Cinderfella

Story: Cinderfella

Chapter: 11 Resolution

Author: Eric McQueen (mcqueen.richarderic@gmail.com)

Mature Readers only due to sexual situations and graphic sexual content. Sex!

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We needed a Fairy Tale. Little girls have Cinderella, but what about us? Again, what you see is right. I wish you could see what I do, but you can't. I will describe what I see, but you see what you see. The grandeur of the ballroom, palace, and wardrobe is you. Except the pants on men. They wore pants! Nice pants of wool and even leather, but pants. It's my thing. Also, unless I say otherwise, no man had long hair. It's impractical. They were well-groomed. Even ancient Rome and Athens they had barbers. No one's perfect, right? Why not? I have a hair fetish. The head should clean, cut, bald, I don't care. The body hair is uncut and natural. It's a Fairy Tale! Flaws and the Human Conditions exists.

Resolution

The ride back was quick. That is if you rode your horse as we did. Seth was not stopping to rest or eat. Would I if Christian were involved? Hell no! The men that came with us tried to keep up, but I finally told them to stop, Seth and I would be fine. They knew that was true having witnessed my fighting I could defend Seth. And we were going back to the palace where there were more guards. No problem. We rode all night thanks to the nearly full moon, and we went well into the next day. I told Seth once to consider the horses and a least slow the pace. He did reluctantly, but I understood the need for speed. But these were our only means of transportation. We don't want them to break a leg or die of exhaustion. When we got to the town around Blethos, naturally Seth hurried, but he had to slow down due to people moving about. When we got to the side gate, the guards at first were ready to fight whoever was coming up so fast, but when seeing it was Seth, they immediately jumped to a stance that showed alertness and readiness. They showed respect.

The stableman that hurried out to greet us stopped as Seth halted his horse and jumped down. "Is he here?" He asked the man, "Is my brother here?"

The stableman didn't know what to say. He shook his head. "I don't know, Sire. They would have come in through the main entrance, not this side. The guards there will know."

I came up behind Seth, "Let's find out," I suggested to Seth and nodded to the stableman, "Thanks." I held Seth's arm to keep him from running. "We were told he'd be here. Calm down."

Seth looked at me nearly bouncing, "I can't. He's been gone for three years!" Then he grinned at me, "I'm excited!"

Laughing with him, I nodded, "I can see that." But holding him from going too fast as we entered the palace.

"Sire!" A woman seeing us, a chambermaid ran up to share the news, "You'll never guess..."

"Samuel is here!" Seth said, more to confirm what she was going to say.

She looked surprised, "How'd you know?"

Seth shrugged, "I'd say a little bird told me, but..." he squeezed my hand, "Where is he?"

She smiled pointing, "He's with your father, in the family communal room." And chuckled as Seth took off again, dragging me behind. I didn't bother telling him to slow down this time.

We entered the communal room and Seth literally skidded to a stop, "Samuel!"

Alex grinned up at Seth and me, and a man, just a couple years older than I was turned. He and Seth were clearly brothers as Christian, and I were. There was a similar appearance. Black hair, brown eyes, but this Samuel was a little leaner.

"Seth!!" The man smiled and started to come to his brother but stopped, "Oh, my God! It's true!" He reached out to touch his brother's face. "The scars are gone!"

Seth was crying but nodded, "Yes, they're gone." Then he grabbed his brother in a hug that had to hurt it was so tight. "I've missed you!"

Samuel chuckled but was also crying, "Air, I need to be able to breathe." He chuckled as Seth let him go a little, but still held him, "I missed you. I sent father messages telling him where I was. He didn't tell you?"

Seth shook his head, "No. Didn't you know? He wasn't our real father." He pointed to Alexander. "King Alexander is our real father."

Alex stood, as he was also crying. So why should I be left out? I was crying, too. "I wanted him to tell you." He smiled at his other son. Then he walked up hugging them both, "Both of my sons are back. I wanted so much to tell you...but...."

Samuel was trying to grasp it all. "So, Arthur Thorne isn't our father? I knew he couldn't be, but mother never said who is real father was. She said it was too dangerous," He asked Seth. Then Alexander.

"No." Seth shook his head. He took his brother's arm, "Arthur Thorne was the man that set off the explosion that killed Mother, Dad," He told Alex. Then he looked at Samuel. "We were taken away by one of the ladies that cared for us. She saved our lives."

"So, Mom isn't our Mother, and Arthur Thorne isn't our father..." Samuel looked at the two, "Arthur did all this?"

Alex was now more than furious, "He'll hang for this for sure."

"He's dead," Seth reported quietly. "He and Darius are dead."

Alex wasn't upset about it but smiled, "How?"

Seth pointed at me, "Darius issued The Challenge. Erik took it and won."

Alex smiled even broader, "I hate for anyone to die, but...thank you."

I smiled, "Well, it's really Darius' fault. His style of fighting may have been pretty. Those moves were very much like a ballet, but how I was taught was a little more technique than the artsy style taught nobility and soldiers must be more for show. It was one of those moves of his that caused him to step into my sword." I shrugged. "So, really, he did it to himself."

Seth nodded, "Then Arthur was enraged and lunged at us with Darius' boot dagger, only he fell and the blade went in his gut," Seth said. "He also did it himself." Then he grinned pulling me closer, "This is...my brother, Samuel." He introduced. "Samuel, this is...my husband. Prince Erik of A'Dore."

"Formally of A'Dore," I put my hand out to Samuel. "Now of Blethos."

Seth nodded with a chuckle, "That's right. Prince Erik of Blethos."

Samuel didn't even blink. He smiled at me and did a slight bow, "Your Highness. It's a pleasure to meet you." Then he backed away a little and indicated a young woman off to the side. Brown hair, brown eyes and very, very pretty. Perhaps twenty. In her arms was a baby. "This is Terry. My wife. And our son, Michael." The baby was about seven or eight months old. But awake and looking at all that was going on with alert brown eyes. Then Samuel looked at his brother, "Your nephew."

Seth walked a little closer, then stopped, sniffed his armpit, "Maybe I should clean up. I remember you, Terry. You don't know how thrilled I am to see you." Then he nodded to his father and me, "But first, there's something that needs to be done."

Samuel snickered, "A bath would be good. You smell like a horse. And sweat."

I smiled at the woman, "It's nice to meet you, Terry. I need to clean up, too."

Seth turned to me, "We need the Royal Scribe. I want to outlaw The Challenge right now."

I nodded, "I'll see if someone can find him. I'll even arrange for the water for a bath." I nodded and went to find someone in the hall. Sending word by a Palace Staff to get those things needed had begun. I went back to the communal room where I heard Seth talking with Samuel.

"...but I love him. It's not just a political move. He is my husband."

Samuel nodded, but only looked puzzled a few seconds, "Are you happy, Seth?"

"Very," Seth answered.

Alex had taken his grandson and was playing with him on his knee, talking as many adults do to a baby. Making silly faces and making the baby smile as he grabbed his grandfather's nose.

"So where did you disappear to?" Seth asked Samuel with his arm still around my waist. Seth didn't even worry that Samuel would be offended. But Samuel didn't seem to notice or care.

"Haven," Samuel replied with a smile. "I know, equal distance from Blethos' capital to Thorne Valley, but in the opposite direction." He chuckled, "And I was glad to be rid of Throne. What about Deena?"

Seth looked up surprised remembering her, "She slipped my mind." He looked up as the Royal Scribe came in, paper, ink well, and quill in hand. "Just a second. I can decree something, can't I?" He asked his father.

Alex looked up and nodded, "You're king. Of course, you can."

Seth thought, looking at me, "How do I word this?"

I shrugged, "Be clear. Make it illegal to make The Challenge. And put a charge if someone's challenged. The challenged, remember the one challenged may win, but he's just defending himself."

Seth nodded, "Okay, from this moment. Anyone issuing The Challenge will be subject to prosecution. Any man going through with that challenge that they issued, that man, though victorious, will be tried for murder. No exceptions." The scribe was smiling as he wrote what Seth said. "I take it you approve."

The scribe looked up, "You're king. It doesn't matter, but yes, I approve. It's about time."

"I want it posted and sent to every town, hamlet or whatever immediately. And could you send in whoever's in charge of the guards, please?" Seth asked.

"At once," The scribe bowed and left.

I smiled. Seth was handling his duties well. It took a few moments before the Captain of the Guard came in.

"Your Majesty?" The captain bowed.

"Dispatch some guards to the manor house in Thorne Valley. Deena Thorne must be found and brought here as soon as she's found. But she is not to be allowed in that house, if she is remove her. If not in the house, she must not be allowed in, understood?"

The Captain of the Guard bowed, "Perfectly, Sire." Then he left.

"Now," Seth grinned at his brother. "We need to go and take a bath. I'll be back to greet my sister and see my nephew when done? We'll have a great dinner to celebrate. Okay?"

Samuel nodded, "Sure."

"Don't you dare leave," Seth said emphatically. Then he looked at his brother more serious thinking, "In fact, how about moving in here?"

Samuel's eyes got bigger, "In the palace?"

"We are the king's sons. We were born here. Yes, in here. Michael needs to be here," Seth pointed at his nephew.

Samuel looked at his son but nodded as he knew what Seth was meaning, "Because he will be the crown prince."

Terry came forward, "Sam!" She was certainly not ready for this. "You're making our son be king?"

"He is the next king of Blethos. He was born to it," Seth nodded, then grinned. "Which really takes the pressure off Erik and me. No matter how hard we try, neither of us will ever have a child," Seth chuckled.

Samuel chuckled and nodded a shrug, "That's true. But what of our life in Haven?"

"What are you doing there?" Seth asked.

"I make furniture," Samuel answered. "I'm pretty good, too." He said proudly.

Terry nodded, "The best in Haven. Perhaps all of Blethos. I'm a seamstress."

Seth nodded, "But Samuel was born a prince. Now, you Terry, are a princess. Little Michael is now the Crowned Prince."

Terry shook her head trying to take it all in, "A week ago we were no one. Now, this!?"

Seth shrugged, "Surprise."

"But I'm not of noble birth!" Terry said worriedly.

"So?" I asked. "Nobility is not something you're born with, it's who you are." Then I smiled at her, "I'd say you are."

Terry looked at all of us as if someone was to tell her this was all a mistake or some joke. But here was the former king, Alex nodding, the new king, Seth, and his husband all nodding. Then she walked back, looking at the room. "My only previous worry was getting Miss Agatha's seam straight and on time, but now, I'm a princess?" She shook her head, "I guess I won't be getting her seam straight."

Seth and I went to our room to get cleaned up. Entering our room there was only one bath ready, steam drifted up.

"I guess we'll have to share," Seth grinned as he slipped his shirt off.

"I suppose," I smiled back. "No problem." He looked extremely happy, "Meeting Samuel was good. He seems to be a nice guy."

Seth nodded as he sat to unlace his shoes. "He is. I've known Terry for five years when they started dating." He sighed, "I'm glad he found someone." Then he frowned. "But we'll have to deal with Deena."

I unlaced my shoes, "What are the laws here, for heirs?"

He shrugged, "She is the sole heir to the Thorne estate. But I can't forgive what she did."

Walking over, I tilted his head up so he would look at me, "Is she a criminal?"

"No," Seth griped. "But she made my life miserable. I just can't seem to get around that," He said angrily.

I nodded, "Being a bad sister isn't a crime, but there should be consequences to her father's actions."

Seth nodded, "I'm just so angry." He said loudly it was almost a grunt. "I'm angry at Thorne, Darius, and Deena. What they did...."

Leaning in kissing him gently, "I can't know or understand, because it happened to you, baby."

Seth grinned, "Baby? Is that what I am to you?"

I realized what I'd said, "Sorry."

He shook his head standing, "Don't be. That you think of me that way...is really nice. Don't stop." He kissed me a little more forcefully. "I may rely on you to decide what to do. Is that alright?"

I grinned, "That's what I'm here for."

"Yes, you are," Seth grinned kissing me again.

I pushed him back, "None of that, or we'll have to forgo dinner with Samuel, Terry and your father," I smiled.

Seth shrugged, "I am so glad you chose me."

I smiled, "Well, we could put dinner back a bit. We don't have to say why."

We did make love, then got in the bath. Hey, we both stunk, so we didn't really offend each other as we made love. The hot bath was not as hot when we got in, but the warmth was needed for our tired muscles.

"Why is Deena not married?" I asked as I washed Seth's back. "She's what.... twenty-five?"

Seth nodded, "Same as me, but a couple of months apart. And she was married. She married a nobleman, of course, but he was killed."

"How tragic," I felt a moment of sorrow for her.

"He was a thief. He fancied himself as the noble bandit," Seth chuckled. "And pretty good except that once and last one. He went into the house of another nobleman and got killed when the man defended his home." He shook his head, "Since then, Deena's been engaged two times."

"You don't sound like it was all bad."

Seth nodded, "It wasn't, but she never loved her husband, nor the others she was engaged to. She's too selfish. It was always about her." Then he shook his head. "I don't even think she's even set foot in the vineyard. Never tended a grapevine or even in the winery."

I turned his face toward me, "Then, she's good at business?"

He shook his head, "Not really. She's smart enough, but I doubt she'd do it."

I nodded, "Okay. Well, we'll think of something."

He sighed, "Personally, I loved the vineyard. Say what you will, Arthur Thorne had a good business." Then he smiled to himself, "His father was good at business. His first wife, Darius' and Deena's mother was good at business. That's why it did so well." Then his voice to on a dreamlike voice as he remembered, "I loved the peace being out there." He smiled, "The grapes didn't care what I looked like. That was when I felt the most at peace. In fact, I lived in Thorne Manor, but spent most of my time in the vineyard. Even slept some nights in the winery on warm nights."

"You seemed to have a good relationship with Grace," I said. "Everyone wasn't mean to you."

Seth shook his head, "No, Grace was okay. My scars didn't bother her. And most of the workers in the vineyard and winery were fine. It was just Arthur, Darius, and Deena that kept on about the curse and my scars."

I kissed the back of Seth's neck, "I'm sorry, baby." Squeezing him to me.

We did put a stop on any profits going to the accounts of the Thornes. Profits were now going into an account we set up for the winery that couldn't be touched by Deena.

Having Samuel, Terry, and Seth there seemed to brighten Alex's demeanor, and even quell his fatigue. And little Michael was entertaining with what he would do, babble at us, always reaching for faces. He was a very happy child.

I sent Christian a note by Demetrius letting him know that Arthur and Darius Thorne had died and how. It was another two weeks before we got word that Deena had been caught and was being brought to the palace. She was escorted into the throne room where Alexander sat on the throne with two guards at her side. Deena bowed as she stopped in front. She was very pretty. I admit that.

"Deena Thorne," Alex said sadly. "You are no doubt aware of the circumstances around your father's and brother's death?"

"I know Prince Erik killed them," Deena said looking angrily at me.

"No," Alex shook his head. "By all accounts, including those employed at Thorne Manor, it was Darius that issued The Challenge. And it is also known that it was Darius that stepped into the blade that killed him. Your father's own clumsiness was what killed Arthur. Didn't anyone tell you that?"

They must have because she refused to look at Alex.

"Now, what to do with you," Alex said slowly.

"I committed no crime!" Deena said loudly.

Alex nodded, "Well, not anything that can be prosecuted." He smiled sadly.

"So, what's to become of me?" Deena asked.

Alex shook his head, "I have no idea. I'm no longer the king." He stood up, "That's up to your cousin." He stepped aside as Seth walked over to the throne. Deena was now paler than she had been. "It's what he's going to do to you that you should be worried about."

"Deena," Seth began, looking at me, then his face got a look of sheer hatred. "You made my life Hell." He said calmly, "Your father killed my mother...."

"He couldn't have!" Deena shouted back.

"He did!!" Seth shouted louder, "Admitted by him, that admission was witnessed, and I was shown proof. He killed my mother! The Queen!" He was beginning to shake. "My brother and I were denied the opportunity to know her. Your father tried to take away my birthright and my brother's. If it weren't for his lust of a pretty woman, I'm sure he'd have killed us. But he wooed her and married her. But that's not why you're here. We need to decide what becomes of you."

Deena looked, her old self coming into her eyes as she glared at Seth, playing on who he once was, "Who are you to..."

"I am your KING!!" Seth shouted angrily. So loud even Deena backed up but was held in place by the two guards at her side, "If not by birth, by choice. By a man that truly loves me."

"That's sick!" Deena spat, "A man, loving a man..."

"I don't want to HEAR IT!" Seth yelled coming down to face her more directly. "Whether you believe it or not. The curse was a lie! Your father, brother and you were my curse! You treated me like horse dung on your boot. YOU TREATED ME LIKE SHIT!!" He said so loud in her face, even I cringed a little. Deena was now terrified. "At best you treated me like a servant to fetch and clean up. Get this, do that...never once like a brother. You hoped that by virtue of your birth, you'd be queen. Or at least, the sister of a king. You could have been. You could have been my sister. But you're not." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I can't do anything about what you've done. I can't raise Arthur or Darius, I'd love to be able to raise Arthur and kill him again and again, but I can't. But now, what to do with you." He shook his head, "But I'm too close to things to make a judgment." He looked at me, "So, I defer your judgment to Erik."

Deena looked at me in disbelief, "But he's not even of Blethos."

"Yes, he is," Seth nodded. "And it will be done by him because I said so."

I stepped beside Seth, "Deena Thorne, we don't charge the family for crimes committed by other family members in A'Dore. I've read the law for Blethos. I can't put a charge to you. Whether by ignorance or by you turning a blind eye, there will be consequences. What your father did, his crime against former King Alexander, Prince Phillip and who I now know, as Prince Samuel of Blethos payment has to be made. You will be released." I watched Deena sigh with relief. "But don't think about going back to Thorne Manor. The Royal Family of Blethos gets that as compensation for the crimes of your father. All profits to your family's account have been stopped. That includes the manor, vineyards, and winery. They all are compensations to the Royal Family of Blethos."

Deena looked alarmed at that, "But Thorne Manor is my home!"

"Which you did nothing for," Seth said. "You never tended one plant. You never did anything in the winery. What would you do there if you went back? Did you ever empty a chamber pot, do laundry, or even dust the furniture? No."

"It's my home," Deena said weakly.

"The accounts that are in your family's name is still there," I said but smiled because of what I knew. "However, I do have to say, that your father did spend a good bit of his profits. I saw the many works of art in the house and other things. That explains where the profits went. There is enough money to live on if you choose to live somewhere else. I'd be careful, though. It won't last forever if you spend as he did. Or you can marry."

Deena thought quickly, "I'll move away!"

I nodded, "You can do that. You should be okay if you spend wisely. But I caution you. Don't move anywhere in A'Dore, they won't really like you after my brother, King Christian lets everyone there know what your father did."

"And word about what Arthur did is spreading in Blethos. So, I'd be equally cautious here. The name of Thorne won't get you what it used to. Perhaps you should use your married name now. Moore."

Deena was a lot more humble being escorted out than she was coming in.

I looked at Seth, he looked very tired, "Are you okay?"

He shook his head, "Not really, but I will be." He smiled, pulling me to him, "Now, I have one more thing to do."

"One thing?" I asked, but sort of knew what he was going to say.

Seth nodded and took my hand. "In our room." He looked back, "Don't go far, Dad."

Alex grinned at his son and nodded. He knew, too. Calling him Dad made him very happy.

Once in our room, Seth closed the door and leaned against it, "What I'm going to tell you..." he was now shaking, "...could end us...as a couple." Tears started forming in his eyes. "I'm giving the crown to Samuel." Then he hurried on, "I'm not a king! I've thought about it since Samuel came back. I said it right after you chose me, I don't want to be king. He'll be better than I would ever be." He started pacing. "I don't have the schooling...I know what you said, kindness, mercy, and compassion. That wisdom was not learned...but really? Me? I always worried I'll say the wrong thing. Someone will attack us. I dread it when they come to me with a decision to make." He waved at me. "I was happy in the vineyards. I like working with the grapes. It gives me peace...all I feel now is pressure!"

I grabbed him, kissing him gently, deeply, with as much passion as I could put in a kiss, "Stop." I knew he had low confidence. He was physically a strong man. However, the damage done had left scars not on his body, that was fixed, but on his very soul. But he thought I'd leave him? "Aw Seth, I took vows to you. Seth. I didn't take vows to a future king, though you are. I don't care if you're king or not. I didn't take vows to the future king of Blethos. But to you. I love you, Seth." I kissed him again, lighter this time. "I could never leave you. You and I are married. Yes, we were allowed to marry so you could become king. You are! You helped make things right. I came here to choose someone to rule, I did my job, you do rule. If you give the crown to Samuel, I'm thrilled!"

Seth's eyes grew as he stood back, understanding, but not sure, "Why?"

"I've lived with kings all my life, as his son and then his brother." I shook my head. "Believe me, if you step down from the throne, I'll be so happy not to make nice with people I can barely stand, some I really don't like at all because they have something we want or need." I chuckled, "But I will expect you home every night."

Seth smiled and his breathing eased as he caught his breath as the tears stopped coming, "I know it doesn't make sense, why I feel this way, but I was just scared...I know you love me, but...I don't know, you could have said no and gone back to A'Dore. You have a lifestyle that you've grown up in..." He hugged me tightly, and I now knew why Samuel had asked to get air.

"Easy, baby," I smiled at him. "All that hard work really made you strong physically. Not that I'm complaining."

Seth eased up his hold with a chuckle, "Sorry, so, you won't leave me if I step down as king?"

"Never," I assured. I tapped each word on his chest as I said to him. "And...we...are...married. Until one of us divorces the other, we will be. I don't want to so...till death do us part, remember?"

Seth chuckled nodding, "I do. It's a little fuzzy, but I recall something along those lines." Then he smiled at me. "Do we tell Dad and Samuel?"

"Later," I grinned as I pulled him back toward the bed. "But one thing before you step down."

"What thing?" Seth asked unsure.

"When you're no longer king. You and I go on a honeymoon. No business, kingdom wise or otherwise. Okay?"

Seth grinned even bigger and nodding, "I think that's a great idea, but where can we go?"

"I know a beautiful fishing village, named Seaside Vista, on the coast of A'Dore. It always warm, even in Winter. We can stay on the beach, walk in the surf. We go, spend a week or two there and then visit Christian and Ella." I smiled as he was smiling even bigger if that were possible.

"We don't have to pretend anything there. Ella and Christian were at the wedding, your brother was one of the people that did half the ceremony." Seth leaned in kissing me again, "All of A'Dore knows we're married. Blethos, too, but I'd love to see A'Dore."

"Alright, husband. Enough talk," I began unbuttoning his shirt.

"The boots?" Seth reminded.

"One day, they'll have a pair that can be slipped on and off, dammit."

Seth laughed as he tugged on his boot, and I undid the laces.

For the rest of the day and into the night, Seth and I made love, kissed, and just enjoyed being together. Taking our time.

"I really hate that house," Seth suddenly griped softly as he lounged on my chest. "I'll have it redone, but I'd almost prefer to put a torch to the whole damned thing." He closed his eyes. "I have such bad memories with the place. Almost every day I was humiliated by one or all three. That's why I prefer the winery to sleep in. The days I never saw them were tolerable."

My heart ached for the pain he went through. Feeling he had nowhere to go because of the "curse" he thought he had. "You're forgetting one key thing, baby." I chuckled, running my fingers in his dark hair.

"Oh?" Seth looked up at me.

"I have a fairy godfather. Remember?" I smiled.

"But how could he change all that?" Seth asked. "Wasn't the magic Ella was over at midnight?"

"Well, we can ask," I asked. "His wife turned a pumpkin into a carriage, mice into horses...I remember what she turned the footman or driver from lizards, but a house will be easy."

"Don't be volunteering my services so quickly," Demetrius' voice groused from the dim candlelit room.

I was not alarmed, but Seth was pulling the covers up, even though nothing was showing.

"Well, what good is having a fairy godfather?" I asked in an equally groused voice, "You can access the magic, so why not? Doesn't it have to expire? Or does God, or as you say, The Big Guy," I pointed up, "...object?"

"How long has he been here?" Seth whispered to me.

I shrugged, "I told him, no, about coming in when we're being intimate, so not long."

"The Big Guy doesn't care about that," Demetrius dismissed, suddenly was just there again. "And don't worry, Seth. I've seen it all already."

Seth sat up more indignant, "You've seen me!? What about Erik? You've seen? How?"

"No," He said to Seth, "And yes. Could we stick to one question at a time, please?"

"So, you will help us do the house again?" I asked.

"I get involved with a human, then there are expectations," Demetrius grumbled sounding like he was so put upon. "Then I'm message delivery man and now a decorator/architect. Fine," He grinned at me. "Only because you're my one of favorite humans." Then he patted Seth's sheet-covered leg, "And you."

"In fact..." another voice, one I knew was Lukus and then he appeared walking out of the darkness, "I'll help."

"Two men decorating a house!?" Another voice, only female and a woman appeared. She looked more like a fairy I was told looked like wearing a dress of white and gold that sparkled and shimmered. She was in her late thirties and very pretty. Blonde. Yuck. "Never let two men do things, right? The house needs a woman's touch," She said, never mind that Seth was now very uncomfortable.

"Who the hell are you!?" Seth huddled further down.

"Oh, I'm sorry," She waved him off, then stepped closer extending her hand to Seth. "I'm Dara, Ella's fairy godmother." She looked at Lukus and Demetrius, "I never liked that name...fairy godmother...until I helped Ella. I did a good job with her, don't you think?" Which both Lukus and Demetrius nodded. "Now I like it."

Seth shook her hand, "But you just barge in!,

"Well, yeah." Dara nodded. "We do."

"Any sudden appearance by us is considered barging in," Lukus stated.

"We could ring a bell before we appear," Demetrius suggested.

"But we'd have to pop the bell in before we ring it," Lukus argued.

"Then they worry about where the bell came from and when it rings itself, they get all panicky," Dara furthered the objection.

"Guys!!" I grinned shaking my head. These beings seemed to forget what humans consider common decency. Privacy almost seemed like something they didn't quite get. "Can we get dressed? Maybe we'll be more receptive when dressed?" I suggested.

The three looked at each other. "Sure." "Of course." "Not a problem."

I chuckled and motioned to them, circling my finger, "Then turn around." Then when they didn't seem to know what I mean, "I mean, turn around the other way. Humans are modest."

Dara nodded as she finally understood, "Oh...sure." She turned, jabbing her husband who turned around. "You too, Lukus," And he turned around as I got up.

Dressing quickly. I glanced at Seth who was pulling his shirt over his head.

"Okay," I grinned at the three. "So, you know what's going to happen?"

Demetrius nodded, "This was a plan of Lukus', but yes. Once Arthur Thorne did what he chose to do. I sort of made things happen to make amends to poor King Alexander and his boys. It just seemed so...tragic."

"And I'm giving you a special carriage," Lukus grinned.

"A carriage!?" Dara objected. "That's what I do!"

"I didn't use a pumpkin, either" Lukus ignored her. "I enhanced one of the old ones scheduled to be repaired. Only now it doesn't." He said brightly. "It's big enough to sleep in, relax..." then his eyebrows danced up and down once, "...make love."

I pointed out, "Well, okay. But you need to consider the people in Thorne Valley. There are hundreds of employees that work at the manor, either in the house, the vineyard or winery. If you radically change the house, won't they be suspicious?"

Dara rolled her eyes, "Of course, they will be. That's why, when you to get back, we'll change the house. And if asked, they will remember that a team of men worked long on the house. Even if there weren't."

Seth walked closer, "You can do that? To the whole town?"

Demetrius laughed, "Certainly, perceptions are easy."

Lukus nodded, "When they see the house has changed, they're minds will try to figure out how it happened and grasp for the explanation."

"And when one is given," Dara continued. "Ours will be accepted. It will be the only one that makes sense to them. And they'll believe it."

"And with all three of us pulling the magic on the same thing," Lukus explained further. "It will stick."

"My putting the limitation of midnight only added to the anticipation," Dara smiled. "Humans love that. It motivates them."

Lukus put his hand on my arm, "In the morning, just call me. There are some special things about the carriage I should explain."

I nodded, "I will. Thanks, guys."

Seth held up his hand, "And guys..." They all looked at him. "About the bell thing..." he smiled. "Since I already know about the magic and all. Do..." he waved, "...whatever you do get the bell here and have it ring before just appearing? Please?"

The next morning Seth and I went to the carriage house. True to his word, a new carriage was sitting in the middle of the vast space. I was about three meters in length. Shaped round like a log, with windows on the sides but completely contained. Looking in, we saw a little living area and a comfortable bed toward the head. Lots of storage available. And a stove! It was a small stove made of red metal and shiny brass or something. The whole stove was shiny and clean. A box in front held some black rocks, but they weren't coal. I think.

"Lukus," I called softly.

"Did I do okay?" Lukus asked, looking to see if we liked it.

"It looks very comfortable," I nodded.

"Well, A'Dore is not a few miles away," Lukus reasoned. "It could take you two or three weeks to get there, depending on how fast you travel." He pointed, "There's plenty of room for storage. Clothes, some tools, food." He opened a long seat we could use to sit on when eating in the carriage, "Room for things like bow and arrows, swords..." he smiled. "But you don't need swords for this trip. I enchanted the carriage. No one, even the greediest thief will want a thing from you when you travel with this," He grinned with a bounce. "Perceptions, remember?" Then he patted the stove, "And this...it is getting colder out now as winter is coming. This will keep you warm together." He motioned to the thick quilted bed, "That will do the trick, but this will really heat the carriage." He pointed at the rocks, "Now these aren't coal." Then he shrugged a nod, "Well, they are...but they will each burn a week!"

Seth's eyes grew, "A week!? That's not possible!"

Lukus frowned, "Really? You're saying that to me." He shook his head, "After all you've seen us do."

I nodded, taking Seth's arm, and put a hand on Lukus' shoulder, "He'll come to understand. But if it burns for a week, what do we do? We light it and it stays lit?"

"Oh," Lukus understood the question. "No. Just tap the stove and say out stove. And it will go out." He stomped on the floor, "And it's not that heavy, not really. Two horses can pull it, no problem. But it will stay upright in the windiest storm," Then he grinned. "Now, I have to run. Any questions?"

I looked at Seth and we both shook our heads. Lukus nodded and vanished, "Thanks." I said to the air.

"You're welcome," Lukus' voice came faintly.

That evening Seth asked the whole family to be at dinner, which they normally were, but he asked that they be sure to be there. As they gathered for the meal. I was asked by Terry why, but I just told her to wait. Seth took his place at the head of the table as king. Samuel sat on his left as his second in line. I was on his right as king consort or where the queen would sit. Alex to the right of me as he was king, but not any longer. Terry on Samuel's left as his wife. That's just how it was, don't ask me who made up these rules.

"The reason I asked you all to be here tonight..." Seth began, then got up from his place. "Samuel, if you would. This chair belongs to you."

Samuel looked puzzled, "But you're king. That's your place."

Seth nodded, "A place I'm giving to you. On Friday night, I'm giving the crown to you. You will be the king of Blethos."

Alex just smiled. As I said, he knew.

Samuel shook his head, "No! You can't. You're king."

"Samuel," Seth said softly, begging his brother to understand. "I took the job because it was needed. At a time following some horrible events, this throne was taken from you and me. By virtue of Erik's choice, I got it back. If by the simple reason that I was chosen, I became king. As king, I can choose my successor. I choose you."

"Why?" Samuel looked uncertain. He wasn't saying no, but he had to understand, "You've been a great king."

Seth nodded, his voice only shaking a little, "Please understand. What happened to me...I can't help it...I'm so scared most of the time. Even though I know it's not true, I can't shake the thought that I'm not good enough. I would be a bad king if I bowed to the threat of someone because of how I was made to think about myself. What the Thornes did, I will get over, but it will take time." He grinned at me, "With the help from someone who truly loves me." Then he turned again to Samuel, "And that's another thing. You, Terry, and Dad, accepted that I married for love and that I do love Erik. But really...those that come before the throne, for guidance or help with foreign matters will feel better dealing with a king that's not married to a man. Even if it was just political." He went to where Samuel had been sitting and pulled his chair out. "So, take your seat." He turned to Terry who was looking more stunned than she had when she found out she was a princess, "And Terry, move to his right side. Your place as Queen."

Terry shook her head. "Queen!?" She looked like she was about to faint, "Me? Sam is going to be king?"

Seth chuckled nodding, "Yes to both questions."

Terry came slowly to where I was now standing as I pulled her chair out for her.

"My lady," I bowed to her as she sat. "My queen." I smiled as she still wasn't believing it.

Terry shook her head as she rested it on her hands. "This has been a crazy few weeks!" She waved at her husband, "He was making furniture, I was a seamstress. Now he's king and I'm queen!?"

I chuckled, "That's right."

"Son," Alex smiled at Seth. "That was the action of a man who is truly a king. Thinking of the people first."

Seth sat at Samuel's left as I sat by Seth's left. Seth seemed to relax so much more. "And...I want to run what is now the Royal Vineyard." He nodded, "In fact, I want the town's name changed. Instead of Thorne Valley, it should be called The Royal Valley."

Samuel was still letting the reality sink in his mind. He looked at Seth, blinked...then comprehended what his brother said, "What? The Royal Vineyard. Right. Sure," He nodded. "It's ours now. Someone has to run it. You've done it for nearly two decades. Sure, take it. The name change. Do it."

I smiled at Seth, "And if you come by, which I hope you can...you're always welcome...we're having the house torn down and a new one built." I took Seth's hand, "There are too many bad memories for Seth with the old one. So, don't be surprised to see a new one, Sam."

Samuel nodded, "Absolutely. Take all the royal construction crews. Do what you need to."

Seth bumped his forehead against mine gently, "Actually, Sam. We have some friends taking care of that, but thanks."

"And after the crowning of the new King and Queen. Seth and I are leaving for a few weeks, perhaps a couple or three months to spend time together. We never had a honeymoon."

Alex laughed, "You never had the chance. You meet on Friday, the next day you chose Seth, that next Tuesday you turned eighteen, then that next Saturday you two were married." He nodded, "You should spend time together. Alone."

"Well, we do move fast...the men in our family," Samuel chuckled. "I told Terry day one we were getting married."

"And for the next year, he wouldn't let it go until he convinced me to do it," Terry smiled taking Samuel's hand. She shook her head. "But a week or two is a little faster than most."

"But we'll be back," I assured. "I want to visit Christian and Ella, too."

Now Seth let out a breath. Like huge weights were now off him. "Thank you all for understanding." Then he looked at each of them, "And your support."

Blethos itself was breathing a sigh of relief when word that Seth was giving the crown to his brother. Even though almost everyone in Blethos knew about Seth and me, it was better that Samuel and Terry were now King and Queen. Until all of mankind saw love as love, this was the best move. The ceremony was attended by all the representatives of every township in Blethos. As Seth put the crown on his brother and sister's heads. Again, there was a great celebration.

"So, what's next, Cinderfella?" Seth asked me and took my hand.

I shrugged, "I don't know...live happily ever after?" I grinned as we kissed.