A few hours later, we released Thomas Cromwell and Kristen from the dungeon and told them if they caused any more trouble they can easily be put back in the dungeon. They gave a bow and curtsy before agreeing to our terms and left the room. Upon Thatchers’ request, Ector was also released. Thatcher promised he would keep his cousin on his best behavior. Reluctantly I agreed to Thatchers’ request. “There you are Majesty! Sorry to intrude but I couldn’t find the king,” General Tallis says before giving a bow. “I’m afraid you wouldn’t find the king because at the moment there isn’t one to find,” I reply before giving him permission to rise. I then explain how Thatcher was removed from his court duties and I was placed as the ruler and decision maker of the kingdom until the boys become of age. “You said you were looking for the king. What did you need him for?” I question. “My men and I have searched far and wide, but we haven’t been able to find the evil enchantress Mylene anywhere. I’m sorry we failed you Majesty,” General Tallis informs. Smiling slightly I reply, “I’m sure we’ll find her. There are only so many places she can hide, and I bet I know just where she’s hiding. Thank you, Tallis. You may leave us now,” I reply. Tallis gives a bow before leaving the room. Turning his attention towards me and extending his arm Lestat says, “It’s been one hell of a day. Will you take a walk with me in the royal garden? We have much to discuss.”
“I’d love to take a walk in the garden with my future king,” I reply and take his arm. “You two kids have fun and behave yourselves,” Charlotte calls out to us. I let out a little chuckle before saying, “I’m not sure who’s more excited about all of this, Charlotte or us.” “I’m sure it’s a little bit of both my love,” Lestat replies before leading me out of the castle gates. “I thought we were going to the royal garden. Just what are you up to?” I question. “I have something else in mind. I’m taking you to one of my favorite places in the kingdom,” he says giving me a wink. I give a nod in agreement and lay my head down on his shoulder as we walk hand in hand. Momentarily, we arrive along the water of the cove which surrounds the kingdom. Suddenly Lestat stops me by the beach and says, “I wanted to do things differently this time Shel. I thought it would have been kind of lame to propose the same way as before,” he says. Taking a knee, he takes my hand into his and reaches into his coat pocket. Pulling out a small black box, he opens it before holding it up towards me to expose the sparkling diamond sitting on top of a silver band. Tears fill my eyes as he says, “I loved you from the first moment I laid my eyes on you, and I have loved you from a distance in fear that you wouldn’t feel the same for me. A year later we were married but we didn’t get our happily ever after. Destiny separated us for a little while and brought us back together. We’ve been through a lot the past few years, but I have loved you even though we were apart. The truth is Shel, I never stopped loving you. You have been my best friend, my soulmate, the mother of my children, and the woman of my dreams. You have always had my heart right from the start. Will you do me the honor and marry me again?” I let out a little gasp as tears slide down my cheeks before saying, “Yes! Yes, I will marry you!” He then slides the sparkling diamond onto my finger and we share a passionate kiss before heading back to the castle.
Four days pass as the wedding plans were made, and before I knew it, the day of our wedding has finally arrived. The maids scurry about making sure the final touches are made as my ladies in waiting finish dressing me. A gentle knock disturbs me from my thoughts before I chime in cheerfully, “Come in.” The door creaks open before Isabelle steps into the room. “How do I look?” I question and straighten out my dress and look hopefully at the group of girls in front of me. Isabelle squeals and grabs my hand. All of the friends I have made over the past year were here. Though I wish my friends from Brendlewood could be here for this special day. Catching my reflection in the mirror, my long silk white dress shimmers in the candlelight, and the designs in the lacey train really pop out in the right lighting, but my smile glows even brighter. “You look beautiful Mother. Everything looks just amazing in the cathedral and we can’t wait for you to see how all of the decorations turned out,” Isabelle says. “I can’t wait to see it! Have all of the guests arrived yet?” I ask curiously. “The guests have already arrived at the cathedral, and Rohan is waiting outside by the carriage for us with the royal guards. We better hurry or we’re going to be late! Isabelle says in the most peaceful way only a completely stressed out person could say. But, she was right. The group of ladies in waiting quickly left the room, and soon it was just Isabelle and I. “You’re not having second thoughts are you?” Isabelle asks sounding genuinely worried.
“Of course not. Lestat is the one, I’ve always known that. If he wouldn’t have compelled me to think he wasn’t coming back, I wouldn’t have remarried and would have waited for his return. He makes me feel more alive, more than anyone else ever has. He can make a dull stroll through the courtyard seem like our honeymoon,” I reply. “Then why are you standing here and not walking down the aisle?” Isabelle asks. “Because who’s going to walk me down the aisle? My parents are both gone. Logan is in hiding so Kristen won’t kill him. I don’t have anyone,” I explain as Isabelle embraces me in a tight hug. I have been hiding these feeling from Lestat, but I could never tell him. I didn’t want to ruin our wedding day. Isabelle smiles slyly as a knock on the door breaks our conversation. Breaking from our hug, she opens the double-doors and there he is, my brother standing on the other side. Running as fast as my giant silk gown will allow me to, I pull him into a tight hug. “Logan! You’re back! I can’t believe it!” I exclaim. Dressed in his navy blue suit adorned with a sword at his side and looks slightly wounded he says, “Of course, I’m back. I wouldn’t miss my big sister’s wedding!” “You’ve been bleeding! Are you alright?” I ask. “I’m perfectly fine and all bandaged up,” he replies. “Let me take that shirt and clean it up a bit,” Isabelle tells him. He gives a nod in agreement and takes off his shirt before handing it to her. “Hey! A letter or some form of word as to how you have been doing would have been nice!” I tell him in my most parental voice and punch him playfully on the shoulder. Suddenly the door bursts open and Rohan’s red mane pops out as Isabelle hands Logan his clean shirt, “Sorry for intruding Mother, but the cellist and violinist will begin playing soon.” I give a quick nod and the four of us head down to the courtyard where my carriage awaits. Rohan, Isabelle, and Logan mount their horses as the royal footman helps me into the carriage. As we make way down the dirt trail, the royal guards’ horses trot happily in front of us as they lead us through our journey to the church. The villagers of Blue Haven stop along the trail to wave and cheer as we pass them by.
It’s a short and pleasant ride to the cathedral. The carriage suddenly stops in front of the stairs that lead the way into the cathedral, and Logan dismounts his horse before Rohan helps Isabelle off hers. The footman opens the doors of the carriage before extending his hand. I give him a smile before accepting it and I step out of the carriage to greet my ladies in waiting. “Shelly!” They shout before embracing me in a tight group hug. “I’m so glad you all are here! I would be a nervous wreck if you all weren’t here with me! Still, I’m a little saddened that my friends of Brendlewood can’t be reached. I would love for all of my friends and family to be here today,” I tell them. “I’m sorry they can’t be here for your special day, but you have all of us and the people of Blue Haven to cheer you on!” Lady Savannah says. “You’ll do just fine my dearest friend. If you should need any of us, we’re right here by your side,” Lady Jane adds. Here! Here! The rest of the group of ladies shout with excitement. “Oh! Majesty! You look very radiant in that gown. It really suits you! You’re mother and father would be so proud of you, as I am proud of my son,” A familiar woman’s voice calls out behind me. Turning to face the woman, I notice Lady Elizabeth who is smiling proudly. “Thank you! I couldn’t be happier than I am today. I really do miss my parents and wish they could be here,” I reply hugging her tightly. Breaking from our hug, she gives a smile before kissing me on the cheek and heads inside followed by Rohan and Isabelle.
The guests wait patiently in their seats as the cellist and violinist begin playing their soft music. Lestat stands at the altar in his finest navy blue colored suit with two red ribbons draped over his vest under his jacket, awaiting his bride. Lord Sebastion, Lord Jon, Lord Shamus, and Lord Henry stand to wait to accompany the ladies down the aisle. Isabelle accepts Rohan’s arm and they make their way down the aisle. Next, Lady Jane links arms with Lord Sebastion and they proceed. They are followed by Lord Jon, Lady Savannah, Lord Shamus, Lady Annabelle, Lord Tucker, and Lady Mirabelle. The cellist and violinist begin to play the bride march before Logan extends his arm and I accept. The guests rise from their seats as the cathedral doors open, and Logan and I take our first step into the room. A cascade of flowers and happy faces await for us to accompany them towards the altar. To either side of the cathedral, huge stone columns stand with wooden benches in front of them, and a red very long narrow red carpet leads to the front of the building. With Logan by my side, I don’t feel even a tad ounce of nervousness. White and pink flower petals show me the way to my future king who has tears in his eyes as Logan and I make our way down the aisle. Rohan and Isabelle’s son, Prince Abel is the ring bearer, and Princess Juliana is the flower girl. Her little smile is bigger than ever as she continues to throw flower petals onto the floor. My heart pounds, but I don’t have a care in the world because at the end of this aisle, stands the man I’m about to marry.
“You look radiant Sister. Mother and Father wouldn’t have missed this day for the world and I believe they’re both here in spirit,” Logan whispers. “Thank you, my dear brother. I couldn’t help but notice the young lady sitting in the back of the pews eyeballing you. Who is she?” I ask curiously. “I’ll introduce you to her after the wedding, “Logan whispers as we stop in front of the last row of pews and wait for the royal officiate to speak. A small hunched over elderly man stands behind the altar. His face is covered in freckles and the top of his white leathery hair is covered by his hat. A pair of small glasses sit on the tip of his pointy nose as he begins to speak. “Who gives this woman to this man?” Friar Thomas asks in a raspy voice. “Her brother does,” Logan calls out. He then places my hand in Lestat’s before kissing me on the cheek and takes his seat with the guests. Lestat’s eyes widen before whispering in my ear, “You look beautiful darling.” “Thank you, my love,” I blush and reply. Turning towards Friar Thomas he begins, “Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Prince Lestat Francis Lioncourt and Queen Scarlett Michelle Debenshire in holy matrimony commended to be honorable among all, and therefore is not to be entered into lightly but reverently, passionately, lovingly, and solemnly.
Into this – these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.” After a few moments of silence, Friar Thomas informs, “Lestat and Scarlett have prepared their own vows they have written to each other,” Turning towards Lestat he takes my hands and says, “I’ve been reading alot of William Shakespeare trying to find the right words to describe the way I feel about you. But, then I realized that we have our own story. It’s about a Prince who met a beautiful Princess and how she was able to draw out the man hidden behind a monster. They shared many physical, symbolic, and emotional tangos, but eventually, they were finally able to meet in the middle. When they finally did he found himself wanting to share every dance with her. She gave him something he had thought to have lost a few years ago, his humanity. So it only made sense that he’d find himself drawn to wanting to be the man she fell in love with so that he could have a future with her.” For a moment he glances away from me and over to the spot where his mother sits. She smiles and motions for him to keep going before he locks his eyes on mine and continues, “Shel, our love story is far from perfect. It’s messy and complicated, but it’s real and it’s ours. A lot has changed…I have changed. But there will always be one thing that will remain constant and that’s my love for you. In my darkest days, it’s you who I’ll turn to because in you I find light because you are my light. I made a promise back then to be your husband, although I tried my best, I failed miserably and did the worst thing I could have done.
I won’t fail this time my love. I promise you with everything that I have and everything that I am, I’m not giving you up this time. I’m seconds away from being your husband for the second time, and I look forward to staying true to all of the promises that we have made to each other. I’m going be the partner that you have always wanted, be the father that our kids have always deserved and make things right with them. I’m also going to be the best grandfather to their babies as I can possibly be. I love you Darling, and it’s because that I love you that I’m standing here today in front of you and our family and friends waiting to say I do. You are the most beautiful, loving, although annoying at times, the most kind-hearted woman I know, and you keep me on my toes each and every passing day. I promise to be with you and love you for the rest of our lives.” Tears spill from my eyes as Lestat lifts our interlaced hands together and presses his lips to the top of my hand before placing the wedding band on my finger. “Scarlett?” Friar Thomas says as he nods his head towards me. Fanning myself and gently tapping a tissue under my eyes I say, “Oh God! I don’t think I can even top that.” The guests let out a chuckle before I hand my bouquet to Lady Jane and continue, ” I once met my knight in shining armor on a long and winding road. He comforted and loved me when I needed him. I eventually even began to develop feelings for him, and I feared he would never feel the same for me as I did for him.
Until one day I accidentally let it slip that I was falling in love with him.” For a moment my eyes leave Lestat’s and move to the empty seats where my parents would be sitting. Instead, I find Logan’s eyes looking back at me, giving me an encouraging smile. “On a trip back from France where you took me to get away from things and spent a little time together,” I begin but pause for a moment. Lestat and I share a knowing smile as we recall our first carriage trip together. Lestat, smirking remembering all of the special moments he had with Shelly in France, and the last picnic they had where he decided he wanted to be with her forever. “The day you told my parents about us, was the scariest moment of my life. I didn’t quite know how they would react, and I was so afraid they would send you away. The moment they left the room, and you told me you were a prince, I felt relieved. Relieved because they couldn’t send you away unless I rejected you, and because I knew then and now that you are the one I want to marry and spend the rest of my life with. I didn’t meet a stranger at my home in the Kingdom of Hidden Springs that night, I had met my soul mate. You snuck up on me Lestat and for so long I denied what was in front of me. Your love was never the problem, it was me because I allowed my fear to get the best of me.
I was afraid to fall in love with you again because of how many times I had been hurt, not just by you, but by others as well. But once I got over that fear I ended up realizing that I never felt more alive than I do when I’m with you. You bring me back to life in more ways than one. I know this is scary and that there will be darker days, but we’ll survive them because we always survive. Look at everything we’ve been through and yet here we stand today, getting married for the second time! You’ve made me realize that home doesn’t need to be found in a place. It can be found in a person. You are my home Lestat Lioncourt and that’s why I’m standing here, waiting to say I do so I can go home to you. I promise to love you and be with you for the rest of our lives until death do us part,” I continue before placing the silver band onto his finger. Lestat’s eyes fill up with tears as he takes my hands in his. ” Friar Thomas clears his throat before he begins to speak, “Scarlett and Lestat, you have chosen to be joined in marriage today. The bible states that two are better than one; they receive a good reward for their toil because if one fails, the other can help the companion up again. In my presence and in the presence of your family and friends, you have exchanged vows and made promises. You have opened your hearts to one another, declared your love and friendship, and united yourself with the exchanging of rings. Therefore, with the blessings of God, it is my pleasure to now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride!”
I can feel the sweetness of Lestat’s breath as he parts his lips to kiss me. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pull him closer towards me, kissing him hard and passionately as Friar Thomas announces, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Mr. and Mrs. Lioncourt.” The guests rise from their seats as they applause and cheer for the newlyweds. “The feast is being held in the formal dining hall at the castle. Hope to see you all there!” I shout as Lestat takes my hand in his and run down the aisle as the guests toss birdseed over our heads. Stopping in front of the church doors, Lestat dips me before kissing me passionately and we climb into the carriage and head back to the castle. As we turn and look behind the carriage, the guests wave and cheer while the horses in front of us trot along happily, and we wave in return. Lestat caresses my cheek before kissing me passionately, leaving me breathless and weak in the knees. Breaking from our kiss and smiling I say, “If you keep that up Mr. Lioncourt, we’ll never make it back to the castle.” “In that case Mrs. Lioncourt, I’ll just have to keep kissing you,” he replies with a smirk and kisses me again. Within a few moments, we arrive back at the castle. The footman opens the carriage door before Lestat steps out. Turning to face me, Lestat extends his hand before saying, “At your service Mrs. Lioncourt.” “Why thank you, my dear husband,” I reply before taking his hand and we both let out a giggle as I step out of the carriage.
As we enter the castle, all of the servants and maids congratulate us on our marriage, and we thank them before entering the formal dining hall. The room is decorated with 3 rows of tables with blue tablecloths and white roses placed in the center. Momentarily the guests arrive and begin filling the tables and chairs as Lestat and I take a seat. After a few moments, Lestat rises from his seat and taps his wine glass before saying, “Thank you all for coming. The footmen will begin to bring the food trays out in just a moment. If you would all take a seat at a nearby table we can begin to celebrate and have some cake.” The guests who remain standing, quickly take a seat at a nearby table and the footmen begin bringing silver food platters filled with baked wild boar, vegetable stew, fresh crane, salmon, trout, fresh bread, cheese, butter, and different varieties of freshly picked fruits. My mouth waters as the savory smell of fresh fish and wild boar fills the air. As the footman makes his way around the tables, everyone takes a serving off the platters and places a small portion on their plates as another footman follows to fill the wine glasses. A few of the villagers congratulate Lestat and I before a late middle-aged woman stands followed by her family members and requests for a toast. She no doubt was beautiful, though strands of gray had begun to overtake her golden brown locks. She stood as tall as her aging back would allow, and smiled brightly at those seated nearby. With a clink of her glass and her blue eyes dazzling she began her toast.
A slightly older man stands beside her to her right. His silver hair slicked back and a little on the muscular side. His emerald green eyes sparkle as he gives a bow and a kind smile. There’s no doubt this man is her husband. They have a young man with them who can’t be much older than me, whose hair is a sun-kissed brown color, amber colored eyes, well-trimmed beard, and very handsome. Raising my glass, I give a nod politely before she proceeds. “We’ve all waited for a very long time for the return of the Royals of Farwater Gleam. We’re finally proud to announce the union of our kingdom and propose a toast to its new king and queen. Here’s to our Grand-daughter and her King, Lestat! May you both be blessed of many years and many heirs to the Farwater throne!” the woman toasts. The guests raise their glasses and burst into cheer. “Here’s to my lovely niece! You look beautiful tonight my dear. Hail Queen Scarlett and King Lestat, long may they reign!” a young man toasts before drinking from his glass. Lestat leans over and whispers, “You’re grandparents and uncle? I thought they passed a long time ago?” “That makes two of us! I never met anyone else from my family other than my brother and parents. My mother and father never spoke of them. If they have been in Farwater all this time protecting it, that could be the very reason I know nothing about them,” I whisper in return.
Looking into the faces of the people who claimed they’re my family, I try to see if any of them strike any resemblance of my parents. But it’s really hard to tell. The woman has the same kind and caring eyes of my mother, but so can anyone I guess. Once everyone has finished their dinner, the footman brings out the wedding cake and sets it down on the table. “Guess that’s our queue,” Lestat whispers in my ear. I give a nod in agreement and he leads me over to the large wedding cake. I take the knife in my hand before Lestat places his hand over mine. I smile happily as we cut the cake. Lestat laughs, “This is alot harder than it looks!” The guests give a chuckle as Lestat and I make one long slice into the cake with the knife. We cut two pieces and put them on small separate plates, and I smile happily as we feed it to each other. I give a little giggle as I gently wipe some icing off of Lestat’s lip before stealing a kiss. Everyone applauds and cheers us in awestruck as we share our quick kiss. Picking up his glass from the table, one of the footmen approaches him and fills his wine glass before Lestat takes his spoon and taps it lightly making a tinging sound. Lestat motions for everyone to quiet down as he begins to speak, “I would just like to thank everyone for being here and witnessing our marriage. It means a lot for Scarlet and I that all of you were able to be here on our joyous event.”
Just then, a very drunk Kristen rises from her seat before raising her glass, “Here’s to my brother, the one who never gave up on the little hussy! I was right about one thing my dear brother, some things never change! You will always choose that little harlot over your own family! Here’s to your Queen Floozy and all of the other men’s hearts she’ll break in the future!” Facepalming and shaking my head in disbelief, I lean over to Lestat and whisper, “You’re sister has a lot of nerve! She shouldn’t be at an event such as this if she can’t handle her liquor.” Thatcher rises from his seat and grabs Kristen’s arm before saying, “That is enough of this nonsense! Leave at once or I’ll have you removed myself!” Kristen pitches a fit of laughter as she turns to Thatcher and says, “That’s very funny considering that you have no power here!” “Maybe he can’t make the decisions here but I can! Guards, see this woman to her chambers and make sure she stays there to sleep it off!” I command. The guards give a little bow before removing Kristen from the room. Thatcher shoots me an apologetic look before raising his glass, “To the newlyweds! May they have many years together!” The guests applaud before Lestat announces the that the party is moving into the ballroom. Upon entering the room, the violinist begins to play as Lestat leads me to the middle of the ballroom to share our first dance as husband and wife. The applause of the guests dies down as I try to ignore the stares we receive.
“Hold on just a second,” Lestat instructs before heading over to the violinist. He leans over and whispers something to him before returning to my side. At last, Lestat and I take our places and wait for the violinists’ soft music to begin. Once it started we take a step forward and bow to one another. We circle each other, our gaze remains locked. Lestat places his hand on my lower back, my hand on his shoulder, and our free hands finally meet. Together, we dance to the music, our feet in perfect sync to the beating of my heart. As the song progresses, I feel relaxed and allowed a smile to form on my lips. He’s perfect. His eyes, blue as spring rain, are deep and irresistible. One thing is for sure, I’m one lucky woman to receive a husband like him. The guests applaud before Lestat whispers, “Thank you, my darling. Thank you for everything you have done. Giving me a second chance, allowing your heart to love me again, and for becoming my wife for the second time. I love you my darling.” “Smiling widely I whisper in return, “There’s no need to thank me, my love. I never truly stopped loving you. I have loved you always, and I will love you always and forever.” Lestat’s eyes well up with tears before he kisses me tenderly. After our dance, the marble dance floor begins to fill up and Logan taps Lestat on the shoulder before asking, “May I cut in?” Lestat gives a nod before placing my hand in Logans’.
As Logan twirls me around on the dancefloor I curiously ask, “So who’s your lady friend?” He blushes a little before replying, “That’s my fiance, Lady Juliet from Stone Ridge. She’s one of the noble ladies who attends to Isabelle. Rohan gave me permission to marry her. She really is a sweet lady and I would like for you to get to know your future sister-in-law.” “She sounds very nice. I would love to meet the very one who stole my brothers’ heart,” I chuckle. After our dance, I take Logan’s arm and we head over to Juliet who’s standing to the side enjoying her wine. Logan kisses her on the cheek before introducing us. “Juliet, this is my sister, Scarlett. Sister, this is Lady Juliet, my fiance.” Giving a little curtsy Juliet says, “It’s a pleasure to meet you Majesty.” “Please, call me Shelly. We’re basically family. No need to bow or curtsy to me. Join me in a glass of wine?” I offer. “I would love to,” she replies. As I lead her to the powder room I turn to face Logan, “Don’t worry my dear brother. I’ll have her back in no time at all.” Logan waves to us as us girls head out of the room. As we enter the powder room, we each take a seat at one of the vanities to freshen up. “So how did you meet my brother?” I ask as I put my lipstick on. “We met at the festival in Stone Ridge. He was staring at me from a distance, which I found pretty odd. When I brought it up to Queen Isabelle, she said that I should go talk to him and have fun at the festival. We walked and talked for hours and just enjoyed each other’s company.
Right before he asked if he could see me again, the herald announced Isabelle making her way down the stone path. As we stepped to the side to allow Isabelle and the parade of people behind her through, Logan fell right into a huge pile of horse manure. I bit my tongue so as not to laugh at him. It took me quite a bit of reassuring him that all is well for him to ask me out, and It took even longer for him to propose. I don’t know what he would have done if he didn’t have King Rohan to talk to. Can you just imagine though? Logan with shaky hands and sweaty palms wanting to ask me out so badly that he falls right in the middle of horse excrement?” I give a little laugh before telling her that I could just see it all happen in slow motion. “Yes, well Logan always was a clutz when it came to the ladies. Even got rejected by a Lady who would attend my mother. He wouldn’t quite take no for an answer so she pushed him into the lake,” I tell her. We both burst into laughter before I realize how long we’ve been gone. Gasping I tell her, “Gosh! We better be getting back before they send the party out to look for us!” Juliette gives a nod in agreement and the two of us head back down to the party. As we enter the ballroom, and I link arms with Lestat, he whispers, “I’ve missed you, darling. What kept you?” “Juliette and I were just freshening up and exchanging stories about my brother. I didn’t mean to be gone for so long. I just wanted to get to know the one who my brother intends to marry. She’s really very sweet. I kind of like her,” I reply with a smile.
Smiling back at me, he gently places a kiss on my forehead before Thatcher taps his wine glass with a spoon. As he wraps his arm around Farah, he says, “I have an announcement to make. I’ve decided to take a friend’s advice before she departed back to the other side. I’ve asked Farah to marry me! It won’t be long and she too will have a wedding to plan!” The guests burst into cheer before Lestat and I approach Thatcher. As he rubs Farah’s little baby bump, I raise my glass and say, “I just want to congratulate the two of you. I wish nothing but happiness to you both.” Thatcher and Farah raise their glasses and we share a drink together. “I’ll be right back my love. I need to freshen up a bit,” Farah tells Thatcher. He smiles and kisses her tenderly before she leaves the room. Turning my attention towards Thatcher I say, “I’m sorry things didn’t work out between us the way you had hoped, but at least we can remain friends and both of us can be here for our children.” “Just because I’m being mutual towards you doesn’t mean that I agree with any of this. You broke my heart Shel. I will never forgive you for that, but I can’t go against what the Gods have planned. Just know that we are far from friends. I’m counting down the days until Edmund takes the throne and we can all finally be rid of you!” he says angrily before storming off. Throwing my hands up in confusion I scoff, “Ugh! He has alot of nerve and has no room to talk! It’s not like I was thinking straight! He had an affair knowing very well what he was doing! I really thought we were past all of this!” “I thought so too my love. Come, lets’ not allow him to ruin the rest of our evening,” Lestat smiles before kissing my cheek.
Taking my hand, he leads me out to the middle of the floor and dips me before kissing me passionately. The guests cheer as Lestat pulls me closer to him. “I love you, my darling wife. Don’t ever forget that,” he whispers in my ear as he embraces me in a slow dance. Suddenly one of Farah’s ladies comes rushes into the ballroom crying and screaming. The violinist stops playing his soft tune, and the guests grow quiet. “Majesty! I’m so sorry to interrupt your night, but it’s Farah! She’s in her quarters and there’s a lot of blood!” Lady Ellette says before giving a quick curtsy. “Gasping I reply, “Take me to her at once!” Lady Ellette gives a little nod and I rush upstairs to Farah’s quarters with Thatcher and Lestat on my heals. Upon opening the double doors to Farah’s quarters, I notice her laying on her bed as she tries to shove her bloody chemise in between her thighs as she lays screaming, “My boy! I’ve lost my boy!” Rushing over to the bed, I sit on the edge and gently rub her back before questioning, “I’m so sorry my dear. What happened?” “Like you really care! Why don’t you go back downstairs with that thing you now call a husband and leave us alone!” Farah shouts. “Now that’s not fair! I do care. I care more than you and Thatcher will ever know!” I reply. Farah takes a deep breath and sighs deeply before saying, “You’re right and I’m sorry. I’m not sure what happened. I think I might have overdone it at the joy of your wedding.
I felt tired, but I wanted to spend more time with Thatcher. I should have been resting instead of dancing. After I freshened up in the powder room, I felt really tired, so I figured I would lay down for a bit. As my ladies were helping me undress, I felt a sharp pain in my stomach and something warm run down my leg. When I looked down I noticed I was bleeding. That’s when I sent my lady down to get help.” “Majesty, the midwife is here,” Lady Elizabeth announces. “Please show her in,” I tell the lady. The midwife gives a little curtsy before saying, “I need everyone to clear the room while Lady Elizabeth and I tend to Lady Farah.” “Of course! Just let us know if you need anything,” I reply. “Thank you, Majesty,” the midwife smiles before approaching Farah. Dropping to his knees and hugging Farah tightly, Thatcher says, “I’ll just be right outside darling. I won’t leave you ever again!” Farah strokes his hair before kissing his forehead and says, “I love you, my love. I’ll be ok. I promise. I’m in good hands. I’ve heard good things about Lady Elizabeth.” Thatcher gives a nod in agreement and leaves the room to wait out in the hall while the midwife and Lady Elizabeth tends to Farah.
Placing my hand on Thatcher’s shoulder I say, “I know you see me as this horrible person who broke your heart, but it doesn’t mean that I will ever stop caring about you. I’ll do whatever it takes to help where I can be of service.” Turning to face me he says, “I’m sorry Shel. I shouldn’t have talked to you the way I did earlier. I know you weren’t in your right mind when things went bad between us. I just can’t help but think about where we would be right now if I wouldn’t have been captured. I don’t hate you, and I don’t think you’re horrible. I will always think of you as a friend. Thank you for helping Farah. You didn’t have to do that considering what I did and how I treated you. I should have been more patient and waited to see what would have happened. From this day forth, you have my respect and an alliance with my kingdom, whether I’m running it as its king or not.” Pulling him into a tight hug I reply, “I accept your apology. You can’t live in the past. I’ve forgiven you for everything. I know you will always love me, but I also know a part of you loves Farah or you wouldn’t be so worried about her. I’m sure she will be just fine. Just hang in there. She’s gonna need you to lift her spirits up. Just promise me you’ll do right by her and treat her right. She’s so different from me. I don’t think she’ll go poking around where she doesn’t belong if you were to ever get captured again.”
“Once again, you’re right. I do love Farah, but part of me will always love you. Afterall, you were the first woman to ever steal my heart and drive me crazy! I know she’ll be alright, I just hope she didn’t lose the baby. You two should be downstairs celebrating your wedding. Go on. I’ll be fine,” Thatcher says as he places a kiss on my forehead. I give a nod in agreement before Lestat and I head back to the ballroom. As we enter the ballroom, I announce Farah’s condition and suggest that everyone say a silent prayer for Lady Farah and her baby. The guests nod in agreement and we say a quick prayer before the celebration of the wedding continues. Extending his hand Lestat smiles and says, “May I have this dance?” I smile in return and accept his hand before saying, “Of course Majesty, but you might wanna keep an eye out for my husband. He can get quite jealous.” “Well I guess I’ll have to try my best not to anger him,” he replies with a chuckle. As approach the middle of the dance floor, Lestat twirls me around before his eyes lock on mine. “You’ve come so far from the young woman I met in Hidden Springs, and I’m proud to call you my wife,” he says before kissing me tenderly. Lestat’s hands begin to wander around my waistline and I let out a gasp before breaking from our kiss. Gazing into his eyes curiously, a playful smile forms on his face before he tickles me mercilessly and begins twirling me once again. As he twirls me towards the door I let out a gasp in disbelief. A couple of my guards stand in the doorway with a small group behind them. Placing their trumpets to their lips, the Brendlewood and Learia fanfares echo throughout the castle, before the guards announce both Brendlwood and Learia’s King and Queen. I smile widely as I tell the guards to allow them through the doors where Lestat and I greet them.
The time to vote has arrived! First of all I would like to thank all of the creators who have given us all the wonderful CC they create. Without them, this story wouldn’t be possible.
