Chapter 49

The next morning after breakfast, I decide to pay Parfon and Phillip a visit. I usually let Cade deal with those two, but this morning Jax needed his help with something, so the task was mine.

The cold stone walls greet me as I enter the stairs to the dungeon. The guards greet me pleasantly, and stand up a little straighter at my presence. “How are the inmates? Any problems?” I ask them. A nearby Phillip snarls angry words at me from his cell. "You idiot, Parfon will rule one day and you'll be sorry!" he growls. One of the guards takes a staff, and jabs the prisoner in the stomach through the bars. “You will respect our Queen thief, or it's the gallows for you!” the guard Mathis yells. He turns toward me again, “We've had no trouble that we can't handle majesty.” The guards exchange looks with one another, but try to do so subtly. “Mathis, is there anything you wish to tell me?” I ask suspiciously. Mathis glances at the others nervously, avoiding eye contact with me. He wrings his hands, but then stands tall and opens his mouth to speak. Before he is able to, Jeston, a guard from the back of the group calls out, “Marcob is dead!” All of the guards whip around to glare at him, and I draw in my breath slightly. “What happened? Why are you keeping this from the King and I? You are meant to be loyal to us, are you not?” I ask with concern. “It just happened last night highness. We have yet to inform you, as the hour is early” another guard explains. “We didn't want to worry you so your majesty” Mathis adds. “I'm not upset...but you must tell me immediately in the future! Don't stall for the hour. What has happened?” I question.

Mathis hesitates before he answers, “It's Parfon your highness. She seems to have cast a spell on Marcob. He was found trying to release her from her cell. We caught him in time. As soon as her gaze from him broke he looked bewildered, as though he had no idea what was happening. Then, she mumbled something and he fell over dead.” I give him a look one would give a child in trouble, “Mathis...I've got to tell you, I'm disappointed. This is exactly something that would be appropriate to wake us for. My patience has been tried with you in the past, and I believe I've run out of it. Jeston, how long have you worked as a secondary guardsmen to the throne?” I ask. Jeston stands tall and answers proudly, “All my life majesty. It is an honor to serve the royal throne.” I give him a smile, “Not any longer. You sir are promoted to High Guard of the Royal Protection. Your ceremony will be arranged, but your duties begin at once.” Then turning my attention to Mathis I continue, “I'm afraid I will have to place you as a groundsmen for the royal gardens. Perhaps in time our confidence in you can be restored.”

Mathis seems to be unphased by this demotion, and instead a broad smile spreads across his face. “It was I who killed Marcob. Parfon was a distraction. While you idiots were busy with her, I injected him with a fast acting poison” he informs us snidely. He begins backing up towards Parfons cell as he talks, but the other guards get closer to him with every step. Finally we are at Parfon's cell. She is perched on the edge of the cot, sitting in a dainty manner wearing a smile. Mathis grabs something small from his pocket and throws it to Parfon. A burst of green smoke blows the cell door wide open and all of the guards, with the exception of Mathis stand stiff as board. I gasp in fear for what she will do, but she smiles that creepy smile once more.

“Don't worry deary I won't kill you, I need you” she says slyly. I remain fear-stricken a she turns to Mathis and puts her hands into the air as she speaks, “Mathis, my good man. You have lived up to your word, betray the royal throne and free me, and you will have indefinite glory brought upon you when I rule. Oh, and I plan to rule. I plan to rule this entire realm!” she laughs and leans in closer to him. With stealth, I try to reach for a nearby guards sword, but she freezes me in place. “Are you ready for your reward?” she seductively asks Mathis with the tip of her nose pressed against his. Mathis seems ready for the kiss, but Parfon quickly pulls away and slices his throat with one swift flick of her wrist. He clutches his blood pouring throat momentarily before falling dead to the ground. With that more green smoke erupts and envelopes Parfon within it. Freed from my petrified state I snatch through smoke to try and grab hold of her, but she is gone. Phillip laughs hysterically at the chaos from his cell. Confusion and anger break out among the guards, but I let them know it will be alright. “Jeston get these guards back to their stations. I will tell the king of these events!” I instruct. “At once majesty” he says as he bows deeply. As I turn and climb the stairs, I can hear him barking orders at the guards.

Rushing around the castle looking for Cade, I stumble into Tulip. “Oof sorry! Have you seen Cade & Jax?” I ask quickly. “I haven't, I'm actually looking for Jax myself. I something important to tell him” she replies. “Well we can look together. Is everything alright?” I pry. Tulip goes red in the face. “I, um...what's new with you?” she stammers. I raise an eyebrow to show that I'm not convinced, but fill her in on what happened with Parfon. “Well that's much more important than my news” she blurts out. “Well I don't know about that, but we must find Cade quickly. What news do you have” I press. “My, my Nora! I never realized what a nosey friend I have” she teases. “You'll know soon enough. Now, c'mon!” she tugs at my arm.

Finally we find the men in the garden of all places. We see them off in the distance and Tulip calls out to them. Jax leaves his place at a run and joins us near the back entrance of the castle. Cade soon follows, and I tell them what's happened with Parfon. “That bitch!” Cade snarls before storming into the castle. “So he's got a plan?” Tulip asks. I give a shrug and tell them I'll catch up with them later. In our chambers, Cade paces back and forth angrily. “Anytime we get a little lead, we end up right back at the start!” he fumes. “I know sweetie. Honestly I think we should let Parfon and Carolin duke it out. Maybe one of them will kill the other, and then we'll have one less problem on our hands” I tell him as I gently rub his shoulder. “Ugh! Maybe you're right. You know what? Between you and me, I really just need a break. I just want to spend time with you, just us. Away from Parfon, Carolin, Trolls...all of it” he says looking out the window. “It'll all work out darling. You're such a strong man, and an excellent king. We all get overwhelemed sometimes. We just have to do the best we can, and let the chips fall where they may” I soothingly tell him. He reaches over and pulls me into a tender hug. “You know what I really need?” he whispers in my ear. I blush deeply, as he begins to kiss my neck. “But, darling shouldn't you be-” I start, but he cuts me off. “The only thing I should be doing right now, is making love to my beautiful wife” he says as he scoops me up in one motion. He kisses my lips, and I feel that electric spark I always get. He gently lays me on the bed, and takes his coat off. He disrobes me then himself, kissing and caressing me all the while. “I love you beautiful” he whispers sweetly in my ear. Before I know it, he's on top of me and the two of us our overcome with pleasure.

Later...

My eyes fly open suddenly, and I see Cade picking up a few books he must have knocked off the bookshelf. “Sorry hun. Enjoy the rest of your nap. I've got work to do” he apologizes. I tell him alright, and snuggle deeper into the covers as he leaves the room. I lay there with the late afternoon sun pouring through my window as it sets, and relive the past hour with Cade in my head. “I really got myself a good guy” I think to myself. Smiling like an idiot as I think of us together, I'm suddenly jolted from my thoughts. The amulet on my chest grows warm and a dizzy sensation takes hold of me. My eyes roll back in my head, and after months of nothing, I'm struck with a vision.

Now the sun has just dipped below the horizon, and a beautiful twilight colors the sky. Jax and Tulip stroll through the gardens hand in hand. “What do you make of all these new babies?” Tulip asks him. He gives her a smile and replies, “I think it's gonna be awfully noisy at the castle.” “Oh, hah. Yea...well that's not really what I meant” Tulip responds. They reach the center of the courtyards, and Jax takes her other hand in his, spinning her playfully. “Let's just enjoy this night, and not worry about everything else” he says happily. Tulip's hair seems to glow even more yellow than normal, and she laughs as she spins. He stops her, and they take a seat on the edge of the fountain. She looks up at the night sky that is littered with stars. “I need to talk to you about something important...” Jax starts. Tulip turns to him with a panicked look. She takes a deep breath, “Ok, but I really need to get something off my chest.” Jax looks at her with concern and asks “Is everything ok babe?” Tulip bursts into tears, “I just can't keep it from you any longer. I didn't wanna tell you, because I know it's not what you want. I didn't want you to be mad.” Jax pulls her into a hug and calms her. “Lippie you can tell me anything. Don't be afraid, we'll work it out, what ever it is.” She wipes her eyes and leans up to look at him. She glances off to the side, her eyes darting from Jax to the ground. “I know you don't want get tied down. I know you were probably relieved in a way when I miscarried with your child awhile back. But, I've been pregnant for a few months now....with your twins” she tells him. A look of pure astonishment spreads across his face.

“Well, what do you think?” she asks nervously after a few moments pass. Jax's expression softens and he answers ”What I think...” he then slides off the edge of the fountain and down on to one knee, “...is that I want you to be my wife. I want to raise these wonderful children with you, and show you each day how much I love you. I know I've messed up bad in the past. I know I've been a complete ass. But, if you will let me I would like to make up for it from now until the rest of our lives...If you'll have me?” Tulip sits in disbelief. None of us ever thought Jax would settle down. “The bad boy, the flirt, that goofy guy that treats everything like a joke...now down on one knee ready to be husband and father?” I think to myself. Tulip clutches her heart in surprise, and gasps. She bursts into tears again nodding, while a wide smile covers Jax's face. “I'm sorry, it's the hormones. Yes darling, YES!” she finally gets out. Jax laughs and then kisses her tenderly. Just as they embrace the vision begins to fade and I grin from ear to ear.

“How absolutely wonderful” I think. I spring off of the bed happily. Catching my reflection in the mirror I pause, and notice my amulet. “Glad this thing seems to be working again. I wonder why it has suddenly started up again” I ask aloud. “Probably has something to do with Parfon leaving. Maybe her presence causes it not to work or something” Arthur says scaring me half to death. He laughs and apologies, “Sorry I didn't mean to startle you!” I softly chuckle and catch my breath, “Oh that's alright. You just surprised me is all. So, you've heard the news already?” Arthur nods, “I think everyone does. Cade is pretty angry about it, and he was talking to the lot of us downstairs. I was actually coming to see if you know where I can find Tulip? Bonnie is looking for her.” I smile broadly, “I do, but she's a little busy at the moment. I'll have one of the maids send her to Bonnie in a bit.” Arthur thanks me, and heads back into the hall.

“I just can't believe it! Marriage, and twins for Tulip and Jax! How exciting!!” I say to my reflection in the mirror. The girl in the reflection does not smile back. Even though I speak words of joy for Jax and Tulip, the face staring back at me wears a solemn expression, and my hand slides over to my empty belly. Though I'm extremely happy for my dear friends, a wave of sadness spills over me. Tears fall from my eyes, and I plop down in front of the tall mirror sobbing.

I barely notice the sound of the door opening, or Cade's arms around me. He gently catches my face in his hands, and wipes my tears. A tender kiss follows, and I look into his eyes briefly. I glance away frowning, as tears continue to roll down my face. “My love, what's the matter? Who's hurt you?” he asks worriedly. I shake my head and try to compose myself. He helps me to my feet, and giving a sniff I reply as I trip over my words, “I....I can't...I just want to make you happy.” At this point, I stop and take a deep breath. Finally some composer comes to me, and I begin again. “My amulet is working again. Arthur seems to think it's because Parfon left, like maybe she had some sort of spell on it preventing it from working” I explain. Cade nods along as I speak, as though this is all makes sense to him. “I just saw Jax and Tulip in the courtyard gardens. She told him that she is pregnant with his twins, and his response was a propsal! I'm so very happy for them, and for the other couples that are having children. But...as you know we've been trying for some time now. I thought it wise to have the doctor check me out” I continue. At this my eyes find the floor and I finish, “Unfortunately he has informed me that I am no longer able to bear children...I'm so sorry, but I cannot give you an heir.” Tears once again spill from my eyes, and I cover my face in shame and heartache.

Cade's embrace surrounds me now, and he gentle strokes my hair. “Shh...my darling” he whispers in my ear. He leans me away from him holding my shoulders at arms length. “Look at me Nora...Look here!” he says searching for my eyes. “Yes..” I whisper with a waiver in my voice. “When we wed it was because I love you, and wanted you to be my wife. I want to share this life with you, through whatever it may bring us. If we are not to bear children, then so be it. I will love and honor you for the rest of my days. Don't let this worry you so!” he tells me lovingly. I nod as I wipe my tears, and he firmly kisses me. “Worry not, my love!” he says with a smile. Taking me by the hand he leads me downstairs, and I can only smile at him. “How lucky I am to have found such an incredible man” I think to myself.

Downstairs we find our friends talking excitedly about Jax and Tulip's news. “Shall we join them darling? If you're not up for it, it's fine” Cade whispers to me. “You go on ahead hun, I've got to talk to Cookie” I answer. He gives me a half smile, and a little pinch on the bottom. “Hey!” I say in surprise as I playfully swat him away. He grins sheepishly, then gives me a wink before joining the others.

*I quickly make my way to the servants kitchen to find Cookie, and find her standing over a large pot of stew. She's humming a spritely tune with much enthusiasum, and doesn't even notice me as I take a seat at the large wooden table. “Your singing brings a smile to my face” I interrupt. “OOOH! Good heavens majesty! You gave me a fright!” Cookie shrieks. I stiffle a giggle, and apologize as Marcie joins us. “I didn't mean to scare you. I'm sure you've heard of all the news circulating throughout the castle. Roonie and Luke are wanting to hold a ball in their kingdom of Learia. The kingdom is newly rebuilt, and I would like you to journey with us to assist their kitchen with the feast” I instruct. She nods and curtsies in understanding. “I understand that you are Cookie's most trusted kitchen aid?” I ask, turning to address Marcie. She blushes bright red and gives one hesitant nod. “Aye mum” she whispers. “Right, so you'll be in charge of the kitchen while Cookie is away” I further explain. I give them both a smile, and they curtsie.

I can still hear the chattering of my friends coming from the grand hall as I leave the kitchen, and I stand up tall putting away my personal problems. After all these are my best friends, and I'm very happy for them. My own sorrows won't cause me to be bitter towards them for it. Before I can join them however, I'm struck with a vision, a faint one. This vision is strange, and seems to be coming from a very far distance. The vision is almost translucent, and I can still see Brendlewood's hall. Slowly the vision focuses a bit more, and I can barely make out a figure hunched over in an empty room. This foggy vision doesn't give much for detail, but it seems the figure is a woman who's crying. The door of the room opens with a bang, and the woman whips around with a gasp! It's Shelly! Oh how I wish I could reach through the vision and hug my dear friend! Next thing, the vision shows a new scene. Shelly is sick, even throwing up blood. “Oh Shelly! You poor darling, where are you?” I wonder. Horrible sounds come from the vision now; sounds I can't make out. It begins to fade and blur, and Tulip's voice reaches my ears.

“Did you finally have a vision? What happened? Are you ok?” Tulip questions in her excited mood. I look into Tulip's eyes, and for the first time she looks truly happy. Her lemon honey colored eyes sparkle with jubulance, and I smile. I can't take this moment from her with worry of Shelly. “It was hard to make out really...I'll ask Cade about it later” I tell her. She nods fervently as though she's excited we aren't talking about the vision after all. “I have news!” she squeals in a voice almost as high pitched as Roonie's. Not wanting to spoil the fun for her, I play dumb. “Oh? Do tell!” I reply eagerly. She begins rattling off details of the evening that I saw in my vision, but I try to act as though this is the first I'm hearing of it. “It's so exciting! I could be giving birth anytime now! There could be two new little ones running around Brendlewood Castle soon!” she delightedly informs me. “Wait what? How far along are you?” I ask confused. She laughs and her eyes light up even more “Yea! Well I'm a few months by now. I'm not exactly sure. I can just tell that it's almost time. If one or both faeries are of gifted fae it's not long after they conceive that the baby arrives. Not trying to toot the old horn, but Cirrus told me many times that my skills are of those from enchantress descent. I guess she was right” she explains. “But you don't even look pregnant!” I blurt before I can stop myself. She laughs, “Spells my friend. I didn't want anyone to know until I could tell Jax. I kept waiting because I was afraid of his reaction. Now we're getting close to time, and I knew I couldn't keep it secret much longer. Do you think I'm a bad faerie because I didn't tell him straight away?” I shake my head, “No, I don't. I mean you guys have been through so much.” Tulip gives me a wide grin, and throws her arms around me in a bear hug. “You're such a great friend Nora! C'mon let's join the others” she tells me enthusiastically.

“So now we have more little ones on the way!” Roonie chimes in pointing at Tulip's belly. “Now it's your turn Nora! Plans for any-” Roonie tries to continue, but Cade cuts her off. “Well I congratulate you Jax and Tulip! The best to you both! Now I think we need some dinner” he interjects. Tulip glances at him as though she knows he's bothered by Roonie's comment, but she doesn't say anything except thank you. He motions for a maid and instructs her to let Cookie know we'll be taking our dinner in the patio wing. “I'm going to go check on the children. We should probably be going home” Bonnie announces, and Arthur says he'll join her. 

“Now just where do you think you're going? Those cousin's will need bonding time! You must stay for dinner! Right Nora? Cade?” Roonie pipes. “In fact I think you may have outgrown Brendlewood's village. The school is running well here, and well with Learia recently being rebuilt, I think we could use your help Bonnie. Our school number's are very low indeed. What do you say to moving to Learia?” Luke adds. Arthur and Bonnie exchange looks. “But, what about the children? When would she be able to care for them?” Arthur asks. “We know you enjoy the village life, but perhaps you could stay with us at the castle. That way the nurses can care for the little ones, and you can still do what you love. You can always move to the village or back to Brendlewood once the school is better established or your little ones are a bit older. What do you think?” Roonie suggests. “We'll certainly think on it. I do enjoy helping the children learn, and Brendlewoods school is thriving with Miss Kencie and Ms. Petson running it” Bonnie mentions. “We'll see you at dinner” Luke calls as the two couples make their way to the staircase, all talking excitedly about Learia.

Jax makes conversation with Cade about the results of some local wrestling match in the village, and Tulip's attention turns to me. She looks at me with concern, and pulls me to the side. “Is everything ok Nora?” she questions. I give her my best smile, but it doesn't fool her. “Oh you stop that. I know something is bothering you. Please tell me what it is” she presses. “Ok, well it's a few things actually. Please know that I am very happy for you, and everyone that recently had children. I just...well I spoke with the royal doctor, and he's told me I won't be able to become pregnant. I just told Cade this morning, and he took it well. But, I just feel horrible” I blabber mindlessly. Realizing that I've said too much, I cover my mouth, and then apologize. “Oh Nora, I'm sorry. Please don't apologize, I know this must be hard for you” she comforts. “I just don't get it, Cirrus told me something before she took her final leave. Something about a son...but the doctor just gave me this news. I just...” I sniff hard to keep from crying, but Tulip smiles. She catches herself and hides it quickly. “Why on earth are you smiling at my misery?” I snap without thinking. “I'm not! I-I'm sorry. I just know that beings can be wrong sometimes” she says somewhat mysteriously. “Wait do you mean Cirrus was wrong, or the doctor?” I quickly ask. “We will have to see. Just don't give up yet Nora” she tells me comfortingly.

I nod and go on, “I'm also worried about Shelly...I got a weird vision of her” I begin. As I begin to explain the vision, Cade and Jax join in our conversation. After learning what I've seen, the four of us stand quietly a moment. “Were there any details in the background? Maybe a clue as to where she could be?” Cade asks. “Well it's hard to tell. In one scene she seems to be in a castle or cell room, but then it looks like she's in the woods somewhere. I just can't tell” I explain to them as I begin to tear up. “Don't worry, we're going to find her, Thatcher, and Juliana too! I've had enough of this Carolin woman and her goons!” Jax says angrily. The rest of us agree and Tulip tells me to let them know the moment I have another vision. “I'm just glad it's working again!” I say a bit relieved.

“Dinner is served majesties” Marcie announces. “Thank you Marcie. C'mon let's get some food in our stomachs. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!” Jax kids. The others laugh lightly, and turn to head for the back yards. “I'll go get everyone from upstairs” I offer. Cade kisses my cheek, and follows Jax and Tulip outside. I let out a sigh, gather my skirts and begin  to climb the stairs. Trying to put on a happy face for everyone, but it's hard sometimes. Though I am truly happy for them, I can't help but get lost in a daydream of having a child with Cade. When I get to the landing I pause suddenly. My amulet has turned a deep red hue, and another vision surrounds me. A lavish bed chamber comes into view. No village room would be so elegantly decorated, so this must belong to a castle. I hear Shelly's voice now, but she doesn't seem as though she's in trouble this time. A man's voice can be heard, their conversation seems of a loving nature. “She's found Thatcher surely!” I think to myself. She leans forward and he wraps his arms around her waist, but as he comes into focus I realize that it's not Thatcher at all. Shelly and Lestat embrace, and follow it with a passionate kiss. “NORA!” a voice calls, “Nora! Are you ok?” Shelly and Lestat disappear and Roonie's face comes into view. “I said, are you alright?” she asks again. I nod, but feel disoriented. Apparently during the vision, I lost my balance and fell to the floor of the landing. “Ow...my arm” I mumble grasping at my bruised elbow. Luke appears beside us, and offers a hand to get me to my feet. “Another vision?” he asks. “Yes, I think I know where your mother is...or at least was. It's not much, but it's a start” I tell him. I mention about dinner, and send a maid to fetch Bonnie and Arthur.

The evening breeze is cool on the courtyard patio. The gardens' flowers are lush, and vibrant under the evening sky as we join the others for dinner. “What a beautiful night!” Roonie exclaims. Cade and Jax rise upon our arrival, and Cade helps me to my seat. “I had another vision just now on the landing. I didn't even know it was coming, and I guess I fell during it” I tell everyone once we're settled. “Oh gosh! Are you ok?” Tulip asks quickly. The other's look on with nervous expressions, but I reassure them I'm fine. I fill them in on the details from the vision, and my guess that she's at some castle. “Well we know it's not Castlerock...because it was destroyed. Do you think Thatcher has found the baby? I wonder if he has caught up to Shelly” Tulip thinks aloud. “Who knows? But, It can't be Learia, it's just now been re-established, surely not an ideal place to try to hide prisoners” Luke mentions. “Honestly I think if it were Dragon Valley, Shelly would be dead by now...and we would have heard about it. That Carolin likes to boast you know?” Arthur adds. “Ok so that leaves Stone Ridge and Blue Haven...” Jax says stroking the hair on his chin. “She's the new Queen of Blue Haven, so that would be her home...would someone hold her prisoner there?” Bonnie wonders. “That does sound like a good reason to hold her hostage there, but remember I saw her with Lestat. The last place we saw him was in Stone Ridge...what business has he in Blue Haven?” I bring up. “I just can't figure out why she would do this to Thatcher! And, with Lestat of all people!” Roonie squeaks.

Everyone chatters about the vision, and argues over where we should look first. The evening carries on and the kitchen maids come collect our empty dinner plates, offering dessert. With only enough available guards to send one search party, we're forced to choose between the two kingdoms. They are on the opposite side of the realm from one another, and we can't afford to be wrong. But, which should we chose; Blue Haven or Stone Ridge” I wonder to myself.