No has posted for awhile (besides Carmody :)) So here's the rest of my story so far.....

Chapter 2- Of Finds and Regrets 

What was he going to do? He didn't have a horse, he didn't have a trail, he didn't even have light, for the sun had sunk behind a mountain. Resisting the urge to spin around in circles, Gregoire closed his eyes, and took several deep breaths-- trying to calm his heart. All he could think about was his children, he had  to get back to them; he just had to. He opened his eyes, and turned to where Luna had been. Putting his hands up to his crown, he threw it to the ground, and almost screamed in frustration and confusion. In front of him there was now a mansion; white and tall, shining in the moonlight. There were many windows, and two huge doors in front.  

Gregoire picked up his crown, put it on, and walked up to the door. Uncertain, resentful and a little tired, he examined the place for signs of what sort of witch or fairy might live there. 

"Don't bother knocking, just go in" 

Gregoire jumped, and turned his head to see who'd spoken. Apprehensively, he eyed the short, old hag that faced him.  

"There's no use just standing out here," she told him, and walked past him into the house, opening the big doors with a simple push, "You'll never find your way back until you do." 

Sighing, Gregoire followed her. The doors shut without a sound behind him. Instantly, candles flared up. Gregoire was blinded for an moment, and then looked around, still suspicious and blinking. He was in a large white room, with a ceiling that seemed higher than the roof had been. There were gorgeous pictures on the walls, and a purple carpet leading up to the fireplace at the end of the hall. The hag went up to the chairs by the fire, and seated her self on a stool. After she'd nodded towards one of the chairs, Gregoire walked down, and sat upon it. Across from him was the other chair and its occupant-- a lady. Warily watching her, he noted her calm expression, her lowered head, her luminous black hair, and her bewitching features. She glanced up at him as he stared at her, and as their eyes met, Gregoire's widened in horror. In her green gaze was malice and evil. Shuddering, Gregoire turned away and stared into the fire.  

"Are you hungry, your majesty?" the lady asked, her voice was as calm and beautiful as she was. 

"No, thank you," still not looking at her, Gregoire endeavored not to succumb to the slumber that slipped over him. 

The hag stood, and intercepted his stare, forcing him to look at her. "What do  you want?" she asked in her cackling voice. 

"I want to go home, if you please," Gregoire tried his best not to be snappy with the witch, knowing that he was in her power.  

"That can be arranged," the hag smiled, and beckoned for her daughter to stand, "Marry my daughter, and we will see you home quickly and safely." 

Revulsion almost made Gregoire crumple over, and compelled him to lean forward. "Excuse me?" 

"Marry my daughter, and we will make sure you get home to your adorable children in one piece." 

Gregoire stood, and looked to the end of the hall, where he'd entered. As he suspected, the doors were no longer there. Passing his glance over the lady, he peered distastefully at the mother. She was smiling wickedly.  

"What if I say 'no'?" he asked. 

Shrugging, the hag answered, "Absolutely nothing. You will simply be trapped here for the rest of your days, and your children will be orphans. Rey will come to the throne, ..." Gregoire jumped slightly to hear his son's name in the witch's mouth. "...Devlin will spend his days searching for you. Mai will grow into a young woman with a fear of the forest. The twins will forever be making trouble without you there to help guide them to productive paths." As she spoke, Gregoire could feel something covering him that was not of this world--something serpentine and evil. He attempted to fight it off, but his tired state was hardly fit for the task. "Kance will unwittingly insult people, and make many enemies. Scott will leave his family on news of your disappearance, and try to hide his grief with his books in the great libraries of the world."  

Gregoire did not comprehend her last words, for he was sinking to the ground gently, buoyed by the witch's magic. The lady left the room, and came back with a cup. Holding Gregoire's head on her lap, she gave him the drug. Then, lifting him in her arms, she carried him out into the carriage that appeared outside the door on a previously non-existent road. She waved to the driver that had materialized in the seat, and he whipped the horses which emerged out of the air.  

Taking a round about way, they arrived at the castle at noon the next day, with the king still unconscious.  

When the guards came out to meet the mysterious carriage, the lady was fanning Gregoire's face with her handkerchief and looking very concerned. As they took him out, she told them that she'd been riding through the forest, when she'd seen a man lying on the ground. She'd instantly had him taken to her carriage, and brought home. Naturally, after her account, she was seen as a hero, and the king's savior. The guards went home and told their families, and pretty soon the people felt that it was time for the kingdom to have a queen, and they knew who they wanted. 

Had the king been awake and himself, he would've had the lady thrown in the dungeon faster than a hummingbird's wing beat, and exposed her nature and parentage to the people. But he was not awake, and he certainly wasn't himself when he did awake.  

Seemingly steadfast and loving, the lady was careful to stay at Gregoire's side until he woke. As a result of her steadfastness, when he did awake, she was the first one he saw. An odd feeling that kept him from fully waking came over his mind, and a craving crept into his core. 

Kiers was also in the room. Gregoire beckoned him over, never taking his eyes off of the lady's face, although she never returned his gaze.  

"What is it, sir?" Kiers asked anxiously, "Are you feeling all right?" 

"Who is she?" asked the king. 

Still concerned, and eager to help, Kiers responded, "She's the one who found you and brought you home." 

That was enough for the king. Raising himself weakly from his bed, he almost lost his balance getting onto his knees. Kiers helped steady him, and then Gregoire took the lady's hand.  

"Will you marry me?" Something seemed to be trying to climb out of the sleepiness in his mind. But it was only a small thing, and the king ignored it, staring in adoration at the lady. 

Demurely, she answered as if marrying a king was something to be expected, "Of course, your majesty, I'd be delighted." 

Kiers helped the excited but still lightheaded king up. "Wonderful," Gregoire said. 

"Shall we have the wedding now?" she asked, still looking down at her hands.  

"Now?" Gregoire tried to think. There was nothing to wait for. "Very well. No need to wait. Kiers, summon the priest and the chaplain. Is there anything else?" 

"Well, there are your... children, your highness." Kiers reminded him.  

The lady stepped in, but looked at Kiers rather than Gregoire, "There's no reason to tell them. We can make it a surprise." 

"Yes," the king grinned at the lady, she was such a clever woman, and he loved her. At this thought, something screamed from the depths of his heart; but when the lady held his hand, they were stifled-- like a hand covering a mouth. Gregoire looked back to his other companion. "See to it, Kiers." 

Looking back and forth between the lady and the king, Kiers thought hard. His friend was acting strangely; since when did he just marry any woman who happened to do him a favor. And why did he cave to everything she suggested. Also, Gregoire had always treated him like an equal, but now he was dismissing him as if he were a butler. Kiers couldn't draw any conclusions. Slowly, he turned away, and did as the king requested.  

The lady left the king to prepare herself. Soon, a doctor came in and examined Gregoire as his footman helped him into his wedding clothes. The doctor pronounced him healthy, and exited. When his preparations were finished, Gregoire went out into the hall, and found the lady waiting-- resplendent in her gold-edged, white dress against her black hair and rosy lips. He took her hand, and they walked together into the ceremony room. There the hastily prepared churchmen performed the service, and bound his majesty to the lady through the bonds of marriage.  

After the brief ceremony, he faced her, and asked her for her name. "Scyllaea," she replied, and raising her eyes, she met his. As soon as she did Gregoire awoke anew from the drug. He realized what he'd done, and just barely too late.  

He fled from the marriage scene, leaving his recent queen staring after him with a strange smile. 

Running to his children, he found them all in Rey's chamber. On his knees, he wept, and hugged each of them. They had not seen him since he'd left to hunt, and were eager to return his greeting. Gregoire said nothing of his new wife, nor his strange journey through the forest. Kance, who had a special affection for horses, reported that Luna had found her way back home the morning he was brought. 

It was as if the king could not hug and kiss his children enough; he just had to be sure that they were all there, and with him, and they were safe. He still had lingerings from the awful predictions of that dark night, and wanted to make sure they wouldn't come to pass. Always affectionate, Mai especially stayed close to him-- hugging him and smiling. 

Although he seemed to be all smiles and love, the king was very troubled. He knew that Scyllaea couldn't mean well, and that she would surely despise his children. But he didn't know what to do. So he tried to keep his children laughing and lighthearted.  

Eventually, he got ready to go. Standing from his seat among them, he beckoned for Rey to follow him. At twenty years old, Rey was plenty old enough to hear the truth. As an afterthought, he also invited Devlin to join him as he walked to his rooms. Devlin was only a couple years younger than Rey, and was very dignified and discreet. Gregoire briefly considered bringing Kance (since Devlin was barely one year his senior), but quickly decided against it; Kance was too fanciful to be burdened with the knowledge that he had a witch's daughter for a step-mom.  

Bidding farewell to the rest of his children, he took Rey and Devlin out into the hall, and they started walking towards the king's rooms. The king held his peace until they got into his private-chamber, then he sunk into a chair, and let the tears fall. Embarrassed, Devlin walked to the other end of the room, and examined one of the many, hunting tapestries. But Rey came over and knelt by his father-- with a hand resting on his shoulder, and one on his knee.  

When his tears ceased, Gregoire called Devlin over, and he told them all that her remembered happening. Directly after the story, he made them pledge that they would never tell anyone the story, and keep it to themselves. With all the feelings of a tender parent, he begged them not to anger Scyllaea, and to try to keep the younger ones out of her way. They both promised themselves to everything he asked. Before leaving, they all clasped hands, and bowed their heads, gathering strength from each other. 

When his sons left, Gregoire opened the door to his study, and found Scyllaea there.  

"Hello, your majesty," her voice was mocking-- a contrast to the humility she'd previously shown him. 

"Good day, Scyllaea," going to her, he kissed her hand out of courtesy for their new-made vows.  

"And how are you doing today?" She was gloating over him. 

Gregoire straightened, and spoke firmly to her. "Scyllaea, your marriage to me came about by trickery. I have as much right as anyone to have you thrown into the dungeon." 

As if she wasn't paying attention, she picked up a ball from his desk, "What dungeon could hold me?" 

Stunned, Gregoire said nothing. Scyllaea put down the ball, and looked at him, still smiling. "I would be careful, if I were you. Your children are so sweet. It would be a shame if you caused harm to come to them." 

She swept her dress around, and left the room, passing Kiers on her way out. He came in and bowed to the king, who was pressing his fingers to his forehead.  

"What have I done, Kiers? What have I done?" 

Scyllaea did agree to move into rooms on the opposite side of the castle from the children. The king arranged this not only to keep her away from them, but to keep them away from her.  

All day, Scyllaea would sit in her room. She came out only on grand court occasions; and was always humble, sweet, and docile. However, if the king tried to approach her privately all he met was scorn and mockery. 

Mai never got the chance to talk with her, but she knew where Scyllaea was, and wanted so much  to meet the one mother she could remember.  

One day, --about two months later-- she finished embroidering a pair of gloves with golden doves and blue flowers. She smiled at them, glittering in the sunlight. They were her present for her new mother.  

Holding them close, she left her rooms. Her ladies-in-waiting had gone to their homes for the day, and she hadn't told anyone else about her plans-- she'd planned it to be a surprise.  

It was twilight as she walked through the halls. She stepped as lightly as she could, especially past Rey's rooms. Almost past them, she rejoiced inside... until she heard his door open.  

"Mai? What are you doing?" Rey came out, "Where are you going?" 

Smiling at him, she held up the gloves, "I finished these for mother. I was going to surprise her." 

Rey looked at her seriously. Kneeling by her, he took her shoulders. "Mai, you must leave mother alone. She isn't used to children. You must  stay out of her way. Never go into her rooms; don't talk to her unless father or I am around. Do you understand?" 

Mai suspected there was a reason for these instructions, and nodded. "Okay, Rey." She held up the gloves again, "But who will I give these to?"  

"Why don't you give them to one of your ladies-in-waiting? Isn't Ophelia's birthday soon?" 

Assenting, Mai allowed herself to be brought back to her rooms, and beginning the next week, started giving her maids gifts of embroidery on their birthdays. 

Mai's embroidery was the finest in the palace, and even in the kingdom. She loved to do it, and could come up with the perfect pictures to go with the item and the person. Her pictures seemed so real, too. She could make the birds fly in a peerless sky, make flowers bloom brightly out of a bud, make one feel the warmth of the sun or the chill of a winter scene. 

None of her ladies-in-waiting could match her in embroidery, but they taught her other things. Posture, diplomacy, etiquette, and so on.  

"That's right, your highness," they'd say, "Hold up your head nice and regal." or "Your highness, that might not be the best  way you could put that." Sometimes they'd gasp, "You majesty! Did your brothers teach you that!"  

All-in-all they got along perfectly fine, and Mai enjoyed her friends. But what did she do after they left in the afternoons? For the first while, she'd just sit and embroider. But soon, she took up going to the library, and with a purpose. 

If anyone else entered the library, all they saw was Mai sewing by the light of the sun through the big windows. But when No-one was in the library, he had quite the sight. Mai would sit there with a small book that her father had read to her. Staring hard at the page, she tried to figure out the sounds and the letters. Occasionally, she brought in a paper and some ink, and would copy the letters down. But it seemed no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't find out what the letters meant. After all, no one had shown her what an "B" was, or told her what sound it was supposed to represent.  

After a few weeks of useless effort, she went to her brothers. They often gathered in Rey's room after their lessons. When she went in, they all came and welcomed her "into their brotherhood," as Kance put it.  

"I need help," Mai said. 

"With what?" Scott asked, looking up from his volume. 

Holding up the little book Mai told them what she'd been doing. "I'm fourteen now. I should be able to read, but none of my nurses knew, and none of my ladies-in-waiting will teach me. I tried to learn by myself, but I couldn't figure anything out. Could one of you help me?" 

They counseled together. Devlin was proclaimed too serious ("and stuffy" added Michael to Cedric), Kance wasn't serious enough, Scott wasn't patient enough, Michael wasn't steady enough, and Rey didn't have very much time; this left Cedric.  

So after her ladies-in-waiting left, Mai took her embroidery into Rey's room, and sat down with Cedric. He was very patient, and made the learning fun. Mai found it much easier to have someone helping her. 

 One day, she was bent over the little book of tales, her embroidery was sitting limp on her lap. "Ch-chi-im-mera" she stumbled over the word, and then looked up, "What's a chi-mera?" Cedric shrugged, and they both looked to Scott. Always able to answer their questions, he stayed close to them when he studied. "A chimera is a monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail, and it breathes fire," he told them.  

Coming over, Kance added with a scary voice and twinkling blue eyes, "And if you don’t finish decorating Prince Sweetheart's handkerchief, the chimera will come and EAT YOU UP!" 

"Yeah right, Kance," Cedric pushed him away, and Mai laughed. 

"Kance! I heard that!" called Rey from where he sat writing.  

Kance grinned, and winked at Mai. Then he called back "What're you writing? A love poem?" 

Rey put down his pen and feigned anger, "That's it!" He strode over and grabbed Kance's head with his arm. He then proceeded to rub his knuckles against the captive's noggin.  

Kance laughed, and cried "Mercy! Mercy!" Letting go, Rey laughed with him.  

"Rey, when are we  going to meet Princess Candra?" Michael didn't move from his seat, but twisted around in the chair, and sat on it backwards.  

Smiling, Rey said "You should remember. She's going to come in a few months, so that she can be here for Mai's fifteenth birthday and the flower hunt." 

"Are you going to marry her?" Mai asked excitedly.  

"I haven't asked her yet. She needs to get to know my family first." Rey went back, and started writing again. Then he stopped, and looked at Kance. "And, by the way, I am writing a letter to her, convincing her to bring her marvelously beautiful, blue dress  and dancing shoes for the special ball we're having the night after Mai's birthday." 

Scott looked up from his books, "You met her at a ball, didn't you?" 

Dreamily, Rey stared off into space. "That's right. I was visiting King Leren on business for father a few months ago, and he held a ball to honor my coming. I walked in, and Prince Breyen (her younger brother) met me, with Candra on his arm. She was breathtaking. And as we talked, she showed how educated she was, and how kind. It was love at first sight." 

Sighing, Mai smiled. It would be nice to have a sister. She picked up the handkerchief again, and started to hum as she sewed.  

She was near the door, and the king heard her as he passed. He smiled when he recognized the song as one Diona had sung to his sons, and that they had sung to Mai.  

"When the night winds blow 

That is when you know 

Heaven is sending love to you 

Reminding you that I am true" 

Sighing as he remembered his old queen, Gregoire continued wearily on his way to the rooms of his new one. 

He made it a point to visit Scyllaea at least once every month, besides the court occasions. It was not something he did for enjoyment, naturally; he did it to give himself some comfort, some assurance, and some protection for his children. It wasn't much; but he didn't know how to do more. 

Reaching the barely lit hall outside her chambers, he listened at the door. He heard nothing. Quietly but feigning confidence (in case she was in the room), he entered. He saw nothing.  

In her study, he looked around at what she had there. She had many beautifying books, lotions, and little articles. She must be vain,  thought Gregoire, and he worried about Mai's growing grace. He also saw a stack of white shirts. Nightgowns? Searching some more, he noticed something poking out from behind the mirror. He went over, and pulled out a little green book. Slowly, his heart beating hard, and feeling suspicion he opened it.  

 

Book of Death 

A guide to morbid spells and tricks 

Contents: 

The SBU (Simple, But Unpredictable) 

Spells of Disappearance (so everyone Thinks they're Dead) 

How to Cause Death by Fear 

by Love 

by Pain 

Spells that don't cause Death, but make a person WISH they were dead 

Animal-fying spells for short-lived animals 

How to trap a Person in a Mirror or a Painting, basically Killing them 

… 

Gregoire slammed the book shut, returned it to its spot, and left the room. His eyes were wide with fear, his face was pale as an aspen, his heart felt like ashes.  

Tempted to order her thrown into the pit at the bottom of the castle, Gregoire remembered Scyllaea's threat against his children that first day after their wedding. He had to protect them.  

Collecting himself, he told a passing servant to ready Luna. He went into his room, and came back out with a bulging bag. Mounting Luna in front of the forest, he left without anyone knowing where he had gone. He returned at nightfall, much to everyone's relief; but every day after that, he left in the afternoon with a bag, and stayed until the sky was dark-- returning without the bag.  

For more than a month he did this, and not once did he ever tell anyone what he was doing. He did his work in court distractedly; and every night, when he returned, he would go to his children, and spend some time with them-- mostly just listening, and hugging them.  

One night, after his visit, Gregoire heard his door open. Drawing his sword, he spun around!-- but it was just Rey.  

"Father?" 

Gregoire sighed, and sheathed his sword. Turning away, he leaned wearily on his desk.  

"Father, what's wrong?" Rey came up to him, and put his hand on his father's shoulder.  

Shaking his head, Gregoire responded, "I'm sorry, Rey, I'm so sorry. But I can't tell you yet. I'll tell you in a few days-- after Mai's birthday." 

Rey nodded, and left the room.  

The castle was bustling for the next week, with preparations for Mai's birthday, and the visit of Princess Candra. The jeweler was also busy making the finest ring he could for a certain prince to give away.  

Instead of listening eagerly, and happily to Rey's plans-- as he had done before-- the king shook his head, and refused to listen.  

As the day neared, the king would leave on longer trips with larger bags. Scyllaea watched him leave, and then turned to her sewing with a smile. Soon, she added a fifth shirt to her pile. 

Chapter 3- Of Spools and Spells 

It was the morning of Mai's fifteenth birthday.  

The sun hadn't risen yet, but Gregoire was up. He packed a final bag, and then went down to the stables and personally prepared eight horses and a pack horse, which held the bag. 

Returning to the rooms, he went into Rey's room first. Putting his hand over Rey's mouth, he woke him. After he'd waken, Rey looked confusedly at his father.  

"Aren't we waiting for Candra?" he asked. 

The king sadly shook his head. "I'll explain later, my son. After we get there." 

Though he was bewildered, Rey nodded, and got dressed. Then he joined his father in getting the others silently up and ready. The sky had lightened, but still didn't hold that bright ball of heat when all the children were mounted. They cast baffled looks at each other as their father got onto Luna. He signaled them forward, and they followed him into the forest. As soon as they'd reached the clearing where they usually hunted for flowers, the king made a motion for them to stop. They did so, and dismounted as he did. Speaking to them all for the first time, the king ordered them to send their horses home again. Even more confused, the children did as he said. Now they were alone in the clearing except for the pack horse. They faced him, standing in a semi-circle. He looked determined, and firm. He pulled out a spool from his pouch he always had by his side.  

"This leads to your new home," he told them. "It is a place where you can be happy and safe. I have spent the last months preparing it for you." 

"What about Candra?" Michael burst out.  

Their father looked at the ground, closed his eyes, and breathed deeply-- in and out. Then he looked up, and straight at Rey.  

"You won't be meeting Candra. She won't be coming with us." 

"When will I see her again?" demanded Rey. 

Walking up to Rey, the king placed his hands on Rey's shoulders. Tears were in his eyes, regret- yet strength- was in his voice. "Rey, I'm afraid that you will never be able to see her again. This is for your protection, and for hers. The only way for you to be safe is to go with me." 

Dejected, Rey stared back at his father with an expression Gregoire knew to well-- the expression of a heart newly split in two.  

Turning back towards the forest, the king threw down the spool, which immediately began to unravel. "Follow me," he ordered. They walked numbly after him, in shock.  

As the sun rose, the forest grew lighter. Every so often, when Mai would look about, she'd notice vaguely that there were a few flowers opening. 

They turned and weaved, over hills and over rivers. Walking for half of the day, they all knew they would never be able to find their way back. The evening approached, and still the spool led them onwards. Just as shadows were appearing, it stopped. Exhausted, the children looked up, and nearly collapsed in wonder.  

"Where are we?" asked Scott. 

"Home," the king answered shortly, walking towards the plain wood doors of the house. 

Mai watched him place his steps carefully on the stone path, and then gasped, grabbing Rey's arm. 

"Rey," she whispered breathlessly, "Look!" 

In his sorrow, Rey did not noticed anything special about the colorful ground. Wait,  he thought dimly, Colorful?  And then it struck him. Dew-flowers. A carpet of them! So many, they must've been planted. 

The other children realized the same thing, and looked at each other in amazed understanding.  

This was the honey-moon mansion. Where their parents had gone when they were newly weds. Where their father went each year, after the flower hunt. This was their new home. 

Slowly, dreamily, they followed the king's path through the flowers, and entered the mansion. They found themselves in a small room, with racks for their hats and cloaks. Without removing their things, they moved as a group into the corridor. There were nine doors. Four on each side, and one at the end. 

Drifting apart, they discovered that the rooms on the sides were their bedrooms, plus a kitchen. The door at the end was where there father was. This room was bigger than any of the others. To Mai it was a study, a gallery, and a ceremony room all at once. The king sat in an arm chair, facing away from them, towards a portrait of Diona.  

"Your mother and I received this house as a wedding present from her godmother," the king said from his seat, "She told us that the only way to get here was by following the spool of thread." Standing, the king turned to them. "You will be safe here. No one knows the secret of the spool but me." 

"But why are we in danger?" Michael burst out. Devlin came up, and quietly put a hand on Michael's shoulder. "It's because of Scyllaea, isn't it?" he said. 

Sighing, the king nodded.  

"You didn't do anything else before this." Rey said accusingly, "Why now? Why not earlier?" 

"Wait," Kance came beside Michael and Devlin, "What's wrong with Scyllaea?" 

The king quietly related to them what had happened that night in the forest, leaving out nothing. He told them the truth about Scyllaea, and where she'd come from. Kance and Michael grasped hands tightly, and Scott, Mai and Cedric hugged each other close. Then the king revealed what none of them had known-- the book of spells he'd found behind her mirror.  

"That was the day I made my first trip here, to prepare it for you," explained the king, "I realized that she was much more dangerous than I'd thought. Also, I realized that she was going to do something to you, my children." He looked Rey in the eyes, "That is why I did it now. I didn't know before. I wanted you to live your lives free of worry; carefree and secure. By the time it became clear to me that I couldn't expect that life for you, you'd already met Candra." 

Tears fell out of Rey's eyes. The love for a girl out of his reach battled against his gratitude for his father, and he sank to his knees, sobbing.  

Kneeling by him, his father wrapped his arms around him, and they cried.  

"I would have warned you, Rey. I promise. If I could have let you know without alerting Scyllaea, I would have told you, and given you time." 

"I understand, father. It's just so hard to think … I'll never see her ... never... never explain... never know." 

Mai looked around at her family. Devlin and Kance on either side of Michael, their backs to the door. Rey and Gregoire in front of them, heads bowed, each clasping the other's shoulders. She looked up at Scott, who was looking at the scene with his arms draped around Mai and Cedric.  

"Father," Mai broke the silence. "Where did these books come from?" 

Everyone glanced up and around, at the shelves surrounding them.  

Vaguely smiling, the king said, "Many of them were here when your mother and I first came here. We've added to them, over the years." His moist eyes filled again, "Your mother used to read these to me in the evenings. She would read as if she were in the book, and her voice could take you with her." 

They all sat in the silence; drinking in the feeling of peace, and love that thoughts of their mother always brought. 

Finally, the king stood. "I will show you your rooms, and what you are to do. We can't keep any servants here, so you must take care of yourselves." 

For the rest of the afternoon and evening the king taught his children how to clean. Mai had already learned cooking and sewing from her old nurses; but with her ladies-in-waiting she'd had other responsibilities. Now, she relearned, with Kance trying to help her.  

As they struggled to prepare supper, the king took the twins around with a broom, teaching them about sweeping and mopping-- fairly simple tasks for them to pick up, and a way for them to use their boundless energy. 

The task chosen for Scott was his perfect fit; taking care of the books and the shelves. Next to him worked Devlin, who was charged with the care of the large room in general. Although Devlin had recommended himself, the king chose Rey to manage affairs of the house, trusting that he would view it as the enormous responsibility that is was.  

"Rey must guard the family," the king lectured to the sullen Devlin, "He must see to it all the house is cared for, even if he must do it himself." 

Gathering all of them, he promised, "I will come tomorrow, with supplies for a week, and more help." Kisses and hugs were exchanged, and then their father left them-- following the spool of thread into the caliginous night. 

From her window, Scyllaea watched the king approach in the moonlight. Dawn was barely hinting over the trees, but she had enough light to see him stick something into his pouch. Looking back at her sewing, she mused over a way to get his pouch from him, to see what was inside. A way to get to those... obstacles, perhaps? She smiled at the thought. 

Also awake when the king returned was Nero, the servant working in the backrooms. He was trying to finish his work from yesterday when the king entered the castle. Tearfully, he dusted the room; lamenting the lose of his son, and Jenny's poor health. Worried sick about her, he had not labored hard enough during the day. The head housekeeper had threatened him with his job if he did not finish the rooms by sunrise, which was approaching. 

Nero sat down, giving in to the urge to rest. He closed his eyes, and envisioned his Jenny as she'd looked on their wedding day. Blond hair blowing in the breeze... white dress-- modest and breathtaking...  

violets...  

laughter... 

"Nero!" someone whispered, "Nero, she's coming!" 

Eyes opening, Nero jumped up out of his sleep. It was Conrad, his fellow servant. Nero looked past him and at the room with despair. He hadn't finished! Maybe he could now, before the housekeeper noticed. 

"Well, well, well..." came a familiar, female voice from the doorway, and Nero knew it was too late. 

He returned home disgraced and unemployed. Entering the little cottage, he hung back by the door for a bit, watching the door to Jenny's room. There wasn't a sound. Hopefully she was getting rested. Should he tell her about his job?  

Nero went into the room. Jenny was pale, as white as her wedding dress.  

Rushing to her, Nero brushed her hair from her face. Cold as death, unmoving-- even her curls were limp on his fingers. 

Putting down the last shirt, Scyllaea put one hand over the pile, closed her eyes, and muttered under her breath. The spell was interrupted by loud voices underneath her. Undisturbed, she smoothly left her chair, and exited her room without a sound. She moved down the servants staircase towards the angry and desperate shouts. 

Nero was crying, the head housekeeper was shouting, and the pots were banging as servants prepared dinner before the king's arrival. 

Those who saw the imposing figure in the doorway gasped, and bowed low. Gradually, all the servants noticed her, and all were facing the ground besides Nero, who was too overcome to see anyone. Taking measured steps, Scyllaea approached the distraught man. She leaned over him, until he had no choice but to look up into her face.  

"Come with me," she said in a low, authoritative voice.  

Bowing his head meekly, Nero obeyed (stifling his tears), as the kitchen looked on in silence.  

When they reached her rooms, Scyllaea sat once more by the window, and murmured over the stack of shirts. Nero, in the meantime, kept his eyes at the floor, silentious streams rolling down his cheeks.    

In time, Scyllaea finished her work, and came over to Nero where he cowered by the door.  

Somewhat tenderly, she gave him a silk handkerchief. He glanced up at her, amazed, but dried his tears. 

"You have suffered a great loss," Scyllaea ascertained.  

"Yes," Nero whispered, looking back at the floor. 

With seeming kindness, Scyllaea continued, "You have lost a newborn son, and your wife with him. You are alone." 

Once again, Nero choked out, "Yes." Could this woman really be heartless? 

"How unfair is it," Scyllaea took on a different tone, "how unfair that you have lost all your family along with your employment; and yet the king-- who does not work nearly as hard as you do, and who does not give any gratitude to his servants-- he  has his children still. How dare he seem sad, when compared to you, he has suffered nothing." 

As she spoke, she exerted some influence over Nero, whose brain was already clouded with grief; but even as she did, Nero came to a conscious decision for himself that he would work with the queen, in her obvious intent to hurt the king. Gone were all memories of kindnesses from Gregoire, (such as gifts of money, kind words, and days off to be with Jenny); gone was his recollection of the day seven years ago, when he'd spied the family at the queen's grave; and gone was his conscience. Scyllaea smiled a knowing smile. Nero stared back, the sad product of grief and sin. 

"What do you want me to do?" 

The next day, he was hiding in the bushes behind the castle, watching the spot where the king would soon appear.  

The shrubs were moving! Nero paid close attention. 

The king emerged, and put something in his pouch. Though Nero was alert, he couldn't tell what it was. As the king went into the palace, Nero followed him. He focused on the king, on remaining hidden, and on keeping memories out of his guilty heart. 

Was that a shadow?  Gregoire looked behind him, down the hallway. No one seemed to be there. 

Turning back, Gregoire continued towards the end of the hall. Ahead of him was an abrupt turn, crowned with a rusty coat-of-arms. Glancing around again, Gregoire slipped his pouch behind the rusty metal. Then he hurried on his way, as if he'd never been there. 

At the corner, the shadow returned. 

Gregoire closed the door to his chamber, set his crown on the dresser, and sat on his bed, holding an embroidered handkercheif Mai had given him that day. They had all settled down into their new home during the past few days, although Rey was still melancholy. He smiled as he thought of the hours they had been able to spend together.  

A knock came from the door, and a messenger peeked his head in. "Your Majesty, you're wanted in the throne room." With a sigh, Gregoire stood and followed. 

Oh no, Gregoire thought when he saw the blue-clad, golden-haired figure, I'd forgotten about Candra.  

The princess turned to him, showing her worried eyes, and tear-stained cheeks. She curtsied to him, but while he was still rising from his bow, she spoke.  

"Excuse me, your majesty, but when will Prince Rey be available to see me." More tears threatened at the edges of her eyes. 

"Oh, Candra... I'm so sorry," Gregoire reached out to her, and held her. They wept together.  

Scyllaea glimpsed them as she passed the door. Clutching her bundle and half-concealed in a cloak, she bestowed a sinister smile upon both of them.  

At the hidden castle, Mai and Cedric were reading together. "And thus the wick-wicked sor-cer... sorcerer had con-con-" Mai struggled.   

"Conquered," prompted Cedric.  

"Conquered," Mai repeated, "but only for a season." 

"Very good, Mai," Rey praised as he came in, "But I'm afraid we're all hungry for breakfast, and Kance can't make a lump-less porridge."  

Mai smiled as she tried to get out of the comfy chair. "Okay, I'll come save him."  

Watching her leave, Rey's face assumed it's usual wistful expression. 

Sure enough, Kance was frantic-- he was mixing, adding, and getting burned by the steam.  

"Kance!" Mai yelled over the din, "Kance!"  

He looked at her, his face flushed and mildly panicked.  

"It's okay! I'll make it! You get the dishes!" she shouted.  

With a relieved expression, Kance left the boiling pot, and stuck his head out the window to cool down.  

Rolling up her sleeves, Mai set to fixing the mush. Before long, she knew it was unfixable, and she prepared to start again. She was endeavoring to lift the heavy pot over to the sink when Kance called out excitedly, "Father's here!" 

Startled, Mai dropped the pot, splattering porridge everywhere! Grimacing, she started to mop, and listen with regret as her brothers ran out to greet the king.  

Rey stopped them all at the door. His heartache seemed to have left, replaced with urgency. "Wait, everyone," he ordered, "Father never comes in the morning. Besides, he was here last night. He'd have to leave at midnight in order to get here at this time." 

"But I saw him!" Kance exclaimed, fairly bouncing to get past Rey, "I saw him coming out of the woods!" 

"You're sure it was him?" 

"Who else could it be? You know the only way here is by following Father's spool." 

Nodding, Rey still hesitated, "But still, something feels wrong." 

Kance rolled his eyes, exasperated, "Then draw your sword before you open the door! Father could be waiting!" 

"What does everyone else think?" Rey looked to the others who stood uncertainly behind Kance. 

"We want to see Father," Michael spoke for Cedric and himself.  

Scott was also thinking, "I'm not sure. Both sides have reasonable evidence." Without waiting for Scott to finish his thought process, Rey turned to Devlin. 

"Devlin?"  

Devlin stood, uncertain for once. He felt what Rey felt, that something was wrong. But... then again.... what could  be wrong? 

"I'm sorry, Rey," he said apologetically, "But I can't see how the person out there couldn't be Father." 

"Alright then," Rey turned from them, and opened the door; but they all saw that his hand was on his hilt. 

Cracking the door open, Rey peeked out. He couldn't see anything. 

Walking out into the open, he scanned the forest in front of him, at the edge of the dew-flower meadow. The others followed him, all but Kance. He ran ahead, towards the forest that came up to the kitchen window.  

"He was over here!" 

As they all looked over, something rose from the bushes behind them. The rustling drew Cedric's attention, and he looked over his shoulder. 

"IT'S HER!" he screamed, as he recognized Scyllaea.  

As they all turned to face her, she threw her hands in the air. Up flew the white shirts she'd been carrying.  

The brothers were going every which way. Rey and Devlin charged Scyllaea, as she stood smiling at them. But then the white shirts touched them, and their swords dropped, useless, to the ground. Scott was rushing with Cedric and Michael towards the forest... until the shirts caught up.  

When Mai looked out the window to see what was going on, Kance shoved her back in. Climbing through the pane, he breathlessly told her, "It's Scyllaea. She's here."  

Before he got in, one of the shirts flew onto him. The moment it touched his back, Kance was no longer Kance. A swan now came flying above Mai, who stared in amazement from where she sat. Then it was out another window, and into the air-- joining five more as they fled across the sky.  

Picking up the last shirt, Scyllaea sought out the princess. After having scoured the meadow, and gone through the house, she closed her eyes, and felt.   

Ah, there she is, Scyllaea smiled at the running figure through the forest. She decided to leave Mai where she was. Dying a lonely death in the wilderness is a much better plan. Well chosen, Mai. Spanning the distance, her voice reached Mai, who ran even faster. 

Smiling, Scyllaea exited the house, and made her way back to the castle.