Chapter 27

In Brendlewood ...

The next morning a rapid knock on my door startles me as I dress for the day. "Miss Nora! I bring news of the strange woman!" the maid Midi squeaks. "Oh? What news is this?" I question curiously. "She was badly injured, but the nurse has addressed her injuries. When she came to, she told of a dreadful tale. She was beaten and escaped her captors to seek aid here in Brendlewood. Her kingdom has been over run with lycans and the torment of Queen Carolin" Midi finishes breathlessly.

Gasping I clap my hand to my mouth. "How tragic! Isn't Queen Carolin the one that stole the royal funds?" I ask her. "Yes Miss, one in the same. Normally our kingdom doesn't associate with vampires and lycans, but this woman is special...she is part faerie. Come, come! The others are downstairs speaking to her now!" Midi explains. I nod in agreement and we dash off to the servants quarters. 

Upon reaching the servants quarters where the strange woman is staying, we find quite a large group talking with her. "I just think we should act quickly, while she thinks she's gotten off scott-free" Novus tells Cade and Jax. "But, what do we know of this woman? She could have an army of thousands!" Jax says in a concerned tone. Cade mulls the idea over, staring blankly. "Nora! Good morning! I suppose Midi has filled you in?" Cade blurts as he snaps out of his stare. I nod and tell him that she has explained everything, but I think it would be a good idea for me to speak with the woman. "Maybe I can find out more information about the numbers we'd be facing" I offer. The men see this as a good idea, and inform us that they will be upstairs working on strategies for a battle plan.

Taking my place in a nearby chair, I greet Shelly. "Good morning, I'm glad to hear that you are doing better. They tell me that faeries usually keep to their own kingdom, but that you are a special exception being half faerie. They are more than willing to go after this Queen Carolin woman, and seeing what those awful lycans have done, I'm sure they will make them pay. "That's right! No one hurts a fellow faerie, even if she is only half" Tulip pipes up, entering the room.

"I have family that I was trying to escape with. My husband told me the Brendlewood would be a safe meeting point before they..." Shelly trails off as tears start to fill her eyes. "...Before the lycan beat him and bit him right in front of me" She explains. I place a hand on her shoulder to comfort her and respond softly, "I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm sure we can help you all and stop the lycans as well as Queen Carolin" I sooth. Tulip says, "I know a bit of faerie magic that will completely heal you. Maybe then you could show us the way to this kingdom you've come from?"

"That Queen Carolin! She's nothin' but trouble! She has caused my family and myself alot of pain and heartache!" Shelly huffs. "I'll take you to the edge of our kingdoms. We have a long history with this Queen and the lycans. I know they will stop at nothing to see my families demise. Would your people be willing to offer my family some protection?" Shelly questions shakily. "I'm certain they will" Tulip says in a comforting tone. "I will pass on the message to the King. Tulip will you see to her healing spell?" I ask. Tulip agree's, and I make my way back upstairs to fill in the King on the information Shelly has given us. 

Upstairs reaching Cade, Jax, and Novus I go over the information that Shelly has told me about her family coming to Brendlewood, the lycans, Carolin, and request for protection. Cade agree's to offering some protection until everything is sorted out. "They will have to stay at the inn near the guards cottages. This kingdom is strictly for fae but desperate times call for desperate measures. The fact that Shelly is part faerie is also a factor. We can't leave one of our own in harms way" he tells me. "I can make the arrangements with the innkeeper" Jax suggests. "Thank you Jax, that would be a great help" Cade smiles before Jax leaves the room. "I need to inform the guards of the visitors arrival, and of the procedures in which to handle them" Cade announces. Novus offers to set all of that up, Cade agree's and thanks him. Before he leaves Novus asks me to check in on Emily and I give him a nod.

"Nora, do you mind to give this to Emily? She left it here last night" Cade asks holding out a dainty bracelet. "I'll turn it to her" I agree. Taking the bracelet from him, our hands gently graze one another. Cade catches my eye, and I blush as I turn to leave the room. 

I knock gently on Emily's door and her nurse answers the door. "Hi, Cade sent me with this for Emily. Is it a good time for a little visit?" I ask her. The nurse nods and motions me inside. She whispers, "Just a quick one though. Her majesty hasn't been doing well at all since the wedding. I fear the worst is near, but I haven't let on to it" the nurse tells me. I silently bring my hand to my mouth and compose myself before approaching Emily. "Good morning, Cade asked me to bring this to you. He said you left it downstairs" I tell Emily as I take a seat next to her bed. "Oh thank you Nora, your kind to bring it to me. This is my favorite bracelet, it belonged to my grandmother" Emily says in a raspy voice. "It is beautiful. How are you doing?" I ask. 

Emily glances down and says softly, "Not well I'm afraid. I don't want to worry anyone though. I'm not afraid to join the realm of the spirits. I just didn't think it would be so soon. I didn't know my body wouldn't respond well to the recovery transformation" she explains. I place a hand on her shoulder and gently nod, not knowing what to say. "Nora, please don't worry! If nothing else I have saved the kingdom from falling. I know that Cade will take good care of our people, especially with you by his side. Don't give me that look!" she wheezes as she laughs. "I know there is something special between you two, I can even feel it. I want you to know that when I am gone you have my blessing. I would like to give you an official royal title so that if it comes to it, you will be able to become his wife. I have already had the documents drawn up, you only need to sign them" she smiles weakly. 

"Emily! That is too kind of you, but please don't talk like that. I just know you can pull through and get back on your feet" I tell her. Emily closes her eyes and shakes her head, then looks at me. "That's what I love about you Nora, you believe in impossible things. All of the hardships you have been through, the people you have lost, you always find a way to see the positive. You always find the good in people and circumstances, even when the inevitable will happen. What will be, will be. I will leave this realm, Nora of 1945, and my spirit will rest in the hall of souls. Do not mourn me" Emily says using what little strength she has to take my hand and kiss it. The nurse softly suggests that her majesty rest now, and I thank Emily once again before leaving the room.

Down the hall I run into Cirrus who is looking flustered. "Nora! Thank goodness! I never can find anyone in this giant castle!" she chuckles, "I'm looking for Midi, have you seen her? One of the villagers has gone into labor and her midwife is very ill! Normally I wouldn't lend my best ladies maid but everyone needs a good midwife when they are in labor!" she rambles excitedly. "Oh, yes! I will send her to you" I reply and continue to the servants chambers to find Midi.

"Midi! Cirrus is requesting your help with someone in the village" I tell Midi once I arrive back downstairs. "I'm on it Ma'am" Midi says energetically before rushing off. I find Shelly still in her bed and ask how she is holding up. "Still a little sore, but that is to be expected after all that has happened" she replies. I nod understandingly, "Well Cade tells me that Tulip is known for her great potion skills, and I'm sure she'll have you good as new in no time!" I cheerily reply. 

Our conversation is suddenly interrupted by an ear piercing scream from the next room. Gasping I glance at the door, then back at Shelly. "Go! Go!" Shelly cries out. Running from the room I yank open the door. I find Tulip in a nearby room lying in a puddle of blood and overturned cauldron potion. She screams in pain clutching her stomach as a purple smoke rises from the potion mixture. "Oh my gosh! TULIP!?" I shout rushing to her. 

Tearing the potion soaked clothes off of her rapidly, and grabbing a towel I work quickly to get the potion off of her. I submerge a clean towel in some water and wipe splashes of potion and blood from her skin as she trembles in agony. Where the potion has soaked through the clothes there is a terrible wound on her abdomen. I stare horrified at the opening. "There's some salve in the jar on the counter" she manages to tell me, and I carefully smear it on her and wrap a large bandage cloth around her snugly. Searching the wardrobe I find a dress for her, and help her into it gently. 

After cleaning up the spill, I help Tulip into the room with Shelly, and lay her in an adjacent bed. Shelly sits up on the edge of her bed as quickly as her sore body will allow her to. "Holy crap! What happened?" She gasps. Tulip sobs into her hands, "My....baby....my....BABY!" I sit perched on the edge of Tulip's bed and gently rub her shoulder. "Shh, there now Tulip we'll get the nurse and have her look at you. Just try to breathe, take a deep breath and tell us what happened" I sooth. Tulip takes a breath, trying to compose herself as I ring for the nurse. 

"UGH! It's so stupid, a curse is what it is! My fear of mice has caused this. I-I was just about finished with the potion for you Shelly. That's when it happened, a fat, hairy rat rushed across the room terrifying me! It rushed under my skirts, and as I jumped back, I accidentally bumped straight into the cauldron. It teetered, and fell over before I could stop it, hitting the ground and splashing all down the front of me. It left a large wound on my stomach, and I started losing alot of blood. I....I lost the baby" Tulip manages to get out between sobs.

I frantically tell the nurse what has happened as I listen to Tulip describe the horror that has just occurred. "Oh my God! Nora and I are both here for you, just take deep breaths. We're gonna get you taken care of sweetie" Shelly tells Tulip soothingly. Tulip hiccups with sobs and I tenderly stroke her hair. "Just try to lie down and close your eyes hun, the nurse is on her way" I tell her. 

  

*To see the beginning of Shelly's adventure please visit secondary author  Alyssa Sim's  Twisted Fairytale*

Chapter 26

King Novus calls for the captain of the the guard and sets his men out on a hunt for this Queen Carolin of Dragon Valley. Turning back to the table he apologizes and we continue our dinner. We enjoy our food quietly, as everyone seems to have something on their mind. Bonnie, about her relationship with Jax. Jax, about becoming a father. Cade and Emily, about their wedding tomorrow. King Novus about finding the evil Queen Carolin. Then there is me who can't think of anything but Cade. The Queen and Tulip seem to be the only ones in good spirits and chat happily about the baby and the wedding that will take place tomorrow.

Everyone retires to their rooms after the meal, and I sit at the vanity in my room combing through my long brown hair. Voices coming from the hall, cause me to peek out of my bedroom, and in the candlelight I can hear Bonnie and Jax talking in hushed voices. "Bon you know I love you, but we met under strange circumstances" I hear Jax tell her. "Yea...you had a girlfriend when we met" Bonnie huffs. "Technically yes, I had a girlfriend. But, you have to understand, I thought I was never coming back. I left this kingdom out of fear, sadness and shame over Nox" he says softly.

"Jax, what are we gonna do? I thought I could let you go, but seeing you and Tulip together just rips me apart. I know I'm horrible for wanting you to myself, when you have a baby on the way with her" Bonnie says sadly. Jax takes her in his arms and tells her that they will get it figured out. "I love you Jax" Bonnie says quietly. Suddenly, Jax presses her up against the hallway wall and eagerly kisses her.  

Deciding that the events in the hall weren't really my business, I returned to my room. "Beside's I have my own set of problems" I say to myself. "Yea? Like what?" I hear Cade say. I clutch my chest turning around to see him grinning at me. I give him a playful smack on the arm, "CADE! You scared me!" I half giggle. 

He puts his hands on my hips pulling me gently towards him, and whispers in my ear, "What set of problems?" I close my eyes as I fight every desire in my body for him and whisper back, "I think you know." "Mm-hmm" he agree's faintly kissing my neck. "Cade....we can't" I say as I try to convince myself to step away. He pauses, still holding me and looks into my eyes. "Nora tomorrow I have to marry a woman who I care for as a friend, but am not in love with. The way I feel about you, I have never felt for anyone. I would like to spend my last bit of time as a bachelor with the woman I'm in love with" he says quietly. "You're in love with me?" I ask quite surprised. He smirks and nervously gives a small laugh, "Well..yea. I mean, you're incredible Nora. You think I just happened to find you guys in the forest? I didn't even know Jax was with you. Something in my heart was pulling me to you, I followed it, and found you" he says looking intently into my eyes. "Oh Cade..." I breathe, purely smitten.

 He leans in kissing me tenderly as our passion quickly escalates. In an instant he pulls the lacing from gown, it loosens and slides off my body. He fervidly kisses along my neck, and down to my chest, as I let out a gasp. Suddenly I am backed against a wall, he slightly lifts me as we kiss intensely I pull his tunic off of him. 

He lifts me up more, still kissing me as I throw my legs around him and he takes us towards the bed. He gives me a mild toss sending me firmly on my back onto the bed. Later, as we lay in each others arms, he gently moves a stray piece of hair from in front of my face and kisses my nose. "My darling I must return to my chambers. The servants will look for me in the morning to dress me for the wedding" he tells me in an unenthusiastic manner. 

The next morning I rise and decide to check in on Bonnie, who's room is just down the hall from mine. Her bed hasn't been slept in, and no one is there. I can hear Cade speaking with the servants in a nearby room, and peek into see the servants preparing him for the wedding. "My how handsome he looks" I think to myself remembering the events of last night. "Miss Nora!" I hear Midi scold in a hushed whisper, motioning me to come with her. She brings me to Emily's room where the maids are helping the women dress. Emily stands in the middle of her room staring into the mirror blankly. 

"You look beautiful Emily" I say quietly. Emily only stares in the mirror, and doesn't even acknowledge that I'm there. "You'll have to excuse her" Tulip tells me, before gently rubbing Emily's arm. "Earth to Emily!" Tulip plays. Emily blinks and appears to realize that she was spaced out. "I'm sorry..." Emily trails off. Tulip, who is unaware that something might be bothering Emily, turns to help the other girls. 

"Is everything ok?" I ask Emily. She nods without making a sound, then quietly says, "I know what I must do for my kingdom." "But...you don't love Cade?" I carefully ask. She quickly turns to look at me and responds in a rather insulted manner, "Nora! How can you ask me such a question?" She glances around the room to see that no one is in ear shot, then leans down and whispers, "Of course not, well not in that way. He is an old friend of mine that is all. But I must do what I need to for the kingdom." Our conversation is interrupted as the maids begin shooing everyone out to leave for the wedding. 

The ceremony guests are few, but the room is beautifully decorated. We all take a seat as the service is about to begin. The King and Queen take their place at the front and the proceedings for their resignation commence. 

They place their crowns on two large pillows and each have a seat, as Cade then takes his place at the front of the ceremony. The royal friar begins his speech about the King and Queen's wonderful reign. "I am happy to announce the wedding ceremony will now commence as Prince Cade of Learia weds our beautiful Princess Emily. The two will then take part in a private coronation and their public debut will be announced this evening" the royal friar explains.

A soft tune is played and Princess Emily glides down the aisle to meet the Prince. We rise as she enters and bow as she passes us by. Upon reaching Prince Cade she turns to stand before him, as the royal friar begins the wedding. The ceremony speech is heart felt, but Cade and Emily stand straight faced as they say their vows and exchange their rings.

"Prince Cade Meadowstone, you may now kiss your bride" the royal friar tells them. Cade takes a deep breath, leans over and gives Emily a small, quick kiss on the lips. They give each other a nod as the royal party claps with approval. The coronation follows and they sign the royal documents. A royal member of the court adjusts Emily's hair and places the crown on her head. Another member of the court places Cade's crown on his head and they turn to face us. The royal friar proudly announces to the congregation, "Sirs and ladies of the royal court, men and women of the royal family, and close friends...May I now present his illustrious highness King Cade and Queen Emily Meadowstone of Brendlewood. May your reign be long, and your hearts be pure. All hail King Cade, long live the King!" The congregation stands and repeats, "Here, here! All hail King Cade! Long live the King!" We bow as the royal fanfare sounds. Cade takes Emily by the hand, and they walk down the aisle out of the room. 

Before anyone is even able to leave a disheveled looking guard bursts through the doors, and everyone gasps. "How dare you intrude on a royal ceremony!" the friar bellows. Novus puts up his hand to hush the friar, what news do you have sir?" he asks the guard. The guard approaches Novus and explains his findings. The royal guards located, and brought back a woman they found at the edge of the kingdom. "From what they can gather your highness, it looks as if it's the queen we were searching for. She bares a crown but it seems her guard has beaten her bloody and stolen Brendlewood funds, for they were no where on her person" the guard explains. Novus strokes his beard in silence for a moment and orders the guard to bring her to the servants quarters of the castle. "Make sure she is comfortable. We need her well and rested if we are to retrieve any information about all of this from her" Novus instructs the guard. 

Standing Novus addresses the small crowd advising us that this is no worry to us, and he will be informing the King immediately. I hear him whisper to Cirrus, "Who knows what this woman is capable of. With Cade and Emily's help we must keep the kingdom safe." 

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."