Chapter 32

Fresh snow falls gently to the ground as Cade, Luke, Roonie, Jax, Tulip and I gather comfortably in the grand hall. While Cade and Luke discuss Luke joining the troops for the Parfon battle, I try to ease Roonie's worrisome mind about Luke leaving for combat. Tulip and Jax are warming by the fire, and Tulip sits staring into it apparently somewhat lost in thought. Jax nervously looks back and forth from Tulip to the fire. "C'mon Tulip how long are you gonna keep this up? I'm leaving for battle, doesn't that mean anything to you?" I hear Jax say. Tulip turns to look at him, her face formed into a look of hurt. She replies, "I'm dealing with alot of pain right now Jax. How can you not understand that? When I'm just gliding through life happily and then suddenly receive traumatic news, it sometimes takes awhile to recover. I don't know if I'll ever be the same after this." Jax sighs, and runs his hand through his hair in frustration, "Look Tulip you of all people know that when I've had to much to drink I'm not myself. I didn't do this on purpose, and besides how was I to know that Clover was just gonna show up after being gone for almost 2 years." 

Tulip whips around in her chair quickly so that she is face to face with Jax. "WHAT!?" she shouts. Roonie glances over at them but Luke catches her eye and gently shakes his head "No", as if to suggest that she needn't intervene. Jax's eyes grow wide, and he begins to wring his hands. "Wait what are you talking about?" he asks. "Never mind that right now! You didn't tell me that Clover was back. How dare you even speak to her after what happened the night of the festival! Did you...No I don't wanna hear it, my gut tells me I know what happened between you two-" Tulip snaps. "Tulip, would you just hear me out?" Jax pleads. "NO!" Tulip says as silent tears roll down her cheeks. Continuing she says, "How can you keep doing this to me Jax? Don't you love me? Remember when we were kids, and you'd push me in the swing by Mr. Leafstone's farm? Remember what you told me?" Jax somberly hangs his head and gives a nod. "Y-You said you'd always make sure my heart was safe!" Tulip sniffs. Jax looks up and tries to wipe the tears from Tulips cheek, but she leans back and shakes her head. "I can't do this anymore Jax. You have no idea what I've been through the last couple of days, and now learning about you and Clover...I just can't. I'm sorry Jax, it's over" Tulip tells him before fleeing the room sobbing. "TULIP WAIT!" Jax calls out, then turns to the fire resting his elbow on the mantle, his head leaning upon his forearm. Roonie and I exchange downcast looks as I notice Jax's shoulders shaking slightly. He stands upright and wipes his face, grabbing the fire poker to stir the coals a bit. Cade whispers to Luke, "Keep an eye on him would ya?" Luke nods and the two of them go over to check on Jax. 

The next morning Luke, Jax, King Jude, and the troops prepare to leave. We say our goodbye's and the villagers crowd the sides of the street to bid farewell to the men. Luke shares a kiss with Roonie, before taking his place next to Jax and King Jude at the front of the line. Roonie's wings sag slightly as she looks on trying to hold back tears. Looking around I see no sign of Tulip, but notice Jax wearing a very serious face waiting with the other troops in line. The fanfare sounds and King Jude gives a command, then Jax shouts "FORWARD, MARCH!", and the soldiers march forward down the street as the villagers cheer. Some of the women wave small handkerchiefs occasionally dabbing their eyes. Down the road they march until finally they have left our sight. 

As the villagers cheers subside, suddenly we hear a bloodcurdling scream in the distance opposite the direction of the soldiers. Everyone gasps, as we see a woman making her way towards us. I see a few villagers rush to meet the woman, and the crowd gathers in the street to try to get a better look, speaking with worry to one another. With my view almost entirely blocked, I can just make out the woman who appears to be limping down the road and clutching her arm. "BONNIE!" I shout frantically desperately trying to break through the crowd. "OUT OF HER MAJESTIES WAY!" shrieks the herald, and the villagers step aside. Reaching Bonnie I find her in a terrible way, she been badly burnt on her arm and face and she is sobbing. In a whirlwind of frenzied madness we are able to get the fire put out, and Bonnie back to the castle into bed. Cirrus is able to perform a spell that takes the pain away, but is unable to reverse the wound itself. "I'm afraid with the burns as bad as they are it will scar my dear" Cirrus tells her. She applies some salve that will help reduce the scar appearance but it unfortunately won't remove it completely. I suggest that we let her rest awhile and everyone departs from the room.

After a few hours of rest a guard announces that Bonnie has awoken. Arthur, Cade and I make our way to the guest chambers and find her awake lying in bed. Arthur has a seat next to the bed, taking Bonnie's uninjured hand in his and kisses it. Cade and I join them and I ask how she is feeling. "I guess I feel as good as expected" she replies downheartedly. "If you are ready to talk about it, we would like to know what in the world happened" I explain. Bonnie nods, "That's the thing, I don't exactly know! I went to the village to see the troops send off, then decided to head over to the school for a bit. I hadn't seen the children in awhile and wanted to leave them a message. As I was writing a message for them on the chalkboard I heard something crash and then a boom sound. Suddenly the whole place was up in flames! I was able to find my way out, but as I neared the entrance something looked as if it was going to land on me, so I put my arm up to protect my face. It hit me, and my arm and face became filled with excruciating pain as I ran from the building. I must have tripped over something on the way out because I fell. The rest you know" she tells us. "How awful! Oh Bonnie, I'm so sorry!" I sympathize. "What could have happened that caught on fire?" Arthur wonders aloud. "With all that's been happening, part of me wonders whether or not this was an accident. Bonnie I hate that this has happened, and I will get to the bottom of this!" Cade declares as he rises from his seat. "Please excuse us" he continues, as he motions for me to join him. I give Bonnie a kiss on the forehead and follow Cade out of the room. 

After Cade informs me that he is heading down to the village with a few guards to check out the school, I decide to ask him something that I've been pondering over. "I was thinking with Tulip having no family left, that we might bestow damehood upon her, and invite her to become a permanent guest at the castle. What are your thoughts?" I inquire. "That's a wonderful idea my love! There's a book in our chambers that explains how to do that if you would like to take a look" he tells me. Taking me in his arms he kisses me tenderly, "How lucky I am to have such a beautiful, wonderful wife and Queen" he says. I blush and reply, "I do believe I'm the lucky one." He gives me a wink and calls for the guards. I request that one of them stays with me, and ask him to find Tulip and have her meet me in the throne room. "Yes your highness" the guard replies, and heads out to seek Tulip. 

Once Tulip arrives in the throne room I can tell that she has been crying again and I hug her tightly. "Welcome, please have a seat. Cade and I were talking earlier, and I've been doing some thinking. You have been nothing but loyal and kind to us, and we would like to honor you as a royal Dame of Brendlewood. You would live at the castle for as long as you choose, and also be able to marry a royal if you desire. Do you accept?" I ask her smiling. Tulip's eyes widen with excitement, "You really mean it? That would be wonderful! Oh my gosh, thank you!" she exclaims, "I-I don't know what to say...I would be honored to accept this title!" I grin brightly, "Wonderful! I'm glad you accept. Tulip, please stand before me" I request. She rises from her seat and gives a bow. I too rise from my seat and say, "I hear-by dub thee Tulip Petal Warner, Dame of Brendlewood. You may rise." She stands and smiles proudly as I tell her that Cirrus and Roonie are waiting for her in the enchantment room. "Cirrus is going to begin training you and Roonie in the art of enchantment spells" I explain. Tulip claps her hands together excitedly, "Oh! Thank you Nora. This is so exciting! Let's go meet them now" she replies as she hugs me tightly and we exit the room.

As we enter the royal enchantment room, we find Cirrus and Roonie standing in front of a huge metal pot. "Well look who's a Dame!" Roonie says playfully. "Glad to see you've accepted! Nora told us that she was planning it" Cirrus chimes in. "Thank you" Tulip tells her as Roonie gives her a congratulatory hug. "Now that we have the two of you here, it's time to begin your training. The first thing you need to do is begin learning the ingredients and the spells. The spells you will find here in this leather book" Cirrus instructs pointing to a large bound book. "Now, in this book you will learn all about the different ingredients to add to your faerie dust. This is what makes it possible to perform certain spells. Roonie why don't you start with this one, and Tulip with the spellbook. Whatever you do, don't speak the words aloud until you have learned what they are, and what they do. Don't worry, I'll start you off with an easy spell to learn" Cirrus continues. Tulip nods then walks over to the large book, and starts looking over the inscriptions. "Well I will let you ladies get to it, I have some other matters to attend to. Let me know if you need anything" I tell them with a smile before leaving the room.

Once evening has fallen, and we've all filled our bellies with scrumptious glazed ham and new potatoes, the lot of us stand gathered in the dining hall talking. "I'd like to discuss plans for the upcoming Dragon Valley battle, won't you join me in the library?" I hear Cade ask Novus. He nods in approval and tells him that sounds just fine. "I couldn't help but overhear you're having a private chat in the library, I think I'll head up there and grab a book for the evening before you all need to use the room" Roonie mentions. Cade and Novus tell her no problem, as Tulip and I chat about her first day working with Cirrus and enchantments. Bonnie and Arthur congratulate her on her new royal title as Thistle happily skips off heading out of the room. "Where are you off to?" calls Arthur. "Just to our room for a bit of reading" she smiles. Bonnie smiles warmly and replies, "Alright not long though, you'll be needing to get to bed soon." Thistle nods and continues skipping. "That girl loves to read!" Arthur mentions, and the group of us continue talking. 

A servant enters the room and requests for Novus to see her in his chambers for his uniform fitting. "I thought I had already taken care of that" Novus tells her. "It's just some of the measurements were a bit off" she explains. Novus shrugs and tells Cade that he'll meet him in the library shortly and heads off for his fitting. Cade kisses my cheek sweetly and tells me that he's heading to the library to talk with Novus and he'll catch up with me later. 

As the group of us resume our conversation we laugh at some of Arthur's corny jokes before Tulip continues describing her first day with enchantments. "The healing spell looks like it will take awhile to-" She starts but stops short as suddenly the castle goes totally dark. A few of us gasp with surprise, and try to find some sort of light source. The maids come pouring into the room with lit candles, and go throughout the dining hall and bathrooms placing them. Handing us each a candle they quickly leave the room. "What happened?" Bonnie asks. "A blackout! Maybe some animal has chewed through the wires again. That happened once before. Darn things!" Cirrus replies. "Oh! Thistle is all alone in the dark!" Arthur exclaims. "Don't worry I'll go find her" I offer, thinking I would check on the others as well. Half way up the stairs I can hear Roonie shrieking from the dining room, "NOVUS IS DEAD! NOVUS IS DEAD!" I clutch my chest in fear and turn to go back downstairs, but remembering little Thistle all alone in the dark I decide to find her first, then catch up with the others to find out what's going on. 

Walking along the dark empty hallway I make my way to the room Bonnie, Arthur and Thistle are staying in. The moonlight streams in through the windows here and there and toward the end of the hall I think I spot a small figure. "Thistle?" I call and lightly jog toward her, but once I reach the spot where I thought I saw her, I find no one. Suddenly a gust of wind through a nearby open window steals the light of my candle and suddenly I am left in total darkness. The only light source is that of the faint moonlight shining through the hall windows. I feel something whoosh past me, just grazing the back of my skirts. Turning quickly I try to adjust my eyes to see what it could have been, but I can't make out anything. All at once I feel someone grab me, their hand covering my mouth, and a slimy tongue sliding across my neck. I try to jerk free but they cover my mouth with a cloth and I can feel myself losing consciousness. 

Cold winter air dances across my skin and I shiver, opening my eyes. I grasp my head as it throbs with pain and suddenly jump to my feet as I look around in terror at my surroundings. Large gray stones cover the walls met with a bare cold floor. The room is completely empty except for one old wooden chair. There is but one door in the room, big, and wooden, and locked tight. "How can this be..." I wonder to myself, "....Madame Parfon's."

 
A high slit of a window provides little light and standing on a chair I am able to just barely see out. Off in the fields in the morning sunlight I see two or three dozen troops making their way back to Madame Parfon's. "They must be retreating!" I think to myself, and shortly afterward Madame Parfon's screeching voice comes echoing through the vents. "WHAT!? What do you mean they drove our troops back!?" I hear her snarl. One of her men replies fearfully, "I'm sorry Ma'am but we just lost too many men to continue the battle." As their bickering continues I smile to myself knowing that surely Cade will find me and we can take down Parfon!

Hours pass and I awaken, startled of my whereabouts. Now moonlight fills the empty stone room I'm being held captive in as I hear voices in the hall. A guard opens the door and woman stands in the doorway. Her slender figure adorns a face of malice and cruelty, and stringy brown hair hangs from her head. Her elegant robes do her no kindness and she points a bony finger at me, motioning for me to go to her. "Come with me wretch" the woman sneers before turning to leave the room. Silently I follow her down the hall, descending the stairs, and into a room of Madame Parfon's that I haven't seen. "Sit down" she commands. I have a seat politely, then I can't believe my eyes as Cade enters the room with...Madame Parfon!? "Nora my sweet!" he says rushing to me, "They didn't hurt you did they?" I shake my head no still utterly confused. He kisses my forehead and states, "So we're settled then?" Madame Parfon scoffs and replies, "Yes. As agreed Nora is freed and your kingdom untouched so long as you deliver the lycan scum to my cousin and I." The other woman wrinkles her nose and jeers, "...and if you don't, then we destroy your village and your Queen will become our slave!" Cade pierces his lips together and scowls, "That wasn't part of the deal! You shall have your lycan filth to do with what you will. My Queen and my kingdom will not be part of your treachery!" The woman throws her nose in the air, and Cade takes my hand leading me out of the evil Madame Parfon's home. 

Outside we mount his horse and he shouts for the horse to take off quickly. Once we are well outside the boundary of Madame Parfon's, Cade sets up camp for us. As we sit by the roaring fire he's built, I glance over at him. He sits slightly slumped, forearms resting on his knee's, staring into the fire. "Cade...are you alright?" I softly ask placing my hand on his arm. "Huh? Oh, yea I suppose so" he mutters shifting his eyes from the fire to the ground. "Now c'mon. I know that tone, what's bothering you?" I ask playfully. He looks at me with a frown, deep frustration covering his face, and replies, "Nora I love you! You're the most amazing thing that's ever happened to me and I let this happen to you. A king is meant to protect, I've barely begun to be King and with Novus's mysterious death and your kidnapping, I'm not off to a very good start. A husband is meant to protect! I feared you wouldn't understand why I made a deal with Parfon, but with the lycans in her hands, it will leave Queen Carolin to us. I thought over and over this but I just don't know if it's the right thing. All I know is that I had to get you out of there. I always knew one day I would become a King but to be honest...I just, nevermind."

I gently run the tips of my fingers through his hair and look into his eyes, "My darling I love you as well. No one knew they would take me, you can't blame yourself. You are an excellent King and husband, don't doubt yourself or your abilities. That's what they want, that's how they chip away at you. Don't give them that power!" I tell him. His face softens into a sheepish smile and he kisses me sweetly, "You always know what to say my love. I'll never let this happen to you again!" Bringing his lips to meet mine once again he kisses me passionately and gently leans me down to the blanket by the fire.

Back in Brendlewood the next day, Cade and I sit in the throne room talking, the door bursts wide open as Luke enters the room with a guard right behind him. "What is the meaning of this?" Cade asks. "Sorry your majesties, I tried to announce Sir Luke but he rushed past me" the guard states. "I'm sorry for the intrusion, but I really need to speak with you, Nora and Roonie. I have news of the Parfon battle." Cade sends a guard to retrieve Roonie and a few minutes later we are all gathered for Luke's news. "Lukie! Your back!" Roonie smiles as she leaps into his arms, he kisses her and places her down. Roonie looks slightly confused and asks what all this news is about. He looks down at the ground then from one person to the next, stopping at Roonie. He takes her hands into his and begins, "I'm afraid I have returned with some terrible news. I regret to tell you that, King Jude has fallen during the battle." Roonie claps her hand to her mouth and cries, "Daddy!" She tries to contain her tears until Luke has finished explaining and scrunches her eyes tightly. "We did all we could to protect the good King, but we were caught off guard when we were hit with an ambush from behind. Cade, Roonie, I'm very sorry to bring you this news. I grew to know the King well, he was a good man" Luke finishes somberly.

Cade stands and walks to the window looking out as he rubs his hand over the hair of his chin. "Father..." I hear him whisper. As Luke embraces Roonie, I see the sunlight catch on a single tear that is sliding down Cade's cheek. Discretely he wipes it away and takes a deep breath turning back to face us. "Has he any word for us" he asks strongly. "Yes, he wanted me to tell you to believe in yourself the way that he has always believed in you. Roonie, he told me to make sure I take care of you." Luke replies and then continues, "I had hoped for a more joyous occasion for this to occur, but after talking with your father, he made me promise to do this as soon as I had returned." He then kneels down before Roonie, and reaches into his pocket as a small black box emerges. Opening it up it reveals a glittering diamond ring, and he holds the box extended as he takes Roonie's hand. 

"Your father gave his blessing for your hand in marriage before we reached Parfon's home. Roonie Meadowstone, I have loved you since first glance. Yes, as you came round the corner and knocked that vase off the table I smiled and knew you were the most incredible creature I'd ever seen. I can't imagine my life without you in it. You are my one and only true love, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" he asks. Roonie stands speechless for a moment, then bursts into tears. Luke raises an eyebrow and glances to Cade who smiles. All Roonie can do is nod fervently, and Luke grins ear to ear as he places the ring on her finger. I hold my hands against my heart and smile excitedly and let out a squeal of delight. "Congratulations! We'll give you two a minute" Cade smiles and kisses his sisters cheek. Out in the hall I tell Cade that I'm going to find Shelly so Roonie can share the good news, and he grins and rubs his belly, "Well I'm going to find a snack! I've got a hollow belly and I just know Cookie will have something tasty made up!" I giggle and take off to find Shelly.

As I pass through the hall I see Thatcher standing by the bathroom door. "Why Thatcher what's the matter?" I ask in response to his worrisome expression. "Well Shelly's in there and she's pretty sick. I don't know what's wrong, nor do I know what to do to help her" he replies. I gently place my hand on his shoulder and give him a warm smile before replying, "I'm sure she's alright, but if it will make you feel better, I can check on her if you would like." Thatcher perks up a bit and says, "That would be great! Thank you!"

I give him a smile and enter the bathroom to find Shelly with her head resting over the toilet. Kneeling down I gather her hair, pulling it from in front of her face and ask, "Oh dear, are you alright? What can I do to help?" "I don't know what's wrong with me! I felt great last night, and I woke up feeling like this, this morning. Maybe I'm coming down with the flu?" she says with a small frown. "Aw sweetie I don't think anyone's been sick around here lately. Maybe we should see Cirrus, she might have something to help you feel better. She's in the royal enchantment room just now, but I'm sure she's not too busy to see you" I tell her sympathetically. "You're right. There have been alot of strange things happening around here lately, and I don't wanna take a chance on this being something serious. Nora, you're a dear friend of mine, would you mind coming along with Thatcher and I to talk to Cirrus?" she asks. "Not at all! Let's get you to your feet and be on our way" I tell her. 

As we enter the royal enchantment room, Cirrus is explaining spells and ingredients to Tulip. Cirrus glances at Shelly, then at Thatcher, then me. "Tulip will you please give us a moment?" I ask her, and she nods leaving the room. "My goodness child! What's happened to you?" she asks. "I wish I knew. I was feeling just fine until I woke up earlier. I think I may be coming down with the flu" Shelly explains. Cirrus gives her a grin before speaking, "Oh sweet girl, it's not the flu! You have a special light to your eyes, and your skin is radiant! There's a look about you, it's the look every woman gets when she knows she's about to become a mother" Cirrus beams. "A wha-" Thatcher exclaims pressing his palm to his head in bewilderment. "I-I'm with child!?" Shelly blurts out in shock. Cirrus just smiles ear to ear, then replies, "Yes. It's true! I can give you something for the nausea and to help you relax." "That would be wonderful" Shelly replies. "Oh, Shelly! How delightful! Congratulations to you!" I cry out. I grab her and embrace her in a snug squeeze, and she smiles a rather confused but happy smile. Cirrus then hands her some ginger from her herbal cabinet and says, "This will help with the nausea, just mix this in your tea three times daily. It will help you feel better in no time. Now, this is a salve you can rub on just like a lotion, it will sooth your anxiousness, and help you relax. Congratulations my dear, congratulations to you both" Cirrus says giving Thatcher a wink.   

Shelly gives Cirrus a slight smile and thanks her as she walks over towards Thatcher who appears to have wandered away from us, and is mumbling to himself in what appears to be confusion. "Neither one of us planned for this to happen, and I don't want you thinking this is some scheme I came up with to get you to stay with me. I'll fully understand if you decide to just walk away from me" she tells him. Thatcher wraps his arms around her as he gently places his hand on her belly and replies, "Shelly, I'm just as shocked as you are, but I'm not going anywhere! That night when I met you in the forest, I saw something in your eyes I had never seen before, and I knew from that moment on that I wanted to be a part of it. Shelly, I'm in love with you. I have been from just after the moment I met you. My heart stopped when I realized you are with child, but only from excitement. You're carrying the gift of us, and our future together. I couldn't be happier!" Shelly bursts into emotional tears and Thatcher smiles scooping her up in a loving kiss.

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

  

Chapter 31

The wedding reception is held in the palace ballroom following the ceremony, and is decorated beautifully. Flowers of white fill the room, and the guests peer over one another to welcome us as we are announced, and enter the room. We smile and wave before Cade motions for silence and begins to speak, "I just want to thank everyone for being here to witness this happy day of our marriage. It means alot to Nora and I that all of you are able to be a part of this joyous event." The guests bow graciously, and the band begins to play signaling our first dance as husband and wife. We make our way to the center of the dance floor and Cade takes my hand as we glide across the room.

The guests applaud and Cade leads me toward a small table with a large wedding cake placed on it. I smile happily as we slice a small piece and feed it to each other. Cade laughs, "This is alot harder than it looks!" as everyone gives a small chuckle. 

He gently wipes a bit of icing from my from lip and steals a small kiss. The dance floor starts filling up, and I see Jax spinning Tulip around energetically, while Novus and Cirrus prefer a bit more laid back approach. Luke tries to dip Roonie, but trips and the two end up on the floor. I gasp a little, but seeing them return to their feet unharmed, I let out a giggle. Turning to tell Cade what I just observed, I see Thatcher and Shelly talking contently as he asks her to join him for a walk. Before I have a chance to tell Cade about Luke and Roonie, a guard approaches us and informs us that there is a small situation we need to address. "Their majesties shall return shortly" I can hear the herald explaining to our wedding guests, as we briskly walk to the throne room. 

As we approach the room I can hear the most miserable wailing. "What on earth..." I ask Cade quietly. Cade gives me a worried look and hastens his walking even more. Entering the room we find a very distressed looking woman and a guard standing watch over the room. Cade signals the guards to remain with us in the room and we take our places on the royal thrones. "Wow! My first time on the throne and it's for something quite serious it seems" I think to myself. 

"Come now woman, what ever is the matter?" Cade asks concerned. The woman bows, then rises as she immediately starts her explanation, "Sire many apologies for missing the royal ceremony. I live at the far edge of the kingdom and was on my way into the village when I passed a lone cottage not far from mine. I noticed the owners horse lying dead in the yard. I stopped to see if they were home to inform them of this unfortunate event, but when I went to knock on the door I noticed it was ajar. I peered inside nervously and found James and Daisy Warner in a puddle of blood! Their throats had been ripped open and various body parts were missing!" The woman bursts into tears as she shakes fearfully, and I gasp with terror. Before either Cade or I can speak however, she continues, "Yes I was mortified! I screamed and ran out of there as fast as I could, but shortly down the road I found Mr. Pruett lying dead in the ditch, his throat was torn out too and he was missing a leg!" The woman rocks uneasily on her feet before she passes out. One of the guard leaps forwards and catches her before she hits the ground. 

"Lay her on the sofa by the bookshelf" Cade instructs the guard. "Cade, I'm scared" I whisper as I tremble slightly. He kisses my hand and replies, "I'll take care of it darling. I'll order the herald to notify the villagers that they need to take extra precautions, and no one out after dark. Do you think you can break the news to Tulip? I need to meet with the royal court to get an investigation underway." I nod and answer, "Yes. I'll speak with Tulip, please let me know anything you find out as soon as you can." Cade gives me a wink and says, "Naturally my love. I will see you this evening. I'll have the maids tend to this poor woman as well." Before he leaves he instructs one of the guards to follow him and they exit the room. 

I sit there for a moment wondering how I will break this terrible news to Tulip, when I hear laughing coming from the open window nearby. Rising I walk over to the window and gaze out at the grounds where I see Thatcher and Shelly on the grounds below. "Close your eyes, it's a surprise" he tells Shelly with a grin. I see her pause closing her eyes and see Thatcher gathering some snow in his hands. Suddenly, THUD! The snowball lands on Shelly's shoulder and she laughs before shouting, "Oh no you didn't!" Thatcher chuckles and replies, "I just can't believe you fell for it!" Suddenly the two are in the middle of a playful snowball fight. Jax and Tulip who appear to have also gone for a stroll, approach unaware that a snowball war is being held by Shelly and Thatcher. "Oh you're going to get it" Shelly mocks as Thatcher takes cover behind a nearby tree. Just then Shelly releases the snowball narrowly missing Thatcher and pegging Tulip right in the face. "AGH!" Tulip shrieks and clutches her face. "Oh now it's on!" Jax shouts as he laughs and scoops up a fist full of snow, taking off after Shelly. 

"Tulip! Tulip, up here!" I call from the window. Tulip looks around confused for a moment then glances up at the window where I am standing as I motion for her to come here. She nods and calls out, "OK!" She looks around for the others but the snowball battle has moved them a ways from her, she shrugs and turns back toward the castle entrance. A few moments later she arrives in the throne room followed by three maids. The guard exits and the maids help the village woman to her feet and out of the room. "What was all that about? Was that Ms. Rosebud" Tulip asks surprised. "I-I'm not sure. We didn't get her name" I reply hesitantly. "I'm sure it was! She lives a ways down the road from my parents house. I remember Mother sending me to fetch sugar from her when I was a girl. What ever was she doing here? I hope she is well!" Tulip rambles. 

"Tulip" I stop her, "That woman came to see Cade and I just now. I'm afraid she brings us some terrible news. Why don't we have a seat" I offer. Tulip frowns in confusion but takes a seat and says slowly, "Nora you're scaring me, what is it?" I pierce my lips together before speaking, "Oh Tulip, I'm so sorry but your parents were found dead earlier today." She stares blankly at me for a moment, then her eyes well up with tears and she wails, "WHAT!? No! No! No! That can't be! W-What happened? This can't be right!" She bursts into an uncontrollable sob, and I scoop her into a tight hug. "Oh my dear friend I'm so very sorry" I say sympathetically. She demands to know the details of her parents deaths and I involuntarily tell her Ms. Rosebud's account. Poor Tulip loses it and after an hour of trying to calm her down, sits apathetically in a close by chair. "Tulip..." I say gently. She turns to me with dull lifeless eyes and waits for me to continue. "Honey, why don't we get you something to eat. It might help some" I suggest. She nods slightly and as if on auto-pilot replies in a monotone voice, "Sure. That sounds fine." 

As Tulip and I arrive in the kitchen, we find Shelly laying her gloves on the wood stove to warm them. "Oh hey! Sorry about the snowball Tulip, it was an accident" Shelly says. Tulip mumbles something about it being alright, and Shelly gives her a strange look, then looks at me. "Cookie would you please see that Tulip has something to eat please? She isn't feeling well" I ask the cook who nods and offers Tulip a seat at the table. I motion for Shelly to follow me, and once we're just outside of the kitchen she asks what is wrong with Tulip. I quickly fill her in on the tragedy and she clutches her chest and lets out a small shriek. "Oh my God! Well I certainly don't want Arthur and Bonnie staying in the village with all of this madness going on!" Shelly tells me. "Perhaps we can send word for them to come stay here at the palace, at least until things have calmed down" I reply. Shelly suggests we send Jax and Luke to deliver the message. "I just think Luke will be able to persuade his brother to come stay here better than one of the royal guards" explains Shelly. I agree and we take off to tell Luke and Jax about our request. 

We find Luke in the library and send a guard to find Jax. Once we are all gathered I explain that something horrible has happened and three villagers were found dead! We present our request to them carefully. "Well of course we will go!" Luke says immediately. Jax nods and then replies, "Does Cade know?" I assure him that Cade is taking care of it. Jax breathes a sigh of relieve and responds, "We should get going right away then!" Shelly tells Luke that Arthur might need a bit of persuading. "He's all but given up his royal title. He wants to live the simple life as a commoner, so you might have to convince him to come stay at the castle. Please don't return without the both of them" she tells Luke. Luke kisses his mothers cheek before he and Jax take off.

Three hours later ...

With Roonie keeping Tulip company, Shelly and I had decided to wait in the sun room for Luke, Jax, Bonnie and Arthur to arrive. The time seemed to drag on until finally a guard appeared to announce them. Shelly and I spring to our feet to hug Bonnie and Arthur. "I'm so glad you're here!" Shelly says excitedly. "You're welcome to stay as long as you like. It's good to have you with us" I tell them. "Well, thank you, we are glad to be here. We weren't sure if it was alright, but we didn't know what to do..." Bonnie trails off. Arthur picks up where she leaves off, "You see Bonnie has been helping with the village school and after learning that a little orphaned kiddo was attending we couldn't help but to take her in. We have been caring for her these past few months, and were wondering if she might be able to stay here with us?" I tell him that is certainly fine, and a little girl appears from behind Bonnie's skirts. A face of tanned skin, hair as black as night, and sunken brown eyes peers at me from behind Bonnie, and she softly says, "Hi your majesty. I'm called Thistle." Everyone greets the young girl happily and continues mingling as Luke pulls me to the side. "I need to speak with you please. Preferably somewhere private" he tells me.

Excusing ourselves Luke and I find quiet once again in the library. Luke begins, "Jax and I found Bonnie and Arthur sitting on the front porch of their house, and began to speak to them about coming to stay at the castle for awhile, but we were interrupted by a young woman. Jax seemed instantly flustered by her, and I'll admit she was beyond gorgeous. I don't know if you know her, she has long platinum hair, porcelain skin and a huge rack....I mean um, she's well endowed." I give him a scolding look, and he returns with an apologetic shrug. "Anyhow, Jax mentioned that he used to know her but she'd been away studying in some other land. She stood there talking to us for awhile, said her name was Clover. She said she needed to talk with Jax a minute, and I didn't think anything of it. They went off around the corner for a walk I suppose, and when it was clear that it was going to take some convincing Arthur to come to the castle Bonnie suggested we move the conversation indoors. I just had to grab Jax, so I took off to get him. Well I found him alright... he and Clover were apparently getting to know each other very passionately under the big willow tree. I decided to go back to the house without him, and once I had convinced Arthur about staying at the castle we headed back. There was no sign of Jax anywhere." 

Frustrated I place my hand to my head and snap, "Of all the.... UGH! How can he keep doing this to Tulip! Thank you for letting me know Luke, I'll have one of the guards make sure he returns safely. Not a word of this to anyone for now, Tulip can't handle any more stress at the moment." "I wouldn't dream of it. If I may, Jax isn't a bad guy. He's just easily tempted when it comes to the ladies, and I'm not sayin' it's right but I don't know many that could say no to that Clover girl. Lucky for me I've got my heart set on Roonie." Luke tells me. "Yes well, he needs to get his act together. I know he's some bad boy ladies man type but for the sake of Tulip he needs to figure out what he truly wants" I say before calling for a guard to find Jax.

Later, when Jax had returned I confronted him in private asking about that afternoons incident. "I know it's none of my business, but you and Tulip are dear friends of mine, and I just hope you know what you are doing" I told him. Jax runs a hand through his hair and takes a swig of his drink, "Nora, I'm Jax Debois. The ladies come to me, it's not like I do this sort of thing on purpose. The moment strikes, and what are you to do when a beautiful woman unzips yours pants and-" "Yea, yea spare me the details. You're supposed to keep your composure and decline!" I interrupt. 

"Look Nora I'm sorry but you don't know what it's like. You think Cade is a saint? He's got himself quite a reputation over in Learia. There was this one girl that-" "That told a lot of lies to get back at me for breaking up with her" Cade interrupts suddenly coming around the corner. "Mr. Debois I see you and your old friend whiskey have become recently acquainted again. Hey man, how about I take care of that for you? I thought you were gonna stick to the lighter stuff?" Cade continues. "Well I was but it was a gift...a drink bought by someone you might remember. Yea, Clover is back in town. Had a little too much to drink and we decided to walk down to the willow tree. I didn't mean to hurt Tulip, it just sorta happened" Jax tells him. 

"An idea has struck me friend. I have received information about the instigators of these horrible deaths from the village. I was coming to give Nora this news, it appears that the witch Madame Parfon has been gathering up a small army and had plans to attack Brendlewood. Her were-servant Phillip has been going around taking out villagers to distract us from the coming attack. I'm sending half my men to her land to take down her forces before they are able to attack. I'd like to send you with them...lieutenant?" Cade suggests. I give Cade a reproachful look but he winks, and I bite my tongue. "Lieutenant! I'm in! Those suckers don't wanna mess with us! You can count on me bro!"  Jax says enthusiastically stammering a bit. Cade snaps his fingers and motions for a nearby guard. "Please escort my friend to his chambers, and have the maids bring him some water and crushed aspirin" Cade instructs the guard softly.

Later that night ...

In bed I lay curled up in the large fluffy blankets as thunder crashes loudly outside the window waking me up. I lay there with my eyes closed hoping to drift back off to sleep, but notice Cade's breathing seems strange. Opening my eyes I try to make out Cade in the darkness. Lightening flashes lighting up the the room and I gasp as I see Thistle standing over Cade in a horrifying manner. The light rushes from the room as the thunder booms powerfully, and when the lightening illuminates the room once more Thistle is no where to be found. I jump from the bed, and flip on the lamp, but there is no one but Cade and I in the room. Even after checking the hall I am unable to find anyone, and decide to go back to bed. 

The next morning at breakfast I take a seat at the table. I am greeted by all the house guests, except for Jax, Arthur, Bonnie and Thistle, who I'm told have requested to sleep in. Cade discusses his findings dealing with Madame Parfon and his plan for battle. Small talk continues and I mention what happened last night regarding Thistle. "I think maybe I imagined it" I tell the table. "Maybe not, I got up for a glass of water and saw her roaming around way down the hall from me. I didn't call out so I wouldn't wake anyone, but she rounded a corner and I didn't see her again after that" Shelly adds. "I'm sure it's nothing, everyone is under stress with what's happened in the village. Perhaps the child got up in the night and was confused of her whereabouts" Luke includes. Shelly gives me a look to say "What do you think", and I shrug as we finish our breakfast. "Try not to worry girls. Midi! Please see if Arthur and his party have awakened. I would like to propose a ceremony for lycan removal" Cade says. 

Once Arthur and Bonnie have woken, dressed and joined us in the sitting room Cade tells Arthur of his knowledge about the lycan genetics within him. "No one here has any ill-will towards you. I must tell you that lycan, whether full or only partial are forbidden in Brendlewood. We have arrangements for Cirrus to remove the curse from you, or if you choose not to have the ceremony done, we will have to ask you to leave the kingdom I'm afraid" Cade tells him. "I of course consent. I wish nothing more than to be rid of this curse, and be able to remain in Brendlewood with Bonnie" Arthur agrees. "Good to hear, I will send word for Cirrus to begin the lycan removal immediately" Cade says with a smile.

Once Cirrus is ready for the ritual begin, we gather once more in the royal enchantment room. "Arthur will you please step into the circle?" Cirrus asks, pointing to a ring of faerie dust in the center of the room. "Yes of course" he replies and steps into the circle. Arthur stands with his arms out stretched on either side of him, as Cirrus mumbles something in elvish. She sprinkles a powder over top his head, and smears a greenish mud along his forehead. "Now you must drink" she whispers, handing him a potion. She begins chanting as he drinks the potion. Arthur's eyes turn black and he collapses on the ground. Luke then carries him over to the bed where he can regain his strength. Shortly afterward, he awakens. Pink pigment now colors his flesh, and his eyes now beam a beautiful turquoise. As Arthur opens his eyes Bonnie asks, "Hey hotstuff how ya feelin'?" Arthur smiles up at her before replying, "I feel so alive! I used to have to control the anger I was feeling almost all of the time, now all of that is gone! Thank you Cirrus, thank your highnesses! How can I ever repay you for your kindness?" I smile warmly placing my hand on his, "Your loyalty to Brendlewood, and to my daughter are plenty." 

That afternoon I sit reading in the grand hall as I enjoy the sounds of Thatcher playing the grand piano on the other end of the room. Shelly enters the room, but pauses when she see's Thatcher. She smiles seeming to enjoy the beautiful music as well, and makes her way over to him. The empty hall echoes as I hear Thatcher ask her, "Ever played before?" "No, but I love to watch, my mother used to play" Shelly answers. "Well you're welcome to watch" he says with a grin patting the space next to him on the bench. Shelly takes a seat and asks, "What's that your playing?" "It's the fanfare of my kingdom, would you like to learn it?" Thatcher offers kindly. Appearing slightly flustered she responds, "Well I could try, but I'm not sure how good I'd be."

He places her hands over the keys of the piano and gently sets his hands atop hers. "Now to get the feeling of playing we can start this way. I can teach you the keys as well" he smiles at her. A bold but light-hearted song fills the room and Thatcher sings along to the tune of the fanfare as he presses Shelly's fingers on the correct keys. As the tune comes to an end she gazes at Thatcher and states, "What a beautiful tune! I bet Blue Haven is a gorgeous place. I've never been there." He smiles broadly and replies, "Well maybe one day I could take you there...if you would like that is."

"Oh that would be wonderful! I'd love to!" she says jumping up from the bench. "I think you would love it, it's by the ocean" he tells her with a little chuckle. She playfully spins around stopping to lean against the lid of the piano and says, "I've always dreamed of going to the sea!" He rises joining her by the piano lid and replies, "You're awfully smiley lately, I'm hoping it has something to do with the legal paperwork you'd mentioned." Shelly laughs happily, "Why yes it does. It's strange, I was devastated at first but then I met you and now it just seems like the best thing that's ever happened." Thatcher tries to suppress his smile and says, "Well I'm sorry you had to experience that. I can't imagine someone that would be so ungrateful to have you as their wife."

"That's so kind of you Thatcher. But honestly, I'm past it. I'm just glad everything is finalized, and not a moment to soon. It's been hard to keep my hands off of you!" Shelly says in a seductive manner. Looking intrigued he leans in towards her, taking her in his arms and asks, "Is that a fact?" She grins widely, then bites her lip as she nods. Apparently unaware of my presence Thatcher hoists her onto the piano lid and passionately kisses her rapidly. "Surely they won't..." I tell myself as I try to focus on my book. But, no sooner than this thought crosses my mind, I hear the moans of Shelly echoing through the grand hall. "Oh my God" I whisper to myself shutting my book quickly. Scrambling to get out of the chair I nearly topple over as I scurry quickly from the room. 

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