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