This is one monster of a chapter and lots of stuff happens. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 47
What else could possibly go wrong?
Astarii made her way through the stone halls of the main keep. The guards did not move to impede her. Which was wise on their part. She was in no mood to play around when Goldenleaf's safety could be at stake. When she came into the throne room she glanced around, and realized that King Wyrnn was not currently presiding. She looked over at a handsome young noble pacing with great irritation by the throne.
"You there! Have you seen King Wyrnn, or know where he is?" The voice was like silvery bells. It was a tone that managed to enrapture all who heard it.
Jack turned to see the Priestess and her Druid counterpart walking toward him. "I have been told King Wyrnn has decided to close court for the day. Seems he is resting up for the upcoming nuptials."
"I told you, gaining an audience was going to be an issue." Goldenleaf looked over at the Nobleman.
"Like I am going to let that stop me." Astarii turned and marched toward the royal chambers. The guards moved to stand in her way. "Don't toy with me right now." She waved her hands before her and the men fled in terror induced by her magical spell.
Goldenleaf face palmed and Jack smiled bright at the action. "I do say, I rather like your Lady's style!"
"She's not my Lady." Goldenleaf muttered low, but not quiet enough to keep her from hearing it.
"Golden, dear, do not tease the man. He might gain some hope I am available." Seeing the men were behind her she continued on her course. "I must admit, I have not been in King Wyrnn's section of the keep, but I have been to Lady Lothar's. I am sure that is where they have put that puppet Human girl for the time being."
"You mean Braelyn Hawke?" Jack rushed forward and took hold of Astarii's arms. The Priestess pulled around to face him.
"If we must use her name, yes." Astarii looked over Jack's shoulder to set her silver eyes on Goldenleaf.
Goldenleaf's shoulders dropped seeing that he had to come to Astarii's rescue. He walked over and took hold of Jack's hands, and pulled them from Astarii. Then moved between the two, doing his very best to ignore Astarii's girlish squeal of delight at his actions. "May I humbly request that you keep your hands off the High Priestess of Elune."
"Who are you people?" Jack could not help but ask.
"I could ask the same thing." Goldenleaf crossed his arms. He leaned lower to place his face in the Human's.
Goldenleaf got no further in his intimidation tactics when a loud roar was heard. He turned in time to see Bitey, Braelyn's pet Lynx, leaping through the air and tackling Jack to the ground. The cat sinking it's teeth deep in the leather of Jack's boots and dragging the man back down the hall a bit. Then shook it's head with a vicious growl.
"Bitey! What are you doing?" Braelyn ran down the hall with her skirts pulled high, revealing her calves. Seeing her beloved pet attacking someone without provocation, she paled. "No Bitey! No!" She moved to pull the cat up, but it had no intention of heeding her.
"I thought she was a capable Hunter? You told me she was good at handling the beasts." Astarii puffed out her lower lip and wrinkled her nose.
"How was I suppose to know?" Goldenleaf looked from Astarii and then back to Braelyn. "I am insulted she replaced me with that ugly thing. My cat form is much cuter."
"All your forms are of impeccable quality, my darling." Astarii nodded and moved to pat his arm gently. "Although she had to find a replacement at some point. I do not wish to share you with anyone."
Braelyn was struggling to control Bitey and failing utterly. She looked up at them with her light brown hair falling from it's pins. The blue eyes full of exasperation. "First, I had Bitey long before I met Goldenleaf. So no one replaced him. Second, could one of you please help me, before Bitey actually hurts this poor man!"
"Please do!" Jack cried out. He was kicking wildly at Bitey with his free leg.
Braelyn froze at the sound of that voice. She stopped to take in just who Bitey was attempting to maul. "Jack?" She cried out and let go of her cat. "Kill Bitey!"
The resounded roar was so loud it echoed the hallway again, and Bitey renewed his attack.
"By the Light!" Varian's voice rang out. "What is going on out here?"
Braelyn rushed over to Varian to skid around behind him. "Some one let Jack out of the Stockades! He has come to attack me or kidnap me again!"
"Really?" Astarii perked up at Braelyn's words. She moved over to slap her hand down on Bitey's head. The cat clasping it's eyes shut and crouching low. "Bad kitty! Bad! Let the poor man go. He has an important job to do."
"That's not nice!" Braelyn cried out and pointed her hand over at Astarii. " And Stop hitting my pet!"
Goldenleaf just started laughing until tears formed in his eyes. He was not going to interfere with this display no matter the cost.
Varian sighed and swallowed hard. How had he come to view these people as his friends? "Braelyn, call off Bitey. Goldenleaf, stop laughing, and tell your betrothed to stop hitting the beast. Jack," He narrowed his eyes on the Rogue, "Explain to me why you are not dead yet."
Goldenleaf moved to wrap his arms around Astarii's waist. He pull her away from the Lynx. The cat let go and with a sound that resembled grumbling moved to Braelyn's side. The Hunter still behind Varian dropping down to inspect her pet for any unseen injuries her might has sustained in his active play.
Jack rolled over, but stayed on the ground. He looked up at Varian with worried eyes. "I was pardoned. Twice for that matter."
'Who would have the sheer nerve to supersede my will?" Varian had his suspicion and it was one of the names given.
"Most recently, Lord Bascomb." Jack offered with a nervous tone in his voice.
Varian reached to pull Shalamayne from his back. He was perfectly willing to see his orders carried out even if it was by his own hand.
"And before that the Lady Lothar!" Jack threw his hands over his head. He waited for the death blow. After some very long silent moments, Jack looked up to meet the eyes of a suspicious King Wyrnn.
"You had better have a good ,and very believable, story to go with that claim." Varian lowered his weapon slowly. He was not about to blindly trust a man who had been meddling with plots since his boyhood. It was a shame he had never been able to acclimate into the SI-7.
Jack rose to his feet before the King. He nodded slowly looking around at the group before him. "I actually just came from speaking with the Lady."
Varian moved forward and grabbed Jack's shirt. "You saw her? Where are they holding her? How is she faring?"
Jack struggled for breath in Varian's tight hold. "They took her to the Stockades and are keeping her in isolation from everyone else. Even the guards are forbidden to get to close." Jack squeezed his eyes shut and added, "She is holding in there in hopes you will rescue her soon."
Varian dropped Jack and stepped back. Everyone in the hall looking at the pain reflecting on his face. "Damn it all to the infinite nether!" A fist flew out and collided with the stone wall. The shards of rock breaking away to clatter to the floor.
"There is more she entrusted me with, but I am not able to speak freely in present company." Jack looked pointedly at Braelyn. "She said I could only speak with you, or the Druid by the name of Goldenleaf."
"What can't I know about?" Braelyn looked up from Bitey with a frown. A looked tossed to Astarii she added, "I can see why Astarii, but me? There is no secret that needs to be kept."
"I know why." Goldenleaf turned somber as he locked his eyes on Braelyn. "Astarii, take Braelyn to the Lady Lothar's rooms. I will collect you after I have the seal we came for."
"I do not like it, but if it is what you wish." Astarii turned away from Braelyn. "Come."
"I am not a dog to be called and forced to follow at your heels!" Braelyn stamped her foot in irritation. "If there is something I can do to help, I need to know of it. Right, King Wyrnn?"
"Go with Astarii, Brealyn." Varian said simply. The sound of his voice loud in the long hall.
Braelyn's mouth dropped open in shock.
"It will not be long I am sure."
"Fine, but I want someone to give me the full story as soon as you are done." Brealyn snapped her fingers for Bitey to follow. She moved past Astarii saying "I don't need you to show me to the room's I was actually invited into as a guest. If you know where they are, it was for nefarious purposes, I am sure."
The women left and Varian nodded to the men. "Follow me to a private counseling room. They are sound proof and if Fox was not even willing to trust Braelyn, we will be needing it."
The entered the room and as soon as the door was shut Varian dropped his eyes on Jack. The rogue wasted no time. "Fox told me of the secret wedding in the townhouse on the canals. She wants you to send someone to collect Goya from Pandaria. She also wants you to know they have Mrs. Fulbright and have threatened her life. Fox wishes you to do your utmost to keep her mother alive. It was her main concern"
"She should be concerned with herself right now. She is carrying a child, but knowing my Fox, she hasn't even considered what is right before her eye." Varian walked over and slid into a chair. It pained him that Fox never seemed to consider their child as an actual person yet. Then looking at Jack he added, "She had to be desperate to trust you."
"Actually I have been in the Stockades collecting information about Lord Bascomb's men. Seems many of them are in and out with a great turn around rate. I had no idea what he was planning so I had not used my pardon to free myself. However, I am now able to identify a great many of his higher ups that got his underlings out. Cleaning up Stormwind will be much easier with the knowledge I can grant you with."
"As much as it pains me to say it, good job, Jack." Varian sat forward and nodded in approval. Then looking to Goldenleaf he asked, "What seal do you want form me?"
"Lord Bascomb as closed down access to the portals and the gates of the city. No one is being allowed in or out. They said you signed the order yourself." Goldenleaf looked curious. It was his intent to know if the King was aware of what was happening in the city.
"I signed so many thing yesterday to keep Fox alive, its sickening." Varian slapped a hand over his face. "I tried to go through as many as I could, but the sheer number of them overwhelmed me. I am positive there isn't anything long term, since I did not use a royal seal on any of it. Nor did Bascomb ask me too."
"Well, I have to say Fox and I are on the same page. I want to be able to get out of the city to collect Goya."
"Done!" Varian pulled off his ring. "This is my family signet. I am the only one who has even touched it since my father died."
Goldenleaf looked at the golden circle bearing the Wyrnn crest glimmering in the King's hand. He hesitated, not daring to touch it.
"Take it, Elf." Varian shoved it closer. "With this you have as much power as I do. No one will dare to mess with you while you possess it, besides Bascomb. And we all know that he thinks himself above even myself."
Goldenleaf took it and held it tight in his fist. "There is something I have to tell you before I go."
"Whatever it is, make it quick." Varian looked up. "We need you to get Goya back to Stormwind quickly, and from Pandaria, I am looking at another week of Bascomb's control over Fox."
"Astarii was in on the plot against Lady Lothar. She helped in manipulating her with mind control."
Varian's hands clinched into fists. "Had she been here when you told me, I would kill her with my own hands. You know that I can not let her go, Goldenleaf. No matter who she is to you."
"I must remind you, she is Tyrande Whisperwind's favorite and second in command. You can not touch her with out risking losing the Night Elf allegiance." Goldenleaf said quietly. "I know more then any other what Tyrande will do to protect Astarii."
"Fine. Take her out of Stormwind. Just make sure she never returns." Varian refused to look up at the Night Elf. He almost hated the other man for the truth of his words.
"I will depart immediately." Goldenleaf bowed low and left the room.
"If I may ask but one thing?" Jack's voice shook slightly as he addressed Varian.
Varian put a hand to his forehead. There was a terrible headache forming behind his eyes. "What do you want now?"
"If I could but have a few moments to speak with Braelyn Hawke?"
"No." Varian lifted his hands slightly to look up at the young nobleman. "Absolutely not."
"The last time I saw her she was my fiancee, your Majesty. What could I possibly do within the keep walls? There are guards in every corner, and Stormwind is locked up tight. What am I going to do kidnap her and go stay in a tavern until they lift the traveling ban?" Jack pressed his case.
"Damn it. I am in no mood to argue. But know this. If you upset her even a little bit, you will go right to the executioners block, and by pass the stay in the Stockades. Am I being clear?"
"As crystal." Jack left the room before Varian changed his mind. He had no idea where he was going and asking any of the guards at this point would seem suspicious. He how ever seemed to have luck on his side. Goldenleaf was not one to mess around and waste time. It did not take long to hear the voices coming up the hall.
"You are really taking me with you?" Astarii almost giggled with delight. She was finally going on a trip with Goldenleaf. It was her chance to show him just how great things would be if they worked together.
Goldenleaf had his head down plowing down the hall with her behind him. What choice did she have with his hand firmly locked on her own.
Jack could see that the Druid was not in the best of moods. He did not want to take the Priestess. "What way to Braelyn?"
"Down this hall, two doors and and left, then first open door." Astarii called as she was swept past. "She still has the cat with her so be careful, Mr. Nobleman."
Jack followed the directions. Upon reaching it he saw Braelyn sitting at a desk drumming her fingers idly while staring out the window. Although he did not see Bitey, Jack knew the cat could not be far. A hand rapping on the wooden door frame to catch her attention.
Braelyn lifted her head and looked over to see him standing there. The flash of instant dislike on her features. "I was waiting for King Wyrnn, not you."
"Yes, well he is not in any frame of mind to talk with anyone." Jack stepped in the room and the expected low growl came. He looked to see Bitey on the bed tearing apart a pillow in his agitation. "I see his manners have not improved. You need to get on with him more."
"And yours have?" Braelyn shot back in a huff. She had been dealing with Jacks unwanted attentions longer then she could remember.
"Brae, time in the Stockades was unpleasant to the extreme, but having a knife to your throat really does change a man." Jack walked to stand over her. "I missed you."
Braelyn rolled her eyes and sat back. "I can not say the same."
"How did you get mixed up in this?" Jack could not help himself. "The mess with Silvermoon was bad, but this is to dangerous for you."
"It's your fault, you know. If I had not been in the Keep seeing a way to escape you, I would not have met Lady Lothar. That is what brought me to the King's attention. Before that I was just the frolicking daughter of his loyal war heroes." Braelyn looked up at him with accusation. "Now I am his wife."
"Excuse me? Don't you mean soon to be wife?" Jack blinked at her words. How could she be King Wyrnn's wife, when he knew perfectly well that Fox was already married to Varian. Then again, Fox had told him no one knew, not even Braelyn. "The wedding is tomorrow Braelyn. I do not think you have that title just yet."
"Well, you are wrong. I was forced to sign a document that unifies us as officially as the wedding will. I am already the Queen of Stormwind." Braelyn stood up and lifted her chin trying to look royal. "So don't get any crazy ideas in your head, or I will have you dragged back to the Stockades myself."
Jack was confused for a moment. He looked at her closely. She was still without a doubt the most beautiful woman in the world to him. The hair like honey and eyes that reflected a clear sky. But there was something different. "You like the idea of being Queen, don't you?"
"Of course I don't. Varian loves Fox, and we have to save her at any cost."
"You say that, but what if we can't?" Jack had known Braelyn a long time. She was a hero of justice. Prided herself on always doing the right thing. It was one of the few things that he disliked about her.
Braelyn stared up at him as she considered what he was implying. "How can you ask such a horrible thing? Varian would have to raise a second child alone! No one should have to go through that. Do you have any idea what Varian has endured through this life? He deserves happiness."
"AH HA!" Jack threw a finger to her face. "You love him!"
Braelyn only reacted. She did not even think as the hand flashed out to slap Jack's cheek so hard it threw his head around to the side. The sting in her hand causing her to shake it hard. "I do not."
Jack reached up to rub his aching face. Turning his eyes back to her. "Say it all you want. I know that look. I know the mindset! I have it when it comes to you. Braelyn, do not go down this road. I have followed it personally and it only leads to pain and great suffering."
"You are delusional as ever." She turned away from him and crossed her arms. What was he even doing here?
"Then prove it is not true. Run away with me, right now." Jack reached out and took her hand and forced her to face him. "I can get you out of Stormwind and to safety."
"I can not abandon the King!" Braelyn tried to pull her hand from him. "And if I did Lord Bascomb would ruin and kill my parents. I could never live with causing all I love to be destroyed."
"Braelyn." Jack pleaded for her. He wanted her to hear herself. "You know that this is dangerous and I do not want anyone else harmed either. Still if I have any say at all it is that you need to get some sort of defensive plan in place. Bascomb does not play games and he will hurt you!"
"Let her go." Varian's voice broke into the room.
Jack dropped her hand and stepped away. He looked over and saw the angry expression Varian landed on him. "King Wyrnn." He muttered and shifted his feet like a guilty child.
"I told you not to upset her, and what do I find?" Varian moved to stand over the smaller man. Then looked to Braelyn. "Are you alright, Little Star?"
Braelyn could not hide her blush at the use of the new nick name Varian had given her. "Yes, I am fine. Jack was just leaving."
"Brae, please consider what I told you." Jack implored. The eyes almost pained as he stared at her.
"She said you were leaving." Varian's sheer presence was far more intimidating then even Jack could handle. The rogue left without further complaint. "I am sorry for allowing him to speak with you. I should have known he would just press his suit again."
"It's alright. I think I actually handled it better then I ever have before." Braelyn moved aside and indicated to the chair. She wanted Varian to sit. "What brings you here."
Varian sat down and looked around the room full of memories of his beloved. "It's strange having you in here. They really should give you one of the many other rooms."
"Lord Bascomb ordered it. I think he is trying to remind me what happens to those that disobey him." Braelyn placed a hand to her chest in a tight fist, as she looked around. "I feel like I am living with a ghost."
Varian's eyes shot up. "Fox is not dead."
Braelyn's mouth opened and closed at that. What she said had been on so many levels of wrong. Damn Jack, and his insinuations playing at her mind! "I am sorry. I did not mean it that way, you Majesty."
"I know. Sadly I did not come here to chase Jack off. The simple fact is, I can not marry you Brealyn." Varian watched her face pale. "No matter how Bascomb wishes it, I have no intention of throwing my Kingdom in confusion. Fox will be rescued, and it is her that will stand by my side. I live and breathe for the day I confess my love and devotion to her to all of Azeroth."
"But my parents..." Braelyn knew that would not move him this time. "What of Fox's safety?"
"Fox is strong and if Bascomb does kill my child, there is no where he will be safe from me. I will crawl into the nether just to kill him." Varian stood back up. "I have said what I needed to. Thank you for taking the time to hear me, Miss Hawke."
Braelyn reached out and grabbed hold of his arm. She understood his feelings. Still she was not about to give up. So many lives were at stake should Bascomb make good on all his threats.."You may think this is the only way, but are you really willing to risk so much!" She had tears forming in her eyes again at the thought of what would happen to her family, her world.
"What else can we do?" Varian shrugged and reached down to cup her cheek. "I am sorry for you having to endure this."
"Marriage by proxy!" Braelyn felt her fingers tighten until the knuckles turned white.
"You want to stand in for Fox?"
"It's perfect! You can speak to Lady Lothar! I will be the one standing there." Braelyn nodded. "I am not sure of the official aspects of such unions, but I have heard about them."
Varian looked almost contemplative. He was already married to Fox through official means. The open marriage of proxy was certainly interesting. Braelyn's idea had merit. A slow smile forming on his face. "I can set the official papers into motion with Bascomb none the wiser easily enough."
"You mean it could work?" Brealyn bit her lip seeing Varian starting to come alive at the idea.
Varian nodded down at her. "It wont just work, it's splendid! You will be reinforcing Fox's hold on Stormwind and myself. Lord Bascomb can not fight against it in the political arena. Brealyn you are a genius!" He dropped a kiss to the top of her head. "I am going to go set everything in motion. You," he shrugged, "Decide what to do with your hair tomorrow. It's a mess right now."
With that he left even more swiftly then Jack had. Braelyn scowled after him. She was never one to be vain, but turned to the mirror and looked at her hair. It was falling around her face and the pins were scattered about. A look cast over at Bitey on the bed. "This is your fault."
O0O0O0O0O0O0O0
In the darkness of the Stockades there was no passing of time. Unless one chose to count the sound of water drops from condensation on the walls. Fox eyes burned when the door was thrown open and a touch was brought into the room. She could not see, but she could hear. It was the last voice she wanted.
"I see you are still alive on this bright and glorious day!" Lord Bascomb's voice was full of cheer, but Fox knew it was just for show. There was no way this man ever felt any in the way of true happiness. He was a villain and as such their only passing fancy was hurting others.
She moved to push herself up on her aching legs. "Lord Bascomb, I bid you welcome. Had you informed me of your coming I would have set out tea."
Lord Bascomb's face fell at that. Seeing that she was more then ready to do verbal battle with him with all the demeanor of the Lady she was."Still have some fight in you? I had hoped you would be in the begging stage by now. Ah well, it will take a bit longer I suppose. Still never mind that. I have a present for you today. Several of them in fact."
"Joy." Fox's eyes were adjusting to the light enough so that she could see the outline of his form. "Dare I even try to guess?"
"Do not. You can not imagine the wonders I have planned for you."
"Varian and Braelyn's wedding is today? Pray tell I will get to attend!" Fox's sarcasm dripped from her words. She did not expect the answer.
"Yes, you will. I am going to have you taken out of here and cleaned up just for the event. It's something you just have to see first hand." Bascomb puffed up.
Fox laughed at that. "Varian would never marry Braelyn Hawke and if he does it will be a sad and hollow union with no emotion or love in it from him. He would never betray me like that."
"There is that. The second surprise is that I do not intend to return you to the Stockades after the event." Lord Bascomb moved close and their faces were inches apart. "I will leave you to guess the meaning of that on your own."
Fox felt her heart lurch. "If you mean to kill me before the child is born, your end will not be swift. Life in Ice Crown will seem like a pleasant destination. Varian will invent new ways to torture just for you."
"Don't I know it." Lord Bascomb laughed at the sound of wavering fear that inched into Fox's voice. "For such a strong person, you have opened yourself up to many weak points in your life. Really, you should have avoided the King and perhaps you could have escaped my notice."
"What does that mean?" Fox felt her legs give way and the chains rattled.
"Nothing. Guards, unchain her and give her to the men awaiting her outside." Then to Fox he said, "Your mother and I will join you after the wedding, so do try to behave. I would hate to give the order to kill her because of something you did to upset me."
O0O0O0O0O0O
Braelyn sat motionless before the vanity, as the maids did her hair. The long satin robe wrapped around her body.
Ellysan stared over at her daughter's sad face. "You look lovely today. King Wyrnn is a very lucky man to have you as a wife."
"Mother." The quite voice trembled. "I do not think I can do this."
"But you have to dear. King Wrynn has been through so much to get to this point. Lord Bascomb's efforts to assure you this chance at happiness can not go unrewarded."
"But what if something terrible happens. What if by marrying King Wyrnn I cause someone to die." Braelyn came to her feet and looked over at her mother. "Being Queen makes me and everyone I love a target for hatred and malice. What if someone comes after you, or Dad because of it?"
"That's silly. Your father and I are no strangers to battle." Ellysan touched her daughters arm in a reassuring way.
Realization that after his wedding all Bascomb had to do was remove Varian from the equation that was Stormwind and she would be left in control. How many times had she heard Bascomb's people refer to her as the Puppet Queen? "But what if someone goes after Anduin, or Varian! I don't want Varian to die!"
CRACK!
Braelyn grabbed her face and lifted her eyes to her mother. Ellysan's shoulders were shaking as she breathed. "Are you quite done with your little tirade? There are soldiers from one side of this Kingdom to the other to keep us all safe, most especially King Wyrnn."
Braelyn wanted to cry out, but how many of them belong and pledge Allegiance to Lord Bascomb over the House of Wyrnn? But instead she nodded slowly. "I, uh... am better now."
"Good, because it's time for you to get in your dress. The wedding is about to start!"
O0O0O0O0O0O0
Fox lifted her hands to allow the maids to put the silvery gloves over her hands and pull them up to her elbows. They had no choice. The angry red wounds around her wrists from the chains were horrible. The skin so stained from the rust, it could not be washed off. Bandages had been wrapped to keep blood from seeping through to the finer material.
They had not pulled her hair up. The short style was full and one side falling over her eyes. She was forced to push it back just to see. One woman stepped back and pulled forward a full length mirror and Fox stood up slowly to inspect her image. Bascomb had outdone himself. She was dressed as fine as she ever had been. The red was bright and commanding. The cut framing her body and showing clearly the state her advancing pregnancy was in. She wished she could say she looked like a royal mistress, but whore was far more fitting.
"She is ready." The other woman called to the outer room.
Lord Bascomb entered with his guard close at hand. He knew better then to be alone with a Stormwind assassin. He stopped and caught with a distant look in his eyes. It was as if he was not really seeing her standing there. Snapping back he frowned. "You look presentable. Come the wedding will be starting soon."
A maid moved to drop a cloak over Fox's shoulders to cover their handiwork. The woman looking down at her with a sad look. The patting Fox on the back
Fox nodded to the woman and clinched the garment close. It did afford her some modesty. She followed Bascomb out of the room and four more guards came up behind her. All fully armed and their attention trained exclusively on her.
"I have chosen to have the ceremony outside of the Cathedral. That way more people can attend. The gates of the city have been opened. I do not want anyone to miss it." Bascomb prattled on with some growing excitement. "I do not think I ever looked forward to a wedding more then this one."
"You really desire Braelyn Hawke as Queen so much?" Fox finally broke down enough to ask.
Bascomb turned with a confused look on his face. "Oh no, Lady Lothar, I don't care who the King marries. It is the chance to see the expression on your face as the man you love marries another woman before you that I relish."
"You truly do hate me." Fox could not believe the lengths this man was going to inflict pain on her. "Whatever did I do to deserve such attention."
"You exist. That was enough."
It was not long before Fox was moved away from Lord Bascomb. The man going to his place near Varian at the doors of the Cathedral. Fox kept well away in the crowd with her guard, and for the moment out of Varian's sight.
He was breathtakingly handsome with his hair pulled down for once. Tied with a blue ribbon to the base of his neck. The battle armor replaced by his ceremonial set. Fox smiled knowing that they would not have gotten him out of his plate and into a fancy suit no matter what the occasion. Shalamayne was in attendance, although it was set in the hands of a nearby guardsman.
A hush fell over the crowd and those in attendance started turning toward the arches of the Cathedral entryway facing the canals. Fox was suddenly lifted by one of the guards and set on the steps of a building. She gave him a questioning look.
"Lord Bascomb was very clear in his instructions that you see and hear everything that is going on here today." The man answered.
Fox nodded in understanding. She looked to the direction everyone was staring and then she saw her. Braelyn Hawke was awash in white light. She stood with the white lilies arranged in a cascading fall of greenery and flowers before her. The dress caused Fox to lift a hand to her mouth. Where had they found it on such short notice. The straps emerged from under her arms to entwine around her neck. A form fitting body dipped low to reveal the curve of round breasts and clung to her hips fully encrusted with fine applique and bead work. Then flew out ins sheer fabric the widened until it touched the ground. The train spread behind her like a puddle of star light. Braelyn Hawke was in every visible facet a budding image of regal Humanity in this moment.
The veil had been thrown back for her trip to the Cathedral, but now was lifted from maids on both sides to cover her face. The Priest over seeing the event looked to Varian. The King giving a curt not to proceed. The music was non traditional and held more of a light heart notes of flutes and the strong rhythm of drums. Braelyn took her fathers arm and moved through the crowd and up the stairs. Jasper Hawke handing his precious child's hand over to the King.
"You are a lucky man, King Wyrnn." Jasper smiled before letting go and moving down to stand with his wife.
Varian closed his eyes and sighed sadly. "Braelyn, tell me again how I am suppose to do this." he whispered.
"You are doing this for your Lady. I am merely her stand in for the day." Braelyn turned her eyes on him and then felt her breath catch in her throat. Had he always been this ruggedly handsome?
The ceremony began and Varian moved stiffly throughout it. Right until the moment Varian was instructed to speak his vows. He stood looking at the white veil before him for a long moment. It was as if no words would form in his mind.
"It's Fox, King Wyrnn." Braelyn whispered as she shifted nervously on her feet.
Fox. Varian closed his eyes and focused on what he would say to her if she was here. Opening his eyes he found himself not in the cathedral, but standing on a shore line in Pandaria. Fox before him, with what was the saddest excuse of a fishing pole he had ever seen in her hands. A smile on his face as she dropped it and looked up at him. The large brown eyes stealing his heart like she did every time they turned on him. He took her hands into his own. "I never thought of what I would say in this moment. I have never been a dreamer, so there was never any hope in finding someone that would fit my life as well as you do. We have been through things no one else could understand. Despite all odds you and I have found ourselves here, with each other. I cannot see any reality where you and I exist that we would not be drawn together as one. No matter the obstacle, I would overcome it to keep you at my side. I love you, more then you can possibly know." Slowly the ring was slipped to Braelyn's finger
Braelyn stood with large blue eyes completely blown away by the deep confession of love. She looked around frantic under her veil almost overwhelmed. Suddenly she looked out and saw Jack not far from her parents. He shook his head at her with a look of deep disapproval and she knew. To the core of her being she knew, that Jack had been right! She was falling in love with King Varian Wyrnn. How stupid had she been not to realize up until now. He was the exact type of man she had been dreaming of since even before Rommath!
She was not the only one struck in awe from what had been said. Lord Bascomb had his eyes on Fox. Watching her hand reach out to the wall to keep her feet at Varian's words. She shook her head in mute horror. A nod of approval as he looked back at the couple before him.
"Miss Hawke, would you like to say something to King Wyrnn?" The Priest asked quietly.
"I apologize. I am a bit stunned." Braelyn confessed truthfully. A slight laugh from several of those close enough to make out her mutterings. "I know I am not worthy of such heart felt words, but I will do my very best to be at your side and make you happy." She hastily rushed the ring on to Varian's hand. All she wanted to do was lift her skirts and run from the area. What a sham this was turning out to be! She was standing here taking something that was not hers with an ulterior motive that had been a secret even from herself. Knowing it was making her sick. She wished for the very life of her she had run off with Jack!
"By my official position of the Kingdom, and revelation for the Light, I pronounce you man and wife." The Priest smiled at the couple and shut his tome. "You may kiss your Queen."
Varian knew this was going to be the hardest part. He focused on Fox, and the veil was slowly lifted. He could not wait a moment more. If it rose to far he would see Braelyn's face. Pulling her to him, he landed his mouth on hers. Braelyn bore back as he kissed her with a fire she had never experienced. The flash of passion that rarely experienced in anyone's life time.
It was cut off as Lord Bascomb moved up the steps to their sides. The hands slowly clapping. "I want to thank you both for such a moving display, King and Queen Wyrnn. You surely know how to move your people!" He swept his arm out to the crowd.
Varian noticed her the moment the guard pulled the cloak from her shoulders. The red dress a flashing beacon in the sea of people. Fox's face every bit as crushed and lost as she had been a few days ago. It was the same look she had while holding her dying father in her arms. He watched her hands move to cross over her stomach where their child rested.
"Bascomb you bastard!" Varian roared and caused some shock in the crowd before them.
"Your people are watching, King Wyrnn." Bascomb smiled and nodded. The cue to his men who grabbed Fox, and pulled her down into the crowd. "You should be thanking me. I allowed you to see her one last time. Think of it as my wedding present to you and Braelyn. You do look lovely, Miss Hawke, oh wait it's Queen Wyrnn now, isn't it?"
Braelyn was forced to move between Varian and Bascomb as the older man turned to leave. "Not here, not now with the entirety of Stormwind watching."
"I am going to kill him. I swear it." He turned looking wildly for Shalamayne. "He forced this with every intention of hurting Fox from the start! Did you see her face? She was devastated and had no idea what she was watching! I did that for Fox, and I can't even explain it was done for her!"
Braelyn nodded looking up at him. How could a man be so beautiful in one moment and then a perfect monster the next? She was physically shaking just feeling the rage radiating off of him. "I am sure you will, and soon, but not right now with so many that could be caught in the cross fire. You would regret it."
"What I regret, Brealyn, is ever being talked into this farce of a wedding for any reason." Varian turned and stormed into the Cathedral. Braelyn lifting her hem and rushing after him. She too regretted this day. Wanted to erase it from her mind. Knowing the truth was just to hard.
O0O0O0O0O0O0O0
Fox struggled to break free as she was dragged toward the coach waiting for her just out side the archway. She froze seeing Gracie Fulbright in traveling clothing holding a bag up next to the driver. The man holding a small pistol into her mother's side. "Get in the coach. Lord Bascomb will be around shortly."
Fox climbed in silently on the outside, In her head she was screaming. How could Varian and Braelyn do this too her? Proclaim their love for each other in front of Stormwind so publicly? Were they even in love? How had it happened? Stromgarde? Sooner? Was she under some sort of mind control? Where they? Fox had no clue what was going on anymore. All she wanted was the world to make sense again.
"Lady Lothar, I hope you enjoyed today's festivities as well as I did." Bascomb climbed in the coach and rapped on the roof. When she merely glared at him, he chuckled without warmth. "Of course, you didn't I saw you. Finally realizing the truth of everything? That a diversion was all you were to King Wyrnn. Easily replaced. I am sure even to night King Wyrnn will be doing just that with his new Queen."
"Why?" Fox growled out in pure misery. If not for her mother, she would go across the short distance and rip out his throat with her bare hands.
"Because I want to see you completely broken and begging at my feet for mercy. I will end your miserable life. You, Lady Lothar are a blight. An affrontment to my very being, and I will feel no relief until you are dead and your body burned so I can toss away your ashes like garbage." Lord Bascomb lost his cool facade in the moment. The face snarling like a rabid animal
Fox pushed away from him. She had killed people and been confronted by their families before. This was a hatred so much worse then even that. She had never fathomed such a thing. "What did I do to you?"
"I told you! You live. You exist." Bascomb looked at her. "maybe just maybe if you did not look so much like your bitch of a mother, I could have let it go. But every time I see you, I see her, and the unquenchable hatred boils in my blood."
"Are you speaking of Ondrena Manston?" Fox could not believe what she was hearing.
Bascomb pinned Fox with his eyes. There was pure rage burning deep. "Yes. Should I tell you about your mother, my betrothed Ondrena?"
Fox's hand went to her throat as she looked at Bascomb knowing he was about to tell her, if she wanted to hear it or not!
Author note: Well that was long and it took a while to get done. Next Chapter: Bascomb becomes even more of a monster! And the Orphan Petey has his say about recent events in Stormwind. And other stuff! Thanks for all the support and reviews! As you can see it really did motivate me!
