Note: Hurrah and Hoopla! The story has reviews! Thank you very much! Just to let you know, I've made some changes to the past chapters and the reason I've upped the rating is because of the, uh, 'mature' humor in this chapter (heh-heh). Thanks to SilverMidnight52 and magickmaven for their help on this chapter.

Ch.6: Comedy Tonight

The aroma of coffee woke Jennifer up as she raised her head from the table. She must have fallen asleep looking through the books in the library. Jennifer wondered if any of the books Vince and Dave had collected in their travels could help Duke. Maybe not to break the curses (that would be a miracle), she was hoping to 'weaken' them, like having Duke human during the day.

She reached for the coffee, but the cup was given to her. Then she saw Vince and Dave.

"Thank you . . ." she said, a little embarrassed. The Teague brothers gave her a stern look.

"Jennifer, we know something is going on," Dave said in a singsong voice.

"Sleeping in late, taking long naps, your trips out that last all night," Vince listed.

Jennifer mentally winced. She really had hoped that her visits to Rouge Pond were random enough that the Teague brothers wouldn't notice.

"Jennifer, we love you and you know that we have to ask because we want to protect you," Vince said. "Please, tell us. Don't force us to follow you."

Jennifer thought; maybe she could tell part of the truth.

"I really want to tell you everything, I really do," Jennifer said. "But there're curses involved—"

"Ah, say no more," Dave said. "That explains everything."

Vince frowned at his brother. "What are you talking about?"

"Jennifer can't explain because it involves curses," Dave said.

"But what if something happens to her because of them, Dave?" Vince said. "She could come home as a cat!"

"I like cats."

"I'm thinking of the best case scenario!"

"Then what you suggest we do?"

Dave and Vince stood there thinking for a moment.

"I've got it!" Vince said and looked at Jennifer. "Would it be okay if we guessed what happened?"

"Um, yeah, that would work," Jennifer said.

"Great idea, Vince!" Dave said. "We'll start simple at first: keep it with 'yes' or 'no' questions."

Vince nodded in agreement and the brothers thought of questions.

"Are you helping someone who is cursed?" Vince asked.

"Yes."

"And you're helping him or her?" Dave asked.

"Yes."

"Which is it? Him or her?" Vince asked.

"That's not a 'yes' or 'no' question, Vince!" Dave scolded.

"Well, it's an important question, Dave!" Vince retorted.

"It's fine; I'll answer," Jennifer said with a tiny smile. "Him."

"Oo-h!" The Teague brothers were defiantly intrigued.

"Do you like him?" Dave asked.

"Dave!" Jennifer exclaimed, but decided to answer the question. "I . . . think so."

"Would we like him?" Vince asked.

"Maybe?" she responded.

"Is his family famous?" Vince asked.

"More like infamous," Jennifer said and saw the brothers' eyebrows shot up. "But he's totally different! He's sweet!"

The brothers thought over what Jennifer said and looked at each other.

"Has he ever hurt you?" Vince asked.

"No!" Jennifer exclaimed. "When I first saw him, I thought he was an illusion."

The Teague brothers looked proud.

"Is he the one who owns the owl that delivered your message?" Dave asked.

"Well . . . Bowie's a wild animal, but without him, I couldn't get my message to you," Jennifer said. The brothers looked at each other again.

"Last question," Dave said. "You will let us know if you need help?"

"Oh, yes," Jennifer said.

"Well, Vince, I'm satisfied with her answers. How about you?" Dave said, looking at his brother.

"I'm good as well, Dave," Vince said and looked at Jennifer. "Thank you for your answers, Jennifer."

With that, the Teague brothers left the library. Jennifer let out a sign of relief and drank her coffee.

"Did you have any favorite servants growing up?" Jennifer asked Duke, as they relaxed under a big tree.

"Most of them didn't stay long because of my parents' . . . attitudes," Duke said. "Eleanor and her daughter, Julia have been the only ones who stayed. I guess they'd tolerated my parents' behavior or they liked me."

"Probably both," Jennifer commented.

"Maybe," Duke said and smiled. "Julia had a crush on me when we were little."

"Really?" Jennifer said, pretending to be offended.

"She grew out of it; she had enough of my . . . shenanigans," Duke said, defending himself. Jennifer chuckled. "But I really miss Gloria."

"Gloria?" There was no way . . . well, maybe . . . there was one way to find out. "What was Gloria's position in your household?"

"She was our family physician," Duke said. "She quit because my Mom wanted her to make narcotics, and she refused. But no matter how much trouble I was in, Gloria had my back."

Duke smiled. "There was this one time when I was 14, my parents were on vacation, and Gloria had all these failed potions she wanted to throw away, but I had a better idea."

"Which was?" Jennifer asked.

"I sold them as sex enhancing drugs," Duke said, making Jennifer laugh. "When Gloria found out, she didn't scold me; she supplied me with more of her failed potions. Don't worry; they didn't make anyone sick, but what they really did . . . now that was funny."

"Such as?"

"One made a man make horse sounds, another one made him believe he was a beautiful woman. There was one that made a guy smell of cookies and another made a man's head all red and swollen," Duke said, causing Jennifer to laugh even harder. "Oh, when I say 'head' I mean the one attached to the neck."

"Did you get in trouble?" Jennifer asked and Duke shook his head.

"That would mean the men had to explain why they were buying sex enhancing drugs," Duke said as his smile grew. "I split the profits with Gloria."

Jennifer then remembered her question she almost forgot to ask because of Duke's story.

"By the way, what was her full name?"

"Gloria Verrano."

Jennifer's mind was already planning.

Some Nights Later

"So why am I standing here in the middle of the night when I could be sleeping?" Gloria asked as she stood beside Jennifer, who was looking into the forest which connected to the back gardens, holding her lantern high.

Tonight the Teague brothers were taking Sir Howard and Garland to a famous opera which was notorious long. Jennifer decided to take this opportunity to invite Duke over, but to also reunite him with an old friend.

"Please tell me you haven't lost your mind," Gloria said, while Jennifer was concentrating on looking for Duke.

Soon they heard the sound of someone walking through the forest, coming their direction, and a second later, Duke appeared. Jennifer smiled and ran up to him. After they hugged, Jennifer led him to Gloria and made sure they saw each other perfectly in the lantern light. Duke and Gloria studied each other.

"Gloria?" Duke asked.

"Duke . . .? Duke Crocker? Is that you?" Gloria asked.

Duke smiled and nodded, and hugged the older woman. When they were done, Gloria punched Duke in the shoulder.

"Ow! What was that for?" Duke asked, rubbing where Gloria punched him.

"For leaving your idiotic brother in charge!" Gloria said.

"That wasn't my idea," Duke said, looking kind of sad and Gloria noticed.

"Do we need alcohol for your explanation?" Gloria asked.

"Probably."

"Follow me," Gloria said, leading Duke and Jennifer to the castle.

After Gloria heard Duke's story, she poured him another shot glass of whiskey.

"Wow, kid; that's rough," Gloria said as she poured herself a shot. When she put the bottle down, they both took a swig of Jameson.

"You still buy good liquor," Duke said, smacking his lips.

"You still have good taste," Gloria said, making Duke smile. She turned to look at Jennifer sleeping on her bed. "She has a good heart, but you already knew that; she even accepted you being a Crocker."

Duke nodded in agreement.

"So, you like her?" Gloria asked bluntly.

"I . . . do like being with her . . ." Duke began, making Gloria smile.

"Ah, you don't have to tell me everything," Gloria said. "Just treat her good, or the Teague brothers will have to wait in line to rip you apart."

Duke softly chuckled and he and Gloria talked some more. After a while, Jennifer woke up, and they all decided to leave the castle.

"Try not to get yourself anymore cursed, okay?" Gloria said as she and Duke hugged each other good-bye. She then looked at Jennifer. "And you keep an eye on him."

Jennifer and Duke nodded and left Gloria. They were halfway out of the castle, when Duke stopped her.

"This is your castle, right?" Duke asked. "How about a quick tour?"

"Duke, I don't want any of the servants to see you," Jennifer said. "I know they'll inform Vince and Dave."

"We don't need to see all of the castle."

"Duke, no."

"You know I haven't stayed in my home in months; I miss it. Please?" Duke pleaded.

Jennifer sighed; somehow Duke could pull off looking like a sad otter as a human that could melt anyone's heart.

"Fine, but when I say it's time to go, we leave, okay?" Jennifer said and Duke nodded and grinned.

"Thank you," Duke said, still grinning as he followed Jennifer.

Jennifer knew most of the servants' schedules so they could not be caught. She had to admit it was fun showing Duke around, and he was really appreciative that he was able to look around. Right now, they were looking through the art gallery.

"Who's this couple?" Duke asked, looking at a large portrait of a royal couple.

"My parents," Jennifer said in a mournful tone. Duke noticed Jennifer's sad expression.

"You truly loved them," Duke said and Jennifer just nodded back in response. Duke held Jennifer close to comfort her. "At least now I know where you get your beauty."

Jennifer stared at Duke. Did he really say that?

"What?" Duke asked, seeing her expression.

Before Jennifer could answer, they heard footsteps and saw the dim glow of a lantern light. Jennifer motioned for Duke to hide in one of the antechambers, and he did. When she felt Duke was safe, she walked towards the footsteps and found herself facing Stan, one of the most reliable guards.

"Jennifer, what are you doing here?" Stan asked.

"I couldn't sleep," Jennifer quickly said. Stan just nodded back.

"Maybe it's good you're up; it's going to be noisy when they all come back," Stan said, and Jennifer noticed his choice of words.

"'They?'" she asked.

"Oh, you haven't heard; the Teague brothers are coming back home with their friends. Something happened—I don't remembered what—but they had to cancel the final act of the opera. So they're coming back," Stan explained. Jennifer's eyes widen.

"Oh, um, thanks, Stan," Jennifer said. "You may return to your rounds."

Stan nodded and walked out. Jennifer quickly walked back, looking for Duke.

"Duke? Duke?" Jennifer whispered, trying to remember what room he went in. She gasped in surprise when someone caught her arm, and she was relieved to see it was Duke.

"I heard everything; I guess I should go now," Duke said and Jennifer nodded.

"Perhaps we should try the side door to . . . no, that wouldn't work . . . maybe the servants' door back . . . too many people right now . . . the guards'' corridor is out of the question . . ." Jennifer reviewed, trying to think of a way to sneak Duke out.

"Jennifer, I'm sorry," Duke said, making her look at him. "I don't want to get you in any trouble; I just wanted to be in a familiar place again . . . and spend more time with you."

Jennifer quickly smiled, but they heard footsteps coming their direction and voices.

"That's Vince and Dave! They're back!" Jennifer exclaimed and headed for the nearest door, which was locked. Duke wished he had something to pick the lock and he was about to look for something, when Jennifer took out a ring of keys and opened the door. Once Duke was inside, she closed the door, and greeted the men.

"Jennifer, what are you doing here?" Dave asked. "Did we wake you?"

"No, I couldn't sleep," Jennifer said. "So, um, why did the opera ended early?"

"Dave and Vince got us backstage to meet the cast," Garland said. "Just as we were about to return to our seats, Sir Howard wished the actors 'break a leg'. Next thing we hear is that one of them tripped over a prop and broke a leg."

"Oh, that's horrible," Jennifer said, and she meant it. "I hope you'll see the ending soon."

The men thanked Jennifer and went on their way. Jennifer let out a sign of relief.

Meanwhile

Duke noticed the candles as he entered the room and glanced around, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the lack of light. He heard the soft giggling and moaning of pleasure. He shook his head and smirked when he realized who was doing what in the large bed – thankfully under the sheets. Well, mostly under the sheets. Audrey was leaning over Nathan, who was brushing his fingers over Audrey's skin.

"Wow, couldn't you two put a sock on the door? A tie? Some kind of sign? Nice skills, by the way, Nathan," Duke finally had to said.

"Oh my God," Audrey gasped as she moved off of Nathan, and gathered the blankets around herself.

Nathan sat up and glared at Duke. "I didn't know I needed a 'Do Not Disturb' sign. Wait, what are you doing here? No. Actually, how did you get in here?"

That's when Jennifer came in, looking down at her keys.

"Okay, Duke, they're gone now; all we have to do is—OH MY—" Jennifer's jaw almost hit the floor when she saw Audrey and Nathan.

"I am so sorry!" Jennifer apologized. "I just needed a room to hide Duke."

"Why do you need a room to hide Duke?" Audrey asked.

"Right; you don't know. Vince, Dave and the others are back early from the opera," Jennifer said.

Nathan and Audrey looked freaked out and they instantly got out of bed, searching for their clothes. Duke and Jennifer looked at each other confused, before looking at Nathan and Audrey again.

"What's your problem?" Duke finally asked.

"Sir Howard doesn't want us sleeping together until we are married," Audrey explained, flustered, as she put on her bra. Nathan was hopping around the room, trying put on his pants in a hurry, as he swore. He then noticed Duke and Jennifer were still staring at them.

"Got anything better to do? Go, go, go!" Nathan shooed them out.

Nathan slammed the door closed once Duke and Jennifer were outside the room. The two looked at each other and laughed.

"Should we be here?" Duke asked as they went up a level.

"There'll be a lot of activity on the previous floor because they returned early, so on this floor we'll run into less people," Jennifer said. "Once we're at the other side, we'll head back down, and go to the laundry room. No one will be there at this time of night, and there's a door leading to the river."

Duke agreed; he liked Jennifer's plan.

"All we need to do is to avoid any—" they heard footsteps heading their direction. "—guards."

Duke and Jennifer looked at each other. She took out her ring of keys and unlocked the nearest door. Duke quickly went inside, and after Jennifer made sure the door was closed, she went up to the guard.

"Hi, Rebecca," Jennifer greeted. "Strange night, huh?"

"Wait," Jennifer thought as Rebecca talked. "Did I put Duke in my room?"

Duke looked around the room Jennifer picked. He could tell it was Jennifer's room because he recognized her shoes lying next to her bed. Was it by accident that Jennifer put him in here or was it because . . . it was more likely she was in a hurry and just placed him in the nearest room.

Duke studied her room. It was neither overly feminine nor plain; it was nicely decorated. She had a four-post bed with lace curtains, paintings of beautiful scenes with fantastic beasts, a good sized bookshelf filled with books, a vanity with a three-sided mirror, a closet, chest of drawers, tall windows leading to a balcony, and he could see flowers growing in pots on the balcony ledge.

He then noticed a table with rows of what looked like jewelry boxes, beautifully decorated with gemstones. One of the boxes, with an engraving of a lighthouse on the lid, caught his attention. His curiosity overcame his good judgement and he opened it.

The box was actually a music box which played an enchanting, yet bittersweet tune, when it was opened. Duke saw inside the music box was a key, about 4 inches or 101 cm long, made of some unfamiliar metal, with beautiful designs etched on it, along with the Mason family's coat-of-arms on the top. The key was attached to a thin metal chain.

"Sorry it took so long. She—" Jennifer stopped when she heard the familiar melody and then saw Duke looking at her music box.

She rushed over, and to her relief, saw the key was still there. She shut the lid and held the music box close to her. Jennifer glared at Duke.

"You shouldn't touch other people's belongings!" Jennifer exclaimed.

"I was bored. What did you want me to do? Go through your underwear?" Duke asked.

Jennifer blinked and then broke out laughing; Duke soon joined her.

"I'm sorry I overacted; just this is really precious to me," Jennifer explained, looking at the music box.

"If I may so bold to ask, why is it so important to you?" Duke asked, interested.

Jennifer opened the music box and looked inside. "This is the Mason enchanted heirloom. It's been passed down through the generations. My parents gave this to me before they died."

"What kind of magic?" Duke asked, curious.

"It only works in times of dire situations. When someone is in grave danger, the key will allow a member of the Mason family to travel to that person," Jennifer said, smiling, but it soon faded. "There is a way to activate the magic, but my parents passed away before they were able to tell me, and to my knowledge, it's not written down."

Jennifer closed the music box and placed it back. She then looked at Duke.

"Does your family have any special heirlooms?" Jennifer asked and Duke shrugged.

"I don't know. Most of the Crockers' heirlooms are missing, stolen, broken, or sold to pay off debts," Duke said, trying to sound like it wasn't a big deal. "All I have is my grandfather's journal and the Crockers' heirloom knife, which is back at my cabin. Wade doesn't even know of its existence."

"Oh," was the only thing Jennifer could say. "Let's get you out."

Duke nodded and followed Jennifer out of her room.

"Jennifer, I really think we should hurry," Duke said as they walked through the slightly darken laundry room.

"I know, but I want to be careful as well," Jennifer said.

"I'm not worried about getting caught, it's—" Duke started to say.

"Who's there?" a voice asked as a figure walked towards them.

"Hide!" Jennifer exclaimed, pushing Duke into a large laundry hamper. She then walked up to whoever spoke.

"What are you doing here, Jennifer?" Garland asked.

"You know, couldn't sleep, so I decided to take a walk," Jennifer said, trying to sound casual. "What are you doing in the laundry room?"

"Trying to find a place to smoke in peace," Garland said, taking out a cigarette. "Boy won't shut up about how it affects my health. I know this area is a fire hazard. You know of any place better?"

"Well, you know it's not really good for your health," Jennifer said in a teasing-scolding voice.

"Just help me out, and next time you can take my cigarettes away from me," Garland said.

"Oh . . . okay . . . just this once," Jennifer said, playing along. "The courtyard is safe."

"Thanks, Princess," Garland said and kissed her cheek before he left.

Jennifer made sure Garland was really gone, before she bent down looking for Duke.

"The coast is clear, Duke," Jennifer said, trying to see Duke in the linen. Duke soon surfaced.

"Jennifer, I really need to leave," Duke said, trying to climb out.

"I'm trying," Jennifer said, trying to pull him out.

"Listen to me, it's . . . no . . ." Duke said in a resigned tone.

Jennifer realized Duke was becoming lighter and it became easier to get him out and she saw why. Duke was shrinking and growing fur and a tail. Soon Jennifer was holding an otter in her arms.

"You were trying to tell me the sun was rising, weren't you?" Jennifer said. Duke could only nod his head in response.

Jennifer thought over her situation. Okay, bad news: otters are not very agile on land; good news: Duke was now small enough to hide. Jennifer readjusted Duke and made sure he was comfortable, before she walked on. They were now coming to the area of the room where servants picked up clean laundry. She was almost there . . .

"Miss. Mason, is that you?" Sir Howard's voice asked.

Jennifer quickly looked around and hid Duke in a wicker laundry basket, covering him with the sheets.

"Ah, it is you, Miss. Mason," Sir Howard said, coming up to her, as she stood up. Sir Howard looked confused. "What are you doing?"

"I . . . uh . . . thought I could help the servants by organizing the laundry," Jennifer quickly said.

"I see," Sir Howard said in an uninterested tone. They moved aside as the servants entered the room. "Have you seen King Garland?"

"Try the courtyard," Jennifer said.

"I will; thank you, Miss. Mason," Sir Howard said and bowed his head to her before he left.

Jennifer turned around to get Duke out of the laundry basket . . .

. . . only to find the laundry basket gone.

She held in her scream.

"Jennifer, what's wrong?" Audrey asked, seeing her run up to her and Nathan, looking like she was about to cry.

"Duke . . ." Jennifer said, trying not to break down in tears.

"What happened? What did he do to you? Did he hurt you?" Nathan questioned. Jennifer shook her head and took in deep breaths before explaining what happened with Duke.

"Don't worry, Jennifer, we'll help you look," Audrey said. "Right, Nathan?"

Nathan nodded his head in agreement. Duke may not be his favorite person, but he could put aside his mistrust to help Jennifer.

"All we have to do is to find him before—" A female scream interrupted Audrey. "—anyone else does."

Everyone ran to the room where the scream originated to see the new maid, Hadley Chambers, terrified, and a wicket basket overturned with sheets dumped on the floor.

"What happened, Hadley?" Dave kindly asked.

"Gi-Gi-Gi-Giant rat," Hadley said, hysterical. "I was just putting away the clean sheets, when I saw it in the basket—"

"That's impossible. Giant rats don't live this far north," Garland said.

Author's Note: He's right

"This could be an invasive species," Sir Howard suggested. "Are you sure it was a giant rat, Miss. Chambers?"

"It was this big!" Hadley said, indicating the length with her hands. "Lots of whiskers . . . furry . . . long tail . . ."

"He's not a giant rat! He's a river otter!" Jennifer suddenly exclaimed, causing everyone to stare at her. "I mean . . . your description sounds more like a river otter . . . a male river otter."

"Even so, it must be eliminated," Sir Howard said, causing Jennifer's eyes to widen, and he noticed. "A river otter coming inside a castle is unusual behavior. Therefore, it must be diseased and destroyed before it inflects any human."

"No, wait!" Jennifer pleaded. "Couldn't we . . . capture the otter, try to cure him, then set him free somewhere else?"

"Do not let your emotions cloud your judgment, Miss. Mason," Sir Howard said. "This has to be done for the good of the kingdom."

Sir Howard then left and the Teague brothers followed him. Garland looked at Nathan before he joined them.

"Aren't you going to join us for the hunt, son?" Garland asked.

"I'll be right there . . . I'll escort Jennifer to her room for her safety," Nathan said.

"Good plan," Garland said, nodding, and then left. The three looked at each other.

"We need to find Duke, fast!" Audrey said.

"From what I hear, hiding is one of his specialties," Nathan said. "It's going to be impossible finding him."

"If we only knew his pattern of behavior," Audrey said.

Jennifer then got a bright idea. There might be someone who could help . . .

Gloria grumbled as she got out of bed to answer whoever was knocking on her door. However, her anger disappeared when she saw Jennifer's very worried face on the other side.

"What's wrong?" Gloria asked in a concern voice.

Jennifer explained the events that happened after she and Duke left Gloria.

"And now Sir Howard and the others are hunting Duke, thinking he's a diseased animal," Jennifer said, feeling the tears welled up in her eyes. "They're going to kill him, Gloria! Nathan said Duke is great at hiding, but we need to find him before Sir Howard does! You were with Duke as he grew up. Do you have any idea where he would hide? Please, Gloria! I don't—"

Gloria raised her hand. "I was already on your side the moment I saw your face."

Jennifer smiled, feeling a little better. Gloria thought over the facts.

"By now Duke is aware people are looking for him, but I know he's not going to leave without knowing you're okay," Gloria reviewed and pondered. She then smiled. "Of course . . . it's that simple! I know where he is."

"Where?" Jennifer asked.

"Hiding in plain sight," Gloria said, smirking.

"This looks like a good spot," Gloria said as she and Jennifer stopped in front of one of natural pools in the back gardens. Jennifer scanned the water.

"Duke? Duke? Are you here?" Jennifer called out.

She was filled with relief as an otter head popped out of the water. When Duke saw the women, he submerged and swam to them. Once Duke was close enough, Jennifer picked up the otter and hugged him; she didn't even mind her clothes getting wet.

"I'm so happy you're safe, Duke," Jennifer said as she hugged him and he gave her a nose kiss.

Gloria was about to leave when Jennifer pulled her into the hug.

"I don't know how to thank you, Gloria," Jennifer said.

"That two week vacation I asked for next month should be enough," Gloria said, making Jennifer briefly laugh. "Okay, happy time is over; let's get Duke out of here before things really get out of control."

"You did what?!" Sir Howard demanded.

"You heard me! I had enough hearing you stomp around the castle, so I cooked up a musk similar to a female otter's scent to lure the otter outside," Gloria said. "Oh, and by the way, it didn't look sick."

"Let's be sure," Garland said. "Show us where you let the otter out."

"This way, gentlemen," Gloria said, leading the men away.

Audrey checked the coast was clear and signaled the others to follow her. First was Nathan, carrying a tall woven basket on his back, then came Jennifer.

When they were outside, Nathan felt the basket moving.

"Not yet, Duke," Nathan whispered, and Duke pulled his head back in.

They stopped when they were a good distance away from the castle and in the forest. Nathan placed the basket down and removed the top; Jennifer helped Duke out.

"I'm sorry this happened, Duke," Jennifer said. Duke shook his head.

"I think Duke is trying to say you shouldn't blame yourself, and he is responsible," Nathan said and Duke nodded his head. "Which he is."

Duke stuck out his tongue at Nathan hearing his comment, causing the women to laugh.

"I think I should wait till things calm down until we see each over again," Jennifer said and Duke nodded in agreement. "Thanks; I'll keep you updated."

Duke nodded again and headed to the river. Nathan, Audrey, and Jennifer then returned to the castle.

"What a crazy night," Audrey commented and looked at Jennifer. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Yes," Jennifer said.

She agreed it was a crazy night, but there was one good thing that came out of it which was what Duke said in the art gallery.

"At least now I know where you get your beauty."

Those words brought a smile to Jennifer's face.