to the last reviewer...haha, thank you..I think? Sorry if I horrified you. I have a sick mind sometimes but I just love to write, it's why I put warnings on my fics :-) anyway, thank you to all for reading and please continue to review!
The morning sun snuck into the nursery despite the drapes attempting to shut it out and cast its rays upon the two young lovers who had escaped to their sweetest dreams. Their legs entangled, the sheets twisted about their blushing bodies, they slept peacefully in each other's arms. Peter's eyes slowly opened and he smiled at the angel sleeping next to him. For a moment he felt as if he was back in Neverland and the creature next to him was an ethereal being of the island, too beautiful to be real. He reached out to touch her and grasped one of her golden curls. She sighed softly and shifted in her sleep and her hand brushed against his thigh. His eyes widened when he had started to wake up and realize that it was Wendy, his wife and his love. He started when he heard a knock at the door and he grabbed at the sheets that were twisted all around his body.
"Wendy? Peter? Are you awake?"
"Yes ma'am," Peter replied, "we'll be down in a moment." He leaned down and gently kissed Wendy's nose, as his fingertip traced the contours of her full lips. She moaned softly and her thick lashes moved to reveal startling blue eyes, still dazed with the sweet lovemaking of only hours ago.
"Hi lovely," he whispered, his face inches from hers.
"Hi," she said smiling. Peter jumped up and started to pull on his clothes from last night, all the while staring at his beautiful wife. There was a knock at the door again and Peter stepped aside when Mrs. Darling swept in.
"Good morning, my dears. Peter, I wonder if I could have a word with my daughter? I do believe the boys are up and are asking to see you."
"Of course, Madame," Peter gave her a little bow and left the two women alone. Mrs. Darling had several boxes in her arms and she gently lay them down on Wendy's bed as Wendy scurried into her dress from the previous night.
"What's all this, Mother?"
"Some things I wish for you to have. Something to remember me by."
"Oh Mother, darling, we'll still see each other," Wendy said, hugging her mother. Mrs. Darling smiled.
"I know, dear. Here. I bought these for you right before you…disappeared. The dress was one I had hoped to see on you when James came to call on you. Of course I'm sure Peter will like it just as much." Mrs. Darling's eyes twinkled as she handed Wendy a large box and Wendy withdrew a stunning gown of blue brocade with lace trimming and cuffed sleeves.
"It's lovely, Mother, thank you."
"And here are a few things every new bride needs. Just some practical things. A bath robe, a new corset and chemise, some new undergarments that might please Peter more than you," Wendy's jaw dropped at her mother's bold statement and Mrs. Darling laughed at the look on her daughter's face. "Darling, I realize you're not a child anymore. These are to be worn by a young woman and you have grown into the most beautiful young woman I have ever known." She cupped Wendy's chin and tears filled her eyes.
"Now, something I think you might like for your wedding party. Open it." She handed Wendy the biggest box of all and Wendy opened it with trembling fingers.
"Mother," was all she could say. In the box before her lay her mother's wedding gown, worn by, not only her mother, but her grandmother, her great grandmother, and her great-great grandmother. The dress had been tenderly cared for and restored each generation and it was said to be magic for it had made the wearer glow with such beauty none had seen before. The dress was decorated with pearls embedded in the lace and the long sleeves of the dress fit around the wearer's finger like a ring. When Wendy lifted it from the box she saw how large the skirts were and how rich the fabric was. Mrs. Darling lifted the lid from another box to reveal a stunning sapphire necklace that would match the material beautifully and a matching headdress that looked like it had been made for a queen. Wendy's eyes were filled with tears as she looked at her mother.
"These have been passed down from generation to generation and finally my girl, I give them to you. I know we have missed the actual wedding but I do hope you will wear them to the party for none will be able to take their eyes off you."
"Thank you, Mother. Thank you so much." Mrs. Darling kissed her daughter's cheek, then hurried from the room before Wendy could see the tears that streamed down her face.
"Wonder what's taking them so long," Peter muttered, shuffling the floor with his toe.
"Mother is presenting Wendy with the gown. They have to be girls and gossip and giggle for some time," Michael said, focusing on his chess game with Nibs.
"What is the gown?"
"Great-Great Grandmother Gwendolyn's wedding gown. Mother will want her to wear it for the party next weekend," Michael said, cleaning his glasses. Peter frowned.
"We're already married. Why would she wear a wedding gown?"
"It's unlike any wedding gown you've ever seen! It's said to be made of magic! All who look upon the wearer of the dress fall madly in love with her." Peter's frown deepened.
"I don't like the sound of this dress. The only one I want looking at Wendy is me." John chuckled.
"Tis just legend. It's just a beautiful dress that has been handed down to the women of this family for years. She'll look splendid at the party."
"Do you have anything wonderful to wear, Peter?" Michael looked up from his chess game. Peter opened his mouth then closed it again, glancing down at the suit he was wearing. Mr. Goldberg had presented it to him several weeks ago and it was a fine suit but he didn't have anything that was truly spectacular.
"The Prince of Neverland in a boring old suit? It won't do! Let's go into town and find you something fit for a King!"
"Since when do you like to get all fancied up and such, Tootles?"
"It's not about the clothes you wear, Peter. It's the wealth you show when you wear those clothes. And who respects that wealth." Peter didn't like this sort of talk; he had never cared much for riches or treasures or the cares of man. Life had been a game to Peter and in truth, he missed that. To hear a former Lost Boy talking about wealth like that made him sort of sick to his stomach. But he wanted to look marvelous for Wendy so he agreed to go into town with them. When the boys had gotten permission from Mr .Darling as well as some extra funds, they all piled into the coach and made their way into town. Wendy came down stairs moments later in search of Peter and her father informed her where he had gone. Wendy was puzzled as to what he could be up to but she pushed it from her mind and enjoyed the time she had with her parents. She felt like a little girl again as she sat with them in the sitting room, talking quietly and sipping tea.
When the boys returned, Peter refused to show Wendy what he had bought despite her constant pleading. Deciding they had better get back to the mansion and complete their chores, they said farewell to the family and Mr. Darling drove them home.
The next week went by as it would for a normal family. Wendy rose and made a little lunch for her husband, who hurried off to work. She would then go to the barn and tend to the horses, ride with Tori a little bit, whom she had come to think of as her little sister (of course never having a sister and always wanting one) before completing her chores and returning to the house where she would wash and go help in the kitchen. When Peter came home, exhausted and smelling of flowers and earth, Wendy would greet him with a kiss and would hurry him off to the bath before dinner. It was near perfect to Wendy, who had always regarded her parents' lives a bit dull and she had vowed she'd never want that sort of life, whether or not marriage was a part of that life. Now that she was married to Peter Pan, however, she appreciated the normality of it and loved trying to be the perfect housewife.
Peter, however, quickly grew tired of the droning pace and longed for adventure for both of them. Thus it came as no surprise when Peter mentioned leaving to Wendy as they lay in bed one night. She turned to look at him and propped herself up with her arm.
"Where would you like to go? And when?"
"After the party tomorrow. I haven't a clue where we should live, I haven't exactly been a world traveler in my life." Grinning, she placed a warm kiss on his lips and brought his hand to her face.
"I'll follow you to the ends of earth and beyond, Peter. Only…"
"Only what?"
"Could we honeymoon in Neverland? It's been so long since I've really seen it and I would love to see it again before we…you know, settle down and start a family." Peter looked worried for a moment and Wendy noticed him biting his lip.
"Peter? What is it?"
"I just…don't know if we're welcome there anymore. You know when I sort of ran the island I never wanted adults to be there. They try to bring too many rules with them. What if the new Pan is the same way and tries to hurt us?"
"New Pan? You've been replaced?"
"Well, the island can't survive without being attached to someone. Someone full of youth and uncorrupted innocence. There have been three Peter Pans, if you will, that I know of. The second one left to grow up and I became his successor. I didn't exactly have time to find a new successor before I disappeared so I have no idea who has taken my place." Wendy's mind raced as she struggled to take this all in. Her husband, her prince, had given up his paradise, literally, to be with her.
"You have to name a successor? What happens to the other Pans when they leave the island? Have any of them ever returned?"
"They died," Peter said quietly. The fear of death flashed in his eyes and Wendy could see it for the first time.
"Died?"
"One can die in Neverland and be reborn, if the proper rites are performed. But if a Pan dies here, in the mortal world, they are given the choice, to go onto the beyond or return to Neverland. The return, though, means the death of many on the island. The Pan is connected to the island in a magical way no one really understands. When the second Pan chose to return to Neverland, several fairies, two mermaids, and Princess Tiger Lily's sister died. No one questioned it though because it was the return of the Pan. He was welcomed back with open arms."
"And he is the Prince once again?"
"No. The Pan is exiled to the outer islands. It is his curse and blessing. He is welcome to stay in Neverland for all eternity but he must stay away from all other beings. From what I understand, the second Pan sought a way to escape Neverland and succeeded. No one knows how he did it but he got off the island and I replaced him as Prince."
"Well to live on an island all alone for the rest of your life…that's terrible. There's nothing worse than exile. Would you ever want to return to that sort of life?" Her eyes widened. "Is that why you tried to take your own life? So you could return to Neverland?"
"I don't know why I did that…all I can say is I wasn't myself for a few minutes and it almost got me killed. I suppose for a fleeting moment I wanted to return and never mind the consequences. But as I said before, I woke up and realized what I had done and begged for you to save me. I never want to return to Neverland to go to exile, no. But I wouldn't mind returning to Neverland with a queen." Wendy's jaw dropped and Peter couldn't seem to look at her.
"Queen?"
"There is one other way…a Pan can return and stay in power. If he should find a mate, someone to be loyal to him for all eternity and who can provide an heir to the island of Neverland, the Prince of Neverland becomes King and he and his Queen would reign over Neverland." All the color left Wendy's face and Peter felt her gasp before he heard it.
"Wendy-"
"You-You-You…all this time? All this time, you never mentioned any of this?!"
"Wendy, I-"
"Don't you dare, Peter Pan. Whatever you have to say, I don't want to hear. You never once mentioned you were searching for a queen who would produce an heir…did you really choose me after all?"
"Of course I did, Wendy, I-"
"Or was I just some girl you picked out in the window and thought I looked acceptable?"
"Wendy, please-"
"Did you really love me?"
"I do love you, Wendy, just let me-"
"Why, Peter?! Why me?" Peter's hand clapped over her mouth and her eyes widened. He leaned in closer and shook his head.
"Just give me a chance to explain. Please." Slowly, she nodded and his hand left her face.
"I was never searching for a mate. I never wanted to grow up. When I saw you, though, everything changed. I wanted to bring you to Neverland to see if you could ever learn to love it…and me. I didn't really understand love or the connection between two people but I knew to be the Pan forever, I'd have to bring someone here and produce an heir. When I brought you and your brothers, I fell in love with you. And when you said you wanted to go home…it broke my heart. I thought I had found the one to be loyal to me and instead I had to let you go. You remember that night on the Jolly Roger? When your kiss made me fly into the air and go pink? It was because I knew that you loved me. I've already told you, your love has saved me countless times. It defies reason and gives me more strength than a thousand men. Watching you leave was the hardest thing in the world. So I tried to forget about you and of course, I failed. I've already told you how I returned to your window each night and longed to speak to you. That day that you were kidnapped? When Tink came to you and you kissed me and said goodbye? I returned to Neverland that day with my mind made up. I would select a successor, say goodbye to Neverland, and come back to you and grow up." Wendy's eyes widened and her mouth parted slightly. Peter grasped her hands in his and she didn't pull away.
"You are my miracle, Wendy. My life. I was already prepared to give it all up to be with you. I don't regret growing up because I was already prepared to do it. Those nights that you would cry and tell me you were ripping me away from something precious…I was all ready for that, Wendy. I would give up everything just to be with you because I have never met anyone who makes me feel the way you make me feel. Tinkerbell brought me the news that you were in Neverland and I got really excited. Maybe you had come back to be with me and the Queen of the Fairies announced Neverland may have a king and queen soon. But Tink told me Hook had you and my heart fell because I knew it was all a trap for me. And I couldn't let anything happen to you so despite the fairies' pleas, I left to rescue you."
"They didn't want you to rescue me…they thought you were too important to lose," Wendy said quietly. Solemnly, Peter nodded.
"I hadn't named a successor so if something should happen to me, Neverland could fall into the wrong hands. I feel like a coward for not going back as soon as I remembered who I was but I feel that I can't now. Whoever is in control now might be more powerful and you know me, I've never run from a fight. But I can't lose you. I just can't. All of Neverland knew how much I loved you. Hook aimed to destroy me with it. The new ruler might use it as well. I just can't take that chance." She was silent for a moment, searching for her thoughts.
"Peter," she said quietly, bringing his eyes back to hers. She sat up and held her hand up beside her face. His eyes flicked from the ring on her finger back to her eyes.
"This ring means that I am loyal to only you. That I love you with all my heart. That I am yours for all eternity. If you wish to return to Neverland, I will gladly go with you." Peter's eyes widened, his heart started to race. He slowly brought her hand to his lips and pressed a chaste kiss to each of her fingers.
"You truly mean that?" Wendy sat up on her knees and bowed low before him, her long curls falling in her face.
" Your Majesty…My King," she said softly. Peter smiled lovingly and wrapping his arms around her, pulled her into his lap and decorated her face with kisses.
"I do mean it, Peter. You go and take back what is rightfully yours. I'll be by your side the whole time. We can do it together."
"If you wish it, my queen."
The day of the party, Mrs. Goldberg was fussier than ever. She came knocking at the door very early and urged them both to hurry to the bath. She and Tori helped Wendy wash and made sure she was shining before she got out of the bath. Mrs. Goldberg declared Wendy and Peter may not see each other before the party and so sent them to dress in opposite sides of the house. Tori helped Wendy with her wide hoop skirt and gown, pulling it tight and standing back to admire the dress.
Across the house, Peter glanced out the window and saw guests were starting to arrive. Nervously, he finished dressing and stood before the mirror, letting out a deep breath. Oddly enough, he was more comfortable today than he had been on previous occasions. He silently thanked the boys for picking out a suit that was very him. He felt like himself in this material and thought he looked quite dashing in it. He felt giddy when he thought about seeing his wife. Mr. Goldberg knocked and entered the room, letting out a low whistle.
"Looking good, m'boy. Very nice suit you've got there."
"You don't think it's too much, do you?"
"Never hurts to be the center of attention, lad. And you and Wendy will definitely be the center of attention," he chuckled as he clapped Peter on the shoulder. "Just came up to tell you everyone is starting to arrive. I'm on my way to tell my wife to get a move on too." Peter grinned as Mr. Goldberg hurried from the room, on his way to Wendy's room. With a final look at his reflection, Peter hurried downstairs to greet the guests.
He didn't know a majority of the people at his party. He could see the Darlings all wearing their best and further on he could see his boss, Mr. Andrew. People he had never met before were stopping to congratulate him and shaking his hand. He made his way to the Darlings and kissed Mrs. Darling's hand.
"Peter, you look simply marvelous," she gushed. Michael nudged Peter and Tootles winked at him.
"Why thank you Madame. Might I say you look quite beautiful yourself. It's easy to see where Wendy gets her looks from." Mrs. Darling let out a girlish giggle that made Mr. Darling's brow raise.
"Where is your lovely wife, Peter?" Tootles asked, trying to keep from laughing.
"She'll be along in a minute."
"Or now," Michael said, his eyes fixed on something behind Peter. He turned and felt dizzy. Wendy was entering the room with Mrs. Goldberg and Tori but it was a Wendy Peter had never seen before. He knew she was the most beautiful woman he had ever met but now he felt that all eyes were on her and he knew exactly why. She held her skirts daintily as they flowed from a bodice that accentuated her figure. The sleeves sparkled as she moved her hand and at her neck, a gleaming sapphire necklace caught the sunlight. Her long golden hair flowed around her shoulders and a headdress that matched her necklace sat atop her golden head like a crown. People could have mistaken her for the Queen of England. She looked majestic and she took the breaths away from many. But she herself felt her breath leave her as she fixed her eyes on the young man who stood beside her family. He was clad in a jacket of white with gold trimming. A strap decorated with a golden acorn reached over his shoulder and he wore grey trousers that ended in black leather boots. He stood proudly and looked every inch the Prince of Neverland. Ignoring the gaping guests, her eyes on one person only, Wendy made her way over to her husband. Coming out of his lovesick daze, he held his hand out to her and she took it proudly.
"My love," she said softly.
"My queen," he said, brushing his lips against the soft flesh of her hand.
"Announcing Mr. and Mrs. Peter Pan!" Mr. Goldberg yelled from across the room and the air was filled with cheers and applause. Mrs. Darling sniffled and pulled Wendy in her arms, whispering something in her ear. The Lost Boys all clung to Peter and wrung his hand. Slightly, who had come with Aunt Millicent, kept shaking Peter's hand and congratulating him. Mr. and Mrs. Goldberg tore them away to introduce them to some very important people, including the manager of the top bank in London, several Lords, an Earl, and even the Duchess of Salisbury. When it was time to present gifts, Wendy and Peter were stunned at the generosity of people. Feeling that they could easily fill a home with everything they had received, they thanked their guests graciously and played the most gracious of hosts. The party went on but Peter could not take his eyes off his lovely bride. He couldn't believe how lucky he was. And now he was sure that he wanted to return to Neverland, to introduce her to the Queen of the Fairies as the Queen and Mother of Neverland. He was sure with their magic combined, the island would flourish peacefully. Their love for each other could overcome all obstacles and he was sure no one had ever loved someone as much as he loved his Wendy.
The guests were starting to leave and the Darlings came to say goodbye to their daughter and son-in-law. Wendy clung to her parents as she knew this would likely be the last time she would see them for a long time. Mrs. Darling wrapped her arms around Peter and leaned in close.
"Bring her back for a visit every now and again, won't you dear?"
"Of course, Mrs. Darling. I won't keep her away for long."
"Take care of each other," Mr. Darling said, his eyes sparkling. "Keep each other safe and remain true. Remember, true love can defeat anything."
"We know, Father," Wendy took Peter's hand into her own and gave him a loving smile. With a final hug from everyone, the Darlings took their leave. Wendy and Peter saw the rest of their guests off and Wendy muttered that she was thirsty and headed back to the house. Peter watched her stop to talk to Tori for a moment before going inside and Tori came running up to him, a broad grin on her face.
"Oh Peter, I'm so happy for you both! Truly I am."
"Thank you dearest Tori. You know we'll visit you often."
"Oh Peter, you really don't have to leave so soon! You could stay here just awhile longer." Peter smiled at the girl and shook his head.
"It's time we moved on, Tori. Start a new life together. We deserve it, after all we've been through." Through her tears, Tori nodded.
"Aye, that could not be truer. You both deserve the very best."
Inside the house, Wendy greeted Miss Hillock as she was exiting the kitchen with a tray.
"Does the Lady require anything?"
"A drink would be lovely, Miss Hillock, but I can—"
"Oh no miss. Give me one moment, so I can deliver these to the Master and I'll be back in a jiff." She hurried outside and Wendy leaned against the counter. She tapped her fingers on the counter, waiting for the maid to return. She felt someone approach behind her and gasped when she saw a cloaked man inches from her.
"Begging your pardon, miss, I did not mean to frighten you."
"No, I mean, it's alright. I suppose I'm a little jittery."
"A bride always is, Miss. The Master asked me to bring this to you. Said you were thirsty and after all, this is the cup that the Master and Mistress drank from at their wedding." He handed her a magnificent goblet that looked to be made of solid gold with a jewel-encrusted handle. Wendy peered inside and swirled around the dark contents.
"What is in it?"
"A bit of wine, to toast to your new life." Wendy raised the cup to her lips and tasted the sweetness. The man leaned forward and smiled.
"No doubt you and your prince will be very happy together." Wendy felt a sharp pain in her stomach and her eyes widened.
"My…what?" The goblet slipped from her fingers and she fell sideways onto the cold floor, her eyes sliding closed.
Peter, who was entering the house to find his wife, heard the crash from the kitchen and ran inside.
"Wendy?" He spotted her hand around the corner and he dropped to his knees beside her limp body.
"Oh god, no, Wendy, wake up. Wake up sweetheart, please." He put his head to her chest and listened and breathed when he felt her breath.
"Wendy, wake up now. Wake up, dearest." His hand gently slapped her pale face but she did not move. Peter didn't see the dark shadow that came up behind him but felt a sharp pain in his head and then knew no more.