I do not own the WWE or any of the characters associated with it. I only own Rose and her family.
Chapter 12
Rose didn't hear from Marcus for another two years. All she knew was that Kane cared for her and her children; she didn't want anymore. Now Richard was almost six, Theresa was three, and the newest addition to the family, Maria, was now two. Rose had requested out of respect for her previous husband that Kane not try to get an heir. He had acquiesced out of respect for Rose, but he wondered what was wrong with her.
Rose carried Maria in her arms while Richard and Theresa tagged along behind her. They entered the throne room to see a man, bloody and beaten, at the feet of Kane. Morgana, knowing what it could do to the girls, immediately went to Rose and took the girls out of the room, leaving Richard with his mother.
"My lord, what happened?" Rose asked, as Richard ran to his chair.
"This man tells of a dark cloud in the distance that spits fire and hell upon the land." Kane answered, clearly distraught. "But the only man I know of that can cause such pain has been gone these past three years."
Rose visibly swallowed. "What do we do? Do we investigate?"
"I would imagine so. I can send Lord John of Cena Hills to investigate. Will that help you, sir?" Kane asked the man as Lord John came forward.
"I will lead him there, my king." The man said, getting up to take his leave.
"Good, until Lord John is ready, you may stay here in the castle. Mary, find him a room so that he may rest from the weary travels." Kane ordered. Mary curtsied and took the man into the castle.
Richard looked at his mother. "Mommy, you're worried."
"I am. But don't worry, I'm sure it isn't anything to be upset about." She had to stay calm for the children. "Come with me, Richard, it's time for your lessons with Morgana."
Richard followed, knowing not to argue in front of court, but he would inquire as to what was happening later. Rose didn't know what to do and once she gave Richard to Morgana, she turned around. Going back to the throne room, she gasped as she saw Marcus. Only for a brief second and then he was gone, she rushed to the throne room to see the feast for the evening being prepared.
Kane looked up when she came in and hurried to her. "What is it?"
"I thought I saw Marcus, but that's impossible. He's been gone for three years." Rose shook it off. "I doubt he would want a war with us. He knows we want him to come home. I'm sure of it."
"Don't worry, love." Kane said, hugging her.
"I know he would come to us, wouldn't he?" She asked.
"Yes, he must either be captured or dead." Kane answered, trying to get her to stop being frantic. "I know it isn't a comfort, but maybe they just haven't asked for ransom yet. I would rescue him in a heartbeat, I hope you know that."
"I do. I just worry about Richard. He knew Marcus. Theresa and Maria don't need to know until they are older I suppose." Rose looked at him. "Do you wish to try for another heir tonight?"
"Well, John and I should talk strategy, but once he leaves, I'll be more than happy to try again." Kane smiled at her.
"Of course. You must have a lot on your mind, especially with a new threat. You must protect the people, Kane. May I take my leave?"
Kane nodded and she left in a hurry. Kane chuckled, sure she was going to go take care of some petty thing involving Maria or Theresa. She worried about the children so.
"Hello again, love." Marcus found her as she entered her chambers alone. "Did you miss me?"
"Marcus! Are you the cause of the dark that man spoke about? Do you unleash hell on the people just to get me back?" She asked.
"Silly girl, no. I wage war on the people so they will realize the throne has been usurped." Marcus said darkly. "You will not be in my path of destruction so long as you don't support Kane against me."
"I can't condone you killing innocent people, Marcus. What would the children think?"
"The children will be fine. The world is harsh. The girls will learn that rather quickly and Richard, I believe, already has. He worries about you more than you know." He caressed her face.
"When are you coming?" She asked, frantically wringing her hands.
"I will come when Richard comes of age. You have seven years to prepare for my arrival, dearest. I suggest you use the time wisely. Are you going to bed Kane again?"
"I have to. He's the High King and he has no heir of his own yet. Morgana said that I had to give him a male heir."
"There is truth to her words. The High King needs a viable heir or any may challenge the rights to the throne and to you." He laughed and it chilled her to the core.
"You think that people will war over me?"
"No one deserves you but me, love. I will make sure you thrive at my side and once I have you back, I'll cleanse my brother's dirty essence from your beautiful body." Marcus kissed her.
"Why are you waiting so long to invade the kingdom?" She asked, her voice husky.
"I am amassing an army. You will see soon enough, my love." Marcus looked at her. "You wish to save my brother?"
"No, I wish to save our children. I want to spare them watching his brutal death."
"To threaten the High King is treason." He mocked.
"I know you will beat him in combat. You are the true High King."
"The next time you see me, your son will see me as well." Marcus said, disappearing from her view.
"Marcus! Richard is too young for your tactics. Marcus!" Rose yelled.
Morgana and Lady Elizabeth entered. "My lady, you look positively white. What happened?" Lady Elizabeth asked, taking a cloth from the basin.
"I thought I saw Marcus." She answered.
"A dream, perhaps, my queen." Morgana soothed, knowing it was no dream. "Marcus wasn't here. He hasn't been seen for a long time now."
"I know. I'm fine."
" Lady Elizabeth, thank you, but I wish to speak to her alone. Can you make sure the children are ready for the feast this evening? I'm sure Mary will help you." Morgana said.
"Of course. Until this evening, my queen." The lady exited and Morgana turned to Rose expectantly.
"I saw him. He hadn't bothered me for two years." Rose began.
"When is he coming?"
"When Richard is of age in seven years."
"When Richard is crowned High Prince, you mean. He wouldn't dare wish the boy harm, but he will do something during the ceremony." Morgana deduced.
"He told me not to be loyal to Kane and I would be out of his path."
"What about the children?"
"He will not harm them." Rose answered immediately.
"Rose, this is very serious. Without proof, we cannot alert the High King to this." Morgana thought for a moment. "He's kissed you, though."
"Indeed."
"You still need to provide Kane with an heir, Rose."
"I know, Morgana. But I'm frightened."
"As well you should be. No one should anger a Reaper, the least of all a demon."