DISCLAIMER: Considering that this fan fic is pretty much ALL MY CREATION,
and only the Princess' name and spindle thing are not mine, I think it's
pretty ridiculous that I write these things.
Author's Note: Ok, you guys may wish to go back and reread the prologue before you read this chapter. Everything is about to be explained. I promise, there are a few supriseses in store! To everyone who reviewed: THANK YOU! To everyone else: REVIEW!
~~Chapter Thirteen~~
I slowly came to conscienceness within the downy folds of a luxurious four poster bed. It was softer than anything I had felt, even within my own palace. I sleepily rose into a sitting position and with bleary eyes, took in my surroundings. I was in an airy bedchamber, built of golden beams and mirrors. The ceiling was high and sunlight spilled in from large, spacious windows, reflecting thousands of times off of the mirrored walls, as if in a palace of light.
As I drew nearer to full conscienceness a piercing headache sliced through me and I fell back onto my pillows. My entire body ached. I could see scratches and bruises all over my body in the mirrors surrounding me. I closed my eyes. Questions were pestering the outermost regions of my mind. -Where was I? -Why did my head ache so?-I could remember nothing prior to my awakening.
A slight creaking sound was heard and through eyes squinted with pain I saw Maximus enter the room. The moment I saw his haggard face everything came flooding back. The ball. Godfrey. Jason's gift. Dancing. The near kiss. Mother's slap and horrid revelations. Running. Crying. The tower. Sylvanna. The spinning wheel. Jason colliding with me. The blood on his finger. The glass ceiling shattering. The metal beam striking my brow.
I gasped and bolted upwards, "Jason! My God, where is he?! The spinning wheel! Maximus we've got to---" Maximus rushed over to my side and gently restrained me as I attempted to rise from my bed. "We've got to help him!"
"Briar Rose, be still! Rash actions will get you no where! For heaven's sake child, listen to me!" His eyes found mine and begged for my silence.
"Where are we?"
He sighed, "Have you ever heard of Almudena, Rose?"
"Of course, legendary city of the fairies---you don't mean?"
"Yes."
"But how did we get here?"
Maximus' eyes traveled down my neck to the silver pendent. "Briar Rose, do you know what that medallion you are wearing is?"
"I know it belonged to Jason's mother."
Maximus sighed, "I can see this is going to take some explaining. Rose, that necklace contains silver purified by the magical waters of Almudena in which flows eternal life." He fingered the shinning stone within, "The glowing jewel is one of the living stones mined in the depths of the fairy caverns near the center of the earth. Only those who are members of the fey royal family wear that necklace." With that Maximus reached deep within his robes and removed an ornament identical to mine. As he pulled out his silver chain the stones within both pendants began to glow even brighter.
I gasped, "How did YOU get---I mean---you---my God---" I trailed off as I fingered his necklace.
"I am a member of the royal house of the fairies. My younger sister is Queen."
"Why your younger sister?" I interrupted, "If you are older, and male, why do you not reign? Why are you residing in my home, disguised as a wizard?"
Maximus' eyes grew distant. He spoke with evident effort, "I fled the fey kingdom to save it. My elder sister, who was queen at the time, had become corrupted by power. She was growing in the dark arts and though it nearly cost me my life I removed her from the throne. I knew she would be back to destroy me, as I was the largest threat of her siblings, so I hid in the kingdom of Eldron under an alias until such time as I could bring about the downfall of the Queen---Sylvanna."
I drew back in amazement, "Sylvanna, is your sister?"
"Yes."
"Then why does Jason have one of the sovereign stones?"
"That is another part of my story. In my absence my sister, Queen Myranda sought comfort in the arms of a mortal man. The two produced a child, a boy. When I received word of this happenstance I immediately sent word for my sister to put this man and child away from herself, and to conceal the child's identity."
"Why?"
"Because Sylvanna is obsessed with power. She will never rest until she controls the entire kingdom of Eldron. If she knew of the child's existence she would have certainly tried to murder him. As long as the child remained secret Sylvanna would deter her attention away from the fairies. As long as the child remained secret we had hope."
There was a pregnant pause, "The child was sent to live with his father, a mere peasant. Until, seven years later, when his father was killed in a freak mine collapse. The child was brought to the one remaining relative who could safely take him in---me."
Again, Maximus took a moment to restore his energy, "My nephew was brought to the palace. I could not reveal our connection as it would compromise his identity, but I made sure he was accepted into the palace staff as a stable boy."
Here Maximus chuckled slightly, "It is amazing to me that the King and Queen of Eldron have such an aversion to commoners when the future King of the Fairies was mucking stalls for their horses."
Maximus looked me directly in the eyes, "Jason Kelmond, Prince of the Feys, and nephew to Sylvanna and I remained safe in secrecy within the palace walls for the next eleven years. Until last night."
Stunned, I clutched the pendant, "He told me the necklace had belonged to his mother, I---I didn't realize---I didn't know---"
"It's alright Rose. It is better that you didn't."
Another question persisted, "But how did we get here?"
"That stone possesses magical qualities. Should a person whose heart is pure touch it and wish to return to Almudena, they will be transported there accordingly. When you were knocked unconscious by that beam, I grabbed for your necklace and wished us here. I am sorry to say I was unable to reach Jason in time."
"Jason! He's still there?! Is he alright?"
"Calm yourself Rose!" Maximus eased me back into bed, "You've been through Hell. Try to stay still. No, no harm has come to him. He's asleep."
I gave Maximus a look of utter disgust and sarcastically replied, "Of course, what any sane person would be doing right about now!"
"He pricked his finger on the spindle."
"Why?---It should have been me."
"He was trying to save you. When he shoved you aside, he accidentally pierced his own skin."
"But the curse was not intended for him."
"No, which makes this situation even more terrible. Had you pricked your finger you would have fallen into an eternal sleep, awaiting true love's kiss. But the curse was not intended for Jason. He is asleep yes, but in a poisoned one."
I glanced questioningly at him.
"Jason is dying Rose. The life is slowly being drained out of him."
For a moment I sat stunned and then sputtered, "But isn't there anything we can do?"
There was silence. "There is more than just that. To save Jason you would have to kiss him. You are his true love and only YOUR kiss will work. But an even more serious problem is Sylvanna. The curse was a fluke. When Jason pricked his finger, the entire castle fell into the poisoned sleep as well."
"You mean, my entire family is dying?" I asked slowly, my voice shaking.
"Yes. Sylvanna will use this opportunity to seize the throne. Our only hope, is for you to destroy Sylvanna."
"But how?"
Maximus thought, "You must awaken Jason. Undoing her curse will destroy her. But be warned, it is not as easy as it sounds. Sylvanna will be thirsty to kill the last remaining monarch of Eldron and will fight you every step of the way."
I rose from my bed and crossed the room to a chair, over which was draped a satin robe and a pair of slippers. I slid my feet into the shoes and pulled the robe around me. "I don't care. I will wake him." I shrugged, "I love him."
Maximus rose and put his arms around me, "Good," he said, kissing my forehead. "I have loved you like a daughter Rose. Perhaps when all this is done, you will become a true member of my family. I've always wanted a niece." He smiled and led me from the room.
"I think Rose, that it is time for you to meet my sister, the Queen of the Fairies."
~~****~~
She was smaller than I thought she'd be. When told I was going to be introduced to the Queen of the Fairies I expected something a little grander. Instead of the glowing beauty I had envisioned, she was a petite, gray-headed thing. She looked warm and inviting, and smelled of sweet honeysuckle.
"Is this the girl Maximus?" she asked quietly.
"Yes sister."
She nodded, "Come here my child."
I knelt before her. She took my face in her small, wrinkled hands and looked deeply into my eyes. I noticed that her hazel eyes matched Jason's. "Are you afraid child?"
"A little."
"As you should be. Great love does not come with out great sacrifice. You must face Sylvanna alone. It is you, and you alone, who can undo this curse, and rid the land of this witch." She paused and a great sadness seemed to come over her, "You are our last hope, Briar Rose. If you fail--- we are all doomed."
She stood. I rose as well and Maximus took my hand, leading me towards the door.
"Rose?" she called out again.
"Yes?"
"Do me one small favor. I have always longed to hold my own son in my arms. Please bring him back to me."
With that I rushed at her and threw my arms around the Queen, embracing her. "I will."
I rose and she kissed my forehead, "May God be with you."
Author's Note: Ok, you guys may wish to go back and reread the prologue before you read this chapter. Everything is about to be explained. I promise, there are a few supriseses in store! To everyone who reviewed: THANK YOU! To everyone else: REVIEW!
~~Chapter Thirteen~~
I slowly came to conscienceness within the downy folds of a luxurious four poster bed. It was softer than anything I had felt, even within my own palace. I sleepily rose into a sitting position and with bleary eyes, took in my surroundings. I was in an airy bedchamber, built of golden beams and mirrors. The ceiling was high and sunlight spilled in from large, spacious windows, reflecting thousands of times off of the mirrored walls, as if in a palace of light.
As I drew nearer to full conscienceness a piercing headache sliced through me and I fell back onto my pillows. My entire body ached. I could see scratches and bruises all over my body in the mirrors surrounding me. I closed my eyes. Questions were pestering the outermost regions of my mind. -Where was I? -Why did my head ache so?-I could remember nothing prior to my awakening.
A slight creaking sound was heard and through eyes squinted with pain I saw Maximus enter the room. The moment I saw his haggard face everything came flooding back. The ball. Godfrey. Jason's gift. Dancing. The near kiss. Mother's slap and horrid revelations. Running. Crying. The tower. Sylvanna. The spinning wheel. Jason colliding with me. The blood on his finger. The glass ceiling shattering. The metal beam striking my brow.
I gasped and bolted upwards, "Jason! My God, where is he?! The spinning wheel! Maximus we've got to---" Maximus rushed over to my side and gently restrained me as I attempted to rise from my bed. "We've got to help him!"
"Briar Rose, be still! Rash actions will get you no where! For heaven's sake child, listen to me!" His eyes found mine and begged for my silence.
"Where are we?"
He sighed, "Have you ever heard of Almudena, Rose?"
"Of course, legendary city of the fairies---you don't mean?"
"Yes."
"But how did we get here?"
Maximus' eyes traveled down my neck to the silver pendent. "Briar Rose, do you know what that medallion you are wearing is?"
"I know it belonged to Jason's mother."
Maximus sighed, "I can see this is going to take some explaining. Rose, that necklace contains silver purified by the magical waters of Almudena in which flows eternal life." He fingered the shinning stone within, "The glowing jewel is one of the living stones mined in the depths of the fairy caverns near the center of the earth. Only those who are members of the fey royal family wear that necklace." With that Maximus reached deep within his robes and removed an ornament identical to mine. As he pulled out his silver chain the stones within both pendants began to glow even brighter.
I gasped, "How did YOU get---I mean---you---my God---" I trailed off as I fingered his necklace.
"I am a member of the royal house of the fairies. My younger sister is Queen."
"Why your younger sister?" I interrupted, "If you are older, and male, why do you not reign? Why are you residing in my home, disguised as a wizard?"
Maximus' eyes grew distant. He spoke with evident effort, "I fled the fey kingdom to save it. My elder sister, who was queen at the time, had become corrupted by power. She was growing in the dark arts and though it nearly cost me my life I removed her from the throne. I knew she would be back to destroy me, as I was the largest threat of her siblings, so I hid in the kingdom of Eldron under an alias until such time as I could bring about the downfall of the Queen---Sylvanna."
I drew back in amazement, "Sylvanna, is your sister?"
"Yes."
"Then why does Jason have one of the sovereign stones?"
"That is another part of my story. In my absence my sister, Queen Myranda sought comfort in the arms of a mortal man. The two produced a child, a boy. When I received word of this happenstance I immediately sent word for my sister to put this man and child away from herself, and to conceal the child's identity."
"Why?"
"Because Sylvanna is obsessed with power. She will never rest until she controls the entire kingdom of Eldron. If she knew of the child's existence she would have certainly tried to murder him. As long as the child remained secret Sylvanna would deter her attention away from the fairies. As long as the child remained secret we had hope."
There was a pregnant pause, "The child was sent to live with his father, a mere peasant. Until, seven years later, when his father was killed in a freak mine collapse. The child was brought to the one remaining relative who could safely take him in---me."
Again, Maximus took a moment to restore his energy, "My nephew was brought to the palace. I could not reveal our connection as it would compromise his identity, but I made sure he was accepted into the palace staff as a stable boy."
Here Maximus chuckled slightly, "It is amazing to me that the King and Queen of Eldron have such an aversion to commoners when the future King of the Fairies was mucking stalls for their horses."
Maximus looked me directly in the eyes, "Jason Kelmond, Prince of the Feys, and nephew to Sylvanna and I remained safe in secrecy within the palace walls for the next eleven years. Until last night."
Stunned, I clutched the pendant, "He told me the necklace had belonged to his mother, I---I didn't realize---I didn't know---"
"It's alright Rose. It is better that you didn't."
Another question persisted, "But how did we get here?"
"That stone possesses magical qualities. Should a person whose heart is pure touch it and wish to return to Almudena, they will be transported there accordingly. When you were knocked unconscious by that beam, I grabbed for your necklace and wished us here. I am sorry to say I was unable to reach Jason in time."
"Jason! He's still there?! Is he alright?"
"Calm yourself Rose!" Maximus eased me back into bed, "You've been through Hell. Try to stay still. No, no harm has come to him. He's asleep."
I gave Maximus a look of utter disgust and sarcastically replied, "Of course, what any sane person would be doing right about now!"
"He pricked his finger on the spindle."
"Why?---It should have been me."
"He was trying to save you. When he shoved you aside, he accidentally pierced his own skin."
"But the curse was not intended for him."
"No, which makes this situation even more terrible. Had you pricked your finger you would have fallen into an eternal sleep, awaiting true love's kiss. But the curse was not intended for Jason. He is asleep yes, but in a poisoned one."
I glanced questioningly at him.
"Jason is dying Rose. The life is slowly being drained out of him."
For a moment I sat stunned and then sputtered, "But isn't there anything we can do?"
There was silence. "There is more than just that. To save Jason you would have to kiss him. You are his true love and only YOUR kiss will work. But an even more serious problem is Sylvanna. The curse was a fluke. When Jason pricked his finger, the entire castle fell into the poisoned sleep as well."
"You mean, my entire family is dying?" I asked slowly, my voice shaking.
"Yes. Sylvanna will use this opportunity to seize the throne. Our only hope, is for you to destroy Sylvanna."
"But how?"
Maximus thought, "You must awaken Jason. Undoing her curse will destroy her. But be warned, it is not as easy as it sounds. Sylvanna will be thirsty to kill the last remaining monarch of Eldron and will fight you every step of the way."
I rose from my bed and crossed the room to a chair, over which was draped a satin robe and a pair of slippers. I slid my feet into the shoes and pulled the robe around me. "I don't care. I will wake him." I shrugged, "I love him."
Maximus rose and put his arms around me, "Good," he said, kissing my forehead. "I have loved you like a daughter Rose. Perhaps when all this is done, you will become a true member of my family. I've always wanted a niece." He smiled and led me from the room.
"I think Rose, that it is time for you to meet my sister, the Queen of the Fairies."
~~****~~
She was smaller than I thought she'd be. When told I was going to be introduced to the Queen of the Fairies I expected something a little grander. Instead of the glowing beauty I had envisioned, she was a petite, gray-headed thing. She looked warm and inviting, and smelled of sweet honeysuckle.
"Is this the girl Maximus?" she asked quietly.
"Yes sister."
She nodded, "Come here my child."
I knelt before her. She took my face in her small, wrinkled hands and looked deeply into my eyes. I noticed that her hazel eyes matched Jason's. "Are you afraid child?"
"A little."
"As you should be. Great love does not come with out great sacrifice. You must face Sylvanna alone. It is you, and you alone, who can undo this curse, and rid the land of this witch." She paused and a great sadness seemed to come over her, "You are our last hope, Briar Rose. If you fail--- we are all doomed."
She stood. I rose as well and Maximus took my hand, leading me towards the door.
"Rose?" she called out again.
"Yes?"
"Do me one small favor. I have always longed to hold my own son in my arms. Please bring him back to me."
With that I rushed at her and threw my arms around the Queen, embracing her. "I will."
I rose and she kissed my forehead, "May God be with you."
