Chapter 48

What's not to like?

"You were to marry my mother?" Fox felt like uttering a curse at that. The words just felt so vile to her own lips. Yes, she was curious as to what her mother was like. She knew Anduin Lothar was a great man. He had been recorded in history. Tales of his heroism beyond legend, but Ondrena was never spoken of. It was as if no one had really known her. Fox was the only fragment of her life that even proved her existence.

"Since we were children, she was to be my wife. She was mine." Bascomb looked out the window as he recalled it. "We were inseparable in our youth. We used to escape our caretakers, and run around Elwynn together climbing trees, fishing, and innocent mischief. I taught her to fence since her parents never thought it a Lady like pursuit. What did I care, it made her happy. Then I started attending school in Stormwind. I would visit her occasionally. She said it was the highlight of her life to see me. Ondrena was very bored living the life of a Lady in the country. She was no one for needle work or poetry."

"Ondrena begged her parents to send her to the city. Unfortunately, for me, they allowed it. She was an instant sensation at all the court functions. My friends congratulated me on having such a beautiful betrothed, and I was very proud. They were all very envious, and I took great pleasure in knowing it. That was until other Noblemen started taking an interest in her as well. They were enraptured by her looks, but it was the activities she entertained herself with that held their interest. She knew how to shoot, fence, and fish, all of the skills I taught her. I would arrive at her home and she was never there. The balls were worse. The invitations never stopped coming. When she attended, she was the very life of the party. Always surrounded by others, she was on the dance floor with other men at every turn. I could not get near my own betrothed! I had to put my foot down. I forbid her to attend any more functions, and she refused to listen to me. So I went to her parents. They were completely on my side. Agreeing to take her back to Elywnn. Ondrena was furious at being curtailed. She came to me and asked me to break the betrothal. It was then she started spouting her garbage about becoming a Stormwind Guard and Protector. I had finally had enough. She needed to be reminded of her place."

Fox's face fell as the weight of his words bore in on her. She knew Bascomb was an evil man at his core. If there had been a glimmer that he held real love for her mother, she might have felt a bit sorry for him being rejected. But all she heard was possession. The same one would feel with a pretty painting, or fancy vase. Every word just reconfirming her suspicions.

"Do not look at me like that, as if I am some sort of a monster. She was to be my wife. Mine! I had every right to her. Ondrena had denied me her time, attention and her body. How could she have done that?" Bascomb huffed up in his self indignation. He truly believed he was in the right here.. "It was her responsibility to see to me before all else.

The implication left Fox shaking her head. "What are you implying?" Why had she asked? She knew exactly what he was saying! He had raped her mother, and there wasn't even an ounce of regret in the man. A hand inching to her side to where her daggers should be. Fear of this man finally settling on her for the first time. He had been cautious, but this confession terrified her. If not for the baby she would hurl herself out of the coach that instant.

"I see you are revolted. Well, don't be. She never even displayed any emotion to it. Ondrena turned out to be as cold as they come. A soul fridge as Ice Crown. There were no tears or anger. She merely dressed, and left when I was done. I thought I had finally been clear enough with her. She stopped attending the balls and other events as I had instructed. I should have suspected she was biding her time from the first. It was on the day her parents were going to take her back to Elywnn. Ondrena dressed and attended court for the first time in days. She approached King Adamant about joining the Royal Guard. I will never forget the look on her face when he granted her wish. She looked right at me and laughed." He closed his eyes and put his hands to his head. "I can still hear it resounding in the air, and ringing in my ears!"

Bascomb took a moment to calm himself. The hands dropping to his lap. "I went with her parents, and begged King Adamant to relent, but it was no use. I realized then I did not have enough power to forced my will to be done. I threw myself into my political duty. I was waiting for her to come to her senses, and return to me. If not that, then I would make her come back with the position and my power I gained."

He continued to speak and recount his tale with burning eyes full of emotions. "But then the Orcs arrived. When we escaped Stormwind, I thought I had been on a different ship from her. Surely a woman so Noble by birth would not have been left behind. I told myself, she was a soldier and a strong fighter." There was a pause as the face crumpled a bit with despondence. "It was in Lordaeron that I learned she had died. It took me years to accept it! How could my beautiful Ondrena have died at the hands of Orcs! Everything I had worked for, everything I had dreamed about was gone. I never felt so hollow in that day. There was nothing to drive or motivate me for quite sometime. After that I decided I would use my power and influence to help build the Alliance and Stormwind again." Then the attention was locked on Fox. Just looking at the daughter of Anduin and Ondrena caused him a break in his unstable mind. He shouted slamming a fist into the wall of the coach. "What a fool I was, aiding your father!"

Unable to contain himself in that moment, a hand flew out and across Fox's face. The surprise of that attack catching her off guard. He grabbed the sides of her cloak and shook her hard. "How he must have laughed in his mind at me. Enjoyed playing me for a fool, knowing that you were out there as proof of my humiliation!"

"You are mad!" Fox glared back up at him trying to ignore the stinging pain in her cheek. "Ondrena never loved you. It's clear she only saw you as a childhood friend! And as for my father, he didn't have time for anything other then the Alliance and King Varian. I know that because he cast me off for that very reason. His relationship with Ondrena Manston was not any slight against you."

"No! He knew if I saw you that his secret would be out. That he was the reason Ondrena decided to leave me, to become a Stormwind Guard!" The hands moved to Fox's throat and pressed hard. Wishing her out of existence. "That is why she chose that path. Why else would she have left her Noble birthright behind, unless offered a greater position in his royal blood?"

Fox reached up on instinct, and grabbed a single finger. A slight pull and a twist she bore Bascomb back to his own seat with her assassin's skill. She rose over him, with one hand coming to his throat as she lowered her face to his. "Your life is spared only because of Gracie Fulbright's presence here, as well you know. Should you raise your hand against me, while I am carrying the King's child again, I will kill you. The consequences be damned!" Then she let her self fall back on her seat. How she wished to finish the job. Even as she felt her body aching with the desire the image of Gracie with the gun pressed into her side came back to Fox.

Bascomb stared over at her. There was pure loathing in ever inch of his body. He hated Ondrena for giving the girl her looks. He hated Lothar for giving her his fighting skill. He hated Fox for every breath she took, but she was right. The child had to be kept safe, despite his threats. "You are so like her. In looks, and movement, even the way you talk. If I did not know any better, I would swear you were her."

"I am not Ondrena Manston, and from what I know of her you should thank the Light for it. She would have run you through from the first moment you interfered. You can thank my father for his amicable nature, for it seems that is where I got my patience. Now care to tell me where we are going?"

"Have you ever heard of the Tome of Divinity?"

"It has something to do with Paladin training." Fox sighed deeply. She was not in the mood to play games.

"Yes, it is indispensable to them. So much so Anduin Lothar was sent to face off with an Ogre named Turok who had taken the tome into the Deadmines. It was the one recorded loss he suffered in our history. Most of his men died the attempt to recover the tome. However, Lothar and the survivors were captured. Turok wanted to kill them as slowly as possible. Unfortunately, the Clerics of Northshire Abbey were able to locate and launched a successful rescue mission. Most of my men are in Westfall. I think a repeat of history is in order. You can not die with enough pain to quench my fury."

"You did just say he was rescued." Fox felt the corner of her mouth turn up despite herself. "That is part of the story."

Bascomb snorted. "With help from the Clerics. The Cathedral is under my control. None of them will be scrying for your location."

Fox nodded and lifted a hand to tap her chin. "And Edward and Vanessa VanCleef's names don't ring a bell for you either?"

"So you think a group of adventurers are going to storm the caverns to aid you?" Bascomb leaned back and crossed his arms. "If that is the case, let them come. I have prepared extensively for such a situation."

"So did your predecessors." Fox reminded him. She leaned back and closed her eyes. The trip to Westfall was not a short one. Sleep was desperately needed, but she could not succumb to it. If she was going to be rescued, it would be in the hands of Goldenleaf and Jack. How sad was that for her? Varian had already proven how much he cared in marrying Braelyn. At this point Fox was so angry that she did not put it past either of them to be in league with Bascomb against her.

O0O0O0O0O0

Mathias Shaw had made it to Hearthglen in record time! The record being the longest time ever taken. He had been forced to stop over in the Wetlands due to the pain in his chest. The Green Warden's Grove had earned itself a place on the list of destinations, Mathias Shaw never wanted to visit again, ever. It was a damp mossy hole of existence, that reminded him of the Swamp of Sorrows. As his mount came in for a landing, he thanked the Light. Which was rare for him.

"I am looking for a Druid by the name of Sheylann." He called to the Flight master as he held his side. The leg was so stiff as he lifted it to slide from the animal.

The man let go of the reins and put his arms out to catch Shaw, before the Rogue's face could meet the ground. "Shey? Who are you to be asking for her?"

Shaw smiled as he ran through the possible answers he could give. He went with the most forth right one. "Mathias Shaw of Stormwind's SI-7."

The man turned to the first Argent Crusade member he saw. "Go to the main hall. I have no doubt Shey is there visiting with Crimson."

"So the Warlock is here too? I should have known." Mathias tried to take a step but found it was only the other man's hold that kept him upright.

"What happened!"

The sound of Sheylann's voice brought Shaw's head up. She was rushing toward him. The long arms sliding around him, and amazingly so gentle he felt no pain. "Lord Bascomb made his move, and Learen was loyal enough to over throw my power of the SI-7."

"Learen beat you up? Little Gnome, goggles, and chainsaw daggers you hear coming a mile off?" Sheylann took his weight on to her form.

Shaw nodded and looked at her hard. Had he missed her so much? Yes, he had. "I failed to keep track on how much Learen has been improving. His constant battles have really paid off, for him anyway."

"I'll shred him for this. No one hurts you and gets away with it while I draw breath." Sheylann's voice deepened to an inhuman sound. The bear was alive and well within her. "How was Fox fairing when you left? Will she be able to hold Stormwind until we get back?"

Shaw laughed without humor and grabbed his side. "Fox may not even be alive, and if she is, it will not be for long. Bascomb means to end her."

"Let's get you into my room and recovering. We will talk more when you are more comfortable." Sheylann helped him walk.

"What of Fox? Aren't you going to do anything?" Shaw could not believe her passive face at the terrifying news.

"Mathias, I have lost many people in this lifetime. Dropping you hear and rushing into Stormwind will not change anything. First I must attend what is most important, which is you. Then I will learn what I can before taking action."

"You sound like you are going to raid Stormwind all on your own?" Shaw looked to the ground and tried not to pass out.

"Oh, I will be launching a counter assault. If they did not want me to rain ruin down around their ears, they should have kept their hands off you. They did not, and so I will not hold back." Sheylann promised.

Shaw could actually feel the truth of her words in the body she pressed close to him. The muscles flexing and eager to fight.

The Warlock, Crimson was standing just inside the keep when Sheylann brought Mathias in. "I have informed the Highlord Tirion of your arrival, Spy Master. He bids you welcome, although pressing concerns keep him from greeting you himself."

"That is good because I am in no condition to be received." Shaw was able to lift his head to stare at her.

The golden eyes flashing over him with a discerning look. "So I see. Although, you can rejoice. I see no need to cast a soul stone on you to maintain your life." She turned to settle her attention on Sheylann. "I will assume you will be taking him to the room you have absconded with during your stay here?"

"Correct as always, Crim." Sheylann moved Shaw past her. Seeking to get him into a bed where she can start her healing spells.

"Very good. I will collect some food and brew some tea for us. You should expect me shortly for a debriefing as to why your current play thing has arrived here in such horrible condition." Crimson spun and left.

Shaw felt his heart tighten in his chest as the air became thick in his lungs. "I sense she isn't pleased to see me?"

"It's not you that upset her. It's the implications of your arrival that has set her on edge." Sheylann's words paused as she tried to explain the Warlock's reaction. "She is Human. Crimson is very much attached to the Kingdom of Stormwind by her loyalty to her race. Also she has a deep fondness for Fox. It's not like Crimson to show true feelings often, and when she does, it goes to extremes." A slow chuckle as a knowing smile came to Sheylann's lips. "You could ask Fordring about that, but I don't think you want to know the details."

"Crimson and Fordring?" The very idea brought Shaw upright, and buckled him right back over in a groan of pain. He could not picture it.

"He doesn't carry the Ashbringer these days to protect himself from his enemies, more like to ward off over zealous affection."

O0O0O0O0O0O

Varian watched as the orphans filed out of the building to greet the new Queen of Stormwind. They stopped and stared at Braelyn with large eyes. The reaction varied. One little girl with dark hair moving forward to hand Braelyn a paper flower.

"Is this for me?" Braelyn knelt down before the girl. The flowing dress cascading around her like a magical puddle of water.

The little girl nodded and smiled up at her. "You look like a Princess."

"She is better then a Princess!" Another girl came up to stand at her friend's side, and curtsied low. "She is our Queen."

"It's alright. I really do not feel like a Queen or a Princess just yet." Braelyn turned the flower in her hands. "But I am here to take you out for the day. We are going to go picnic by the Stormwind Lake and play some games. Would you all like that?"

It was that moment a little boy rushed out of the Orphanage, a ball in his hand. He glanced around excitedly. Varian knew him immediately. "Where is our Queen? I want to see my Queen!"

Varian suddenly realized that the turn of events was going to have a jarring effect on young Petey. "She is over there." Varian pointed at Braelyn and waited for the reaction he knew would come.

"Is she behind the sparkly Lady in the fluffy girl dress, or is she stealthing again? I want to play hide and seek!" Petey moved to stand at Varian's feet. The boy had gained a few inches and now came to Varian's waist.

"No. That is my new Queen." Varian said in a tempered voice that caused Petey to look up at him in pure horror.

"But she's... so..." Petey was for once having a hard time speaking. "Girlie."

"Actually Braelyn is a Hunter and spends lots of time in the woods." Varian shrugged as he watched Braelyn charming the young girls with her grace and beauty.

"I don't like it." Petey shook his head and puffed out his lower lip. "Get Fox back. I liked her."

"I am trying." Varian confided to the boy in a quiet voice.

"Try harder."

Braelyn suddenly looked up and blushed madly at something the girls had said. One of the little girls taking her hand and dragging her toward the King and Petey.

"She is your Queen, and it's a Queen's job to give the King lots of kisses." The dark haired girl nodded in excitement. The other girls dancing around an giggling.

Braelyn was turning the darkest red on her cheeks. Varian looked around wildly. He fumbled in his mind for an excuse. Peer pressure from children was the worst.

"Royal kiss, Royal kiss!" The chanting started, but ended quickly. Petey stepped forward and shoved the little girl to the ground.

"What's wrong with you? That is not our Fox! How can you suggest such a thing. Don't you know kisses are where babies come from?" Varian reached down to restrain the screaming child. The little arms swinging wildly as he tried to get to the poor girl.

Braelyn dropped down to help the girl up to her feet. The hands dusting the dirt from the girl's dress.

"I like her better then Fox. She doesn't dress like a boy or act like one. Queen Braelyn is prettier too." The girl yelled back and locked her arms on Braelyn's full skirts.

"But I don't always dress like this. I am a Hunter by trade." Braelyn tried to explain. A worried expression cast to Varian. She was hoping he could help sooth the situation.

"A Hunter that keeps pets?" One girl's eyes opened wide.

Braelyn nodded over at the child. "Yes, and it can be a very messy job."

"I bet she keeps bunnies and squirrels!" Petey accused her. "I don't like you!"

"But you don't even know me. That is why I am taking you on a picnic. So we all get the chance to find out about each other." Braelyn moved over to look in Petey's face and gave him a radiant smile.

Petey turned into Varian's leg, and held on tight. "Stranger Danger! She is trying to kidnap me."

"I will take you for ice cream after the picnic." Braelyn offered with a sad frown on her face. She had no idea what she could do to make this child less distressed. "Maybe you want to see my Lynx?"

"I am allergic to your Lynx!" Petey would not look at Brealyn. He just refused to move from his position or relinquish his hold on Varian.

"You are not allergic to cats. You are just being mean." The little girl said quickly in Braelyn's defense. "You were the one who wanted us to adopt that white kitten!"

"I never said I was allergic to cats. I am allergic to Lynx that are owned by evil Queens that try to kidnap innocent orphans!"

Varian sighed and knelt down to hug Petey close to his chest. Then looked up at Braelyn. "Why don't you take the others to the picnic the chef has prepared for you. I will take Petey for ice cream and have a long talk with him. He is just confused."

"As you wish, King Wyrnn." Braelyn nodded and turned to gather the other children.

Author Note: No more long chapters for you! Waves finger. I get some of you may not like what happened in the last one, but it's critical. Besides I am not opposed to open "Stupid Author doing (thing here) I don't like. Feel free to say it. Feed back is feed back! Not just for me, but other authors. Writers don't want to be told how great the story is all the time. It's nice, but honest criticism is a GIFT. Speaking of that, I had a good question from 'D' and thank you so much for pointing it out. I had addressed Anduin in my head, and not in the story

Anduin's absence. He is not in Stormwind because:

1. He is a strong supporter of Fox, Bascomb would not call him back. I believe Bascomb would not want Anduin in the city at this time, since Bascomb likes Anduin and supports him as Crown Prince.

2. Varian as a character, has no more stronger emotion to anything greater than his children. He is being threatened because of one child. He would never bring Anduin back to endanger him in any way.

3.I don't want to fuss with one more character in the mix, at this time. I would have to add his reaction, movements, and dialogue. Each one is carefully calculated. I try to gauge them on their personality, their history, and where I want their personal growth to go with each situation. Sometimes I do make mistakes. As in the last chapter, Golden pulled Astarii off of Bitey. The real reaction would have been Golden hitting her on the back of the head with his staff and knocking her unconscious so he no longer had to deal with her. Sadly, I had already posted when the realization hit.

!SPOILERS!

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That being said, Anduin will be back and have a hand in upcoming events! Fox will live, Fox's baby will live. There will be more time in Stromgarde. She and Varian will be together happily by the end of the story.