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Once upon a time in the far off land of Liasentos lived a very poor family. There were four children in the family. They were Frederica, Sigmund, Sargea, and Sarina. Their mother’s name was Rivina and their father’s name was Frederick. The family was so poor that the children had to work for other families and they were paid little for the amount of work that they did. Sarina was the youngest and she earned the most money because she hardly ever stopped working. Frederica spent most of the time telling Sigmund what to do, and he would argue with her about it. Sargea was a good worker too.

One day a stranger was in the house where Sarina worked. His name was Percy. He could tell that someone was working very hard to clean the house. He had come in the house with dirty boots and had taken them off. He was gone for a couple of minutes when he came back the messes were gone and so were his boots. He went to his room to change into something clean. There was a knock on his door and a girl with his boots was there. She looked surprised to see someone in the room. She lowered her eyes and said, ”I am sorry sir. I did not know that anyone was in this room. I was just returning your boots.” With that she handed him the boots.

Percy put a hand on her shoulder and asked, “What is your name.”

“My name is Sarina,” the girl replied.

“That is a beautiful name.”

“Thank you. I have to go now.”

Having said that, Sarina turned around and went on with her work. At the end of that day, when she went to get paid, Percy was there. He was just watching what was going on. He was astonished when he saw how little she got paid for all her hard work. He noticed that the other three workers got even less that she did, but he had seen them fighting and not working.

After the family left Percy said that he was taking a walk. The rest of the kids were way ahead of Sarina when Percy caught up with her. He dropped a hand full of coins in her hand and told her it was for cleaning his boots. She thanked him. He saw her sway back and forth. He caught her as she passed out from lack of sleep. Since he didn’t know where she lived, he snuck her into his room and put her in the bed.

He left the room and shut the door behind him. He went to the living room and fell asleep on the couch. In the morning when he woke up, he found one of the other workers staring at him. He asked what was wrong. Sargea told him that she could not find her sister.

Percy got off the couch and told her to follow him. He opened the door to his room. Sargea went in to find Sarina still asleep on the bed. Sargea asked how she had gotten there. Percy told her how he had taken a walk and run into her just before she passed out. He explained that he had brought her there because he did not know where they lived to take her there.

Frederica, who had followed them, stated that Sarina was too stupid to know when to quit working. Sargea informed Frederica that if she would work instead of arguing with Sigmund then Sarina would not have to work so hard. Sargea told Sigmund, who had followed Frederica in, that he was not excluded from this statement and that she was not either.

The man who ran the house was walking down the hall when he heard talking. He told them to get to work. The man threatened to tell Percy’s father that he was socializing with the servants if he caught Percy talking to them again. Percy informed the man that he would be arrested if he did not pay the workers a reasonable amount, and that Sarina would not be working that day. The man demanded to know why she would not be working. Percy explained what had occurred the night before and that she had not awakened yet.

The man promised to pay them a reasonable amount for the amount of work they got done. Percy told the man that was a good thing to do and that it was all that he wanted the man to do. While the men were talking, Sarina woke up. Sargea had come in with Sarina’s breakfast. Sarina was still confused about where she was, and asked Sargea how she had gotten there. Sargea repeated what Percy had told them about the night before. Sarina noticed that there was something in her hand. She opened her hand, and found the money that Percy had given her. When she was finished with her breakfast she picked up the clothes in the corner and went home.

When Sarina got home her mother asked what had happened. Sarina told her what had happened as she was told. As Sarina changed her clothes, her mother started washing the clothes that Sarina had brought home in a basket. Sarina finished washing the clothes and folded them neatly. She headed back to where she worked after she put the clothes in the basket.

When Sarina got to the house, she knocked on Percy’s door. He open the door and he was relieved to see the basket of clothes she had with her. He told her to come in. After Sarina went in, she realized that he had taken a bath. She would not look at him while she put his clothes away. Then she tried to leave but he was blocking the door. She asked him if he would move. He put his finger under her chin and moved her head so that she was looking at him. He demanded to know why she would not look at him. She stated that it was impolite to look at a man who was not properly dressed. As she said this she got to the door, opened it and ran out when she finished talking.

Percy was laughing so hard that he almost lost his balance. He finally calmed down and picked something to wear. Percy decided that Sarina was the most beautiful girl he had ever met. He smiled as he thought of her. Sarina spent that rest of the day bewildered because she felt fine but when she saw Percy her stomach would do flips. She decided that she would avoid him as much as possible. When she got home, she told her mother about the strange feeling and that she did not understand what was happening. Her mother told her not to worry about it.

Percy was afraid that he had upset her in some way and followed her home. He heard what she had told her mother. He was so happy that he was not the only person having those feelings. He decided to write to his parents and tell them that he had met someone special. He went back to his uncle’s house and wrote the letter.

The next day he sent Sigmund to his parents with the letter. While Sigmund was traveling, he decided to read the letter. He turned it to open it and saw the royal seal on it. He quickly put the letter back in the saddle bag and urged the horse on faster. He got to the palace by nightfall. The guard would not let him in so he sat on the steps and fell asleep.

Percy’s parents had been at a party and when they got home they found a young man on the steps. Percy’s mother woke him up and asked what he wanted. He took out the letter from Percy and gave it to her. She went to open it and noticed the seal. She told her husband that the letter was from Percy. Her husband demanded to know what it said. She read it and explained that he had fallen in love and wanted them to meet her. Percy’s mother went on to say that the boy was her brother and they should be nice. They took Sigmund inside and showed him to one of the guests’ bedrooms. They went to their rooms and packed their clothes for the trip.

Someone woke Sigmund up very early the next morning. He got dressed and the three left for Liasentos. They did not talk much. Percy’s uncle was surprised to see Percy’s parents. When Sarina saw Percy’s parents, she went in and tidied up the other guest room. Sigmund brought their bags up. He demanded to know if she knew that Percy was a prince. Sarina told him that, that was the first she had heard of it.

Percy’s mother came in and told Sarina to make her a hot bath. Sarina curtsied as she was taught to and hurried out to make the bath. She passed Percy in the hall and her stomach flipped. When Percy got to the bedroom, he asked his mother where Sarina was going, in such a hurry. His mother told him that Sarina was making a bath for her. Percy told Sigmund that he could leave.

About a half an hour later Sarina came back and told Percy’s mother that her bath was ready. Sarina showed her where the bath was. Sarina told her if she needed help to ring the bell. Sarina left her and went to clean up the mud that Percy’s father-had drug in. When she was finished cleaning the floor, the bell rang. Sarina put the bucket down in the kitchen and hurried to the room with the bath. When she got there, Percy’s mother was dressed and waiting for someone to do her hair. Sarina asked her how she wanted her hair. Percy’s mother said that she wanted it to look unusual. When Sarina was finished with her hair, Percy’s mother went down to dinner. Percy had invited Sarina’s family to come for dinner. Before dinner Percy’s mother asked him, who he was in love with. He told her that he was in love with the girl who had gotten her bath. His mother was shocked. She could not believe that the Prince of the country was in love with a common poor girl.

Sarina remembered that they were invited to eat with Percy and his family. She ran home and told her family. They got into their nicest clothes and did their hair. They were at Percy’s uncle’s house in twenty minutes. They entered according to age. Percy’s mother was going to say something mean about Sarina, but stopped herself when she saw the simple gown that Sarina had on and how beautiful she looked in it. She realized that wealth did not mean anything when it came to beauty and kindness. She felt bad because of what she had been thinking because Sarina had been nothing but respectful to her.

Percy told everyone where to sit. He had Sarina across from his mother and he sat across from his father beside her. Percy’s mother could tell that Sarina was very uncomfortable sitting beside Percy. Dinner went without a problem. After dinner Percy’s mother asked Sarina to go for a walk with her. While they were on the walk Percy’s mother asked Sarina how long she had been in love with her son. When she saw that Sarina was rather confused she asked how long she had been feeling uncomfortable around him. Sarina told Percy’s mother that she felt that way since the day after she first met him. Sarina asked why his mother wanted to know. His mother told that she had an inwardly pleased but outwardly nervous look all through dinner and that, that look usually meant love. Sarina turned red with embarrassment. Percy’s mother apologized for embarrassing her and told her to call her Gertrude. Gertrude apologized for all the mean things she had thought about her. She explained how she wanted him to have the best girl he could find. She said that she thought that he was right in picking Sarina. With that they headed back to Percy’s uncle’s house. Percy met them at the door.

Dessert had been held up until they returned since Percy had gone through all the trouble of finding out what Sarina’s favorite dessert was. Percy was very happy when he heard that it was apple pie, for that was his favorite dessert too. After they had finished dessert Percy’s parents and Sarina’s parents went off to talk among themselves. Sarina’s brother and sisters went off to find their friends.

Percy asked Sarina if she wanted to take a walk. She told him that she would love to go for a walk. They went outside and started walking. It was very warm for the middle of winter. They talked as they went and lost all track of time until the temperature dropped. They headed back to Percy’s uncle’s house. They stopped just outside the door. Percy leaned over and kissed her. Sarina was so shocked that Percy had to point at the mistletoe above the door. She was relieved at the sight of it. Percy went inside and Sarina headed home.

On the way home Sarina wondering what to get him for Christmas since it was only a few days away. She looked in the windows of the bookstore and saw the perfect gift. She ran the rest of the way home. In the morning she asked her mother if she could have some money for a Christmas present. Her mother gave her some money. Sarina headed to work early and stopped at the bookstore. The gift was still there but when she asked how much it was, she could not afford it. She looked sad, so the manager told her to make a down payment and bring the rest when she got off work. Sarina agreed and smiled as the manager put the book under the counter. Sarina headed to work wondering how she was going to get twenty dollars by the end of the day. Several hours later she was starting to worry. Gertrude noticed that as time passed Sarina was getting more and more upset. Finally Gertrude asked Sarina what was wrong. Sarina told her about the gift and the money. Gertrude told Sarina not to worry and that she would be back in a minute.

Gertrude found her husband and asked for twenty dollars. He demanded to know why she wanted the money and she told him that it was for a present. He gave her the money reluctantly. Gertrude returned to where Sarina was and gave her the money. Sarina thanked Gertrude and told her that the money would be repaid as soon as she could get it. Sarina went back to the store and finished paying for the gift, after work. She took the gift home and wrapped it with a silk kerchief.

The next day was Christmas and Sarina went to work before sunrise that morning. She hid the gift under the tree and started to clean the house extra carefully. Percy heard someone moving around and got up. He wondered why the sun was not up yet. He went down for breakfast and found that there was no cook. He searched the entire house for the person who was up but could not find the person. Sarina heard someone up and about so she headed to the kitchen to cook breakfast.

Percy smelled eggs cooking and headed back to the kitchen. He was surprised to see Sarina cooking. He asked her what was for breakfast. She told him eggs because of the big meals they would be eating the rest of the day. He asked if he could help. She gave Percy the spatula and told him to flip the eggs. A little while later the cook came down and found them in the kitchen. Sarina got a plate and put eggs on it. The cook asked who had put the ingredients in the eggs. Percy told the cook all he did was flip the eggs. The cook started to eat.

Sarina had the whole house cleaned by nine. She was about to leave when Percy stopped her at the door. He told her that she was to come to the party. She told him that she did not have anything good enough to wear. He told her not to worry, and that she could wear whatever she had. She told him that she would come. Sarina hurried home and told her mother. Her mother took her upstairs and gave her a bag with a dress in it. Sarina took the dress out and found the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. She asked her mother where she had gotten it. Her mother told her the story of her grandmother. Sarina put the dress on and her mother went to work at taking it in.

When her mother finished it was time to leave. Sarina hurried out the door and over to Percy’s uncle’s house. It was a good thing that it had not rained. When Sarina got there, Percy was waiting for her. They went in and she put her cape in the room assigned for them. When she came out of the room, Percy looked surprised. Sarina asked him what was wrong. He told her he was just shocked at how beautiful her dress was. She told him that it was her grandmother’s. He escorted her into the dining room. His parents came over and complimented her dress. They had a wonderful dinner and then went to exchange gifts. The last gift passed was the one Sarina had gotten Percy. Percy’s father handed Percy the gift after picking it up from under the tree. He opened it and found a book, called The Cloak of Many Colors. He seemed very happy but there was a puzzled look on his face.

His mother asked what was wrong. He said that he knew that his parents had gotten him two gifts but this was his third gift. His mother looked puzzled too because she had forgotten that Sarina had gotten him a gift. At this time Sarina had to leave. Percy walked her to the cloakroom. She got her cape and they set out for her house. On the way she told him that the book was from her. He turned to her and gave her a kiss. He asked her to marry him. She was shocked and could not speak for a couple of minutes. She finally said, “Yes!” He picked her up, swung her around and kissed her again. They stood there for a while.

While they were standing there it started to rain. Sarina picked up as much of her shirt as possible and hurried to get out of the rain. Percy followed her. Sarina told him that the book was the story of her grandmother. By this time, they had reached her front porch. She invited him in. They went in and Sarina went upstairs to change. When she came back down, Percy had the engagement ring out to give her.

She asked him if he wanted some tea. He said that he would.

She went to the kitchen to get the tea. He followed her to the kitchen. When the tea was ready, they went into the living room, and sat on the couch. When they were done with the tea Sarina got a blanket from the spare bed and took it downstairs. She told him she was sorry but her parents would not like them sleeping in the same room even if they were in different beds. Percy told her that he understood. He gave her a kiss goodnight.

Sarina went upstairs and got ready for bed. She went back downstairs to see if Percy needed anything but he was already asleep. She went back upstairs and went to bed.

The next morning Sarina got up early and got dressed. She went downstairs to fix breakfast. Sargea was the next one up. She came running in the kitchen saying “There’s a man on the couch!” Sarina told her to calm down, so as not to wake their guest or their parents. She explained why he was there. Sargea was so happy for Sarina that she was crying and laughing at the same time. Sargea told Sarina that she was happy for Sarina and Percy. Frederica came down next. When she saw Percy, she went back upstairs and woke her parents up.

Frederick and Rivina came down. They went into the kitchen and asked Sarina what Percy was doing there. She told them that it had started to rain and he did not want his clothes ruined. Rivina noticed the ring on Sarina’s finger, and asked where she got it. Sarina told her it was a Christmas present from Percy.

By this time breakfast was ready and Sarina went in the living room. She woke Percy up and told him breakfast was ready. He asked where everyone was. She told him that they were all in the kitchen. He told her he would not get up without a kiss. She gave him a quick kiss and hurried upstairs to get her brother. Sigmund was always the last one up. Sarina got him up and headed back to the kitchen.

They all had breakfast together. After breakfast, Sarina told Percy that she would be over to clean up as soon as she was done with the breakfast dishes. Percy left. When Percy was gone Rivina told Sarina that she was glad that they had not found Percy in the extra bed. Sarina told Rivina that she knew that and that was why he was on the couch.

Sarina had finished the dishes so she left for work. When she got there the only other person awake was Percy. The whole house was a big mess. Percy knew that she could not clean the whole house by herself. He decided that he would help her. While she made breakfast, he went around picking up the dishes that were not broken. The cook came down, had breakfast and started making it for the rest of the house hold. Percy and Sarina decided to clean the hallway first, so Percy started at one end and Sarina at the other. They scrubbed the floor until it sparkled. They did the walls next. They did one room at a time. By the time everyone else was awake they had finished the whole downstairs. They started the upstairs then. By four they had finished the whole house.

They sat down on the couch to take a rest. When Gertrude came in the room, she was surprised to see Percy in old clothes. She asked Sarina how she managed to get him to wear old clothes. Sarina told her that he put them on himself and that he had helped her clean the house. Gertrude was really shocked.

Sarina left about six o’clock. As she was walking home a man on a horse raced by and grabbed her. He cupped his hand over her mouth to prevent her from screaming. He took her to a house outside of town. He told her that if she did not behave she would never see Percy again. He got out a piece of paper to write a ransom. When he started the letter, it was illegible. He told Sarina that she had to write the letter. She wrote the letter for fear that he would kill her if she did not.

At eight o’clock, Sargea was knocking on the door of Percy’s uncle’s house. Percy answered the door. Sargea asked if Sarina was still there. Percy told her that Sarina had left at six. Sargea looked worried, he asked why she wanted to know. She told him that Sarina had not gotten home yet. He told her to come in.

Twenty minutes later a man delivered a letter to the house. Percy opened the letter and a ring fell out. He picked it up and looked at it. He knew it was the one he gave to Sarina. He read the letter, and then handed it to Sargea. She read the letter and started to cry. Gertrude came in and read the letter. Gertrude said that whoever had kidnaped her had very nice handwriting. Sargea looked at Gertrude and told her that the handwriting was Sarina’s.

Percy was very angry that Sarina had to write her own ransom note. He said that he was going to go look for her. Gertrude said she was going to get the money and told Sargea to get her family. Meanwhile, Sarina was talking to her kidnaper. She asked him why he had kidnaped her. He told her that he had received a disturbing letter from his best friend. She asked who his best friend was. He told her that his friend’s name was Percy. He told her that he had seen Percy ask her to marry him. He said that he wanted to announce his arrival in such a way that Percy could figure it out. He told her that he wished that he could find a girl as beautiful as her to marry.

Sarina told him that she had two sisters, but only one would be nice enough to marry. He seemed very interested. He asked how Percy had met her. She told him that he had messed up her clean floors. He was surprised that Percy had even paid any attention to the maid. Percy’s friend decided to go find her sister. He left on his horse and he saw a group of people walking toward Percy’s uncle’s house. He noticed that someone was walking slower than the rest and figures that she was Sarina’s sister. He went up to her and asked what was wrong. She told him that her younger sister had been kidnaped and that the rest of the family did not care.

He told her that he may be able to help with her problem and hoisted her up on the horse. He took her to the house outside of town. He told her that he had found a girl tied up on a horse and he had taken her home. When Sargea got in the door, she saw Sarina having tea. She ran and hugged Sarina. She told Sarina that she was glad that Lance had found her. Sarina looked up at Lance and he winked at her. Sargea told her that Percy was miserable since he found out that she was missing. Sarina told Sargea that she should get some rest. Sargea agreed and went to one of the guests’ bedrooms. Sarina turned to Lance and asked him if he could write legibly. He told her that he could, but Percy would recognize his handwriting. She told him that if he wanted to get to know her sister he would have to apologize to Percy. He looked a little sad but he said he would. He left right away for Percy’s uncle’s house. When he got there, he knocked on the door. Gertrude answered the door and looked surprised. She asked him how he knew they were there. He told her that he had received a disturbing letter from Percy. She told him that it was a bad time to visit. He told her he had important news for Percy. She let him in and he then saw that Percy was so heartbroken that he was actually crying.

He went over to Percy and told Percy that he had something important to show him. Percy pulled himself together to agree to go with him. While they were on the road, Lance asked Percy about the girl in the letter. Percy told him everything he knew about Sarina. By then they had reached the house outside of town. Sarina met them at the door and Percy went from really depressed to being really happy. He hugged her and picked her up. He did not let her go for at least ten minutes. He asked Lance where he found her. Lance told Percy that he had found her walking home from work. Percy looked at him angry for a minute and then started to laughing. Percy asked Lance if he knew what happened to Sargea. Sarina told him to be quiet that Sargea was sleeping.

Percy suddenly realized something. He asked Lance if he had Sarina write the letter because his hand writing was recognizable. Lance told him that was true. They talked for a while, and then decided it was time to go to bed. The next morning during breakfast someone knocked on the door. Lance went to the door and answered it. Gertrude came in and asked what he did with Percy. He pointed to the dining room. She went in and saw Percy, Sarina, and Sargea sitting at the table. Sarina saw her and told her the whole kidnaping was a prank. Gertrude was happy that it was not serious.

When they finished breakfast, they headed to Percy’s uncle’s house. Sarina and Sargea went from there to their house. Before they left, Percy gave Sarina back the ring. When Sarina and Sargea walked in the house no one even acknowledged them. They changed clothes and decided to go some place where they where welcome. They went back to Percy’s uncle’s house.

Sarina had found the address that her grandmother lived at. She decided to write her grandmother a letter. She wrote the letter telling her grandmother that she wanted to meet her and that she would like her to come to her wedding.

Sargea was off talking to Lance while Sarina was writing the letter. Sargea was having the same problem that Sarina had. She wanted to be with him but when she was, she wanted to get away from him. Sargea was not as nervous because Percy as in the room too. They talked about life with their families and about certain family members. Sarina finished the letter and went into the room with them. She told them that she was finished the letter but had no way of sending it. Percy and Lance volunteered to take the letter. Sarina said that they could. They went to get ready to go. Sargea told Sarina that she did not know if she could last that long without Lance. Sarina told her that she could.

A half and hour later Percy and Lance left with the letter. They knew it would be at least three days to get to the grandmother’s house. The kept their horses at a steady pace for two days and galloped the third day. They reached the house at noon. The guard was not going to let them in until Percy told him that his parents were Cedric and Gertrude. The guard let them in right away then. They went in and headed toward the main living room in the house. When they reached the room, they saw an older woman there. When she saw them, she asked if she could help them. They told her they were looking for a woman named Glenda. She asked them why wanted to see her. Percy pulled out the letter and told her they had a letter for her from her granddaughter. The woman snatched the letter out of Percy’s hand and opened it. As she read it, tears came to her eyes.

Percy and Lance were surprised that Sarina would have said that she did not want presents. Percy asked her why she would have said that. Sarina said that just finding them was good enough for her, and that she did not need jewels and silks to be happy. Lance asked how she could be happy without them because his sister would die if she had to do without them. Sarina told him that the people she loved were all she needed to be happy, and that jewels and silks were material things and were not important. Sargea reminded him that they had lived without jewels until they met Percy. He said that he had forgotten.

Lance told Percy that he thought Sarina would make a very good wife and queen. Percy told him that Sargea would too. By this time they had finished dinner and Sargea went to get the presents. Sarina opened the gifts and thanked Lance and Sargea. They had gotten her shoes for the wedding. Sargea noticed that Sarina had a new dress on, and asked her where she had gotten it. Sarina told her that Percy had gotten it for her the day before to wear to the Cathedral service. Sargea told her it was beautiful. Sarina thanked her.

There was a knock at the door. Percy answered it. His parents and Sarina’s grandparents were there. They came in and gave Sarina a very big box. They told her that Sargea was the only person who could be with her when she opened it. Sarina took the box upstairs and came right back down. She told them she would open it later. Sarina and Percy told of the events that occurred in Moriva. Everyone was surprised that the sermon had such an effect on the people in the Cathedral. They finished off the guest list with some other friends of the parents and grandparents.

For the next couple of weeks they spent all their time preparing for the wedding. One day Glenda out of the blue thought about the box. The next time she saw Sarina, she if she had opened the box yet. Sarina told her that she had not opened it yet. Glenda told her that she had to open it before the wedding. Sarina told her she would open it that night. Later that night Sarina asked Sargea to come see what was in the box. Sargea went along and they opened it. They found a dress made from the three dresses of her Grandmothers. Sarina tried it on and realized that it was for her wedding. The top was gold, the bottom was silver and the material they could see through was like a moon beam. Sargea asked Sarina about the dresses.

Sarina told her that when their grandmother was young her kingdom was attacked but she escaped before it was burned. She had only four outfits with her, a fur coat with many colors and three dresses, one of gold, one of silver and one of moon beams. She put the coat on and wandered. She was found by a Prince and he took her to his castle. He gave her a job in the kitchen so she knew when the parties were. She would sneak away during the party and put on a dress then she went to the party. The prince fell in love with her. The third night, she put her ring in the soup. He was served the soup and she was called for. He removed the coat and found her in a moon beam dress. He marries her and they were happy for a while. Sargea told Sarina that the story was like a dream come true. Sarina agreed with her, and said that she was glad that they had brought a family happiness back to Glenda and Cecil. Sargea said that she agreed.

The next morning Sarina went downstairs and found her grandparents. She thanked them for the beautiful present. Her grandmother told her that she was glad that the dresses could be put to good use. Her grandfather agreed with her grandmother.

By this time the wedding was days away and Sarina parents had heard about the wedding. They came to the house and told Percy’s parents that if they wanted to have a wedding between Percy and Sarina, they would have to pay. Rivina said they owed 75 million dollars for the privilege of a marriage between Percy and Sarina.

Percy’s father said they would think about it. Sarina’s parents left. Percy’s father headed to the guard station. He told the guards what had occurred. The guards told him not to worry no one except the people traveling with him would be allowed to leave the city until after the wedding. Percy’s father said that they would be leaving in one hour. He went back to the house and told everyone to get ready to leave. In an hour they were through the gates. When Sarina’s parents found out, they were gone, they headed for the gate but the guards would not let them leave.

When Sarina and Percy arrived in the city, they took everyone to see the minister. They had supper and went to bed. Sarina woke up early and found that Sargea was up too. Sargea went downstairs to get breakfast for them so Percy did not see his bride. After breakfast they started getting ready for the wedding. Sarina did Sargea’s hair. Sarina let Sargea wear the dress that Percy had bought her the last time they had been in the town. They both put their dresses on. Sargea did Sarina’s hair, and then they headed for the church.

Percy and everyone, who were attending the wedding, were waiting for her. Cecil brought Sarina down the isle and gave her away. The ceremony was simple and normal. The reception was held at the King’s castle. When the reception was over Sarina and Percy left for their honeymoon. The town was happy that there had been no problems at the wedding and the reception. Percy and Sarina were so happy that they did not think about her parents and what they might be planning. They reached Percy’s castle without a problem. Sarina had never seen a castle look quite so beautiful. The walls were white and the roof was aquamarine. They went inside and the servants were lined up in the hall to greet them. Sarina said something to every one of the servants, even the children. The servants were impressed with her. Percy told her that supper would be at seven o’clock and that she might want to take a bath. Sarina agreed and went upstairs.

The head butler asked Percy why she had been so kind to them. Percy told them that she was a servant for his uncle before he married her. The servants were shocked. He told them that they were to treat her with respect and she would be nice to them. When Sarina came back down the stair, the servants were extremely polite to her. She saw a look of fear in a young child’s eyes. She asked the child what was wrong. The child told her what Percy had said. Sarina laughed and told the child that nothing was going to happen to him. Sarina looked up at the other servant and told them that as long as they were nice they could expect the same from her. She also told them that she would help them if they needed help with anything.

Percy came and told her that supper was ready. They went to the dinning room and ate supper. After that they took a walk in the gardens. The day had gone off so well that they had forgotten about the threat her parents had made. As they were walking in the gardens, an arrow flew past Percy’s head and landed in the ground between Sarina’s feet. Sarina jumped back in surprise. Percy called for the guard and told them to search the grounds. Sarina asked if they could go back inside. Percy agreed that they should go inside. They went inside. Percy said that they should enjoy the fire for a while. They curled up on the couch and watched the fire. Some time later the guards brought a man that they had found on the grounds. Percy heard them come into the room and got up without waking Sarina. He told the guards to follow him to the throne room and he went ahead of them. In the throne room Percy asked the man who he was.

The man said that he was Sarina’s cousin and that her parents had told his parents that she had been kidnaped and forced to marry Percy. Percy told one of the guards to get Sarina and to bring her to the throne room. Five minutes later the guard returned with Sarina. Sarina walked up to Percy and asked why he wanted her. Percy pointed to her cousin and told her what he had said about her parents. Sarina turned around to her cousin and asked him why he had ruined the happiest day of her life. Her cousin asked why her parents had sent a letter that said differently. Sarina told him that they had tried to blackmail Percy’s parents and that they would not pay. Her cousin, Paul, said that it sounded like his uncle. Paul told Sarina that his family would not bother them again. Sarina told him to bring them to visit every once in a while because she had not seen them in ages. Percy agreed with her. He said that he would like to meet a different side of Sarina’s family. Paul said he would bring them up in the morning.

Paul was permitted to leave, and Sarina went up to bed. Percy followed her up the stairs and went to bed also. In the morning Sarina was up before Percy. She was exited to see the rest of the castle. She went in search of the head butler. When she found him, he gave her a tour of the castle. Percy woke to find that Sarina was gone. He started to worry and went in search of the head butler. He was relieved to find that Sarina was with the head butler. When he found them, they were in his sister’s room. Sarina asked him why he never spoke of his sister. Percy told her that his sister had married a thief, and was not allowed to return to the family. Sarina told him that the idea was horrifying. Percy said that they should go and eat. Sarina agreed, and they went to eat. While they were eating there was a knock on the door. The head butler came and told them that Paul was at the door.

Sarina told him to let Paul in. Paul and him family came in and Sarina greeted all of them by name. Paul’s mother said that she had never seen Sarina as happy as she was at that moment. Percy asked what they wanted to do for the day. Sarina told him that she would like to go on a picnic. Paul asked why she wanted to do something so common. Sarina told him that she had never been on a picnic before. She said she wanted to feel what other people felt when they went on a picnic with their families. Percy said that they would go on a picnic and it would be the best picnic ever. Paul’s mother said that they should take some plain food like jelly sandwiches. Sarina was so exited that she could not hide her delight. Sarina asked her aunt why they stopped visiting. Her aunt told her that her parents tried to get money from them. Rosa, Sarina’s aunt, told her that they could not afford to give up any money.

Sarina told Rosa that she understood. After they were finished talking they all left for the picnic. Rosa did not know that her brother had followed them to the castle and was going to do something terrible while they were on the picnic. Their destination was a clearing in the woods that had a pond with clear water. While they were there Rosa’s brother pulled out a cross bow and shot at Percy, but Sarina got in the way of the arrow. Sarina did not make a sound as she fell to the ground.

Percy and Paul headed into the woods to find the person who had shot her. Rosa tried to help Sarina, but she did not know what to do. Percy and Paul brought back Sarina’s father with them. Rosa asked him why he had shot his own daughter. Frederick said that he was aiming at Percy not Sarina. Rosa asked him why he would take his daughter’s happiness away from her. Frederick said that he did not know why he had done it, but that he needed money and Percy’s family had money. Rosa asked how he was planning to get money from grieving parents.

They headed back to the castle as fast as the horses would go. Percy carried Sarina into the house while telling the head butler to get the physician, and then to get Sargea and his parents. The physician was there in ten minutes and he removed the arrow. The physician told Percy that all they could do was wait and see what happened. The only person who could help her now was herself. Percy stayed by her side all night, and in the morning Sargea woke him saying he needed rest. Sargea stayed with her sister for the rest of the day. At about midnight Sarina started yelling, “Percy look out it’s an arrow!” Sargea shook Sarina and told her to calm down Percy was safe. Sarina calmed down when she heard that Percy was safe. Sarina asked where he was, and from the doorway Percy told her that he was there. Percy walked to the bed and asked her how she felt. Sarina told him that she was fine and tried to sit up, but a pain shot through her shoulder.

Sarina asked what had happened. Percy told her that for no reason she started running and that she collapsed to the ground without a word. He told her that they had no idea what had happened until they saw the arrow in her shoulder. He also told her that the arrow was meant for him. Sarina told him that she saw it going straight for his heart and all she could think of was to stop the arrow from hitting him. Percy told Sargea to tell the physician that Sarina was awake. The physician came in shortly after Sargea left and Percy went to tell Frederick that his daughter would live. The physician asked Sarina how she felt Sarina told him that she was fine. The physician said that was good. Sarina asked him how long she had been out, and the physician told her just a day. The physician told her he would be back in a month to check on her and that she was to do no strenuous work. Sarina told him that she would try not to. The physician laughed and told her that Percy had picked a good person to marry. Sarina thanked him for all he had done. The physician told her that she had done most of it, and all he did was remove the arrow.

Two weeks later Sarina was out of bed and visiting with her relatives again. This time Sargea was with her. Rosa said that she could not understand how a man could ruin his daughter’s life by shooting her. Sarina asked what she meant by that. Rosa was surprised that Percy had not told her that it was her father who had shot her. Sarina went to the throne room to talk to Percy.

Percy told her that Rosa had spoken true. Sarina asked to see her father. Percy accompanied her to the dungeon where her father was. When her father saw her, he hid his face and would not look at her. He was ashamed of what he had done. Sarina asked him why he wanted to kill Percy so badly. Frederick told her that he wanted Percy’s parents to suffer because they would not pay the money for her. Sarina asked him if he really felt that the reason was fair. Frederick said that he knew that it was not. Sarina told Percy to let him out. Percy did what she asked. Sarina went upstairs to calm down some.

Percy was in the middle of telling Frederick that if anything like that happened again he would not be so forgiving, when the servant child ran down the stairs saying the lady had fallen. Percy and Frederick ran up the stairs and found Sarina on the ground at the top of the stairs. Percy told the boy to get the physician. The physician was there faster than before.

Percy had taken Sarina up to the bed room by the time the physician got there. The physician examined Sarina and told Percy she would be fine. Percy asked what was wrong with her. The physician told Percy it would be better to tell her first. Sarina woke up four hours later. Percy told the physician that she was awake. The physician told Percy to wait in the hall. Sarina asked what was wrong. The physician told her nothing but a common case of pregnancy. Sarina was so happy that she jumped up, ran to the door, flung it open and told Percy, he was going to be a father. The physician followed her and told her that she must relax.

Frederick was around the corner and heard what she had said to Percy. Frederick ran all the way home to Rivina to tell her they were going to be grandparents. Rivina asked where he had been all this time. She told him that it did not take that long to kill one man. Frederick told her that if she wanted him dead she could kill him herself. He said he was not going to kill the father of his grandchild.

Nine months past with no problems. One clear day while visiting with her family, Sarina began to feel terrible cramps. Sarina thought that she was going to lose the baby. Rosa told her not to worry the physician would be there soon. Rosa sent Saul to get Paul and Percy, who were hunting. Saul found them at the clearing and he told Percy that Sarina was sick. Percy and Paul raced out of the wood toward Paul’s home. The physician had just gotten there and was just about to go in when they got there. The physician told Percy that Sarina would be okay, and that he should wait outside. Percy could not stand waiting and soon he was pacing so bad there was a dent in the ground. Paul told Percy that Sarina was strong and would be fine. Percy said that he just worried because he did not know what was going on inside. As he finished the last word, they heard a baby’s cry. The physician came out and told Percy that he had a strong baby boy. Percy ran in the door and straight to Sarina.

Sarina gave him a letter that she had received from an unknown source. Percy asked who the letter was from. Sarina told him it was time to put the past behind him. Percy opened the letter it said:

Dear Sarina,

I am happy to hear that my brother

has married such a wonderful person. As

to your request that I come and visit, I

cannot because I am not welcome.

Your sister-in-law,

Mary

Percy looked at Sarina, and she told him that she had taken the liberty to find his sister. Percy told her that he was going to see his sister. Percy asked if Rosa would keep an eye on Sarina for him. Rosa told him that she would. Sarina fell asleep happy because he was going to see his sister.

Percy left that night to go see Mary. He traveled all night and found the house late the next morning. He knocked of the door and waited. When the door opened and there stood his sister. She looked at him as if she did not know him. Percy asked her how she was. Mary told him that she was fine. Percy told her that she was an aunt. Mary’s eyes lit up as she realized that she was talking to Percy. Mary asked how he found her. Percy told her that his wife was the one who took the effort to find her. Percy told her how Sarina had given him the letter to read after she had their son. Mary told him that she would love to come and visit, but she had a couple of problems. As she finished speaking, three little boys ran out the door. Percy told her to bring them along. Mary told the boys to get their clothes that they were taking a trip. Mary left a note for her husband telling him where they were going to be.

They headed back to Percy’s home. When they arrived, Sarina was waiting for them. Mary asked Sarina if the physician said that she was to be up yet. Sarina told her that the physician told her to stay in bed, but she could not receive guests in bed. Mary asked how she knew that they were going to come. Sarina told her that she knew her husband well. Percy looked at Sarina and asked her if she knew where his brother was. Sarina and Mary looked at him and asked in unison what brother. Percy told them about the brother he had, who had been stolen.

Sarina said that she did not know where he was but she would find him. Percy leaned down and kissed her. Mary was surprised that Percy really had found a woman worthy of him. Percy asked where Gregory was. Sarina told him that he was in the nursery and would be brought down in five minutes. Percy and Mary sat down and talked to Sarina, while the boys ran around the house. Sarina asked Mary what their names were. Mary said they were Brad, Brent, and Brian. Sarina was happy to know their names.

Sarina called them over when she saw the nurse bringing Gregory down. When they reached her, she asked them if they wanted to see their cousin. They said yes, and Sarina got up and got Gregory. She came back over and showed him to the boys. The boys asked way he was so small. She told them that in three years he would be as big as they were. They were intrigued for a while and then went on with their playing. Sarina gave Gregory to Mary, and Mary said that he looked just like his father when he was young. Sarina wanted to know what happened between her and her parents that they would disown her. Mary told Sarina that she had fallen in love with a thief and her parents were angry about it. They had told her that if she married him they would disown her. She married him anyway and her parents disowned her. They did not even know that they had three grandsons. Sarina told her that they would find out if she had to tell them herself. Mary was shocked. Sarina told her not to be so surprised. She would do that for her worst enemy. Percy told Sarina that he did not think that was a good idea.