IN A LAND, FAR AWAY FROM HERE
A/N: Here is the sixth chapter of my fairytale. I like to take risks with my stories…
Time and Place: Another time, another world.
Summary: Scott and Juliet are respectively prince and princess and are forced by their parents to marry each other. But they aren't in love with each other…
Rating: T/M. It depends of the chapters. It will probably have some violence and sexual content in future chapters.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except my mind! Also, this story is completely AU.
Characters: All of the cliffhangers and their family, Peter and Sophie, maybe some OC. Elaine is still evil but in another style…means no raping or seducing Scott. Walt is just as disgusting as in the show… Oh, and Susan, Scott's mother was killed several years ago…
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Reviews answers: Thanks for the reviews. I know the ending of the last chapter was surprising and that some of you don't understand why I had Martin killed. Just to clear things, I needed his death for the continuation of the story, and you'll understand better by reading this part.
Anyway, thanks to 2008ccampbell, ShalBrenfan, Melms213, Queen of Shadows, mary-023 and Gothic Shelby.
Chapter Six: The Wedding which has to be
When the General Ruxton heard Martin's screams, he quickly went to his office. But he just couldn't enter. It was like the door had been blocked by mystical forces. He couldn't do anything but wait until the door gave up to his pushes. When it finally broke, Robert entered carefully; motioning for the other guarders to follow him close behind in case of someone tried something against him. The office was a veritable mess, and nobody was there. Robert did the turn quickly then noticed some traces that looked like ashes.
"What is that thing?" One soldier asked disgusted looking over the pile. "It smells like hell!" One another added. Robert furrowed his eyebrows and sighed. This wasn't the first time he saw things like that one. Two people had already being killed the same way. The first one had been a woman, member of the council and mother of three young children. Then, the second murder had been on an old man, residing at the castle known as a very wise person.
"Do you think what I think it is?" Robert asked his second officer.
"I don't know. We should call an expert quickly and notify the council of the King's disappearance."
"You are right. Officer Brown, go search Professor Dan and tell him what happened here. I'm undertaking to inform the council." Robert ordered walking away from the crime scene confused. He took the east corridor and found himself in front of the handsome Prince Scott and a maidservant he didn't know but supposed to be the girl he had fallen in love with. "Scott." He said bending down in front of him.
"Hey General Ruxton. This is Shelby, my fiancé."
"It is an honor, miss."
"For me, too."
"But there's an emergency Scott. Something happened. Something big. I need to reunite every member of the council immediately."
"Okay, what is it?"
"I can't tell you now. Just go to the council room and wait there. And be careful."
"Alright, I will. Come on Sweetie." Scott said holding his right hand out for his fiancé. Shelby took it gratefully and followed him smiling. Robert sighed looking at them as they walked together giggling and whispering sweet words to each other. To be young and innocently in love…
It took Robert almost twenty minutes to gather everyone in the council room. The councilors were tired. They were tired because it was the second reunion today. They were tired of those stories of weddings and war. They wanted to talk about the development and the organization of the castle, the creation of shows. They wanted something lighter. Robert stood in the middle, well aware that fifteen pairs of eyes were scrutinizing him. "As you probably already noticed, King Martin is absent today. If I summoned everyone here, it is because I have bad news: our beloved King disappeared today, after our first reunion. I don't want to be too pessimist, but my team and I think he was killed." He finished, dropping his gaze to Scott. The young Prince began shaking his head in refusal. "No." Scott whispered as tears began to flow out of his eyes. "It can't be! Not him!" He continued just as quietly. Shelby took him in an embrace and began running her fingers through his hair. Elaine played her act too, almost fainting as Robert announced his news. The other members just looked shocked at Robert, not believing their ears.
"Are- are you sure he's dead?" Miss Lipenowski asked carefully.
"I am sorry, but we heard his screams and found his clothes. There is very little hope he isn't. I sent guarders searching for him all around the castle."
"Do you know who did that?" Scott asked from Shelby's arms. Thankfully for him, she was still here. He promised himself to never let her go…she was the only thing that remained for him now. "Because if you do…I swear I'm going to kill him…"
"Scott, calm down. Anger won't help you." Robert said softly. "And no. We don't know and are actually searching for proofs. Don't worry, we'll find the culprit."
"Yeah, just like you did for my mother!" Scott said getting up and storming out of the room mad. Shelby followed him, feeling he would need someone's shoulder to cry on.
"What is going to happen with the kingdom? Who's going to take Martin's place?" The first minister said worried. He didn't really care about Martin, they never were friends. All that counted was politic.
"Well, we are following the law. Scott will replace him."
"You can't do that. He's not able to do it. First of all he doesn't know anything about the kingdom. He prefers spending his time with his little friend. His judgment his too poor, he can't take Martin's place. We can't risk the kingdom. I think we should vote." Elaine said, regaining her place of leader.
"She is right. The law says the Prince has to be married to a person of high social level, not a maidservant." The prime minister said again.
"Well, then we vote." Robert said sitting next to Miss Lipenowski who was sighing. Apparently he wasn't the only one who didn't like the turn of events.
"That those who don't want to see the Prince Scott becoming our new King raise their hands." Eight hands rose and Elaine smiled to herself. That was a good beginning. "That those who agree that I take Martin's place until we find a solution raise their hands." Again, the same hands rose. Elaine got up and went to stand in the center of the room. "Thank you for your vote of confidence. I promise I'll do my best to be equal to Martin."
Susan knew it was the time to come and talk to her son. It had been years she had waited for this moment now…since Elaine had tried to kill her. And there he was, standing on the balcony alone…probably crying over his father's death. She was sad, too, of course but they all needed to keep their strengths to fight Elaine back. "Scott?" She asked gently, walking towards him in slow motions. Scott turned as he heard the voice…his mother's voice.
"How…how can it be possible?" He asked himself out loud. "Are you real?" Susan smiled and approached him slowly.
"Yes Scott."
"But how can you?"
"I never was dead, honey."
"Wh-what? What are you talking about? Father saw you dying in his arms!"
"No Scott. Look." She put her right arm on his shoulder, rubbing it softly. "Does that seem real now?"
"How can it be possible?" Scott asked confused.
"I had to fake my death in order to protect you and your father from Elaine."
"What? Elaine? Why?"
"I just thought she wanted to take my place, and not the kingdom…she's really dangerous Scott, she has a lot of strong powers."
"What do you mean?"
"She killed your father Scott. As well as she tried to kill me. I had to protect myself too. I know it can appear to be selfish."
"Yes it is! You lied to me! For years! You don't even know in how much pain I was!"
"Scott, listen to me. I know you suffered a lot and-"
"No, you don't know! I was alone mom, dad was too busy with leading the kingdom and you weren't there!"
"Calm down. I know you are mad at me, and I understand it perfectly. But you know that's not true. Your father was there, as well as Shelby." She said with a small smile as she mentioned Shelby's name.
"How-how do you know about Shelby?"
"Scott, during the seven years I spent hidden, all I did was observing you and watching over your life."
"How is that possible? How can you be hidden and see everything?"
"Scott, you underestimate my powers. I am able to transform myself in animals, especially in cats."
"What?"
"Yes Scott, Shelby's cat."
"Oh my gods! I don't understand."
"Tell me?"
"If you knew what would have happened in the future, why didn't you just tell?"
"Tell who?"
"Father!"
"He wouldn't have believed me; he doesn't have faith in magic."
"You should have said the truth to me! How can I be sure that Elaine is like you're saying?"
"Trust me."
"This is above my strength. I am sorry."
"Then, talk to Shelby about what I told you."
"Why should I?"
"Just do it!"
"I can't believe you Mother! How can you even imagine I can trust you again after what you did?" He said sharply, throwing his hands in the air in frustration.
"Scott, my son, I was forced to mask my death."
"You could just have said the truth! She would have gone to jail!"
"No, we didn't have any proof, and she's way too powerful. I witnessed her many skills, she's very dangerous for us. I'll come back later to talk about you wedding with the Princess Juliet. I am sorry; this is the only way you have to overthrow Elaine. I'll explain everything the next time I'll see you." Susan said then disappeared when she heard footsteps coming towards them.
"Scott?" A sweet voice was heard from behind. Scott turned around and saw Shelby walking sleepily towards him. "What are you doing outside this late?" She whispered slightly shivering. She has accepted to stay all night with him because he needed her comfort. Scott looked into her eyes as she stood in front of him wearing a simple transparent nightgown that showed every curves of her body.
"You are so beautiful." Scott kissed her shoulder and sighed into her hair, wrapping his strong arms around her slender waist.
"I heard voices. Who was with you?" She asked him, looking up at his face with her beautiful innocent eyes.
"If I'd tell you, you wouldn't believe me." He said with a small voice that betrayed a certain emotion.
"Scott, you know that's not true. I trust you with my life. Tell me." She pressed him, lifting up his chin and giving him a kiss.
"My mother."
"What? Her phantom visited you?"
"Not her phantom sweetie. She never died." And then Scott explained everything his mother had said, including the part with Elaine being a strong witch and his eminent forced wedding with Juliet. Shelby told him that she understood the fact he had to marry Juliet and that she would support him until the end.
Scott took Shelby's hand, leading her to Juliet's quarters. He took a deep breath and softly knocked at the white door. He heard voices and waited for a good minute before someone answered. A short black girl opened the door, smiling friendly at the couple. When she looked back at Scott, she finally recognized him and bent down, welcoming him. "I am sorry for the waiting my Prince."
"That is no problem. We wish to speak to the Princess, it is really important."
"Yes. She is inside with a friend. Enter please."
"Thank you." Scott looked inside and saw Juliet coming towards them. She took his hands in hers gently. "Scott! I heard about your father. All my condolences for your loss."
"Thank you very much. I would like to introduce my friend Shelby to you."
"It is very nice to meet you, my dear. Scott told me wonderful things about you."
"Thank to you. It is nice to meet you too. You are very beautiful." Shelby answered with an intimidated smile. Auggie stayed behind, waiting for Juliet to finish greeting the two visitors.
"I believe we already met." Scott said spotting him sitting on a chair.
"I don't thing so. My name's Auggie Ciceros." Auggie said walking towards them in slow motion.
"Are you sure? In the woods maybe? Does that evoke something to you?"
"Ah, yeah, I remember now. I am sorry then."
"I accept your apologizes."
"Thank you."
"What are you two talking about?" Juliet asked confused.
"Nothing important. Juliet, we came here to tell you we have to change our plans. It is a matter of national security."
"What? What are you talking about?"
"We have to do fake a wedding."
"What? Why that? What happened?" Auggie asked at his turn. Juliet stood there, to shocked to answer.
"The Countess Elaine took the power illegally. At it also seems that she killed both my parents."
"What? Why aren't they arresting her then?"
"They don't have any proofs. Please Juliet, I need your help! The only way to get back the power is to marry a Princess!"
"What do you think of it Shelby?"
"I think he's taking the right decision. I have totally faith in him."
"Then, if you have both the same opinion, yes, I will marry you Scott. But only until everything is settled. Then we'll divorce."
"We'll what?"
"Divorce. Why?"
What is that?"
"Are you kidding me? Don't you have that institution here?"
"No, what is it?"
"A legal separation which allows you to re-marry someone after it is done."
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah."
"That is the best new of today. Thank you." Scott said hugging Shelby tightly. "Shelby, I promise you that one day you'll be my wife. Maybe not the first, but the most meaningful."
"I love you Scott." Shelby said softly, kissing his neck gently. Juliet beamed at the picture of lovers which stood in front of her. She smiled at Auggie and wrapped her arms around him too, kissing him fully on the lips.
"Mom! I'm home!" Shelby yelled as she entered the small house.
"Shelby! Where were you? We waited for you all night!"
"I am sorry mom, but there was a tragedy back to the castle." Shelby said sadly.
"What happened?"
"Someone killed the King Martin." She responded with a visible pain in her eyes. She sat down at the table and began to cry. Alice stood back, shocked.
"How did it happen?"
"They still don't know much about it."
"But why did they make you stay? You aren't a suspect, are you?"
"Of course not Mom! I just stayed because they needed me there."
"Who?"
The Prince."
"Oh…so what is going to happen?"
"Apparently the Countess Elaine took control of everything."
"Why her?"
"Well, the Prince is still not married an-" Shelby stopped as she heard a knock at the door. Alice smiled reassuringly at her daughter and went to open the door, only to meet Walt the other side. He sent her a sickly smile and entered without being invited inside.
"Well, well, hello Alice. Told you I'd be back. I guess that's her?" He asked checking Shelby over. "How are you doing Shelby? I'm Walt, one of your oldest father's friends."
"Hello mister Wallace. I am fine, thank you." Shelby said politely, smiling at the gentleman.
"You won't take her with you Walt, I won't let you." Alice said sternly, blocking his way to the table.
"It's not like you have a choice, to tell you the truth…unless…unless you have the money." He pushed her away and sat in front of Shelby.
"You know well that I don't have any kind of money." Alice sat next to him and put her hands into her head.
"Mom, what are you two talking about? What money?" Shelby asked, feeling the huge tension between the two adults.
"Nothing Shelby. Just go take a walk. We'll talk later." Shelby nodded obediently and got up quietly.
"I think she has the right to know, Alice. After all she's the first concerned in this story." Walt protested. Shelby sat back and waited for him to continue.
"No, because it won't happen…I will never let you take my daughter with you, you hear, never!"
"Oh, really? And what if I began menacing?" He said with a low threatening voice, pulling out a gun. "Do not move or I kill her!" He said pointing his arm to Alice's head. Alice began shaking and whimpering and at that moment Shelby couldn't take it. Walt got up, holding Alice by the hair and led them to the door.
"What do you want exactly?" Shelby asked quietly, holding back her tears.
"That's simple cutie. I want you."
"What? What for?"
"As a wife my dear."
"A…wife? Yours?"
"Yeah, of course. I need a wife to give me kids and I choose you, understood?"
"Shelby, don't listen to him!" Alice cried. Walt tightened his grab around her neck.
"Yeah Shellie, listen, you don't have a choice. Either you come with me and I don't harm your mommy dearest, or I kill her and force you to come anyway? One murder or any."
"Okay, okay, I'll follow you. But just let her go please!" Shelby said desperately.
"That's my wise future wife. Open the door and head straight to the wagon. And don't look so sad, you're going to be much happier than here in this hovel."
"Bye mom, don't worry about me, I'll be fine." Shelby said as Walt took her by the arm. She tried to hug her mother one last time but he wouldn't let her. He gave Alice a hit behind the head to be sure she wouldn't try anything once they'd be gone. "Walt!"
"Don't worry. She'll wake up in a few hours. Come on now…we have a commitment to make legal." Shelby wiped away the few tears that were wetting her eyes and left her house without looking back. How could Scott and she come back together and get married if they both had obligations like those?
TBC…
Here, we are! Finally, after a long week, I took time to continue writing this original story…
Please R&R, your opinion counts a lot for me and I love having reviews…I guess we all do. Oh, and tell me what you think about Susan's reappearance. Maybe this story is a bit far-fetched…
So long! Linkie.