|
|
Part 4
Back in Rosenberg, Spike mourned the loss of his beloved Willow. When she did not return after he declared his love and asked to court her in earnest, he assumed that she did not return his feelings. Without Willow, there was nothing to keep him in Rosenberg so he returned home to his father and mother in Sunnydale.
"My Spike has returned to me. Mummy is proud of her son," Drusilla spoke as the blonde entered the main hall of the Sunnydale palace.
"Yes, mother, I am home."
"But what is wrong? Do you not wish to be here?"
"No, mother. I am very glad to be here. I only wish that another was here with me."
"My boy has found himself a wife, has he? Who is it, Lady Harmony?"
"No, father, she's - " Spike attempted to answer, but Angelus cut him off.
"The Duchess of Calderash, then. What was her name again…? Jenny, I think."
"No, it was not her, either."
"Well then who, son? The only other eligible nobility in the kingdom of Rosenberg is… Drusilla, you don't think he's fallen for the Princess, do you?"
"The thoughts make my head swim. She burns. And though the flame seems gone, still it smolders, even at our doorstep."
"I have failed you, father. It is no princess that I love, but a common garden-maiden in the castle. And she does not even return that."
"You should not have given your heart to such a one. Were you not sent there to be educated and to one day find a suitable lady to rule beside you? Have you learned nothing?"
"No, my king. I learned much. I learned to coax life from the dirt and to tell a weed from a young plant. I learned to forget about wealth and power and to enjoy the company of another human being. I learned that some people live simply to live, while others live to die. I learned that life is a precious gift that we cannot waste."
"Then you have not failed me. These are important lessons that cannot be taught in schools. They must be lived before they truly can be learned."
"Thank you, Father"
"Nevertheless, you have fulfilled only half of your mission. You still must find yourself a queen. One with whom you desire to spend your life. Take some time to settle into your new life here, but then you must begin your search anew. If by year's end, you have not found someone, then I will be forced to do as King Richard of Wilkins did and hold a masquerade."
"Did his son not find his beloved that night?"
"Yes, but he was lucky. It was required that he choose a bride from those in attendance, and had she not been there…" Angelus' voice trailed off in a warning.
"Thank you, Father. I will resume my quest shortly. If I may?" Spike indicated the hall that led to his quarters.
"Of course. It is good to have you home again, my child."
"It is good to be home." He turned and walked from the Great Hall to his room.
"Is there anything you require, your highness?" The guard stationed at his door asked.
"No, Jonathon. Just some time alone to think."
"As you wish it, your highness." Jonathon returned to his post and Spike shut the heavy wooden door.
"Willow, why did you make me fall in love with you?" He murmured as he fell asleep amid silken sheets.
Outside the city gates, in a small house, Willow
sat up from a dream, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "Spike,
why did you have to be so wonderful? Why did I have to fall in love
with you only to lose you?"
Next Part
Previous Part
Back to Isis' Fiction
Back to Love Eternal,
Love Divine