Disclaimer: I do not own any of the 10k characters that appear in this
story, and am in no way affiliated with NBC or 10k producers. I DO however
own the character of Genieve, and Angelena, and am in no way looking to
profit from this story.
Customs Remembered
Part 3
It was near a week before Wolf returned to King Wendell's castle. Wendell, Queen Riding Hood, Genieve and a few others were enjoying breakfast when he was shown in. Wendell rose immediately.
"Wolf!" He said.
Wolf had definitely seen better days. His clothes were tattered and torn, his skin darkened with dirt, and he had quiet a bit of growth on his face. His dark hair was caked with dried mud. But it was his eyes that Disturbed Wendell most. His dark eyes looked strangely hollow. Empty, as if all the life had been drained out of them.
"Your Majesty." He said bowing slowly, tiredly. "I am ready to proclaim my birthright, and accept my betrothal" He said, his voice hoarse, as if this was the first time he'd spoke in some time.
Riding hood clapped her hands together in delight.
"Wonderful!" She cried jumping to her feat. "This does my heart good Wolfie Dear," She said smiling widely. "I would hug you but whew you smell!" She said laughingly. She snapped to her servants. "Pack my things" she told them harshly. She turned to Wendell and smiled becomingly. "I simply cannot stay a moment longer, I've been neglecting my duties as is." She said offering him her hand. Wendell bowed over it and brought it to his lips. "It has been wonderful having you Riding Hood. I do hope you will grace this castle with your presence again soon." He said smoothly. Riding Hood nodded, and turned to Genieve. "Come along now" She said and They started to exit.
"No." Wolf said flatly and they froze mid stride. "Genieve stays. As my betrothed she belongs at my side." He said in a no nonsense tone. Genieve nodded.
"I will stay if that is what you wish."
"It is." Wolf turned back to Wendell. "Forgive me your majesty, but I find I am exsausted, and will retire to my room now." He didn't wait for an answer and quickly made his way out of the great hall.
Wolf closed the door and sank on to the bed tiredly. His eyes pinched in an attempt to shed tears, but honestly he could not, his tear ducks were dry. He pulled his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arm around them as a fresh wave of agony engulfed him. How could this be happening to him? Virginia was his soul mate, he felt down to the very depth of his being that she was. Yet he was set to Marry someone else, and why? Because of some stupid customs ordained before he was even born.
"Grrr. Cripes!" He howled and pounded his fists against his pillow until he was completely tired out.
Wolf lay there awhile, emerced in his sorrows. Somehow he was going to have to find the strength to carry on. He could still hear Virginia's voice in his ear.
"I have nothing to say to you."
"Oh Virginia" he whispered raggedly to himself. He crossed the room and knelt behind the dressing mirror. There was a hollow space in the wall. Wolf stuck his hand inside.
"Come on.. Still be here" He grumbled. His fingers brushed something hard and he pulled out a small wooden box. He sat back on his bed and opened it. "Good no one has found it since I left it here" He breathed. There, nestled in the velvet insides of the box was a very long, very thin brown braid. "He held it under his nose and sniffed in the familiar scent. It was Virginia's hair. He traced the link of the lock in his fingers then nuzzled the silky strands against his cheek. He closed his eyes and pictured her face. Those wide blue eyes, so honest so pure and trusting. That beautiful smile.. Wolf dug into his pocket and withdrew the singing ring.
It looked up at him sadly a tiny almost microscopic tear falling from its eye. Wolf wiped it away gently.
"Don't cry"
"How did we go so wrong? Now that she's up and gone."
"I don't' know.. I don't know. The ring whimpered a bit, but sang so more. Wolf slid the ring onto the braid and looped it around his neck, fashioning it into a necklace. He put it under his shirt and let the silky strands brush against his bare skin, as a silent reminder of all he had lost. Suddenly wolf was extremely tired. He lay back down and was out before his head hit the pillow.
Wolf slept for two strait days, and ate like a ravaged animal for another. On the eve of the forth day he emerged fresh and healthy looking. Wendell glanced across the breakfast feast at him.
"How are you feeling Wolf?"
"As well as can be expected" He said softly. He seemed all right, he smiled, and was couragable, he even growled happily at the sight of bacon. But his eyes.. They seemed so dead, so sad. And even at his most pleasant, his smile never reached them. Wendell worried about his friend, but was too polite to disgrace him in public.
They finished their meal and stood. Wolf gestured to Genieve.
"Join me for a walk?" He asked stiffly and Genieve smiled.
"I would be delighted." Wolf allowed her to link her arm through his as they walked among the flowers.
"You seem to be in better spirits." Genieve said softly, her perfect lips curling into an enticing smile.
"No," Wolf said slowly shaking his head. "I've just accepted my situation."
"I see." Wolf stopped.
"Do you really?" Genevieve put on a show of being confused, but Wolf saw through it. "I won't lie to you Gen. I feel dead inside. When Virginia left she took her heart with me. You have to know that." Genieve fluttered her eyelids.
"I don't believe I understand," She said gaily backing away from him. Wolf grabbed a hold of her arm and twisted, HARD. Genieve winced.
"I don't' love you Gen. I never will. But I will do my duty by you, try to be a good husband and father" Wolf tried not to think of being a father. Tried not to think of his Virginia alone and pregnant in New York.
"Where are you?" Genevieve said lightly running her finger up his arm.
"I'm right here"
"Not in mind, where are you? Your wondering about that girl aren't you?" Wolf nodded as they both sat on the branch. Genevieve took his hand.
"I realize that you don't love me. If it's any consolation I'm not sure that I love you." Wolf glared at her.
Then why are you pushing this marriage?"
Genevieve looked at him coolly.
"Because you are mine. You have been so since before either of us were born, as I am yours. I spent most of my life learning what I would have to do to please you. All my schooling has lead up to this moment and I am not about to let it slip from my fingers because you've been bewitched by some otherworld temptress." Wolf opened his mouth but Genevieve put a finger to it, silencing him.
"I am not perfect. I'm not Virginia, but I AM going to be your wife. What else can you expect of me?" Her voice stilled to silky purr. "I may seem like an opportunist and maybe I am. But you were promised to me."
Wolf looked at Genieve speculatively. She had let her hair free from its bun and it flowed over her shoulder and curled around her face adorably. Her wide gray eyes seemed fathomless, and Wolf found he was having a hard time prying his own eyes away from them. Her smooth white flawless skin bared itself becomingly, a promising coolness and Wolf was becoming quiet warm. He cleared his throat and tried not to let his eyes travel downward.. To not take in the gently sloping curves she was plainly displaying for him.
"It's pretty warm this morning," Genieve said softly and Wolf realized she knew exactly what he was doing.
"That it is." He said airily. Suddenly he felt as if he was on fire. Genieve was not his love, his soul mate, but she WAS going to be his wife, and he would have to make the best of it. He stood and offered her hand. "Would you like a tour of my chambers?" He asking throatily and she laughed. "I have a better idea," she said leading him deeper into the garden away from prying eyes.
"Why don't we just find a camoflagueing rose bush?" Wolf omitted a low excited growl as they made their way towards the roses.
"This could be interesting"
"What's this?" Wolf glanced at the scroll in his hand. Wendell smiled at him.
"I know your unhappy Wolf. You know if I could do something to fix this I would." Wolf nodded.
"I know you would. And I am not unhappy, I feel quiet comfortable with Genevieve. I just don't love her, I'm heart sick." Wolf's voice took on a now familiar twang as it always did when he was thinking of Virginia, as he often was.
"I had thought as much, so I am giving you your wedding present early." Wendell said gesturing to the scroll. Wolf opened it and stared at the official looking document.
"A deed."
"That's right."
"To what?" Wendell clamped his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"The 3rd Kingdom."
Wolf's eyes widened.
"The 3rd Kingdom, as in.. The ENTIRE 3rd Kingdom?"
"That's right."
"But how?" Wendell led him to the huge map of the 9 kingdoms that adorned one side of the thrown room.
"After the Evil Queen Murdered the Troll King a severe power struggle between his descendents erupted. What ensued was a civil war. The troll population was nearly destroyed, along with the lands and castle. Only Bean Town survived. Of the depleted population perhaps a hundred trolls survived. Mostly old women and children, and they fled deep into Dragon Mountain. You need something to take your mind off things, and you are a great leader, you have proved that time and time again. I want you to accept this gift gracefully YOUR HIGHNESS"
He emphasized the last words and Wolf gulped.
"Me. a.King?" Wendell grinned at his stuttering friend.
"Yes my friend. A king."
To say Genevieve was thrilled would be an understatement. She was EXSTATIC
"I'm going to be a QUEEN?" She'd hugged Wolf tightly. "Oh I love you!" She'd cried. Her face had fallen when Wolf didn't answer, but what could he do? His thoughts were once again on Virginia. "Oooooohhh there you go again!"
Wolf proved to be a great leader. He found a hidden beauty in beanstalk forest and the people of bean town were happy helpers. Wolf started by clearing out the unneeded beanstalks; he beautified the monument Jack. In no time at all the sour feeling of death left by the trolls had all but eroded. Wolf moved the site of the castle and set to building a beautiful home. He welcomed back the troll refugees provided they swear their allegiance to him.
Wolf's from all around flocked to the third kingdom, and made it there home. Wolf was a highly respected King; he abhorred many traditions and abolished them. He was very fair and chose his officials wisely. Within a few months the third kingdom had bloomed into bustling place of commerce and industry.
Wolf was not altogether unhappy. He enjoyed the restoration of the kingdom, and took the opportunity to put some of the things he had learned in New York to use. His banks were boasted as being the most efficient in all the 9 kingdoms. He found joy in the building of his castle, employing some of the styles he had studied from Paris and Rome. He liked Genevieve Company for the most part. She was entertaining and good-humored and when talking about old times, old prank he could easily go without thinking of Virginia for an hour or two.
Inevitable though, she would return to his thoughts. Virginia haunted his dreams every night, but he loved them. Sometimes he would plow through his day just so he could sleep, for the moment his head hit the pillow he would enter another world. One where Virginia was his wife and life was perfect. During the midnight hours he would play with his children, take them to Central Park. He would get his promotion at BLOOMINGDALE'S and make his Virginia proud. But these were just dreams and he knew it. How he hated to wake up in the morning.
As the months slipped away and his Wedding came closer and closer Wolf became more and more isolated. He sent Genevieve off to his cousin and would accept no visitors. He kept his Kingdom running smoothly but its inhabitants did much wonder about the strangled howls that would fill the night air. Wolf became pale and flaxen, his hair hanging limply around his face. Even the constant exercise and fresh air did nothing to help him, and Wendell became very worried.
They day finally arrived. Wolf stood, flocked by King Wendell's finest tailors as they hastily made last minute nips and tucks to his wedding outfit. Wolf put on a brave front, but inside he was haggard. Every few moments a voice inside his head.. VIRGINIA'S voice would remind him that he was getting married the next day. Even Wendell could not bring about his wolfish smile.
"I will do this Wendell, not for the tradition or glory, but because Virginia will not have me. But I don't know how long I will last." He told Wendell about his dreams and his failing health. Wendell assured him it was just cold feet and he would be all right, but deep down he knew that Wolf was indeed not going to make it, and his personal physician confirmed that fact. Wolf was dying of a broken heart. If only he could find Virginia...
"I'm sorry Ginny but there is nothing I can do, my hands are tied." Virginia looked up tearfully at her employer. Angelena gripped her hand.
"You know I would love nothing more then to have you continue to work for me, everyone at the shop loves you. But I just can't. You're way too pregnant to be waitressing. You are so close to having this baby, and my continuos would never allow you to keep exsausing yourself in this way." Virginia stared up into her friend's face.
"What am I going to do? I've already been thrown from the apartment, and grandma won't answer my calls, I can barely afford the hotel room.. What am I to do? Where will I go? I can't have my baby at the Y!" She wailed and Angelena wrapped her arms around her sobbing friend.
"Is it as bad as all that? You told me things were ok."
Virginia futilely tried to wipe her tearstained face.
"I lied. I have almost nothing, just a suitcase and a box of clothes, nothing else. I had to sell all the baby things I've received to pay for rent, and I was evicted two weeks ago. I've been staying on credit at the Heart to Heart Motel, but that expires tomorrow. And I can't get hold of my father.."
"What about wolf?" Angelena asked tentatively. She'd never questioned when Virginia had shown up asking for a job. She'd told her that Wolf was gone. Angelena knew something had to have gone wrong.. Because she knew Virginia too well, and had seen the two of them together. Wolf would do anything for her.
"I have no way of reaching Wolf anyway, and if I could I wouldn't. The last thing I need is his charity." Virginia stood and let out a soft murmur. She brought her hand to her enormous stomach and rubbed it gently.
"There their little one.. It's all right." Angelena was nearly brought to tears and began thinking rapidly.
"I don't want you working Ginny, you could really hurt yourself and the baby and I won't have you doing it." She sighed.
"Stay with me." Virginia looked up at her friend.
"You and Robert don't have any room." She said sadly.
"Yes we do, Nathan is away at school." Angelena smiled. "It isn't much just a little space in the basement, but it will do for now."
"I could never.. I don't have any money.." Angelena frowned and Virginia shrank back.
"Stop it Ginny. My mind is made up and there is nothing you can do to persuade me otherwise. Besides, Robert and I will be happy to have you." "Now," She said standing and gesturing for Virginia to do also. "I am going to drive you to that flea bitten motel to collect your things. But first I'm going to call Robert and have him put some clean sheets on Nathan's bed." Virginia stared up at her friend wide eyed, to grateful to speak. She meekly nodded her head and stood slowly.
"Ang..I.. I can't thank you enough."
"Oh honey, I'd like to think you'd do the same for me" She said hugging Virginia carefully. "Now come on."
"Like I said, it isn't much, but it's private and comfortable and warm." Angelena said leading Virginia downstairs. They passed a smell rec room filled with pool tables and antique beer bottles and Angelena showed her into a medium size room. It was dark, but that was to be expected of a basement. It was a lovely deep shade of blue. Blue carpeting and blue furniture and a beautiful blue comforter spread out on a medium sized bed.
"Oh Ang, it's wonderful!" Virginia said tears welling up again in her blue eyes.
"Now none of that you! You're going to get me crying again!" Angelena said with a laugh as she set tow dirty brown boxes on the floor by the bed. Virginia placed her suitcase on top of it. "The bathroom is right through there," Angelena said indicating a door on the left. "And if you need anything else just let me know. Dinner will be ready in about an hour, would you like Robert and I help you unpack?" Virginia smiled up at her friend.
"No thanks" She said tiredly "I think I'll lie down for a bit." Angelena grinned at her and crossed the room.
"I'll call you when dinner is ready" she said closing the door. Virginia wasted no time striping of her socks and shoes and climbed carefully into the soft bed.
"Ah.." She breathed and was asleep before the sound exited her mouth.
It was dark when Virginia woke. She groaned and turned on the light a bit disorientated.
"Where?" She saw all the blue and remembered where she was. She smiled and listened for the sound of talking and dishes clanking but the house was silent. "What time is it?" She wondered and opened her door. Just to the left was a small table with a heat pad and a plate on it. A note next to the food read
"You were sleeping so peacefully when I came down I couldn't wake you. Here's a little something in case you get hungry and there is plenty more upstairs." Virginia grinned and lugged the tray inside.
Virginia took a moment to look at the room before eating. It was very comfortable indeed. It had a TV and VCR, not to mention a phone and radio, which Virginia flipped on while eating. The chicken on her plate tasted great and she finished in no time. Virginia contemplated going back to bed but wasn't tired, so she decided to unpack.
She hung up her clothes and put her toiletries in the bathroom. She took a picture of her mother and set it on her nightstand, and one of her father on the shelf. She looked down at a picture of Wolf she had taken his first day at BLOOMINGDALE'S and set it on the TV with a sigh. She tried to hard not to think of him, but as the days grew closer and closer to the birth of their child, she found it impossible Sometimes she would reach out at night for him and wake herself when no one was there. She let the tears well up and spill over her cheeks. Despite the fact that he was getting married, she didn't hate him. How could she? She loved him. Virginia had decided that it was it for her. No man would ever be able to make her feel the way Wolf had, and she wasn't going to spend her time looking. She knew Wendell had hid the mirror and Wolf would never again come to New York, and as much as the though of him never knowing his child broke her heart, she was relieved that she would never have to see him and his new wife.
"Oh Wolf, how could you do this to me?" She cried rubbing her stomach. She knelt to pick up a few pairs of socks and felt something hard beneath the newspaper. She dug around and withdrew a mirror.
"What the.?"
It was a medium sized Oval mirror; dark and very ornately carved. Virginia vaguely remembered seeing it but couldn't remember where. She turned it over in her hands and found an inscription on the back
"Seeing mirror. For spying and trapping and just plain seeing." Realization hit her with a jolt. This was one of her mother's mirrors! Tony must have hidden it in her things so she could contact him.
"Oh daddy!" She cried and took a deep breath. Suddenly she heard her mother's voice in her mind. "
A mirror never lies"
"Hm." She drew in her breath again.
"Mirror mirror in my hand" she called softly
"Find your way across the land, and show the man that I had planned; to marry." She waited while the mirror began to glow and her image disappeared. It was replaced with the image of a bedchamber, and there he was.
Wolf sat on the bed in a richly dark outfit running his hand through his hair. Virginia was shocked at his appearance. He was very pale and thin looking and his face looked worn and tired.
"Wolf?" She whispered to herself. She watched as Genevieve entered and crossed the room.
"Good evening love" She said softly and Virginia's cheeks burned. Genevieve wrapped her arms around wolf and pressed her cheek against his, but Wolf did not smile. Undaunted, Genevieve tried again. "You seemed distant at dinner tonight, is something bothering you?" Wolf didn't answer and Virginia watched as Geneviev's face darkened. She stood up and walked a distance from Wolf. "Your doing it again aren't you? AREN'T YOU?" She said angrily her body shaking. Wolf looked up at her and slowly nodded.
"I'm sorry." He said tiredly. Genevieve threw her hands up and let out a disgusted sound.
"What exactly do I have to do?" She asked and Wolf shook his head uncomprehendingly. "What is it about me that you don't like? What? Am I not pretty enough? Do I not please you in bed? Am I to forceful and business smart, what?" She said pulling Wolf to his feet and meeting his gaze. Virginia felt as if she should look away, but was glued to the drama unfolding before her eyes.
"No, It's not that." He said, his voice thick with emotion. "It's not any of those things."
"Then WHAT is it that I am not?" Wolf looked at her carefully, choosing his words.
"You're not Virginia." He finally said softly.
"OOOOHHHH!" Genevieve let out a frustrated scream and stalked out of the room. Virginia sat stunned.
Wolf sighed and began shedding his clothing. He sat on his bed clothed only in a pair of boxer shorts, ones with little yellow smiley faces on them. Virginia gave a little laugh, it was the first article of clothing she had let him pick out for himself when the had first come to New York. She noticed something around his neck, but couldn't quiet make it out.
"What is that?" She wondered out load. The mirror responded instantly zooming in like a mirror until Wolf's frame filled its view. Virginia put a hand to her head as she recognized the hair.
"It's my hair," she said in wonder, her hand running through her now quiet long brown locks. She watched as Wolf picked up the charm her hair held and realized what it was. "My ring" she said sadly. She watched Wolf stroke the ring and murmur to it softly. The ring hummed a bit in response but did not sing.
"I know, I know" Wolf said softly as he kissed It's pearly head before dropping it back to it's place above his heart. A heart that Virginia had listened to night after night, taking pleasure in it's beat. Virginia watched as Wolf laid himself down on the bed and closed his eyes. "
Virginia." He whispered before falling asleep. Tears clouded her vision.
"Enough" she whispered and the mirror went dark. Virginia put her head in her hands and began to sob.
"What have I done?" She wondered. In an instant she knew the truth. She had left the only man she would ever love because of a custom he had not known about. She cried harder as she thought of her stupidity, of the lonely months she had spent aching for his arms and understanding.. And yet. he still loved her. What she had seen bore witness to that fact. Wolf was marrying solely because she had rejected him. She remembered him telling her through the door that he didn't care if he ever set foot in his homeland again, if he could only be with her.
"Oh Wolf how could I have been so blind?" And yet he loved her. He dreamed about her and wore her ring above his heart. How could she have possibly thought she could live without him? Virginia wondered how she could even consider not letting this child know it's father, and in an instant she knew what she had to do.
"Custom or no I'll be damned if I'm going to loose him again." She whispered to herself. She heard again his voice in her mind "Wolf's mate for life"
"So do I wolf, so do I."
Virginia picked up the mirror again
"Get me my father" she said skipping the rhyme. If she remembered correctly a person could also talk through the mirror. It's dark glass lightened until Virginia could see Tony sitting with Wendell in a private room drinking wine and talking softly.
"Dad?" She said and Tony jumped at the sound of her voice.
"Virginia?" He called looking all around. Virginia realized she was looking down at them.
"Up here dad" she said smiling.
"Virginia!" Tony yelped happily leaping to his feet. Wendell followed suit.
"I see you found the mirror?"
"Yea dad and thanks, I really needed it now." She quickly explained her situation and Tony's face blackened.
"That no good Wolf, I told you Virginia? Didn't I?" Virginia shook her head. "
No dad it's not what you think." She smiled and Wendell and her father "I'll explain all of that later. Right now I need you to open up the mirror so I can come through."
"Why?" Wendell and Tony questioned in unison and Virginia felt a sly grin crossing her face.
"Because my father, my good friend. I have a wedding to crash."
END OF PART 3
Customs Remembered
Part 3
It was near a week before Wolf returned to King Wendell's castle. Wendell, Queen Riding Hood, Genieve and a few others were enjoying breakfast when he was shown in. Wendell rose immediately.
"Wolf!" He said.
Wolf had definitely seen better days. His clothes were tattered and torn, his skin darkened with dirt, and he had quiet a bit of growth on his face. His dark hair was caked with dried mud. But it was his eyes that Disturbed Wendell most. His dark eyes looked strangely hollow. Empty, as if all the life had been drained out of them.
"Your Majesty." He said bowing slowly, tiredly. "I am ready to proclaim my birthright, and accept my betrothal" He said, his voice hoarse, as if this was the first time he'd spoke in some time.
Riding hood clapped her hands together in delight.
"Wonderful!" She cried jumping to her feat. "This does my heart good Wolfie Dear," She said smiling widely. "I would hug you but whew you smell!" She said laughingly. She snapped to her servants. "Pack my things" she told them harshly. She turned to Wendell and smiled becomingly. "I simply cannot stay a moment longer, I've been neglecting my duties as is." She said offering him her hand. Wendell bowed over it and brought it to his lips. "It has been wonderful having you Riding Hood. I do hope you will grace this castle with your presence again soon." He said smoothly. Riding Hood nodded, and turned to Genieve. "Come along now" She said and They started to exit.
"No." Wolf said flatly and they froze mid stride. "Genieve stays. As my betrothed she belongs at my side." He said in a no nonsense tone. Genieve nodded.
"I will stay if that is what you wish."
"It is." Wolf turned back to Wendell. "Forgive me your majesty, but I find I am exsausted, and will retire to my room now." He didn't wait for an answer and quickly made his way out of the great hall.
Wolf closed the door and sank on to the bed tiredly. His eyes pinched in an attempt to shed tears, but honestly he could not, his tear ducks were dry. He pulled his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arm around them as a fresh wave of agony engulfed him. How could this be happening to him? Virginia was his soul mate, he felt down to the very depth of his being that she was. Yet he was set to Marry someone else, and why? Because of some stupid customs ordained before he was even born.
"Grrr. Cripes!" He howled and pounded his fists against his pillow until he was completely tired out.
Wolf lay there awhile, emerced in his sorrows. Somehow he was going to have to find the strength to carry on. He could still hear Virginia's voice in his ear.
"I have nothing to say to you."
"Oh Virginia" he whispered raggedly to himself. He crossed the room and knelt behind the dressing mirror. There was a hollow space in the wall. Wolf stuck his hand inside.
"Come on.. Still be here" He grumbled. His fingers brushed something hard and he pulled out a small wooden box. He sat back on his bed and opened it. "Good no one has found it since I left it here" He breathed. There, nestled in the velvet insides of the box was a very long, very thin brown braid. "He held it under his nose and sniffed in the familiar scent. It was Virginia's hair. He traced the link of the lock in his fingers then nuzzled the silky strands against his cheek. He closed his eyes and pictured her face. Those wide blue eyes, so honest so pure and trusting. That beautiful smile.. Wolf dug into his pocket and withdrew the singing ring.
It looked up at him sadly a tiny almost microscopic tear falling from its eye. Wolf wiped it away gently.
"Don't cry"
"How did we go so wrong? Now that she's up and gone."
"I don't' know.. I don't know. The ring whimpered a bit, but sang so more. Wolf slid the ring onto the braid and looped it around his neck, fashioning it into a necklace. He put it under his shirt and let the silky strands brush against his bare skin, as a silent reminder of all he had lost. Suddenly wolf was extremely tired. He lay back down and was out before his head hit the pillow.
Wolf slept for two strait days, and ate like a ravaged animal for another. On the eve of the forth day he emerged fresh and healthy looking. Wendell glanced across the breakfast feast at him.
"How are you feeling Wolf?"
"As well as can be expected" He said softly. He seemed all right, he smiled, and was couragable, he even growled happily at the sight of bacon. But his eyes.. They seemed so dead, so sad. And even at his most pleasant, his smile never reached them. Wendell worried about his friend, but was too polite to disgrace him in public.
They finished their meal and stood. Wolf gestured to Genieve.
"Join me for a walk?" He asked stiffly and Genieve smiled.
"I would be delighted." Wolf allowed her to link her arm through his as they walked among the flowers.
"You seem to be in better spirits." Genieve said softly, her perfect lips curling into an enticing smile.
"No," Wolf said slowly shaking his head. "I've just accepted my situation."
"I see." Wolf stopped.
"Do you really?" Genevieve put on a show of being confused, but Wolf saw through it. "I won't lie to you Gen. I feel dead inside. When Virginia left she took her heart with me. You have to know that." Genieve fluttered her eyelids.
"I don't believe I understand," She said gaily backing away from him. Wolf grabbed a hold of her arm and twisted, HARD. Genieve winced.
"I don't' love you Gen. I never will. But I will do my duty by you, try to be a good husband and father" Wolf tried not to think of being a father. Tried not to think of his Virginia alone and pregnant in New York.
"Where are you?" Genevieve said lightly running her finger up his arm.
"I'm right here"
"Not in mind, where are you? Your wondering about that girl aren't you?" Wolf nodded as they both sat on the branch. Genevieve took his hand.
"I realize that you don't love me. If it's any consolation I'm not sure that I love you." Wolf glared at her.
Then why are you pushing this marriage?"
Genevieve looked at him coolly.
"Because you are mine. You have been so since before either of us were born, as I am yours. I spent most of my life learning what I would have to do to please you. All my schooling has lead up to this moment and I am not about to let it slip from my fingers because you've been bewitched by some otherworld temptress." Wolf opened his mouth but Genevieve put a finger to it, silencing him.
"I am not perfect. I'm not Virginia, but I AM going to be your wife. What else can you expect of me?" Her voice stilled to silky purr. "I may seem like an opportunist and maybe I am. But you were promised to me."
Wolf looked at Genieve speculatively. She had let her hair free from its bun and it flowed over her shoulder and curled around her face adorably. Her wide gray eyes seemed fathomless, and Wolf found he was having a hard time prying his own eyes away from them. Her smooth white flawless skin bared itself becomingly, a promising coolness and Wolf was becoming quiet warm. He cleared his throat and tried not to let his eyes travel downward.. To not take in the gently sloping curves she was plainly displaying for him.
"It's pretty warm this morning," Genieve said softly and Wolf realized she knew exactly what he was doing.
"That it is." He said airily. Suddenly he felt as if he was on fire. Genieve was not his love, his soul mate, but she WAS going to be his wife, and he would have to make the best of it. He stood and offered her hand. "Would you like a tour of my chambers?" He asking throatily and she laughed. "I have a better idea," she said leading him deeper into the garden away from prying eyes.
"Why don't we just find a camoflagueing rose bush?" Wolf omitted a low excited growl as they made their way towards the roses.
"This could be interesting"
"What's this?" Wolf glanced at the scroll in his hand. Wendell smiled at him.
"I know your unhappy Wolf. You know if I could do something to fix this I would." Wolf nodded.
"I know you would. And I am not unhappy, I feel quiet comfortable with Genevieve. I just don't love her, I'm heart sick." Wolf's voice took on a now familiar twang as it always did when he was thinking of Virginia, as he often was.
"I had thought as much, so I am giving you your wedding present early." Wendell said gesturing to the scroll. Wolf opened it and stared at the official looking document.
"A deed."
"That's right."
"To what?" Wendell clamped his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"The 3rd Kingdom."
Wolf's eyes widened.
"The 3rd Kingdom, as in.. The ENTIRE 3rd Kingdom?"
"That's right."
"But how?" Wendell led him to the huge map of the 9 kingdoms that adorned one side of the thrown room.
"After the Evil Queen Murdered the Troll King a severe power struggle between his descendents erupted. What ensued was a civil war. The troll population was nearly destroyed, along with the lands and castle. Only Bean Town survived. Of the depleted population perhaps a hundred trolls survived. Mostly old women and children, and they fled deep into Dragon Mountain. You need something to take your mind off things, and you are a great leader, you have proved that time and time again. I want you to accept this gift gracefully YOUR HIGHNESS"
He emphasized the last words and Wolf gulped.
"Me. a.King?" Wendell grinned at his stuttering friend.
"Yes my friend. A king."
To say Genevieve was thrilled would be an understatement. She was EXSTATIC
"I'm going to be a QUEEN?" She'd hugged Wolf tightly. "Oh I love you!" She'd cried. Her face had fallen when Wolf didn't answer, but what could he do? His thoughts were once again on Virginia. "Oooooohhh there you go again!"
Wolf proved to be a great leader. He found a hidden beauty in beanstalk forest and the people of bean town were happy helpers. Wolf started by clearing out the unneeded beanstalks; he beautified the monument Jack. In no time at all the sour feeling of death left by the trolls had all but eroded. Wolf moved the site of the castle and set to building a beautiful home. He welcomed back the troll refugees provided they swear their allegiance to him.
Wolf's from all around flocked to the third kingdom, and made it there home. Wolf was a highly respected King; he abhorred many traditions and abolished them. He was very fair and chose his officials wisely. Within a few months the third kingdom had bloomed into bustling place of commerce and industry.
Wolf was not altogether unhappy. He enjoyed the restoration of the kingdom, and took the opportunity to put some of the things he had learned in New York to use. His banks were boasted as being the most efficient in all the 9 kingdoms. He found joy in the building of his castle, employing some of the styles he had studied from Paris and Rome. He liked Genevieve Company for the most part. She was entertaining and good-humored and when talking about old times, old prank he could easily go without thinking of Virginia for an hour or two.
Inevitable though, she would return to his thoughts. Virginia haunted his dreams every night, but he loved them. Sometimes he would plow through his day just so he could sleep, for the moment his head hit the pillow he would enter another world. One where Virginia was his wife and life was perfect. During the midnight hours he would play with his children, take them to Central Park. He would get his promotion at BLOOMINGDALE'S and make his Virginia proud. But these were just dreams and he knew it. How he hated to wake up in the morning.
As the months slipped away and his Wedding came closer and closer Wolf became more and more isolated. He sent Genevieve off to his cousin and would accept no visitors. He kept his Kingdom running smoothly but its inhabitants did much wonder about the strangled howls that would fill the night air. Wolf became pale and flaxen, his hair hanging limply around his face. Even the constant exercise and fresh air did nothing to help him, and Wendell became very worried.
They day finally arrived. Wolf stood, flocked by King Wendell's finest tailors as they hastily made last minute nips and tucks to his wedding outfit. Wolf put on a brave front, but inside he was haggard. Every few moments a voice inside his head.. VIRGINIA'S voice would remind him that he was getting married the next day. Even Wendell could not bring about his wolfish smile.
"I will do this Wendell, not for the tradition or glory, but because Virginia will not have me. But I don't know how long I will last." He told Wendell about his dreams and his failing health. Wendell assured him it was just cold feet and he would be all right, but deep down he knew that Wolf was indeed not going to make it, and his personal physician confirmed that fact. Wolf was dying of a broken heart. If only he could find Virginia...
"I'm sorry Ginny but there is nothing I can do, my hands are tied." Virginia looked up tearfully at her employer. Angelena gripped her hand.
"You know I would love nothing more then to have you continue to work for me, everyone at the shop loves you. But I just can't. You're way too pregnant to be waitressing. You are so close to having this baby, and my continuos would never allow you to keep exsausing yourself in this way." Virginia stared up into her friend's face.
"What am I going to do? I've already been thrown from the apartment, and grandma won't answer my calls, I can barely afford the hotel room.. What am I to do? Where will I go? I can't have my baby at the Y!" She wailed and Angelena wrapped her arms around her sobbing friend.
"Is it as bad as all that? You told me things were ok."
Virginia futilely tried to wipe her tearstained face.
"I lied. I have almost nothing, just a suitcase and a box of clothes, nothing else. I had to sell all the baby things I've received to pay for rent, and I was evicted two weeks ago. I've been staying on credit at the Heart to Heart Motel, but that expires tomorrow. And I can't get hold of my father.."
"What about wolf?" Angelena asked tentatively. She'd never questioned when Virginia had shown up asking for a job. She'd told her that Wolf was gone. Angelena knew something had to have gone wrong.. Because she knew Virginia too well, and had seen the two of them together. Wolf would do anything for her.
"I have no way of reaching Wolf anyway, and if I could I wouldn't. The last thing I need is his charity." Virginia stood and let out a soft murmur. She brought her hand to her enormous stomach and rubbed it gently.
"There their little one.. It's all right." Angelena was nearly brought to tears and began thinking rapidly.
"I don't want you working Ginny, you could really hurt yourself and the baby and I won't have you doing it." She sighed.
"Stay with me." Virginia looked up at her friend.
"You and Robert don't have any room." She said sadly.
"Yes we do, Nathan is away at school." Angelena smiled. "It isn't much just a little space in the basement, but it will do for now."
"I could never.. I don't have any money.." Angelena frowned and Virginia shrank back.
"Stop it Ginny. My mind is made up and there is nothing you can do to persuade me otherwise. Besides, Robert and I will be happy to have you." "Now," She said standing and gesturing for Virginia to do also. "I am going to drive you to that flea bitten motel to collect your things. But first I'm going to call Robert and have him put some clean sheets on Nathan's bed." Virginia stared up at her friend wide eyed, to grateful to speak. She meekly nodded her head and stood slowly.
"Ang..I.. I can't thank you enough."
"Oh honey, I'd like to think you'd do the same for me" She said hugging Virginia carefully. "Now come on."
"Like I said, it isn't much, but it's private and comfortable and warm." Angelena said leading Virginia downstairs. They passed a smell rec room filled with pool tables and antique beer bottles and Angelena showed her into a medium size room. It was dark, but that was to be expected of a basement. It was a lovely deep shade of blue. Blue carpeting and blue furniture and a beautiful blue comforter spread out on a medium sized bed.
"Oh Ang, it's wonderful!" Virginia said tears welling up again in her blue eyes.
"Now none of that you! You're going to get me crying again!" Angelena said with a laugh as she set tow dirty brown boxes on the floor by the bed. Virginia placed her suitcase on top of it. "The bathroom is right through there," Angelena said indicating a door on the left. "And if you need anything else just let me know. Dinner will be ready in about an hour, would you like Robert and I help you unpack?" Virginia smiled up at her friend.
"No thanks" She said tiredly "I think I'll lie down for a bit." Angelena grinned at her and crossed the room.
"I'll call you when dinner is ready" she said closing the door. Virginia wasted no time striping of her socks and shoes and climbed carefully into the soft bed.
"Ah.." She breathed and was asleep before the sound exited her mouth.
It was dark when Virginia woke. She groaned and turned on the light a bit disorientated.
"Where?" She saw all the blue and remembered where she was. She smiled and listened for the sound of talking and dishes clanking but the house was silent. "What time is it?" She wondered and opened her door. Just to the left was a small table with a heat pad and a plate on it. A note next to the food read
"You were sleeping so peacefully when I came down I couldn't wake you. Here's a little something in case you get hungry and there is plenty more upstairs." Virginia grinned and lugged the tray inside.
Virginia took a moment to look at the room before eating. It was very comfortable indeed. It had a TV and VCR, not to mention a phone and radio, which Virginia flipped on while eating. The chicken on her plate tasted great and she finished in no time. Virginia contemplated going back to bed but wasn't tired, so she decided to unpack.
She hung up her clothes and put her toiletries in the bathroom. She took a picture of her mother and set it on her nightstand, and one of her father on the shelf. She looked down at a picture of Wolf she had taken his first day at BLOOMINGDALE'S and set it on the TV with a sigh. She tried to hard not to think of him, but as the days grew closer and closer to the birth of their child, she found it impossible Sometimes she would reach out at night for him and wake herself when no one was there. She let the tears well up and spill over her cheeks. Despite the fact that he was getting married, she didn't hate him. How could she? She loved him. Virginia had decided that it was it for her. No man would ever be able to make her feel the way Wolf had, and she wasn't going to spend her time looking. She knew Wendell had hid the mirror and Wolf would never again come to New York, and as much as the though of him never knowing his child broke her heart, she was relieved that she would never have to see him and his new wife.
"Oh Wolf, how could you do this to me?" She cried rubbing her stomach. She knelt to pick up a few pairs of socks and felt something hard beneath the newspaper. She dug around and withdrew a mirror.
"What the.?"
It was a medium sized Oval mirror; dark and very ornately carved. Virginia vaguely remembered seeing it but couldn't remember where. She turned it over in her hands and found an inscription on the back
"Seeing mirror. For spying and trapping and just plain seeing." Realization hit her with a jolt. This was one of her mother's mirrors! Tony must have hidden it in her things so she could contact him.
"Oh daddy!" She cried and took a deep breath. Suddenly she heard her mother's voice in her mind. "
A mirror never lies"
"Hm." She drew in her breath again.
"Mirror mirror in my hand" she called softly
"Find your way across the land, and show the man that I had planned; to marry." She waited while the mirror began to glow and her image disappeared. It was replaced with the image of a bedchamber, and there he was.
Wolf sat on the bed in a richly dark outfit running his hand through his hair. Virginia was shocked at his appearance. He was very pale and thin looking and his face looked worn and tired.
"Wolf?" She whispered to herself. She watched as Genevieve entered and crossed the room.
"Good evening love" She said softly and Virginia's cheeks burned. Genevieve wrapped her arms around wolf and pressed her cheek against his, but Wolf did not smile. Undaunted, Genevieve tried again. "You seemed distant at dinner tonight, is something bothering you?" Wolf didn't answer and Virginia watched as Geneviev's face darkened. She stood up and walked a distance from Wolf. "Your doing it again aren't you? AREN'T YOU?" She said angrily her body shaking. Wolf looked up at her and slowly nodded.
"I'm sorry." He said tiredly. Genevieve threw her hands up and let out a disgusted sound.
"What exactly do I have to do?" She asked and Wolf shook his head uncomprehendingly. "What is it about me that you don't like? What? Am I not pretty enough? Do I not please you in bed? Am I to forceful and business smart, what?" She said pulling Wolf to his feet and meeting his gaze. Virginia felt as if she should look away, but was glued to the drama unfolding before her eyes.
"No, It's not that." He said, his voice thick with emotion. "It's not any of those things."
"Then WHAT is it that I am not?" Wolf looked at her carefully, choosing his words.
"You're not Virginia." He finally said softly.
"OOOOHHHH!" Genevieve let out a frustrated scream and stalked out of the room. Virginia sat stunned.
Wolf sighed and began shedding his clothing. He sat on his bed clothed only in a pair of boxer shorts, ones with little yellow smiley faces on them. Virginia gave a little laugh, it was the first article of clothing she had let him pick out for himself when the had first come to New York. She noticed something around his neck, but couldn't quiet make it out.
"What is that?" She wondered out load. The mirror responded instantly zooming in like a mirror until Wolf's frame filled its view. Virginia put a hand to her head as she recognized the hair.
"It's my hair," she said in wonder, her hand running through her now quiet long brown locks. She watched as Wolf picked up the charm her hair held and realized what it was. "My ring" she said sadly. She watched Wolf stroke the ring and murmur to it softly. The ring hummed a bit in response but did not sing.
"I know, I know" Wolf said softly as he kissed It's pearly head before dropping it back to it's place above his heart. A heart that Virginia had listened to night after night, taking pleasure in it's beat. Virginia watched as Wolf laid himself down on the bed and closed his eyes. "
Virginia." He whispered before falling asleep. Tears clouded her vision.
"Enough" she whispered and the mirror went dark. Virginia put her head in her hands and began to sob.
"What have I done?" She wondered. In an instant she knew the truth. She had left the only man she would ever love because of a custom he had not known about. She cried harder as she thought of her stupidity, of the lonely months she had spent aching for his arms and understanding.. And yet. he still loved her. What she had seen bore witness to that fact. Wolf was marrying solely because she had rejected him. She remembered him telling her through the door that he didn't care if he ever set foot in his homeland again, if he could only be with her.
"Oh Wolf how could I have been so blind?" And yet he loved her. He dreamed about her and wore her ring above his heart. How could she have possibly thought she could live without him? Virginia wondered how she could even consider not letting this child know it's father, and in an instant she knew what she had to do.
"Custom or no I'll be damned if I'm going to loose him again." She whispered to herself. She heard again his voice in her mind "Wolf's mate for life"
"So do I wolf, so do I."
Virginia picked up the mirror again
"Get me my father" she said skipping the rhyme. If she remembered correctly a person could also talk through the mirror. It's dark glass lightened until Virginia could see Tony sitting with Wendell in a private room drinking wine and talking softly.
"Dad?" She said and Tony jumped at the sound of her voice.
"Virginia?" He called looking all around. Virginia realized she was looking down at them.
"Up here dad" she said smiling.
"Virginia!" Tony yelped happily leaping to his feet. Wendell followed suit.
"I see you found the mirror?"
"Yea dad and thanks, I really needed it now." She quickly explained her situation and Tony's face blackened.
"That no good Wolf, I told you Virginia? Didn't I?" Virginia shook her head. "
No dad it's not what you think." She smiled and Wendell and her father "I'll explain all of that later. Right now I need you to open up the mirror so I can come through."
"Why?" Wendell and Tony questioned in unison and Virginia felt a sly grin crossing her face.
"Because my father, my good friend. I have a wedding to crash."
END OF PART 3