IN A LAND, FAR AWAY FROM HERE
A/N: Okay, this is the chapter 8 of this story. Sorry for the lack of updates…but you all know…school takes a lot of my time…
Thanks for the reviews of the last chapter…I hope this one is as good as the others…but it's been so long that I'm not sure…
Oh, and Saun, if you read this…I'm sorry I forgot to thank you for your review of the chap 6 of Holiday…now it's done!
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 some 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 nearly killed several years ago…
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Reviews answers:
Thanks to Ghostwriter: Yes, of course it is Scott's child! Take as long as you need to write another story…some people say that patience is a virtue!
Thanks to mary-023: I hope this chapter is as good as what you were expecting from me. I have one question for you, yet: When are you going to update one of your stories?
Thanks to 2008ccampbell: I'm really glad to be off the hook…sorry for making you mad before…
Thanks to Queen of Shadows: I love long reviews…it's like you have a lot of things to say but don't know where to start…and your French is good, believe me! Oh, and I love all your stories and want to thank you for writing so well and updating frequently! Your job is so amazing!
Thanks to Melms213: I'm glad to still surprise you by the turn of events in this story…to tell you the truth it is the same for your stories… Of course since we're both suckers for S&S stories, everyone knows that they'll end up together or something like that… (Maybe except for your story To Die For… Scott's death was unexpected…and well it made me cry…and every time I read it again, it does the same effect…I guess it's because you're very good…)
I have a question for everyone now…do you think I'm taking myself too seriously by writing my thanks like I am a famous star or something? Am I a bit crazy? Yeah, probably...
Chapter Eight: Tensions and Apprehensions
King Scott's Castle
Scott walked quietly with Daisy to the Council Room. He knew they were in late but he didn't really care. After all, he was now the King and could do anything that pleased him. His thoughts were elsewhere anyways. He just couldn't stop thinking of Shelby's condition. He stopped in front of the large door, and motioned for Daisy to do the same. Daisy did one of her tricks, understanding why he had stopped, so they could hear what was happening behind the walls. They both tried to listen what the members were saying while he wasn't there to hear. They could discern Elaine's high voice giving a long speech about how a young boy of sixteen years old couldn't be up to the responsibilities they had confide him. Now that he was aware of Elaine's intentions, Scott had to be more careful and not do even an error. That could cost him dearly. He took a big inspiration and turned the handle of the white door. He knew that as soon as they would hear the door being opened every member would stop the discussion. "I am sorry for the delay. I was held back at the hospital visiting a friend of mine." Scott sat in front of Elaine who offered him a false nice smile. Daisy sat at the end of the table, on a vacant chair beside David Ruxton, to her pleasure.
"We were talking of the topic of the possible alliance between our kingdom and King William III's one." Elaine said as she got up, ready to begin one another long speech about how it should be good for their safety. Scott knew she had already tried to convince his father about it and that he had refused. He knew the King William III by reputation and he was known as a merciless monarch who was dreaming of anything else but glory and conquests. Not quite what he wanted for his people…
"Countess, Countess! We already discussed of this topic and my answer is no."
"There are a lot of things you still don't know about a council, Majesty. We have to vote and the majority wins."
"I know everything of a council, Countess. And I know that a decision already voted shouldn't be voted twice." Scott continued with assurance. Daisy smiled at that and nodded as if to show she was agreeing with him.
"Since your father is dead, your opinion could not be the same."
"But it is. There is no point of arguing on this topic. Next one, please?"
"It is the matter of your position, Majesty." The clerk of the council said as he furiously wrote Scott last words on the book of sessions.
"Yes, about this one…what does the council think of my position?"
"It is completely legal." General Ruxton said for the first time since the beginning of the session. Scott smiled at him, knowing he would always be loyal to him.
"I agree about the legality…nevertheless I am not sure it is the best thing for the Kingdom, no offense Majesty!" Countess Guard said with kindness as she was a good friend of his father.
"No offense taken, Milady." Scott said with a small smile showing her no anger. "But I think that I am as competent as anyone here to run the Kingdom."
"I think we should vote." Elaine proposed, still mad at Scott for his dodging of the previous question.
"No vote is required. We are following the law of the Kingdom. The heredity is the determining factor of the choice of a King." Miss Jaclyn simply said, shrugging her shoulders as it was evident. Some of the members nodded, and Scott smiled with satisfaction.
"Good." Daisy muttered through her breath, satisfied.
"Who said we could not change a law?" Elaine asked with an attitude.
"Countess, this law exists for centuries. We're not in the power to change this rule. Only the wise men could, and I seriously doubt they would." Miss Jaclyn continued, clearly opposing Elaine. This one threw her a menacing glare and got up, mad.
"If that is it, what is the use of the Council?" She angrily said, pulling on her peacock feather cloak nervously. Every member got up and the General Ruxton approached her to try restraining her anger. "You, do not touch me!" She yelled at him. He took a step back, a bit afraid of her fiercely look. Elaine shook her head and walked quickly to the door. "Have a nice day, Majesty, with your little blonde slut." She finished with a smile. Scott could see every member gasp at her language and felt his cheek redden in anger. How dare she call Shelby a slut?
Shelby looked up at her mother and saw that her mouth was still wide opened.
"Mom?" She asked tentatively, meeting her eyes.
"How…when, how did it happen?"
"We know each other for so long Mom; I hadn't seen him for two weeks and missed him dearly. We met the night he came back then we had an intercourse without any protection." Shelby said without any shame or fear.
"And you think that he, being gone for two weeks is a good reason for throwing out your virginity!
"Mom! I didn't throw out my virginity! I offered it to him. But anyways it wasn't our first time. I am not a virgin since almost an half a year."
"Walt could have killed you for that!"
"But it didn't happen…Mom, listen, I love Scott."
"What? You slept with the prince! He is the father of your child, isn't he?" Alice cried unbelieving what her ears were hearing.
"Yes, mom. And we didn't sleep together, we made love."
"I can't believe my daughter isn't a virgin anymore. With the prince moreover…" Alice muttered unhappy of her daughter's choices.
"I'm not sorry mom, I love him."
"How can you be so naïve Shelby? He just used you for fun. You can't think he is going to be loyal."
"This isn't a matter of loyalty. We love each other."
"You two are too young. You don't know what love is." Alice sighed and got up from Shelby's bed. She began pacing up and down around the room, nervously. Jess stepped back when she noticed Alice's state. She would have taken Shelby's defense if she was sure of her mother's reaction, but she was too afraid. "I can't believe it! How are you going to live now? Do you have the slightest idea?"
"I am going to tell him about the baby, that's all I can do." Shelby shrugged, as it was an obvious fact.
"Yeah, and what do you thing he's going to do? How is he even going to react?"
"I know he'll help me, he promised me to be always there for me." She responded confident.
"I hope you're right." Alice said then sat back on a chair close to Shelby's bed. She watched as her daughter sat down against her pillow a little to drink a glass of water. "Shelby…how do you think he's going to react?"
"He loves me, and he'll love our child."
"He's not going to throw us out of the castle, is he?" Alice said with worry. If the King threw them out, how would they be able to live without a house or a job?
"No! He would never; he's not like that…he's so sweet and caring, and kind with his people. I'm so gla-" Before she could develop more, someone knocked at the door. Alice smiled a little at her daughter and motioned to Jess to go opening the door. Miss Lipenowski appeared on the other side and Jess immediately knelt down. Alice followed quickly and Miss Lipenowski smiled at them both.
"Please, you can got up…I am not royalty and I did not come for those sorts of things." Miss Lipenowski began then motioned for them to sit where they had been seconds before. "I wanted to make sure you were fine…and I assure you I will not be long, but I need to talk to you about something very important." She said to Shelby, grabbing her hand comfortably. Shelby gave her a smile and looked back at her mother.
"Mom, Jess, could you both leave us talking?"
"Yes, of course. We need to go back home, anyways. We'll come back seeing you tomorrow in the morning, before school." Alice bent down and pulled some strands away from Shelby's forehead. She kissed her cheek and Jess did the same. Shelby offered them a small apologizing smile as they turned around a last time to close the door. Shelby looked back at Miss Lipenowski as this one sat on the chair closest to the bed.
"Look, Scott sent me. It is about Elaine."
"You know about her?" Shelby asked with surprise. She thought Scott hadn't told anyone but her…
"Yes. I know that she killed both Scott's parents…well, tried to kill them both. His mother contacted my mother years ago, after the announcement of her death. You know the two were good friends. My mother helped her hide, while letting her stay around. She is the one who gave her the methods to become an animal."
"Miss Lipenowski, I already know that his mother is alive. Why do you need to talk to me then?"
"First of all, call me Daisy. I am here as your friend. Secondly, you are in great danger. She knows about Scott and you. And I supposed she soon will know about the child you are caring. You are in as much danger as Scott, now."
"How…how do you know about the baby?" Shelby asked, protectively putting her hands on her stomach as if to assure herself it was still here.
"I felt it as soon as I entered the room. I am a hypersensitive." Daisy said proud enough of her family skills.
"Oh…but why am I in danger?"
"She knows that if Scott has a child, she will not be able to lay claim to the throne. Because the child would automatically become his successor and you would be the guardian of the crown until he or she is old enough."
"What is she capable of? Killing everyone? Why the army does not arrest her now?"
"Because they have no proofs. And besides she is way too powerful. Her father, my grandfather, was a very powerful warrior wizard. I bet he taught her every ways of killing someone without leaving traces. That's why I am scarred for the prince and the people he loves. She is Machiavellian and is willing to do anything to accede to the throne."
"Couldn't you do anything to stop her actions? Scott won't simply let her win the throne without fighting. And if she's so dangerous he won't be able to do a thing."
"I do not know Shelby. She could hurt me just as bad. I do not even know if she is aware of the family skills."
"I understand, Mis- Daisy." Shelby said respecting her decision.
"Maybe I could try to see if she has those skills first. I could test her without her knowing…but it might be very hard and I might need a lot of energy. You possess a great force too, I am sure we could join our strengths together."
"I don't know if I am able…"
"Do not be so reluctant Shelby; it is only to save the man that you love deeply, and your unborn baby."
"I know that, I am just so afraid of magic. I never witnessed your powers or others sorcerers'."
"Look, just imagine you are dreaming or that I am a fairy." Daisy changed her hair in blonde with a click of her fingers and Shelby watched her, her eyes growing in amazement.
"Turn back to black. It fits you much better." Shelby said with a chuckle as Daisy turned back to her natural color. "So, what I'm supposed to do?"
"First, you have to heal quickly. We can not begin if you are not perfectly fine. And then, we will begin training you. We will first do simple things, like lifting an object with your mind."
"Is that really realizable?" Shelby asked her eyes wide open.
"Yes. We will start your training in two days. Be ready."
Two Days Later
Scott smiled, looking down at his lover as she stirred into their bed, and opened her beautiful blue eyes. He began caressing her stomach that was still not showing any sigh of a baby growing inside. "I still can not believe it…a baby…I'm so overwhelmed by happiness." He whispered before leaning down to give her a sweet good morning kiss.
"I am hungry Scott." She only said as soon as they pulled away from each other lips. Scott chuckled a bit and sat down in the bed.
"Not even showing a large tummy or having nauseas, but already thinking of nothing but eating!" She smiled at his frustration and sat down too, pulling on a white bathrobe. Scott did the same and they both got up, ready to start a new day. They went to sit at the large table where Juliet and Auggie were already eating and greeted them both.
"Good morning, Majesty. Did you sleep well?" Juliet asked with a small smile, looking at Shelby as she went to sit next to her. Scott nodded with a smile and went to kiss her hand like a gentleman would, receiving a jealous glare from Shelby.
They all finished their breakfast in due time, and, as the servants came to clear the table, Scott helped Shelby up and they walked from the patio and took the winding path to the garden area. It was a beautiful walk; the gardens were in full bloom, a literal explosion of colors. As they walked hand in hand, they could hear the birds singing as they made their way down the winding path. Shelby watched him as they walked. He looked more handsome than usual; his eyes were bright, and she had seen him smile more this morning than she could remember before. He looked so handsome when he smiled, she thought; she liked to see him smile. And he was this happy, since he had found out about their baby…their baby…she would have never thought of saying this word so soon…they were so young, yet so in love.
They found a quiet, secluded bench next to a beautiful pond and sat down. Scott put his arm around her shoulders, and she leaned close to him. "You ok?" he asked quietly.
Shelby laid her head on his shoulder. "Yes," she answered, "I'm just a little confused about what we need to do next."
"You mean about Elaine?" Shelby only nodded fearfully, settling more into his sweet embrace. "Don't worry; we will be stronger than her all together." He assured her with a smile. Scott had always lived in a dream…even after the events that had turned upside down his life. But Shelby knew better…she knew that life wasn't that easy and that they would have to confront a lot of difficulties to find peace…real peace. "So, when is Daisy supposed to take you?" Scott asked after a while of peaceful silence.
"We have a meeting this after noon. That's why you have to take me back home soon."
"I will…later. Shelby, are you sure that is a good idea?"
"What do you mean? Do you think I should stay here and wait until she comes killing the ones I love?" Shelby said a bit offended.
"No, I am just saying it is dangerous…after what Daisy told me, I have the right to be afraid for you."
"I know…I'm sorry…but don't worry, I'll be careful."
"You better because I do not know what I would do if you were not in this world anymore. I love you Shelby, with all my heart."
"I love you too, Majesty." Shelby said with a small laugh at his new title. Scott returned the laugh and slid his arms around her waist, tickling her playfully.
"Majesty, uh?" He said evilly, picking her up carefully in order not to hurt her back. Even if the doctors had done an amazing work, healing her with magical plants Daisy had brought, she had still some visible scars. Scott dropped her onto the soft grass and slowly crawled on top of her. As they were nose to nose, Scott lifted his right hand to brush some hair out of her face. "I am going to take care of you, my love. I promise." Shelby nodded smiling, losing herself into his penetrating blue eyes and leaned up a bit to kiss his lips. As soon as their lips met, the world around them seemed to stop any movement.
Shelby and Daisy walked together towards the clear woods where Daisy had a manor where she did all her magic formula and potions but also her trainings against the dark forces. "Please, sit down on the orange stone and wait two seconds. I'm going to search for a tunic for you."
"A tunic? To do what?" Shelby asked with a small laugh. She didn't think sorcerers were wearing costumes like she had read in her childhood books.
"You will see, little curious!" Daisy said with an equal laugh. She was about to open the wardrobe when she heard the sound of footsteps coming from outside. "Shelby, do not move…I think we have a visitor." She whispered, and then took a deep breath before looking through the window. She saw Ezra Friedkin, climbing up the steps quickly. She was practically sure he had followed her. She went to the door and opened it quickly before he could even knock. His hand stayed in the air and he looked up surprised. "Ezra, my friend…what are you doing here?"
"Oh, uh, just wandering around…is that forbidden?" He asked bending in front of her to great her.
"It is forbidden to follow someone in my opinion." She responded with much sarcasm. Ezra smiled nicely at her and noticed she wasn't alone.
"No, I was not following you. Hello Beautiful! I am Ezra Friedkin, and you are?" Ezra said looking past Daisy, at Shelby who was now standing up.
"I am Shelby Merrick. It is nice to meet you too." Shelby said with a nice smile, moving forward to shake his hand. But before she could even reach the door, Daisy motioned fro her to stay behind her. She stood up confused but obeyed Daisy's orders.
"Look Ezra, I would have invited you to take the tea with us, with pleasure, but we have a lot of work. Goodbye." Daisy said quickly closing the door in front of him.
"Daisy! Please Daisy…send me back to the castle at least!" She heard him yell from outside. Daisy muttered an incomprehensible sentence through her breath and soon Ezra's screams stopped. She turned and smiled at her new friend.
"What did you do of him? He seemed rather nice…" Shelby said a bit worried.
"I sent him home, like he was asking for. And yes, he is nice but a bit annoying when you know him better.
"Oh…"
"Come on, dress that on." She said handing her a violet tunic. Shelby pulled it on quickly and Daisy led her outside, in the garden behind the house. "Sit on the ground and cross your legs in front of yourself." She ordered simply. Shelby nodded and did as she was told. "Perfect." Daisy sat in front of her and smiled a little, in an attempt to reassure her. "Do not worry. Try to be calm and to make peace around you. Think of something soothing, like your baby…or Scott." Shelby only nodded and a smiled appeared on her face as Daisy mentioned her baby and Scott's name. "Okay, stay focused on that stone. When I'll tell you to close your eyes, you'll obey." Shelby nodded apprehensively and did as she was told. "Now, you close your eyes slowly and think of something appeasing. You have to be the calmer you can be." Daisy waited a few minutes to see how Shelby had progressed. "Okay, now I want you to think of that stone you saw earlier. Describe it in your head, remember every part of it. And when you're sure you're ready, lift it up with your mind." Daisy watched Shelby closely and waited until she saw the same stone making its way into the air. She was completely amazed. It had taken her several days to lift it from the ground of only two small centimeters and Shelby was making it flying in the air without a touch of difficulties. She was going to have to teach her more difficult things…
Wow! I was so in it that I wrote it in less than two hours…it is amazing! So…okay, maybe you can see some things are freely inspired from Star Wars (yes! Shelby is like force sensitive…and Elaine she's some sort of Dark Lord of the Siths…um interesting, isn't it?) and still I'm not sure of the common points…Well I don't know when my next update of this story will be…probably not before a while…please be patient, I do my best!
Please give me a review if you like or not…bad reviews are sometimes the most constructive. (But that doesn't mean I need to have some! I still prefer nice and good ones!)
Linkie. (With Much Love!)