~Sadly I still don't own the Labyrinth. All new characters are mine how ever. Thanks again to my Beta Joie Cullen. Check out her Stories Damage and May Eve. They Rock! Thanks to all my reviewers and alerts. You guys keep me going and boost my ego with every review!~
Chapter 6
Lady Laelyn of Elden sat at her vanity and grimaced at her husband as he paced back and forth across the floor. "How can this be? Does this mean that Genevieve will not gain your title? She will be married to some common fop? I'll not have it!"
"Stop being foolish. She is my daughter. She will keep the title that I lovingly bestowed upon her at her birth. Calm yourself. You are making a scene in front of the attendants."
The color seemed to instantly come back to her husband's face as he breathed a great sigh of relief.
"But what of this girl? How could you not tell me you have a daughter with an Above grounder? Why, tis so unfair."
"I never thought I would traverse between both worlds Mordin. I left things in place so that she could remain there. At least I thought I had. Besides my love, you will gain a lovely daughter who will perhaps one day take your rank even higher. My father's title prevents me from making you Lord of Elden. Once we retire Genevieve will have all that we have in the name. Should my father decide to retire as hand of the King you will be Lord Elden for some time. You speak as if we have the lifespan of a mortal. Come now, you promised you shall love all that is of me, Did you not?"
He really hated it when she pouted but she was so lovely. With a smile he pulled her from the bench and took her in his arms, kissing the breath out of her. Both of them laughing he put her back down on her rear. Now he would ready himself to visit the High King. Nervously, Laelyn watched the attendants pack her things, preparing for at least three weeks leading up to the ball in her daughter's honor. She had come home. Laelyn could scarcely believe it. She wiped away the lone tear in her eye, smiling down at the locket in her fist. It was the only thing she had kept of her. Opening it she stared at the cherub like child with the sparkling emerald eyes before closing it with a snap. "Sarah…"
"Come on now Sarah, you have to open your eyes sometime!"
Eyes slowly twitching open she could scarcely see due to the darkness in the room. She knew that voice! Smiling her eyes opened wide and stared at the figure before her. Now this was a Sophie she'd never seen before. Even in the darkness she could see fiery red hair swept up from her neck into a gorgeous curly hair style. Beautiful jewels encircled her throa,t ears, and wrist accenting the green gown she wore. The skirt was bell shaped flowing out over a white underskirt. Was there a costume party later?
Suddenly the room was lit with candles and even as she squinted she could tell she was no longer aboveground anymore. So it was done then. Fighting back the tears and sickness she turned her head away only to see a concerned Garin staring at her. He too was dressed fancy in black breeches, a jewel encrusted jacket with maroon trim, and black boots. Did she miss the party?
Sophie practically bounced on the bed. "You have been asleep for three days Sarah! Time to wake up and join the new world!"
"Who are you, Christopher Columbus?"
Frustrated, she looked around her new home. Might as well face it and move on, she was an Undergrounder now. Slowly moving to the edge of the bed she threw the covers back, swaying slightly on the spot. Frowning as Sophie moved to assist her; she put her hands up in aggravation.
"How did you get here Sophie? Do you see what coming to the Underground has cost me? It has taken away everything I hold dear. My family, my friends, you shouldn't be here."
"In case you haven't noticed Sarah, I am your friend. You haven't lost your family either. The High King has assured me that as soon as you are changed you can see your family. From what Hoggle says and I quote, 'Young Master Toby is quite eager to visit.'"
Laughing, Sarah wobbled across the room, already beginning to feel better. Walking to her closet she opened the doors and gasped in surprise. All her aboveground clothes were here plus a whole slew of some of the most beautiful dresses she had ever seen, hanging right next to them. Upon closer inspection she realized that somehow in her sleep her closet had become a walk in and there were shoes to match every outfit, what looked like a miniature jewelry vault and several empty racks as if she would need more clothes.
"It's heaven isn't it? ! The King had some things made for me as well. I feel like a fairy princess!" Grabbing Sarah's arms she pulled her from the closet. When she turned she realized that Garin was gone and a young woman stood in his place. Her skin was colored sky blue and she had lovely long white hair to her waist. Her eyes were a lovely blue as well and when she smiled you had the oddest feeling that you should sing.
"Your Grace, I am Vale of the Winter household. I was sent to serve as your Grace's ladies maid. I am to serve as your attendant for the remainder of you stay in the palace and in the days thereafter should you find my company to your pleasure." As she curtsied prettily Sarah could only stare and look to Sophie for help.
Snorting, Sophie leaned towards Sarah and whispered; "Now I didn't get one of those. . ."
Chuckling, Sarah smiled at the girl. "Thank you, Vale. What exactly are we preparing for this evening? And please, no more bowing. I am not royal so there is no need for that."
"But your Grace! I…"
"That's enough Vale. " The High Queen entered the room slowly and smiled kindly at Sarah, ignoring the new attendant's bows. Taking her hands she pulled Sarah to the bathing room, explaining things as she went. "You are preparing for a dinner in your Honor that we almost had to cancel. Garin, My daughter Mena, and all," she nearly laughed at Sarah's grimace, "yes, all the Fae Elders are coming to meet you. My King would like to see you in the study before dinner and we are already running late. Vale will pick out your clothes, help you dress and do your hair. It is also her job to make sure that your rooms are neat and clean and that you have everything you want or need."
"Okay. . .but why does she keep calling me 'your Grace'? I'm not royalty." Since the Queen couldn't avoid the answer she merely chose the most honest one.
"The Champion of the Labyrinth is a high honor Sarah. It gives you the right to do things that most cannot. For example, you may sit amongst the council should you choose to do so. Shall we go over rankings in the Kingdom? I believe it is much like the nobles in the Aboveground with a bit of different names save one. The rankings are as follow; The Arch Duke and Duchess of Ivy are the highest of the bloodlines. Then there is the Duke and Duchess of Lune, the Elder and Elden of winter…and you are beginning to look confused my dear. We won't go any further. The other titles are simple and can be learned at a later date." Pushing aside the bathroom doors she turned away from Sarah.
Sarah walked the length of the tub, eyes wide as saucers. This was not a tub, it was a pool. You could walk in to it and the water settled to your waist. It was longer than Sarah and at a nice 5'8" she could float in it if she wanted to. After a quick scrub down she threw on the nearest towel and walked into a room of giggling women. The Queen and Sophie reclined in their beautiful dresses, looking simply gorgeous against the paleness of the room. Vale sat on the floor staring in awe at the women.
As soon as they saw her the chaos began. After much debate about hair and clothing they were off, the Queen overseeing every detail with her keen eye for beauty, directed as Sarah was powered, stuffed, and manicured into royalty. Vale swept her hair up into a curly mass of tendrils much like Sophie's but slightly less severe. A little charcoal on the eyes, light rouging of the lips and the final touches were in place. Her dress was royal purple over a black underskirt and amethysts were placed at her throat, ears and wrist. The Queen, knowing that a partial glamour Sarah did not realize she was projecting stood in the way of perfection, removed it with a flick of her wrist and beamed. Sophie gasped, bouncing in place at the vision before her. As a final touch the Queen produced a tiara, of the house of Ivy, and placed it upon Sarah's head to complete the picture.
"There! Now it's time to look in the mirror." Moving forward Aireya kept her hands over Sarah's eyes laughing as the girl fidgeted in her impatience. "Now no crying Sarah, we don't have time to re-do this."
Before she could ask what she meant the Queen removed her hands and Sarah gasped in shock. Looking more like a woman than a mere girl of eighteen it took all she had not to cry as she saw Fae features beginning to show. Not being the conceded type she couldn't help but admit that she looked beautiful. When a hand squeezed hers she turned to look at Sophie.
"Tonight Sarah I think you will rival even our Queen." With tears in her eyes she hugged her friend then ran to open the door, dabbing at her tears. Taking the Queen's offered arm they left the room, all three holding on to one another. Vale stared after them in awe, a grin on her face. Her mistress would be a great lady amongst the Fae someday. She just knew it!
Stopping outside the study doors, Aireya motioned for Sophie to stay behind. Pressing a lace handkerchief in Sarah's open hands she opened the door and nearly shoved her inside. "We'll meet you at dinner dear. My husband wishes to speak to you about something of a personal nature. Remind him that he mustn't take too long. It's for luck dear." Motioning to the lace in Sarah's hands she took Sophie's arm and directed her to the formal dining hall.
The king sat behind a large desk of the most beautiful wood she had ever seen. Polished to a beautiful shine; it glistened even in the candlelit room. Sinking into a curtsy she missed the shocked glances of the other people in the room. She was more beautiful than they had been told.
"Rise your Grace. I have asked that you come here on a matter of business. It seems that I have indeed found a Fae bloodline in your family. As such, it is with great pleasure that I bring you here to have you sign your contracts of title and estate. However it is still my wish that you visit with me as a Lady of my court until I wish it otherwise."
"Wait. Please, slow down. Did you say title? What title?"
Suddenly the room seemed full of men. As a very handsome man stepped up to stand next to the King she could only stare. Emerald green eyes and raven black hair were the first features she noticed. He dressed richly in black breeches, and a white poet's shirt tucked into a high collared waistcoat that seemed favored by the Fae. Even with his moderate decoration he held a regal air just the same. Most of this she paid little attention to. It was the eyes that held her gaze.
They stared at each other for some time before he spoke. "Your Grace, my name is Rydin, Duke of Ivy and right hand of the king. That makes you, my dearest Sarah, Arch Duchess."
Sarah swallowed hard but continued to stare into eyes that matched her own. Knowing he had just said something important, something pertaining to her, but only being able to tear her gaze away long enough to turn a confused eye to the king; she waited for someone to better explain. Since it seemed they all waited for her reaction she turned back to the man, trying to figure out why he stared at her so oddly. "Who are you?"
He caught the King's assent out of the corner of his eyes and with it began to speak. "I am your grandfather."
~Cliffhanger! Sorry, It had to be done :)~