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By: Jen
Rating: PG ///// Category: M/L, AU
Disclaimer: I don't own Roswell or Cinderella.
Note: Thanks Autumn for proofreading this. I hope you enjoyed it.
Once upon a time, in the great kingdom of Roswell, lived their alien prince, Maxwell Evans. Now, in this kingdom, aliens were few in number - pretty much the prince and princess, along with a couple of other nobles - but yet welcome. It was mostly populated by the humans who settled it. His parents, adoptive parents, King Phillip and Queen Diane, were worried about their son. Prince Max would spend all his days staring out the window as if looking for something or someone allowing only his sister Princess Isabel for company. Both the King and Queen knew his time to rule was soon and the people were greatly looking forward to this, even if he was alien.
One day, after speaking with Isabel and Max, Queen Diane went to her husband. "Dear, perhaps we should hold a royal ball this way, perhaps, young Max can find a bride and happiness." And that was the beginning.
***
On the other side of town lived the peasant girl, Liz Parker. She too shared the same hopes as the Prince, wanting to find someone out there someday to make her feel special, like she belonged. But at the rate her life was going, this would never happen.
"Liz, come here!" A brisk order was shouted from down the hallway of the manor on which Liz had lived her whole life. It was Tess Harding, an alien also Liz's stepsister. She and her father, Nasedo, constantly bossed Liz around, thinking her as an object left over from Nasedo's previous wedding to Liz's late mother.
'Someday,' Liz thought to herself, 'I will have a better life.' Until then, she would have to put up with her stepfamily's constant commands. Only time spent with her pal Sir Alex, Lord Whitman's son, made life worth living.
"Coming Tess," Liz walked down the stairs from her small attic room into Tess's grand and baroque chambers. "Yes, what do you want?"
"Liz, Daddy and I are going to town so I can buy a new ball for Prince Maxwell's ball," she squealed with delight, blond curls bouncing with her every word.
"The Prince is holding a ball?" Liz asked, amazed and intrigued. She always wondered what it would be like to meet him, especially after all the stories Sir Alex (also the Prince's friend and Princess's suitor) told her. Now, perhaps she would have a chance. A smile spread across her face and Liz stuck a strand of her straight brown hair behind her ear. "I take it we will all be going?" she asked, ready to beg earnestly.
"Daddy and I will definitely be going." Tess frowned, studied Liz, sized her up and down, her blue eyes narrowing. "Nasedo said that you could go to," she mumbled, barely audible, "only if you can find something suitable to wear."
"Now come on. We will need you to carry our bags while in town Liz. Daddy's waiting."
***
The ride to town was brief, for their manor was not that far away from it. "Liz, while Tess and I are shopping, you must gather the groceries," Nasedo Harding handed Liz a list, "Do not talk to strangers. Be back at three o'clock sharp. That gives you four hours. You hear me?" Nasedo barked.
"Yes sir," replied Liz once they reached town. She hurried of to go about her chores. Meanwhile, a couple of blocks away, strolled Prince Max. He had disguised himself in peasant clothes for one of his visits among his subjects. Princess Isabel was kind enough to cover his absence so his parents wouldn't notice. King Phillip and Queen Diane were not happy with Max's strolls and were especially not pleased last time they caught him sneaking out. But he didn't care. All those years, sometimes with his sister, sometimes alone, Max would come to town, always looking for her: the dark-haired girl with the deep brown eyes. The first time he saw her, she stole his heart. Max could never work up the nerve to talk to her, especially because she was just a lowly peasant, while he the Prince was expected to marry a noble or a princess. And if she ever knew who he was…Max just let the thought hang in midair.
She all ways seemed so sad to him, except when she talked to his friend, Sir Alex. Max wondered how the girl knew Sir Alex. He certainly never mentioned her, but yet, Max never brought his dream girl up in any of their conversations. Time and time again, Prince Max wondered what was wrong with her, why she always seemed so longing. The Prince wondered if the peasant ever noticed him either. Pulling his head out of his thoughts and daydreams, Max looked across the street, seeing the girl being frightened away from a horse, and yelled at by the noble who owned the steed. Her way to heavy bags dropped and Prince Max then decided he could not stand it any longer. 'That's it,' Prince Max thought, 'I'm not just going to sit back and study her anymore. She need's help, I'm going over there.'
"Sir, do you have a quarrel with this young lady," Max addressed the nobleman Valenti. "Just tell her to get away from my horses, and take her lousy bags with her. Or else, I'll have her arrested for disturbing the peace," shouted Lord Valenti.
"Yes sir, come on." Prince Max took Liz's bags and led her away from the enraged lord. 'Never did like him much anyway,' Max mused. "Nobles and lords, they are all stuck up." Prince Max told her. For a minute, he saw her smile at him.
"Thank you," Liz told him, only then realizing whom she was addressing. It was her mystery man, the guy she saw, almost every time she came to town. Liz glanced at him. 'Yeah, it is him,' she thought. Tall and broad, dark brown hair and the most soulful brown eyes she had ever seen. All those years ago, when she had first seen him watching her, Liz thought of him as a potential friend, until Tess dragged her away, scoldingly. Since then, every day she saw him, Liz feelings toward him had grown, though she never really realized that until now. "I really must be going though."
"Miss, do you need help carrying those bags? They really seem to heavy for you." Prince Max asked. His eyes met hers and immediately, Max felt his heart jump.
"No, is okay. I can handle it." Liz attempted to pull some of the bags out of his grip and then stumbled.
"Look. You cannot carry all these packages on your own. Why, when I find the person who put you up to this level of servitude…" Prince Max had become infuriated. 'How could anyone treat the girl this way?' he thought.
"You'll do what?" Liz began; believing that companion was human. "Nasedo, my stepfather, isn't human. He does not tolerate anyone disagreeing with him. You do anything to him or his daughter and…" Liz let the words hang in the air.
"I don't care. Let me help." Max insisted, his royal authority slipping through his disguise. Max bent down to pick up the couple of bags she had dropped. "What's your name?"
"Liz. Liz Parker," the girl replied, "but please, don't. Go. I'm not supposed to talk to strangers."
'Liz' Prince Max thought, 'It's such a perfect name for her.' Max continued to walk alongside the girl, no Liz, he corrected himself. "I don't care." The Prince replied, "So, you live with your stepfather?"
"Yes, and my stepsister," at that moment Liz got a feeling, a feeling that she could trust this man with anything, tell him anything. "I don't really consider them family though. I'm more like their slave." She forced a laugh.
"Oh, well maybe if you want to…" Prince Max's invitation was cut short as they rounded the corner and heard to men arguing.
"I want the money now," one of the men roared, a big, burly peasant was cornering the other man against the wall.
"Wan' it so bad, take this instead," the wiry opponent drew out a knife and hurled it at the other guy. By chance, he missed, and the knife struck Liz in the stomach instead.
"Liz!" Max shouted and rushed over to her. "Liz, you have to look at me." Max pulled out the knife and ripped open her dress. He then placed his hand over the fatal wound. Instantly, the connection was formed. Pictures flashed through his mind.
Liz's father dying. Liz at her mother's wedding, smiling, looking proud. Crying at her mother's funeral, knowing that life would never be the same again. Hugging and clinging onto Sir Alex, watching Tess smirking as her mother's coffin was laid to rest. Liz being forced out of her once beautiful room and into the attic. Liz, older now, laughing and talking with Sir Alex. Liz, seeing him, studying him as he studied her. Suddenly the connection broke and Liz was healed.
Only after it was done did Prince Max realize what had happened. He had healed her, a human peasant, a civilian to which his in his parents' point of mind, he did not know her. And now, with this single act, brought about by his unexplainable attraction to Liz, Max had blown his cover. None of the aliens in Roswell were peasants, only nobles are higher. And now, with the ball coming up, Liz would know for sure that the boy who had watched from afar, who, it now seemed, loved her was an alien, the prince. No chance of that ever going smoothly with his parents.
Max decided the only thing left to do now was to lie, and pray that she wouldn't notice the silver handprint he would leave on her stomach.
"You're going to be all right now," Prince Max whispered. He grabbed some red paint sitting next to some boxes in the alleyway. He emptied the contents of one of the bottles onto Liz, onto her dress. "All you did was spill the red paint when you fell. Please, don't tell anyone."
Liz got up slowly as she watched him flee. "Wait, what's your name?" she called after him. No response. Quietly, she gathered her packages and headed back towards the carriage. Looking down at her clothes, a grim smile appeared on Liz's face, 'Nasedo's going to kill me' she thought.
***
The ride home was a quiet one. Nasedo was furious and Liz said nothing about her mysterious encounter. Tess was beaming though, showing of the forest green gown she had gotten for the ball, along with the pearl necklace her father had also purchased for the night. Tess was overjoyed that Liz had gotten in trouble, 'Now she would not be there to bother me at the ball,' Tess wickedly, 'A better chance to try and win the Prince's heart.' It made perfect sense to Tess on why Prince Maxwell should chose her rather than all the other eligible women at the ball. 'After all, wouldn't he rather an alien like myself rather than half the human maidens in the kingdom.' Tess laughed silently at that thought. 'Tonight will go perfectly, and soon I will be queen.'
***
"Liz, get my beads!" Tess yelled from downstairs. 'Why couldn't they just leave me in peace?' Liz thought. She was in her cramped room, standing in front of her mother's old mirror, one of the few possessions she actually convinced her stepfather to let her keep. Her dress was off and Liz kept staring at the area on her stomach, the area where some supposed paint spilled. On her stomach instead was a handprint, a silver handprint, looking like it belonged to the man she was talking to earlier. 'But how did it get there?' the question circled in Liz's mind, over and over again. Finally, as she was putting her dress back on to go and fetch Tess's pearls, Liz noticed a tiny tear in the fabric, a knife tear. The realization of what happened came rushing to her head. She was stabbed, but yet she survived, with no traces of blood, except on her dress. Now Liz was worried. She quickly changed into another one of her working garments, dark brown with a white apron. She quickly grabbed the necklace Tess has hollering for on her way downstairs and rushed to Tess' room.
"Here they are." Liz handed Tess the beautifully crafted green beads that accented the pearl necklace. As Liz watched Tess put the beads on, Liz began to think about what she would be missing tonight. Nasedo had forbid her from going to the ball because of the mess she seemed to have created earlier. Liz was disappointed, but she planned to talk to Sir Alex the next day. He had been trying to find out who her mystery man was and according to him, Alex was close on finding a name to go with the face.
"How do I look?" asked Tess vainly.
"Great," Liz mumbled. Tess looked beautiful, her blond hair piled upon her head, draped by the green beads Liz had brought in earlier. The dark green gown looked terrific on her, the full skirt and v-neck top. And of course, the pearls made the outfit look complete, making Liz even more depressed than she all ready was.
"Tess, we best be gong," Nasedo entered the room, wearing a frilly white shirt with a fancy navy blue jacket and trousers. The clothes alone showed he spared no expense in picking out his attire for the night. "Liz, while we are gone, I want you to straighten up the manor. Clean it thoroughly, tip-top shape by the time we get back."
"Yes sir," she replied and head to the cellar to obtain the broom.
"Have fun Lizzie," Tess called after her, tauntingly. Nasedo escorted his daughter out of the door and the two left, on the way to Prince Maxwell's ball.
A few moments later, a voice filled the empty silence of the house. "Liz! Are you home?" Sir Alex poked his head in the doorway, his rusty-brown hair mostly covered by a blue cap. He slowly entered the building, revealing a matching sparkly blue waistcoat and black pants. In his hand, he held two flowers.
"Alex, is that you?" Liz came rushing from the cellar to the door, trying to brush out the dust from her hair and dress. "Alex, I thought you were going to the ball to accompany the Princess Isabel."
"I was, but I came to pick you up first. No lady should be forced to go to the ball alone, or with her distasteful stepfamily." Alex mocked bowed and handed Liz one of his flowers. She graciously accepted it and stuck the rose into a vase. "By the way, I've found your mystery man," Alex continued, "You know, the guy you've been describing. He will be there. Wait till you find out who he is, you'll never believe that this is the same man who has been following you. Why I didn't really believe it until he confirmed you name. Trust me Lizzie, you're going to be shocked. Wait - there's something wrong here," he paused to take a breath, "Liz, your still dressed in your work clothes." Alex sized her up and down, wondering what was wrong.
"I can't go. Nasedo has forbidden me. And I was so looking forward to seeing him again, finding out his name." Liz's voice reflected her disappointment, along with a bit of conception.
"Oh. I'm sorry. I will tell him you were looking forward to meeting him though. You can come with me to meet him another day."
"Thank you Alex, you are the best," Liz ran to her friend and gave him a hug, "Good luck with the Princess," she whispered.
"Of course my charm and wit has all ready won her heart. Now all I have to do is keep it that way." Sir Alex chuckled and let.
"Hmmm. I do hope Alex has a grand time. Oh, I wish I could be at the ball too. If only wishes did come true." Liz whispered to herself.
"Girlfriend, do you want to go to the ball?" a girl, Liz's height, with brown eyes, and short, bouncy blond hair, wearing an odd, out of place (or in this case, time) flowered dress asked, appearing in the room only after a smoke of purple dust had exploded.
"Who are you?" Liz shrieked, frightened by this strange encounter. "Liz-zie," the girl complained, "It's me, your fairy godmother. At least in this dimension. But you can call me Maria."
"Aren't you a little young to be a fairy godmother?" Liz asked skeptically.
"If it's any of your business, I'm two hundred years old." Liz looked a little embarrassed. "But I don't look a day over sixteen. I just love magic. Enough about me, I'm here about you." Maria replied. "You want to go to the ball, right?" Liz nodded.
"First off, you are so not going in that. Liz, don't you have any nice gowns?" Maria inquired.
"No, my stepsister stole them all from me. But anyway, I can't go. Nasedo, my stepfather, won't allow me. And even if you found a way to let me go, I couldn't. I have to clean the home." Liz collapsed on a chair, eyes fighting back tears.
"Nonsense. If he wants to keep you from the ball, he'll have to get through me," a deep, angry voice came from behind. Liz turned around to see a spiky dirty blond haired man, dressed in another out of place black T-shirt and jeans, wearing a smirk on his face. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Liz.
"Who are you, my fairy godfather?" Liz joked.
"Yeah, problem with that?" he asked in a tough attitude. It was obvious this fairy was a rebel. "As for the manor, Maria honey, we can clean it while Liz is at the ball."
Maria turned away from Liz to face Michael, "Uh uh. No way. Listen here spaceboy, I'm not doing any manual labor." Maria said.
As Michael opened his mouth with a retort, Liz intervened, before the situation could become worse. "Maria, please," she begged, doe brown eyes pleading.
"Fine, fine. The things I'm willing to do for you." She smiled, "but first, you need a gown."
With that remark, a flowing, sky-blue dress appeared on Liz. It reached down to the floor. The top was simple, straight necked and strapless. Silvery see-through gloves appeared on both of her arms, only reaching to the elbows. Finally, a silver intricate tiara appeared on her head and a simple ruby necklace draped across her neck. Her hair was swept off of her shoulders, twisted into a fancy french-twist.
"Perfect," Maria commented.
"I agree with the hair and tiara. But that dress, no way Maria. Try this."
Suddenly, Liz was wearing a sleeveless, black dress. Very tight and only reaching only to her knees. Instead of the ruby necklace, a diamond one appeared instead. The gloves were replaced by white shoulder length ones.
"No, Michael!!!" Maria yelled. "I will NOT have her going like that. Not only is it to modern, but its just, just, not right for the occasion!" She lamely finished her sentence. For the next couple of minutes, Liz's clothes varied between what Michael and Maria considered appropriate.
"Both of you stop, please!" Liz pleaded, crying out, "It's getting late. I want to be able to see my friend and meet his sweetheart, and at least get a glimpse of the Prince's face. Please, stop!"
The two fairies looked at each other, then at Liz, feeling guilty, and showing it. Thereupon, a pale-pink, sleeveless dress; with Michael's version of bodice and Maria's long, flowering skirt appeared on Liz. Unlike the other two dresses, this one stopped right above the tip of her feet, showing off the glass slippers, which Michael had created. Across her neck was a small silver chain and a longer emerald necklace. The tiara and hairdo had remained the same.
"Terrific job Michael. For a change," Maria added under her breath, and then received a glare from her partner.
"Not so bad yourself either. I knew you could do something right if you just kept your mind to it." Michael joked with her, receiving a punch on the shoulder from the smaller fairy. Michael just laughed and kissed her.
Liz then spoke up. She had been bothered all day by the mark on her stomach. 'Maybe my fairy godparents would know what it is. Might as well try and ask,' she thought. "Maria, Michael, do either of you know anything about silver handprints?" she asked timidly.
"Why do you ask?" Maria replied.
"Because, when I came home today, I found one on my stomach." Liz looked extremely worried.
"Don't sweat it," said Maria, "It'll fade away in a couple of days."
"That doesn't exactly explain its presence though," Liz mummered.
"Have you been injured in anyway?" Michael interrogated.
"Well, I'm not sure. See, I was walking and I fell. The next thing I knew, this kind man who had been watching me almost everyday I was in town for the past eight years was leaning over me. Saying I was going to be all right and that I spilled some red paint. Alex and I call him my mystery man. Anyway, when I got home, I saw the mark on my stomach, and a knife hole in my dress."
"When an alien heals a person, usually they leave behind a silver handprint from the connection, if formed," Michael explained, "I should know, I'm an alien fairy. Most likely your 'mystery man' isn't human."
"All right," Liz said slowly, trying to take in all this information. This new knowledge really limited the list of people Alex would have introduced her to. 'It means he's a noble or…' Liz didn't finish the rest of her thought. She knew where her implication would lead to, and she knew that if it was this certain person, everything would only lead to heartbreak. Besides, the aliens in Roswell seldom loved others not of their species. 'How would the rest of the kingdom react if an alien did love me?' Liz speculated.
"Now that that's all settled, it's off to the ball for you. Remember, you must be home by midnight," Maria mentioned.
"Wait! How will I-" Liz stared around in amazement. One minute she was sitting in her overly decorated living room, the next minute; she was right in front of the castle. "Get there?" Liz finished uselessly. 'Well, what I'm I waiting for?' Liz thought and walked through the front doors of the huge castle.
***
Inside, the ball was alive. The orchestra sounded out beautiful pieces of music and couples were dancing, twirling across the ballroom floor. Liz noticed Alex dancing with the Princess Isabel and smiled, 'At least he's found happiness' she thought. Near the staircase, which lead to the throne where King Phillip and Queen Diane were sitting, was a line of maidens, waiting to meet the Prince, whom did not seem to be present on that line. As she was heading toward it, Liz noticed Tess on the line. Instantly, she backed away.
"Would you care for this dance?" a deep, caring voice came from behind. Liz whirled around to find herself looking straight up at a young man, barely an inch away from him. His soulful brown eyes stared right into hers, the bangs of his dark brown hair gently touching her forehead. A whirlwind of emotions raced through Liz's heart and head. The only other time she ever felt like this was with, 'No, it can't be, can it?' Liz wondered.
"I insist. Come on, those other maidens can wait," the man gestured toward the line, and took Liz's hand, gently.
"Does that mean, are you, are you Prince Maxwell?" Liz sputtered in a small, amazed voice.
"Yeah. I guess I am. It feels weird to actually say that, but yeah, I am," Prince Max said smiling, "I haven't seen you around my kingdom before." 'It can't be her,' Max thought, 'Alex said she wasn't coming, my Liz, but yet, why are these feelings stirring up inside of me if it isn't Liz?'
"Oh, I don't live here," Liz lied, "I just came. Came to see you and attend your ball, Prince Maxwell."
"Call me Max, please. You're the only other lady, besides Isabel, who has not tried to purposely dance with me tonight," he said while twirling around the dance floor.
"That girl over there," Max pointed at Tess, "has been bothering me all night. I guess she can't tell I'm not interested."
"So, the ball wasn't your idea?" inquired Liz.
"No, my parents thought it would be good for me to find a bride. But I all ready have, its just they are not going to be to pleased about who she is. I'm sorry if I've disappointed you," he confessed.
"Oh, well, its okay. I mean, I did come here to meet you, but I too have someone waiting at home," Liz replied.
"That's nice. Well, I'm glad I've finally found a friend at the ball. I'll have someone to pass the time with tonight at least."
"Oh." Liz whispered. "Do you want to step outside? Take a break from the ball," she asked suddenly as Tess quickly advanced toward her. The last event she needed was to be caught.
"Sure. Why not?" He replied and led her to the door. Outside, the silvery moon sparkled down upon the courtyard. The pond and fountains shined a glassy surface and the deep green trees swayed with the breeze.
"It's really nice out her," Liz said softly, unaware that Tess had followed them outside and was watching there every move.
"Yeah," Prince Max agreed. "I come here often with my sister Isabel and her human boyfriend, Sir Alex, just to talk and think. She's lucky he has noble upbringing and is a knight, otherwise, perhaps our parents would have forbidden our friendship. Its really serene out here."
"I know, I wish I had a place like this back home," Liz said, looking at an under construction balcony.
"Well, you can always come here and visit. I'm sure Alex and Isabel would find great joy in meeting you," Max told his friend.
"Sure," she echoed softly, realizing it was the same Sir Alex she knew that Max was telling her about.
They walked around the courtyard, talking as if they had known each other forever, more than just one night, with a hint of flirtation in their voices. Prince Max again couldn't help but feel a connection to the girl, like he had seen her somewhere, someplace before. It was almost as if she was, 'No!' Max thought, 'You went over this before. It's not Liz. She would have recognized me, even if Alex was wrong.'
"Come on. I'd like to introduce you to my parents," Max took her arm and urged Liz to follow him.
"The King and Queen? No really, I can't." Liz protested, trying to grab her arm back from his firm grip.
"Come on, they won't harm you. Maybe my sister and Sir Alex will be there too. You're going to be okay."
With that comment, Liz looked up into his eyes, the same deep brown eyes that belonged to her stranger, the one who had saved her life. The same eyes, reflecting the same soul. 'Everything makes sense now,' Liz thought, 'Of course my mystery man wouldn't want me to know he's an alien. I would figure out who he was, The Prince!' Then the realization hit home. Liz's heart jumped. 'The bride he was talking about earlier was me!' Liz let out a little laugh and Max stared. She loved Prince Max and he loved her. 'That's why Alex wanted me to come tonight, to meet him.' Liz's heart raced, 'I love Max. But he's and alien and the prince. Didn't he say that Alex was only allowed to be with the Princess because of his stature? But there is no way he'll ever be allowed to be with a human peasant like me,' Liz thought with grim despair and a sad smile spread across her face.
"Is something wrong?" Prince Max asked her concerned.
"No. I shouldn't. I have to go. Max, please." Liz begged. Suddenly she couldn't stand to be here another moment. Then, as if to confirm it, the clock struck midnight.
"Oh my god. I really have to go. Good bye." Liz shouted as she began to run.
"Why? Max asked, confused by his friend's sudden change of heart. "It's only midnight. What's your name? Will I ever see you again?" Max began to run after her, realizing his words hit only empty air. After a few steps, Max stopped, realizing he could never catch up with her.
"Some girls are such simpletons," Tess said, coming out from behind the bushes.
"What do you mean by that?" Max asked defensively.
"That girl you were with just puts you on and then runs. Some people are just like that, especially humans," she said with disdain, "But I'm not like that, being alien." Tess put her arm around his and smiled.
"I'm afraid you've misunderstood miss." Max took a step away, "She was my friend, unlike other people here," Max said, glaring at Tess, "I'm not here looking for a bride, only she seemed to have understood that."
"And why not?" Tess asked, inching closer and grabbing his arm again.
"Because I've all ready found one. Liz Parker, in case you know her." Prince Max removed his arm from her touch, "And now, if you don't mind, I have other guests to attend to," he said and walked back inside the palace.
'Liz, huh?' Tess thought as she watched the Prince stroll into the castle. 'I'll make sure she doesn't find out. And then, I can have Prince Maxwell to myself.'
***
"What took you so long Liz?" asked Maria when came in through the door, in her old, worn brown dress again.
"I lost track of time," she apologized.
"We were thinking of throwing a party of our own while you were out," Michael joked, but then, after seeing the stricken look on Liz's face, mumbled a "kidding, kidding."
"Did ya have fun?" Maria asked.
"Of course shed did," Michael replied for her, "otherwise she wouldn't have come back so late." Maria was about to yell, but Michael just smirked.
"Thank you very much for everything. I. I don't know what I would've done without either of you," Liz smiled and glanced around the manor, "And you did a wonderful job on the house. Thank you."
"Don't sweat it," replied Maria, "Come on, spaceboy. I hear footsteps, we better get outta here."
"Maria, you jump at the slightest crack! There is no reason why we just can't stay a -" and the two fairies disappeared just as Tess and Nasedo entered the room, home early from the ball.
"Why Liz, you've done a wonderful job with the manor!" exclaimed Nasedo, surprised that his stepdaughter was capable of such good work.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"I'm sorry you couldn't go," Tess said sarcastically, scowling at Liz, "but I'll tell you all about it. First, Prince Max spent all night with me. I think there is an excellent chance that he might just choose me to be his bride…" Tess dragged Liz upstairs, babbling false truths about the night. As Tess talked, Liz couldn't help but roll her eyes, knowing Max had spent the night with her at the ball.
***
Later that night, Tess sneaked into Nasedo's bedroom. She quietly tapped him on the shoulder, so he would wake up.
"Who dare disturbs me?" Nasedo yelled. He turned and opened his eyes, seeing his daughter standing right in front of him. "Tess, dear. I'm sorry. What do you want?" he asked.
"Daddy, I wanted to talk to you when Liz is asleep. Does Liz have family elsewhere besides us?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Because, Liz has really been irking me. She doesn't do anything right, and its more of a bother than a help to keep her here." Tess replied.
Nasedo gestured for his daughter to sit on the bed. He knew Tess was hiding something and intended to find out what. "Now, what is the real reason?"
"Daddy, I can't stand her. Please, I want it to be the two of us again, like old times," with a bit of her powers in play, she flashed a false image of Liz making messes of everything into Nasedo's head, making him see a false reality. She knew that should be enough to convince him to get rid of Liz. 'Once she's gone, the Prince will have lost his bride.' Tess thought evilly.
"Well, I do remember her family from Camelot coming to visit last summer. Remember, her cousin Tom and his parents, Dotty and Christopher Parker. I'll send her off to them tomorrow with a note. Liz can take one of the horses to get there. Tom and Liz were good friends, I'm sure they wouldn't mind. Now, Tess, get to bed. It's late."
Tess kissed Nasedo and thanked him. She returned to her room and fell asleep content, knowing Liz would be out of her life soon.
***
"Hey Max! Did you have fun at the ball last night?" Sir Alex entered the Prince's room, his arm around Princess Isabel's waist. Princess Isabel was dressed in a simple dark blue gown, with gold trimming along the waist and sleeves, her blond hair falling down past her shoulders, sharp brown eyes staring at her brother.
"Brother, what's wrong?" Isabel asked in concern, leaving Alex's side to sit down next to Max on the bed. "You only stare into space when something has gone bad."
"Nothing Izzy. Just thinking about the ball last night. I just can't believe how far some of the women in our kingdom, human and alien, will go just to marry their Prince. I guess I'm just disgusted at the thought. You two are lucky to have found each other."
Isabel and Alex exchanged smiles. There relationship was not as visible as other couples; more quiet than most, yet it was there. Only Max, his parents, and Liz knew there was really something between the two friends.
"But I saw you taking with her," Alex said confused.
"Who?" Max questioned.
"My pal, Lizzie, you know, the peasant, Liz Parker. I was a little surprised to see her though. She told me she couldn't go that Nasedo had forbidden it. Nasedo's her stepfather, by the way. Liz was upset that she couldn't meet you, well not you you Max, but her admirer, her love." Sir Alex paused to take a breath, "I guess she found a way around it."
"Max. You should go. Go bring her here. Alex and I will cover your absence," Isabel had told him. She had never seen her brother so happy, and based on some of the stories Alex had told her of his adventures with the girl, Princess Isabel couldn't wait to meet her.
Max's mind was racing. 'I was right,' he thought, 'It was her last night. She recognized me she had to have. Why did she conceal herself though?' He didn't care, whatever her reason was. Max was ecstatic.
"I'll be back. Tell Mom and Dad I won't be gone long. Thank you Alex, Isabel, for everything." Prince Max said and rushed out of the palace.
***
Back at Nasedo's manor, Liz was upstairs, packing her only satchel with her meager belongings. Her stepfather was sending her to stay with her family in Camelot permanently. 'Not that I really care,' thought Liz, 'I have had enough of this, Nasedo bossing me around. Tess constantly degrading me.' Liz threw her bag on the bare bed and sat down to cry, remembering what she would loss. She would miss Sir Alex dearly, her one and only true friend in Roswell. And then there was Prince Max, the secret admirer she knew and loved her soulmate. Liz did leave a note for Alex, explaining that Nasedo was forcing her to leave, and that she was glad to go.
'I need to find a fate other than the one I have now, one of servitude and unrequited love. Tom and his family will treat me like an equal,' she thought.
A knock on the downstairs door startled Liz. She heard the sound of an over-familiar voice, the voice of her dreams. 'Max,' she knew for certain, 'Tess will most likely get to him first, using her powers to make poor Max see what she wants. I know he came for me though. But then, he's probably better off with a rich alien than a human peasant. At least Tess would be able to understand him, being different.'
Liz sighed and pulled her brown hair out of her face and tied it back with a strip of ragged cloth. She grabbed her bag and the letter to Aunt Dotty and Uncle Christopher, then headed downstairs. "I'll just slip out the back, this way he won't ever find me. Nasedo and Tess won't care, as long as I'm gone. I'll leave Max to a life he deserves. I'll come back someday though," Liz promised herself. Upon reaching the kitchen, Liz turned to take one last look at the Prince, talking to Nasedo and Tess. The Prince's gaze met hers and Max began to take a step forward,
Liz just stood there transfixed, watching him come closer and closer to her, until he was only a breath away. He gently lifted her face towards his and kissed her passionately. Nasedo stood there shocked, not believing his eyes. Tess stood ready to intervene, when Liz quickly stepped away. "Good bye Prince Maxwell," she whispered and turned to run from the manor, from Nasedo and Tess, towards a new life somewhere else.
"Liz. Liz wait!" Prince Max called after her. He turned around to face Tess and Nasedo. "Where is she going?" he demanded.
"I sent her to live with her family in Camelot. They are good people and will take care of her." Nasedo replied, not wanting to offend his prince.
Max looked back at where Liz was running. He was ready to go after her, not wanting to let Liz girl, now that he had found his dream girl. 'Come back,' Prince Max thought in his mind. And, as if to answer, Liz turned her head to take one last look at the love she would have to leave behind.
"Let her go," Tess told the Prince and put her hand on his shoulder, as if to restrain him.
He whirled around, "Don't tell me what to do. I am the Prince, your Prince. Now, please, leave me and go about your daily business," Max yelled at her. Nasedo grabbed Tess and the two of them headed back inside the manor as Max set out after Liz, along the dirt road.
*** 'Am I far enough?' Liz wondered as she sat on a log on the side of the dirt path, gasping for breath. She had run for what had seemed like forever. A branch had snatched the rag she had been wearing on her head and her hair was tousled. Liz brushed her hair back over her face, only to have it fall back down. The tears on her face had dried only to be replaced by new ones. The letter Liz was originally carrying was shoved into her satchel. She sat on the road, waiting for a carriage to come by and take her to Camelot.
"You haven't cried this much since your mother's funeral, have you?' Max found a seat next to Liz on the log. "I'm sorry."
Liz stood up and faced him, blocking Prince Max's view of the road. "How do you know? You weren't there your majesty," she demanded.
"Max, please. I told you to call me Max at the ball and that still applies. But, uh, when I healed you, I made this, this, uh, I don't know this connection. And I got a rush of images of your past, like your father's funeral. I knew how you felt."
"How did I feel?"
"Lost, scared. Confused and angry. Angry that she had to die and leave you with your stepfather and Tess. Wanting to leave, but knowing you had to stay." Max replied softly and stood up. He knew he had spoken correctly when he saw the sad recognition in her eyes and a shocked nod, leaving Liz speechless.
"Listen, Liz, everything I told you at the ball was true. I want be with you Liz. I don't care what my parents think anymore. My life began when I healed you, when I stopped staying in the background, when I spoke to you." Max lifted her head again so Liz could meet his eyes. "Liz, through out the ball, when all the women there were trying to win me over; or at all the diplomatic dinners, trying not to fall asleep; your what kept me going. The thought of you. The way your eyes all ways met mine, not knowing it. Your smiles, hearing you laugh with Sir Alex. Knowing you has made me…human, more than that, average, not a prince. Whether I die tomorrow or fifty years from now, if I have to loose my throne and inheritance, become a peasant, my future is the same: its you. I want to be with you Liz. I love you."
{Author's Note: Okay, okay. I know that was almost straight out of the Pilot episode and "Destiny", but hey, there my favorite scenes. The temptation to incorporate them into my story was just too strong}
"I love you too Max," Liz replied, eyes dancing, a huge smile spread across her face. She was the happiest she had ever been in her entire life. Max grabbed her around the waist and Liz through her arms around his neck. They then leaned in and kissed amorously.
Maria and Michael looked down from their seat in a cloud above, watching the two lovers, happy with a job well done. Maria was ecstatic though, since Michael had finally admitted his feelings to her, not that she didn't know all ready. Maria quickly zapped the gown the fairies had created for the ball back on Liz, and leaned her head against Michael's shoulder.
"Well, it looks like our job here is completed," she whispered to Michael.
Michael nodded his agreement. Both of the fairies knew what was going to happen from here on. Max and Liz, the future queen of Roswell, would be married within a week, a double wedding with Princess Isabel and Sir Alex. All of their closest friends attended, including Liz's family from Camelot and many of the peasants Liz had grown up with. Nasedo and Tess were not invited and shut out of the now Princess Liz's life. Michael and Maria cognized that Max and Liz, Alex and Isabel would live full happy lives and that their kingdom of Roswell would grow and prosper.
"Maria," no response, "Cheesehead, I just got word of our next assignment. We're going to a future Roswell in New Mexico now," Maria's head turned and stared at him.
"Why?" she asked, curious of their new assignment. "Another Roswell?"
"Yup, in the USA, Springtime 2000. Another Max and Liz, with another human/alien problem." Michael replied.
"Are aliens common in this time?" Maria asked, unsure.
Michael handed her the data sheets of their assignment. "Read it over," he demanded.
She quickly skimmed through the numerous pages, making small comments here and there.
"Ah, I see. Max Evans, Liz Parker. Michael Guerin, Maria DeLuca. Alex Whitman, Isabel Evans. Wow, these names ring a bell! Haven't we been there before." She asked.
"Yeah, to initiate this whole thing. Remember, our so-called argument to get Max to tell Liz the truth," Michael reminded Maria.
"Ah yes. And now destiny is paying a visit. Great. When will they learn? These kids, don't they realize it doesn't matter that they have to fight it to succeed? How many more cases like this do they think they can give us?!?" Maria half yelled, half complained.
"I don't know, come on. I have to deal with this too, so don't complain. We better go get our disguises. We can't exactly go around as fairies in the future." Michael added. The two fairies vanished, to help a present day group of teens, similar to the ones before, in another Roswell to overcome their newest foe, destiny.
The End