RETURN TO THE 4TH KINGDOM ~ part one
By Elizabeth

Disclaimer: I do not own The Tenth Kingdom nor any of its characters. I am merely a fan who is writing a continuation of the story for fun and non-profit.

Synopsis: Wolf and Virginia return to the Tenth Kingdom and try to start a new life together. But as Virginia had said their lives will be disrupted by another crisis of The Kingdoms. The Queen was far better prepared to die than any of them realized. Wolf and Virginia must return to the 4th Kingdom to fight for the fair land again.

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CHAPTER 1
New York, New York

As Virginia sat on the bridge with Wolf she knew everything was going to be okay. She was with her one true love and they would live happily ever after. The two of them and the wonderful baby that was on the way. She had some money saved from her waitressing job, she hadn't had much to spend her paychecks on and now that money was going to come in very handy. They could get an apartment and then she'd go get a job. Maybe the Grille would take her back, or she could go somewhere else, there were enough restaurants in New York. She had no idea what to do with Wolf, but they'd sort that out later.

"What are we going to do, my creamy girl?" Wolf asked her.

"Buy a castle and live happy ever after," she joked. "But really I think the best thing to do would be go and get some money and find somewhere to spend the night."

"Oh," Wolf said. He didn't understand the need to stay somewhere for the night; the trees seemed safe enough, although Virginia knew best. "Maybe we could go get some food? I'm starving."

"We ate just before we left, Wolf." Virginia said.

"I know, but you can never eat enough," he replied. He'd have to teach her that food was not a second priority. He still needed it, whatever his self-help books told him about the connection between food and lack of love. He'd go and get some new books as soon as he could too. He'd even pay for them this time, last time was just too confusing, and not that he'd had any money anyway. Perhaps he would go back to that doctor and thank her.

Virginia took the responsibility of finding them a room for the night on herself. Wolf would be no help at all; he had no idea what was needed. "Come on, lets go get some food and a bed," she said as she stood up to go.

Wolf looked up at her with a wolfish grin on his face, "Oh yes, what's more important to you? It's such a tough choice with this gorgeous girl in front of me."

"Come on Wolf, I'm cold." Virginia tried not to look too amused; but she really did love him. She couldn't imagine being happy with anyone else, she never had been. And he loved her so much; it was like a puppy, only with a wolfish appetite for-well-life.

They found a cheap hotel room and Virginia collapsed on the bed. She couldn't share Wolf's enthusiasm for everything around him; she was too tired and overwhelmed. She'd been through so much. The most worst had been the realization that her mother had somehow made it to the kingdoms. Not only that, she turned into "the most dangerous and evil woman alive," to coin a Princely phrase. Finally when Virginia found her, she learned that she had tried to drown her as a child. Then it all ended with Virginia poisoning her. The harsh reality of that whole encounter would haunt her for the rest of her life. Nothing Wolf could say about destiny could change her feelings of betrayal and the total unfairness of life, finding her mother only to kill her in order to save her own life. She would have to find a way to put that all behind her, somehow.

"What do we do tomorrow, my love?" Wolf wanted to know.

"Well, we have to find somewhere to live, and I need to get a job. And we have to decide what to do with you." Virginia replied. "Can't we worry about it in the morning?"

"What's there to worry about?" Wolf asked. "I'll wait on you hand and foot and you'll have our beautiful baby and then everything will be wonderful."

"Wolf, its not that easy. You'll need a job, waitressing doesn't pay that much money." Virginia told him. What could Wolf do? She didn't know very much about what skills he had except cooking; or-well, he couldn't get paid for that. Maybe he could get a job in a vegetarian place. He might not enjoy it, but it definitely would not be a good idea to have him around too much meat. She didn't want to be responsible for the consequences.

The next morning dawned bright and beautiful; or at least a beautiful as it got in Manhattan. Virginia woke Wolf up and decided that today they would go looking for an apartment.

"What about your old home, Virginia?" Wolf asked.

"I hadn't thought of that, maybe that wouldn't be such a bad idea, although we'd have to pay for it this time." Virginia replied. The more she thought about it the better an idea it seemed. She'd go and see that awful Mr. Murray, maybe he wouldn't recognize her, and she did look really different, especially since that haircut from Wolf with the magic axe.

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CHAPTER 2
The Apartment

As Virginia and Wolf neared the old apartment building she rehearsed what she would say to Mr. Murray. The two of them rounded the corner and she saw the building looming like a tower. She couldn't believe how long it felt since the last time that she saw this place. Virginia breathed deeply and then led the way inside the building.

"Hello," she told the doorman, "I'm here to see Mr. Murray, please."

"One moment," he replied. Then spoke into the intercom, "Mr. Murray, sir, there is a lady here to see you."

"What does she want?"

Well, he sounded the same as ever, you would think he would be a little more polite, she wondered why anyone lived here at all with this miserable person.

"May I ask why you're here?" the doorman inquired, he obviously felt uncomfortable with how Mr. Murray was acting.

"My name is Virginia Lewis and I'm interested in getting an apartment," she replied.

"This lady is looking for an apartment sir," the doorman told Mr. Murray.

"Send her in."

Virginia and Wolf walked into Mr. Murray's office. Again she had to take a deep breath to keep her nerves in check. Wolf put his hand on the small of her back and gave her an encouraging little nudge to help her forward.

"Hello, Mr. Murray? I'm interested in renting an apartment," Virginia said.

"Name?"

"Virginia Lewis."

"Virginia Lewis, eh? Sounds familiar."

"Really?" That made Virginia nervous, she said a quick prayer to the powers that be that he didn't remember her father, that had not been the friendliest of relationships.

"What is your profession?" Mr. Murray asked. Thankfully he seemed to drop the familiar name issue.

"I'm a waitress," Virginia replied.

"Where?" Murray asked.

"Well, I'm actually between jobs at the moment," she told him. Oh no, that just slipped out of her mouth, she prayed she'd be able to get a job quickly. "I should have one soon though sir."

"Well, we do have one apartment open, my good-for-nothing janitor just walked off one day," wow, that was her old apartment. Obviously Mr. Murray didn't recall the circumstances of her father's leaving the apartment. Didn't her father mention something about a dragon-dung-bean spell he put Mr. Murray under? She supposed that it was a good thing he didn't remember.

"If you would like this apartment I need a down-payment of $500 dollars and a signed assurance that this apartment will not be desecrated in any way." Murray said.

It seemed he remembered more than she had thought.

Virginia pulled the cash out of an envelope she had put in her bag, she'd never had a chance to replace the wallet that she lost on the night she hit Wendell the dog.

"Here's your money, sir, I would like to move in as soon as possible." Virginia told him.

"Sign here please, and he'll need to sign too," Murray said as he gestured toward Wolf.

Up until now he had taken no notice of Wolf at all. Virginia gulped and had to think fast. "Here Warren," she said, hoping he'd take the hint. He did. Virginia looked on as Wolf signed his name under hers. For a moment she reflected on how nice the two names looked next to each other, `Virginia Lewis' and `Warren Wolfson'. What did it matter if that wasn't his real name? Any man whose name was Wolf would not get any better a reception here than in Little Lamb Village.

"Here's the key to your apartment, 17a, no2. Thank you very much ma'am." Mr. Murray said as he waved them out of his office. Who did he think he was, a king? Virginia led Wolf to the elevator. Once she was out of earshot she exclaimed, "Can you believe it Wolf? That's my old apartment."

"Lets go and get settled, all your things should still be there." Wolf said with a slight smile on his face.

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CHAPTER 3
In the 4th Kingdom

Tony never thought he would really want to stay in the kingdoms. All he thought about while they were here was get the mirror back and go home. Then when it came time to leave he found he just couldn't do it, this land was really beautiful and he was having a hard time refusing Prince (King) Wendell's offer of riches and women. Still, he missed Virginia, if only he could find a way to get back in touch with her. He sat there staring at the infamous mirror and wondering if there was a way to pull it off.

"You miss Virginia don't you?" Wendell had snuck up on Tony once again.

"Yeah, I do, but how do I go home again and then come back?" Tony asked. He really hoped Wendell would have an answer to this one.

"Why don't you go and find her and then come back?" Wendell asked.

That was a great idea, why hadn't he thought of it? "What about the mirror, isn't it dangerous to leave it on?" Tony asked, as if second-guessing himself.

"I shall appoint a servant that I trust to sit by the mirror and watch for your return," Wendell told Tony.

"Great idea Prince-uh Wendell, sorry I just go so used to calling you Prince," Tony said with a sheepish grin.

"Prepare your things, Anthony, you must go soon in order to find them," Wendell suppressed a smile and waved Tony toward his chambers.

Tony couldn't believe his luck, he could go home and find Virginia and Wolf, and then he was coming back. It really was much nicer here than in New York. Within minutes Tony was ready, he decided to just wear what he had worn to the kingdoms in the first place. He hurried as much as he could and checked over his rooms to make sure there was nothing else he wanted to take. Then he remembered the painting of Snow White he had found in the palace that Wendell had said he could give to Virginia. She seemed to have a connection with Snow White, that truth be told, Tony didn't understand though apparently Wendell did. It was a beautiful picture, Snow White standing in a forest with animals and flowers all around her. He was amazed that the stories at home so perfectly matched the true image of Snow White. But then again that shouldn't be a surprise, Wilhelm Grimm had been here. He just kept forgetting.

Time to go.

Tony went back to the mirror room to bid farewell to Prince Wendell. "I'll be back soon, you're Majesty," he assured him.

"I know you will Anthony," Wendell replied.

Without another word Tony stepped through the mirror and was back home. Somehow he thought it would feel better to be back. "Now, where to find Virginia," Tony thought to himself. He headed off to the first place that came to mind; their old apartment on East 81st Street. He prayed that the old idiot Murray wouldn't remember him and call the cops or something.

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CHAPTER 4
Tony Returns

Virginia was so happy to have found a place to live so easily. Wolf seemed okay with it as well, although she was nervous about him adjusting to this world. Virginia just hoped this hadn't all been a big mistake. As if Wolf sensed her insecurities he came up behind her and cradled her in his arms.

"I never thought I'd find you. I love you so much Wolf," she told him. Wolf turned her around by her shoulders and gave her the sweetest, gentlest kiss. As they pulled apart he smiled at her.

"I'll love you forever, my beautiful Virginia," he said. And she knew he meant it.

Just then there was a knock at the door and Virginia found herself cursing anyone who would destroy this perfect moment with Wolf, no matter how unknowingly. She glanced at Wolf and she recognized that look of disappointment she had seen on his face each and every time he had tried to kiss her and failed. In spite of herself she smiled a little as she went to answer the door.

"DAD!" she screamed. She couldn't believe it, there was her father, and she had been worried that he'd never come back.

"Hi sweetie, I missed you," Tony said.

"We've only been gone for a day, Tone," Wolf said.

Tony glanced at Wolf and smiled. He was almost happy to have interrupted whatever was happening-or going to happen. But he wasn't stupid, enough had happened already. Tony chose to ignore that fact until he was told in some way, please God, not by a grandchild. He wasn't ready to be a grandfather. Wolf's grandpa crack had really scared him.

"How did you know we were here?" Virginia asked her father.

"Honestly, I don't know, this was just the first place I thought to check, good thing you were. Murray might not have been too happy to find a stranger in his building." Tony joked. "I brought you a present," he said.

"Its beautiful dad," Virginia murmured. She thought back on her meeting with Snow White and was so happy to have a picture to remember this wonderful woman who gave her hope. Virginia smiled at the memory.

"What did Murray say when you showed up here?" Tony wondered.

"He seemed to have a vague recollection of my name but he didn't pursue it anymore that mentioning that it sounded familiar." Virginia replied.

"That's good."

She still couldn't believe her father had come back. "Are you coming home Dad?" she asked him.

"Not a chance, I'm King Wendell's newest advisor." Tony told her proudly.

Virginia was happy to hear that. Her father had really formed a bond with the King while he was a dog. She also really wasn't too surprised that he wanted to stay, he had become a much better person since going through the mirror. He was happier and he looked so much younger and healthier.

"When will I see you then," she asked him.

Now Wolf spoke up, "I already have that figured out my dear-"

"Hey."

"-Sorry Tony. I suggest that since your father still has the mirror, he could come through sometimes to see you." Wolf said, looking very pleased with himself.

"It's an idea," Tony said reluctantly. "You're not going to move on me, are you?" he asked his daughter.

"Of course not dad," Virginia said in exasperation. "We'll stay right here, I promise."

"Well, okay. In that case I'd better go back before something happens with that mirror." Tony said.

"Leaving so soon?" Wolf asked. He was still a little aggravated with Tony for acting like he wasn't supposed to be there when he knew perfectly well that he planned to marry Virginia.

"We'll walk you back, dad," Virginia said. They headed out the door and back toward the park to the little cluster of trees where the entrance to the 4th Kingdom was. As they neared the park Virginia tried to set up a definite day that Tony would come. She didn't want another unannounced visit like that.

"How about every Sunday dad," she suggested. She never used to work on Sundays, and she didn't plan on starting now.

"Sounds great, honey. See you soon," Tony said as he stepped back thorough the mirror and into Wendells chambers. Tony turned back toward the mirror and turned off the switch, and as he did the image of his daughter and Wolf standing arm-in-arm winked out like a light into total blackness.

Virginia decided to stop by the Grille on the way back to see if she could get her old job back. She begged Wolf to not come in and stay where he was.

"Where have you been, Virginia?" Candy asked. "I've had to work double since you left because they won't hire anyone else." Why did it always seem that Candy greeted her in the same manner?

"Well, I'm back now. I just came to say that I want my job back, I just took a little-um---vacation." She told her.

"Sure, you can work for me tomorrow night, I've got a date." She smiled slyly.

"The boss won't mind?" Virginia asked.

"I don't think he even noticed, he just thought you walked off one night." Candy said. She really was an airhead. Virginia figured she'd been gone for nearly a month. She decided to talk to him anyway.

She saw him enter the kitchen and walked over to him. "Hello, sir, sorry about my absence, there was an emergency. I was wondering if I could maybe have my job back?" She felt like she was begging.

"Can I trust you not to disappear again? It really put me out." He said indignantly. Obviously not too much, he hadn't hired anyone new.

"Don't worry, there won't be any more problems of that nature." She assured him. Virginia herself felt pretty confident about that.

"Come in tomorrow, I'm short a person." He told her as he walked off. Why did she let herself be pushed around like this, she wondered? But it really didn't matter; she had a job now.

Virginia went back outside to Wolf. He was looking in longingly at the burgers being served for lunch. "I got my job back," she told him.

"Great." He couldn't tear his eyes away from that juicy, succulent meat.
Finally Virginia led him away.

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CHAPTER 5
The Queen's Successor

Sickly green light split through the holes in the roof on the decrepit little hut in the swamp. Ezmerelda loved that color. The impure light fitted her perfectly. Despite two incredibly evil queens; the house of Snow White still survived. The Evil Queen had sensed her imminent demise and immediately went in search of a successor, just like those before her. She had found Ezmerelda hiding out in the cottage, she was still running to escape the Snow White Memorial Prison. She remembered it as if it were yesterday.

.. The Queen had found the girl that she was looking for in the Witch's old hut, just as her mirrors said she would. As she approached she examined the young woman who would be her successor. She looked to be about the same age as the girl that was after her, that was good. Long red hair that meshed perfectly with her ivory pale skin. She wore a black dress with a dark green bodice that accentuated her good looks. Yes, this one would do well.

"What is your name, my child," she asked in her sweetest voice.

"My name is Ezmerelda." The girl replied.

"There is a young girl after me that will finish me. Yet like Snow White's stepmother my work is also unfinished. Wendell will return, the mirrors have told me so. I need someone young and beautiful like yourself to finish my work." The Queen tried not to sound as bitter as she felt.

"I will finish your work for you my lady," Ezmerelda said.

Good that was just what the queen wanted to hear. "For helping me to finish my work I will give you all my power. When I am finished you will inherit my eyes." The Queen knew she had her now. This girl was just as power-hungry as she herself had once been.

"I will do whatever you wish," Ezmerelda told the Queen.

"Good. You will know when and how to strike."

With that the queen left her in the swamp cottage..

Ezmerelda stared into her goblet. The dark gold was studded with black gems and silver spider webs. The cup was filled nearly to the brim with a dark purple liquid that she used like a crystal ball. Yes, the castle was just starting to come into focus. As she gazed into the goblet she saw King Wendell and that unbelievable idiot Anthony. Well, that man would be easy enough to manage, his daughter had been the threat before, not him. Wendell however would be a bit harder to get rid of. She walked over to her mirror and as she did the idea came to her as if from another mind. Yes, she would use her looks to bewitch this man and then she could finish her work. Now she needed to prepare herself to meet the king. She would pose for a princess from a far off kingdom and make the King love her. Then she would crush him. Ezmerelda donned a beautiful blood-red gown and set off toward the palace.

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CHAPTER 6
Wendell's Ball

King Wendell was becoming very nervous. He needed to find a wife. If he didn't he might not be able to have an heir and that would become a rather messy business. And of course, he couldn't ask Anthony; he was no man to advise on marital issues. He decided to speak to one of his council members instead.

"Lord Rupert, I need a wife, any suggestions?" Wendell asked.

"Well sir, there are many beautiful princesses throughout the kingdoms, provided you do not take an elf, they cannot be trusted to honor marriage vows. An Elfin maiden is too aware of her beauty to love only one man and be happy ever after." Lord Rupert replied.

"I'll have to remember that. Perhaps we should have a ball?" Wendell knew that Rupert would love that idea, his true forte was planning parties.

"A BALL! How wonderful your Majesty. I'll get right on it." And with that Lord Rupert scurried away to begin planning.

Now a ball was being planned in order to find him a wife. Wendell decided to go and talk to Anthony. "Anthony, Lord Rupert is planning a ball to find me a wife," Wendell announced.

"That's just great your Majesty," Tony replied.

He seemed very sad, was he was worried about Virginia? "If you would like, perhaps you could invite Virginia and Wolf to come back for my ball? Wendell suggested.

"That's a great idea, when is the ball?" Tony asked.

"A week from Friday, Anthony. My 22nd Birthday incase you've forgotten." Wendell told him.

"Oh, Well, I'll be seeing them next Sunday, I'll tell them then." Tony sounded much happier now.

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CHAPTER 7
The Curse of the Moon

Virginia realized in horror that the full moon was fast approaching. She'd have to find a way to keep Wolf out of trouble, soon. What would she do with him? She decided to ask Wolf what his parents had done.

"Wolf, what are we going to do when it's a full moon? You can't be running all over New York, not if you always act the way you did in Little Lamb Village." Virginia needed to be careful what she said; she didn't want to hurt Wolf's feelings.

"What will I do, then?" He asked. Normally he was very aware of the cycles of the moon, but the thought seemed to have slipped his mind recently.
"What did your parents do when there was a full moon?" she asked. "They didn't just let you run all over, did they?" Virginia really hoped that the answer was no.

"We all stayed inside, but that was different Virginia, we were all in the same state, we weren't any danger to each other." Wolf sounded very worried. "You can't just stay with me, I love you, but I don't know what might happen."

"You could stay in my father's old room until it was over?" Virginia suggested. She knew he might not like being shut up, but she couldn't think of a better solution.

"I suppose," Wolf said, "But what about you?"

"I'll lock the door and stay out here." Virginia was getting desperate. The full moon was only two days away.

"I guess that's the best option," Wolf sounded nervous.

"Okay, on Wednesday I'll set you up in my dad's room, and you'll be out by Friday." Virginia was happy Wolf was willing to go along with her idea.

"You will still need to tie me up," Wolf told her.

"Okay, if I have to."

"You need to, Virginia." Wolf told her.

Wednesday morning dawned bright and clear, but as Wolf awoke from his place next to Virginia, he knew that tonight he would need to be locked up. He could already feel the edge of the full moon in his soul. He decided to savor these few moments next to Virginia. The two days away from her side would be terrible. He rolled over and kissed Virginia's shoulder to wake her up.

"Virginia, my sweet, its morning," Wolf said gently.

"I know, can't we just sleep a little longer?" Virginia whined. She really wasn't a morning person and she was still tired from work last night.

"No, we must get up, we need to prepare for tonight." Wolf told her.

"What's there to prepare?" she asked irritably.

"Well I don't like being locked up, and I NEED SOME FOOD!" Wolf yelled.

Okay. Time to get up, he was starting to get mean. "I'll go and buy you some food, and stay here." Virginia begged.

"Lock the door." Wolf said as he went across the hall to the bathroom. He felt just awful. Why did he yell at Virginia? He hadn't meant to, all he wanted to do was enjoy lying next to her, then he was yelling. Damn the moon, he couldn't control himself. Wolf splashed some water on his face and went to lie down in Tony's bed.

Virginia was worried about leaving him, but Wolf was right. He needed food. If Little Lamb Village was any indication, Wolf ate even more at the full moon. She'd go to the grocery store and buy as much meat as she could. Virginia really didn't want anything for herself; she had a feeling she wouldn't be eating very much in the next few days. Thank God the only bedroom door that locked in the apartment was her father's.

When Virginia arrived home she found Wolf already lying down. He looked awful, he was sweating and he looked in so much pain Virginia wanted to cry. Oh, she hated to do this to him, but Wolf was right it was best for everyone. She decided to set up her CD player in the room and play a Mozart CD she'd picked up in the line at the store. She'd heard somewhere that listening to Mozart calmed you down and she hoped that it was true for Wolf's sake. Virginia got the rope she had bought at the hardware store and tied Wolf up to the bedposts. Then she kissed his forehead and locked the door behind her.

That night had to be one of the most agonizing in Virginia's life. Despite leaving the CD on continuous play loudly, she could still hear Wolf's moans from the pain of changing. She hoped no one else in the building would be able to hear it. Finally it seemed that he had fallen asleep and Virginia decided to do the same. She lay down on the floor in front of the bedroom door and tried to get some sleep.

The next morning Virginia unlocked the door to bring Wolf something to eat. What she saw almost surprised her. Wolf had pulled the sheets off the bed and he was lying there panting. He looked absolutely exhausted.

"How are you?" she asked.

"Not too good, Virginia, but at least I know that I'm safe here tied up." He didn't even smile which was rare in itself.

"I brought you some food," she told him as she approached the bed. She had also brought a wet washcloth to wipe his face with.

"Thank you, I'll be alright," he told her as she gently wiped his forehead with the wet cloth. She resisted the urge to kiss him on the mouth and gave him a peck on the cheek instead as she left the room again. She made sure that the door was locked and then she left for work.

Wolf thrashed back and forth on the bed. He hated this so much. It HURT. There was nothing he could do and he found himself struggling with the ropes. He didn't really want to get free; he was too scared of what might happen. Wolf forced himself to stop struggling and focus on the music that Virginia had left for him. It was a pretty tune, even if in his state he couldn't stand it anymore. Maybe when this was over he could appreciate it more. Wolf closed his eyes and decided that the best thing to do would be to try and sleep through this ordeal.

Later that day Virginia raced home from work to check on Wolf. She had specifically requested to work during the day so that she could be in the apartment at night in case Wolf got really bad. She peeked in the room and was surprised to see Wolf lying asleep on the bed. She crept in the room to check on him and suddenly his eyes flew open.

"Virginia, I'm ravenous. Get me some food NOW!" Wolf said.

"Okay." And Virginia rushed out of the room. Moments later she came back with a steak that she had brought from the Grille. Wolf's eyes lit up when he saw the meat; Virginia handed it to him and left so she wouldn't have to watch him eat it. She could hear him tearing at the meat though, how could he eat like that? Her only comfort was that tomorrow he would be fine. Virginia picked up a book off the shelf and settled down on the couch to read for a few hours before setting up vigil outside Wolf's door.

When Virginia awoke the next morning it was raining. She opted to leave Wolf alone for a few more hours; it was still early yet. She got up and made herself some toast. She'd make Wolf some bacon later on, she knew he'd enjoy that. A few hours later she went in to visit Wolf and was relieved to find him sitting up and looking back to his old self.

"Hello, Virginia," Wolf said, "Am I free now?"

"That depends, are you better?" She asked. The last thing she wanted to do was untie him too soon.

"Yes, much better, although I could use a shower," He grinned at her. "Care to join me?"

Virginia laughed. "No thanks, I'll go and make you some breakfast." Virginia untied Wolf and he stood up and gave her a wonderful kiss.

"Thank you," he told her, "Without you to help me, who knows what would have happened."

"I'll go and make your bacon," she told him, "You go and shower."

"Bacon! Oh joy." His whole face lit up at the mention of his very favorite food.

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CHAPTER 8
Tony's Visit

On Sunday afternoon Tony stepped through the mirror and into Central Park in all its glory-if you could call it that. He decided to walk around the park for a little while before setting off for Virginia and Wolf's apartment.

Virginia was making dinner for her father's visit. Wolf had wanted to cook, but she told him no. Maybe he could cook another time. Her father's favorite food was pizza and Wolf really didn't know the first thing about it. She liked making her own pizza dough instead of buying it from the store. After rolling out the dough and putting enough meat on it to keep even Wolf happy, she went to take a shower. Wolf was sitting on their bed reading yet another self-help book, Being A Good Husband; she wanted to tell him he didn't need it.

Twenty minutes later her father walked into the apartment, without even knocking or anything. Sometimes he was so inconsiderate.

"Hello Tony," Wolf called from Virginia's bedroom.

What was he doing in there?

"Where's Virginia?" Tony asked.

"She's making dinner," Wolf replied, "Your favorite, pizza."

"Great, I haven't had pizza in ages, you have no idea how much I've missed it," he told Wolf.

"I don't know why." Wolf quipped

"You just don't appreciate the finer things in life, Wolf," Tony said.

"Tell that to your daughter." Wolf replied.

Oh great, he hadn't wanted to hear that.

Just then Virginia walked in. She was wearing a pair of jeans and a little tiny tank top. Tony wondered why she had to dress like that; she never really had before. He tried not to look at Wolf, but found himself glancing over anyway and was very annoyed at the hungry look in his eyes. He'd really have to make Wolf understand that he hated that look he gave his daughter.

"Hi daddy, I made you a pizza for dinner." She told him as she kissed his cheek.

"I know, Wolf told me," Tony said. Then Virginia just smiled at Wolf and he REALLY hated that smile. He was going to stop coming here if he had to put up with this lovey-dovey crap from his daughter and Wolf all the time.

"Let's go eat," Wolf said as if he sensed the tension in Tony. "I'm famished."

"I'll bet you are," Tony said. He couldn't help the sarcastic tone in his voice.

Wolf glanced at Virginia and she shook her head, silently telling him to say nothing. Wolf shrugged and waited for Tony to leave the room.

"What's his problem?" Virginia asked Wolf.

"I don't know, he just came in like that, I swear, I didn't say anything to upset him." Wolf said. Virginia wasn't entirely sure she believed him but she had no reason to say otherwise.

Virginia tried to monopolize the conversation at dinner to keep whatever comments her father had for Wolf to a minimum. "How's King Wendell Dad?" she asked him.

"Same as ever, a royal pain-in-the-ass," Tony replied irritably. "Only now he's a royal pain-in-the-ass who's decided he needs a wife."

"I'm happy for him, I'm sure marriage can be wonderful," Wolf said.

Virginia cringed, why did he say that? Did he really mean it or was he just being perverse and trying to get a rise out of her father?

"What the HELL would you know about it Wolf?" Tony yelled.

"Nothing, nothing at all Tone," Wolf replied while picking the sausage off his pizza. "I'll know soon enough when I marry your daughter." As he said that he grinned rakishly and tossed a piece of the sausage into the air and caught it in his mouth.

"You are NOT marrying Virginia," Tony said.

"Yes he is dad, I just don't know when." Virginia said. She thought it would be best to say something before Wolf did.

Tony still looked shocked. Apparently he didn't take it any better from Virginia than from Wolf. "What else is there I don't know?" he asked, not really wanting to know the answer.

"Well---" Wolf began. Virginia realized then that he was definitely mad at Tony and trying to make him angry.

"-Nothing dad." Virginia said as she shot a viscous glance at Wolf.
Tony had heard enough for one night. "Well, the reason I came to see you in the first place is to tell you that Wendell is having a ball and he wants you and Wolf to come too." Tony said as he got up to leave. "It's a week from Friday. I'll leave the mirror on for you Friday morning at 9 o'clock. Try to get there so the mirror's not left on all day, okay?"

"Daddy, please don't leave yet." Virginia cried. Then she saw that it wasn't going to work. "Wait for me to get my coat, I'll walk you back." She raced into the room she shared with Wolf and grabbed her blue and pink coat off the chair that she had thrown it on last night when she got back from work.
Wolf volunteered to stay and clean up, which was good since she didn't plan on telling him to come anyway. She had no idea what had gotten into him tonight, or her father. "I'll be back soon Wolf," she called back as she left with her father.

"You're not going to marry that wolf, are you Virginia?" Tony asked.

"Yes I am dad, I told you that." Virginia said. She didn't want to go through this with her father; she loved both him and Wolf. "What got into you tonight?" she asked him.

"Well, I came in and he's lying on your bed acting like he belonged there," Tony said irritably. "What are you going to do when the moon hits again?"

Virginia thought it best not to mention that it was his bed too, her father was already angry enough. "It already has dad, and it went fine, I kept him inside and away from temptation and it worked out just fine." Virginia found herself feeling angry with Tony for acting like Wolf was going to kill her. They were nearing the mirror now.

Tony decided that he didn't want to leave with Virginia still mad at him, "I'm sorry I acted the way I did, I was way out of line, honey." He really did feel bad about it too.

"That's okay, just try to remember that Wolf loves me and I love him." Virginia said. "He's not going to hurt me, I swear."

"I'll see you two Friday then," Tony said as he kissed his daughter goodbye and stepped through the mirror.

Virginia watched her father go and the mirror disappear and then she headed back to the apartment and Wolf. Now she had to find out what his problem was. The full moon was over, so it wasn't that.

"Wolf, what got into you tonight?" she asked as she sat down next to him on the bed.

"He was acting like I don't deserve you, Virginia." Wolf said. He didn't really seem too worried about it anymore. He knew that she didn't feel the same way.

"Try not to get into any fights like that at the ball next Friday okay?" Virginia begged him.

Wolf sat up and gazed at her. "I swear I'll be a good Wolfie, my dreamy, creamy girl," he whispered as he pulled her towards him and kissed her. The kisses trailed down her neck like butterflies.

Virginia giggled but she didn't try to pull away. "I love you Wolf," she said as she lay down on the bed. Wolf lay down beside her and turned out the light, without even pulling away from her lips.

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CHAPTER 9
Arrival at the Castle

Virginia woke up early Friday morning and began to get ready to leave. Wolf was already up and rushing around the apartment throwing things in a bag. Virginia went to get in the shower before they left. By 8:30 she was ready to go and they locked up the apartment and headed toward the park. Sure enough they arrived and there was the mirror. Wolf was nearly running he seemed so excited to go home. They made sure no one was around and then they stepped through the mirror.

When they arrived in the royal chambers Tony and Prince Wendell greeted them. "Welcome back my friends," Wendell said. "How are you?"

"Great Wendell, couldn't be better," Wolf exclaimed happily.

"That's great," Tony said. Virginia shot him a warning look to behave.

"I hear you're looking for a wife, Wendell," Virginia said hoping to change the subject.

"Yes, that is the purpose for the ball," Wendell sounded excited. "In fact, the most beautiful ladies in all the nine kingdoms will be in attendance tonight" As Wendell said this he glanced at Wolf. That annoyed Virginia more than she could say. Was everyone bent on destroying them? Or did they think that he would cheat on her?

"I've got the only girl for me, right here," Wolf replied. Obviously he had picked up on the hint as well.

"Indeed." Wendell said. "I'll show you to your chambers. Your father insisted he chose the room for you and Wolf. It has a lovely painting of Snow White Falls."

"That's wonderful Wendell," Wolf replied. "What time does the ball start?"

"8 o'clock on the dot." Wendell replied as he closed the door of their room.

"You'd better go and find a beautiful dress for tonight," Wolf said. "I want all the royalty to know that you are the fairest in the land." He held her close and stroked her hair. "I love you so much, Virginia. No matter what anyone says."

Virginia looked into his beautiful hazel eyes and any doubts she had were erased. "I know you do Wolf," She said. Virginia kissed him as she left the room in search of Wendell to ask him where she could find the most beautiful dress in all the nine kingdoms.

Ezmerelda arrived at Wendell's castle a few hours before the start of the ball. Good, she would have time to prepare. She snuck into the castle and began poking around to try and find out anything she could that would help her destroy the prince. Finding nothing during her hurried search she went to prepare to seduce and destroy King Wendell. Ezmerelda had found a deliciously sinister dress for the occasion. Purple, with black netting over the top and drop sleeves embroidered with the likeness of spider webs. The dress also had the virtues of a tight waist and chest, which would make her job easier. No man could resist her when she made him want her.

Virginia went to the palace seamstress to get a dress. Immediately she saw the most beautiful dress she had ever seen in her life. It was light blue with gold shimmering threads running through it. Little gold buttons shaped like raindrops studded the front all the way to the waist. The bodice of the dress was low-cut with scalloping around the edges. The skirt was billowy and made of a crepe that swished as she walked. The seamstress gave her a gold chain with an aquamarine drop charm. Wolf would love this dress, and Virginia had never felt so beautiful in all her life.

"Thank you so much," Virginia said to the palace seamstress.

The seamstress, a chubby, rosy-cheeked woman smiled and patted Virginia on the cheek, "Anything for you my dear." She told her.

Virginia also decided to get her hair done for the ball. She wanted to look really beautiful for Wolf. Wendell's servants made a headband of forget-me-nots, which matched her dress perfectly. Time was beginning to run out and Virginia rushed down to the ball and Wolf.

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CHAPTER 10
Wendell's Ball

When Wolf saw her enter the room, his eyes lit up, "Wow." Was all he said as he came up and took her arm to escort her into the ballroom. Other people turned to look at them and Virginia felt Wolf's arm tighten around her waist. She smiled to herself at the thought that Wolf loved her so much and didn't want any one else near her. Wendell approached with his arms out to lead them to the royal table. The king had insisted that they sit with him tonight. Tony smiled as Virginia approached; he was amazed at the glow in Virginia's cheeks. Maybe Wolf was good for her. He almost felt bad for giving him such a hard time. Almost.

"You look great, honey." He told her.

"Thank you daddy." Virginia felt amazing in the dress.

They were all seated and then King Wendell stood up to make a speech. Tony whispered complaints into Virginia's ear, and she tried to ignore it.

"Welcome to my palace once again ladies and gentlemen." Wendell began. "As you know, I am now twenty-two years old and in honor of this day I have decided to have a ball. Dancing will begin at 10 o'clock tonight, after dinner. With the traditional Cinderella waltz at the stroke of midnight." Wendell paused and Tony prayed that he was almost done. The king still hadn't mastered the art of speeches. Of course, Tony was no one to teach him. "And without further adu, let us begin the celebration!" Applause burst out all over the room and servants appeared out of the kitchens with trays heaped with more food than they could ever hope to eat.

After dinner the large glass doors that separated the ballroom from the dining room opened and the guests proceeded into the ballroom. The music from the royal orchestra was wonderful and Virginia laughed as Wolf took her in his arms and twirled her around. When he stopped Virginia looked around the ballroom at all of Wendell's guests. There were elves and dwarves, and a beautiful blue woman who looked like she was a descendant of the Ice Queen. Then Virginia's eyes rested on a woman who was even more beautiful than the elves. Long red hair framed a pale face. But what Virginia noticed most was her dress. It was purple and black with spider webs on the sleeves that nearly brushed the train of the gown. She had never seen a dress like it anywhere in the nine kingdoms, except-no that just wasn't possible.

"Wolf, look at her," Virginia said as she discreetly directed his gaze in the right direction.

"Cripes."

Virginia hadn't expected that kind of response. "What do you mean, does she look familiar?"

"Not at all." Wolf had a bad feeling about her though. She made him nervous the same way the Queen had, but he wasn't going to tell Virginia that. Then he looked at Virginia and she was glaring at him. Oh no.

Then Wolf decided that it would be best to tell her. "Watch out for her Virginia," he whispered, "She reminds me of the Queen." Wolf took one last look at the mysterious woman and realized that she was smiling at him. Wolf's breath caught in his throat.

Virginia didn't have much time to consider Wolf's remark, because a bell rang and Lord Rupert announced that it was time for the Cinderella waltz. Wolf groaned, he really thought this was the stupidest tradition he'd ever heard of.

"Let's go sit down Virginia," he suggested.

"Good idea, my feet are killing me." And Virginia followed him over to the chairs set up along the walls for non-dancers. Wolf took Virginia's hand and smiled at her.

"I want to watch the dance, Wolf," she said. Virginia couldn't help feeling a little annoyed with the way Wolf had looked at that woman in there.

Inside the ballroom, Wendell came down the steps in search of his partner for this dance, he really hoped it wasn't the dwarf princess. Then he glanced down at the shoe in his hand and realized that although it was small, it wasn't that small. He breathed a sign of relief, the princess Ruby was stocky, even for a dwarf and talked through her nose.

"Excuse me, your highness, I believe that is my slipper."

Wendell stopped; he had never heard a voice like that before. Soft, and lilting, it sounded like a flute. He turned and the beauty he saw before him suited the voice. She was thin and willowy, with flame-colored hair and a stunning purple dress. He smiled and bent down to place the shoe on her foot. Ezmerelda smiled a private smile as she placed her hand on the king's back. She had him now; she knew it.

Wendell felt a shiver run through his entire body when this beautiful girl placed her hand on his spine. He stood up and replied, "Yes, this is definitely your shoe." He felt like a moron, he'd never felt like that in front of a woman before. "Pray tell, what is your name, my lady?" he asked.

"My name is Ezmerelda, your majesty. I am from the 6th Kingdom." Ezmerelda spoke softly and kept her voice seductive.

"I am very glad you journeyed here for my ball, will you be remaining for the night? Many of the guests from far kingdoms are staying in my guest rooms until tomorrow." Wendell told her.

"Perhaps I will, Majesty. I could not refuse such a noble offer." Ezmerelda smiled at him and the king grinned back. He had the most ridiculous wide grin.

"I shall inform my advisors to prepare another guest room." He said. "Someone as beautiful as yourself deserves the best the 4th Kingdom has to offer."

Virginia was watching the couples dance and suddenly she gasped. "Wolf, look, that girl is dancing with the King," she said.

"Huff-puff, that can't be good." Wolf said.

"Do you really think she's someone to worry about? Should we tell dad?" Virginia was worried about Wendell. Wolf was right, this woman reminded her too much of her mother.

"Lets not worry about it yet, Virginia." Wolf told her. "You can try to find out more about her in the morning."

"You're right." Virginia said. "You know what, I feel a little warm, do you want to come out on the veranda with me?" She asked Wolf.

"Gladly." Wolf took her arm and escorted her outside. Virginia tilted her head back and breathed in the scent of lilacs. Wendell had them growing all along the arbor. Wolf looked down at her and then moved toward her to kiss her. Virginia gave into the kiss willingly.

"I'm feeling a little tired, I think I'll go to bed now." She told him. "Are you coming or do you want to stay down here for a while longer?"

"What, and miss dessert?" Wolf was shocked. "No, I'll stay here a while longer, good night my sweet." He kissed her again and then Virginia went back inside.

She took the back way up to the guestrooms, and then suddenly she began to feel very dizzy. What was the matter, she'd been fine before? Virginia leaned against the wall and closed her eyes for a minute. When she opened them, that girl that had been dancing with Wendell was walking down the hall from the royal chambers.

"Hello." She said.

"Hi." Virginia replied. "Can I help you find something?" She didn't trust this person to be poking around upstairs in the castle.

"No, thank you, I was just escorting King Wendell to his chambers." The corner of her mouth twitched with the beginnings of a smile, which she did her best to hide. "Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Princess Ezmerelda of the 6th Kingdom."

She was a princess? Virginia did her best to smile back, but she was feeling even dizzier now. "Happy to meet you, but I really must be going now."

Ezmerelda nodded and Virginia hurried down the hallway. As she did, Ezmerelda watched her and thinking that she wasn't very powerful and how did she ever resist the Queen? A simple little dizzying charm made this girl so nervous it was almost comical.

As soon as Virginia was safe in her room, she ran into the bathroom and splashed some cold water on her face. What happened back there had really scared her. Now that she was away from that Ezmerelda she was beginning to realize why she had been so upset. Last time they were here she always felt the same way when she was around anything associated with her mother. Did this `princess' have any connection to the Queen?

Virginia took off the beautiful blue dress and put on her nightgown. She had bought it especially for the trip. It was white silk with lace trim, and little pink roses. Wolf didn't really like it, he almost grimaced when he saw it, but she liked it, she'd always loved nightgowns. The frillier the better. They reminded her of the happier days in her childhood when her mother used to put her to bed in princess nightgowns. She tried to focus on the better parts of her life as she blew out the candles in the candelabra and lay down to sleep.

About a half an hour later Wolf tiptoed into the room. "Are you asleep Virginia?" he whispered.

"Hmmm not really, why?" she tried to sound like she had been awake but she was nearly asleep.

"King Wendell came back down to the ballroom looking for that girl, and he said to your father that he planned to find out what it would take to marry her," Wolf said.

Okay, she was awake now. "What? What does he mean marry her, he just saw her tonight?" Virginia said.

"That's how royalty do these things," Wolf didn't sound too concerned.

"He can't marry her, I know she's got something up her sleeve." Virginia said.

"What?" He asked.

"I don't know, but remember how I told you that before whenever I was around anything that my mother had I got dizzy?" She said.

"Yeah."

"It happened again with her. She was up here when I came up and I talked to her for a minute and I felt like I could hardly stand up." Virginia was convinced that there was something bad about this princess.

"Tell Tony tomorrow." Wolf suggested as he lay down next to her and took her in his arms. "You're shaking, Virginia," Wolf was worried now.

"I know that something is wrong, but I don't know what." Virginia was near tears now.

"Try to sleep now," Wolf whispered as he kissed her forehead.

Virginia rolled over and closed her eyes. Wolf sighed and fluffed his pillow ignoring the snub he'd just received from Virginia. He was beginning to get used to the fact that she really wasn't interested in talking when she was tired. He'd learned that back in New York after getting yelled at for trying to start a conversation with her after she returned from work. When Virginia was tired, there was just no talking to her.

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