Chapter 35

As the weeks roll by the castle becomes busier, as the final preparations are made for Luke and Roonie's wedding. Word is received that Blue Haven Castle once again is functional, and a few of the cottages have been repaired. "Just a few more weeks, and we'll have it up and running for the most part" a Brendlewood guard tells me. I try to put the worry of Cade from my mind as I haven't heard from him for nearly two weeks now. Instead my time is spent helping Roonie with her wedding, taking walks with Shelly to keep her health up as she nears the end of her second trimester, and sitting in on Tulip's enchantment lessons. On occasion I would visit with Bonnie and Arthur in the village. "Is she ready to come home yet?" Bonnie would ask in reference to Thistle returning to live with them. Each time I would explain that she seems captivated with the castle and doesn't wish to leave yet. "We just want her to be happy, so if she wants to stay, that's fine by us" Arthur always replied. 

This particular morning was Roonie and Luke's big day, and with an early spring upon us, they decided to move the wedding outdoors. I gently knock at her chamber door, but notice a shrill sound coming from within. Flinging the door open, I find a very panic-stricken Roonie wearing her wedding gown backwards. "It...doesn't...fit" she manages to get out between sobs. I reach out my hand to smooth her very frazzled hair, and try to hide my smile as I reply, "Well hun, I think it will fit better if it's not backwards." Roonie sniffs and stops crying. She rises from the couch, and peeking into the full length mirror, she stands perfectly still. Suddenly she begins to softly giggle, then to laugh. 

Before long she is doubled over in laughter. "I'm so stupid! I can't get married! I can't even dress myself. I always knock things over or spill them, or say the wrong thing" she tells me as she laughs nervously. "Oh, Roonie! Don't say that! You are a beautiful, smart girl. It's your wedding day, you're allowed to be absent-minded! We are all a little clumsy, Luke said himself that he loves that about you, remember? I know you're going to be a gorgeous bride, and loving wife, and an excellent Queen. Hey, if I can do it, anyone can!" I tell her soothingly, as I comb through her hair. "I just can't believe I put my dress on backwards. I've always had a maid to dress me since I was a little girl" she explains as she calms back down. "Speaking of which, where is Midi and the chambermaids?" I ask. Roonie shrugs, "Probably getting things ready for the wedding. I'm sure they'll be along soon." I spin her hair around in an intricate updo for the wedding and pin a few rhinestones neatly encircling the bun. She slides her dress on, and making sure it's face forward this time, I begin to lace up the back. "There now, we just need to do your makeup" I say as I turn her to face the mirror. She gasps softly and places her fingertips against the cool mirrors glass whispering, "That's me? I-I look..." "Perfectly radiant" I say finishing her sentence. 

"Miss Roonie! Miss Roonie!" we hear Midi call from the other side of the door. "Yes? Come in!" Roonie answers. Midi enters, followed by a very excited Tulip and Shelly. "Why your majesties, you've already dressed?" Midi asks Roonie and I. "Well I won't say that it was easy, but with Nora's help, we got the job done" Roonie laughs. "Roon you look amazing!" Tulip exclaims with joy. "Just beautiful! And your hair! It's so elegant" Shelly comments. Roonie smiles proudly and tells them that it was all my doing. I shake my head and tell the group that it's nothing the rest of us wouldn't have done. "Where's Bonnie? Has she not arrived yet?" Roonie asks fearfully. Tulip smiles, "Not to worry! She is on her-" "Hey guys, I'm here! Oh my gaw! Roonie you look stellar!!" Bonnie shrieks as she bursts through the door. 

We all exchange hugs, and Midi swoops around applying finishing touches to our hair and makeup. "Something old.." Shelly says, handing Roonie a small pin of a golden butterfly. Tulip smiles wide, and hands Roonie a dazzling set of diamond earrings, "Something new..." Next is Bonnie who hands her a ruby ring, "Something borrowed...keyword borrowed. I want that gorgeous thing back" she says as she laughs. Last to go is me, and I draw from my clutch a small blue ribbon. "Something blue..." I tell her tying the little blue ribbon around her ankle. Roonie smiles broadly and thanks each of us, "You girls are the best friends anybody ever had! I can't believe it's finally time! I'm gonna be married!" she squeaks. With a little bow Midi says softly, "Begging your majesties pardon, but Sir Luke will be waiting. We must go to the garden now." Instantly the color drains from Roonie's already translucent skin, and she grabs Tulip's arm. "What is it?" Tulip asks horrified. Roonie says nothing but instead falls to the floor, her skirts engulfing her. The lot of us gasp, and Midi rushes to her carefully sitting her up. "Just a fainting spell girls, no need to fret" Midi tells us as she fans Roonie. Blinking slowly once, then rapidly several times, Roonie opens her eyes and sits up straight as a board. Before she can begin to panic we comfort her and fix her skirts. "There now, let's try this again!" Midi smiles, holding the door open for us. "Thank you, Midi" I tell her as we exit, and proceed out to the garden. 

The day was bright with the sun shining happily onto the royal garden. Golden columns line the stone path that leads up to a wooden arch which is covered in cream colored chrysanthemums. Atop the columns sat beautiful golden vases that were exploding with the reddest roses I've ever seen. To either side of the arch small rose bushes are placed in a row, and vines of red roses crawl up smaller iron arches behind the bushes.  "Oh Roonie, it's beautiful" I whisper as we wait for the ceremony to begin. The guests wait patiently in their seats as the harp begins to sings its angelic tune. Luke stands at the archway in his finest cream colored suit, happily awaiting his bride. Alex, Arthur, Thatcher, and Jax stand waiting to accompany the girls down the aisle. Alex takes Tulip by the arm and they make their way down the pathway. Next, Arthur links arms with Bonnie and they proceed. They are followed by Shelly and Thatcher, and catching the rear is Jax and I. "Thank you for walking with me. I can't believe Cade isn't back for the wedding. Roonie was upset earlier that he wouldn't be here to walk her down the aisle" I whisper to Jax. "I'm sure everything is fine. I know she wanted him to walk with her since King Jude's untimely departure" he whispers back as we walk down the pathway.  

A horn blares "Here Comes the Bride" and Roonie appears at the end of the stone path. The guests gasp and murmur quietly at her beauty as she slowly makes her way toward Luke. I smile feeling glad that she made it to her wedding without any quirky things going wrong. She stops at the last row of seats and waits for the royal officiate to speak. A small elderly man stands underneath the arch and he looks out into the congregation at Roonie. His face is covered in liver spots and his feathery white hair is all but gone from the crown of his head. Small glasses sit at the tip of his pointy little nose and his raspy voice crackles as he asks, "Who gives this woman to this man?" Roonie glances at the ground as silence washes over the group. Just as the officiate is about to speak again, a voice calls out, "Her brother does!" A very tired, very muddy looking Cade trots down the pathway to where Roonie stands. "I'm sorry it took so long to get here" he breathes. Roonie just smiles from ear to ear, as Cade leans over to kiss her cheek. She takes her places opposite Luke and the ceremony continues. 

I blow a small kiss to Cade, who gives me a wink and takes a seat. As Cade and I smile at one another I suddenly see his eyes widen. He jerks his head toward Roonie in a funny manner, and I give a little gasp. Quickly but nonchalantly I yank her skirts out from her undergarments. "The poor thing must have accidentally tucked her skirts into her under slip! I hope no one else noticed" I think to myself. If they did, no one said a word about it, and the ceremony went off without a hitch. Finally the scratchy voice of the officiate croaks, "I now pronounce you man and wife! You may kiss your bride young man!" Luke and Roonie smile sheepishly at one another, before he takes her into his arms and kisses her in a passionate dip kiss. Everyone goes wild clapping and cheering loudly, as the couple walks happily out of the garden area. The rest of us walk pair by pair exiting the garden and are followed by the guests. 

Back in the castle the maids help seat the guests while the rest of us line up for pictures. Cade whispers to me that he's going to get cleaned up and rejoin us, but not before laying a tender kiss on my lips. "Alright, thank you all. We're just going to get some pictures of us now, if you want to head to the reception" Luke tells the rest of us. Not long after a guard loudly announces, "I present to you their majesties; King Luke and Queen Roonie of Learia!" Everyone whistles and applauds loudly, as Luke and Roonie immediately walk to the dance floor for their first dance. The music starts but suddenly everything goes fuzzy and refocuses into a vision.

Ector sits in his room alone, no...there is someone else. A silhouette comes into focus and I can make out the shape of a woman. A slinky mint green dress adorns her body and the low cut "V" shape leaves nothing to the imagination. A mane of mousy brown hair falls to her shoulders, and her smoldering hazel eyes are complemented by sultry pouty lips. "Who is this woman?" I think to myself. She seductively leans over Ector as he sits on the edge of the bed, her bosom barely concealed by her dress. Ector stares at her desirably, but she takes her pointer finger and places it under the tip of his chin. She tilts his head back slightly and looks deep into his eyes. "I see that you've been having some fun with the local fairy trash, but I know your heart belongs to me. You wouldn't sabotage what we've built together, you're too smart for that" she says in a snake-like voice. "Kristen, I-" Ector starts. "SHUT UP! You have not been being careful Ector! Blue Haven getting taken out wasn't part of the plan. If you ever want to rule, we have to work together. Now, something made her lose sight of Brendlewood, and I want to know what!" she sneers. 

Ector sits silently before he responds. "Well don't just sit there! What do you have to say?" she hisses. "Babe, I haven't been able to find that out just yet, but I'm working on it. There's a woman who approached me a few weeks ago. She is a witch from Blue Haven by the name of Sheila Mills. I don't think the others are aware of her powers, perhaps we can use her to our advantage?" he mentions. Kristen's eyes dance in the candlelight, "Ah! Now that's an idea! Tell you what my darling, since you have such a way with the ladies, why don't you seduce the necromancer and get her working on our side. That could certainly come in handy" Kristen says as a terrible grin spreads across her face.

"Leave it to me my love" he chuckles before continuing, "I will say, I just love the disguise you've chosen" he says as he runs his hands along her waist and down her backside. "Mmhmm, I thought you might" she replies smiling, "Just be careful baby, if they find me out everything will be ruined." Ector grins and grabs her around the middle, throwing her on the bed. The two begin kissing and the vision fades as Bonnie's loud whistling rips me back out of my daze. 

Luke and Roonie bow as their dance finishes and they exit the dance floor. Everyone gathers around in the formal dining room as Luke and Roonie announce that they will be cutting the cake. A three tiered cream colored cake sits in the middle of the small table. Edible red roses are scattered along each tier, and it almost seems to glisten with edible glitter. Topping the cake is a large golden letter "L". Roonie smiles at Luke with her eyes sparkling, "I'm Mrs. Lioncourt now! And, you good sir are King of Learia!" she whispers to Luke who smiles and kisses her nose. He places his hand on top of Roonie's as they take the knife together, slicing the cake in one fluid motion. Each taking a small piece of the cake, they link arms and pause for the photographer's to capture the moment.

"Ready?" Luke smiles. Roonie nods and the two attempt to feed the cake to one another. With a bit of grace Luke successfully lands the cake straight into Roonie's mouth. Roonie on the other hand, is concentrating so hard on the incoming piece of cake, that she isn't guiding her piece into Luke's mouth. SPLAT! Roonie's cake squishes right up Luke's nose. "Agh!" Luke says as he laughs heartily. "Oh my gosh babe, I'm so sorry!" Roonie says, trying to suppress a giggle. "I just knew I'd do something stupid! I hope I haven't ruined our special day" she says glumly. Luke wipes the cake from his face and kisses her and replies, "Not in a million years."

After everyone has enjoyed their meal, and has had their fill of wine, we all migrate back to the ballroom for more entertainment. The musicians strike up a quick tune and the guests take to the dance floor. Shelly grabs Thatcher's hand, eagerly leading him out to the dance floor. Cade takes my hand pulling me close. "It's so great to be home darling. I wish I didn't have to leave again" he tells me. "Shh...no talk of business on this happy occasion" I tell him, pressing my finger to his lips. He gives me a smile and spins me around happily. The other couples join us on the dance floor, but from the corner of my eye, I see Jax sitting alone at one of the tables. Following his stare I see him somberly watching Alex and Tulip enjoying the evening. Sitting his drink down, he rises and exits the room. 

Before I have time to wonder where he is off to, I hear a loud wail over the music. Glancing around I see Shelly clutching her stomach, doubled over in pain. Thatcher, who is looking extremely panicked quickly glances around the room and waves me over. "I don't know what's wrong!" he exclaims. "The baby...it's too soon" Shelly manages to get out. By now our friends have gathered around, and we help Shelly get to a seat at one of the guest tables. "I'll grab Midi" Tulip offers and takes off with Bonnie to search for the maid. 

Soon Midi, and 3 other maids swoop in and help Shelly to her chambers. The rest of us follow suit, and make our way upstairs after them. The men wait outside her bedroom door, while us girls try to comfort Shelly, and keep her calm. The maids get her out of her gown and into bed, elevating her back with cushy pillows. "There now majesty Cirrus is on her way with the nurse. We'll get e'rything right" Midi tells her. "Out of the way boys!" we hear Cirrus's voice scold the men as she enters the room with the nurse. 

"Not to worry dear, not to worry! Let's see now..." the nurse tells Shelly. Cirrus sprinkles a bit of fairy dust over Shelly's head, and she instantly becomes more relaxed. "Take nice deep breathes child" Cirrus tells her. Shelly does as instructed as the nurse checks her heart beat, and the baby's as well. Her face is bent in concentration, but soon melts into a carefree smile. Breathing a sigh of relief, the nurse puts down her instruments and says, "Nothing to be concerned about deary! Just a little scare, those braxton hicks contractions can seem like the real thing. It's nothing to fret about." Shelly gives her a look of confusion and questions, "Braxton hicks?" Cirrus nods, "False labor. Some women experience this during pregnancy, but it's not serious." 

"I do think it wise that you take a week or two on bed rest, just to give your body some time to rest. Growing a new person is tough work young lady!" the nurse laughs. "But, I've never had this false labor with any of my other children, and trust me, I've had quite a few!" Shelly mentions. "I read about this, some women experience many differences with each pregnancy" Tulip tells her. "Well, I think bed rest is a good idea. Why not take it easy while you have the help available? I will see that the maids tend to your every need, right ladies?" I ask the group of maids gathered nearby. They all curtsy and reply, "Yes your highness. We are at your service." Shelly agree's that bed rest would probably do her some good, what with all the excitement of Roonie's wedding and her own engagement. "We'll see how you're doing in about a week or two, alright?" the nurse asks. "I'll come and visit you when I've finished at the school" Bonnie tells her. "Yes we won't leave you here all alone, I'll read to you if you like" Roonie offers. Shelly smiles sweetly, "That's so sweet of all of you, thank you!" I give her shoulder a little rub and tell her that I too will be in to visit with her as often as I can. "Of course Thatcher will be here with you as well. I don't foresee him sulking about with the guys. They do give each other such a hard time! I've never seen anything like it" I laugh. "Like school boys teasing one another! It's ridiculous the pranks they pull" Shelly giggles. "It's probably a sign of friendship or something. Boys are so weird" Bonnie states flatly. 

"For heaven's sake is she alright!?" we hear Thatcher call from the other side of the door. "Oh my! Poor Thatcher, I forgot he was waiting out there, Midi show him in please" Shelly requests. Thatcher comes flying in as soon as Midi even cracks the door open. "Darling, my darling Shelly, is everything alright!?" Thatcher asks hurriedly. It is clear that he wants to place his hand on her belly, but seems hesitant that he might hurt her. Instead he kneels beside the bed, one hand hovering over her pregnant tummy, staring at her with a wild look in his eyes. Shelly can only laugh, as she runs her fingers through his hair playfully. "Everything is fine sweetie, not to worry" she says, and informs him of the recent news. He breathes a great sigh of relief and kisses her forehead. 

"I think I will try to get some rest now, please all of you don't miss the rest of the party on my behalf. I'll be fine" Shelly tells us. Thatcher says that he will stay with Shelly and Cade requests that two of the maids remain with Shelly at all times. The rest of our group filters back downstairs, where the guests have apparently been heavily indulging in the wine in our absence. "Whoa, looks like this party hit a new level while we were detained. "Well this might be interesting, maybe we should catch up!" Tulip laughs grabbing Alex's arm, and leading him to the drink tables. 

Another song starts up, and Arthur skims the room looking for Thistle. Leaning over to me, he asks me if I have seen her. "Sure haven't, everything ok?" I reply. Having overheard our conversation, Bonnie chimes in, "Hun, she went up to her room to play. You know how she's not one for large crowds." Arthur chuckles to himself. "Ah, well here's hoping she'll change her mind and rejoin the party. Meanwhile, may I have this dance my sweet" he says he extends his hand toward Bonnie. She gives him a smile, and replies, "Yes, of course!"

Before I have a chance to join everyone on the dance floor a vision falls over me and I see Ector moving through the hall. As he passes Thistle's door he finds the door ajar and he peers in to see if she is there. "There's something odd about this girl. I wonder what secrets she's hiding" he thinks to himself. The door creaks, startling Thistle, and she whips around to reveal a wand in her hand. "That's cute, and just what do you plan to do with that little girl? Turn me into a toad?" Ector smirks. "I'm not a little girl, and I can do alot more than turn people into toads! Wanna see?" she asks him. "My mistake, I suppose you can pull a rabbit from a hat?" Ector mocks. Thistle rolls her eyes and retorts, "That's a magician you idiot!" She then flicks her wand and a thick green smoke the color of slime spills from the wand's tip. It spirals down her body, engulfing her completely. The smoke fades revealing a raven haired woman with crystal blue eyes.

"Remember me?" she asks as she grins proudly. "Aren't you-" Ector begins in confusion. Thistle laughs as she interjects, "You're friend Sheila Mills? The poor helpless girl from Blue Haven that's in love with you? Hardly I'm the daughter of Madame Parfon. You might have heard of her, she's the cousin of the mighty Queen Carolin of Dragon Valley. But, I can assure you my feelings for you are definitely real." Thistle gives him a wink. Ector scoffs, "That's hardly a skill, being related to someone." Thistle frowns and raises her voice, "Since you seem to believe that my skills are that of a weakling, you might be interested to learn that I have single-handedly taken down one of the greatest Kings that Brendlewood has ever seen." Shock spreads across Ector's face as he replies, "The old King? Novus Wisteria?" Thistle stares into Ector's eyes fiercely before she replies in a slow cold tone, "One in the same."