McKensie and Lara III Showing 451-500 of 2,041

[Lara]

Maxwell's smile wavered. He groaned and ran his hands down over his face. "Only you." he said, smirking at her from between his fingers. "You sure that's what you want?" he asked, wondering how he had been tricked into this.

Iliana reached out to squeeze his hand and she smiled softly, shaking her head. "I already have far more than I deserve, Marcoux, so thank you." She said softly, meaning every word. In her mind, she was a maid, and so anything nicer than what a maid would have, was far more than she deserved.

James chuckled softly, shaking his head. He didn't think her one to talk like that, but he liked it a lot. "Well if you insist." He whispered, climbing down out of the carriage carefully. "I've never been in the palace before. You'll have to show me around." he joked.

[McKensie]

Lacey laughed "it's not the real one! It's a dare, you don't even have to ask you just have to tell my dad we are eloping, then you can still have your secret alright?"

Marcoux shook his head "Ill arrange it, I can't vear having you down here love...I want to be able to check on you and be close...the other servants are probably upset at you...I don't want that."

Lydia smiled and helped him through the door and to her room "mother I'm home, I'm with James he's just going to tuck me in and then Matthew will drive him back."

[Lara]

Maxwell laughed softly. "You know you might get me killed…" he shook his head. "Alright. I'll be right back. And if I'm not back in a few minutes, come look for me." he said seriously. Then he left downstairs. It was quiet for a moment, and then there was shouting, smashing glass, and footsteps pounding around downstairs.

Iliana smiled softly, loving that he cared. "I love you Marcoux, but you really needn't worry so much about me." She said, turning over and letting her eyes close. "I'll be alright here. But if you do find a room, I'm sure I'll love it there as well." She didn't say that the servants really did hate her now, as servants weren't supposed to flirt with masters, and now one of them had and was being rewarded for it.

Her mother just called back 'alright honey!' and then went back to her needle work.
James smiled softly, following her to her room. He used his cane to find his way to her bed, and then ran his hands over it. "Your bed is very soft." he approved. "What's it made of?"

[McKensie]

Lacey yelped and ran downstairs quickly blocking Maxwell from her angry father "now daddy be reasonable!" She scolded wondering what on earth set him off, he approved of their courtship why not marriage?

Marcoux smiled and stroke her hair till she fell asleep he arranged all of her things to be put in the new room and she was so deep in sleep he carried her to the new bed and tucked her in gently.

Lydia smiled getting dressed grateful he wouldn't see her "down feathers I think...Im not so sure, it always feels too soft for me...sometimes I sleep on the window sill instead. " she admitted and pulled him on the bed kissing him and caressing his chest "I wish I could just sleep in your arms..."

[Lara]

Her father glared at Maxwell, who smiled sheepishly. "You are not eloping!" he said. "You know what that would do to your mother!?" He cried, furious. "You're our only baby girl, Lacey. You can't just run off like that!"

Iliana didn't wake through all of the moving. She was dreaming happy dreams about weddings. When they reached the new room, she turned so she was hugging Marcoux. And then her dreams changed. She dreamed about kids running around the house, and pregnancies gone wrong, screaming babies, and missing children. Iliana whimpered in her sleep.

James smiled then, shaking his head. Only Lydia. But he respected that she was who she was. He let himself get pulled to the bed, trusting her entirely even though he couldn't see anything. He pulled her closer against him and kissed her hair. "You certainly can fall asleep there." he promised.

[McKensie]

Lacey put her hands on his shoulders "father it was a dare...it was either this or have him propose...but he wanted it to be a surprise so I changed it. I'm not going anywhere...I'm going to have a big white wedding."

Marcoux frownef upset that she was whimpering, he shifted her so she was holding him securely and fell asleep with her hoping she had good dreams. He was just so passionate about being with her and making her a lady.

Lydia kissed his chest and ran her hands down his strong stomach "your so strong...guess I've never noticed that before...almost like a stable boy..." She whispered and nudged her nose against his "I don't want to sleep..."

[Lara]

He relaxed immediately, his shoulders slumping. "Oh… kids these days!" He threw up his hands. "You're going to be the death of me, Lacey, I swear it." he shook his head, kissing her forehead. "Please… do me a favour and don't mention eloping again…"

Once Iliana could hug Marcoux like a teddybear, she calmed again, sleeping peacefully once more. Even sleeping she knew who she was holding, and it helped settle her. Though she still didn't know where she was, and what room she had been moved to.

James chuckled, enjoying the feel of her hands running over his torso. "I'm not supposed to get fat…" he shook his head. "Heirs are meant to be good in every way. Even to look at." he smiled, kissing her nose and then moving down to her lips. "Your mother isn't going to be very happy about this…." he whispered.

[McKensie]

Lacey nodded and smiled "of course father...I'm sorry for scaring you." She said honestly and kissed his cheek "I seem to be the death of everyone these days!" She giggled taking Max's hand.

Marcoux woke up the next day and had the maids bring food up to the room as he slowly released himself from her arms and crutches over to the window and opened the curtains letting light in.

Lydia shook her head "she won't kniw...her room is downstairs mine is upstairs..." She whispered and slowly undid his top buttons "I just need you right now..." She said looking up at him with big eyes "please James? I know you've done it before..."

[Lara]

He nodded, smiling tiredly then. "Love you baby girl." he said, and returned to his work.
Maxwell was still looking rather nervous as they walked away, and he smiled down at her. "Well that was nervewracking…" he said, shaking his head. "Want to walk the grounds with me for a bit?"

Iliana woke up to the bright morning sunlight, and she blinked and yawned. When she looked around, she gasped. "Where am I? Where is this?" She asked, staring in wonder. "How did I get here?"

James chuckled. "I had my eyes then." he pointed out. "I've never done it blind." he shrugged, bending down to kiss her. "But I suppose it might be fun to try something new." He reached down and untied the scarf from her neck, retying it around her eyes. "There, now we're even." He whispered, and tangled his hands in her hair as he kissed her passionately.

[McKensie]

Lacey nodded and smiled taking his hand and pulling him to the moonlit gardens "I'm sorry that, that dare was so distressing...I guess I got carried away, I must seem like an impatient little girl to you..." She sighed fingering the roses.

Marcoux settled her down "Illi its alright...this is your new room, I just decided to move you while you were sleeping...do you like it? It is right next to mine so I can see you often."

Lydia woke up to the gentle knock on the door, she snuggled deeper into James' bare chest "come back later..." She mumbled and sighed pulling the sheets over her shoulders. She then blinked and gasped sitting up and removing the blindfold from her eyes they had slept he never went home! Oh she was in so much trouble!

[Lara]

Maxwell chuckled and shook his head. He was happy, really, that she was so eager for their life together. "Come on," He whispered, leading her down to the water where a little boat was waiting. "I want to show you something." He motioned for her to step in.

Iliana relaxed when she saw Marcoux. Good. She was still in the same house, and had not been kidnapped. For the first time, she looked around, and slowly her smile spread. "Marcoux!" she exclaimed. "This is far nicer than anything I've had in my life!" She exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.

James stirred when Lydia sat up and he groaned, rubbing his temple. "What time is it?" he asked, as he wasn't able to see if it was light out or not, so he had no idea if it was morning already. He hoped it wasn't. As much as he loved last night, he knew he had to leave before any of his family found him missing.

[McKensie]

Lacey blinked, where had that come from? Where were they going? She followed him in and looked around puzzled "little late for a boat ride isn't it?" She asked biting her lip, surprises were not her forte she liked to know everything.

Marcoux chuckled and hugged her back tightly his grin contagious as he just held her "I'm glad you like it, breakfast is coming up soon." He assured and brushed her hair back "now you won't have to feel like a maid...for you are not anymore."

Lydia checked the clock "seven..." She whispered "I have to get you out of here before mother sees you!" She said grabbing their clothes from the floor and helping him get dressed again. The knocking was persistent "come back later!"

[Lara]

Maxwell chuckled. "That's the point. Close your eyes and no peaking." he said, rowing them out to the middle of the lake. Here, the stars reflected on the water, and it looked like they were floating among a million twinkling lights. "You can open now." he whispered.

Illiana bit her lip and looked down at her lap. Not a maid? She and been told all her life that she would always be a maid… but now her duty was no longer to the master of the house, but to Marcoux. She smiled softly, looking up at him. "Thank you, Marcoux. I promise I will be the best lady I can for you."

James groaned, immediately hopping out of bed and dressing with her help. "Great. Just great. Please tell me I have a way of getting out without being seen!"
The door opened then and Emma poked her head in. "But miss…" She stared at shirtless James and gasped. "Oh I'm so sorry!" She exclaimed, closing her eyes tight and shutting the door again.

[McKensie]

Lacey slowly opened one eye and then gasped seeing nothing but the stars in the lake, she touched the water as it altered the reflexion and shook her head amazed at the beauty speechless for once in her life.

Marcoux smiled and nodded "you don't even have to try, you already are to me Illiana..." He promised and smiled caressing her pale cheek "I want to be the best master of the house for you...we are both in a position new and frightening...but I know we can do it."

Lydia gasped seeing Emma, her excitement was overwhelming as she dressed and reopened the door hugging her friend "I can't believe your back! I missed you..." She said and pulled back "I need help sneaking James out..."

[Lara]

Maxwell smiled softly, enjoying seeing her so enthralled. He pulled out a small box from his back pocket and opened it up, smiling as he held it out. "Lacey…" he whispered. "I know it's nothing fancy…" The ring was simple, with an elegant band and one diamond in the centre. "But would you marry me, and make me the happiest man in the world?"

Iliana nodded, leaning her head on his shoulder as she watched the sun play on the fields out the window. "Together." She agreed. "We'll be running a household together!" she shook her head. "It seems so distant and surreal." She admitted.

Emma smiled, hugging her back. Then she raised an eyebrow. "So I see you found him…" She said, smirking. "Come on. There are passages in the palace that the servants only know of." She said, smiling. She tapped the picture frame in Lydia's bed room, revealing a passage behind it.

[McKensie]

Lacey gasped amazed and smiled nodding eagerly and hugging him tightly "thank you...oh my goodness it's so perfect." She started to cry and couldn't stop "I love you Maxwell..."

Marcoux smiled and nodded kissing her hand gently squeezing it "I find it very appealing, it's what I dreamed about last night...but I have to be completely honest kids terrify me..."

Lydia helped him into the passage and looked around amazed "I might need to learn about these passages...it's so secretive and I can hide from mother!"

[Lara]

Maxwell slid the ring on her finger and gathered her into his arms, smiling softly. "Careful, don't tip the boat." he whispered, kissing her cheek. "I love you too, Lacey." he whispered. He was happier than he had ever felt before.

Iliana's eyes widened and she stared at him, wondering if he was serious, or if he had found out about her fear somehow. "Me too…" She said softly, shaking her head. "I was nervous to tell you, because Lacey is so excited about kids… and we're expected to have them too… and…." she shook her head.

James couldn't see, but he could smell the damp, and feel the cold walls as they moved through the passage. "Ok. This is cool." He breathed.
Emma grinned, nodding. She lead them out to the grounds where a carriage was already waiting. "Good luck. It was nice meeting you James."

[McKensie]

Lydia grinned wickedly and forcefully rocked the boat causing them to tip into the water, she laughed bringing her head up and holding onto him "I would be disappointed if we didn't get wet...it's our first steps of this relationship you know!0

Marcoux shook his head "we don't have to rush on kids, I'd rather raise horses and hunting dogs at our manor. If that's alright with you?" He asked biting his lip and worrying about how she felt.

Lydia smiled and hugged him tightly "I'll see you later..." She whispered in his ear "I regret nothing..." She watched the carriage ride off and sighed in relief "we fell asleep..."

[Lara]

Maxwell shouted in surprise and then laughed, treading water. "Thats right." he agreed, kissing her passionately. "Our first kiss was in these waters." He smiled, bumping his nose against hers.

Iliana smiled softly and squeezed his hand. "That works perfectly with me." she promised. "It is actually what I would rather… if that's ok." She admitted. "I've been nervous about kids for a long time." she admitted.

"neither do I." he chuckled, going home with a smile on his face.
Emma watched, looking smug. She grinned at Lydia and shook her head. "Looks like you did a whole lot more than that." she said, climbing back through the tunnel and surveying her room.

[McKensie]

Lacey giggled and nodded "we did...and that's when you had my hooked and I started to fall for you...because I could be myself around you." She kissed him deeply back and held on close "I love you..."

Marcoux nodded "them there is no rush...I know Maxwell and Lacey want to become rabbits and multiply but I'd rather we didn't...but I love dogs!"

Lydia gasped and laughed "that is bold Emma! But oh how happy you've made me since you're back!" She said jumping like a school girl.

[Lara]

Maxwell grinned, shaking his head. "You are so poetic." he said softly. "And I am so happy we fell in love." He admitted. He swam with her and the boat, tugging them both back to shore. "So. Can I know these plans for the wedding now?" he asked, curious.

Iliana smiled, having relaxed fully then for the first time. "I am glad we share the same views." She said honestly. "I love dogs as well. And horses." She squeezed his hand. "We can breed hounds and hunt with them, keep a few as pets."

Emma laughed easily then, hugging Lydia. "But what I wrong?" she challenged, feeling alright with being bold, because Lydia had asked her not to treat her as royalty. "I am thrilled to be back as well. What has gone on since I left?"

[McKensie]

Lacey giggled and nodded "an August wedding, yellow and gold as the colors...in the backyard, Chinese lanterns in the trees lighting up as it gets dark and maybe dancing I know it's uncommon but I do think it would be fun!"

Marcoux smiled and pecked her cheek "I'm even more pleased now about her future and maybe one day we will have one or two children...but j hope they are quiet and demure."

Lydia flushed and laughed "no you are not wrong I losty virginity blind last night...it was perfect and I epildnt have changed a thing! I missed him so much the passion just got overwhelming...we are giving him a royal title and throwing a ball!"

[Lara]

Maxwell raised his eyebrows. "Wow. You really do have this all planned!" He exclaimed. He shook his head, kissing her quickly as they walked up the bank towards the house. "that sounds lovely Lacey, really." he promised, smiling.

Illiana got up and got dressed, looking up as the maids brought in breakfast for them. She wasn't used to being this pampered. "I agree." She said seriously. "Though I have a horrible worry that our kids will be crazy just cause we don't want them that way." she said, shaking her head.

Emma grinned, laughing. "Oh!" She exclaimed. "That's lovely! It sounds so romantic!" She admitted. Then she grinned. "A royal title!? A ball!?" she danced a little circle. "That sounds lovely!"

[McKensie]

Lacey smiled and sighed "not too crazy? I know I get carried away...like a pixie that gets excited." She giggled and leaned her head on his shoulder "I just...I want it to be perfect...I want to make my family happy...honestly I'd be happy getting married in a meadow..."

Marcoux chuckled and ate some eggs and fed her some "there you go...don't stress, you need to eat and rest today. Lady Lacey insisted she is worried sick about you...I think it's good you have such a good friend,"

Lydia flushed and smiled "I will need your help, mother is having me plan everyrhing and I am feeling very overwhelmed!" She admitted and got dressed for the day "glad mother doesn't know about last night...not in the mood for a lecture this morning."

[Lara]

Maxwell shook his head as they arrived at the manor. "Not too crazy." He assured. "I think it's a wonderful plan, and will make a beautiful wedding." he promised. He squeezed her hand and lead her to his room where he tossed her some towels to dry off, taking some for himself as well. "I don't mind what our wedding looks like, as long as you're happy." He promised, smiling.

Illiana ate the eggs and beamed. "Don't stress? I didn't know it was even possible not to stress!" She joked, shaking her head. "Yes. I am very happy to have a good friend like Lacey. She really saved me when you were gone." she said seriously.

Emma nodded eagerly. "I'd love to help plan a ball." She promised. "I know what food is most popular and what not, may be able to help give you some tips." she smiled. "do you know what you'll be wearing?" She asked, helping Lyida get dressed.

[McKensie]

Lacey smiled and strrattled his lap "I'm happy with you Max...no matter what we do poor or rich im just glad to be yours..." She whispered and kissed him "did you ever think you'd be married?..." She wondered, she didn't know if footman even courted. She wished she understood more.

Marcoux sighed caressing her cheek "I honestly thought you wouldn't care that I was gone...I was ashamed to come home, I thought now I certainly didn't deserve your love now...I felt less then a man."

Lydia smiled grateful to have her best friend back she understood her and had the same passion as she did. "The seamstresses are working on a dress that is pleasing to touch, it will be short and sleeveless like the new flapper dresses."

[Lara]

Maxwell smiled softly, rubbing the towel over his hair and then tossing it to the side. "I planned to marry eventually." he admitted. "But only once I was older and had enough money to support the girl." He said honestly, shrugging then. "As I was, before Marc and I switched places, I was very low on money, and could never have married." He sighed. "But I guess that changed pretty quickly."

Iliana bit her lip, her eyes closing. "It pains me to hear that, Marcoux." She whispered. "I was worried sick. I couldn't eat, or sleep, or do anything." She admitted. "You are more than any other man I've known and I love you. I'm sorry I didn't see it sooner."

Emma smiled as she finished doing up Lydia's hair. "That sounds wonderful. I imagine the seamstresses are having quite the time trying to figure out how to make it feel nice." She said, giggling as she imagined the girls feeling the dress to make sure it was just right.

[McKensie]

Lacey smiled and nipped his neck "oh, well...I'm glad that you were the one that I was led to...not Marcoux, no offense I don't find him that attractive or interesting...you would have probably ended up with Illiana..." She said shaking her head and kissed his chest "but I would have found you eventually..."

Marcoux cupped her face and kissed her deeply, he ran his fingers through her hair "I'm sorry I lost your trust for some time I'll never lie again..." He promised and nudged her "ok?"

Lydia smiled and nodded "I hoping to take him to the doctor before then...he's afraid though and I don't know how to help him...I feel selfish asking this of him...am I a horrible person?"

[Lara]

Maxwell raised an eyebrow. "Hey, don't knock on my brother. He's very interesting in his own right. But I'm glad he's not your type." He said honestly. He shivered, and tried to remain in control as she kissed him. "You would, would you?" he repeated. "I suppose Pan would be lonely without Tink." He agreed.

Iliana found herself completely out of breath after that kiss and she gasped, smiling softly. "Thank you." She whispered, resting her forehead against his. "that means a lot." She admitted. "I really was stressed during that whole escapade."

Emma frowned softly. "I don't think of you as a horrible person at all, Lydia. Sometimes, when people are scared to do something, they still want to do it deep down, and if someone is there to help give them that little push they need, it really helps."

[McKensie]

Lacey smiled and nodded gently sucking on the skin across his collar bone "he would have the mermaids and that awful Wendy but...he always came back to Tink..." She mumbled and sighed in bliss running her hand up his hair and lacing it. "Even when she was being a drama queen..."

Marcoux sighed and nodded "I know...so was I, I didn't like lying and I wanted to tell you everyday but I was scared to lose the only good thing in my life...plus Maxwell was in love with Lacey, love made a little joke go out of line.

Lydia fingered her curls and nodded "I suppose...better head down to breakfast before mother comes up here...will you please get the sheets washed..." She looked at the messy bed and smiled to herself getting up remove the blankets and sheets and rolled them up.

[Lara]

Maxwell closed his eyes, breathing in slowly, and then out again, his breath coming in a soft whisper. "Lacey…." He shook his head. "You are the cutest little drama queen, and you're driving me insane." He whispered, pulling her against him. He kissed her collarbone and smiled, smelling her hair. "You used a new shampoo." he noted. "What… pear?"

Iliana nodded in understanding. "I suppose love would complicate a good prank." She agreed. She smiled, taking a sip of the coffee as she finished off her eggs. "Well. I am glad it all got sorted." she said honestly. "but about this whole, running the manor thing. That's kinda a big deal…" She started.

Emma nodded, taking the sheets in her arms. "Of course. Run along then. Your mother is scheduled to go down for breakfast in exactly a minute and a half." She smiled encouragingly. "Good luck." She said, leaving then with sheets to go wash them quickly.

[McKensie]

Lacey laughed lightly and moaned arching as she pulled his head to her chest "mint and citrus..." She whispered and lay back on his bed gasping in bliss "you can't stop..."

Marcoux sighed "I know I thought I was getting away from the responisibilty but now I have a larger mansion with my family still living here...I don't know, I wish I could have been born a stable boy or even a horse."

Lydia ran off and found her mother "oh good morning mother...how are you today? I thought we could go to the kitchen...to get the dinner ready for the ball."

[Lara]

Maxwell nibbled at the crook of her neck and smiled softly. "I wasn't planning on it, sweetheart." he whispered. He moved over her, pulling his shirt off and dumping it to the side. He bent down again, kissing her passionately, his hands tangling into her hair.

Iliana smiled softly. "But then I never would have met you!" She complained. "It was your ingenious idea that allowed me to meet a charming heir. And it was your humanity, that allows me to be with you, to be yours." she whispered.

The queen looked up, smiling softly. "I'm good darling. Heard nothing but gossip last night… the maids were quite talkative…" She smiled, standing as she put her tea down. "But yes, let's go talk about the dinner for the ball. Did James have any ideas?"

[McKensie]

Lacey woke up and smiled nuzzling clae to him "good morning my love...fiancé..." She whispered in his ear and kissed his neck "it was worth the wait..." She mumbled though really they didn't wait but she didn't regret it, she still planned on her wedding night.

Marcoux smiled and tapped her nose "that is a lot of adjectives..." He said softly and cleared off the breakfast trays crutching to ring the servants to clean it up. He sighed "is it dumb to say that...I can feel my leg, though I know it isn't there."

Lydia coughed up her tea and wiped her mouth "oh...what were the maids saying now?" She asked trying to pretend that didn't just happen, nosy maids! This is why she only trusted Emma.

[Lara]

Maxwell yawned a huge cat yawn, and then smiled, looking over at her. "Morning, love." He whispered back. "I'm glad you enjoyed it at least even a little. For I enjoyed it thoroughly." He admitted. "the wait was torturous." He chuckled then. "But I suppose your plans are foiled now. The baby might come a month earlier!"

Iliana blushed, her smile shy, as innocent as she was. "Thank you? I think?" she said, shaking her head. Then she thought hard about his second question. Dumb? She wasn't sure. "It doesn't sound dumb to me, but I really wouldn't know. I don't know what it's like to be missing a limb." She said honestly, shrugging. "Is it very strange?"

The queen gestured dismissively with her hand. "All the usual my dear." She said easily, looking up at Lydia. "Though I was expressly warned to watch for grandkids in nine months." She said, no hint of a smile on her features.

[McKensie]

Lacey shook her head "but you didn't...I mean we...before." She buried her face in his chest not wanting to talk about it, she was still pretty shy about the whole thing. It took a long while to even let him see her, she was very bashful and well he didn't exactly...enter.


Marcoux sighed rubbing the empty pant leg "I feel the pain and there is nothing there...nothing Illiana I feel insane and I keep replaying it over and over in my mind...the loud sound and crack of bone.." He shuddered starting to get a fit.

Lydia blanched sinking deep in her chair and sipping her tea "oh?..." She whispered her face red as she bit her lip "that might be the case..." She admitted and sighed squirming in her seat.

[Lara]

Maxwell chuckled then, kissing her cheek. She was adorable when she was blushing and flustered. "I'm teasing baby." he whispered, wrapping his arms around her again. "You're so cute when you're embarrassed." he whispered into her ear.

Iliana winced at his description, wishing there was some way to help him with this. She hated knowing he was in pain. She shuddered then, at his description of the incident, and her face paled a little as she imagined it. "that sounds awful." She whispered.

The queen nodded, dabbing a napkin on her lips as if this was everyday news. "I figured as much, my dear. Expected it even. But certainly not before you were married!" She shook her head. "I wanted you to marry a prince as it was, and here you go abusing my generosity, sneaking him in and out of your room?"

[McKensie]

Lydia started to cry "I'm sorry...mother, I never meant to deceive you...please, he's a good man and I just...it was my fault, I missed him and the passion overtake..." She covered ger face scared her mother woukdnt let her see him again.

Marcoux grabbed his hair and started pacing viciously and mumbling to himself as he tried to throw something but there was nothing. He raged and covered his hating that she saw him like this. "No...no...no...no!"

Lacey swallowed and looked up at him "I'm so sorry Max...I wanted it to be perfect...and I coukdnt...it's not you, at all...I love you...I'll be ready our wedding night I promise..."

[Lara]

The queen merely sipped her tea, trying to decide whether her daughter was truly sorry or not. Thought the tears were a pretty good indicator. She reached over and squeezed her hand. "Darling… I'm not mad. I'm just disappointed that you didn't wait dear. This isn't a light thing to just do with anyone."

Iliana tensed when all of a sudden he seemed to break down, and she stared at him, shocked. She had never seen him like this, and she wasn't sure what was going on exactly. Was he having a break down session? Or was he mad at something? Iliana chewed her lip and then worked up the courage to ask hesitantly: "Marcoux? Are you alright?" she asked. "Is there something wrong?"

Maxwell's smile was soft as he brushed back her hair through his fingers. "Baby… don't worry about it." he assured. "I'm just sorry I can't make you more comfortable about it." he admitted. "I don't blame you. this is not a little thing." He promised. "I understand."

[McKensie]

Lydia leaned her head on her shoulder as she cried "I would only ever do it with him mother...he's my love, he is the one I will marry...I'm going to the doctor with him to ease his blindness if possible it wasn't a light thing...it was the most beautiful experience I have ever had.

Marcoux started to shake his head rapidly and grip his hair "I'm sorry...im sorry...get James please...he has my meds...I'm sorry.." He gasped and got into fetal position slamming his fist into the floor frustrated with himself.

Lacey hugged him tightly and sighed "I will be ready...I just...wasn't ready last night, I want to wait...but I don't want you to have to wait for me...I feel bad I can't pleasure you the way I'm supposed to..."

[Lara]

Her mother nodded then, satisfied that her daughter had not just done something she would regret forever. "In that case, dear. I support you and him." She promised, hugging her and rubbing her back gently. "Just no more of that while I am in the house, ok? Please dear, I don't need anymore gossip." She smiled softly.

Iliana just stared at him, frightened by what she saw. Something must be wrong with him. That must be why this was happening. but what? And why? She wished she could help him. She nodded quickly at his request and rushed to James's room, waking him and leading him down to Marcoux, where he immediately unscrewed the bottle and bent by his friend, holding out two of the pills. "Right here, Marc. Is it getting any better?" he asked softly.

Maxwell nodded, running his thumb over her cheek. "Shhh baby, it doesn't matter. I still love you, and I can wait longer, I promise." he whispered, nuzzling his nose against hers. "There are other ways to pleasure someone besides just that, and you discovered that last night, Lacey. I'm not disappointed." He promised.

[McKensie]

Lydia nodded and smiled hugging her mother "I promise...but mother what if I did get pregnant? It would be a Scandel...I could hide coukdnt I? Have the wedding and then have the baby?...oh goodness I didn't think...I need to know..."

Marc grasped the pills and dried swallowed them, the shaking stopped and he slowly stopped but he was ashamed he had wet himself and obviously scared her...he shook his head holding back a sob "I'm sorry...I tried..."

Lacey sighed and kissed him softly "I trust you completely...you know that right...I just...never have...been that vulnerable ever...I never let any maid see me bathe or doctor...I wish I could be brave and sexy..."

[Lara]

The queen smiled a little, nodding her head. "You just have the wedding before it starts to show. No big deal." She promised. "You can get a doctor to check and see if you are with child, if you would like my dear." She promised, trying to make it easier for her.

James smiled sympathetically, but Iliana had already rushed to Marcoux's side. She was trembling from worry and fear, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to help him. "How are you feeling? Are you alright?" She asked in a motherly tone. "Let's get you up to get changed." She said simply.

Maxwell nodded, resting his head on his elbow. "And I trust you." He promised. "I don't blame you for being nervous, Lacey." he promised. "We can take this as slow as you want. We don't have to do anything wedding night." He added. "Not if you aren't ready." he didn't want to push her.

[McKensie]

Lydia nodded and looked up at her mother "I am frightened and ashamed will you please be there?..." She asked nervously and stared at her feet, she obviously didn't think about this last night. She wanted James but her mother was there so she felt some comfort.

Marcoux shook his head ashamed "I'm sorry...I wanted to be strong...i thought it wouldn't happen when I was with you...but the war..." He closed his eyes "I'm fine..." He said miserable and looked at James sighing "it'll never get better will it?"

Lacey sighed and nuzzled him taking his hand and kissing each knuckle "I just need to talk to someone who's...been there to know what to do, to know how to relax...I'll be ready Max it's not fair for you..."

[Lara]

The queen nodded, smiling gently. She kissed her daughter's cheek. "Of course I'll be there." She promised. "Call up the doctor and book an appointment, and let me know when it is." she said. "The sooner the better dear, so that we have no surprises."

Iliana shook her head, as she had moved into a caring mode, much like nurses do, and she wasn't thinking about herself. "Let's get you back to bed to recover." She said gently. "It's alright." She promised. She helped him stand and supported on arm around her shoulders.
James smiled softly. "It might, Marc. but for now, you're in good hands."

Maxwell nodded, loving that she was so concerned about him. But he was also concerned about her. "Alright, love. But know, I care about you as well, and I worry about how you are doing. Trust me, if you aren't ready, I'd much rather know that and not do it, ok?"

[McKensie]

Lydia sighed "but there are always photographers...they will see me going to the doctor...what will the headlines say? Can't he come here?" She asked trying not to get nervous but also thinking of what's good for her status and family.

Marcoux allowed himself to be undressed and cleaned and tucked into bed he sighed feeling exhausted as he always did after the sedation pills. He took her hand and kissed the palm "I'm sorry...I tried to fight it..." He needed her to know he could take care of her, it wasn't fair for him to be an invalid that couldn't manage not going to the bathroom on the floor.

Lacey nodded and sat up pulling her dressing gown on and pecking his lips tenderly "nothing but honesty remember? I take care of you, you take care of me but let me be independent if the mood strikes me." She giggled and pecked his lips again handing him his clothes.

[Lara]

The queen nodded in agreement and waved her hand. "Of course he can come here. You're the princess." She said, smiling. "I'll make sure this goes smoothly.@ she squeezed her hand. "Do you want James to come too?" She asked softly.

Iliana helped him clean up and get into fresh clothes, calling one of the maids to clean up the floor. She tucked him into bed and smiled, kissing his cheek. "It's alright. I don't mind at all." She promised. "rest now, I'll stay with you." She promised. "What happened exactly?" She inquired. "A panic attack?"

Maxwell smiled, reassured and he nodded. "Thank you baby." He said seriously. He cared and worried for her. Then he chuckled, catching the clothes and getting dressed. "You are a little mischief maker sometimes." He teased, winking. "I like your spirit."

[McKensie]

Lydia shook her head "no...and if I am with child...I'm not letting him know about the baby till he is healed, he doesn't need one more thing to stress about..." She closed her eyes trying to stay calm and not panic as she dialed up the Royal physician. Her hand still tightly holding onto her mother's.

Marcoux sighed and nodded "I got them a lot in France...I'm glad I wasn't as violent as then, the nurses had to restrain me most of the time..." He said quietly holding onto her hand and kissing the fingers gently curling them around his "the medicine helps..."

Lacey smiled and heard James on the other side of the door, she couldn't wait to share the news of her engagement he wasn't there last night for some reason...she opened the door hugging her brother "I still hear you sneaking around you know..."

[Lara]

The queen nodded, proud that her daughter could make hard decisions for the good of others. "Alright dear, It is up to you." She said encouragingly. She held her hand as her daughter called the physician and he said he would be right over. "Would you like some tea, while we wait?" She asked.

Iliana chewed her lip when he said he had to be restrained. How traumatizing the war must have been to give him such strong panic attacks! She looked down at their entwined hands, nodding slowly. "You can tell me what you need whenever you need anything like medicine or a break, Marc, and I'll be happy to care for you." She promised.

James smiled when he heard his sister and his smile turned sheepish at what she said. "Sneaking around? Me?" He asked, feigning innocence. "Never." He denied, chuckling. "How have you been, lil sis?" he asked, curious about what had gone on.

[McKensie]

Lydia shook her head, and looked out the window and sighed "I'm scared mother...im scared of the exam and what may come of it...I mean what is a royal birth like? It obviously isn't private...oh gosh what am I doing..." She whispered and shook her head again.

Marcoux sighed "this doesn't help, Illiana I want to be a strong man...not your patient, please don't treat me with pity or like your little boy...I want to be your husband and to care for you...not the other way around...they don't happen often...as long as I don't think about the war."

Lacey smiled and let his thumb caress her new ring and smiled "you have a new brother in law...he proposed last night while you were missing in action I assume with miss Lydia."