Author's webpage: http://www.skeeter63.org/~k9kennel/

Author's disclaimer: Petfly owns, but Lotto is tonight and by tomorrow, I might be a very rich lady and no, you can't borrow any cause I'll need it all to get TS back on the air.....The ALYJUDE Network - All slash - All the time!

Author's notes: My wonderful and patient beta, Gail, is currently in the hospital and she asked me to adapt a well-known fairy tale, utilizing the characters from TS, like, duh! So, this is for Gail, who has to read my stories in long hand, after they've been mailed to her via snailmail, then send back to me all nicely corrected and read how I then butcher all her hard work when I type it to sxf and send.....She has the patience of a saint!

Warning: DO NOT drive down Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach looking for RB, because you're gonna hit a fire hydrant, okay?

Second Warning: Only 13 more shopping days left! And I'd love a new blender. *You gotta guess which fairy tale this is....like it ain't hard, guys! :)) And this bears more resemblance to Disney's version than any other......

Poster's Note: While looking to reread a fav story by Alyjude, WoD realized that the copy of said story on the Archive was missing, oh my god, the nasty scene!!! Wail!!!! After having to go over to Alyjude's webpage and wade her way through several pages to get to the missing scene, WoD decided she's had enough. So, with Alyjude's permission, she's reposting this story, with the natsy bits restored. All hail!

Wrong paragraph breaks, WoD's fault. Anything else, I think we can blame on the fact that Aly never got a new blender. <g>

Once Upon a Dream
by alyjude

Long ago and far away, nestled in a serene valley surrounded by great mountains, there existed a beautiful kingdom called Cascadia and this kingdom was ruled by the wise and recently widowed Queen Naomi, a woman much beloved by her subjects.

Her husband, the short but precognitive King Charles, had been ruthlessly murdered a bare two months after discovering that he would finally become a father. The kingdom mourned the loss of their King and feared for their future as the only person that stood between them and the murderer of their King, the evil sorcerer, Malash, was the three month pregnant Queen.

But Naomi rose to the occasion, and with the help and assistance of the three fairies from the magic firm of Banks, Brown and Taggert, Malash was kept at bay and the kingdom prospered.

Six months after her beloved husband's death, Queen Naomi gave birth to their child, a boy, and as the precious bundle was placed in the tired Queen's arms, and as she kissed the downy soft curls adorning his head, she vowed that she would protect him from all evil, or die in the attempt.

/............../..........

The great day had arrived. The baptism of the young Prince. The celebration was in full swing as Cascadians came from far and wide, as villagers poured into the castle, all eager to get their first glimpse of the three month old Prince.

But today was more than just the baptismal. Queen Naomi, under the advisement of the three fairies, had conspired to further secure her kingdom by arranging the union between Cascadia and her neighboring kingdom, Vancouverle. The union would be cemented by the betrothal of Prince Jacob to the heir of King William. Today, both Queen Naomi and King William would sign the betrothal papers and the two kingdoms would begin a new era.

<*> <*> <*> <*>

The castle was ready, it's pale pink, marble walls scrubbed spotless, every tree and bush pruned and festooned with streamers of satin ribbons, and from every turret, archway and door, hung thousands upon thousands of small, white, twinkling lights, magically provided by the fairy firm of Banks, Brown & Taggert. Beyond the moat, the three fairies had arranged for a small rainbow to hover over the castle, bathing it in it's rich, muted colors and in the moat itself, gilded lily pads, carrying silver candles, floated like stars from the sky. >From every fountain gushed water painted every shade of blue to commorate the Prince's sparkling eyes.

The Queen stood on her parapet, overlooking the gardens, her son nestled in her arms. She gave him a small bounce and laughed delightedly as his giggles floated out over the warm, spice scented air. One chubby little hand reached unsuccessfully for a bit of red hair that had escaped from under the Queen's crown. Naomi grinned as his face scrunched up and those small baby lips pursed in concentration as he tried again to ensnarl the strand. But this time, Naomi assisted her son by lowering her head just enough so that eager fingers could grab and gently pull. With a loving smile, she rubbed her nose gently against his, watching as his eyelids fluttered and his own grin widened. She rained soft kisses over silky smooth and baby sweet skin as his legs kicked in delight.

"Your Majesty, King William and his entourage have arrived. It is time."

Naomi turned to face her aide, Sir Rafe and she nodded as she addressed him, "Thank you, Rafe. Is my Lady Megan returned?"

"She awaits the Prince in the nursery, Your Majesty."

Naomi nodded and shifted her child up as she crossed back inside and walked to the nursery, where Lady Megan would prepare the Prince for his first appearance at court.

<*> <*> <*> <*>

"HER MAJESTY, QUEEN NAOMI!"

Horns heralded her entrance into the Grand Ballroom and as quests made way, she swept in, elegant head held high, her velvet gown of rich forest green swaying gently as she approached her throne. Behind her, Lady Megan followed, the Prince in her arms.

Sir Rafe stepped forward as the Queen took her seat and the Prince was placed in her arms. He brought his staff down once, signaling silence. The doors at the far end of the hall opened and Rafe announced, "HIS MAJESTY, KING WILLIAM OF VANCOUVERLE, AND HIS SON AND HEIR, PRINCE JAMES."

William strode down the red carpet, every inch the King. Tall, blonde and handsome, with serious blue eyes, the widowed King found himself enchanted by the Queen sitting regally before him.

And behind King William, walked the eight year old Prince James, eyes locked on the bundle in the Queen's arms.

Prince Jacob. His ---- betrothed.

A baby. A - little - baby. Ugh.

As William and his son took their place beside the Queen, Rafe once more brought down the staff and announced, "AND NOW, QUEEN NAOMI PRESENTS YOUR OWN PRINCE JACOB!"

Naomi rose and stepped forward, allowing the blankets surrounding the child to fall to the ground. She raised her arms, baby held firmly, and the hall erupted in cheers as the light brown curls and laughing blue eyes were revealed. The noise seemed not to bother the young Prince at all, as sturdy little legs kicked in glee and his very un-princelike chortles filled the room.

Prince James had come prepared to be bored, to spend the evening hiding yawns and trying to shut out the noise, but as the sound of Prince Jacob's laugh reached his sensitive ears, as the sweet sound filled his soul, pale blue eyes widened, and he found himself spellbound as the tiny, energetic bundle was lovingly lowered into it's crib.

As the party swirled about him, as his father danced with the strange Queen, James walked as if compelled, to the side of the crib. He peeked in and was surprised to find sleepy blue eyes blinking back at him. One hand reached out, hesitant, and before James could pull it back, the baby grasped a finger and James found himself literally, figuratively and spiritually captured.

He smiled. Jacob smiled back. James wiggled the captured finger and grinned in delight as Jacob's eyes got round, as the baby gave a surprisingly strong tug. James leaned in and made a face, puffing out his cheeks, curling his lips and crossing his eyes. He was flabbergasted and thoroughly enchanted when instead of crying, baby Jacob tried to copy the expression.

Prince James might not know exactly what betrothed meant, but he decided that Prince Jacob might be kind of fun after all - as long as Prince James didn't have to change diapers.

<*> <*> <*> <*>

It was almost midnight and the last Lord had passed the Prince, the last tickle had been given and the last goochie, goochie goo had been said. Prince Jacob had proven his good nature by not crying once during the evening, and many a charmed look had been given to Prince James, who even now, stood resolutely guarding his new toy.

Trumpets once more blared and Sir Rafe made one last announcement.

"YOUR MAJESTY, MAY I PRESENT FAIRIES BANKS, BROWN AND TAGGERT!"

All attention was diverted as through the double doors, three sparkling balls of light flew, hovered, then materialized into three, big, strapping, handsome men. The head fairy, known only as Banks, floated toward the Queen, his wand in hand, wings fluttering.

"Your Majesty, we have come to bestow our gifts upon our beloved Prince Jacob." Naomi stood, a wonderous smile upon her face. "We are honored at your presence, Fairy Banks. Please, approach."

Banks floated to the crib and as he gazed down upon the innocent child, his wand moving gracefully over the curls, he chanted, "Our Prince has been blessed with a beauty that defies description, and his gentle nature is self-evident. So to thee, Prince Jacob, I give the gift of adventure. Your thirst for knowledge, for understanding, shall lead you down a path of wonderous discoveries and delight, bringing you great wisdom and intelligence."

His wand circled gently and small, colorful crystals floated down which solicitated a round of giggles from the receipient. Banks then floated back and was replaced by fairy Brown, who also floated above the crib, wand circling as he intoned, "Your intelligence and wisdom is now a given, so to you, my Prince, I give humor driven. A wit and charm shall be yours, dear Prince, to aid in our wish to keep you from harm."

Brown drifted back, to make room for Taggert, but before the last fairy could approach, the candles in the Ballroom flickered and a cold chill swept through the room. The doors flew open and a tall figure swathed in deathly black and muted purple walked sedately to the center of the room. The man wore a black skull cap that appeared to be part of the shiny black cloak that swirled about the body of the man. In his right hand he carried a jeweled staff adorned with a clear crystal the size of Jacob's round rattle. Several quests, including King William, shrunk back at sight of the staff, all knowing full well it's evil power.

As Prince James instinctively stepped in front of the crib, a small, childlike growl issued forth, but before he could rush the invader, Queen Naomi approached the man.

"Malash."

"It would seem, Dear Queen, that you are having a party. I can assume that my invitation was regretably lost in the mail?" His voice slithered across the room and at the word my, one slender, pale hand rested delicately over his heart.

"Not at all, Malash. You were not invited." The Queen spoke with a strong voice, a voice that belied her fear.

The dark, inky black eyes, set deep in the delicate pale face, blinked at the Queen, feigning surprise. "Why, your Majesty, considering my ties to your son, how is it that you failed to invite me, your future son-in-law?"

"How dare you make such a statement! You will have nothing to do with my son, you hear me, Malash? I do not fear your sorcery."

"You should, my Queen, you should. Good and foolish King Charles promised me his first born if I would but do him one simple favor. I did. Prince Jacob is mine."

Malash drew himself up to his full height and was no longer the wounded guest, instead, power, heat and evil radiated out from his body, forcing the brave Queen and her subjects to step back in horror.

"I am here to collect that which is mine."

A low growl filled the room and Malash, expecting to find an animal, found instead, an eight year old boy, ready to do battle. Malash grinned malevolently as he spoke, "My, my, if it isn't the mighty and fierce Prince James, ready to defeat a minor sorcerer such as myself. Perhaps I should show the dear boy some of my minor powers?" And he raised his staff, but before his power could be unleashed on the small boy, Banks, Brown and Taggert placed themselves between James and the sorcerer.

"I think not, Malash. You would do well to leave. You do not want to test our powers." Banks threatened.

"Oh, my good friend Banks. Perhaps I should leave, it's so draining to be unwanted. But ---- before I go, I too have a gift for my Jacob, or should I say - a promise?" And with those words, his staff he did raise and his voice cried out, "For twenty-one summers, Prince Jacob shall know happiness, shall be the light that guides. But for a promise broken, for a good deed done, if not delivered to me, your Prince shall die on the day he becomes twenty-one.

"Failure to give that which is desired, shall result in a watery death for sweet Jacob and all shall mourn before his funeral pyre."

A great black mass rose from the crystal, widened, chilled and darkened the room. All eyes followed the living, breathing mass of evil as it made it's way about the room. It seemed to swallow them all, and just as it would engulf the kingdom, there came a huge and horrible laugh, the blackness burst into thousands of tiny particles that disappeared as they hit the floor.

And Malash was no longer in their midst.

Naomi rushed to her baby's side, picking him up and cradling him to her breast as she faced the three fairies.

"Please tell me you can stop this most evil spell?"

Banks shook his head sadly, "No, my Queen, our magic is not strong enough. However, hope still lives. Taggert has not yet bestowed his gift."

Fairy Taggert flew to Naomi's side, hovering over she and the innocent, sleeping babe. His forest green wand glowed brightly, his voice spoke, soft and mellow. "Should the curse come to pass, my magic cannot stay your death, alas. But ---- the intent of this evil Lord may be thwarted by true love, for only through the kiss of life, shall you be restored."

The wand circled the baby's head, brighter than the sun, as sparkling jewels in every color of the rainbow rained down on the Prince.

It was the best that could be done. All prayed it would be enough.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Queen Naomi had faith in her fairies, but she was also a practical woman where her son was concerned. In the following days, she set about to ensure that her son could not - would not, meet a watery death.

All fountains were stilled, the only road to a nearby harbor was blocked, and with the assistance of her fairies, every river and stream was diverted away from Cascadia. Every nearby lake was drained, the water stored in small barrels for the populace. And finally, every well was filled with dirt and planted. On the fifth day following the curse, King William and Prince James took their leave, to the disgust of the young Prince, who felt that he should be left behind to guard his playmate. He'd spent five days playing with Jacob and had even learned the fine art of diapering. Now who would protect him? Change him? As the young prince rode away, he gave one last look and vowed to return - soon.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

The three fairies were sequestered in a broom closet. Removing water hazards and magic counterspells were fine, but they would not protect the Prince if Malash should decide to take that which he expected to be delivered.

"We could turn him into a wolf pup, Banks. Malash couldn't hurt him then....", suggested Taggert.

"Unless he visited a famine upon the animal kingdom, you doofus. No, our plan must be better than that. We must take the Prince deep into the woods, raise him ourselves, and return him on his birthday. Malash would be thwarted. If he can not claim Jacob before sunset on his birthday, the spell is broken. Malash is defeated."

Brown snorted at his boss, saying, "We? Three fairies raise a Prince? Are you daft?"

"Three fairies will not raise him. Three woodsmen will. No magic. Nothing Malash could trace. I will be Simon. You will be Henri, and you Taggert, will be Joel. Now both of you, give me your wands, now."

The two men looked at each other, eyes wide in panic. No more magic? How were they to have fun? Banks held out his hand, wiggling his fingers, "Now, gentlemen, your wands."

Amid petulant scowls and whines, two wands were handed over.

Banks took his wand and waved it over each of them, removing their wings and dressing them in the leathers of a woodsman.

"There. Now, off to tell the Queen. This will break her heart, but she will know it is for the best."

As they stepped out of the closet, and made their way to the Queen's chamber, dour mutterings could be heard......

".....I'll be damned if I'm going to change diapers......"

"......who's gonna burp him? Bathe him? Not me, I can tell you that.....no, sir!"

"......and what about Fairy Olivia? I had a hot date with her tonight......"

".....and how come Banks didn't have to rhyme his gift? He's so good, he doesn't have to rhyme?"

:( :( :( :(

Queen Naomi did indeed know that Banks was correct in his plan. And with a breaking heart, she gave over her son. The three men took their leave and the lovely, broken hearted Queen watched as the three rode away, deep into the woods, and she cried for all the moments she would miss, for his first steps, his first Winter Solstice, for each year that he grew, for every first she would never see.......and the tears fell, unrestrained, until they faded from sight.

:( :( :( :(

"......some one catch it.....jeesh, that little bugger can move....."

"....where did it go? It was right here.....how could you let this happen, Joel?"

"......oh, shit, I stepped in it."

"YOU WHAT? YOU STEPPED ON THE PRINCE?"

"Don't be silly, Simon. I stepped in the diaper shit. It's all over the floor, thanks to Joel."

"Could you guys argue later? We've got a six month old rugrat running around diaperless....he'll catch his death......"

"THERE HE GOES, HE JUST CRAWLED BETWEEN YOUR LEGS, HENRI!"

Henri bent at the waist just in time to see a pink butt scuttle past, and wild baby giggling telling him he'd missed the baby by that much. He turned and ran after the child, who could move faster than any living creature known to fairies.

"How does he do that?"

"Stop your yapping and catch him!" Simon yelled.

With a triumphant, "GOTCHA!" Joel swooped down and scooped up the errant child. He held him up to his face, nose to nose and said, "Bad Prince, very bad Prince," to which the young Prince simply reached out a fat little hand and squeezed the large nose - hard. Then laughed uproariously.

Simon took the baby from the now whimpering Joel and as he kissed the soft curls, he admonished, "Joel, he's not a dog. He's our Prince and just a baby. He was having fun. And how the hell did he get away?"

Joel looked sheepishly down at the floor as he answered, "I just turned away for a second....to get a safety pin, you know? And when I turned back, poof, he was gone. I think he's magic, Simon. I do."

The magic baby was currently having a ball trying to twist off Simon's nose, and chortling happily. Simon just smiled, a smile that could only be described as dreamy....."Good baby Prince, sweet baby, that's it....let's get you diapered. These silly men can't do a simple thing like diaper an innocent baby...umph..." and he set him down on the large communal table in the small woodsman cottage that had been their home for the last three months. He pulled a clean diaper from the large stack, expertly folded it, tucked it under the squirming butt and before the baby could blink, he'd powdered, pinned, straightened and kissed.

"There. Now, where are his clothes? His little blue jumper?"

"Uh, right here, Simon." And Joel handed over the now wrinkled jumper. Wrinkled and sweaty.

"Shit, Joel, what did you do with it?"

"Well, I was running after him, and getting all sweaty and I just....."

"Never mind. Get the green jumper......Yeah, that's the one....... okay, baby, I'm gonna slip this on, one little leggy-leggy, two little leggy-leggy, pull up....." as he talkled, his voice sing-songy, the other two men just watched, astounded. This was the King of Fairies. Cooing. What was the world coming to???

Finally, the Prince was clean, pampered and dressed. And lord, it was time for lunch. Which meant a mess, and a poop. A fairies job was never done.

"Um, Simon. We can't go around calling him Prince, and we certainly can't use his given name......shouldn't we give him a new name too?"

Simon glanced up from his task of lightly brushing the soft curls, his face a study in concentration.

"Good point, Henri. Well? Anyone got any suggestions?"

"Uh," Joel said, scratching his head, "I've always been partial to Horatio."

"Joel, you're hopeless. I can just hear us now.....Oh, Horatio, time to come in......I so don't think so.....how about Clarence?" Henri added.

"God, you two are pathetic," and Simon gazed down at the now quiet bundle in his arms and said, "Well, young sir, what name catches your fancy?"

Bubbles escaped the tiny mouth as the young sir said, "Bwair", and reached for Simon's nose again.

"Blair. I like it. And it has a good sound to it. An energetic sound. Blair it is."

"Uh, Simon? He said, Bear." Henri stated firmly.

"No, he distinctly said, Blair. And it's a perfect name." Simon added, a bit testily.

Joel walked over to Simon's side, his hand stroking the soft baby hair, his face wearing a soft smile....."I like it. Blair. It fits." And he bent and kissed the silky cheek, and the baby said, "Bwair", again.

Simon nodded firmly, "His name is now Blair. Our Blair."

~~~~~@~~~~~~@~~~~~~@

For the Kingdom of Cascadia, life went on. A little duller perhaps, a little sadder, but business was business, and life had to be lived.

For the Queen, no day went by that she didn't imagine her life with her baby. How she'd show him that butterfly, or let him crawl around on the soft, fragrant meadow just outside the castle gates, or the joy of taking him on her rounds, or of hearing him say, "mama" for the first time....and every day ended the same.....with Naomi sitting in the nursery, holding his baby blanket to her face, tears streaming down her cheeks.

But she had a kingdom to rule. Laws to make and judgements to render. She had cases to be heard, decisions to be made. And if she smiled rarely, if her subjects no longer heard her laugh, who could blame her?

~~~~@~~~~~~@~~~~~~~@

In Vancouverle, a young Prince grew, and a sweet memory faded.......

~~~~@~~~~~~@~~~~~~~@

And in the dark tower, miles from Cascadia, the evil sorcerer searched. He used his evil minions, his crystal ball, he used all the magic he possessed. And still, Prince Jacob remained elusive. And Malash's anger grew....... Five years after the Prince's disappearance, Malash went to his secret room, high atop his castle. Once there, he stood before an altar, his staff held high......

"Oh, Prince of Darkness, show me my future, my love, my other half.....let me see him full grown, give power to my staff, so that Jacob may stand before me, his glory to me known."

The altar seemed to take on a eerie glow, the light grew, and a face appeared. It gazed at the crystal atop Malash's staff and two lightening bolts shot out from the empty eyes, piercing the round clear glass. Energy crackled, and the room darkened, until the only light was a few feet from Malash. The light was pale blue, the color of cornflowers and slowly, a figure appeared.........

A man. Young, maybe eighteen. Smiling, laughing, full of energy and life. Malash zeroed in on the face, noting the strong chin, the lush, thick lips and he could imagine those lips, how they would feel on him, and his hands shook, the figure wavered, and Malash took a centering breath and continued his appraisal of his mate to be......

Hair worn fashionably long, but with soft curls falling about a sculptured, strong face. Blue eyes, framed by thick, dark lashes and equally thick, expressive eyebrows. High cheekbones and a broad forehead completed the picture. He was all that Malash desired. All he could have dreamed. And he would be his. Malash would not fail. This man belonged to him.

~~~~@~~~~~@~~~~~~@

The small bird was just out of reach....it's blue wings dipping, flapping, the bird wavering, zooming in, then up again......and the small, five year old hand reached, and reached again....

"please, please land.....just here, on my finger....." and the voice enticed the bird, who swept back, dipped a final time, and landed on the outstretched finger.

Blair grinned and gently ran his other finger down the soft feathers, bringing the bird close to his face, and blowing softly into it's feathers. The bird chittered and preened, gave a sweet warble and soon the forest was full of the sight and the sound of flapping wings and chittering birds.

Blair's eyes grew round as he delightedly took in the blue cloud now swimming over head.

With the tiny bird still perched on his finger, the boy sat, crosslegged in the meadow, and invited the rest of the birds to lite.....which they did - on his shoulders, his head, his legs, his arms......

And this was the picture that greeted his Uncles as they broke through the forest into the beautiful glade.

All three men stopped dead, wonder evident on their faces. These were men of the world, men of great deeds, of great magic. And yet, never in the real world had they seen such magic.

Simon moved forward slowly, not wanting to disturb the birds or frighten them away. Blair turned and spotted his Uncles and gave them each a huge wave. Simon sat down next to his charge, and with amazement, noted that several birds drifted over to him. Obviously any friend of Blair's.....

"Blair, you ran off again. And forgot to tell one of us where you were going......we've been terribly worried."

The five year old hung his head in shame, but Simon was getting quite good at reading this boy, and he didn't miss the beginings of a squelched grin.

"i'm sorry, unca. really, i am. but the birds, they wanted to play, see?"

"So it's the birds fault?"

A curly, bird infested head nodded wildly....."all the birds fault. bad birds, bad."

"I shall have to impart a very stern lecture to these birds. They must learn as well....the forest is our friend, Blair, but it can be dangerous."

"i know. but he protects me....."

Simon frowned, "He? Who's he?"

One hand slowly pointed to the darkest edge of where the forest ran up against the meadow....and just barely there, Simon could discern two dark eyes staring back at him.

"Uh, Blair......"

"it's a dog. just a dog. big, brown and white. likes to cuddle."

A dog. Malash? God, no.

But even as Simon was thinking that horrible thought, the bushes stirred and a wolf crawled out from under and made it's way slowly to Blair's side. A wolf. With blue eyes.

Henri and Joel joined Simon, both with eyes glued to the animal.

"Simon?" Joel asked.

"I don't know. But as a friend once said, there is more in heaven and earth than one can know."

The wolf seemed to agree, because he sat down and rested his head on Blair's small shoulder. None of the birds left, they simply rearranged themselves. "he has a playmate too. but i don't see him much.....a cat. big and black."

Okaaaaay, this was a bit much. A wolf, a black cat......playmates.

"Blair, we should be getting back. It will be dark soon, okay?"

The curly head nodded again, and he stood, shook himself a bit and watched, laughing, as the birds took off, and flew over head. The wolf stood as well, gave Blair's hand a lick, then bounded back into the forest.

Simon took the small, trusting hand and together, all four walked back home.

~~~~@~~~~~~@~~~~~~@

"James, you must never, ever tell anyone of this, do you hear me? They will think you are daft and not even I, their King, could save you."

The fifteen year old Prince James looked stubbornly up at his father and shook his head.

"I'm not ashamed. I can hear farther and see further than anyone alive. This is a good thing, Dad. It is."

"And I don't necessarily disagree, but for now, we keep it a secret. You must do this for me, James. I'm older and wiser in the ways of the world and not even a Prince can be saved by gossip and fear. Please, heed me."

The Prince nodded, but he was very unhappy. Just think of what he could do......he could win every archery contest, could listen in on private conversations......okay, he did that already....but still.

The young man walked stiffly back to his classroom, where his tutor, Brackett, awaited him. Um, maybe he could overhear some nice tidbit about Brackett and Mistress Veronica? Nah, that was old castle news......he needed something new.

~~~~~@~~~~~~@~~~~~~~@

Naomi opened the letter and with a small smile on her face, she read.....

//Dearest Naomi,

I look forward to our next visit. The emissary from Seattlite says they are eager to renew trade agreements between our three kingdoms, and while the meetings themselves will bore me to tears, the prospect of seeing you again, makes them worthwhile.

I pray for a future that includes our sons, and I pray for a day when my heart may say the words we both need to hear.....

With fondest wishes,

King William//

She folded the letter and tucked it inside her dress, close to her heart, and as she did, her hand brushed the locket she wore night and day. She pulled it out, snapped it open, and there, a painted picture of her five year old son.

She kissed the painting, tucked the locket back into her bosom, and prepared to meet her subjects.

Only sixteen more years.

~~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~~@

For Simon, Joel and Henri, the years flew by. They watched in delight as Blair enchanted every creature in their forest, as he traveled the length and breadth of their forest, adventuring, learning, observing. Many a night, the three men would collapse, exhausted, into their beds, only to be awakened by their charge who had a new question. And Simon would receive stern looks from his partners.....after all, he was the one who'd given Blair his sense of adventure and discovery. It was all his fault.

As Blair neared his thirteenth birthday, they prepared themselves to instruct Blair in the ways of the soldier. He needed to learn to protect himself, to wield a sword and dagger, to ride, and to harness the bow and arrow.

Their task was daunting. Blair insisted on practising on them!

"God.....I'm sore. I can barely move - again."

Joel fell down onto the wooden bench, just outside their cottage and for at least the hundredth time, wished he still had his magic. Life would be so much easier.

Henri joined him, his bones creaking as he sat. On his arm, was a large bruise, a gift from their Blair.

"He's getting quite good, don't you think? Maybe it's time to stop these lessons? Before we are killed?" Henri asked Simon hopefully.

"No, Henri. You know better," but then Simon smiled proudly, "He is good, isn't he?"

Both men nodded, groaning, and moaning.

And in the barn, the not even tired yet young Prince unsaddled his horse, whistling, and eager for more lessons.

~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~@

May 24th dawned cool and clear. It was Blair's twenty-first birthday today and the young man bounded out of bed, eager for whatever the day might bring. In the room next to his, three men woke, looked over at each other, their faces grim. Today was special, but so much could still go wrong.....but they only had to keep him safe until sundown. Sundown.

But sundown also meant giving their son back to his kingdom. Back to Naomi.

Their son.

Twenty-one years with Blair. The best years of their lives, and for fairies, that was saying a great deal.

"Well," Simon said.

"Yes," said Henri.

"Oh, my," said Joel.

"Simon, he's not ours anymore."

"Joel, he was never ours. But before we all get so maudlin we float away on our tears, we do have him until sundown. Let's make it the best birthday ever. Just the four of us, before we tell him and before we must leave."

They all nodded, suddenly rejuvenated.

"I'll bake him the best, biggest birthday cake in the world - sixteen layers high."

"Don't be silly, Henri, you don't know how to bake."

"Today, I do. How hard can it be?"

"And I'll make him a suit. I remember Master Armani, I'm sure I can whip up a little something.....I used to watch him create...."

"Joel, that's silly. You are not a tailor!"

"Today, I am. How hard can it be?"

Simon shook his head, but was interrupted as a laughing Blair stuck his head inside their door....

"Hey, Unc's, up and at 'em.....the day is old, I'm getting older, let's go have some fun."

The three men shook their heads in amusement, Henri threw his slipper at the boy, who deftly caught it, held it to his nose, took a whiff, and quipped, "And hit the showers first, okay?"

Their last day as a family had begun. They would strive to make it their best.

<*> <*> <*>

King William was getting quite excited. In a few short hours he would once again, be in the presence of the woman he loved. And if all went well, he'd see his son, together, with young Prince Jacob.

William prayed that nothing went wrong, because it would kill him if Naomi were hurt in any way.

James had left much earlier, wanting to be alone on his travel to Cascadia. Old memories he did not understand had begun to surface, and he'd hoped that being alone might help in bringing everything into perspective.

William's son was almost thirty. For marriage, that was considered old, but a betrothal was a betrothal and William would never have considered breaking his agreement with Naomi, even if it did mean waiting twenty-one years to bring it to fruition. Oddly enough, in all these years, James had never found anyone who tantalized him, or made his heart forget that he was betrothed. Well, alright, there had been Lady Carolyn, but she didn't really count. She could be categorized as a fling. And then there was Sir Earl Gaines......but he was just a flash in the pan, and had never truly captured James' heart. And of course, Michelle, the mopster's wife.....and William had not had a decent mop for his staff to do the marble floors since James had broken her heart.

But still, all in all, no one had captured James' heart, no one. His libido, yes, his heart, no.

And William's heart? It belonged to Naomi, lock, stock and barrel.

<*> <*> <*>

James entered the forest unaware of his surroundings. His mind was trying so hard to remember something......something important....and he had no clue where he was, only that tonight, he would meet his future mate. All for the sake of two kingdoms. But then he was a Prince, and it was his duty. And perhaps, this Prince Jacob would not look like a frog, like Prince Kincaid from the Kingdom of Hollywoody, and did Kincaid ever not sport one? James shook his head, allowing his steed to carry him further into the forest.......as he tried to remember.....was it a laugh? A giggle?

<*> <*> <*>

Queen Naomi was ecstatic. He was coming home. Her son. Tonight. She would have her son, by her side, once again. The castle had to be perfect. And she would ensure his happiness at any cost. And his safety.

Malash would be foiled. His spell, rendered useless. And Jacob would be safe. Her son was coming home.

<*> <*> <*>

"We need to get him out of the house. How else might we surprise him?" Henri whined.

"You're right. BLAIR!" Simon screamed.

A curly head peeked around the post that seperated the kitchen from the main part of the cottage, "You yelled?"

"I need......"

"Yes?"

"I need.....blueberries. We need blueberries. Would you?" And Simon hastily grabbed up a bucket and handed it to Blair.

"Blueberries!? You want me to pick blueberries?"

Simon looked at Henri, who looked at Joel, who looked at Blair and said, "Yes, blueberries. You got a problem with picking blueberries?"

"Heck no, but um, this is Friday.....May 24th....", the young man hinted.

"We are well aware of the date, Blair. We are not senile - yet."

Blair gave a mock salute and said, "Yes, sir, Simon, sir! One twenty-one year old, off to pick blueberries, on this day, May 24th....." and he took the bucket and huffed his way out the door.

With a sigh of relief the three men set about the daunting task of creating one sixteen layer chocolate and rasberry cake, and one Armani rip-off royal suit.

)()()()()()()()()()()()()(

And in a dark, brooding castle, Malash sent out his last hope.......his raven, North. If any creature could find Jacob, it was North. As the great bird flew from the tower, Malash smiled.... tonight, Jacob would be his.......or be dead.

)()()()()()()()()()()()()(

Blair rode through the shady forest, squinting his eyes every time he and his horse passed through a streak of bright sunlight. His body swayed gently, as he sat, legs crossed under him, a book in his lap, hair obscuring his face as he read intently. Maya, his trusty steed, picked her way carefully through the undergrowth, ever careful not to dislodge her trusting passenger.

For Blair, books were jewels. He read voraciously, and fortunately, his Uncle Simon had a never ending supply. Oddly enough, the current book was not one of Simon's but rather one that Blair had found several days ago as he'd been cleaning up after his Uncles and their cleaning attempts. For the three men, whom he loved dearly, cleaning was a synonym for hiding. They hid dirty dishes rather than wash them, and they swept dirt under things rather than sweeping out. As Blair had been cleaning out the dust bin of dirty clothing, odds and ends, he'd found the book buried at the bottom. It was a book of spells, of magic. And Blair attacked it with every ounce of curiosity and enthusiasm he possessed.

Now after days of study, he was ready to try a small spell. The moving air spell.

His hand swirled in the air, fingers deftly recreating the symbols on the page before him, as he whispered the words......

"Air above, air below,
hear my words, spoken low,
I bid you - blow."

A pale, gold trail of small, flickering light beams left his fingertips and drifted up, up and up even higher.....and Blair found himself captivated by the dancing beams, until a small gust of pale gold wind pushed against his chest. He was so surprised that his legs jerked, the book went flying up and Maya gave a snort and bolted, causing Blair to topple backwards, landing on his butt in the wet grass. A moment later the book landed with a thwack, directly on his head. He absently rubbed the sore spot and picked up the tome, a look of pure delight on his handsome face.

"Well, I'll be darned.....it worked, it really worked."

Maya trotted over and nudged her owner on the back of his head, but Blair was already engrossed in learning another spell......maybe, something - bigger, better.......

He'd always wanted to see a waterfall....he'd seen pictures in Simon's books, and they'd looked wonderful, so free, and sometimes he'd imagined how it would sound, and he could almost hear it.....if he just upped the amps on the sound of water pouring from a bucket....

And rivers. And streams. And what was the difference? And lakes....calm, quiet lakes. But he could barely comprehend that amount of water....they stored theirs in small wooden casks, and Blair had never seen more than a pailfull at one time.....The idea that somewhere, huge amounts of water flowed or cascaded, kept him spellbound - literally.

He looked up from his book, turned his head right, then left, and decided that the small mound of rocks to his left would be a perfect spot for a waterfall.....

His fingers started up again, weaving the spell as he chanted......

"Rush and flow, ebb and tide,
water fall, dip and glide.....
Heed my words, these rocks to hide."

This time the flow from his fingertips was a pale blue with white tips.....and he watched, stunned, as the stream of magic swirled about the rocks, dropping down and becoming - water. Flowing, rushing, magical water.

He walked over, hypnotized, to within a few feet of the miracle and gazed, mesmerized, as the water flew over the rocks, spray shooting up and he felt the wonder of the water as it touched his face, as it cascaded merrily over the now dark and shiny stones. He put his hands under the surge and chuckled at the wondrous feel of it, the power of it. He was so enchanted, he failed to notice the water, having no where to go, was rising......

~~~^~~~~^~~~~~~

Prince James was - lost. Well, not really lost, after all, if opened up his senses, he'd be out of this forest and on his way, but that would be painful, so trusting his horse, Choi, he kept plodding on.....maybe if he just opened up his hearing, just a bit......

Running water? And what was that? A gasp? Someone in trouble?

James spurred Choi on, moving at a gallop now, as he closed in on the sound of someone in need.....

~~~~^~~~~~^~~~^~^~^~~

The dampness and very wetness of it hit Blair first and he was so astounded, he couldn't move.

He - was - wet. All the way. Wet all over! At one time and it was exhilarating. By the time he realized the danger, the water had surrounded him and he felt it's powerful pull.....as he was literally swept off his feet......

~~~^~^~~^~^~^~^~

James broke through the huge stand of trees to see a torrent of water about to rush pass and just below him. His mind quickly registered three things:

The water seemed to come from a waterfall with no source

A puzzled horse stood by the rushing stream, watching a bobbing object

And the bobbing object appeared to be a young man and he was coming within reach

So James reached, and caught, one panicky hand, fingers grasping and James encircled a wrist, Choi dug himself in, and a moment later, James was plucking a very wet man from the raging waters. But not before the youngster had grabbed a soggy book just as it floated by....

Choi backed up carefully, as his owner swung the rescuee up behind him and they were moved safely out of harms way.

Prince James dismounted and lifted his head to get a good look at his good deed for the day....and was shocked to find the bedraggled young man frantically leafing through the wet pages, then James listened as the voice, in a panic, began to recite.....

"Water, water, everywhere,
Listen to these words spoken by Blair...."

"I command you, waters, to hear my plea.... water, water, move to flee...."

A bright warming orange trail of light burst from his fingertips, curled out and everywhere it touched, the water bubbled and boiled and ceased to be.....

The forest was once again - dry.

"WOW! That was awesome!"

James gave the man a look which clearly said, "You're cuckoo," but the obvious excitement, energy and enthusiasm, undaunted by his near miss, was infectious and James soon found his features melting into a genuine smile.

For Blair, he was finally able to pull his attention away from his magic and notice his saviour.

"Wow." He couldn't really verbalize any better, because the God before him was known to him....he'd seen him in his dreams. And dreams were good when they were all you had, but Blair now understood that reality was way better. He slid off the horse, closed the book, tucked it into his shirt and stuck out his hand.

"I'm Blair, and thank you, kind sir."

"I think - Guppy might be more apt right now, and I'm James. And you're welcome."

The two men shook, Blair unable to remove his gaze from the handsome face above him.

"You're a strange looking fairy, Guppy. Are you perhaps, a woodsprite instead?"

The Guppy blushed to his rapidly drying hair roots and lowered his eyes.

"Uh, no, just - me. I found the book, and was just, like, trying it out, see?"

"To my knowledge, we mere mortals are not capable of magic, I would then suspect you to be more than just me." James was smiling as he teased his victim.

"NO, NO!, Really, I'm just a man, like you...." and he blushed again as he realized he was no comparison to the god before him, and he added, so low James shouldn't have been able to hear him, "okay, not like you, no where's near you....," then his head shot up again, as James chuckled and Blair said, almost in defiance, "I am just a man!"

Blair was drying quickly and now the Prince had his chance to observe, and he watched as auburn hair curled up, noted the tantalizing chest hair visible through the green ties across his tunic, noted the shape of the man, slender, but lean, well-formed muscles, and his face, eyes flashing, and perfectly capable of taking James' breath away.

"No, Guppy, you are most definitely not just a man." And his smile caused a tingling sensation to start at the base of Blair's neck and continue down until it came to rest in his groin......

James, wise to the world at twenty-nine, and very experienced, recognized the signs of interest and his smile widened.....

"So, Blair, do you live nearby?"

"um, huh?"

"You....live....near here?"

Blair came to his senses enough to answer, "Oh, yes, in the old woodsman cottage, with my three uncles."

At that moment, Maya wandered over and nudged her owner in the back, sending him straight into James' arms.....

For a brief moment, the world did not exist. James felt only Blair as his eyes locked with the young man's.

Without thought, James lowered his head and touched his lips to the sensual, parted mouth below......

Now James was lost....lost in a flavor he'd never again be able to live without. He was lost in a deep, rich darkness, a darkness that required no light, lost in soft hair as his hands came up and fingers dug in, lost as their hips moved, grinding together, the friction enough to start a blaze.....and his tongue delved deep, taking every flavor and savoring it, and he was lost as his senses reeled as they felt the first groan of Blair's, as the sound tingled against his tongue, passed through to his mouth, down his throat to settle in the pit of his stomach.

Mouths finally seperated, air was raked in and knees were bolstered up as eyes searched for answers. Blair started to say something, but a finger on his lips stopped him.

"Let me. Wow!"

Blair nodded his agreement to that well chosen and heartfelt expression.

They smiled at each other, oblivious to the world around them. But then Blair's eyes widened and he stepped back, "My God, I'm late, I've got to get back....my Uncles, they'll kill me if they find out.....I'm sorry, James...."

"Wait, when will I see you again?" James pleaded as Blair mounted his horse.

"Tonight, it's my birthday, come to the cottage, six-thirty." And with that, Blair rode off at a gallop.

James let his eyes follow the disappearing man, and he was so intent, he failed to notice, high above him, in a tree, sat a black falcon....North. And he'd seen all that he'd needed to see.....

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

As James rode out of the forest, he remembered. He was betrothed. He was in love with a young man he'd just met, and he was betrothed to Prince Jacob. He had to tell his father.....the betrothal would have to be cancelled.

<*> <*> <*> <*>

Blair pulled Maya up in front of the cottage and was surprised to see no light shining from within....he dismounted and ran inside, calling his uncles. As he burst through the door, the three men jumped out, yelling, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BLAIR, HAPPY TWENTY-FIRST!"

He gazed lovingly at his family, at the mess that represented the huge, sliding, melting cake, and the midnight blue doublet and tights.

"When, how, I can't believe you guys....."

The three men surrounded their boy, slapping him on the back, and then Simon stepped back and from the shelf behind him, he took out a gold circlet, adorned with a pale blue diamond.

"Blair, this is also your's, today, on your twenty-first birthday." And he held out the crown.

Blair looked from one uncle to another, clearly vexed, and uncertain. "Uncle Simon?"

"Blair, you are Prince Jacob. Your mother is Queen Naomi, and today you are to take your rightful place by her side. And your marriage is to take place Saturday."

They waited for the surprise, the delight....it never came. Instead, Blair backed up, shaking his head....."no, no, no...not true....I've met someone, I love him...."

But of course, it was true. And after learning of his duties, of all that his mother had suffered to keep him safe, he accepted his status.

Two hours later, four miserable men began their journey to Cascadia.

<<<^>>>^<^<^<^>>^<^<^<>>^<^<^>

James rode into the castle to find his father, on the steps, striding back and forth in a highly worried state.....

"Dear God, there you are, James. My God, you are to be presented to the Prince in just three hours....quickly, you must get ready."

James didn't bother to dismount, rather he addressed his father as he turned Choi.....

"The betrothal will have to be cancelled Father, I've met someone, and I'm going to marry him. It's love, at last. And I must return to him, he waits." And with that, James was gone.

And King William was too shocked to stop him.

<<<<^>>>> <<<^>>>> <<<^>>>

North landed on Malash's shoulder and told him all that he had seen. Minutes later, a small army was sent to the cottage in the woods to capture a Prince and Malash prepared himself for his mate.

<<<^>>> <<<^>>> <<<^>>>

Blair sat dejectedly in a room he was told was his. It was elegant, beautiful, filled with his favorite books, but he saw none of it. He had eyes only for his memory of that afternoon. And the fact that in a few short hours, James would find him gone.

He had yet to see his mother, in fact, he had to see anyone, so secretively had he been snuck into the castle.

His heart was breaking, and not even the news that his three uncles were in fact, fairies, could lift his mood.

As he sat, gazing, unseeing, on the floor, a weird smoke rose from the firplace.....it spun, swirled and drifted slowly towards the vulnerable and unprotected Prince. His head lifted and he stared......and fought......shook his head, stood, walked slowly forward, stopped, said, "no.....I do not heed you.....", and the smoke seemed to move about him, but unable to touch him......and he closed his eyes, and said one word, "James."

A wolf howled horribly in the distance, and the smoke cleared. Blair was alone.

<<<^>>> <<<^>>>

Malash struggled and lost......Jacob was gone. He'd lost his control......If the boy would not come to the man, the man would go to the boy.

<<<^>>> <<<^>>>

Simon's head jerked up....something was wrong....he sensed it. A disturbance in the force......he pulled his wand out of his back pocket and using it over the pail of water at his feet, he made a silent spell and immediately their cottage appeared, and he saw the evil creatures, hiding in the dark, and in the distance, Prince James.....riding toward the cottage.....

"Prince James!?" And the pieces fit together....Blair and Prince James.....they'd met in the woods, Prince James was Blair's love...and now was in danger....

"Joel! Quickly, to Blair, Henri, you with me....we have work to do!"

<<<^>>> <<<^>>> <<<^>>>

James was losing.....and his fight was good, but these devilish creatures were stronger, and just as he was about to go down, the door of the cottage was blown open and two winged balls of light sped in......

Lights of every color bombarded the evil, bringing sunlight into every corner of the cottage, and moments later, the creatures were defeated.

James stood in the middle of the room, breathing hard, blood running down from a cut on his arm. His clothes were in tatters, but the light of victory shone brightly.

"Who are you? That you should save this poor soul?"

The lights dimmed, shimmered, and two men stood before him. Two fairies. And James the man recognized what James the boy had seen twenty-one years ago.....and a laugh made it's way into his soul, and he remembered a child, a baby, his betrothed, the child he'd sworn to protect......

"Prince James, I am Banks, this is Brown. Malash strove to kidnap you, to ensure his hold over Prince Jabob, and now we must hurry back to the castle, to protect the Prince. Malash will be desperate.....".

James looked about him, desiring only to see Blair, but knowing that he must go, that he was indeed promised to another, a promise he himself had sworn to keep. He remembered the curse, the promised watery death and knew they had to hurry. "How can we get there in time? It will be sunset in just two hours.....", he asked, worried.

"Hold on, Prince James, we're going to take the fastrack......".

Banks took the Prince's hand and the world dissolved and James closed his eyes.....

<<<^>>> <<<^>>> <<<^>>>

Blair stood, waiting. Whatever had come for him, would return, and he must be ready.

<<<^>>> <<<^>>>

In the courtyard, Sir Rafe ordered the fountains to be turned on, for the first time in twenty-one years. The crowd who awaited the arrival of their Prince cheered as the largest fountain gushed water in a beautiful display of dance.

<<<^>>> <<<^>>>

Malash materialized outside Blair's room. He peered through the window, saw his mate and smiled. Now. And nothing could stop him.

With a wave of his hand, the window opened and he stepped through.

Blair whirled at the sudden rush of air and found himself staring at pure evil. "Jacob. You proved strong, but here, close to me, you can not resist." Malash held out one hand, palm up, in entreaty.

Blair shook his head, as his mouth suddenly filled with cotton.....but one foot stepped forward, then another, and another........

Below, in the courtyard, Simon, Henri and Prince James arrived, and Simon quickly produced a powerful shield and sword and handed them over to the Prince.

Simon's eyes raked over the castle, searching......while at the same moment, Joel tried to push open the huge door leading into Blair's room. It wouldn't budge. From inside, he heard a voice.....

"Closer, Jacob, come closer...once you are in my arms, it will end.....".

Dear God, Malash was inside, with Blair....and Joel didn't have his wand. He rushed to the side window and stepped out, looking down, seeking help. He spotted Simon and yelled.

"UP HERE, HURRY! MALASH IS WITH THE PRINCE!"

James didn't waste any time.....with a huge leap, he was up and climbing the walls.....

<<<^>>> <<<^>>>

Malash heard the yell, knew by the darkening shadows that he had little time, and Jacob was so close......a few more steps, and that mouth would be in reach......

Blair fought it, fought it even as his body moved forward, against his will......he tried to remember spells, anything that would free him.

Below, James crawled, and climbed, and below him, Simon took to the air, closely followed by Henri.

By now the castle had been alerted and guards moved into the courtyard with many more rushing up to the Prince's room. Naomi and William, hearing the ruckus, rushed out onto the courtyard and William gasped as he stared up and saw his son, sword in hand, approaching the parapet belonging to Prince Jacob. William pulled Naomi into his arms.

Malash reached out, fingers clawing, straining to touch, to pull......his hand connected with the midnight blue velvet shirt and vest, he pulled, and just as Blair moved into his arms, James bounded into the room, sword at the ready.

"MALASH!"

The sorcerer whipped around, keeping Blair behind him, his pale face an ugly mask of anger.

"You still believe you are a match for me, boy?", he spat out, his arm latched around Blair's waist.

"I'm more than your match, you bastard. Let the boy go, and give it your best shot."

Malash could never refuse a dare.....he pushed Blair aside, and moments later he was spewing out evil words, the room went dark and he seemed to grow, to widen, and James found himself staring up at a huge, yellow and black spotted jaguar, at least five times his size, teeth gleeming, saliva dripping.

The battle was on.

With a yowl, the huge cat leaped and James neatly sidestepped it. bringing his sword down, harmlessly.

It didn't take long for the fight to make it's way outside, as man and beast waged a deadly battle. Inside, Blair struggled up, Malash's spell no longer in control. He staggered to the window, gazed out and spotted his James in a battle to the death with a monstrous cat.....Malash. He looked frantically about him, looking for anything to use, to give him purchase, so that he could aid his love. He spotted one of the long curtain pulls and grabbed at it......

Below, James and the cat had made their way down to the courtyard, and guards were being swept away by giant paws, until only James stood between the animal and it's mate. Simon, Joel and Henri followed Prince James, helping as best they could, clearing obstacles from his path, using their magic to stall the cats weapons. But it was not enough.

James had climbed on the main castle wall, and stood, precariously balanced, sword swinging, but the cat was winning, moving James back, and as everyone watched in horror, the cat seemed to cast out a spell, and huge, dark, dangerous brambles grew up out of the ground just below the Prince. One misstep and he would fall to a certain death.........

Blair saw that misstep and tightening his hold on the lengthy cord, saying a quick spell to give the cord length and life, he launched himself out over the castle. As he flew, he grabbed up one sword, dropped by a guard, and aiming for the creatures heart, he flew straight for the cat.

"JUMP, JAMES. TO YOUR LEFT!" Blair yelled, and without looking up, James did as he was told and jumped harmlessly into a wagon of freshly baked bread, just delivered for the party.

Blair swung into the cat, his sword striking deep into the heart of the creature. A deathly scream was ripped from the throat of the feline, blood gushed out and before anyone could move, the cat seemed to shrink, to waver, to take human form......but not before the giant tail swung out and across Blair's back, and the cord, severing it from the castle and Blair dropped..........

<><><^><^>><><><^<>^<><^><

James jumped down from the wagon, to find himself enfolded in his father's arms. Silence filled the courtyard, as Simon, Henri and Joel once again took human form.

Guards picked themselves up, guests slowly re-entered the courtyard, staring down at what was once the sorcerer Malash, and was now just a pile of black dust.

For several minutes no one moved.....then a heartwrenching scream ripped through the air......

All eyes turned toward the heartbreaking sound and found their Queen, hand to mouth, eyes wide in horror and they followed her gaze.... to the fountain......where a their Prince floated, face down.......

The curse had come to pass........

It was strange....no one moving. No sounds. Except the water from the fountain....dropping down, slapping lightly, making a thumping sound as some of the shoots of water hit the velvet doublet.....

Naomi saw the whole scene, in slow motion, the water, taking so long to come down, her son's hair, spread out, moving with the ripples, and his hand....still holding the cord, fingers tight, white......

For Simon, the world seemed to end, to funnel down to this time, this moment, this second...and he was a prisoner to his grief, his anger, his ineffectiveness in the face of Malash's final curse.

Henri and Joel could not move, and Joel felt something on his face, something he'd never experienced before, but had heard tell......tears.

Fairies weren't supposed to be able to cry....right?

Wrong.

They could cry when their hearts were broken, shattered, helpless. When no amount of magic could undo the horror of a son's death.

And among all those standing frozen, eyes unblinking, only one remembered words promised......

"Should the curse come to pass, my magic can not stay your death, alas. But ---- the intent of this Lord may be thwarted by true love, for only through the kiss of life shall you be restored...."

And Prince James felt his own tears, as he realized that he had failed to keep his own promise...to protect the child that became the man.....for he'd given his heart to another....

He moved, the only movement in the courtyard, moved resolutely forward, knelt on the rim of the fountain, reached out to the one, pale, lifeless hand, his fingers curled around the wrist, and his mind could not help but remember a wrist he'd held earlier....but he shook his head and pulled, pulled the body to him, and lifted under the arms and brought the body up and out of the water, the hair, brushing his face, and he cradled the Prince, the lonely, unprotected Prince, who'd saved his life, given up his own future for his betrothed, kept the faith.....and slowly James let the head tilt back, to feel the last bit of sun, as it faded...sunset now only seconds away, and he closed his eyes, feeling the burden of his failure, and a voice came to him, quiet, and it was Banks, the words that he shouldn't have been able to hear.....

"...true love, kiss of life....James, it's your Blair, gaze on his face, the sun, the sun sets, Prince James.....so little time left...."

And James looked and saw his beloved Blair, eyes closed, lips blue, skin pinched and white, lifeless....his Blair, Jacob, his Blair.....and as the last of the sun's rays touched Blair's face, James touched his own warm lips to the cold, lifeless ones, and they parted under him and his breath moved out in a sigh, entered Blair, moved down his throat, and James breathed again, and kissed again, and slowly, oh, so slowly, the chest rose.....and fell, rose....and fell....and James whispered into the mouth, "Blair, I love you. Please don't go."

A hand came up, fingers wrapping around one strong arm, and as James let his lips come down one final time, the lips under his moved, and a word, one, simple word was uttered, "james", and he could hear the heart beating now, Blair's heart, beating strong, sure, beating for him, his own true love.

Sleepy blue eyes opened, blinked rapidly, then a smile tugged at thecorners Blair's mouth, as he focused on his James.

"you are so clumsy."

"Which one of us nearly drowned not once, but twice today?"

"s'not my fault."

"Was so."

"Was not."

"Was so."

"Gentlemen? Excuse me? I'm just a mere fairy, but Prince Jacob looks a bit cold?" Simon said it with a smile, a huge, around the world smile, Joel and Henri flanking him, their smiles almost as large, and Joel still sniffling.

James stood, bringing Blair with him, as Simon pulled off his cloak and wrapped it around the soggy Prince. He'd just started to tie it around Blair's neck, to a cold hand batting his hand away, when the Queen approached.

James, sensing the sudden stiffness in his love, turned to see the Queen and his father, and he stepped slightly behind Blair, who was staring at the woman who was his mother.....

"jacob," she whispered, "my son."

He moved out of James' arms and immediately into the now open arms of his mother. For several minutes they held, arms tight, but finally she pulled away to check him out, her eyes roaming over his face, taking in every inch of it, seeing the baby, now a man, and she smiled as one finger traced the strong jaw, and she kissed first one eyelid, then the other. As she lifted her head, she took his right hand and held it out to James, who took it happily.

Naomi turned to face the crowd and said in a loud, clear voice, a voice full of love and happiness, "YOUR OWN PRINCE JACOB AND PRINCE JAMES!"

The clapping was thunderous and James winced in pain and was surprised when Blair's hand squeezed his arm and he said softly, "Turn it down, James, turn it down."

James did as he was told.

<*> <*> <*> <*>

Epilogue

The revelers still sang, still danced. It was now early Saturday morning and the party showed no signs of stopping or slowing down. King William danced with Queen Naomi, and whispered in her ear if perhaps it wasn't time their kingdoms were officially joined by their marriage. And he stopped dead on the dance floor when Naomi nodded happily. He kissed her deeply, soundly.

Banks, Brown and Taggert flitted above the crowd, listing slightly as they'd all imbibed a bit too much of the bubbly. But hell, life was good.

Lady Megan danced with Sir Rafe, and wondered why she hadn't noticed him before.

Blair watched from a corner, as he rested back against James. The larger man bent and whispered, "Upstairs, your room or mine?"

Blair swiveled in his love's arms and feigning shock he said, "JAMES! We are not yet wed. You would take me to your bed before we are official?"

James frowned, thinking....."Okay, we'll go to your bed, it's probably the good one anyway."

"You're on. First one up, is the first one in."

Before the young man could start his run for the good bed, James grabbed his hand and held it down, next to his groin.....

"I'm already up, Your Majesty, so I'm first one in.....".

"Not if you can't catch me.......," and the race was on.

As the two men raced for the top floor, James lagging behind, Simon nudged Joel and remarked, "I've always thought Blair would look better with green eyes, don't you?"

Joel answered, indignant, "No way, blue and only blue."

Simon umphed, and his wand flew and shot a stream of green that hit the young Prince and turned his eyes to bright kelly green. Simon nodded in satisfaction.

Blair reached his room and plowed inside, stripped off his clothes, and was lying under the covers when James flew in, out of breath, and grinning like a madman. He stopped on the threshold, seeing Blair, already in bed, and judging by the lump just below his waist, Jim was no longer the only one up. But....were Blair's eyes green? James shrugged and in five seconds flat was naked as a jay bird and throwing himself atop of a now laughing Blair.

Joel, hovering just outside the window, saw the green eyes, huffed mightily and waved his wand angrily and a spurt of sapphire floated out and seconds later, Blair's eyes were blue once again.

James gazed down at this love's face and nodded....blue, definitely blue. Blair yanked James' head down and in the next few minutes, eye color was not even remotely a worry of Prince James.Tongues dueled, hands stroked, legs moved, wrapped, twisted, bodies turned, moans erupted, and Simon spotted the blue eyes and drew himself up to his full five inch fairy height, pointed his wand and a shot of jade spilled forth and Blair's eyes turned green.

James ran his tongue down the graceful neck, twirling around the adam's apple, then teeth latched onto a soft indentation, and the body under him bucked as he bit down, and he smiled in satisfaction, until he noticed Blair's eyes - green, definitely green. But just then, Blair grabbed a lively cock, and began to stroke, and James wondered how high off the bed he could go......

And Joel, sighing in delight, saw the green eyes and nearly choked......One angry jerk and a stream of azure winged it's way to the Prince. And this time, before Simon could do anything, Joel grabbed his wand and snapped it in two....

Blair rolled them over until he sat atop his James. He bent and kissed him, letting his hair trail down over the man's face and neck. As James kissed him back, Blair said a little chant in his mind.....

"love is here, but it's way must be smooth, show me the flavored, waterbased lube...."

And a small tube appeared in his hand, and without further ado, he prepared himself and then stroked the warm, wet gel on James cock, and as the man stared up at him, his eyes now nearly black with desire, Blair lowered himself, slowly, hoping that all the reading he'd done would prove it's worth tonight.

Judging by James' moans and his frantic hip action....books were good. Blair began to move, and James met every thrust, and they set up a counterpoint, with James pulling Blair down and taking command of his mouth, and as Blair fucked James' cock, James fucked Blair's mouth, and it was like nothing else Blair had ever experienced and it was better than magic, no, it was magic. And when they came, Blair first, James a few seconds later, it was deep, soul wrenching, and draining.

(*) (*) (*) (*)

They lay, wrapped in each other's arms, James' hand rubbing lightly up and down Blair's arm.....

"We get married in six hours."

"um....."

"Got any ideas for a honeymoon?"

Blair perked up at that, and lifting his head, he smiled in the dark....

"Travel, James. Let's travel. See the world. Your father and my mother will run our kingdom for years yet.....and there is so much to see...and to learn, about your senses....".

"Hey, how did you know about those anyway?"

"Well, you've been in my dreams, and there was this book of Simon's, by Lord Richard Burton, the actor, not the court jester, and he wrote about a tribal guardian.....".

But James didn't let him finish, as he clamped his mouth over Blair's.....

LATER:

"So, we can travel, James?"

"mmmm."

"I could run some tests, help you get more control.....and with my magic and your senses....well, we'll be unbeatable....."

"Sssh, sleep."

"Right, sleep."

A few minutes later when James was certain his love was indeed asleep, he lifted his head and gazed at the man in his arms....

"My own Sleeping Beauty..."

"Aw, shit James."

AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER

THE END.