A/N: I'm truly sorry for the delay in updating this story. I will do my best to update sooner. Thanks to everyone for reading and reviewing! I appreciate it! The storytelling section is in italics, and separated from the rest of the story by /\ marks. Hope you enjoy it!
/
Sir Scott finally spoke to his friend. "I don't suppose you've come up with a way yet to see the queen."
Marissa turned to him. "Actually, I have. We're going to attend the Queen's Court."
"The Queen's Court?"
"Yes, it's similar to what is held in our kingdom. I found out that each month Queen Erica will hear and settle all disputes. This month's Queen's Court takes place tomorrow. Everyone is welcome to attend and bear witness."
Sir Scott nodded. "That will definitely allow us to see her, but how do you plan on getting her alone to speak with her?"
"All grievances are submitted in writing on the day they are to be heard. Tomorrow, I will simply submit our request to speak with her. This way, we won't draw any unwanted attention to ourselves. When she reads our request, I have a feeling she'll pull us aside and speak with us privately."
"I should have known you would've come up with something. I'm sorry for doubting you. It's just that you seemed preoccupied with Bianca, almost to the point of distraction."
/\
"Uh oh! That was a bad move on Sir Scott's part." Miranda grinned.
AJ chuckled. "He clearly doesn't know any better. Nobody disses the Princess."
"Not if they know what's best for them." Gabby laughed.
The older children had heard the stories of Marissa's defense of Bianca and had even witnessed a few over the years. It was the same story with Bianca and her defending of Marissa. They were legendary.
"But Mama says Sir Scott is a good guy and her friend." Sparky stated with a serious expression and concern showing on the four year old's face.
"I did, Sweetie, and he is. He's just concerned about his friend. That's all. Okay?"
The smaller redhead grinned and nodded. "'K, Mama!"
"Look at you, I mean the Counselor with the Queen's Court. She's pretty clever, like someone else I know."
The older kids rolled their eyes and groaned as their mothers shared a kiss.
"Any excuse to kiss I guess, huh?" AJ teased.
"You know they don't need an excuse. Looking at each other is reason enough for them." Miranda offered with a laugh.
Gabby shook her head, clearly amused. "I tell you I'm going to be scarred for life."
The couple separated, laughing at their children. Bianca tossed a pillow at Gabby and smirked. "Oh, be quiet!"
Marissa laughed. "Okay, where was I?"
"The Counselor was about to tell Sir Scott how things really were and to back off the Princess." Miranda quipped.
/\
Marissa turned to face the knight, the anger caused by his statement clearly evident on her face. She knew he meant well, but he was getting close to crossing a line that shouldn't be crossed. "I will say this only once, Scott, so please listen carefully. I know you're my friend and concerned about me. Bianca is not a distraction. She is the kindest, most caring and gentlest soul I have ever known. Bianca poses no threat or danger to me. I trust her completely, and she means a great deal to me. I will not have you question her motives or speak ill of her. Do I make myself clear?"
"But you've only just met her. You don't know her."
Marissa shook her head. "I know that we've only just met, but you're wrong. I do know her. In fact, it feels like I've known her for a lifetime. Regardless of my feelings for her, however, I am more than capable of fulfilling my duty and completing my mission. Are we clear?"
Sir Scott nodded. "Of course. I'm sorry. I just worry about you, your mission and how it weighs on you." The knight paused. "I thought you were going to see Bianca tomorrow. Will there be time enough for you to do so?"
Marissa smiled at the prospect of seeing Bianca again, her heart skipping a beat in anticipation. "We're meeting tomorrow morning. It won't be for as long as I would like, but it's better than not seeing her at all."
Seeing the smile on his friend's face and the way her eyes lit up when she spoke Bianca's name, Sir Scott suddenly knew that Marissa had fallen in love with the other woman. He could only hope her instincts were correct and that she wouldn't get hurt.
The friends continued their planning for tomorrow's meeting. As they walked, they were unaware of a raven trailing them and listening to their conversation. As the bird was prepared to take flight back to its master, it was snatched from the sky.
/
"Gotcha! Now where on earth do you think you're going?"
Kendall was right behind the bird when she saw her friend Greenlee and another woman capturing the bird. Greenlee opened a cage while the other fairy placed the raven inside it. Kendall blinked as she saw the other fairy. Never in her life had she seen anyone quite so colorful as the woman flitting about before her.
Greenlee saw her friend and smiled as she flew over to greet her. "Kendall, it's good to see you again. This is my friend Opal. Opal, this is my friend Kendall."
Opal smiled broadly. "How do you do, Kendall? Any friend of Greenlee's is a friend of mine."
"It's nice to meet you, Opal. Nice catch on the raven!"
"Oh, this little songbird? That was nothing. He may look like a raven but he's actually a big old tattletale. I've seen them flying around before. They record everything they see and hear and then play everything back to their master when they get home."
Kendall smiled. "I had a feeling about him when I saw him circling our friends. And the cage?"
"The cage is something I whipped up that will keep him from going anywhere, and more importantly, it will keep his mouth shut and stop him from recording anything else!"
Greenlee chuckled. "Pretty impressive, huh?"
"It certainly is. I think I'm going to like you a lot, Opal."
"So, what did we miss?" Greenlee asked.
"Well, some horses were spooked and almost trampled Princess Bianca, but Marissa was there in plenty of time to rescue her. Don't worry. I would've saved her, but our good Counselor beat me to it. I checked and there was nothing suspicious about it. It was just an accident. After that, our budding lovebirds saved a young boy from being falsely accused of theft. They are quite the pair."
"I can't wait to see them together." Opal seemed very impressed by the couple.
"It sounds like you've been busy here. What's going on with Marissa and Sir Scott?"
"She's come up with a plan to meet Queen Erica. They are attending the Queen's Court tomorrow. I really should check on the Princess. Are you good with watching these two?"
Greenlee nodded. "We've got them covered. We'll meet up later to compare notes on what else happens today."
With that, Kendall flew off to the castle to find the Princess.
/
Princess Bianca walked quickly down the main corridor of the castle towards the throne room with Sir Zachary hot on her heels.
"You need to tell your mother what happened today, Princess."
"I don't see why. I'm fine. There is no need to worry her."
"But you could've been hurt or worse."
"But I wasn't."
"Would either of you care to share what you're arguing about?" Queen Erica interrupted the pair.
Bianca greeted her mother. "It's nothing. You know how Zachary is."
"Indeed I do and he is not one to worry needlessly. Did something happen today in the village to cause him to worry?"
The knight smirked slightly at the Princess. "Either you tell her or I will."
"Fine! I'll tell her. There was an incident near the stables."
Zachary cleared his throat.
"You're making way too much out of this." Bianca glared at her friend before continuing. "Some horses were spooked and were running wild down the road."
"And this has to do with you how?"
When the knight saw the Princess stalling, he jumped in. "And she was directly in their path."
The Queen looked at her daughter in alarm and quickly embraced her. "You were?! Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine, mother."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
"Oh thank goodness you weren't hurt! Bianca, I don't know what I'd do with if something happened to you. Sir Zachary, thank you for saving my daughter's life. I don't know how I'll ever repay you."
"I'm afraid it wasn't me, Your Majesty."
"If it wasn't you, then who was it?"
Bianca beamed when she answered. "It was Marissa. She was across the road and heading towards the stables when she saw the horses running out of control. She raced across the road and pulled me to safety. She saved me with no thought for her own well-being."
Queen Erica arched an eyebrow hearing her daughter's declaration. "Oh, I see. Was she injured?"
"No, luckily, she was unharmed. She was only worried about me."
"Well, it would appear that I have to meet this young heroine and thank her, reward her for her bravery properly."
Bianca was too caught up in remembering Marissa saving her to hear the Queen. "You should have seen her, Mother. She was so brave. Afterwards, we went to the market where we helped a young boy who was being falsely accused of stealing from a shopkeeper. Marissa somehow knew the boy was innocent and was able to prove it. She had the shopkeeper apologize and even compensate the boy. She is very wise."
/\
"Seriously? Who's telling this story exactly, you or me?" Marissa smirked.
Bianca grinned. "Sorry. I had this feeling you were going to skimp on the Counselor's feats, and I thought it would be a good idea if the Princess gave the Queen a full picture of what she did. It adds to story."
The kids cracked up as they watched their mothers tease each other.
"Uh huh. Well, are you done?"
"For now. I do reserve the right to intervene again if I feel that you're not giving the Counselor her due."
"Of course you do. May I continue?"
"Yes, please."
"As you wish."
/\
Queen Erica could only smile as she listened to her daughter gush over the mysterious visitor. There seemed to be a glow about the Princess as she spoke which made the Queen believe her daughter was in love. "It would appear that I definitely must meet this brave young woman."
Princess Bianca froze when her mother's words sunk in.
"Bianca, is anything wrong?"
"Marissa doesn't know who I am exactly."
"Excuse me?"
"She doesn't know that I am a Princess and that my mother is the Queen of this kingdom."
"And why is that?"
Bianca smiled sheepishly at her mother. "It never came up. We spent our time talking about other things."
"I see." The Queen knew her daughter never flaunted who she was or her title. She wanted people to like her for her true self and not just because she was a Princess. It would appear this is exactly what had happened with her daughter's new acquaintance. This was indeed very interesting. "So, she did all of these things without knowing your identity. I insist on meeting this young woman. When do you plan on seeing her again? More importantly, when do you intend to tell her who you are?"
The Princess sighed. "I'm seeing her tomorrow morning. You're right. I need to tell her, especially if you insist on meeting her. Could I have some time to do so?" Bianca was afraid of how Marissa would react to this news. She was afraid she would run away and want nothing to do with her because she withheld her identity.
"Yes, you may have some time. I'm conducting my Queen's Court tomorrow which I fully expect you to attend, Bianca. I want you to start participating more in them. I value your opinion. Perhaps, I could meet her the day after."
"Thank you, Mother. I promise I'll be there tomorrow." Worry was etched on Bianca's face as she turned to walk to her private chambers.
"Bianca, if this woman is as special as you say, then you have no reason to worry. She will accept you for who you are."
The Princess smiled, hoping the Queen was correct. "Thank you."
/
The next day, the Evil Queen was, to put it mildly, very angry. Her precious spy bird did not return to the castle last night, and there was still no sign of it today. Her servants quickly hurried out of her way as she stormed through the castle making her way to her private chambers.
"Mirror!"
Her servant in the mirror appeared. "Yes, your majesty."
"Show me my raven, the one sent to spy on the Princess yesterday!"
The face in the mirror disappeared for several moments before finally returning. "My apologies, your majesty, but I cannot locate the creature."
The Evil Queen shrieked and flung a large vase across the room. "You what?!"
"I cannot locate the creature."
"Guard!"
A palace guard suddenly appeared before the Evil Queen. "Yes, your majesty."
"Fetch me one of my spy birds and be quick about it!"
"Yes, your majesty, right away." The guard hurried away, eager to escape the Evil Queen's wrath.
"Mirror! Show me the Princess this instant!"
/\
"She's a big meanie and didn't say please. Mama and Mommy always say to say please." Sparky huffed.
Miranda snickered at her youngest sibling's indignation over the Evil Queen being rude. "Yes, she is." More than you'll ever hopefully know. "You're right about Mom and Ma. They do say that. It's only being polite and is the nice thing to do, isn't it?"
"Uh huh! Mama and Mommy are the nicest in the world."
"No arguments from any of us on that, Sparkplug." Well, unless you go after their family. All bets are off then.
The four year old grinned at Miranda, liking the other nickname she had bestowed on them some time ago.
/\
An image of Princess Bianca and Marissa appeared before the Evil Queen. While she could see the couple, she could not hear them which only made her angrier. "I must hear what they are saying! Where is that insipid guard?!"
The guard returned with a spy bird.
"It took you long enough!"
"My apologies, your majesty, but I …"
"No excuses! Leave me at once!" The Evil Queen snatched the raven from the guard's hands as he hurried away. She looked at the bird and snarled. "Find the Princess and that woman, record everything and return to me tonight! If you fail me, you'll become raven stew!"
The raven squawked and flew off.
The Evil Queen watched the couple a few moments longer before growing tired of them and how they smiled when they looked at each other. "I cannot stand any more of them! Their sweetness makes me ill!" She waved the image away and stalked out of the room, muttering. "I will find a way to destroy her happiness if it's the last thing I do!"
/
Princess Bianca rode into the village with Sir Zachary by her side. She had been quiet the entire way. She knew she needed to tell Marissa who she was but didn't know how to do so. Bianca was afraid Marissa would be upset with her because she had hidden her true identity. Most of all, the Princess was afraid of losing her. Even though she had only known Marissa for a few days, she couldn't imagine her life without the redhead being a part of it, and to think that might not happen, scared her more than she could admit.
/
For her part, Marissa had been quiet as well during breakfast with Sir Scott while she waited anxiously for Bianca to return. The Counselor missed her a great deal, more than she wanted to admit, and couldn't wait to see her again. She was also nervous about seeing the Queen that afternoon. Her plan needed to work. There were too many counting on her. Bianca was one of those now as well since Marissa knew she lived somewhere in this kingdom. If the Evil Queen won, Bianca would be affected somehow, and the Counselor could not and would not allow that to happen.
/
Marissa was pacing in front of the stables while Sir Scott was leaning against a nearby post when Bianca came into view. The couple locked eyes and both felt like they could breathe again. Huge smiles erased the worried looks both had worn mere seconds before.
Bianca's horse came to a stop in front of Marissa, and the Princess quickly dismounted. Before either realized what they were doing, the couple embraced each other tightly.
They reluctantly separated when they heard Scott greet Zachary.
"Good morning!" Marissa smiled.
"Good morning! It's so good to see you!" Bianca blushed realizing what she had said.
Marissa knew in a heartbeat that she had never seen anyone as adorable as the brunette. "It's good to see you too. I've been looking forward to it since you left yesterday."
Bianca's breath hitched as she was utterly charmed by the woman before her.
/\
"Utterly charmed, huh?" Marissa grinned at Bianca's latest interruption.
Bianca sighed blissfully and kissed Marissa softly. "Utterly, completely, absolutely and categorically charmed."
/\
The couple became lost in each other's gaze before they were brought back to reality by Zachary.
"Bianca, don't forget your mother expects you back in a few hours."
"I know. Thank you, Zachary." The brunette turned back to Marissa. "I do have to be back home soon, but I do want to spend some time with you now and possibly come back later, after I've helped out my mother."
"I'll take what time I can get with you. Where are we going today?"
"I was thinking we could go for a walk. I know of a beautiful waterfall I think you might like to see."
"That sounds perfect."
Bianca boldly held out her hand which Marissa happily took.
/
It had been a wonderful morning. The couple shared their innermost thoughts and dreams for the future. The time had arrived for Bianca to head back home and both women were reluctant to part. It needed to be done though, both having their duties to fulfill.
"I hate to go, but my mother needs me."
"I understand. There is something I need to attend to myself."
"I'd like to see you later if I could. There is something … I would like to talk with you more." Bianca bit her lip.
"I'd like that very much. You could send a messenger to the inn when you're free, and hopefully …"
"You'll be free as well." Bianca finished the redhead's thought.
Marissa laughed. "You read my mind."
The women shared an embrace and parted.
/
"Well, looky here! We've got another little tattletale." Opal plucked the Evil Queen's latest spy bird from a branch.
Greenlee rolled her eyes and opened the magical birdcage that she had summoned for her friend. "She doesn't give up very easily, does she?"
Kendall shook her head. "No, she doesn't. It looks like our girls are going to get to know each other's identities completely."
"I think they'll be just fine and dandy. Did you see the way they look at each other? They both have got it bad." Opal smiled knowingly.
"That they do. Shall we go to the castle?" Kendall asked.
"Like you could keep us away from there." Greenlee smirked.
The three fairies flew off to Queen Erica's castle.
/
Marissa and Sir Scott made their way to the castle accompanied by Krystal who always attended the Queen's Court. Those participating or witnessing the proceedings were escorted to the throne room. Marissa discreetly handed a sealed note to a palace guard. The friends then stood at the rear of the room, not wanting to draw too much attention. From their vantage point, they could only see the Queen and those presenting their cases. The Counselor listened carefully as each case was presented to Queen Erica. Her decisions were fair and just and left Marissa clearly impressed.
The next note was handed to the Queen. She paused as she was about to open it. She recognized the seal immediately. Queen Erica whispered to the sergeant at arms who nodded and walked away quickly.
"I'm afraid something has come up that I must attend to immediately. This Queen's Court will be adjourned until tomorrow. I apologize for any hardship this may cause but this business cannot wait." With that said, Queen Erica stood and left the room followed by her advisors.
The villagers began to file out and wondered what had suddenly come up. The sergeant at arms appeared next to Marissa and whispered to her. She nodded and turned to Sir Scott.
"We are to follow him."
/
"Mother, what's come up? Why delay today's session?"
"It seems, Bianca, that one of our emissaries was able to get through."
"That's wonderful news. Which one?"
"The one sent to Devonshire. King Jesse and Queen Angie dispatched their most trusted Counselor to meet with us, and they are here today."
The sergeant at arms appeared. "The visitors are here, Your Majesty."
"Send them in."
Marissa and Sir Scott entered the room and bowed immediately.
"Arise, please."
Princess Bianca turned to face the visitors and gasped when her eyes locked onto Marissa's.
/\
The kitchen timer sounded and interrupted the story.
"I believe the chili is done. That means it's time for dinner." Marissa said as she stood.
Bianca nodded. "I think it's a good time for a break." She joined the redhead and the couple walked towards the kitchen.
The four children stared after their mothers in disbelief. Was Marissa really going to leave the story hanging right there?
"She wouldn't, would she?" AJ asked.
Miranda groaned. "It looks like she just did."
"That's just not right. It was starting to get good. I mean, the Princess and the Counselor know about each other now!" Gabby whined.
Sparky patted Gabby. "Don't worry. Mama will finish it. She always does."
Bianca chuckled overhearing their children's conversation. "You're a little bit evil sometimes, aren't you?"
Marissa shrugged. "What can I say? I was hungry, and don't tell me you aren't either. I heard your stomach growling."
"Yeah, you're right. It was. I'm starving. You take such good care of me." Bianca grinned.
"That's my job and also my great pleasure. I also like a good cliffhanger."
/
A/N: I have to agree with Marissa about liking a good cliffhanger. I'll see you back here soon!