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  Fury ran through me in waves. "I will not let that happen. They're not touching a hair on her head. I'll kill them all with my bare hands if I have to."

  "Calm down. You know the prophecy, Cliff. She's going to defeat them."

  "I'll be there too, according to the prophecy. I'll defend and protect her with everything in me."

  We sat quietly for a few minutes before Brooke changed the subject. "Do you want to know anything else about what Alexis is like now?"

  "Can I see a photograph of her?"

  "I don't have any recent pictures," she said.

  "That's convenient," I muttered. "You really are going to make me wait for the dance."

  "It's been this long, what's another few days?" she asked, shrugging.

  I sighed. "I don't see how I can wait any longer. Is she eager too?"

  "Cliff, she really doesn't remember anything about her castle life. She thinks this is a blind date."

  I opened my mouth to speak, but could tell that if I said anything, I would cry in front of her. Being a prince, I couldn't allow that. "Excuse me," I said. I found my way to a bathroom, turned on the water, and let myself sob. It wasn't often that I allowed my emotions to overcome me, not since I had completed my transformation, but the reality of my sweet Marguerite not remembering me was more than I could take.

  I knew that it would all work out somehow, but the pain ripped me apart. I wanted to yell, but knew I had to hold it in. Instead, my body trembled as I continued to weep. I thought about different ways it might work out. Maybe she would remember everything when she saw me. Or as we danced the night away, it could all come trickling back. I started to feel better as I thought of the possibilities instead of the current state of her memory. The tears subsided, so I washed my face and went back to the living room, acting as though I were fine.

  Steve was sitting on the couch and I sat down next to him. I suspected that Brooke knew why I went into the bathroom, but she didn't say anything about it. "What are your plans for our big date?" I asked her.

  "I am going to have you both looking your absolute best. I'm sure that the pattern of her dress will spark her memories, Cliff. She loved that pattern as a child. She will remember everything. Don't worry."

  "I'm tired. Do you have a room for me so I can go rest?" I asked.

  "Of course. You think that we wouldn't have a place for our future king?" Brooke asked. She led me to an upstairs bedroom. I unpacked my bag and pulled out the journals that I'd kept for years. I had drawn pictures of her as I've imagined her changing and thought about what she would look like.

  I reclined on the bed thinking about what it would be like when I would finally see her again, hoping beyond hope that she would regain her buried memories.

  The next few days dragged on even though Brooke and Steve kept me busy. I got a haircut, fitted for a tux, and lessons on the trends of the local teenagers. I had spent the majority of my life in the castle, so I had barely had any contact with mortals.

  When Steve and I were shopping at the malls, teenage girls stopped to talk to me, one after another. I probably should have been flattered by the attention, but they reminded me of gnats flying around in the gardens—beyond annoying. I only wanted one girl and I longed to see her even if she was currently as plain-looking as I was told. I didn't care. I just wanted to see her.

  No, that wasn't true. I didn't want to just see her. I wanted to take her into my arms, look deep into her eyes, and take in her scent, letting it surround me. I wanted to kiss her delicate lips and show her how much I've missed her all of these long years apart. That was what I wanted.

  ***

  The morning of the dance was the longest of my life. Brooke kicked us out of the house because she needed the entire house all day to get Marguerite ready for our date.

  When Steve and I were eating lunch, I said with apology, "I'm a bore to be around."

  "Your being quiet is much better than listening to Brooke go on and on about fashion and dances. It's a nice break. I didn't know how much more I could take." He smiled.

  "Tell me what she's like."

  "Brooke?"

  "No! What is my Marguerite like?"

  "Again, you've really got to call her Alexis. I know it's an adjustment, but she has no memories of being Marguerite—please don't get upset again. She'll remember you soon. You know how our memories are. Once she gets a glimmer, everything will come flooding back."

  "I won't get upset. Please tell me what she's like. I can't take all of this waiting."

  "Sure. You're going to see her in a few hours anyway. She's crazy smart. I'm surprised nobody has picked up on the fact that she's more than human because of that. She's kind and cares about people, although she's never lost the spunk she's always had. That girl will always have a mind of her own."

  I smiled. "I can't imagine that ever changing. She's going to keep me on my toes as long as I live."

  He nodded. "That's for sure. She's got the transformation temper going, so be warned. Things are exploding when she doesn't get her own way. I remember visiting the castle and there were similar events when you were going through your transformation."

  "You needn't remind me," I grumbled. "I'm never going to live that down."

  He laughed. "Don't worry so much. You two are going to hit it off. How could you not? You were inseparable from what I remember."

  "I hope you're right. I don't know what I'd do if she wanted nothing to do with me."

  "Are you kidding me? You're the reason she's had no interest in boys. It's not just because she's so into studies. The engagement blessing hasn't lost its hold on either one of you. I have no doubt that seeing you will cause her to remember everything."

  I looked at him, hoping that was the case. What would I do if she didn't remember me—or worse, if she didn't want anything to do with me?

  Steve looked at his watch. "Wanna head back to the house? I'm sure Brooke isn't done getting her ready, but if we're there, maybe that'll get them moving faster. Then you can finally see her and stop worrying. I don't like this side of you."

  I nodded, not daring to speak. I could feel knots growing in both my stomach and my throat. As we made our way back to Steve's house, my mind spun, making me dizzy. Steve was right, this wasn't like me—but I couldn't help it.

  We got inside and I began pacing the entire downstairs while Steve went upstairs to badger Brooke. He came back down and watched me for a minute. "She's not ready, but I told her to hurry up."

  I stopped walking and then stared at him. "I can't believe she's just upstairs. She's so close. I could run up there, open the door, and actually see her."

  "You could, but you won't. Sit down and relax. Do you want something to drink? A snack, maybe?"

  I shook my head. "I'd better get ready myself."

  He walked up the stairs ahead of me and as we passed Brooke's room, he stood in front of the door.

  "Don't worry. I'm not a loose cannon. I can wait until the appointed time. I've waited this long."

  "I'll stand here just to be safe, so just get yourself ready." He nodded down the hall, toward the other bedrooms.

  My stomach dancing, I gave him an unsure look before walking into the guest bedroom. When I was done getting ready, I went back downstairs, more of a nervous wreck than before. Before long, several people came and waited with us. I was introduced to the family that had raised my Marguerite, and a couple of her friends.

  Steve sat silently with me until, at long last, I heard a door open from upstairs. "We're ready!" Brooke called from the top of the stairs. "Is everyone ready to see my newest creation?"

  My throat closed up, and I stood close to a wall, not trusting my balance to serve me. Everyone else crowded around the bottom of the stairs, and I tried to look around them to see her. I couldn't.

  Everyone started exclaiming about how wonderful she looked, and then they assaulted her with camera flashes. I could only see part of her black dress and long, beautiful reddish-brown hair.
I leaned forward, trying to see her face.

  "Alexis," Brooke said. "There is someone I'd like you to meet." Brooke took Marguerite's hand and walked her toward me. I nearly fainted as I finally saw her face. She was even more beautiful than I'd ever imagined. Her dark curls cascaded over her shoulders, framing her face perfectly. I had never seen a face more beautiful.

  Our gazes locked, and everything around us disappeared. I watched as recognition slowly—too slowly—crossed over her face.

  "Alexis, this is Cliff," Brooke said, bringing me back to reality.

  I smiled. "It's wonderful to meet you, Alexis."

  She stared back. I could see a glimmer of tears in her eyes. She opened her mouth, but said nothing. Then she surprised me by throwing her arms around me. She whispered in my ear, "I've missed you so much!"

  Stunned, I wrapped my arms around her, feeling as though I was in Heaven. My sweet Marguerite was finally in my arms again, after all of these long years. "Not as much as I've missed you."

  The Orders

  I smoothed Marguerite's hair away from her face and made sure her blankets were still tucked in. I was about to tidy up her room when there was a knock on the door. I hadn't been expecting anyone. I opened the door and saw one of the servants standing there, with a grave look on his face.

  My stomach immediately twisted in knots. "What is it?"

  "My lady, there is someone with a message for you outside."

  "Outside? Where?"

  "Near the stables."

  My eyes widened. "Why don't they come inside the castle?"

  "I don't know. I've been sent to tell you that you have someone waiting for you."

  I sighed. "Thank you."

  He gave a slight bow and walked away. I turned around to check little Marguerite once again, and then I looked over her room. I walked out the door, locking it. Who would be waiting for me outside? Everyone always came inside the castle. Something wasn't right. The fact that the servant wasn't questioning it was unsettling.

  I went quickly to my room and put on a long, flowing coat. I took a sword and placed it inside the coat where it would rest unseen. I had been one of the top sword fighters for a very long time. Whoever was waiting for me didn't stand a chance if they attacked me.

  As I made my way quickly to the stables, the snow crunched softly under my feet. I could see someone leaning up against the building. I'd never seen him before. My stomach continued to twist as I imagined one horrible scenario followed by the next.

  Stopping several feet away from him, I looked him directly in the eyes. "What do you want?"

  "Are you Mattie?"

  I narrowed my eyes. Though it was nearly dark, I could see he wore typical street clothes. He didn't belong here.

  "Who are you?"

  "Mattie, I'm not here to chat. I have a message for you."

  I stared him down, waiting for the message.

  "You must kill Marguerite."

  The world began to spin around me. "What?" I demanded, attempting to regain my focus. I would kill him before I would kill Marguerite. I loved her as though she were my own. It was my job to protect her with my life—the last thing I was going to do was take it. "Why should I do that?"

  "The orders come directly from Vince Moretti."

  "Vince," I said, clenching my fist around the sword. "Why does he think I would comply?"

  He laughed. "You ask that? You know that Vince is going to take over the throne someday."

  "And you know that Marguerite is going to defeat Vince someday. She will fulfill the prophecy."

  "Not if she's killed now, as a child."

  I pulled out the sword. "There is no way I'm taking the life of that sweet girl. Nor would I do anything to hurt the king and the queen. Get out of my sight before I kill you!"

  He looked directly into my eyes. "Vince knows where your daughters are living."

  I lowered my sword slightly. "What?"

  He nodded, and an evil grin spread across his thin face. "That's right. They're living in Sweden now, aren't they?"

  My sword dropped to the ground. "You're threatening my family?"

  "No. Vince is. If he hasn't received word of the girl's death within two days, your daughters are getting it." He turned around and walked away, while I stood there dumbfounded. Only Frey and Bryna knew where my daughters were. I couldn't believe they were behind this.

  I gazed over the field. Just this afternoon, Marguerite had been playing there. My heart broke as tears began pouring down my face. How could I imagine the castle—or my life for that matter—without that sweet, feisty little princess?

  The last thing I was going to do was to harm even a hair on her head. I would find a way to protect her and my own grown daughters, too. No harm would befall any of them. I picked up my sword from the ground and walked slowly back to the castle, desperate to find a solution. I needed a way to let Vince Moretti think Marguerite was dead without letting her come to any harm.

  I walked back to Marguerite's room, pulled a chair next to her bed, and watched her sleep peacefully as I considered my options, fresh tears spilling down my face again.

  Suddenly, I knew what the solution was.

  Not long ago, I'd been sent away from the castle on some official errands. I had spent some time with a couple that was as kind as could be and I remembered they had told me they were heartbroken over not being able to have a child. I had already checked their credentials because I needed their help, without their knowing, about castle business at the time. They were beyond reproach, and I trusted them.

  I knew they would keep her safe and love her as their own. Marguerite would be protected, and Vince would never think to look for her away from royalty—living with humans away from her kind—if he doubted her death. I would send someone to keep an eye on her, and I would look in on her myself when I could. I would tell the new parents that Marguerite went by a different name. Her parents sometimes called her by her middle name, so she would respond to it and not raise any alarms.

  The couple didn't know anything about our society's kingdom, so they wouldn't have any idea the little girl was a princess with a death sentence over her head. If they were ever approached about Marguerite, they would truthfully deny she was a princess. They would also have no idea her name was really Marguerite. They couldn't be forced into telling the truth if they didn't know it.

  It was the perfect solution.

  The Fielding

  This story takes place between Forgotten (#3) and Ascension (#4)

  One

  Clifford Montgomery ran at me, sword raised high. I clenched my own sword, slicing it through the air. It met his in between us, clinging loudly.

  He stepped back, swinging from a different angle. I moved out of the way and watched as his sword dug into the ground. Good. He missed me.

  My breathing quickened. "You're not going to get me." I ran away from him.

  Being equal in speed to me, he blocked my path. His sword was ready for action.

  "Nice try, Alexis."

  I swung at him, hitting his with a loud jolt. Cliff moved to the side, swinging again. I swung mine, hitting his mid-motion. We both took backed up, keeping our gazes on each other's eyes.

  A movement off to the side caught my attention.

  I put my hand up. "Wait."

  Cliff dropped his sword, and we both turned to see who headed our way.

  Alrekur.

  He was walking toward us, the dirt of the training ground crunching beneath his feet. He looked less full of himself than usual.

  I slid my sword into its place on my belt and then brushed my hair out of my face.

  "What's going on?" I called before he reached us.

  "There's bad news, my Sonnast. I wasn't going to allow you to hear it from a servant, so I'm here to tell you myself."

  I sensed Cliff tense up at Alrekur calling me his.

  "What is it?" I studied Alrekur's face, trying to see if I could read anything. All I could tell was that h
e appeared to be truly upset over the news, or at least at having to tell it to me. "It's not one of my kids, is it?" I turned to Cliff, giving him a worried look.

  "No," Alrekur said. "Your kids are fine—at least, as far as I'm aware. Why don't we sit in there?" He indicated toward the building which held the weaponry.

  Cliff took my hand, and we followed Alrekur inside. He sat on a seat in front of a fireplace. What was it with him and fires? Cliff and I sat on a couch, and I looked at Alrekur expectantly.

  He stared into the fireplace. I knew enough about him to know he was taking a moment to prepare himself to speak.

  My stomach twisted in knots. Whatever it was, it wasn't good.

  Squirming next to me, Cliff was obviously anxious to hear what he had to say, also.

  Finally, Alrekur turned to us. He looked me in the eyes. "You're aware of the fieldings, correct?"

  I scowled. "The barbaric practice of the humans. They send people into a field to die from the elements once they reach a certain age."

  Alrekur nodded. "That's the one." He continued to stare into my eyes, his face soft. "It pains me to tell you this. Your human parents have been sent for a fielding."

  The room shrunk around me.

  All I could see was Alrekur in front of me. I was aware of him saying something, although I couldn't hear anything.

  My parents had been sent for a fielding? Had so many years already passed that my dad would be deemed too old to live? When one spouse reached a certain age, both of them were sent to a field to die.

  "Are they still alive?" I asked. "Is there a chance I can save them?"

  "I don't know. Your witch friend is still living in Delphic Cove, and she sent word to the castle as soon as she heard."

  I stood, stumbling. "I have to get to them. I need to try to save them. I owe them that much."

  I had never returned to see them after leaving the pool party with Tobias. I had to stay at the castle as acting queen. I also had no way of explaining to them that I was a vampire. I had only visited Natalie a few times because she knew my secret.