Chapter 25

"What!?" I say loudly. "Yea, talk about surprises. It will be any day now, and I'll be a father. I've been gone for weeks and faeries don't carry their children as long as humans do" Jax explains. I stand dumbfounded at the recent news Jax has shared. He adds, "I know you want to know about Prince Cade. That's a little more complex." 

"An evil woman approached the King and Queen of Brendlewood requesting donations for a nearby fallen kingdom. Gladly King Novus agreed to donate a hefty amount for the village, but unfortunately through a series of misunderstandings and conniving the evil woman has nearly bankrupted the kingdom of Brendlewood. The only way to keep our kingdom from falling is for the King and Queen to resign, leaving Princess Emily to marry a prince of wealth. King Jude of Learia is an old friend of our King, though their kingdom is far away. They have sent Prince Cade to marry Princess Emily, thus saving Brendlewood" Jax finishes. "I see" is all that I can say.    

Princess Emily's door opens slowly and Tulip joins us in the hall. "Guess your heard the news about the baby?" she asks. "I have indeed. Congratulations" I tell her. "Listen, I know we just met but Princess Emily has requested you and Bonnie to stay for dinner. Jax, her majesty said she would be joining us for dinner afterall" Tulip explains. "That would be lovely, I should thank her" I reply. "Oh not to worry, there will be plenty of time for that later. Right now I have something special to share with you. Her ladyship has offered her wardrobe to you and Bonnie for the duration of your stay. She said you might want to get out of those clothes you have been traveling in" Tulip says cheerfully. 

"Wonderful!" I say clapping my hands together. "Jax will you please stay with the Princess while Bonnie, Nora and I dress for dinner?" Tulip asks. Jax agree's and Bonnie enters the hall as the three of us girls make our way to the Princess's chamber. 

"Midi has laid out some suitable attire I see. She is one of the top royal maids here, ask her for anything you need" Tulip announces upon our arrival to the royal closet. "Ma'am I will send for another maid for the dressing" Midi states. "No need Midi. Dress Nora first, I want to speak with her while Bonnie is dressed" Tulip responds.  

My gown is a gorgeous teal and gray with an intricate vine like pattern down the front. A braided belt sits on my hips, and it's length and flowing reminds me of the elfish gowns from stories I used to read about. Once I am dressed, Tulip requests a word with me. "I'm sorry about all of this, but you have to know that you simply cannot be with Prince Cade. For starters it is very difficult to marry into a royal family if you yourself are not a royal. Secondly, this marriage has to be if there is any chance of saving Brendlewood. It's our home, our whole world really. You and your daughter have shown up out of no where causing alot of disruption to the plans that are set in place here" Tulip frustratedly says. "But Tulip, the Princess invited us here. We helped get her human body back, so that she might be restored to her true form. We don't mean any harm" I explain. "Right, and that's the only reason you and that tramp are still here" she snaps. "I'm sorry, it's the hormones, but you see where I am coming from? Stay away from Prince Cade" she continues. 

I give her a small nod and try to fight back tears. "Why am I even so upset about Cade? We've only just met...but I feel so drawn to him. A powerful emotion that I can't fight" I think to myself. "Nora? I asked if you are alright" Tulip asks puzzled. "I-I just need a few minutes alone" I state before darting from the hall. 

Running through the halls of the castle I try to find my way out, just to get outside, maybe to the forest, or some open field. I just want to breathe, to reflect on everything that is my crazy flip-flop life. Finally finding the castle entrance I rush out into the courtyard and blindly run until I reach the royal stables. 

Inside beautiful thoroughbreds winnie happily in their stalls. I stand quietly admiring their beauty and thinking about my past, and present situation, wondering what to do. Slowly reaching out I gently stroke the nose of a silver colored horse, and she gives a gentle neigh.  

"Ahem" a voice interjects. Startled, I gasp, and turn to see who has followed me from the castle. A chuckle emerges from one of the stalls and a large tan horse rears and I sneak over to its' stall. Peeking in I see Cade crouched down in the stall corner. I smirk as I grab a handful of hay and toss it over the stall door right onto Cade. "Hey now!" Cade says alarmed. "What's the matter, just because you're a Prince you think you're too good for a hay shower?" I kid. He gives me a crooked smirk, gets to his feet brushing himself off. "No..but I think you better run!" he jokes as he tosses a fist full of hay at me, and scales the stall door, leaping over it. I give a playful squeal and run from him, but he catches up to me, grabbing me by the waist as our momentum sends us to the ground in a large pile of fresh hay. 

I lay there staring up at Cade, our eyes locked, and wonder how in the world I can give him up. The love Freddie and I shared was true but so juvenile compared to the feelings I have for Cade. It seems like another lifetime ago, such a foggy memory of a life I once knew. Cade gives a soft chuckle and before I even realize what I'm doing I wrap my arms around him and our lips lock in a passionate kiss. He kisses me back with equal passion as his lips gently hug mine, and my stomach fills with butterflies. 

Just then one of the horses gives a loud neigh scaring the both of us, our kiss is interrupted and we both sit up. Cade helps me to my feet and suggests we get back to the castle for dinner. "I can't Cade..er Prince Cade-" I start before he stops me. "Listen Nora, you don't need to call me that, well maybe at the royal gatherings but, we're friends. We don't need fancy titles" he explains. "Do you kiss all of your friends like that?" I huff. "Hey...what's wrong? I bet I know, you found out about me and Emily didn't you? Well listen she and I we both know it's for Brendlewood, but that our feelings are not romantic" he says. "Still, Tulip has told me to keep away from you, and even if you don't love Emily, you and I could never be together" I blurt. 

"You...you want to be with me?" Cade says softly as he places his hands around my waist. "Well, uh...yes. Maybe, oh I don't know. But we will never know what we might have had if you get married" I say. He sadly sighs and removes his hands from my waist. "Well, we better get to dinner anyhow. The Queen says she has a special announcement for you. Everyone really cares for you and Bonnie, your presence is valued as you have saved the Princess, thus saving Brendlewood" he explains. "Well I guess it would be impolite to just take off" I say.

"I'm sure they have started by now" I continue. "Well we'll just take these lovely mares then. I'm sure it will beat running!" Cade muses as he leads a mare from her stall. He works with the saddle, and offering me a hand places me atop the horse gently. "Hope you know how to ride side-saddle" he grins. "I have ridden a horse a time or two!" I say in a jokingly snobby way. 

In the dining hall we find King and Queen, Princess Emily, Tulip, Bonnie, and Jax already seated and chatting amongst themselves. As I pass Tulip she scowls at Cade and shakes her head. Cade gives her a wink and pulls out a chair for me before taking a seat next to Emily. 

"Welcome. Welcome. I hope you will find this meal to your liking. I am not sure what delicious foods 1945 prepares, but I can assure you we have a top notch chef" the Queen proudly states. "Best in the tri-kingdom area!" the King laughs. "Thank you so much, I'm sure it will suit me just fine. How did you know about 1945?" I ask before catching eyes with Bonnie. Queen Cirrus smiles and replies, "Even in our hidden world of faeries, we are knowledgeable about the events of the outside world. Speaking of which, I have some announcements. First, let's congratulate Prince Cade and our dear Princess Emily on their wedding tomorrow." The entire table claps, and I feel myself hesitate before joining them as well. 

"Secondly, a toast to Ms. Nora Bracford, and Ms. Bonnie Richardson, for helping our Princess, and making it possible for her to be restored to her true faerie self!" King Novus cheerily announces. "Here, here!" everyone cheers, before sipping their wine.

"I'm sorry your majesty, but he just bursted in here" one of the guards tells the King, as a man stands before us. He puts his hands up to show peace before he bows. Then, rising, he pleads, "Please! Please your highness, I mean no disrespect, but I couldn't wait another moment to inform you. Please know that my loyalties are now and have always been with Brendlewood. I beg your forgiveness Majesty." "Why, whatever is going on?" the King questions. 

"Your highness, a woman came to the bank and threatened to murder my entire family if I didn't give her the royal funds. I unwillingly gave her the funds, and came to you as soon as her henchmen released me. Everyone at the table gasps and murmurs to each other as anger washes over the King. "I knew that the money was gone, just not how. No need to fret good sir, you've come to me straight away. I understand you were protecting your family. We have already resolved the financial issues with our daughters happy marriage tomorrow as we resign. Now, tell me sir do you know the woman that stole from us. A name? Do you know it man!?" the King's voice growls. The banker nods fervently and states, "Carolin, Queen Carolin."

Chapter 24

When the King, Queen and Emily had left the room, tension replaced them. Jax, Bonnie and Tulip stood in awkward silence, until Tulip finally spoke up. "When I told you I loved you I meant forever. I know what happened with Nox, and I know it wasn't your fault. If it is anyone's fault, it is mine. He was my brother, I should have stuck by him to make sure he was alright" Tulip explains. Jax whispers, "Tulip you wouldn't hurt a fly, you can't blame yourself. Listen, I have been dating Bonnie since I left Brendlewood-" "But, you and I never broke up, this whole time I thought we were still together" Tulip says with sadness in her voice. Bonnie puts her hands on her hips and interrupts, "I'm going to make this really easy for everyone. Jax, we're done." 

I glance at Cade who gives me a smirk and whispers, "Why don't we take a little walk." I silently nod, and we leave the room. Out in the hall he turns to me and says, "I thought you might want to get out of there. Those three have some things to work out. Maybe we could visit the library, if you enjoy reading." "I would love to!" I reply, and with that we're off to the library. 

"Wow! It's a huge library! Oh, Hey! Are there any newspaper clippings kept here?" I ask. Cade answers yes, taking me by the hand to where they are. Butterflies rush through my body as his hand touches mine, and I quickly pull my hand away. I blush and give him a smile, clasping my hands together. "I-I just thought I would show you my wedding picture" I tell him. I leaf through the newspapers searching for the date. Suddenly I stop and just stare at the paper in front of me. "What is it Nora?" Cade asks. I say nothing, and just hand him the article. 

It reads :  '24 hrs After Wedding Bride Found Dead; Wedding Annulled' 

The article had a picture of me, laying dead in a coffin, family, and friends gathered around. "This can't be right" I whisper leaving through more articles. I come across more shocking information, 6 months after my annulled wedding, my best friends became husband and wife. "Freddie and Betsie were married?" I ask aloud. "Freddie? He remarried?" Cade asks astonished. Suddenly I feel light-headed and my vision becomes blurred, the overwhelming information becomes too much and I can feel myself falling. 

Opening my eyes I find myself lying on the library floor, Cade looking over me, a worrisome expression on his face. "Nora" he whispers, "Are you alright?" Remembering what I had just read I sit up and tears spring from my eyes. Cade looks into my eyes and wipes the tears from my cheeks. "I just can't believe it. They were my best friends" I say somberly. "Thank you James" Cade tells a middle aged man that has joined us. The man hands me a tissue, looks at the article and says, "Ah, my parents."

"What!?" I shout jumping to my feet. "Shh, shh! We are in a library. Yes Fred Warner was my father, and Betsie Warner is my mother" he tells me. "What do you mean Freddie was your father?" I ask earnestly. "Well he died quite some time ago, Mom's still around. She lives a few hours from here at the senior home" the man explains. This man has raised many questions and after about an hour I found out a few things. Things that made me realize that I could never go back to 1945. The man, James Warner, told me that Freddie died from a heart attack about seven years ago. James explained that years after the annulled wedding they learned that a girl named Margo had placed a spell on a dead rabbit to resemble me, but they were never able to find me. "I know they both loved you, you know how it is to have a broken heart" he tells me. 

"Cade, is Jax with you? Were you able to find him?" James asks. "Yes sir! He's just off dealing with a bit of a love triangle at the moment" Cade says cautiously. "Love triangle, eh? Did Jax find a new lady to replace my daughter while he was gone?" James questions. "I think I should find Tulip and Jax and let them talk with you about it" Cade offers and takes off to find them. "A very good idea!" James calls out to him. "Wait so let me get this straight. Your parents are Freddie and Betsie. You and Bonnie are step siblings? Tulip and Nox are your kids, making them my step niece and nephew?" I ask bewildered. "It seems that is the way of it" James replies. 

Cade soon returns with Bonnie, Jax and Tulip. We explain to James about Bonnie and I being sent through time, which oddly enough doesn't surprise him much. "Being a human and marrying a fairy, you learn alot about crazy stuff happening" James chuckles. "Oh! So that's how your children ended up with fairy genetics" I pipe up. James approaches Jax and says very sternly that he wants to speak with him. "Daddy no! You can't keep blaming Jax for Nox's death, he didn't know about his faulty wings" Tulip pleads. "Tulip this man is responsible for your brother's death and has been seeing your step aunt behind your back. He isn't for you!" James snaps. Bonnie chimes in, "If it helps, I didn't know that Jax had been seeing anyone, or about his past. I have no interest in dating him." Cade once again leans over and whispers to me, "I think it's time to take off again."   

This time our walk leads us out to the courtyard, where Cade and I stroll along talking and enjoying the beautiful gardens. "I'm sorry to hear about your- eh, Freddie" Cade says softly. I stare at the ground silently thinking for a moment. "Thank you" I whisper. Gazing at a flower bush I quietly reflect on the recently discovered information about my life. After learning that in my absence Freddie and Betsie grow close and have a family of their own, the love I have for Freddie feels so cold, so far away. The longer I spend in the future the more my life from the past feels more and more like a fading dream than reality. 

I must have been thinking aloud because Cade gently rubs my shoulder, and looks into my eyes. As soon as our eyes meet I feel a wave of peace wash over me. It seems he is the anchor that holds me balanced as the whirlwind of emotion speeds around me. Our lips are so close that I can feel his breath lightly on my lips, and in that moment he leans in and presses his lips tenderly against mine. My heart is filled with electricity. All of my thoughts vanish, as does the garden, the only thing that matters in this moment is Cade. 

"Cade..." Tulip says quietly as she approaches us. Cade and I break apart and Tulip stands in silence waiting for a response. "Tulip! Uh, hey. Have any news about Emily?" he asks. Tulip informs us that the recovery transformation has been completed, and while it is considered a success, the procedure has left Emily very frail. "The nurse said they aren't sure how long she has, could be months, could be days. I came to find you two, to take you to her" Tulip explains.

As we turn to leave I overhear Tulip whisper to Cade, "What are you doing!? You know that can't happen. Don't make Nora just another notch on your belt, she's important." Cade softly chuckles and whispers back, "It's not like that Tulip, I promise. Something's...different with her." Flustered by their conversation I quicken my pace as we head to the castle.

Arriving in Emily's room, we find her talking with Jax and Bonnie. "Hello everyone" Emily greets from her bed as we enter the room. "Emily! Tulip has told us about the recovery transformation..." Cade trails off. "Don't worry everything will stay on course" she tells him. He smiles and kisses her forehead. "You just get your rest! I've got some things to take care of, but I'll stop in later" he tells her before leaving the room. 

"The transformation has unfortunately left me powerless, though my wings are intact at least" she tells us. "Well I'm glad you have your true form back. I just do hope you recover fully" I say. Emily nods and continues talking with Jax and Tulip. Bonnie gets my attention and we step out of the room as she begins talking about Jax. "Nora, I want to apologize for my behavior earlier. It was uncalled for, and I am truly sorry. Seeing this place, and the magic, makes me think that anything could be possible, maybe your story could be true. Maybe you are my real mother" she says.

"Bonnie, you don't have to apologize. I know what I told you is a shock, and I want you to take your time finding the answers you need. I want you to know that I am here for you if you need anything, ok?" I say sympathetically. "Well actually, there might be. Jax came to speak with me about the whole he and Tulip situation, and I get the feeling that he is leaving some information out. A few days ago we were very much in love, now everything is different" she replies.

"What do you mean different? How can I help?" I ask. "He told me that he cares a great deal for me but that he has to figure out things with Tulip. He told me he could never be with me, but I don't understand. Like I said, he was very vague, and I think he isn't telling me everything. Maybe you could talk to him? Find out the whole story?" she asks me. "Ok, I will see what I can find out" I reply. 

"There you two are" Emily says smiling as Bonnie and I return. Bonnie smiles and says, "Only stepped out for a minute. Don't worry we're here for you. "I'll go let the cook know you'll take your dinner now" Jax suggests. "That's kind of you Jax, thank you" Emily says. "Well, I'd like to know where the kitchen is, never know when you will need a snack! I think I will go with you" I offer, and he agrees. 

Just on the other side of Emily's bedroom door Jax turns to me, "I know what you are going to say Nora. Tulip told me all about you and Cade sharing a kiss" he says. I blush lightly and reply, "Well, yes we did, but that isn't what I was going to discuss." "Nora listen to me, you need to forget Cade. Trust me. He's got kind of a ladies man reputation not to mention-" Jax tells me before I interrupt. "Jax this is about you and Bonnie, what is going on? She feels like you aren't telling her the entire truth. I thought you loved her?" I question. Jax sighs, "I love Bonnie, but I also love Tulip. I had never been with a human and when I left Brendlewood I met Bonnie and fell for her instantly. But, I can never be with Bonnie. Just like you can never be with Cade" he says. "B-but, why Jax? Just tell me, I know you're holding something back" I demand. Jax places his hand on my shoulder and softly says, "Listen I know about Freddie and Betsie, and about your annulled marriage. I gathered you and Cade have feelings for each other, but it's just as a I said... Bonnie and I can't happen, you and Cade can't happen. Tulip is pregnant with my child, and Cade is to be married soon."

Chapter 23

"I'm Nora Warner, thank you for rescuing me" I tell him. "Why of course! Your energy is magnetizing" he replies with a smile. We stand there embraced, our faces mere inches away from each other. Time is irrelevant, our cause is irrelevant. It was like we were completely unaware of the rest of the world, or that it even existed. I can't explain why I felt so drawn to Cade. He was handsome sure, but there was something else. Something within our hearts pulling us towards one another. 

"Freddie.." I think to myself. I blush deeply, and pull away from the hug. "Yes, well, thank you again. We should get back to the others" I say walking off towards where we had left them. He grins and follows me. Remembering something I turn on my heel and stop. "Cade...you know Jax don't you?" I ask. The grin falls from Cade's face, and he stands there expressionless. He scoffs under his breath and replies, "Correction, I knew Jax. That was before he got our best friend killed and took off into hiding."

"Yes, Jax mentioned that. He did say it was an accident. He didn't know Nox couldn't fly" I tell him. "You're friends with Jax? Of course Nox couldn't fly, how could Jax not know that?" Cade asks me. "I'm sorry Cade I don't know all of the details. Jax is with the others, we can talk to him when reach them" I suggest. "Well let's hurry, I have some things to discuss with Mr. Jax Debois" Cade grumbles.

When we reach the rest of the group, Emily runs up to hug Cade and they begin talking about what happened to Emily and the rest of us. Jax and Bonnie are gathered near a large tree, and I approach them. "Good to see someone has come to" I say. "I'm so sorry Nora, I did my best, but I'm out of practice" Jax apologizes. I shake my head and tell him that he doesn't need to worry about that. "What you might want to worry about is Cade, he seems pretty upset" I explain. 

Cade and Emily join us and begin talking with Jax about the night Nox died. "I just don't understand how you could forgive him Emily. You said since you found him, he has basically been acting like he doesn't even know you" Cade says in an irritated manner. "Look man, I'm sorry. I'm sorry to you too Emily, and for acting standoffish. I didn't want Bonnie to find out about my magic, and I just didn't know what to say. I thought you hated me. Which, clearly I'm not incorrect in thinking" Jax replies.

"How could you not have known?" Cade asks. Emily interrupts and says, "I don't think anyone knew until after Nox was gone. That's why I wasn't upset with Jax, it was an accident Cade" Emily says soothingly. "No one knew? Nox told me ages ago, really thought everyone knew by now" Cade says calming down. Jax shakes his head, "We didn't." "Jax, I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have assumed anything, do you think you can forgive me? I'm just glad I found you all" Cade says apologetically. 

"Of course Cade! All is forgotten, I just really miss Nox. Thank you for your help with Philip by the way! I can't believe he did this to Emily! When her parents find out...it's gonna end badly for him. He also took advantage of our new friend Nora" Jax tells Cade. "Emily told me about what he did to her, but I didn't know about Nora...he's going to pay for this. What is with this girl" Cade says pointing at Bonnie.

"She's kind of my girlfriend" Jax says hesitantly. Cade stares at him for a moment then comments, "Um..Aren't you and Tulip still together? I'm guessing she doesn't know about this?" Cade replies uncertainly. "No, she doesn't. I'd like to leave it that way, at least until I can explain things to her" Jax says. Cade shrugs and I interrupt, "Excuse me, I know I'm new here, but Bonnie is my daughter. I would appreciate you being honest with her if there is something going on." "Wait, Bonnie is your daughter?" Cade asks confused. 

We spend the next hour filling Cade in on my life and what has been happening since I came to the future. "I think Bonnie and I should talk. I'm going to lift the spell and tell her the whole story" Jax tells us. Emily offers to go with him, and he agrees, "Maybe she won't totally flip if there is someone else there with me." Once the spell is removed, Jax, Emily, and a very grouchy, very confused Bonnie lead on to Brendlewood. 

Cade and I hang back a little and after a few moments of not speaking I blurt out, "I bet you think I'm crazy, huh?" Cade smiles that gorgeous smile of his and gives a little chuckle. "Nah, I don't think you're crazy Nora. I do think you're beautiful though. I know, I know, you're married. I'm sorry, there's just something about you. Your energy pulls me to you" he says. "I feel it too. We have to control it though. I love Freddie, I'm trying to get back to him. Once we reach Brendlewood I am going to find out if Emily's parents can help me" I tell him.

Cade and I continue talking until we reach Emily, Jax and Bonnie. "Nice of you to join us" Emily teases. Just as the sun is rising Jax announces, "Well we made it! Nora, Bonnie...welcome to Brendlewood." 

Standing on a hilltop overlooking Brendlewood, we pause for a moment taking it all in. A small village of quaint cottages surround a beautiful castle, and I look on in awe. The sun peaks up over the horizon onto Brendlewood Village, giving it a truly magical feeling. 

Making our way down the hill, we shortly find ourselves at the village entrance to Brendlewood. We pass small cottages, and shops along the way to Emily's parents house. The villagers gasp and bow as we walk down the street, and I whisper to Cade, "Why are they bowing?" He smiles and nods towards Emily whispering back, "Because she's the Princess of Brendlewood." My mouth drops open and I repeat, "She's a princess!?" "Plus they are probably nervous because she is of her spirit form. That's not a common happening" Cade mentions.

"Jax?" a girl calls out as she approaches quickly. Beautiful golden hair hangs in two large braids down her back. A small slightly upturned nose adorned with freckles is centered on her perfectly smooth skin, and dazzling amber eyes match her glittering wings. Our group comes to a halt upon her arrival, and Jax nervously whispers, "Tulip.."

Before another word is spoken, Cade speaks up, "I'm sure you two have lots to talk about, but we need to get Emily to her parents. Meet you there later?" Jax shakes his head, "I'm coming with you. Tulip, Bonnie, you can come with me if you want. We can talk once we get Emily to her parents." Tulip looks down but nods in agreement. "I don't really have much to say to either of you, I am only here to find out the truth about my past" Bonnie snaps and folds her arms. "Now, now everyone. We've made it this far, let's just get to the castle in one piece please" Emily says calmly.

Once we reach the castle, the guards escort us in. Brendlewood Castle is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Placed atop a hill, a large stone castle is surrounded with beautiful gardens. My heart races with excitement as we approach it, and when we reach the base of the castle hill I realize it's even bigger than I thought. I stand gazing at its' splendor until Emily giggles, "C'mon!"

One of the guards announce us and we enter two large wooden doors. I had been expecting a very formal setting, but instead found the King and Queen laughing as the Queen painted and the King sat flipping through a book. "Mom and Dad, I have made it home thanks to Cade, Jax and my new friends Nora, and Bonnie" Emily states. The King and Queen gasp with joy but quickly become concerned with Emily's form.

 The Queen takes a moment to greet us, "Very well to meet you, and welcome back to the rest of you. Emily dear I would like for you to explain what has happened, but don't worry we'll get you fixed up good as new. Nora, Bonnie, it's a pleasure to meet you." "Yes! Welcome to you all! To you newcomers, I am King Novus, and here is my lovely spouse, Queen Cirrus. Please make yourselves at home. The maids will see to your needs while we get our daughter put back together" he chuckles slightly as he Emily and Queen Cirrus exit the room.