I do not own the WWE or any of the characters associated with it. I only own Rose and her family.

Chapter 13

The years went by. Rose had the five children that Morgana had predicted: Richard was about to be of age at thirteen; Theresa was ten; Maria was eight and a half; Vivian was seven; and the newest addition to the family, Edward, had finally turned five. Rose had a hand in their education and Richard always looked after her. He was a serious child, but he had to be. His father would be back soon.

Rose and Kane had prepared the festivities. There was to be a joust, followed by a feast, followed by the ceremony to crown Richard prince. Rose let her excitement take her fears away, but Richard knew how she was dreading this day, more than any other.

Numerous times they had sent out scouts to the dark cloud that loomed over the land and each time, there were no survivors, except in the case of Lord John, who was sent back with a warning. He had been possessed and once he delivered the message, he had been released. Lady Elizabeth begged Kane not to send her husband back and he had obliged her.

Rose sat in her room with Edward and Vivian. Richard came in and looked at his mother. She still missed his father dearly. "Edward, Vivian. Lady Morgana is waiting for you so you may walk with Theresa and Maria to the joust."

Vivian got to her feet and almost bowled him over with her excitement. Edward followed quietly behind, closing the door on his way out.

"Hello, Richard."

"Mother, you know what today is." Richard began. "I know you are frightened of what will happen to the girls and to Edward, but I promise you that I will protect them."

"Richard, this is your father we are talking about."

"He won't harm us, mother. You mustn't think that he will."

"He wants the throne that he could have had had he turned up before Theresa was born!" Rose spat, looking at him.

"He's a Reaper, you know that." Richard said, softening.

"You can't let him sell the girls into slavery. Promise me!" Rose answered.

"I promise you, mother." Richard embraced her. "Now, let us go to the joust. No doubt the king is waiting for us. Would you like an escort?"

Rose smiled, Richard was always thinking of her. "Of course, my darling." She swept her purple gown up and took Richard's hand. "This was your father's favorite gown, you know."

"I know, Mother. You wear it every year on my birthday and his." Richard said, walking her to the fields, hoping she would be alright. "Don't worry, Mother."

"I just know he'll do something to ruin what we did for you." Rose responded.

"I doubt he'll ruin his own son's ceremony. I don't think he's that petty." Richard answered, holding the last door open for her. "Besides, if anything, he will appear at the feast."

"Your father's first gesture was to bring me to a joust."

"He did love jousting. Lord Adam always won."

"He still does, love."

"Not since he retired to look after us." Richard retorted.

"I suppose so." Rose answered, walking up to the dais. She sat down beside Kane and watched the crowd. There was a hooded figure, but she couldn't be sure.

"As is custom for a prince of the realm to come of age, he will participate in his first joust and should he be injured, he will not be able to be crowned. Let the games begin." Kane boomed. He squeezed Rose's hand as Morgana looked at them. "He'll be fine, Rose. You mustn't fret so."

"He's still my son, Kane." Rose answered, kindly.

The joust was wonderful with Richard placing second to Lord John and not being injured in the process, then the royal family made their way to the feast. The royal children were chattering the entire time, but Rose didn't seem to have an appetite.

"He's here, my queen." Morgana whispered to Rose.

"Marcus?" Rose asked.

Morgana nodded and pointed. All the way in the very back, Marcus was seated at a table, talking to Lord David and Lord Christian. Rose visibly swallowed, Richard had been right. His father had shown himself at the feast for his only son.

"Lords and ladies, I would like to purpose a toast to Lord Richard, soon to be Prince Richard of Britain in the morning. Let us drink and eat in merriment and wish that his father was here sharing this joyous occasion with him." Kane said.

"I am here." A voice boomed from the back. Rose paled and Richard got up immediately. "I must say these festivities are a wonderful way to honor my son." Marcus walked forward as everyone's eyes turned to King Kane. "My king who has usurped my throne, my wife, and now my only son."

"Marcus, you know that you weren't here. Where have you been for the last eleven years? We've been so worried about you." Kane answered.

"Rose, my love, you are more beautiful than ever." Marcus said, ignoring him. Rose blushed as Morgana moved closer to her. "Richard, my son, you have grown into a strong warrior. Did you use your magic during the joust to save yourself from injury? It doesn't matter."

"What are you doing here, Father?" Richard asked, in no mood for games.

"I came for my throne, my wife, and my wife's children."

"You've been gone." Richard answered.

"I have been massing an army to take my lands back." Marcus seethed. "Do not challenge me, boy."

"Marcus, you are speaking treason. I have no choice but to—" Kane began, but then Marcus disappeared. "Right, find him!"

"My lord." Morgana said.

"What?" Kane yelled.

"He took Rose with him." Morgana whispered.

"I'm sorry Richard, but finding the High Queen takes precedence over your ceremony." Kane answered, grabbing a goblet before heading out.

Richard followed. "We'll find her, my King."

Morgana looked at the children remaining. "Theresa, take Maria and Vivian to your rooms. Edward, come here child. We must put you to bed."

The children chattered, wondering where their mother went, but Morgana refused to answer their probing questions. She wasn't sure where their mother was or if she was even still alive.