Chapter 28

Several days later ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

A few hours later... 

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

Shortly afterwards...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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