Chapter 34

These outlandish visions have me in a disarray of confusion. I can hear voices coming from further down the hall as I near the throne room. I find Cade talking with one of the guards. "What's going on?" I ask. "Reginald was just reporting in about the lycans. They captured and delivered three of them to Parfon's residence, but she was not impressed with the turnout. They have been trailing a group of them but haven't been successful in capturing them. I've decided to join them for awhile to see if I can help" Cade tells me. "How long will you be gone?" I ask him. "Hard to say, but I will return as soon as I can sweetie" he says lovingly. I'm not sure how I feel about Cade leaving just now with new people in the castle, and these visions I've been having, but I know he needs to help the guards.

The next morning as Cade prepares to leave, a guard from Learia approaches him and Cade recognizes him instantly. "Your highness, thank goodness I found you! I come with word from Learia. It...It's gone! A dark army has seized it, and only a few people have made it to safety" the guard says as he collapses to the floor. "Quick! Get him to a bed. See that the servants tend to him, and then please send me Roonie and Luke" Cade instructs a Brendlewood guard.

A few minutes pass and Roonie and Luke join us in the throne room. Cade begins to tell them about the devastation in Learia. "This is all my fault, I should've been there" Roonie says burying her face in her hands. "No, no sister it's not. I know when you and father came to Brendlewood he left the best of the royal courts in command while you and father were gone. There is nothing more that could have been done. We will send for the remainder of the Learians. Our friends will join us in Brendlewood until we can rebuild" Cade tells everyone. "This is the second kingdom that has fallen in a short amount of time, and we all know who is behind it. These are substantially large kingdoms that are being taken down, if they can't defend themselves how can we expect the smaller villages strewn throughout the lands to survive? Soon Dragon Valley will be the only kingdom standing, and those of us left alive will be forced to abide by their Queens despicable ruling" Luke says fearfully. "We can't let that happen!" Roonie squeaks. Luke wraps an arm around her for comfort and tries to calm her. "We will find a way to take them down, right darling?" I ask Cade while trying to hide the uncertainty in my voice. Cade remains silent for a few moments, deep in thought. "They will not succeed. We must not rush the battle. The only chance we have for winning is to make sure that we are completely prepared. " he says bravely. We talk briefly of plans to retrieve the survivors of Learia, and soon after Cade announces that he must leave to help with the lycan situation.

"Safe journey my love. Please return to me soon" I tell Cade once Luke and Roonie have left the room. Cade smirks slightly and brushes his hand along my cheek lovingly. "Nora, I can hear the worry in your voice. You don't need to worry, I will be careful. I will be back before you know it" he tells me. Suddenly fear rushes through my body and I throw my arms around him tightly. "That was the last thing my father told me before he left for war, and he never came home. Please don't go" I tell him as warm tears slide down my face. He holds me and whispers, "Don't be afraid sweetheart, this is a simple mission. I'm afraid I have to go though. Delivering the lycan is the only reason Brendlewood is being left unharmed." I relax my arms and lean out of our embrace, trying to give him a smile, though not thoroughly convinced. He kisses me tenderly and tells me that he loves me. Calling for a guard he exits the room to gear up and heads out.

I stands with my heart sunk into my stomach, trying to remain composed. "Well there you are majesty! I've been lookin' to find you" Midi tells me as she enters the room continuing, "I just came from Miss Roonie's chambers, and she's right down in the dumps! She's requesting to see you." I thank Midi and dismiss her, and Midi gives a little bow before she leaves the room. "We shouldn't be sitting around here worrying ourselves to death when there is a wedding to be planned! Plus it will help me keep my mind off of worrying about Cade" I think to myself. I decide to find the girls and go see Roonie to discuss the wedding.

Once all of us have been rounded up, and I have explained to the girls about Learia, Shelly, Tulip, Bonnie and I give a knock at Roonie's door. She opens the door with a surprised look upon her face. "What's going on?" she asks. "Well Midi said that you were feeling down about our discussion earlier, and we've come to help cheer you up" I tell her. Roonie glances at the floor and replies, "I love Brendlewood, but Learia was my home. I grew up there, my friends were there, my memories." We all exchange looks with one another, then Shelly replies, "We're all so sorry Roonie, but you know Cade will have it rebuilt in no time." Shelly hands Roonie a little basket filled with sweets, and she thanks her. "I know it doesn't take the hurt away, but all of us here have been through some tough times. From losing people, to dumping idiot boyfriends because they can't stick to one girl! Now this Clover chick thinks she can just barge in here and try to snag all the guys. Well you know what!? I don't think so missy. I've caught Arthur in a stare a time or two, but he knows better than to mess with her. She is just ridiculous!" Bonnie folds her arms and gives a 'hmph' before realizing she has gone off into a rant. Shelly and I raise our eyebrow's at each other. Tulip rolls her eyes and replies, "Pfft! Trust me, I know the feeling. Well Roonie, we are here to take your mind off of things. Right now we've got your wedding to finalize!" Roonie looks up quickly from the floor, as if she had totally forgotten about the wedding. "Yes!" she exclaims and rushes us into her room.

An hour later Roonie is chatting away happily about the wedding and it seems that the tragedy of Learia isn't foremost on her mind. "Ok red roses will fill the grand hall. Red roses and cream colored lace. Won't it be beautiful!? Now should Luke's suit be cream colored or something more traditional? I just can't make up my mind" Roonie rambles on to us. "That does sound beautiful! Maybe you can even include a burst of color, like yellow!" Tulip suggests. Roonie tries not to wrinkle her nose at the idea of the color yellow (her least favorite) and gives Tulip a smile but politely declines. "Honestly the decorations, and the reception are the least of my worries. It's the wedding night that I am concerned with" Roonie says. "Why in the world would you be worried about that? That's the best part!" Shelly tells her with smile. I nod in agreement with a big grin as Bonnie and Tulip exchange looks. "Oh my gosh...Roonie are you...I mean have you and Luke not..." Tulip tries to ask. Roonie blushes so brightly that her cheeks match her maroon hair. Softly she says, "I wanted to wait until I found the right guy." Clapping my hands together I tell her what a great decision that is! "Don't worry about it. It will be wonderful!" I tell her. Shelly gives her advice on the matter and then suggests we work on the guest seating chart for the reception. 

Just as we begin working on the final table, a guard enters the room. "Sorry to intrude Miss Shelly, but Thatcher would like to see you in the garden room" he announces. "Well girls, I hate to leave you in the middle of all the planning, but I should see what Thatcher is up to" Shelly tells us. We agree, and Shelly turns to leave the room. Just as Shelly leaves the room and enters the hall a vision comes to me and I see her happily waddling her pregnant body through the castle. She arrives at the garden room door, and it swings open when she turns the handle. There stands Thatcher leaned up against a tree smiling. She gives Thatcher a little smile and says, "Hey there! Everything alright?" Thatcher takes a deep breath and replies, "Shelly, sweet Shelly, I'm more than alright. I've been doing some thinking, and I want you to know something. I'm nothing without you, you are my world, my everything. That night in the forest I met my destiny. What I'm trying to say is...." Thatcher trails off taking a knee. He pulls out a small black box, and pops it open as he continues to speak, "...will you be my wife?"

Gasping Shelly clasps my hands over her mouth. She's completely lost for words from shock, as tears of joy stream down her cheeks. She wasn't expecting a proposal, and as she stares into his eyes, she can tell that he is sincere. Finally she manages to find her words and replies in a shaky tone, "Oh, Thatcher...Yes! Yes, of course I will marry you!" Thatcher extends his hand out and she places her hand into his. He smiles from ear to ear as he gracefully slides the diamond beauty onto her finger. She stares at it as the lights of the garden illuminate the gem. "Thatcher, it's beautiful!" she tells him. Peeling her eyes away from her radiant accessory, she notices that Thatcher has tears in his eyes. "What is it my love?" she asks.

He hugs her tightly and whispers, "I love you." In return she whispers back that she loves him too. He takes her into his arms, dips her slightly, and they engage in a passionate kiss. He takes her breath away, and I can tell she knows that she has found her true love.

I smile to myself thinking of Shelly and Thatcher's engagement "I should probably let her tell us though." I think to myself. Suddenly standing in front of me is one upset looking Roonie. "NORA! This is no time to space out. What do you think of these vases for the center pieces?" she asks. "Oh, sorry! They're great! I think they will look beautiful with some rose petals" I suggest. "Nora didn't you use tall vases at your reception?" Tulip inquires. "Oh! Yes she did! They were perfect! Nora, can you show me the reception pix from your wedding? I would like to get some idea's" Roonie mentions. I nod and offer to take the girls to the royal chambers to view the wedding albums.

As we stroll through the castle we pass the sitting room where we see a woman none of us have seen before, seated on one of the sofa's. Roonie, Tulip, Bonnie and I exchange looks, and Bonnie whispers, "Maybe we should see who she is." The others agree and I whisper back, "You're right. I'm gonna see if she needs something, and who she is. I will meet you in the royal chambers." Upon approaching I see a raven haired woman with crystal blue eyes reading a book. "Hi there! I haven't seen you around here before, can I help you with anything?" I ask. The woman closes the book and turns to look at her with a smile. "Oh, hello! I'm Sheila Mills from Blue Haven. I've been staying in the village, but I heard that Ector Coleman is staying here in the castle. We're old friends, and I thought we could catch up" she replies. "Welcome Sheila Mills! I'm Queen Nora, I can fetch him for you" I tell her. Sheila stands and gives a little bow replying, "Thank you your majesty, but a guard has already been sent to find him. He told me to just wait here" she explains. "I see, well let us know if we can be of anymore help. Enjoy your visit" I tell her with a smile before heading off to my chambers.

As I reach the room I find the girls chatting happily about the wedding plans. "Oh good you're here! Who is that woman?" Tulip asks. "Oh yes just a villager from Blue Haven. She's here to see Ector, I guess they are old friends" I explain. Bonnie shakes her head and states, "You know I really don't care for that guy!" "He's an absolute jerk! Why is he even permitted to stay at the castle?" Tulip chimes in. "Well he's Alex's brother, and Thatcher's cousin. If we ask Ector to leave, we'd have to ask all three of them. Plus I'm sure Shelly wouldn't want to be without Thatcher, and with all the cottages in the village filled, we'd have to turn them out into the woods" I point out. The others get quiet and finally Roonie says, "Well, I guess you have a point there. We'll just have to put up with him for now, for Shelly and Thatcher's sake." "Trust me I don't like him any more than you girls, but Shelly is like family, and I just couldn't do that to her" I tell them. Bonnie scoffs, "He's still a piece of work! Seems like he needs a good punch in the face!" "Ok, ok let's forget about stupid Ector! We're supposed to be planning for my wedding! Oh my gosh I left my wedding book in my chambers. Nora, why don't you get the photo album, and I'll run and grab my notebook?" Roonie suggests. I give her a nod and Roonie exits the room.

"I can't wait to look at your wedding pictures again!" Tulip smiles as I open the chest holding her special keepsakes. I pull out a sparkling black book with a small picture frame embedded in the cover. "I love this picture! Look how happy you are Mom" Bonnie grins. I beam as I look at the picture, then open up the book to reveal the first pictures of my wedding day. The three of us sit reminiscing about that day when Roonie returns with her wedding book. "Ok, I'm thinking that woman is a little strange" she says having a seat next to Tulip. "Oh? How so?" I ask. "Well I went to get my book, and on my way back, I passed Ector's room. I could hear them talking as I approached. They were talking in soft voices so I couldn't hear very well, but it was something about Parfon and a spell put on Thistle" Roonie tells them. "Oh my gosh! Do you think it's true?" Bonnie asks. Roonie continues, "I'm not sure...but, I tried to get a better listen and crept closer to the door. All I was able to hear was her saying, 'I can't do it anymore. I want to be with you'. But, then the door creaked and I took off quickly to find you all."

We sit in silence, thinking about what this could mean. "That awful bitc-" Bonnie starts, but is cut off by Tulip. "-I know what you mean Bonnie. Maybe Parfon kidnapped her parents and put a spell on Thistle to erase her memories" Tulip guesses. "Yea, but do you honestly think she would let her go? I know you care for her Bonnie, but there's always been something unsettling about that girl. What if her real parents work for Parfon, and they sent her to spy on us?" I gasp. The other's shake their heads, "That's ridiculous! Thistle might be a quiet girl who keeps to herself, but Arthur and I never had any problems with her. Maybe she isn't used to living in the castle. I know all this castle lifestyle is getting to me. It's so chaotic. Arthur and I were actually talking the other day about moving back into our village home. Of course we will still come to the wedding, and special events. But, we both miss the simple village life" Bonnie states. "Oh that's understandable Bonnie. But, I think everyone needs to keep an eye on Thistle, just in case. We only offered for you to come stay with us when there was uncertainty of safety in the village. You all are welcome to return to the village whenever you like" I explain to her.

"I don't want to go back to the village though" a small voice says. Startled, they all turn to see Thistle standing in the doorway. "Please Miss Bonnie don't make me go back. It's been a dream come true to live in a castle. It's like I'm a princess!" Thistle tells Bonnie who looks offended. "But, Thistle sweetie, don't you want to live with Mr. Arthur and I?" she asks. Thistle nods and replies, "Oh of course I do! I just want to stay at the castle a little longer. Please?" Bonnie looks at me and then back at Thistle before answering her, "Why doesn't Miss Tulip, and Miss Roonie show you the rest of the royal chambers, and I will speak to Queen Nora." Once they were out of earshot Bonnie asks if I think that it's a good idea to leave her here a bit longer. "I don't see why not. I don't mean to upset you, but we don't know her very well, and I would feel better keeping an eye on her anyhow. Don't worry she can return to you in a week or so, if that suits you" I tell Bonnie. She agree's but tells me that she and Arthur are still going back to the village. "Ok, sounds like a plan! Thistle! Tulip! Roonie!" I call, and once they have returned Bonnie tells Thistle of the plan. "We'll make sure your room is all ready to go for when you come back, ok?" Bonnie tells her sweetly. Thistle nods happily and tells them she's headed to the garden to play.

"Oof! Hey there! Where are you headed in such a hurry? It's not safe to run through the castle you know?" They hear Shelly say from the hall. In the doorway appears Shelly's hand with a large engagement ring adorning it, and we hear her giggling. Shelly pops into the room with the biggest smile on her face and shouts, "Thatcher and I are engaged!" We all gasp with excitement, and jump up to view her ring. "Oh congratulations! That is wonderful!" Bonnie tells her. Shelly thanks her, and Bonnie tells us she's off to pack for the village. "Ok Bon see you soon!" I tell her as I give her a tight hug. The other girls say their goodbyes to Bonnie, and of course their congratulations to Shelly. Tulip squeals with glee at Shelly's news and almost tackles her with a hug. "Careful of the baby!" Shelly laughs. "Oh sorry, sorry, sorry! Are you ok in there itty bitty?" Tulip coo's rubbing Shelly's stomach.

Roonie doesn't say much but offers her congratulations. "What's wrong Roon" I whisper as Tulip and Shelly gab. "Nothing, I just...well never mind" she says. "Aw, you can tell me" I comfort. "I don't know, I mean I'm really happy for her, but this is my time ya know? She just busts in here stealing my thunder. It just makes me feel kinda sad" Roonie expresses. "Stealing your thunder? Roonie c'mon, you're a great girl, and the whole castle is excited about your wedding! Besides she and Thatcher won't be married for awhile. Don't worry, no one is forgetting about you" I smile as I pull her into a hug. She laughs and says, "Yea, you're right. I guess I'm just being silly!" I hand Roonie the wedding album and tell her to just return it whenever she is through with it. "I'm gonna head downstairs to get some reading in. Shelly, again congratulations!" I tell Shelly as she leaves the room.

Downstairs I decide to grab a snack before heading over to the library. As sI pass through the grand hall I see Thatcher and some of the guys chatting heartily. "Hey there Nora! Have you heard the news?" Thatcher greets. "I sure have! I'm so happy for you both!" I reply. "Yea, we were just givin' old Arthur here some grief about tying the knot with Bonnie" Luke laughs giving his brother a slap on the back. Arthur looks a bit nervous, but gives a smile and a nervous laugh. "Well, I'm sure he's thought about it fella's. Give the guy a break! Besides we've got enough women around here running around like a chicken with their heads cut off, preparing for weddings!" I kid. Thatcher, Luke, and Alex laugh, and Arthur asks if I've seen Bonnie around. "Well yes, actually she said you two were planning on returning to the village. I think she's in your room packing" I tell him. "Ok thanks. We really appreciate the hospitality. Thank you for allowing us to stay here for awhile" he tells me. "Absolutely! You all are welcome anytime! Oh, I meant to talk to you about Thistle as well. She's requested to stay a bit longer at the castle, and I told Bonnie it was fine by me" I inform him.

Then, pulling him off to the side while the others talk, I whisper, "Has she been acting strange to you?" Arthur looks around and gives a little nod. "She's always given me an odd vibe, but I just don't have the heart to tell Bonnie. I mean she does so much for those village kids, and she was so excited to be able to help Thistle when we learned of her parents fate" he whispers back. "Well, I'll keep an eye on here while she's here and let you know if anything out of the ordinary happens, ok?" I respond. He whispers a 'thank you' to her, and then in a louder voice says to everyone, "Well, I better help Bonnie with the packing." "Just as well, I was off to do some reading anyhow. I'll see you gents later" I tell the group.

Once I have acquired my snack, a juicy pear that the maid Lona gave me, I enter the library and settle into a pile of lush pillows scattered in the window seat. No sooner have I found a nice book and cracked it open, do I hear muffled voices. As I listen the conversation becomes more clear, and I realize that it is Tulip speaking. "I don't even know why I'm here Jax. After everything you've put me through, all the hurt. But, with everyone getting married and having babies, I've just been feeling depressed. I thought what we had was special, that I mattered to you" she tells him. "Tulip you know I never meant to hurt you. I've always had a problem with a wandering eye. I make bad decisions, I'm always in the wrong place at the wrong time, and things just sort of happen before I realize. Truth is, that Alex guy seems like a good guy. He's got the looks, and the stature. Heck, he's a Duke for goodness sake, a real gentlemen. You deserve to be with the best, and be happy. Not with some village boy that's got a players heart" Jax tells Tulip in an apologetic tone.

The library door eases open and I see Alex enter. I give a little wave, but he doesn't see me and instead walks toward the back of the library. Curious I follows him and positions myself in a chair where I can just make out Tulip, Alex, and Jax through one of the bookshelves. Before Alex reaches them Tulip says sadly, "Jax...you were never just a village boy to me. You've always been one of my best friends. I know you meant well, but it just didn't work out between you and I. Everyone is moving on with their life, and with my parents death, I guess I just felt like you would understand. I just needed some comfort from a friend, and you came to mind. I mean we grew up together, we used to be so close." "We were really close, and I'd love to be that way again. I know I've messed up Tulip, but can't we give it another chance?" Jax pleads.

Tulip remains silent for a few moments, then I hear Alex speak up, "Tulip is everything alright? I heard you telling Jax that you've been upset." "Oh I'll be alright" she tells him, then gives Jax a look as if to apologize. Jax puts his hand up and clears his throat, "Excuse me bud, but we were having a private conversation here." Alex looks perplexed, but composes himself and replies, "Sorry friend, I didn't mean to intrude. I was looking for Tulip, and when I heard the grieve in her voice I thought it well to check on her. One should be aware and concerned with the feelings of one's girlfriend. Shouldn't they?" he retorts. "Girlfriend?!" Jax exclaims, but then instead of arguing with Alex, he turns back to Tulip. He grabs her gently by the forearms and asks, "Tulip! Can't we give it another shot?" Tulip looks from Alex to Jax, then replies, "I'm sorry Jax, I just can't. I'm with Alex now, but I don't want our friendship to end. Please understand" she tells him then exits the room.

Alex stands with Jax, both not speaking to one another. Finally Jax speaks, "Listen...I'm sorry for getting upset with you. It's hard to see a better man swoop in and captivate the only girl you've really ever loved. I know you're better for her, I know you'll make her happy. I know you'll treat her better than I ever did. It's taken me losing her to realize how it all went wrong. It's taken her leaving me to realize that I've lost the best thing I ever had" Jax says with his voice shaking slightly. He runs his fingers through his hair, and takes a step toward Alex. "Don't make the same mistakes I did. Just promise me something, ok? Promise that you'll spend every day bringing her joy" Jax says. Alex nods and says softly, "I promise." Jax tells him thanks, then leaves the room quickly.