Note: Made corrections and changes in past chapters.
Ch. 18: Stolen Dance
Jennifer anxiously scanned around the ballroom, looking for Duke. She really hoped nothing's bad had happened to him. She wished her best friends were here for support, but Audrey and Nathan were delayed because of a diplomatic mission, and Duke . . .
Jennifer fiddled with her dress, a long white gown, suitable for dancing. The bodice was decorated with embroided colorful flowers, shaped like stars, and the long sleeves were made out of lace. She wore simple jewelry, and her favorite tiara. On her feet were soft, but sturdy dance shoes. She glanced around again . . . still no sign of Duke . . .
"Jennifer, what are you doing here?" Vince asked as the Teague brothers approached her. "This is your party; you should be out there mingling."
"Knock it off, Vince; it's her party and she can do what she wants," Dave said. "Besides, she already danced with King Garland . . . twice!"
"I'm worried about Duke," Jennifer said.
"We know, but you can't stay here and worry," Vince said. "People will get suspicious if you spend your party standing in one spot."
"We'll let you know if he arrives," Dave said.
Jennifer agreed and smiled. She then saw 'Duke' entering the room, wearing a suit that made him even more handsome in her opinion. Jennifer happily smiled and ran to his side. She grabbed his hand and signal for the orchestra to pause, getting everyone's attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Jennifer said, presenting 'Duke.' "I, Jennifer Mason, invoke the Mason Law of Protection for Duke Crocker!"
There was some murmuring, but the orchestra began playing again and the people went back to the party.
Jennifer looked at 'Duke' still smiling. She then hugged and kissed him. When they were done kissing, Jennifer felt something was different about 'Duke.' He seemed so stiff, like he wasn't used kissing her.
"Are you all right?" she asked, concerned.
"I'll . . . be okay," 'Duke' said, smiling.
"I mean, you weren't zapped by a magical booby-trap when you were destroying Arla's skins, were you?" Jennifer asked.
"No, everything was fine," 'Duke' said.
"Tell me what happened!" Jennifer excitingly said.
". . . Later," 'Duke' said. ". . . Let's get some food first."
"Oh," Jennifer said, disappointed, and led 'Duke' to the refreshment area.
They passed Sir Howard, who was leaving, looking disgusted, and King Garland, who was asking the Teague brothers if they had any brandy while he watched Jennifer and 'Duke.'
"Nathan and Audrey aren't here yet, they're on a diplomatic mission," Jennifer said when they reached the refreshment area.
"Huh? What? . . . Fine," Duke said, breaking away from looking over the food. Jennifer was confused, but then she remembered something.
"Oh, I hope you don't mind, but I was thinking that you propose to me just before the sun rises," she said. "That way, we'll see if your curses are truly broken. Do you like that idea?"
"Yes, that sounds great," 'Duke' said, smiling, and kissed her, but his kiss felt forceful. Jennifer frowned a little afterwards.
"Are you sure you're all right?" Jennifer asked, concerned that he really was zapped by a magical booby-trap.
"Nothing you need to worry about," 'Duke' said in a placating tone; something he's never done before.
Jennifer looked unconvinced, while 'Duke' got his food.
Wade turned to where Arla was observing the party. They had acquired a pair of magical artifacts. The artifacts hid Arla's presence from the Teague's magic security system; while at the same time, let her walk around unnoticed by people. The other artifact, which Wade was wearing, allowed Wade to see her. Wade wondered if he should sneak some food for Arla, but knew she could take care of herself, and just listened to Jennifer blabbing.
Duke struggled against the restraints which held him in the dungeon. His hands were shackled and chained against the wall. His legs were tied up and he was still gagged. He looked away from the soldier that stood guard and to the window and the night sky. Jennifer had to figure out that it's really Wade, she was smart enough, but he had to escape to protect her from Arla.
"So when are they coming?" Jennifer asked, once she and 'Duke' were finished eating and were strolling around the ballroom. "Are they coming when dessert is ready?"
"'They?'" 'Duke' asked, looking confused.
"You know who I'm talking about," Jennifer said; she couldn't believe Duke forgot about his animal friends. She fondly remembered how Dwight danced when she gave the animals permission to attend.
"Oh . . . them," 'Duke' finally said. "They . . . couldn't make it."
"Oh." Once again, Jennifer was disappointed. "How come?"
"Something came up," 'Duke' quickly said.
"Are you sure you're all right?" Jennifer asked again, as they stopped. 'Duke' looked at her and smiled.
"Maybe I'm a little . . . stressed with everything that's happening," 'Duke' said, smiling. "I'm sorry to worry you."
'Duke' then kissed Jennifer. However, in the middle of the kiss, Jennifer jerked away, looking shocked.
"You bit my lip!" she exclaimed, as she touched her bloody lip.
"You'll be fine," 'Duke' said, sounding casual, and tossed her a napkin.
Jennifer gave 'Duke' an odd look as she dabbed the napkin on her lip. She knew now something was definitely wrong with Duke.
Duke looked around for something to pick the locks on his shackles. He saw a piece of wire on the floor, but he couldn't reach it with the way his hands were bound. He rested his head against the cold stone wall. There had to be a way . . .
He then saw movement in the shadows and noticed Tommy sticking out of a small crack in the wall. Tommy lifted his head and flicked his tongue in and out a few times. The snake had to retreat into the hole when one of the soldiers marched passed. Duke felt a little hopeful. Maybe one of his animal friends could help him escape.
"So Duke's locked up in the dungeon, bounded and gagged," Dwight reviewed and Tommy nodded. Dwight began pacing as Claire and Tommy watched him. "There're probably soldiers guarding him."
Tommy nodded again, while Dwight continued to pace, thinking on how to rescue Duke. He soon stopped and covered his face with a paw.
"What are we doing?" Dwight said, removing his paw.
"We're helping Duke escape, remember?" Claire said a little concerned.
"Exactly," Dwight said, and the snake and duck looked at him. "This is Duke we're talking about! He knows how to escape! He just needs the right tools!"
"So how are we going to get him out?" Claire asked.
"By coming up with a different plan," Dwight said and looked at Tommy.
Jennifer found herself smiling when she heard the orchestra playing one of her favorite songs.
"Let's dance!" Jennifer said, grabbing 'Duke's' hand and leading him to the dance floor, hoping she could enjoy dancing this melody with him.
Unfortunately, 'Duke' seemed rather ungraceful and unskilled at dancing; causing her to think that maybe this wasn't even the real Duke.
"Maybe we should have Gloria take a look at you," Jennifer said as they danced.
"I'm fine," 'Duke' said and leaned in close to her, smiling. "Trust me."
This was the first time Jennifer wasn't comforted by Duke's smile.
Audrey and Nathan apologized for being late as they took off their coats and entered the ballroom. They quickly looked around and saw Jennifer dancing with 'Duke.'
"Huh," Nathan said, watching them, not noticing Audrey's horrified expression. "Jennifer said Duke was an excellent dancer. Guess you can't—"
"Um, Nathan," Audrey said in a low voice. That's not Duke."
"What?"
"I think it's his brother, Wade," Audrey said, studying 'Duke.'
"Then what . . . what ... is it? An illusion? A transformation spell?" Nathan questioned.
"I don't know! I only know it's magic!" Audrey snapped.
"I'm sorry . . . we just need to think," Nathan said and took in a deep breath. "Duke has to be alive."
"I'm more concerned about Jennifer," Audrey said, watching her. "I don't think Wade's going to let her out of his sight."
"I got an idea," Nathan said and took Audrey's hand. "Follow my lead."
"Duke, tell me the truth, please," Jennifer said as they danced. "What's wrong?"
"Let's talk about the True Heart Lands instead," 'Duke' said. "How strong is your army?"
"What?"
"Hi, Duke! Nice to see you! Great party, huh? Do you mind if we cut in?" Nathan quickly said as he and Audrey danced through, then Nathan danced away with Jennifer, while Audrey led 'Duke' in the opposite direction. Jennifer sighed.
"Nathan, could you please not act—"
"That isn't Duke," Nathan said through his teeth, formed into a fake smile. Jennifer realized her worst fears were confirmed.
"What?"
"Look happy," Nathan said and Jennifer attempted to smile. "We don't know if Arla's here or not."
"Who is it?" Jennifer asked.
"Audrey thinks it's Wade," Nathan said and Jennifer's eyes grew wide. "She knows it's some type of magic, but she doesn't what type it is."
"Then where's my . . . the real Duke?" Jennifer asked, quickly glancing at Audrey, who was trying to distract 'Duke.'
"We don't know; he can't be dead. Wade and Arla can't get to Charlotte if he's dead," Nathan said, looking at Jennifer.
"Find Vince and Dave," Jennifer said. "They might know a way to break the spell."
Nathan nodded. "I was thinking along the same lines." They then noticed 'Duke' had slipped away from Audrey and was heading their direction. "Jennifer, you have to be strong. Wade must not find out that we know. Hopefully we can talk later."
Jennifer nodded and they stopped dancing when the song was done as 'Duke' reached them.
"Nathan," 'Duke' said, smirking, as Audrey caught up. "That was a sly trick, stealing my bride-to-be."
"I just had to pull one on you," Nathan said with a huge fake smile as Audrey stood by his side.
"I better keep an eye on you so that won't happen again," 'Duke' said, grabbing Jennifer's arm.
"Um . . . would you like to pick a place to propose to me?" Jennifer asked.
"An excellent idea," 'Duke' said, and looked at Audrey and Nathan. "Pardon us."
Audrey and Nathan looked on, concerned, as they watched 'Duke' and Jennifer.
"We got to find Vince and Dave, fast," Audrey said.
Nathan agreed and they began looking.
Jess ran to the kitchen when she heard Julia screaming. Luckily she arrived to see the snake on the counter before a solder showed up.
"I'll take care of the snake," Jess said to the solider.
The solider scanned the kitchen, then left. Jess breathed out a sigh of relief before she went over to the snake.
"You're one of Duke's friends, right?" Jess asked and Tommy nodded back. "What can we do to help?"
Tommy slithered across the counter and stopped at a cupboard. He shook his tail around it, hoping the women got the message. Julia opened the cupboard and Tommy went inside. He soon got out and slithered to another cupboard, repeating the motion.
Julia and Jess knew Tommy was looking for something, but they didn't know what.
Finally, Tommy slid out of a cupboard with his tail curled around a safety pin. Tommy nodded his thanks to the women before he slithered through a crack. Julia and Jess felt more hopeful that Duke could escape.
"Ah, there you are, Jennifer. We've been looking for you," Vince said, stopping 'Duke' and Jennifer.
"Yes?" 'Duke' asked.
"Well, you see . . . there's a problem with the . . . dessert menu," Dave said. "Isn't that right, Vince?"
"Oh . . . yes, yes," Vince said. "We'd like your opinion on . . . other options."
"Sure," Jennifer said, stepping forward.
"It probably won't be interesting to you, Duke," Vince said, as he and Dave shielded Jennifer from 'Duke.' "You can wait here."
"We won't be long," Dave said as they walked off.
They soon stopped in the middle of a hallway leading to the kitchen.
"Nathan and Audrey told us what's going on," Vince said. "Oh, Jennifer, we're so sorry."
"Can you help?" Jennifer asked.
"We're already researching spells Arla could have used," Dave said. "We just need to narrow it down to know how to break it."
"I'll go—"Jennifer said, then stopped herself. "Wade would get suspicious if I leave."
The Teague brothers nodded.
"Don't worry, Jennifer. Audrey and Nathan are going to keep an eye on you while we research the spell," Vince said. "Gloria said she'll help as well."
"I wish we could do more," Dave said.
"This is more than I hoped for; thank you," Jennifer said and hugged the Teague brothers.
"We better hurry back before Wade gets suspicious," Vince said.
Jennifer and Dave agreed and they all walked back to the party.
Duke was not only upset, he was also bored. There was nothing to do being restrained against the wall. He then saw movements in the shadows and saw Tommy slithering to him, with something attached to his tail. Tommy slithered up Duke's body which was a little difficult with his tail curled around a safety pin, and Duke noticed, so he scooted his body to make it easier for the snake. Tommy then moved around Duke's arm to his fingers. He then let go of the safety pin in Duke's hand. Duke inwardly smiled. Tommy then slithered around to Duke's neck and whispered something in his ear. Tommy then slithered away before a soldier marched by. Duke then began working on the lock, smiling over Tommy's information.
Jennifer would have enjoyed her birthday cake more if Duke was the one sitting next to her and not Wade. She really needed a break from Wade, and found an opportunity when they ran into Audrey and Nathan.
"Hey, Audrey, I would like your help with our wedding plans," Jennifer said and looked at 'Duke.' "I don't want to bore you with this."
"No, that's okay; there's something I need to do as well," 'Duke' said when something caught his eye. "I'll be back."
Jennifer smiled and 'Duke' kissed her. When 'Duke' was gone, Jennifer looked disgusted.
"Any word from Vince and Dave?" Jennifer asked.
"They narrowed it down to 15 spells," Nathan said; Jennifer sighed.
"I wish I could help," she said.
"You are; by acting like everything's fine, Arla or Wade won't find out what the Teague brothers are doing," Audrey said.
Jennifer smiled; glad she wasn't alone.
"What is it?" Wade asked Arla, wondering why she signaled him to come over to her.
"There is a problem," Arla said.
"What? I think I'm doing a good job with my performance," Wade said and Arla rolled her eyes.
"Sometimes, it's not always about you," Arla said, somewhat annoyed. "Let me refresh your memory: Audrey Parker is immune to magic, which means she can see through the spell. This also means these artifacts are worthless! So far, I've been able to avoid being seen by her, but sooner or later, she's going to see me and have us arrested."
"We still have Duke—"
"They're not going to be intimated just because we have him."
Wade then sinisterly smiled as he usually did when he came up with an idea. "Then we should up the ante."
When Arla heard Wade's plan, she smiled.
"So where are we now?" Dave asked, taking off his glasses and rubbing his eyes.
"We narrowed it down to 7 spells," Vince said, looking over the list.
"I'm going to get us some coffee," Dave said after he replaced his glasses and stood up. Vince nodded his thanks and started looking through a book.
"Just don't mix up our flavors again," Vince reminded as Dave headed for the door.
"Believe me; I don't want to go through that fiasco again," Dave shot back as he opened the door.
Vince immediately stood up when he heard a loud thunk, like a body hitting the floor.
"Dave?" No answer. "Dave?"
Vince cautiously walked to the door. The first thing he saw was Dave lying on the floor, unconscious. The next thing he saw was powder blowing into his face and he blacked out.
Eleanor walked to the dungeon, carrying a tray of food and water for Duke. She wondered if the soldiers would allow Duke to eat on his own while they watch him, or would she have to feed him.
Her thoughts were broken as she suddenly stopped, when a soldier collapsed in front of her and disintegrated into black oily bubbles that floated away. She couldn't believe her eyes when she saw who attacked the soldier.
"Lord Duke!" she exclaimed, astonished. "H-how . . ."
"I'll explain later. First I need to . . ." Duke paused and thought over the situations. Arla had already ruined too many lives. "It will put me behind getting to Jennifer, but Arla needs to be stopped." He looked at Eleanor. "Show me where Arla stores her skins."
Still shocked, Eleanor lead Duke.
"Wait," he said.
Once Eleanor stopped, Duke took the tray, and began eating.
"Oh, open all the doors leading to the outside and windows on the way," Duke said, with his mouth half full.
Still confused, Eleanor did so, as Duke followed her, still eating.
"Sorry to interrupt, but there is someone I would like you to meet," 'Duke' said, when he came back to Jennifer, Nathan, and Audrey. He politely nodded to Nathan and Audrey. "Excuse us; we'll be right back."
'Duke' grabbed Jennifer's arm and lead her away. Audrey and Nathan looked worried and frustrated. They really wanted to keep an eye on Jennifer, but they were afraid that it might show their hand if they were spotted.
'Duke' led Jennifer to an empty hallway. He then let go of her.
"So, who do you want me to meet?" Jennifer asked, trying to sound innocent.
"You can stop acting Jennifer, you probably know who I'm really am by now," 'Duke' said.
Before Jennifer could protest, Arla walked forward.
"Nice to meet you face-to-face, Princess Jennifer," Arla said. Jennifer knew she could drop the act.
"Where's Duke?" she demanded, trying to sound brave.
"He's safe . . . for now," Arla answered.
"Show me."
"I'm afraid that's not in my power."
"Then why should I believe you?"
"You're quite right to doubt me," Arla said. "But perhaps they can convince you."
Arla waved her whole arm and appearing before them, bounded and gagged by glowing magical binds, were Vince and Dave!
Jennifer gasped as Wade politely coughed, trying subtly to get Arla's attention that the stitches were visible on her neck. Arla quickly used her magic to conceal them, however, Jennifer noticed, but she quickly brought her attention back to the Teague brothers. She frowned.
"How do I know this isn't an illusion?" Jennifer asked.
"Very clever; to prove to you that they are real, you may ask each of them a question," Arla said, and with a wave of her hand, the gags around the men's mouths vanished.
Jennifer looked at the Teague brothers. "Vince, what was my favorite book series as a child?"
"Dragons, Griffins, and Bards," Vince answered.
He was right. Jennifer turned to the other brother. "Dave, why did we stop going to Rev. Driscoll's church?"
"Because he built that church were you liked to play with Aurorae Fireflies, and you cried all night when all the fireflies were gone," Dave answered. "Besides, he was always a pompous as—"
"Does that satisfy you?" Arla interrupted, and got her answer when she saw Jennifer's expression. "Good; you can probably figure out what happens next, but if not, let me tell you: marry Wade or the Teague brothers will die."
"But that will break Duke's heart!" Jennifer exclaimed.
"That's the point," Wade said.
"Don't do it, Jennifer!" Vince said, getting her attention. "Dave and I lived full lives, don't worry about us; we're just two old men. Save the man you love!"
"What are you saying, Vince?" Dave complained. "Don't talk to Jennifer like that! We should be encouraging her to find a way to save everyone! We should tell her that we believe and have faith in her!"
"Excuse me if I can't think clearly being held hostage!" Vince snapped back, glaring at Dave. "You know this wouldn't happen if we updated our magic security system!"
"Oh, sure! Blame everything on me when things go wrong!" Dave complained.
Arla rolled her eyes as the Teague brothers argued. She then waved her hand and the bonds reappeared, gagging the old men. With another wave of her hand, Vince and Dave vanished. Jennifer noticed more stitches appearing on Arla before she covered them again.
"So what's your answer, Princess?" Wade asked.
Jennifer couldn't think. She knew whatever she decided the end result would leave everyone she loved miserable. What she really wanted to do was to save everyone. She felt herself crying.
"Duke, I have faith wherever you are, you will escape, and be here," Jennifer thought. "I believe in you, Duke."
"Well?" Arla asked, getting impatient.
Jennifer slowly nodded and sobbed harder.
"Good Princess," Wade said in the same tone as an owner will praise a dog.
"Now we must set some rules," Arla said, getting Jennifer's attention. She showed Jennifer a vial and inside were familiar black oily bubbles. "If you tell anyone, especially your friends, or try to find the Teague brothers, or change your mind, I will release my army and order them to kill everyone here. Am I making myself clear?"
Jennifer slowly nodded as she cried. Wade rolled his eyes.
"Stop crying; it draws attention," Wade said. "I'll just say you're not feeling well. Maybe you caught something from the Teague brothers, who are ill and had to leave for bedrest."
Arla agreed with Wade's explanation, and Wade then lead Jennifer back to the party.
Eleanor pulled on the cord to reveal the secret room. Duke told Eleanor that it was okay for her to stay here and he lit a lantern, then went inside. Duke was repulsed at what Arla did to his room. It looked exactly what James described: Jars and tanks filled with preservatives and skins, and different types of surgical instruments.
Duke then turned around and walked out, passed Eleanor. Before Eleanor could ask, Duke went over to a trunk and pulled out the false side and brought out a long ax. Duke went back inside and took out his fury on Arla's belongings.
"Stop your sniveling; it's unattractive," Wade said, annoyed, as Jennifer wept. He really didn't want Nathan and Audrey to hear Jennifer was crying. So far, he's been able to avoid them.
Jennifer just cried harder. Through her tears, she saw Nathan and Audrey, and something else that gave her an idea.
"I need to go to the ladies' room," she said. Wade stared at her. "If you don't want me to look sad, let me go into the ladies room and freshen up."
Wade pulled her close. "Don't take too long or I'm sending Arla in there to drag you out."
Jennifer nodded and Wade let her go. As she walked, she quickly looked at Audrey and Nathan, hoping one of them saw her. She entered the ladies' room and collected herself. She was filled with relief when Audrey came in and noticed her tears.
"What happened?" Audrey asked, very concerned.
Jennifer quickly told Audrey everything, glancing at the door every now and then to make sure Arla didn't enter. When she was done, Audrey hugged her.
"Let me help you with your make up," Audrey said. "Okay . . . Nathan will come up with an excuse to leave early that won't arouse suspicion in Wade. We'll come back through the secret path I used to escape Sir Howard when we were kids to get back inside. We'll get Gloria and find some way to locate the Teague brothers and rescue them."
"Do you think they're close?" Jennifer asked as Audrey powdered her cheeks.
"From the way you described Arla, I think she's using too much magic and that's making the skin reject her faster. So she's would probably have the Teague brothers hidden somewhere in the castle," Audrey said as she finished up.
Jennifer looked at herself in the mirror and thanked Audrey as she hugged her. Jennifer took a deep breath and went back out. Audrey waited for a while before she went back to Nathan and informed him on the latest development.
Eleanor didn't know why Duke wanted the doors and windows opened, until they reached the kitchen, and the soldiers, plus his servants saw them.
"Open the doors and windows!" Duke yelled as the soldiers charged at him.
After Jess opened a window, a swarm of bats flew in, flapping around the soldiers. Once Julia opened a door, Dwight stormed in, followed by a herd of deer, and they attacked the soldiers. All the animals Duke had befriended came to fight. As a pack of wolves tore into a soldier, Duke reunited with his servants.
"I . . ." Duke started.
"Thank us later! Save Jennifer!" Eleanor said.
Duke had to smile and hugged his servants. He then heard Dwight roaring, who was back outside; Duke knew what Dwight was doing. He gave Julia the ax, wished his servants luck, and ran up to Dwight. He vaulted onto the Sasquatch Bear's back, and Dwight ran to True Heart Castle.
"Is it done?" Nathan asked, looking at the boiling liquid. Gloria gently pushed him aside.
"It takes 15 minutes to brew," Gloria said and saw Nathan's and Audrey's impatience looks. "It's not my fault it takes long! I'm just following the instructions!"
"We know, Gloria," Audrey said in an apologetic tone. Gloria sighed.
"I want it done as well. The sooner we find Vince and Dave, the faster we can kick Arla and Wade out," Gloria said. She then went over to a shelf and got a spray bottle. "This should help. It will remove anything physically magic."
Nathan thanked her as Audrey received the spray bottle. Gloria went back to the pot and stirred the liquid. "Okay, it's done now."
Nathan handed Gloria a compass and she saturated it in the steam. She then gave it back to Nathan and he noticed the compass was pointing in a different direction.
"That should lead you to Vince and Dave," Gloria said.
Nathan and Audrey quickly thanked Gloria and rushed out to begin their search.
Duke held on tightly as Dwight ran through the wood.
"Wait for me, Jennifer," he thought. "I'm almost there."
"Of course she had to put them in the highest tower," Audrey complained as they climbed the stairs. She looked down and groaned. "Great; now my dress is ruined."
Nathan glanced back and smiled. "I didn't know you were attached to material things."
Audrey had to smile back, knowing he was trying to lighten the mood. Nathan double-checked the compass and it led them to a door. Nathan threw his shoulder into the door and they saw the Teague brothers inside, held by magical bonds. Audrey sprayed the bonds with what Gloria gave them and the bonds disappeared.
"Thank you," Dave said, once they were freed.
"Now let's stop Wade before he ruins everything!" Vince said and they all rushed out.
"Over there," Duke said, directing Dwight to the nearby wall. The front gate was heavily guarded, so they had to take a different path.
"Will you make it in time?" Dwight asked, as he stopped and Duke dismounted. Duke surveyed the wall.
"I hope so," Duke said and began climbing.
"What can I do?" Dwight asked.
"Go back to Rouge Pond. If anything happens to me, Arla must not get to Charlotte," Duke said, still climbing.
Dwight was reluctant to leave Duke, but finally he wished Duke good luck before he left.
"It's almost time," Wade said.
Jennifer bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears. Wade escorted her to a certain area, and signaled the orchestra to pause.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have an announcement to make," Wade said, getting everyone's attention. Wade got on one knew and took out a ring. "Jennifer Mason . . ."
Duke ran as fast as he could to get to Jennifer.
Nathan, Audrey, and the Teague brothers ran to the ballroom.
". . . will you . . ."
Run
". . . marry me?"
Faster
Wade took her wrist and began to slip the ring on her finger. Jennifer nervously looked around the room.
Hurry
Wade squeezed Jennifer's wrist hard and glared at her.
Keep running
Jennifer glanced around the room again and looked at Wade.
"I . . ."
Almost there
". . . do . . ."
"JENNIFER!"
Jennifer looked up as Wade slipped the ring on her finger, to see her Duke, the real Duke, skittering to a halt, and he saw them. Nathan, Audrey, and the Teague brothers came in as Wade stood up and noticed Duke. Arla's spell then ended and Wade shifted and rippled, returning to his original self, as everyone gasped. Wade smiled triumphantly at Duke.
"You lose," Wade said and kissed Jennifer.
This is when the sun rose.
Duke screamed as the changes began and fell to his knees in pain. He then felt a new pain and realized what was happening: his heart was slowly breaking. He forced himself to look up and saw Arla removing a magical artifact, cruelly chuckling as she watched fur grow on him.
"Seize her!" Vince ordered.
Before the guards of True Heart Castle could make a move, Arla summoned her soldiers, surrounding Duke and herself, preventing them to get close.
Jennifer broke away from Wade when she heard Duke scream again, and saw a tail growing from the base of his spine.
"Duke!" she exclaimed, and tried to run to him, but Wade firmly held her arm.
"You're mine now," Wade said, smiling sinisterly.
Jennifer's response was to kick him in the groin, and run as fast as she could to Duke once she was released.
She didn't know how she slipped passed Arla's soldiers, but when she reached Duke, he looked like a hybrid of man and otter. Arla seemed to ignore Jennifer, but Duke noticed her. He reached out for her as she reached for him. Their fingertips touched, but his hand soon changed into a paw, and he literally shrank away, completely transformed into an otter. Jennifer tried to get Duke, but Arla picked him up by the scruff of his neck, laughing. All of her stiches were visible now, but she didn't care. Wade soon appeared, doubled over.
"You're late," Arla complained.
"I'm having trouble moving," Wade responded, in a high pitch tone.
Arla then teleported away, along with her soldiers, Wade, and Duke. All the guests were muttering in confusion.
"Will someone tell me what's going on?!" Garland demanded, utterly baffled.
"Later," Nathan said. "Jennifer, we—"
But Jennifer was gone; only Wade's ring was left in her place.
"We'll find her, Nathan. You two get going!" Dave said.
Nathan and Audrey quickly nodded and ran out.
Jennifer closed the door to her bedroom and ran to a table. She opened the music box and took out the Mason enchanted heirloom. She looked over the key and wished she knew how it worked. She began crying as she held the key close to her chest.
"Please," she thought as she closed her eyes and her tears landed on the key. "Take me to Duke. I need to save him."
Jennifer opened her eyes when she felt something different in her room. She turned around and saw a door. She walked up to it and tried the handle; it was locked. She then noticed the keyhole. She placed the key inside and unlocked the door. Once she took out the key, she opened the door. On the other side was the path in the forest that led to Rouge Pond. Jennifer walked through and once she was on the other side, the door and key vanished, but she had a feeling the key returned back to her music box.
Jennifer ran to Rouge Pond, ignoring that her dress was being torn up by the shrubs and trees.
"I'm coming, Duke," she thought as she ran. "Please, stay alive."