Chapter 30

Phillip roars with anger clutching his injured arm and shouts, "You'll pay for that! You'll be sorry, all of you! Your precious kingdom will meet it's fate when the great Madame Parfon here's of this!" He let's out a ferocious growl before taking to the woods at full speed. "COWARD!" I shout after him, but the new arrival puts his hand up. "Let him go, there's no use going after him without more support" the man says. "He's quiet strong, pity he doesn't know his own strength" the man adds sarcastically. 

As the stranger steps closer to Shelly and I, his face becomes illuminated in the moonlight. It is then that I notice he's not quite a normal man himself, but a werewolf as well! Shelly let's out a gasp, and crawls to her feet, ready to run. The man states, "Wait! Please! I will not harm you. I am sorry you had to see me in this dark form." He then raises his arms and yells at the moon in a deafening howl as his body fights to return to a human shape. Not knowing much about these creatures, I glance at Shelly, and she gives a nod to say he seems safe enough. "My deepest apologies for scaring you ladies. Let me introduce myself, I am called Thatcher Mason" Thatcher informs us. We introduce ourselves in return and we thank him for saving us. 

"Your lycan features aren't as harsh as others I have seen" Shelly says carefully. Thatcher smirks a bit, and gives a little bit of a laugh. "I suppose I should explain myself a bit. I was scratched as a child by the lycan Seth, since then I have fought to control my curse. I suppose the control has subdued the transformation process somewhat" he explains. "How terrible! Scratched as a child!" Shelly exclaims. "That's awful! Are you out here all alone?" I ask worriedly. "Well yes, I'm quite used to being on my own. I'm afraid I'm a bit of an outlaw in most kingdom's. You see our neighbor kingdom, Dragon Valley is ruled by a terrible woman, Queen Carolin. She wanted our kingdom of Blue Haven to become part of Dragon Valley, when we refused she taxed us right into the poorhouse. I'm sorry to say I did a bit of stealing, but only to feed the poor people of Blue Haven. Little did I know that that horrible woman had sent her men to kill the entire kingdom. When I returned I had discovered I was the last remaining heir, but to a kingdom with streets filled with slaughtered men, women and children." Thatcher tells us solemnly.  

"That's terrible! I knew that woman was evil, but I never thought she would've done anything that extreme!" Shelly gasps. "That is awful! I'm sorry about your family and kingdom. Come on, follow us, and we'll introduce you to someone who may be able to help you, and reclaim what's rightfully yours" I tell Thatcher. He nods in response with a grin, and follows us back to Brendlewood. As we walk I notice Shelly keeps looking over her shoulder. "What are you looking for, and what were you doing out here all alone in the first place" I ask her. "I was looking for Lestat. I hoped I could convince him to come back to Brendlewood and we could work things out, but it's too dangerous out here. I suppose I will just have to see if he truly loves me, and returns" she replies sadly. "Well let's wait for him where it is safe, I don't want anything to happen to you. You have become a dear friend to me and everyone in Brendlewood. I know that you mean alot to Tulip as well. She's just upset, but she'll come 'round. You'll see" I tell Shelly trying to comfort her.

As we step foot on the castle grounds, a guard stops us in our tracks. "Halt who..." the guard begins until he sees who's in front of him. "Oh Miss Nora and Miss Shelly! Sorry but I didn't see who you were until you got a little closer. Who's the newcomer that is with you?" The guard asks curiously. "This is Thatcher Mason from the kingdom of Blue Haven. We have brought him here to speak to the King." Nora replies. "I'll let his majesty know immediately" The guard replies. Reaching the throne room, the guard announces us and we enter.

Shelly seems to notice the gleam Cade has when he looks at me. "I know that look anywhere! Lestat used to look at me that way" I hear her mumble to herself with a frown. Just as I open my mouth to speak to her Cade begins to talk, "Nora, Shelly, it's good to have you back safe and sound." Cade then smiles and looks at Thatcher, "And you are?" Thatcher looks uncertain of Cade before replying, "I'm Thatcher Mason your Majesty. I'm the last royal, and next heir to the throne from Blue Haven." Cade nods his head and responds, "I am familiar with your kingdom. What brings you to us in such a manner?" Thatcher takes a breath and explains, "I need your help to reclaim and rebuild my kingdom. It fell because of that horrible Queen Carolin from Dragon Valley." Cade ponders for a moment and replies, "I see, but I have heard that you are part lycan, is there any truth to this?" "Sadly it is so. I have been searching for years on a cure but haven't had any luck. I was scratched by a lycan as a child," Thatcher replies.

"I'm sorry to hear of your misfortune sir. Some of our kind can perform strong magical healing spells here in Brendlewood. If you are willing for them to attempt the lycan removal I can agree to assist you with your endeavors. In return I request that you will stay and help us fight against the lycans and Queen Carolin herself" Cade says with a grin. Thatcher nods in agreement and replies, "That sounds wonderful! It will be great to be able to walk around normal again, and not have to worry about turning into that hideous beast. I have seen the treachery the lycans and Queen Carolin bring. I accept your offer and agree to help you! Besides, I'm a pretty good shot with a bow and arrow." "That's great! I'll have one of my guards bring you to the royal enchantment room where we can begin the ritual," Cade says with a smile. Pausing when he reaches me he whispers, "Babe what on earth were you doing out there?" I whisper back, "I'll explain later darling." He kisses me on the cheek, and exits his chambers to prepare the spell. Shelly and I bring Thatcher downstairs to meet the others, and show him around the castle. 

Two hours later....  

Cade sends one of his guards to get Shelly, Thatcher, and myself to lead us into the royal enchantment room. "Sorry it took so long to send word for you all, these potions take some time and patience to make. Thatcher 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. Thatcher stands with his arms out stretched on either side of him, as Cirrus mumbles something in another language. 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. "What does that mean? I whisper to Tulip. She whispers back, "It's old elvish, it means : 'Not dead nor of the living, what has been lost shall be returned.' As Thatcher finishes off the potion, his eyes go completely black and he shakes violently before collapsing to the ground. "Have no fear girls" Cirrus tells us, "It's just part of the potion. He was heavily cursed! Let's get him to the bed, he should awaken soon."

Once the ritual is performed, Thatcher's eyes turn a deep purple like his fathers, instead of the golden color they were previously. He then takes a deep breath and says, "The blood no longer pumps forcefully through my veins, but instead flows gently, more calmly. I can feel myself becoming completely human. How can I thank you your highness" he asks Cade with excitement. "You're quite welcome! Now, help us take down Queen Carolin and we'll call it square" Cade replies heartily.

4 months later...

After months of training and preparing for war against the lycans, and Queen Carolin, the citizens of Brendlewood now also were preparing for the Christmas holiday, and soon after the royal wedding. King Cade and I had made our engagement announcement shortly after Thatcher's arrival, and the villagers had erupted with joy. Cade explained that he wanted the townspeople to be able to enjoy the festivities of Christmas without the stress of war prep. "It is with sadness that I tell you, that for some this will be the last Christmas you share with your loved ones. Let us please make it a merry one" he had told them. So with war planning put on hold everyone was bustling around getting ready for the holiday, and I was in a complete frenzy planning for the wedding. Not just any wedding, a royal wedding. "But Midi, I don't know how to do all of this! I just want to marry the man I love" I tell her as I stand in my gown while she pins various places for altering. "There now love, it's really all the same...just more flamboyance is all. Now hold still Miss, I've got to finish pinning this dress and do the hemming for your Christmas gown as well" Midi chuckles at me. 

The upcoming Christmas Masquerade was to be held at the palace. All us girls had picked out the fabrics for our dresses for Midi and the maids to begin working on them. "Cirrus had insisted that Midi work on my gown, "Only the best ladies maid for the Queen to be" she had told me. I slip into my Christmas dress, Midi gathers her materials to begin the hemming. A knock at the door slightly startles me, but I call out, "Um...hello? Who is it?" I hear Shelly reply and call her in. Tulip and Shelly come bounding in, like two giddy school girls with large smiles upon their faces. After Jax and Tulip patched up their relationship, Shelly and Tulip were able to work things out. In fact the four of us girls; Shelly, Tulip, Roonie, and myself had become the very best of friends. "You'll never guess what we-" Tulip starts, but Shelly interrupts, "just heard!?" Laughing I ask, "What on earth are you two so excited about!?" "We just came from the garden room and saw something very curious!" Tulip eagerly explains. "We overheard Luke ask Roonie to the Christmas Masquerade!" Shelly says wildly. "Oh! How lovely! I know she has been interested in him since he arrived!" The three of us giggle excitedly about Luke and Roonie until Midi rushes us to get ready for the ball. 

The castle never looked so good! Christmas decorations filled the palace and a giant sparkling Christmas tree stood tall in the middle of the ballroom floor. Guests from all of Brendlewood arrived and gathered in the ballroom. Music permeated the castle, and the guests took to dancing. "How fun this masquerade will be!" Shelly whispers to Tulip, Roonie and I at the flat of the staircase. "It does look like fun! Now if only our dates will receive us so we may join the party" Roonie says nervously. We all feel so dazzling sporting our signature colors and matching masks. Tulip in a long shimmery golden gown, Roonie in her favorite sparkling maroon, Shelly adorning a flowing black gown with a purple accent, and I in a radiant teal gown accented with stars and a sparkling corset top. "I've never seen a party so beautiful" I say softly to Shelly with a smile as the four of us wait at the flat of the stairs. 

Four gentlemen appear at the base of the staircase, gazing up at us with bright smiles. They bow and we girls slowly proceed to them. A very nervous looking Luke offers his arm to Roonie, who blushes and links arms with him. Next, Jax extends his hand to Tulip, who takes it, and they stride off to the dance floor. Just after they had made their way to the dance floor, Cade takes my hand and kisses it, smiling up at me. Shelly grins widely as Thatcher requests to escort her, and we all take off dancing. 

Ting! Ting! Ting! Cade taps a spoon on the edge of a wine glass, the music stops, and the guests go quiet. "Good evening! Good evening everyone, and Merry Christmas to you all! It is my honor that you all have graced Brendlewood castle with your presence here this evening, please enjoy yourselves!" Cade announces. "As you all know King Cade announced his engagement to Nora a few months ago and they will be wed just after the new year. Please join us this evening celebrating, as this is not only a Christmas Masquerade, but a surprise engagement party for the happy couple" Tulip follows up. Cade and I smile widely at each other as the guests applaud excitedly and a few of them shout, "All hail King Cade!"

The music resumes and the guests go back to dancing, eating, and drinking. Cade pulls me toward him and dip kisses me before bringing me back up and grinning cheerily. "You look utterly stunning my sweet" he tells me as my cheeks turn a light pink. I thank him and nod my head toward the buffet table where we see Thatcher gently kissing Shelly's hand, and her blushing deeply. "Tis the night for blushing it seems" Cade jokes. "Glad to see Jax and Tulip  are having a good night" he adds subtly pointing at the two twirling around happily on the ballroom floor. Across the room, under the mistletoe I see Luke and Roonie sharing a passionate kiss, I let out a little gasp, and whisper, "Looks like everyone is having a good time." Cade smiles warmly and replies, "What a wonderful evening this is. Now the only thing missing is you opening your gift, let's gather our friends and we'll do the gift exchange before the wine takes over!" 

Thatcher, Shelly, Jax, Tulip, Luke, Roonie, Cade and I make our way to the smaller room adjacent to the ballroom. We gather around a slightly smaller, but still magnificent Christmas tree and begin to exchange our gifts. Once all the gifts have been handed out, I begin telling them how wonderful it is to have them all in my life. "I just wish Bonnie and Arthur would have come" I say quietly. Shelly places her hand on mine and adds, "I know how you feel. I never got a response from the invite I sent them." Just then, a knock at the door, and Bonnie and Arthur pop into the room. "Surprise! You know we wouldn't miss Christmas! We wanted to surprise you but ended up being late!" Everyone merrily greets them, and we open our gifts. Moments later, scarves were being admired, necklaces envied over and chocolates devoured. Cade had given me a brilliant diamond bracelet to wear to our wedding, and Thatcher had even given Shelly a bouquet of beautiful wild flowers. 

"Oh my wings I love this song!" Roonie exclaims jumping to her feet excitedly. In her frenzy to return to the ballroom she manages to topple over as her skirts fly right over her head. The girls gasp and the men quickly look away. Luke stands with one hand completely covering his eyes, and the other extended blindly. "Roon?" he calls, as he reaches around aimlessly for Roonie's hand. Finally he finds her and gently places his hand on her shoulder, she lets out a squeal and slaps him away. For it wasn't her shoulder he had placed his hand upon, but instead her hind cheek. Luke apologies profusely explaining that it was purely an accident. Roonie forgives as she presses her skirts back down flat. With her face as red as her gown, she turns to run out of the room. Luke kindly grabs her by the hand and spins her right to him. "Don't be embarrassed, you're adorable" he tells her and gives her a little kiss on the forehead. She smiles blaming the wine, then giggles a bit uncontrollably before composing herself. The two whirl off to the center of the ballroom, and the rest of us ease out there as well.

The following morning as Cade and I are talking in bed, one of his guards bursts into the royal chambers. Gasping I pull the covers completely around me as Cade bellows, "What is the meaning of this intrusion!?" The guard apologetically replies, "Majesty, I have some urgent news of Lestat. I have come to find him with the lycan Brenda, and have learned he has joined forces with Queen Carolin of Dragon Valley. I spotted them in a small village about a days walk from here." Cade ponders for a moment before replying, "Please send word for Shelly to speak with me in the throne room. Inform her that it is urgent." "Yes your highness" the guard reverently replies, as he bows and exits the room to find Shelly.

A few minutes later as Cade and I wait in the throne room, the guard returns with Shelly. "Majesty, Shelly Lioncourt to see you per your request" the guard informs us. "Thank you Reginald, please show her in" Cade responds. Shelly enters the room, taking a seat and speaks with curiosity in her voice, "I hear you have requested to speak with me?" Cade sighs and says, "Yes, I'm afraid I have some unsettling news. I have just received word of your husband Lestat. He and a woman by the name of Brenda have been seen not far from here, and I have also been informed that he has joined in Queen Carolin's treacherous scheming. Please whatever you might know about this Brenda woman or Queen Carolin could be detrimental to our situation." 

Tears stream down Shelly's cheeks and she sits, mouth agape before being able to verbalize. Comforting her I gently rub her arm and she finally finds her words. "No! It can't be! I don't know much about Brenda, other than she was his ex-fiancee, and as far as the Queen... She is his mother, and a truly evil woman. It all seemed to start when I was pregnant and was scratched by a lycan, it didn't phase me but unfortunately two of the triplets I was carrying were cursed with partial lycan genetics. Melina was cured of this later on but Arthur still bears this burden. The Queen proceeded to banish me, Melina and Arthur after locking us in her dungeon. She's murdered countless people, some of which were very dear to me, and she's tried to have my family killed on numerous occasions. The citizens of Dragon Valley are terrified of her, but remain obedient, as she is the Queen of their kingdom. After all his mother put those people through, after what she did to our family... I can't believe he would help her! It's clear that the lycan genes in his veins have truly taken over. I'm not sure there is any saving him" Shelly explains.

Cade and I sit in silence while Shelly gives us the details about what kind of people we are up against. Cade clears his throat, and gravely replies, "This is very grim news indeed. I must admit I knew she was not an honest woman, but with your news I see that we truly are facing quite an evil. I will hold no resentment towards you if choose to go after your husband. I would advise you however as your friend, to please consider the complications of your relationship. Please think on this matter and let me know what you have decided to do." "Unfortunately this fall out has been a long time coming, and now that I have been informed of these new events, I know in my heart what I must do. I can't go on like this, always wondering if he will ever be the man I fell in love with. The lycan curse has completely overtaken him, at this point even if it was removed I'm afraid it would kill him. Can you please help me...can you please arrange for my marriage to Lestat to be dissolved?" Shelly trails off as she sputters between sobs. "Of course we will help you Shelly! I think you are making a wise decision, please know that we are behind you and here if you need anything else. I will have the courts draw up the paperwork immediately and with your signature, the marriage will be dissolved" Cade tells her. She thanks him profusely and hugs us both before exiting the room. 

As the week nears its' end, I scurry around frantically to finalize wedding plans. This particular morning I had somehow managed to put on two left shoes! Unfortunately this was not discovered until I was at my ladies shower for the wedding. Cade's cousin Countess Felicity had giggled and exclaimed, "Now now Nora, you know two lefts don't make a right!" When I asked what she was referring to she pointed at my feet. How absolutely embarrassing! After the shower Cade found me in the garden room upset. "I'm a mess Cade! How could you want to marry a nobody like me? I'm clumsy and uncoordinated. I'm no Queen! These people are going to simply mock me!" I blubber to him hysterically. "Nora Grace you stop that foolish chatter. You're beautiful and interesting and wonderful. I couldn't care less what they think! You will make an excellent Queen, and if even one person dares to mock you, I shall make it a law that they be heavily fined!" Cade tells me, half joking. I let out a small giggle and reply, "You would fine them?" Cade shrugs and smiles with his eyes twinkling brightly, "I would do anything for you Nora." 

Finally the day had arrived for the royal wedding. I stood in my dressing room, with Midi and the other maids flying around me, brushing my hair, painting my nails, and applying my make-up. The maids bustle around talking to one another about the excitement, "Have you ever seen such a beautiful wedding gown?" one of them asked the others. My gown was indeed beautiful, an ombre dress of teal covered in glitter. A bright glittering white corset style top that faded down into the darkest of teals at the bottom. White satin evening gloves covered my arms, and a flowing white veil was placed upon my head. "You won't have this on for long Miss" Midi tells me, "Once you reach the King at the alter you'll be crowned Queen of Brendlewood!" 

Before I knew it, it was time to walk down the aisle to be wed, and the feeling of nervousness and excitement fill my mind. Cade makes me feel loved in a way I have never known before. Even though it's over-whelming to think of me, Nora Bracford as Queen of Brendlewood, Cade makes me feel so peaceful, and competent about it. Admiring the room, I wait for my cue, and take notice of the beautiful decorations. A large room filled with elven benches, large green plants, and spritely pink flowers adorn the entrance. A beautiful lace lines the path in which I am to follow to meet Cade. At the front of the room two vases with dainty pink flowers stand beside two snowy white swan sculptures and two white pots hold beaming white edelweiss. There under a billowy white sheen, between all of these gorgeous decorations stands King Cade Meadowstone of Brendlewood, my husband to be! 

The music starts, jolting me from my daydream, and I start my walk down the aisle. I can't take my eyes off Cade, nor he off me. His piercing green eyes are twinkling with excitement and his brilliantly white smile beams at me as I draw nearer to him. I blush intensely and his wings flutter more rapidly now that I have met with him at the end of the aisle. He gently takes my hands in his as the royal court addresses the congregation. Everything turns into a blur as vows are exchanged as well as rings. The royal court presents my crown to me, glimmering silver garnished with teal and white stars, and Cade places it upon my head. It almost seems to sparkle like Christmas lights, and I gasp under my breath at the excitement of it all. 

We are presented first as man and wife, and Cade takes me hurriedly in his arms. I've forgotten about the courts, the congregation, the guards...the room even. Here I am held in Cade's strong arms, his eyes gazing straight into my soul, and his skin scented lightly with honeydew cologne. I'm transported away when he tips me back slightly as his perfect lips barely graze mine before pressing tenderly against one another in a loving kiss.

The courts present us next as the King and Queen of Brendlewood, people in the room all bow in respect, and I'm not sure how to react. Cade gives me a wink and whispers, "Just give a small nod or wave. Don't be nervous my dear." I smile at him and give a little nod, just as he takes my hand into his and we make our way down the aisle as husband and wife, King and Queen. A trumpet blares the royal fanfare, and we walk out onto the balcony that overlooks the grounds. Hundreds of townspeople have gathered, waving and cheering wildy for us! "Milady! Milady!" shouts a small girl waving frantically at me. I smile warmly and give her a wave as she squeals with joy. "I now present their royal highnesses King Cade Meadowstone and his Queen; Queen Nora Meadowstone of Brendlewood!!" shouts the herald. Suddenly everyone falls silent and bows reverently. "Thank you! On this joyous day may you celebrate happily for I give you Queen Nora! A woman of kindness, fairness and love. May you honor her as you have me!" Cade bellows as he takes my hand in his again and raises it into the sky. Once again the people of Brendlewood cheer heartily, as Cade smiles from ear to ear at me. I'm so happy I cannot possibly find the words to express it, but there isn't a need, fore Cade leans over and kisses me softly and whispers, "I love you!" 

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