Title: Life Times IV: Laches and Lysis
Author: Agent Q. (Quetzel/me)
E-mail: powder_puff@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: All characters and ideas from The X-Files belong to Fox 
Broadcasting, Ten Thirteen Productions and Chris Carter. Not mine, never 
will be. Oh darn it.
Category: Alternate Universe. MSR, C, S.
Archive anywhere
Rating: PG- 13
Summary: Dana Scully is  related to the King Pendrell, by marriage, and 
he wishes to pursue her, even though he is married himself. The Royal 
counselors, to keep the peace in the royal family/court, banish Dana to 
Auguston. Here she meets a mysterious gardener who is much more than he 
seems. Now staying in a palace full of secrets, Dana and her new 
companion are tangled in a web of lies. 
Note: Part four of my series. Laches was something written by Socrates, 
it discussed courage. And Lysis was the title of something he wrote 
discussing friendship (I think I got that right!)

MSR ~ ROMANCE
------------------------

	    The ball was now in full swing, and Dana was cornered once more. 
Pendrell approached her, a wine glass in his hand. "For you, Miss Dana." 
He smiled foolishly.
She starred at him, "Wine from the King? Well, thank you, sire."
"Pendrell, my love, call me Pendrell."
Dana was now more uncomfortable than ever, all she wanted to do was get 
rid of him! He wouldn't be so bold if he hadn't had so much wine! Her 
cousin, Queen Valerie, turned to watch them. Dana gave a helpless look, 
silently asking her cousin to save her. Valerie walked towards them, "My 
King, is it not time for you to retire for the evening?"
He starred at her, having to divide his attention between Dana and his 
Queen. "No, not yet."
Dana ducked away while Valerie talked to him, this was enough fast 
moving for one night! She said her good bye's to the guest and then 
raced up to her chamber, taking the long way. In the corridor, outside 
her room, was Pendrell. She gasped, "How did you get up here so fast?"
He laughed, "Secret passages and running. Do come along." He reached for 
her hand so he could pull her into the chamber.
Dana became terrified and pulled back, "No, Sire!"
 If it was any other man, she would have slapped him. But this was the 
King! 
"Your highness, you have had too much fun for a night." A male voice 
said from behind them. Dana was thankful when she saw the King's 
counselor, Mr. Foquet.
Pendrell seemed annoyed that his fun had been spoiled. "Please, Miss 
Dana, do go and rest. I will speak with his royal highness." He 
whispered in her ear.
Dana nodded, vanishing into the safety of her chamber while she could 
hear them walking towards the main corridor. She sighed, falling onto 
her bed. "Thank you, God."
Valerie would be furious, it wasn't the first time Pendrell had done 
such a thing, but tonight he had the nerve to do it in front of people! 
Much to the humiliation of the royal family. Dana would have to discuss 
the matter with her cousin in the morning. She had faith that her cousin 
wouldn't condemn her for something that was out of her control. Dana had 
given up a nice, peaceful life in Tharet to live in Cortia with her 
cousin. Actually, when Valerie had been married off to Pendrell a few 
months prior, she needed a comrade. Dana had been chosen. So here she 
was, a strange country with strange people. All she wanted was to return 
home, but a civil war kept her from it. Plus, Valerie was the last of 
Dana's family! Dana's parents had died of ill health and old age, her 
brothers had died in a war, her sister had run off to marry a commoner. 
No one had see her for years! She had given up rich living to marry a 
shoe maker, Dana had to admire her sister's strength. She was always 
fearing that she would disappoint their father as Melissa had, even 
while he was dead she still feared this.
Taking a deep, soothing breath, Dana forced herself to change out of her 
clothes. The maid they had given her was Rebecca, but Dana didn't want 
to trouble her. After getting dressed, she crawled into the bed and 
switched off the light. Enough excitement for one evening.

            "We have to get rid of her." Foquet snapped at his fellow 
counselors.
King Pendrell had three counselors that he depended on. Foquet, Marius 
and Westfall. The three men were always dealing with problems that the 
foolish king made. This year, Dana. "We can't kill her! She has done 
nothing to provoke his behavior!" Westfall defended the young Miss 
Scully.
Foquet almost laughed. "I enjoy her company as much as you do, she is a 
delight to have around here. Things were frankly boring without her, and 
I wouldn't dream of killing her! We have to send her away."
"What?" Marius looked surprised.
Foquet sighed, "I know, it will be a great loss to the palace, but to 
protect her reputation and that of the royal family, she must leave."
"And where are we to send her?" Westfall inquired.
"I have been thinking it over. I have a friend on King William of 
Auguston's Royal Council. His name is Byers, he will take good care of 
Dana. This problem has been growing for months! Since the second he laid 
eyes on her he had no intention of staying true to his Queen. If we keep 
Dana in this country, he will pursue. If we were to send her far away, 
he would eventually stop."
The other men didn't want to admit it, but he had a point. As sad as it 
would be to lose Dana to another country, they would have to make her 
go. For her sanity, the Queen' sanity, and their own! No reputations 
will be lost and all would be fine.... with luck.

            Dana had been furious when they told her. She had thrown a 
childish fit! "Valerie, how could you let them do this?" She accused her 
cousin.
Valerie, being the strong Queen that she was, remained calm. "I do what 
is right for this family. I cannot live with him as long as you are 
here."
"Do you know I have up my world to live here with you, because they 
asked me to! For you, Valerie! This is the thanks I get?"
Valerie kept her head bowed, "If you were a Queen in my position, you 
would understand."
Dana frowned, "Well, I guess this conversation is over." She stormed out 
of her room back to her chamber. The maids were already packing her 
possessions, Dana would be nothing but a memory in two weeks. Until 
then, the counselors would do their best to keep Pendrell at bay. She 
grabbed a crystal decoration and smashed it against the wall. The 
release was no good, she was so furious! The maids ignored her actions 
and continued to pack her cases and gather her books. Dana was one of 
the few women in the court who took more than a bible with them. She 
sighed, leaning against the wall. "Damn it." She whispered to herself.

            The journey to Auguston had been a nightmare. A week and a 
half by coach. They stopped at small Inns that left much to be desired. 
Actually, all she desired now was a warm, clean bed and a nice meal! A 
maid and a man servant had been sent with her. Langley was his name, and 
her name was Jacqueline Post. He had his blond hair tied in a pony tail, 
"Miss Dana?" He was always asking her annoying questions.
"Yes?"
"Are you well?"
She nodded, "I will be as soon as we get to the palace."
He remained silent for the rest of the journey. Jacqueline was a 
talkative person, but sensing that Dana was in no mood for talk, she 
kept her mouth firmly shut. At last, one of the two drivers in the front 
had the carriage stop. She peeked her head out the window. A large 
palace was about a mile away, it looked beautiful on the hill. The 
driver walked towards her, "Miss Dana, it will be a bit longer. I 
thought you might enjoy the view."
She smiled faintly, "Thank you."
He nodded, letting the horses graze for a while and catch their breath. 
Langley stepped out, helping Dana and Jacqueline down. She walked 
towards the cliff, for a brief second contemplating throwing herself 
over. <No... that would be a waste> Jacqueline walked up behind her, 
"Isn't it lovely?"
"The castle is amazing."
"Who lives there, anyway?" The little foolish maid asked the driver.
Dana turned to Jacqueline, "I thought you said you knew Mr. Byers."
The wind was blowing Jacqueline's brown hair in her face, "I do, he 
offered me the job the day before we left to get you, Miss Dana. I have 
never see the palace in my life. Mr. Byers was a friend of my Uncle 
Wallace."
"Oh, so who lives there?" She asked the driver.
He smiled at her, "The King of course, William. His Queen Tina. The 
Prince, and the Princess."
"Really?" The maid seemed interested in what the driver had to say.
"Yes, but for the season, the Queen and Princess have gone to the 
country home. The King is always busy and the Prince is hardly ever 
seen."
Jacqueline smiled, "A prince, Miss Dana, think of that."
Dana rolled her eyes, "I have no desire to meet a prince." She moved 
back to the carriage.
"What an Ice Queen." The driver muttered.
Langley came to her defense. "If you had gone through what she had gone 
through, you would also be a bit cranky!"
They returned to the carriage and continued the journey. Not long now.

            Byers had been waiting for her at the palace steps. He 
helped her down from the carriage, nodding at Langley, who he had sent 
to fetch her. Jacqueline grinned at him, "Mr. Byers."
"Good day, Jacqueline."
Dana held her hand out, "Hello."
He kissed the hand, "It is a pleasure to have you with us. I was told 
from Mr. Foquet that you were a delight in the  Cortia Court."
"Well, I didn't stay long." She whispered.
He nodded, letting the subject drop. "Your bags will be taken care of. 
Do follow me, I assume you are exhausted."
"Very much." Jacqueline answered for him.
Byers smiled faintly at her, she was so chipper at times. "Jacqueline, 
your new chamber is beside Miss Dana's."
"Yes, Sir." 
Dana was led through large corridors and she feared that she would be 
lost in the great house if she wasn't careful! "Miss Dana, you are free 
to go anywhere you want. However, the East Wing of the Palace is off 
limits."
"Really?" She got curious.
"It is where the royal family has chambers, only a certain set of 
servants is allowed there. They like their privacy."
Dana nodded, "I understand."
Byers went on and on about how she should visit the gardens and the 
library, "And do not forget the map room. I heard that you were 
interested in those types of things."
She nodded, "Yes."
Dana, after walking for what seemed like an eternity, was finally led to 
a set of white doors. On the frame were carved pictures of angels and 
roses. She smiled as Byers pulled on the golden handle and led her 
inside. "This is one of the most gorgeous rooms I have ever seen!" 
Jacqueline gasped.
Byers nodded, "It's nice to finally have a soul to fill it. The balcony 
looks above the Prince's Garden."
Dana turned around, "Who's Garden?"
"Prince. It used to be his grandmother's favorite, it has sentimental 
value to him."
"Oh."
"You are allowed to go in if you want, the gates are on the north side. 
One of the servants will show you if you would like to see."
"I might later." She answered.
"Good. The servants will bring your things up, I'll have maids start 
packing the away."
A man came in holding a case that was filled with books. He set them 
down gently on the floor, "There you are, Miss Dana."
She smiled at him, "Thank you."
"Would you like me to put them on the shelf?" He questioned.
"No, I would like to organize them, thank you."
"As you wish." He turned on his heels and was gone. The day went on and 
servants brought her things and she had maids help her iron out her 
clothes and hang them. Jacqueline admired her dresses, gold threads and 
satins and silk. "You have lovely clothing, Miss Dana." 
"Thank you, Jacqueline, perhaps you could barrow them." 
Jacqueline turned to look at her, to see if her new mistress was 
serious. She was! "That is much too kind of you, Miss Dana."
Sunset came and Jacqueline had dinner sent up to Dana. "I thought you 
might like privacy tonight. Usually you'd probably eat in the dining 
room."
"Right... thank you."
She was left alone with the tray and she carried it out to the balcony. 
The garden was beautiful in the sunset. Spring had done her magic, 
flowers and roses blooming, vines every where.... it was like Eden 
itself! Dana sat on the stone railing of the balcony, it was wide enough 
for her to lay down on and still have room left over. She lifted her 
ankles up and didn't care if she was sitting crossed legged on the 
balcony. No one was out to see her, and she didn't' care if it wasn't 
lady like. Dana reviewed the events of the past few years. She had lost 
her family, Valerie had betrayed her and now she was in an unknown land 
with strangers! She longed for her parents, for her mother's comfort. 
The tears came and she sobbed quietly. <It isn't fair! Why should I have 
nothing and Valerie everything?>

            The young man watched her from the corner of the garden. She 
was wearing a pale blue dress and her red hair was tied in a perfect 
style. She looked so sad from where he stood. His heart went out to this 
poor soul, she looked so upset. He wished he could reach his arms out 
and offer comfort, but that wasn't possible right now. Sitting down in 
the shadows on the stone bench, he watched her from her balcony, wishing 
to speak with her. It has been too long since he had an interesting 
conversation! Much too long, a new face was exactly what he wanted. And 
she had such a pretty face.... When he looked up again, she had returned 
back to her chamber, closing the balcony glass doors. He sighed at the 
loss of her, he would see her again soon.  Hopefully sooner than later.

            Dana had been escorted to the breakfast table by Byers. He 
seemed very pleased that she had rested well. "I was wondering if you 
would like to continue the tour." He brought up the subject, handing her 
a basket of fruit.
She smiled faintly, "I think I'd like to explore today, thank you."
"I'll show her!" The doors of the breakfast room were thrown open by a 
short little man, an old man. Byers cleared his throat in unease, "This 
is Frohike, he runs the house hold."
Frohike did a deep bow in front of her, kissing her hand. "It is a 
pleasure to meet you, Miss Dana. We have been so excited when we heard 
you were coming to us."
She gave an uneasy smile, "Thank you, it is a delight to be here." She 
lied.
Byers gave Frohike a look, "The lady and I were just having a discussion 
about a tour-"
"And I know everything about this old castle, Miss Dana, I would be 
happy to show you."
She nodded her head, "Well, I suppose that-"
"Excellent! It's settled. Byers, you go take care to the King's business 
while Miss Dana and I tour the battlements."
Byers, not wanting to stay in Frohike's company more than he had to, 
stood up and retreated to the council room. Frohike finished breakfast 
with Dana and offered his arm. She reluctantly took it and together they 
walked towards the foyer. He started rambling about dates, battles, what 
decorations had been made by who. She felt as if she were in a school of 
design and couldn't stand it. At one point, he started talking about 
himself, and she really got bored! When they went to the map room, he 
busied himself taking out maps for her. That was when she made her 
retreat. It wasn't lady like at all, but this man was so dull she 
thought she'd lose her mind! Racing out to the garden, she was stopped 
by the cook. "Miss Dana, I hope you enjoyed breakfast this morning."
She nodded, "Yes, very much, Mr. Warchard."
He handed her a small pouch, "I thought he'd be leaving Mr. Frohike 
behind, take this."
She examined the small velvet pouch, "What is it?"
"Bird seeds. The Prince's garden as the most birds, very beautiful this 
time of year. The gate is towards the end of the path, you can't miss 
it."
She offered the pleasant old man a smile, "Thank you, Sir."
"It was a pleasure to meet you." He returned to his kitchen and Dana 
went out to the path. The spring air was slightly chilly, but still 
pleasant. She was wearing a gray colored dress that was covered in 
silver threads. The garden was empty, except for the birds that searched 
the grass for food. She tossed a hand full of seeds, they flew in all 
directions! Wanting to get a bird in her hand, she sat on the grass and 
reached a hand out, full of seeds. They all starred at the stranger with 
paranoia. She rolled her eyes at the feathered creatures, "Come on, I 
have food for you."
She heard a male voice laughing behind her. In a state of embarrassment, 
she whirled around to see. He grinned, "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to 
bother you."
She examined him closely. He was wearing dark clothes, a scruffy hat and 
he had tanned skin. His eyes seemed lost and she noticed that he was 
very handsome. <Shut up, Dana, this man has intruded on your privacy!> 
"Who are you?" She asked with an accusing voice.
"Fox."
She almost laughed, "Is that your real name?"
"Yes, it is."
"And what are you doing here? I'm sure they have rules about-"
"I'm the gardener for the Prince."
"Oh..." She fell silent. This man probably had more right to be in this 
garden than she did! She quickly stood up to her feet, "Well, I must be 
going."
"You didn't tell me your name." The young man pointed out.
She stopped, "Dana, Miss Dana Scully."
"So you're the girl who was exiled." He murmured.
"WHAT? Who told you that?"
He stepped towards her, "The gossip is all around the palace, among the 
servants. The Queen of Cortia sent her cousin away because her husband 
was attracted to her." He looked into her eyes, a smile spreading across 
his face.
Dana's hand rolled into fists, "What do you know? You were not there and 
you do not know a thing!" She turned around and snatched up the pouch, 
continuing to feed the birds.
"I'll show you how." He took her hand, steeling a few seeds. She watched 
him with a keen eye as he bent down, the birds flocking to him as if 
they were children racing to their father. "They know you." She 
whispered.
He laughed, "I feed them every day. They get used to you. Come here." He 
reached a hand out for her. She took it timidly, his hand was so warm on 
her skin, sending tingles down her spine. He pulled her down to the 
ground, placing her hand on the grass. He made a trail of seeds that led 
out to the throng of birds, and they eventually pecked at the trail. 
When they finished the seeds on the ground, they went to Dana for more. 
She smiled with delight, their little feet tickled her hand! "They're 
darling."
He nodded, "It's a way to pass your time in this boring castle." 
"Everyone says it's boring." She commented.
He laughed, "Well, it is. You're the most interesting thing to happen in 
months!"
"That can't be true." She continued to feed the birds.
"Well, it's true. Everyone was ecstatic when they heard you were coming, 
you caused quite a stir in Cortia."
She blushed, "They thought I was unusual, the polite society women 
didn't like me very much."
He leaned against the oak tree, "I don't see why not."
She turned her face to look up at him, the light hit him just right, the 
shadows on his face made him look mysterious and handsome. She found 
that her heart was pounding a bit faster than usual. <What is wrong with 
me! He's a gardener... but a very handsome one.> She forced herself out 
of her current state of mind and tried to concentrate on the 
conversation. "Do you get bored here?" She asked.
"The lack of intelligent conversation is mind numbing." He smiled.
<He doesn't talk like any gardener I've ever met!> "Have you ever met 
the Prince?"
He laughed to himself, "Yes, I have. He's bored around here, also."
"Why not have intelligent conversation with the Prince? I'm sure he'd 
like you."
He hid a smile, "Yes, he likes me very much. We have much in common."
She found it hard to believe, that this gardener would have so much in 
common with a royal prince! "What is the Prince like?"
"He's handsome, or so I've heard from the female staff."
Dana wiped the grass off her dress, "He might be handsome, but does this 
man have any personality?"
"Very much so, they call him a genius. He's so smart that average people 
bore him to death."
Dana rolled her eyes, "He sounds spoiled to me."
Fox examined her closely, "I wouldn't say he's spoiled..."
"He's royalty, all royal families spoil their royal children! My cousin, 
Valerie, for example. She never had to work a day in her life, and when 
she became Queen of Cortia, her first royal act was to banish me."
"So you were banished." He cut in.
She fell silent, "I suppose I was. How humiliating." She covered her 
face and headed for the gates.
"Wait, I didn't mean to upset you."
She turned around, "Are they calling me a prisoner?"
"Pardon?"
"When people here talk of me, do they say that I'm a prisoner? Byers 
says I'm not, but I want to know what everyone else thinks."
"They think you're a delightful change of pace. They're calling you our 
guest."
"Guest?"
"Well, soon enough they'll think of you as one of us." He smiled 
brightly.
"One of you? I don't understand..."
"I doubt it will take long for everyone in this palace to love you. I'm 
sure it might be uncomfortable for a bit, but we've waited for someone 
like you for ages."
"What do you mean?!"
"Someone interesting." He turned his back to her and started cutting 
some roses with clippers he had in his pocket.
She watched from the gate, "This is like a dream, or perhaps a 
nightmare, I do not know."
"Do you not want to be here?" He asked, cutting a full red rose from 
it's bush.
"I want to go home."
"Cortia?"
"No, my home is in Tharet."
"Really? It's a beautiful country, Tharet, how long did you live there?"
"I lived in their royal court most of my life, until they sent me to 
stay with Valerie after her wedding. I'm not allowed to go back because 
of a civil war! Foquet in Auguston was fearing for my life."
He handed her a small bouquet of roses, reds, pinks and whites. "For 
you, Miss Dana."
She starred at him in surprise, "Me?"
"I do believe you are the only Miss Dana in this palace, and this 
garden."
She took it timidly from his dark hands, "Thank you." She whispered, 
inhaling the sweet scent.
"Miss Dana! Are you here?" Frohike cried from the other side of the 
gate.
Fox went stiff, and when Dana turned to face him, he had vanished. She 
frowned, "Fox?"
Frohike raced into the garden, "Miss Dana, I lost you!"
She touched her roses gently, "I was here."
"Did you pick those yourself?" He asked, motioning to the  bouquet.
"No, the gardener did."
"Gardener? At this hour? Who was it?"
"He said his name was Fox."
"FOX? You must be mistaken..." Then he suddenly fell silent.
Dana looked up at the short man, "Why?"
"Nothing, I just wasn't aware of a gardener named Fox." He looked around 
the garden, as if he was expecting an ambush. The warm breeze stirred 
her hair and Dana smiled down at her roses, "I wish to go to my chamber 
now, Mr. Frohike."
"Of course, I will escort you." He took her arm and together they 
entered the corridor, returning inside. Fox, who had safely hidden 
behind a tree, thanked his lucky stars that Frohike hadn't destroyed the 
illusion for him, or her. He smiled to himself, this would prove to be 
most interesting!
End of 1/?
------------

2/?

Legal junk in part I.

            Dana returned to the gardens every day, searching for Fox. 
She was never able to find him outside of the garden. "Fox?" She called 
his name, a scarf over her head to shield herself from the sun. It was 
the latest fashion, although Dana thought it to be slightly silly. 
However, Jacqueline had insisted that she wear it. "I don't think that 
scarf suits you." He said from the bench.
She smiled when she saw him, "Fox! Where have you been?"
"Here and there. A gardener is always busy." He smiled, handing her a 
fist full of seeds.
She gladly took them and reached her hands out for the birds, two of 
them came racing to her food supply. "What do you do all day?"
"Think." Another hand full of seeds went out to the birds.
"About?"
"About how boring my life is." His answer came quick.
She sat up straight, "I was asking Byers about you last night, he didn't 
seem to know who you were."
"Do you see Mr. Byers every night?" He asked, changing the subject.
"Yes, we have dinner together in the dining hall."
"He's a lucky man. The conversation must be interesting."
She shrugged her shoulders, returning her attention to the topic at 
hand, "You're changing the subject, Fox. Why is it that Byers knows 
nothing of you?"
"I wasn't hired by Byers."
"Frohike seemed surprised when I mentioned you, also."
"I wasn't hired by Frohike."
"Then who hired you and why were the heads of the house not told?"
"I, Miss Dana, was hired by the Prince himself. If you should ever meet 
him, you could ask him."
"Why did the Prince hire you?"
He seemed insulted, "Why shouldn't he?"
"No, I mean... I didn't think it was a Prince's job to find gardeners 
for the gardens."
"This is the Prince's favorite garden, it was his grandmother's 
favorite. He vowed to never let it die, and he hired me to take care of 
it for him."
Dana frowned, "Odd, I never see the Prince here. I've been here for 
almost a week and have never laid eyes on him!"
Fox smiled faintly, "He's a private person."
"Well... if this is his favorite garden, then I should be able to see 
him from my balcony. Correct?"
"Are you starting a mission to spy on the Prince, Miss Dana?" He asked 
with a tease.
"It's just so strange that the Prince would be able to spend time in 
this garden without me knowing!"
"He's a Prince, Dana, you are...."
"The prisoner?" She finished.
"No, the new. He comes whenever he feels like it. Often, actually."
"I want to see him. I've heard rumors that he is the most handsome and 
the most intelligent."
"But you think he's spoiled." He cut in.
"I'll decide for myself if I should ever meet him."
"He doesn't want to meet with other people." Fox tossed the seeds once 
more to the birds.
She crossed her legs at the ankles, "Then I am to assume he is a 
recluse. Perhaps he has a disease in his brain?"
Fox's mouth fell open, "Insane? You think that our future king might be 
insane? Dana, you haven't even met him!" He defended the Prince.
Dana stood up, "If you should see him, tell him I'm coming up with wild 
ideas, and if he is to save his image, he should show himself."
Fox laughed, "He will not succumb to your demands, Miss Dana."
She gathered her scarf and started walking off, "We'll see."

            The Prince stood perfectly still as the tailors finished 
their work. Frohike and Byers along with Langley stood in a line, 
watching him. He turned his head ever so slightly, "What troubles you, 
Byers?"
"Your behavior over the past couple of days." He said grimly.
Langley had to agree, and he was the fun loving type! "It isn't funny, 
your highness."
"I'm not doing anything." He defended himself, the tailors accidentally 
pinned him and he let out a cry. "BE CAREFUL! I'd like to leave this 
room without holes in me."
The tailor smiled at him, "Sorry, my Prince, do forgive me."
Frohike cleared his throat, "Miss Dana is very young, your highness, and 
it isn't amusing that you should be playing mind games with her."
"Games? What games?" He faked innocence.
"Stop it, Fox." Byers said sternly, "She has been through hell. Her 
family is gone and her own cousin  banished her because of something she 
could not prevent. This girl has been taken away from her home and you 
are here playing games! And what do you plan to do when she learns that 
you are not a gardener? Or when she actually meets you as a Prince and 
realizes what you've done?"
"She won't. No one outside of the palace knows what I look like! They 
haven't seen me since I was a child! As for Dana, she might find it 
humorous."
"You have no business dealing with that girl." The tailor cut in.
"Joseph, I did not ask you." Fox yawned.
"Why do you meet her out in the gardens?" Frohike asked, his voice 
accusing.
"To talk with her! You gentlemen said so yourself, this palace is 
boring. We might have balls every night, but it is boring here.  Dana 
was  a source of fresh conversation that I needed."
"It's rude! Do you think she would like you better as a gardener?" 
Langley questioned.
"When people find out that I'm a Prince, they're behavior changes. I 
notice! So if Dana never finds out that I am the Prince, we won't have 
any tension between us."
"Rubbish!" Joseph said, sticking the Prince in the leg with the pin.
Fox let out a cry, "JOSEPH!"
"You deserved it, my Prince. Miss Dana is totally innocent, and the last 
thing she needs is you making a fool out of her."
Byers nodded, "You are not to meet her again as the gardener."
"You're giving me orders?" Fox looked surprised.
"You are to be preparing to become a King! Not trapping innocent girls 
in your web of foolishness."
Fox rolled his eyes at Byers, "You are my father's counselor, not mine."
Byers laughed, "And when your father finds out, he'll be furious to see 
what a sentimental fool you've become."
Fox whirled around so fast that Joseph stuck him again with the needle, 
"Ouch!" He snapped.,
The tailor pulled back, "That, Fox, was YOUR fault." 
Fox took off the clothes and tossed them at Joseph, "I never liked that 
color on me anyway. Now, Byers, you have no right to tell me that I am a 
sentimental fool, or any kind of fool. If I wish to speak with Dana as a 
gardener, or as a Prince, or even a Greek God, I will!"
Byers, Langley and Frohike fell silent. "As you wish." They turned on 
their heels and in a line marched out of the room. Joseph stood up, "The 
suit will be ready in a few days."
"Good bye, Joseph, and thank you for sticking holes in me."
Joseph laughed softly, "Wait until you see what the girl will do to you 
when she learns that you've lied to her." He slipped out of the room, 
leaving Fox alone with his thoughts. <No, she wouldn't....>
   
            Dana had asked questions about Fox, Jacqueline was the first 
she asked. "Have any of the servants spoken of a gardener named Fox?"
Jacqueline helped Dana into her dress, "No, Miss Dana. No one has said a 
word of any gardener except for Jonathan."
"Jonathan? Who is he? I wish to meet him."
"A gardener? What for, Miss Dana? He's a strange old man with long 
tales!"
"Find him for me, Jacqueline, and introduce me to him."
"What for?" Jacqueline asked, pinning the dress.
"He might have information that I need." Jacqueline helped Dan style her 
hair into perfect curls, "Really? What information would that be?"
"On the mysterious gardener named Fox. The one that the Prince himself 
hired. I want to know the story and no one is telling me."
"All right, I'll bring 'em to you."
"Thank you, Jacqueline, you're  a dear." 
<now I'll know what Fox is about.... enough mystery, where is the 
truth?>

             Dana and Jonathan walked together though the Queen's 
garden, this one Dana had never seen before. It seemed lacking, not as 
beautiful as the one Fox kept. "Have you heard of this gardener, Sir?"
The old man sighed, "We have ten gardeners tending to the private 
gardens, the ones with gates. Prince Fox has his own set, I do not know 
of any gardeners that were not hired through me."
"Oh.... wait! Did you say Prince Fox?" She became startled.
He turned to her, "Yes, Fox is a tricky lad, he is. Now if you'll excuse 
me, Miss, I have business to tend to."
"Wait! I have more questions!" She chased after him.
Byers and Langley came running up to her, "Miss Dana, we were wondering 
where you went." Byers said, a smile plastered on his face.
Dana turned back to the gardener, who was now yards away. "Oh, drat!"
"What?" Byers asked.
" Do tell me, what is the name of the Prince?"
Byers pretended not to hear her, "I must go, forgive me, the King had 
matters to discuss with me." He and Langley turned away.
Dana's mouth fell open, <How rude!>
She stomped back to her chamber, furious. She would have to ask the 
Cook. Mr. Warchard was a man who would tell her. "A gardener named Fox? 
Never heard of such a man."
"Do tell me, what is the name of the Prince?"
"William, Miss Dana. His name is William."
"WILLIAM? Is that not the King's name?"
"They named the boy after the King. Why?"
"Do they call him anything else?"
"I have known him as only William. Anything else, Miss Dana?"
"No, thank you."
<William! I never would have thought...>
She was no closer to finding out the identity of either mystery man. Now 
what? Well, there was one sure way to find out about the Prince. The 
east wing, which had been off limits to her and most of the staff, was 
her only way.

            The castle was silent and everyone had fallen asleep. It 
would be hours until anyone stirred. More than enough time to creep from 
her room on the South wing to go and see the East Wing. Wearing a blue 
dress with her hair tied in a bonnet, she walked up the carpeted steps 
to the royal chambers. It was a beautiful corridor that greeted her at 
the top! Carpets of all colors, paintings, decorations! On the ceiling 
were carved panels that must have taken years to make! She walked down 
the hallway, she could be discovered by a servant, the Prince or the 
King himself! With her heart in her throat, but bravely beating, she 
continued down the hallway. Paintings of past Kings and Queens lined the 
walls. Finally, at the end, she saw a royal portrait. The Caption, gold 
plated, read. "King William, Queen Tina, Prince Fox and Princess 
Samantha." Dana studies the picture. The King was an old man, the 
Princess looked about her age.... and there was her gardener! Fox! This 
painting said it all! She almost laughed, it was a novel idea. But then 
the anger came. HE HAD LIED TO HER! She raced back to her room, almost 
knocking over a case in the process. She grabbed it, gently setting it 
back on it's stand. "That was close." She whispered to herself. Fox had 
lied to her since she had gotten there! And that was why Byers and 
Langley had been rude to her, they didn't want to answer her question. 
But why would Warchard say his name was William? The whole staff was in 
on this joke and Dana was the butt of it! Furious and fuming, she closed 
her door and threw herself onto the bed. <The monster! I was not brought 
here to become a joke! How humiliating!>
She beat the pillow, planning what she would do. Tell him that she knew? 
She'll just have to say that she knew all along. She was right, all 
royalty was spoiled and awful! They just weren't human. Fox especially!

            He anxiously waited for her in his garden, the day had been 
never ending and now it was sunset. Dana hadn't come all day, but one of 
the servants said she was coming at sunset. The doors to her balcony 
slid open and he kept the smile off his face. She came out, wearing a 
white gown that made her look like an Angel in the sun. Her red hair was 
open and very unlady like. His stomach did a flip flop! Dressed in 
gardener clothes, he watched her on the balcony, starring down at him. 
"Good evening." He said cheerfully.
She shook her head, "No, it isn't."
A look of concern crossed his eyes, "Are you well?"
"My health is fine, Sir."
He took the ladder to from the peach tree and carried it to her balcony. 
Climbing up slowly, he finally reached her side. "And what makes an 
angel so glum on a beautiful spring day like this?"
She turned to stare at him, "When an angel finds out that she has been a 
laughing joke since her arrival, she tends to be a bit upset."
He frowned, "Joke?"
He was now over the railing and standing beside her, she moved away from 
him. "This isn't very proper, your highness."
He froze, "Oh, Dana, do forgive me..... I never meant-"
Her hand went across his face in anger, "I'm ruined before my life even 
started!"
Never, in all his twenty and three years, had he been hit. And by this 
girl, who was not even nineteen! She stepped back, surprised at her 
action. He touched his face gently, "It is my fault, and I am sorry. But 
I did not turn it into a joke, no one was laughing at you! It was just 
me, Byers, Langley and Frohike who knew, and they did not know until 
recently. It was not my plan, it just... happened."
"Why did you lie to me?" She asked, her voice rising. She didn't care if 
all of Auguston heard her, she was so furious! And today it did not 
matter that this man was royalty, although, tomorrow she might regret 
it.
He looked at her, "When people learn that I am the Prince, they're 
behavior changes.  I know you were getting to consider me a friend! I 
was able to be myself, and you were yourself."
"Yourself? You lied and pretended to be a gardener! Is it some sick 
game? Perhaps I would be better off at home, where there is a civil 
war!"
He walked towards her but she moved back, "Dana-"
"Miss Dana." She corrected him boldly.
"Miss Dana, I am so sorry if I have upset you-"
"You are sorry? For upsetting me?" She was ready to scream at him. <You 
dolt!>
He took a breath, "If you could only understand what a pain it is to be 
my father's son. Even my sister, Samantha, hates it and..."
"Is that an excuse for making a fool out of me?"
"I just wanted to know how you were."
"Could you not have come to me as the Prince?"
"Of course not, you would have concealed parts of your personality.... 
the parts that I love."
"I'm sure all the servants have been laughing at me!"
"None of the servants knew, but if you continue to scream, they will 
learn of it soon enough."
She lowered her voice, "What do you want?"
"I want to know you."
"Why?"
"I live the dullest life and you were like a breath of fresh air-"
"Is my purpose in life to entertain you?" She snapped.
He had to smile, no one in all of Auguston, except for his family, would 
fight with him like this. Frankly, never though he had been slapped 
across his face, he was enjoying the moment. 
Dana, seeing that he was lost in his own thought, raced back to her room 
and closed the balcony doors, locking them. He starred at her through 
the class, "Dana, do let me in."
"Never! Get off my balcony, you'll cause a scandal!"
Realizing that she was right, him on her balcony in the dark, he quickly 
climbed his way back down the ladder. In less than an hour she would be 
having dinner with Byers. <We'll see about that, I will get her to talk 
to me or I shall die in the attempt!>

            Byers starred at the Prince in horror and disappointment, 
"You are not serious!"
"I am.  You are dismissed for the evening, I will tend to Dana myself."
The King was in the room with them, not at all pleased with his son. 
"Stop chasing the girl and let her be. She did not come to Aguston for 
you."
"I am not chasing her. I wish to apologize."
"You can make it up to her by leaving her alone." King William rolled 
his eyes.
Fox gritted his teeth, his father never supported him! Never! Samantha, 
however, he would gladly die for. It was strange, most families favored 
their sons. "I am going to my chamber." The King announced, bored with 
the conversation. "Good bye, Byers, do make sure my son doesn't make a 
fool out of himself."
Byers kept his head lowered, "Yes, Sire."
Fox rolled his hands into fists, "I don't give a damn! I will see her 
tonight, Byers, just give me the chance."
"I cannot let you."
"I order it." Fox said, taking authority.
Byers laughed, "I answer to your father, and he wanted me to keep you in 
line."
"I am not a child."
"Then act like the Prince that you are. Dana has had enough, and from 
the looks of it, she doesn't want to deal with you anymore."
"I'm a prince, she must deal with me." He pushed Byers aside and walked 
down the sets of stairs to the dinning hall. A small set of guards 
followed behind him, the future King was always protected. Dana sat 
alone at the table, the food had been served and she was picking at it. 
When she hard the foot steps, she stood to greet Byers, but her face 
went cold when she saw it was the Prince. "Your highness, what are you 
doing here?"
"I came to join you for dinner." He said, sitting down across from her. 
Her mouth fell open in shock, "But what has happened to Mr. Byers?"
"I asked him to leave us for the evening." 
Dana's heart almost burst from surprise. She glanced at the guards, 
"Leave me alone." She hissed.
He smiled with charm, "I will not stop until you forgive me."
"I do forgive you, now go away!"
"This is my palace!" He reminded her.
She stood up, heading for the doorway, the white skirts flowing behind 
her. Fox quickly stood up and blocked her exit, "Do sit down."
"You're embarrassing me." She hissed.
Fox looked at the six guards placed in the dining room. "If you recite 
any of this conversation, or mention anything, I will have your heads!"
Dana turned pink, "Do you always bully your guards?"
"For you I do." He whispered.
She sat down in her chair, refusing to touch anything. He cleared his 
throat, "I know that I shouldn't have lied to you. I didn't know you 
would be so furious."
"I cannot be blamed, Prince Fox." She said through gritted teeth.
He took a breath, "I, frankly, enjoy your company and would like you to 
stay."
She looked up, "What?"
"I would like you to stay in the palace."
"But I slapped you!" She pointed out, forgetting about the other sets of 
ears in the room.
"I cant' say that was the best part of our friendship, but I do wish to 
continue our conversations. And I'll put my gardener act away... if it's 
all right with you."
"Do you expect me to treat you any differently?"
"No, not at all. I'm hoping you won't, that's my whole reason for 
becoming the gardener. To see how you treat.... commoners."
She crossed her arms over her chest, "And the point of this was...?"
"In Cortia, they all talked about how you were unique. You were smarter 
than other women, you were a pleasure to talk to... they wouldn't stop 
saying nice things about you."
"People in Cortia didn't know me!"
"I hear you're one for adventure..."
"Your highness, I wish to not discuss it now."
"Then we'll discuss it tomorrow."
"I do not wish to speak with you tomorrow....."
"I suppose it wouldn't be right of me to force you to forgive me.... but 
I'm begging you, please."
She looked at his pout, it reminded her of a little boy. She had to keep 
the smile at bay, <I better not regret this!> She couldn't resist.  "All 
right then, forgiven. Do not mention it again." 
He laughed, "Thank you, Miss Dana."
"Dana." She corrected again, turning her attention to the soup in front 
of her.
 He grinned, he was getting through to her! This was wonderful news! 
Byers would just be furious!

            Michael Quinn smoked his cigar, watching the young Prince as 
he and his new companion walked through the courtyard. He almost 
laughed, she was so worried about her reputation. Perhaps her coming to 
them wasn't such a bad idea. He finished his cigar, and the first 
thought on his mind was King William. "Sir, what do you want to do with 
the rest of the royal family?" Alex Krycek questioned.
 "What to do with William's family? The boy must die, that is for sure. 
Samantha and Tina.... I wish to keep."
"Keep them alive? But why?" Krycek was getting annoying.
"I have my reasons. Now get out of here. You have less than a month to 
get ready for the changes, I expect you to be ready."

            He laid in his bed, dreaming of her. A part of his mind knew 
that he shouldn't, it was wrong.... but another part of his mind just 
had more control. He dreamt of her in his chamber, looking out onto the 
garden. A sigh escaped his lips and his eyes snapped open. She was a 
sight! And her words were like music to bored ears, such as his own. Fox 
pulled himself out of bed. Dressing quickly, the Prince made his way to 
Dana's chamber, rapping softly on the door. He heard her mumbling, "Do 
go away."
Taking out a key from his pocket, he unlocked the door and entered. This 
was an invasion of her privacy, and hopefully she would not smack him 
again. "Dana? Wake up!"
Her body shot up in the bed, in the dim candle light mixed with the 
light from the moon, he could tell she was wearing a white night rail. 
She struggled to see, "Fox? WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"
"I thought you might like to see something. The moon is full, it's a 
wishing moon."
"What are you blubbering about?" She returned her head to the soft 
pillow. Like a child, Fox yanked the pillows away, "Come and look, you 
won't forget it."
She was dragged out of her bed, and he gave her time to put on slippers. 
Not very concerned with covering herself from him, she knew she was 
decent enough, she walked with him out to the balcony. Over his garden 
was the moon. It looked as if it had grown, and it was a perfect orange 
color and so full! Her mouth fell open, "And you call this a wishing 
moon?"
"Yes.... make a wish."
She laughed, "I don't believe in such things, my Prince. But it is 
lovely."
"Go make a wish." He insisted.
She sighed, closing her eyes, and she made the wish she always made. The 
one when she hoped for a perfect kiss and life from a perfect man. She 
sighed, "I've made the same wish for the past ten years, it doesn't look 
like it will ever happen."
"What do you wish for?" He asked.
She laughed, "If I tell, it'll never come true."
"But you said you don't believe in such things..." He moved closer to 
her.
She looked up at him, his eyes shined in the light, "I don't.... but 
it's a foolish wish."
She expected him to speak, but instead, he moved his face closer to 
hers, kissing her lips softly. Dana went stiff for a moment, but then 
relaxed into his arms. He ran his fingers through her strands of hair, a 
smile spreading across his face. "I will leave you to rest, good night."
She frowned, what a strange future king! He drags her out of bed in the 
middle of the night, kisses her and then leaves! She cursed him 
silently, "You are oh so odd."
He laughed, kissing her cheek. "I hope that your wish should come true." 
He closed the door behind him and returned to his chamber, on the other 
side of the palace. Dana leaned against the door, gasping for air. <I 
KISSED A PRINCE! Oh, my God!> This was.... it had to be a dream. She 
slapped herself across her own face, "No, not a dream." She sighed as 
her face started to sting with the self inflicted blow. With a laugh, 
she threw herself on to the bed with the satin sheets and screamed into 
her pillow, hitting her fists on the mattress with delight! <How am I 
ever to sleep again? I kissed a prince!>

End of 2/?
----------

	It was Princess Samantha's birthday, and their father adored her to 
death, so a ball was being held. Dana, for the first time since her 
arrival, met the Princess. She was led into her room by Jacqueline, "The 
rumor going 'round is that the Princess wanted to meet you."
Dana sucked in her breath, "Oh, God."
Jacqueline smiled, "Just keep up that charm of yours, she'll love you to 
death. Go in." 
The Princess was in a seamstress's room, being fitted for a gown. Dana 
timidly entered, holding her handkerchief in a fist. The Princess turned 
her head slightly to see Dana, "Well hello, Miss Dana, it is a pleasure 
to finally meet you. Rose, give me a moment."
The seamstress, looking annoyed, stood back while Samantha went to greet 
Dana. "I just returned from the country side and was astonished to hear 
that we had a new visitor. How do you like our Kingdom?"
Dana forced herself to breath, "It's a beautiful kingdom, Princess 
Samantha."
"Do call me Samantha. My brother says that he has met you." Samantha 
returned to the mirror so the seamstress could finish the stitching.
Dana's heart jumped, "And what did he tell you?" <Did he tell you that I 
was kissed? The last thing I need is a smeared reputation!>
Samantha smiled, "He told me that you had very interesting things to 
say.... Fox does love good conversation. Unfortunately, not too many 
people in the palace have much time to offer any. And Fox doesn't like 
the women in the court."
Dana frowned, "Pardon?"
"Oh, well, this might be gossip... but Phoebe Green and her father were 
looking at Byers and the King to get Fox married to Phoebe."
Dana stood straight, "Hum? Really, well, I hope he's very happy."
Samantha laughed, "Fox and Phoebe were close for a while, but it only 
bored him. He's like that."
Dana swallowed, "Like what?"
"Oh, dear me, do sit down, Dana. That chair over there is very 
comfortable. Have some tea, Theo, do serve her some tea."
Theo was the maid who sat in the corner, cleaning out the desk. "Yes, 
Samantha."
Dana frowned, "You let everyone call you by your first name?"
Samantha nodded, "Always, I hate the title of Princess. Too long, too 
snobbish. Fox agrees with me, some people would love those titles that 
we get, but Fox and I just can't stand it. Phoebe Green thought the 
title of Queen would fit her nicely."
Dana wasn't sure why she was being told this, but she knew that there 
must be a reason.
Samantha continued, "Fox is a strange one, he has a brilliant mind for 
military strategy, but as for the emotional sides of relationships.... 
he falls in and out of love faster than a bird can fly."
Dana was tempted to ask questions, but now it was obvious that the 
Princess thought Dana was tempted by her brother. This conversation was 
taking place so she would be discouraged! The last thing Dana wanted to 
do was confirm the suspicions of the Princess. With a smile, the 
Princess insisted that Dana attend her birthday ball, "It's wonderful to 
see a new face for once, and I'm so anxious to get to know you."
Dana nodded, "I'd be delighted."

            Dana had never been to a ball so grand in her life! She'd 
lived in royal courts since she was a child, but none of them were like 
this! Golden candle holders decorated the ball room, the guests had 
clothes that must have cost each one of them a small fortune. Taking a 
breath, she entered the ball room. Samantha was unfazed by the party, 
she'd seen many of them that were equal to this one. Dana approached her 
with caution, bowing slightly. "Princess."
Samantha smiled, "Dana, I'm pleased that you came. I wanted you to meet 
someone."
Dana turned her head to the man standing beside Samantha, "This is Lord 
Krycek. I thought you two would get along splendidly."
Dana smiled at the handsome man, but was comparing him to Fox in the 
back of her mind. He reached for her hand, kissing it. "It's a pleasure 
to finally meet you, Miss Dana. You seemed to have caused an uproar in 
the Cortia Court, they were very disappointed when you left them. 
However, their Kingdom's loss is our gain."
Dana couldn't help but smile at him, "I assure you, they all 
exaggerate."
"I wonder..." Samantha said to herself.
A waltz was playing and Krycek coaxed her out to the dance floor. The 
waltz stopped suddenly and the crowd parted. Coming into the ball room 
was Fox. Dana sucked in her breath, he looked so handsome. Wearing dark 
blue coat with a white ruffled shirt, she couldn't believe that this man 
hadn't already snatched up! He turned his head in her direction and 
smiled at her, silently telling her that he would speak to her as soon 
as he could. Fox was approached by a blond woman who was tall and had a 
slim figure. "Fox, darling, you look wonderful. Where on Earth have you 
been hiding for the past month?"
Fox turned to Phoebe, "Well, things have been a bit busy since the 
arrival of Miss Scully."
Phoebe turned to look at Dana, who was dancing around the room with 
Krycek. "That is the beauty from Cortia they are all raving about? She's 
a.... plain looking girl, but you could consider her beautiful. If you 
like that sort of plain look."
Fox wouldn't even look at Phoebe. She slipped her hand into his, "Do you 
not forgive me, Fox? I told you-"
He pulled his hand back, the last thing he wanted was her causing a 
scandal. "Leave it be, Phoebe. I don't have time."
Phoebe's mouth fell open, never in her life had she been dismissed like 
that! He approached Dana from the side, the dance was over and Krycek 
took a step back. "My Prince... it is good to see you out and about." 
Fox rarely attended the parties the court threw, and it was always a 
shock if he showed. Smiling faintly at Krycek, Fox swept Dana way to 
where the throne chairs were. He sat her down beside him, "You look 
beautiful." He whispered, keeping his eyes on the crowd.
Dana took a breath, "So do you, my Prince."
He smiled at her, "I was happy when I saw you, I've missed you."
"Sir, you barely know me!" She hissed.
"I feel like I do. I feel things that I never have before, for anyone. 
I'm sorry if I displeased you last night..."
"No, yes... I mean.... it's so complicated. You really shouldn't have 
done it! Sir, I was striving to keep a clean reputation."
"Of course, and I will not dirty it."
"With the way that you act, Prince Fox, my reputation will be soiled in 
no time."
He turned to her, "Do you know how you tempt me? I know that I 
shouldn't. And I will die before I let your reputation suffer. You've 
made one for yourself.... do you know what they called you  Cortia?  
Lively, entertaining. That doesn't sound like someone who wants to keep 
a clean reputation."
"That was the old Dana Scully, she no longer exists. I have other 
priorities. My actions in Corita were a mistake. I shouldn't have ever 
gone. I guess I'm never safe from that reputation." 
"If you give me safety, in a short time I'll be driven crazy." He smiled 
at her.
Dana looked down at her hands, "Perhaps I should leave. Your sister 
doesn't seem to like me."
"Why? Samantha and you are like two peas in a pod!"
"She was hinting to me that she... knows something. She doesn't like the 
idea of... whatever." She stood to her feet, walking down the steps to 
the main ball room floor. Fox wanted to chase after her, but he didn't 
want the gossip to start spreading.

            Phoebe and Samantha stood side by sided, watching Dana run 
off. "Good, I didn't like her." Phoebe said with a sigh.
Samantha turned to the woman, "She's a nice girl... however, she isn't 
cut out for this kind of thing."
"What kind?" Fox asked, coming up from behind them.
Phoebe smiled and turned on her heels, "Do excuse me, I believe that my 
wine glass is empty."
Samantha faced her brother alone, "I hope you are enjoying the evening. 
When are mother and father going to show?"
"Samantha, what did you tell Dana?"
"Nothing, Fox, I haven't said a word."
"Samantha, I know that you interfered. Tell me what you did."
Samantha took a sip of wine, "Well... I told her the truth. That you 
would only end up using her in the end. Fox, you weren't cut out for 
women, never were. She isn't right for you."
"Do you suppose I deserve a Queen?"
"To at least keep the royal blood for the heir to the throne, yes! 
Mother told me once something that disturbed me. We are royalty. We'll 
probably never find love, and if we were to, our crowns would keep us 
from it."
Fox rolled his hand into a fist, "I'm leaving."
Samantha grabbed his arm, "It'll look wrong, the guest will know 
something is wrong."
The crowd stirred and a pair walked in, it was the King and Queen. 
Someone started shouting, "God bless the King and Queen!" 
Fox sighed, "I will discuss this with mother."
"Fox, you tricked her. Claiming you were a gardener! What kind of scheme 
was that? Leave her alone, and I do believe that Lord Krycek and her 
have hit it off."
Fox froze, "Never."
"Do not interfere, Fox." Samantha handed him a cup of wine.
He returned it to her, "I will not drink that. I must find Dana."
Samantha watched with disappointment as he left, she signed. <My brother 
is a strange one.> 

            Michael Quinn, high member of the King's Royal Council, 
watched as the brother and sister had a stressed conversation. Byers 
approached him, "Sir Quinn, do you find something of interest with the 
young Prince and Princess?"
"No, nothing. How are you, Byers old man?"
Byers smiled, although it was faked. He didn't like the way this man 
acted, so perfect, every move calculated. "Things are well. And you?"
He took a sip of his wine with a smile, "Things couldn't be better."
Krycek approached them, handing Byers a glass of wine, "Good to see you 
again, Byers."
Byers nodded at Krycek, "Lord Krycek, I haven't laid eyes on you in 
months. You seem to be in good health."
"Much better now that winter is over. I was fearing death for a moment."
Krycek had been gravely ill months prior, the fact that he had no heir 
and no one was left to carry the Krycek title was big news. Now all 
women were anxious to give him the heir that he so desperately needed, 
but he always had more important things on his mind. "I have noticed 
that Prince Fox has left his own sister's birthday celebration... is 
something wrong that we should know about?"
Quinn sighed, "He is a strange lad. What kind of King would he make? 
Byers, you have started training him for the position, haven't you?"
"Of course, I'm doing my best." Byers took a sip of wine, "Excuse me, 
I'm being summoned by the King." He left Krycek and Quinn standing 
together. 
Quinn turned to his comrade, "Have you found me an assassin?"
He nodded his head, "You'll have to meet him. The man works like a 
machine."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"What will happen next?"
"He'll take the Prince to his death bed.... and I shall spare the Queen 
and her daughter."
"All right then, excuse me, the crush in here is suffocating." 
 He disappeared out the glass doors to the gardens. Quinn took a breath, 
it wouldn't be long now.

            Dana couldn't find Jacqueline, so she decided she would skip 
a late night meal. She heard a soft tapping on her door. Gathering her 
skirts, she opened the door, "Who is there?"
A small white envelope rested on the marble floor, her name scrawled on 
it with quick handwriting. She picked it up, searching the hall for the 
person who might have put the letter there. The hall was empty, and so 
was the stair case. Disappearing back into her chamber, she ripped the 
envelope open and started reading the note inside. 

"Dearest Dana,

    Would you care for an adventure? Something that you will soon never 
forget, and I promise that your reputation will come out without a 
scratch. Meet me at the back fountain in half an hour. I'm waiting."

   At the bottom of the page was a sketch of a fox beside a tree. She 
smiled, he was an artist. Who would have thought? She picked up a blue 
dress, something not as fancy so she wouldn't attract attention. Picking 
up her black cloak, she covered her head with the hood and walked to the 
balcony. A ladder was still there from Fox's escapade. She made her way 
down to the grassy ground. The fountain wasn't too far, so she would cut 
through the garden. "I'm glad you came." He called from her left.
She smiled and turned to face him, "I was curious."
"Good, I'm glad. Come." He reached a hand out for her. 
She reluctantly took his hand, it was warm in the cool night air.
"And where are we going, Prince Fox?"
"I promised an adventure..."
She stopped walking, "Is this off the palace grounds?"
He nodded, "Come along, hurry before the guards see us."
Like two thieves in the night, they raced through the gates and to the 
wall that closed off the palace grounds. He had a ladder placed there, 
helping her up, he led her over the brick wall. "Welcome. You are 
officially off palace grounds."
Dana looked around, they found themselves in a small jungle of trees. 
"And what are we doing?"
"We're going to the town."
"What for?" She gasped.
"The town is much more fun than the palace."
She bit her lower lip, "Fox, I really don't think that...."
He put his hand on her cheek, "I assure you, you are in good hands."
Looking into the deep hazel eyes, she found it nearly impossible to 
resist. Going against her good judgment, she followed him down the road, 
where a carriage awaited them. An old man with silver hair tipped his 
hat to her, "I assume you are the lovely miss Dana. The lad here has 
said a lot about you."
Fox smiled at him, "Good evening, David, you were correct in your 
assumption. To the village, if you will."
Dana sat in the carriage beside him, "Does he know that... you're 
royalty?"
Fox shook his head, "David doesn't know, and if I told him, I'm sure he 
wouldn't care."
Dana sighed, "Fox, do you lie to all your friends?"
He reached for her hand, kissing the soft skin, "I do not lie, I just 
fail to mention my family. No one asks, so I see no reason to tell."
Dana rolled her eyes, "Really..."
He laughed, "Wait until you see what I have in store for you."
"What?"
"A night that you won't soon forget."
Dana felt a knot growing in her stomach. She was positive that she had 
made a mistake... but there wasn't much she could do now. She'd give him 
a chance.

            They ended up in front of a rustic building, a  pub. "Now 
remember, no one here knows about my background, so do not mention it."
Dana nodded. "Fine."
He was greeted at the door by a pair of young men, "Jack, Preston, this 
is Dana."
Dana forced a smile, "Eh, hello."
Right away drinks were ordered for Fox. The man behind the car handed 
him a mug, "The usual I suppose, eh, Fox?"
"You know me too well, Thomas." Fox handed Dana her drink. 
Thomas was middle aged, his black hair was turning gray on the sides and 
he had a huge smile that was infectious. "And who is this goddess that 
has entered my tavern?"
Dana blushed. "This goddess, Thomas, is Dana... and you will remain a 
gentleman. Understand?" Fox said with a serious voice.
Thomas laughed, "Have I ever NOT been a gentleman? Miss Dana, it's a 
pleasure to have you in my humble tavern. Make yourself at home." 
Dana muttered a thank you. Fox took her hand, "Are you all right?"
"When you said an adventure, I didn't think of anything like this."
He handed her more cups of drinks, "Let yourself go, Dana, the people 
here do not go to sleep until the early hours of the morning."
The only other females in the tavern were groups of serving girls, 
handing drinks out to the men and playing cards with them. Fox took out 
his purse of coins, "Come and watch a game of cards, the conversation is 
interesting."
He joined a group of men, all wearing raggy clothes and smiles on their 
faces. "Fox, we didn't think you'd show lad. What have you been doing 
all night?"
"My sister's birthday celebration." Fox said as he held a seat out for 
Dana.
"Your sister shares a birthday with the Princess? Ha!" Joseph started 
dealing cards.
"Who is your lovely lady friend, lad?" one of the older men asked.
Fox smiled at her, "This is Dana. Dana, this is Joseph, Martin, Crane 
and Edward."
They all exchanged greetings and returned to the game. "Ready to be 
robbed blind, men?" Crane asked as he started putting coins into the 
pile.
Fox shook his head, "No, no, Crane... the question is, Are YOU ready to 
be robbed blind?"
Crane laughed, "Have you seen what an arrogant pig he is, Dana? A real 
pig, the biggest pig I've ever seen." 
Dana grinned, "Yes, he is a pig."
Fox mocked injury to his heart, "OH, you wound me!" He slapped down his 
winning cards. "Your money if you will, gentlemen."
Dana smiled at him, he looked like a boy. He was at home here, with this 
peasants who didn't know him as well as they thought, but who knew him 
better than the people of the court. And what would they do when they 
found out their friend, Fox, was next in line to be a King? She had a 
hard time not laughing when they insulted him, if only they knew they 
were talking to a prince!
Crane, who was leading, was anxious to see what the other men had in 
their hands. Fox obviously had a winning hand, but he chose not to play 
it. He let Crane win the money. Handing over his purse to Crane, he 
muttered something and a few curses. Crane was laughing, handing more 
beer over to them, "It's part of life, lad. You win some, you lose 
some."
Dana touched his arm, silently asking him 'why did you let him win?'
He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze, "I don't need the money 
as much as he does." He whispered in her ear.
Dana grinned, thinking to herself that he'd make a good King, no matter 
what his parents said. The hours past and it was well past midnight. 
Dana had drunk more than she ever had in her life! Fox wrapped an arm 
around her and led her outside into the cold night air. "Feeling 
better?"
She leaned against him, "Much."
He walked her out to a field of flowers, laying her down on the grass. 
She let out a sigh, "We have to go home."
He laid down beside her, wrapping her petite body in his arms, "We will, 
but let's rest for a bit."
They could hear laughter from the tavern not far away, the men were 
leaving for the night. Drunk and happy. Fox let Dana rest her head on 
his shoulder, he wrapped her red curls around his finger, "I think my 
friends like you."
She smiled, "I like them, too."
Fox kissed her temple, sending a small shock through her body. "Dana?"
"Hum?"
"Are you sleepy?"
"Yes..."
He pulled himself up, "Then come along, we have to get back. Thomas is 
waiting for us."
As if on cue, the carriage with the old man appeared not far down the 
street. Holding her arm, he led her to it, helping her inside. Thomas 
said nothing and asked no questions. He drove them to the street that 
led to the palace, Fox paid him and he and Dana walked home the rest of 
the way. Not letting Thomas know where they were going, but he was used 
to this from Fox, so he never asked. By some miracle they made it up the 
ladder without breaking their necks. Not bothering to change of out 
their clothes, he slipped her into bed and then crawled in beside her. 
Holding her tight in his arms, he closed his eyes. He would leave in a 
while... just a few seconds of sleep....

            Krycek was in a panic. Quinn had met the assassin and he was 
serious! They were going to kill the King! Alex Krycek wasn't the best 
of men, but he wasn't a traitor. Wrapped in a cloak, he used the secret 
passages of the castle to get to Byers and Skinner. Walter Skinner was 
another member of the King's council. He confessed to them Quinn's plan. 
"Why have you kept silent for so long?" Skinner snapped at him.
Krycek put his head down, "I... I did not know that he would actually do 
it! I thought it was a moment of insanity. But now he had found himself 
an assassin when he learned that I didn't have one. I think... I know 
that there isn't much time."
Skinner, wearing a wool coat, paced in the council room. "We will warn 
the King. We will warn the Captain of the Guards. Until we are sure that 
Quinn is going to go through with it, we will arrest him. You, Krycek, 
must play an operative."
Krycek frowned, "What?"
Byers rolled his eyes, "Stay with Quinn. Pretend to be his friend and 
report back to the council. Understand?"
Krycek nodded, "I understand. He wants to take the Prince to hell with 
him!"
"We will increase all security and take all the proper measures. Let us 
worry about that."
Krycek, feeling dizzy and disoriented, was dismissed. He was now a spy. 
The King's life was at stake, and there was only so much they could do.

            Dana stirred in her sleep, letting out a whimper. There was 
a mad pounding at her door, and she had a splitting head ache. She 
forced her eyes open and blinked back when they were attacked by the 
light. She turned over onto her other side, wrapping her arms around the 
person next to her. Falling half way between awake and dreams, she let 
out a shriek. THERE WAS A MAN IN HER BED! She sat up, her heart 
pounding. Fox laid draped over her mattress, his head resting on the 
pillow. Jacqueline pounded on the door, "Miss Dana! Open the door! It's 
almost noon!"
She gasped, "Oh no! Fox!" She hissed.
He shifted his position, reaching out for her. Dana slapped him, "Get 
up!"
He sat up in a fury, "What was that for?"
"What are you doing in my bed?" She hissed.
He looked around, "Oh... I haven't the slightest clue."
Jacqueline started turning the locked handle, "Miss Dana, are you all 
right?"
Dana pushed Fox off her bed, he landed with a thump. "Hide." She hissed.
Fox scrambled to his feet, getting into the wardrobe closet. Dana 
slipped on her robe and raced to open the door, "Forgive me, 
Jacqueline."
The small, now grumpy, maid entered. "Look at you! You must get ready. 
The Queen and Princess want to meet with you for lunch this afternoon."
Dana let out a gasp, "LUNCH? TODAY? WHY!"
Jacqueline was bubbling with excitement, "I don't know, but the whole 
royal family will be there."
"And the King and Prince?"
"That's what the Princess ordered. We must find you a dress." Jacqueline 
went to the wardrobe, where Fox was hiding. Dana gasped, "No!" She threw 
herself in front of the wardrobe closet doors.
Jacqueline frowned, "What is wrong with you, girl?"
Dana took a breath, "Jacqueline, darling, you work so hard and I think 
that you should take the morning off. I will not need any assistance 
getting dressed."
Jacqueline shook her head, "I take pride in doing my job well. Go get 
washed up and I'll find you a dress."
"Jacqueline, you go and fetch me some towels and I'll pick out my own 
dress."
With a 'humph', Jacqueline left the room to get the towels. Dana pulled 
the closet doors open, seeing the Prince sitting on the floor. She 
tapped her foot in irritation, "Go find another place to hide!"
He unfolded his body and raced off, Dana not even bothering to watch 
where he went. Jacqueline soon returned, towels in her hand, "Go get in 
the tub, did you find a dress?"
Dana searched through the closet and pulled out her peach colored dress, 
"This one."
Jacqueline laid it out on the bed, "Go get in the tub! Time is being 
wasted, you have less than an hour!"
Dana raced off to the washing room, which was connected with her 
bedroom. She undid the knot of the dress bow and let it fall to her 
ankles. Tossing it into the washing room closet, she slipped into the 
large wooden tub filled with warm water.
            Fox almost died when Dana's dress was thrown on top of him. 
He was now crouched in the closet of the washing room, the doors were 
opened a bit. He could see Dana, running the sponge over her shoulders. 
He leaned his head against the wooden board and took deep breaths, <This 
was not a good hiding place...>
            Dana, oblivious to the man hiding behind the closet doors, 
stretched her legs out of the water, running the sponge over them. She 
let out a sigh, sinking beneath the bubbles and the surface.
The door of the washing room burst open and Jacqueline returned, holding 
a cotton robe for her. "Out you go, the meeting with the royal family is 
in less than an hour and I can't let my mistress turn into a prune 
before then."
Dana let out a laugh, one that Fox, from behind the doors of the closet, 
found very pretty. Out of curiosity, he looked through the crack between 
the two doors. Dana was pulling herself out of the water, and he had a 
perfect look of her naked backside. He let out a gasp and closed his 
eyes, then opened them again. Jacqueline was wrapping the robe around 
her, "You go get into that dress of yours, I'll style your hair in a 
minute."
Dana pulled one slim leg out of the water and onto the floor, the second 
following behind. She walked towards the closet door, searching for 
another towel. Fox covered himself with linen, hiding in the corner of 
the closet under a pile of fabric. He ceased breathing so she wouldn't 
hear him. Dana let out a sigh, pulling out a towel and then slamming the 
door shut, leaving the prince in total darkness. He bit his lower lip, 
listening for her to leave. It must have been over an hour later before 
Dana left her chamber, leaving him alone. Jacqueline had just gone and 
he finally came out, gasping for breath. <Never am I going to do that 
again!>

END of 3/?
-------------

            Langley had Fox's clothes laid out for him, he waited in the 
Prince's chamber, annoyed. "It's about time! You have a meeting with 
your family and Miss Dana in less than fifteen minutes!"
Fox gritted his teeth, "I KNOW THAT!"
Langley frowned, "Who told you?"
He was about to say something, but then stopped. "I met Dana in the 
hall, she mentioned it."
Fox changed quickly, anxious to be at this brunch to save Dana from the 
wolves he called a family. Samantha had been trained by their mother to 
be protective of the crown, much to his annoyance. Out on the deck the 
Princess was having tea with her mother, the King was between them. Fox 
and Dana arrived at the same time, Samantha sighed, then smiled. "Dana, 
do come."
Taking confidant steps towards the royal family, she did a deep curtsy. 
The Queen reached for her hand, "We are sorry we couldn't meet with you 
sooner, they all said you were a delight."
Dana blushed, "I assure you, they exaggerate. It's what I've said from 
the beginning, your majesty."
The King examined her closely, Fox could see her squirming slightly. He 
flashed her a grin, "So what have you been up to since you arrived?"
Dana was tempted to kick him under the white table, "Well... mostly 
keeping to myself, Prince."
He had a faint smile on his lips, but lowered his head so his sister and 
parents wouldn't see it. The King continued to ask questions about the 
Court in Cortia. "And how is King Pendrell?" He asked.
Dana sat up straight, "He seems to be well. The Queen, my cousin 
Valerie, is adjusting to her new life."
The King's mouth fell open, "Queen Valerie is your cousin? So you have 
royal blood running through your veins?"
Dana looked King William in the eye, "I suppose I do, Sire."
The king, very interested in Dana's family tree, continued to peruse the 
matter. He was disrupted when Byers and Skinner came out towards them. 
"Sire, we are sorry to disturb you... but this is a matter of great 
importance."
The King stood, "Do excuse me."
She said a good bye and sat back down, starring at Fox with a cool gaze. 
Samantha cleared her throat, taking the conversation into her own hands, 
"So, how did you like Lord Krycek?"
Dana, not knowing why she was asked the question, smiled, "He seemed 
polite."
Samantha shot a pleased grin in Fox's direction, "He is a source of very 
interesting conversation." Samantha said as she poured herself more tea.
The Queen, who had been mostly silent until then, smiled at Dana. "You 
must come to the ball that Lord Krycek is throwing, everyone of the 
court is invited... that includes you know, Dana."
Her mouth twitched, "I'm now included in the court?"
"Darling, you are. So it is important that you make appearances so the 
world can see you." Samantha whispered, so Fox could not hear.
He gritted his teeth, he would have said something except Johster, 
Captain of the Royal Guards, came racing to them. "
"I'm sorry but... we have an emergency." 
The Queen stood, "What?"
Johster took a deep breath, "It's for your own safety that you stay in 
doors until we can catch the-"
Samantha cut him off, "What are you talking about, Captain?"
"There is a rumor of an assassin. We don't know who he is yet, but for 
your own protection, you should all remain in the palace grounds in 
closed chambers."
The Queen, who was now falling into a panic, started rambling. "What 
will we do? Where is  King William?"
Fox took his mother's arm, "I'm sure Johster has it all under control. 
Mother, maybe we should retire to our chambers."
Dana was led back inside, the royal family turning in a another 
direction. Fox whispered to her, "I'll see you tonight."
She felt a shiver go up her spine and she went to her room. She was in 
no danger, it was the King that an assassin would want. So, she would 
just sit back and hope that it was just a rumor. When she went to join 
Byers for dinner, he left her a message saying that the royal council 
was in a meeting, and he would have to skip dinner. Depressed and alone, 
longing for conversation, she sat at the empty table alone. The guards 
weren't even in the room, they were all off to protect the King and 
guard the gates. She looked at the cook, "Would you care to join me?" 
She smiled.
He grinned at her, "I would, Miss Dana, but my wife wanted me to come 
home early. I am sorry..."
"No, it's perfectly all right. I'll see you tomorrow, good night."
"Good evening, Miss Dana." He returned to the kitchen.
She sipped at her soup, bored out of her mind. The only sound besides 
her breathing was the ticking of the clock in the corner. She felt a 
warm pair of hands on her shoulders and a kiss on her cheek. She gasped, 
turning to see who would dare! 
Fox, with a smirk on his face, sat down beside her. "And what is a 
lovely lady doing all alone at this time of night?"
She frowned at him, touching her face where his lips had met her skin, 
"You are out to ruin me, I know it. Are you insane? You should know 
better! What if someone had seen-"
"No one is here, I made sure of that."
She moved away from him, "What are you doing?"
"You seem upset with me." He commented.
"I don't know where you are leading me, what do you want from me?"
"What kind of question is that?" He asked, startled that she had raised 
her voice.
"Oh, please! In all my years, I have met half a dozen kings and princes, 
but none of them acted like you. You are improper and if anyone sees us 
together, my life is tangled in scandal."
"You, my dear, are being over dramatic." He laughed.
She stood up, furious that he was laughing at her. "I've had enough. I 
want you to tell me now, what do you want from me?"
"Nothing...."
"Then why have you kissed me?" She hissed.
"Because I couldn't live without doing it." He pulled her down and 
kissed her lips again, not letting her push him back. When he finally 
pulled away, she had the lingering sensation of his lips on hers. She 
flushed, "You don't even care of someone sees us!"
"I, Dana, will some day be a king. And-"
"I am not a paramour." She snapped.
"And I don't intend on turning you into one."
She looked him in the eye, causing shivers to run down his back, "Listen 
to me, I don't care if you are a Prince or not... you better have good 
reasons for your actions! Are you drunk?"
He grinned at her, a sweet smile that melted her icy tone. "Do you have 
any feelings for Lord Krycek?"
"I only said hello to him! I hardly know him!"
"Well... I guess that put Samantha's suspicions to rest."
"What?"
"She thought that you and Krycek would be well together, and that you 
were attracted to him."
She slapped Fox across his face, her hand stinging, "How dare you and 
your sister discuss such things about me behind my back! I will ask you 
again, why have you treated me the way that you have."
"..... I really don't know."
She stood up, racing out of the dining hall and up the stair case to her 
chamber. Fox was right behind her. The foyer was empty, so no one saw 
them. She slammed her door shut, bolting it. He turned the handle, "Open 
this door."
"I'm going to sleep now, I shall see you in the morning."
He wished that he had a key, but Dana was the only one besides Byers. He 
smiled to himself, Byers had a key!

            In the conference, the members of the council were there... 
all except Quinn. "Are you sure that he is a traitor? He has been my 
advisor for a decade!" King William was pacing around, nervous.
"I told you, sire, he has an assassin. They're making plans." Krycek was 
starting to babble.
Byers took control of the conversation, "All right now, have him 
arrested! He'll go through a trial and we'll see if it is true."
"Are you sure that's wise-" Skinner started.
The King jumped up, "We cannot take any chances! Bring him to me!"

             Quinn had known that Krycek would betray him... it was all 
part of his plan and Krycek has been the perfect puppet! With a smile on 
his face, he finished a letter to his assassin. The orders were clear, 
when and where the King was to be killed. And they wouldn't even have to 
bother with the Prince, it would all come in due time. He quickly sent 
his letter with one of the servants, then locked the doors to his 
chamber. The night before he had sent letters out to his friends in the 
court, he had sent large amounts of money to the poor people in the 
villages and he was sure that he was going to be fine. His latest 
project in the village, building a school, had been completed the week 
before. Every day he got annoying letters from the people thanking him 
and complementing him. He had just sent them on to one of the servants 
who could write and had him respond to all of them. A pounding on his 
door startled Quinn, he looked up from his task. "Who is it?"
"Captain of the Guard. Open this door this instant!"
He wiped the smile off his face with some effort and threw the door 
open, "Captain, what a pleasure to see you. To what do I owe the grace 
of your company?"
The Captain held his pistol out, "I want your hands where I can see 
them, Quinn."
With a look of surprise, he put his hands up, "What are you doing?"
"In the name of the King and the Royal Council, I arrest you." Two other 
guards came from behind him, taking Quinn's arms and dragging him into 
the hall.
Quinn gasped, "Why? What have I done? I AM A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL!"
The Captain ignored his pitiful pleas and dragged him through the 
passage to the council room, where the King himself awaited with Byers 
and Skinner and Krycek.
Quinn was roughly led into the chamber, "What is the meaning of this?"
The King stood tall, keeping his eyes unreadable. "There is a rumor that 
I have heard... you were trying to assassinate the King."
Quinn pasted a look of surprise, "WHAT?"
Krycek rolled his hands into fists, "It is dangerous to have him out, 
should we throw him in the cell?"
Skinner took command, "Have in arrested formally and throw him in the 
tower. I will have a trial arranged."
"TRIAL? For what?! I have done nothing, Skinner! You know me! You-"
The three guards silenced him with a smack across his head with a 
pistol, then carried him out of the King's sight. King William sat down, 
"And to think, I had that man so close to me."
Byers put a hand on his shoulders, "It wouldn't be the first time 
something like this has happened to a King. You should rest, sire."
Skinner reached for his cloak which he had thrown over a chair, "I 
suppose I should start getting ready for a trial... keep the guard up. 
That assassin is still out there. We should dedicate as much time as 
possible to finding him. Perhaps when he hears that Quinn was arrested, 
he'll give it up and leave."
The King buried his face in his hands, "Where is my wife and daughter?"
"In their chambers, Sire."
"Fox?"
"He's about some where."
"Make sure that the guards are on Samantha, I don't want anything 
happening to her."
"And what about the Prince?"
"He will be fine." William yawned.
"I suggest rest, Sire." Byers said again.
The King stood up, "That is a good idea. Update me if there is any 
chance in this situation." 
The two council members bowed to the King as he left. When the door was 
shut, Skinner slammed his fist down on the desk. "Can you believe him? 
He demands guards on his daughter, but not the future king!"
Byers sighed, "We don't want the Princess dead..."
"Of course not, but no one gives a damn about the Princess! Fox is in 
more danger.  If the King will not take proper precautions to protect 
the Prince, then I will!"
Byers watched as Skinner raced out of the room in a blur. He made the 
sign of the cross, praying that all would be well in the end.

            Dana sat alone in Fox's garden, involved in her reading. She 
had brought out a cup of tea with her, and alone on the bench, she read 
and drank. Fox did not approach her, but instead watched her from his 
window. She looked so intelligent an beautiful sitting there, oblivious 
to him. Samantha had slipped into his chamber using a secret passage, 
and he hadn't heard her yet. She moved to see what he was starring at, 
and frowned when she realized it was Dana. "Fox, don't bother wishing 
for her, you can't have her."
He turned to face her, "What do you want?"
"I'm being the voice of reason... you can never have her."
"What makes you think that-"
"It's obvious. And everyone who ever sees you together will know. Rumors 
will start flying when they realize that the recluse prince has a love 
interest that isn't royalty. Do not make that girl your mistress!"
His mouth fell open, "I WOULD NEVER!"
She crossed her arms over her chest, "The future Queen wouldn't be too 
thrilled if she found out that you ran off chasing peasant girls."
"Dana is not a peasant!"
"Fox, let her go.... she isn't like us."
"You're right, she's better than us."
"That isn't possible! WE have the crown! She has nothing!"
"She has royal blood running through her veins also, you heard what 
father said."
"And she holds no crown, she isn't worth it."
"Samantha, get out!"
She gasped, never in her life had anyone taken that tone with her, 
"Don't peruse her, I told you!"
"Why not?"
"She is not a princess!"
"And because you are that makes you better than her? Samantha, she is a 
thousand times better than you!"
Samantha snatched a globe from his desk and threw it at him, missing him 
by a yard. "Do you plan on making that girl your Queen?"
"Perhaps..." Fox returned to his place at the window.
Samantha stomped her foot, furious. "You can't! You'll spoil the royal 
blood!"
"Is it just because she isn't as royal as you are? Do you not like her 
character? Her mind?"
"Her body?" Samantha snapped.
Fox gritted his teeth, working the muscles in his jaw, "That has nothing 
to do with it-"
"It has everything to do with it. You're a man, you just can't resist. 
There are princesses in this world who are a thousand times more 
beautiful than Dana."
"And a thousand times more shallow than you." He shouted.
Samantha turned red, both in embarrassment and anger, "Father will kill 
you! Why not Princess Diana of Resteresne? She seemed to like you when 
you met!"
"You aren't understanding! Father has spoiled you too much, your crown 
and title have invaded your mind! Dana is far form ordinary, and that is 
why I like her! She is the opposite of you, I've had enough of women 
like you, Samantha! That is why I never go to the balls, that is why I 
never gave a damn about the women of court."
She turned on her heels and headed for the door, much to his relief. 
Before going, she said, "There was one woman in court you gave a damn 
about... Phoebe."
He turned back to the window, his eyes fixed on Dana, "And she was more 
like you than the others."
"I am none of those things you accuse me of being."
"You should look past your reflection in the mirror and see."
He heard the door close and turned back to pick up the globe, spinning 
it in his hands. He didn't care what Samantha or his parents thought of 
Dana. One day, he would be King, and it wouldn't matter...

            Claire DeMarc walked confidently through the halls of the 
palace, three guards by her side. She searched for Skinner, that was the 
man she wanted to see. She had come on behalf of the people of Cortia, 
to speak for them in Quinn's trial. That man had done more of them than 
the King had, and she had to say something. She was led to the room 
where Skinner waited, drinking his tea. She entered pulling her cloak 
off. Claire always had a flare for the dramatic. He stood as she 
entered, "Countess DeMarc, I am glad you came."
She smiled faintly, "I was happy to come, but very displeased when I 
heard what you have done with Quinn. Release him immediately."
Skinner almost laughed at her, "Your orders mean nothing here, my lady. 
He is to remain under guard until this matter is cleared up."
"You count on sending him to the gallows!" She snapped.
He nodded, "We have Lord Krycek as a witness, and several letters that 
Quinn sent to him speaking of the matter."
The Countess crossed her arms over her chest, "You, Sir, are very narrow 
minded. There is no way they could have been faked? No way that Krycek 
could be a liar?"
"He has been in our court for years-"
"If my informant is correct, Quinn has been here for twice as long as 
Krycek."
She was true, but he wouldn't answer that. "There are six members on the 
court council who will decide his fate, it has nothing more to do with 
me."
"When will I be able to speak in front of them?"
"Tonight.... I'm curious, what do you have to say?"
She laughed, "Have you ever taken a ride through the countryside? Have 
you seen the work that Quinn has done? He's built schools for the 
children, it was his personal project for the past four years! And there 
is no one in town who hasn't met him and has a bad thing to say about 
him..."
"Your point?"
"He's done far too much good to do evil, Sir. I know in my heart that 
this man is not what you think he is."
"We'll let the council decide."
"What will happen if he is found guilty of this act that he did not 
commit?"
"Gallows."
"And if released?"
"We shall let him go, then he can chose if he wishes to say here or 
leave. Knowing Quinn, he'll leave the palace."
"Listen to me, Lord Skinner, this man that you speak of has helped more 
people in this country than your King has!"
His face went stern, "Do not speak of my King in that matter."
"You remain loyal to a spoiled family, Sir. Quinn is the one who takes 
care of the commoners..."
"You, Madame, are far from a commoner. How is it that you know of 
Quinn?"
She cleared her throat, "I gave him half the money to make the schools, 
my husband was furious."
"And where is your husband, Madame?"
She looked down at the floor, "He is dead, he had too much to drink 
and...." She covered her face and wiped her eyes.
Skinner let the subject drop, "You will have your chance to speak, the 
council is meeting at six this evening, you can come here then."
She nodded, "Thank you, Sir."
Skinner led her out of the chamber and back into the hands of the 
guards, who escorted her out. Since the assassin was first mentioned, no 
one was safe.

            Samantha stomped down the hall to Byers office chamber. She 
knocked on his door, waiting for him to let her in. "Princess! What are 
you doing up at this hour?" He seemed surprised.
She pushed her way past him, "I could not sleep. My brother is about to 
make a mistake."
Byers listened, offering her a seat. She sat in the chair by the window, 
"Sir, you have to keep him and Dana apart! Not only is his reputation at 
stake, but so is hers. He doesn't know what he's doing, and he'll do 
more wrong than good."
"He's following his heart?" Byers questioned.
She nodded.
"How rare, never heard of a Prince who actually followed his heart." 
Byers laughed.
"HOW DARE YOU LAUGH!  This is serious! All the future kings will have 
tainted blood!"
Byers came to Dana's defense, "Her blood is not tainted." 
"Perhaps that was rather harsh, but I am determined to keep the royal 
blood pure as possible! And the last thing he want is a girl without a 
title coming in and seducing our future King!"
"Dana has done no such thing!" Byers felt like shouting at her.
Samantha rolled her eyes, "Perhaps not on purpose, but this will only 
end in disaster if we let her stay. I want her sent away-"
"Never!" Byers snapped.
Samantha's mouth fell open, "What?"
"I said no! That girl is under my protection, and I promised to take 
care of her. Princess, it is not her fault that the Prince has feelings 
for her."
"I know that, and we will send her some place safe."
Byers became annoyed with her, "This girl has been ripped from her home 
land, then banished from Auguston because of a stupid King!"
"This happened in Auguston also..." Samantha mused.
Byers took a breath, "That was a coincidence, perhaps with the Prince 
this is fate."
"No! No! You aren't paying attention! The blood must be kept pure-"
"I think Dana would do this royal family some good." Byers said, raising 
his voice, which was out of character.
She stopped, "Pardon?"
"She has good qualities, intelligence, beauty, she's kind and you are 
the only one who has something bad to say about her. She and Fox could 
possible save this royal line."
Samantha didn't understand what he was saying, "Save us from what?"
"Yourselves, Princess. The country would adore a Queen like Dana."
"Are we making her Queen now? Where did you get this idea?"
"I should perhaps discuss it with the King-" Byers started.
"Don't you dare! I'll never forgive you! There are other girls out there 
who are royalty."
Byers felt sorry for this shallow princess who could not open her eyes. 
He led her out of the room and to the hall, "Whatever you do, Princess, 
spare Dana. I cannot let her out of my sight, I was sworn to protect 
her."
Without saying a word, Samantha returned to her Wing of the palace, 
leaving Byers. He was mentally preparing for a fight over Dana. Everyone 
seemed to like her, why couldn't Samantha?

            Quinn sat in chair in front of the council members. Byers, 
King William, Skinner and Krycek sat in a row waiting for the Countess 
to speak. She came in, her dark brown hair was styled in curls and her 
dress was made out of green fabric. She looked so strong, standing alone 
in front of the council members, the King not far to her left. "And you 
are?" The lead member asked.
"The Countess Claire DeMarc, Sir."
"And what have you to say about this matter? How do you know Sir Quinn?"
She looked back at the old man sitting in the chair, "He does much for 
our country, Sir. He had schools made when the King couldn't have it 
done-"
Skinner shot her a stern look and she steered away from the subject of 
the King and his work. "Sir, I met him when he started building schools 
around Cortia. You can ask any villager and they'll be happy to tell you 
of the excellent work he's done for us."
"And how did you two meet?" The council asked again.
"I was the one who financed most of his project, Sir. Then whatever I 
could not give, I persuaded others to give to this project."
"For building schools?"
"Yes, Sir."
"And what have you to say?"
"This man is not capable of doing what you claim he did. He plays with 
the children in the villages, he has more contact with the people of 
Cortia than anyone in the court, Sir! They love him, and we know what he 
is like. There isn't a way he could have made a plot to kill the King! 
He always speaks so highly of the King! When villagers attacked his 
name, he stood and defended the crown!"
The members started talking amongst themselves, the King stood up and 
left, Byers not far behind him. Only Krycek and Skinner sat, waiting to 
hear what was next. The council knew Quinn personally, and they agreed 
with the Countess. "Sir Quinn, do you have any idea who would do such a 
thing? Make a lot to kill our King?"
Quinn shook his head, "No, Sir."
"Return him to the cell, we will continue in the morning." Skinner said. 
The members of the council stood while Skinner and Krycek left. Quinn, 
grumbling under his breath, was taken away again. The countess chased 
after Skinner, "Let him go, this second! He is an old an and cannot 
possibly stand it in a cell!"
Skinner was tempted to shout at her, "You, Madame, are welcome to stay 
the night in our palace. However, if you continue to give orders when it 
is not your place, I will have you hauled off to the tower with Quinn!"
She gasped, "You can't be serious!"
"I am! As I said, you are welcome to stay the night, I know it is a long 
trip to your home." 
He turned around and was gone, Krycek giving an apologetic look. 
"Skinner, what are we to do if the council sets him free? He'll come 
after me!"
"I'll see that he doesn't. Go to home and rest, you look horrible."
Krycek nodded, "Good night, Skinner."
            Skinner sat in the council room, not ready to sleep yet. 
When the door opened, his head shot up. The Countess stood in front of 
him, "May I come in, Sir?"
"Yes."
She walked towards him, sitting down beside him at the desk. "I came to 
beg your forgiveness. I was letting my emotions get the better of me and 
I... I shouldn't have been acting as if I was the Queen."
"Apology accepted." Skinner finished his letter and set it aside, 
"Anything else?"
"Do you really think that Quinn did such a thing?"
"Do you really think that he didn't?"
"I asked you first, Sir."
"Yes, I do think Quinn did it. I happen to know Krycek, and I don't 
think he would lie. He is far too much a coward to lie."
"You call your friend a coward?!"
"Never did I say he was my friend, but we trust him more than Quinn. 
Since the beginning, he just seemed to fake to me."
"Does Byers agree?"
"I cannot speak for him."
She looked him in the eye, "I don't think he did it. He's been too good 
to the people. Why would a man who was out to kill the King educate our 
children and feed our starving?"
"I don't think he went that far." Skinner muttered.
"Oh, but he did! He has done so much, and this is the only way I can 
think of repaying him for his kindness."
"By saving him from the gallows?"
"I beg you, give him a chance. Krycek could be a liar. Who knows who is 
behind this! Perhaps it was all a hoax?"
"I don't think so."
She leaned closer to him, "It must be so hard, to make these choices. 
Will you not give him a fair chance?"
"I have."
She reached for his hand, "If we should lose Sir Quinn, Cortia has lost 
a great man."
He did not pull his hand back, but actually moved a bit closer, "He has 
you right where he wants you! He's using you."
"No, never. I know he wouldn't, he and I have worked side by side on 
this project. I know he isn't using me."
"He was after your money, Madame."
Her lips trembled, "My money?"
"Yes, your money. That's all men like him want!"
"Come see the work he and I have done in one of the villages. I ask you 
to see what the people think of this man."
"I already let you speak at the council, what else do you want from me?"
She leaned closer, pressing her lips to his. He wasn't as startled as 
she thought, he acted like he wanted her to do it all along. She 
suddenly pulled back, "Oh, God! I'm sorry, I don't know what I was 
thinking! I let my emotions get the better of me, I should go!"
"WAIT!" Skinner called.
The frantic countess turned her head.
Skinner cleared his throat, "I would like to see these schools that he 
has built..." He didn't really, but she seemed so desperate, and he 
didn't want her to avoid him.
She nodded, "Tomorrow?"
"Yes, tomorrow."
The young countess said good-bye and then slipped out, her face flushed 
and in a panic. He touched his lips lightly, remembering her soft feel. 
<What are we getting into?>

END of 4/?
----------

            Dana had remained out of sight for days. She only came out 
to have dinner with Byers, and to read in the garden. Fox finally went 
to her chamber to speak with her. She was in a panic when she saw him, 
"Get out of sight, you'll cause a scandal!" She pulled him inside.
He smiled, she was always so worried! "I haven't seen you for a while, I 
thought that perhaps you were ill."
She shook her head, "No, just wanting to keep to my room. What is going 
on? I heard a rumor of an assassin."
Fox sighed, "Sir Quinn is being accused of being a traitor. Did you meet 
him?"
"Briefly, I think. I can't be sure. Is he really a traitor?"
"We have a countess on the grounds who claims that he is not, that he is 
the most pious man to walk on the Earth!"
Dana sat down on her bed, motioning for him to sit in a chair. He raked 
his hands through his dark strands of hair, "I was wondering, would you 
like to escape the grounds for a bit?"
She eyed him curiously, "What do you mean?"
"I mean I know a place that you would love."
"It's not a pub, is it?" She accused him.
He laughed, a sound that made her heart beat quicken, "No, a pond that 
you would enjoy. I don't think anyone knows about."
"When?" She reached for her hand fan, opening it and closing it.
"In an hour."
The fan fell into her lap, "An hour?! Isn't there a trial in an hour?"
"For someone who doesn't leave her room very often, you sure know a lot 
of gossip."
She blushed, "I have Jacqueline to tell me everything."
"Well, we aren't invited to this trial, who cares?"
She stood up, walking towards her book case and touching the spines of 
her books, "I don't know, Fox, it isn't proper and-"
"Dana, since when have I ever followed their silly rules? You'll enjoy 
it, I swear."
She turned back to look at his boyish face, "No one will see us?"
"No one. I'll even have Thomas take us in the carriage."
She smiled, "Fine, then, as long as no one sees us."

            Skinner and the Countess sat in the carriage together, 
alone. It rolled down the hills back to the palace. He had seen the 
schools, and was very impressed. Where had they gotten the money for it? 
It was no wonder that the Count had been furious! He turned to the woman 
beside him, "The work that Quinn has done is very impressive, but it 
doesn't prove a thing, Madame."
She shook her head, "I think it says it all. He is out to do good, not 
evil."
"I wonder..."
She frowned, "Why is your mind closed to this matter? Anyone could have 
done it! Krycek is all you have!"
"And that is much more than your schools, Madame."
She laughed, "You are a very intelligent man, I admit it. Much smarter 
than my late husband, but.... you are more closed minded than anyone 
I've ever met. Open your mind to the fantastic, Sir." She leaned across 
the seat to kiss his lips. Instead of pulling away, he took her by the 
arms and pulled her closer. She let out a soft whimper, much to his 
satisfaction. She smiled faintly at him, "Perhaps we...."
"We what?"
She blushed, "Should take this some where more private."
"And what is more private than a coach, Madame?" He laid her back on the 
seat. Not at all protesting, she let him continue.

             Fox and Dana walked side by side towards the water. She 
laughed, "This is gorgeous, how dare you keep it all to yourself?"
"If I let others come, it'll be spoiled."
"Why let me come?" She asked.
He wrapped his fingers around hers, "You are a very special person. That 
is all I can say."
She turned red, "Oh... Fox, we shouldn't."
He ignored her faked protest and kissed her on her mouth, her arms 
wrapped around his shoulders. Fox pulled back, "Come and catch me."
"What?" She was startled, starring at him in surprise.
He pushed her slightly back, "Come and catch me, Dana!" He raced off to 
the rocks. She frowned at him, "You're acting like a child, Prince! Get 
back here!"
He laughed, vanishing behind the plants and flowers. Dana walked towards 
the spot where she had seen him, searching with her eyes.
A strong pair of hands lifted her up, tossing her towards the water. 
Dana Scully let out a scream as her body made contact with the Luke warm 
water. "FOX I'LL KILL YOU!"
He laid down on the bank, propping his head up with his hand, leaning on 
his elbow, "You look like a drowned rat." He commented.
She splashed at him, pulling herself out of the water, "I hate you!"
Fox sat up, "Really? Sorry, Dana." He was smiling like a child who had 
committed a crime.
The blue dress clung to her and was so heavy! She collapsed at his feet, 
choking on the water. He immediately went to help her up, "Take calm 
breaths, you're going to choke yourself!"
She slapped at him, "How could you!"
"I thought it was rather funny. Oh, if only you could have seen your 
face!"
She hit him again, "Monster!"
"How dare you call a Prince such foul names?"
"Pig!"
"Dana, clam down."
"RODENT!"
He winced, "I'm sorry."
Dana pulled herself out of his arms and crawled towards the grass, 
trying to breath. She had never been so angry at one man before. Her 
dress felt as if it was equal to the weight of the world, and she knew 
she must look awful! There was no way she could return to the palace 
looking like this!
Fox crawled up beside her, resting his head near hers, "Are you all 
right?"
"Get away from me, beast!" She snapped.
He tried to hug her, but she only hit at him. "Stop it!"
He stood up, "Dana, it was a joke! Do not get so angry over a game!"
She pulled herself up, racing at him. He lost concentration for a 
second, which was enough for her to push him backwards into the water. 
Now he was also drenched, splashing around like a fish! She fell back 
down again, "How do you like it, you highness!"
He had less trouble getting back up than she did, "This was my new suit, 
Dana!"
"And this was my favorite dress! What am I to tell Jacqueline?" She 
stomped off, tripping as she went. 
Fox chased after her, "I know what's wrong with you. You're just worried 
about someone seeing us! Well, I can assure you, we can get in without 
any problems."
She starred at him, "How?!"
"I know a passage, it'll be fine. Relax for once in your life."
If she had something to throw, she would have thrown it at him. 
"Wonderful!"
Fox put his hand at the small of her back, "I know that you aren't happy 
with me, but look around! We are here, in one of the most beautiful 
scenes, together."
She turned her head and listened to the sounds of birds and felt the 
warm breeze. "Hum."
Fox kissed the top of her head, "Some women are beautiful when they are 
angry, but Dana, you are radiant."

   
            Samantha linked arms with her mother as they walked together 
into the ball. King William already was waiting for them. "Samantha, 
darling, you look wonderful." He kissed her cheek. Then his Queen's. 
Samantha wasn't in a good mood. Since her conversation with Byers, she 
had taken some time to seriously think. From the way things were going, 
it looked as if Fox would make Dana his Queen, even though she was not 
royalty. If they had met under different circumstances, perhaps Dana and 
Samantha could even be friends! She had asked her mother what would she 
do if Fox married a girl without a title. "Fox? Married to a girl who 
wasn't true royalty? He wouldn't do such a thing, darling. He knows 
better."
"But mother, what if he did?"
"He wouldn't, we won't let him."
She had later asked her father, "Fox will one day be a King, and all I 
can hope is that he picks a good queen...."
"Does it matter if she had a title?"
"A title, darling, would be preferred."

            The ball seemed to drag on for days in Fox's opinion. He had 
been waiting anxiously for Dana to appear, but she hadn't come. Now very 
annoyed, he went to Byers, hoping for some company. The Prince handed 
Byers a glass, "And how are you this night, Byers?"
The older man sighed, "You're sister is causing waves in the ocean that 
we can council."
Fox nodded, "She's like our mother."
"Really... you have to speak to her, your highness."
"I already tried. Do you know has her in a tangle?"
"It's your relationship with Miss Dana, that is obvious to anyone who 
has seen you together. She had a discussion with me... she wanted me to 
send Dana away."
Fox almost dropped his glass, "What?"
Byers nodded, "If I may be frank, my Prince, you and Miss Dana need to 
spend some time apart. Not only will you scar her reputation, but your 
own."
"I do not care what they think of me." Fox took a sip of wine.
"Then at least give a damn about her! I believe that if the Princess 
doesn't want Dana in this palace, she'll find a way to be rid of her. 
And it will destroy any girl to be banished twice! Her reputation will 
be thrown out the window and she'll have nothing left! I made a promise 
to keep my eyes on her, and my Prince, if I feel that you are doing her 
or her reputation harm... I will take matters into my own hands."
Fox was surprised! He'd never heard Byes speak like that to him! "I will 
take that into consideration."
"No, you will stop acting like a reckless child. It is one thing to 
destroy yourself, but to destroy her in the process.... that is a crime 
that I will punish anyone for!"
Fox, regretting that he came to Byers for a conversation, nodded his 
head. "I understand."
For the first time since Fox had laid eyes on his father's council 
members, Byers showed spine. He was a genius when it came to royal 
affairs, but he never dared to raise his voice to anyone.... especially 
the members of the royal family and his future king. But then again, Fox 
could not blame him. He had made a promise to protect Dana, and that was 
what he was doing. However, he decided to just be more careful when they 
were together. Less public meetings was the cure.

           Samantha wanted to scream, she was so bored! Her mother had 
left her side to speak with a Lord, and Samantha was alone. Her father 
was in the center of a group, and she was in no mood to speak with him. 
She caught the eyes of her brother, who was standing alone by the 
window. She walked towards him, trying to not start a battle in front of 
everyone. "And what do you find so interesting in the garden?"
"Its not Dana, if that's what you're asking."
"No, not at all. How are you, Fox?"
"Do we not live under the same roof? You speak as if we haven't laid 
eyes on each other in months."
She cleared her throat, "About our conversation, I-"
"I heard what you tried to do to Dana. Tried to have her banished. I am 
telling you know, Samantha, as a future King, you will not go near her."
Her mouth fell open, "What?"
"I am ordering you.... leave her alone."
"But what if I want to have just a friendly conversation?"
"I know you, there is nothing friendly about your conversation."
Samantha felt an ache in her heart, her brother thought her to be so 
low. "I am not as awful as you suspect."
"Promise me that Dana will not be banished. You will not mention this to 
father or mother."
"Do you want her to stay that much?"
"I'm more concerned for her reputation than what I want."
"Oh... Fine then, Dana will remain for as long as she likes."
Fox turned his head, glancing at a clock that stood in the corner. Dana 
was not coming. He decided that if she wouldn't come, he would go to 
her. Leaving Samantha with a faint good-bye, he walked off to the royal 
wing, from there he would use a passage to get to Dana.

            She wrapped her blanket around her, shivering. She was so 
cold, it was as if the windows had been thrown open in the middle of  
December! The fire place crackled and her room was slightly warm, but 
Dana, who was running a fever, froze under her blankets. She heard a 
tapping at the door, "It's unlocked." She said, believing it was 
Jacqueline. Her mind spun when she saw the Prince enter her humble room, 
wearing the richest of robes and her in a night gown! She covered her 
head, "Fox, leave!"
He closed the door behind him, positive that no one had seen. "Dana, are 
you well?"
He touched her shoulder, surprised that she was shaking. He pulled her 
up, moving the covers aside. Dana winced as the colder air touched her 
skin, "Leave me be, I'll be fine."
He wrapped her in his arms, trying to keep her warm. "How did you get so 
ill?"
"Must have been because of an idiot who threw me in a pond!" She snapped 
at him.
Fox was overwhelmed with guilt, wrapping her up tighter in the blanket. 
"I'm sorry, I regret it, I'm so sorry. I will call for our physician."
"What?"
"Why didn't you tell someone? Did you think you could just suffer in 
silence?"
"Leave me alone, your majesty." She whispered.
He kissed her temple tenderly, "I'll find the physician myself. Would 
you like me to do anything?"
"No, just get out." She hated it when people saw her like this, and it 
was even worse that it was the Prince of Auguston!

            The ball dragged on, and Samantha was now alone. Byers 
didn't seem to be in the mood to speak with her, Fox had vanished hours 
ago and her parents were occupied. Turning her head towards the window, 
she looked out at the moon, wishing to be transported far away. She felt 
dirty, awful. Byers and her own brother had accused her of being self 
centered and shallow! Lost in her thoughts, she sat at the window and 
starred out at the night sky, so clear and perfect. No flaws, just 
perfect stars like dimples in the sky around the eyes of the moon. She 
was so lost in thought that she almost did not hear the gun shot. Women 
started screaming in the ball room, her own mother's wails among them. 
Samantha whirled around, scanning the crowd. Alex Krycek appeared behind 
her, "Get down, Princess." He shielded her with his body.
Samantha kept her eyes open, watching the scene unfold. Men in women in 
the richest of robes started crowding around one spot, a person. Someone 
cried out, "THE KING! THE KING!"
Samantha pushed Krycek away, "Father!" Racing towards the crowd, she 
pushed her way through, not caring who it was. Her eyes started to blur 
as she reached the center of the circle, and her parents were on the 
floor. Her father, King William of Auguston, laid drenched in his own 
blood. Her mother, the Queen, had his head in her lap and she sobbed. 
"My William, my William!"
Guards stormed the ball room, everyone was pushed aside and physicians 
were being ordered. William reached out for his daughter's hand, 
Samantha's first tears came. "Father?"
His dry lips kissed her soft hand, "Watch over Fox." He said.
Samantha's mother let out a cry as the soul of the King left his body, 
"DAMN THE MAN WHO DID THIS!"
Samantha was led away by Byers, who wrapped a sympathetic arm around her 
shoulder, "I am so sorry, Princess, is there anything you want me to 
do?"
Samantha grabbed him by the collar, "Find the monster who took my 
father's life and bring him to me!"
Byers, eyes wide, nodded his head. "Justice will be served, princess."

         Fox held his mother in his arms, her tears staining his satin 
shirt. "Mother." He whispered. What is a son to say to a woman who has 
lost her husband? To a country who has lost it's King? Skinner and the 
council members came racing in, all except Quinn. 
The Queen stood up, "Who did this?"
"We thought it would be Quinn's assassin, but the trial will continue 
tomorrow. But there is another matter of urgency."
"AND WHAT IS THAT?" The Queen snapped.
Byers turned to Fox, "The new King must take his throne, tomorrow."
Samantha let out a sob, "This isn't right.... he had so many years 
left!"
Fox held Samantha's hand, sorry that he had condemned her and said those 
awful things to her.
"The kingdom cannot remain without a King for long, Fox must take the 
throne soon.... we have made the announcement to the people. The public 
was stunned."
Fox let out a breath, he was going to be king! He had lived all his life 
with this knowledge, but now... it was going to be reality! His father 
was dead. His throne waited for him. "I must get some air." He released 
Samantha's hand and raced out, but he did not go outside. He went to 
Dana. Her room was empty and he scanned every where. "Dana?" He called.
He could not see her, and did not hear her. Knowing that he shouldn't be 
seen outside her chamber, he went back to his own, his heart pounding. 
The assassin had won! He couldn't believe it....

            Dana, not wanting Fox to nag at her, had hidden herself in 
the washing room. As soon as he had left, she returned to her bed, 
putting her head down. She had spent the entire night in her chamber, 
only Fox had come to bother her. Rest was all she required now.

            The council assembled in the middle of the night, Skinner 
was not there, however. "Where is he?" One of the members asked.
"The old man fell asleep, and I didn't think he'd be of much use 
tonight. Too much wine." Another said.
They all sat down, Byers towards the end. Quinn was brought in, his 
friends from the village behind him. "Well, what have you to say?"
"I know you think I was the one, and I wasn't! I have new evidence 
gathered from my servants.... they'll show you!"
Letters were handed to the people on council, "What are we looking at?" 
Byers asked suspiciously.
"Letters from Lord Krycek to Miss Dana."
Byers frowned, "What does this have to do with anything?"
"JUST READ THEM!" Quinn snapped.

    "Miss Dana,

I assume that you have met the assassin. He is the best in the kingdom, 
and I know that it is under control. The rest is for you to finish. 

When you are made queen, the Kingdom will be better,

                                                              Krycek."

Another was from Dana, her response:

"My Lord,

     I have done my part, I thank you for your help. It was so 
refreshing to meet someone who shared my ideas. And my Lord, you are 
correct, the country will flourish when I become the Queen. Fox isn't 
what I expected, but the title is enough. 

Thank you,

                                                         Dana Scully."

Byers jumped up to his feet, "This isn't possible! Dana would never do 
such a thing!"
The council members stood up, retreating to the chamber to discuss the 
matter. Lest was the first to speak, "I side with Quinn.... this strange 
girl from another land has come into our palace to seduce the Prince! 
And from the rumors that are flying among the servants, she has 
succeeded."
Byers slammed his hand down on the table, "I know this girl better than 
the rest of you, I can vouch for her character. She would never do such 
a thing! And if the Prince is to fall in love with her, she did not do a 
thing to provoke him!"

            Skinner woke up when he heard a knocking at his door. The 
Countess was asleep beside him. He covered her form with a blanket, then 
walked out of his room to the door that separated his rooms from the 
corridor. "What?"
Byers was standing there, "I have something to tell you."
"What?"
"New evidence has been found. A witness claiming that he heard Krycek 
and Dana discussing the death of the King..... and letters from Dana to 
Krycek! The council thinks that THEY were the ones who were planning the 
assassination!"
Skinner gasped, turning his head to see if Claire had stirred. "You 
can't be serious?"
"I am! Dana is being accused! Krycek is already in a cell.... the Prince 
is being informed."
"How did you find out?"
"The council called me an hour ago! They said that they have made their 
choice. Fox must do something. He will be placed on the throne in the 
morning..."

End of 5/?
----------
After long hours of discussion, they concluded that no one saw Dana 
during the ball. Before dawn, the young woman was dragged from her 
chamber out to the prison tower. Krycek sat in a cell already, his head 
buried in his hands. Dana was thrown in beside him, dressed in a plain 
gray dress. The tower was cold, with open windows that looked out to a 
forest. Krycek raised his head, "Welcome to hell, Miss Scully."
She collapsed onto her cot, "What have we done, Lord Krycek?"
He raised his brow, "They didn't tell you? You, dear girl, have been 
accused of being an assassin. The King is dead."
Dana froze, when hearing that the leader of your country has passed on, 
the news can be heart stopping. "DEAD? Oh, my God! What will they do 
with us? What did they accuse us for?"
"They had letters, from me to you and vice versa. These letters 
implicated that we were plotting to kill the King and make you Queen by 
marrying Fox."
Dana's skin went cold and her eyes began to blur, "BUT I NEVER WROTE YOU 
ANY LETTERS!"
"Exactly. Someone put the blame on us, now within a week we'll be on our 
way to the gallows! A pity, isn't it? We're so young..."
Dana turned to stare at the man across from her. He had not shaven, his 
clothes were wrinkled and his eyes had circles around them. "My Lord, 
how are you taking this so well?!"
He laid down on is cot, closing his eyes, "I had a lot to drink... I'm 
afraid as soon as it wears off, I'll be a wreck."
Dana wished for a drink herself, never had she wanted to become so drunk 
in her life! She heard screaming from the stair well, the Samantha's 
voice. "I AM THE PRINCESS! Get out of my way!"
The guards pushed the barred doors open for her, "Princess, we are 
sorry." The older one said.
Samantha stomped into the room, her hands rolled into fists. "You, you 
rodent! Witch!" She attacked the bars, trying to claw Dana through them. 
She jumped back, falling back against the wall. 
Samantha was in a rage, and there was nothing Dana could say to calm 
her. "YOU KILLED MY FATHER! I will see you hanged, in front of the 
entire Kingdom! You're so vain, Dana, trying to seduce my brother to 
make yourself Queen! I knew it! I saw from the second I looked at the 
two of you together!"
Dana's mouth fell open at these accusations. "HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT! I 
have never in my life considered being a Queen! How can you hate me so 
much when you hardly know me?"
"I know you killed my father! There is no way that you are going home, I 
will kill you with my own two hands!"
Byers appeared in the door way, pushing his sister back, "Stop, 
Samantha!"
Samantha's hand flew across Byers' face, "She's a hoar!"
Byers called for the guards, who led Samantha back down and outside. 
Krycek had fallen asleep, even through the screaming of the two women. 
Byers touched Dana's fingers, "What happened, Dana? Who did this?"
"You cannot possibly think that I am capable of doing such a thing! I 
couldn't, Sir! I just couldn't kill anyone!"
"I know." Byers whispered.
Dana searched the eyes of the man before her, "How.... how is the 
Prince?"
A shadow fell over Byers face, "He is going to be crowned king in two 
hours.... his time has come too soon. William had decades left in him, 
time for Fox to prepare to be a ruler."
Dana's lower lip quivered ever so slightly, "Is... does he think it was 
I?"
Byers looked up at her, "I do not know, he's confused and the royal 
family is upset. Samantha hasn't been thinking clearly and the Queen has 
locked herself in her chamber. Fox is being prepared."
Dana pulled away, pacing in the cell, "What will they do with me?"
"The trial will start tomorrow. Until then, you are to be kept here. 
Dana, I will not lie to you, fate is not in your favor."
She closed her eyes, then opened them, "I thought as much. When they 
find me guilty, what will happen to me?"
"Samantha is telling everyone that she will see you hanged, no matter 
what, she wants you hanged in the public square in front of the palace 
for everyone to see."
Dana's hands went unconsciously to her throat, "Oh, God."
There was a pounding on the door, "Sir Byers, the council is calling for 
you."
Byers kissed Dana's hand, "I will do what I can to keep you alive, 
Dana."
She nodded, not expecting much from his effort. "Good bye, Sir Byers."
He took off his cloak and pushed it through to her in the bars, "I will 
not have you freezing to death in this chamber. Stay well."
"Go well." She replied, watching him leave her. The light snoring of 
Krycek was all she had to keep her company, so she laid down on her cot 
and closed her eyes, wanting sleep to take her into oblivion. Help her 
escape her problems. Perhaps when she woke up, she'll find that it was 
all  a bad dream.

            Fox adjusted his velvet robe, his heart racing in his chest. 
Now, the only thing he wanted to do was run away! His mother stood 
behind him, watching his every move. "Fox, do not show weakness. They 
will have no respect for a weak king."
He turned around to look at his mother, "I am not ready.... please, let 
me go."
Her eyes went wide, "It doesn't matter if you are or aren't! Your father 
is no longer here to rule, you must take your throne! For once in your 
life, Fox, be strong!" She snapped at him.
Her words pierced his heart, and he lowered his head slightly, "Yes, 
mother."
He was led by the royal council to the grand coronation where the 
coronation was being done. The priest was the one to crown him, his name 
was Father Jacob, a good friend to King William. He stood behind the 
large oak doors with the carvings of angels, holding his breath. A long 
line of council members entered before him. Everyone in the room was 
seated, wearing three best clothes and robes. Samantha was standing in 
front of him, "Fox..."
He was in no mood to talk to her, "What?"
"Be brave." She whispered, turning around and facing the door. The doors 
were pulled open by the guards on the other side. The  Captain was 
standing in the front, his men posted around the room. Drums and 
trumpets announced the arrival of the Prince, the people turned their 
heads to look. In pairs of two, the members of the council entered, 
their heads high. Among them were Skinner, Byers and Quinn. Fox blinked 
back tears, this was the day Auguston was put into his hands.... he 
didn't want this! He couldn't do this! Seriously contemplating running, 
he turned his head to look at his mother. She had a grim look on her 
face, one that froze him. "Go, Fox." She ordered.
He entered behind the council members, the men and women of the court 
stood in respect for their new King. At the front of the large stained 
glass windows was a throne.... his new seat. <God give me strength> 
Father Jacob took a position at the front beside the chair, the Queen 
and Samantha were led to their seats beside Fox's. Taking careful steps, 
he made his way up the small stairs to the throne. The men and women sat 
down, flags and royal colors decorated the room. Royalty from other 
lands had come. He felt a lump rise in his throat, part of him longed to 
have Dana here. He imagined her, sitting alone in a cell up in the 
tower, while he took the crown. Father Jacob touched his shoulder, "I 
know you are ready."
Fox could not say a thing, he just nodded his head and offered a grim 
smile. The Father, in a loud voice, spoke. "It is my great duty and 
pleasure to announce King Fox." His voice went on, but Fox couldn't get 
the image of Dana in a cell out of his mind. <She must be so cold...> He 
thought. He wasn't sure if she had done what they said, if she had 
killed the King. But part of Fox knew that she wasn't a person to do 
that. He would order her released! It didn't matter, he was the King 
now! He was aware of the crowd cheering and calling "LONG LIVE KING 
FOX!" He raised his head and stood up, the crown now on him. He could 
almost imagine what his father would say, "Do not fail us." Father Jacob 
put his hand on the King's arm, "Fox, I am so sorry... about William."
He nodded, "I don't think anyone feels it like I do, Sir."
"Sire, greet your Kingdom." Jacob led Fox to the balcony, where the 
subjects waited down below, calling out for him.

            Dana could hear their screams and cheers, Fox's name on 
their lips. She moved so she could see out the window, a glimpse of the 
people and a faint view of their new King. Dana leaned against the wall, 
wanting to be there with them, wanting to cheer with them for Fox. 
Krycek was awake now, with a splitting head ache! He let out a moan, 
"What is that screaming sound?"
"The subjects shouting for their king." Dana whispered.
He looked up, "I wish to see." He moved to the window, looking outside. 
The sky was gray and the people were wearing the richest of robes to the 
poorest of rags. They all screamed and cheered and smiled. "I should be 
on the outside in the court." Krycek muttered, "I had so many plans for 
this day! I was to be with the council!"
The people cried out "LONG LIVE THE KING!" Over and over they chanted, 
and Dana found the sound deafening. "Long live the King." She said with 
them, although no one but Krycek would hear her.

            Quinn, very pleased with himself, decided it was time to put 
another phase of his plan to action. Skinner was spending his nights 
with the Countess, Quinn found this as no surprise. She could make 
anyone fall into her bed if she wished it. He started sending out 
letters, letting people know that he was no longer in prison. Calling a 
meeting of council, he informed everyone that there were serious matters 
to discuss. He would let Fox suffer as a King for a few days.... then 
they would see what happened. If Fox did what Quinn thought he would do, 
everything would work out just fine. It was a test now, to see if his 
feelings for Dana Scully were as strong as everyone suspected. 

             Fox sat in the council room, Byers and Skinners like 
guardians around him. The other members were discussing money and 
feeding the poor and building churches in the name of the Queen mother. 
Fox wasn't interested, he could care less if his mother had a thousand 
churches made in a thousand villages! He couldn't get his mind off the 
woman in the tower, he wanted to speak with her, more than anything. 
Samantha had gone up there, and he longed to go also. To see what damage 
Samantha had inflicted upon Dana. Quinn pounded on the table, "We are 
not here to discuss churches and feeding the poor, gentlemen. There is a 
pair in the tower who have taken a King's life, and they will suffer! I 
purpose that we hang them soon. The Princess will not rest until the 
murderers of her father have been punished!"
Skinner and Byers leapt up to their feet, "She deserved a trial first." 
Byers snapped.
Quinn looked up, not at all surprised that Byers had come to her 
defense. "You are the one who brought her into our kingdom!"
Byers looked stunned, "Well.... I intend to prove that she is innocent."
"How?" The other members asked.
Skinner cleared his throat, "Give us three weeks."
"WEEKS? NEVER!" Quinn shouted.
Skinner and Byers turned to Fox, "Let the King make a choice."
All eyes turned to Fox, who had waken up from his day dream. "What?"
"Decide, sire, do you wish to have the killers of your father hanged now 
or give them a trial? It is obvious that they were the ones who 
committed the crime." One of the older members said, who was all for 
having them killed at dawn as soon as possible!
Fox's heart leaped, "Give Skinner and Byers as much time as they need to 
defend her, I mean 'them'."
The other members glared at each other, then sat down. "The trial will 
start in three weeks. You have more than enough time to search for the 
non existent evidence of their innocence." Quinn said, leaving the 
chamber in a huff. Fox stood up, the guards following him out. "I am 
retiring for the night, we will continue later." He retreated back to 
his new chamber, which was twice the size of his other one. There was a 
connected room, which was for his Queen.... the one that he would have 
to chose soon. Fox sighed, falling down onto his bed, "Dana, what has 
happened?"

            Krycek jumped up to his feet when the guards came, pulling 
Dana out. "What are you doing?" He asked, fearing that it was their time 
to meet their maker. "The King has ordered that you two be separated." 
The Captain said, gently leading Dana to another chamber.
She looked up at him, "Is The King all right?" She asked with concern.
He seemed shocked that she would ask him this, "I do not know."
Dana cleared her throat, "Ask him to come see me, please! Ask him!"
The Captain shook his head, "no." He pushed her inside her new chamber, 
a room made of stone with a square barred window. She was freezing, so 
she wrapped Byers cloak around her tightly, laying down on the bed, 
there was no pillow. Her teeth chattered from the cold and she wished it 
to be summer. Closing her eyes, she tried to ignore the frost on the 
windows. 

            Fox could not sleep. Going alone, he stormed to the tower 
where Dana was being held, Krycek with her. The stair case was long, and 
the guards' eyes almost fell out of their head when they saw the King. 
The two men fell to their knees, "Sire!"
Fox held his hand out, "Give me the keys to the chamber of Dana Scully."
With shaking hands and no resistance, the guard handed them to the king, 
"Sire, may we ask why?"
"NO! And you two will not mention it to anyone, or I'll have your 
heads." He snapped. He wouldn't really do such a thing, but it was a 
threat his father always made, so he thought... 'why not'!  He had a 
blanket and a pillow in his robe, they had been hidden from the guards. 
He ordered them to say down below, and not come. They obeyed. He went to 
the door, slipping the key into the lock. He gasped. The room was 
freezing, and Dana was asleep on the bed with nothing but a thin cloak 
to keep her warm. There was nothing to protect her from the cold! He 
closed the door, locking it behind him and keeping the key in his 
pocket. "Dana." He whispered. He quickly covered her with the blankets 
and his own cloak, kissing her cheek. Frozen, she was frozen! He tried 
to waken her, "Dana? Dana?!"
Her eyes would not open and his heart felt as if a hand was crushing it! 
"DANA?"
She did not stir, he couldn't even be sure she was breathing. Putting 
his finger to her heart, he tried to feel a beat. "Dana, wake up!" He 
ordered her.
The girl in the gray dress with the curled red hair looked like a doll. 
A doll frozen in time. He threw the doors open, "CALL A PHYSICIAN!" He 
shouted.
One of the guards ran off, doing as ordered, the other came to aid Fox. 
The King lifted the prisoner into his arms, the woman who might have 
killed his father. She made no move and did not wake up. "Dana?" He 
wanted to kiss her, but not with the guard there. He hugged her tight, 
wanting nothing but to wake her. He touched her hand, so small, so frail 
and so cold. 

End of 6/?
----------

            Quinn had heard about what had happened. With the other 
council members behind him, he walked to the wing where the royal family 
had rooms. Fox had taken Dana out of the tower and to the palace, they 
weren't sure where she was currently. He cornered the young King pacing 
in the hall outside his chamber. Fox whirled around, "What are you 
doing?"
"I should ask you, Sire." Quinn muttered.
"Get out." Fox snapped.
Quinn stood his ground, if he could make Fox look like an imbecile in 
front of the others, it would be a grand day! "Sire, I must ask you a 
question."
"Speak."
"Sire, why did you save that girl's life? She killed your father, King 
William is dead because of her!"
Fox pressed his lips together, "There are certain things you don't 
understand. Sir Quinn, I feel that you want her punished because you 
think she humiliated you. You think she was the cause of your brief but 
humane imprisonment!"
Quinn hadn't expected that, "Sire, I am out for justice. King William 
was a friend to me, and I want that girl punished! Samantha wants it 
also."
<When Samantha hears about this, she'll kill him!> Quinn resisted a 
smile.
Fox glanced at his pocket watch, "I shall call a meeting in the morning, 
I order all of you to return to your rooms."
The men of the council started chattering as they turned and went down 
the wing stairs. Fox had gotten rid of them, and making sure that his 
guards were still in place, he slipped back into his chamber.

              Dana was tucked into his bed, why the king had insisted 
she be brought to his chamber was a mystery to the physician.... but he 
did not question it yet. However, Jacqueline would. "Sire, why not take 
her to her own chamber? Why this one?" She asked as Fox sat in a chair 
beside Dana.
He touched her face, which was now burning, "Oh, Dana."
Jacqueline asked again, and he finally looked at her, "The guards are 
posted around my chamber, although you cannot see them, they are here. I 
knew she would be safe."
The physician stood up, "Sire, she is running a fever, I haven't seen 
anything like it in years. She freezes, then burns up. I know of no 
medicine that can help, but we'll have to see what comes with time."
Fox nodded, the doctor took his cloak and bag, then bowed to his king. 
"Good night, sire."
Fox looked up at him, "Thank you, for coming so late."
"Anything for you, King Fox." He left the chamber. Jacqueline, not 
wanting to leave her mistress alone, waited patiently in the room next 
to the king's chamber, listening to see what would happen. Fox kissed 
Dana's forehead, her skin was so warm. "Dana?" He whispered.
She turned her head slightly, her eyes were open, "Your highness..."
He held her hand, locking his fingers with hers, "What happened?"
She wet her lips, "You tell me, Sire."
"I went to see you, and you were sleeping. When I tried to wake you, you 
wouldn't get up. I.... wasn't sure if you had life in you or not."
She raised a brow, "You came to see me?"
A faint blush crept into his cheeks, "You are going to go on trial in a 
day, I had to speak to you myself.... to find out what really happened."
"It wasn't me!" 
He took a step back, "Well, your trial will start soon and what I think 
doesn't matter."
"It matters to me! What do you think? Do you think I could do such a 
thing?"
His lips parted to speak, but then he didn't.
She asked the question again, begging him for his answer, but fearing it 
at the same time.
"I really don't know." He replied honestly, "My father is dead and I 
have a kingdom in my hands! The pressure is enough, I cannot waste 
energy and..... It's so hard, Dana! I have been King for a day and it's 
a nightmare come true!"
She wanted to reach out for him, but knew her touch would do more harm 
than good, "I'm sorry..."
"I plan on letting the council deal with it, but I will do my best to 
give you a fair trial."
"You actually think I killed him." She whispered.
He stopped moving to look at her, "How am I to know what I'm to think? 
The evidence isn't 't in your favor but what I know of your character 
tells me that you wouldn't do it. But they said you had a plan to make 
me fall in love with you and make you a Queen! Some of it makes sense 
sometimes! I don't want to believe it!"
"You think that I was out to make you fall in love with me?!"
"You did, didn't you?"
"Did I what?"
"Make me fall in love with you!" He shouted.
Dana became light headed, not sure what she was hearing, "You're in 
love?"
He regretted saying those words, "That isn't important. You will be on 
trial soon and..."
"And within two weeks I'll be dangling from the gallows! Excellent news! 
I didn't even get to live to be twenty!"
He was so tempted to shout! Her face was flushed with anger or fever, 
which he did not know. 
Dana rested her head on the satin pillows, yawning like a sleepy kitten, 
"I'm so tired..."
"Then sleep."
She raised her head slightly, "Where am I?"
"My chamber."
"WHAT?" Her cry was a hiss, or more like a whisper.
A faint smile crawled to his lips, "This was the only way I could make 
sure you were safe."
Her eyes were wide, "You aren't.... where are you going to sleep?"
"Don't worry, you close your eyes and rest."
He sat beside her until he was positive she was asleep, then he left to 
one of his other rooms. The Captain of the Guards waited for him in the 
hall at three in the morning, "Sire, I must ask you why you have done 
this."
Fox raised a brow, "Done what?"
"Why is it that you have saved her life when we could have gotten this 
ordeal over with."
Fox looked at him, "Captain, have you ever known in your heart to help 
someone?"
"Sire?"
"I do not think she killed my father, I know her better than that. 
Captain, I am depending on you to find the real killer, and bring him to 
me. You may start by taking a good look at the royal council."
The Captain's mouth fell open, "You cannot think that-"
"I have to tell you that the council members are the one who put Dana 
Scully in the tower. You are the only one I can trust now, Captain, 
please do not fail me."
He nodded stiffly, "Yes, Sire. I will do as you asked."

              Frohike and Langley had been dragged from their beds that 
night by the king's messenger. The two men were taken to the king's 
rooms, in his study they waited for him. Tea was poured, but the new 
King didn't arrive until late. "Forgive me for making you wait so long." 
He said, "I had to speak with Miss Dana."
Frohike was on the edge of his seat, "How is she?"
"She has a fever and who knows what will happen to her. They cruelly 
locked her in a tower where she froze!"
"Sire, why have you called us?" Langley asked.
Fox took a seat across from them, "I trust you two more than some of the 
council members. I sent the Captain on an investigation to find out what 
is happening here. In the mean time, I want the two of you searching the 
house and servants for information."
Frohike's mouth fell open, "Investigators? Us!"
Fox almost smiled at the boy like happiness in Frohike's face, "I need 
to know who are my enemies. I know they are closer than I think, perhaps 
in the court. Once you get any information, send it to me."

Byers and Skinner had little time to find evidence of Dana's innocence. 
Skinner was convinced that it could be found in the chambers of the 
council members. "This is a conspiracy." He told Byers. They started off 
in the chamber of Council member Sir Connor. Byers had been informed by 
Frohike that Sir Connor would be leaving the city to see his ill 
brother, this might be their only chance. The Council members all had 
rooms on the East Wing, in the dark and cold hours of the night, they 
made their entry. Connor's rooms were like the others, rich, draped in 
silks and the finest of furniture and rugs. Byers locked the door behind 
him and searched the drawers of a desk, keeping his eyes open for a 
secret panel. While Byers searched frantically for letters that might 
confirm a conspiracy, Skinner looked under the bed and around the 
paintings. "Nothing." Skinner snapped. Byers let out a moan of despair, 
"We never had a chance! If this is a conspiracy, then it must have 
started long ago! What are their goals?"
"Not all the members are part of it, Byers. We aren't. I feel that Quinn 
is trying much to hard to put Dana's neck in the gallows, Krycek beside 
her. We should search his room next."
Byers nodded, leaning against the wall of the fire place. His booted 
foot slipped on something, causing him to fall backwards. "DAMN IT!"
Skinner went to help his companion up, but released Byers when he saw 
the paper. "Wait."
Byers, still on the floor covered in soot and ashes, looked up at 
Skinner with annoyance, "Thank you for helping me up, Sir."
Skinner ignored him and started reading the letter out loud.
"Dear Quinn the last letter I sent to you confirmed that the letters had 
been made and sent to Krycek. He had no idea what has happened and will 
be in the cell within hours. The King is dead, please thank your 
assassin for me. The others and I believe that you should double his 
pay, he deserves it. The Queen and Samantha will be taken care of,  I'll 
do it myself." The rest of the letter had been burned away by the fire, 
there was no way to know who wrote it. Skinner almost shouted, "This 
will get Quinn in the tower cell that Dana and Krycek once occupied!"
"Wait, perhaps we should sit on it until we have more information." 
"Perhaps.... what was this about Samantha and the Queen?"
Byers glanced around the room too make sure nothing had been disturbed 
too much. "Come, let us leave. If we are caught in here, we're on our 
way to the gallows with Krycek and Dana."

            Quinn approached Samantha, pasting a look of concern on his 
face. "Princess, there is something that you and I must discuss."
Samantha looked up from the painting she was making, one of roses. "Yes, 
Sir Quinn?"
"Princess, I know that you are one with a rational mind, a brilliant 
mind. However, I believe that you do not know what your brother, the 
King, is doing."
Samantha put down her brush, "Pardon?"
"Two nights ago, Dana Scully was locked in the tower. The king went to 
see her, and seeing that she was ill, he brought her to the palace. He 
had her hidden some where and no one knows where she is! Princess, he is 
caring for her himself, ordering his own physicians to tend to her and 
giving her the best treatment. He doesn't want to believe that she was 
the one who killed your father. I think that he had become blinded by 
his love for her."
A shadow fell over Samantha's face, "His love for her? Is he really that 
much in love with her? Where is my brother now?"
"I do not know."
Samantha wiped her hands, "Thank you, Sir Quinn, for bringing this to my 
attention! I shall deal with this soon."

             She did. Dana was asleep in his bed, her pale face had some 
more color now. Samantha came in through the secret passage, the one 
that was made for the safety of the royal family. He had his eyes on 
Dana, but when he heard the faint noise behind him, he whirled around. 
"Samantha?"
She starred at him in horror, "You keep that witch here, in your own 
chamber?"
Fox stood in front of the sleeping Dana, keeping her out of his sister's 
sight. "Get out of this room."
"No! This woman kills my father and now she is in your bed! FOX! You 
traitor!"
Dana stirred in the bed, her eyes slipped open and she looked up at 
them. Fox looked at her sleepy eyes, "Go and rest, Dana, I will be back 
in a moment." He pushed Samantha to a connecting room, forcing her to 
sit down. Samantha had her hands rolled into fists. "You pig! You stupid 
man! I will not tolerate this! I want her dead and punished!"
"We do not know if she was the assassin or not! Samantha, part of me 
thinks that we should give her a chance!"
"NEVER!"
"I am as angry about father's death as you are-"
"And you show it by keeping his killer in your bed? Idiot! She has you 
wrapped around her finger!"
Fox, for the first time since Samantha was born, wanted to hit her. "If 
you say once more that I am a traitor, I'll have you shipped off to a 
cottage in the middle of no where!"
Samantha's mouth fell open, "How dare you? You are showing no emotion 
over the death of father!"
"I am just as upset as you are, he was my father! The pressures of being 
king give little time for mourning."
Samantha's hand whipped across his face in a slap, "Stop babying the 
bitch! Get her out of your chamber in an hour, or mother will be hearing 
about this!"
Fox disliked being slapped, Dana had done it, Samantha had done it. He 
turned around and opened the door for his sister, "If you return here 
again, I'll have you arrested."
Samantha, in a fury, left the room in a cloud of anger. Curses under her 
breath, she sought out Quinn, leaving her brother with the woman who was 
a killer. Fox leaned against the door, his thoughts running away. The 
question was: Is Dana Scully an assassin? Sent by whom?

            FOUR DAYS LATER: Fox eventually had to have Dana moved to 
prison chambers, but at least these were decent. He put a stop to the 
cruelty that she was reviving, the orders of the royal council. Fox was 
approached by Skinner and Byers, who handed him the scrap of burned 
paper. "This is all we have, Sire."
Fox wet his lips, "Perhaps you should continue the investigation."
One of the guards came towards them in the corridor, "Sire, the trial is 
starting in an hour."
"Good, I want it arranged so I can be in the court room but no one can 
see me."
"Yes, Sire."
Skinner's mouth fell open, "You're going to the trial?"
"Yes."
"Sire, I advise against it!" Byers cut in, "We don't want an incident! 
What will your subjects think if you should cry out or-"
"I will keep myself and emotions under control."
"As you wish." Skinner said, bowing down. "If you will excuse us, Sire, 
we have an investigation to proceed with."
Byers and Skinner raced down to the foyer, "Sir Skinner, what are you 
doing?"
"It doesn't matter if the people see him or not, he might be able to 
persuade the court council."
"But doesn't the Royal Council have the Court Council under their 
thumb?"
"Who knows, but we can try. However, Fox isn't sure if Dana is the 
killer or not. We know she couldn't do such a thing, but he has doubt. 
He is confused and dazed, we must show him."

            Krycek and Dana were brought into the court room, people 
rich and poor gathered to watch. Krycek was no longer wearing his rich 
robes, but a gray plain suit. Dana had a similar dress that had tight 
sleeves and showed how much weight she had lost. Her hair was tied in a 
tail behind her head, her eyes sad and tired. Fox was wearing a dark 
cloak over his clothes and kept a black hat over his head, a shadow 
figure in the corner. Quinn was sitting in the front of the court room 
with his council members beside him. Fox watched Dana closely, she had 
her head raised high but her eyes showed despair. "All Rise for the 
Court Council!" Someone shouted. Everyone stood up and watched the five 
elderly men enter the chamber. The one who was the leader was named 
Torlson, his second was Fredrich, the third was Porter, then came Green 
and Carter. "Will Lord Krycek and Miss Scully please stand." Torlson 
asked.
Dana was up at her feet, facing the council members, her shinning blue 
eyes were the only sign that there was a spirit in her. "How do you 
plead?" 
"Not guilty." Dana and Krycek chorused.
Whispers shot through the crowd and Dana turned her head, but remained 
silent.
Fox sat down again, keeping his eyes locked Dana. Quinn and the other 
Royal Council members produced evidence that they were guilty, once in a 
while Krycek and Dana would cry out that they had been faked, but they'd 
soon be silenced. Finally towards the end of the day, the two prisoners 
knowing that they were going to meet the gallows, they were given a 
chance to speak. Krycek went on and on about how the evidence had been 
faked. The crowd, who didn't believe him, was obviously becoming bored! 
Dana was finally given her chance, she stood in front of the court 
chamber, starring out at the sea of faces who anxiously starred back. 
"Ladies and gentlemen, you may see that the evidence is against me.... 
but I am not the one you search for. There are men who you let rule the 
court who have done this to me. They set out to harm your King, and they 
blame me for their crimes. They are here now, they could have stopped 
this at any time, but chose not to. I am not the assassin, never in my 
life have I thought this would happen to me! You should not put such 
energy into ruining the lives of two innocent people, because by the 
time these people are brought into the light, it will be too late for 
Lord Krycek and myself. Your true enemy is in a high seat of power! Not 
us!"
"LIAR!" A man in the crowd cried, jumping over the barriers that kept 
him from Dana and Krycek. Fox looked up, his eyes blurring with unshed 
tears, to see the man. He was tall, with a dark beard and a mad look on 
his face. In his hand was a whip. He threw Dana to the floor, cracking 
his whip in the air and preparing to whip her back. Fox raced from his 
seat to shield her, "Don't you dare!" He screamed.
The man turned to see his King, shedding his hat and cloak, pulling Dana 
up and standing between him and her. The man starred at him in awe, 
"Your highness!" He fell to his knees.
Fox starred out at the crowd who had all gone to their knees in respect, 
"This woman has not been found guilty! And I will not permit you to 
treat her or Lord Krycek as guilty!"
The members of the Court Council looked at each other in confusion, but 
a young man from the middle class came forward. He was wearing gloves 
and a long black coat. "Sire, once more we will ask the question, how 
can you defend her?"
"She isn't guilty!" Fox snapped.
"How do you know she isn't?"
"How do you know she is?" Fox asked.
The man walked around the court room like a lawyer, "Sire, there is 
enough evidence to convict her, and we will soon learn if she is to be 
killed or not. Are the rumors true? Are you in love with her?"
Gasps were heard from everyone, even the court council members! Fox's 
mouth remained open for a second, "That does not taint my judgment!"
"That, Sire, isn't possible!" The man continued. Fox starred at him, 
"WHO ARE YOU?"
The man looked at the crowd, "This woman had the king under her thumb! 
She will depend on him to save her when they sentence her to death!"
The court roared into chaos, and the council members did their best to 
calm everyone. "ORDER!" The lead council member shouted.
Fox released Dana to return to her seat in the front. The members of the 
court council vanished through a door to make a choice, Fox awaiting 
anxiously, everyone's eyes on him. He kept his on Dana's, begging for 
forgiveness. The tension in the room was thick as the members returned. 
The Royal Court Council, with Quinn leading them, approached the King. 
"Sire, that was not a good move you made." They said.
Fox ignored them, waiting silently for the final choice of the council. 
"We, the five members of the Court Council find Dana Scully and 
Alexander Krycek, who have been accused of plotting against the King and 
country of Auguston, find them guilty." Torlson said loudly.
No one was surprised, even Dana wasn't fazed, Krycek just fell into more 
despair. "Tomorrow, at dawn, they are to be sent for execution, death by 
hanging!"
Fox closed his eyes, <No....> He had no power over their decision, and 
Dana and Krycek were as good as dead.


----------

     Skinner raced down the aisle with Byers behind him. "We have 
evidence against the Royal Council and in favor of Lord Krycek and Miss 
Scully!"
The Court members turned to stare at him, "WHAT?"
Fox smiled almost, looking at Dana with hope, but she remained 
motionless and hopeless.
"This is a letter, to Quinn., which was found in the chamber rooms of 
Council Member Sir Connor!"
Connor, who was sitting behind Quinn in the council box, jumped to his 
feet, "What are you blabbing?"
Quinn stood up, turning to stare at Connor, but then returning the gaze 
to Skinner, "Sir Skinner, I am curious to see what evidence you have 
produced. Do present it."
Skinner handed the letter to the council members, who read it aloud. "It 
is indicating that Quinn had a hand in the assassination of King 
William." Byers started the obvious. Fox yelled for the guards, "TAKE 
HIM!"
"No!" Quinn raced to the front of the chamber, "Sire, who sent this 
letter? It isn't shown here who's hand wrote this! I have served 
faithfully in this court for almost my entire life, and my father before 
me!"
Torlson starred at it for a second, "This is obviously faked evidence, 
Sir Skinner." 
"No! Compare the writing with the writing of the council members, Sir!  
You will all see!"
"The court will break for an hour." Torlson snapped, dragging Skinner 
and all the  Council members, Court and Royal, into a connecting room. 
Fox raced to where Dana was, only to be stopped by Byers. "Sire, do not 
go near her."
He turned to him, "Why the hell not?"
"Your subject are watching your every move. Sire, you promised not to 
make a scene and you already have done enough!"
Fox looked at Dana, trying to silently tell her that he would return. He 
let Byers and four guards lead him out of the court and back outside. 
Dana watched the King leave, he had saved her from the mad man with a 
whip, who the guards had taken away. The young man who was questioning 
Fox so rudely had vanished into thin air. Dana took a breath, turning to 
Lord Krycek. "Sir?"
He reached for her hand, "What do you think will happen to us?"
"You tell me, my Lord."
"A pity, we're so young." He whispered.
Dana pulled her hand back, "Have you no faith in our King?"
"I have no faith in the system here. They needed someone to take the 
blame, it is us."
Fox and all his guards were gone, only the commoners remained with few 
members of the upper class. An hour passed much too slowly, awaiting 
their final fate. When the members all came out, the judge stood before 
the people. "Nothing has changed, the verdict still stands."
Dana heard people crying out, some cheering, some chanting. She squeezed 
Krycek's hand, "God, no."

            Fox practically pounced Skinner when they met in the royal 
chamber. "Skinner, what did they say about Dana? What will happen to 
her?"
"They are to be kept in the tower until they can clear up the mess with 
Quinn. As soon as that is done, they'll either find them guilty or 
innocent. There is nothing more we can do but wait for them to make a 
choice, I am sorry, Sire."
Fox's hand rolled into a fist, "There is no law I can bend to save her?"
"Byers and I have searched the books and records twice, nothing."
Fox grabbed a book and threw it as hard as he could against the wall. 
"This isn't fair!"
"We must have faith, Sire."

             Dana and Krycek were once more locked in the tower cell, 
starring out at the court yard where the execution would occur. She had 
already met with a Priest, Krycek was still making peace with his maker. 
"Do you think I'll make it to heaven?" Krycek asked stupidly, once more 
he had gotten drunk, courtesy of a guard who had pity for them.
Dana grabbed his wine bottle and took a long drink, bending her head 
back to fill her mouth. The burning liquid slid down her throat to her 
belly, warming her slightly. She handed it back to him, "My Lord, will 
you haunt them?"
"Their dreams, their homes, their castles!" Krycek laughed, falling 
backwards onto his bed.
Dana suddenly found herself in his arms, he was hugging her, "I am 
sorry, so sorry, Miss. A pretty little thing such as yourself shouldn't 
have to go through with this. How old are you?"
"Almost nineteen." Dana tried to pull away, but perhaps he needed the 
comfort more than she did.
He kissed her forehead, "May the heavens have mercy on us all."
Dana heard yelling from the court yard, and pulled herself up to look 
out the window. The gallows were being set! They were testing the trap 
doors! One of the working men looked up at her, waving stupidly and 
laughing at her! "Wench!" He screamed.
Dana turned away from the barred window, keeping her thoughts on the 
King. Perhaps he would come to see her once last time? Or maybe he had 
washed his hands of her....

            A meeting was being held and Quinn, once more, was being 
interrogated. But this time it was real. The Court Council, who he had 
never liked, paced around like chickens with their heads cut off. The 
prospect of blowing a conspiracy wide open was just too much excitement 
for them! Torlson starred at him in the eye, Connor was also present, 
shaking slightly with nervousness. "Explain the letter, Quinn."
"Sir Torlson, I cannot. I have no idea who wrote it and I never did the 
things that you think I did."
The men looked at each other, the silent communication obvious to Quinn. 
"Sir Quinn, tell us everything you know about this."
"I only know that Dana Scully and Alex Krycek were working hand in hand 
to kill the King. I know that Dana Scully's plan was to marry King Fox 
and become a Queen."
Connor stood up, "Gentlemen, we know nothing else."
"Who was the real assassin?" Torlson snapped.
Quinn gripped the chair in frustration, "It was Dana Scully."
"A woman killed our King? Can we honestly believe that?" Torlson starred 
at him in annoyance.
"It was! The letters hint that it was either her or Krycek who pulled 
the trigger, but since Krycek was with Princess Samantha...."
Connor cleared his throat, "Please, you are wasting time. They  could 
have had this planned to stall the execution! To put doubt in your 
minds!"
They all looked at each other once more, "Bring Dana Scully to me!" 
Torlson shouted.

             Fox had ordered that Langley be on guard outside the tower. 
He was to inform the King if any change occurred.... that night at 
midnight, there was a change. Four guards stomped towards the tower 
wearing blue uniforms. "We've come for Dana Scully." They said to the 
guards on duty.
The men on duty let them in, and moments later  Dana was being dragged 
out, shouting, "WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME?"
All she received was a slap across her face and one of the guards lifted 
her up into his arms and carried her away. Langley quickly raced off to 
inform Frohike and His Royal Highness, King Fox. 
By the time that Dana got to her final destination, Fox was already on 
his way to find her. She was forced to stand in the woods, the members 
of Court Council around her. Someone handed her a pistol, "Miss Scully, 
this man is here to kill you." Torlson told her, motioning to a bounty 
hunter dressed in black clothes with a matching cloak. 
Her mouth fell open, "But this isn't an-"
"Silent, woman!" A court member snapped.
"This pistol we have given you is all the defense you have against him. 
You will either kill or be killed."
Dana's heart was beating so fast she knew it would burst and there would 
be no need for a bounty hunter! "Please, this is cruel!"
"Go!" The members of the council vanished behind her and all she knew 
was that the bounty hunter now lurked in the trees. Her breath was 
coming in deep gasps and she feared he would hear her. She had a chance 
to escape! Hiding behind trees in the cold summer night, she kept her 
head low and her pistol ready. Out of no where, he came. She fired 
blindly at the figure, missing him again and again! Crying out, she 
pointed the pistol and closed her eyes, praying for some heavenly force 
to guide the bullet! Now she could see him, right in front of her. She 
fired.....

            Torlson screamed out, "STOP!"
The Hunter ran out to a clearing, where Dana was dragged by two guards. 
She had survived! She was alive! She had missed the bastard! The full 
moon was their only source of light, Torlson lifted her up to her feet. 
"She is not an assassin."
Quinn starred at him, "How would you know?"
"If she was an assassin, she would have been able to shoot the hunter, 
and as we all know, she didn't!"
"This doesn't mean that she wasn't a part of the scheme." Quinn grabbed 
Dana by her arms and shook her hard, "WHO WERE YOU WORKING WITH?" 
Dana pushed him away, "Don't touch me!"
Quinn's hands were shaking, Connor was also worried. "Admit it!" 
Torlson took Dana and led her farther away from the others, "Another 
vote will be taken. Say it now, were you a part of this plot?"
"Never!"
Connor turned to the other men, "All this proves is that she wasn't the 
one who pulled the trigger as we originally thought! We must concentrate 
on finding the third member of this party!"
Dana whirled around, "You're all insane! Who would have anything to gain 
from the death of the King? If you ask anyone, you will know that I 
wouldn't do such things! There is a liar in your-"
Quinn cut in, "Who would gain? Besides Dana, who would take Krycek with 
her.... and the Prince."
<FOX!> Quinn smiled, but it was concealed in the dark. "THE PRINCE WOULD 
GAIN! He would get the crown sooner! He would come into power! He was so 
fixed on keeping this girl safe...."
These words brought new doubt into the minds of the council members. 
Dana could see it! "No! It was not the Prince!"
No one listened, she was led back to her cell in the tower to suffer 
alone, and the members returned to their chambers to discuss the new 
events.

             Three days passed and another letter surfaced. This time it 
was Krycek to Fox. Quinn had made sure it had fallen into the hands of 
the council, however, he had to fill the purse of a valet to plant the 
evidence. Fox was woken up in the middle of the night, confronted with 
this new dilemma. Now he was the one to be tested. To Quinn, it all made 
perfect sense. "Fox is a champion hunter himself, he could have made the 
shot!"
It was the most unusual assassination in all history. The Prince himself 
had killed his own father! However, pieces fit and Quinn was a master of 
planting doubt. Krycek this time was taken to the court. "Did YOU write 
this letter?"
"NO, of course not!"
"But Lord Krycek, this is your writing!"
"No, I would never write this!
Fox stood tall, "I loved my father more than anyone in the world.... and 
I could never kill him!"
Trial after trial and they came no closer. Quinn was desperate. He went 
to one of the King's personal valets, a greedy man by reputation. "I can 
offer you twenty bags of gold if you do me a small favor."
Thomas, the valet, looked up, "Really?"
Thomas was young, young and stupid. "I just need you to say that you 
over heard a conversation between the King and Lord Krycek."
"THE TRIALS! No! I couldn't!"
"A hundred bags of gold. I'll give you fifty before, and the rest after. 
Do you understand?"
"No, not for a hundred."
"A hundred and fifty."
"No."
"Two hundred."
"Four hundred."
"FOUR HUNDRED? Are you mad?"
"I will be effecting the course of history with my testimony, I want 
four hundred."
"Fine.... four hundred."

             Fox sat alone at the front of the room in a sturdy chair. 
He gripped the arms of his seat, his knuckles turning white. He heard 
the valet's words, "The King and Krycek were speaking of murder, they 
had it planned. Dana Scully was with the King when he pulled the 
trigger, Krycek said so himself!"
"LIAR!" Fox jumped up.
Samantha let out a cry, she and her mother sobbed together as they 
watched Fox be taken away. The Queen raced after her son, her hand 
flying across his face. "Never had I thought I had raised such a 
monster! I gave you my blood and your father gave you a thousand times 
more! This is how you repay him?"
Fox touched his face, why was he always being slapped by women? "Mother, 
I did no such thing!"
Samantha pulled her mother back, "Mother, you need to sit down, you 
aren't well."
"I HATE YOU!" Their mother shouted. The room emptied and Fox was taken 
away, to the same tower where Dana and Krycek, his so called companions, 
had spent the last few weeks. Skinner and Byers had seen it coming, and 
had been prepared. While the guards led Fox down the corridors outside, 
Langley and Frohike pounced them. Beating them over the head with 
pistols, and their own weapons. Fox fell against the wall, "This is a 
nightmare, it cannot be real!"
Langley helped Fox up to his feet, "I know of a place where you will be 
safe. Come with me."

            The crowd gathered at dawn, even members of the middle and 
upper class had come to see. It was like the court room. Members of the 
Royal Council had come to see the deaths. Dana was disgusted with the 
people, how could they enjoy another person's suffering so much? Some of 
them were throwing throne flowers at her, she winced, but kept marching. 
They had not even bothered to tie Dana's hair. Dressed in a white dress 
with a white cloak around her shoulders, she was led to the gallows. 
Krycek reached for her hand, kissing it. "God bless."
She smiled faintly, "God Bless."
The man pushed her forward, dragging her by her hair to the ropes, 
wrapping it around her neck. He looked her up and down, "What a waste of 
a fine body." He muttered.
Dana starred at him coldly, "May God forgive you for your sins."
He slapped her, hard. A red mark left on her cheek. "Be silent, stupid 
woman! You 'aint in a fancy court anymore going to balls! You are about 
to meet your maker!"
Dana said a final prayer, looking at Krycek who was probably doing the 
same. The man who was to release the trap doors, their executioner, 
asked the question, "Any final words?"
Krycek once more tried to convince them of his innocence, but Dana 
forgave them. "I do not blame you for this, I blame them." She pointed 
to the court and royal council. "I say once more, watch your backs! Your 
government is corrupt, and your King is just starting to fight it! He 
will need your help!"
"SILENCE HER!" Someone ordered.
A white gag was put around her mouth, she no longer struggled because 
she could not fight the inevitable. The people watched as the 
executioner was ready to trigger the trap doors. "STOP!" 
Krycek looked to see five cloaked figures in gray. They had hoods over 
their heads to cover their faces and masks. One of them, very tall, drew 
a pistol! "Give me the woman!" His voice boomed.
Dana's heart skip a few beats, <Who are you?> Perhaps it was her savior, 
or her torturer. The man pointed his weapon at the executioner, "Release 
them!"
Since the executioner was a coward , he did not resist the order. He cut 
the ropes, pushing Dana into the arms of her rescuer. 
She was led out into the open, the people pushing back, trying to move 
as far away as possible. The man held his pistol out, "This woman is 
innocent, and it shall be proven to you!"
Dana was swept up onto the horse in front of the man, he kept one arm 
around her and held the reins of the horse in the other. Torches were 
lit by the other cloaked figures and Dana held onto the man's hand, 
leaning against the stranger ever so slightly so she wouldn't fall off. 
"YOU WILL NOT ESCAPE!" Four guards blocked the gate, their only way out 
of the yard.
Two of the cloaked figures drew out swords and pistols, ordering the men 
back. One of the guards stumbled and it was enough of a distraction to 
steel his weapon. The leader, the one who had Dana, led them away. She 
could hear the hooves of the horses pounding in her ears and the man's 
heavy breathing. Krycek was on another horse with another one of the 
mysterious riders. She watched as everything went in a blur. The angry 
people in the court yard shouted and booed as they raced off, the five 
horses moved in an ordered line. As soon as they made it out of the 
castle gates, she expected them to slow, but they only went faster. 
"WE'RE BEING CHASED!" One of the riders shouted.
Dana watched the world pass her by as they raced through the woods. The 
cold wind stung her face as they continued on the journey, the 
destination unknown to her. "Who are you?" She asked the rider as they 
ducked trees and zig zagged through the forest.
He said nothing, just continued with his task.
She held his arm and the saddle, men with the royal uniforms were in 
pursuit. "THE FALL! We must split up!" The lead rider shouted.
The smallest rider had Krycek on his horse. They split off into three 
directions. The leader with Dana went on a path towards the deep forest. 
The one who had Krycek and another rider raced in the opposite 
direction. The other two riders vanished some where behind them. Dana 
closed her eyes and held on for dear life. At last she heard the 
pounding of hooves grow silent. They stopped at a hill, the masked rider 
getting off and helping Dana down. She wiped her brow, "Who are you?"
He slipped his hands to his hood and pulled it off, revealing a mass of 
dark brown hair. Then he pulled away his gray mask, revealing his 
beautiful face. "I hope you aren't dissapointed."

End of 8/?
----------

    "Who are you?!" She frowned, moving away from him.
He did a low bow, "My name is Captain Lucas Johster, I'm a friend."
"No friend of mine." She scrambled up to her feet and started walking 
away towards the forest.
"You better come with me!" He shouted.
"I don't think I'll be going any where with you." 
"I beg to differ. You'll be killed if you go out into the forest. If not 
by a wild animal or poisonous plant life.... then the soldiers will find 
you. You're much safer with me."
She examined this man, the one who had literally saved her neck! She 
touched her throat, where the ropes had been, "Sir, I thank you for 
saving my life.... and I think for your own safety you should go."
He pulled himself back onto his horse, "Silly girl." 
"I am not silly nor am I a childish girl!"
He urged his horse towards her, and before she knew it, he had swept her 
up so she was in front of him once more. "LET ME GO!" She shouted.
He covered her mouth with her hand, "I am not your foe. I am trying to 
help you!"
She struggled a bit more, then relaxed, "What do you want from me?"
"You were my assignment, Miss Scully. I was told to get you and take you 
away."
"Who sent you?"
He laughed, she had to admit, he had a beautiful laugh. The horse pulled 
into a gallop and they were flying over hills towards another clearing. 
"Your secret admirer sent me."
"I've had enough of your riddles! Either you tell me or I'm not going 
any where!" She pulled his hands away from the reins, trying to get the 
horse to stop. He let her have her way, "We're losing time. You will 
come or I shall drag you."
"What was your name again?"
"CAPTAIN LUCAS JOHSTER!"
She jumped off the horse onto the hard ground. The smell of pine needles 
invaded her senses and she was tempted to just fall asleep here and 
never wake again. "Listen to me, Lucas, I don't care who you are... just 
tell me who sent you!"
"I am a servant of King William and the Queen." 
"Do you honestly expect me to believe THAT story? Oh please! I'm not an 
idiot! I know they have it out for me!" Dana gathered her skirts and 
started walking away.
"And where do you think you'll go? How far do you expect to get before 
you're caught and killed? They won't bother with giving a waiting period 
next time, Miss Dana. They'll kill you on site."
Dana stopped, a chill seeping into her bones, "Who actually sent you?"
"I am a royal body guard."
Dana sat down on a tree stump, trying to think. "And where are you going 
to take me?"
"Some where so that you'll be safe."
"Where is that?"
"We don't have time for this! It's an inn owned by a friend."
"Who do you think you are? Who were those other men?"
"My companions!"
"THIS IS A TRAP!" Dana shouted, heading off in the opposite direction as 
fast as she could. Lucas let out a moan of frustration, chasing after 
her with his horse. She knew she had no chance by running, so she ducked 
behind a tree, waiting for him to pass. However, he did not pass. A pair 
of strong arms grabbed her around the waist, startling her senseless! 
She let out a shriek, turning around and slapping him across his face.
"What was that for?!" He shouted.
   "FOX!" She gasped.
In the most unlady like manner, she threw her arms around him, "What are 
you doing? What happened? What-"
He silenced her with his kiss, "There are a thousand questions and I 
have very few answers. I'm sorry for every doubting you, Dana." He 
hugged her tight.
She pulled away, "Who were those other men....?"
He brushed the strands of her hair away from her face, "Langley, 
Frohike, Byers, Jeffrey Spender. The very charming young man that you've 
just had the honor of meeting is my body guard, very faithful, but 
arrogant."
Two of the mysterious riders he spoke of came up over the hill, walking 
their horses behind them. Krycek was with them. Fox kissed Dana's hand, 
"Are you all right?"
She nodded, "I'm fine."
Jeffrey Spender took off his mask, bowing down slightly to Dana and Fox. 
"We lost them in the dead forest. It was an adventure I care not to 
repeat."
Fox nodded, "Jeffrey, I am sure you know of Dana."
He smiled faintly at her, "It's a good thing we got there when we did. 
It would have been a pity to have that rope around your neck."
Dana turned to Krycek, "Are you all right, my Lord?"
Krycek walked towards them, "I'm excellent. However, I care to get out 
of these clothes... anything  else would be better."
Fox took a breath, looking up at the sky, "We better get to the inn 
before night fall. You'll have a whole new wardrobe there, Krycek."
They returned to their horses, Fox looked at Jeffrey and Frohike, "What 
has become of Langley and Byers?"
"WE'RE HERE!" Langley cried out in an excited voice as he and his horse 
galloped down the steep hill. Fox embraced his friends, "I'm so glad 
you're all here. We have little time, so let's hurry."
She turned to look up at Fox, "And what happened to your fabulous 
Captain Johster."
"I am here." He said, calling her attention to her left. He stood with 
his hand on his horse's bridle, feeding it something from his hand. 
"Sorry for the dramatics, your highness, should be off?"
Fox nodded, "No time to spare, gentlemen. Let us hurry."
Dana was helped onto the horse, Fox's arm around her. "I was afraid we 
wouldn't get to you in time." He confessed to her.
"Fox, how can a King go off rescuing criminals?"
"Did you not hear? My neck would have been in the ropes also if Langley 
and Frohike hadn't saved me."
"What?"
"Letters were forged and a servant was bribed to blame me for my 
father's death. The new scenario.... you and I worked with Krycek to 
kill my father."
"I know the scenario, how could they believe it?"
"Quinn dealt with the courts more than my father and I ever did. He 
knows what methods to use."
"What will we do?" Dana whispered.
He kissed her temple when he was sure that their companions weren't 
looking. "Our options: We can run away and pretend it never happened."
"Of course not!" She snapped.
"Good, because I never considered it. I have to find a way to get back 
my throne."
Dana reached for his hand, "Quinn has his hooks in them, Fox. We'll need 
a miracle."
"What is this 'we' talk?"
"Oh, please! You cannot think that I'll leave you to go alone!"
"I'm sorry to inform you that I'm a grown man."
"You're also practically alone, you could use all the help you can get."
"But not from you."
"Why not? Because I'm a woman?"
"Because if you get hurt, I won't be able to live with myself."
She paused for thought, "You can't order me around, Fox."
"I'm the King! I can do whatever I please!"
"Excuse me, sir, but if I am correct.... you don't have the throne 
anymore." She smirked.
He gritted his teeth, "Dana-"
She silenced him by ignoring him, "I do not wish to discuss it further."
When he did not speak again, she was sure that she had won the argument. 
Happy with her latest success, she watched the country side go by until 
they reached their destination, which was an Inn owned by Jeffrey 
Spender.

            Sir Spender, who was a partner owner of the inn, led his 
friends inside. "Jack, be a good man and show my guest to their rooms."
"Yes, Sir." Jack, the young man at the desk with black hair jumped up to 
obey.
Fox kissed Dana's hand, "Make sure she has her own private room, Jack."
Jack, not knowing that he was speaking to royalty, sighed and nodded. 
"Yes, Sir."
Dana was taken to her room. Only two rooms could be spared that night. 
Jeffrey went to his own home, while the other four men shared a room, 
Dana spent the night alone across the hall.
She was surprised to find clothes in the wardrobe for her. Jack 
explained that they had been placed there by Sir Spender's request. Dana 
slipped into the long night rail and crawled into the bed, sinking into 
the pillows. To think, six hours ago she was prepared to die! Pleased 
that it wasn't her time to meet her maker, she closed her eyes and tried 
to fall asleep. Every noise in the inn made her jump, every step made 
her think of soldiers coming for her! But when the handle of her chamber 
door started to turn, she practically jumped out of her skin! Reaching 
for anything she could use as a weapon, she moved off her bed. By the 
night table there was a candle holder, preparing herself to throw it at 
the intruder, she listened carefully.
The steps came in closer, and she could see a tall figure stepping in. 
"Dana, don't you dare!" He snapped.
<FOX!> She put it down, "I should throw it at you anyway! What do you 
think you're doing?" She was angry now. "How dare you scare me to death 
in such a rude manner?"
"Would you like it if I scared you to death in a polite manner?" He 
retorted.
She sat down on her bed, lighting a candle. He was fully dressed in 
riding clothes, like a dark angel in the night. "Where are you going?" 
She questioned him.
She sat beside her on the bed, "I have to go and meet someone 
tonight.... she has some information that I could use."
Dana sat up straight, alert, "SHE?"
He smiled faintly, "Jealous?"
"Of course not! What if you get killed?"
He touched her hand and pulled her to him, "I won't get killed.... I'm 
careful. You stay here with Langley and Frohike until it's time to 
leave."
"Leave? I don't understand-"
He framed her face with is hands, keeping her still, "Shh... I know 
you're worried. There is much to do, and little time to do it. I want 
you to stay here where it is safe while I go meet my contact. Then you 
will come and join me with the others tomorrow morning."
"I'm coming with you." She said determined.
"NO."
"Yes, you have to take me with you! I'm a risk! I can go blubbering this 
to the entire country unless you take me!"
"You wouldn't." He stood up, picking up his cloak and wrapping it around 
himself.
Dana put her hands on her hips, "Take me, Fox!"
"I'd love to. Get on the bed." He leered at her.
She blushed furiously, "No, I don't mean that."
Fox went to the window, looking out into the dark night. "Do you really 
want to come with me?"
She nodded, "Yes."
"Well I can't exactly take a woman with me. I'll get you something to 
wear, I don't need you going in a dress."
"What are you doing?" She asked as he went tearing through the wardrobe.
"You have nothing here that would work. I'll be right back."
"Wait! What are you looking for?"
"Men's clothing that will fit a little thing such as yourself." He 
kissed her cheek.
<MALE ATTIRE? WHAT FOR?>
            He waited with his back turned as she dressed. He smiled 
faintly. There was a mirror in front of him and he could see everything, 
every curve, and every freckle! However, he kept this knowledge to 
himself. Dana pulled on the shirt and buttoned it as much as she could, 
the top two buttons were missing, leaving her pale skin exposed. "I'm 
done."
His jaw dropped. She looked more feminine in the shirt than ever! 
"Perhaps this was a mistake...."
"Too late, just give me a cloak and I'll keep silent."
He looked her up and down. "Here." He handed her a black cloak, much 
like his own, and wrapped it around her. He took out a band, wrapping 
her hair behind her head so you couldn't tell it was a girl. "We'll have 
to give you a mustache." He took out a pair of scissors.
"WHAT?"
"You can't possibly think that anyone would be fooled by this?" He 
snipped of a piece of her hair, causing her to wince. "Fox."
"Dana." He searched through drawers for something to use as glue. He 
turned his back to her to mold the hair into something to look like 
mustache. "Come here." He ordered.
She walked towards him, his hands moved to place it under her nose. He 
was so close, she could hear him breathing and the beat of his heart! He 
let his fingers linger on her face for a while, then kissed her 
forehead. "You're never going to look as manly as you do now."
She blushed.
"Dana, act like a man. Stand tall! And keep silent, she'll know from 
your voice."
"Who is this woman?"
"Marita Covarrubias."
"That harlot?!"
"Shh! You can come or stay. Your choice."
Dana walked beside him as they went down to the stables. He helped her 
onto a horse, but she pushed him aside. "Sir, I am a grown man and I can 
onto a horse all on my own!"
"You're a boy." He laughed, climbing onto his own horse, pushing it into 
a trot. Dana came up from behind him, ready for a new adventure, anxious 
to know what was going to happen.

            Dana had heard more rumors of Marita Covarrubias than she 
could count! She was a spy for whoever paid her the most, and the 
mistress of ten men at once! Fox and Dana saw the small tavern in the 
distance, "Faster." He shouted, pushing his animal to the limit. They 
finally made it, resting the horses near a back shed where they could 
eat grass and have some water. He examined her figure in the moon light, 
feeling his pants go tight. "Dana, perhaps you should stay out here."
"No, I came all this way, you have to take me."
He pulled her up the steps, "Please don't ruin this, don't over react 
when she does things because this woman isn't like you."
Dana wasn't sure to make of his words, but she followed him inside. 
There she was.... standing tall and beautiful by the window, watching 
them come in. Ignoring Dana completely, she casually walked into his 
arms, kissing his lips. "I missed you so much, love. When I hadn't heard 
from you I feared the worst."
He pushed her off him, "Marita, no."
She pouted, pulling on her dress to lower the hem line. "And who is your 
little friend?"
"This is Daniel Scully. Daniel, Marita Covarrubias."
Dana kept her hands concealed in gloves, but Marita was suspicious. 
"Scully? Any relation to Dana Scully?"
"She's his cousin." Fox explained, "Now let's sit down. I can't be out 
too long."
Fox escorted her to a table, ordering three drinks. Dana said nothing, 
did nothing. "Doesn't your little friend speak?" Marita leaned forward, 
giving Fox a good view of her breast.
Dana wanted to kick Fox hard in the shin, he was doing everything she 
wanted him to do.
"Daniel is mute and deaf. He's my new stable boy and a great help. Don't 
pester him."
Dana looked up at the young girl who brought their drinks. Such a pretty 
face, so innocent looking. Then she looked back at Marita, who was the 
opposite. "Well, as long as he's not listening, he's a cute lad."
"What?" Fox asked.
"Good looking boy, Fox. You should give him to me. Let me turn him into 
a man."
Fox choked on his drink, "We aren't here to discuss who will fill your 
bed. Just tell me what you know."
Marita nodded, putting the mug down, "Princess Samantha will have the 
throne next. I'm sorry, Fox, your mother has vanished."
"WHAT?"
"Keep it down! Queen Tina disappeared, ran away. She could be dead for 
all we know."
"Marita-"
"Don't worry, I heard this morning from a contact that she was seen 
going over the sea to England."
"My mother ran to England?!"
"Shh! Keep your voice down! You may be a king, but you're an idiot! You 
don't need to worry about her.  I sent someone to find her in England 
and take care of her. She'll live. I have a theory about Samantha..."
"Do tell me what you think of my sister." Fox said stiffly.
"She's Quinn's new puppet. That's all she is. It'll be easier for him to 
control an ignorant girl than a man such as yourself or your father. So 
he had to get rid of both of you to get her into power. Samantha is his 
new tool!"
Fox rolled his hand into a fist, tempted to pound it. "My sister? He's 
going to make her Queen?"
"That is the plan."
Dana wanted to say something, but one look from Fox kept her silent. 
Marita looked over at her, "Poor thing, can't be easy for him. He would 
have been an excellent student for me."
Fox grabbed Dana's arm and pulled her up, "Daniel doesn't need to fill 
your bed. Is there anything else?"
She stood up, grabbing him by the collar and kissing him hard, "My 
prince, good luck."
He pulled away, "You-"
With a flash she smiled and picked up her wrap, "Handsome Daniel, 
adieu."
"Good bye." Dana said.
Marita whirled around, "WHAT?"
"I said good bye." Fox cut in before she had a chance to catch Dana's 
mistake.
Marita frowned and left the tavern, Fox took Dana's arm. "That was 
insane."
She smiled, "But it was fun. She's dumber than she looks." 
Fox rolled his eyes and led her outside to their horses, paying the men 
of the tavern and escorting her out. "We are never doing this again."
"She actually fell for it, Fox. Can you believe it? I guess you're just 
the type who prefers doltish women."
He turned to look at her, "Just like you."
She had expected that retort, "You know that's not true."
He was about to help her onto her horse, but she pushed him back. "Stop 
it."
"I'm sorry-"
"Why do you think I can't do this by myself?" She pulled herself up with 
grace, wrapping the cloak around her. Before he even had a chance to 
turn to his horse she had raced off to the road. Fox quickly pulled 
himself up and chased after her, "WAIT!"
She slowed for him, then they continued together up the hill. "Where are 
we going?" She called.
"To Jeffrey's."
"How do you know him?"
"He's my half brother." Fox said.
"BROTHER?"
"He's a duke. My father's other son."
"Oh my God!"
"He's actually older than me... but since his mother wasn't royalty, 
duke was his only title."
"Was his mother you're father's mistress?"
"A long time ago, before he met my mother."
Fox looked at her, "Are you all right?"
"The plot thickens."
He laughed, "Dana, most kings have mistresses."
"So you think it's all right?" She was disgusted with the thought!
"No, I wouldn't do it. But my father has his official favorite and she 
had the court under her thumb years before I was born! We can not erase 
what my father did before he and my mother were married."
"But still.... you aren't bothered by it?"
"I was when I was a child.... my mother was furious and never really 
forgave him for it. Jeffrey and I spent a lot of time together before 
Samantha was born."
"Does Samantha know?"
"That Jeffrey is her brother? She has no idea. She's so ignorant."
They came to slow down at a grand estate, surrounded by trees and hidden 
away. "Does Quinn know of your brother?"
"No.... if he did he'd use it against us."
They stopped at the side, a man was waiting to take their horses. He 
handed the reins over to him, "Paul, we'll be staying until dawn." He 
informed the man.
The man bowed, "Yes, Sire."
Fox led Dana, still dressed in her disguise, into the house. Jeffrey was 
waiting at the door. He smiled when he saw  her, "What have you done to 
her, Fox?"
Fox, with his hand at the small of her back, smiled, "Don't ask and I 
shall not have to lie to you. Is there anything that she could wear?"
"Of course, my niece's dresses are all upstairs."
"Where is Marilyn?" Fox asked, wanting to know what had become of 
Jeffrey's niece. Marilyn had lived with Jeffrey since her parents died. 
"She went to visit her Aunt Beatrice in the country. Dana, pick whatever 
you want from her wardrobe. She doesn't use it anyway." A maid came down 
to escort Dana to a changing room, Fox and Jeffrey waited in the dinning 
hall. 
"So tell me, brother, what did you do?"
Fox rolled his eyes, "I went to pay a visit with Marita Covarrubias and 
I couldn't take Dana with me... not looking like that."
"How intelligent of you. She'll be ruined before this is over."
Fox took a sip of wine, "I hope not too much. There is a lot to do 
before we are done."
"What did Marita say?"
"She said my mother has run away. Samantha is just a tool for Quinn. He 
wanted to get me and my father out of the way so he could use her on the 
throne, she's a puppet!"
"Well, someone must warn her!"
"From what I hear, a coronation isn't too far down the road. They'd 
first have to proclaim me dead.... and since my mother is gone, Samantha 
will be the heir."
"The clever bastard!"
"With hope, there is enough doubt in the minds of the people..."
"But you aren't counting on that, are you?"
"No."
"Fine now, what else is there left? Plan of action?"
"I have to warn Samantha. I was depending on Captain Johster to do 
that."
"The Captain? She won't believe him."
"Nobody will believe me either! I'm a murderer, remember?"
Dana came down stairs, wearing a blue dress that the maid had given her. 
It was simple, but looked so elegant on her. Fox reached for her hand, 
"I'm going to send Dana back to Cortia. Skinner has discussed it with 
Queen Valerie, she's with child and they feel it is all right for you to 
return."
Dana snatched her hand back, "Back to Valerie? You wish to send me home 
to Valerie? Never! Too much has passed, I can't go!"
"You don't understand," Jeffrey stood up, offering her a seat, "Valerie 
has found your sister."
"Melissa?!"
"Yes, Valerie and Pendrell have given her a title of Duchess. You can go 
back and live with her."
"But what if my sister's husband?"
"He died from the plague.... along with your nephew. Your sister went to 
Valerie for help."
Dana buried her face in her arms, "Fox, why can I not come with you?"
"That's obvious, Dana! You'll get hurt or killed! I can't live with 
that, knowing that you died for my cause. If you leave now, you can wash 
your hands of this whole matter!"
"It's too late for that, highness!" She snapped at him. "It was too late 
the second I stepped foot in your palace!"
Jeffrey stood up, "I will leave you two alone."
The servants were led out and the doors closed behind them. Alone in the 
candle lit dinning hall were Fox and Dana, starring at each other, both 
furious. 
He started pacing towards the window, back and forth. "Why do you want 
to stay?"
"Because you can't do it alone."
"Alone am I? Did you not see how many companions I have? I am not 
alone."
"I want to be with you through this, you may have a thousand followers 
behind you but-"
"But?"
She blushed, moving away from him, "Nothing. Forget I said anything."
He took her by her arm, "Tell me."
"No."
"Well, you aren't staying. I'll have you safe in Cortia by tomorrow."
"Fox-"
"Enough! Don't make me tie you up and have you dragged home! I will do 
it if that's what it takes!"
"No you won't!"
"I would fly to the stars for you, Dana," He took her face in his hands, 
wiping her eyes, "and I will slay a thousand monsters to keep you safe."
"I don't ask that of you."
"But I can't help it. I love you too much to let you be hurt by this."
"Please don't make me go."
Pounding on the door caused the two to jump apart like flames, "Who is 
it?" Fox called.
"It's me, Jeffrey. I'm sorry, but Frohike has sent a message. He wants 
to meet you at dawn in the agreed place."
"All right, thank you, Jeffrey."
Dana was now across the room, she couldn't even look at him. 
Fox took a breath, "I want you to get some rest, the journey ahead of 
you tomorrow is a long one."
"Where will you go?"
"To a village called Pastern. Our own small army is gathering there."
"ARMY?"
"Believe it or not, Dana, there are still people who are faithful to me. 
And they won't stand for what's happening."
Dana was left alone in the dinning hall with her thoughts. With a heavy 
heart, she went up to her assigned chamber, but not falling asleep. She 
held the pillow in her arms, pretending it was him. At dawn, she would 
be taken to the Auguston Cortia border, where men from the Cortia Court 
would take her home. Never in all her years had she felt more a 
prisoner.

               Samantha had practically fainted when she heard the news. 
She would be the Queen of her country! A shadow fell over the news, 
though. Her mother had vanished, run away. Her brother was a murderer 
and out there some where.... her father was dead. Instead of being 
thrilled with the news, she went into a fit. "Sir Quinn, I can't! There 
is no way-"
"You act as if you have a choice, my Queen."
She froze when he said "queen." Taking steps towards him, she stood to 
her full height, "Sir Quinn, do you have any idea where my mother is?"
"No." He answered, a look of sadness coming to his eyes.
"Did you find Dana Scully or Krycek?"
"We are still hunting for them. I assure you, they will be dead when you 
next year of them."
"Sir, what would happen to Fox.... if he should be found?"
"The law demands swift justice, as did you, your highness. He would be 
killed."
Samantha's lower lip quivered, "You'd kill him? But he's a member of the 
royal house!"
"Yet he is a man who must obey the rules, he's a killer. We cannot let 
him go because of his royal blood."
Samantha sat down in a chair, "What am I to do? I know nothing!"
He took her hand into his, kissing it. "I will guide you, your 
highness."
She smiled faintly, "I trust you, Sir Quinn."

            Dana was dragged out of her bed hours before dawn. Jeffrey 
waited for her in the foyer. "You have eaten the breakfast we sent up, 
haven't you?"
"No, Sir, I found myself without appetite."
"I'm sorry this is happening." He whispered.
She nodded, "Well, you can't fight a king, can you?"
"It's for your own good." He pointed out.
"I'm sure you think it is"
The horses were ready and waiting, a small convoy waited for them. 
Langley, Frohike, Byers, Jeffrey and the  Captain Johster stood side by 
side, their faces grim. Fox kept his hand at the small of her back, 
leading her to the horse she was to ride. "Dana, say something to me." 
He whispered.
"Good luck and don't ever call on me again." She looked up at him, 
pushing the strands of hair from her face. 
"Do not hate me for this. You will thank me later."
"Don't count on it, highness."
"Do you think this is a game? We're having a war here! This is no place 
for a girl like you."
"That's all I ever was? A girl? Well then, now that I know what you 
think of me, I'll be on my way home. Good-bye."
"Do not part from me like this!"
She ignored his plea, pulling the green cloak hood over her head to hide 
her face. "Captain Johster, Mr. Langley, Frohike, Sir Byers.... I thank 
you all for your help."
They said their adieus and then Dana was released into the care of four 
men who had been assigned to take her to the border. Without giving Fox 
another look, she rode off beside them, her eyes blurred with the unshed 
tears.
            She rode for an hour with them, Patrick, Joseph, Clark and 
Michael. Patrick was the silent one, never spoke a word. The other three 
were very talkative and interested in making conversation during the 
trip. They camped for the night, a fire was made and a small shelter was 
built for Dana to sleep in by herself. She wrapped the blankets around 
her and took a cleansing breath. It would soon be over for her, or 
that's what they thought. But in her mind, it would never end. She would 
see his face for the rest of her life in her dreams, re-visit the prison 
tower in her mind. She was half asleep when a strangled cry woke her. 
Sitting up, she got out of her shelter and looked around their site. It 
was silent, no sign of the men who had come with her. "Clark? Joseph?"
She gathered her skirts and walked around the camp, searching for signs 
of them. She had no fear that she had been abandoned, because they had 
left all their belongings not too far from the light of the fire. A 
night owl cried over the country side, searching for it's prey. While a 
more dangerous predator searched for Dana. That's when she saw it, the 
blood. "Clark?"
He was there, behind rocks, beside him were Michael and Joseph.... all 
three bloody with their heads severed. <OH MY GOD!>
"PATRICK?"
"Here." He said, walking towards her. Drenched in blood, he moved to 
her, "We have to get away from here-"
Something in the fire light shimmered in his hand. She looked 
closely.... a knife. 
"Who are you?!"
"My name is David West.... I was sent to find you."
"Sent by who?" She searched for something to use as a weapon.... Clark's 
club rested not too far from the rocks. She snatched it up, swinging it 
at him. "Don't come near me!"
"You, my lady, have no chance!" He found it humorous that she even made 
the attempt to save herself.
Dana lunged forward, swinging it at him, hitting his hand and knocking 
him down. The knife fell from his fingers into the fire, sending sparks 
every where.
He grabbed her skirt and pulled her down to him on the floor, pinning 
her underneath him. Using her knee, she hit him in the stomach, "Get 
away from me!"
The heat from the fire was consuming, she grabbed her club again, 
dipping it into the fire so it was now a torch. He starred at her, "What 
are you doing?"
"If you come near me, I'll do it." She said, her voice shaking ever so 
slightly.
Patrick kicked the knife out of the fire with his foot, avoiding flames. 
He picked it up with his gloves hand and aimed it at her, running 
towards her like a  mad man. She was terrified, that actually was an 
understatement. Her next actions would decide if she lived or died! 
"WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?"
"I was sent to kill you." Was all she heard. 

End of 9/?
----------

        "I was sent to kill you." Was all she heard. 
           Dana swung the torch at him, left and right and out of 
control. Her 
           heart was beating a thousand beats per second and she knew 
that he could 
           hear it, he was laughing at her. "Save us all some time and 
put it 
           down."
           "You killed those men!" She shouted stupidly.
           "They were here to protect you.... it's obvious why I did 
it."
           He picked a stone up from the ground, throwing it at her, 
catching her 
           in the shoulder. She winced, but did not let out a cry, did 
not show any 
           more weakness. He started backing her up towards the fire... 
she could 
           feel it against her back! Any second now, she'd be consumed 
by it's 
           flames! The only light now was from the fire, which was alive 
and 
           dancing behind her. She turned back to see how close she 
was.... a 
           mistake on her part. He jumped forward, pushing her back. She 
screamed 
           as her torch fell from her hands, the hem of her dress 
lighting with the 
           blaze. She could feel it against her leg, desperate, she 
tried to put it 
           out with the dirt and dust. Patrick snatched her up and threw 
her aside 
           like a bag, covering her head with a velvet hood keeping her 
pinned 
           down. "If you move, I'll slit your throat!" She felt the 
pinch of a 
           knife at her neck, she flinched. She smelled something 
burning...she 
           heard him screaming. His weight was suddenly off her and she 
felt like 
           she could float. Pulling her hands up and yanking the hood 
off, she saw 
           a scene before her that was forever etched into her memory. 
Patrick, 
           crying out like a wounded animal, rolled in the dirt trying 
to put out 
           the fire on his clothes. However in his haste, his hand came 
across the 
           burning torch she had dropped. The screams increased along 
with the 
           blaze over his body. Dana pulled herself up to her feet, 
stumbling and 
           going back down. She pulled her hair from her eyes to see the 
path, the 
           horse, whimpering across the camp, was stomping it's hooves. 
Dana, 
           seeing that it was her only way out, raced to it with all her 
strength. 
           She felt as if she would boil! Quickly mounting the animal, 
she gathered 
           the ropes into her small hands and forced it to move forward. 
As she 
           raced through the forest in the night, she could hear the 
screams of 
          Patrick grow fainter as she moved away from the camp. 
           
        A day went by, then another, then another. After three days 
without her, Fox was showing signs of depression. Byers put a hand on 
his shoulder, "I know you must be upset, but there are other things we 
must concentrate on."
"I know..."
Fox had been astonished when he met his army of men. More people than he 
could count waited for him in the small village. He felt his heart swell 
with pride and joy and hope. Hope. Something he hadn't felt in so long. 
He wished deep inside that Dana could have been there to see it with 
him, she would have shown the most beautiful smile....
He was shocked out of his thoughts when their large camp hidden in the 
woods was penetrated by a lone rider. He came racing on a black horse, 
"SIR BYERS!" He cried out.
Byers left Fox's side to greet the stranger, "I am he."
The rider was wearing the uniform of the Cortia Army, he had the ensign 
on his shirt. 
"Sir Byers, I am Harold Grace.... Sir, I was sent by Queen Valerie."
Fox jumped up to his feet, "Queen Valerie? What for? What news do you 
bring?"
The man was out of breath, he dismounted before speaking. 
"Get this man some water and food. Get something for his horse, too." 
Frohike shouted orders.
After the man had finished a cup of water, he took a deep breath. "The 
woman you sent to us.... the Queen's cousin, Dana.... she never arrived, 
Sir." 
Fox's heart plummeted to his feet. "She never arrived? WHAT?"
Frohike listened carefully as the man spoke, "The men you sent to escort 
her to our border never came, our soldiers waited there for a day and 
there was no sign of them. So we sent a small party to look for them.... 
one which I was part of. Sir... all four men are dead. Three of them 
were found without their heads, the fourth had been burned in the fire. 
There was no sign of your lady."
Fox had a strange feeling in his heart, as if it would crumble in his 
chest. "Oh, no."
Frohike looked up at the sky, "She could still be alive."
"A woman alone out in the wilderness... I don't think she's last long, 
Sir. From the looks of it, she had to leave everything behind. We found 
a trail of horses foot prints but we lost them in a river..."
Fox grabbed a rock and threw it into the fire, "DAMN IT! I should have 
never sent her away! This is my fault!"
Byers starred at his hands, "No, it's mine. I should have taken her 
myself."
Fox blamed himself, he knew it was his fault. She had wanted to stay so 
badly, and he had pushed her away. Tried to send her home, only to have 
her disappear into thin air. <God, don't let her be dead when I find 
her, please don't> 

             Samantha had been informed that a coronation date was set. 
"SEVEN DAYS FROM NOW? Sir Quinn, you can't be serious! We must give 
time-"
"The country is without a ruler! You are all that is left of the royal 
house! We must do it now! I'm giving you more time than I should! 
Everything will turn to chaos unless we do this."
He noticed a nervous look crossed her face, "What are you scared of?"
"This power! I wasn't supposed to have it! Look how many people had to 
be put away for me to have it! My parents and my brother!"
"Samantha, this is your time. You will be a wonderful Queen and you will 
turn this land around."

            Dana splashed the cold water on her face from the stream, 
sitting down. <I'm lost> She was lost the second she left the camp. She 
had made a vain attempt to retrace their steps... but she had lost her 
way in the dark and was totally off course. She tossed a few rocks in 
the water, now noticing the hunger she felt. She had passed the last few 
days with berries... which wasn't much. Pulling herself back up to her 
tired horse, she continued. There was no path for her anymore, she was 
taking guesses every turn she made. She was starting to feel light 
headed, she knew it was from the lack of food. Holding on loosely to the 
reins of her horse, she continued on. When they approached another 
stream, perhaps a branch of the last one, she tied her horse to a tree 
and sat down on the ground, covered with leaves and moss. She rested her 
head down and closed her eyes. Just for a bit.... then she would get up 
and go on. Sleep came quickly and heavily, she was dead to the world.

            Fox tore through the camp, "I will not slow down, Byers. 
She's out there and she'll die soon!"
Byers grabbed his master's arm, "Sire! A country is depending on you! I 
shall find her, Skinner is still on the Council. You need to act while 
he still has some power... before Quinn decides to be rid of him."
Fox grabbed Byers by the shoulders, "I was the one who abandoned her."
"You thought you were doing good."
"Four men are dead and Dana is missing! I will not rest until I find 
her."
Byers put himself in the path of the King, "Sire, listen to me! Your 
people need you! This is insane!"
"It's my fault!" Fox shouted back, furious with his mentor now.
Spender came up to them, putting himself between Fox and Byers, fearing 
that Fox would throw a punch, "Brother," he whispered, "I shall go find 
her myself. Give me two soldiers and Frohike, that's all I'll need."
Fox paused, "I should be the one to go find her."
"Trust me, Fox... I'll take her home."
"Make sure she gets to the Cortia border.... escort her all the way."
"I will."
"But what if you don't find her?" Fox asked desperately.
Spender smiled, "You yourself said that I was the greatest hunter in the 
world.... I will find her."
Johster and Byers continued with the army, while Spender and Frohike 
searched the forest for the missing woman.
  Frohike cleared his throat as he and Spender went through the forest 
on their horses, "Sir, may I ask blunt question?"
He sighed, "Go ahead, Frohike."
"Sir.... do you think our King is in love with this woman?"
Spender smiled faintly, "He practically came out here himself! He was 
ready to abandon an army to Byers! I think he is very much in love with 
her."
"I hope we find her, Sir. For the King's sake."
Spender said nothing, he just continued. "Pick up the pace, we can't 
doddle."
They walked the horses a bit farther, going deeper into the dark forest. 
The sun was now starting to set and they were forced to camp for the 
night. "Sir, we are running low on water." Frohike pointed out.
Spender nodded, laying down on the ground, "Well, we better go find some 
in the morning."
The two men closed their eyes and retreated to their own dreams. Frohike 
dreamt of being home.... and Spender dreamt of Dana. He imagined her out 
there, cold, alone and getting weaker by the day. With those thoughts, 
he fell into a fit full sleep.
The solider from Cortia had come with them, to show them the way to the 
camp where they had found Dana's escorts. Hopefully they'd make it.

            Marcus Luther, a farm boy, walked his horse to the stream, 
exhausted from a hard morning of hard work. He splashed some of the 
water over his head, smiling at the coolness. It was acutely chilly for 
that time of year, but working so much made him warm. He was about to 
fill the jugs with the water when a flash of red caught his eye. He set 
the jugs down to go investigate. By a large tree, covered with leaves, 
was a sleeping girl! Her red hair was what had caught his attention. He 
moved closer to her, he could hear her soft breathing. Her dress was 
tattered, but it was obvious that it had once been beautiful and 
probably cost a fortune! "Miss?" 
She even looked rich. <Probably the daughter or wife of a Lord!> Her 
skin was pale but looked so soft, he was tempted to touch it. He moved 
to sit beside her, touching her hand. <She's so cold! She must have been 
out here all night!> He examined her face, she looked so unreal. He was 
curious to see what her eyes were like. Gently, he shook her sleeping 
form, "Miss, are you all right?"
She remained sleeping. 
Marcus watched her as she stirred, curling herself into a ball. He 
quickly went to his horse, taking off his cloak and wrapping it around 
her. Then he lifted her up onto his horse, steadying her. <Well, I can't 
just leave her out here!>
            "Emma, is the stew ready?" A man called.
Dana yawned, rolling onto her side, ignoring the bustle around her. <Who 
is in my chamber?> Suddenly heard head shot up, <WHERE AM I?> 
This was no room she had ever seen. She remembered Patrick... and 
running through the forest. And sitting down by a stream.... then 
nothing more. An elderly woman touched her face, her hands were soft and 
warm, "The sleeping beauty is awake. I was  getting worried, dear."
Dana raked her fingers through her open hair, which was unusual because 
she always kept it styled. "Who are you?"
Dana expected herself to be afraid, but she wasn't. Not of this woman.
"My name, miss, is Emma Welsh. And would you care to share your name?"
"Dana... Dana Scully of Tharet."
"THARET? You've come that far?"
"I lived in the Cortia Court for a while.... then the Auguston Court."
"My, you do travel a lot." Emma helped her stand. 
Dana felt her knees buckle and she sat down again, "I can't-"
"Shh, it's fine. You're so weak, dear. You must have been out there for 
days!"
"Three days is all I remember... perhaps I was there longer. How... how 
did I get here?"
"My son, Marcus, found you. You, Miss Scully, are our honored guest."
Dana looked up into the green eyes of the old woman. She looked so old 
on the outside, but one look into her eyes said that she was  a child 
inside. Dana smiled at her, "I thank you so much for your help."
The door opened and an elderly man entered, his hair was gray and his 
skin wrinkled, showing years of hard work. "Thank God she's awake!" he 
smiled.
"Miss Dana Scully, this handsome man here is my husband, Edward. Edward, 
this is Dana Scully. She's been in the courts of Tharet, Cortia and 
Auguston!"
Edward raised a brow that reminded Dana of her father, "A very important 
young lady. How did a young lady get to be so important?" He brought her 
a plate full of food.
Dana suddenly remembered how she was starving! "My father was an Arch 
-Duke. My cousin is Queen Valerie of Cortia. Things get complicated..."
"Amazing." Emma muttered, "Oh, you poor thing. You must have been 
through a nightmare, out there alone for three days! How did you get all 
the way out here?"
"Were you part of a procession?"
"I was to be escorted to Cortia, but one of the men sent to protect me 
was actually there to kill me."
Dana gave a brief description of the encounter with Patrick, talking 
while she picked at the food. She left out everything about Fox on 
purpose. It was too painful to discuss and who knew if they were his 
friends or foes? The door of the small cottage burst open, a young blond 
man came running in. His eyes were dark blue, like the sea. Her mouth 
went dry at the sight of this handsome stranger. Dana's bed was by the 
fire, and she felt very warm. He smiled at her, a bright and brilliant 
smile, "Thank the heavens, she's awake!"
Emma grinned, "This dramatic young man is my son, Marcus."
Dana reached a hand out for him, "So you're the one who rescued me?"
He blushed, "I can't say rescued, it was-"
"He's so humble." Emma sighed, a smile creeping into her face.
Dana grinned at him, "I thank you, sir, from the bottom of my heart. I'm 
sure I wouldn't have lasted much longer out there."
Emma stood up, "Well, we'll let you finish your meal in peace. It's 
late, Marcus, did you bring Dana's horse in?"
"Yes, mother, he's in the barn. That's a magnificent animal you have, 
Miss." 
Dana smiled, "It's not mine. It belongs to Duke Spender, he gave it to 
me, he's so kind."
Emma's mouth fell open, "Duke Spender gave it to you?? You have some 
very powerful friends, Miss."
"Call me Dana. When I lived in the court, I had the opportunity to meet 
many people."
Marcus waited until his mother had left the room, then he fell down into 
a chair beside Dana's bed. "You were actually in the royal court?"
"Three of them, Tharet, Cortia and Auguston."
"Have you met the kings and queens then?" 
Dana smiled, "I was related to the King of Tharet, and the Queen of 
Cortia is my cousin. I've met the Auguston royal family... I can't say 
that the Princess liked me."
Marcus was fascinated by the court, "It must have been exciting to be 
there! Well, perhaps not for you because you're always in the court. 
Have you lived your whole life like that?"
"You mean beside royalty? My grandfather was a King... but two 
generations later I was cast out."
"You? Cast out?"
"It's too embarrassing, I would rather not discuss it. But it wasn't my 
fault..."
"What happened?" He persisted.
"King Pendrell got me into a bit of trouble with Valerie and I was 
banished to Auguston... that was less than six months ago. Just a week 
ago I left their court." Dana tried to block out the memory of the 
prison.
"WAIT! You mean that you were in the court when King William was 
murdered by his son?"
Dana sat up, "He wasn't murdered by Fox, I can tell you that! Fox isn't 
a killer. It's the rest of your government that you should be worried 
about!"
"You act as if you were close to him...."
Dana sighed, "That's all in the past now. Your country, Marcus, is about 
to have a great change."
"What do you know? Are you a spy?" He asked excitedly.
Dana laughed, "Spy... no. Victim of your government, yes."
"What happened?"
"I can't discuss it." She whispered, looking into his eyes.
Emma came into the room, "Marcus, let her rest! She's had enough."
Marcus smiled at her, "I'll see you in the morning." 
Dana nodded, sinking into the mattress and closing her eyes. For the 
first time since she was sent away by Fox, she felt safe. Safe and sound 
in this little cottage, with a kind family who she wished she was part 
of.

            Fox had heard through a messenger from Skinner that 
Samantha's coronation was coming. Six days... that's all he had. He 
loved his sister, even though she was shallow, and awful at times.... he 
still loved her. Who knew what was happening in her mind. She was 
probably overwhelmed by the changes since William's death. Another 
question was what had happened to Queen Tina? She had vanished one night 
while Fox had been away, no one had seen her leave. Fox was worried 
about his mother, but had little time to dwell on it. A country demanded 
his attention. The army had started to move towards the city of Reinald, 
where the palace was located, where the coronation would take place. 
Every day they moved faster, every day things became more tense. Dana 
hadn't been found yet, as far as he knew. Spender and Frohike hadn't 
been seen in days and Fox was getting worried. Every night before 
falling asleep, he looked up at the stars and prayed for her. Prayed 
that she was well and he prayed that she'd find her way to safety. Part 
of him hoped to find her in Reinald in the palace, but he knew that 
wasn't possible. She would have been killed on sight! In another day 
they'd be at the palace... it would be over soon.

            The Countess DeMarc had been drained by guilt. Every night 
she and Skinner shared his bed, and in the morning she would slip back 
to her own chambers, so she wasn't seen. But that wasn't why she was 
feeling guilty, she had committed the greatest of all sins. Quinn kept 
on giving her orders, "You have lots of things to prepare for before I 
make you an Arch Duchess...."
She obeyed his every command, only because she had to. If she did 
anything against him, he'd make sure she suffered for it. Tonight, 
Skinner had slipped into her chamber unseen. She had been wearing 
nothing but a robe, and was surprised to see him. "WALTER! How did you 
get in?"
"I stole the keys from Frohike's chamber...."
"Where is the little rat?" She moved away, trying to cover herself.
"When the King left, he saw no reason to stay behind. Fox's departure 
caused an uproar among his faithful servants...."
"Is Frohike with Fox?" She was supposed to get every bit of information 
of Fox's location as she could.
"I don't know. He most likely ran back to his home and is finding 
another line of work." He stalked towards her, his eyes dark.
She frowned, "What brings you here at this hour?"
"I missed you." He sat beside her on the bed, wrapping her into his 
arms. She had to admit, it felt good to be wanted by someone. To have 
his strong arms protecting her at night.... but he could not protect her 
against the shadows that lurked in their government. The one that he was 
part of. "Walter, what if someone sees?"
"You never worried about that in my chamber." He whispered, dropping 
kissing along her neck.
She sighed, "Yes, but your chamber is on the South Wing, there is hardly 
anyone there! But this wing of the palace has too many-" Claire fell 
silent when his hands slipped into her robe, "Oh, Walter."
He smiled at her, "I need you right now." He whispered.
She sighed happily. Yes, she felt happy. This man wanted her and trusted 
her for comfort. She helped him shed her robe and his clothes, and they 
spent the night together in her chamber, concealed in thick walls and 
soft covers. Skinner had suffered so much since Fox had left. He was to 
keep as much power as he could in the government until their King 
returned home.... it wouldn't be long. Samantha's coronation was coming 
up and no one had seen Fox for days. He needed to get away from all of 
it, Claire provided a world for him where he didn't need to worry about 
the rest of Auguston. She knew that, she saw it every time she looked 
into his eyes. As the lights of dawn broke through the curtains, he 
stirred. He had so much work to do, and Claire needed her rest. He 
should get out before anyone saw him. Laying a sweet kiss on her soft, 
parted lips, he draped the blanket over of and made sure she was 
comfortable. Then he crawled out of the bed, dressing silently. One good 
thing about not having hair was not having to worry if it was straight 
or not! That was good, especially after long nights with Claire. He put 
on his cloak and headed for the door. Something was on the floor, in a 
white envelope. He picked it up, examining it. <Who would leave letters 
for her in the palace?> He had to wonder. On the back was clear hand 
writing: "From Sir Quinn."
His heart stopped, could Quinn have known that he would be in her 
chamber? Was this letter for him? It wasn't sealed properly, and easily 
opened.  He did not care if it was meant for his lover or not, he had to 
read it. A small scrap of paper slipped out, with the official hand 
writing of Quinn on it. 

"Madame,

   You have been informed of your next mission. Samantha cannot be 
crowned in peace unless we know that Fox will never return. Find him 
soon, and do not worry about Dana Scully or Alexander Krycek. They are 
just pawns in this game. Capture their King, it's your final test. Soon 
you will have the title of Arch Duchess. Your work on William was 
excellent, I know that no one in the entire royal army could have made a 
shot as well as you did."

     <SHOT! S-H-O-T!> He quickly placed the letter in the envelope, 
returning it to it's spot on the floor. He'd have to wait and see what 
Claire did. He quickly undressed again, returning his clothes to the 
chair, and crawled beside her into the bed. She would wake soon... then 
he would know if it was meant for her or if it was Quinn's trap.

END of 10/?
-----------

          Claire was aware that it was getting late. She looked 
outside, it must have been an hour after dawn. She yawned, smiling when 
she felt the man beside her. She moved towards him, wrapping her into 
her arms, kissing his cheek, "Walter, I love you." She confessed to his 
sleeping form. How could she fall in love with an assignment? She was 
told to drill him for information, it didn't matter how she did it. 
Well, this man had done more for her than any other... even Quinn. All 
Quinn had done was promised her a title, Skinner had promised her his 
heart, which was worth a thousand times more. She kissed his hand, she 
would tell him again when he woke. She pulled on her silk blue robe, the 
one that laid forgotten on the floor. Wrapping it around herself, she 
moved to her wardrobe, pulling out a dress. She checked the door to make 
sure it was locked, she didn't want the maid coming in to find a man in 
her bed! No, that would not do. And there it was, a letter from him. She 
sighed, picking it up and reading it. She smiled faintly, yes, she had 
made a shot that most of the army couldn't. That's why Quinn had offered 
her the job, because he could find no one else who could make the shot 
from the tower. She glanced at Walter, sure that he was sleeping. Her 
heart stopped when she saw his eyes were wide open and starring at her. 
She smiled uneasily, "Darling, you're awake. Would you like me to have 
them bring up some tea for us?"
His mouth was set in a grim line, "What do you have in your hand?"
She starred stupidly at the note, "Oh, this was meant for Lady Harriet, 
her chamber is beside mine. It was slipped under the wrong door. I'll 
have to make sure she gets it." She turned her eyes to the window, "It's 
late, they'll see you leaving."
He pulled on his pants, leaving his shirt wide open, giving her an 
excellent view of his chest. He moved towards her, "Why do you lie to 
me?"
"Walter, what do you mean?"
He snatched the letter from her, "This is from Quinn! I've already read 
it! I know what you've done!"
Walter Skinner had never struck a woman before, but he was so tempted to 
do it now. "SAY SOMETHING, CLAIRE!"
She kept her head lowered, keeping her mouth closed.
"Answer me, damn it! It was you, wasn't it? You killed him?"
He pulled her chin up to look him in the eye, surprisingly his hands 
were gently with her face. With sad, tear filled eyes, she starred back 
at him. "I don't know what you want me to say..."
"I want to hear the words that you didn't do it.... but I know that you 
did. Tell me the truth, everything." 
She felt a lump rise in her throat, and all she wanted was to get away. 
Suddenly she wished that she had dressed first so she could make an 
escape now. "Walter, please don't do this."
"What, you want me to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear? Would you like me 
to pretend it never happened?"
She stood up, capturing his face in her hands, "Walter, we were so 
wonderful before you started this. Forget the last ten minutes happened. 
We could go back and nothing will change-" She tried to kiss him, but he 
only jerked back. "Stop it!"
She fell back into her chair, her robe falling open slightly, "Get out."
"No, give me the truth, it's all I ask of you!"
Claire's tears were now spilling, she had ruined it. She had the most 
amazing thing and she had lost it in the last ten minutes! "What do you 
want to know?"
"To confirm my suspicions. Did Quinn hire you to help him kill the 
King?"
She took a deep, shaky breath, "Yes...."
"Start from the beginning."
"Walter, don't make me re-live all of it! No one has to know, and we can 
go on like nothing happened-"
"Claire, perhaps you can live like that.... but I can't. William was my 
friend!"
Her mouth went dry and she suddenly couldn't grasp the words, "I- I'm 
sorry."
"Sorry won't bring him back. Sorry won't make me forgive you for what 
you've done. Tell me everything!"
"Half a year ago he learned in a tavern that I knew how to fire a 
weapon, and I was better than most of the people in the damned village! 
He came to my home one night and arranged a meeting with me. He offered 
me the title of Arch Duchess...... and power beyond my imagination."
"What was his plan?"
"His plan was to get the ignorant Princess Samantha the throne so he 
could take advantage of her stupidity and rule for her. His exact words 
were 'I'd be the king of puppet masters.' I was out of money, everything 
that my title had given me had been wasted by my husband.... he's now 
dead."
"Did you kill him, too?"
"NO! I didn't! He was old.... and he died of old age, his frail body 
couldn't take anymore!"
"Did you marry him for money?" He accused.
The words cut her heart, "Do you think women can marry for love in this 
world, Walter?! To make good lives for ourselves, we must depend on men! 
I had no better offers, no one I gave a damn about! And Charles DeMarc 
and I got along very well! He loved me!"
"You didn't love him back?"
"I tried to, I honestly did! I didn't marry him waiting for him to die! 
I married him because my parents made me! And when he left this world, 
he left me with nothing! I was getting ready to sell my home! My jewels! 
Everything! I was selling everything I had bit by bit! Quinn came along 
at a time when I had never been so desperate! There was nothing left for 
me!"
"So you accepted his offer!"
"He offered me more than I had ever dreamed!"
"And it was enough you to go against God, King and Country? You are 
something!"
She broke down, his words were tearing her. "You aren't me! You have 
your position in one of the highest ranks of government! I don't have 
that!"
"And you'll never have it! You're a murderer! You killed the most 
important man in Auguston!"
Her eyes were puffed up and red, "How should I expect you to understand? 
You come from a rich family with everything! I bet you never starved a 
day in your life!"
"Go on. What happened the night William died?"
"The whole reason for Quinn going to the prison tower was so he could 
get me here, so he had an excuse. He started building those schools with 
me, although I never gave him money, he was giving it to me. It was our 
project, to make him look good when the time came when he would be in 
doubt. He knew he'd be thrown to the tower, he wanted it so I can come 
and defend him! And when he made sure I had rooms here in the palace, 
that was his reason. He was paying me back for helping save him from the 
tower. He had everything planned!"
"What was your reason for being set up in the palace?"
"So I could come and go as I pleased. No one would suspect a woman like 
me.... but he had to be careful when he made them think Dana Scully did 
it."
"I knew there were too many loop holes!"
"He made me wait on the bell tower, it was perfect. No one would be 
there and I could aim into the ball room. All I had to do was wait for 
my shot. So when I made my shot and he was dead, I ran back to the ball 
room and made an appearance. No one noticed that I'd been gone. Quinn 
later pointed out that Dana hadn't been seen that entire night, and Fox 
had left when the King was shot..."
Claire wanted Walter to hold her, but she knew she would get no such 
comfort from him. He'd made her soft, she shouldn't have cried! Wiping 
her face, she stood up, "So, Sir Skinner, what are you going to do with 
me?"
"What will you offer me for not saying anything?"
A look of surprise crossed her face, "Offer you? I'll give you 
everything, Walter. Anything you want!"
"I want Quinn."
She quickly pulled back, as if he'd slapped her, "NO!" Her hands flew to 
the drawer of her desk, rummaging through to find something, He turned 
to watch, but by the time he had laid his eyes on her, she had a knife 
out. "I'm as good with a knife as I am with a pistol." 
He wasn't afraid of her, he knew deep down she'd never do it. "You put 
an innocent girl on the line! Dana Scully and Krycek had done nothing! 
You were ready to let that girl die! She's so young! She's the only 
innocent being left and you wanted her dead!"
"It was not my choice! I had to go along with him! Otherwise all the 
work I'd done would have gone to waste!"
"You mean the killing."
"Yes.... Dana Scully wasn't my fault! He chose her, he knew she'd be 
perfect!"
"Did he plan that? Did he make sure she was sent here?"
"No! He never knew she existed until he saw her with Fox! Her 
relationship with him made it all too perfect. She came out of no where 
and he fell head over heels in love for her!"
All the time while they were talking, Skinner was moving closer and 
closer to her. He was no beside her, and before she saw what he was up 
to, snatched the knife. 
She threw herself at him, "It's too late for anything!" She screamed.
He had her pinned on the rug, her blond hair tumbling down, "I hate 
you!" She spat.
He kept her pinned, "You should be ashamed, so ashamed! You used me!"
"I LOVE YOU!" She shouted, furious, "If you ever needed my help, Walter, 
I'd give it to you!"
<Love me?> He was caught off guard, and she took the chance to escape 
from his arms. Pulling herself up to her feet, she made a mad dash for 
the door, wearing only her robe.
He grabbed her ankle, pulling her back down, he crawled up her length 
and kept her shoulders pinned down, "You will pay for your crimes, 
against my King, my country and me!"

            Dana and Marcus had spent the entire morning together, doing 
everything from chores to playing games of chess. He had never played 
before, so it was up to her to teach him. "Check and mate!" He said 
proudly.
Dana grinned, "I should have seen that coming, you had me distracted 
with your rook!"
Emma entered the room, washing her hands on a rag, "All right, children, 
outside. I have enough work to do and I don't need you in here making a 
mess." She faked a harsh tone, but her eyes smiled brightly. As Dana and 
Marcus walked out to the woods, they talked. "You must be the luckiest 
boy in the world..."
"Why? 'Cause I have such a pretty lady at my side?"
She blushed, "No, you have the most wonderful mother. I wish mine were 
like that..."
"Where is your mother?"
"She passed on, both my parents fell ill from plague. It was... the 
hardest time of my life. My two brothers died in war and my sister is 
some where in Cortia waiting for me."
He stopped, "Then you'll be leaving soon?"
She shrugged, "I don't know. I haven't seen my sister since we were 
children, she ran off to get married against my father's wishes."
"You mean that your sister is all you have left?"
Dana nodded, "I guess so."
He led her up a path to the stream, they sat down together on the rocks 
and threw pebbles into the water. "Dana, my parents and I want you to 
stay here forever."
Dana looked up at him, surprised, "Forever? I couldn't... I'd love to do 
that, to finally have stability.... but my life is in the courts."
"I guess you can't take a rich girl out of her environment." He sighed.
"Do I act snobbish?"
"No, of course not. You aren't at all what I expected of someone from 
the upper class."
"We all don't care about money, we just happen to have it. And I 
actually have little money. I have a Queen Cousin making sure I'm taken 
care of. The King of Tharet is my uncle.... I stayed with him after my 
family died."
"So you were practically a princess!"
"Actually, Valerie was the princess, I was more of her companion. I only 
came out of the palace when I had to assure the world that I still 
existed."
He laughed, "So you didn't associate much with.... them."
"No, I didn't. Valerie would have been bored without me, though. And I 
would have died without her, she was my only source of intelligent 
conversation. We weren't like the other young ladies, we actually have 
minds of our own."
"So what will Valerie do without you?"
"She'll be bored.... but at least I'm safe from her husband."
"Tell me the truth... do you want to go back?"
She paused to think, "Not really.... they never did anything for me. 
There is this one friend in the Auguston court that I would like to 
return to..... but his situation is difficult. I might not ever see him 
again. If that is the case, then I have no reason to go back to any 
court! Tharet, Cortia or Auguston! Not that I think I'm welcome in the 
Auguston court..."
"What's the story behind that?"
"The Princess just didn't like me."
"She'll be Queen soon." 
Dana sat still, "You're right, she will be. God help you all."
Marcus helped her stand up, "Let's go back, it's getting cold." Side by 
side they returned to the cottage, he stopped to water the vegetables 
outside. "My mother really likes you." 
She grinned, "I like her, too."

            Spender and Frohike came to a clearing where the cottage 
stood. Outside was a boy, who was tending to a large vegetable garden. 
"Excuse me, lad, can you help us?" 
 The boy turned to look up, "Sir?"
"I am Duke Spender and I am searching for a girl.... she has red hair, 
blue eyes, pale skin...."
Something flickered in the boy's eyes, but he said nothing. "No, I 
haven't seen any girl for weeks."
Spender's face fell, "Oh, thank you, lad."
Dana came racing out of the cottage, "Marcus, your mother wanted to know 
if-" She stopped when she saw the soldiers, "DUKE SPENDER!"
Marcus quickly stood up, moving away from them. Spender dismounted from 
his horse, reaching for Dana to come closer. "Dana! We thought we'd 
never find you! King Fox practically came out here himself searching for 
you!"
Dana raised a brow, "He did?"
"He was worried out of his mind! He was ready to postpone this damned 
battle to find you! When we heard that you'd never reached the Cortia 
border, we feared the worst!"
"How much do you know?"
"I know this lad here lied to me!" Spender snapped at Marcus.
Marcus's face went stone cold, "I-"
Dana turned to him, "Marcus, you lied to the duke?"
"I asked if he'd seen you and he told me nothing."
Emma came out, "What's going on here?"
"Emma, this is the Arch Duke Spender."
The old woman did a faint bow, too much for her old bones, "Sir, we are 
honored."
Emma invited them inside, they left their horses out side by the trees 
and entered. She offered them warm drinks and food, a wonderful host. 
Marcus, ashamed, vanished into the woods. Dana and the duke remained 
outside, talking. "Sir, did Fox really want to come look for me?"
"Dana, he was worried out of his mind! He practically ran over Byers in 
his haste."
Dana almost smiled, but kept her face in check. "Sir, how much do you 
know about my journey to the border?"
"All I know is that all four of your escorts were killed."
"It was Patrick, Sir. Is he really dead?"
"Patrick what?"
"Patrick was Quinn's agent! He'd been sent to kill me!"
"He was an agent? Dana, what happened?"
"He killed the other three, they were innocent. He and I had.... well, 
he attacked me and I defended myself. Last I saw, his clothes were on 
fire and I ran away. A few days later Marcus found me."
"Marcus? The fibbing rat?"
"He's a good boy, Sir. He really is... they want me to stay here."
"Stay here? No, it's inconceivable! You have to return to Cortia! Your 
sister is waiting for you!"
Dana searched around, making sure no one was there. "Sir, I will leave 
this house on one condition."
"And what is that, dear?"
"You'll take me to Reinald, to the palace!"
"ARE YOU MAD? You can't go there! They haven't cleared up this mess yet, 
you'll be killed!"
"No, I'll go in disguise."
"Dress up like a boy again? Dana, you can't-"
"Sir, I just want to be there when the fighting starts."
"WHY?"
"For Fox, he'll need me."
"What could you possibly do?"
"Don't under estimate me, Sir. If you allow me to return with you, I'll 
return home after hte war."
"No matter what? Dana, we don't know what could happen! It might be a 
single battle, or a four year war! Who knows? You can't just say that!"
"Fine! If you shall allow me to go with you, I will head for Cortia 
three days later. PLEASE?"
He frowned, "I cannot protect you and fight the enemy, Dana."
"I'm a grown woman, I will be fine."
"You won't be any where near the palace, understand?"
"Yes, Sir."
After sealing their deal with a hand shake, Dana asked Marcus a small 
favor. She asked him for his clothes. After searching through his 
wardrobe, she fond something that was perfect. "Thank you, Marcus. I can 
never repay you and your family for your kindness."
He kissed her hand, "It's no problem."
Emma was upset, however. "Dana, you're a girl! You have to stay where it 
is safe! Don't do this!"
Dana took the old woman's small hands into hers, "Emma, your country is 
about to change, and I have to be there when it happens."
"WHY?"
"It's personal. I'll send a messenger later to let you know how I am." 
She kissed Emma's cheek. Before they could beg her to stay, Dana was 
already getting onto her horse. She thanked them a thousand times, and 
rode off with Spender, Frohike and the soldiers to catch up with Fox's 
army.

            Dressed in boy's clothing, Dana was now a half hour away 
from the camp. Spender stopped them, "Take a rest. Frohike, come here."
Frohike, Dana and Spender left the escorting soldiers and stood in a 
circle apart from them. "We need to make Dana look like a boy. I know 
Fox has done it once before, Frohike, give me that cloak."
Frohike handed over his brown cloak to the Duke, who wrapped it around 
Dana to cover her slim figure. Padding was put in the shirt and she was 
given boots. "Wear this scarf around your face. As soon as we get there, 
we'll slip you into knight's uniform and you can try to blend in."
Frohike chuckled, "Isn't she awfully short for a knight?"
Dana frowned, "He's right. I'll stand out like a sore thumb!"
"Forget the knight, you'll be Frohike's attendant. And you will act like 
it, understand?"
Frohike smiled, "Don't worry, I won't be too harsh a master."
Dana moaned, "Must I-"
"Or I can have you sent to Cortia now." The Duke cut her off.
Dana said nothing more. She let him put the cloak hood over her and the 
three walked to their horses. The soldiers with them were sworn to 
secrecy, but they did not question the Duke. Fox was alone in a tent in 
the camp, his face buried in his hands. Byers was the first who came to 
greet him. "Did you find her? His Highness has been going mad! And he's 
driving me insane! Did you find her?"
Spender looked at Dana, "Yes, we found her."
"Where is she?"
"Here." He pointed to Dana, who was in her disguise.
Byers examined her closely, "SPENDER ARE YOU INSANE? You brought her 
here like THAT? Fox will kill you himself!"
Spender took Byers' arm, "You won't stay a word. She wouldn't go home 
and was a real pain about it. Wasn't she, Frohike?"
Frohike nodded, "A pain."
"So what is she to do here? Act like a solider?"
"No, Frohike's attendant.... perhaps even be a medical attendant. That's 
it, Dana is our new medical attendant, not Frohike's valet."
Frohike said nothing, but listened to the rest of the conversation.
Byers was turning red, "This is no place for a young lady!"
"This girl wouldn't hear otherwise!" the Duke snapped.
Dana pushed her way between them, "Sir Byers, I forced him to bring me. 
Please, Sir, trust me as I have trusted you. I will not put myself, or 
anyone else, in any danger."
He sighed, "Well, it's too late for anything! Fine, tell Fox whatever 
you wish! I have nothing to do with it!"
            Fox came out of his tent into the light, his skin was pale 
and he was so old looking. When his eyes fell upon his brother, he raced 
to him. "Jeffrey! Tell me you found her! Tell me she's safe!"
Dana watched in awe as he bombarded his brother with questions of her. 
"Fox, we found her."
Fox whispered a prayer to God, "Was she all right?"
"She was weak, days in the forest do that to a person. She was found by 
a farm boy and his family, in Auguston. It wasn't far from the Cortia 
border, so I took her there, she's fine."
"Did the Cortia soldiers take her?"
"She's on her way to her sister's house as we speak." Spender lied.
"Thank God, thank God! I almost lost my mind! I was terrified that you 
would report to me that she'd been hurt! I haven't eaten in days, I was 
so worried-"
Dana was so tempted to say something, to let him know, but Frohike 
pulled her sleeve. "Shh."
Fox turned to Frohike and Dana, "And who is this?"
"This is David, Fox. He's a genius with medicine, so we were sure that 
we could use a man like him."
David did a bow, "Your Highness."
Fox was too caught up about Dana to notice the voice. "Was Dana upset 
with me?"
Frohike cut in, smiling faintly at Dana, "She was furious with you, 
Sire. I'm sorry, but she knows it was for her own good. Actually, the 
farm boy who saved her kept her mind off you and the war, it was 
probably for the better...poor thing shouldn't have to deal with the 
grief."
Fox turned around, "What farm boy?!"
"He took quite a liking to her, Sire. He did everything he could to get 
her to stay, but the Duke made her come. She promised the boy that she'd 
return as soon as she could."
Fox's face fell, and Dana saw it clearly. She smiled under her scarf, 
wanting to reach out for him, but Spender shot her a glance that kept 
her in check.
"Wh- who is this farm boy?"
"Enough about the farm boy! Fox, you have a war to fight!" Spender 
called for Byers, who escorted him away. As soon as Fox was gone, 
Spender grabbed Frohike's collar, "Are you crazy? What were you 
thinking?"
"Confirming a theory, sir." Frohike said weakly. 
"Make sure Dana.. no, DAVID is taken care of. I'll see you later." He 
rushed off after his brother. Dana walked around the camp, now that she 
was the 'official medical attendant' she had to take care of wounds. She 
had to work on changing her voice slightly, so no one could tell. It was 
another adventure, and she was able to keep a close eye on her King. 
Yes, her king. Although she came from Tharet, a land that had no 
alliance with Auguston, she was now calling Fox 'her king.' 

            Skinner forced the Countess DeMarc to confess which members 
of the council were against them. As it turned out, all members of the 
Royal Council, except for himself, Byers and a man named Bradburry, were 
in on the plot. He was boiling by the time he reached the Court Council 
members, who, fortunately, were on his side. Never did he let Claire of 
out his sight. "Why are you so cruel to me? I-"
"Cruel? Things are about to get much more difficult for you, my lady." 
He pushed her into the Court Council chamber. The five members, Torlson 
standing in the front, waited for him. "Sir Skinner, you have news?"
They listened to what he had to say, and the men went into an uproar! "I 
will handle this." Torlson dragged the blond woman and Skinner into a 
private chamber. "You say this is all true, Skinner?"
"I know it is, Sir. It's what we need to convince them! It will save the 
King and stop the Princess' coronation!"
The other members of the council were dismissed, and Skinner led them to 
another chamber, one that Skinner had never seen. It was secret, you had 
to go through a passage in the wall to get to it. going down a dark 
tunnel, they reached it, inside were all the members of the COURT 
COUNCIL! Skinner froze, "What's going on?"
Torlson dragged Claire inside, "This woman that you trusted, Sir Quinn, 
has betrayed you. You may drag Skinner in on it, also."
Four men, who seemed to come out of no where and in all directions, 
grabbed Skinner. Claire was thrown to her knees in front of Quinn, 
"Please, Sir!" She begged him, "He threatened me.... he made me! I could 
find no way out of it and-"
Quinn's hand came hard across her face, "I should have known better, I 
should have killed you after you had full filled your purpose! Take 
these two away, I want to make sure no one sees them until after 
Samantha has the throne."
Skinner was silenced with a gag, it took three men to drag him off back 
through the chamber, and Claire was carried not far behind by the fourth 
guard. Where they were being taken to, they did not know. 

            Fox, alone in his shelter tent, let out a yelp of pain. 
"Call for the Medical Attendant!" He snapped.
Byers frowned, "Sire, are you all right?"
"I'm fine, just a bit sore around my shoulders.... it's getting worse."
"Sire, I don't think you'll need David, I can do it myself-"
"I rather have a professional do it." He moaned, falling onto his make 
shift bed. Byers, nervous and anxious, went to find Dana. Frohike didn't 
want her to share a shelter with anyone, so he made sure she had her 
own. "Well, DAVID, the King is asking for you."
"What?" She gasped, her own voice coming out, not her disguise voice.
"Act like a man and get in there. He has a sore muscle."
Dana put on her scarf, Byers then escorted her to the King's shelter. 
She slipped inside and saw him, sprawled out on the covers. She coughed, 
"What is wrong, Sire?"
"I'm hearing from Frohike that you can work miracles. Work one on my 
back!"
Her heart started to hammer in her chest, she moved to her knees, so she 
was beside him. He laid on his stomach, letting her put her hands on his 
back and massaging the muscles that were there. "You know, you are 
really a luxury." He commented.
"What?"
"I'm hearing the men say that it has been easier since you arrived. What 
exactly brings you here?"
"Curiosity, Sire."
"Pardon?"
"I wanted to see what a war was like, perhaps even fight." She added.
"No offense, lad, but you're awfully short to be a solider."
<Why does everyone mention that?!> "I know, but don't let size fool you, 
Highness."
"I know one very short person who has the strength of a ten men."
"And who is that, Sire? If I may ask..."
"A woman, actually. I hope to see her again some day, but I probably 
will never lay eyes on her again."
"A love?" Dana asked stupidly.
He sighed, hiding his face in his arms, "Exactly."
"Sire, have faith. Maybe you will see her again. She might be close."
"No, I had her banished to protect her. I'll kill her if I see her face 
again before this war is over! I told her a thousand times that her 
safety mattered, she's so stubborn and can be pig headed...."
<PIG HEADED? I AM NOT!> "Sire, you should give her credit. Most woman 
wouldn't be so faithful."
"She was faithful, almost got herself killed! She disappeared for almost 
a week! I thought she was done for! I didn't eat for days, I couldn't 
sleep, I didn't want to talk to anyone... but why am I telling you?"
"It helps to talk?"
"I guess it does. Do you mind listening?"
"Anything, Sire."
"This girl is probably the only one of her kind. When she disappeared, I 
just... didn't want to continue."
"She's that important to you?"
"Some times I feel like I'm fighting this war for her..... I don't 
know."
"For her?" The heart in Dana's chest swelled and she wanted to pull of 
her disguise and hug him, but she kept her emotions at bay.
"It's difficult to explain. Quinn is the enemy of my people, but he's 
done something to Dana that makes this fight very personal for me."
"Is this Dana Scully, Sire?"
He quickly sat up, "How did you know?"
"I... I guessed. I know that she was accused of murdering your father 
and I know she escaped. I heard she came from Cortia, I guessed, Sire. 
Have I made you angry?"
"No, not at all. You're a smart lad, very well informed."
"It was the talk of town in Reinald."
"You were in Reinald?"
"For a while, visiting an old friend."
Fox returned to his former position while Dana ran her hands over his 
back, "So this was a very special young lady then.... what did she look 
like?"
Dana was tempted to know how he described her, she wanted to know how he 
saw her.
"She's beautiful, red hair like dark flames. She has blue eyes like 
jewels, the face of an angel."
"Sounds like love." Dana risked saying the words, a lump rising in her 
throat.
He chuckled, "I think it is, I guess that means I'm only human."
Dana could stay no longer, she knew she would give herself away if she 
said more.
"Will that be all, Sire?"
He nodded, "Thank you, David."
Dana picked herself up, not bothering to do a polite bow, she knew he 
wouldn't care. She tripped her way to her own shelter, tearing off her 
disguise and hiding her face in a pillow. She missed him, she missed him 
so. She wanted him to kiss her again, she wanted him to talk to her as 
Dana, not David. She closed her eyes, letting herself fall asleep and 
dream of him.

            "Samantha, today is the day of your coronation, how do you 
feel?" Quinn asked from the back of the dressing room.
Samantha was wearing a white and blue gown, one that showed how innocent 
she was. "I'm scared to death."
Sir Quinn smiled, "I remember my father telling me the same thing about 
your father. Actually, the day your father became King, I stood in this 
spot, a young lad, and watched him prepare to take his throne. You are 
his daughter, Samantha, you have the noble blood running through your 
veins. Go and take what belongs to you."
She turned around, "Has there been any news on my brother?"
"Are you anxious to find him?"
"I want this dealt with.... him and that hoar of his."
"I presume you mean Miss Scully."
"Don't say her name! I hate her! I want her killed!"
Quinn almost smiled at this, "It will be done."
Four hours from now, Samantha was going to become a Queen! The emotions 
that swept through here were making her nervous. She was happy, sad, 
anxious and furious all at once. This was never meant to happen, so many 
things had to occur for her to take the throne. Her family had changed, 
she was all that was left! "I'm ready."

End of 11/??
------------

 Dana, in her outfit as David, followed behind the convoy as they 
marched to Reinald. "Now men!" Byers shouted, but his eyes fell on her, 
"I want you to be careful. We have to separate and try not to attract 
too much attention." <How can an army not attract attention?> Dana 
thought. Actually, all the men were wearing cloaks to hide their 
uniforms. They would shed their disguises when the fighting started, 
easier to identify their enemy.  Fox walked towards Dana, handing her a 
purse full of money, "David, thank you for your help through this... 
mostly for listening me talk like an idiot."
She smiled, although it was concealed with  her scarf, "No problem, 
Sire."
He handed her the purse full of gold coins, "This is for your trouble, 
for putting my men in good condition. You're dismissed."
"WHAT?"
"You can't fight here, David." Byers said, his face stern.
Dana, not having a choice, was led away from the convoy by Frohike. She 
grabbed his arm when they were out of sight, "I'm going."
"I had a feeling you'd say that. Just stay out of sight."
She smiled as the man left her to follow behind them. Frohike wasn't so 
bad. Fox was starting to make her angry, even when she was David he 
treated her like a weakling! <What does he have against short people> 
She thought was she raced after them.

            Samantha stood tall, walking down the aisle with Quinn and 
the other Royal Council members behind her. One step at a time, she 
inched closer and closer to her throne! This ceremony was exactly like 
Fox's. The same people had come, except for Fox's loyal companions. She 
sat upon the throne at the alter, letting the priest say his prayers, 
wish luck and ect. She didn't hear a word he said, her mind was so far 
away! So close, she was so close to becoming a Queen! A tear slipped 
down her cheek, she wiped it away, the crown of past Queen's right above 
her head. Before the Priest could finish, the doors of the church were 
thrown open, hundreds of men in blue and black uniforms pouring in. 
"STOP! IN THE NAME OF KING FOX!"
The upper class who had come to see the coronation leapt to their feet, 
trying to get as far away from them as they could. "What is the meaning 
of this?" Quinn shouted, his face turning red with fury. Samantha 
couldn't exactly see what happened next. A riot broke out, the guards of 
the palace raced in to protect her, Quinn and Connor grabbed her arms 
and led her away. "Wait! What's happening!"
"People who are here to do you harm, Samantha. These men are you 
brother's followers!" Quinn dragged her to a wall, where she was sure 
they were cornered. Much to her surprise, there was a small door behind 
a tapestry. He pushed her through the dark, damp tunnel and the three 
were stumbling through the dark. "Where are we going?"
"Some where safe, you'll be fine." He assured her, getting annoyed with 
her constant questions.
Samantha tripped, falling to her knees, "Wait, give me a second to catch 
my breath."
They heard the door of the tunnel being pulled up, "STOP IN THE NAME OF 
THE KING!"
"RUN!" Quinn dragged her up to her feet, practically pulling her down 
the tunnel.
Her heart hammered in her chest, and she knew it would burst any second 
from fright. A light filled the darkness and she was pushed through the 
tunnel door, out on the other side was a garden. "Where do we go?" 
Connor asked.
"To the palace, dolt!" Quinn led them to a carriage that waited for 
them, preparing. He should have expected this. Quinn cursed himself and 
everyone for not planning for this situation!
"God, now what?"

            Fox had been waiting at the palace. His army had already 
slipped inside, the guards had been taken care of. Johster was like a 
hero to them, and they had followed their captain to the side of the 
King. However, Quinn's personal watchmen were every where, and each had 
to be fought to the ground. "Where is Skinner?" Johster asked Byers.
Byers whirled around, "Damn! I haven't seen him in days!"
Fox froze, "WHAT? Find him! We can't just leave him here!"
Johster raked his hands through his hair, "Sergeant!" He shouted to the 
man who had taken his place while he was gone.
The Sergeant bowed, "Yes, Sir?"
"What has become of Sir Skinner?"
"Quinn had him locked away, Sir. His watchmen had him dragged out. I 
heard he was in the tower, but I wasn't allowed there, only Quinn's 
watchmen."
"Go and get him!" Fox shouted, he couldn't do this without Skinner, no.

            Claire and Skinner had fought every second they were 
together. He swore at her, "This is wonderful, Claire! He wasn't going 
to make you a Duchess! He was going to kill you!"
"STOP IT! Shut up! I can't erase what I have already done!"
"This is what happens to Selfish people, Claire." He muttered, resting 
his head against the bars of his cell.
Claire now had tears on her cheeks, "You're just upset because you think 
I used you!"
"YOU DID USE ME!"
"No! I was told to use you, but I love you too much to intentionally 
hurt you! I was willing to forget the title and everything else so you 
and I could...."
"COULD WHAT?"
"Nothing." She turned her cheek, not wanting to look at him. 
"Love me? Did you just say that you loved me?"
"Of course I love you! This time I've spent with you has  been the 
happiest since the day I got married! I mean it!"
He sighed,  hiding his face in his hands. What was he going to do? She 
claimed to love him? He was developing feelings for her, too.... until 
he found out that she had killed his friend and King! The door of the 
tower opened, "Sir Skinner?"
"SERGEANT! Where the hell have you been? What's happening?" He ran to 
the bars, ignoring Claire who sobbed silently.
Sergeant pulled out a key, opening the locked cell door. "Welcome back, 
Sir Skinner."
Skinner nodded, "It's good to be out."
"What about the Countess?" Sergeant asked, looking at her small form.
Skinner paused for thought, "We can't just leave her. Have her taken to 
the village, make sure that she remains there, she's a criminal."
 The Sergeant seemed surprised. "Criminal?"
"Yes, what is the situation in the palace?"
"The Princess' coronation has been stopped, the army is here. The King 
and his men are storming the palace! Quinn has the Princess here some 
where..."
"Fine, I'll go find them. Take her away." He motioned for Claire.
"WHAT!" Claire was actually surprised, "I tell you I love you and this 
is how you treat me?"
He turned to face her,  The Sergeant was obviously uncomfortable. "I 
will deal with you later, Countess."
She screamed at him as  The Sergeant led her away, Skinner had little 
time to ponder is actions. He had to find Fox.

            Quinn led her into the palace through another secret 
passage, locking her into the council room. "You'll be fine." He said, 
reaching for a cigar.
There was a pounding on the door, "OPEN IT!" A man shouted.
Quinn frowned, "Damn, who is it?"
The door was kicked open by Johster, the Captain of the Guards. He had 
at least ten men behind him, Fox among the crowd. "TAKE HIM!" Fox 
ordered.
Quinn, the first time since his quest began, panicked. He grabbed 
Samantha around the waist, pulling his pistol from his belt and holding 
it to her throat, "She's still your sister, Highness."
Fox approached them carefully, "Leave her."
The gun poked harder into her throat, "We'll see. I want your men out of 
here, just you and me."
Fox motioned for Johster to take them away. "But Sire!" Johster cut in.
"Go!"
Johster, very reluctant, led his men out of the chamber. Fox starred at 
him, reaching for his own pistol, "Release her!"
Samantha let out a whimper, "Sir Quinn, what are you doing?"
Fox stared into the dark eyes of his younger sister, seeing real fear 
and confusion.
"Don't touch my sister!" Fox shouted, ready to pounce him.
Quinn's eyes darted across the room, he threw Samantha into his arms, 
knocking the gun from Fox's hand. As soon as it was across the room, 
Quinn raced to pick it up, pointing them both at them. "I will fire! No 
one will know what happened and there will be no heir for your damn 
throne!"
Samantha pulled herself up, "What are you doing? Have you gone mad?"
Fox placed himself between his furious sister and Quinn, "Let Samantha 
go..."
"No."
"There is no way that you will survive this! You can't even hope for 
life in a prison tower, my men will have you killed!"
"Then I have nothing to lose. I might as well do some damage before I 
go." 
Samantha heard something in his pistol click. Her heart started to race 
a mile a minute, "Fox." She whispered.
He shielded Samantha with his body, "LET HER GO!"
"NEVER! Neither one of us will leave alive!"

            Dana had been pushed into the passage by a solider, it was 
actually an accident. He was fighting off one of the watchmen when he 
pushed her against the wall, which wasn't really a wall, but a door! 
Now, inside a dark passage with no way how to open the damned door, she 
continued forward, hoping that the exit on the other side would open for 
her. She had stolen a pistol off the body of a dead watchmen, crude, but 
it was a war! She crawled on hands and knees, trying to find a way out. 
On the other side was a very small door, one that was slightly ajar. <AT 
LAST! Freedom!> She finally got to the door, hearing voices. <QUINN!> 
"Let Samantha go." <Fox! He's in there!>
"NEVER! Neither one of us will leave alive!"
Dana took a deep breath, she feared her little heart would explode. 
Pushing the door open slightly, she crawled through at entered the 
chamber of the council. A large table was in the center, the three were 
on the far side of the room, next to a large window. Dana took another 
calming breath, preparing herself to do anything.
            "Samantha was my last chance," he explained, "but even I 
don't need her anymore!"
"Does this power mean that much to you?" Fox asked, stalling for time, 
hoping that Johster or someone would race in to save him.
Just his luck, the door was being pounded on, the guards on the other 
side. "It's locked!" Someone shouted.
Quinn smiled, "Fate I guess. Isn't it strange that the door should be 
locked in your darkest hour? Princess.... you would have made a 
beautiful puppet Queen." He aimed his weapon, ready to do it.
Samantha closed her eyes, clutching Fox's shirt, whispering prayers to 
God or any higher force that would hear her! 
Dana moved closer and closer, but in her haste she knocked over a small 
table that held a vase full of flowers. The crash caused Quinn to 
practically jump out of his skin. "DON'T MOVE!" He pointed the weapon at 
her.
Fox starred at her, "David!"
She bit her lower lip, inching closer to her adversary.
"I said stop!" Quinn shouted again.
Dana ceased moving, "Release them." 
He raised a brow in amusement, "I don't think so, I have two pistols, 
you have one."
Fox took this time of distraction to gently push his sister back, 
keeping his eyes and ears alert. Quinn was too busy talking to the youth 
with a face covered by a scarf. Fox wet his lips, taking a breath. He 
lunged forward, knocking one of the pistols away from Quinn. Fox was 
kicked back by the older man, he fell over, stunned. Quinn grabbed 
Dana's ankle, pulling her down and rolling over so he had her pinned. A 
hand went to her throat, determined to cease life. She let out a choked 
scream, trying to pull his hands away. Dana's hand reached for the 
forgotten pistol, only inches away from her fingers. She shifted, trying 
to push him back and stretched her hand out. The tips of her fingers 
barely touched it, she gasped for breath, the lack of oxygen effecting 
her deeply. "Don't." She hissed, hitting at him.
Samantha was screaming something from the back of the room, but no one 
was bothering to listen to her. Fox tried desperately to find the other 
pistol. Quinn's hand grabbed at her hood, yanking it off her. "YOU!" He 
gasped in sincere shock! The red curls toppled lose, the scarf was 
yanked away to reveal her mouth. Fox starred in horror at Quinn's second 
pistol emerged from his coat. Samantha raced to the other side of the 
chamber, kicking the gun towards Dana. Dana's fingers still were out of 
reach, Quinn took the pistol and put his weight on her legs, keeping her 
pinned down. He held the gun to her side, wetting his lips, "You should 
have left when you had the chance." He pointed out.
Fox inched closer to them, seeing the gun at Dana's out stretched hand, 
so close yet so far. Samantha searched for something to use as a weapon, 
trying to find anything! Fox picked up the pistol, pointing it at him, 
"Get off her!"
Quinn lashed out with his leg, causing Fox to trip, and the gun to slip 
from his finger tips. It fell to the floor at Dana's hand... She 
snatched it up with her right hand, pointing it into Quinn's stomach, 
"Don't!"
"I guess we'll both die." He whispered.
Quinn pulled the trigger, causing the pistol to go off, but he could not 
hit her, his hand had slipped and it had fired off to the side instead 
of hitting it's target at point blank. Fox let out a cry of anguish, 
thinking that Dana had been shot. A thousand thoughts ran through his 
mind, <God, I've lost her! I'm going to lose her! Not now! God, not now! 
Don't take her!> He rushed to the pair, trying to pull Quinn off of her 
small frame. Dana squeezed the trigger ever so slightly... causing a 
loud BANG to ring out in the room. Quinn's body fell over her and she 
quickly rolled him over and away, scrambling to get as far from him as 
possible. The blood was on her, on the carpets and on Quinn. He was 
gasping for breath like she had been only moments before. Dana turned 
her head away, still on the floor, the gun at the tips of her fingers. 
The door of the council room burst open and Skinner marched in with his 
own private army. Fox leaned over Dana, seeing the blood, "God, no."
She pulled up her bloody hands to look at them, "It's not mine..."
He let out a sigh of relief, resting his forehead against hers, "You're 
all right?"
Her lower lip quivered slightly, "I'll have nightmares forever."
"Dana, what are you doing here?"
She smiled faintly, "Someone had to protect you."
Skinner pulled Fox back, "Let me see her."
The older man helped Dana sit up, the Princess at forgotten in the 
corner, sobbing. Fox turned his head to Quinn, "The bastard."
Byers and Johster went to inspect him, he was laying in a pool of his 
own blood. "He's still alive!" Johster shouted.
"Let him die." Samantha screamed from her chair, one of the soldiers had 
helped her up.
"No." Skinner cut in, "Take him away, do what you can for him... do 
whatever you can, we have to at least give him a chance to live until 
the trial."
"TRIAL? You're going to actually give him one?" Samantha was so 
surprised by the statement.
"If we let him die, we are no better than he." Skinner explained.
Dana rested her head against Skinner's shoulder, trying to catch her 
breath, "Please...take me away from here. I can't stand to look at him."
Skinner helped Dana to stand up, then led her out of the council room. 
Fox was eager to follow, but Samantha was a mess and begging for his 
aid. "I'm sorry." She whispered, "I should have had more faith in 
you.... and in her."
He kissed her forehead, "We must be strong..... we have a country to 
heal."


           They had done everything possible to save Quinn's life, but 
on the second day of Fox's restoration to his throne, Sir Quinn had 
died. Dana was overwhelmed with emotion. "Dana, he was a murderer and a 
thief! Go on with life, he isn't here to bother us anymore." Byers 
assured her as she paced around in the library of the palace.
Dana shook her head, "I can't! I killed a man! I took a life that wasn't 
mine to take! God will-"
"Do you remember there being any other way to avoid it? If you hadn't 
been there to stop him, Dana Scully, Fox and Samantha would have died! 
You did all of Auguston a favor."
She sighed, her stomach felt empty and she just wanted to crawl into her 
bed and never show her face again.
Skinner, who sad silently in the library corner, spoke up, "I have some 
news from Fox."
"Is he willing to see me now?" Dana asked.
"Actually, your uncle wants you to return to Tharet. The civil war is 
over and.... Fox said it would be a good idea for you to return to your 
home."
She stood still, "Are you serious? He wants me to leave? Did he not even 
try to coax King Charles out of it?"
"He was the one who suggested it, Dana." Skinner whispered, part of him 
hoping she wouldn't go into a fit.
Dana felt a lump rise in her throat, "Why is he doing this? Is he angry 
with me?"
"No, Dana, Fox isn't angry with you." Skinner said, reaching for her 
hand, "But right now Auguston is rebuilding after the damage Quinn 
inflicted. Your reputation isn't going to clear over night. It's better 
that you go home to Tharet."
"HE WANTED ME TO LEAVE! He doesn't want me here!"
"Dana, it's for your own good."
"Isn't it always, Sir Skinner? Isn't every move he makes is for my own 
good?" She said with sarcasm.
Byers gritted his teeth, "He is the King and you cannot besmirch is 
orders anymore." 
"Fine then! I'm going to go home, and I'll forget I ever heard of 
Auguston or King Fox!"

            On the third day of Fox's restoration as King, Countess 
Claire DeMarc and all the members of the Royal Council, plus Torlson, 
confessed to aiding Quinn in his scheme. The trials were quick, because 
Fox had ordered them to be so. "No mercy." He had said.
Samantha was still dealing with the ordeal in her own way. She had spent 
much time alone, keeping up with news of the trials. They were to be 
executed as soon as possible, the Countess DeMarc was first. Skinner and 
Byers had gone to speak to Claire in the prison. She wore a white dress, 
waiting for her death in the square of Reinald, where everyone would see 
her at the gallows. Skinner touched her face, "Did you mean it, when you 
said you loved me?"
She stood up, touching his lips, "I do.... I still do. I wish we could 
have met in another world.... where I wasn't so selfish."
He kissed her lips, "Claire, God have mercy on you."
She nodded, hiding her face, "I'm an assassin, I should be stronger than 
this."
He moved away from her, "Claire, I love you, back."
"That's all I wanted to hear from you." She whispered.
In Ten hours she would be in the gallows, but they had this time to 
confess their love. "Walter, I'm sure out there some where is a woman 
who is perfect for you, who will love you as much as I did.... and who 
is the opposite of me."
He had left her cell, not wanting to cause anymore grief. He returned to 
his rooms in the palace, waiting hours until she was to be taken to her 
death, but he would not watch it. He couldn't. In fact, no one saw her 
die. Her heart died the second he left, and her body died two hours 
after.... she killed herself with a knife she kept concealed in her 
sleeve. The blood writing on the wall said the words: "Peace to 
Auguston."
Skinner had felt an ache in his heart, he locked himself in his chamber 
until Byers had come for him. "Dana is leaving today! You must come to 
see her off!"

            Fox and Dana had remained separated those three days.... he 
had a wounded country to tend to, and she had her nerves to rebuild. Her 
carriage and armed escort waited for her. Fox had gone to say farewell. 
She was returning home to Tharet, their civil war was over and she would 
be safe with her Uncle, the King. Fox pulled her apart from the others 
who had come to give their best, "I can never repay you.... for what 
you've done. Even thought you lied to me, and got my own brother to lie 
to me.... You're David stunt was impressive."
She blushed, "I.... yes, it was."
"Do you remember what I confessed to David about you?" He whispered.
She turned away, "Yes, I do."
"I exaggerated a bit. I was under the stress of the battle to come. Do 
understand that I didn't mean it the way it sounded."
She said nothing, a lump was rising in her throat. She did a polite bow, 
"Good-bye your highness." She whispered, retreating to her carriage. 
Skinner, Langely, Byers, Frohike and Johster kissed her hand. "Good trip 
to you, my lady!" Johster called, "Sorry for my dramatics."
She nodded, smiling, "You are entertaining, though. Thank you for saving 
me." She whispered.
He nodded, "Anything for you, my lady!"
Dana got into her carriage, waving to her allies as she was taken back 
home to Tharet. It would be a long time before she laid eyes on those 
men again. The whole trip home she thought over what Fox had said. "he 
didn't mean it. He doesn't love me like I thought he did."
Jacqueline, her maid, sat beside her. "Come on, now, Dana! I have to 
tell you a secret: there is no such thing as a king who could love a 
single woman! The power goes to their heads... both of them."
Dana turned to her, "Please, Jacqueline, don't say that!"
She smiled wickedly, "Well, it's true! Once they bed you, they couldn't 
care less! He didn't want you feeling bad because there would be no 
relationship. He owed it to 'ya, you did save his life! You're a hero!"
She sat back in her seat, "A real hero, eh? Well, why do I feel like 
garbage?"
"You are a hero! What remains of that royal family owes you their lives! 
That snotty little Princess, too! You've done all of Auguston a favor!"
Dana sighed, "All I wanted was one man, Jacqueline!"
"He's a king! You'd have to share him!"
"How could I be so wrong about him? I thought he cared for me! I 
seriously thought that.... we would have a future after everything was 
cleared up. But he just ships me off back home to my uncle! Splendid!"
"He can't just marry you, girl! If he gets married, it'd be for 
political reasons. He'll end up married to some snobbish Princess or 
Queen from some stupid land that wants an alliance from Auguston!"
Dana sighed, "I guess..... it could never be me. I fooled myself, what 
an idiot I was! How could I have been so wrong?"

            Fox and Samantha spent the next four months painting Dana 
into a hero. Of course, he was sure she was a hero... she'd saved his 
life! But now he wanted the rest of his country to know of the woman 
who'd spared him from death. Samantha had gotten very quite whenever 
Dana's name was mentioned, but now she realized the errors of her ways. 
Quinn's lies had been enough to convince her, she wouldn't be so easily 
fooled next time. "Fox, why...why did you send her away like that? She's 
done so much for you... and me. You shouldn't have sent her away so 
quickly, it seemed harsh."
Fox sighed, sitting down at a desk, "I know that her reputation is 
tarnished after this mess.... and I wanted things to be perfect for her 
before I introduced her to the public."
"Public? WHAT?"
"I have a plan to get her back here, permanently."
She raised a brow, "Tell me."
He smiled faintly, "I'm going to forge an alliance with Tharet."

            Dana had been sleeping soundly, it had been so long since 
she had gotten a good night's sleep. Her dreams were filled with the 
gorgeous garden in the Auguston palace, and a mysterious gardener. 
Jacqueline raced into her chamber, grabbing the covers and pulling the 
off. "Up girl, get up!"
Dana forced her eyes open, leaving her dream behind in a fogged memory. 
"Jacqueline, are you insane? What time is it?"
"Almost dawn, but I just heard the most delicious rumor!"
Dana moaned, hiding her face under her pillow, "Get out, Jacqueline! I 
don't give a damn! I don't care if this Count is sleeping with that 
Duchess!"
"It has to do with your King Fox!"
Dana's head shot up, "WHAT?"
"The King of Auguston, who I believe you know very well, is going to 
form an alliance with Tharet! Isn't that beautiful? He'll be coming 
here!"
Dana pulled herself out of bed, "Get my clothes! I'm going to speak with 
my uncle!"
            King Charles of Tharet was having breakfast when the young 
woman burst into his room. She bowed, "Sir, I had to speak with you 
about something..."
He wiped his mouth, opening his arms for her, "Come here, Dana."
She sat beside him at the table, "Would you like something to eat?"
She shook her head, "No, thank you. I heard a rumor this morning... you 
are forming an alliance with Auguston?"
He nodded, "Yes, we are. No one can sneeze in this country without 
everyone else hearing about it!"
Dana smiled, "How are you going to do it? A treaty? A pact?"
"A marriage."
She stopped, "Marriage? You're going to marry your son to Princess 
Samantha?"
"Actually, it is King Fox who is searching for a bride."
Dana froze in horror, "But Valerie is already married.... you can't mean 
Abigail? She's only ten years old! Sire-"
"No, my youngest is much too young!" He laughed.
"But Sire, who is left?"
"Dana, when your father and mother died, you were left in our care... 
and I care for you like my own daughter. I shall never forgive Valerie 
for punishing you like she did, that was wrong of her."
"That doesn't answer my question." She pointed out.
"Well, that's why I wanted to discuss this with you. King Fox wrote 
me... he is very interested in taking you for a bride."
Dana's heart skipped a few beats, "Me?" She whispered.
"I can't say I know exactly what happened while you were in Auguston, I 
mean before you were put in prison. He said the two of you had become 
friends.... since my younger daughter is much too young for a marriage, 
you are the candidate. He actually wouldn't have it any other way, Dana. 
He said if he could not have you for a bride, he would take no one. 
Something you would like to share with me?"
Dana turned red, "He said that?!"
"A very vibrant young man, if I do say so myself."
Dana felt shivers go up her spine, "I'm going to marry him?"
"Unless you can think of a reason not to, Dana."
She shook her head, "For the good of Tharet." She whispered.
He smiled, "Never let it be said that my Dana is a selfish girl." He 
kissed her cheek.
Dana stood up, "I think I'll return to bed."
"Are you well?"
"Surprised. Excuse me."
"Dana, King Fox is coming to Tharet as soon as we decide a date for the 
engagement bal. It will be in Tharet, and the actual wedding will take 
place in Auguston."
She nodded, "Yes, I'll let you and your advisors handle it."
            Jacqueline was waiting for her, "Well, what did he say?"
Dana let out a scream, "FOX WANTS TO MARRY ME!" 
She grabbed a pillow from her bed and screamed into it, "Oh my God! He 
didn't betray me! You were wrong, Jacqueline!"
The old maid smiled, "Thank my lucky stars."
 Dana pulled her head up, "I'm going to be his bride! I won't live my 
life alone! Oh, Jacqueline I knew he didn't betray me."
The two smiled at each other, then burst into a fit of laughter. 
"Jacqueline, I'm so happy! This is the first time I've been so happy in 
my life! Valerie couldn't have been half as happy when she was 
introduced to Pendrell!"
Jacqueline grinned, "Good luck to you, lass."
Dana smiled, starring up at the ceiling, "I'm going to marry a King... 
I'm going to marry Fox!"

End of 12/13
------------

              Fox had reached Tharet two days before the engagement bal. 
He searched for Dana at all times, but protocol insisted that they be 
kept apart until the actual bal. He wasn't allowed to be alone with her 
until they were actually married! Silly rules, he hated it, but if it 
meant a life time with her, he would deal with it. The ball was 
beautiful, King Charles had wasted nothing! He was at Fox's side always, 
since he was the one giving the bride away. Dana was always surrounded 
by ladies and women of the upper class, so he couldn't get to her. At 
last, he had his chance to dance with her, after all, it was their 
engagement everyone was celebrating! He took her hands into his, leading 
her out to the floor, "You look beautiful." He whispered, so no one else 
could hear.
She blushed, "You're just saying that."
"Are you happy?" He asked in a whisper.
She nodded, "Very much so, why?"
"I feared that I had made a mistake when I sent you away."
She raised a brow, "I was furious with you, Your Royal Highness. I was 
furious! But now I'm fine."
He laughed, "I am very sorry for that, but I didn't want you to have to 
deal with Quinn's mess."
"I've been wanting to ask you something..."
"Go on."
"When you were talking to 'David' you said things.... and later you told 
me that you didn't mean it... I don't understand."
"Is that what made you so angry when you left? That I called you pig 
headed?"
She frowned, "You're so annoying, Fox. You said that you didn't mean 
it..."
"There were parts of that conversation when I listed your faults.... and 
along with it I mentioned how much I worried about you and cared for 
you... how much I love you." He added in a whisper.
Dana wet her lips as they waltzed around the room with the other pairs, 
"You said you didn't mean my faults? I thought you meant the other parts 
of the conversation, the things you just mentioned."
"Dana, I was in love with you before I even met you... mostly it was the 
promise of someone like you coming into my life... I never thought it 
would actually happen! How many Kings get to marry the woman they love?"
"I don't know... but I love you, too."
The waltz had ended, and they were forced to separate. He kissed her 
hand, "I will find you later, Madame."
She was led away by her ladies, never to see Fox again for the rest of 
his stay in Tharet.

            FOUR MONTHS LATER: The wedding day was upon them, and Dana 
sat in the fitting room while her maids and the seamstress adjusted her 
dress. It was long and white, they had decided not to give her a veil, 
it'd only cause trouble. The sleeves were long and made of flower 
printed lace, same with the collar. Her hair was styled in perfect 
curls, and Jacqueline sat beaming in the corner. "An angel, that is what 
you look like! An angel bride!"
Dana smiled faintly, "It's a beautiful dress."
Valerie and Dana had 'patched things up.' Since they were royal cousins, 
they had to keep an appearance. And Dana wasn't sure if she could ever 
forgive her cousin for betraying her trust, but Valerie had made up her 
mind to make it up to Dana. As a wedding gift, Valerie had given them 
their Grandmother's Jewels. "Grand ma ma loved you best." Valerie 
smiled.
Dana raised her brow, "I don't think so."
"She did. She said that she was proud that you were her mirror image.... 
and you had the most brilliant mind! She said if you ever came into 
power that you'd show the world what women were made of. Dana, she loved 
you most."
Dana took the diamonds and fingered them. A heart shaped pendant with 
little diamonds on her chain. "Thank you, Valerie."
"Let me put it on, Your Highness." Valerie smiled, moving to her back to 
put it on her. Dana touched it, "I haven't slept in days, I've been so 
excited."
"I know what you mean. I was so nervous before Pendrell and I were 
married. I was miserable!"
Dana frowned, "No, I'm excited. I'm happy. This is the most wonderful 
thing that could have happened! I love him.... I've always loved him."
Valerie raised her brows, "Love? In a royal relationship? How rare, I 
guess you're one of the lucky ones. He is handsome...."
A knock on the dressing room door brought both women out of their 
thoughts. "Enter." Dana called.
Frohike, who was bright pink, entered. "I'm sorry to bother you.... but 
the King has a letter he wanted me to deliver for you."
"King Charles?"
"Fox."
Valerie snatched the letter from him, "Dismissed." She said, tearing it 
open.
Dana pulled the letter from her cousin, "Stop it, Valerie. Frohike, 
thank you very much. Will you wait a bit for me to write a reply?"
"Of course."
She pulled the letter out, rose petals fell to her feet. Pink, white and 
red rose petals! Valerie sighed, peeking over her cousin's shoulder, 
"Read it!"

  "To my beautiful Queen,

I'm waiting for you. Every second seems like years. These are roses from 
*your* garden. I'm giving our special place to you, it was my 
grandmother's and I want you to have it.

                                                             Fox."

Valerie frowned, "He shouldn't be writing letters like that to you, 
Dana."
"Shush, Valerie." Dana pulled out a quill pen and started scribbling a 
response.

   "Fox,

  I want to share the garden with only you. It's *our* place.

                                                                    
Love,

                                                                                 
Dana."

Dana handed the letter to Frohike, "Thank you, Frohike."
"For what?" He asked dumbly.
"For everything, for being so kind."
He bowed to her, "I am honored to have you as a Queen." He handed her 
some papers, "These are articles all the news papers are printing."
Dana moaned, "I don't want to hear of the scandal."
"You don't understand, they painted you a hero! You saved the last of 
the royal family! They can't stop talking about you!"
Valerie snatched it from his hand, scanning it. "Dana, you're a goddess 
to them!"
A light tapping on the door caused them to look up, "My lady, they are 
asking for you. It is time to go to the church."
Valerie held Dana's hand, "Happiness to you."
Dana nodded, "Thank you, Valerie."
Pendrell and Valerie had come from Cortia to see Dana off to her knew 
life. Dana rode on the carriage with them and her uncle, King Charles. 
All preparations had been set and it was almost time. <Last time I laid 
eyes on Pendrell my life was wreck! Now look at me!> Pendrell couldn't 
even look her in the eye, he kept his head lowered or focused on 
Valerie. They arrived at the church, it was full of Auguston's finest. 
She was swept into the church, not having a chance to talk with anyone. 
She wasn't nervous, or scared. She was ready and couldn't wait a second 
longer.

            King Fox linked arms with his bride, he stole a glance in 
her direction, "You look exquisite."
She smiled, "As do you, Your Highness."
As the heavy oak doors were opened, and the wedding party started 
entering by pairs, he whispered, "Never call me your highness, I am no 
higher than you."
"But it's your title." She whispered back, keeping her eyes focused 
ahead of her.
"It doesn't apply to you." He got the last word in, because right then 
they entered the wedding hall. Dana looked around, flowers of all colors 
decorated the walls and the seats. The richest and most important of 
Auguston, and some close friends from the Tharet Court, came to see the 
wedding. She had one arm linked with his, and with her free hand held a 
bouquet of white roses. They stood before the priest, the same one who 
had married Fox's parents. "Before God, and Auguston, and all the people 
who sit here today..."
He went on and on, vows were spoken but Fox heard none of it. His 
attention was captured by his bride, and he did not dare to turn away. 
"King Fox William of Auguston, do you take Lady Dana Scully of Tharet to 
be your Queen...."
"Yes." He answered.
Dana was asked the same question, "Do you take Fox William of Auguston 
to be your husband?"
"Yes."
Fox squeezed her hand, "I announce the King and QUEEN of Auguston, man 
and wife."
The people who were seated jumped up to their feet to cheer and clap. 
Fox kissed Dana's lips lightly, "God, I love you."
She blinked, turning to see her new royal subjects, "Oh, my."
"Come, we must greet the people." Fox led her towards Byers and Langley, 
who pushed open the curtains of the balcony so they could step out. A 
tremendous crowd had gathered to see their new Queen, they all chanted 
and screamed her name. Fox kissed her hand, "Wave to them, Dana."
She did as he said, keeping her other hand in Fox's. Eventually they 
were led away back inside, then taken to the palace for the wedding 
ball. While they exited from the church, a woman caught Fox's eyes. 
"Mother?"
Dana turned to see the former Queen, wearing a blue dress and a bouquet 
of red roses in her hand. She moved towards them, kissing Fox's cheek, 
"You've been much braver than your father and I expected."
Fox felt a lump rise I his throat, "Where have you been? No one could 
find you! I thought Quinn had killed you!"
Tina handed Dana the roses, "They aren't half as beautiful as you are, 
Queen Dana, take good care of my son."
Dana nodded, "I will, Your Highness."
"Mother, where have you been?" Fox asked again.
"In the country.... when I heard of your royal marriage, I came back as 
soon as I could."
Samantha came out of the church, wearing a green dress covered in lace, 
"Fox, Dana, I-" Her eyes fell on her mother, "MOTHER! What are you doing 
here?"
"I came to see my son and his queen." She answered.
Dana was a bit upset with the former Queen, she had abandoned her 
children to deal with a wounded country, and had come back when things 
had been taken care of. She knew Fox would never banish her on it, and 
Samantha wouldn't dare... but Dana knew that she would never fully trust 
this woman. She ran whenever things became too difficult. They all 
gathered into the royal coach and were taken back to the palace, the sun 
was setting and the new bride looked out to see people cheering and 
throwing flowers at their coach. Men, women and children of all social 
classes had come to wish their best. It felt so much like a dream to 
her, a dream come true.

            "Was the wedding not a great success?" Samantha asked as she 
and Fox waltzed around the room, Dana was dancing with Valerie's 
brother, Christopher. Fox couldn't take his eyes off his new bride, 
"We're married, that's the success. Look Samantha, the people love her."
A crowd had gathered outside the palace to greet their new Queen, their 
voices cheering when they saw her for the first time. This was the woman 
who had saved their King and Princess! 
"You know, you really painted her into a hero.... but it will take years 
to clean up the damage Quinn has done." Fox said, turning his sister.
Samantha had made it her personal mission to salvage Dana's reputation, 
the news paper were under her thumb and all she had to do was give them 
the information, and they did the rest. "Fox, she is a hero. We're very 
lucky to have her."
"Funny, you didn't think that way half a year ago."
She shrugged her slim shoulders, "I remind you I am only human, I make 
mistakes."
The music ended and Fox led his sister to the side, where Dana and her 
cousin, Christopher, were standing. Dana smiled at Fox, "Fox, 
Samantha... may I introduce my cousin, Christopher.... Prince of 
Tharet."
Samantha did a bow, "A pleasure to meet a member of Dana's family."
He smiled at her, "A pleasure to meet you, Princess Samantha."
Before Christopher knew what was happening, Fox had coaxed him to dance 
with Samantha, and they were off on the next set, dancing with other 
pairs.
Dana raised a brow, "Really, Fox, was that necessary?"
"I had to get rid of them, I haven't been alone with you since you were 
last in Auguston." He kissed her hand.
On lookers anxiously watched as the new Queen blushed, "You're going to 
drive me mad."
He took her arm, "Come along now, we have dancing to do."
The night went on forever, and way into the early hours of the morning 
guests started to depart. Fox turned to the ladies in waiting, who were 
eager to attend to the Queen. "Leave us." He ordered.
The three women looked at each other, then turned on their heels, 
disappearing through the door. Fox took her hand into his, "Shall we 
take a walk?"
"Where?" She asked, looking around to see if anyone was watching them.
He laughed, "Don't worry, they've forgotten all about us, half of them 
are too drunk and tired." He led her out to the garden, wrapping an arm 
around her. Dana rested her head against his chest, "Fox.... I wish the 
rest of the world didn't exist."
"Why? So you could keep me all to yourself? You're a greedy girl, Dana."
She smiled, "I do want you all to myself. I don't want to share you..."
"You shouldn't have married a King if you were selfish about me." He 
pointed out, a faint smile teasing his lips.
"Well then, I'll be gone by dawn." She stood up, preparing to walk away.
He grabbed her wrist, pulling her down to sit beside him, "My heart is 
yours, I swear it."
"I want to thank you, for saving whatever was left of my reputation 
before I came back here."
"Actually, that was Samantha."
"Your sister? I was under the impression that she hated me..."
"No, she and I owe you our lives." He kissed her temple, "Everything. 
Samantha just wanted the world to know the truth, how you stopped 
Quinn."
She wet her lips, "Are you serious?"
"Yes, very."
"Then I'll have to thank her."
"This was her way of thanking you, Dana." He hugged her.
Dana pulled away, "Well, when are we allowed to sleep?"
"Eager to meet the bed chamber?" He leered.
She turned bright red, "Fox!"
"I'm sorry, sorry. You know what my advisors were telling me?"
"Hum?"
"They were saying to give them an heir as soon as possible."
"WHAT?"
"We haven't even shared a night together and they're already asking for 
an heir! Can you believe it? I can't blame them... after that nightmare 
with Quinn, they're paranoid."
Dana frowned, "Heir? So soon? They can't be serious."
He chuckled, "They are... so why not give one to them?"
She leaned against him, "We'll just see what happens, agreed?"
"Agreed."
"Dana?"
"Yes?" She whispered, her voice faint.
"You're my very courageous best friend." 
She smiled, "And you're mine."
A wicked grin invaded his smile, "Come, it is time to retire to the 
King's chamber. They are asking for heir!"

            When most of the guest had departed, or retired to their own 
rooms, Dana and her Ladies in Waiting went to the King's chamber to 
prepare for bed. The three women who were now her personal servants said 
nothing. Dana tried to make conversation, "Have you been here long?"
"No, your highness." 
"Have you lived long in Auguston?"
"All our lives, your highness."
"Do call me Dana."
"Yes, your highness."
She eventually gave up conversation and let them help her into her 
nightgown. It was long and white, simple and elegant. When she had it 
made, she didn't really concern herself with looking beautiful in it. 
Now she was nervous... it was her first night in the King's chamber, and 
she wasn't sure what would happen. She had trust in Fox, more than most 
bride's had in their new husbands... but still she remained nervous. 
Gloria, one of her maids, undid the style in her hair, brushing out the 
strands, "Your Highness, your chamber is connected to this one, and only 
you and the King shall have the keys."
Dana nodded, "Yes, thank you."
"Is there anything else you require of us?"
<Conversation!> "No, that will be all."
The three maids bowed down low, then quickly raced out of the room, 
locking it behind them. Dana examined Fox's chamber, curious to see how 
her King lived. The bed was large, with satin sheets and pillows. The 
window looked out towards the garden... their garden. The curtains were 
made of silk, and a large mirror rested on the far wall. She sighed, 
pacing, waiting for him to come. He had gone to speak with advisors for 
a while, and had send a message informing her he'd be up in a minute. An 
hour of pacing passed, and he did now show his face. She frowned, 
wanting to go out and find him herself, but she changed her mind. <Well, 
I might as well catch up on reading!> She went to her own chamber, 
picking up a book of poetry, then returned to Fox's room. She looked at 
the desk, it didn't look very comfortable, at least not as comfortable 
as his bed. She crawled up onto it, crawling under the satin sheets and 
resting her head against the huge pillows. <Hum, it smells like him> She 
sighed, holding a pillow in her arms, pretending it was him. She had 
gotten into five poems before sleep assaulted her. <I'll rest my eyes 
for a moment.> She sighed, stretching out and closing her eyes....
            When Dana woke again, she felt a pair of warm hands running 
up and down her body. She turned her head to see Fox, smiling at her. 
"My Queen is awake, I'm sorry. I just wanted to hold you."
She turned pink with embarrassment, "Fox... when did you come?"
It was then when she noticed he wasn't wearing his wedding clothes, in 
fact... he wasn't wearing anything! Dana turned warm, trying to sit up, 
"I waited for two hours."
He smiled faintly, "I had to see the royal council... a few things to 
discuss. I'm sorry it took so long, I'm sorry you fell asleep waiting 
for me." He kissed her mouth softly, letting his lips linger there for a 
moment.
Dana cleared hear throat, "Well, now that you're here..."
He touched her shoulder, "You're shaking."
"It's just a bit cold."
"You're nervous."
"I'm terrified." She confessed, turning her head away.
He took her chin with two fingers, turning her face to him, "Don't be 
worried, I'll take care."
"I know... I don't doubt that at all."
He moved over her, so his face was right over hers, their noses 
practically touching. "Just trust me." He whispered. She could feel his 
warm breath on her mouth, "I do trust you."
He pulled her into a kiss, one that left her breathless. His hands 
slipped into her night gown, one of them touching her flesh and the 
other undoing the buttons of her gown. 
"We have to give them an heir, remember?" He laughed.
Dana also laughed, relaxing a bit. "Yes well... I hope they can wait a 
little while."

EPILOGUE:

            Prince William the second raced into his mother's garden, 
shouting and yelling. Dana raised her head from her book to watch her 
son scream like a mad man. "William! Stop it!" 
He froze, "Mother! Frohike isn't treating me well!"
Fox, who sat right behind Dana, raised a brow. "Frohike? What are you 
blubbering about?"
Frohike, now seeming very old, came into the garden, gasping for air. 
His body wasn't made for running after young princes like William. 
"Sire, I beg you to listen to MY side!"
Dana stood up, putting her book away. "William, come here."
The five year old walked to his mother, sitting down at her feet. 
"William, you are going to be a King some day-"
"I know, Mother! And I'm getting practice!"
Fox frowned, "Practice at WHAT exactly?"
"At bossing my servants around. Frohike made me sit with the tutor... 
and I wanted to play. So I did what a King would do..."
Fox buried his head in his hands, "William! You are as much a servant of 
your subjects as they are yours."
"What?" The boy seemed baffled.
William was tall for a boy his age, which suggested that he'd grow to be 
as tall as his father. He had Dana's red hair, her eyes and her skin 
tone. Everything else was his father's.
"William, come here." Dana lifted him up to his feet, leading him away 
from the garden. Fox walked right behind them, "Forgive us, Frohike... 
he's a storm."
He bowed, "May I be excused, Sire?"
"Of course, of course."
Dana took her son to the bell tower, one of the highest towers in the 
palace. He gasped, "You won't throw me off, will you mother?!" His voice 
was dripping with fear and alarm.
Dana smiled, "Although I am tempted, I won't ever do that to you. Look 
out here, William." She sat him in front of the bell, looking out onto 
the land. The sun was setting, the shades and lights were all going to 
be blackness soon. Fox came up behind them, "William, you need to 
understand that your post as King is to serve the people... not enjoy 
them serving you."
"I have to work?" He asked in surprise.
Dana sighed, resting her chin on her son's head, "William, they will 
count on you to protect them, take care of them... it's a lot of hard 
work. You think it's fun and games now, but one day your Father won't be 
here... and you have to take over."
William's lower lip quivered, "Father won't be here? Father, will you 
die?" His voice was a whisper.
"No time soon, William!" Fox ruffled his boy's hair, "But the whole 
point of having a tutor and Frohike teach you is so you'll be ready when 
it's your turn on the throne. And one day you'll have to teach your own 
son that lesson. Look out there, William. Everything you see is our 
Auguston... and what do you think rests behind those mountains?"
"An ocean?" He guessed.
"No, even THAT is Auguston. One day you'll see your entire country, not 
just Reinald. But you'll have to keep in mind that all the people who 
live here have to love you, but have to earn that. You have to take 
command, you have to be poignant. And I can't assure you that it'll 
always be easy. You will have enemies, but you will also have allies."
He sighed, leaning against his mother, "I understand."
Dana kissed the crown of his head, "William, you can't be like all the 
other boys. I won't lie to you about it! You have to be different, but 
you are still human, and you cannot go around ordering servants and your 
subjects. If you do, they'll have no reason to keep you on the throne. 
They will keep you only as long as you do what is right, there have been 
many Kings who were ripped from their castles in the sky. I prefer that 
you not be one of them."
William sighed, holding her hand, "I know."
"You will go down to the foyer and apologize to Frohike and the tutor. 
Then you will return to your studies, understand?" Fox said sternly.
He nodded, moving off of Dana's lap and going down the bell tower stair 
case to the court yard. Fox sat on the floor beside Dana, "Do you 
think.... are you worried about what kind of King he'll become?"
Dana shook her head, "I doubt that any prince could turn into a bad King 
with you as a father." She laughed.
Fox smiled, "I worry, what if I have done something wrong?"
"He will always have people here to take care of him, even if you cannot 
be here. Me, Jeffrey, Frohike, Byers, and even Skinner... who would have 
thought it would take so many people to raise a prince!"
Fox stood up, lifting her to her feet, "I think that he has a serious 
advantage... after all, his mother is an international hero."
Dana grinned, "Agreed then, he has a very interesting set of parents. Do 
not fret so much, Fox, you'll die before your time... and I don't think 
William will be too thrilled about that."
"I think he gets lonely, Dana. That's why he acts out so much."
"Well, he won't be lonely for long." Dana stood up, reaching for his 
hand.
"Have you found him a play mate?" He asked, looking out at the setting 
son.
"I was thinking more along the lines of a brother or sister."
Fox froze in his tracks, "Brother? Sister?"
"The nurse said that I'm with child.... it explains the sickness and the 
gain of weight."
Fox hugged her tight, "A child... Dana, that's wonderful."
"Come, I guess we have to inform the court." She laughed, and together 
they walked back down to the foyer. Fox watched his Queen as she slept 
that night in his bed, so calm. So beautiful. So sweet. He kissed her 
hand, thanking the heavens and higher forces for Valerie banishing 
her... for sending her into his arms. 

THE END
-------
To my beloved readers, we've come to the end of our journey. It's been a 
fantastic trip and all the feedback you all sent me has been the only 
wthing that has kept me going! Thank you all. Special thanks to Bec, 
my 
darling editor, who without this... the last two parts would have 
S-U-C-K-E-D! Admit it, Bec! Thanks to Lynn, for good advice and special 
thanks to Stine, for compliments and all the flattering! I would love to 
see what everyone thought of the ending, please? 
powder_puff@hotmail.com