fairy tale au } { of balls and comtesses

[impetere]

Cora: [and as promised, Derek is allowed to take Cora down to the market place where they're going to pick out paints]

Derek: [and he will enjoy spending time with Cora, going to take her to see some of the other vendors in the market afterward]

Fiona: [and she is at the other end of the market, with her maid friends, currently arguing with Greg as he tries to convince her to marry him and is just generally gross, but she's distracted enough that she doesn't notice the prince is coming]

Derek: [and because Cora is way better company than the stepsisters, he will stop at the chocolate place and grab a piece of chocolate for his sister to try] Here, try this. We get this from Espana all the time. They call it chocolate.

Cora: [OH YUMMY she will definitely reach for a piece of that and be totally delighted when it's good tasting] That's delicious.

Derek: We could get some to bring back. Mother loves them as well.

Cora: [nods eagerly] That sounds like a good idea.

Derek: We can also get her some tea. I believe this next booth has some. [and he is turning to look right at the booth where Greg and the three ladies are]

Fiona: [and one of the maids gives a stark "YOUR HIGHNESS....ES!" in surprise, Greg startles at the sight of the prince and princess, and Fiona stumbles backwards to go hide in one of the wagons]

Derek: [and a chicken is also startled in the ruckus and flies up in his face so he can't see Fiona sneak away] What the...?

Cora: [goes and runs after the chicken with a laugh to catch it for them]

Maid: Can I help you with something, highness?

Derek: [straightening his clothing, and sighing at Cora because sister...] Yes, I was hoping to see if you had that tea my mother loved. [and he will blink] Weren't there three of you?

Maid: [shakes her head] No, highness. Just the two of us. And yes, we have some right over here.

Cora: [and will come back, handing off the chicken to the other maid] There you go.

Derek: [and he will go to purchase the tea, not convinced he wasn't seeing things but Cora's back with the chicken so he needs to get her home anyway] Thank you, ladies.

Maid: Our pleasure, highess. Please tell her majesty that we're very grateful for her business. [and the other maid will take the chicken from Cora with a delighted smile, what a cute princess]

Derek: [and off they go home where they will be greeted by their father]

Thomas: I have come to a decision on what to do with you, son.

Cora: [wide eyed look, shoving chocolate in her mouth]

Derek: I didn't realize I was that big of a problem.

Thomas: [ignoring him] In honor of the return of your sisters, I have decided to throw a masked ball. At this, you and I will strike a compromise.

Derek: [crossing his arms] A compromise? You?

Cora: [her face brightens then, whispering to whichever knight is closest:] What's a masked ball?

Knight: A party where all the guests wear masks so no one knows who they are.

Thomas: If you wish to marry for love, then I suggest you find it before the end of this ball. King Esposito arrives in three days and I will know if Laura and Prince Javi will marry. In five days, we will have our ball. If by the stroke of midnight on that night you do not announce your engagement to the girl of your choice, I will announce it for you. Are we agreed?

Cora: [there's a grateful smile to the knight, before her nose wrinkles a bit] Can you fall in love with someone in five days? [says the girl who fell in love with her guy in one]

Derek: Perhaps, but I can't do it from being trapped within the palace walls.

Thomas: If we are agreed, I will lift my restrictions on your travels from the palace.

Cora: [just watches all of this curiously. it's very tense]

Derek: [debates] What about the treaties?

Thomas: I'll worry about the treaties. You have enough problems to worry about. Are we agreed?

Derek: [he looks at Cora, then smiles and back at his father] We are agreed that I can make whatever choice I want on who I will marry.

Thomas: In five days. You better get at it then, son.

Cora: I think the five days is important.

Derek: You've read some of the stories I have. [he's still going to help Cora carry her things inside] It can be done.

Cora: Do you have someone in mind?

Derek: I don't know. I may, but I'm not sure how to even find her, or if she would want to see me again.

Cora: Who are you looking for?

Derek: The Comtess de Lancret.

Cora: Maybe you could get someone to find her for you. Someone ... who would go unnoticed in town?

Derek: You would be noticed, dear sister.

Cora: Oh, I wasn't thinking me. I was thinking Stiles or a servant.

Derek: A servant may be too obvious.

Cora: So ... Stiles?

Derek: Stiles. [ nods]

Cora: [nods as well] I think I know where he is if you want to ask yourself?

Derek: [and he will think a moment] Do you think he would do it if I asked?

Cora: Yes, because I think he's trying to stay on your good side.

Derek: Then let's go ask him.

Cora: [and they'll wander off to find Stiles and Cora will greet him with a smile] Hi.

Stiles: [looks up and smiles at her, but then sees Derek and stands up a bit more] Hi. You guys have a good time finding paints?

Cora: We did. I'll show you later but right now Derek needs a favor.

Stiles: Oh? What kind of favor is this? A sneak you out of the castle without your father knowing favor, or a help you find your true love in five days or less favor?

Derek: How did you know about that? [narrowing his eyes just a bit]

Cora: [also surprised] How did you know that?

Stiles: I may have been standing near the door while your parents were talking about the ball they were going to throw...

Cora: [sighs, before going to sit next to him] There's actually someone Derek wants to find and make sure that she attends said ball.

Cora: No, we want you to find her so that Derek can convince her to go.

Stiles: Oh kay... so just find her and tell you where she is. I think I can do that. [squints his eyes] Who am I looking for again?

Derek: The Comtess de Lancret.

Cora: Does she have a first name?

Derek: That I don't know. I was barely able to have her give me that.

Cora: How did you meet her?

Derek: Well, I may have been trying to steal her family horse to escape father's guards.

Cora: ... Charming.

Derek: I was desperate.

Cora: What farm did you try and take the horse from?

Derek: I don't know. But, I can probably give you a sense of where to go?

Cora: Or if she's a countess, maybe she has servants?

Stiles: Servants I can do. They talk a lot more than the higher ups.

Cora: [that question was more for her brother as in does Derek know who any of her servants are?]

Derek: I don't know. I mean, she wasn't very forthcoming with information. I think she found me very arrogant, but we were connecting too.

Cora: Well, you did try and steal her horse. [though the time they actually talked ... she was rescuing a servant ...]

Derek: Oh no, this was the other time I saw her in town.

Cora: What was she doing then?

Derek: Trying to convince a jailer to release her servant.

Cora: What was the servant's name?

Derek: [tries to think, because he wasn't paying that much attention but] Cormac.

Cora: [glances to Stiles] Can you work with that?

Stiles: I've worked with less.

Cora: Good. Anything else we should know about her?

Derek: Beyond the fact she's beautiful?

Stiles: Hair color, eye color helps...

Cora: Maybe I could draw her? Or him?

Derek: That would do her better justice than I would.

Cora: [hops up] I'll go get paper.

Derek: [and the boys will wait, trying not to be awkward about it all]

Cora: [and she will return and use Derek's (likely flowery) descriptions to create two portraits and Fiona and Cormac]

Stiles: [and he will look and they look familiar] I think I can find him at least.

Cora: At least it's a good place to start. Is there anything else we should know?

Derek: If you run into her and she doesn't like you, watch for her shoes.

Stiles: ... No, I'm not going to ask.

Cora: [is worried about the abuse of her boyfriend, but she'll lean in and give him a soft kiss on his cheek] Good luck.

Stiles: [oh a kiss, that's totally worth it] I'll be back soon.

Derek: [nope, not saying anything] Thank you.

Cora: [yes, no one can say anything because she's not gonna listen anyway. and off Stiles will go to find either Cormac or Fiona whichever he decides to look for first]

Stiles: [and he will leave, heading for the bar where he thinks he remembers seeing Cormac's face in town]

Cormac: [and he is there, keeping an eye on his sister and having dinner away from the house. Seeing their stepmother pervert their family home isn't his idea of a good time, so he tries to get out whenever he can. He keeps thinking about writing Leah in Russia, to try and let her know about their situation, but ever time he stares down at the paper, he keeps thinking that maybe things will be better by the time the letter reaches her]

Stiles: [and someone is going to slide into a seat next to him with a pint of beer and a refill for Cormac] You know, you look familiar.

Cormac: Do I? [doesn't bother to look up from his meal right away] Why is that?

Stiles: Well, I happen to be on a quest to find a servant who was saved the other day by a beautiful Comtess, and you match that description pretty well, my friend.

Cormac: [and that has him giving a bit of an alarmed look] She paid the debt, they can't send me to America.

Stiles: No, no that's not it at all. [offers Cormac the other beer] I'm actually hoping to get some information on the Comtess to take back to my friend.

Cormac: [eyes narrow] What friend?

Stiles: No one dangerous. Far from it. I think the guy is fancy on your employer.

Cormac: [blinks for a moment, thinking back to who would think that ...] Oh ... oh God.

Stiles: [leans close] Yeah, so you can imagine why it's something that needs to be kept quiet.

Cormac: No, that's not ... [SIGHS] The Comtesse is not a comtesse.

Stiles: Seriously?

Fiona: [swings over on her break, nudging her brother over so that she can sit and eat] Who's your friend?

Cormac: [sighs again] An emissary of the prince who has fallen in love with you, dear sister.

Fiona: [chokes on her soup]

Stiles: [looks up at her and licks his lips, grinning] Yeah, he's pretty smitten.

Fiona: [swallows and wipes at her face] Why?

Stiles: I think because you treated him like a normal person, to be honest.

Fiona: I was only pretending to be nobility so I could buy my brother back without causing any suspicion. I could be arrested if he discovers the truth.

Stiles: Well, I won't tell him, but he does want to see you again.

Fiona: [sighs] To what end?

Stiles: [and he will lean back, sipping his beer] Well, rumor has it that the King is going to be throwing a ball for the return of the two princesses. And the crown prince has until then to find himself a wife that he is in love with and loves him. Otherwise he'll be marrying a princess he hasn't seen since he was a baby.

Fiona: A suitable wife, I imagine. Not a servant from a destitute house.

Stiles: Hey, you're talking to the guy who's currently courting the youngest princess.

Fiona: [she shakes her head] If it comes out that I lied, I'll never see my brother again. He's the only family I have left.

Stiles: And if you can get him to fall in love with you and then tell him the truth, do you think it will matter to him at that point? The guy's biggest thrill right now is to leave the palace and run around town pretending to be a commoner

Fiona: Okay, first of all, I think you overestimate the capacity of forgiveness for a person who's been lied to, and second of all, what makes you think I want him to fall in love with me?

Stiles: You mean beyond having the ability to become Queen?
Fiona: I don't care about being queen. [that's the baroness and Maguerite's racket] And I certainly don't want to become queen if it means marrying that arrogant, stubborn stuffed shirt. [and she'll get up and clear the soup she didn't finish before storming back off to work in a huff]

Stiles: [nods] She really doesn't like him, does she?

Cormac: Oh, he's left quite the impression.

Stiles: He actually thinks he insulted her and wants to apologize as part of seeking her out.

Cormac: [he sighs, before running a hand over his face] Is he really that intent for her company?

Stiles: She has left an impression. I mean, he hates me and yet asked me to come out here and find out where he can find her is him really making compromises to find her.

Cormac: [scratches the side of his face for a moment, doing some minor calculations in his head before tipping his head to the side] Tell him to come to the estate of Baroness de Ghent the day after tomorrow if he really intends to woo her, and that he should come prepared for resistance. I'll ... work on her. She's stubborn though, so she may only concoct a story to let him down gently.

Stiles: Even so, if she truly doesn't want to get to know him, doing that will give him time to focus on another. He won't until he knows if he can't have her.

Cormac: [he nods] The Baroness and her daughters will be in town most of the day, so hopefully he'll be able to visit and leave before they return.

Stiles: I will do that then. [looks at Fiona] The prince can be arrogant, but there's more to it than that. He pretty much has spent his entire life on lockdown because of his sisters, so he doesn't have a lot of practice talking to other people.

Fiona: [as she's returned to bus another table] Maybe not. But they should have at least taught him some manners.

Stiles: From living in the palace for the last week, I promise you that royalty has a different set of manners than what we do. But he struggles even with his sisters who have returned because they aren't trained in being royalty like him, and he's learning from them. And he does want to apologize.

Fiona: Mmmm-hmmm. [and she stalks off again]

Cormac: [sighs] As I said. I'll work on her.

Stiles: And I will see what I can do to help educate the prince on how to talk like a normal person in the meantime. [smirks]

Cormac: Good luck.

Stiles: [and he will head back to the palace, going off in search of a Hale or two]

Cora: [and she will be in her room, working on the beginning of a mural from a wall that she's cleared]

Stiles: [and yeah, totally thinks nothing of just walking into her room because they're totally a thing] Figured out what you're drawing now?

Cora: Not yet. But I think the base of this wall is going to be blue.

Stiles: Like the sky?

Cora: For starters.

Stiles: So maybe the lanterns again?

Cora: No, I think I want to do something different. Now that I have a different view, at least.

Stiles: [hops into the chaise by the fireplace and lounges back] That's a good point.

Cora: [smirks a bit, before stepping back from the wall and moving over to join him] So did you find her?

Stiles: I did. [ smirks, debating on how much to tell her]

Cora: Have you told Derek yet?

Stiles: No, I haven't seen him yet.

Cora: [sits on the edge and then leans back to curl against his side] Did she say something wrong?

Stiles: No, I'm just not sure how much I should tell him.

Cora: [squints] Why are you going to lie to him?

Stiles: Well, first of all she kinda hates him.

Cora: ... Oh.

Stiles: Your brother doesn't really do good talking to people who aren't... well, not his equal or servants.

Cora: But has she agreed to meet with him at least?

Stiles: It's more that I know where she is going to be the day after tomorrow, and he can find her there and try to see her.

Cora: But you don't think it will go well.

Stiles: I think there are things about her that will give him pause to pursuing her just as she has in allowing him to pursue her. But if I tell him them, I don't know how he will take it. I think it's something she needs to tell him, and not me even if it means he might get hurt?

Cora: [makes a small face] I am the wrong person to ask. But, since our father is trusting him to make the choice for himself, I think he should do it with all the facts. This isn't completely about marriage, it's about proving that he can think for himself and still make a wise decision.

Stiles: [nods. He won't be telling her that she isn't a noble because that could make Fiona be put in jail, but he can tell Derek enough]

Cora: [Cora won't really get it anyway, so it's probably for the best] I think he's in the library. He's usually there after dinner.

Stiles: Alright. Well, I will leave you with your blue wall and I'll go talk to him.

Cora: [she nods] I'll be here if you want to come back after.

Stiles: I may just do that, if your guards don't think it is inappropriate. If they do, I may come through your window.

Cora: Well, I won't mind either way. Just let me know if you're climbing in the window so I can shut the door.

Stiles: Will do. [and off he will go to tell Derek almost everything. Just not the whole btw she's not a Comtess. It might come back to bite him in the ass later]

Cora: [yeah that totally won't backfire at all]

Stiles: [Nope!]

Cora: [and assuming he just comes back to her room, we can just jump to Derek arriving at the de Ghent estate?]

Derek: [yup, the two days later, dressed down because he doesn't need people making him as he heads out in that direction]

Fiona: [and she is regrettably dressed in her noble wear and ready for him whenever he shows]

Derek: [and he will smile when he sees her because she is so beautiful] Comtess, it is a pleasure to see you again.

Fiona: [still does not intend to play completely nice] You're lucky my brother is a persuasive man, your highness.

Derek: I am aware and grateful for him. I was hoping that I could apologize to you in person.

Fiona: [her eyebrow raises] Apologize?

Derek: Yes. I upset you the other day in how I spoke.

Fiona: You would have upset anyone with the way you spoke. But you are the prince. Most would consider me being the one to need to apologize.

Derek: Not when you are not the one who is wrong.

Fiona: [well, that is surprising. she nods for a moment] Apology accepted.

Derek: I was wondering, perhaps, if you would like to join me for the afternoon. My father's edict has caused quite a phenomenon and so i am bound for the monastery. The monks have a fantastic library and since I believe you enjoy reading, I thought you might like to accompany me.

Fiona: [she glances back over her shoulder to Cormac who nods in response, before taking a deep breath and nodding as well] That sounds lovely.

Derek: [and he gives her a bright smile as he holds out a hand for her to help her down the stairs of her home] Yes, it does.

Fiona: [she takes his hand and follows his lead down to the carriage]

Derek: [and he will then help her up into the carriage before jumping in himself. He's light on guards and once they get to the library, he gives his man a few coins and tells him to go enjoy his day and come back for them at a certain time]

Fiona: [and she will try to remember what little lady training she had before her father died and wait for him to release her from the carriage]

Derek: [and he will guide her into the library] I'm sure you've probably seen libraries much grander than this one. I just find it peaceful.

Fiona: I haven't, actually. [she goes right for the nearest shelf to look over the spines] But just because a library isn't ornate doesn't mean it doesn't have something worth reading.

Derek: Of course. In fact, sometimes the most amazing things can be found in the most common of wrappings.

Fiona: [her eyebrow raises] Is that so?

Derek: Yes. I mean, look at pearls. Such a small, precious material, and yet they are hidden in dirty shells.

Fiona: Hmmm. If only humans could see other humans the same way and remember that the poor are people too.

Derek: Sometimes I think it's hard, because to admit that means that it is possible to find yourself in that same position. And instead of helping by sharing what you have, instead you cling tighter to what you perceive as yours.

Fiona: It's just so funny, to see it coming from people who claim to be Christians.

Derek: Many forget that Jesus was born in humble surroundings, and lived a life of poverty himself.

Fiona: Indeed they do.

Derek: [and he will look up at the books] We try to do what we can, but sometimes it feels for every mouth we feed, there's two more we can't.

Fiona: So that is a reason to stop trying?

Derek: No, it's never a reason. But it makes one wonder if there are better ways to help than just giving handouts. Giving a man a fish verses teaching him to, you know?

Fiona: All the fishing skills in the world won't do you any good when there's no fish.

Derek: No, but if there are no fish, then you acknowledge it and then teach the man to hunt, and support him until he can once again support himself.

Fiona: Well, our current system is designed to indicate that if there is no fish, then there's nothing more they can do.

Derek: I agree. I've been arguing with my father about that for years now.

Fiona: Your arguing hasn't done much good, it seems.

Derek: I know. And there are just... reasons I'm not allowed to spend time out among the people. [his kidnapped sisters being points 1 and 2, being the crown prince as 3] But I try to do what I can, when I can, and only hope that perhaps when my time comes, I can do better by my people.

Fiona: So you really think you have no power now at all?

Derek: [sighs, his hand still on the bookcase] As the crown prince, any time I try to create something that I think would help, I am told that I should focus my attention on other things. [there is a but in his voice, something unspoken]

Fiona: But? [yes, she can hear it. please elaborate]

Derek: [he looks at her, taking a deep breath] There are times when I am not the crown prince, and instead a man in town. When I can do that, I do what I can without risking being revealed.

Fiona: [she raises an eyebrow at that] As kind as that is - that's not the kind of leader we need.

Derek: Well, what kind of leader do you feel is needed? [and it's an honest question, wanting to hear her]

Fiona: [she has an answer to that:] Someone who's willing to stand up to the nobles and speak for the people who don't have a voice. Someone who can stand and say that people can't be sold as property or that their wages need to be paid. The nobles treat their servants like they're less than human and nothing is going to change if the king ignores it. [she sighs] I know it's not feasible to save every servant, but if there are laws and punishments for those who abuse them, perhaps they can at least have happier lives, even if they aren't wealthier ones.

Derek: [licks his lips] Like someone who could convince the king that prisoners should be given the choice on if they are sent to the Americas, and if they go they are compensated?

Fiona: Exactly.

Derek: [nods] Well, if you were not at court yesterday, my father actually passed that decree. [there is a small smile]

Fiona: [her eyebrows go up at that, surprised, but pleased] Good. A small progress is better than no progress at all.

Derek: I was inspired by someone's feverish dedication to her servant.

Fiona: [there's a pause for a moment, before she picks at one of the book covers] My brother.

Derek: [and that will shock him] Your brother is a servant? I did not know...

Fiona: We're not a very wealthy house. Our debts overwhelmed us and paying them off took some time.

Derek: [nods] I am sorry to hear that. And while I know we just spoke of what the people need and how I should focus on them... is there anything I can do to help you?

Fiona: [she shakes her head] No. We'll find our way. But thank you.

Derek: Well, if you think of something, please let me know. I wish to be of service.

Fiona: [she nods once before moving down the aisle to look at another set of books] I will.

Derek: [and he will follow her] So, what is your favorite book?

Fiona: Utopia. [a beat as she glances back because it's a weird favorite book] It's the last book my father gave to me before he died.

Derek: Which explains then how you quote it so well.

Fiona: [she nods] I've read it so many times I could probably recite it verbatim.

Derek: What was he like, your father?

Fiona: [she smiles widely at that] He was very kind. I was the youngest of four, my two older siblings were married off very early on so it was just myself and Cormac, and he always taught me and my brother the same in all things. Including some things that would probably be considered unladylike.

Derek: [chuckles] We all have our bad habits.

Fiona: [she nods] But he taught us how to stick together. And it served us well when he was no longer with us.

Derek: [and he will smile a moment before it falters a bit]

Fiona: [frowns] What?

Derek: In all my years of study...not one tutor ever demonstrated...the passion you have shown me in the last two days. You have more conviction in one memory...than I have in my entire being.

Fiona: Conviction isn't something you can be taught. Its something you need to find in yourself.

Derek: [and he will just nod, but he still is in awe of her and just how passionate she is]

Fiona: [and they will continue talking about books for a while and just...delay telling him the truth until the end of the adventure because why cut off the book access but eventually they climb into the carriage to head back to the manor]

Derek: [and halfway back to town of course the carriage is going to break down] Well, this is embarrassing.

Fiona: [she laughs as she climbs out onto the road] It's fine. It's a lovely day to walk.

Guard: I'll go back to the monastery. [don't wander off, prince Derek]

Derek: It's a half a day's walk, Comtess.

Fiona: [she gives a small shrug] I've walked longer.

Derek: [looks back at the guard, then shrugs] Alright, let's go.

Fiona: [nods and off they walk, chatting as they move through the woods]

Derek: [and talking gets them distracted and they get lost, which Derek finds amusing] You'd think I would know my way to my own castle.

Fiona: [frowns until she spots a tree and starts making her way closer] I'm going to get a better view.

Derek: [blinks] You're going to climb the tree?

Fiona: Do you have a better idea?

Derek: I could climb at least.

Fiona: Have you ever climbed a tree before?

Derek: Not... that I recall?

Fiona: Then it's probably safer if I just do it. [and she'll start taking off her fancy outer dress]

Derek: .... [blinks because what is happening here] IN your undergarments?

Fiona: Would you prefer I do it naked?

Derek: I may not have the best social skills, but even I know better than to answer that.

Fiona: Then look away if it offends your delicate sensibilities. I'll be quick.

Derek: I just... [sighs and he will look away because he is a gentleman, not that he has delicate sensibilities]

Fiona: [whatever you say, prince-y poo, she's just going to scramble up the tree and try to spot the castle] I don't think it's far.

Derek: [and he will smile up at her, trying to avoid looking where he shouldn’t] Is there anything you can't do?

Fiona: Fly. [she smirks, before just taking a moment to take in the view]

Derek: [laughs, but his laughter is met with a stranger's laugh and he turns to see a group of outlaws coming towards them] Stay aloft, madam. I will handle these rogues.

Fiona: [and that makes her turn and look down and ... there are way too many of them for Derek to take on alone, so she's going to climb down anyway. Also one of them is going to steal her dress, whoops]

Derek: Let her go, your quarrel is with me, not her.

Fiona: What did you do? [that question is directed at Derek]

Derek: They were stealing artwork from the back of Senor DaVinci's wagon and I stopped them.

Fiona: [gets to the ground, see that her dress is in the hands of one of the gypsies, and instead of being ashamed of her lack of dress, she stares him down with a Glare of Death] Return my dress to me at once.

Thief: But it is such a fine garment, mademoiselle. My wife will love it.

Derek: [and he is totally going to be bested by one of the thieves and disarmed]

Fiona: [she watches him for a moment, watching as their leader (who has her dress) is distracted by the change in fortune of the fight and she attempts to ... tackle him and wrestle his sword away from him. She actually gets pretty far too and gets the sword in hand, before his men come to his aid and one pulls her back with a knife to her throat]

Derek: I said unhand her! [and that will renew his fight and he will take on the one who dared to hold a knife on her, and she may notice that he fights very much like the stranger in the alley that saved her a week ago]

Fiona: [and she is definitely going to stamp down on the instep of the foot of the man holding her, followed by an elbow to the gut]

Thieves: [And they will eventually get Derek held by his arms but he's still struggling]

Thief: My lady, you may leave and we will not pursue.

Fiona: I am not leaving without my things. And if you're going to deprive me of my escort, I demand a horse as well.

Thief: You can have whatever you can carry.

Fiona: [her eyes narrow] Do I have your word on that, sir?

Thief: You have my word.

Fiona: [and she will nod ... and then head over to where Derek is standing and very indelicately haul him up onto her shoulders and make a move to carry him off. You said whatever she could carry, deal with it.]

Derek: [is so confused, but as Fiona literally walks away with him, he just shrugs and smirks at the laughing thieves]

Thief: Please, come back. I will give you a horse!

Fiona: [glances back at them] Do I still get to keep my prize?

Thief: [laughing] Yes, come join us for dinner, and we will get you a rested horse to take you both back.

Fiona: [sighs as she places Derek back on the ground and nods] Thank you. My dress please.

Thief: [and she will get it back and they will lead them both back to the duckie inn where there's a warm fire and alcohol and fun, rowdy times]

Fiona: [and she manages to keep all those men on their toes because she's sharp like that]

Derek: [and he just watches her, smiling because she is just amazing]

Fiona: [and eventually she'll come back to join him at the table, flushed and lazy]

Derek: You have such a way with people.

Fiona: [she shrugs] They're easy to manage if you defy their expectations.

Derek: Maybe you should be the one to be King, and I take your place.

Fiona: You don't want to take my place.

Derek: Is that so?

Fiona: [she sighs before turning to face him more] You say you would rather be a peasant because it will give you an opportunity to escape your privilege and your responsibilities, but there is no true freedom in it. You can pretend and escape into a world you believe you understand, but in the end, you get to return to your life of comfort. You always have everything you need - you don't truly understand what it means to go without.

Derek: I know i don't. And when I go home, yes, it's to comforts that I get on the backs of others. And I fear that no matter how much I want to help them, that I won't be able to because I don't understand.

Fiona: Do you treat your staff well?

Derek: Of course.

Fiona: Then that's a small step in the right direction. But everyone is earning their life on the back of someone else, I'm afraid. What matters is how you treat the ones who serve you, and hope that they will pass it on to the ones who serve them.

Derek: At least I am doing one thing right then. [he doesn't give himself enough credit, but that's Derek]

Fiona: [she sighs softly] However you feel your power is limited now, it will be different when you are king. But it may benefit you to consider your father's perspective on things. Go easier on him. Listen and learn, and maybe you'll find a way to do what he can't. After all, his is one of the backs from which you enjoy your life of comfort.

Derek: My father may think I have come down with an illness if I turn around and start listening to him [chuckles]

Fiona: Or maybe he'll just see it as you finally growing up.

Derek: Perhaps. One can hope at least.

Fiona: [she nods before she leans into him a bit subconsciously, getting comfortable]

Derek: [and he will look down at her, and slowly wrap a blanket around them both so they can be comfortable together]

Fiona: [and she will look to the window and frown] Is the sun going down or coming up?

Derek: [and he will look over] Going down. We should probably work on getting you home so that your family doesn't think I am being improper with you.

Fiona: [ she nods] Probably a good idea.

Derek: You will have to get up though, madam so that I may stand.

Fiona: [she nods and slowly gets to her feet]

Derek: [and he will get up behind her, going to fold the blanket] Will you need this for the ride? It may be cold.

Fiona: [she shakes her head] I'll be fine.

Derek: [and they can go to the horse and he will give her a ride home]

Fiona: [ and she will wander and collapse into bed and oversleep which will result in an epic explosion that ends with her mother's dress being given to Margarite and her being whipped]

Derek: [but it will also lead him to be walking around the palace like a lovesick puppy the next day because the Comtess is amazing and he is in love]

Fiona: [oh yeah, she forgot to tell him that she's not a comtess didn't she? but he also forgot to invite her to the ball, so he has to meet her later anyway]

Derek: [and he will be at the old ruins reading, hoping to see her because they did talk about seeing them]

Fiona: [and she will very slowly make her way in, her dress already irritating her wounded back. She has to tell him that this can't go any further. It's too large a risk]

Derek: [and his face will brighten up when he sees her] Hello.

Fiona: Your highness. [just get it out, Fiona] I need to speak with you about something.

Derek: [sees her moving slowly] Are you feeling alright?

Fiona: Fine. It was just a long day.

Derek: [nods, and then holds out a book] You left this in the carriage.

Fiona: Oh. [and she reaches forward slowly to take it, still moving tenderly] Thank you.

Derek: Come with me, I want to show you something.

Fiona: [exhales slowly, before nodding as she goes with him]

Derek: Before Cora was kidnapped, my father and I would come here. It was his cherished retreat during the war, and whenever I feel disconnected from here, I come back to this place to remember those times.

Fiona: [and her heart sinks a bit because this is something real and she doesn't feel like she deserves to see it] It's good that you have this escape.

Derek: These trees here, they were just tiny twigs and now they reach up to the sky with such strength. And they still have so much more to grow... so full of life. [he looks at her] It's life I didn't image I could have in me, but I do now.

Fiona: Do you?

Derek: I have. I haven't slept because I thought if I did, I'd wake up and find that all of this was a dream. I used to think if I opened myself to hope and cared about something deeply, I'd have to care about everything and it would drive me crazy. But I found a purpose, a project I can work on with my father to help our people, and it's all because of you.

Fiona: [and she looks away, her gut twisting as a result] I'm happy for you. Truly.

Derek: And you, you are an amazing woman. Tomorrow at the masque, I shall make it known to the world. [totally in love]

Fiona: [oh this is her moment. This is when she needs to tell him. and she actually rolled a pretty decent will save so she's going to start...] Your highness ...

Derek: Please, call me Derek.

Fiona: Derek ... [and then she bombs the second will save and ...] Last night was the happiest night of my life.

Derek: So you will come to the masque?

Fiona: I will try.

Derek: Wonderful. [and he will go to hug her]

Fiona: [and she will wince in pain as his arms press against her wounds and she pulls away] I'm sorry. I must go.

Derek: Go?

Fiona: I had to sneak away so I can't stay long.

Derek: I don't understand.

Fiona: My stepmother didn't like that I spent the night away last night.

Derek: I can bring you home then and explain. [because surely if she heard it from the crown prince, the woman would understand]

Fiona: No, no. It's fine. I'll see you at the ball.

Derek: [and because he will keep trying to keep her from leaving, she should probably just turn and leave before he can speak again]

Fiona: [which she will try and do, slipping away and heading back to the house where her mother's dress will be discovered stolen and she'll get locked in a storage closet and the queen will be told that she was being married off to a Belgian]

Derek: [and he will be going back, still believing that she will be there, and so in love and happier than his parents have ever seen him]

Talia: Oh dear.

Derek: Hello, mother.

Talia: I was so sorry to hear about the Comtess. [this is the next morning at breakfast]

Derek: What do you mean? [confused]

Talia: I was told by her aunt yesterday that she's engaged. She's leaving for Belgium today.

Derek: No, that can't be true. She told me she was coming to the masque tonight.

Talia: When did she tell you this?

Derek: Yesterday, when I was showing her the ruins.

Talia: Perhaps she didn't know how far along things were.

Derek: But she would know she was engaged. [and his eyes widen and then he looks down, because] She had wanted to tell me something yesterday, and I didn't stop to listen.

Talia: [her face softens and she makes her way forward to rest her hand on his shoulder] I'm sorry, love. Sometimes that's just how things go.

Derek: [and he is going to lick his lips, take a deep breath and nod] I guess so.

Talia: [her hand comes up and cups his face, brushing her thumb against his cheek] I'm sure you'll be able to find another girl.

Derek: No one like her, mother. She was everything I found myself needing.

Talia: For now. But do you think it would have been enough to last?

Derek: Yes. She made me believe I could make a difference. That I could be a good king, and help our people. That I didn't have to do all this alone.

Talia: And I'm not saying you do. But that is also something that comes with confidence and time. It takes more than allowing her to bolster you to make a marriage work.

Derek: [shakes his head, going to stand up] I'm going to take a walk.

Talia: Of course.

Derek: [and he is going to take an angry walk around the ramparts, because of course something like this would be too good to happen to him]

Talia: [poor Derek. if he wants a sister one will probably be around]

Derek: [he doesn't know what he wants. Part of him just wants to run away from everything, but the Comtess has taught him that it wasn't an option, and he needed to be here for his kingdom. He was the crown prince, and these were his people, and he had to stop being weak in regards to taking care of them]

Laura: [is going to be somewhere, side eyeing Margarite de Ghent.]

Esposito: [will be nearby, shaking his head] That girl and her family are trouble.

Laura: She's such a snake.

Esposito: That she is, and she has had her eye on your brother since he was fourteen.

Laura: Well, I hope he chooses someone else.

Esposito: I've heard he found someone he cared for, but she was already engaged.

Laura: That's a shame.

Esposito: Yeah. It's hitting him hard. [motions with his head over where Derek is sulking]

Laura: [sighs softly] Poor thing.

Esposito: I just hope he makes a choice, otherwise your father is making it for him and if he's hurt, he may not stop him from doing it. [looks at Margarette] Which may be better than the alternative.

Laura: I do not want to be related to that woman.

Esposito: You could come to Spain and only have to see her on the rare occasion.

Laura: Mmmm. [she turns to him with a small smile] Doesn't that require your father agreeing?

Esposito: Well, I talked to him after he arrived this morning, and he is in agreement. Of course, the last person to ask is you. Do you wish to marry me, Laura?

Laura: [she smiles] I would love to.

Esposito: Then it is done. [and he will take her hands and lift them to his lips to kiss them]

Laura: [and she smiles, giving his hand a squeeze] When we are married will we have to be in Spain all year?

Esposito: Until I am King, no.

Laura: Good. There's still so much time I missed with my family. I don't want to leave them too soon.

Esposito: Then we will have that time with them. I have many fond memories of my time here myself.

Laura: Oh really?

Esposito: Yes, your brother and I are good friends.

Laura: You have that advantage on me then.

Esposito: Maybe you could talk to him now, see if you can help.

Laura: [seems nervous] Cora seems to have connected with him better than I have.

Esposito: That doesn't mean you can't.

Laura: [she pauses and nods before pulling away and trying to approach her brother] Derek?

Derek: [and he will look over at Laura from where he is sulking, trying to stand up straight but not really getting there] Hello, Laura.

Laura: I heard about the comtess. I'm sorry.

Derek: I really thought I had found someone I could love. I want that too.

Laura: I know. But that doesn't mean you won't still.

Derek: Father only gave me until today.

Laura: And there are still many other women in the kingdom. Perhaps there is a match that isn't perfect now but could grow into one.

Derek: The only other woman I know is Margarite, and I am not fond of her.

Laura: No other female friends?

Derek: I spend my time among the monks in the library

Laura: Ah. [frowns] You will have the chance to socialize at the ball. Maybe you can reach an agreement with someone there.

Derek: Perhaps, but that does not solve one problem.

Laura: What is that?

Derek: I have no idea how to talk to women.

Laura: [laughs]

Derek: [looks at her as he rubs the back of his neck] It's true.

Laura: I'm sorry. Its just you speak of us like we're some kind of alternate species.

Derek: To me, sometimes you are. I never seem to be able to say the right things.

Laura: Perhaps that is because you try to treat us as something else. We are just people, Derek.

Derek: I've been trying to learn how to talk to people in general. I can try.

Laura: Just treat them with the same respect you for show another man. Or that you would want to be shown yourself.

Derek: And what do I talk about?

Laura: Whatever you find interesting. I am learning that not all ladies of the court are as well rounded in education but it might be a good way to weed out ladies with potential.

Derek: And I won't come off stuck up?

Laura: Only if you condescend to them.

Derek: And back to not being good at talking to people.

Laura: [sighs] Practice on me.

Derek: Wouldn't that be weird?

Laura: Don't flirt. Just speak to me like you would another courtier.

Derek: Okay. [yeah, totally weird] Good afternoon, mademoiselle.

Laura: Good afternoon, your highness.

Derek: How is your day going?

Laura: Its always a pleasure to be in your company.

Derek: [ and he is kinda unsure what to do at this point so um....] Do you like to read?

Laura: I do. It is one of my favorite past times.

Derek: [and he will smile a bit at that] What are some of your favorite stories?

Laura: Folk tales, mostly. My library didn't have much of a selection growing up.

Derek: Perhaps I could show you mine and see if there is anything you may like to read?

Laura: I would love that. I've heard your library is quite comprehensive.

Derek: [and he will hold out his arm to let her take it] I have been collecting for a long time, yes. But there are many other libraries much nicer.

Laura: [takes his arm with a nod] But probably not one as loved.

Derek: [and he will start walking her towards where his library is] I find that I love reading because it lets you travel somewhere else for awhile.

Laura: I agree.

Derek: [and they will get to his library, which he isn't sure if Laura has seen yet] Here we are...

Laura: [she has not, and she is properly amazed, just kind of staring at it all in silence for a moment]

Derek: [smiles a bit] Let's start at the folk tale section, since that if what you said you liked.

Laura: [snaps out of it and] There's a whole section?

Derek: Yes. There are multiple interpretations of some stories, and then different languages.

Laura: I can only read in one ...

Derek: That is fine.

Laura: Alright.

Derek: [and he will take her to that section]

Laura: [and she will browse a bit to try and find her favorites] Are they different in other languages?

Derek: Sometimes. Usually not much though.

Laura: Mmmm. Then why do you collect them?

Derek: Because I like to see how other countries change a story to suit their culture.

Laura: How do you mean?

Derek: Well, like how wolves are usually seen as a bad animal in areas where there are more farmers, and in the more northern countries, they are companions.

Laura: Ahhh. That makes sense.

Derek: [and he can show her other examples until there are piles of books all over the place.]

Laura: [yep, and she'll ask him questions about the other translations]

Derek: [and he will have totally forgotten he was trying to learn to talk to girls, and just segwayed into sister time]

Laura: [yes, but he is talking to her, and she is a girl, so when they reach a lull in the conversation:] You know, talking to me isn't that different from talking to any other girl.

Derek: Yes, but what happens when she isn't into books?

Laura: Then you ask her what she is into, and if you don't have anything in common, or if she doesn't show interest in your interests, then she isn't a good match.

Derek: [nods] Okay.

Laura: All you have to do is listen.

Derek: And how do I politely excuse myself from a conversation when I no longer are interested.

Laura: Do you have a page you trust?

Derek: Yes.

Laura: Arrange a signal and have him fetch you to say you're needed by your father or mother or ... someone else.

Derek: [nods] That may actually work.

Laura: See? Easy.

Derek: How did you learn all this while in isolation?

Laura: I wasn't alone. I had three fairy godmothers with me. And they wanted me to be ready to be a princess.

Derek: I've never met mine.

Laura: Some aren't as obvious.

Derek: I guess.

Laura: I think I had special circumstances, given that they were trying to protect me from the curse.

Derek: So, I do have a crazy question for you...

Laura: Yes?

Derek: If you knew about the curse... why did you touch the spindle?

Laura: .... I didn't really ... make a choice, I suppose. I was just drawn to it. [a beat] And since Father ordered all the spinning wheels destroyed, I had no idea what a spindle looked like.

Derek: I always wondered why though.

Laura: I'm afraid I can't tell you.

Derek: I'm just glad you're back though.

Laura: Me too.

Derek: So are you and Prince Javi going to get married?

Laura: [she nods with a small smile] He asked me today and I said yes.

Derek: [grins] Good. He's a good man.

Laura: He is. We actually met before he found me in the tower.

Derek: Oh?

Laura: Just before the curse. He was watering his horse in a stream where I always collected water and I was ... distracted by the horse, honestly, but we spoke a bit.

Derek: Wait, that was you?

Laura: ... Yes?

Derek: I remember that day. He came back from that trip and couldn't stop talking about the girl he had met.

Laura: Really?

Derek: Yeah. The next day when he couldn't find you again, he was heartbroken. He kept trying to go back.

Laura: [she looks down a bit at that] I was cursed. I did want to be there. He promised he would come back for my birthday.

Derek: For what it's worth, he kept it.

Laura: I know. I just wish I had been there to meet him.

Derek: Well, you can just be here for your next birthday instead.

Laura: I certainly hope so.

Derek: Me too. Though you two have saved me from a very bad match of me and his sister. We literally hate each other.

Laura: [she laughs] So Javier has said.

Derek: And she hates books.

Laura: Clearly not a good match.

Derek: We would have driven each other mad.

Laura: And not in the good way.

Derek: Not at all.

Laura: Then you're making the right choice.

Derek: [and he will look out the library window to see where the ball is being set up] There is a part of me that wants to run away and leave the kingdom to Cora.

Laura: That is a terrible decision.

Derek: I didn't say I was going to do it, just that there was a part of me that wanted to.

Laura: I know. And I understand wanting to run away from a bad situation. But sometimes you need to just ... take control of it and find a way to make it better.

Derek: [deep breath] That's what I'm going to do. the Comtess made me see what the people need to make their lives better, and how to rule for them, instead of ruling them.

Laura: She sounds like she was a wise woman.

Derek: She was. I think you would have liked her very much.

Laura: Maybe you'll have the chance to cross paths again some day.

Derek: I hope so.

Laura: [reaches over and gives his shoulder a soft squeeze] You should get ready for the ball.

Derek: [nods] As should you.

Laura: [she nods as well, before getting to her feet to head out with him]

Derek: [and he will return her to Javi and then head for his quarters where he will change into the brand new white suit with the blue sash that shows he is the crown prince, and head off to find his parents and where they want him]

Cora: [AND CORA IS SO EXCITED TO SEE HER GYPSY FRIENDS]

Stiles: [yeah, he's totally excited to. Totally >.>]

Cora: [also she's going to make him dance with her]

Stiles: [and he will do. he's gotten used to her dancing outbursts.]

Cora: [yep, but he will be the escort to the happiest princess in the land]

Stiles: [yup, which makes him the happiest ex-theif in the land]

Fiona: [and eventually, in the middle of the ball Fiona will appear in appropriate ball attire and looking very out of place]

Derek: [and he will be with his mother, and when the people make way for her and hush, he will turn to look and see her, and the smile that comes to his face would light the world]

Fiona: [oh god this is going to be bad. this is going to be so bad especially since that smile makes her heart skip, just a little bit]

Derek: [and he will go down to meet her] I didn't think you were going to come.

Fiona: I need to speak with you.

Derek: Of course, but first let me introduce you to my parents and sisters. They have been wanting to meet you.

Fiona: No, I think we should speak first.

Derek: [and he will take her hand, holding it tightly] it will only take a moment, and then we can talk. I have so much to tell you too.

Fiona: Derek ...

Baroness: How dare you.

Derek: [and he will turn to the Baroness] Madam, contain yourself.

Baroness: I do not mean to offend, your highness, but I believe you have been deceived.

Derek: I think you are mistaken, madam.

Baroness: I am not mistaken - this woman has been a servant in my home for ten years.

Thomas: [having come down to join them and meet this girl] A servant, Derek?

Derek: Baroness, you are treading on dangerous grounds.

Baroness: If it saves you from making a terrible mistake, it will be worth the risk. Her name is Fiona O'Malley. Ask her yourself.

Fiona: [doesn't ... look like she's going to deny it. sorry, Derek]

Derek: [and he will look at Fiona, and seeing that look on her face, he knew it was true. And where he might have once snubbed his nose at the idea, he just smiled] I highly doubt it is a mistake, Baroness. Even as a servant, this woman has shown me a heart and mind that rivals scholars across the continent. And my father said I was to find love - he did not tell me where I had to find it. [and he will squeeze Fiona's hand tightly because he is not letting her get away] The only mistake that could be made would be for me to let her go again, because then I would be forced to search all the land for her until I could bring her back to my side.

Fiona: [that is not what she was expecting. she stares up at him uncertainly, unsure of what all of this means, and she did not want to have this conversation in front of all of these courtiers, so she does the smart thing for once and just ... keeps her mouth shut.]

Derek: I think you are right though. We should talk. Come, let me take you someplace quiet we can speak.

Thomas: [and he will nod his approval for them to leave, a small smile on his face]

Fiona: [and she will follow him, and the Baroness looks like she's about to have an aneurism]

Derek: [tough shit. He wasn't going to marry margarite. He'd marry Javi's sister over her. But he is going to lead Fiona to his library, a place he has wanted to show her for awhile now]

Fiona: [oh good privacy, so she can have a mild panic attack now, good] Derek ...

Derek: Fiona. [he plays her name over his lips a bit, smiling] You wouldn't by chance be a server at the duckie, would you?

Fiona: [answering direct questions. she can do this, probably] I was, for a little while. When I was raising money to save my brother.

Derek: [nods] Then you are that Fiona. I thought you had looked familiar when I met you as the Comtess, but never connected it.

Fiona: Well, the point had been not to look like myself.

Derek: I know that motivation. Do you remember the night in which you were rescued from being jumped in the alley on your way home?

Fiona: Yes?

Derek: [and he will go to the closet in the library and pull out the peasant’s cloak stashed there]

Fiona: [her eyebrows go up in surprise] You?

Derek: Me. [he smiles] I believe we are both guilty then of being someone else to each other.

Fiona: I suppose we are. [smirks] You tried to steal my father's horse.

Derek: And I still feel the lump your shoe caused me. [laughs]

Fiona: I wanted to tell you so many times but ... things got so complicated.

Derek: I should have listened. For that, you have my sincerest apologies.

Fiona: Are you sure this is a gamble you want to take?

Derek: You are my match in every way, Fiona. I believe now I can do good for our people, but together we can accomplish so much more. [and he will get down on one knee] And I kneel before you not as a prince, but as a man in love, and who would feel like a king if you were to be my wife.

Fiona: [OKAY THIS IS A LOT THAT SHE WASN'T EXPECTING and she doesn't really know what to say to any of this. but her heart is in this, even if she isn't sure where this is going] Yes.

Derek: Yes? [and his eyes will light up and that smile is back]

Fiona: [she nods] Yes.

Derek: [and he will get up and forget his manners to pull her close and kiss her]

Fiona: [that's cool, she's just going to kiss him back, sliding her arms around his neck to pull him closer]

Derek: [and they can just stay like that a moment, and then he will pull back] Is there anything else you wish to tell me, my lady?

Fiona: [well, there's a few things, but ...] My sister is the queen of Russia. If that helps with your father.

Derek: It may, but his deal with me finding love did not state I needed to look among the courtiers. However, the first thing I am having him do is bring your brother here so he no longer has to be a servant to the Baroness. He can choose his own life.

Fiona: I appreciate that. Thank you.

Derek: [and he is about to say something else, but there is a commotion from the ball where the king can be heard questioning the Baroness about having lied to the queen]

Fiona: [blinks and looks back at him] Is that ...

Derek: We should see what is happening...

Fiona: Probably.

Derek: [and he will take her hand and lead her back to where the King is standing in front of the Baroness and Margarette with Talia at his side]

Thomas: I will ask you again, did you or did you not lie to your Majesty, the Queen?

Baroness: [hesitantly] A woman would do anything for the love of her daughter, your majesties. I suppose I got a little carried away.

Margarite: Mother, what have you done? Your majesties, I am just a victim in this such as you.

Baroness: How dare you turn on me you little ingrate.

Thomas: Silence, both of you. [looks to Cormac because he totally followed Fiona, right?] Are they always like this?

Cormac: They're usually worse, actually.

Margarette: You have no place to talk, Cormac!

Cormac: Considering you are already on trial for lying to the king and queen, forgive me if I find myself prudent enough to not do the same.

Thomas: Enough. Baroness de Gent, you are hereby stripped of your titles, property, and land and you and your daughter will be sent to the Americas, unless by some miracle, someone here will speak on your behalf.

Fiona: [Cormac meets his sister's eyes over the crowd and raises an eyebrow and she does the same. it's a silent conversation that only lasts a moment, before Fiona straightens slightly] I'll speak for them.

Thomas: [and he will turn to look at the woman at his son's side]

Derek: Father, Mother, may I present to you the woman who has agreed to be my wife, Fiona O'Malley.

Fiona: The part that the baroness chose to leave out is that she married my father ten years ago, and died of a heart attack shortly thereafter. She then proceeded to squander our inheritance to support her lavish lifestyle, forced my brother and I to be servants in our own home, and even went so far as to try and sell my brother to the Americas, which I was able to circumvent. However, I do not want to force them to leave their homeland. I only wish that they are shown the same courtesy that they have shown myself and my brother.

Thomas: [nods, smiling] It will be done. [tilts his head] And I believe then that the title of Baron shall then revert back to Baron O'Malley's next eldest unmarried child, with his youngest taking on the title of Comtesse. [he will nods to Fiona, and then turn to Cormac] Baron O'Malley, I will expect for you to do a full accounting of your household and inform me if there is anything still missing that needs to be compensated for.

Cormac: [nods with a small smile] Thank you, your majesty.

Derek: [smiles and looks at Fiona, because that was an even better result for her brother]

Fiona: [yeah, she's really very grateful and having a lot of emotions right now] Thank you. You don't know what this means to us.

Thomas: I believe a wise man spoke about finding ways to right the wrongs that have been done to my people while I have not been as observant as I should have been. I hope that this can at least correct that for your family, and your guidance with my son can help us continue to do this.

Fiona: [that is a lot, but ...] I hope so.

Derek: I am certain. [because he has finally found that faith in himself]

Fiona: [nods a bit, before] ... We should probably let people get back to the ball, right?

Derek: Yes. Perhaps they will if you come and dance with me?

Fiona: [she nods, even if she doesn't want more attention, but she can do that]

Derek: [sorry, you're going to have to get used to it, Comtess O'Malley. But for now, he's going to lead her out onto the dancefloor and gently guide her into a waltz]

Fiona: [and she'll try to just focus on him and enjoy the dance and pretend no one else is there and watching them]

Stiles: [and while they are dancing, he will slide up next to Cormac] So Baron, huh?

Cormac: [keeping his voice low] Well, technically we weren't a barony before the baroness got there, but if it's what the king wants ... [smirk]

Stiles: Just let me know if you need help getting anything back. [because sticky fingers and all]

Cormac: Most of the things that I need to get back are people rather than things. The Baroness sold many servants to cover her debt.

Stiles: You know who'd be good to ask. [he points at the gypsies]

Cormac: [glances over and raises an eyebrow] Really?

Stiles: Yeah. You'd be surprised at what those guys can do.

Cormac: I'll keep that in mind. Thank you.

Stiles: No problem.

Cormac: Now, I think there's likely a princess who could use your attention.

Stiles: Oh, I'm sure. [and off he goes back to find Cora]

Cormac: [and they had a very lovely ball unless there's something else you want to do here?]

Derek: [nope, just that he would like to give his fiancé a kiss goodnight before she heads home for the evening]

Fiona: [she will let him do that. yay successful ball!]

Thomas: [and he will be very happy because that's two children engaged in one day!]

Cora: [success! Cora will probably get engaged eventually probably soon ... also someone should probably give her The Talk because 99% sure Kate never did]

Thomas: [N O P E that is Talia's department. he did it with Derek]

Talia: [wimp]

Thomas: [1000%]