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  And with that the little whirl wind of a woman was gone. Thankful, Tori sat back down on the bed. Then there was another knock at the door.

  “Lady Tori,” said another female voice from the other side of the door. She too, let herself in. The young lady was holding a tray with two cups of coffee. She looked to be about thirty and had blond hair. She brought the tray over and sat it up around Tori. Tori was ever so thankful for the coffee. There was also a red rose lying on the try.

  “My name is Margie and I’m pleased to meet you.”

  “I’m Tori and it is nice to meet you as well.”

  “Howdy Willa, how are you doing?” Margie asked and immediately hugged the old woman.

  “Doing good, and you? How’s that husband of yours?”

  “Ornery as ever,” Margie replied with a wink. “Mason said you are going to be wearing last years costume, so I’ll get you ready when I’m done with Tori if that suits you.”

  “Suits me fine, I’m going to take a little nap while you work on Tori. I ain’t as young as I used to be and I plan on getting a little ornery myself tonight.” With that Willa climbed under the covers and started snoring a few minutes later.

  Margie looked at Tori. “Okay strip,” she commanded.

  “What?” Tori asked.

  “We ain’t got no time to waste. There will be no room for modestly with me today.” With that Margie set to work.

  Margie wasn’t kidding when she said there would be no room for modesty with her. Tori had been scrubbed, plucked, waxed, painted, made up, and curled within an inch of her life. There was no part of her that the woman hadn’t seen today. The end result was worth it though. Tori’s dark locks were arranged beautifully on top of her head, making a perfect backdrop for the crystal tiara that was made to look like a halo reflecting hues of blue, pink, and pale green in turn. Her makeup was artfully done in cool colors, her green eyes accented with silver and black, the perfect shade of frosty pink blush accenting her cheekbones, her lips a frosty berry color. Crystal ear rings with the same light reflecting properties as her tiara graced her ears, and a necklace of the same graced her neck and trailed down to just the top of her cleavage.

  The sight of the dress simply took Tori’s breath away. The back laced up like a corset, accentuating her waist. The bodice of the gown was straight across in a Tudor era style, and ample cleavage could be seen thanks to Margie’s excellent lacing talents. The gown came straight down from her hips with just the slightest flare, further accentuating her waist. It was brilliant silver, shiny, also reflecting ice blue, greens, and pale pinks depending on the angle of view. There were even two delicately made slippers made of the same material with soft leather soles. Tori caught herself twisting back in forth in front of the mirror after she had put it on, and then was suddenly embarrassed as she remembered Margie and Willa were right there. She stopped her little princess dance and turned to Margie who was all smiles.

  “You look amazing!” Margie said looking at her with the same regard an artist would give a painting they were particularly proud of creating.

  “You are a beautiful sight child.” Willa said appraising her.

  “Thank you so much! I feel amazing.” She felt hot as hell.

  “All in a days work dear.” Margie said still smiling.

  “Now for the finishing touch,” Margie said as she took the cloth covering a package the seamstress had delivered moments ago. She revealed a pair of wings made from white feathers with beads of pearls and silver crystals interlaced throughout. Margie held out the straps for Tori to put her arms through. “Now you are a proper angel.”

  Tori looked in the mirror once again and tears sprang to her eyes. She had never felt so beautiful. Margie saw the welling tears and pulled a hankie from her sleeve. “There will be none of that. Do you know how long it took me to get you face painted like that? Don’t you ruin it by getting all emotional!”

  “Sorry, it’s just that…. Thank you!” Tori hugged the woman earnestly.

  “You are most welcome,” Margie said with a wink. “I’ve got to get going and get my children ready for the festival. Maybe I’ll see you there.”

  “I hope so! Thanks again you rock!”

  Margie looked a little confused, “I what?”

  Tori chuckled, “It means you are amazing.”

  “Oh,” Margie said still looking a little bemused, “Thank you, you…rock too.” The giving here a quick hug and kiss on the cheek, have fun princess.”

  When Margie left Willa still stood looking in the mirror with Tori and smiling. Willa woke up a couple of hours into the process of getting Tori ready. Between having Tori soak this and cool that, Margie had worked her magic on Willa as well. The old woman stood beside Margie in her witch costume. She had a black dress with silver moons embroidered around the hemline and the bottom of the sleeves. Crystals were sown all over the fabric making it sparkle from every angle. There was a wide corset laced up with sparkly silver thread. Her grey hair had been curled and hung down over her shoulders. To top it of was a black witch’s hat also done up in silver sparkles. The effect made her look beautiful.

  “You look amazing, Willa.” Margie said.

  “Thank you child, it’s just an old witch costume. Mason had it designed last year.” Willa smiled at the picture of the two of them in the mirror. “Well, are you ready to downstairs?”

  “Ready as I’ll ever be.” Tori replied.

  Chapter Nine

  Tori and Willa descended the stairs arm in arm. Mason and Justin were standing at the bottom of the stairs. Justin was all decked out as a pirate. He wore a red head scarf and an eye patch. He had a white shirt with billowy sleeves and embroidered red pirate coat. His black pants were tucked into knee high leather boots and the look was finished off by a shiny cutlass that hung at his side. Mason was dressed in a fine black suit with a black shirt and a dark red tie. He had his dark hair pulled back against the nape of his neck once again. The look was completed by two red horns protruding from the top of his head.

  When Tori and Willa reached the bottom of the stairs, Mason took Willa’s hand in his and kissed it. “Granny you look amazing as usual.” He said smiling up at her.

  “Of course I do.” Willa said looking pleased with her grandson.

  He turned his attention to Tori. He stepped back and made a show of looking her up and down. This made Tori feel ever so self-conscious, but wonderful at the same time. “Tori, words cannot describe how gorgeous you look.”

  “Thank you Mason, you look very handsome yourself.” Tori said trying to sound as polite and nonchalant as possible.

  Justin spoke up then. “You all look great.”

  “Thanks Justin,” Tori replied.

  “If you all will follow me into the study, I need to complete Tori’s tattoo.”

  Tori was shocked at the word tattoo. What was he talking about?

  They followed him into the study which was toward the back of the house. Walking through the doors, the first thing Tori noticed were all the books, and magazines. Shelving lines three of the four walls and they were filled with neatly organized books. There was a desk in the center of the room as well as a brown leather sofa and two leather chairs. Mason led Tori to the sofa and indicated that she should sit down beside him. She complied still a little confused. Why would she need a tattoo?

  “I see the look on you face Tori. Don’t be frightened.” He took off his jacket and raised his sleeve. “See all the people who live in this kingdom are given tattoos shortly after they are born with their name, date of birth, and where they were born.” She saw Mason Rey Black Rock 11:23:75 tattooed on his arm. It is a way of identification and if you are missing it, it would raise undue suspicions. I already did Justin’s see.”

  Justin had already raised his sleeve to reveal Justin Bushwhacker Red Rock 02:12:83. Mason continued, “It’s not permanent, I am just going to place the ink on the top of the skin. It will wash right off and it will not hurt. I promise. Do you
trust me?” Then he grinned, “May I?”

  “Yes, of course.” Tori said.

  “Yes, you trust me or yes, I may apply ink to your skin?”

  Tori wondered why he kept asking her if she trusted him. She may as well. Even if she didn’t, it’s not like she knew anyone else here. He seemed to be really good to his granny and that was something. “Yes to both.” She finally replied.

  “Good,” he said as he took her hand in his and gingerly laid her arm across his lap. He already had the ink and the small brush he was using to apply the mark laid out on the coffee table before them. He went to work. He looked down at her arm intently as he worked. Being this close to Mason was driving her a little crazy. He was handsome, yes. But why was his slightest touch making her blush and be breathless? It’s not like she was a virgin and this was as close as any man had ever come to her. She blamed it on the scare she had last night and the impossibility of her situation. It’s not everyday you get transported to another world. It must just be left over adrenaline or something. That had to be it.

  “Tori,” Mason said. “I’m finished.”

  “Oh, thank you,” she said snapping herself from her own thoughts. She looked down to see Victoria Bushwhacker Red Rock 03:17:86 printed neatly on her arm. “Mason, I don’t mean to be rude, but my last name is Clover.”

  Mason laughed, “I know. It is part of your disguise. You and Justin are to pose as brother and sister. You are both from the town of Red Rock, that is the town to the far west of the kingdom and Bushwhacker is the most common name there. I met you while doing some business in Red Rock and I am courting you. So your brother Justin has accompanied you as chaperone. I’ve already explained it all to Justin. If anyone asks you about Red Rock, just say it’s dusty.”

  “Okay, so you are courting me?” She couldn’t help but grin at his use of the antiquated word.

  “Yes, ma’am and Justin is here to protect your honor against any devious intentions I may have.” He gave that predatory smile again and Tori was at a loss for words.

  Willa had been showing Justin around the study and they had made their way back around to Tori and Mason. They were laughing about one of the books they had been looking through and seemed to be getting along very well. They stopped behind the couch where Tori and mason sat. Willa saved Tori from anything she might have said that would have just ended up sounding stupid by saying, “If you got the girl all inked up, we better get to going Mason.”

  The carriage ride was amazing. The borrowed cart they had arrived in was exchanged for an elegant carriage complete with soft velvet seats and curtains. Mason had a driver, so they all sat in back. Justin and Willa sat on one side and Mason and Tori on the other. All up and down the streets people could be seen milling about in their costumes. There were witches, goblins, mummies, fairies and some things Tori didn’t recognize. Everyone was in costume from the smallest children to the oldest men and women. The streets were lit by great torches casting a red orange glow on everyone. The carriage moved on towards the castle which was seated on the highest part of the city. There were candles lighting up every window of the spiraling towers, the tallest of which seemed to touch the sky. Even the road that wound itself up the hill to the entrance of the castle was lit on each side by flaming torches.

  “It looks like a picture in a fairytale book.” Tori breathed.

  Mason put his big hand on her shoulder and whispered in her ear. “Maybe the artist spent some time in Nathis.”

  “Maybe,” she said. His hand was so warm making her wonder what the rest of him would feel like. She reprimanded herself for even wondering. This was some crazy nightmare or dream. Soon she would be back in Kentucky and this would just be a memory.

  They pulled to a stop in front of the castle. He offered her his arm and she refused, after the thoughts she had been having she thought she might explode in being that close to him. He again leaned to whisper in her ear. “Lady, when at court, certain things must be done a certain way. You are safe with me, please take my arm, and I will release it as soon as is proper.”

  With that Tori reluctantly slipped her arm through his. Justin had copied Mason and offered Willa his arm which she accepted with a smile. Mason smiled and nodded to both the guards at the door and they all passed through into the grand ballroom. The ballroom was full of people in costumes just as elaborate as her costume. Jack ‘o’ lanterns placed on pedestals all around the perimeter of the room casting their glow on the dancers and guests as they drifted past. Three large ornate chandeliers hung majestically from the ceiling, each one boasting over two hundred candles. The room was full of merriment, laughter and dancing. He led her over to a chair by the wall and released her arm.

  “Tori, I’m going to go find out where Thomas is tonight. Do you mind staying here till I return?”

  “Oh, that would be fine.” She said while still staring in awe at the gathering. Tori sat in the chair and looked out upon the crowd. It was sensory overload. There were not only vampires, ghosts, witches and were wolves, but Jedi, Shreks, and storm troopers. It was like a huge Halloween party mixed with a science fiction fantasy convention all taking place in a medieval castle. This was just too much.

  Willa waved at someone she obviously knew and he came over to her. He was an elderly man dressed as a wizard. He had on the long white robes and carried a long wizard’s staff. It was hard to tell if the long white beard was real or fake. “Willa, I didn’t think you were coming this year.” The old man said.

  “I changed my mind at the last minute.”

  “Well, I am certainly glad that you did. Would you care to dance?” He said extending his hand.

  “Only if you promise to keep your hands to yourself, Mel,” Willa said already taking his extended hand.

  Tori watched them leave and wondered what had happened to Willa’s husband and for that matter to Mason’s parents. Justin sat down next Tori. He appeared to be in just as much amazement as she was. She turned to Justin.

  “Are you seeing what I’m seeing?”

  “I sure am,” Justin replied. “It’s like through the trash that ends up here they are sharing in our culture.”

  Just then a waitress came around carrying a tray with champagne. Her blonde hair was curled and she wore a white shirt. Both Tori and Justin took a glass while looking at each other in a quizzical fashion.

  “Is she dressed as…..” Tori started.

  “Yep,” Justin finished.

  “Oh my god!”

  “Love that show!” He said.

  “Me too! I read the books. Did you?”

  “No, I don’t read all that much.”

  The conversation continued as they discussed who was dressed as what. And what costumes were inspired by Earth culture. Justin seemed to be in a much better mood than he was this morning. She did notice he only sipped a little of his champagne.

  “I wonder what is taking Mason so long.” Justin said.

  As if on cue Mason emerged from the crowd before them.

  “Speak of the devil,” Tori said, “and he shall appear.”

  Justin laughed and so did Tori.

  “What’s so amusing?” Mason asked.

  “Nothing,” they said in unison.

  “Well it seems old Thomas has gotten himself into a bit of trouble and is currently being held in the kings dungeon.”

  “Well can we go visit him during visiting hours?” Tori asked.

  “Not quite,” Mason said through a laugh. “Prison here is not that way. It is well guarded and no one but the king’s guards are permitted any contact with the prisoners. It would be easier to get into the queen’s bed chamber than into the dungeon.”

  “Well, shit!” Tori cursed.

  “Such a mouth for a lady,” Mason said in mock surprise.

  “I never said I was a lady.”

  “That’s what I’m counting on.” Mason said cocking his left eyebrow in a way that Tori found irresistible. “I have a plan.”

  Chapter
Ten

  Mason insisted that they had to stay until the very end of the festivities or it may be noticed that he left early thus making him a person under suspicion when Thomas was missing from his cell. So they all laughed and danced. Justin watched as Mason effortlessly twirled Tori around the dance floor. They seemed to be having a great time.

  “Is this seat taken?” said a voice from his right. He said no and a beautiful mermaid who looked to be about his age sat down next to him. Everyone got very quiet and sat on the floor when all the chairs were taken. In the center of the great ballroom was a raised stage that he could clearly see now. The king, a man wearing flowing silver and gold robes, with long silver hair and a beard to match, stood on the stage next to a woman he assumed was the queen. They both wore large silver crowns encrusted with multi colored jewels. Beside the queen stood the prince and his wife, he could tell by the slightly smaller crowns. He watched as they each took a silver candle and lit it by taking the top of a jack ‘o’ lantern, using the flame inside to light the candle. Then they each returned to the center of the stage. Then the king stepped to the front of the stage.

  “We have been blessed again by a year of good crops.” The king began.

  “Thank you!” The crowd shouted in return.

  “Thank you,” said the king. “For without your hard work the crops would not grow. Without strong backs the fields would not get tilled. Without careful hands the seeds would not get sown. Without dedication the harvested wheat would not get milled. Thank you kind subjects for another plentiful harvest. And thank the Creator to which we all owe our lives.”

  “Thank the Creator.” The crowd responded.

  While the king was speaking a large iron circle was being lowered. Justin could just see the wicks coming down from the circle.

  “Thank the Creator!” The royal family exclaimed as they raised their candles in unison and lit the wicks. A moment later the circle became a light show of silver, blue, green, red, orange and yellow. Everyone rose from their seats on the floor and cheered as the band began to play.