A/N: Yes I know - this has been an incredibly long wait. I actually - shameful as it is - wasn't sure if I could be continuing this story but then I went to the movies and watched August Rush. Don't listen to the critics; that movie is amazing and it's that movie that inspired me to come back to writing and keep going. I also want to thank everyone who has stuck with this story and reviewed; it means a lot to me to see your commitment. So thanks, this chapter goes out to you.

Disclaimer: I do not own fairy tales.

Claimer: But I do own this story.

Enjoy!

The young girl woke up hearing a bird chirp. Alex blinked blearily and winced as the harsh sunlight met her vision. Still blinking and adjusting to the light, she lifted her head where it had been resting on Hannah's bed. Her hand, she noticed, was still holding on tightly to her nanny's.

Alex stared at the old woman for a few moments, taking in the pale face and worn out skin. The hand underneath hers was hot – far too hot and slick with sweat. She swallowed deeply.

She heard the door open and heard Bertha's soft voice.

"The mistress wants you, miss."

Alex turned tired eyes. "More chores?"

Bertha, eyes full of compassion, nodded. "Sorry, sweet."

The girl sighed, rubbing her eyes with her free hand. Ever since Hannah had fallen sick, Alex had noticed an increase in workload she had been given. The unspoken agreement was that Alex would do the chores – without complaint – and Hannah would continue receiving treatment. It was a small price to pay, she thought as she rose, if it saved Hannah's life.

"Sweet?" Alex turned to Bertha, who fidgeted a bit before continuing. "Tomorrow is your day off…will you – "

"No." Alex's voice was like a whip; final. She turned away and began to leave. "I won't be."

Yawning, she walked out of the room ad stretched as she made her way to the dining room, where she was sure Loretta would be waiting for her, with orders to the brim. She smiled grimly.

Oh yes. It already promised to be a hard day indeed.

"Any news about the southern border, dear?" Queen Olivia asked mildly at breakfast. That day, the king had proclaimed himself well enough to dine in the dining room with his family, despite his doctor's protest. At the moment, he had received a letter and been frowning ever since.

"Yes," the king said slowly, chewing even slower. His eyes skimmed the letter again before looking up wearily and meeting his wife's. An unspoken message communicated between the two and, after a moment, the queen lowered her eyes, sadness evident.

"What is it, father?" Derek spoke up, staring at the king.

King Connor laughed hollowly, folding the letter back up and handing it to the messenger, who bowed before exiting.

"Oh, nothing to worry yourself about, son," the king replied as he took another bite of his food. "Ah! Our dear cook Leona has satisfied again!"

"Father."

King Connor continued as though his son hadn't said anything. "Does this have a pinch of vanilla in this – ?" He glanced at a servant. "Please, ask Leona if – "

Slam. Derek slammed his goblet down on the table as he jumped to his feet, causing everyone to jump at the sound. They all turned to Derek, who was glaring angrily at his father.

"Derek – " The king began but this time, Derek ignored him.

"I am of age!" he spat angrily, his face turning red as he glared fiercely at his father. "I deserve to know the right about this kingdom, father; I'm soon going to be running it!" His eyes hardened as his glare narrowed. "You cannot shelter me from the truth, father. I know about the Black Shadows."

An eerie silence followed this statement; the servants were terrified of even moving as son and father stared at one another. The queen's eyes were wide, as her hand covered her mouth in fear.

Finally, after what seemed like years, the king nodded slowly.

"You are right," he whispered before raising his voice, addressing the servants. "Leave us – I wish to speak to my family in private."

The servants immediately vanished but the guards hesitated.

"Now," the king commanded and they left. Once the doors shut behind them, King Connor's whole body seemed to sag.

"Oh, dear, you are weak – another time – " Queen Olivia immediately stood up, ready to comfort her husband.

"No, Olivia." Although his voice was soft, his tone was full authority. His eyes never left Derek as he told his wife, "He deserves to know everything."

The queen slowly sat back down, her lips pressed into a thin line. Her eyes, however, were full of fear and misery.

"Sit down, Derek," King Connor continued. "This is going to take a while."

Derek slowly sat back down. Then King Connor began telling his son everything – every secret the kingdom had, every inch of the land, every enemy.

Every danger he would have to face once he was king, and would plague him 'til death come.

Matthew searched the castle, looking for his young charge. His pain had been numbed to a dull pain but he continued on. He passed by a servant and stopped him, asking if he had seen the prince.

"Yes, actually," the servant replied. "He left the dining room about ten minutes ago. I heard he was headed towards the library." And without another word, he continued on his way, leaving Matthew confused.

Ever since Alex hadn't met him in the market, Derek had avoided the library like it was the plague. What could possibly have…

Then it hit him: the message that had arrived today. Did the king tell Derek? There was only one way to find out, Matthew mused before walking quickly to the library.

Upon entering, Matthew scanned the room but did not see Derek. Frowning, he walked deeper inside and began making his way to the back where finally, he saw Derek sitting at a table. On the table, books were stacked in several piles. Others were open to pages and Derek was scanning one before moving on the next, flipping rapidly through the pages. The prince's eyes were deep in concentration as he read a section before scribbling it down on a piece of parchment.

"Derek?"

Derek jumped a little and a blot of ink appeared on his parchment. Swearing, Derek looked up, his face softening when he saw Matthew.

"Matthew." He smiled wearily. "Didn't hear you approach."

"A fatal mistake of a warrior," Matthew replied as he walked closer to the table. He caught some of the titles. The History of Rayera. The Rise and Fall of Dangerous Groups. Mysterious Terrorists Groups: The Caught and Still Free. Rayera: A Look into Military Strategies. The Geography of Rayera. Offensive Crimes of the Past Century. Rayera: Protectors & Invaders.

"A bit of light studying?" Matthew asked, trying to put on a light tone but failing miserably.

Derek paused before replying. "In a way." He scribbled something down before stopping and looking at Matthew again. "Matthew? You were part of the Relemian elite, right?"

"Yes. I was."

Derek's eyes bore deeply into his. "And you were there that day…the day the Black Shadows attacked?"

The memories slammed back but Matthew nodded. "Yes."

"And you didn't see any of their faces? Not a clue of who or what nationality they were from? Anything?"

"Nothing."

Matthew saw the disappointment in his charge's voice but did not say a word as the boy went back to scribbling notes furiously. He too was feeling the old disappointment.

"Oh. Very well then."

It was silent again, albeit the scratching of the quill before Matthew broke the silence.

"I am going to the market today."

The scratching ceased and Matthew saw the hand on the quill tighten. "Oh?"

"Yes. I have a few…things I need to see to," Matthew said carefully. "Would you like me to fetch you anything?"

The scratching picked up again and Derek said coldly, "I want nothing more to do with the market."

Matthew opened his mouth to retort but closed it, shaking his head before walking away. He noticed, as he exited the library, the scratching of the quill ceased once again and did not resume for a very, very long time.

Alex, finally done her chores, returned immediately to Hannah. She brought wet cloths and placed them on Hannah's hot forehead, talking soothingly to the old woman.

"Hello, Hannah," she said softly. "I just finished my chores. Loretta seems to enjoy seeing me working; especially since I can't yank her precious daughter's hair, huh?" She forced a chuckle, hoping Hannah couldn't hear the fakeness in it – if she could even hear anything Alex was saying.

She ignored that last thought and continued, ignoring the lump that formed in her throat.

"Did you remember that baker's son? The one who is completely in love with that village girl? Well, I heard from Samantha – which probably isn't a reliable source, you know how that girl likes to gossip – that the two eloped. Eloped!" Alex laughed and only then did she realize tears were streaming down her cheeks. She kept going, even as her voice began to tremble uncontrollably.

"Sweet Alice – elope? And defy her p-parents? Almost unbelievable, right?" Alex choked on a sob and she covered her mouth with her hand, squeezing her eyes shut. "It's so unbelievable…I can hardly believe it…it just can't – it couldn't have happened – it just – "

She broke off, unable to continue. She hated herself, for crying. She hated the numbness she felt, the pain she had in her chest that only seemed to grow bigger and bigger until it threatened to strangle her. She hated the helplessness she felt as she stared at Hannah, as her old nanny lay dying and there was nothing she could do.

And most of all – she hated whoever decided that she should have this life.

A knock on the door caused Alex to jump.

"Alex?" a voice asked hesitantly. "Are you in here?"

Alex hastily wiped her eyes, trying to hide any fact that she had been crying. "Yes?"

The door opened and a servant – Leslie, if memory served right – walked in. She took in Alex's red, puffy eyes but did not comment.

"Lady Loretta wishes to see you in the study."

Alex sighed and turned her head to stare at Hannah again. "More chores?"

"No," the servant replied. "She also asked for me to fetch the misses before you so I am not sure. They're all waiting for you in the study."

Alex frowned but nevertheless, rose and with a final look at Hannah, followed Leslie. Leslie made her way quickly to the study and once they reached their destination, she nodded her head at Alex before disappearing.

Alex allowed herself a smile; Leslie had been one of the new servants Loretta had hired. It had only taken one day for Leslie to find out the whole truth – about Alex, about everything Loretta hid from the rest of the world. And until now, Alex had been unsure where her loyalties lied – Loretta was the one paying her – until Leslie had nodded her.

It had been a nod of respect.

Shaking herself from her thoughts, Alex entered the study. Loretta sat delicately in a chair, poised as ever, with Isabelle and Rebecca sitting together on a sofa. When Alex came in, Isabelle said haughtily, "Well, finally; to be kept waiting by a mere servant!"

Rebecca sniffed her agreement.

"Now that Alexandra has arrived," Loretta said in a loud voice, her eyes cold as she looked at the girl, "we can begin. Alex, take a seat." She inclined her head towards a seat.

Alex, feeling puzzled, obliged and sunk slowly into the chair. She noticed it was a new one – and by the feel of the material, it felt quite expensive. Anger bubbled inside her but she forced it down; it would not do to kill Loretta, as she covered Hannah's medical bill.

Once she was settled, Loretta's eyes swept over the three girls before her before speaking.

"I suppose you have noticed my absences as of late." It was a statement but Isabelle nodded. "And I suppose you have all been wondering where I have been? Hmm?"

The girls were all silent before Rebecca nodded slowly, her eyes narrowed in concentration. Loretta sighed, straightening a bit before continuing again.

"Well…I have recently been meeting with a woman named Madame Ethel. She is a very respected, very well-known woman." Loretta paused, allowing the news to sink in.

Alex was drawing a blank on who she was and, judging by the looks on Isabelle's and Rebecca's faces, they didn't have a clue either.

Loretta didn't seem to perturb that they didn't know because she shrugged. "That's fine; you will know her soon enough. Madame Ethel runs a finishing school near the eastern border of Rayera. And, after much discussion, I have been able to have you – Isabelle and Rebecca – become part of her class coming up next month."

Isabelle's eyes went wide and her mouth opened ready to protest when Rebecca asked, her eyes puzzled, "But we live near the western border, mother. So if we went to finishing school on the eastern…we wouldn't come home…" Her eyes slowly widened in realization and tears filled her eyes.

"Mother! You are sending us away for a year!" Isabelle shrieked as she leapt to her feet. Her face was turning beet red and Alex had to smirk, although she hid it behind her hand.

Loretta, however, noticed.

"Don't you smirk, you insolent child," Loretta snapped before smiling darkly. "It's required that my girls have a handmaid and who do you think will be going with them?"

Alex's face blanched – as did Isabelle.

"I'm going?" Alex said angrily at the same time Isabelle cried, "She's coming?"

"She will tend to your needs, my dears, as you become finished."

"I am already a lady!" Isabelle snapped furiously. "I do not need to be finished for a whole year, mother!"

"Oh, yes," Loretta replied dryly. "Your behavior surely indicates this."

This subdued the girl and Isabelle lowered herself in her seat, anger still evident in her face.

"So…" Rebecca looked puzzled still. "So for an entire year…we're going to be gone…and we'll only have Alex as our servant?" Her face was slowly turning red – a sure sign of a tantrum coming.

"You will become finished, Rebecca dear," Loretta responded. "Don't you wish to marry a respectable man? By achieving that, you must be finished or no man will have you!" She glanced at Isabelle. "Don't you think the prince will prefer to have a finished noble girl than an unfinished one?"

This hit home; Isabelle looked contemplating at this and mulled over it. "When will we depart?"

"I am not going!" Alex screamed, rising to her feet defiantly. She pointed her finger at her stepsisters. "There is no way I'm spending a year being their handmaid!"

"You will do as you are told," Loretta snapped. "Or Hannah will be without any of those medicines."

For the second time in that meeting, Alex found herself speechless.

"You wouldn't," she whispered but knew that Loretta would.

And Loretta knew she realized this because she didn't even respond; she instead turned to her daughters.

"You must prepare packing, dears. Madame Ethel wants you to arrive on schedule so you may begin finishing school with your fellow pupils. You're leaving in a week."

Loretta began talking more about plans and such but Alex tuned her out; she felt numb to the core.

For one entire year, she would disappear from this manor. For one year, she would leave behind everything she ever knew and embark on something entirely different, something entirely out of her knowledge. She could read things out of a book; she was going to have to face this alone.

For the first time since Hannah's collapse, Alex felt frightened.

"Let me in!" Bertha shouted at the unmoved guards. "I must speak to Matthew – "

"Matthew?" one guard asked incredulously before exchanging a laugh with his partner. "Matthew? One of the greatest warriors of all time? You think he will meet with a mere peasant?"

Bertha turned red with anger. "You listen to me!" she spat. "Matthew and I know each other quite well – " When this did nothing to stop their laughter, she snapped, "I'm his mother!"

This only caused the guards the laugh harder.

"What's that she says?" The guard choked out. "His sweet old mother?"

"If you knew anything, you old crone," the other guard sneered, "then you would know that Matthew's parents died when he was just a little tyke. Now scram!"

Bertha's shoulders drooped and she turned to leave. But at that moment, she heard a voice call,

"What's amiss, boys?"

Immediately, she turned around, hope shining in her eyes as she saw Matthew and Derek walking over curiously. The guards sobered up instantly, their expressions becoming serious.

"This crazy old lady claims to be your mother, sir," the guard replied, unable to hide the note of amusement in his voice. Matthew's brow furrowed and he turned sharply towards the woman, only to feel shock.

"Bertha? What are you doing here?"

Bertha felt herself swell. "I am hear to deliver you a message, since you didn't show up at the market."

At the mention of "market", Derek's eyes clouded. Matthew glanced nervously at his charge before commanding the guards to allow Bertha inside.

Once Bertha was inside the gates, she looked around, her eyes wide as she took it all in.

"It's…so big," she blurted out as her gob smacked eyes looked at the large, imposing castle. "And the land! It's so…so nice!"

"Who are you?" Derek ignored her comments. His eyes were two chips of ice as he looked at Bertha, his expression never wavering. It caused shivers to go up and down Bertha's spine; it was, after all, the prince.

"Y-Your Highness!" She sputtered before hastily curtseying clumsily. She straightened, her face a crimson red. "Let me say – it is an honor to meet you – after everything Ale has said, I – "

"What is your message, Bertha?" Matthew cut in smoothly, once he noticed Derek's hardened expression and his clenched fists.

Bertha blinked, a bit confusion but she shrugged it off. "Oh yes! Well, Ale has sent me with a message: she wishes to see Your Highness again at the same place where they first met – the riverside, I believe she said?" The old woman waited, eager for the prince's reaction.

He did what she least expected.

His eyes, already hard, grew darker and flashed dangerously as he snapped icily, "Well, I no longer wish to see her. You can relay that information to her." With that, he began to storm off.

Bertha's jaw fell open as she stared at the departing prince before hastily looking at Matthew.

"I'm sorry," he whispered to her. "Ever since she didn't meet him, he's been in foul spirits – he was deeply hurt, Bertha, because he had begun to rely on her – he had a lot on his mind, he needed her perspective – "

"How dare you." Bertha's voice was low and ominous as she glared at Derek. Her voice grew louder, so it carried to Derek. "How dare you walk away from me! You blame the girl? You are angry at her for not meeting you? Didn't it ever occur to you she had something urgent to attend to?"

Derek had frozen and was stiffly standing, not a muscle moving. Matthew tried to grab Bertha but the old woman wretched her arm free and marched up to Derek, all previous nervousness vanished.

"How dare you be so selfish! You are acting completely spoiled – you don't seem to realize her life does not revolve around you and she has her life she attend to – she doesn't have to meet you, you know, but she did!"

Slowly, the prince turned around and Bertha almost took a step back at the pure fury on his face.

"I'm selfish?" Derek's voice was low, threatening. "I am selfish, you say? I am a prince and I am anything but! I sacrifice everything for the people for nothing in return – and you dare have the insolence to speak to me in such a manner?"

Bertha raised her chin, ignoring her trembling hands. "I do, Your Highness. For you seem to believe the girl is merely at your disposal, which she is not. She's had hardships in life too; recently, her nanny – the woman almost like a grandmother to her – was diagnosed with the Tainted Death."

Everything seemed to go deathly quiet at those two words, as Derek and Matthew stared at Bertha.

"The Tainted Death?" Matthew breathed. "But that disease – it killed millions before – "

"It's the same plague that took her mother when she was young," Bertha replied crisply, remembering the day Elizabeth had died – and how it had not been a painless death. "So you can now see, Your Highness, why she did not come."

Derek was silent, staring at Bertha before nodding slowly. "I feel completely and utterly ridiculous now," he said hoarsely. "And you have every right to call me selfish."

She sighed, smiling a little. "I am probably wrong, Your Highness; you're probably a nice boy – otherwise Ale would never have agreed to meet you."

Derek smiled at her words. "Thank you. And please, call me Derek." He paused. "When and where should I meet her again?" There was a tinge of hope in his voice.

"The riverside, she said. The same time when you first met."

The prince nodded. "Thank you."

Bertha smiled before turning to go. "Your welcome…Derek."

Alex shivered, tightening the cloak around her body. Inside, she was furious at herself.

Of course he's not coming, she thought bitterly. I hurt him – I pushed him away and he's not coming back.

"Hey."

Alex jumped and whirled around. There, wrapped tightly in his own cloak, was Derek, looking uncertain and unsure as she felt.

A smile tugged at her lips.

"Hey," she repeated back.

He hesitantly stepped to stand next to her at a reasonable distance.

The two were quiet for some time, just staring at the river before Derek cleared his throat. Alex turned to look at him.

"I…well, Bertha told me about your nanny," Derek said slowly. He lifted his gaze to meet hers. "I'm so sorry."

Alex froze. "Bertha – she told you about Hannah's…condition?"

Derek sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah. I was kind of going off on a temper tantrum and she felt the only way to bring me down from my high horse was to tell me the truth."

"She had no right," Alex said fiercely, turning away from Derek's sympathetic gaze. "She had no right to tell you that. I don't want any pity."

"I'm not giving you any." Shocked, Alex faced him fully. He was gazing across the river, looking pensive. "I feel bad, sure, but I know you – you're tough, Ale."

A small smile came on her face. "We've spent a couple weeks together and you're only figuring out this now?"

Derek looked at her before laughing heartily.

"God, I haven't laughed like that since…well, the last time we saw each other."

Alex, for some reason, felt herself turn slightly red and it wasn't due to the cold.

"So…are we all right?" Derek asked hesitantly. "No ill feelings?"

Alex half-smiled. "Of course not."

The two went quiet, taking in the tranquil night.

"I…I actually…well…" Derek said slowly, grasping for words. Alex turned to him, confused. He took a deep breath, hating having to bring back the subject but knowing he should.

"I just wanted to say that I want to offer the services of my doctor. Now, before you say no," he said quickly at her dropped jaw and wide eyes, "let me say he is one of the best doctors in the entire land and he even worked with the Tainted Death before and was one of the very few doctors to be able to help patients beat the odds."

Derek fell silent at Alex's closed expression and nervously asked, "Well? Would – Would you mind?"

"Mind?" Alex's voice came out cracked and she looked at Derek with unshed tears. "I – " Before she could say anything else, she embraced him tightly, startling them both. "Thank you," she whispered.

Derek's mind was reeling but he managed to stammer, "Your – Your welcome."

Alex quickly pulled away, smiling shyly.

"Yes, well," Derek said, recovering. "She will have to be moved to the main city to be cared for – my doctor can't make the everyday commute but I promise, she will be well-cared for."

"When can she be moved?"

"As soon as tomorrow."

Alex opened her mouth to reply yes but stopped. This was her last week with Hannah – the doctor said she was stabilized for now and would be able to last until her last day…

"Can…Can we wait until next week to transfer her?" Alex asked.

Derek frowned. "Why?"

She took a deep sigh; the truth would have to come out sometime.

"Well…next week…my mistresses and I are leaving for finishing school."

"Finishing school?" Derek exclaimed, looking at her with wide eyes. "One of those awful schools where they try and make you some fancy-no-brained lady?"

Alex arched an eyebrow. "Strong opinions, I see."

"Sorry," Derek muttered. "I have just encountered one too many girls who have been 'finished'. It's awful, I don't see why anyone would want to go."

"Tell me about it," Alex groaned. "Every day for a year having to listen to ladies scolded and critiqued."

"A year? You're leaving for a year?"

Alex winced. "Oh yes. Did I not mention that part?"

"You might not have," Derek replied numbly. He stared at her. "Where is this finishing school?"

"Eastern border."

"That's across the land! It's more than a four day carriage ride!"

Alex smiled sadly. "Yes. I have to spend four days with two girls who will chat nothing but of being finished."

Derek didn't laugh; he instead stared back at the river in astonishment.

"A year," he repeated. "Will you be able to send and receive letters?" He asked, a tinge of hopefulness in his voice. But Alex shook her head.

"The mistresses carefully read every letter to make sure there are no 'controversial ideas' entering the learning environment. Handmaidens are strongly discouraged to receive mail, otherwise not allowed."

"Could I sneak by – "

"Across the land?" Alex arched an eyebrow before sighing. "Sorry. It's going to be a year until we get to see each other again." She paused. "Hey, can I show you something?"

"I suppose," Derek said, still saddened.

"Come on then!" Startled, Derek looked to see Alex rushing down the riverside.

"Wait up!" Derek called before sprinting after her. The two ran into the forest, Derek following Alex's lead as he was completely lost. "Are you sure you know where you're going?"

Alex's laugh trailed back to him. "Of course I do, city boy; I've lived around here my entire life!"

"City boy, eh?" Derek called back. "I'll show you city boy." He ran faster so he was even with her.

"You don't even know where we're going," Alex said, grinning. "You'll just have to follow my lead."

Derek rolled his eyes but kept pace with her. They ran for about two more minutes until Alex finally came to a stop.

"We're here," she panted. Derek stopped to catch his breath before looking up.

In front of them, hidden behind trees, was a small, abandoned church. Vines snaked on the side and the moon shined down, illuminating the cracks and unkemptness.

Derek turned to Alex, confused, but Alex answered before he could speak.

"My parents were married in his church," she said quietly. "They refused to be married in that huge church in the main city; they wanted their union to be more private, more personal."

Derek wanted to say peasants were rarely – if ever – married in the main city church but didn't; maybe their masters had offered it to them.

"Come on," Alex said, moving towards the church. "It's charming inside."

Derek followed, entering the church. Plants grew wild inside; the pews were molding and cracked and the windows broken. But the moonlight shone through the open window, sparkling inside, giving the area some type of beauty Derek couldn't quite put his finger on. He turned to tell Alex this and saw her staring fondly at her surroundings.

"It is lovely," he said quietly, not wanting to ruin the magic.

"It is," she replied, a distant look in her eyes. "I used to come here when I was little all the time and sit and just look at the altar…I never really got to know either of them and this is the closest I get to them."

"What about your home – "

But Alex's eyes turned hard. "Someone twisted that word until it had no meaning anymore," she said quietly.

Derek kept quiet, respecting her enough not to pressure her to talk.

"I think we should call it a night," Alex finally said, turning to leave. "You do know how to get home from here, yes?"

He opened his mouth to reply yes but frowned. "I'm not sure actually where exactly we are."

She smirked. "I'll take you back to the riverside and then we can go our separate ways."

"For an entire year," Derek muttered; she laughed.

"We could meet up next week," she said slowly. "I'm leaving late at night – we could meet a little before then to say goodbye. Or, do you not want to?" she added quickly.

Derek paused a moment. "I think a last meeting would be perfect. Same spot?"

She smiled at him before nodding in agreement and the two began walking the long way back.

Please review!