spicy scents of the huge feast permeated the room. Bessie sat regally beside her father, her husband beside her, as he indulged in the meal.

"Hopefully I'll be able to sneak off after a while without anyone noticing," Joey murmured under her breath before heading inside.

"Just be careful." Jen murmured. Spotting Pacey she smiled shyly. "Would you mind if I join him in a dance?"

"No, go on. I'll be fine."

"Thank you," she kissed Joey quickly on the cheek, "I will be back soon."

The corner of her mouth turned up slightly. "I'll let father know I'm here." Jen bounced off to greet Pacey, her blond curls styled perfectly to fashion. He grinned at her, and bestowed a kiss on her hand.

Joey watched them for a moment sadly before looking away. With Bessie married, it was only a matter of time before she was expected to do the same. Jen seemed to think marriage was some great deal while Joey could only imagine a stifling prison, with what little freedom she had taken away from her. She couldn't imagine all the responsibilities she'd be boggled down with and she couldn't picture herself married to someone like—Lord Dawson Leery.

She looked for a hall to duck into so she could avoid the blonde that was heading her way. She supposed any other girl would be happy with Dawson and he could be considered handsome with his blonde hair, soulful hazel eyes and smooth lips, one could overlook how large his forehead seemed. He was also rather nice to talk too. The problem was that he talked too much. He bored her to tears and she had to restrain herself from casting a spell that would seal his lips temporarily, but she couldn't deny how fond her father was of him. The knowing looks he sent her way. Her father would probably be quite happy if she chose to wed Dawson Leery.

And now that Bessie was married Dawson Leery was only going to be the first of many her father paraded in front of her.

"Your majesty, what could possibly have put that scowl upon your beautiful face?" Pacey wondered, catching her by surprise.

"Be quiet," Joey whispered glancing out at the crowd. "I don't want Dawson to see me."

"Of course not," he whispered back. "Come on." He took her hand, and led her away from the party.

She smiled. "Where are we going?"

"Away from Dawson, of course." He pulled her into a store room off to the side of the main hall. "Here."

"Where did Jen go?"

"I think she went for some food, I don't really know."

"Oh."

"Dance with me, Princess?"

"You can barely hear the music in here."

"Don't break a poor peasant's heart with paltry details." He pouted.

She smiled softly. "Well I suppose as long as you promise not to step on my feet."

"I swear," he promised taking her hand and pulling her closer.

"Where did you learn how to dance anyway?"

"Jen taught me," He replied simply. He touched a curl of her hair, "You look beautiful."

Her breath caught in her throat for a second before she released it sharply and rolled her eyes. "I do not."

"No, you do." He frowned, "You should see yourself as I do. You draw the eyes of everyone in the room to you." His hands, warm and strong, moved over her arms. "You are entrancing, Joey"

She laughed lightly suppressing a small shiver. "Oh, I am sure," she said with mock seriousness. She sighed. "I'll have to be married now."

"Perhaps Merlin could convince your father against it." He chuckled, "You may think you're changing the subject, but you are by far the most beautiful woman, inside and out, in this castle."

She grinned. "What about Jen?"

He leaned forward to whisper in her ear, "Do not say so to Jen, but you exceed her beauty by far."

The corner of her mouth turned up slightly. "I'll never speak of it."

He glanced down to the ground, to discover they were floating a few feet above the rushes. Swirls of blue and purple surrounding them. "How did that happen?"

Her eyes widened in surprise and she tightened her fingers on his arms. "Oh my."

"Must be the magic," he mumbled.

"How do we get down?"

He smiled, "Can't we just stay like this for awhile?" He wondered, his index finger tracing the sinew of her neck.

She shut her eyes for a moment and inhaled deeply. "Hmm...I suppose."

He was quiet for a few moments, holding her closer than was considered appropriate. "Is your father really intent on forcing you to marry some undeserving noble?"

"I'll have to marry eventually. Even if I don't want to."

"You don't want to?"

She shook her head. "No, I do not."

"What do you want instead? You aren't thinking of joining a nunnery, are you?"

She laughed. "No, I am not."

"What else is there for a woman?" He asked quietly, his fingers moving into her hair of their own accord.

"Exactly," she sighed. "Once I get married I'll have no freedom at all."

"Not all men would take away your freedom. I would not."

She smiled. "Then I shall marry you and all my problems would be solved."

"Your father would not allow it." Pacey replied seriously, disappointment tingeing his words.

"No," she said with a heavy heart. "He would not. Speaking of my father, I should go before he wonders where I am."

"If you must." He glanced to the ground, they were only a few inches from touching now. He released her and they drifted back safely to the floor.

"That was very strange." She avoided meeting his eyes.

"I'll ask Merlin about it. Perhaps he has heard of such a thing." He sighed.

"Perhaps..." She leaned over and brushed her lips against his cheek. "I'll see you later, Pacey."

"Right." He smiled weakly as he watched her go.

The hushed whisper of two voices in a side room went unheard by the revelers in the great hall. "There is nothing I could do," a woman's voice, insistent and melancholy.

"You could have said no." A man's voice, petulant and morose.

"And then what? I'd have been banished to a nunnery, at the very least. At worst--"

"Do not say it."

"You should not have pulled me aside. People will wonder. What of my husband?"

"Your husband," the man sneered the word, "Is of no concern of mine."

"Fine, if he does not concern you, what of my father? Dominic, he would kill you if he knew of us." Her words were pleading.

"Your father too, I care not for. It is you that I love."

"And I you, you must know that, but--" Her words were cut off.

"Shhh, let's speak no more of it now. A few stolen seconds are a treasure. We shant waste them." There was silence, save for their soft breathing as they kissed in the dim light of the room.

She spoke first, "I must go." The fabric of her dress rustled as she moved away. "'Tis my wedding night."

"And how will your Prince feel to find his bride ruined?" Dominic's words were cold.

"He will not notice, Dom." She said quietly, "I have made sure of that." She turned away and paused before running back to him, throwing her arms around his neck. "I may have wed him in name, but you are my true husband. In heart, body and soul, my love."

He held her tightly, his face buried in her cascade of honey brown hair. "I shall find a way, Bessie," he hissed. "We will be together."

She nodded her head, withdrawing from his arms, her faith in his words lacking. "Goodnight, Dominic." She kissed his cheek and fled the room, leaving him alone in the darkness to pace for five minutes before he too, took his leave.

Joey stepped out from behind the shadows that she'd hidden in to escape the party after she'd spoken with her father. Her eyes were wide did her dear sister really marry when she loved another? And it was Dominic, no doubt, Joey had always found him rather abrasive. Bessie had always seemed the mistress of propriety and Joey still couldn't quite believe her ears.

"Joey!" Jen's familiar voice called down the hallway. A moment later she pushed the door open and peered inside. "I knew I'd find you in here," she grinned, taking her friends hands. "The most wonderful thing happened as I was dancing with Pacey earlier! I've been looking for you everywhere to tell you of it. 'Tis just like you to hide yourself away like this. Come on, you must return to the feast."

Joey shook her head clear of her thoughts and smiled benignly for her friend. "I will return eventually but not now. There is no great hurry, my father will scarcely notice that I'm gone."

"The King is about ready to send out a search party for you and your sister. 'Tis a good thing that she returned to the hall just moments ago." Jen danced in a happy little circle, her dress swinging around her feet, "I suppose we could wait a few minutes before going back. You would not believe how wonderful this night has been."

"Wonderful does not quite describe it," Joey murmured under her breath.

"You must guess," Jen decided, grinning at her friend as she slowed down, her cheeks pink.

She couldn't help but smile at her friend's excitement. "Oh Jen, you know I am not very good at this game."

"I shall help, do not worry. It happened between now and when I last saw you. Does that hint help you any?"

Joey laughed. "Not at all."

"If I say it involved Pacey...?"

Joey brushed her off with an exasperated smile. "Jennifer just tell me or we're likely to be here forever."

"He has kissed me!" She blurted out excitedly. "It was while we were dancing. Oh, Joey, 'twas so romantic! I thought he never would."

"Kissed you," Joey repeated softly almost inaudibly.

"Yes," she replied, her eyes dancing at the memory, completely unaware that her friend did not share her enthusiasm. "The corner of his mouth turned up in that teasing half-smiling way he has, and he just...pressed his lips to mine." She hugged her arms around herself. "The were so soft and warm...kind of dry though," she wrinkled her nose slightly. "But he made me tingle all the way down to my toes. It was wonderful." She sighed happily.

Joey managed a bright smile for her friend even though her stomach was in knots. "Really? Your toes?" she teased lightheartedly. "You must tell me everything."

Jen fixed her face into a pout, "That's all there was. We were dancing...then we kissed, and he disappeared. I have not seen him since." A horrible thought struck her, "You do not think that maybe I was... bad at it, do you?"

She shook her head and put a reassuring hand on her friend's arm while she smiled faintly. "Impossible."

She smiled, her spirits lifted, "I cannot wait to see him again. Do you think he shall try and kiss me once more?"

"I do not know," she said honestly.

"I hope so, it is ever so divine." She took Joey's hand and pulled her toward the door, "We should go back. Perhaps you shall find your prince tonight and steal a kiss."

She forced a grin. "As long as it's not from Dawson."

"Oh, he is not so bad. You may even like him." She gave her friend a secretive smile, "He is quite good looking."

"I suppose..."

"The feast is being presented," Jen announced as they approached the high table. "I do hope I will get to sit beside Pacey."

Joey merely smiled a little weakly and nodded her head.

Joey took her usual seat beside Bessie, and Jen down next to her grandmother. She felt a tug on her sleeve and turned to find Dominic at her side, leaning too close to her for comfort. "Princess, will you do me the honor of switching seats with me? I would be honored to sit next to the new bride on her wedding day, I wish to give her my blessing."

Joey cast an unsure look at her sister as she remembered what she'd been accidentally witness to. "If my sister does not mind..."

Bessie smiled warmly at Dominic, not even glancing at her little sister. "Not at all."

Joey held back a grimace. "Very well then."

Dominic pulled out her chair for her, and gestured down the table to the empty seat beside Pacey, "My chair is over there."

She nodded and gazed longingly at Jen, who'd probably be the only person she knew willing to switch with her. The blonde's familiar giggle carried over the table as she smiled flirtatiously at Lord Dawson. They shared a trencher of food together and Dawson lifted a tiny morsel of sweetmeat to her lips for her. Jen didn't even notice her friend's pleading eyes.

Joey glared at her flirtatious friend before moving to sit beside Pacey since she was left with no other choice.

"Hello, Princess," he smiled at her. "You're a sight for my sore eyes. I could not stomach much more of Dom's brooding visage."

"Well you need not worry, he sits beside the bride now."

"So I see." He offered her a piece of baked apple. "I had wondered if you had disappeared to your chamber early."

She waved it away. "As if I could. I have responsibilities."

He nudged her with his elbow, "That has never stopped you before, my Princess."

Her stomach twisted further. "That was before, things are different now that Bessie is married."

"Really? Why? Things should not change just because she has taken a husband."

"But they will."

"What exactly do you believe will change. You are still you...you need only to put off marriage for things to remain the same."

She stiffened slightly. "I may not be able to put off marriage any longer."

His normally carefree visage turned serious, "And what will become of you if you marry? You know as well as I, that when you marry you will leave Camelot."

"I shall live with my husband and start a new life, perhaps have my own children one day."

He lowered his voice, "And your magic?"

She swallowed. "If I must, I will give it up."

"You cannot," he shook his head, his brown hair glinting in the firelight. "You have a gift, you cannot let it slip through your fingers to please your father."

"And I will not keep it and lose my father," she said simply. "Some things are far more important."

"Like love?" He threw back at her. Her words from an earlier conversation echoing in his mind.

She nodded. "I love my father and I shall do my best to love my husband, whomever he will be."

"Your father cannot love you much to give you away to the highest bidder."

She glared at him. "You don't know what you speak of."

"Oh, I don't? My father gave me to Merlin without qualm. For what purpose he wanted me, I do not know. It was plainly obvious that my father did not. I know what love is, and love is not keeping you from finding true love on your own."

Her eyes turned cold. "Just because your father did not want you, does not mean my father does not love me."

"If he truly loved you, than he would not force you to love who he chooses for you." Pacey's voice rose, "He would let you find love for yourself."

"The love you speak of is a stupid, silly, frivolous and fickle emotion. At least I know the man my father chooses for me is dependable and my choice will not be clouded." She climbed to her feet. "Now if you'll excuse me."

"Stupid and frivolous?" He repeated, rising and following behind her, ignoring Merlin's ice blue eyes as they followed he and Joey from the great hall. "You never thought that of your parents love!"

She whirled around angrily. "I was young and stupid then. What did I know!"

"No, the question isn't what you didn't know. It's what did you forget!? You told me love mattered more than anything in this world. What happened to that?"

"I've grown up, and what do you know? You value magic above all else!"

"I do not value magic above all else." He ground out through gritted teeth.

Her eyes began to water. "You know nothing about responsibility, family or duty! You're just a stupid boy who knows nothing!"

His blue eyes softened and he approached her, his hand outstretched to touch her arm, "Please don't cry, Joey."

She blinked away tears and backed away. "Do not touch me!"

He bit his lip, "What happened?" He asked quietly, "Before, in the storage room we were..."

Her jaw tightened and she lifted her chin, willed away tears. A mask of emotion that came with years of practice curtained her face. A princess revealed nothing except what she wanted. So when she spoke next her voice was cold. "I've allowed you far to many privileges when it comes too me. It is time we remember who we are."

His eyes darkened, "What are you talking about?"

"You know precisely what I mean." Her heart pounded mercilessly.

"You cannot mean that," he stuttered, "We have been friends more than a decade."

"We're older now. It's not appropriate."

"There is no reason for it to be." He scowled, "And how would you have me address you know, Princess?"

Her eyes threatened tears but she kept her face unmoving. "Properly as any other commoner would."

"I am not a commoner! I am your friend." He protested angrily.

She edged back a bit and shook her head. "Not anymore, you're not."

"You cannot change what there is between us," he shook his head, his voice low. "I will be your friend always, whether you are mine or not."

"Don't forget that you are beneath me, Pacey."

His eyes darkened and he bowed before her, his every movement tense, "I fear you shall forever remind me of that." His voice was horse, "Your Highness."

She looked away and said nothing, almost sure that her eyes would betray her. He turned and left, unable to stay in her presence for fear he'd try to shake some sense into her. He bypassed the great all and escaped into the cool air of the courtyard.

Joey escaped into the confines of her bedroom and it wasn't until the door was closed that she collapsed. She could no longer withhold the weight of tears and she let them flow freely. Oh God, what had she done?

« Previous / Next »

Please send feedback to RinJJ61178@hotmail.com.