The Ferocious Force

by Sarah Noffke

  Rudolf had informed Liv that the flowers would bloom when she felt love. The idea was that during the ceremony, after Rudolf and Serena exchanged vows, the wedding party’s attire would all bloom as the couple exchanged their first kiss as husband and wife.

  Liv had to refrain from barfing after learning this. Still, she had to admit that Rudolf’s romantic side had come out in preparation for the big affair.

  Sophia had helped with her hair and makeup, arranging her long strands into the shapes of flowers and intertwining pearls in her soft curls. Her makeup was soft and natural, highlighting her features without making her look like a whore.

  “I think you’re missing something,” Sophia said, tilting her head to the side and regarding Liv with a tentative expression.

  “The list is long, actually,” Liv grumbled. “Boots, for starters. Undergarments would be nice as well—”

  “Rudolf said they’d disrupt the look of the dress,” Sophia cut in.

  “Yes, and since when did I allow Rudolf Sweetwater to tell me whether I can or can’t wear a bra?” Liv said, fisting her hands on her hips. “I mean, I get that men are usually insisting we wear that uncomfortable garment, but he really shouldn’t have a say in what I put on my body.”

  “He just wants you to look as radiant as possible,” Sophia argued. “And you will. Especially because I have something for you.”

  Liv dropped her chin and gave her sister a look of surprise when a small flat box appeared in her small hands. “Please tell me my cape is in that box.”

  Sophia giggled. “No, but it’s something of our mother’s.”

  The smile on Liv’s face disappeared. “Soph…you didn’t.”

  Her sister nodded. “I did. And it’s perfect for this occasion.”

  Guinevere Beaufont was very similar to her daughter, not caring for jewelry or other fashion-related items. However, her mother had owned one necklace that stuck out in Liv’s memory. First, she only wore it on the most special occasions. Secondly, it was the most beautiful piece of jewelry Liv had ever seen.

  “You went to the House and got it?” Liv asked, realizing that her hands were shaking.

  She couldn’t imagine wearing her mother’s necklace. It was like she’d graduated to some new realm where childhood dreams were possible. How many times had she imagined herself dancing and wearing her mother’s finest piece of jewelry?

  For a child who hadn’t played dress-up, it was the only time that Liv remembered wanting to be a princess, but that was mostly because of the way her mother had looked on the few occasions she’d seen her wearing it. Guinevere didn’t look like a princess in the heavy emerald and diamond encrusted necklace. She’d looked like a queen. One that took everyone’s breath away and left them staring as she laughed, her blue eyes sparkling.

  “It’s going to match the greens in the dress perfectly, and it’s exactly what you need.” Sophia held the box out to Liv.

  She tensed as she opened the lid, revealing the necklace she hadn’t laid eyes on in many, many years.

  It was more beautiful than she remembered, with its square emeralds surrounded by sparkling diamonds. Liv’s fingers pulled back before she touched it, worried that, like Inexorabilis, the gems would shock her, keeping her away.

  Reading the hesitation on her face, Sophia pushed the box toward Liv. “She’d want you to wear it.”

  Liv shook her head. “No, she’d remember how bad I am with jewelry and tell me not to lose it.”

  Sophia sighed. “You’re not going to lose it. And even if you did, Mommy would want you to wear it.”

  Her sister was right. Guinevere had often said there was no point in having nice things if you didn’t use them. She didn’t believe china should be locked away in a cabinet never to be used. She would have probably worn the emerald necklace more often if she’d had more occasions, but the life of a Warrior didn’t provide many opportunities to go to fancy events. Thankfully, Liv thought.

  “Come on,” Sophia urged. “I want to see what it looks like on you.”

  Liv took a deep breath and picked up the necklace. It was as heavy as she’d imagined, having at least over three hundred carats of diamonds and emeralds. It exemplified incredible gnome craftsmanship and had been a gift from their father when they had their first child, Reese.

  Carefully Liv slipped the necklace around her neck, fastening it in the back. Her fingers found the largest emerald on the bottom, touching it lightly as she stared down at it.

  Sheepishly, she glanced up at Sophia, who let out a squeal that only dogs could hear. “It’s the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen on you!”

  Liv’s cheeks flushed. “I don’t know. It feels too bold. I don’t think I have the right personality to pull this off.”

  Sophia shook her head. “Don’t be crazy. You’re bold, and the perfect person to wear it. No one will even be looking at the bride because you’re so mesmerizing.”

  “Well, then, I better take it off,” Liv jested. “Serena will try to murder me if I steal her thunder today.”

  The doorbell chimed throughout the house.

  Her heart suddenly racing, Liv glanced up. “What? I’m not ready.”

  “Of course you are,” Sophia said, bonding off the bed. “I’ll go get the door.”

  “I’m not, though,” Liv argued. “I need to—”

  “You’re ready,” Sophia argued, running for the front door.

  Liv took a last glance at herself in the mirror. If she squinted, she had to admit that she looked a bit like her mother. Guinevere Beaufont had been the most beautiful person she’d ever seen. For that matter, she was usually the most beautiful person people had ever met, including any fae. It was hard for Liv to believe she was wearing her mother’s necklace and about to attend a wedding in a ballgown. When had she grown up? It all felt a bit surreal.

  Offering herself one last encouraging look, she started for the living room, taking each step carefully so as not to trip over her dress.

  “I swear, Rudolf designed this dress for me just to watch me fall straight on my face,” Liv said, rounding out of the bedroom.

  The excited voices echoing through the loft-like room halted when Liv entered. She was pretty sure they were holding their breath, waiting for Liv to slip and fall on her ass. When she’d made it safely a few steps, she looked up victoriously.

  “I did it!” Liv exclaimed.

  Stefan Ludwig’s mouth was partly open, his blue eyes wide with shock when he gazed at Liv from only a few feet away.

  “Did what?” Sophia asked.

  “I made it this far,” Liv said, suddenly finding it hard to speak properly.

  It was the first time Liv had seen Stefan so polished in a tuxedo. His usually chaotic hair was slicked back and parted on the side, and the rugged smile in his eyes was the perfect accessory for his ensemble.

  “You’re going to have to make it a lot farther in those heels,” Sophia said.

  Liv shook her head, realizing she couldn’t go through with this under the present circumstances. “Actually, I don’t.” She flicked her finger at her feet and shrank an inch.

  “What did you do?” Sophia asked. “Did you get rid of your heels?”

  “I left them for you to play with,” Liv asked, striding forward in a much more comfortable manner than before. When she was in front of Stefan, she offered him a small smile. “Are you trying to catch flies?”

  He looked confused.

  She pointed. “Your mouth. It’s hanging open.”

  He slammed his lips shut, standing taller. “Well, I refuse to apologize, Warrior Beaufont. You caught me quite off-guard.”

  “Because you’re not used to seeing me with my hair brushed?” Liv asked, restraining the laughter she always felt when bantering with Stefan. It came entirely too easy for them.

  “Oh, did you brush your hair?” he asked. “I hadn’t noticed. My attention was entirely stolen by—”

  “The emerald necklace I’m wearing,” Liv su
pplied. “It was my mother’s.”

  “Uh? What?” Stefan asked, shaking his head, like in a daze. “You’re wearing a necklace? Oh, that. I hardly noticed.”

  “Well, I get it,” Liv said with a nervous sigh. “It’s hard to notice much with this monstrosity of a dress I’ve been forced to wear.”

  Stefan’s confused gaze flowed down her gown and then back up to her face. “Oh, dress. Yeah, I’m sorry. I didn’t notice that, either. It was your—”

  “Nails?” Liv supplied. “It’s because I cleaned under my nails, right?”

  He shook his head, hiding a smile. “No, that’s not what stole my attention when you first walked into the room.”

  She sighed dramatically. “Hmmm. Maybe it’s that I took one of Sophia’s gummy vitamins this morning. I skipped lunch, and thought that would do the trick.”

  Stefan’s eyes didn’t waiver from hers as he continued to shake his head. “That’s not it, Liv.”

  “Well, then I’m stumped,” Liv said. “But we should get going. We don’t want to be late. Or maybe we do. Maybe we shouldn’t show up until the fae are all drunk.”

  “Which could take eons,” Stefan offered.

  “It wouldn’t if they didn’t day-drink every single day,” Liv quipped.

  “And yes, I think we ought to get going,” Stefan said, offering an arm to Liv. “Do you know the way?”

  She nodded, squatting first to talk to Sophia, who was teeming with excitement. “John will be up in about ten minutes after he closes the store. He said something about cooking you chicken cordon bleu and steaming some veggies. Do you know what any of those things are, or if it’s safe to steam up things? I’m certain that almost all food should be fried.”

  Sophia and Stefan laughed. “I’m sure he’ll offer me something I can eat.”

  Liv shook her head. “I wouldn’t be so sure. But just in case, I left a bag of Cheetos in the pantry. However, you’re not to eat them until you’ve finished the already-opened package of Sour Patch Kids.”

  “This is very strange household you run,” Stefan said mostly to himself.

  Liv shot him a mock look of offense. “It’s about picking your battles.” She returned her gaze to Sophia. “Please listen to John. I have movies cued up for you two on the new entertainment center.” She waved to the large television she’d “installed” earlier that day.

  “Is it a Disney princess movie?” Sophia asked.

  Liv shook her head. “Come on. I’m not about to shove propaganda down your throat. I got you the entire How to Train Your Dragon series, although I’m almost certain none of the lessons will be ones you can implement with Gerald.”

  “Gerald?” Stefan asked, interrupting again.

  Liv shot him a look. “It’s her dragon’s informal name.”

  Sophia shook her head. “No, it’s not. He hasn’t been named.”

  “But when he has,” Liv stated, standing up straight, “we’re going with something like Harry.”

  “No, we’re not,” Sophia said with a giggle.

  “Okay, fine then. Something more literal, then. How about Scaly?” Liv asked.

  Sophia pressed her little hands into Liv’s side, pushing her toward the middle of the room. “Go to the wedding. And then come back. I. Can’t. Wait. To. Hear. Details.”

  Liv gave Stefan a bored expression. “I just wished my little sister had more enthusiasm for life. She’s so lackluster.”

  He shrugged, again offering her his arm. “Maybe there’s a spell you can put on her.”

  Liv clutched her hand to her chest, giving him a revolted look. “You aren’t insinuating that I do magic?”

  “I am,” he said as she took his arm, strangely enjoying his warmth. She was wearing practically nothing up top, she reasoned.

  “I don’t know what strange world you live in, Mr. Ludwig, but in mine, we don’t subscribe to such fantastical ideas as magic.” Liv held her hand out straight and tried to remember the address for the wedding. A moment later, a portal spiraled open in the middle of the living room.

  “I know. I tend to be a bit of a dreamer,” Stefan said with a smile.

  Liv cast a glance over her shoulder at Sophia. “I’ll be home early. Please listen to John, and if you need anything—”

  Her sister shook her head adamantly at her. “Go! Don’t come back until you’re the last one at the reception. And take tons of pictures.”

  Liv gave Stefan a confused expression. “What are these pictures she speaks of? And however do we take them?”

  “Liv!” Sophia complained as Stefan laughed.

  “Fine, and yes,” Liv said, waving to her sister as they stepped through the portal. “Hold on. The commute might be a bit of a pain.”

  “Why?” Stefan asked, suddenly apprehensive.

  Liv grinned wickedly as the portal took hold of them. “The wedding is in another dimension.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  The transit through the interdimensional portal definitely wasn’t as pleasant as regular ones. It made Liv’s brain feel like it had been nuked in a microwave and then shoved back into her head.

  When they landed, she was grateful to find her body was still the way she remembered it. However, the world around her definitely wasn’t.

  “Wow,” Stefan said, clutching her arm tighter. “Where are we?”

  “We definitely aren’t in Kansas anymore, Toto,” she said, looking around in awe.

  “Really?” Stefan asked. “I’m the terrier in this role-playing game?”

  “Not just any dog,” Liv said, still taking in the strange sights around them. “You’re the dog who pretty much causes all the problems, thereby starting off the story. If it wasn’t for Toto, the wicked witch wouldn’t have captured him, and Dorothy wouldn’t have run off, and then she would have been safe during the storm, and there would be no trip to see the wizard.”

  “So you’re saying that you’re glad you brought me along, right?” Stefan asked coyly.

  “I haven’t decided yet,” Liv replied playfully.

  The sights around them could only be described as otherworldly. Liv and Stefan stood on a plane that appeared to be floating in space. The floor was semi-transparent, and under and around them, stars floated in the distance. Planets with rings and multiple moons also soared by at differing speeds.

  The surface was about the size of a football field. In the distance, Liv could see a queue of fae and other magical creatures. They were lined up in front of a platinum archway that strangely seemed straight out of a science fiction novel and also quite fantastical, covered in flowers and buzzing with tiny fairies.

  “I think that the ceremony is that way,” Liv said, tugging Stefan in that direction.

  When they were nearly to the archway, Liv realized how extraordinary the decorations were. They were floating in outer space, stars soaring by and distant planets sparkling all around them. The decorations in the strange outdoor-ish hall were quite understated. The seats were all clear, so they didn’t interfere with the ability to see the precious galaxy spiraling underfoot. Standing at the front and looking quite nervous was none other than the king of the fae, Rudolf Sweetwater.

  His face brightened when he saw Liv push through the crowd. He held up a hand, waving wildly at her.

  She turned to the crowd at her back, looking around.

  “I think he’s waving for you,” Stefan stated.

  Liv offered him a tamed grin. “I know. It’s a cute game we play.”

  She looked straight at Rudolf and pointed at a fae beside her. “This one?” she mouthed.

  Rudolf shook his head and pointed directly at her.

  She indicated Stefan. “Oh, is this who you want?”

  Again Rudolf shook his head, more forcefully than before.

  Liv did a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree turn, pretending to be stumped. “I don’t know. Who is he pointing to?”

  Stefan surprised her by taking her hand in his and leading her with impressive force d
own the aisle. “The king is demanding your attention.”

  “I know,” Liv said from the side of the mouth. “I was playing with him.” She tried to pull her hand from Stefan’s, but he had a tight hold on her—firm but not hard.

  “Oh, there you are,” Rudolf said, smacking his hands on his legs with relief. He was dressed simply in a tuxedo with emerald cufflinks, and he wore a large gardenia in the lapel of his jacket. “Have you seen Liv Beaufont? She’s supposed to be my best man.”

  Liv blinked dully at the king of the fae. “Who do you think I am?”

  “Well, you’re the double she sent to fool me,” he answered. “I’m looking for the real thing.” He brought his hand down to mid-chest. “She’s about this high, and usually has a rat’s nest in her hair and dirty smudges on her face. Have you seen her?”

  Liv lowered her chin. “I’m the real deal.”

  His eyes widened. “Nooooo.”

  “Oh, yes, King Dumbface. It’s me.”

  He opened his arms wide and, without asking permission, wrapped them around her. “It is you. Only Liv would call me by that adorable nickname.”

  “If you don’t take your hands off me, I’m going to toss you off of this floating plane in the middle of space,” Liv said through clenched teeth.

  Rudolf pulled back with a laugh. “And I see you were able to find a date. How much?” He indicated to Stefan.

  Liv blinked dully at him. “I didn’t hire a male escort.”

  Looking Stefan over carefully, Rudolf nodded appreciatively. “No, I see that he isn’t male now. But he almost had me fooled. Anyway, it doesn’t matter to me whether you prefer male or female hookers. The point is that you found someone who would tolerate you.”

  “And right there, you pretty much stole half my speech for the toast.” Liv sighed.

  “In all seriousness,” Rudolf said, pulling Liv in closer like he wanted a black eye for the ceremony. “Where are the rings?”