Merlin Fairytale Series

Chapter 11: The Truth At Last

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Above picture is Regina.
Summary: The group goes to a party to reunite Rose and Regina. The truth is finally revealed.

    Merlin and Nyx stood outside the palace of Haven, the latter pacing as the former explained what he knew.   
    Both were dressed extravagantly. Merlin wore the dress coat and pants of the noblemen of Haven. Nyx wore a beautiful red dress with her hair piled on top of her head.
     "I was there, Nyx. She really is the princess."
     "But this is glorious news then, Merlin! We've done what no one else could. We found the princess, the heir to Paradise and Haven. Rose has found her family. Why are you not happy?"
     "Do you remember when we were on that wagon and asked if there was anything going on between me and Rose?"
     "Yes. You denied it of course, as well as your former crush on the princess."
     "Well you were right on both counts. I've fallen in love with Rose."
     "And you are torn about what to do?"
     "No. I have to do what's right. I'll reunite her with her aunt just as I promised."
     Nyx smiled. "I'm proud of you, Merlin. But I wonder what you're gonna do once this is all over?"
     "I'll walk out of her life forever."
     "But-"
    "Princesses don't marry kitchen boys, Nyx."
    "You deserve your happy ending too, Merlin, with her."
    "No. We have to go through with this like nothing has changed."
     "Perhaps it's best if you tell her."
     "Tell me what?"
      They both spun around to see Rose and Ingrid, the former of which was hiding her appearance with a long cloak.
      "Nothing."
      Merlin offered his arm to her and the group walked into the castle. Inside, he was surprised to find after a simple minute of coaxing the guard, that Rose was already standing at the top of the first flight of stairs. She had removed her cloak to reveal a gorgeous blue dress:

    Merlin shook his head from his many thoughts of how much he wanted her and ran up the steps to escort her into the ballroom.
                       * * * * *
     As the ball dragged on, the trio tried to keep themselves occupied while Ingrid did her part.
     Later that evening, they were finally given the signal. Merlin took Rose's hand, gently coaxing her to follow him. They made it to a room that was cut off from the rest, a private council chamber for Regina, apparently.
     It was here that Merlin stopped to look at the woman he loved one last time. "Well, this is it. I'll go in and announce you properly and you simply wait here."
     Rose grabbed ahold of his hands. "Merlin...Before you go, I just need to know that this will be everything I dreamed it would be."
      "It will be even more."
     "And we've been through so much together, so...I just want to know that this is real...what we have."
      "Always." For a moment, he considered telling her the truth of everything but couldn't bring himself to. "Good luck."
      And with that, he walked into the room. He had no idea that Rose was using her magic to listen in.
      "Please inform her most high majesty that I have the answer to her hopes and prayers. Her neice has been found and it waiting to meet her."
     At this, Regina spoke up sharply. "I will see no more Princess Rosalia's as I have seen more than I care to."
    "My lady, this is no imposter. I am well aware that this is the one and true princess and I know because I used to work at the palace."
    Outside, Rose was surprised at this bit of information. Now it made sense why he knew so much about the royal family.
     Regina got in Merlin's face as she spat, "I don't believe you." She rang a bell to call the guards. "And I don't care how much you've trained this girl. No matter how she looks, sounds, or acts, it never is her!"
     "It's not what you think!"
     "How much pain are you willing to inflict on me for my reward?! Get out of my sight!"
     The guards arrived, throwing Merlin out as he yelled at Regina. He looked up to see Rose looking more than a little angry.
     "You lied. You used me?! I was just part of your plan to take that poor woman's money?!?!" There were tears in her eyes.
     "I swear it's not what you think!"
     "No? From the very beginning, you lied to me! And you tricked me into this and worst of all, you got me to care for you! What could you possibly hope to gain?!"
      "I never meant for you to get hurt. I love you!"
     "You sure have a funny way of showing it! Go away!!"
     "Wait. You have to know the truth! I know you are her because I'm-"
    "No! I don't want to hear any more from you!"
    She slapped him in the face before running away from him.
                           * * * * *
    Some hours later, Merlin did what he had to. Granted, kidnapping the queen probably wasn't the best plan but he had no choice. After showing her the old silver box he'd always kept, Regina finally relented once Merlin replied, "With all due respect, your majesty, I'm no more stubborn than you."
                               * * * * *
     Rose had been so upset, she didn't bother saying goodbye to Nyx or Ingrid. She just ran back to Ingrid's house to pack her things, crying the entire time. She was still packing when there was a sudden knock at the door.
     "Go away, Merlin!"
     The door opened and Rose turned to confront the intruder when she saw a tall beautiful woman enter. And, somehow, she knew this woman was Queen Regina (see picture at the top).
      "I'm so sorry. I thought-"
     "Nevermind that, child." Regina said gently.
     "Are you the queen?"
     "Yes."
     "Once again, I must apologize. I fear a played a part in the scheme to take your money."
     "Anyone willing to apologize isn't at fault. I will give you that benefit. However, I am curious who are you really?"
      Rose felt ashamed. "I'm no one, majesty. I forgot everything about my life before I was eight years old. I lived 10 years in an orphanage. And I wanted to find my family so bad that I fell for Merlin's tricks and deluded myself into thinking I could ever be royalty."
      Regina softened at the girl's words. "If anyone could be royalty, it'd be you. You have the heart of a true princess." She pat a spot on the loveseat next to her. Rose sat down beside her. "What is that?"
      Rose saw the necklace she'd always worn. "I've always had it, longer than I can remember."
      Regina took a closer look. "Our secret." Snapping her fingers, a familiar silver box appeared in her hands. "Do you remember this?"
      "It was a gift. I could hide all my secrets in that box and only you or I could find them with the key around my neck." She paused before looking into Regina's eyes. "Auntie?"
      "My darling!" She hugged Rose tightly, the moment bringing tears to her eyes.
      "But how? I don't understand."
      "It doesn't matter because we are together again after all this time my little Rose. I always called you Rose instead of Rosalia. Perhaps it stuck with you."
      "It did. I remembered that nickname and about Haven."
      "That is joyous news, my sweet. Now, let us get your things. Because I want you to come live with me. I never wanna lose you again."
      Rose embraced her aunt, joyfully. "You never will again." She promised.
                             * * * * *
      Outside the house, Merlin stood, watching. Finally, Rose had gotten her family back. Still, despite having been the cause of it, Merlin found himself upset again. Rose would move into the palace with Regina and no one could blame her. She'd become the princess she was always born to be. Unfortunately, that meant he'd never see her again.
       "I'm sorry, love." He whispered into the shadows. "I never meant to hurt you. You'll always be in my heart. I promise." Then he blew her a kiss before walking off into the night.
                           * * * * *
       Karayan and Seth had settled themselves in an abandoned house. No one ever went near the place as it was a frightening place in itself. Add to that, the most powerful and evil sorcerer was residing there, Karayan had nothing to fear.
      Days had passed since Karayan's return to life. From the news surrounding Haven, their lost princess had been found. Tonight a celebration was in order to show her off.
      Karayan had already planned to see her that night, to finally lay his claim to his queen. It was for this reason that he was wandering about, preparing for his destiny.
      "Seth!!! Hurry up! Get my best robes! Get me a comb! Find some cologne! I want to look my best!!"
      "That'll take some time, master." Seth said as he did his task.
      Soon enough, Karayan was dressed in clean and elegant black robes with his hair perfectly tidy, and looking every bit like the king he was soon to become.
      "We'll make this one night she shall never forget!" And he laughed as he called out, "Hac nocte ego et regina meum!"

To be continued....

Translations:
Hac nocte ego et regina meum! = Tonight I shall have my queen!