Hmm..what do you think? Too short? I suppose that in about...say...4 chapters or so we'll be done. So let me know if you think the chapters are too short, or something didn't sit right with you, etc. Anyway, thank you so much to Guest and Rugbygirrl for reviewing! Rugbygirrl: Hope the first sentence answered your question.
Remember guys, to vote in the 2013 CM Profiler Choice Awards; the link for the guidelines can be found in the previous 2 chapters (Chapter 10 & 11) and if you think that my stories are good enough, I'd be honoured for the nomination. Anyway, read and review lovelies! I appreciate all and any feedback that you may have!
No, dear reader, Emily's time to leave has yet to come. No, what fairytale is ever complete without the villain making their appearance? For it is Beth, the evil Lapdog of the Dragon Lady, who lurks behind the veil of the night, launching stones and pebbles towards the reunited couple.
Beth let out a delighted yelp at the appearance of a thin red line on Emily's arm, but the smile soon turned into a pout. She wanted Emily to hurt; the stuck up, posh, spoiled brat had everything she ever wanted, and Beth certainly was not about to let her step sister get away with the coveted Prince.
Aaron frowned and moved to stand before Emily, brandishing his sword and growling into the darkness. He knew not who or what had hurled those stones at them, but he was going to make sure the perpetrator who hurt his Emily would not get away with it. He'd just found his love; he wasn't going to let her go anytime again.
"Who goes there? Show yourself!"
Beth held her breath, gritting her teeth. How dare he? How dare he demand anything of her? Didn't he know just how much of a fraud the brunette behind him was? She'd show him; Beth would show Prince Aaron just how much better she was than that Cinder Emily. She didn't speak a word; oh no, Beth was smarter than that. Prince Aaron was so deluded, no doubt a wicked spell casted by Emily, that he might not appreciate her efforts to make him see. Determined, she hefted a heavier stone in her hand, pulled her arm, ascertained her target and-
And a sudden screech startled her into dropping the stone, and Beth shrieked as a large grey owl swooped down and caught her dark hair in its sharp talons. Jason hooted triumphantly as he tugged hard on her hair, satisfied when he felt the caught hairs pull away. Beth was an evil woman, despite her apparent lack of intelligence, and Jason held no reservations about punishing her. Besides, she did throw the first punch by throwing those stones at Emily; he was just exacting just punishment.
Aaron and Emily were mystified at the strange sounds emitting from behind the seemingly empty bush. The shrieks went on for quite a bit, and Emily was starting to wonder if there was a ghost or spirit behind the attack. Not once, did the thought that Beth would be the instigator. Aaron advanced cautiously towards the bush, reluctant to engage in any violence if there was no need. The noise suddenly stopped, but the Prince parted the bush for good measure, making sure that neither monster nor villain lurked behind.
Jason, through sheer force of will, tugged Beth who was quite in pain, away from where Aaron and Emily were standing in bewilderment, still trying to understand just what had happened. The owl ignored Beth's repeated curse words and screams to be let go of, and slowly, Jason tugged and hauled the struggling woman over to where a stately marble fountain stood. With a mighty heave and push, Jason managed to topple Beth right into the fountain. He chuckled at the loud splash and wail that ensued; Beth certainly was a very vocal woman which grated on his nerves remarkably. Satisfied with his handiwork, Jason spread his wings and flew away, just as the guards ran out to investigate the commotion.
Aaron started when a sharp hoot sounded throughout the night, but Emily only smiled and nodded towards the silhouette of an owl disappearing into the night. She knew Jason had done his part and would be waiting for her; it was up to her now.
Tugging on Aaron's hand, she sat them both down and kept his larger hand in hers. She fondly traced Aaron's dimpled face with fluttering fingers, and leaned in to brush a chaste kiss on his clean shaven cheek. "I forgive you, Aaron." Seeing his protest, she shook her head adamantly, dark curls flying about her face, "No. Don't you dare blame yourself. What happened, our…separation," she pursed her lips and sighed, "I'm afraid I am just at fault as you are. When I heard you had left, I was so angry that I refused my father and the King's pleas to seek you out. You hurt my pride and heart, Aaron, but it is the former that prevented me from chasing after you and telling you I love you." Dropping her head to rest on his broad chest, she murmured, "Forgive me."
Aaron's eyes softened and he laughed, the sound rumbling through his chest and Emily giggled a bit to feel the vibrations. He patted her hair gently and tipped her chin up, smiling at her warmly as he dropped a kiss onto her nose. "I love you", he whispered, dropping another kiss onto her forehead, and two more on each eye, "Forever and eternity." Emily felt her heart soar and leap in joy and she leaned in closer to his warm embrace, "I love you too."
The Prince suddenly stood, helping his love to her feet before leading them to the center of the garden which was enshrouded by trees and rose bushes. Not a soul entrenched on their private little cove, and Emily titled her head in curiosity. "Aaron?" The dark haired prince grinned and silenced her questions, kissing her dark head once more, "No questions tonight, Emily. Tonight, we rejoice and dance." The edge of Emily's lips quirked up in amusement, "I suppose it matters not we have no music?" He smirked and bowed, "But of course we do; it's in our memories, Emily. Remember that waltz the orchestra always played whenever we danced as children?"
Her eyes crinkled at the memory, recalling the clumsy first steps that soon matured to confident and bold sweeps around the majestic ballroom. "How could I forget? It was our song." He straightened and reached for her hand, "Then let the music seep through from your mind and into the night air, my love, and we shall dance the night away, and tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow; for every day of our lives, hopefully together, I vow to always dance with you, and you alone."
Soft tears gathered in Emily's brown eyes, and she pouted slightly, "Do refrain from making me cry, Aaron, or I fear I shan't be a very good companion tonight." Aaron just smiled boyishly at her, and with a twirl of his hand, Prince and Lady started the slow dance. There were no fancy or intricate steps, weaving in and out from each other's arms. They just moved around in the simplest of footwork; all that mattered was that they were here, together, and Emily felt for the first time in so many years, everything was just perfect.