Chapter 40

The following day, Tulip prepares another potion to try to bring me out of my coma-like-state. "Oh Nora, please wake up! I'm doing my very best at using Cirrus's teachings to bring you back, but so far nothing is working" Tulip tells me. A single tear streams down my cheek, "Oh my dear friend, if only you could hear my thoughts. Don't give up, I know you will find a way to get me back onto my feet," I think to myself. As Tulip sits with me, and holds my hand, my fingers begin to twitch. Tulip clasps her hands to her mouth excitedly "Nora? Nora if you can hear me, it looks like one of the ingredients is working! I'm going to go over the them again to see which one may be the active one. If all goes well, I should have you back onto your feet in no time at all!" As Tulip continues to work on the potions, my vision follows Cade, and the others speaking with the King of Stone Ridge.

"Cade, I'm just as puzzled as you are. If Cirrus didn't make it to Castlerock or Stone Ridge, where could she have possibly gone?" King Richard wonders. Jax thinks for a moment, "I suspect that either Queen Carolin or Ms. Parfon had something to do with this! It has their name written all over it!" "What about Thistle? We all know she didn't just leave quietly, she wanted to stay at the castle for a reason," Arthur inquires. "She even went as far as to put a spell on herself to become a child, and live in our home" Bonnie mentions. "What about Ector? He certainly isn't in the clear! We all noticed him sneaking about the castle corridors before he vanished back to Blue Haven without so much as a goodbye to anyone but Alex! What if he had something to do with Cirrus's disappearance?" Luke questions. Thatcher sighs before replying, "Well anything is possible, but Alex, Ector, and I have all been very close. I highly doubt he would do such a thing." "What if a troll got to her!" Roonie shrieks before Luke put his arm around her to calm her. "The Lycans could have been involved in this somehow as well. They kept me hostage for all those weeks, and did such horrible things to me. They also killed my mother right before my eyes." Shelly adds. King Richard slams his hands on the arms of his throne, "Calm down everyone! Either way, we will find out who, or what did to this to Cirrus, and they will not go without punishment!" 

Later that night after the feast of Stone Ridge, my vision follows Shelly and her father, as they take a stroll through the royal garden. "I love what you have done with the place, it looks very radiant, especially at night. But I did not ask you to take a walk with me to look at your garden. I asked because I have some great news to tell you! You see Thatcher and I..." she begins, but is interrupted by the trumpets playing an old familiar fanfare. One of the guards enters the garden and says, "Announcing his royal majesty, Prince Lestat of Dragon Valley." Lestat smiles and gives a bow before saying, "Sorry if I'm interrupting anything your highness, but you know I can't be out in sunlight at this point and time." King Richard nods his head for Lestat to rise and replies, "You're not interrupting anything my son. I was just about to tell your wife that you're here. Well, now that we're all here together, I think a royal feast is in order!" Looking horror struck Shelly exclaims, "Father, there is something I need to speak to you about, immediately, never mind the fact that HE is here!"  "Well what is it child?" King Richard asks looking confused. Shelly explains to him about how Lestat abandoned her and their children, and what has happened since then. "What!? There's no way my daughter is going to marry a human, even if he is a prince! Besides it is written in history that you and Lestat are destined to be together" he says furiously. "But father, our marriage has been declared null and void for months now, and besides Thatcher and I have a child together. Her name is Juliana Sky Mason, Princess of Blue Haven, and she is also your granddaughter," Shelly retorts furiously refusing to even glance at Lestat.

"Nonsense! The only legitimate granddaughter I have is Melina. The union between you and Lestat is both declared valid and lawful in the eyes of God. I also declare your engagement to Thatcher Mason void, and any children produced with him to be illegitimate. "You can't, y-you wouldn't do that!" I cry out. With coldness in his eyes, he says, "Shelly, I consider myself to be a reasonable king, I set certain rules, and I expect those rules to be honored, and obeyed, not just by you, but by everyone in the kingdom. You are my only daughter, and you know the promise your grandmother made to Lestat's great, great, great grandfather the royal enchanter. If you divorce Lestat, the royal enchanter will take the light from you and you will die! Do you not understand that? Technically the human world and the vampire world is strictly forbidden, you know that, everyone in the kingdom knows that!"

"How can you be so furious about someone you don't even know?" she shouts. A deep scowl forms upon his brow before he bellows, "Know him? I don't have to know him! Humans are a food source nothing more! Spineless vampire slayers, who want to capture faeries for their magical powers, and are surely incapable of any feelings!" "But I love him, and you'll never stop that" Shelly blurts out. "He's a human, and you're a faerie! This will never be tolerated" he yells. "I don't care!" she shouts. Growing quiet King Richard replies, "I'm sorry Shelly, but this is for your own good. Guards, find this Thatcher Mason and throw him in the dungeon!" "No, Daddy please, you can't do this!" Shelly pleads sinking to the ground. "Please stop this! You're just going to make war on your kingdom!" she begs. "I am the King of Stone Ridge, I can do whatever I see fit! Now go and make up with your husband before I throw you in the dungeon with that... that human!" he demands as warm tears pore from her eyes, and King Richard returns to the castle. "Shelly-I," Lestat begins but she quickly interjects. "Please, just go away," I whisper to him. Lestat bows, and follows her father into the castle.

The following morning....

As the early morning sun gently beams over the castle grounds of Stone Ridge, Shelly makes her way down into the dungeon to visit with Thatcher. "I'm so sorry my love. I begged my father not to do this to you, to us, but I'm afraid he will not listen to me." she tells him as she gently places her hands over his through the cold bars of the dungeon door. Thatcher gives her a slight smile and says, "It's not your fault darling, for you have tried to make him see how happy we are together. Just know that if anything should happen to me, I love you and always will." Tears pore from her eyes as she replies, "Shhh, don't talk like that. He will see just how much you make me happy, and just how much we love one another. I will try to speak to him again about this." Thatcher's eyes tear up as he says, "Please don't cry darling, it will all work out for the best, you'll see." She gives him a nod and he leans his head up to the bars of the dungeon door to gently kiss her lips before she exits the room.

Meanwhile, Lestat pays a visit to the royal enchanter of Stone Ridge, "Why Lestat, it has been ages since I have seen you last," Mylene tells him as she wraps her arms around him in a friendly hug. "Whatever brings you here, other than to pay me a friendly visit?" she asks. Lestat smiles and says, "Well, I was just wondering if you could kindly make some more Mutabo potion, as I have run out of the last bottle you gave me" he explains. "You know it's tough playing this dirty cop role! I've been able to keep the trust with people of Stone Ridge, just as Carolin asks of me, but I'm tired of being here with these wretched people. I tell you what I'll give you your disguising potion, your precious Mutabo if you will please notify Carolin that I am ready to join her forces in Dragon Valley!" she says. Lestat smiles a sickening smile before replying, "Anything for an old friend, you have my word. I sympathize with you Mylene, I am actually on my way to convince Shelly to return to me. Little does she know that upon her agreement we will return to Dragon Valley. Carolin has her ways of getting her there. Mylene laughs maliciously then grabs some ingredients from her cabinet and says some vampiric words as she throws them into the metal pot. After a few moments, an exploding sound comes from the pot, as blood red smoke rises from it in which lets Mylene know the potion is ready. She then scoops up the potion and puts it into a small bottle, and seals it with a cork. "Here you are my dear friend, I have more potions to work on, but do not be afraid to come back to visit me," she tells him. "Thank you. I shall visit you again soon," he tells her as he departs from the room.

Two days later.....

Lestat searches every room of the castle for Shelly. As he rounds the corner he almost bumps right into Rohan. "Oh gah.... You scared the crap out of me! Have you seen your mother?" A very out of breath Lestat asks. Rohan lets out a small laugh before replying, "Why yes, she's in the royal garden reading." Lestat thanks him and heads to the garden. As he opens the door which leads to the garden, he notices Shelly and her beauty as the sunlight kisses her soft skin and the gentle wind blows through her hair.

He makes his way over to her and asks, "Do you mind if I have a seat?" "It's a free world, you can sit where ever you want!" she sarcastically tells him as she puts her book down. He takes a seat next to her on the stone bench, and takes her hand into his, "You've always been there for me in the past, and I'm ashamed to say that I took you for granted. I'm eternally grateful for all you have done, and I know my past actions are despicable. However, do you think you can find it in your heart to forgive me? Look at all we have been through, surely our love can overcome this as well." "Have you lost your mind completely? You must be mistaking me for someone who actually cares!" she snaps. Lestat gives a little laugh and says, "Shelly I know you better than anyone ever has, I know you have and always will care. I know you still love me and I know we can work this out." "Find someone else to talk to! You missed you own son's wedding. I'm sure Luke would love to tell you all about his wedding that you missed, or how you weren't here to comfort me when I got the news about Luna's death," Shelly says as she gets up to head towards the castle.

Lestat jumps from his seat and runs after her. Once he's close enough he pulls her to him and says,"Look I know I shouldn't have left you like that, but with the Lycan side taking over me, I was so afraid I would hurt you. If that were to happen, I don't know how I would live with myself! I swore to your parents that I would protect you from the Lycans. I tried and I have failed you, and not just you, but your parents as well, and for that I am truly sorry. I would do anything to have you back into my life Shelly, you were the best thing that ever happened to me! I always have been and always will be in love with you. "You abandoned me and our children! What kind of father does that sort of thing!? I loved you with all my heart, and I trusted you! The day you came back to Brendlewood, I was so happy to have you back, and what did you do? You shoved me against the wall, and told me we could never be together ever again. It was you that broke my heart into a million pieces!" I tell him as I fight to be free of his grasp.

Lestat looks me in the eyes and gently strokes my cheek, "Shelly please don't do this, give me one last chance to prove how much I love you. Tears pore from my eyes as she replies, "Lestat, I have waited so long to hear those words. I begged and prayed for God to bring you back to me, but you never returned. Besides what happened to your relationship with your old girlfriend Brenda?" Shelly asks. Lestat pauses for a minute and replies, "What!? I never got back together with her! When I left Brendlewood, I stayed at her place for a while, but only to survive. I couldn't stay in Brendlewood, I didn't want to risk physically hurting you or anyone else. The thirst for faerie and human blood was only growing stronger, and I could no longer bear it. Every night without you felt like a life time, and one night I thought of someone who could help me and so I stayed with her until I found someone to cure me of the lycan race. See? All human again..." he explains. Shelly shakes her head in frustration before responding, "I'm sorry Lestat but, it's too little too late."

Lestat lifts my hands above my head with one hand, as the other gently caresses my cheek. "Don't worry, I won't hurt you! I would never nor could I ever hurt the one I love," he tells me. Shelly looks at him skeptically and opens her mouth to speak, but Lestat interrupts her. "You know you want and need this, so don't fight it. I wanna show you just how much I love you Shelly. I have missed you very much. Your touch, the way your warm bare skin feels against mine," he says leaning her against the tree, tearing her skirts from her as he leans in quickly for a kiss. She jerks away moments before their lips meet. "Stop it Lestat!" She shouts, ripping her arm free and moving away from him. "I'm marrying Thatcher as promised. Please, if you really do love me the way you say, then I beg of you, just leave me alone" she continues. "I could never do that, I must have you" he whispers. "No, you did have me and you ruined it. Stay away from me!" she scowls taking her skirts in her hands and fleeing to the castle.

Running through the halls of the castle to try and get to the bathroom in the main hall, I bump right into Lady Mary. "OOF! Oh your highness! I do apologize. I didn't see you coming around the corner. Majesty I do hope I'm not out of line for asking but is everything alright?" she asks. Looking frazzled Shelly reluctantly replies, "Umm.... I-uh... No, not really. Lady Mary replies in a concerned tone, "Maybe you should talk to someone? Should I get her majesty?" With her heart and head still racing with the thoughts that just went on in the royal garden Shelly thinks for a moment before answering, "Yes, go get Queen Katherine please." The maid nods and gives her a smile, then exits the room.

A few moments later, Katherine rushes through the doors as Shelly fixes her hair. "Oh Shelly, whatever is the matter dear?" she asks. "Oh Katherine, I have no clue what to do, and I think I may have ruined things with Thatcher!" Shelly tells her with tear filled eyes. "Follow me to my chambers where we can talk more privately?" she asks. Shelly takes a deep breath as she tries to pull herself together, and gives her a nod. She then takes Shelly's hand and leads her upstairs to the royal chambers. As they enter Katherine's chambers, she takes a seat on a nearby sofa, "Over here, come sit with me," Katherine invites. As Shelly takes a seat next to her, Queen Katherine smiles and consoles her, "Now, what's this all about?" Shelly wipes the tears from her eyes and explains her predicament. "I must be nuts for even thinking about letting him anywhere near me, or even talk to me after he left me and the children the way he did! I have a great man whom I'm engaged to, and we share a beautiful little girl. I just can't imagine my life without either of them. Then there's Lestat who still has a part of my heart. He was my first love, I guess part of me will always love him. When he tried kiss me, it just felt so...familiar, you know. Like the way things were before....before all of this madness. I love Thatcher with all of my heart, but Lestat has just shown up out of nowhere, and I'm reminded all of the hurt he caused" Shelly blurts out.

"Oh sweetheart, I'm sorry you're going through this. I know how hard this must be for you, but you have a wonderful man in your life with a daughter you both share. Every time he looks at you, I can see how much he loves you, and would do anything in the world for you. If you want him to know you feel the same, I suggest for you to be open and fully honest with him. You can tell him anything and he will listen to you. That is how much he loves you," Katherine tells her comfortably. Crying softly Shelly replies, "I will tell him everything, but that doesn't help the last problem, which is with my father. How can I get him to release Thatcher if he forbids me to be with him? He doesn't even know about the horrors Lestat's mother put us through." Shelly tells Katherine the whole story about Carolin throwing her in the dungeon, the banishment, burning down their castle, and how the evil Queen tried to kill two of her children  Katherine stares at her awestruck before softly replying, "You poor darling, surely your father doesn't know about all of this or he wouldn't be for you and Lestat being together. Let me speak with him, and try to reason with him. If he loves you as much as he says he does, then he will want you to be happy. Humans aren't really all that different from us you know." "Thank you Katherine! I can't tell you what this means to me!" Shelly says excitedly before going off to find Roonie and Bonnie to fill them in.

Katherine finds King Richard in the sitting room. She takes a deep breath and enters the throne room, "Darling, may I have a word with you?" King Richard says that she may. Queen Katherine nods and replies, "I would like to see that Lestat's marriage to Shelly is null and void. I know how you feel towards humans but I my wish is that you reconsider. Not all humans are alike you know. When I was young I nearly drown in a pond near my parents house, and would have if it weren't for a passerby...a human passerby. He saved me darling, and I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for his kindness. Please reconsider you decision. Don't you want for your daughter's happiness?" Richard sits silently for a moment, as the deep scowl he is wearing begins to fade. "What's more, how can you allow her to be with this unpleasant Lestat after everything he and his family has done" the Queen adds before filling him in on all the happenings of Shelly and her family. Finally he sighs and responds, "Thank you my darling for opening my eyes to this treachery, my heart goes out to Shelly and the children. I will be speaking to King Cade at once to discuss joining forces in retaliation against the vile Carolin! I just don't know how Shelly and Thatcher's marriage could even be possible. An old wizard swore to take the life from Shelly should she be without marriage to Lestat. I'm sorry my sweet but I just can't see her die for true love." 

At this Katherine smiles, "You know everyone has their secrets, and though some of them may not be best, in my case they can prove to be useful. Long ago I was taught the ways of the Nefarious Barrier, a dwindling group of people who fought against the evils of the magical realm. I know I can put a stop to this wizards dark magic. The King thinks very hard for a moment, before a smile spreads across his face, "Ah yes, I think I've heard tale of that group. Perhaps one day they can rise up again." The King's face falls though and he adds softly, "How could I have let this happen? I would have never pushed her to be with Lestat had I known all of this. Do you think she will ever forgive me?" "I'm sure she will dear, and I can think of a great way to start..." Queen Katherine mentions. King Richard smiles brightly, "Very well then, I will see to Thatcher's release immediately! See that my daughter see's me immediately!" Richard commands a guard. 

A few moments later, Shelly enters the room and clears her throat, afraid of what he is about to say, "You wanted to see me?" He gives a slight smile and says, "Yes, please come and sit next to me," he tells me. Shelly takes a seat next to him and he explains how Katherine came to him and has asked him to release her of her marriage contract to Lestat, and informed him of all the terrible events that have occurred previously. My darling I would like to apologize to you for my hasty decision with Thatcher, and beg your forgiveness. I was to quick to judge and I would like to give the boy a chance. I see how much you love him and I only want you to be happy. I would like to inform you that your marriage to Lestat Lioncourt is null, void, and unlawful. As for your engagement to King Thatcher Mason of Blue Haven... I declare it to be valid, and also that any children you have had or may have in the future are legitimate, and are my grandchildren" he tells me. Gasping with utter shock and joy Shelly squeals, "Oh Daddy, you have made me the happiest daughter a father could have, and I love you!" She tells him excitedly. He gives a soft chuckle and says, "I have only one condition, which is the two of you will be married here in my court." "Oh my gosh Daddy! Really?" she beams.  He gives a nod and replies, "Yes sweetheart! I only want you to be happy, and besides I'm getting too old to be running the court, and this may be the last wedding I will be able to attend. I'll be crowning Rohan and Isabelle King and Queen of Stone Ridge before you leave the court. With that said, how does tomorrow sound for your blessed wedding?" 

"Now dear, don't you think you should give the poor girl a few more days to prepare? We don't have flowers, or have even so much as had the seamstress prepare a dress for her. We'll need at least 2 days" Katherine tells him. "You're right sweetheart, please make the arrangements to have Shelly fitted for a gown, and have your ladies prepare flowers, and anything else needed for the wedding" he tells Katherine. She then gives a little curtsy, and exits the room to find her ladies. My father then turns to Shelly and says, "Two days my dear! Now, go find your fiance and fill him in on the good news, while I attend to my court duties," he tells me. Shelly gives a curtsy and exit the room to seek Thatcher.

Shelly finds Thatcher standing in one of the guest rooms staring out of the window, taking in the view of the courtyard. She rushes up to him and holds him tightly, "Oh my love, I'm so happy to have you in my arms once more." Thatcher takes a deep breath, "I thought I would never hold you in my arms again!" "My love there is something I need to tell you. Come sit with me for there is much I need to explain," she says hesitantly. Thatcher looks her in the eye with a puzzled look, "What is it darling?" They take a seat on a nearby sofa, and she explains everything about what her father said before and after his arrest, and though she is afraid of what may come, also informs him of the afternoon with Lestat.

Thatcher runs his hand through his hair in frustration, and paces back and forth angrily. Shelly looks on in concern, but before she can speak, Thatcher blurts out, "I mean who does he think he is? When I get my hands on him, he's a dead man!" Thatcher slams a fist forcefully on a nearby desk and shouts, "I swear Shelly when I see him, it's gonna be his last day!" "My love just let it be, he means nothing to me. and he won't be a problem after two days from now" Shelly says. "Yeah well, what happens two days from now?" Thatcher grunts in an angry tone. Shelly places her hands on his shoulders gently to calm him and catches his eye before saying, "Haven't you wondered why you have been released? My father gave the orders to release you, because he gives his blessing upon our marriage, and has made arrangements for us to wed in two days time." Anger melts from Thatcher's face and joy spreads in it's place. Thatcher ponders for a minute, and kneels on the edge of the bed, while gently brushing my cheek, "You're right sweetheart, I'm just gonna let it be. I know you and your children can't handle anymore deaths, besides we're to be wed in just two days. But if he touches you once you are my wife I will have him staked!" Shelly tries to hide her smile before replying, "Thank you darling. Your understanding is part of why I love you so much. I can't wait to rule Blue Haven by your side, just the you and I with nothing but our future before us."

Down the hall in the throne room....

Cade and the others are discussing Queen Carolin and all of the havoc she has caused. "Cade, my daughter has filled me in on everything that dreadful woman has done to you, and to my family. I am offering my hand in battle, and will see to her death!" King Richard says furiously. "Yes your majesty, she's an evil woman who will stop at nothing! She even went as low as stealing from my royal treasury, and threatened to kill the banker and his family!" Cade explains. "My grandmother hated Luke, Melina, and myself for having the curse. She acted like it was our fault, and she had a few murder attempts put on us." Luke adds. Cade gives a slight smile before replying, "I, King of Brendlewood accept your offer to join forces, and rise together against Dragon Valley and their terrible Queen!"

Meanwhile back in Brendlewood Castle.....

Almost a full day has passed by as Tulip has tried all but one potion. "I think this is the right potion this time," she tells me. "At least this better be the right one, for this is the only potion I have left, and I'm fresh out of ideas!" Tulip thinks to herself. Popping the cork from the small silver vial, Tulip readies the container placing it's edge against my lips with one hand, and gently lifts my hand with the other. Tulip tilts the vial slowly into my mouth, and from the moment the yellowish liquid touches my lips, I shoot into a fit of convulsions while Tulip looks on in fright. Suddenly I become stiff as a board, and Tulip shrieks in fear, "Oh Nora! Nora! I'm so sorry please don't die!" Just then a warm sensation overcomes my nerves, creating a relaxing feeling all over my body. The blood no longer pumps forcefully through my veins, but instead flows gently. I open my eyes and manage to croak in a weak voice, "T-Tulip?" "Nora, I'm here, how are you feeling?" Tulip asks me. Too weak and tired to reply, I fall back to sleep, but continue to show improvement throughout the night.

The following morning, I awake to Tulip, who is holding my hand and sleeping at my bedside. I give her a smile and whisper for her to wake up. She then jumps up with excitement as she notices her good friend has indeed awakened. "Oh Nora it's good to have you back with us! Are you hungry? Would you like me to run you a bath? Do you need anything?" Tulip asks in excitement. Slowly I sit up and rub my eyes and giggle a bit, "Yes I'm starving!" "Oh before I forget the others went..." Tulip begins but I quickly interrupt her. "They went looking for Cirrus. I know of their journey to Castlerock, and they have reached Stone Ridge, which is where we are making our journey. I have a lot to tell you and the others, but I want everyone together before I tell anyone of my news." Tulip nods, "Alright, I'll find Midi and have the cook prepare our breakfast, and then you, Alex and I can prepare for the journey to Stone Ridge."