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."