Chapter 28

Several days later ...

Emily's passing was sudden, and though tragic, it was good to see the kingdom undoubtedly place their trust in King Cade for guidance in this time of uncertainty. With a bit of magic from Cirrus, Tulip and Shelly are on the better side of the mend, and it seems as if the kingdom really was coming together to aid their faerie brethren from Dragon Valley. Cade had gathered with his former people of Learia informing King Jude of the chaos that has fallen on Dragon Valley, and in turn Brendlewood. King Jude and his men naturally agreed to join forces with Cade to help the people of Dragon Valley from this despicable terror that was over taking it. I have been staying in Tulip and Shelly's room for assistance and moral support the past few days. As the three of us awoke that Thursday morning, we were all quite eager to hear what Cade's announcement was going to be. 

Once everyone had dressed, and enjoyed a delicious breakfast, we gathered on one of the castle balconies to oversee the herald deliver Cade's news. The villagers gathered in the courtyard and upon seeing Cade atop the balcony, roared with cheers. Smiling he waves at them, and puts up his hands for them to fall silent, as the herald is about to begin. "Hear ye, hear ye! By order of the King, Brendlewood will join forces with the kingdom of Learia in the matter of rehabilitation of Dragon Valley. All men of good health and age are requested to contribute in the battle, may there be one" the herald squawks. 

The villagers look back and forth at their neighbors, mumbling quietly amongst themselves. "Good people of Brendlewood, I invite you to remember the cruelness of a certain Queen that almost destroyed your kingdom. I stand here before you as your King not out of obligation, but out of compassion. Brendlewood has always been a land of peace and kindness, let it continue to be so by helping your kinsmen in the next kingdom over. Find your courage, find your grit, let us aid in bringing Dragon Valley to their feet once more!" Cade announces boldly. The towns people nod and shout happily their agreement. Seeing Cade take charge and hearing his sympathy and loyalty to these people makes my heart flutter. "He is such a caring and good man, but now that he is King surely he wouldn't be interested in some nobody that isn't even in the right time period" I think to myself.

Once the proceedings for the Kings announcement have concluded, Cade pulls Shelly to the side and requests a word with her. "Nora, please stay. I need this documented if you would be so kind" he asks me with a wink. I nod and blush, grabbing a nearby pen and paper as I take a seat. "I know you have only just arrived, but we need to take action while Dragon Valley isn't expecting us. With your assistance the kingdom of Brendlewood is willing to provide sanctuary for you and your family, may they arrive" Cade explains.

Shelly twirls a ringlet of hair in her fingertips and hesitates, before replying, "I appreciate your kind offering of protection and will agree to those terms, with one condition. I will take you as far as the edge of the kingdom, at which point I will return to the safety of Brendlewood accompanied by a guard." Cade smiles, "I think that is a fair request. Bonnie has offered to show you to your cottage in the village, if you would like her to take you there. Of course a guard would accompany you as well." Shelly nods in agreement. "Wonderful! Once you are all settled in we can discuss when we will make our journey through Maple Wood Forest which is the direction I'm assuming we'll be heading?" Cade wonders to Shelly. "Yes, that all sounds great" she replies.

Cade rises and apologizes for the brief meeting, and that he must speak with Novus. On his way out he leans over and whispers, "May I see you later?" I blush and answer, "Yes." He kisses my cheek and exits the room, as Shelly approaches me. "That is very kind of Bonnie to offer to take me to the cottage in the village" Shelly tells me. "Yes, it is! She's really taken to the villagers, and has been spending all her time there lately. She's been working with the teachers at the village school. I'm sure she will help you find what ever you need there. Of course, Cade says you're welcome in the castle whenever you like, as well" I tell her. 

A few hours later... 

Trumpets fill Brendlewood with the sound of Learia's fanfare, as we welcome King Jude's arrival. Midi and the other maids get King Jude and his royal party settled in before they join us in the grand hall. "Father! It's wonderful to see you again! We've set up your guards in the village, and they will be at your command in a moments notice" Cade greets. "Thank you son! I'm glad to see your kingdom, though I wish the circumstances for our visit were of a joyful one" King Jude responds. As Cade nods to his father, a young woman enters the grand hall, and runs to Cade jumping in his arms hugging him tightly. "Cadie! I've missed you so!" she tells him. Cade smiles kisses her forehead before replying, "And I have missed you too Roonie!" Introductions were made and we learn that Roonie is Cade's sister, brought here to oversee the kingdom while the men are away at battle. The maids serve an afternoon tea as we move to the sitting room to visit with one another.

Shortly afterwards...

As one of the Brendlewood guards enters the sitting room he states, "Sorry for the interruption your highness, but the party we've been expecting from Dragon Valley has arrived." Cade smiles warmly, "Wonderful! Please show them in!" A moment later the guard returns and announces, "May I present Lestat, Melina and Arthur of Dragon Valley." We greet the newcomers excitedly and chat happily with one another, as the maids serve them. I overhear Cade ask one of the guards to fetch Shelly from the village quickly. I catch his eye, and he makes his way over to me, but just as he begins to speak I notice there seems to be some tension between Lestat and Roonie. Cade smirks a bit and whispers to me, "Yes, I thought this might be awkward." 

"What's going on?" I whisper back. "Lestat was betrothed to Roonie, and instead of marrying her, he ran off with a human" Cade softly replies. I let out a small gasp of surprise, and Cade gives a nod as someone approaches us. "Good King, congratulations on your new position with Brendlewood, and I'm ever so sorry for the loss of your Queen" Lestat sympathizes. "Thank you sir. I see that Novus has been filling you in?" Cade replies. Lestat smiles and gives a nod. "Any news of my wife?" Lestat asks. "Why yes! We have a guard bringing her from the village as we speak. We have made arrangements for you and your family to stay at one of the cottages in town for the duration of your visit. If you need anything at all just ask" Cade tells him merrily. 

Before Lestat is able to thank him, the guard returns and announces Shelly has arrived, and shows her in. As Shelly enters the sitting room, she see's Lestat, Melina, and Arthur talking with us. She instantly runs into Lestat's arms, and hugs him tightly. As she places her hands on his cheeks, and gazes into his eyes. I overhear her whisper, "What happened before you left? I thought I'd never see you again! Are you alright?" "When I left their castle it was empty and I fled to find you" he replies.  "Mom!" Melina shouts as she and Arthur run up to her. Shelly hugs them and asks, "They didn't hurt you did they? How did you escape?" "No they didn't hurt us, but they wanted us to join them, and when we refused, they locked us up in separate rooms. Tristan helped us escape" Melina replies. 

Roonie see's that Shelly has arrived, and decides now would be a good time to welcome her. Unaware that she is interrupting the conversation, she greets "Well hello! I'm Roonie from Learia. You must be Lestat's wife. Excellent choice Lestat, she's beautiful" Lestat thanks her nervously. Shelly glances from Roonie to Lestat hesitating before she replies, "Yes..um nice to meet you. I'm Shelly." Roonie smiles very sweetly and returns to where Jax and Tulip are talking with King Jude and the others. 

"Kids, can I have a moment with your father?" I over hear Shelly ask them. Melina and and Arthur agree before rejoining the group. "She's...um, friendly. What was that all about?" Shelly asks Lestat. "I...I don't think this is the time or place to discuss that" Lestat replies. Shelly raises a brow, and sharply replies, "Um...excuse me! Now's a great time to talk about that!" Lestat sighs and whispers, "Shelly we have only just arrived. It's not a big deal. Let's not make a scene.  Shelly scoffs and snaps, "Since you think I'm making such a big scene, why don't I just go ask her myself!?" 

With Lestat on her heels, Shelly marches over to Roonie. "Excuse me, I couldn't help but notice that you seem to have known my husband for quite some time. I was interested to know how you met?" Shelly inquires. Roonie glances from Shelly to Lestat, and asks, "Oh, you haven't told her about us?" "US!? What does she mean us?" Shelly asks raising her voice some and folding her arms crossly. 

Lestat sighs and says, "I have never told you this before, because there was nothing really to tell. A very long time ago, Roonie and I were betrothed, but destiny had other plans for me." "What he means is he abandoned me the night before our wedding. I just have one question Lestat. Did you ever even care about me?" Roonie asks slightly upset. Shelly glances from Lestat to Roonie, and back to Lestat again with a look of complete astonishment on her face. 

"I can't believe you people!" Shelly huffs throwing her arms up in the air and storming off. Roonie looks over at Lestat apologetically, "I'm sorry Lestat. I shouldn't have said that. I never meant to create any problems between you two." Lestat shifts his weight and replies calmly, "Don't worry about it. I know there is history that wasn't sorted out between us. This is the first Shelly has heard of any of this, I will go talk to her." 

Everyone gets back to mingling with one another, and after a few minutes have gone by I feel someone tug on my arm. Turning I see that it's Shelly who is tears. "Oh Shelly! What's the matter?" I ask in a concerned tone. Pulling me into the hall she tells me, "It's Lestat, he said he can't be with me. We got into a huge argument, he yelled at me, and in his anger he violently shoved me against the wall. He's never done that before, it must be his lycan side emerging. He said we will never be together again, and that he's leaving the kingdom. Before he stormed out, he shouted for me not to follow him or he'd kill me." 

I hug her tightly and softly say, "Aw Shelly, why don't I see if you and the kids can stay in the castle tonight. I know when there is turmoil, having friends nearby can be a help." Shelly wipes her tears and thanks me as I explain that I will have to clear it with Cade first. "Of course! That is fine by me, you all stay the night. We will get you and your family settled into your cottage tomorrow" Cade says as he joins us in the hall. Shelly thanks him and goes to give the news to Arthur and Melina. "You have the best timing Cade" I say with a smile. "I was only looking for you my love. Will you join me tonight?" he asks before kissing me tenderly. I blush deeply and whisper, "Of course."

Later that night after everyone has eaten and is tucked away in bed, I sneak down the castle hall to Cade's chambers for a little midnight rendezvous. As I approach a nearby guest door a noise startles me. Noticing the door is ajar, and unable to deny my curiosity, I stealthily peek into the room. My eyes grow wide with shock as the scene unfolding in front of me is a graphic one indeed. Tangled in the bedsheets, I can just make out the faces of Jax and Shelly as the warm candle light bounces off their faces.   

*To see the beginning of Shelly's adventure please visit secondary author  Alyssa Sim's  Twisted Fairytale*

Chapter 27

In Brendlewood ...

The next morning a rapid knock on my door startles me as I dress for the day. "Miss Nora! I bring news of the strange woman!" the maid Midi squeaks. "Oh? What news is this?" I question curiously. "She was badly injured, but the nurse has addressed her injuries. When she came to, she told of a dreadful tale. She was beaten and escaped her captors to seek aid here in Brendlewood. Her kingdom has been over run with lycans and the torment of Queen Carolin" Midi finishes breathlessly.

Gasping I clap my hand to my mouth. "How tragic! Isn't Queen Carolin the one that stole the royal funds?" I ask her. "Yes Miss, one in the same. Normally our kingdom doesn't associate with vampires and lycans, but this woman is special...she is part faerie. Come, come! The others are downstairs speaking to her now!" Midi explains. I nod in agreement and we dash off to the servants quarters. 

Upon reaching the servants quarters where the strange woman is staying, we find quite a large group talking with her. "I just think we should act quickly, while she thinks she's gotten off scott-free" Novus tells Cade and Jax. "But, what do we know of this woman? She could have an army of thousands!" Jax says in a concerned tone. Cade mulls the idea over, staring blankly. "Nora! Good morning! I suppose Midi has filled you in?" Cade blurts as he snaps out of his stare. I nod and tell him that she has explained everything, but I think it would be a good idea for me to speak with the woman. "Maybe I can find out more information about the numbers we'd be facing" I offer. The men see this as a good idea, and inform us that they will be upstairs working on strategies for a battle plan.

Taking my place in a nearby chair, I greet Shelly. "Good morning, I'm glad to hear that you are doing better. They tell me that faeries usually keep to their own kingdom, but that you are a special exception being half faerie. They are more than willing to go after this Queen Carolin woman, and seeing what those awful lycans have done, I'm sure they will make them pay. "That's right! No one hurts a fellow faerie, even if she is only half" Tulip pipes up, entering the room.

"I have family that I was trying to escape with. My husband told me the Brendlewood would be a safe meeting point before they..." Shelly trails off as tears start to fill her eyes. "...Before the lycan beat him and bit him right in front of me" She explains. I place a hand on her shoulder to comfort her and respond softly, "I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm sure we can help you all and stop the lycans as well as Queen Carolin" I sooth. Tulip says, "I know a bit of faerie magic that will completely heal you. Maybe then you could show us the way to this kingdom you've come from?"

"That Queen Carolin! She's nothin' but trouble! She has caused my family and myself alot of pain and heartache!" Shelly huffs. "I'll take you to the edge of our kingdoms. We have a long history with this Queen and the lycans. I know they will stop at nothing to see my families demise. Would your people be willing to offer my family some protection?" Shelly questions shakily. "I'm certain they will" Tulip says in a comforting tone. "I will pass on the message to the King. Tulip will you see to her healing spell?" I ask. Tulip agree's, and I make my way back upstairs to fill in the King on the information Shelly has given us. 

Upstairs reaching Cade, Jax, and Novus I go over the information that Shelly has told me about her family coming to Brendlewood, the lycans, Carolin, and request for protection. Cade agree's to offering some protection until everything is sorted out. "They will have to stay at the inn near the guards cottages. This kingdom is strictly for fae but desperate times call for desperate measures. The fact that Shelly is part faerie is also a factor. We can't leave one of our own in harms way" he tells me. "I can make the arrangements with the innkeeper" Jax suggests. "Thank you Jax, that would be a great help" Cade smiles before Jax leaves the room. "I need to inform the guards of the visitors arrival, and of the procedures in which to handle them" Cade announces. Novus offers to set all of that up, Cade agree's and thanks him. Before he leaves Novus asks me to check in on Emily and I give him a nod.

"Nora, do you mind to give this to Emily? She left it here last night" Cade asks holding out a dainty bracelet. "I'll turn it to her" I agree. Taking the bracelet from him, our hands gently graze one another. Cade catches my eye, and I blush as I turn to leave the room. 

I knock gently on Emily's door and her nurse answers the door. "Hi, Cade sent me with this for Emily. Is it a good time for a little visit?" I ask her. The nurse nods and motions me inside. She whispers, "Just a quick one though. Her majesty hasn't been doing well at all since the wedding. I fear the worst is near, but I haven't let on to it" the nurse tells me. I silently bring my hand to my mouth and compose myself before approaching Emily. "Good morning, Cade asked me to bring this to you. He said you left it downstairs" I tell Emily as I take a seat next to her bed. "Oh thank you Nora, your kind to bring it to me. This is my favorite bracelet, it belonged to my grandmother" Emily says in a raspy voice. "It is beautiful. How are you doing?" I ask. 

Emily glances down and says softly, "Not well I'm afraid. I don't want to worry anyone though. I'm not afraid to join the realm of the spirits. I just didn't think it would be so soon. I didn't know my body wouldn't respond well to the recovery transformation" she explains. I place a hand on her shoulder and gently nod, not knowing what to say. "Nora, please don't worry! If nothing else I have saved the kingdom from falling. I know that Cade will take good care of our people, especially with you by his side. Don't give me that look!" she wheezes as she laughs. "I know there is something special between you two, I can even feel it. I want you to know that when I am gone you have my blessing. I would like to give you an official royal title so that if it comes to it, you will be able to become his wife. I have already had the documents drawn up, you only need to sign them" she smiles weakly. 

"Emily! That is too kind of you, but please don't talk like that. I just know you can pull through and get back on your feet" I tell her. Emily closes her eyes and shakes her head, then looks at me. "That's what I love about you Nora, you believe in impossible things. All of the hardships you have been through, the people you have lost, you always find a way to see the positive. You always find the good in people and circumstances, even when the inevitable will happen. What will be, will be. I will leave this realm, Nora of 1945, and my spirit will rest in the hall of souls. Do not mourn me" Emily says using what little strength she has to take my hand and kiss it. The nurse softly suggests that her majesty rest now, and I thank Emily once again before leaving the room.

Down the hall I run into Cirrus who is looking flustered. "Nora! Thank goodness! I never can find anyone in this giant castle!" she chuckles, "I'm looking for Midi, have you seen her? One of the villagers has gone into labor and her midwife is very ill! Normally I wouldn't lend my best ladies maid but everyone needs a good midwife when they are in labor!" she rambles excitedly. "Oh, yes! I will send her to you" I reply and continue to the servants chambers to find Midi.

"Midi! Cirrus is requesting your help with someone in the village" I tell Midi once I arrive back downstairs. "I'm on it Ma'am" Midi says energetically before rushing off. I find Shelly still in her bed and ask how she is holding up. "Still a little sore, but that is to be expected after all that has happened" she replies. I nod understandingly, "Well Cade tells me that Tulip is known for her great potion skills, and I'm sure she'll have you good as new in no time!" I cheerily reply. 

Our conversation is suddenly interrupted by an ear piercing scream from the next room. Gasping I glance at the door, then back at Shelly. "Go! Go!" Shelly cries out. Running from the room I yank open the door. I find Tulip in a nearby room lying in a puddle of blood and overturned cauldron potion. She screams in pain clutching her stomach as a purple smoke rises from the potion mixture. "Oh my gosh! TULIP!?" I shout rushing to her. 

Tearing the potion soaked clothes off of her rapidly, and grabbing a towel I work quickly to get the potion off of her. I submerge a clean towel in some water and wipe splashes of potion and blood from her skin as she trembles in agony. Where the potion has soaked through the clothes there is a terrible wound on her abdomen. I stare horrified at the opening. "There's some salve in the jar on the counter" she manages to tell me, and I carefully smear it on her and wrap a large bandage cloth around her snugly. Searching the wardrobe I find a dress for her, and help her into it gently. 

After cleaning up the spill, I help Tulip into the room with Shelly, and lay her in an adjacent bed. Shelly sits up on the edge of her bed as quickly as her sore body will allow her to. "Holy crap! What happened?" She gasps. Tulip sobs into her hands, "My....baby....my....BABY!" I sit perched on the edge of Tulip's bed and gently rub her shoulder. "Shh, there now Tulip we'll get the nurse and have her look at you. Just try to breathe, take a deep breath and tell us what happened" I sooth. Tulip takes a breath, trying to compose herself as I ring for the nurse. 

"UGH! It's so stupid, a curse is what it is! My fear of mice has caused this. I-I was just about finished with the potion for you Shelly. That's when it happened, a fat, hairy rat rushed across the room terrifying me! It rushed under my skirts, and as I jumped back, I accidentally bumped straight into the cauldron. It teetered, and fell over before I could stop it, hitting the ground and splashing all down the front of me. It left a large wound on my stomach, and I started losing alot of blood. I....I lost the baby" Tulip manages to get out between sobs.

I frantically tell the nurse what has happened as I listen to Tulip describe the horror that has just occurred. "Oh my God! Nora and I are both here for you, just take deep breaths. We're gonna get you taken care of sweetie" Shelly tells Tulip soothingly. Tulip hiccups with sobs and I tenderly stroke her hair. "Just try to lie down and close your eyes hun, the nurse is on her way" I tell her. 

  

*To see the beginning of Shelly's adventure please visit secondary author  Alyssa Sim's  Twisted Fairytale*

Chapter 26

King Novus calls for the captain of the the guard and sets his men out on a hunt for this Queen Carolin of Dragon Valley. Turning back to the table he apologizes and we continue our dinner. We enjoy our food quietly, as everyone seems to have something on their mind. Bonnie, about her relationship with Jax. Jax, about becoming a father. Cade and Emily, about their wedding tomorrow. King Novus about finding the evil Queen Carolin. Then there is me who can't think of anything but Cade. The Queen and Tulip seem to be the only ones in good spirits and chat happily about the baby and the wedding that will take place tomorrow.

Everyone retires to their rooms after the meal, and I sit at the vanity in my room combing through my long brown hair. Voices coming from the hall, cause me to peek out of my bedroom, and in the candlelight I can hear Bonnie and Jax talking in hushed voices. "Bon you know I love you, but we met under strange circumstances" I hear Jax tell her. "Yea...you had a girlfriend when we met" Bonnie huffs. "Technically yes, I had a girlfriend. But, you have to understand, I thought I was never coming back. I left this kingdom out of fear, sadness and shame over Nox" he says softly.

"Jax, what are we gonna do? I thought I could let you go, but seeing you and Tulip together just rips me apart. I know I'm horrible for wanting you to myself, when you have a baby on the way with her" Bonnie says sadly. Jax takes her in his arms and tells her that they will get it figured out. "I love you Jax" Bonnie says quietly. Suddenly, Jax presses her up against the hallway wall and eagerly kisses her.  

Deciding that the events in the hall weren't really my business, I returned to my room. "Beside's I have my own set of problems" I say to myself. "Yea? Like what?" I hear Cade say. I clutch my chest turning around to see him grinning at me. I give him a playful smack on the arm, "CADE! You scared me!" I half giggle. 

He puts his hands on my hips pulling me gently towards him, and whispers in my ear, "What set of problems?" I close my eyes as I fight every desire in my body for him and whisper back, "I think you know." "Mm-hmm" he agree's faintly kissing my neck. "Cade....we can't" I say as I try to convince myself to step away. He pauses, still holding me and looks into my eyes. "Nora tomorrow I have to marry a woman who I care for as a friend, but am not in love with. The way I feel about you, I have never felt for anyone. I would like to spend my last bit of time as a bachelor with the woman I'm in love with" he says quietly. "You're in love with me?" I ask quite surprised. He smirks and nervously gives a small laugh, "Well..yea. I mean, you're incredible Nora. You think I just happened to find you guys in the forest? I didn't even know Jax was with you. Something in my heart was pulling me to you, I followed it, and found you" he says looking intently into my eyes. "Oh Cade..." I breathe, purely smitten.

 He leans in kissing me tenderly as our passion quickly escalates. In an instant he pulls the lacing from gown, it loosens and slides off my body. He fervidly kisses along my neck, and down to my chest, as I let out a gasp. Suddenly I am backed against a wall, he slightly lifts me as we kiss intensely I pull his tunic off of him. 

He lifts me up more, still kissing me as I throw my legs around him and he takes us towards the bed. He gives me a mild toss sending me firmly on my back onto the bed. Later, as we lay in each others arms, he gently moves a stray piece of hair from in front of my face and kisses my nose. "My darling I must return to my chambers. The servants will look for me in the morning to dress me for the wedding" he tells me in an unenthusiastic manner. 

The next morning I rise and decide to check in on Bonnie, who's room is just down the hall from mine. Her bed hasn't been slept in, and no one is there. I can hear Cade speaking with the servants in a nearby room, and peek into see the servants preparing him for the wedding. "My how handsome he looks" I think to myself remembering the events of last night. "Miss Nora!" I hear Midi scold in a hushed whisper, motioning me to come with her. She brings me to Emily's room where the maids are helping the women dress. Emily stands in the middle of her room staring into the mirror blankly. 

"You look beautiful Emily" I say quietly. Emily only stares in the mirror, and doesn't even acknowledge that I'm there. "You'll have to excuse her" Tulip tells me, before gently rubbing Emily's arm. "Earth to Emily!" Tulip plays. Emily blinks and appears to realize that she was spaced out. "I'm sorry..." Emily trails off. Tulip, who is unaware that something might be bothering Emily, turns to help the other girls. 

"Is everything ok?" I ask Emily. She nods without making a sound, then quietly says, "I know what I must do for my kingdom." "But...you don't love Cade?" I carefully ask. She quickly turns to look at me and responds in a rather insulted manner, "Nora! How can you ask me such a question?" She glances around the room to see that no one is in ear shot, then leans down and whispers, "Of course not, well not in that way. He is an old friend of mine that is all. But I must do what I need to for the kingdom." Our conversation is interrupted as the maids begin shooing everyone out to leave for the wedding. 

The ceremony guests are few, but the room is beautifully decorated. We all take a seat as the service is about to begin. The King and Queen take their place at the front and the proceedings for their resignation commence. 

They place their crowns on two large pillows and each have a seat, as Cade then takes his place at the front of the ceremony. The royal friar begins his speech about the King and Queen's wonderful reign. "I am happy to announce the wedding ceremony will now commence as Prince Cade of Learia weds our beautiful Princess Emily. The two will then take part in a private coronation and their public debut will be announced this evening" the royal friar explains.

A soft tune is played and Princess Emily glides down the aisle to meet the Prince. We rise as she enters and bow as she passes us by. Upon reaching Prince Cade she turns to stand before him, as the royal friar begins the wedding. The ceremony speech is heart felt, but Cade and Emily stand straight faced as they say their vows and exchange their rings.

"Prince Cade Meadowstone, you may now kiss your bride" the royal friar tells them. Cade takes a deep breath, leans over and gives Emily a small, quick kiss on the lips. They give each other a nod as the royal party claps with approval. The coronation follows and they sign the royal documents. A royal member of the court adjusts Emily's hair and places the crown on her head. Another member of the court places Cade's crown on his head and they turn to face us. The royal friar proudly announces to the congregation, "Sirs and ladies of the royal court, men and women of the royal family, and close friends...May I now present his illustrious highness King Cade and Queen Emily Meadowstone of Brendlewood. May your reign be long, and your hearts be pure. All hail King Cade, long live the King!" The congregation stands and repeats, "Here, here! All hail King Cade! Long live the King!" We bow as the royal fanfare sounds. Cade takes Emily by the hand, and they walk down the aisle out of the room. 

Before anyone is even able to leave a disheveled looking guard bursts through the doors, and everyone gasps. "How dare you intrude on a royal ceremony!" the friar bellows. Novus puts up his hand to hush the friar, what news do you have sir?" he asks the guard. The guard approaches Novus and explains his findings. The royal guards located, and brought back a woman they found at the edge of the kingdom. "From what they can gather your highness, it looks as if it's the queen we were searching for. She bares a crown but it seems her guard has beaten her bloody and stolen Brendlewood funds, for they were no where on her person" the guard explains. Novus strokes his beard in silence for a moment and orders the guard to bring her to the servants quarters of the castle. "Make sure she is comfortable. We need her well and rested if we are to retrieve any information about all of this from her" Novus instructs the guard. 

Standing Novus addresses the small crowd advising us that this is no worry to us, and he will be informing the King immediately. I hear him whisper to Cirrus, "Who knows what this woman is capable of. With Cade and Emily's help we must keep the kingdom safe."