Good morrow my fellow fanfic readers! I just wanted to pop in and say that this is NOT the last chapter, I repeat, this is not the last chapter! However, I believe that the one coming after it is, for now. I am thinking about a sequel, but I'm not so sure yet, I might need some advice from u faithful fans of mine! And thank u all 4 the reviews, u exceeded my expectations! Please, keep R&R!!! Enjoy!!!!!

The Eighth Kingdom's eternal winter suddenly sprung to life. The snow was beginning to melt, and wild animals were emerging from their long and retired beds to come back into the world. Even the once Ice Palace was melting away, and the rightful towers of the Sleeping Queen were set. Flowers blossomed, and the flames of the fire faded. Sleeping Beauty's kingdom had returned.

"Do you think it worked?" Virginia asked Wolf as they walked across the enormous lawn of King Wendell's castle.

"I think we'll soon find out!" He responded. Wolf was still very grim about the argument earlier; he could feel his sister's pain greatly.

"Listen Wolf, I know that it's sad to know that he...is dead, but look! The kingdoms are safe! He saved us all! We should be grateful!"

"I am grateful Virginia, and I know she is too. But it's too early to talk about that now. I upset her too much already. Come on, we're getting behind."

The pair started to catch up with our beloved heroine, who was walking towards the castle with great sorrow.

'I can't believe it, it's not true. Dead? No, there must be some mistake! Oh why did he have to go be a hero? Why couldn't I have just taken the sword and be done with it? I'd even take his place if I knew he'd be alive! Why not take me God? Why does it have to be him?'

"Leora! You're so fast! We couldn't catch up with you because you've been so far ahead!" Virginia broke into Leora's thoughts and somehow knew what the girl was thinking.

Complying to the girl's need to seem happy, Leora said, "We'll, what can I say? I'm half wolf!" And looking over at Wolf, she finished, "And proud of it!" He smiled at her and came a little more at ease, however, Leora did not. Finding the entrance to the great castle, Wolf flung open the doors and ran inside.

"HELLO! IS ANYBODY HO-" But he stopped when he was greeted by five guards with swords pointed at his neck.

"WOAH! Fellas! Listen, I'm not the enemy here! I'm here to see the King, King Wendell! We're old caps him and I!" But the guards were unconvinced.

One of them yelled, "Throw him out!"

But before they pursued, Virginia came up to Wolf and backed the guards away. "Stop! My father is Tony Louis, he is expecting us!" However, the guards still did not believe them, and kept their swords high.

Then, Leora strode into the castle. After sensing the tension, she decided to take charge. "Put down your weapons at once! For I am the Lady of the Rose, and you shall show me and my guests courtesy!"

Wolf and Virginia exchanged curious looks. The guards mumbled 'the Lady of the Rose' as they lowered their weapons. Then, one of the guards looked deep into the girl's face and said aloud, "She's telling the truth! She is who she says! She is the lost heir to the throne!"

The guards looked in awe at her. Leora suddenly felt nervous, and took Wolf and Virginia by the arm and said, "We're gonna go find the uh, king or whatever! See ya!"

And they hastily went away.

"What was that all about?" Wolf asked Leora curiously.

"Oh, it's nothing. Just something I picked up in the cave!" She replied.

"Cave? What cave?" He asked.

"It's a long story, I'll tell you la-"

"Virginia! You're here? How'd you get here?" Virginia's father, Tony, found them walking towards the main hallway.

Virginia went up and hugged her dad explaining how they got there in the first place.

Taking one look at his almost son-in-law, Tony dully said, "Hey Wolf."

But Wolf didn't take it lightly. He forcefully went and hugged Tony so tight that he picked him up off of the ground. "Good to see ya Dad! It's been pleasant without you!"

Tony pushed his son-in-law off and took a glance at Leora in disbelief. "Leora? Our neighbor Leora? What's she doing here?"

Virginia took her dad's arm and explained, "Well, Dad, she's Sleeping Beauty's granddaughter. The heir to-"

"The throne of the Eighth Kingdom!" Finished Wendell. He had been listening to their conversion the entire time. He went up and shook Wolf's hand, then greeted Virginia.

"That was very interesting! To have that awful witch barge in during Tony's meeting! She scared us so much that everyone seemed to freeze! Well, I want to thank all of you for what you have done. You saved our lives; if you didn't stop her, we would have never melted! There will be a ball tonight in all of your honors! You three will be heroes throughout the nine,"

"Ten." Tony corrected him.

"Ten Kingdoms! And, Leora Cranston, you will be presented with your crown tonight as well, since it seems right to do so!"

"I must correct your statement, King Wendell." Leora said. "There weren't three heroes who saved yours and all of the kingdoms. There were four. Prince Damien of the First Kingdom, he was with us. He...died to save us. If it hadn't been for him, that evil creature would still be out there."

The five went silent, realizing how powerful those words were for Leora to bare in the same sentence.

"And he will be remembered as a hero to us all. Come, you three must be exhausted. My servants will show you to your quarters to rest. And, they will fit you for your outfits for the ball tonight." King Wendell stated as he lead them through the great hallway.

Leora followed him in obedience. However, she knew that tonight would not be a night of joy and dance, but a night of mourning.

Fireworks exploded in the sky as the sun set that faithful night. The kings and queens from all the nine kingdoms came to Wendell's castle to join the other leaders that had already been there for Tony's new castle plan. The ball was to shortly commence and everyone was buzzing about the return of the original 8th Kingdom and its newly discovered heir.

Virginia walked through the great hallway to find Wolf. But, as usual, he found her. "Oh my succulent bride! You look absolutely stunning!" He kissed her vigorously and admired her simple lime green dress she wore proudly.

"Thank you Wolf. And you look good too, I see Wendell's servants decided to give you some color!" Virginia smiled as she studied Wolf's sapphire blue velvet attire.

"Well what can I say? I do clean up nicely!" He grinned as he enjoyed his fiancé's company.

Virginia paused for a moment, and then began walking away from Wolf.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"I just need to freshen up that's all!"

"Freshen up? But you look gorgeous!"

Without any hesitation, Virginia headed towards Leora's quarters. What she hadn't realized until that very moment was that she needed to talk to Leora. It was only a month ago that Virginia's own fairy godmother gave her some helpful advice. And she remembered Snow White saying that Virginia was just a lost girl. But not anymore. She had a clear vision now, and had big plans for her life. But, what she knew she had to do was help another lost girl through the woods.

Virginia softly knocked on Leora's door, and slowly entered the silent room. Everything was dark, and the only light there was from the fireworks outside on the balcony. Then, a large firework went off and Virginia could see the silhouette of someone outside on the balcony. She walked through the room and out the open door to find Leora standing and watching the night sky.

Leora's hair looked beautiful, and the maids had done a terrific job on her makeup. But, Virginia noticed that Leora was still wearing her charcoal jeans and her yellow-t and green sweater.

"Hi." Was all Virginia could conjure up. Knowing her presence, Leora turned to face her guest.

"Hi." She dully responded.

"Umm, can I ask why you aren't dressed for the ball?"

Leora sighed, and simply said, "I'm not going."

Virginia thought twice about asking the girl why, but she already knew. Leora was scared. Scared of the ball, the people, her destiny, and scared for her life without Damien.

"Leora, I want to tell you something very important." Virginia walked over to Leora and took her hands.

"I was just as scared and confused as you are now not too long ago. I had nobody that cared about me, I was passing by as a waitress, and I had no confidence in myself at all. But then, something amazing happened. I found a dog, a lost lonely dog. And he led me and my father to this world. And we faced things and did things that I thought were impossible. And that's when I met Wolf. Just when I thought my life was over, both destiny and love fell onto my feet. I never thought that could happen for me again, cause I had been in love before. But it did, and it's been the best thing that's ever happened to me. And that lost dog, that was King Wendell, who was just a prince back then. Because of him and Wolf and my father, I found my confidence, my strength, and my destiny. I'm a hero here Leora, and back in New York, I'm starting up a restaurant with Wolf. I just needed guidance, and support from my friends. And I found that.

Leora, Wolf may only be your half-brother, but he loves you. He wants to be here for you, just like I do. And you know my dad, Tony, we're all here to support you and encourage you in everything you do. No matter whether it's going back to New York, or staying here, and living this royal life. I think it's nice but, New York's the place for me! Listen, there are tons of people downstairs ready to meet the princess of the 8th Kingdom. Now what I want to ask you is this: is their princess here? Or, do they have the wrong girl?"

Everyone was chatting down in the ballroom where Wolf paced back and forth as Tony stood watching him.

"What's gotten into you? They'll be down in a minute!" Tony told him.

"Well, I don't know! Maybe Leora decided to sneak out, ya know. Leave the castle or something. Maybe she left hours ago and we're still waiting around for her! Oh, where is Virginia and why didn't she come down to tell us yet?"

Tony rolled his eyes as Wendell approached him. "Is she here yet?"

"No, I think she's still up-" But before Tony could finish, Virginia came down the great stairwell. Looking over at Wendell, she winked and he knew it was time.

Wendell, wearing his crown in pride, strode up the stairs and turned to stand at the very top to gather the crowds attention.

"My Lords and Ladies who have traveled great distances! I know the past few days have been, well, rather agonizing. But, I assure you, this is well worth the wait. Long ago our kingdoms had rulers that were strong, wise, and the best queens ever to step foot into these lands. And some still are-"

He said nodding at Queen Cinderella, wearing a black dress in memory of her great-grandson Damien.

"But tonight I have the privilege of introducing you to someone that makes all the other famous fairytale ladies seem inferior. She was but a myth to us for a number of years, and after her astonishing triumph over the once Ice Queen Molefescent, she is here tonight to show you all how much of an extraordinary girl she is. Won't you please help me to welcome, Leora Cranston!" The crowd clapped and cheered as Wendell came down the steps to join Tony, Wolf, and Virginia.

Out from the hallway she came, making her way towards the great staircase. Looking around, she had never seen so many people looking at her, and applauding even! Taking in a deep breath, Leora took her steps down the gigantic staircase.

Every person in the room gasped in awe. There was never a vision as lovely as this. Leora elegantly wore shiny glass slippers on her feet, and a dress that was meant to be worn by an angel. It was a light purple and silvery dress that fitted tight from her waist up with only thin lilac straps hanging on the ends of her shoulders. At the hips the dress puffed out and flowed down barely covering her feet. Her usually long and straight light brown hair was completely curled and only parts of it were clipped back to show her brilliant face. Her red rose lips shinned along with the natural sparkles of her dress.

"Uh, Wendy!" Wolf chimed at Wendell. "I have to say, that speech you just gave about Leora loveliness, is clearly underestimated!"

Wendell nodded in agreement. No one could deny that Leora was completely and utterly stunning. Then, as she came down the last step, Wendell and his men greeted her. One of his servants held a red pillow with the most beautiful diamond and silver crown Leora had ever seen.

"Leora Cranston, I have here the royal crown that your mother, grandmother, and great grandmother had all worn before. The symbol of their purpose. This will define you and your destiny. And as many have asked before and I ask you now, do you accept your role as Princess of the entire 8th Kingdom?"

Looking up at Virginia, then at Wolf, Leora smiled, "I accept it with great honor." And saying nothing more, Wendell took the urbane crown and placed it on top of Leora's head. He bowed at her, and she curtsied. Then, the king turned to the honored guests and stated for the first time, "Kings and Queens of old, I am pleased to announce the new Lady of the Rose, Princess Leora of the 8th Kingdom!"

Everyone cheered and applauded. Wolf jumped up and down and hugged and kissed Virginia, then he turned and hugged Tony, who cringed. Specially made fairy dust came down from the ceiling as everyone came to meet their new princess. Leora couldn't help but enjoy this feeling. Somehow, this felt right.

After talking with everyone she could have talked to, Leora went to sit down in a chair in the dining room. Wolf, Tony and Virginia waved to her and she happily went to sit next to them. They ate their dinner and talked joyfully about everything.

Then, Wolf leaned over and said in a low voice to Leora, "How do you feel? Are you doing alright?"

"You know, for the first time in what seems forever, I am." She smiled at him honestly.

"Good, cause I've been-"

"Worried about me? Oh, I know that. I guess you could say it's a 'wolf' sense! And listen, thank you, for everything. You may be my only brother, but I love you."

Leora leaned in and hugged him sweetly. "Oh, cripes!" And Wolf hugged her back, trying hard not to shed a tear. Then, they heard a sudden sound of music. Wolf turned to Virginia and scratched his head, "Come on, lets dance!" And he took her hand and they went off.

Leora and Tony followed them into the ballroom and she watched as Tony struggled with the fact that that was going to be his son-in-law. She patted him on the back and told him, "You've got a really great daughter there Mr. Louis!"

"I know. But, I still don't believe she'd end up with someone like, him!" Tony said pointing at Wolf as he desperately tried to dance with Virginia, failing miserably. But Virginia laughed and enjoyed it more.

"I know how you feel. I mean, when I found out that Wolf was my brother, man! I was surprised, I didn't see that one coming!" And Leora walked away from Tony just to snicker at the sight of Wolf's dance.

Scratching his head, Tony realized what Leora had said, "Brother?!?"

Leora continued to watch Wolf and Virginia dance. As awkward of a couple as they were, they did make each other happy. They somehow were each other's perfect match. She sighed, and decided to leave the ballroom, not able to watch the dancing any longer. She walked outside the door into the castle's great and glorious garden. Leora had never seen anything like it.

The fireworks were still going off as she found a cement bench in the middle of rose bushes facing a beautiful fountain sculpture of the famous Snow White. She sat down and looked up at the stars. There were so many; never had Leora seen so many stars. New York wasn't the best place to be looking at them anyways. She thought about New York less and less here; Leora actually felt like she belonged here, in this world. But still, it just wasn't the same. Not without Damien. Yeah, they fought, a lot. But, when it came down to it, no other person made Leora happier. She felt that for the first time, she was herself without having to put on any show.

Then, out of no where, she heard a voice, "It's a beautiful night. I've never seen one like this before. Just like you." Leora studied the voice, but the more she studied, the more she couldn't believe it.

"Leora," Feeling someone touch her hand, she turned and found herself looking at a prince.

"Damien!" She gasped as she stood up. He held her hands as she tried to take in the fact the he was there. He looked handsome; he wore an elegant black suit with a bright blue tie. His smooth dark brown hair was barely covering the top of his bright blue eyes at it always had been. And he wore the same smile that he had greeted Leora with when they first met.

Leora took her hands and touched his face, looking deep into his eyes, "You're alive!"

"Miraculously," he told her, "that bloody dragon almost fell on me, and I thought I was doomed. But, I felt something move me out of the way in the nick of time! Even though the dragon didn't hit me, I smashed into a rock and was out cold for a few minutes. That's why you all thought I was dead, I was laying there stiff! When I came to, I saw someone. I don't know who, but I could tell that they were there to help me. It was a lady, wearing white. She told me to go back to you, and give you this."

Damien put his hand forward that revealed a red rose. He told her, "It is an ever-lasting rose. It will never wither, fade in its rich color, or die. This symbolizes my feelings for you Leora."

He took the rose and placed it in Leora's luscious curls. He held Leora close and told her, "I love you. I love you so much!" And then he leaned in and kissed her more passionate than anyone had ever kissed before. Through all of her happy tears, Leora kissed him back. They held each other close and when their lips parted, she held Damien to her and whispered into his ear, "I love you Damien!"

The last song of the night was just beginning. Wolf and Virginia had gotten a lot of practice, and were ready for the final dance. Everyone was in the ballroom, eager to see this glorious event. Then, out from the corner of the room, another couple glided into the room. Many smiled at the happy pair, and many gasped in astonishment. It was Prince Damien and Princess Leora.

Damien held Leora's hand as he led her into the center of the room. He let go and bowed before her, "May I have the last dance?"

Smiling, Leora said, "No. But, you can have the first."

And without another word, the violins played accompanied by the flutes. It was a beautiful sight. Leora's orchid colored dress whirled with her every move. Never once did she or Damien take their eyes off of each other. Never had Leora danced with anyone before, yet, she was doing famously.

Excited and blissful in the moment, Leora told him, "I wish this would never end!"

Reassuring his love, Damien said, "It won't. This will go on forever." And they danced for a very long time, longer than anyone realized. Even still, the rose laying in Leora's hair continues to be as red as her ruby lips. The entire night was just like a dream.