Chapter 4
by Starsinger
Making a brief pitstop in present day as Kitty comes home. She finds Peter weaving a story and Illyana furiously scribbling. Oh, Lockheed finally makes an appearance in the story. No, still don't own them.
Kitty was doing laundry. This exciting activity followed her coming home from her trip earlier that week. As she walked by the twins' bedroom she noticed two things quickly. Peter was reading a story, and Illyana was sitting behind the cracked door, typing furiously on her laptop. She stopped, laundry basket rested on her hip as she listened to Peter's voice, "A few days later, two days before the ball, Sebastian left for court with his children. Piotr, of course, stayed behind. What no one knew was that Piotr had another friend. One who lived in the enchanted forest behind the chalet."
"What story is he reading?" Kitty whispered.
Illyana glanced up, "He's not, he's making this one up. He's called this one 'Cinderfella'. It's based on the fairy tale, it's just slightly different. And populated with very familiar people."
Kitty listened further, "Ororo and the Professor are my parents?"
"And the King and Queen. I think he's about to work in the dragon."
Kitty went to the bedroom she shared with Peter, and went back to sit next to her sister-in-law. She was very interested in what her husband was weaving.
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An enchanted forest spread out behind the chalet. The departure for court by Piotr's step-father allowed Piotr to go out into the forest with some paper and charcoal. He entered the forest through the garden gate and ventured down the path that he himself had discovered. He immediately knew he was being watched. The denizens of the forest tended to be flighty creatures. Fairies came to investigate the intruder, then flew away as they realized he was visiting.
Soon, Piotr came to a clearing. He sat down with his back to a large oak tree, and pulled out the charcoal and paper. He started drawing, and he waited. Soon, he was joined. Brownies, fairies, gnomes, and tiny elves came to see what he was doing. Finally, he was joined by the one had been waiting for, a small, purple dragon who called himself Lockheed. This dragon flew and even breathed fire. He also talked, and he and Piotr were friends, and he had definite opinions.
Soon after Piotr's Mother's death, Piotr wandered into the forest in his grief. Sebastian's demands for his becoming more responsible for the property started soon after Illyana's birth. The lonely, confused young man soon escaped his childhood home for the fields and forest outside. It was on one of those adventures that he met Lockheed. Lockheed had fled his home in the mountains when hunters captured his family. Both orphans had become fast friends. He settled on Piotr's knees and butted Piotr's hand, begging for a scratch. Piotr obliged his friend, scratching behind his wings.
"I don't understand, Lockheed. I've done everything that he's asked me to do. Yet, he won't give me the same privileges as his own sons. He left me home while they went to court. I'm being left home for the ball. Princess Katherine was so…beautiful…" his voice trailed off dreamily as he remembered the visit.
Lockheed looked straight at Piotr, "You let your stepfather run right over you because of your sister. You should go in spite of Shaw. In fact, I'll help you, I have friends." Piotr looked around dubiously, but in an enchanted forest, one never knew. They watched as a unicorn ventured out into the meadow, his brown and white coat shone in the sunlight.
"When they return, I'll bring Illyana in here. It's just as well that Scott and Pete are terrified of this place." The dragon snickered maliciously. The two parted, Lockheed promised that he would bring his friend the first night of the ball.
Sebastian Shaw and his children, Scott, Pete, and Illyana arrived at court in a mahogany coach trimmed in brass. His family crest adorned the door of the coach as Nicolai brought the coach to a halt. He climbed down to open the door and set out the steps. Shaw exited first waiting as his sons got out and finally held out his hand for his blonde haired daughter. He expected different things from his children, even Piotr. He intended for Illyana to inherit her mother's title. He knew he wasn't the Duke, he was the caretaker of his daughter's lands. Piotr, Scott, and Pete he intended to marry well. The upcoming ball would be a good place to showcase his own sons. At sixteen years of age, Princess Katherine was the biggest catch to be had at the ball.
They entered the palace and his sons tried not to gawk at the grandeur around them. Illyana's wide eyed wonder was understandable at her age made him smile. The boys were old enough not to show their lack of going to court. The Herald announced them at the door, "Duke Sebastian Shaw, his sons, Viscount Scott and Lord Pete, and his daughter, Lady Illyana!"
Scott held Illyana's hand as they flanked their father walking down the carpeted aisle to the throne. They bowed, Illyana's graceful curtsey made Jean Paul proud as he beamed at the little girl. Sebastian's bow was smooth and graceful. Scott and Pete's bows, however, were awkward and unpracticed.
"It's good to see you again, Your Grace," the Queen spoke into the stillness. "Unfortunately, I only see two of your sons. Where is the third?"
Unprepared for the question, Sebastian paused, "He is attending matters at the estate and sends his regrets as to his absence."
"Will he be attending the ball?" Kitty asked.
"No, Your Highness, he has other things to attend," Shaw smiled tightly.
Kitty's mouth tightened slightly before she smiled at the group. King Charles nodded to his herald, "This court is adjourned!"
Charles rose and held his hand out to his wife, Ororo placed her hand on top of his as they exited the throne room. Scott approached the Princess and held out his own hand. She placed hers in his and he kissed it. He turned so he walked beside her and escorted her out as well. "So, you're a Viscount. Did you inherit your father's title?"
Scott was startled out of his reverie as a handsome woman wearing white hurried past him, "Yes," he looked around to discover Pete had struck up a conversation with Jean Paul. Remy walked behind them trying to accost a lovely young lady with a white streak down her auburn hair. "My parents were married for fifteen years before Mother died. Father married Alexandra six years ago, he felt that we needed a Mother's influence." Sadness crossed his face, "We were all upset when she died when Illyana was born. She'd always wanted a little girl."
Maids and other servants hurried past. Finally, a red-haired vision skidded to a curtsey in front of Kitty, "Your Highness, all is ready in your sitting room."
"Good, thank you Jean." She turned around, "I'm sure your father will excuse you. If you follow me, I have a small gathering in my sitting room, just us young people." She escorted them down the corridor to her rooms. A larger table and more chairs were added. Remy, Anna, Jean Paul, Pete, Illyana, Kitty and Scott took seats around the table. Remy, Jean Paul and Scott pulled out chairs for the ladies. Jean hovered nearby. Kitty picked up the teapot in the center of the table and poured tea into her cup. She passed it on to Scott. Illyana was jumping with excitement at being included in this grown-up event. Jean had brought a special chair on the grown-up chair so she could see the top of the table without sitting on her knees. She even managed to pour her own tea, with a little help from Pete.
Small talked ensued. They even played cards as Scott gave his entire attention to the Princess. Pete seemed to have hit it off with Jean Paul, interestingly enough. The entire group saw them off in their coach. Remy finally asked Kitty, "What did you think, mon ami?"
"Very charming, I think he was more interested in my maid than me," Kitty responded with a laugh as she waved at the carriage as it was leaving.
Piotr had to endure the boasting of Scott as he talked about meeting the Princess. He smiled at Illyana as she excitedly talked about her grown-up tea with them. Shaw proclaimed it a success. It was almost a relief when the night of the ball finally arrived and the carriage departed for the palace, leaving poor Piotr all alone.