Temptations of the Heart

Chapter 6

Buffy stood up, clutching the end of her dress in her hands as she held onto the berries she had found. She and William had located the stream again and a small grassy area near by for their lunch. She was more than hungry as she walked back to the small fire that William had burning near the creek bank.

She smiled as she watched him tend to the rabbit as it cooked. She still couldn’t believe how he managed to kill it. It was the most amazing thing she had ever seen. She had heard tales of the hunters and how they trapped their prey, but to see William do it, she wondered where he had even learned such a skill.

The increasingly enamored feelings she felt towards him had only grew when he had stopped her and reached for a small dagger in his boot before whirling it through the air. She had thought him crazy until she heard a rustling in the bushes before he walked over and produced a rabbit, the dagger planted firmly in its side.

The smile on his face as he proudly held it up for her had caused a light laughter to come from her. She knew at that moment she was in trouble. Her feelings for him were growing and no matter how much she enjoyed the feel of it, she knew it could never be.

“Find anything?” William asked as Buffy walked to the water’s edge and started washing the berries.

“Yeah, but I’m not sure if they’re all eatable. Some of these I’ve never seen before.”

William stood up and walked over to her, kneeling down beside of her before reaching out and grabbing a few of the berries. “Well, these are called heartsmath berries.” He told her as he held up the large purple berry. “They’re good, but I don’t think the forest is the place you want to be after eating them.” He said with a smile. “They kind of…go right through you, if you know what I mean?”

Buffy smiled as she looked up at him, realization of his meaning dawning on her. She watched as he pulled the large purple berries out and placed them to the side before grabbing the light yellow ones she had found. They were very small but had the most fragrant smell.

“These tiny things are probably the best you’ve managed to find.” William told her with a smile as he popped a few into his mouth. “They’re small but the taste of them makes up for their size.”

Buffy smiled as he held a few out for her before taking them. She had never tasted anything like it. It was a little crunchy as she first bit into them, but once the hard skin was gone, the inside seemed to be nothing but juice. “Mmmm…these are delicious.” She said, looking down to see that she had plenty more of them.

“That they are.” William said smiling as he rinsed the good berries off and stood. “Rabbit’s almost done.” He told her as he stood and reached down, taking her hand and helping her up. “Hopefully the berries will offset the tasteless hare and make for a nice lunch.”

Buffy walked back over to the fire, watching as William turned the rabbit again. Bland or not, it smelled heavenly, her empty stomach growling in response as she took in the scent. She settled down, pulling her torn dress down and covering her bare legs as she relaxed from their long morning walk. As much as she wished she were still in the comforts of the carriage, her adventure with William wasn’t turning out to be that bad. He was actually nice to talk to, when he wasn’t irritating her that is, and the constant butterflies she had been having were starting to settle more the longer they talked.

“There, I think it might be done.” William said as he cut into the rabbit and looked at the meat. “Have to let it cool a bit.” He added before looking over at Buffy. He smiled as she stared at the fire, her eyes unfocused. “Princess, you still here?” he asked, waving his hand infront of her.

Buffy looked up at him, her head leaning to the side slightly as she folded her hands in her lap. “What is Prince Edward like?”

William stared at her for a few seconds before removing the rabbit from the fire and placing it off to the side to cool before answering her. “Well, he’s like any other Prince I suppose.” He said, staring at the stream.

“How so?”

William turned his head back to her and smiled as he sat up straight. “Well, it’s kind of hard to say. What do you want to know exactly?”

“Was he married before?” Buffy asked him, Angelus’ remarks still in her mind.

“No, who told you that?” William asked her shocked and curious.

“Prince Angelus did.”

“Well, that ponce would have told you anything.” He said laughing.

“He said Prince Edward couldn’t keep his last bride safe. If he were never married, then what was he referring to?”

William busied himself with the rabbit, cutting a few pieces of it off, hoping it would cool enough to handle it before glancing back over at Buffy. “Prince Edward was betrothed to the Princess of Bochkur when she was born. They were to be married three summers ago.”

“Oh.” Buffy said in complete shock. She had no idea Prince Edward had already been engaged. “What happened?”

“Well, Prince Edward and Prince Angelus were very good friends at one time, believe it or not, and well, Prince Angelus decided that he wanted her as well.”

“Even though she was already betrothed to someone?”

“Yes, personally I think he enjoyed the challenge.” William told her as he cut the rabbit apart. “Prince Angelus never wants for anything; that is unless someone else already has it.”

“So he just wanted her because Prince Edward had her?”

“Pretty much so. I mean, she was beautiful, no denying that, but they always took to everything like it was a competition to be won and she was no exception.”

“What happened?” Buffy asked as William handed her a still warm piece of the rabbit.

“Well, Prince Edward found them together.” He said quietly, smiling at her slightly before turning back to the rabbit.

“Found them together?” she asked, her forehead scrunched slightly as she looked at him confused.

“Prince Angelus made sure that no one would want her, especially Prince Edward.” He told her, “No future King wants a woman who’s not pure.”

Buffy looked away when she realized what he was saying. That thought had never crossed her mind. She had heard tales of women who did such things without a husband, but never a Princess. She could completely see why Prince Edward didn’t marry her.

“So what happened after that? Was the wedding called off?”

William chuckled slightly before shaking his head. “No, not exactly.” He told her, “There wasn’t a need for it.”

“Why?”

“You ask a bleedin’ lot of questions. You know that?” he asked her smiling.

“Well, I might as well get to know him best I can.” Buffy said smiling. “It’s not like I’m going to get a chance to now.”

“Sorry.” William said smiling.

“It’s not your fault.”

“Well, actually it is.”

“How so?” Buffy asked, not seeing how getting attacked was his fault.

“Well, if I had waited for the escort, we’d probably be half way to Alcala by now, not stuck out in the middle of no where.”

“I see.”

“But if it makes you feel any better, King Rupert will probably have me stoned to death the minute we show up.” He said chuckling as he looked over at her. “So, your revenge for having to sleep in the dirt will be sweet.”

“He wouldn’t do that would he?” she asked, getting worried. Sure she had wanted him punished in the beginning, but not dead.

“I wouldn’t be surprised.” He said laughing harder. “King Rupert may look like a push over, but believe me, he’s not.”

“Well, since you’ve feed me so well,” she started as she held up her food, “I’ll personally see that you’re cast into the darkest dungeon until you die of old age. How’s that?” she said giggling quietly as she looked over at him.

William smiled and stared at her for a long minute, her light laughter causing his own to come forward. “That sounds like a fair deal pet.” He said, looking away briefly before returning his attention back to her. “You’ll come visit ‘eh, give an old man some company?”

Buffy laughed louder when William wiggled his eyebrows at her, smiling around the piece of rabbit he was chewing on. “Yeah, I’ll come and visit you. I’ll even bring you some heartsmath berries for your good behavior. Should make for a nice treat in your little cell.”

William laughed heartily at that, Buffy’s laughter mixing with his own. He shook his head at her, liking the smiling happy version of her opposed to the snarky biting one.

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Prince Angelus rode as fast as his horse would carry him, a small group of ten men riding swiftly behind him. He had wasted precious time finding the perfect men for the job and getting the horses ready and storing enough food to last them in case they weren’t able to catch up with William and Princess Elizabeth had taken a serious bite out of the daylight as the sun was already started to set.

Darting off the rode where the Royal carriage had overturned, Prince Angelus pushed his men through the forest in the same direction that William had taken Princess Elizabeth. Desire to make her his drove him to find her quickly and take her away from Prince Edward. The fact that her Kingdom was rich and her dowry would be enough to form an army unstoppable by any was his main goal, but the look on Edwards face when he realized he had once again beaten him would be better than all the riches in the world.

“Sire, up ahead, do you see that?” one of the men behind Angelus asked.

Angelus slowed his horse, the men behind him doing the same as they saw the horse William and Buffy had left on wandering around the forest. Coming to a stop beside of the animal, Angelus leaned his head to the side, taking in the arrow still protruding from his leg before a large smile graced his face.

“They’re on foot.” He announced, a gleeful laughter spilling from his chest. “This is going to be too easy.” He said, giving his horse a little kick before moving once again. “Keep your eyes open and spread out.” He called out over his shoulder.

The men all laughed as they followed Angelus deeper into the forest, their target now on foot. The search would still be hard, but seeing how their target was now slow moving, they would catch up to them quicker than they had originally thought.

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Buffy was having a hard time seeing where she was going as the setting suns light was quickly leaving the forest. The thick canopy of trees that had provided shelter from the harsh suns rays earlier was now becoming a nuisance as their light source was dimming.

William was just ahead of her, his head turning from side to side in search of shelter as she fumbled around behind him. He would turn to look at her every so often, making sure she was alright before he would once again search for some place for her to sleep.

Buffy slowed her steps, breathing heavily as William stopped and looked around. She glanced around at their surroundings, the sound of the stream they had been following the only noise in the forest as the thick blanket of trees looked endless. She stopped just behind him, watching as he raised his hand, scrubbing at his face before he turned to look at her.

“Well Princess, looks like this is going to have to do.” He said, pointing to a small grassy area. “No shelter if it rains, but it looks soft.”

Buffy smiled, seeing the concern etched on his face. “It will be fine William.” She told him as she looked around.

“Alright then.” He said, smiling back at her. “I’ll get us a fire going; the light’ll be gone soon.”

Buffy watched as he started clearing out a small spot to build the fire before grabbing a few rocks to contain it. She looked around, seeing a few pieces of wood before walking over and grabbing them.

William looked up as Buffy walked over; throwing the large pieces of wood down before he smiled up at her. “I can do that, no need to get your hands dirty.”

Buffy shrugged her shoulder at him before turning and heading back over towards the trees. “It’s not like I have anything better to do.” She said, bending over and grabbing a few more twigs.

William watched her for a few minutes, smiling as she continued to search for firewood before turning his attention back to the fire. Arranging the kindling Buffy had thrown down, it didn’t take him long to have a small fire going.

Buffy threw down the last pieces she had gathered up and was about to search for more when William grabbed her arm. “That’s enough, you sit down, and I’ll find the rest.”

Buffy gave him a little smile before nodding her head at him and sitting down by the fire. The forest was almost black now; the only light to be seen was barely peeking over the tops of the trees. The sound of the fire crackling along with the running water from the stream was calming as she sighed heavily, her body finally relaxing from a day filled with walking.

Turning her head, she could barely make William’s form out as he searched the forest for more wood through the darkness. Stretching out the kinks in her neck, Buffy brought a hand to her mouth as a yawn escaped her before she looked down at the ground, clearing away the small twigs that were there before she laid down, her head pillowed on her hands.

Staring into the fire, watching as the red flames danced, her eyes slowly fluttered shut, the weight of her eyelids making it hard for her to keep them open. Giving in to her exhausted body, sleep soon overcame her.

William laid the last bit of wood down, glancing at Buffy before settling down on the opposite side of the fire. He lay down, propping himself up on his elbow and watched the fire for a few minutes before looking over at Buffy. He smiled as he stared at her, her face looked angelic with the light from the fire dancing shadows around her. Sighing heavily, he laid down on his back, staring up at the sky as the light from above slowly faded into darkness. Sparring one last glance over at Buffy, he slowly closed his eyes, visions of her beauty dancing behind his closed eyelids.

To Be Continued…………………

A/N……..Well, looks like Angelus isn’t going to stop his pursuit of the Princess any time soon. How long will it take for him to catch up to them? How far will Buffy let her feelings go for William and what exactly lies in the Enchanted Forest?

Thank you again for the lovely reviews! I’m glad you are enjoying the story as much as I enjoy writing it. Chapter 7 will be up in a few days!

Zarrah

Temptations of the Heart

Chapter 7

Tara walked slowly into the main throne room, watching her father as he stood by the window staring out. The light clicking of her shoes on the hard stones floors echoed in the large chamber, but King Rupert never took his attention off of the scene outside.

Sighing slightly, she reached her hand out, touching his arm as she stopped beside of him. “They’ll find the Carriage father.” She said softly, smiling at him as he turned to look at her. “I’m sure everything is just fine. Please don’t worry so.”

King Rupert smiled back at her before raising his hand and placing it over hers. “Yes, I do hope you are correct.” He said before looking back out at the men assigned to go search for the Carriage. Princess Elizabeth should have been there hours ago and he had automatically gone into a panic when the carriage didn’t show. Assembling a small group of men, he had ordered them to ride until they found the Carriage.

“Any word from Edward?” he asked, turning back to her.

“No father.” Tara said softly, “He hasn’t returned either.”

Tara stepped back as her fathers face twisted in rage, his irritation evident on his face.

“That boy is really trying my patience.” He spat out, his anger at his son almost consuming him. “Why he insists on being pig headed is beyond me.”

“Edward does these things to upset you father.” Tara told him, “He knew how important it was to go to Parissa himself.”

“I know.” King Rupert finally said defeated. “If Caroline were still alive…….”

Tara smiled fondly at the memories of her mother before wrapping her arm around her father. “We could always tie him up in the square, let the people have a go at him.” She said smiling.

King Rupert let out a small chuckle before turning and placing a small kiss on Tara’s head. “Yes, that we could, but I’m not sure I want to subject the Kingdom to Edwards’s ill fated ways.”

Tara laughed quietly before leaning in and kissing her fathers cheek. “I’m sure everything will be fine.” She said as she pulled back away from him. “I’ll be in my chamber if you need me.”

“Good night dear.” King Rupert said, smiling as he turned to look at her.

Tara smiled back at him before turning and walking away. She glanced back at him as she reached the door, watching the worried look once again fall upon his face before she turned and walked down the hall. She was as upset with her brother as much as her father was. He wasn’t taking his responsibilities seriously. The future King was nothing more than a spoiled brat in her opinion and the extra stress on her father was worrying her. Why Edward had decided that hunting was more important than escorting his future bride to his Kingdom, was beyond her, but Edward always did just as he pleased, no matter what was expected of him.

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Buffy stretched, being pulled from her sleep as the dew from the ground slowly seeped into her dress and hair. She winced slightly as she opened her eyes and moved her neck, the stiffness in her joints from sleeping on the hard cold ground something she wasn’t accustomed to. Sitting up, she wiped at her eyes and looked around.

The fire had all but died to nothing, only a few burning embers still glowing. The sun had rose, its light starting to shine above the canopy of the trees once again. Glancing around, she noticed William was no where to be seen and she immediately panicked. Standing quickly, she pushed her hair away from her face as she spun in a circle, searching for him.

“William?” she said loudly, looking through the still darkened forest before she took a few steps towards them. Buffy’s eyes searched the forest, fear creeping up her spine. What if he left her there? *No, he wouldn’t have done that* she told herself. He could have left me yesterday, but he didn’t. “William!” she said again, turning in a circle as she looked around.

*Okay, calm down, he didn’t leave you* Buffy tried to reassure herself as she looked out into the darkened forest. Turning, she stared at the stream, watching the water travel its path as she brought her hands up, and tried to smooth her crumpled hair out. Taking a deep breathe, she closed her eyes, trying to push her fear away without much luck.

William cleared the trees, making his way back to the campsite where he had left Buffy. He smiled when he saw her standing by the stream. Cradling the arm full of berries he had collected for them, he quickened his step.

“Good morning Princess.” He said as he finally made his way to her and stopped by her side.

Buffy spun around at his voice, not hearing him approach as she was lost in her thoughts. She smiled weekly at him as the heavy feeling that had been creeping it’s was into her body slowly lifted.

“What’s wrong?” William asked worriedly as he looked at her and saw that her eyes were filled with unshed tears.

“Oh, nothing.” Buffy lied as she forced a bigger smile on her face.

“You sure?” he asked as he tilted his head to the side as he looked at her.

“Yes, I’m fine.” Buffy said, looking down at the berries in his arm. “Breakfast?” she asked, changing the subject.

“Yeah.” William said quietly, still not believing that something wasn’t wrong. “Just let me give them a wash.” He added before walking to the stream and bending down.

Buffy let out a silent breath, quickly wiping her watery eyes as William cleaned the berries. She sighed in relief as she looked at him and her fear instantly vanished as she walked closer to the stream and settled down on the ground.

She didn’t think she had been this scared since her father was killed, but waking and finding William gone had terrified her. The thoughts of having to take care of herself out in the middle of nowhere left her with an uneasy feeling. She wasn’t use to doing things that servants were used for. She had never had to rely on herself to find food or shelter and the thoughts of having to do it now worried her.

William was watching Buffy as she sat there staring at the stream. She had a far off look on her face and there was a slight frown creasing small lines in her forehead. He knew something had upset her and he wondered if he should push her to tell him or just let it slide.

“Buffy.” William said, trying to get her attention.

Buffy sat there, lost in her thoughts. She finally looked down as William touched her hand and she looked up at him, smiling slightly.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

Buffy nodded her head at him, looking down at the berries he held in his hand before reaching out for them. Cradling the berries in her hands, Buffy smiled up at him again as she laid them in her lap and started to eat their meager breakfast.

William settled himself down beside of her, trying his best not to stare at her. She was extremely quiet and the silence was deafening. “So, what’s the plan for today?” he asked smiling, hoping to get her talking again.

Buffy smiled as she looked up, popping a few more of the small yellow berries into her mouth. “Well, I was thinking you could build me a carriage so I didn’t have to walk all the way to Alcala.” She answered him, smiling bigger as he chuckled at her.

“Guess I could do that.” William said laughing, “Not sure what we’d get to pull it.”

“Well, you could pull it, you are the one that got me into this mess, remember?”

“Oh I see now, the lowly page isn’t good enough to ride, only pull?”

Buffy laughed, feeling better by the second. “You could always just carry me.” She said, as she felt the familiar blush creep up her neck and settle on her face as the thoughts of him doing just that settled on her mind. She quickly looked away from him as he stared into her eyes and the once clear blue shine in them quickly darkened.

William held back a smile, watching the pink stain her cheeks before popping the last of his berries in his mouth before standing. “Hurry up Princess, we have a long day ahead of us.” He said as he walked over to the fire and made sure it was out. Glancing behind him, he saw Buffy stand before turning back to the fire, his restrained smile finally pushing its way to the surface.

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“Get up!” Angelus growled as he kicked at his men scattered around the ground. The sun was up and he knew if they wanted to catch up to William and the Princess they needed to get moving.

Grumbling and cursing quietly, the gang of scraggly men slowly rose, wiping the sleep from their eyes before standing, eyeing their master before each tended to their horse and prepared for the coming day.

Grabbing food quickly, the men ate, mounting their horses and soon, they were all on their way.

Angelus led the group, their pace less hurried than the previous day due to the fact that their prey was now on foot. He knew they wouldn’t get too far ahead of them, no matter how slow they traveled.

Finding the stream several hours after dawn, Angelus slowed his horse, stopping and dismounting allowing the animal a much needed break as his men slowly fell in place around the stream along side of him.

“Why do you think he wants her so badly?” one of the men asked quietly as their horses drank from the stream.

“Have you seen her?” the second man asked with a toothy grin. “’ell I’d probably chase her myself”

“Pretty then?”

“Oh she’s more than that.”

The first man laughed quietly to himself, shaking his head as he looked over to where Angelus was standing.

“Beauty may be a significant reason, but I think his true desire lies in that of Prince Edward.”

“Oh, really? How so?”

“Lord Angelus hates him. If he hadn’t been trying to win Princess Elizabeth’s hand to begin with, he would have still tried to take her, just to prove to Prince Edward that he could.”

“LORD! We found something!”

Angelus stood up, looking to his left as his men all looked over in the direction of the man shouting. Walking quickly over he stopped as he approached the rock the man was pointing at.

Bending down, Angelus scooped up the dirty white stockings that lay crumpled on the rocks before standing up. Smiling he ran the material through his hands before turning and facing his men. “They were here.” He said as he started back to his horse. “Let’s go!”

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Buffy was breathing heavily, trudging along the rough terrain of the forest. She had one hand on her dress, holding the bottom up slightly as if kept catching on the fallen limbs and bushes that littered the ground.

She and William had been walking for hours, the scenery never changing. They had tried to stay near the stream, but as it started winding future to the left, William had steered their path to the right.

“Are we almost there?” Buffy asked, slightly breathless.

William chuckled softly from his position in front of her before turning to look at her. “No hardly.” He said smiling. “It will be a while before we make it.”

“I’m so tired.” Buffy said wearily. “I don’t think I’ve ever had to walk this much.”

“Do you want to stop and rest a bit?”

Buffy smiled and shook her head. “No, the longer I sit, the less time we have for travel.”

“Are you sure?” William asked, stopping to look at her.

“Yes. I’ll be fine.”

William smiled and gave a small nod of his head before turning and leading their way. The trees were starting to thin a little, giving way to more open areas. As they climbed a small incline, Buffy stumbled, falling before William stopped and grabbed her arm, helping her up the hill.

“Thanks.” Buffy said, struggling up the hill, her dress tripping her as she went. As they topped the small hill, the tress seemed to vanish, leaving nothing before them but soft green grass.

William smiled, looking out across the valley as he saw that they had finally cleared the forest. “Well, looks like we escaped the first leg of our journey.”

“Really?” Buffy asked cheerfully.

“Yes, Alcala lies to the east.” He said pointing to his left before turning his head to look at her.

Buffy stopped, taking a deep breath before looking off in the direction he was pointing to. She smiled as she saw the rolling hills, the wide open fields of green grass seeming to go on forever before a wide expanse of trees was seen in the distance. “How long will it take us to make it there?”

“Well, Alcala lies on the other side of the Enchanted Forest.”

“Is that it?” Buffy asked, glancing up at him before looking back out over the valley.

“Yes, that’s it.”

Buffy smiled, the mystical tales she had heard spun about the forest coming back to her mind as she looked at it. “Somewhere deep down, I honestly thought it wasn’t real.” She said smiling back up at William. “The stories I’ve heard about what lies in the forest are things of imagination, not reality.”

“Well, I guess we’ll see then, won’t we.” William said to her smiling as he slowly started walking again.

“What do you mean?” Buffy asked as she walked along beside of him.

“Well, we’ll have travel through there. I imagine we’ll get a chance to see if the tales are correct about it.”

Buffy’s eyes widened as did her mouth as she stopped in her tracks. “We can’t travel into the Enchanted Forest! It’s forbidden!”

William stopped and turned looking at her shocked face in amusement. “Forbidden or not, that’s the way we are going.”

“But…but, we can’t!”

William chuckled at her shocked face, smiling before shaking his head. “Buffy, if we don’t travel into the Enchanted Forest, then we’ll have to travel around it. That will add another three or four days onto our trip. Now I’m sure you don’t want that, do you?”

Buffy turned back to the forest, looking in disbelief and wonder at the place of myth she had heard so much about. Of all the things she had heard, the most important was that no one ever disturbed the Forest. The creatures that lie within its depths were pure and unspoiled, never to be seen. How could they destroy such things if they ‘really’ existed?

William could see so many emotions cross her face as she stared towards the Enchanted Forest. He had also heard the tales about the mystical creatures that roamed the forest and like most, he wanted to see for himself, but never ventured in for fear of disrupting the balance that held the Forest together, but just as he told her, they had no choice. It was either enter the forest and shorten their journey or go around it, and he didn’t think Buffy would be able to make it if that were the case.

“Come on Princess.” William said softly, reaching our at taking her arm.

Buffy turned her head looking at him as he smiled down at her. She returned his smile, sighing lightly before they started moving again. As she looked out over the valley, her eyes never strayed far from the forest. Smiling, she readied herself for an adventure that she knew Dawn would never believe, her youngest sister’s yearning to see first hand what lied beyond the Forest boundaries always causing a smile to light up her face. Glancing back up at William briefly, Buffy’s smile widened when she realized that not only had William made her feel things she never thought she would, but he was giving her an adventure of a life time.

To Be Continued………….

A/N…..SOOOO sorry for the delay guys, but writing four stories at once is proving more time consuming that I had originally thought. Another BIG Thank you to all who have reviewed and also to those readers who choose to remain anonymous. *g* Your feedback is appreciated.

Now, up next??? William and Buffy’s journey to the Enchanted Forest while Prince Angelus is closing in, and will they make it before he finds them and what “exactly’ lies within the boundaries of the Forest?

~*~Zarrah~*~

Temptations of the Heart

Chapter 8

Joyce sat down heavily, the note hanging limply in her hand as a small tear fell silently down her cheek. Her baby was gone? How did this happen?

“Mother, is everything okay?” Willow asked from the doorway of her Mother’s chamber.

Joyce looked up, seeing the concern on her daughters face before she stood. “Go pack your belongings and get your sisters to do the same.” She said quickly as she walked to her desk. “Tell Matthew to get the Carriage ready as well, we leave in an hour.”

“Mother, you’re scaring me, what’s happening?”

Joyce bit back the sobs ready to escape and looked at her daughter. “The carriage sent to retrieve Buffy has been attacked, she is missing. We haven’t much time, please go do as asked.”

“Yes Mother.” Willow said quickly before turning and running down the hall, tears threatening to fall as she did.

“Where’s the fire?” Dawn asked as she saw Willow run past the library as she stepped out.

Willow stopped at her sister’s voice, turning and looking at her. “Go pack your things, we leave in an hour!”

“What’s wrong?” Dawn asked, scarred at the look on Willow’s face.

“Buffy’s missing. Mother is preparing to go to Alcala, now hurry.” Willow informed her before once again turning and taking off down the hall. “Inform Cordelia!” she yelled back over her shoulder at Dawn before turning the corner and searching for Matthew.

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William stretched his arms out, laying them across his upraised knees as he sat on the ground looking out across the valley. He had finally insisted that they stop for a while as Buffy had began to look more fatigued than he had ever seen her. He knew she would have kept going, just to prove that she could, but he knew she needed the rest.

His point had been proven not ten minutes after sitting down when he glanced over and found her fast asleep. William turned his head, looking back over at her as she lay in the short grass that surrounded her. She looked like an angel with the sun’s rays bouncing off of the golden curls of her hair. He smiled as his eyes roamed over her form, the small flowers that scattered the hillside surrounding her, creating a picture more beautiful than anything he could ever imagine.

Her head was titled to the side with her left arm draped loosely across her waist and even with dirt marring her face she was still the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Leaning back, William propped himself up on an elbow, his attention still on the woman beside him. He had never thought a woman would seize his heart so quickly, but one look at Elizabeth and he knew. She was what he had been searching for.

She was everything he could have ever asked for. She was funny and caring, sweet and feisty and her beauty surpassed any he had ever seen. The only distressing thing about his feelings for her was Prince Angelus and his relentless pursuit of her. How would he be able to keep her safe and at what price?

Sighing heavily, William finally looked away, laying down on his back and staring up at the sky. He watched the clouds move across the bluest sky he had seen in days and his thoughts were carried to another time and place. Anger swelled inside him along with a fear he hated himself for having. He would do everything in his power to protect Buffy but would it be enough?

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Prince Angelus rode slowly through the forest, his eyes trained to every movement he saw. They had found a second camp at which he assumed was where the Princess and William had stayed and after a short rest they were once again on their way.

The forest was becoming more difficult to maneuver threw as the trees were thick. He was becoming more agitated as time went on and knew at this pace his chances of finding them were growing thin. William wasn’t nearly as stupid as Angelus liked to believe and he knew that the boy would do everything in his power to protect the Princess even if that meant angering the gods and entering the Enchanted Forest.

They had to make up their lost time once they hit the valley and hoped that by being on foot, William and Elizabeth would tire and need more rest. His whole plan hinged on the hopes that he reached them before they entered the forest. Ethan had assured him that even if they were protected by the forest, that they would still be able to attain her, only the task would be more difficult.

Stopping, Angelus let out an angry growl as their path was blocked by the thicket of trees that seemed to trap them. Backing his horse up, he held to his men as they all retreated and searched for another way out of the forest.

________________________________________

Buffy stretched and smiled as the sun’s rays had warmed her, engulfing her in a blanket of warmth. She lazily blinked her eyes, smiling as the sight of William lying next to her caused a small contented sigh to escape her throat.

Sitting up, she looked around, stretching out her arms and pulling the kinks from her neck as she looked across the valley towards the forest. It looked so far away but even from this distance she could almost feel the power of it pulling her. The sun shone on the tree tops, the blue haze it caused as it reflected off the trees lining the outer skirts and anticipation of what they would find there had her eager to get moving again.

Looking back over at William, Buffy smiled again as she stared at him. Never had she thought of a man as being beautiful, but that was the only word she could think of to describe him. His features were strong and captivating with lean muscles encased in smooth pale skin and just the sound of his voice elicited chills through out her body.

Looking down, she grinned widely as she picked the small purple flower that stood between them, pulling it from the ground before reaching her hand out. She grinned big as William’s nose twitched from side to side as she ran the flowers petals softly under his nose. She suppressed a giggle as she ran it up his cheek, watching him bring his hand up, swatting unsuccessfully at the flower as she quickly pulled it away.

Holding back her giggles, Buffy once again ran the flower across Williams face, lightly tracing the sharp line of his cheekbone before bringing it across the bridge of his nose and down across his lips. Buffy stilled her hand, watching as the bright purple petals lay softly across the pink expanse of Williams lips before she slowly moved it across them. She was so engrossed in what she was doing that she never saw his eyes open as he looked up at her.

William just lay there and watched her, his already enamored feelings for her growing as he watched her study him as she ran the sweet smelling flower across his lips. He held his breath, knowing his breathing would get out of control if he didn’t physically suppress it and his concentration was broken as Buffy turned her eyes to his.

Buffy saw the once crystal blue orbs staring back at her. The swirling colors in his eyes darkening as he stare up at her and the once embarrassed feeling of the heat that always seemed to rise in her face when she made eye contact with him made her own breathing increase as William rose from his position, sitting up and facing her.

All rational thoughts vanished from Buffy’s mind as she realized how close they were and with all her power, she couldn’t look away.

William stared at her, blue clashing with green as he stare deeply into her eyes. The mass of green that pulled him made his heart skip in his chest. Reaching down, William lifted the flower from her hand, bringing it up before running it across her chin, tracing her jaw.

Buffy’s breath was coming in short pants as her eyes fluttered shut as she felt the same flower she had explored his features with now skim softly across her skin. Her lips parted slightly as she felt the feather soft touch of the petals skim across them before it ran up her cheek.

Opening her eyes, she looked at him with hooded lids as she realized she had unconscientiously moved closer. William moved her hair away from her face, placing the flower behind her ear before running his finger down her cheek. His eyes followed his fingers path as he brushed them softly across her skin. His breath caught in his throat as the small pink tip of her tongue darted out between her lips, moistening them before his finger ran across it, gathering up the moisture left behind.

“You are so beautiful.” He whispered, his eyes once again returning to hers as his hand came to rest on her cheek.

Buffy could feel his words as they played across her lips and even though physical contact never came, it felt like the sweetest kiss she had ever received. She stare up at him, his breath mingling with hers as they were close enough to touch. She briefly wondered why he hadn’t closed the distance until she realized he was waiting for her permission to kiss her.

Her heart soared in her chest and screamed yes to his silent question as she longed to taste him but the constant hammering in her head had her suddenly hating who she was. Pulling back, Buffy dropped her eyes, closing them as the tears of her misfortune stung them. “I’m sorry.” She whispered, her head hung in disappointment. “But I can not.” She said, knowing as future Queen to Prince Edward, she couldn’t allow anything to come between the union that had to be made, not even a forbidden love that she knew she would long for till her death.

William smiled; letting out the breath he had withheld before he reached out and hooked his finger under Buffy’s chin and raised her head. “Prince Edward will be grateful to know he has such a loyal bride. Your commitment to him is most honorable.”

Buffy smiled weakly, pleased with herself for stopping what she knew would have been the end of the treaty her Mother had worked so hard to attain and disappointed at the same time for not being allowed the smallest pleasure of releasing her feelings for William. She could see the same disappointment in his eyes as well and the sight alone gave her small comfort in at least knowing he did feel the same for her.

Leaning up, Buffy placed a small kiss on William’s cheek, lingering there for a moment before pulling back. “Thank you.” She said softly as she looked back up at him.

“For what?” William asked, confused by her words.

Buffy smiled, her heart breaking and filling with joy at the same time. “For giving me the one thing I thought I’d never find.”

“And what was that?” he asked softly, his head tilting slightly as he looked at her.

Buffy’s smile brightened as her heart filled with a love that she thought she would never experience and knew could never be, before she finally looked away and stood. “We better get going.” She said as she brushed the grass from her dress and looked out over the valley. Not waiting, she slowly started walking, leaving William sitting on the ground as her heart slowly broke; one tiny piece at a time.

________________________________________

Angelus smiled triumphfully as the tress of the forest cleared and his view of the valley spanned as far as he could see. His small group of men slowly came to stop around him, their delighted voices carrying over the hills as he looked towards Alcala.

“It shouldn’t be hard to find them now.” Angelus informed his men. “I’m sure they’ve made it out of the forest by now and if I assume correctly, William will head straight for the forest.” He told them, searching the valley for any signs of them.

“What shall we do when we find them sire?” one of his men asked.

“Acquire the Princess and leave William to me.” He said with a twisted smile. “This is one fight I am eager to win.”

The laughter of his men rang out over the valley as Prince Angelus let out a yell, his horse bolting from its place as the group sprang from their spot on the hilltop and descended onto the valley. Smiles lit up the faces of them all as the final leg of their journey was rapidly coming to an end.

________________________________________

Buffy could see the sun setting as they neared the Forest. Her heart was beginning to beat faster in her chest as they approached. Her fear of entering was combined with the adrenaline rush of finally seeing what lie inside the boundaries.

She and William had been walking for what seemed like hours without stopping. William had said he didn’t want to rest again until they were safely inside the forest. They hadn’t eaten all day and Buffy was moving slowly as hunger engulfed her small frame.

Only a few words had been spoken between them since their ‘almost’ kiss on the hillside. Buffy could still feel his words; the soft wisp of warmth that caressed her lips when he told her she was beautiful brought a tiny smile to her face. If she never got to experience what it felt like to be in his arms and feel all that he was, knowing that he felt the same for her was enough.

William glanced at Buffy out of the corner of his eye, seeing the tiny smile that seemed to brighten her entire face. He wondered what she were thinking and hoped it were him as she had been on his mind all evening. He had never wanted for anything the way he had wanted to kiss her back on that hill but knew he couldn’t overstep his bounds with her, and no matter how much he wanted her, he wouldn’t do anything to dishonor her.

He finally sighed heavily, looking back at the forest as they approached. The shadows from the large trees loomed in the distance as the sun had begun to descend. Running a hand over his face, William looked forward to the shelter the forest would provide as his own body felt fatigued from the long hours of walking.

A light rumbling finally caught his attention causing his head to turn from side to side as he searched for the source of the sound. Finally stopping as it seemed to grow louder, William turned, scanning the area.

Buffy saw William stop and she also stopped as the look on his face puzzled her. That’s when she heard it, the distant rumble that seemed to grow more loudly the longer they stood. “What is that?” she asked, the sound causing a small fear to creep up her spine.

“Not sure.” William said as he looked out over the valley before turning back to the forest.

“Do you think it’s coming from the forest?” Buffy asked as she looked back at the trees off in the distance.

“I don’t think so.” William told her. “I’ve been closer to the forest than this and I’ve never heard anything like this before.”

Buffy turned as he did, both of them looking across the valley. Looking back the way they had came her eyes widened and her heart slammed against her chest.

“Buffy” William said as he slowly took a few steps backwards. “I want you to run and don’t stop till you reach the forest.” He said turning to look at her.

Buffy was frozen in her spot as she saw the small figures on horseback making their way towards them. Fear had her paralyzed as she knew Prince Angelus had found them.

“Buffy!” William yelled, grabbing her by the shoulders and turning her to face him. “Did you hear me?”

Buffy blinked her eyes, finally registering that he was speaking to her before nodding her head.

“No matter what happens you don’t stop running until you are safely inside the forest boundaries, you understand!?”

“Yes.” Buffy said softly, as she felt tears stinging her eyes.

“Good, now let’s go!” William said as he grabbed her arm and ran.

Prince Angelus laughed as he saw William and Elizabeth running in the distance. There was no way they would out run him and the thoughts of a fight had his laughter ringing in the ears of his men. “Well men, this is it!” he yelled as he pushed his horse faster. “Let’s go get my Queen.”

William was practically dragging Buffy towards the forest as the sound of Angelus’ men came nearer. Fear was rising in him as he and Buffy ran for the safety of the forest. He knew as much as Angelus wanted Buffy, that he would take as much pleasure in killing him as well.

“Buffy you have to go faster!” William yelled, pulling her along with him.

“I can’t!” Buffy yelled back, her breath coming in pants as her body screamed in pain.

“You have to!”

Buffy lifted her dress higher, hearing the fear in his voice as she put every ounce of energy she had into her stride. Her body ached as she ran for her life, knowing that if Angelus caught her, his cruelty would be the death of her.

“Don’t stop until you reach the forest!” William said as he finally let go of Buffy’s arm.

Buffy picked her legs up higher, widening her stride as the forest grew closer. She could hear William just behind her now and she pushed herself still faster. He muscles ached and tears filled her eyes as she stared into the darkened forest, the sound of the horses coming closer.

William was at a loss as to what to do. Buffy was going to be taken from him and there was nothing he could do about it. Slowing, he let her get ahead of him before he looked behind him to see how close they were. It was a mistake he quickly realized when he tripped and fell.

Buffy heard the grunt of pain William made as he fell and looked back over her shoulder and saw him. She slowed as she looked at him but turned back around as he stood and yelled for her to keep going.

William righted himself, running again as Angelus closed in on him. Buffy had put a small distance between them and he smiled thinking she just may make it. “Don’t stop!” he yelled out to her. “Run faster!”

Angelus had laughed when he saw William fall and he motioned for his men to do as they had been instructed as his sights were now on William. Kicking his horse, he yelled as he darted away from the others, William his main goal.

William turned his head, seeing Angelus approach him and he made the decision to do the only thing he knew how to protect Buffy. Stopping, he turned and faced the man coming towards him knowing ‘he’ was what Angelus would go after first.

Angelus smiled as he saw William stop and slowed his horse as he neared him. Grabbing his sword, he pulled it from it’s sheath as a large smile broke out on his face.

William turned looking back at Buffy, hope rising in him as she was very near the forest. He was glad she had listened and kept going before he turned back to face Angelus.

Angelus’ smile broadened as he slowed his horse, his men still in pursuit of the Princess as he sprang from his horse and ran towards William. William stood at the ready as Angelus rushed him before he ran, throwing himself at him.

Buffy could hear the horses coming closer and her fear ran rampant. She pushed herself till she thought she would fall from the mere speed of her movements as the forest boundaries were just within her reach.

“Get her!” Buffy heard one of the men yell and she wondered why William hadn’t caught up to her yet but to afraid to look and see. He told her ‘not’ to stop and she would do as he told her to. The dark shadows of the forest engulfed her and she felt a slight reassuring comfort as she knew she was going to make it.

William dodged the blow Angelus threw at him before kicking out and catching him in the leg. He smiled as Angelus yelled in pain and kicked out again, his booted foot connecting with Angelus’ chin.

The splatter of blood that flew from his mouth and the dizzying feelings in his head from the hard kick angered Angelus as he turned and brought his sword up, swiping at William. The grunt William let out and the feel of his blade coming into contact with him was enough to clear his head as he quickly stood. Seeing the large gash and splash of red across William’s chest caused a small chuckle to escape him as he once again lunged at him.

Buffy’s mind was blank as she ran; the only thought going through her mind was to get to the forest. She no longer heard the men following her or the fight that was going on behind her as her eyes were wide with fear. A small sob escaped her throat as she picked her legs up, jumping the tall shrubbery that lined the forest before she finally made it to her destination. Not stopping, Buffy continued to run, dodging the trees as she ran into the shelter of the darkened forest.

“Don’t let her get away!” one of the men yelled as they all stopped outside the forest boundaries, their horses heaving in breaths of air as they stomped the ground.

“I’m not going in there!” another yelled as he feared the forest.

“Angelus will kill us all if we don’t capture her.”

“The forest will kill us if we enter!”

“That’s just a wives tale!”

“Then go in yourself! I’m not stepping foot inside there!”

Turning his head, the man in charge looked back at Angelus, knowing he would soon have ended William’s life and he would be ready for the Princess. Sighing heavily, he dismounted and walked to the forest boundaries, the others watching in awe as he pulled his sword and ventured into the darkness.

Buffy had finally stopped running, knowing they wouldn’t enter. She turned, looking around and fear once again consumed her as William was no where in sight. “William!” she yelled, hoping he had just veered off in another direction. Listening, she heard the footsteps of someone coming through the trees and she smiled knowing it was William. Running back the way she had came she stopped suddenly when she heard a man yell, the painful screams sending chills up her spine.

“I told you the forest wouldn’t allow it!” one of Angelus’ men yelled as they heard the frightful screams of their friend. “Only the pure of heart may enter!” he told them before he turned his horse away. “We will all die if we enter that place!”

Glancing back at Angelus, the men wondered what would be worse, death at Angelus’ hand or death by what lie in the forest. Knowing either one would be painful, an unspoken agreement was made between them as they all turned, fleeing from certain death and leaving Angelus to his own devises.

Buffy finally ran towards the scream she had heard, thinking William may have been hurt. She saw a clump of clothing up ahead and ran, fear running through her. Slowing as she approached, she realized it wasn’t William or anyone else for that matter. All that lay there were a mass of clothing and a sword. Reaching out, Buffy picked up the sword, the handle still warm from where it had been gripped in the previous owner’s hand. Kicking at the clothing, her brow furrowed curiously wondering what had happened to the man that should have been in them.

William fought with everything in him, kicking and punching at Angelus while trying to stay clear from the sword Angelus still swung at him. His chest burnt from the gash Angelus had cut across him and his hatred for this man consumed him as he fought for his life and Buffy’s.

Buffy ran towards the forest boundaries, the heavy sword held in her hand tightly as she searched for William. Seeing out into the valley, she noticed the men that had been following her had vanished just as the man that had come in after her had. Seeing a lone horse, she raised the sword, stepping around a tree and seeing Angelus and William fighting. Desire to run to them coursed through her but she knew any distraction would probably be a mistake William didn’t need.

She saw the red stain of blood running across the front of William shirt and a small gasp escaped her throat knowing he was hurt. Her eyes were wide as she watched them fight. Fear and awe consumed her as she watched William protect himself and her against Angelus.

Her eyes were riveted from one to the other as they battled each other, Angelus’ sword swinging at William as he dodged the blows. She smiled slightly, seeing the power William held as he fought a man clearly larger than he himself was and still he held his ground.

She jumped as Angelus kicked his leg out, catching William’s and sending him crashing to the ground. She watched with wide fearful eyes as Angelus brought his sword up high swinging it down forcefully.

“WILLIAM!!!”

To Be Continued…………

A/N…….VERY long chapter here. I figured I teased you with the Enchanted Forest for long enough so I made sure they at least MADE it there this time.

Now, I know that cliffy was kinda cruel, *eg* BUT, gotta keep you guessing…right?? Heheh. What will happen to William and what happened to the man that entered the Forest after Buffy? Find out all in the next chapter.

For those of you reading my other fics, “Sweet William” is the next on my list. Keep your eyes open for the update.

Thank You for the lovely reviews, you guys are awesome! Does my heart good to know what you think. Until next time……

~*~Zarrah~*~

http://darkprophecies.net/alwaysforever

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