Chapter 44

Back at the castle everyone has gathered in the grand hall where tonight's dinner is being served. At Clover's request a few of her villager friends are invited to join in the celebration of her new child, and gather around the table with the others. As Tulip, Jax and I join them and take our seats, the crowd greets us merrily. My mouth waters as the savory smells of fresh bread, new potatoes, and buttery green beans fill my nostrils. "My lords and ladies, dinner is served!" the cook calls out as she waddles toward the table. The cook, whom we fondly know as 'Cookie' is a very short woman with a belly as round as she is tall. She unsteadily carries out a large silver platter with a delicious roast pheasant in its center and places it on the table, where we are eagerly waiting to devour it.  

A few of the villagers congratulate Reed and Clover, and one of them calls for a toast. A late middle-aged woman stands and requests a toast for the couple. I raise my glass and give her a nod politely, before she proceeds. "Ahem! Firstly, let me thank you, your majesty for this honored invitation. Secondly, I would like to raise my glass and toast my daughter and her new fiance!" the older woman calls out as she smiles brightly. Gasps and happy cheers fill the room, before Reed thanks the woman, "Thank you Hesper! Clover and I are happy to announce our engagement, and equally happy to announce the name of our baby girl!" Clover smiles and stands next to Reed with the baby in her arms as she says loudly, "Everyone meet Harper Lilac Banks!" She beams and holds up the child, who screams loudly. The group smiles and applauds, before someone hollers, "Let's Eat!"

We talk over the meal about the last few days, and the conversation turns to baby Juliana and the brave men tracking her down. My place at the table is next to Shelly and the mermaid who are chatting away about Blue Haven and all it's glory in the past. "You wouldn't believe the kingdoms self reliance before! My ancestor's passed down stories of our people battling giant sea creatures, and gathering crustaceans for trade with the other kingdoms. Then the vampires and lycans started causing problems and over time it has just gotten worse" Nerissa tells her. Shelly frowns and shakes her head, "I can't believe this. Problems today that started hundreds of years ago. Now my dear Juliana is missing and who knows where she could be!" The mermaid places her hand gently on Shelly's forearm and soothes, "There now, those who are going after her will surely find her. I know your head is filled with worry at the moment, but can I just a take a moment to say something?" Glancing up from her plate where her her gaze was previously, Shelly answers, "Sure."

"Rumors at Castle Rock, claim that Blue Haven will rise up and thrive once again, and I think you are just the Queen to do it. My question is this, with Castlerock gone, I sadly don't have a home to return to. Will I be able to reside in the village of Blue Haven when you and the King return?" Shelly smiles and replies, "I can even do better than that! I know we haven't known each other long, but I feel I can trust you. Considering your ancestors are from Blue Haven, how would you like to be one of my most trusted ladies and reside with me at the castle?" Nerissa beams and replies, "Really?? You would really pick me?" Shelly giggles and says, "Of course I would pick you, it's only right, and by your birthright, Blue Haven is your home as well. I would love to have you." Nerissa agrees and the two go on chatting about what Blue Haven will be like and about the delicious meal in front of them.

As I sit quietly spooning mashed potatoes into my mouth a village girls shrieks of excitement direct my ears to the far end of the table. "...It's just so wonderful! Jax and Tulip, back together!" Tulip pretends to be interested in her carrots and looks down at her plate, blushing deeply. Jax is all smiles as other people at the table talk about the news. One villager I have never met before slaps him on the back and grins broadly, "I knew since we were kids you two were meant to be!" Glancing at Roonie to my left I can see her listening intently as all the noise erupting from the other end of table catches her ears. Giggling softly I whisper to her "Jax and Tulip have reconciled..." "WHAT! Oh my gosh! Eeeeek!" she squeals with delight. Jumping up from the table she knocks over her wine glass, but I'm too quick and catch it before it spills. No one seems to notice though because everyone's attention is on a beaming Jax and Tulip. At the other end of the table I see Roonie wrap her arms tightly around Tulip, who stands, and the two jump up and down with excitement. 

Cade gives a little chuckle and playfully wraps his arm around Jax's neck, as if to give him a noogie. Jax ducks out of Cade's hold and gives him a light punch in the arm, the two laugh happily and then Cade clears his throat and stands. "My good friends and family, tonight we celebrate reconciled love, as well as welcoming a new life into the world. Alas, this eve King Thatcher and I begin a long journey throughout the realm. We will search every corner, every home, from the most sacred lands to the most treacherous, and we will only return once we have found the beloved Princess Juliana. Thank you for coming this evening, and we shall see you upon our return. Worry not about the evils of the world on this night, for new life and rekindled love is something to celebrate!" he announces. The guests comment on Juliana's disappearance and give their condolences to Thatcher and Shelly before heading home for the evening. The rest of our group says their goodbyes to Cade and Thatcher, and retire to their chambers.

I hide my tears carefully as Cade approaches me and gently brushes the hair from my face. He catches my eye, and I can't help but to smile. "There it is, that beautiful smile of yours. My darling, I will miss you" he says softly. My eyes well up again and I tell him that I will miss him as well. "Shh it's going to be alright. We will find the princess, and return before you know it. You've done an amazing job as Queen sweetie, and I know all will be well until we are safely back in the kingdom" he tells me soothingly. Tired of always being separated, and at a loss for words, I just lean into his arms and rest my head on his shoulder. The musky scent of his pine fragrance fills my nostrils and I breathe it in as he wraps his arms around me in a warm embrace. "I love you Nora..." he whispers in my ear as he squeezes me tightly. "I love you too sweetheart. Please be safe.." I whisper back. He pulls out of the hug, keeping his hands on my shoulders and looking into my eyes sincerely. "My heart is constant for you, I will return" he reassures me before pressing his lips against mine in a loving kiss. 

 

We make our way over to the front hall where Thatcher and a very hysterical Shelly are saying their goodbyes. "Shelly darling, you've got to pull yourself together! You know I will not stop until I find her. I need you here out of harms way. I need you to be safe, without you Blue Havens reign will fall into the hands of next in line; Alex and Ector. You know that would be detrimental to our kingdom. Please my sweet, you must be strong" he tells her kindly. Shelly nods vigorously and wipes her face. "Yes, I'm sorry. I know you will find her babe. I just...I'm scared. I've got a very bad feeling something awful has happened to her" Shelly replies. "I know dear, but we must not think this way...I love you baby. I'll find her, I promise!" he tells her and pulls her into a hug. He kisses her forehead and asks Cade if he's ready. "Ready indeed, my friend" Cade says boldly.

"Shelly, I know it's not much help, but I haven't had an visions of Juliana so maybe that is good news. I know the guys will find her. Until then you and Nerissa can go over plans for Blue Haven. I think maybe a party to ring in the new King and Queen would be a great start for a blossoming kingdom! You could host it at the Blue Haven castle and invite everyone!" I suggest. I feel a bit unsure if she would like the idea of a party when such worry fills her mind, but I also know Shelly, and keeping her busy is the best way to ease her spirits. Cade chimes in about what a great idea that would be, and Thatcher excitedly tells her about how the Blue Haven castle is almost done being rebuilt. She thinks for a moment, and then agrees that it would be grand. "It really would be a great way to meet everyone...and I do love a good party. Ok I'll get with Nerissa tomorrow. She seems to know alot about the way it used to be, and I'd really like to see some history returned to the kingdom" Shelly says enthusiastically. Thatcher smiles, kisses her goodbye, and picks up his satchel. Cade and I share a kiss, then gives me a wink and turns to leave. Shelly and I stand in the entrance waving goodbye to our men as they mount their horses, and take off into the night. 

Late that night a dream forms in my mind as I sleep. Midi rapidly knocks on Shelly's door to her room, and Shelly tells her to come in. "Midi, whatever is the matter?" she asks. An out of breath Midi replies, "I-It's your father. I'm sorry to have to give you this information, but I'm afraid he's growing weaker, and the doctor said to find you right away. She's not sure how much longer he will be with us." Shelly gently places a hand on Midi's shoulder, and thanks her for the information, and rushes off to her father's room. 

Upon entering the room, Shelly seems to notice how sick her father looks, and not to mention that he can't even get out of bed. "Daddy, I came as soon as I heard the news. Is there anything I can do or get for you?" she asks worriedly. Richard smiles and says, "No my darling daughter, come sit over here where we can talk." She gives a nod, and sit in the chair next to his bed. He holds her hand as he says, "I want you to promise me that know matter what happens to me, that you will go on with your life, and be very careful who you choose to let near you. Thatcher is a good King, listen to what he tells you, because he will protect you from the evil in this world. I know you worry about Juliana, but I know in my heart that King Cade and your husband will find these evil doers and bring her back safely. You need to believe that as well. I really wish I would have the chance to meet her, but you can tell her that her Papa loved her very much." 

"Father, I do believe with all of my heart they will find her, and I do promise to listen to Thatcher. You must believe that you will have the chance to meet your granddaughter when she returns home. Please continue to fight this illness, I need you Daddy and so do your grandchildren" she begs and then drops her eyes to the floor; tears spilling from her eyes. "No, my  dear. My time here is almost up, and I'm afraid I won't get the chance to meet the little princess. Please tell Luke, Arthur, Melina, and Rohan that they have all made me very proud just as their mother has. I love you and I always will" he replies in a very weakened voice. "I love you too Daddy" she tells him with a shaky voice. A smile spreads across Richard's face as he hears his daughter say those words to him. His hand grows limp and slowly slips out of Shellys. As she looks back up at him, his eyes roll to the back of his head, for his body has given up the fight to live. "No! Daddy please don't go, I love you!" Shelly sobs as a storm of tears stream down her cheeks. She lays her head on his chest and cries uncontrollably for now she has lost both of parents and I know she must feel so alone. The doctor then enters the room to check on Richard who notices his lifeless form. She gently covers Richards body, and gives her apologies to Shelly sympathetically before once again leaving the room. 

A sudden rapping at my chamber door wakes me from my sleep, and I find that it's the royal doctor. "Oh dear, I don't think that was a dream, I think I was having a vision in my sleep" I think to myself. The doctor wears a grave expression as she shares the news about Richard. "Oh your majesty, I'm sorry to wake you, but I have come to inform you that the Elder King of Stone Ridge has passed, and has joined his wife in the afterlife." I somberly reply, "Good heavens! Thank you for this information." The doctor slightly frowns and replies, "Shelly is with him now, and she's a mess. Her majesty was in the room with him when he passed. Majesty, if you don't mind me saying, she's really going to need her husband and closest friends now more than ever." A single tear escapes from eye as I remember the pain of losing my own Papa, and I know how Shelly must feel. "Thank you doctor, I'll go see her right away" I respond and take off to see Shelly.

 

As I enter the room, I see Shelly sobbing uncontrollably and give a gentle 'knock knock.' Shelly jumps up from her seat and throws her arms around me tightly. "Oh Nora how am I ever going to overcome this? Now both of my parents are gone. I seem to find happiness for a while, but then tragedy seems to always find me. Am I cursed? I mean first my marriage to Lestat came to an end, and I found happiness with Thatcher. I finally see my family of Stone Ridge, and get close to my father, only to lose him again. Maybe Carolin was right, I'm just a curse to our kind" she bawls. "There, there now. Everything will be alright. This too will come to pass. I have also lost my father, I know the pain my friend. We can be here for each other" I sooth. As Shelly begins to reply, her words become muffled and I space out. Shelly's voice begins to drift off further away from me, as another horrible vision takes over.

Two minutes later I can hear a ringing in my ears that grows louder, until I begin to make out the words. "Nora....NORA! Earth to NORA!!" Shelly is yelling, and she snaps her fingers. "Oh, sorry!" I say with a frown, as the vision fades and our conversation resumes. With a concerned expression Shelly wipes the tears from her eyes and asks, "Nora what is it? What's wrong?" Dazed for only but a moment, I explain in horror, "I just had another one of those awful visions. Something tragic has happened in the village...another villager has been murdered, and I'll give you one guess who it was."

EVERLAST

Look at the sky, it is your heart in my eyes. Feel the North wind as it carries you in its cool breeze, and travel to the stars where memories are made and hope is born. In the pocket of a cloud your life blooms; dispersing into the atmosphere and floating down to earth. The sun rays catch your brilliance and you sparkle; but only for a fleeting moment before you vanish into the vast universe. 




.

Chapter 43

As the midnight sky turns a radiant navy blue color, and the moon is full and bright, Cade and Thatcher gather enough men to take with them to hunt for Kristen and Princess Juliana. Later that night, the group slumbers in their own beds for the first time in weeks, since they journeyed to Castlerock and Stone Ridge. Only a few hours pass by when suddenly a shriek fills the castle corridors as Shelly and I rush through Melina's bedroom door. "What is it? Are you alright?" Shelly and I ask worriedly. "Yes I-uh....I managed to enter Carolin's dreams again, and there are some things I need to discuss with everyone in the throne room at once. I think I have found something useful that can possibly take Carolin and her evil goons down!" Melina tells us. Taking to the corridors I rouse everyone and tell them to meet in the throne room. 

Twenty minutes go by as the sleepy bed dwellers enter the throne room scratching their heads and wipe the sleep from their eyes. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice, but there are somethings that have been brought to my attention. Melina, you may explain to the group what you have seen" I tell them kindly. Melina smiles slightly and says, "Well for you to all understand, I must start from which it all started. I met someone when my mother, Arthur, and I were banned from Dragon Valley, and I was out gathering food supplies from a nearby forest" she begins as she chokes back tears. "His name was Tristan, and he showed me how to use my magic. I guess you can say I'm sort of an enchanter, although I don't have any healing powers. However, every so often I can enter Carolin's dreams. Normally I have to cast a spell to be able to do so, but this time I was sleeping and entered her dreams once more. You see, Carolin was a faerie at one time, and was kidnapped by a witch many years ago. The witch was very cold and cruel towards Carolin and made Carolin her personal servant, and kept her hidden for many years after the kidnapping. The tension between the king and queen grew so strong that their marriage started drifting apart. The king blamed his wife, although he knew she was hurting just as much as he was. Through agony and torment, the queen was found in the bathroom the following morning, with both of her wrists slit and bled out on the floor. A few years later the king's sister, Elizabeth came to the court to care for the king when he fell ill. Soon after that, the king awoke one evening and clasped his chest and fell to the floor. His guards found him only hours later. 

The kingdom had lost their king and no one but his sister, Elizabeth, was in line for the throne now that the queen and his daughter were gone. It was a very sad day in the Kingdom of Dragon Valley. When the witch heard of the deaths of Carolin's parents, she couldn't help but gloat about it in front of Carolin. The witch even went as far as telling Carolin that she was her slave forever and that the villagers would never accept her back into their kingdom because she's a monster. The witch had put a curse on Carolin when she was a baby. When Carolin turned sixteen, the witch went out to the forest to gather supplies one day, and told Carolin that she better be there when she returns. While the witch was out, Carolin found the witch's spell book, and made up a potion. When the witch returned, Carolin was ready for her, and threw the potion onto her, and killed the witch, or so she thought. Carolin then returned to the Kingdom of Dragon Valley and claimed her rights to the throne. On her eighteenth birthday the curse took effect and she became a hybrid. 

She was a great queen and did great things until the curse fully took it's toll. She had searched for many years for a cure, but was unable to find one. Not even the royal enchanter or the wizard who saved my grandmother many years ago could find a cure.  Once the curse took it's toll on Carolin, she lost her faerie powers and her wings were striped from her. You see when a faerie turns evil, they lose their powers and their wings" Melina explains. "That explains when I first met her, she had pale vampire skin, but also had the wings of a faerie. A few years later she no longer had her wings" Shelly adds. 

"Is the witch really dead?" Tulip asks out of curiosity.  Melina continues, "Now this is where it gets interesting. Two years after my father was born, the very same witch who Carolin thought she had killed, kidnapped my father, Lestat. Luckily they found him in just a few weeks, thanks to a merchant who was traveling nearby and heard him crying. Lestat was born with the same curse Carolin has, only he was mostly faerie, and no one really knows exactly why the witch took him other than to possibly get back at Carolin for trying to kill her." Roonie gasps before saying, "Did they ever catch the evil witch who did all of this?" "Carolin's guards caught the witch just a few miles down the road from where my father was found and took her to the dungeon. The day of her execution, the witch chanted some words in old Latin and disappeared, and was never seen or heard from again. Now based on Carolin's past, I think there's a cure out there somewhere. If we can remove the curse from Carolin, then we can bring her down!" Melina explains.

The group murmurs between one another and the room grows quiet. Jax breaks the silence as he says, "I'm all for finding a cure and bringing this evil woman down with the rest of her goons! That woman and her family have caused us all enough pain and suffering!" "Here here", the rest of the group calls out. "Now you all know I can't make any fast decisions without Cade here. Once our King returns home, we can bring this matter up to him and see what his decision is. Until then we can only remain calm, and hope they find little Juliana" I explain. The group agrees to my terms and we retire to our bedchambers for the remainder of the early morning. 

The day rolls quickly on and as the evening sun sets, Katherine gathers the supplies she needs for her trip to find the wizard who threatens to take Shelly's light and joins me in the kitchen. We talk of her trip and of this evil wizards past, and I feel reassured that she will be able to put a stop to him. Soon after Shelly enters the kitchen, and notices Katherine has two sacks sitting on the counter. "Ah Shelly my dear, just the girl I was hoping to see before I go on my journey. Please come sit with me?" she asks. Shelly gives a nod and takes a seat across the table from her. "Would you like some coffee, I just brewed it a few moments ago" I offer. Shelly tells me that she would love some, and the two of them begin chatting away about Katherine's journey. 

Katherine smiles slightly as she pours a cup of coffee, "I'm going to need you to look after your father while I'm away. I really don't want to leave him in his weakened state, but I know I must find the wizard before Lestat does." "Of course I'll look after him while you're away, it's the least I can do. We have been apart for so long, and now that we're a family again, I wanna spend as much time as I can with him." Shelly tells her. Katherine smiles with thanks before explaining, "I hate to rush off, but Lestat has a head start on me, I'm sure I'll be able to find him before he does." Shelly tells her there's no need to explain, and Katherine smiles pulling Shelly into a goodbye hug before exiting the castle.

Just as Shelly and I finish our coffee, a horrible scream comes from upstairs, and we race to see what is going on. As we reach the top of the stairwell, nurses are scurrying about with hot water and clean towels. Rounding the corner to the the hallway, Roonie stands outside one of the doors that leads to a bedroom. "Roonie now what's going on?" Shelly asks. "Clover's having her baby, and believe me, she's one of the most awful patients I have ever seen! I feel so sorry for the doctor who has to deliver the baby" she tells us. "Where's Jax and Tulip?" I ask. "They're in the room with Clover. As soon as the baby arrives, Tulips gonna perform an enchantment to see who the father is" she squeaks nervously. "I'm sorry majesties, Miss Clover's needin' her privacy now" Midi says as she almost shoo's Jax and Tulip from the room.

"Well I guess now we wait" Jax says. I'm sure the other's notice his voice slightly quiver as he says it, but none of us mention it. Tulip looks quite somber indeed, and Shelly suggests that we wait in the sitting room until the baby has arrived. "Sounds like a plan" Luke agrees as we march down the hall. Drawing nearer to the room we hear Cade and Thatcher discussing plan of action for locating Juliana. "Darling, you're back" I say surprised. "Yes, Thatcher and I spoke with some of the villagers and rounded up guards to track down the baby" he tells me. "Thought we'd wait here until everything is ready. The guards are preparing the villagers for travel. It's not everyday these people see a journey such as this, and we can't afford to lose anyone because we aren't prepared" Thatcher explains. "That makes good sense" Roonie pipes up in her small voice. "You always think of everything honey" Shelly sweetly tells Thatcher before kissing his cheek. Hours pass as the group of us talk deep into the night and before long I can feel my eyelids drooping. 

Sunlight kisses my face and I squint as I open my eyes. Looking around I see my friends all passed out awkwardly on chairs and sofa's nearby. Luke gently holding on to Roonie's leg as it remains the only thing still on the couch her body hanging off it, and her face smooshed against the floor. I stifle a giggle at the sight of her and think to myself "Must've fallen asleep waiting for the news about the baby....THE BABY!" I almost shout. Midi peeks into the sitting room and smiles, "Good morning your highness. I've just come to wake you all. Miss Clover finally had her baby and got some rest, she's ready for visitors now. The poor girl was in labor for almost 12 hrs! I know she'll be wantin' to know who that little one's Poppa is so let's get these folks up and about!" 

Gathering in the room with Clover, everyone sleepily rubs their eyes and congratulates her on the baby. "Where is the baby anyhow?" Roonie meekly asks. "The maids took her to get cleaned up. I'm very weak, as I've lost alot of blood, but I'm glad to see you all" Clover manages to say. "Why Clover Vine I believe that's the nicest thing you've ever said" Bonnie says with a twist of sarcasm. But Clover just lets out a soft giggle. Soon Midi returns to the room, but this time she's carrying a small bundle, which she hands over to Clover. Everyone in the room gasps, well everyone but Jax, who immediately bursts into laughter. With an offended expression Clover demands for him to stop laughing at the baby. But, Jax is laughing so hard he can't even retort. A huge smile spreads across Tulips face, but she quickly hides it from Jax and instead answers for him. "Clover hun, Jax isn't laughing at your baby" she explains. "He isn't?" Clover replies, unconvinced. 

Soon the whole group is suppressing their snorts and chuckles, and Clover looks as though she is about to scream. "No you dense toe-head woman! He is laughing because all this time; the guilt trip, the whining...all this time you have been torturing Jax. Telling him he's the father of this baby and that he needs to be with you and take care of it, when it's clearly impossible that he could be the father!" Bonnie snaps. The small caramel colored baby gives a little cry and Clover looks from it's pouting face to Jax, trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. "Let me help you along...Jax has a light skin tone, and you are nothing short of porcelain. There is no way that this could be Jax's child" Bonnie points out. Clover gasps in astonishment, "Oh my gosh, that's true! That must mean this is 's child!" After talking with Clover we find out that she had many, um 'gentlemen friends' but only one of those had a darker complexion; his name is Reed. Clover bursts into tears frantically, "I just didn't know! I thought it was the baby of the person you love." Roonie shakes her head and hugs Clover tightly, "Aw Clover that's just not how it works. Don't worry though we will find Reed and inform him. I'm sure it will all work out." Tulip takes a small step closer to Jax so that standing next to one another, their forearms barely graze against each other. I see Jax give a little smile, but it turns to a surprised expression as a loud snort bursts through the room. Glancing over I see Bonnie, red faced, doing her best to suppress her laughter. 

Once the commotion had died down a bit Reed was found and informed about his new daughter. We extended an invitation for him to join us at the castle to visit Clover and the baby, and he arrived promptly. After one of the maids announce Reed, I escort him to Clover's room. A large muscular fellow, he sure seemed timid and quite nervous, but that was to be expected. He had what appeared to be coarse thick dark hair, but it was neatly kept, his eyes were a bright amber and he wore a kind expression. "It's going to be alright" I tell him softly, with a smile. The corners of his mouth turn up revealing a dazzling white smile and he whispers in return, "I know...I love her." Down the chilly halls we continue, until finally we reach Clover's room, and I ease the door open.

Clover's eyes light up when we enter and she places a finger to her lips, before pointing at the baby sound asleep in the bassinet. Reed rushes to Clover's side and he tenderly speaks, "Clover are you alright? I came as soon as I could! Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant!?" Clover tells him the whole story up to that point and Reed wears a discouraged look. The two sat in silence for a few minutes before Clover decided to speak, "I'm sorry, I just have known Jax for so long. I really thought he was the one even though he doesn't reciprocate the feelings." Reed takes a deep breath and sighs, "Clover I was so hurt when you left, I didn't even understand why. I mean one day we're happy and in love, then I wake up one morning and you're gone. But, I never forgot how much I love you, even when I couldn't find you. I am willing to put the past in the past and be a great dad to our little girl and if you will let me...." He slowly eases to one knee, and pops open a little butterfly shape box with a simple diamond ring in it and then continues, "...if you'll let me, I'd like to make you my wife." Clover inhales quickly, and a smile spreads across her face before she agrees and the two of them intertwine in a heated kiss. Sensing I should give them some space I quickly sneak from the room to go find Tulip. 

 
Passing through the dining hall I see the men celebrating with Jax. "Now you might actually have a chance with Tulip!" Luke kids. Jax gives him a playful frown and Arthur raises his pint, "To second chances!" "More like fifteenth, but who's counting?" Thatcher chuckles elbowing Jax in the side. "To Jax and his endeavors!" Cade smiles and the lot of them shout, "Here, here!" before taking massive gulps from their pints. Smiling and shaking my head, I continue through the room and out the back doors, making my way to the gardens.

Under a weeping willow tree I see a very perplexed Tulip, who is pacing back and forth, and appears to be talking to herself. Gently pulling aside the long branches of the tree I speak a gentle, "Knock, Knock?" Tulip gasps, apparently startled by my sudden presence. "Oh, Nora! I didn't see you there!" she exclaims nervously. "What are you doing out here anyhow? Not the best day for a walk through the garden" I mention as I hold my hand outside the safety of the branches. Little raindrops kiss my palm and far away thunder crashes softly. "Looks like it's gonna pour anytime now" I continue, but Tulip says nothing. Taking a seat on the small stone bench under the tree, I pat the seat next to me, as to call her over. Reluctantly, she joins me, but stares at her bare feet. Glancing down at them I notice tiny paintings of tulips adorn her toenails and she wiggles her toes into the earth. "Still an earth faerie at heart even though she's royalty" I think to myself. 

"All this stuff with Jax is bothering you, eh?" I cautiously ask. She nods, but remains silent. We sit a few moments watching the winds carrying the thundering clouds south, and lightening flashes across the sky as the rain begins to fall. "When I was little Jax and I spent everyday together. He taught me to swim and we would go fishing often, they were some of my favorite times. When we were 12 he found a lightening flower...that was a great day" Tulip says reminiscently. "That sounds lovely, what is a lightening flower?" I ask her curiously. "It's a very rare flower that grows where a bolt of lightening has struck the ground. They are very rare you see, and are almost blinding with their brilliant blue-white color. He gave it to me, and told me that my beauty surpassed its extravagance, and then he kissed me. I have never felt about anyone the way that I feel about Jax..." she explains. Giving her a soft smile I reply, "Not even Alex? You were prepared to move away from this place forever with him...surely that meant something?" Tulip closes her eyes, and a glistening tear rolls slowly down her porcelain cheek. "I was angry...I never meant it. I just wanted to run away and be rid of all these feelings. I just..." Tulip trails off hiding her face in her palms. 

Before I even have time to reply or act I notice a rain soaked Jax standing a few feet behind us, his eyes glossy with the tears he's clearly holding back. Carefully rising from my seat, I smile and quietly wave him over as I slip out of sight next to a nearby tree. He approaches silently and takes a seat next to Tulip. As she continues to softly sob into her hands, Jax looks at her with an apologetic expression. He places his arms around her in a comforting embrace, and closes his eyes, but says nothing. "Oh Nora, I just don't know if he feels the same way, if I'm the one he truly wants..." Tulip bursts out sitting back quickly. Her hands fall from her face and she wears a look of shock as she now see's Jax before her. He wipes a tear from her face with his thumb, and tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. His eyes tinged with red from the stinging tears that have escaped. The two stare into each others eyes for a few moments, while Jax struggles to keep the tears from emerging. Finally breaking the silence he says in a wavering voice, "...it has always been you!" Clearly desperate to kiss her, he holds back, probably to show her that he has learned self control, but she smiles and pulls him into a passionate kiss. Their wings glow brightly while the two lovers share this moment, and the rain subsides as the sun begins to peak through the clouds. "I know I have been a fool Tulip. I know that I can never undo the hurt I have caused you, and for that I deeply apologize. Every time I felt our relationship becoming more serious, I got scared. But, since that day with the trolls, there is one thing I now know, and that is that I'm not afraid anymore. I'm ready for a committed, serious relationship with only you. I only hope that it's not too late..." "I want to believe you Jax, truly I do, but now I am the one who is afraid" Tulip tells him quietly. Her words seem to be like shards of glass as she speaks them, for she looks pained to even say them.

Jax suddenly stands with a burst of energy and tells her, "I will prove it to you, anything my love. Anything! I would saw my own arm off to proof it to you!" She gasps and gives a light chuckle assuming he jests, "Now you're just being silly! You wouldn't dare!" But Jax remains serious and from his pocket draws a flip knife. His gaze remains on Tulip as he pops open the knife and places it against his forearm just above his elbow. Before either Tulip or I have time to react, Jax slides the cool blade into his skin and blood trickles down his arm. "Jax don't!" Tulip screams jumping up from her seat. "W-what are you doing!?" she stammers taking a handkerchief from her pocket and cleaning his arm. The cut isn't very deep and has only broken the skin, but it's enough to convince Tulip and she takes the flip knife from his hand. "You really mean it don't you?..." she whispers as she gazes into his eyes eagerly. "With all my heart my sweet" he whispers back, and it's apparent that his words ring true. "This is it Jax, I mean it. If you hurt me again..." she huffs before trailing off. "I promise you I won't" he tells her before pressing his lips against hers.

Unable to help myself I let out a happy sigh and it startles me, causing my foot to crunch down on a twig. Tulip and Jax break out of their kiss and they catch my eye. "I was wondering where you ran off to!" Tulip exclaims. Taking a few steps toward them I reply, "Yes, well it seems like it's a good thing I did. Could I be mistaken?" Jax looks at Tulip beaming, "I would certainly say it was a wonderful thing!" Tulip glances back at Jax and her face flushes a bright pink as she nods happily. "This is wonderful news! You two back together again, it's just fantastic!" I happily tell them. "Yea but look what he did to his arm!" Tulip frowns, gently holding up his arm. "Well, I may or may not have been eavesdropping a bit...I saw what happened. Jax! I know you wanted to show her you are serious but my goodness man, don't torture yourself!" I scold. "It's nothing less than what I have felt without you in my life" he says lovingly to Tulip. "What a suck up" I kid. Tulip giggles a bit but replies, "Hey it was sweet!" Jax gives a laugh and puts his arm around Tulips waist and asks, "Shall we celebrate this grand news?" Clapping my hands together excitedly I exclaim, "Oh gosh! I can't wait for the others to find out! C'mon Tulip, do you want to?" Tulip seems to glow her sunny yellow color and shouts in agreement, "YES!" 

Disillusion

How far can you see, as you look across the sea? Do your eyes meet the setting sun with love? 

Cast your gaze to the stars and the clouds in the sky, and surrender to the vastness above. 

Hope is always a moment a way, slipping through the clutches of your outstretched hand;

Life spent picking up the pieces of the dreams you'd once planned. 

The stratosphere turns as the world below goes along; 

Heart wrenching memories of a future to which you belong.

Dusk spills over the horizon and the moon illuminates your face;

Dizzy with what could have been instead of what is now in place.

Swallowed by the dark, strain your eyes to see;

But ne'er through the bleak will you finally be.

Around each mountain, and through every high tide;

Will your heart beat smoothly, or will your path abide.

Running through the sand under supernova skies;

Can you escape the brambles of circumstance and lies. 

The sun warms your skin and you're surrounded by a dream;

Of hope and love and life of light that truly makes you beam.

Stay in this bliss, but only for a moment, where serenity is all around;

Ripped away, torn from hope, back to where tears fall to the ground. 

No gentle breeze to carry your spirit, no warmth behind your gaze;

Only disillusion of the mask that guides this maze.

Anger and confusion scream out into eternity for what is now gone lost;

Who's to blame you'd never guess, for every choice has a cost.

How far can you see as you look in front of you? Do your eyes focus in the gloom?

Cast your gaze to something steadfast, and surrender to the hope instead of doom. 

Chapter 42

The day following Thatcher and Shelly's wedding is a day filled with lots of discussion and planning among the royal parties. Richard, Katherine, Thatcher, Shelly, Luke, Roonie, Cade and myself gather in the throne room for King Richard's important announcement. After learning that King Richard has been living with grave illness everyone is beside themselves. "Dearest daughter, I wanted your special day to be just that, a special day full of joy. I didn't want these matters of my health to worry you. Katherine and I have decided to crown Rohan and Isabelle rulers of Stone Ridge. I have coordinated a surprise coronation for them tomorrow to do just that" King Richard tells Shelly and the group of us. Shelly, torn with grief manages to reply, "Oh father this news is terrible! Won't you please return to Brendlewood with our group. I can't bare to leave you here, we've already been apart so long! Later, once we've figured out some plan of action against this evil we're facing, you, Katherine, Thatcher and I can travel to Blue Haven together and live out our days there." The King gives her a large grin, "Why of course my dear, that sounds like a wonderful plan, with Cade and Nora's blessing of course." "Oh, yes! We would love to have you for a visit!" I tell him after Cade gives a little nod. "Well then it's settled! The group of us will return to Brendlewood, get a plan of action together, and see you off to Blue Haven!" Cade smiles as he and King Richard exchange a handshake. "Well, I better go see what the others are up to...I will check in shortly" I mention to Cade, and he gently kisses my cheek. "Catch up with you soon lovely" he tells me with a wink. 

No sooner than I wonder where they could be, I hear the voices of Jax, Tulip and Clover coming from a nearby bedroom. Giving a gentle knock at the door, I enter the room. "Hey! I've been looking for you all! King Richard has some news- What's wrong? Is everything ok in here?" I ask after reading the expressions on their faces. "Quite the opposite actually!" Clover fumes. "I don't know why you're so upset with me, I haven't done anything!" Tulip huffs. Jax gives me a helpless look and runs his hand through his hair in frustration. "Perhaps I should come back later..." I suggest, but Jax shakes his head and asks me to stay. "I know you are the father of this baby and we are meant to be together! I don't want you speaking to Tulip, she's just trouble" Clover tells him folding her arms. Tulip raises her eyebrows in disbelief, "Oh I'm trouble, am I? I'm not the one down at the alehouse filling my time with the company of a different man each night!" Clover waves her hand seemingly un-phased, "It's not a different man each night." "Clover, I don't mean to pry but is there any possibility that you could have had another gentleman caller about the same time you and Jax were together?" I carefully ask her. She thinks for a moment before replying, "Well there was Marcus, but it couldn't be him. He said he wasn't able to have children." Jax frowns and crosses his arms, "That doesn't mean anything, there's always a chance." "Once the baby has arrived I can perform an enchantment that will tell us for sure. Then we'll know once and for all!" Tulip says. "Great idea! Clover, if this is my child I will be more than happy to be a part of the baby's life but it still doesn't mean we are together. I love Tulip, always have, always will" Jax says giving Tulip a smile. "Jax I...with all of this I just can't, you understand don't you?" she replies. "See! She doesn't even want you! I do! We will have a family soon, can't you see it's meant to be?" Clover snaps. "Nora..." Jax says giving me a look that begs for help. "Yes, Nora what do you think? Since none of us can figure this out calmly" Tulip says giving Clover a scowl. "I think until the father's identity has been proven, Clover you need to give Jax his space. I also think that until we know for sure, Jax you need to give Tulip her space. "But I-" Jax begins. I shake my head at him and he lowers his head before storming out of the room. "Fine!" Clover barks and exits as well. 

"Tulip...you alright?" I ask calmly. "I'm just so confused Nora. I have loved Jax since we were kids, but he's always been easily drawn away. Now, he might be a father, and I am so mixed up after all the drama with Alex. I finally trusted someone whole-heartedly and look how it ended up. It's strange because Alex seemed like such a great guy and he ended up hurting me. If he will, Jax will for sure!" she replies slightly panicked. "I know how you feel, but people can change you know. Jax claims to have 'woken up' so to speak. He's told me that he knows you are the only girl for him. Heck, he even saved you from those monstrous trolls!" I tell her somewhat cheerily. I can tell Tulip is deep in thought, for she only nods. I give her shoulder a pat, "Just think about it, only you know where your happiness lies." Tulips gives a half smile, "I'll be alright, thanks for the advice though." "Anything for a friend" I tell her kindly. Turning to the others I inform them of the news of Richard and the upcoming coronation, before taking off to talk things over with Bonnie and Arthur as well.

Later that afternoon, everyone gathers in the throne room for Rohan and Isabelle's coronation. The arch bishop then asks for everyone to be seated and begins the ceremony. "We're gathered here today to witness Rohan and Isabelle to be crowned King and Queen of Stone Ridge." The arch bishop announces. He then turns to Rohan, "Young man, this crown symbolizes the kingdom of Stone Ridge, loyalty, leadership, and royalty. Do you accept the responsibilities in which comes with the crown?" "I do your grace," Rohan replies. The arch bishop then turns to Isabelle, "My lady, you are a woman of honesty, kindness, love, caring, and put others needs before your own. With this crown comes responsibility. Will you put the kingdoms and it's villagers needs before your own? Will you agree to everything this crown symbolizes?" Isabelle smiles a sweet smile before replying, "Yes, your grace I do."  Richard then places the crowns atop Rohan and Isabelle's heads, "I am proud to announce my grandson and his wife Isabelle, King and Queen of Stone Ridge! May God bless them this day and every day after! All hail King Rohan and his Queen Isabelle! My fellow friends, there will be a feast following this blessed day, feel free to join me in the royal dining hall!" A small tear escapes Shelly's eye as everyone applauds, and congratulates Rohan and Isabelle. Rohan smiles widely and says, "Please join us in the formal dining hall for our celebration. Tomorrow we will have to bid ado to our friends from Brendlewood and beyond, as they make their way home. So let us celebrate this last eve together friends and family alike!" 

Upon entering the dining hall, King Rohan and his queen take a seat at the top table under a canopy, with all their family members, and the other royals to the left of them. Huge tables adorn fancy candles, and the servants bring out trays filled with peacock, lamb, wild bore, corn on the cob, peas, and cabbage. "I'm happy to have you all here for the last feast I will be attending here in Stone Ridge. I know in my heart that Rohan and Isabelle will be great rulers, and I have made the perfect choice. Now, let's eat for I am starving!" Richard announces. I over hear Shelly voicing concerns to her father as to where her brother Logan is. With a sigh Richard replies, "I was hoping he would be here by now. He went out hunting a couple of months ago, and no one has seen him since! I have had search parties out for him, and sent word to surrounding kingdoms asking if anyone has seen him, but no one knows of his whereabouts. Don't worry sweet heart, this isn't the first time he has done this. I'm sure he will turn up at some point." Shelly, however still wears a look of concern. 

That evening, as some of the guests retire to their chambers a vision emerges. Katherine's ladies help Shelly to her evening wear and she hears them whispering about the beautiful evening of dancing, and how they never learned how to dance. "Come on ladies, surely someone has taught you" Shelly adds. "Oh no majesty, our families were servants of the court, so they never really had the time" Lady Jane replies. Shelly offers to teach them if they would like, and they both agree. As they all start dancing the kingdom dance, Thatcher enters the room and grins. He immediately grabs Shelly by the waist and twirls her around the room, laying her onto the bed. Shelly dismisses the ladies, who curtsy and exit quickly. Thatcher and Shelly share a very long passionate kiss. before he gently unlaces the ribbon on Shelly's nightgown. She gives him a smile before blowing out the bedside candles, and the vision fades.

Meanwhile in the dining hall, we are all having a blast, chatting away about the evening and the journey back to Brendlewood. "We leave first thing in the morning" Cade announces. "Excuse me, King Cade, I only have one question. Would it be alright if Melina travels to your kingdom with us? We could really use the extra help taking turns with Richard being so ill" Katherine asks politely. "Oh, well we would love to have her back at the castle! Everyone misses having her around, and I think it would be good for Shelly too. She can also meet her little sister, Juliana. That's if the other's agree as well" Cade replies. The group nods excitedly and retreat to their rooms for the night. "We'll need to be well rested for tomorrow's journey home" I think to myself.

The following morning the group awakens to find that the maid have prepared their saddlebags for their trip back home. "Oh Rohan, I'm going to miss you so much! Please at least send word on how you're doing, or if you should need anything" Shelly tells him as a tear rolls down her cheek. Rohan agrees and hugs her tightly, and asks her to give his baby sister a hug and kiss. "Tell her that her big brother Rohan loves her bunches!" he smiles. Shelly nods and we all exit the castle. Mounting the horses I hear everyone speaking eagerly about returning home. "I can't wait to embrace my sweet little princess once we return to Brendlewood and take her to our rightful place in Blue Haven" Shelly says with a smile. Once everyone has mounted the horses we give a final wave goodbye and we take off down the road leading out of Stone Ridge.

Awhile later . . .

The cool morning breeze brushes along my skin and I wrap my arms tighter around Cade as our horse trots along happily through a grassy meadow. "There's a brook not to far from here!" Thatcher calls. "Right then, we'll press on a bit and have the horses stop there. We can stretch our legs and enjoy our lunch" Cade answers back. "Good! I'm starving!" a very pregnant Clover chimes in. "I hear something..." Roonie says quietly. "What dear, what is it?" Luke asks her. "I'm not sure, sounds like...like crying" she replies uncertainly. "Should we see what or who it is?" Shelly asks. "Over there, it's coming from over there!" Roonie calls out as she slides off the moving horse. Clumsily landing on the ground, she hops to her feet and takes off running towards the woods just up ahead. "ROONIE! Come back! What are you doing?" Tulip calls after her. "Yaw!" Cade hollers at the horse after telling me to hold on tight. Catching Roonie up we find her standing in the middle of the forest, perfectly still. "Shh, shh shh!" She tells us as she appears to be straining to hear whatever sound she thought she  heard. Katherine who is bringing up the rear by wagon suggests we stop awhile here. "Good idea. We can have a brief stop here and once we find the brook, we'll have lunch. Sound good?" Jax offers. Richard, who was napping in the wagon sits up quickly. "Oh grandfather, do be careful" Melina tells him. She climbs out of the wagon and helps him to his feet. 

"Darling, are you sure you heard something?" Luke asks Roonie inquisitively. "Yes I- there it is again...hang on" Roonie trails off as she begins looking behind tree's and bushes. "HERE! Oh my gosh! Are you ok?" she squeaks. We all rush over to see what all the fuss is about, and to our dismay we see a very weak, very dry mermaid. "Help" is all she manages to get out before Cade scoops her up and lays her in the bed of the wagon. Thatcher helps Melina get Richard loaded back up and tells Cade if they hurry they might be able to save her. "Follow me quickly!" Thatcher shouts as the groups horses dash off to follow him. 

As we near the stream Luke lifts the mermaid out of the wagon and into the brook as the rest of the men tie up the horses securely. Everyone else spreads out large blankets and starts setting out food for our lunch. Once everyone is settled comfortably on the banks of the brook we begin asking the mermaid questions. "Are you hurt?" Roonie asks concerned. "What are you doing so far from water?" Tulip chimes in. "What's your name?" I ask.  "Quiet everyone, let the poor girl speak" Cade instructs kindly. The mermaid takes a big gulp of water before speaking and then replies, "I am not hurt badly. Only a few places where my flesh has split due to being so dry, but I'll manage. A few days ago Castlerock was brutally attacked. I am not even sure what happened, or who caused it. I have never seen her before..." We listen intently as the mermaid describes the leader of the attack and I inform them that it is none other than the evil Kristen Lioncourt and her goons! "The one that killed our dear Cirrus!?" Roonie almost chokes. "Yes Roon, one in the same..." I answer before encouraging the mermaid to continue. "I was fortunate to escape with my Pulmonis Crus potion in save keeping. It's a lung and leg potion to allow you to temporarily grow legs and lungs, that's how I made it this far. I didn't know the potion would wear off so soon though, and I got stranded on my search for help" she tells us. 

Everyone remarks on the horror of the situation and continues asking her countless questions. "This nonsense has got to stop! We need to find this Kristen woman and take her down!" Bonnie snarls. The others agree fervently before Tulip interrupts them, "Wait! You haven't even told us your name. Won't you tell us please?" "Well it's Nerissa, Nerissa Riptide. But my name won't do you any good, I'm a nobody. My father is a fourth generation shell shiner. I just had to get out of there though. So many merfolk are angry with the humans of Blue Haven. They feel that the humans forced them out of their own land and many people have considered joining the Shadow League, and I think we all know who runs that operation..." she trails off. "Carolin Lioncourt!" we all say with gritted teeth. "The Shadow League offers protection to us and acts as an ally to take back Blue Haven. But, there are those of us who disagree with all of this, and wish to remain peaceful with the humans living together in harmony" Nerissa tells us. 

Over the next hour we talk of loyalties and recent happenings, while Tulip tries to create another Pulmonis Crus potion for Nerissa. The group decides that she can travel back to Brendlewood with them and once they have arrived Cade can get a formal plan together for resolutions to the many problems they face. "Don't worry friends, I know we can put a stop to these evils!" he tells them boldly. As the men begin to pack up camp, Roonie tends to the Nerissa's wounds, and in no time Tulip is able to drudge up the potion. Nerissa graciously thanks her, before she consumes the potion. Slightly choking on the oxygen in her lungs, she coughs, and sprouts a pair of human legs. "Here ya go, I've got an extra" Bonnie says tossing her a skirt. Nerissa smiles and thanks her as she slides into it. Once everyone and everything is packed again the group returns to their trek back to Brendlewood's welcoming arms. 

Two days later the group finally makes it through the castle gates of Brendlewood. They dismount their horses, and lead them into the barn where they can rest in the stalls. "I can't wait to hold my little girl in my arms" Shelly say as she rushes towards the castle doors. Suddenly Thatcher grabs hold of her arm, "No! Something isn't right!" He then looks over at Cade and draws out his sword from it's sheath, "Where are all the guards?" Cade nods and pulls his sword out as well, and instructs me and the women to remain in the barn. "No, my little girl is in there! I wanna come with you!" Shelly shouts. Cade shakes his head no, and tells me to let them check things out first. Richard looks over at her, "He's right Shelly, it's too dangerous for you to go in there!" Tulip hugs her tight as the men head inside to scope out the castle. "What if everyone was taken by trolls to do their bidding?" Roonie shrieks in fear. "Not to mention those mischievous goblins who steal babies!" Clover adds. Bonnie furrows her brow, "Oh for goodness sake, SHUT UP Clover!" Shelly shudders and cries out, "Trolls! Goblins!? Oh, Nora they have my baby!" Katherine calmly rubs Shelly's back as I try to calm everyone, "Calm down everyone! Let's not lose our wits about this! We're no help to anyone in that state. I'm sure the guys are checking everything out thoroughly, and then we can join up with them and get this all figured out.

Just after I tell them this however, I am struck with a vision. Inside the castle, Cade, and Thatcher lead Luke, Jax and Arthur in every room of the first floor in hopes to find any signs of life. Bodies of the missing guards lay about in different rooms. Every room on the first floor has been ransacked as if someone had put up a good fight. As they near the stairway, Thatcher hovers around the corner until he see's that the coast is clear, and waves his friends onward to make way upstairs. Once they reach the second floor, Thatcher holds his pointer finger to his mouth to signal the group to not make a single sound. Suddenly a large thud sounds from one of the distant rooms. "Did you hear that?" Cade whispers to the group of them. They all nod in agreement and follow the sound to Shelly's chambers. "Locked" Cade whispers, after trying the door knob. Thatcher then tells the group to stand aside. "On the count of three" Thatcher whispers to Cade. "Ready?" he asks. Cade gives him a nod, and as Thatcher reaches three, they kick the door in.

As they enter the room, they find the maids bonded together with rope, the furniture sprawled about, and Juliana's crib on its side. Cade, Luke, Jax and Arthur hurriedly untie the maids as Thatcher rushes over to the tiny crib. He throws the mattress and blankets away from it, in hopes to find his little girl, but has no luck. Luke removes the duct tape from one of the maids mouths, and asks, "What happened here? Who did this to you?" In a sad but fearful tone the maid tries to find her words, "I'm so sorry majesty, there were too many! We couldn't fight them all off! They killed the guards and then took us all hostage. Midi and the rest of us tried to protect the princess the best we could, but we were not strong enough to hold them off." Thatcher then falls to his knee's as warm tears spill out of his eyes, "They took her! They took Juliana! How can I possibly tell Shelly that our daughter is gone? I should have stayed and protected her! I could have killed them all!" Arthur helps Thatcher to his feet before replying, "You have to get a hold of yourself man! My mother needs you, and besides if you had stayed, you would have been killed as well!" "You don't know that! I could have taken them!" Thatcher protests in disbelief.

  
Midi approaches Thatcher apologetically, "Majesty, we all tried our best to see to the safety of the tiny princess, but there is something else you should know. I did overhear Kristen saying she was taking Juliana to her mother. Something about she now has what we want, and maybe now she will get what she wants.  It didn't really make any sense to me, but perhaps you would know what she was talking about." Thatcher furrows his brow, "I really don't care what they want! They have messed with the wrong family!" He then storms out of the room and makes his way back to the barn. With tear filled eyes, Midi says, "We tried majesty, we tried our best to hold them off...." Cade sighs and places a hand gently on her shoulder, "I know you did and so does Thatcher. His emotions are getting the best of him right now, and although I can't blame him, he needs to get his head on straight!."

Down in the barn, Thatcher readies his horse as Shelly approaches him. "Where are you going, and where's Juliana?" Shelly asks in a worried tone. "Maybe you should ask your so called friends who were supposed to care for her while we were away! Instead of sitting here and doing absolutely nothing, I'm leaving to find her, and bring her back to us!" Thatcher rants at Shelly. "Please don't go, I need you here with me! I can't do this all alone, and besides you are the King of Blue Haven, you're just another target for them out there without any guards!" Shelly sobs hysterically. Katherine approaches Thatcher's horse, "I know you really don't know me all that well, but it's too dangerous for a king to be out there all by himself! You know Carolin and Kristen are out there somewhere, and are just waiting for the right moment to get you alone, and take over Blue Haven!" Thatcher smiles slightly and says, "Miss I'm happy to know you're looking out for my safety, but this is my daughter we're talking about, and I'm going to kill every one of those ignorant fools who took her!" "What if you get taken prisoner by some blood fiends or something? You won't do your daughter any good dead!" Roonie says fearfully. 

Nora approaches Thatcher and gently and methodically says, "You know you're like a brother to me, and we have always been such close friends. Don't you think it would be wise to  wait for Cade and the other men to go with you? You know of all the dangers out there, and you know what Katherine says is right. Why don't you just wait and see what Cade has to say about this matter, and if you don't like his plan, you are free to be on your way to where ever it is you're going." Thatcher sighs and says, "Nora my dear friend, you are right. I shall wait and see what Cade has to say. I'm sorry I was so....angry, but I have had enough of Carolin and her family to last me a lifetime, and now they have Juliana!" Just then Cade enters the barn and says, "Thatcher, we all understand where you are coming from, for we have all had our fair share of Carolin's family and the lycans. We all want nothing more than to defeat this evil and send them all packing. Mark my words, we will get Juliana back, even if it means this war happens a little sooner than we anticipated!" "Will you kindly join me in the throne room? We have much to discuss on this event." Cade asks the Thatcher, who more than happily agrees. Cade then tells the others that the castle is clear and that they are all free to head inside if they wish to do so. The group thanks Cade and exit the barn to go back into the castle to start cleaning up.

Upon entering the throne room, Thatcher finds Cade and Nora sitting on their thrones discussing what to do next. Cade then asks him to take a seat and begins discussing the situation that they are now in. "Thatcher my friend, I understand the predicament you are in. I know it's not easy to sit here and discuss what to do, but the forest is not a very safe place for a King like yourself to be traveling in without guards. What I'm suggesting to you is this, how about you and I work together and lead a team of guards to find this Kristen woman? We know she has killed Cirrus, and has caused other problems as well. There's not a doubt in my mind that she is behind the kidnapping of the Princess Juliana! Perhaps if we capture her, we can then bargain with Carolin and Parfon." Thatcher sighs before replying, "Cade my brother, there's nothing I want more than the safe return of my daughter, and I will not rest until she is found! I agree to your proposal."