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Post by Sky on Jul 26, 2006 20:40:30 GMT -5
"No one ever said that ruling a realm was going to be easy," Sky said before he offered her a comforting smile. "But don't worry, I'm sure whatever you end up deciding to do will be the right thing. You just have to learn to believe in yourself."
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Post by Chris Strongheart on Jul 26, 2006 20:56:55 GMT -5
She nodded slightly, her nerves slightly rattled still. "So, I know this is going to sound weird... but kiss me." She needed to feel safe and Sky was the one thing that made her feel safe.
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Post by Sky on Jul 27, 2006 7:32:27 GMT -5
Looking at Christine for a long moment, Sky then leaned forward and gave her a gentle kiss at the corner of his mouth before he turned away to pick up the box she had given him earlier. Holding it out to her, he said quietly, "I can't accept this. I'm sorry."
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Post by Chris Strongheart on Jul 27, 2006 7:36:43 GMT -5
Christine lowered her eyes and stared at her hands. "I understand," she said, even if her expression and her voice indicated that she didn't. She looked away, hoping that he wouldn't catch her crying. She had been a fool to think that with everything she had done to prove that she loved him, that he could love her.
And in her heart, she wondered if Ribestaus was wrong... If Sky *was* still the beast, only this time, it was the inside that changed - not the outside.
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Post by Sky on Jul 27, 2006 7:46:44 GMT -5
Knowing that Christine was hurt, Sky wearily rubbed his eyes. Yes, he had been a fool to think that his life would be easier now that the curse was gone. He had been a fool to think that his life was back on track toward 'normal.' His life was anything but that. He was a prince, who cared about a princess - now queen - who was looked down upon by his family and realm. Shaking his head, Sky was suddenly reminded of those old fairytale stories that Bloom used to tell him - the ones about poor, peasant girls falling in love with charming princes and the charming princes falling in love with them right back. In those stories, everyone lived happily ever after. No one from Prince Charming's kingdom cared that his wife wasn't someone 'pure.' All they cared about was that the prince was finally happy.
Too bad that that wasn't how real life went.
Temporarily lost in his thoughts, Sky finally pulled himself back to the present moment. Knowing that he should give Christine at least some explanation as to why he was giving back the gift, he said simply, "I don't deserve it."
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Post by Chris Strongheart on Jul 27, 2006 7:50:11 GMT -5
She didn't say anything, the only sound she made was a muffled sob. She was trying very hard not to cry in front of him. It wasn't fair, wasn't. Both of them went through hell for the other and now, now because of her blood, they were being denied their happy ever after.
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Post by Sky on Jul 27, 2006 7:58:06 GMT -5
Keeping his gaze averted from Christine's, unable to bear looking at her when he knew that she was on the verge of tears, Sky said, his voice oddly distant, "You shouldn't keep your guests waiting much longer." Silently, he added to himself, knowing that if he spoke these words out loud, he would upset her more than he was willing to do, 'Now that you're queen, your life isn't about you anymore. Your life is entirely about your realm from this point on - or at least, it should be. Perhaps now you'll grow to understand why my mother is the way she is.'
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Post by Chris Strongheart on Jul 27, 2006 8:00:02 GMT -5
Christine rose silently and made her way back in. Right now, she needed the comfort of her friends, Tash and Karina, if only to keep her from further shattering.
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Post by Sky on Jul 27, 2006 8:07:17 GMT -5
Watching Christine's retreating back, Sky then rose to his feet as well. For a moment he wavered as to whether he should follow her in or if he should just travel back to Red Fountain. On the one hand, it would be rude to just up and leave . . . but on the other hand, he had a distinct feeling that Christine didn't want him around at the moment. Finally making his decision, Sky turned away. Red Fountain it was.
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Post by Chris Strongheart on Jul 27, 2006 8:19:44 GMT -5
Christine saw Karina and raced over, collapsing in the other girl's arms, weeping her heart out. "I can't... I can't," she whimpered. "I've given everything, I've nothing left..."
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Post by Karina on Jul 27, 2006 8:23:01 GMT -5
Silently stroking Christine's hair, Karina felt her heart break for her friend. Not sure what else to do, she waited until Christine's tears began to subside slightly before she asked tentatively, "I take it things didn't go well with Sky?"
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Post by Chris Strongheart on Jul 27, 2006 8:26:04 GMT -5
Christine simply nodded. "I've given him everything. My love, my heart, everything. I love him, Karina, didn't today prove that? I didn't care that he looked like a beast because I saw the man within," she whimpered. "And yet, that's not good enough. It's not fair! I fought for him! Where's my happy ending? I thought that we'd finally be allowed one..."
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Post by Karina on Jul 27, 2006 8:28:34 GMT -5
Letting her vent, Karina remained quiet until Christine trailed off. Then, with a sad sigh, she replied, "Maybe it's time you move on; my mother always said, it takes two people to make a relationship and so, if he's not going to try as hard as you are . . . maybe it's time to look for someone else to give your heart to. Or better yet - let someone else find you."
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Post by Chris Strongheart on Jul 27, 2006 8:31:11 GMT -5
Christine nodded. "I just wish he would," she said softly. She allowed Karina to stroke her hair to help comfort her. "You know, maybe... maybe we were wrong... Maybe his curse isn't broken - just changed..."
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Post by Karina on Jul 27, 2006 8:40:31 GMT -5
Not sure how to respond, Karina just nodded and echoed softly, "Maybe . . ."
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