Temptations of the Heart

Chapter 14

Buffy jumped as a bolt of lighting streaked across the sky, the distant rumbles left in its wake filling the air with thunderous booms that seemed to shake the earth. She turned, looking toward William as he looked up at the sky. "Storm?" she asked, the blue sky above them not giving any indication of one.

"Sounds like, but the sky is still blue," William said as he moved from his position and swam toward the center of the pond to get a clear view of the sky.

Buffy watched him before also looking up at the sky. She could still hear the faint rumbling of thunder and ventured away from the rocks she had been sitting on and swam toward the center of the pond where William was headed.

The longer he looked, the louder the thunder became. The sky was blue, but the rumbles seemed to vibrate in his chest as he looked out across the sky. A bright streak of lightening caught his attention as it flashed off to his left and he turned his head toward the mountains, his eyes widening slightly as he saw the dark black clouds billowing up and surrounding the mountain before it seemed to spread.

"What is that?" Buffy asked as she also saw the black clouds.

"Not sure," William replied. "Doesn't look like any storm clouds I've seen before."

"Me either," Buffy said, jumping slightly as another crack of thunder rumbled and lightening crackled as it lit up the sky around the clouds.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Ethan's eyes widened as the creature stood to its full height. Eight feet of towering muscle hovered above them and even though the creature's size was menacing, Ethan's fear came from the long hissing tongue that kept slithering from the creature's snake-like form.

It stood upright like a man, two strong legs holding up the massive beast as it slowly approached them. The end of its tail was unseen as it wound up around the many piles of jewels around the floor and the hissing sound the creature was making seemed to echo off the walls. Two small red eyes stared at the duo and the witch began to chant her protection spells again as the scaled creature came closer.

"Ssss-sacrilege," the creature hissed as it came forward, its tail finally whipping the piles of jewels across the room, sending rubies and diamonds scattering across the stone floor. "Death you ssss-seek."

"Ethan, your spell!" The witch yelled as Ethan stood almost mesmerized by the creature approaching them.

Ethan was caught in the creature's eyes. The small red orbs were holding him in place and paralyzing him where he stood. A genuine fear crept up his spine as the creature came closer before a hard slap from the witch broke the spell he seemed to be under.

"Do not look at it!" The witch yelled before resuming her chants.

Ethan shook his head, quickly reaching into his bag for the potion he had mixed before pulling it from the bag and looking back up at the creature. It was slow moving but the long red tongue darting out of its snake-like head whipped through the air and Ethan and the witch both took a step back as it struck out at them.

Uncapping the bottle, Ethan threw the potion toward the beast and a shrill scream pierced their ears as the creature cried out in pain. Its body began to smoke as Ethan began chanting his own spell.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Buffy's eyes widened as the black clouds surrounding the mountains started to spread at a rapid rate. Red flashes mingled in the black mass of swirling clouds as it started to spread across the sky. The wind picked up and the trees lining the pond swayed as their limbs whipped in the increasing breeze.

The rumbles were constant as the lightening streaked across the sky. The once blue sky began to darken as the clouds seemed to spread, effectively blacking out the suns light.

"Come on!" William yelled, looking back at Buffy before he started swimming toward the shore.

Buffy's heart was racing as the light began to fade. The once serene Enchanted Forest was now slowly being engulfed by darkness and the scraping of the tree branches as they whipped in the wind made the darkness even more frightening.

William grabbed Buffy's still damp dress, pulling it from the tree branch and shoving it at her as she came closer to the shore before grabbing his own clothes. He looked back up at the darkening sky as he quickly slipped his shirt over his head as the clouds had almost consumed any visible daylight left. The black clouds were mingled with red streaks and the sky looked as if it were bleeding as he turned and rushed out of the water.

Buffy was too frightened to even notice William's bare form as she quickly slipped the dress over her head and started pulling it down before walking out of the water. Her rapidly beating heart seemed to drown out everything around her as the sights and sounds around her seemed to consume her and terrify her more than anything ever before.

She barely even heard William call her name before she felt his hands on her back, quickly doing the buttons of her dress before he grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the trees.

The darkness engulfed them as the sky opened up, a hard, pounding rain drenching them as the shelter of the thick trees offered little cover for them.

William's mind was racing as he looked around in the darkness. He had no idea what was happening and truth be told, he was as frightened as Buffy was. Whatever was happening wasn't normal. Magic seemed to crackle in the air as the wind blew violently. Spotting a small cluster of low lying-trees, he led Buffy toward them, pulling her to the ground beside him and tucking her under the thick foliage.

"What's happening?" Buffy asked, tears springing to her eyes.

"I don't know," William answered her, looking out into the darkness. He could hear the horse stomp and snort as lightening lit up the sky before a blot of lightening lit up everything around them.

It seemed as if the whole world had been thrown into darkness as the wind and heavy rain consumed everything around them.

"Stay here," William said before standing.

"Don't leave me!" Buffy shouted, her eyes wide with fear.

"I'll be right back," William said before taking off into the darkness.

"William!" Buffy shouted, her fear causing her tears to finally come as soon as he was out of sight.

William ran back to their campsite, Buffy's voice ringing in his ears as she yelled his name before grabbing the saddlebags from the horse and untying his reins. He watched the horse gallop off before grabbing the blanket from the ground and running back in the direction he had left Buffy.

He could hear her crying and although he hated himself for leaving her, even if it only was for a minute -- without her small sobs, he would have never found her in the darkness.

Making his way to her, he threw the bags under the tress before crawling under the low-lying branches where Buffy was. "Shhh, don't cry princess," William said softly, wrapping the blanket around Buffy's shoulders and pulling her to him.

Buffy fell into his embrace, holding onto him as her body shook in fear. Her eyes closed, trying to block out what was happening but the wind seemed to mock her fear as it filtered through the trees, causing her anxiety to increase.

The first strong pelt was felt by William as a small stone-sized piece of ice fell hard, hitting his arm and causing him to jump before the sky opened up and rained the small hail balls toward the earth. The cover of the trees was almost useless and the speed at which the small pieces of ice slammed through the trees didn't slow them down any as the small stings began to rain over Buffy and William.

William grabbed the blanket, covering his and Buffy's heads with it trying, to protect them from the small projectiles. He wrapped one arm around Buffy's shoulder, holding her closer to him as she cried softly into his chest.

Buffy's arms went up, wrapping around William's neck as she felt his arm tighten around her shoulder. She could feel the small ice stones as they hit every so often, knowing that William was taking the brunt of them as his form was practically covering her own.

Her cries were growing silent, only a few stray tears finding their way down her cheeks as she tightened her hold around William's neck. The sounds of the howling wind and the hard tapping noises of the hail as they hit the trees and ground were the only things she could hear.

She buried her face in William's neck, the comfort she found in his embrace easeing her anxiety somewhat and the sound of his breathing taking her mind off of the strange occurrence that seemed to turn day into night in a matter of minutes.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Angelus stood by the window in his castle, a tiny smile lighting up his face. He was in awe at the scene before him. Ethan had said he would know, that the heavens would bleed and from the looks of the sky, that was certainly what it looked like.

Chaos seemed to erupt from a clear blue sky and throw the world, as he knew it, into a black abyss of screaming destruction. The wind whipped, swirling small tree branches through the air as small pebbles of ice crashed to the ground.

He chuckled slightly, shaking his head before turning and walking to the fireplace and sitting down. His head turned back to the window as the sound of trees breaking outside his window caught his attention. "I sure hope you know how to stop this, old man," he said quietly to himself as his mind flashed images of his father and what he must be up to before a smile curled his lips and he settled into his chair.

<><><><><><><><><><>

The occupants in King Rupert's castle all huddled together in the throne room. There wasn't a face there that didn't have the same fear written across it. All eyes were on the window and the bright red flashes that streaked across the sky. All thoughts were of Buffy and the men that had been sent to retrieve her.

Fear engulfed her entire being and Queen Joyce hid her tears from her daughters. She smiled as King Rupert took her hand, giving it a light squeeze. She turned her head to him, the reassuring smile on his face seeming to comfort her a little as she returned the light embrace to his hand.

"All will be well," King Rupert said quietly, smiling in spite of his own fear. "The gods will keep us safe."

<><><><><><><><><><>

William's arm was tiring as he held the blanket closed above his and Buffy's heads. His left arm was still around her shoulder, holding her tightly to him.

The hail had all but stopped hitting them as its descent was slowly being stopped by the trees. The rain still fell heavily and the blanket covering them was doing little to protect them from the elements, as it was completely soaked. The ground under them was drenched and as much as sleeping sitting up wasn't an appealing thought, it looked as if that was going to be the case.

William shifted his weight, sitting down fully on the ground; his legs had started to tingle as the circulation was cut off slightly. Buffy shifted with him, never loosening her hold on him and William smiled as Buffy's head nestled further into his neck. He could feel her warm breath playing across his skin and he had to hold back the small moan of pleasure he felt tickling his throat at her being so close.

He was surrounded by her scent. It was as intoxicating as she was. As he finally settled into a more comfortable position, he sighed heavily, his fear receding slightly. The distant rumbles had seemed to dissipate some and the lightening wasn't flashing as often as it had been.

Bending his right leg, William propped his elbow on his knee, offering his arm some rest from holding the blanket so high above them.

"It seems to be stopping," Buffy said quietly, her voice muffled as her face buried in his neck.

"Yes, but the light hasn't returned," William replied, bending his head to try to see her.

Buffy raised her head slightly when William lowered his and her eyes closed as she felt his breath tickle her ear. She sighed lightly, pulling her head back and smiling to herself as her cheek rested lightly against William's.

Buffy's breathing slowly increased as William moved his head, brushing the side of her face with his own and the hand that had been resting on her shoulder came up and lightly ran over the back of her head.

William could feel her tremble slightly and wondered briefly if it was still her fear at what was happening or if it was him. He knew she felt something for him, he could see it in her eyes. The feelings reflected in her eyes whenever she looked at him matched his own.

The realization that she wasn't pulling away from him quickened his heart rate, especially when he felt her move her head again and felt her lips brush across his cheek.

His breathing increased, matching Buffy's ragged breath before his eyes closed. It took everything in him to control himself with her. He wanted her, more than anything else in the world and at that moment, he was sure she wanted him in return.

Buffy lowered her left arm, bringing it from behind William's neck to rest lightly on his shoulder. Her heart was racing and she wasn't sure if the heat her body suddenly felt was from being covered by the damp blanket or from being so close to William.

She couldn't explain why, but as the hand resting on William's shoulder came up to rest on his cheek, Buffy turned her head, her lips brushing a path along his skin and when she felt him move his head she opened her eyes.

Their eyes locked, the darkness around them not hindering Buffy from seeing the crystal blue orbs that seemed to shine through the blackness. She let out a small breath of air she hadn't realized she had been holding in and ran her fingers softly over William's face, smiling as he eyes fluttered closed.

The small light touches that danced across his cheek caused his already rapidly beating heart to increase its pace. William's eyes slowly opened, looking down at the goddess in front of him as he felt her fingers slide across his bottom lip.

Buffy's eyes drank in his features, from the sharp angle of his cheekbones, the mesmerizing blue in his eyes to the full, pouty lip that her fingers were still slowly caressing. She knew she would never find another man as beautiful as he was and before she even had time to think about what she was doing, she leaned forward.

William's eyes fell shut the minute he felt her lips connect with his. He had to forcefully restrain himself from crushing her body to his and as he felt the first pass of her lips slide over his own, he felt his entire body respond.

Buffy felt the hand resting on the back of her head move slightly and William's fingers thread through her damp locks. She almost moaned as William leaned in further, applying more pressure to the kiss and as the slow, almost erotic movements his lips were making across hers increased, Buffy felt like her body was melting.

It was everything he knew it would be. The feel of her in his arms, the taste of her and the small unconscious sounds she was making were almost too much to take. He didn't know why she had initiated the kiss but wasn't about to let the moment go without showing her what he felt for her.

Buffy's breath caught in her throat as she felt his tongue slide across her lip and her already dizzying brain responded by allowing him access. The slow movements that had turned to her mush only seconds before exploded and a small moan escaped her throat as his tongue entered her mouth.

The arm that had been holding the blanket lowered, wrapping around her waist and pulling her closer to him as the kiss deepened and intensified. Buffy's mind was lost in the feel of him. The strong muscles of his back moving under her hands, the scent that had consumed her daily and the same intense need pouring into the kiss that she was slowly getting lost in.

As she finally pulled back for a gasping breath of air, William trailed a kiss across her jaw, moving his way to her neck. Buffy was panting for breath and feelings she had never before experienced flooded her body, making it tingle as if every nerve ending were on fire.

She barely even heard the words whispered against her neck that William was repeating, as her hazy mind was lost in the sensations he was causing, but as the small kisses he was raining over her skin moved toward her ear, she finally heard him.

Her eyes widened and her body went slightly stiff as she waited. Maybe she had heard him wrong, maybe it was wishful thinking that caused her brain to hear something that wasn't there, but as the soft puff of air that spilled out the words "I love you" reached her for a second time, the world caved in around her.

Buffy pulled back, scooting across the ground and out of his reach as his shocked eyes locked on hers. Her entire being was screaming at the injustice of her life and as her mind finally cleared she realized what had happened.

Her hand went to her mouth, covering it as tears stung her eyes. She shook her head, trying to get the words he had said out of her head but they only seemed to scream louder. As images of her kingdom flooded her mind, Buffy felt the pain of her title and as the tears started their descent down her face, the only thing she heard was William's voice as he called out her name.

She couldn't see much of anything as she ran. Her tears were blinding her as she ran through the darkened forest, trying to escape her life and the man she loved, whom she now knew returned her feelings.

The rain was still falling and as his voice came closer, she increased her speed. The thick trees made it difficult as did the long skirt of her dress but as the sobs erupted from her throat, Buffy knew she would rather face the journey on her own than to have to look at William again and know she could never have him.

William was frantic as he chased Buffy through the darkness. He wasn't sure what had happened but the look on her face right before she stood and ran tore a piece of his heart out. He called her name, barely able to see her small form through the trees and as her heartbreaking sobs reached his ears, he felt his own eyes stinging.

Buffy pushed herself harder as William's voice seemed to draw closer. Wet leaves and small tree limbs had her stumbling as she ran through the forest and as she turned her head to see if she could see him, a small scream broke through the darkness as she tripped.

William heard her scream, his heart pounding as he ran faster. He cursed himself and the darkness as fear began to overwhelm him. He called her name with every breath, his eye searching the darkness for her and as he felt the silent tears run down his cheek he felt his heart break.

Buffy had always heard people say that they saw stars when hit hard enough and as her head connected with the large tree trunk at the bottom of the hill that she had fallen down, she wondered briefly why she didn't see any.

Her head was pounding and she felt the blood run down her cheek as the large cut she knew was on her forehead leaked the crimson fluid across her face. Rolling over on her back, she moaned in pain, her eyes closing briefly as she heard William's voice call out to her.

As her eyes opened, Buffy let out a small chuckle as the first flash of white caught her attention. The small twinkling lights seemed to come out of nowhere and as she watched them dance above her head she smiled, thinking better late than never, before the world around her slowly disappeared as unconsciousness drew her into darkness.

To Be Continued....

Temptations of the Heart

Chapter 15

William ran frantically through the blackened forest, his heart racing in his chest as he called out Buffy’s name. The rain was still falling and he ran his hands through his damp locks, pushing the loose curls away from his forehead as he stopped and turned in a complete circle, trying to figure out where Buffy was.

Hearing her scream had terrified him. Although he doubted anything in the forest would harm her, the sudden day-into-night could have caused anything to rise and distort the tranquility of the forest.

Closing his eyes, William sighed heavily before wiping his face and opening his eyes. Looking in every direction, he ventured left, to where he thought Buffy had gone.

It seemed like hours had passed, although he knew it couldn’t have been more than a couple of minutes, but his desperate calls to Buffy went unanswered. Worry was creeping its way up his spine and the more time passed, the more frightened he became.

Stopping and leaning back against a tree, William bent at the waist, his hands resting on his knees as he tried to catch his breath and relax. A bitter laugh escaped him as the past weeks replayed before his mind’s eye and he knew he had messed up. Why had he not told her sooner? Would it have made a difference?

William finally raised his head, straightening his body and leaning back against the tree and staring straight ahead. He squinted his eyes as a small white light seemed to flutter just ahead of him and as he watched it, it seemed to be moving.

The light seemed to dance in intricate patterns as it came toward him, and William found himself completely mesmerized by it. It seemed to glow and it looked as if it changed colors before it started zigzagging from left to right.

As the small light grew closer, William leaned further into the tree, watching with wide eyes as it approached him. As the light finally stopped, William’s mouth gaped open at what he saw.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Ethan continued to chant his spell as he dashed the creature with the potion he had mixed while the witch still chanted her protection spells. The thunderous booms of the thunder outside the cavern echoed off the walls and he was practically yelling just to hear himself.

The beast was screaming in pain as its skin turned slimy before their eyes. Smoke billowed off of its form and it hissed in pain as it tried to penetrate the barrier that protected Ethan and the witch.

A small thrill of accomplishment was already taking over Ethan as he watched the spell begin to work. This was their obstacle. If they could survive and kill the beast, the rest of their plan would be easy.

Pulling a small jar from his bag, Ethan raised his arm, chanting the last of his spell before throwing the red powder he had mixed toward the beast. The ear-piercing cry from the creature almost deafened them both as Ethan and the witch covered their ears and watched the beast writhe in pain before it slowly slumped to the ground.

“Is it dead?” Ethan finally asked after the creature had been down for a few minutes.

All noise had ceased except for what was still happening outside. The thunder had died down in intensity, but the heavy rain could still be heard as the witch took a cautious step forward.

“I think our task has succeeded,” she said with a toothy grin. “The beast is dead.”

The wicked laugh from Ethan rang throughout the chamber as his hand went to his pocket and he gripped the stone they had acquired. A fleeting glance at the motionless creature that lay sprawled out on the floor was cast before Ethan grabbed the medallion around his neck.

“Shall we call it a day?” Ethan asked with a large smile as he looked at the witch. “I do believe we have a princess to acquire.”

“That we do sire,” the witch said, her own smile matching that of Ethan’s before she grabbed his arm. In a flash of light and a few chanted words, the two were gone.

<><><><><><><><><><>

William stared at the small being in front of him in awe. It was obviously female, with long golden hair. She was no bigger than his finger and the smell of honeysuckles clung in the air as her tiny arm motioned him forward.

“This way,” her tiny voice called; the fluttering of the creature’s wings sounded like a ruffling of leaves as they moved.

“A pixie,” William whispered, a smile curving his lips as he stared at the mythical creature.

“We haven’t much time,” she said, hovering closer to William’s face. “She needs you.”

That finally got William’s attention. “She? You mean Buffy?” He asked anxiously.

The small creature smiled, the scent she gave off growing stronger as her small iridescent wings fluttered faster. “We must hurry,” she said before turning.

William ran as the pixie flew off in the direction she had come from and he didn’t know how or why, but she seemed to know where Buffy was.

A short jog away from where he had been looking, William saw a glow emitting from the forest and ran faster. As he stopped at the top of a hill, he released the breath he didn’t realize he had been holding in as he saw dozens of the small fairies hovering over Buffy’s still form at the bottom of the hill.

William quickly ran down the hill, his fear receding some as he finally reached her and dropped to his knees beside of her. “Buffy, luv, can you hear me?” He asked as he lifted her head and raised his hand to her face.

“She is hurt,” said one of the fairies, before it flew directly in William’s line of vision. “Bring her,” it said, smiling before the small swarm of fairies flew up the hill.

William saw the large cut on Buffy’s forehead and the blood as it ran down one side of her face. He lifted his hand, pushing her hair away from her face before looking up the hill where the pixies had flown.

They were all waiting, the scent of honeysuckles filling him as he cradled Buffy in his arms and pulled her close to his body before standing. The climb back up the wet hillside was difficult, but as he finally made it back up to level ground, he sighed in relief as he clutched Buffy’s body closer to him.

“This way,” another small voice was heard saying before the bright lights hovered and weaved in and out of the trees.

William followed them, not knowing where they were taking him, but figured if they had shown him where Buffy was, that they meant him no harm. A short walk had William’s brow scrunching up as the waterfall came back into view and as the small pixies started toward it, William stopped.

Looking around, he tried to remember which way he had initially went to locate what little shelter he and Buffy had taken. Turning in a circle, he finally got his bearings and turned left. He had only taken two steps before a small pixie in a soft blue gown appeared before him.

“This way,” she said, pointing behind William and smiling.

William turned, looking behind him and seeing all the other small creatures hovering by the waterfall before he looked back at the one in front of him. “Where are you taking us?” He asked.

“To safety,” the pixie replied before flying around him and motioning him forward.

William looked at them all, trying to decide if he should follow or return to their meager camp before looking down at Buffy. Her skin was pale looking and dirt marred her face as it mixed with the blood that was still slowly trickling down her cheek.

Looking back up, he smiled before walking forward, the buzz of the fairies’ wings sounding like a low hum of bees as he walked along the edge of the pond to where the pixies waited.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Angelus jumped slightly, startled by the sudden appearance of his father and the witch. The twin smiles that lit up their faces were the only thing he needed to know that they had succeeded.

“I hope you have a way to stop this storm,” Angelus said as he stood from his chair.

“The storm is of no consequence,” Ethan said with a large smile. “It will run its course.”

“I’m assuming you have the stone?” Angelus asked as he walked toward the table the witch and Ethan were hovered around.

“You assume correctly,” Ethan said. “The princess will be ours.”

“You mean mine,” Angelus growled. “You do remember that, don’t you old man?”

Ethan chuckled softly as he gathered up his books before looking at Angelus. “Now, now boy. Let’s not get testy,” he said, laughing. “I am well aware of your plans for her.”

Angelus glared hard at his father. No matter how much Ethan did for him, one thing was certain; he would never trust him. Ethan didn’t do anything without gaining a prize for himself and Angelus doubted the riches of Parissa would ever be enough to satisfy him.

“So, how much longer?” Angelus asked.

“A few more days at best,” Ethan told him. “We still have to gain control of the Trolothan.”

“Are you sure you can?” Angelus asked, still not sure Ethan’s plan would work.

“No worries, Angelus. All will go according to plan. Before the week is out, Princess Elizabeth will be yours.”

<><><><><><><><><><>

As the fairies started toward the waterfall, William stopped. He didn’t know what they were doing and seeing some of them fly right through the cascade of water and disappear had confused him.

“This way,” one of the small creatures said as she directed him around the edge of the pond and up a small embankment.

William was beginning to worry as the pixie lead him around a cluster of rocks and through a small cluster of bushes to a small path that he hadn’t noticed before. The brush was thick and the more he saw, the more it looked as if the path had deliberately been hidden.

Winding his way up the path, William was once again in awe as the path opened up and he stepped behind the waterfall. The mist that flew from the cascading water felt refreshing as the sound of the water as it hit the rocks rang in his ears and he stood there taking in his surroundings.

William finally turned and followed the pixies into a small cave that sat directly behind the waterfall, a smile forming on his face as he was finally out of the pounding rain that had been falling. It was completely black inside the cavern; the only light came from the fairies as they seemed to glow brighter in the darkness of the cave.

As the fairies led him down the stone walled path, William felt the temperature change drastically as the sound of the waterfall began to fade away. The air was no longer chilled by rain nor were the walls damp with moisture but it now felt warm as if the sun were heating the stones. The smell of dirt was being replaced with flowers and as they rounded a corner, William saw light up ahead.

A short walk along the narrow corridor had William slowing his steps and his eyes once again widened at what he saw. As the bright light from the sun reflected off the walls, William turned his head away slightly, waiting for his eyes to adjust before looking back at the scene before him. It was unlike anything he had ever seen and he knew that the Enchanted Forest had truly earned its name.

As William carried Buffy out of the mouth of the cave into the bright sun, he smiled widely as he gazed at the land before him. Flowers of every color of the rainbow littered the valley. Birds sung and tiny houses were scattered amongst the hillsides.

“They can help you,” one of the pixies said, smiling as she tried to get William to follow her.

William glanced at the small fairies floating in front of him before looking back out over the valley. He wondered if this were some sort of trick caused by the disturbance that had occurred or if this place really existed.

As far as the eye could see, the land rolled on. It looked as if a completely new world had sprung up from nowhere. Turning his head, William looked behind him. The entrance to the cave he had carried Buffy out of was covered with green ivy and flowers and he shook his head as a small chuckle made its way past his lips.

Turning back to the scene before him, William looked over at the fairy that was waiting patiently for him and smiled. “Where are we?”

The small fairy smiled, her wings fluttering faster as she seemed to glow before she flew closer to William. “This,” she said, pointing toward the land before them, “Is Verisha,” she said excitedly. “The land of Enchantment.”

To Be Continued……..

Temptations of the Heart

Chapter 16

The walk down the hillside was made in silence as William followed the pixies toward the small houses that were scattered along the hills. His eyes alternated between Buffy, the fairies and the movement he could see coming from the houses. Buffy was still unconscious and the closer they got to the small village, the more nervous William became.

The blue pixie that was leading William increased her speed, leaving him and Buffy behind as she flew toward a small house that was practically hidden within the hillside. From what William could see, the house looked as if it were actually made right into earth. Only a portion of the small structure could be seen while the rest seemed to nestle inside the hill.

As William finally reached the road that led between the houses, his steps slowed as what looked like children began to finally notice him. Passing the first house, William smiled as he glanced over at the small person that stood along side of the road before a little smile was returned to him and he realized that these were not children, but some sort of dwarf instead.

The blue fairy flew quickly back to William’s side, smiling as she hovered in front of him. “They can help you,” she said, looking over at the small group of people that were gathering. “They mean you no harm.”

“What are they?” William asked quietly as he looked at the small group as they passed.

“They are hobbits,” the pixie replied. “They live here in Verisha.”

“Hobbits? I thought hobbits were only folklure.” William said wide-eyed.

The blue fairy laughed, sounding like music to William as her wings fluttered faster. “Humans are quite amusing,” she said holding her stomach as she laughed. “You only believe what you can see.”

“Suppose you’re right,” William said as he once again glanced over to the people that were slowly growing in numbers. “So, hobbits live in Verisha?”

“Among other things,” the fairy said, grinning. “Hurry, Talia is waiting.”

William shifted Buffy’s weight in his arms before rushing after the fairy. He held her tighter to him as they approached a small house where William could see a white-haired woman standing. As he walked through the gate that entered a small garden surrounding the house, she walked toward him and William smiled.

“Welcome to Verisha,” she said, smiling. “I am Talia.”

“I’m William and this,” William said, looking down at Buffy, “is Princess Elizabeth.”

“We know who you are,” Talia said as she looked up at William and smiled. “The outside world is an open curiosity for us. Just because we seldom cross the line between our world and yours doesn’t mean we don’t know of you. Now come,” Talia said as she turned toward her house. “Your princess needs care.”

William followed her to the door before stopping as she entered. The top of the door only came up to his chest and he smiled before shaking his head as Talia yelled out to him “to watch his head.” Bending down, William carefully entered the small house, surprised to find he was able to stand once inside. He wasn’t sure if it were magic or just good craftsmanship as he studied the structure. Everything was small in size to accommodate the small stature of its occupants and William couldn’t help but smile as Talia once again appeared in front of him.

“I have a room prepared for her,” she said before she motioned William forward. “Bring her.”

William followed Talia down a small hallway; looking into each room he passed and noticing they were all bedrooms. He wasn’t sure where Talia was leading him, but as she finally entered the room at the end of the hall, William was surprised to see a room with “normal-sized” furnishings.

“Lay her here,” Talia said as William entered the room and carried Buffy inside. “We’ll have her fixed up in no time.”

William carried Buffy to the large bed that sat in the center of the room along the far wall before he carefully laid her down. If anything, he was relieved that she would finally get some much-needed rest.

“Now scoot,” Talia said as she carried a bowl of water to the bedside table and sat down. “Bertram is waiting outside for you.”

“What?” William exclaimed, confused. “I’m not…”

“Yes, you are,” Talia said, smiling as she moistened a towel and began cleaning Buffy’s wound. “She’s perfectly fine here. Bertram will see to your needs and you can come back in the morning to visit your princess.”

William stood in place watching as Talia tended to Buffy before he finally looked around. He hesitantly walked back to the door, turning his head again to look over his shoulder.

“She will be fine,” Talia said softly. “She’ll be fed and bathed and get the much-needed rest her body needs. Now go,” she told him without ever turning around.

William reluctantly left the room, glancing back at Buffy one last time before making his way back through the house. He was apprehensive about leaving Buffy there, but could tell that Talia wouldn’t have it any other way.

Exiting the house, William saw a little man standing by the gate. His hair was long and as white as snow. A long beard hung down his chest and William smiled as he walked toward him. “You must be Bertram?” William inquired as he approached the gate.

“That I am,” the chubby little man said with a smile. “Talia asked me to take you in,” he told William as he turned and started walking down the road.

William followed, looking back toward Talia’s cottage a few times before he fell into step with Bertram. “Verisha is quite amazing,” William said softly as he took in the scenery around him. “How long have you been here?”

Bertram chuckled lightly as he shook his head. “Verisha has always been,” he said glancing over at William. “But, I’ve been here four hundred years, give or take a few.”

“Four hundred years!” William said loudly as he stopped dead in his tracks and stared at the little man.

Bertram laughed heartily at the look on William’s face before he shook his head and started walking again. “Don’t look so surprised. Things aren’t always what they seem.”

“Meaning what?” William asked as he slowly began to follow.

“Well, Verisha has…always been,” Bertram said. “We’ve been here long before the mortal world even existed. Our land once consisted of everything in your realm, but as humans began to descend upon us, we were forced to hide here to protect our own.”

“I don’t understand,” William said, confused. “Humans began to overtake you?”

“Something like that,” Bertram told him. “Dark magics are dangerous to our kind. Peace and harmony were threatened, so the elders encased us here, protecting us and the creatures that dwell here.”

“You mean the pixies?” William asked.

“Among other things.”

“I’ve heard tales of the creatures that dwell in the Enchanted Forest. Are those creatures here as well?”

“This is the only place you’ll find them,” Bertram told him. “The only time our creatures venture out of Verisha is when something is needed from the forest. Herbs for medicines, mostly, or when the occasional wild at heart takes it upon himself to venture out,” he said smiling.

William followed Bertram through a small gate that led to a house a few houses down from where he left Buffy. He followed Bertram inside, taking in the small furniture and he smiled as he was shown a room much like the one he had left Buffy in. “Do you always keep human-sized furnishings?” William asked, grinning.

“No,” Bertram said, smiling back. “This is all done with magic. We don’t get many visitors here in Verisha but we can accommodate them.”

“Well, I can say it’ll be nice to sleep on something other than the ground.”

“Ah, and a change of clothing?” Bertram asked, grinning as he opened up a small door that led into a closet. “Everything you need has been provided. Anything you need that you cannot find, don’t hesitate to ask for.”

William smiled as Bertram walked to the door and left before he slowly walked around the room. As much as he wanted to get back to Buffy, the minute he sat down on the soft feather bed that sat along the wall, sleep seemed to beg him to surrender. Lying back, William’s mind flashed pictures of Buffy’s face to him before sleep overcame him.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Buffy stirred as the smell of food assaulted her senses. Fresh fruits and steaming meat made her empty stomach growl as her eyes opened. Her eyes wandered around the room and a slight panic set in as the unfamiliar surroundings met her before she sat up.

She grabbed her head, the sudden movement making her head spin before the door to her room opened.

“Ah, sleeping beauty has finally awoken,” Talia said smiling. “Are you hungry?” Talia walked to the closet door and grabbed a simple dress in light green and pulled it out. “I know this isn’t the most regal of garments for a princess, but it’s the best we could do on such short notice,” Talia said as she laid the dress out for Buffy and grabbed a pair of shoes for her.

“Who are you?” Buffy asked with slightly wide eyes as she watched Talia walk about the room. “Where is William?”

“Oh goodness,” Talia said, shaking her head. “Where are my manners? I’m Talia,” she said as she finally stopped to face Buffy. “And, this is my home.”

Buffy looked around the small room, her heart quickening as thoughts of William flitted through her mind.

“Oh don’t worry about him,” Talia said as she poured a bowl of water from the pitcher on the table. “He was sent to Bertram’s for the night. I suspect he’ll be along soon though.” She grinned as she turned back around. “He was very hesitant to leave you.”

“He’s okay then?” Buffy asked quietly.

“That he is,” Talia said, smiling as she walked over to the bed. “I’m sure he’s driving Bertram crazy as we speak.”

Buffy smiled at that, the thoughts of William always seeming to bring a smile to her face.

“I gather you are as taken with him as he is with you?”

Buffy looked down toward the floor as she felt her face flush before a tiny smile graced her face. The previous day’s events slowly played over for her and as she remembered their kiss and his softly spoken words, she felt her heart break as the smile fell away.

“Oh don’t worry child,” Talia said as she approached Buffy and took her hand. “Things aren’t always as they seem.”

Buffy looked up as a lone tear slide down her cheek and she smiled in spite of her circumstances. “I’m afraid this time they are,” Buffy said quietly.

“Don’t you fret princess; the world is full of surprises.” Talia smiled. “Now come. Let’s get that angry stomach fed and get you cleaned up before that handsome man comes to call on you.”

Buffy couldn’t help but smile as Talia took her hand and helped her off the bed. She didn’t have any idea where she was or how she came to be here, but she felt completely safe. The fact that this stranger seemed to know exactly what she was thinking normally would have freaked her out, but the sincerity in her words seemed to put Buffy as ease for the first time in longer than she could remember.

<><><><><><><><><><>

William walked quickly down the road toward Talia’s. He smiled as he passed the small houses on the way and the friendly hobbits that inhabited Verisha seemed to brighten as they saw him.

He had slept soundly for the first time since leaving Alcala and as much as he wanted to remain in bed, the smell of food had also driven him to wake up. Once fed, he had dressed in clothes that were clean and not torn before he darted out of the tiny cottage and headed toward where he had left Buffy.

He hadn’t been able to think of anything but her since he had awoken that morning and he knew what he had to do. Her reaction to his admission of love for her had not been the pleasant response he had expected and he realized he had himself to blame for that. He had to tell her and soon.

Buffy sat quietly in the garden outside Talia’s house. The array of flowers that surrounded her reminded her of the peaceful waterfall that she and William had found as their fragrant scent wafted through the air and the small petals floated in the breeze.

Her mind had been plagued with thoughts of William and his softly spoken words. As much as she wanted to scream to the entire world that she loved him, she knew it could never be and the fact that she now knew that he loved her in return only made it that much harder.

For the first time in her life, Buffy had found what she had been looking for. The almost cruel reality that she was unable to act on her feelings was more distressing than she had ever imagined. She knew she could never let William know how she felt. A princess and future queen would be stoned for allowing herself to fall in love with an ordinary man, especially one who was the page of her future husband.

As her heart seemed to break once again, Buffy’s eyes closed and she tried to hold back the tears that were biting at her eyes. Visions of William seemed to dance before her closed eyes and a smile graced her face despite her sullen mood.

“Someone seems happy this morning,” William said softly as he approached where Buffy was sitting.

Buffy’s eyes snapped open and her breath was almost completely taken away at the sight of him. He was cleanly shaven, and dressed all in black. His honey blonde hair was slicked back and tied at the nape of his neck, and the sparkling blue eyes she loved to look at seemed to shine as he looked back at her.

She opened her mouth to speak but found that no sound came. He looked even more delicious than he had been previously. The smirk that had irritated her when they first met made her stomach flip over itself as he cocked his head to one side and smiled at her.

“Cat got your tongue princess?” William asked as he walked closer to her.

William smiled as he looked at her. Her hair was shining and flowing over her shoulders as it had the first time he saw her. Her light green dress made her eyes seem to glow like brilliant emeralds. Although he pulled off the ability to speak, he wasn’t sure how much longer he would be able to stand there and her not see the effect she had on him as he shifted his weight on his feet.

She was undoubtedly the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on and his smile widened as he looked at her. “I take it you slept well?”

“Yes,” Buffy softly got out. “And you?” She asked.

“Very well thank you,” William said as he stared at her.

Buffy felt the familiar blush creeping its way up her neck and face as William stared at her before she had to look away. She wasn’t sure how she would ever be able to look at him and not want him. How could she live in the same castle with him and not constantly think of him? How could she marry a man she didn’t love when what she wanted was standing directly in front of her?

“How’s your head?” William asked as Buffy suddenly went very quiet.

“Oh, better,” Buffy said, finally looking back up as she brought her hand to the small cut on her forehead. “I was a little surprised when I woke and found a strange woman tending to me.”

“No more surprising than how I finally found you last night.”

Buffy looked away quickly as she remembered running from him and his admission of love before she smiled and changed the subject. “So, Talia says this is Verisha? Have you had a chance to explore much?” She asked, looking back up at him.

“No,” William said, sensing her discomfort. “Thought maybe you’d want to do that with me.”

Buffy smiled as she looked at him. No matter how hard she tried to distance herself from him, she couldn’t help but want to spend every second they had remaining with him. She knew it would all be over soon and, despite the fact that she had a husband waiting on her, the need to spend every second with William had her throwing all her duties to her title out the window. “I’d love to,” she said as she stood.

William smiled, letting out the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding in before he extended his hand to her. “Well, let’s go then. Bertram says Verisha has things that will amaze us.”

Buffy smiled as she reached out and took his hand. The instant their flesh made contact, she felt her breath hitch in her throat as she looked up into the crystal blue eyes that seemed to look into her soul. Would it be wrong of her to pretend, just for today, that William was the man she would spend the rest of her life loving? Would it be unfair to him, to allow him to feel everything she felt for him, only to reject him later?

As the questions seemed to rattle through her mind, Buffy felt herself drawing closer to him and her hand found its way around his arm as they both walked down the road between the small cottages. As the land of Verisha seemed to open up for them, Buffy sighed contently as she glanced up at him. The smile he gave her melted her heart and the words he offered her the day before filled her mind as their meaning sent a fresh pain to her ever-growing desire to forget who she was and what her life held for her.

As they slowly walked the road in Verisha, Buffy willed her mind to forget all her troubles and enjoy the time she had with William before the reality of her life came crashing down around her.

Chapter 17

Prince Angelus jumped slightly as the door to his chamber was flung open and Ethan entered the room. He scowled at his father as he detangled himself from the warm female body pressed into his mattress.

"Do you not know how to knock?" Angelus yelled as he sat up and threw his legs over the side of the bed.

"It's my castle. I'm free to go where I please," Ethan said, smiling as he grabbed Angelus' clothes and threw them at him. "Now get dressed. We have work to do." He told him as he walked to the door. "Oh, and get rid of that," he said, glancing back at the girl occupying his son's bed.

Angelus sighed heavily as he gathered up his clothing and stood. He glared at his father as he dressed before looking back over his shoulder at his companion. "Get out," he said coldly, grabbing her dress and throwing it at her before slipping on his shirt.

Ethan smiled as he left the room and headed to the bottom depths of his castle. Today was the day. All the ingredients for the spell had been found and now all that was left was to actually take possession of the Trolothan. Once the princess left the protective confines of the forest, she would be as good as theirs.

<><><><><><><><><><>

"Good morning, friend Talia," Bertram said as he entered the small garden surrounding her house. "Lovely morning," he stated as she turned to look at him.

"That it is Bertram," she replied, smiling. "I take it your guest was comfortable?"

Bertram laughed heartily as he walked toward the small bench that sat among the flowers before he sat down. "That young man is a bundle of nerves. I'm surprised he even manages to walk without tripping." He chuckled.

"Ah, young love," Talia said, smiling. "Too bad they are both too blind to see."

"I think it's more than that," Bertram said.

Talia turned to her friend before a look of concentration washed over her face. "Well, I'll be. Why didn't I pick up on that earlier?" She asked quietly.

"Probably the same reason I didn't," Bertram told her. "We had a long talk over breakfast. Humans can be so complex at times, but completely idiotic at others."

Talia laughed slightly as she walked over and sat beside Bertram. "So, should we intervene on their behalf, or let nature takes its course?"

The tiny giggles coming from the road had Bertram and Talia both glancing up. Twin smiles lit up their faces as they saw the small group of teens standing by the fence.

"Are they still here?" A girl asked after her friends prodded her to speak.

"No Mia," Talia said, smiling. "They took a walk."

"So they'll be back then?" Mia asked, grinning.

"That they will," Talia told her. "Is there something you needed?"

Mia giggled with her friends before she straightened and once again faced Talia. "Well, we were just wondering if we would get a chance to talk with them."

"Well, I'm not sure how long they will actually be with us," Talia answered her.

"Oh," Mia said with a frown as she looked at her friends.

Talia could read everything going through the young minds of the girls and she couldn't help but smile as the girls whispered amongst themselves. Strangers to Verisha were rare and anytime one came, the whole village seemed to be curious, especially when the visitors were that of a handsome young man that could make the young females swoon at the sight of him.

"So, um.will there be a feast?" Mia asked after she had consulted her friends.

"Well, I haven't given it much thought," Talia said as she looked at Bertram. "But I suppose it would only be appropriate, seeing how we have royalty amongst us."

"Yes!" the girls squealed. "This evening then?"

"I suppose this evening would be fine," Talia said as she stood. "It will require a lot of work."

"Oh, we can help," Mia excitedly said. "Won't we?" she asked as she looked at her friends.

Talia chuckled as the girls laughed and giggled by the fence. "Alright then," Talia said, shaking her head. "Go tell everyone of our plans and prepare the dale. Everything should be perfect."

Talia watched as the girls split off into groups of two and ran to the surrounding homes. She shook her head and smiled before she looked back at Bertram. "Well, I suppose we have work to do."

"That we do," Bertram said, smiling. "I'll go start the preparations."

Talia smiled as she watched Bertram leave before she glanced back at the girls as they raced from house to house. Shaking her head, she turned and entered her house to start preparing the feast for tonight's banquet.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Buffy and William had walked in silence since leaving Talia's, only speaking when something of interest caught the other's eye. They had left the road after seeing a stream off to the edge of the forest and were making their way through the dense, flowering trees that sat nestled along the stream.

The area looked almost identical to the Enchanted Forest. The same vegetation grew along the path as they strolled along the banks of the stream, and the only sounds were the water as it trickled along and birds as they flew amongst the trees.

"It is so beautiful here," Buffy said quietly as they walked. "I'm not sure I'll ever want to leave."

"That can be arranged," William told her. "No one says we have to leave." He smiled down at her.

Buffy smiled up at him, letting the idea float around her mind and, as much as she loved the idea, she knew it was impossible. "I'm not sure mother would like the idea of me shirking my responsibilities to the throne just so I can live in a place such as this."

"Surly she wouldn't deny you your every wish?" William asked.

Buffy chuckled slightly as they walked along the stream. "Well, she wouldn't let me have a say in the future king of Parissa."

"Really? Seems a bit unfair."

"Yes well `life isn't fair' as mother always says. But, it isn't as bad as it sounds. She didn't choose Prince Angelus or Prince Reilly like I asked, so I guess I can't complain too much."

William started laughing as he shook his head and Buffy couldn't help but smile as she looked up at him. "What is so funny?" She asked as he continued.

"I take it that boring ponce Reilly wasn't to your liking?" William asked through his laughter.

Buffy laughed along with him as her smile widened. "No he wasn't. Am I correct to assume you've met him?"

"Oh, that I have," William said, grinning. "He has about as much character as pond scum."

"Well that's one way of putting it."

"So, what made you choose a man you had never seen?" William asked her curiously.

Buffy shrugged her shoulders as she thought. "Well, mother chose him actually," she told him. "But King Rupert seemed very nice and if Prince Edward is anything like him, then mother's choice wasn't that bad, I guess."

"Well, I can tell you princess, Prince Edward is nothing like ol' Rupert," William said as he glanced down at her. "The two are like night and day."

"Oh," Buffy said, getting worried. "So mother's choice was made in haste then?"

"Well I wouldn't say that," William told her. "It's just you can't judge one by looking at the other."

Buffy took the information in; letting the images of Prince Edward her mind had conjured fill her head. "So what does he look like?" Buffy finally asked.

"Who? Prince Edward?"

"Yes."

William smiled, glancing back down at her as they stopped. "Handsome bloke if I do say so," he said, grinning. "Quite a catch."

Buffy couldn't help but smile as she looked up. "Handsome, you say? So I won't be disappointed then?"

"I hope not."

Buffy's smile fell away as she looked at William, wondering why he suddenly seemed to be trying to sell the idea of prince Edward to her when only yesterday he was admitting his love for her. Had he re-thought his feelings?

William saw her smile fall away and knew instantly what she was thinking. He smiled slightly before taking a look around, and then took Buffy's hand and led her over to a grassy area by the stream. "How about we sit for a while?" He asked as he helped her down to the ground.

Buffy smiled at him as he sat down beside her, her mind re-playing the things he had said. Had his admission of love been a mistake? Did she actually even hear it or was it just a trick her mind had played on her?

The small nudge of regret seemed to make her heart fill with pain as her mind started swirling around the possibility that William wasn't in love with her. Even though it would make things easier, the pain of it was almost too much to bear.

"I never told you how I found you last night," William said quietly as he turned his head to her.

Buffy glanced over at him, confusion marring her face at his smile before she saw him look over her shoulder and smile wider.

"Seems the tales of the Enchanted Forest were true," he said quietly as he pointed behind her. "Look."

Buffy turned her head, her eyes widening as she looked down the stream. Standing downstream were two of the most beautiful creatures she had ever seen. "Oh my," she said breathlessly. "Are they real?" She asked softly.

"I'd say so," William said as he looked at the creatures grazing along the banks of the stream.

Buffy was speechless as she looked at the two magnificent creatures that stood along the bank. The pair of horses that stood there had coats of pure white and each had a golden horn protruding from their heads and a mane that glittered like small diamonds from the filtered light coming through the trees.

"Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?" Buffy asked quietly as she watched the creatures.

"Yes," William said when Buffy turned back to look at him. "You."

Buffy stared at him for a long minute before she sighed softly. "Why do you say such things?" She asked him quietly.

"Because they're true," William told her as he lifted his hand and softly ran his fingers across her cheek. "I've never seen anyone as beautiful as you."

The look on William's face made Buffy's heart race in her chest. She had never seen him look at her like he was at that moment. Any doubts of his feelings for her were erased at that moment as she could see every emotion he held for her while she looked at him.

She wasn't sure if she made the first move or if he did, but before she could even get her clouded brain to register what was happening, strong arms were suddenly around her and the most intense kiss she had ever experienced had completely stolen her breath away.

It wasn't anything like their first, almost chaste kiss, but instead was full of a passion she had never experienced before. As her arms wound themselves tighter around William's neck, she let out a moan as his tongue pushed past her lips. She felt almost dizzy at the sensations as she returned the kiss with as much enthusiasm as he was putting into it.

Her entire body seemed to burn as William's hands traveled the length of her back before one hand wound itself in the long golden locks of her hair. The taste of him was euphoric as their tongues battled and hearing the small moan that rumbled from his chest seemed to heighten Buffy's need for him.

Pulling back for air, Buffy's eyes fluttered open as William peppered small kisses across her face. She moved her head to the side when William moved to her neck, her heart was racing in her chest and her skin felt as if it were tingling. The sensations he was causing in her made her almost crazy with need as she clung to him tighter. The fabric of their clothing seemed to be too much as Buffy held him closer. Her hand trailed up his back, holding his head to her as he kissed and licked the salt from her skin. Her breath was coming in shallow pants as William shifted and Buffy suddenly found herself on her back and staring up at him.

William looked down at her, her skin flushed and lips swollen from their kiss as she stared up at him. Her hair was fanned out around her head on the plush green grass and he smiled down at her before lowering his head. "The Enchanted Forest has nothing that even comes close in comparison to you," he whispered against her lips. "Your beauty surpasses anything in this realm or the next."

Tears stung at Buffy's eyes as she looked up at William before she felt his lips once again brush over hers. Soft wisps of air caressed her lips as she brought her hand around and cupped his cheek in her hand. Her eyes closed on their own accord as she felt William's weight press her into the soft grass and the arm around his neck pulled him tighter to her.

William smiled against Buffy's lips as he felt her tremble beneath him and it seemed like an eternity had passed as they once again resumed their kiss and Buffy let herself enjoy the feel of him. She fought the urge to tell him all she felt for him, knowing she would never be able to let go of him if she did. No matter how much she wanted him, she knew now was the only time she had to be with him.

Soft giggles wafted through the air and Buffy briefly wondered if it was only her inner mind conjuring up the sound due to her own giddiness before William broke the kiss and looked at her. When he turned his head to the side, she followed his movement and her eyes widened as she saw the three brightly colored lights flickering off to the side.

"Are we interrupting?" Asked the blue fairy, the same one that had led William into Verisha, as the two pixies with her giggled.

"Actually you are," William said, smiling as he sat up and helped Buffy sit as well. "Don't you fireflies have anything better to do?"

"We're not fireflies!" The blue pixie said furiously as she flew directly at William's face. "Fireflies are bugs, we are nothing of the sort!" She flung her long hair over her shoulder before crossing her arms over her chest.

William chuckled at her as he raised his hand, swatting at her until she backed away from him. "I suppose you have your uses," he said, grinning. "Not sure what that may be though."

"Maybe helping you find your princess wasn't such a wise move on our part," the blue pixie said smugly. "We could have left you out in the rain, you know."

William smiled before shaking his head. "I suppose you could have," he told her. "For that, I am grateful."

"Pixies?" Buffy finally managed to get out as her stunned brain tried to comprehend what she was seeing. "Pixies are real?"

The blue fairy smiled as she flew closer to Buffy. "I am called Balla," she said, smiling. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Princess Elizabeth."

Buffy finally smiled before looking over at the other two fairies that came toward her. "Wait until Dawn hears about this," she said quietly to herself. "She'll never believe me."

William smiled as he watched Buffy. Her reaction to seeing the fairies almost made up for their interruption. Even though he would rather still be kissing her, seeing the pure joy that was now lighting up her face caused almost the same feelings.

"Talia sent us you find you," Balla finally said. "They are preparing a banquet in your honor."

"Is that so," William said. "And what does this banquet entail?"

"The usual," Balla said, smiling. "Food, music and dancing."

"Well, the food I can definitely handle," William said smiling. "Living off berries and bland rabbits was beginning to get old," he added as he stood.

Buffy smiled as William reached down, grabbing her hand and helping her stand. She felt her face flush as she looked at him before she had to turn away. William smiled as he saw the pink tint her face had taken on and wondered if she would ever get over the blushing. He honestly hoped she didn't. It was just to endearing to not ever see again.

"Well, shall we?" William asked as he offered Buffy his arm.

"Yes," she said, smiling as she wrapped her hand around his arm, looking up at him.

As they started their walk back through the forest, Buffy smiled as the pixies flew quickly ahead of them before they were finally out of sight. Silence once again fell among them as they headed back to the village.

<><><><><><><><><><>

William was surrounded by teenage girls who barely came up to his chest, but the giggles that were coming from them sounded vaguely familiar. He smiled as they all seemed to talk to him at once and as much as he tried to listen to them; his mind was on one thing and one thing only.

He constantly searched the crowd of hobbits, looking for Buffy among them, but had yet to see her. He had dropped her off at Talia's after the pixies had collected them from the forest and hadn't seen her since.

He mentally berated himself for not telling Buffy when he had the chance, but seeing how their leisurely stroll had turned out so much better than he had expected, he could hardly complain. As the chattering of the girls finally caught his attention again, he smiled as he cleared his mind of Buffy and returned his attention to them.

Buffy stared at the looking glass, taking in her reflection as Talia continued to fix her hair. She didn't know what all the fuss was about, but seeing how Talia and two other ladies had been tending to her every need, she wasn't about to stop them. As shallow as it sounded, Buffy enjoyed being pampered again. Being royalty carried some weight, even in a mystical realm, and she wasn't about to ignore their desire to help her.

"There," Talia said, smiling. "A princess mustn't go without her crown."

Buffy looked in the mirror, a tiny smile lighting up her face as she saw what Talia had done before she turned in her chair. "Thank you Talia," she said gratefully. "It's beautiful."

"Oh, it is only flowers," Talia told her. "The beauty is you."

Buffy smiled as she said this, the words reminding her of what William had said earlier before she once again felt her cheeks burn. She glanced to the floor before chuckles erupted in the room as Talia and the others laughed quietly.

"Well, if that young man is still in your thoughts, what are you doing sitting here with us spinsters instead of out dancing the night away with him?"

Buffy looked back up with a smile she couldn't seem to wipe off before she stood and walked to the door. "Do I look okay?" She asked quietly, turning back to Talia as she waited for her to answer.

"You look like queen," Talia said, smiling as Buffy's smile widened. "Now go get your prince."

Buffy smiled widely before she walked out of her room and headed out of the house. Her heart was already fluttering in anticipation as she ducked out the small door of Talia's cottage and as she looked down the road to the dale where the party was taking place, she had to physically restrain herself from running.

The walk seemed to take forever and every step that took her closer had her heart beating faster in her chest. As she reached the flower-covered entrance leading to the large open area that held what looked like hundreds of hobbits, Buffy stopped and took in the scene.

Brightly colored flowers seemed to cover every surface and their fragrant smell wafted through the air. Small twinkling lights hovered above everything and Buffy smiled as she looked at them. What looked like tiny stars glistening overhead were actually hundreds of pixies that offered their light to illuminate the dale.

Laughter was heard coming from everyone and as Buffy searched the crowd for William, it didn't take her long to find him. Talia had told her how the younger girls had taken a fascination to him and off to Buffy's right, she saw him, surrounded by at least a dozen young girls.

The giggles she could hear from them had her smiling as she finally looked up at him. He was wearing the same thing as before and she wondered why Talia had made her change. As a happy sigh escaped her throat, Buffy's smile was once again shyly softened when William finally looked up at her.

It was like a vision of Aphrodite herself as William finally saw Buffy. Her white gown was shimmering with flecks of silver as it clung to her body. The long sleeves that flared at her wrist and flowed down the length of the dress made her look every bit the royal she was. Her golden hair hung around her shoulders while a ring of flowers wove around the top of her head like a crown.

As she smiled at him, William took a step toward her, a smile curving his lips as she looked away briefly before glancing back at him. If he lived another fifty years, he'd never tire of looking at her.

Buffy tried to calm her breathing as William approached. He hadn't taken his eyes off of her and no matter how hard she tried, keeping eye contact with him was impossible. His eyes were so intensely drinking her in that she chuckled to herself as she knew she was blushing and was for once glad it was too dark for him to see. As he finally made his way to her and stopped, Buffy looked up at him through her lashes and smiled.

"You look stunning," William said softly as he reached out and took her hand, kissing her palm.

"Thank you," Buffy said just as softly, staring up at him as he held her hand.

William couldn't take his eyes off of her as he took a step closer to her. As music started playing, he smiled as he glanced over his shoulder. "Would you care to dance, princess?" He asked as he once again turned to face her.

Buffy smiled widely as she gazed up at him. "I'd love to, William," she said softly as he smiled back at her and led her to the open area that had been cleared.

As the two took position, they both stared deeply into each others eyes as everyone else seemed to disappear. As the music began to flow and they started to move, visions of how wonderful their life could be together flooded both of their minds.

William smiled as he stared down at her, knowing that before the night was out, she would how much he loved her and how for them their life together had only begun.

To Be Continued..

Next