It had been a few days since Paige had woken up in the company of the bandits that were heading to her realm, they had asked her a few questions and Seth had been teaching her how to defend herself using weapons whilst bounding with her, she had proven to have a rather deadly aim when it come to using a bow and arrow. The small group had continued their travels at night with Paige doing as requested and telling them stories of the land in which she had called her home, telling them of the markets that sell anything from gem stones to fine fabrics even pottery and weaponry. It sounded like the place of dreams to those who knew of it and to those who wished to settle there like AJ and Galina who had spent years travelling from one place to another in an attempt to find a place where they could have a proper home and live freely.
At this particular time the bandits were just entering Darkness Realm, as the dirt path roads had turned into amazingly crafted stone cobbled roads as soon as they had left the forest boarders, there were small villages, and places to feed horses and even get water from as they past. Galina who was on the back on Roman's horse smiled to herself at seeing how different the realm was to those she had been to before, there wasn't a sense of fear and dread here, but here there was peacefulness, AJ to must have felt it as she smiled and hugged her husband just a little more than she usually would while riding on the back of the same horse. Paige was on the back of Seth's horse directing him where to go, smiling wide that she was back in the place she loved.
"This place is amazing" expressed Dean, looking around at all the thatch top homes and sustainable shops, even seeing the pavements for people to walk on so they weren't hurt by passing horses. He even noticed how happy the residence were, how they all had smiles place firmly on their lips, how they were well looked after and had a choice on what it was they did for their livelihood. Paige looked around to him and smiled, she knew that he would be happy here they all would if they chose to stay that is.
"Look there it is. Home" suddenly said Paige, pointing to the Gothic palace visible in the distance, the flags were moving in the slight breeze. As they drew closer they could see the detailed stained glass windows in unusual shapes, and how each person had a home whether it be near the palace or near the boarders, they had yet to spot someone who was neglected or homeless. Once they reached the steps leading to the main entrance of the palace they were met by several relieved looking people each with a smile. There was a blond woman stood with a man with reddish hair, the other side of the top steps stood two men in black armour each looked relieved to see that Paige was with the new arrivals, and then in front of them stood an ageing man who appeared to have been under a lot of stress for many years.
Dean dismounted from his horse as did Jimmy turning around to see the girls being helped of the horses by the men who rode the ones in which they rode with. By the time they had all dismounted the ageing man was almost at the bottom of the stairs looking to each of them but his gaze resting of the figure of his youngest child and only daughter, seeing that she was okay and unharmed was one thing for her to be back in the place where she was safest was what brought a true smile to his lips, along with bandits he had lost track of a few days prior to.
"Father" said Paige, walking forward and hugging him, she had missed him and her two brothers, she knew they would worry until she was returned to the kingdom. "The group of bandits behind me, saved me from King Hunter's men, I believe they should be rewarded for their help in my safe return" added Paige, seeing the bandits with Paige raised a few questions, making him wonder if she was the reason why he couldn't track them. He nodded at all of them and motioned for them to follow them into the palace in which he and his family called home.
Once inside Paige left to get changed, Emma following behind her, still unaware of what was planned for her, Paige's disappearance had put a halt to any plans which was understandable since she was the heir to the throne and one of the kings three children. Once they were back in Paige's chambers, Emma hugged her tightly, she had been thinking the worst had happened, her worries were put to bed when she had reappeared a few minutes prior, proving her husband Sami to be right.
In the Bright-Blade territories thing were moving fast, King Sheamus had offered marriage to Noyra an offer that she had happily accepted, now they were currently arranging their marriage. They would be visiting Darkness Realm later on in the day to deliver the good news, unaware they they were going to be receiving some as well. Sheamus had been worried when he was informed the future Queen of Darkness Realm had gone missing, but none the less they had agreed to go when they received an invitation to a ceremony that Paige herself had arranged before her untimely disappearance. Noyra had also expressed her wishes to visit the land, as she hadn't been there before, she had heard the stories of the freedom and about the alliance that was between the land she would rule along side King Sheamus and the realm she was now going to visit.
At this moment in time Noyra was looking at the different fabrics before her trying to decide which would be best for her wedding dress, since she had been there with Sheamus, he had gotten dresses made for her, her time as a slave was now over and a distant memory, he had saved her and treated her like a princess, like his equal. King Sheamus looked after her, something that was once a far away dream was now her reality, she could never repay Sheamus for what he had done for her or the kindness he had shown her, she was to be his queen, he had given her everything and in return she was would be at his side as a caring and loving wife and a fair ruler just as he has been. She had settled on the design of the wedding dress just not the fabric to be used to make it.
"Are you okay there My Lady" asked Layla, she had come from the Darkness Realm at Sheamus's request, he had arranged transport there and allowed her to stay in the palace, she was the best dress make he could think og. She made all of Queen Michelle's dresses before her death, even made her burial, she had also made all of Princess Paige's dresses and some of Emma's dress, they were all unique. Layla was truly talented at what she does, and even offered train Kelly Kelly to do the same in the territories.
"I'm fine Layla just trying to decide what fabric to use" replied Noyra, Layla smiled in reply, this was the hardest part of making wedding dresses, the bride pricking out the right material that would make her feel like she was a goddess. She was lucky when it come to princess Paige as she had her trust so when the time come Layla would make the dress in the colours required for a wedding. Paige had taken Emma to her when she was going to get married to Sir Sami. Emma didn't know what was best so asked her on advice, the dress looked perfect on Emma, even better Emma loved the dress and still has it in her closet, princess Paige paid her but surprisingly King Mark paid her double for her work and explained that Paige had planned something that would put Emma at great importance. Layla had kept the secret since then not sharing it with another soul.
"These fabrics are native to these territories my lady, may I suggest visiting my shop when you and King Sheamus go to my homeland. I have fabrics there from all five kingdoms, It would give you a wider range to choose from" replied Layla seeing the smile appear on Noyra's features at the opportunity that arose for her. Noyra nodded in response, shaking Layla's hand not believing that this was happening and still thinking it was a dream of some sort. If you went up to her two weeks ago and told her she was going to marry the king and become queen, she would have told you to come back to reality, she was a salve girl, yet a week after the ball she was preparing for her wedding to him. Sheamus joined the women after that, he was still smiling that he had the priest and the church arranged, and that her coronation was in the woks to. He had asked Layla to make her coronation dress too, he really would be lost without Layla and her amazing talent in the art of dress making.
With Kings Hunter, Paul and Kane, they had made an alliance. All agreeing that they would bring war to Bright-Blade and Darkness Realm, Kane was attempting to take war there simply because his brother had got what he didn't a male heir, nobody had told him that a male couldn't take the throne of Darkness Realm only a female could. They had planned to hide in the forests and attack when they least expected it, kidnapping the girls that were royalty in order to force King Sheamus and Mark to step down and relinquish control of their kingdoms to one of the three kings.
Winter, Autumn, Nikki and Brie were talking about the events that had happened over the past couple of days. Nikki not being able to marry the father of her unborn child and the fact she may have to give her child to the family of the father. They also spoke about Autumn allowing her father to abandon her youngest sister Summer at the edge of Darkness Realm, while she held back Winter to prevent her from helping Summer in any way, as well as laughed at the tears of both sisters and confusion of Summer at what was actually happening. Brie had bounded with Brock and was discussed to hear what King Kane had done to one of his own children, just leaving her helpless in a land that she didn't know, she thought her father was ruthless at times but he was like it to protect Nikki and herself as well as Brock now, where as King Kane simply abounded Summer for no other reason than she was too nice for the kingdom in which he had created and the one that would go on to Autumn.
"My father wont let me marry John Cena, the father of my unborn child. Instead he has locked him in the dungeons with barely enough food and water to live and given me a choice. Either give my child to the family of John when it is born or not be recognised as one of the princesses of the kingdom" said Nikki, still angry about the choice she was given, she was not going to give up her child. The child was a sign of love between her and John. When she was checked out by a female doctor she was told she was five months along and that she was going to be having a baby girl. She had told John who was pleased but thinking about what was to come and his fate if he was not allowed to see Nikki or his daughter when she was born. Brie had revealed her secret, she too was expecting her and Sir Daniel Bryan's first child, she had hidden her pregnancy from everyone with the dresses she wore, but gave it away when she had sharp pains one morning while enjoying breakfast with her family.
The pair were expecting a son in about two months time, she had only revealed it to her father and sister when she had the pains at breakfast and became worried about the welfare of her child. He congratulated them not seeing it as a crime since she was married. To Nikki's surprise both Brie and Daniel offered her a deal. They would adopted Nikki's daughter so she could still see her and bound with her, Nikki was currently thinking about it, that ways she would have the best of both worlds, she would still get to know and bound with her daughter, and she would still remain royalty of the kingdom, but it would also mean that John would miss out of seeing his daughter grow up.
"You think that is bad, Summer out sister was abounded by our father on the way here, he stopped and pulled her from the carriage. Gave her food and water then left her there. She was confused and in tears. Winter here was helpless to help her poor helpless favourite sister, since I held her back. Our father said both Summer and Winter were a disgrace to the family name, that both of them were better of in Darkness Realm, but he needed one back home so it didn't look suspicious" said Autumn, she was the oldest of the three daughters of Kane but by far the more cruel one, which didn't even bare thinking about when it come to her as the Queen of Angel Kingdom, especially with her husband ruling along side her as king.
"She didn't deserve to be abounded like that. Just because you can't have everything your own way doesn't mean you can act like a spoilt brat all the time. And you could have acted more like an older sibling and helped her instead of holding me back laughing the entire time" shouted Winter, still upset by what happened and worried about what had become of her beloved baby sister, she wanted to think that someone from Darkness Realm had found her and took her to their uncle Mark, but part of her mind was telling her something bad happened to her, since Prince Jack Autumn's husband lingered behind when they left Summer behind, making her fear the worst, that he had done something to her. Once again Autumn just looked at her sister and laughed at what had happened, laughing at Summer's fate and Winter's pain.
"You bitch" shouted Nikki looking right at Autumn anger burning in her eyes. "Summer is your sister, you should be worry about her hoping she is okay. Instead you held back your other sibling laughing at the pain of both of them and saying Summer deserved her fate, you are not what makes an older sibling and you deserve to rot in hell" added Nikki just as loud, and no longer able to hold back her emotions, how could Autumn do that to both of her younger sisters like they meant nothing to her. When she was given the choice by her father Brie spoke to Daniel and they decided together they would adopt her child so she could still bound and know her own daughter.
Back in Darkness Realm, the small group of bandits were in the throne room with King Mark and Prince's Konnor and Viktor. They had shown their respect by bowing and curtsying to them. Mark was sat in his throne smiling at them, thankful that they had brought his daughter home unharmed, where as Konnor and Viktor stood either side of him just thankful they had found her and rescued her from the men of Helmsley Kingdom. Mark looked at each of them already deciding on their award, he couldn't think of a better way to repay them for what they had done. He would be eternally thankful.
"Thank you for bringing Paige home. I am forever in your debt, as a reward I will grant you anything you ask for within reason. Please say how I may thank you" spoke Mark his voice echoing around the large room. All of them appeared to be surprised at the kindness they were being shown. When they looked at him he only smiled a genuine smile fully aware of where they come from, as did Konnor and Viktor, it was their idea to grant them what they wished, since it was hard to put a price of returning a princess home.
"Your majesty, myself and my husband would like to live peacefully in your lands" said AJ, she smiled at him and both of the prince's, not believing how kind they were, they were allowed to choose what they wanted as a thank you. "As I am sure Galina and Roman would also want" added AJ seeing Galina nodding her head, she had found her peaceful land of freedom she had so often dreamt about, it was Darkness Realm, a land of freedom and magic as well as myths and legend. King Mark looked at the two couples and smiled that was four he heard from, now for the remaining three, he looked to Jimmy who still looked as if he was coming to terms with the reward part.
"If It is granted my lord, I would like to see my friends here happy, whilst I try and find my happiness. As beautiful as your land is my lord, I do not believe my happiness can be found here" said Jimmy surprising his companions and friends. He knew this was the land that could give them what they had dreamed of, as well as their freedom but he had not found the pull to make him want to stay in the realm like the others had, he believed it was either in Angel Kingdom or the Bright-Blade Territories.
"I would just like a place where I can settle down, and feel like I belong there without fear on what the future will bring" replied Dean, he didn't want much, he was surprised when Jimmy had said he didn't want to stay here, but he didn't want to be greedy and ask for gold and a mansion, so he simply settled for being allowed to stay and find the place where he belonged, the place where he could be himself and find something he enjoyed doing, rather than living off the land wondering if he was going to make it through the day that was ahead or even if he was going to wake up the following morning.
"I do not want anything, just being in your land my lord has given me what I wanted. I only ever wanted a place where I could be free and where I belong. Coming here I feel like I have lived here for my entire life" said Seth he didn't want anything, other than being able to get to know Paige and keep in contact with her. The door to the throne room suddenly opened revealing a tall blond woman standing there, she looked exhausted, her clothes were torn, she was covered in dirty and what looked like to be dried blood as well as being a complete mess. She walked closer uneasy on her feet, Viktor walked up to her, the woman collapsed just as she reached Viktor who caught her before he hit the floor and hurt herself more than she appeared to have done already.
"I will grant all of you what you wish, but for now feel free to to stay here in the palace and have a look around I'm sure Konnor here will be more than happy to show you around. Viktor take Summer to her chambers" said Mark surprising them all once again when he said they could stay in the palace for the time being, and they could look around it. "All of you may leave to explore expect for Seth, who I wish to speak with in private with my daughter" added Mark allowing them to leave dismissing Konnor with them. Konnor had to admit he was expecting them to ask for more than they did, considering they returned the princess and his youngest sibling. Not long after they left Paige entered the throne room, in a black dress the same one she wore in the dreams, she curtsied to her father and smiled at Seth who she stood beside.
"I know about the dreams you two have been having. It is part of a spell Queen Michelle my late wife cast in order for the heir to find the man who will rule beside her. She cast it as a way to make sure her daughter Paige would find someone who would treat her well as well as the people of this kingdom" said Mark explaining it seeing the shock appear on Paige's face, they were brought together by a spell that her mother had cast, even in death her mother was still helping her. "Now Seth, I'm not sure if you are aware of the law here, but if you are then you would know that neither Konnor or Viktor can take then throne. I am willing to to let you be with Paige, but you have to prove you are worthy to rule along side her" added Mark getting straight to the point as he always did, he was never one for treading lightly around something, he would just tell you straight while being honest at the same time. Seth looked at Paige, was this really happening, he was allowed to be with the woman he had bonded with, the woman he had literally dreamt about, was he really just given her fathers blessing to marry her?
"Thank you my lord, but what if I do not want to become king or Paige does not wish to be queen?" simply asked Seth, unaware of how this land worked, he had understood that the law stated that a female heir must take the throne, but who was to take her place if she didn't want to be queen, would she have to bare the burden of being the responsible ruler for the entire kingdom even when she didn't want to. Mark looked to Paige and nodded, giving her the signal to tell him and explain how their kingdom works.
"It is my choice whether I become queen. If I choose not to then, I must find someone who I deem fit to be worthy to take my place. Even if I choose not to become queen I would still be allowed to call this palace home as would the man whom I marry. Plus I already have my replacement, should I choose not to" said Paige answering his question, he was surprised the royalty got the choice in this realm, but then again it is different from the remaining ones, so it would make sense why that too can not be different. He smiled at Paige wondering what life would hold for them if they should tie the knot in marriage, he was actually wondering what Paige's mother was like, she must have been powerful in the art of magic to cast the spell she did.
Noyra and King Sheamus had started their journey to Darkness Realm. They shared the carriage with Layla who had Kelly Kelly sat next to her, he really was thankful for Layla, she had agreed to making the perfect wedding dress for his soon be queen and she had come up with the idea of training someone from his own kingdom to do the same profession as she does and even had several challenges in mind, including the one that would decided whether or not she would graduate from her training. Kelly Kelly had already shown an interesting in dress making, always adding a bit of patch work to the skirt of a dress or a bit of ribbon to the sleeves. She wanted to do something that no one else could do, she saw dress making as that.
Their journey would only take a few hours, and it was the ceremony that Paige had arranged tonight, Layla had informed them she had already made the dresses. Everyone was aware of the ceremony/celebration but no one knew what it was for apart of the royal family members. At this moment in time everyone was convinced it was for the safe return of Princess Paige, or to say that one of the three royal children were going to get married which was long awaited especially from Viktor and Konnor who most would have thought would have been married by now.
