A/N: I'm back with an update! Again, I apologize for the delay. I can only say that I get caught in writing "Things Change" so this one gets pushed aside. Rest assured though, I haven't forgotten about it. 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!

/

The kids wanted to grumble over their redhead mother stopping the story where she did, but as soon as the aroma from the chili that had been simmering all day made its way to them from the kitchen, they realized just how hungry they were and gave her a pass. Marissa had gotten Krystal to share her recipe with her a few years ago, on one condition. The family had to agree to still come into Krystal's for a meal of some sort at least once a week and that said meal would be on the house. This was Krystal's small way of continuing to thank Marissa for all of her help with the restaurant's expansion. Thanks to the lawyer, she had cleared several legal hurdles than had arisen with said expansion. Krystal's was now twice its original size and business was booming.

Besides expanding, the restaurant had undergone an extensive remodeling as well. One thing remained however from the original, Marissa and Bianca's table was still reserved exclusively for them and the original plaque stating this fact was still in place. It was also a way for Krystal to thank Bianca for giving the woman her family back. The older woman knew that if it wasn't for Bianca she wouldn't have any type of real relationship with Marissa and as a consequence AJ and Sparky. She also knew it would never come close to making up to Bianca the pain that she and her other daughter had caused, but she had promised herself that she would keep trying to truly earn the forgiveness that Bianca had graciously given her, and sharing her recipe was yet another small brick on her road to redemption.

After dinner was over, the kids bundled up and took Max outside while Marissa and Bianca cleaned up from dinner inside. The kids also managed to squeeze in one more sled ride before it became too dark and cold to do so. Soon, everyone was back inside and settled in the family room in front of a roaring fire with mugs of hot chocolate. From the huge bay window, they could see that snow had again begun to swirl outside and was soon laying another fresh coat to the area for the kids to play in tomorrow.

"Mama, what happened when they met?"

"When who met, Sweetie?"

Gabby rolled her eyes knowing full well that her redheaded mother knew who Sparky was talking about. "When the princess and the counselor met, Ma."

"Oh, them."

Bianca snorted at her wife's playful teasing. "I think you should continue the story, honey."

Marissa grinned when she saw all four children nodding in agreement with her wife. "Okay, I guess you're right."

/\

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 Counselor was just as surprised to see Bianca, especially in Queen's private quarters. Marissa quickly took in her appearance and knew instantly the brunette was a Princess of this realm. She couldn't focus on that right now though. She had a mission that was vital to the kingdom and Marissa could feel the Queen studying her.

Queen Erica noted the reactions of the younger women upon seeing each other. It was clear to her that they recognized each other. She just wasn't sure how yet. "Please step forward and state your business."

Marissa nodded. "Your Majesty, I am Marissa of Devonshire, Royal Counselor to King Jesse and Queen Angie. This is Sir Scott, Knight of Devonshire. He was sent by our King and Queen to provide escort for me from our kingdom to yours. They send you their warmest regards. As was indicated in the dispatch that was given to you, one of your emissaries made their way to Devonshire. Upon receiving your request for assistance, they sent me immediately."

The Queen made note of the Counselor's name. It was the same as the mysterious woman her daughter had been talking about the day before, the one who had saved her life. Coupling that with Bianca's reaction upon seeing the woman, Queen Erica knew she was one and the same and that neither younger woman knew the other's entire true identity. As much as she wanted to get to the bottom of this, she had to focus on saving the kingdom right now. "How is our emissary?"

"He was hurt on his travels but is healing. Please be assured that our physicians are taking excellent care of him."

"Thank you. Did he say what happened to him?"

"Queen Tammy had several of her guards chase him almost from the time he crossed her borders. He did his best to avoid them but was injured. He still managed to escape them though and make it to our kingdom."

"I was afraid something like that would happen. She has captured all of our other emissaries. The one to Devonshire, it seems, is the only one to have made it through. Our kingdom is depending on yours."

"King Jesse and Queen Angie are pledged to help you in any way they are able. I am here to see what you need and aid you in any way before reporting back to them. They are currently gathering supplies for your kingdom and preparing their forces for battle."

/

Princess Bianca was trying to wrap her head around what was going on. Marissa was a Royal Counselor from Devonshire and was sent here to help them. She had known there was something special about her but had no idea it was that. Given the nature of her mission, the princess understood why the redhead had kept her identity to herself. Bianca was worried that Marissa would feel betrayed by her however for not revealing her true identity. It was one thing to be a Counselor but another to be a Princess. As she listened to her mother and Marissa discuss several issues, a distressing thought came to mind.

"Queen Tammy was behind your attack."

"What?"

"You and Scott were attacked by a wolf in the forest. That is something that never happens in this realm. If she was able to determine which direction you were travelling from, she might have been suspicious of you and attacked you to prevent you from getting here."

The other two women looked at Bianca and let her words sink in.

"Do you think my daughter could be right?"

Marissa began to slowly nod her head. "She could be. It makes sense. Given what you've both told me about her and the lengths she's gone to so far, I can see her doing something like that."

"Mother, if I am right, Marissa and Scott cannot go back to the village. It wouldn't be safe for them."

"What are proposing, Sweetheart?"

"They should stay here."

"We can't possibly do that. We'll be fine. Our mission is to be of help to you and not to be a burden. Scott can handle any possible trouble. If we're here, we could put you in further danger, and I won't allow that to happen."

"But you wouldn't be. We are surrounded by guards and that makes this the safest place in the kingdom. Given your mission, it is vital that you are kept safe. Otherwise, you won't be able to help us. It only makes sense." Bianca turned to her mother, anxiously awaiting her decision.

"My daughter is right. Both you and Sir Scott will stay here. I insist and won't have any arguments. Not only will it keep everyone safe, but it will also allow us to complete planning quickly and privately." Queen Erica looked pointedly at her daughter when discussing safety. She had a strong feeling that Bianca would disregard her own safety and go to the village if Marissa was staying there to make sure she was safe. Her daughter was stubborn when it came to protecting those she cared about, and it was clear to the Queen that she cared about the Counselor.

Marissa sighed ever so slightly. She knew she had no choice but to accept the Queen's generous offer. It would be an enormous insult if she didn't and that was something she wouldn't do. Even though what the Queen said did make sense, Marissa was honestly concerned about putting the royal family in danger due to her presence, especially Bianca. She cared deeply for the other woman and would never forgive herself if something happened to her. Some might say she was stubborn about these things. Marissa would disagree with them, but if protecting those she cared about made her stubborn, then so be it.

/\

Marissa looked at her wife with a raised eyebrow and clearly amused expression. "You seem intent on interrupting this story."

"Well, you called the Princess stubborn when it comes to protecting her loved ones. I thought it only fair that the same be true for the Counselor. She seems to me to be the kind of person that would be that same way, just as stubborn as the Princess." Bianca smirked.

Marissa laughed knowing she had no real comeback. "You're right, as always."

Bianca smiled brightly. "I'm glad to see you haven't forgotten that. Otherwise, I'd have to remind you of that fact."

A quick kiss was shared, and Marissa whispered for only Bianca to hear. "I'll let you remind me of that later, after the kids have gone to bed."

Bianca's eyes darkened and locked with hazel hearing Marissa's promise of things to come later that evening. The desire and want they had for each other was stronger than ever even after all these years as was the love.

Miranda hadn't heard the last part of her mothers' brief conversation, but she did see the look exchanged between them. It was one she had seen many times over the years. She chuckled seeing that her mothers hadn't changed and knowing that they never would. "Uh, Moms, the story."

Marissa cleared her throat. "Sorry about that."

/\

"Thank you, your Majesty. We accept. You're very kind. We will need to gather our belongings from the Inn."

"We'll have a servant accompany Sir Scott and Sir Zachary there to gather everything." The Queen signaled and a servant appeared. "Have someone go with the knights to the village and have two rooms set up for our guests." The servant nodded and immediately set about her assigned tasks. "I need to speak with the King about these latest developments. It's almost time for dinner. We will meet again then to begin our planning in earnest. Bianca will show you around and acquaint you with our home." With that, Queen Erica left to find King Jackson, leaving the couple alone.

/

The awkward silence that followed the Queen's departure was finally broken by Bianca. "So, you're the Royal Counselor for Devonshire?"

Marissa was relieved that she could finally tell Bianca who she really was and why she was here. She didn't like withholding that information from her. "Yes, I am. I couldn't tell you. I couldn't tell anyone other than Queen Erica, for obvious reasons."

"I understand why you couldn't tell me. It could've put you in jeopardy, well more than you already were in just travelling here."

"Thank you. And you are the Queen's daughter, Princess Bianca."

The Princess was worried what Marissa was thinking. She didn't want her to think she was playing games by not revealing her true identity. The truth was paramount to Bianca since she had been lied to by others in the past. "I am. I was going to tell you when we met later today. I go to the village so I can just be myself and not a princess. Only a few in the village know who I am because I keep a low profile. It's actually easy to stay in the shadows considering the large one my mother casts. I also do it because, well because when people hear that I'm a princess they look at me differently, treat me differently."

Marissa listened to Bianca. She could hear the truth behind her words. There was also a sadness in Bianca's eyes. Something told Marissa that the Princess had been hurt by others. Keeping her identity secret was a way to make sure she didn't get hurt. There was no malice present. "Princess, I understand."

"Please, call me Bianca. You do? You're not mad at or upset with me?"

The Counselor smiled. "I understand, Bianca. As I see it, I really don't have the right to be either one because I didn't tell you everything about me."

"But you had a good reason. You were instructed not to tell us, and you had your safety to consider. You couldn't jeopardize your mission by telling me."

"You're right, but I believe you had a good reason too. As the Queen's daughter, you have to be careful of those around you and their intentions. Now, I understand why Sir Zachary was so protective of you."

Bianca was greatly relieved. "Thank you for understanding. Yes, he's always been very protective of me. He sees me like a little sister. I know why Sir Scott was wary of me as well."

Marissa chuckled. "He's a good friend and takes his duty very seriously."

"I'm glad that he does. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you."

"Nor I you. While we've only known each other a short time, you've come to mean a great deal to me."

Bianca smiled brightly at Marissa's confession. "Likewise, you with me. If I seem to recall correctly, I've been instructed to show you around. Would you allow me the pleasure to do so? We could talk some more."

"I would like both very much."

/

Kendall, Greenlee and Opal watched as the women walked the grounds together.

"That went better than I thought it would."

"You're right, Greenlee. It did. I think it probably helped that they both could see the reasons behind their actions. It also doesn't hurt that they are each other's true love." Kendall smiled.

Opal shook her head and grinned as she observed the couple. "Well, they sure are cute together." The older fairy glanced around. "The barrier we put up seems to be holding. I haven't seen any more of those tattletale ravens around."

"Good. Those two can use a break. This also gives everyone here a chance to plan for what will come next."