Title: Temptations of the Heart

Author: Zarrah

Distribution: My site…”Always Forever” and those previously given permission. All others must ASK first!

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon and ME. I’m just borrowing them as to highlight my boring life.

Setting: Completely AU. Fantasy realm with NO vampires, although the occasional wizard, hobbit or dragon may pop up, so I guess if you can imagine it, it’s probably here! ALSO…… I know some of the names won’t fit in this time period…so overlook them…it’s JUST a story!!

Summary: In a time of unsettled rest, the balance and future of two Kingdoms lies in the hands of a future Queen….and her protector.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The landscape carried, the rolling hills littered with every color of the rainbow as wildflowers covered everything in her view. The smell of fresh pine from the forest and the sweet scent of the flowers carried in the breeze, helping to calm the raging tide of emotions that brewed at the surface as the evening drew near.

The sounds lofting up to her caused a heavy sigh to escape her throat as the preparations for the feast were underway.

“Are you going to stare out there all day?”

Buffy turned her head, smiling as her youngest sister walked in behind her. “Actually I was thinking of how far I could get before anyone noticed I was gone.”

“It won’t be that bad.”

“And you know this how?”

“Because I’ve seen Prince Angelus and if I were older, I’d be all over him.” Dawn said grinning. “If all of your suitors look like him, you’ll have no problems at all.”

Buffy shook her head, smiling at her sister. “You are too young to even be thinking such things.”

“Yes maybe, but I can dream, can I not?”

“Dreams are for fairytales.” Buffy said quietly, as sadness fell upon her features. She smiled slightly, noticing her sister staring at her, before she turned back to the calming serenity of her Kingdom.

“I heard the Prince from Fannon was going to be in attendance tonight? Have you ever met him?” Dawn asked, trying to get her eldest sister to lighten up and not worry so much.

“No.” Buffy replied uninterested as she continued to stare out her window. “Is he not the one with the unusual name?”

“Yes.” Dawn replied smiling. “Riley… or something like that.” She answered, her forehead scrunching as she thought. “Willow told me what it was several days ago.”

“And Willow would know this how?” Buffy asked as she turned once again.

“She intercepted the messenger when he delivered the Kings request to attend the Banquet.” Dawn told her. “She had him turning to mush with her flirtations as she asked him all about the Prince. I hope she’s as interested when I need to find out about my suitors.”

“You have plenty of time for that Dawnie.” Buffy said smiling. “And I do hope that there will be no need for a forced marriage on your part…..you should marry for love.” She finished quietly.

“Is that why you are so against this?” Dawn asked. “Because you are not in love?”

Buffy inhaled deeply, smiling as she released the cleansing breath. “I’ve only seen what true love is by the love our parents shared and I had hoped to one day experience it, I guess that chance will only be a memory now.”

“There is still time for love.” Dawn told her. “The Prince will surly see to that.”

Buffy chuckled softly. “You are so young Dawn.” She told her, a sad smile on her face. “Love that is forced is not real. True love is passion and fire, a burning in your soul that can only be quenched through the bonds of mutual respect and understanding. True love is as mysterious as the Enchanted Forest. A Mystical thing of beauty that everyone deserves the chance to experience.”

Dawn gave her sister and heir to the throne a gently smile before turning and leaving her to her thoughts. She did not know the full extent of the affairs surrounding the turmoil her Kingdom was in, but knew that an alliance with a neighboring Kingdom would help rebuild the damage done when her father the King was killed.

The marriage was to combine the two families as it would the Kingdoms, making them a powerful force. The newly chosen Prince would gain the fortunes of both, becoming King and ruler of both lands.

The responsibility of seeing the union through fell to Buffy, as she was the oldest heir to the throne. Her responsibilities lie to her Kingdom and as much as she understood her sisters’ desire for love, she also knew that affairs of state came before the affairs of the heart.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“The guest are arriving Miss Elizabeth.”

Buffy turned, smiling at her chamber maid before pulling herself from her window. “I suppose it is too late to run?” she asked, walking over to where Anya stood.

“Yes Miss Elizabeth.” Anya replied giving her a tiny smile. “We must get you ready. It would be undignified to keep her majesty waiting.”

“Anya, please call me Buffy.” Buffy said, smiling as her newest chamber maid blushed and bowed her head.

“Yes Miss Eliz…I mean Buffy.” Anya said smiling. “Anything you wish.”

“What I wish is to be in a far away land, miles from the war ravaged lands and the groping hands of smelly prissy Prince’s that are more stuck up than the Royal Armies noses.” Buffy said dramatically as Anya helped her slip into her gown.

“Well, stuck up or not, they looked very dignified.”

“Dignity has nothing to do with manners.” Buffy told her as she sucked in her breath as Anya closed her dress. “Have you ever met a Prince?”

“No Miss Buffy.”

“They are arrogant and snobbish, worse than Cordelia ever thought about being.”

A small chuckle escaped Anya’s throat as she finished with Buffy’s gown. “Yes, your sisters are so different; I am amazed you are all even related.”

“I suppose she is prancing around thinking this is her ball?” Buffy asked, turning to her dressing table and sitting.

“Oh yes, that she is.” Anya said, grabbing a brush as she started to fix the long golden tresses that fell down her mistress’ back. “She has been going on about how she should be the one to marry since you are so against it.”

“Well she has no qualms about marring for stature alone.”

“Yes well…” Anya started but stopped as a light knock on the door was heard.

“Are you about ready?”

Buffy turned, smiling brightly as her mother entered. “You look radiant Mother.” She beamed as the Queen entered her chamber.

“As do you my dear.” Joyce said smiling. “I had hoped we could talk but it seems every Prince in the country has decided to show…and early.” She said laughing slightly. “Seems everyone wants a chance at marrying the most beautiful Princess in the land.”

“No, they all want a chance to become ruler of our Kingdom Mother.”

“Buffy dear, I do wish you would see why this is necessary.”

“I do see, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“I suppose you are entitled to your opinions, as long as they are kept to yourself.” The queen said, giving her daughter a stern look.

“Yes Mother.” Buffy said, “I will try to flatter all in attendance. You are the one making the decisions.”

“Yes, but a little input from you will be helpful.” Joyce said smiling. “I can’t have my first daughter marry an Ogre, now can I? What would our heirs look like?”

Buffy giggled as her mother leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I must go.” Joyce told her. “We will start the proceedings as soon as you are ready.”

Buffy smiled, watching as her mother left her room. The nervous butterflies that had been stirring in her stomach all day were beginning to become too much. How was she going to be able to sit through the entire evening listening to Prince after Prince tell her why he would be best suited to rule her lands.

She sighed heavily, looking up at Anya before making a face in protest. “Who said being a Princess was easy?”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy stood at the top of the stairs, nervously staring down at all the guest mingling in the banquet hall. She was chewing on her bottom lips, her stomach doing flips and turns as she waited to be announced.

“You’ll do fine.” Anya said smiling happily. “And if I may say, your suitors look dashing.”

“Them looking dashing has nothing to do with the affairs of my Kingdom.” Buffy said, straining her neck to get a better view of the room. “Not a one of them are here for any other reason than to get their hands on our land.”

“Well, ready or not, here we go.” Anya said as she saw the musicians raise their horns.

Buffy straightened, walking slowly towards the balcony. The horns playing signaling her arrival as she made her way over to the crowd that had turned to the stairs, eagerly awaiting to see what they had all come to acquire.

Buffy felt the stares of all those gathered as she topped the balcony, looking down before slowly making her way down the stairs. All eyes were on her and the pressure alone was almost more than she could take.

The smiling faces of dignitaries from across the country greeting her as she made the way down the stairs and into the main banquet hall, before walking down the isle that had been created for her.

She smiled in spite of her nervousness, the dread she was feeling at choosing a Prince who would rule her land and do it with Honor making the queasy feelings she had had all day worse, as her potential ‘Husbands’ all stood before her as she approached them.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Kings and Queens, I present you…..Princess Elizabeth of Parissa, Heir to the throne and future Queen.”

Buffy smiled as she was introduced to all in attendance, stopping as she reached the reception line where all the Royalty had lined up. She curtsied to the gentlemen, each of them bowing before she was joined by her Mother.

“Your Majesty, may I present His Royal Majesty, King Raine and his heir, Angelus, Prince of Colligt.” The King’s page said smiling.

Joyce and Buffy both nodded their heads as King Raine and Angelus bowed, showing reverence before they moved to the next potential suitor. All eyes were on the Princess and whispers were heard as each suitor was introduced, the guest placing bets on who the Queen would pick to rule her lands and offer her daughters hand in marriage to.

Buffy was barely even listening as she reached the end of the line. There wasn’t a single man there that held a spark of interest to her. The only Prince even bold enough to speak for himself was Prince Riley of Fannon.

She had smiled, biting her cheek to keep from laughing as he stumbled over his words, his apparent nervousness shining through. Of all she had met, he was the only one that seemed to even be interested in her and not the fortune he would be receiving.

As Buffy and her Mother reached the last one, Buffy’s eyes widened as she stared into the face of a man clearly in his fifty’s. He was alone and she felt her knees shake as the potential suitor smiled.

“Princess Elizabeth, I…I am King Rupert of Alcala. I am honored to make your acquaintance.” He said, reaching for her hand, placing a small kiss on it before smiling sweetly at her. “I do apologize….for the absence of my son; Prince Edward as he was unavoidable delayed from making his appearance.

Buffy smiled, staring up at the man before her as he stuttered through his words. His smile was genuine and his voice seemed to hold a kindness that she had yet to hear from any of the other men present.

“I am sorry to have missed him your Majesty.” Buffy said, bowing her head slightly. “I do pray he is well?”

“Yes, quiet so.” King Rupert said smiling. “He was……called away unexpectedly.” He lied. Never would the Queen understand his sons refusal to come, the invitation was an honor, not a duty as his unruly son had so adamantly suggested. The notion of marrying for love seemed absurd with the dark rife washing through the neighboring lands.

“I do beg your forgiveness, and hope that Prince Edwards absence will not hinder the chances of his place in the formal negations for your daughters hand.” King Rupert said, bowing to the Queen.

Joyce smiled, the same thoughts running through her mind as were Buffy’s. Of all the royal heads of state that were present, King Rupert was by far the most endearing. The absence of the Prince was questionable, but if he were anything like his father, then he was very well represented.

“Please give our regards to your son.” Joyce said returning the warm smile offered her. “His absence is noted and his place in the negotiations is secure.” She told him before turning to Buffy and motioning her forward.

Buffy took a deep breath, relaxing as she made her way to the Throne, taking her seat beside of her mother. She smiled as music began to fill the Banquet Hall and the feast was brought forward.

She looked around the room as everyone took their seats, the dread of the evening beginning to ease as she knew the worst part was now over. The rest was left up to her Mother, the union would be at her sole discretion, as it is her title as Queen she was relinquishing.

The husband her Mother chooses not only received a bride, but the wealth of her kingdom and the title of King and Ruler of the Kingdom of Parissa, her home and her late Fathers legacy, all in the name of duty and not the one thing Buffy wanted…….love.

To Be Continued……………

Chapter Two

Buffy smiled, trying her best to not let the scowl threatening to surface show on her face as Prince Angelus went on and on about himself as if she cared.

He had to be the most arrogant man she had ever met. He had been talking for what seemed like forever, not once asking her a single question about herself, all he did was drone on about his land and his accomplishments.

She glanced around the room, trying desperately to see if anyone was available to rescue her from the hulky man who, along with his long winded speech, had a very hard time keeping his eyes from devouring her like she were the main course.

She smiled brightly as Prince Riley gave her a slow smile and her eyes brightened when he moved towards her. She sighed lightly, looking back over to Prince Angelus, who was surprisingly ‘still’ talking as if she were hanging onto every word he had said.

Angelus looked up, his eyes tightening into slits as the Prince of Fannon approached.

“Princess Elizabeth,” he said, smiling as he looked down at her. “Prince Angelus.” He added, giving the man a nod of his head. “This is quite a spectacular event.”

“Yes, the Queen finds no greater joy than entertaining.” Buffy said, smiling in relief at her rescuer.

“Would you care to dance?” Prince Riley asked almost shyly.

Buffy smiled, looking over at Angelus. “Would you excuse me.” She said as she stood, taking the hand offered to her.

“Yes.” Angelus said, standing as Buffy did.

Buffy smiled as Prince Riley led her away. She had never been in such terrible company in her life and she prayed that her mother did not find Prince Angelus as the most suitable to rule her lands. Marrying a man she did not love was punishment enough without that man being a tyrant that she had a feeling he was.

“You look very beautiful.” Prince Riley said shyly as he and Buffy made their way to the center of the room.

“Thank You Prince Riley.” Buffy said smiling back at him. “You are very kind.”

“Kindness has nothing to do with it.” He said as he stopped and turned to her. “Rumors of your beauty have been spread throughout the lands, I see now that they were true.”

Buffy smiled, a slight blush creeping onto her face. Prince Riley was a handsome man, tall and muscular and he was the first Prince she had spoken with that had actually spoken of her and not himself.

Buffy looked across the room as she and Riley began to dance. It seemed as if the entire room had stopped what they were doing to watch their dance. She felt like a display as the musicians played and the feeling was beginning to become more unbearable than pretending to be enjoying herself.

~*~*~

“Your Majesty, I can assure you your lands will be in the best of hands.” King Raine said smiling as he spoke to Joyce. “Prince Angelus has mastered the arts of combat. Your armies will be well led by him with success I assure you.”

“The royal army is well equipped to handle themselves.” Joyce said smiling. “They have leadership that is substantial for our needs.”

“Yes, but a strong leader with a grip on his troop is necessary for success.”

~*~*~

Buffy was watching her Mother as she spoke with King Raine. A fear was creeping up her spine as the thoughts of her Mother actually choosing Prince Angelus. She smiled as she glanced back up at Prince Riley as the music slowly came to an end.

“Thank you for the dance Princess Elizabeth.” Prince Riley said, bowing as he released her hand. “I do hope to get to speak to you again.”

“Yes, that would be nice.” Buffy said smiling as she bowed her head and turned away from him.

Willow laughed slightly as she saw Buffy turn and roll her eyes before making her way over to her. “I think she may be having an awful time.”

“Well good.” Cordelia said, eyeing the Prince of Faulk. “She should have let me take her place.”

“Why does the sky not ever open up when you need it to?” Buffy asked as she stopped in front of her sisters.

“What is wrong Buffy, the company of every man in the country to much for you?” Cordelia asked snobbishly.

“Yes.” Buffy said irritated. “There is not a single man in here worth spending one evening with, let alone the rest of my life.”

“Well what about Prince Riley, he seemed to enjoy his dance.” Willow said grinning.

“Yes well, he is also the most boring man I’ve ever met.” Buffy said glancing at him over her shoulder.

“And what about Prince Angelus, he must be more entertaining than most.” Cordelia said smiling as she stared at him. “I mean his looks alone should count for something.”

“Oh please, I’d rather marry…..” Buffy started, looking around the room. “King Rupert before I would willingly married Prince Angelus.” Buffy added, seeing the King stand alone by his table.

“You would rather spend your life with an old man?” Cordelia said smiling.

“Yes, if Prince Angelus were the only option, then most definitely.”

Willow and Cordelia laughed quietly, stopping when the King of Corsica passed them. The girls looked back at Buffy, smiling at her before their laughter started again.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy walked the halls of the castle, the stone walls causing the soles of her shoes to echo its sound. It had been almost two weeks since the ball and her Mother had yet to pick a Prince for her.

She sighed heavily, her thoughts on every King she had seen coming to the Castle over the past weeks. The negotiations were long and she wondered what exactly they were discussing.

The presence of King Raine had been the most difficult. He had spent the entire day with her Mother and the thoughts of what had taken so long scared her. Of all the eligible Princes’, Prince Angelus was the last on her list.

She had almost begged her Mother after King Raine’s departure to not pick him. She wasn’t sure what it was about Prince Angelus, but something was off about him. She had spent a great deal of the evening with him at the Ball and the more she spoke to him, the less she liked him. He was aggressive and quite frankly, he scared her.

“Princess Elizabeth, it is a pleasure to see you again.” King Rupert said as he and the Queen stepped out into the hall.

Buffy was brought from her thoughts at his voice and she stopped, smiling at him as he looked at her. “As it is a pleasure to see you again King Rupert.” She said smiling. “Did Prince Edward accompany you for the negotiations?” she asked, eager to meet him.

“No, I…I’m sorry he wasn’t able to make the journey.” King Rupert said smiling. “I do apologize for his absence, the boy….well; he is a little, head strong I guess you could say.”

“I see.” Buffy said smiling.

“Well then they should get along perfectly, wouldn’t you agree?” Joyce said smiling brightly at King Rupert. “Buffy has a very stubborn streak herself, it will be quite an adventure for both of them.”

Buffy’s eyes widened, looking at her mother before looking back at King Rupert. “We will?” she asked, not liking the look on her Mother’s face.

“Yes Buffy.” Joyce said smiling. “I have decided to merge our Kingdom with Alcala.”

“But…but I…”

“Oh, please don’t worry Princess Elizabeth.” King Rupert said, seeing her concern. “I have arranged for you to come to Alcala early, so you and Edward may get to know each other before the marriage.”

Buffy was to stunned to speak. Her mouth was open and a thousand questions and concerns were ready to fly from her mouth, but no sound was being made. How could she marry a man she had never even seen?

“I’ll send a carriage next week, that should give them time to become acquainted.” King Rupert said. “I look forward to seeing you again Princess Elizabeth.”

Buffy stared at him as he lifted her hand, kissing the back of it before he said his goodbyes to Joyce. She watched him turn, walking down the hall towards the entrance hall, her eyes wide and her mouth still open.

“Oh Buffy, don’t worry.” Joyce said chuckling at her daughter’s reaction. “If Prince Edward is any where near as charming as King Rupert, I think you will have a very happy and memorable life with him.”

Buffy finally looked over at her Mother when King Rupert was out of sight, her throat finally releasing the knot that had formed. “I…..why did, Mother, I’ve never even ‘seen’ Prince Edward!” she said loudly, her eyes comically wide.

Joyce laughed lightly, the look on Buffy’s face amusing her. “Buffy dear, you already suggested that Prince Angelus and Prince Riley not be on the top of my list.” Joyce said, looping her arm around Buffy’s as she turned and started down the hall. “I have spoken with every King who had an eligible heir and of all I have talked to, King Rupert was the only one who saw to the needs of Parissa.

“But, I’ve never even seen him.” Buffy whined. “What if he’s……he’s….”

“Hideously ugly.” Dawn said, eavesdropping in on their conversation.

“Exactly!” Buffy said, pointing to her youngest sister. “And what if he’s mean….or….or worse, BORING!”

Joyce chuckled, walking down the hall with Buffy. “Buffy, King Rupert has arranged for you to spend time with Prince Edward. I am sure you will find something in common with him.”

“But what if I don’t.” she whined, dread washing over her.

“Then I suggest, you be the Queen I raised you to be and treat your King with respect, despite his short comings.” Joyce finally said, stopping and looking at Buffy. “I know this isn’t how you wanted to marry Buffy, and I am truly sorry, but the Kingdom is of greater need right now.”

Buffy felt the tears stinging her eyes. She knew a marriage without love would happen, she just never imagined it would hurt so much. She looked up, her eyes brimming with tears as she smiled weakly at her Mother. “I know Mother. I do understand and I will do what is needed.” She said softly before turning and walking back down the hall towards her room.

Joyce sighed heavily, watching Buffy walk away. She hated more than anything that Buffy needed to do this…but they had no choice.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Come on Buffy, he may turn out to be a major Hottie!” Willow said enthusiastically as she lay across Buffy’s bed, watching her sister pack her things.

“Yes, and what if he’s a…..four eyed toad!” Buffy said, handing Anya another dress.

“Then I suggest you kiss him senseless until he turns into a handsome Prince.” Cordelia said, laughing wildly as Willow burst out laughing.

“You two are not helping.” Buffy said angrily. “It will be hard enough to speak to him, let alone thinking of kissing him.”

“Oh, and what about the wedding night.” Willow said, wiggling her eyebrows.

Buffy turned, her face scrunching up at the thoughts. “Oh god, I think I’m going to be sick.” She said, sitting down at her dressing table.

Willow and Cordelia laughed loudly, the look on Buffy’s face worth more laughs than they had had in a while.

“I think she’s turning green.” Willow said through her laughter.

“Then she’ll match her frog Prince.” Cordelia said, the two girls laughing louder as Buffy buried her face in her hands.

Joyce knocked softly on the door before entering Buffy’s room. The girl’s laughter could be heard through out the castle and she wondered what they were doing.

“And what may I ask what is so funny?” Joyce asked, smiling as she walked into the room.

Buffy looked up, her eyes swimming in tears. “Please throw those two into the dungeon for me!”

Joyce looked over at Cordelia and Willow, frowning as she glared hard at them. “Girls, please go find something to do other than torturing your sister, I need to speak to her alone.”

Willow and Cordelia stood, still chuckling as they left the room. Joyce turned, smiling at Anya before looking at Buffy. “Sweetheart, I know this is hard, but I promise you, it will not be as bad as you think.”

“How can you say that?” Buffy asked, tears finally sliding down her cheeks. “I am about to go meet a man whom I am going to spend the rest of my life with and…and, what if….”

“Anya, will you excuse us please.” Joyce asked, walking over to Buffy.

“Yes, your Majesty.” Anya said, bowing her head to the Queen before leaving the room.

Buffy wiped her face, finally looking up at her mother as she sat down on the edge of her bed. She took a deep breath, trying to get the queasy feeling in her stomach to calm as she braced herself for the lecture she knew was coming.

“Buffy, what is bothering you the most about this?” Joyce asked her softly. “I know it has to be more than just the fact you have never seen him.”

Buffy looked down at the ground, studying the stones before sighing heavily. “What does it feel like to be in love?” she asked her mother quietly before slowly raising her head.

“Oh sweetie.” Joyce said smiling slightly. “Is that what all this is about? Love.”

Buffy looked back down, tears filling her eyes again. “What if I never have the chance to feel it?” she asked quietly. “What if Prince Edward never makes me feel the way you said you did when you married dad?”

Joyce smiled, shaking her head before standing and walking over to Buffy. “Do you think I always loved your father that way?”

Buffy turned her head, looking up at her mother, the smile on her face confusing her. “But, you didn’t have an arranged marriage.”

“No, not in the sense that you did, but it was still arranged.” Joyce told her. “I was betrothed to your father since my birth. I never had the option of choosing as we did for you.”

“But you said you loved him when you married him.”

“I did, very much.” Joyce said smiling. “I was able to spend a great deal of time with him before the age of marriage, but believe me; we didn’t always feel that way towards each other.”

“Really?” Buffy asked surprised.

“Really.” Joyce said chuckling. “There was a time when I would have rather ran for the hills screaming than have thoughts of spending my life with him.”

Buffy finally smiled, thinking of her mother and father not getting along. “So, you grew to love him?”

“Yes I did Buffy. I loved your father immensely.” Joyce said smiling sadly. “But it wasn’t always perfect.”

“So, you think I could learn to love Prince Edward?” Buffy asked quietly.

“I think if you allow yourself to be open to the possibility, then yes, most definitely.”

Buffy smiled, looking over to the chest her things were in before smiling. “Well, I guess we’ll see.” She said, giving her mother a watery smile. *I guess we’ll see*

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy stared out the window, the morning sun just peeking its bright rays out over the hill. Prince Edward was to arrive today to take her to Alcala and her heart was beating faster as the minutes passed by.

It would take all day to reach his castle, which gave them time to get acquainted before their month long ‘courtship’ would begin and the actual marriage would take place. She wasn’t thrilled about leaving her home or her family for that length of time, but stepping into a marriage with a man she didn’t even know was worse.

Her eyes widened, seeing the faint outline of a carriage coming towards the castle off in the distance. She felt as if her heart would break through her chest any minute watching the slow moving carriage coming closer.

“He’s here!” Dawn squealed as she ran into Buffy’s room. “Are you excited?”

“Oh yeah, just about to die from all the joy.” Buffy said sarcastically, turning to look at her baby sister. She smiled in spite of her nervous stomach, Dawn’s smile brightening her mood.

“Come on.” Dawn said, grabbing Buffy’s hand and dragging her towards her door.

“Hang on.” Buffy said, pulling her hand back and turning towards her dressing table. “I have to make sure I look presentable.”

Dawn rolled her eyes, smiling as Buffy brushed her hair. “For someone who was so worried about meeting her future husband, you sure are awfully concerned about what you look like.”

“Well, I don’t want to make a bad impression.” Buffy said smiling. “Just because he’s a troll doesn’t mean I have to be.”

Dawn went to Buffy’s window, bouncing slightly as she turned back around. “Well, looks like you’re about to find out. “She said happily. “The carriage just stopped out front.”

Buffy took a deep breath, laying her brush down before standing. “How do I look?” she asked, turning to her sister.

“As beautiful as always, now come on.” Dawn said, dragging her from her room.

~*~*~

Buffy could see all the movement outside as her things were being loaded into the carriage. She was having trouble breathing as she neared the door, knowing that Prince Edward was waiting.

“Buffy dear.” Joyce said smiling as Buffy walked outside. “There seems to have been a slight change of plans.”

“Oh, what sort of change?” she asked, looking towards the carriage as a tall dark haired man finished tying her trunk down as he spoke to the man standing by the carriage door. She looked around, not seeing anyone who looked as if they were a Prince.

“It seems Prince Edward wasn’t able to make the trip.” Joyce said, “He sent his page to see you to his castle.”

Buffy wasn’t sure if she felt relieved or more anxious at the news. The awkward meeting would have been stressful enough, without the added pressure of spending an entire day trapped inside of a carriage trying to find things to talk about.

Buffy looked over towards the carriage, watching as the two men spoke briefly before the dark haired man walked to the front and checked the harness on the horses. She glanced back to where the other man was, smiling politely as she saw him turn and face her.

Her breath caught in her throat as he finally turned and she saw him. She wasn’t sure why her heart seemed to speed up as he slowly walked towards them, but the slow, almost predatory stride as his approached had her breath coming faster as she stared into the bluest eyes she had ever seen.

Her mouth opened slightly, her eyes studying the lean form coming towards her. His dark blonde hair, curling wildly on top of his head only accented the sharp line of his cheekbones. *wow* she thought, her smile widening as he finally stopped in front of her.

“Princess Elizabeth.” he said, smiling before bowing his head. “Prince Edward sends his apologies for not being able to see you to his Kingdom personally.”

“Oh.” Was all Buffy managed to get out. His voice was deep and the sound of it sent a shiver up her spine. She couldn’t take her eyes off of him. He was staring at her and the intensity of his gaze caused Buffy’s face to flame as she blushed.

“My name is William and it is a pleasure to meet you.” He said, smiling slightly as he reached for her hand, placing a light kiss on the back of it before releasing it. He didn’t think he had ever seen a more beautiful creature as he looked at her. Her skin was golden and her hair was like spun gold, flowing down around her shoulder. Her light blue dress only made her honeyed complexion glow and he smiled in spite of the pounding in his chest.

“Will, we must be leaving if we are to make it before nightfall.” The dark haired man that now sat atop of the carriage said smiling as he looked over towards them.

William finally tore his eyes away from Buffy, smiling as he turned to the carriage briefly before looking back over to Buffy. “Shall we?” he asked, giving her a smile.

“Yes.” Buffy said, returning his smile before turning to her mother.

“I guess this is goodbye.” She said quietly.

“Everything will be fine.” Joyce said, smiling as she reached out, pulling Buffy into a tight hug.

Buffy hugged her mother tightly to her, closing her eyes and taking in her scent. She smiled as she released her, turning to her sisters.

“I’ll miss you Dawnie.” Buffy said, hugging Dawn before saying goodbye to her other sisters.

“You know, if the Prince turns out to be a dud, you can always snag his page.” Willow said wiggling her eyebrows as she looked over to the carriage where William was waiting.

“Willow.” Buffy said shocked, shaking her head.

“What?” Willow said quietly as she smiled big. “I saw the way you were looking at him.”

Buffy tried to look irritated at her sisters’ comments but failed miserable as a smile crept up on her face. “You’re terrible.” She finally said, taking a step away from her.

“Maybe, but you have to admit, not bad…not bad at all.” Willow said quietly, looking back over to William.

William was watching Buffy say goodbye to her family. He had heard the rumors of her beauty, but never imagined she would look like that. Why a girl as beautiful as she was needed to have an arranged marriage was beyond him.

He smiled, looking at her as she turned as started towards the carriage. He reached for the carriage door, opening it for her as she approached, his eyes firmly locked on hers as she slowly made her way to him.

“Ready?” he asked, smiling as she seemed to blush and shake her head as she looked at him. “Right then.” He said, his smile increasing as he took her hand and helped her into the carriage.

Buffy sat, taking a deep breath as William stepped into the carriage. She smiled at him briefly as he closed the door and she looked over, seeing her family wave at her as William signaled the driver.

She waved to her family, the carriage jumping to a start and her fears of meeting Prince Edward were pushed to the back of her mind as her newest fear sat directly in front of her. Never had she seen a man who literally made her heart skip a beat with just a look and the fact that Prince Edwards page had done that caused the butterflies that had been hovering in her stomach all day to set to flight and swim faster than they had in weeks. She glanced up at him, looking away as he was staring at her. She felt her face heat up as she stared out her window, watching her home get further away.

William smiled, watching as the girl in front of him blushed a bright pink when she looked at him. He held back the chuckle he felt rising in him, settling for a wide smirk instead. *This one’s going to be fun.* he thought as he settled back into his seat, his eyes still locked onto the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

To Be Continued…………..

Temptations of the Heart Chapter 3

Two pairs of eyes watched as the Royal Carriage made its way along the road below. Twin smiles lit up the faces of the two men as they glanced at each other before turning their horses and headed back to the Castle off in the distance.

“This will be easier than he originally thought.” A dark haired man with a scraggly beard said, his toothy smile shining brightly in the early morning light.

“Yeah, apparently Prince Edward decided not to come after all.” The other man said. “No other reason can I see in the Carriage not having a royal entourage unless the Prince himself wasn’t in it.”

“Well, he’s not exactly the target anyway, now is he?”

Both men shared a delighted chuckle before pushing their horses faster, their destination coming into view.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy sat staring out her window as the countryside slowly passed by. She could feel William’s eyes on her and the longer he continued, the more irritated she became.

She glanced over at him and the slow smile that crept up on his face when she made eye contact with him made the still present butterflies in her stomach to take flight again as well as made her anger at his constant staring rise.

“What?” she finally asked, feeling her face heat up as she did.

William smiled big, his head tilting to the side slightly as he looked at her. “Just trying to figure out why you would willingly marry a man you didn’t know.” He said, grinning bigger as her eyes widened at his bold question.

“That sir, is known of your business.” Buffy said, glancing away from him as he stared her directly in the eyes.

“Suppose not.” William said still smiling. “I mean, you’re pretty enough to get a marriage proposal without all the arrangement, but seeing how you needed one, makes me wonder what’s wrong with you.”

Buffy’s mouth flew open, as did her eyes as she stared at his smirking face. “How dare you.” She said loudly. “You do realize to whom you are speaking to?”

“Oh, I’m quiet aware of who you are.” William said chuckling. “Spoiled little Princess, heir to the throne, Royal pain in the…..”

“You, ‘page’ need to remember your station.” Buffy said angrily. Why she even thought this man attractive was beyond her. He was arrogant and his rude behavior was appalling. “Does Prince Edward allow you to speak your mind so freely?”

“I do as I please.”

“Well, that will surely change.” Buffy said, a smug smile creeping onto her face.

William’s smile never faltered. The pink flush of her skin and the way her eyes seemed to darken as she became angry, only intrigued him as to who she ‘really’ was. Why she needed an arranged marriage had truly been his thoughts, but the way she had responded and the quickness of her tongue, let him know that she was much more spirited than she looked.

Buffy turned her head, looking back out her window as William continued to smile at her. She had never had anyone, especially a servant; speak to her with so little respect. She would most definitely see that it never happened again.

“So, tell me Princess, what are you going to do if you make it to Alcala and realize you have nothing in common with Prince Edward?”

“I have no desire to speak with you.” Buffy said, glancing over at William before returning her attentions back to the passing scenery.

“Ah, very well then.” William said, “I guess it will be alright if you just listened. I mean, most woman can’t carry on an intelligent conversation anyway.”

Buffy’s head snapped around quickly and William fought desperately to keep in the laughter at her stunned expression.

“I suppose not.” Buffy said sarcastically, a hint of a smile turning the corners of her mouth up. “Especially seeing how the ignorant men most women have the misfortune in talking to seldom produce anything worth listening to, let alone commenting on it.”

Buffy and William both sat staring at each other, small smiles etching both of their faces. Buffy disliked him more with every passing moment as his rude comments still had her disbelieving he would be so bold with her. Never had any of her servants been so disrespectful and she would see that he was punished for his behavior.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The small army of twenty men sat at the top of the hill, watching as the large red carriage continued its journey. They all glanced between themselves, the carriage and the man leading them as he sat upon his large black stallion, a look of pure hatred etched on his face.

The gleam in his eye as he turned to them had them all smiling as he signaled for them to advance. They had all been given instructions and they each knew what was expected of them and they each knew that failure in attaining his prize would not be tolerated.

The loud yell of the men rang out across the valley as the hard hoof prints of their horses descended the hill, their target in sight.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy sat quietly, staring out her window as the midday sun played across the hills. It had been hours since William had spoken to her and even though ever word that came out of his mouth seemed to irritate her, the silence was worse.

She sighed loudly, searching out her window for anything to amuse herself with to keep her boredom at bay. The valley had slowly been fading away; bringing the lush greenery of the forest into view as the carriage made its way over the bumpy road.

She squinted her eyes, seeing something moving on the hill before a row of trees blocked her view. She glanced over at William who was staring out the opposite window before turning her attentions back to her own view.

The distant rumbles she heard had her straining hard to see through the trees as she would catch a small glimpse of what looked like men on horses approaching.

“William” she said quietly, not really wanting to talk to him but her curiosity had her forgetting his rude behavior briefly. “Do you see that?” she asked, pointing to the trees to her left.

William turned his head, glancing at her before looking to his right, trying to see what she was pointing at. “See what?” he asked, as the trees blocked his view from anything.

“Men on horses.” Buffy said, “Coming from the hill.”

William slid over in his seat, trying to get a better view as the sound of hoofs against the ground finally reached him. He caught a brief glimpse of two men before the canvas of the forest engulfed them, obstructing his view completely.

“Probably just travelers.” He said, smiling slightly. “This is the only road between Alcala and Calligt.

“Oh.” Buffy said, glancing over at him before looking back out her window. “There seemed to be quiet a few of them.”

“Really?” William said, glancing back out the window. “How many did you see?”

“Not sure really, ten maybe, may have been more.”

William peered back out the window; the sound of the approaching horses coming closer. He could tell by the sound that it was more than a handful and even though this ‘was’ the only road between the two neighboring Kingdoms, a Royal carriage without a proper entourage was to easy of a target for anyone willing to advance on them.

Buffy could see so many emotions cross William’s face that she knew in an instant he thought more of the men than just them being travelers. She had briefly thought the same thing, but brushed it away to keep her fear at being attacked away.

She glanced back out her window, seeing one of the horsemen dart between the trees as he approached them. The loud whizzing of an arrow cut through the silence inside the carriage as it passed quickly in front of her face and imbedded into the inside wall of the carriage.

“Get down!” William yelled, jumping across the seat, grabbing Buffy and throwing her to the floor of the carriage.

Buffy thought her heart would slam through her chest as the loud rumbling of horses mixed with the voices of the men came closer. She was pressed against the floor of the carriage, William’s weight holding her still as he cautiously raised his head.

“Don’t move.” William said, glancing down at her before raising himself up.

Buffy could hear the loud dings of arrows hitting the carriage as the driver yelled, the horses speeding up as the carriage bounced down the rough road. She blinked, trying to get her fear down as she watched William stand and lean out the window, yelling something to the driver, but all Buffy could hear was the sound of her heart as it thumped loudly in her chest.

William jumped back quickly as an arrow grazed his arm. He looked behind the carriage seeing the men quickly approaching. There were several men already infront of the carriage and more coming up quickly.

The forest was slowing them down as the trees made it impossible to come along side of the carriage in some places. His mind was working frantically, trying to figure out what to do and keep the Princess safe at the same time. Turning his head, he glanced down at her and he could see the fear in her eyes.

Buffy watched with wide eyes as William studied their surroundings before he turned and walked past her to the other door. She looked up at him, flinching slightly as he leaned back and kicked the door off its hinges.

“Come on Princess.” William said as he turned to her and reached down, pulling her from the floor.

“What are you doing?” Buffy asked as William positioned her in front of the now open door.

“We have to jump.”

Buffy turned large frightened eyes to him, the concern on his own face worrying her more. “You must be insane.” She said, glancing back out the door as the forest whipped by them. “I’m not jumping from a moving carriage.”

“You’ll jump or you’ll stay to see what those men want, your choice.” William said, eyeing the men as they approached. “Look Princess, we don’t have time to debate this.”

“I’m not jumping!” Buffy said loudly as William pushed her closer to the door.

“We’ve already lost our driver and I don’t fancy being wrapped around a tree, now I’ll be right behind you, just make sure you roll when you hit the ground.”

Buffy’s heart was pounding so fast; she was getting dizzy from the adrenaline rush of the attack and the thoughts of having to jump from a fast moving carriage. She grabbed onto the doorframe as William shoved her, trying to get her to jump.

“Look Princess, I know you’re scared, but I’d be more scared of what those men will do if they catch you.” William said calmly, knowing her fear was what was keeping her from jumping.

Buffy turned to look at him, tears in her eyes. He smiled at her before taking her hand in his and kissing it lightly. “I’ll be right behind you.” He said softly, “Just remember to roll and stay down once you hit the ground.”

Buffy sniffed back the sob she felt coming as she looked at William, his gentle smile helping to calm her fears. She turned back to the door, watching as the forest flew by them. “You won’t leave me?” she asked so quietly William barely even heard her.

“No luv, I won’t leave you.” William said, smiling as Buffy turned to smile at him.

Buffy looked at him, the smile on his face letting her know he wouldn’t before she turned back to the door. Taking a deep breath, she looked to see if her path was free from any trees before stepping closer to the door. *God I’m going to die* she thought grimly as she took a deep breath and grabbed both sides of the doorframe.

“Just remember to roll” William said, placing his hand on her back, trying to nudge her out.

Buffy shook her head, signaling that she had heard him all the while her inner voice was screaming that she didn’t. She looked out, taking a deep breath before shutting her eyes and lunging forward.

William watched her, his own heart slamming against his rib cage as he saw her roll into the thick brush before he gave the men behind the carriage one last look before he also jumped.

Buffy raised her head, the smell of dirt and grass meeting her as her body screamed in pain at the sudden impact she had made with the ground. Her breath was coming quickly as she heard one of the men yell that ‘she’s on the ground’.

William grabbed Buffy’s arm, pulling her from the ground before he ran, dragging her along with him.

“Get them!” the leader of the men yelled, “Don’t let them get away!”

William had no idea what they wanted with the Princess, but he had heard the men’s cries of ‘her being on the ground’ and knew ‘she’ was what they were after.

Buffy ran as fast as she could, William dragging her as they ran through the forest. She heard a crash; the sounds the horses were making sending a chill up her spine as she was suddenly thrown into the thick greenery of the forest floor.

“Don’t move.” William whispered as he fell half on top of her, his weight holding her down.

Buffy shook her head slightly, looking up at him. They were completely covered in the tall plants that surrounded them and knew they were hidden well.

“Do you see them?” one of the men yelled.

“No”

Buffy gasp lightly as one of the horsemen passed them. William brought his hand up, covering her mouth as he lowered his head, trying to keep from being seen.

“Don’t make a sound.” William whispered in her ear. “And don’t move.”

Buffy lay as still as possible, but the shaking her body was doing was completely uncontrollable. She closed her eyes, the sound of her fast beating heart deafening her as William’s warm breath tickled her neck.

The men were closer, she could hear the horses and the closer they came the more frightened she became. She didn’t know what they wanted, but she was sure whatever it was, it wasn’t going to be pleasant.

“I want them found; no one leaves the area until she’s in my possession!”

Buffy’s eyes snapped open at the man’s voice, the familiar sound sending off alarms in her. She knew who he was and her fear multiplied at the prospects of what he would do when he found her.

William clenched his jaw tightly as he also recognized the familiar voice. He also knew that Elizabeth must have also recognized him by the way her hands were now digging into the flesh of his forearms.

He raised his head slightly, looking at her before removing his hand from her mouth. “I want let him take you.” He whispered, giving her a tiny smile as tears filled her eyes. “I promise.”

To Be Continued…………………

A/N…..Okay, a little more to this chapter, since I had a few (desires) that they be longer. I can’t promise all the chapters to be long, but it’s finally going to get interesting. Who ‘is’ this man after Buffy and how will William get her out of this?? Keep your eyes open for the next chapter to find out! (*Oh, and Thanks again for the reviews!!! They’re greatly appreciated!!!*)

Zarrah

http://darkprophecies.net/alwaysforever

Temptations of the Heart

Chapter 4

The angry shouts of men came from every direction as Buffy and William stayed hid in the tall plants. Buffy’s breath would hitch in her throat everytime the sounds would come closer, fearing they would soon be caught.

William knew they couldn’t stay there and wait the men out and he cursed himself for hurrying the coachman and not waiting for the Royal escort. If the small army searching for them didn’t kill him, King Rupert surely would.

“Do you think they’ll give up soon?” Buffy whispered, fighting back her fearful tears.

“Not on your life Princess.” William answered her before raising his head.

“What are you doing?” Buffy asked as he leaned up to see over the tall plants.

“Just gonna take a little look around.”

“They’ll see you.” Buffy whispered hurriedly trying to pull him back down as William’s head poked up through the tall grass.

William looked cautiously around, seeing only two horsemen near by. He knew the others were close by their voices and the sounds of the horses and knew this was his chance.

“I want you to stay right here.” William said, leaning back down towards Buffy.

Buffy’s eyes widened when she realized he was leaving her there and the tears stung her eyes knowing she would be alone. “Please don’t leave me here.” She whispered, fearing if anything happened to him, her chances of making it out of this unharmed were slim.

“I’ll be back for you.” William told her, smiling best he could.

“Do you promise?” Buffy asked weakly, her voice crackling as her tears chocked her.

“I promise.” He said, the smile on his face warming and calming the fears in Buffy. “Just stay put and don’t move.”

Buffy shook her head, her breath almost gone as she watched him lean up and look around. With one last glance at her, William stood and was gone.

No fear had ever gripped her like this one had as William quickly left her sight. Not even the attack on her Castle or the hooded man she had seen stab her father to death from her hiding place. Her whole body was shaking and she tried with all her strength to calm, knowing she would be found if anyone looked hard enough. She could hear the grass shifting around her and she wondered briefly if anyone could hear the loud thumping of her heart as it raced in her chest.

William ran, ducking behind a tree as the two horsemen turned their horse, heading back towards Buffy’s hiding place. His mind was working overtime, trying to figure out what to do. He could see the majority of the men up ahead and the sight of the leader caused a small growl to escape him as his hatred for the man began to boil inside of him.

Knowing he would rather be tortured and die a thousand deaths before he let the smug, cruel intentions of Prince Angelus harm Princess Elizabeth, William searched his surroundings. Seeing a large piece of wood, he cautiously picked it up, shaking his head at the almost laughable weapon as the two horseman came closer.

“Did you hear something?” one of the horsemen asked, slowing his horse so he could hear clearly, the crunching of the leaves and branches under the horses’ feet distracting him.

“What it sound like?” the other man asked, slowing his horse as well.

“Don’t know, like a tapping.”

“Probably just a bird or something or a limb falling.”

“Yeah” he said, straining his eyes to see through the thick trees as he and his partner slowly made there way closer to where Buffy was still hidden.

William stepped around the tree, hiding himself as the men came closer, cursing under his breath as the leaves crunched under his feet. He looked in both directions, seeing more men off to his left, closer to where he had left the Princess and he knew he needed to act quickly.

With a deep breath and a movement so quick he briefly wondered where he acquired the grace for such an act, he sprang around the tree, slapping the horse hard across the leg, causing it to rear up from the startling blow.

The rider on his back yelled, falling backwards and hitting the ground hard as William grabbed him quickly, removing his sword from his hand as the other man turned quickly to help his falling friend.

Without so much as a blink of his eye, William buried the tip of the sword in the fallen mans chest, pleased at the sickening sound the blade man as he pulled it out.

The other horseman yelled, turning his horse and charging at the man on the ground, his sword raised in the air as he approached. William stood his ground, the muscles twitching in his jaw as the man charged at him and with another quick leap to the left, sprang out of the horses’ path, bringing his sword up and catching the rider across the stomach as he passed.

The scream the man let out echoed through the forest and Buffy jumped, the sound causing her eyes to slam shut, fearing it was the only man there who could help her. A small sob escaped her as she heard the clambering of the horses’ hooves as they pounded on the ground, the sound coming closer.

Forcing her eyes open, Buffy bit back her fear, knowing if William had fallen, she only had herself to save her now. Raising her head slightly, she took a deep breath, peering through the grass to see exactly how close the men were.

What she saw had her eyes widening hugely as four men were quickly charging towards her and from where she was laying, it looked as if they would trample her if she didn’t move and fast.

Scrambling to her feet, Buffy raised herself up and ran, the voices of the men ringing in her ears as they saw her.

“Get her!” one man yelled, the other three laughing as the chase was on.

Buffy grabbed the hem of her light blue silk dress as it snagged on a branch, the material ripping as she jerked it up, bundling the material up in her hands as she ran faster than she thought possible.

Everything was a blur, the trees passing her quickly as her breathe was coming in pants as the men followed. Her chest ached as the wind wiped through her open mouth, a silent scream forcing its way out as she ran for her life.

Running around trees, Buffy scanned the area hoping to find a way out of the maze she found herself in. The distant cries of the men behind her fading as her only goal was to run and fast.

Buffy glanced behind her, a mistake she soon found out as she tripped, falling over a log that had been covered by the tall grass. Her head whipped quickly around, scanning the area and finding it odd no one was there. Righting herself, Buffy dismissed the shooting pain in her leg and ran, her fear driving her as she saw the road they had been traveling on earlier.

Pushing her hair back out of her face, she sprinted towards the road, knowing it was probably a mistake leaving the shelter of the forest, but the rough terrain she had been running on was only slowing her down.

As she made it to the road, she ran, her speed picking up on the hardened dirt. She could see the carriage they had been traveling in twisted and broken as it lay on its side by the road, the horses still attached to it desperately trying to free themselves.

“What’s the hurry?” the voice behind Buffy said, causing her to stop and spin around.

The dark figure perched high upon the black stallion smiled down at her, the sneering smile on his face causing her already present fear to escalate. She wasn’t sure if the dizzy feelings in her head were from the lack of oxygen in her lungs, her worn out body or from the fear of seeing Prince Angelus sitting there smiling at her.

“Now, I thought we had such a great time at your little party and then my father tells me, you’re not interested.” He said smiling as he slowly made his way to her. “I was almost crushed, but then I figured I’d just make things right as I always do.”

“By kidnapping me?” Buffy asked as she backed away from his approach.

“Well, it’s your fault it had to be this way.”

“Why, because I found you lacking the skills to rule my Kingdom?” Buffy asked, her anger at him and his smug behavior rising.

The laugh he let out rang through her, sending chills up her spine as she looked at him. “Oh and you think Prince Edward is the better man to do that?” he asked, his smile scaring her more than the thoughts of him capturing her. “Edward is no ruler; he can’t even attend to his own affairs, let alone the affairs of a Kingdom.”

“And you would know this how?” Buffy asked, glancing to her left and right as she continued to walk backwards as he slowly advanced on her.

“He couldn’t even keep his last bride safe, or keep her from straying,” he said with a wide smile, “How do you think he will ever be able to protect you or rule your Kingdom?”

Buffy’s heart ached in her chest and she wasn’t sure the reason. She knew nothing about Prince Edward and she was seriously doubting a man she had never even met.

“I mean, he was so busy playing in the wonderland of his own self absorbent that he couldn’t even escort his future Queen to his home?” Angelus said grinning, “Kind of makes me wonder if he cares for you at all.”

“And I am to assume you do since you went to so much trouble in rescuing me from him?” Buffy asked angrily.

“Oh, I care Princess.” Angelus said, his smile completely gone now. “I care about your land, the riches it holds and” he said, giving her a long look from head to toe, “I care about the way you’ll feel once I make you my bride.”

Buffy’s throat went completely dry as his eyes drank her in and just the way he looked at her caused her heart to speed up in her chest. Without thinking, she turned to her right, darting back into the forest, her legs carrying her as fast as they could as she heard Prince Angelus yell, signaling his horse to follow.

Tears streamed down her face, clouding her vision as she saw more men approaching from the distance off to her left. Jumping the small logs in her path, Buffy raised her dress higher, trying to aid her legs in a wider reach as she ran.

“Elizabeth!”

Buffy turned her head and stopped, her tears coming faster and a small sob escaping her as she saw William coming towards her from the right. She had never seen anything that took her breath away more than the sight of him as he speed towards her, the horse he had managed to obtain jumping everything in its path.

Looking behind her, Buffy saw Angelus coming quickly, his anger written on his face as he saw William. The group of men to her left fast approaching and as she caught sight of William as she turned back to him, she ran.

William grabbed the reins tight, holding himself on the horse as he leaned to the right as Buffy ran to him.

“Jump!” he yelled as he held his arm out to her as he approached.

Buffy’s heart almost stopped as she leaped forward, William’s arm catching her around the waist and her eyes slammed shut as she felt herself being picked up and swung around.

When she felt the horse under her, her eyes snapped open and her arms instinctively wound themselves around William’s neck, holding on tightly as they suddenly turned and dashed through the forest.

Buffy buried her face in William’s shoulder, the tears that had been slowly coming, falling faster as she held on to the man that had come back for her. The arm wrapped protectively around her waist tightened its hold as the horse raced through the forest.

She could hear the sound of arrows whipping through the trees and the jolt the horse suddenly made caused her grip on William to tighten as their horse bolted.

William held onto Buffy, her fear evident as the hold around his neck seemed to tighten. He pushed the horse faster, the sound of the men behind them fading as they slowly out ran them.

The arm he had around her waist pulled her closer to him, trying to reassure her she was safe for the time being. He could feel her tears soaking the material of his shirt and the small whimpering sounds as she tried not to cry only fueled his hatred for the man who had attacked them.

“Don’t cry Princess.” William whispered, lowering his head slightly, “You’re safe now.” He told her as the forest was slowly giving way to more open areas.

Buffy slowly lifted her head, looking over William’s shoulder, relief flooding her as no one seemed to be following. She sighed lightly, her eyes shutting as her body slowly relaxed.

William felt her body slack against him but her grip around his neck remained. He smiled as they continued their way through the forest when Buffy laid her head on his shoulder and her warm breath played against his neck.

Buffy’s breath was evening out, the heaving in her chest almost non existent as William kept his arm tightly around her waist as her fear slowly left her, being replaced by the warm embrace of her protector.

To Be Continued……………….

A/N….Ahhh…our hero saves the day and the Princess. What will these two find on their journey to Alcala and have we seen the last of Prince Angelus?? Stay tuned, the funs only begun!!

A quick Thank You to all who have reviewed! They are tremendously appreciated and I’m glad you are enjoying this little adventure with me. I’m sorry it’s taking a while to get the chapters out, but I am writing 3 at the same time.(yeah, stupid…I know) but, more will be here in a few days.

For anyone who frequents my site, it is NOW back up and running.

Zarrah :0)

http://darkprophecies.net/alwaysforever

Temptations of the Heart

Chapter 5

Buffy’s eyes opened slowly as the shoulder her head was resting on moved slightly as William’s voice softly called her name. She blinked a few times; trying to push the groggy feelings away as she finally woke up and lifted her head, looking around at their surroundings.

She could hear the sound of water running and turned her head to the left, smiling as she saw a small brook nestled in the trees up ahead.

“Horse needs a break.” William said as they neared the water, “He’s been limping for a while now.”

Buffy turned her head, looking at William before she realized she still had a firm grip on his neck. Feeling her face heat up as she blushed, she quickly pulled her arms down, smiling shyly as she looked away and laid her hands in her lap.

William bit back the grin that threatened to curve his lips as he saw the pink tint her face and neck suddenly took on as he loosened the tight hold he still had on her waist as they neared the stream. “So tell me, what did you do to warrant a full out attack from the magnificent poof Angelus?” William asked her, pulling on the reins and stopping the horse as they came to the stream.

“Not sure exactly.” Buffy told him as the horse stopped. “I am assuming it was because I didn’t choose him.”

“And the fact that you chose Prince Edward over him must have taken a real bite out of his ego.” William said chuckling as he slid off the horse and reached up, grabbing hold of Buffy’s waist. “No wonder he was so miffed.” He added, lifting her and helping her from the Horse.

“I get the feeling they aren’t very friendly towards one another.” Buffy said, staring up into the bright blue eyes that seemed to capture her attention the moment she had seen him, as her feet finally hit the ground. “He seemed very angry at Prince Edward.”

“That’s because he’s an ego-maniac who doesn’t play well with others unless he’s the one who is winning.” William told her, his voice sounding clipped as he obviously had no respect for Prince Angelus either.

Buffy looked at him for a second, his eyes seeming to darken as they stared at one another before she quickly took a step back away from him, realizing her arms had instinctively wrapped around his neck again as he helped her from the horse and his hands were still resting lightly on her hips.

She cursed herself as her breathing started to increase and she quickly glanced at the ground when her heartbeat seemed to quicken as William tilted his head to the side and stared at her. She glanced up at him briefly, trying her best to smile before turning towards the water. “I think I’ll go wash this dirt off.” She told him, glancing down at her hands and raising them for effect before turning to the stream and walking away.

Buffy walked quickly towards the stream. She could feel Williams eyes on her and the thoughts of him staring at her was causing her rapidly beating heart to hum in her chest. She smiled to herself, the light dizzy feelings in her head and the fluttering in her stomach returning as she walked along the bank of the stream.

Willow’s words echoed through her head, telling her to go after Prince Edward’s page and a smile finally broke out across her face as she walked along the stream to a large rock that sat half way in the water.

Sitting down carefully on the rock, Buffy glanced back over towards William as he tended to the horse. She stared at him for a few minutes, a lazy smile playing at her lips as the sun trickling through the thick canopy of the trees played across his features. She hadn’t taken much time to look at him before, the surprise of being left almost speechless at the sight of him distracting her from everything other than the depths in which his eyes latched onto hers and held.

He wasn’t a very large man, but she could tell he was much stronger than he looked. His shoulders were broad in contrast to the slimming of his waist and hips. She blushed again as she stared at him and hid her smile as she ducked her head, her hair fanning out to cover it.

She peeked through her hair, her eyes roaming from the messy tousle of dark blonde curls on his head to the sharp cheekbones that made him look as if his face had been carved and sculpted with great care.

The light colored tunic top he had on rode low on one shoulder, dirt marring the fabric from an apparent struggle. Her gaze continued downward, to his slimming hips, the tight pants he had on leaving nothing to the imagination and Buffy felt her heart speed up more as her face flamed.

She could see every muscle in his legs as he moved, the material barely concealing him as he turned. She gulped loudly, giggling quietly to herself and shaking her head as he raised his arms, his shirt rising up slightly and revealing his perfectly shaped bottom.

Smiling wider at her thoughts of William, Buffy finally turned her head, looking at the rip in her dress. It was half way up her leg and the sight of her muddy stockings made her nose scrunch up in disgust. *Great, this will never do* she thought as she pulled the material of her dress to the side as she looked at the damage to her now brown and white stockings.

Reaching down, Buffy removed her shoes, laying them to the side before glancing back over at William. Seeing him walk to the water and kneel down, she reached up her dress and started pulling her dirty stockings down her legs.

William wiped his face, the cool water from the stream running down his chest as he stood back up. The horse was in worse shape than he had thought as he moved to once again look at the wound in its hind leg. An arrow had caught it good and went pretty deep. He was surprised it had gotten them this far as he looked at the steady stream of blood that still trickled down its leg.

The arrow was still sticking out of it and he knew it needed to come out, the only problem was, standing behind the horse was the only way to get a good hold on it and getting a good kick in the head wasn’t on his to do list at the moment.

Sighing heavily, William glanced over the horses back to see where Buffy had went to and his eyes widened as he saw her sitting on the rock with her feet in the water. Her wading in the stream wasn’t unusual, but the sight of her bare legs were.

Her dress was pulled up above her knees; the rip that he had tried to ignore in her dress earlier had exposed most of her right thigh. He groaned quietly to himself as she reached into the water before running her hands up her leg. The sight made his breath catch in his throat as he watched her hands run slowly up her leg, washing the dirt from her knees before she would reach back into the water and repeat the process.

The quick movements and snarl the horse let out took his attention away from Buffy and back to the horse as he realized he had absent mindedly yanked on the arrow. “Steady there.” He said, trying to calm the horse as it started to dance around, the pain in its leg causing small noises to emit from the wounded animal.

Buffy looked up when she heard the horse and she grabbed her shoes as she realized it was acting peculiar. Slipping her shoes back on, she stood and made her way back over to William.

“Is everything okay?” she asked, stopping away from the horse as it started moving to the side towards her.

“No, not really.” William said, grabbing the horse’s reins and trying to calm it. “It’s injured.”

Buffy leaned her head to the side, frowning as she saw the arrow and the blood that covered most of its leg. “Will it be alright?” she asked, looking up at William as the sight of all the blood making her empty stomach queasy.

“Hard to say.” William told her, taking a step back away from the horse. “Not sure how to get the arrow out without getting my head kicked in.”

“Will it be able to travel with it in place?”

“Not likely.”

“Oh.” Buffy said, her frown deepening as she stared at the animal. “So, what will we do?”

“I guess we’ll walk.”

“WALK!” Buffy said loudly, her eyes widening as she stared at William.

William smiled and looked over at Buffy when she yelled. He almost laughed at the look on her face but decided better of it. “Yes, either that or we’ll kill it for sure. Can’t very well ride him to Alcala in this shape.”

“We have to walk all the way to Alcala?” Buffy asked, fear gripping her as she realized the distance.

“Either that or head back to Parissa, but I’d imagine Prince Angelus will still have men looking for you.”

“Do you realize how long it will take to walk all the way to Alcala?” Buffy asked as she started pacing around. “I mean, it takes an entire day by carriage, walking will take weeks.”

“Then I guess we better get a move on then.” William told her as he turned and started through the forest.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Buffy yelled out to him as he left her and the horse standing by the stream.

“Home.” William yelled back to her over his shoulder. “Better hurry along, won’t do for some nasty to get you before I deliver you to the Prince.”

Buffy stood gaped mouth as she watched him walk away. *He was just going to leave her there to do what?* she asked herself as she looked around. Moving slowly Buffy followed him, the sound of the twigs under her feet crunching as she quickened her step and tried to hurry and catch up to him.

William chuckled quietly to himself as he heard her mumbling under her breath behind him. He knew she probably wouldn’t make it far before they would have to stop. The farthest she had probably ever walked was the distance of the winding corridors of her Castle.

Smiling, William quickened his pace, the sound of Buffy stumbling around clumsily behind him making the smile broaden as her mumbling got more animated.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Prince Angelus stormed into his Castle, his destination clear as he walked the halls towards the stairs. He was seething with hatred as he stomped down the steps, his footfalls echoing off the stone walls as he entered the darkened hall. Grabbing a torch from the wall, he made his way down several corridors, his eyes blazing as he approached the large room at the end of the hall.

He could hear the mumbling of the occupants as he pushed the door open, the room bright from the candles that lined the walls. He glared hard at his father and the witch that still gave him the creeps from just looking at her as he walked into the room.

“So, did everything go as planned?” Ethan asked, smiling big at his son.

“No.” Angelus growled, throwing his torch to the ground and watching as the sparks skidded across the floor. “She got away.”

“And how did she manage that?” Ethan asked angrily as he walked around the large table he had been standing behind.

“William!” Angelus said, the word slipping from his tongue with such distaste that the witch cringed from her spot on the other side of the room.

“William!” Ethan repeated, the name slipping out in the same manner. “You were bested by HIM!”

Angelus’ eyes tightened into slits as he looked at his father. “Yes, he came riding along like some gallant knight and swooped her up and was gone! Those idiots you said would be the best men for the job just fumbled around like a pack of amateurs!”

“Well this will never do.” Ethan said quietly as he started pacing the floor. “Well have to think of something else.” He added, looking over at the witch. “Any idea where they were headed?”

“Towards Alcala judging from the direction they took off in.” Angelus said as he flopped down heavily into a chair by the fire. “They were on horseback, so it’ll take them a few days to make it there.”

“Well, a few days will be enough time for us to acquire her.”

“That is if we find them.” Angelus said, his irritation apparent with every word he muttered.

“Well, knowing William, he won’t take the road. He’ll remain in the forest.” Ethan said, a plan already formulating in his head. “The quickest route would be through the Enchanted Forest, but the superstitions of that place may deter him from taking that path.”

“Yes, but it will take him twice as long to go around it.”

“You won’t be able to touch him in there.” The witch finally spoke up. “The Enchanted Forest holds a magic that even I can’t touch.”

“That doesn’t mean that our magic can’t affect them.” Ethan said smiling. “If they do venture into the Forest, we’ll have a harder task at acquiring her, but it can be done. What I suggest is getting to them before they make the decision to enter.”

“And how do you suppose I do that?”

“Well for one, you can stop moping around here and round up a better army of men and get back out there!”

Angelus rolled his eyes before standing. “If you would have just let me storm the Castle this would have never happened.”

“Yes, that’s a very good plan Angelus.” Ethan said sarcastically. “Start a war with every neighboring Kingdom not to mention King Rupert would have rained down on us with all the fury of four nations before we even had a chance to acquire the Princess. Don’t ever underestimate your opponent, have I not taught you anything?”

“Actually, the only thing you’ve taught me is how to manipulate people with magic.”

“What other way is there?” Ethan asked with a grin on his face. “I assure you, Princess Elizabeth will be your Queen and the riches of her Kingdom will multiply. You ‘will’ be the most powerful King ever. I promise you that.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy’s legs felt like they would fall off her body any minute. They had been walking for what seemed like hours even though she knew it hadn’t been. It was well past noon and her hunger was starting to override all her thoughts.

William was still well ahead of her but she would see him look back at her every so often. She wanted to smack him everytime he would smile at her, knowing he was enjoying seeing her like this. She was a mess. Her once delicate blue silk dress was ripped and dirty. Her hair was all over her head from being snagged on what seemed like every low hanging branch in the forest and she felt sticky from the afternoon sun bearing down on her when the canopy of trees would disappear and let the heat from the sun through, causing a slight sheen of perspiration to glisten on her skin..

Her face was scrunched up in anger, her stomach growling quietly as she trudged along. She was thinking of every possible punishment she could to get back at William for putting her through this. She still couldn’t see why they couldn’t have taken the horse. Sure he was hurt, but surly he could have carried her.

“Are you going to walk this slowly all the way to Alcala?” William asked as he had finally stopped and turned to face Buffy.

“Yes, probably so.” She answered him coldly, scowling at him as he smiled back at her.

”Well, then just so you know, at the pace you’re keeping, it’ll take us a month to make it.”

“WHAT!” Buffy asked loudly, her eyes squinting as her face hardened as she looked at him. “Please tell me you are joking.” She spat out.

William chuckled softly, the sight of her trying her best to look menacing escaping him as her appearance had her looking like a homeless waif. “Fraid not Princess.”

“I’m beginning to dislike you very much.” Buffy said as she finally made her way over to where he had stopped.

“Oh, so that means you liked me then?” William asked, his smile widening as her eyes widened and her mouth flew open.

“I think not!” Buffy yelled. “You, sir are a servant! That is all!”

“Just a servant?” he asked, holding his hand to his heart. “Well, I think I may be crushed. And all this time I thought we were bonding.” He said, chuckling at her.

“One does not ‘bond’ with those beneath her station!” Buffy spat out angrily.

“Beneath you?” William asked her amused. “I’m beneath you now?”

“Yes.” Buffy said, her chin jutting out in defiance. “You are a servant, all servants are beneath me.” She answered him, knowing she was lying. She had never treated her servants in such a manner, but something about him just triggered alarms in her.

“I see.” William said shaking his head slightly. “You are one of ‘those’ types.”

The way he said the word ‘those’ caused Buffy’s eyes to narrow into slits as she looked at him. The smile on his face and the way his eyes seemed to brighten as she looked at him had her scowling loudly as she pushed past him.

“Oh, now you wanna move.” William said, watching her march off through the forest. “And here I was, going to make nice and offer to find something for you to eat.”

Buffy froze at his words, her already grumbling stomach flipping at the prospects of food. She stood still, the sound of twigs breaking behind her letting her know he was coming towards her. She sighed heavily; her shoulders drooping as her anger at him slowly receded as she heard him stop behind her.

“It’s been hours since breakfast, and I’m getting a bit peckish, imagine you are too.” William said, smiling as he knew she was debating staying mad at him or giving in. He wiped the smile away as she slowly turned to face him, her eyes cast downward.

Buffy glanced up at him briefly, wishing the guilt that now seemed to rear its head would vanish. Why she felt guilt for yelling at him had her at a complete loss. It wasn’t like she actually liked him. *Sure, tell yourself another one* her mind taunted.

“So, what’s it going to be?” William asked, seeing the inner battle she was dealing with. “You going to play nice or remain an ice Queen?”

“I’m not an ice Queen.” Buffy said softly, her head lifting as she looked at him. “Am I?” she asked him quietly.

William smiled and immediately regretted saying it as her face seemed to fall. “No luv, just wasn’t expecting the bitchy Elizabeth that I just encountered.”

“Buffy.”

“What was that?” William asked when her soft words barely made it to him.

“Buffy.” She said again, smiling slightly. “My family calls me Buffy, not Elizabeth.”

“Buffy.” William said, “How’d you get that little nickname?” he asked as he walked up to her and motioned her forward.

Buffy turned around and started walking again as William fell into step with her. “My Father always called me Bethie and when Dawn was little, everytime she said my name, it came out Beffie. She had trouble pronouncing the T.” she told him smiling. “As time went on, it slowly turned to Buffy and it just kinda stuck.”

William smiled as he looked over at her, the smile that was now on her face causing his own smile to broaden. “Well Buffy, what would you like for lunch? Roast duck in marmalade or suckling pig?”

“Mmmm, both sound heavenly.” Buffy said grinning.

“Yes, they do.” William said chuckling softly. “To bad I’m not the cook cause the best I can do out here in the middle of no where is a very bland rabbit or some ripe berries.”

Buffy scrunched up her nose, knowing he was right. “Well, I guess I’ll have to make do then, won’t I?”

“I suppose so.” William said, smiling at the way she seemed to be pouting. “But, if it’ll make you feel any better, I’ll let you clean the rabbit.”

“What!” Buffy said loudly as her head snapped around to him. “I’m not cleaning a rabbit!”

William laughed, his head shaking as her face twisted in disgust. “Oh, come now. Prince Edward will be thoroughly impressed when he finds out not only are you beautiful but can also cook, what man wouldn’t want that in a wife?”

Buffy tried to hide the smile that curved her lips as she lowered her head, effectively shielding her flushed face as her hair fanned out around her head. The common occurrence of the rapidly beating heartbeat and the twirling butterflies that were taking up residence in her stomach returning as his words replayed in her head. *He thinks I’m beautiful?* she asked herself, the light headedness returning, effectively causing his next words to completely escape her.

William glanced over at her when she didn’t answer him, seeing her head tucked into her chest and he tilted his head to the side as he watched her. His brow scrunched up, trying to figure out what had caused her sudden shyness when his last few statements rang back through his head. *Bloody Hell!* he yelled to himself, his ‘beautiful’ statement slapping him back to reality. “So.” He said, his voice squeaking slightly as he nudged her with his elbow. “You gonna clean the rabbit or not?”

To Be Continued…………….

A/N……Sorry for the delay, real life thought it needed precedence this week, but as you can tell, I compensated by making this chapter a little longer. I do hope you are still enjoying the story and Thank You again for the reviews, I really appreciate them!

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