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"Are you excited?" Delilah asked as she started jumping up and down.
Nuala giggled. "Li, calm down. We don’t even know if people are actually going to come."
Delilah frowned, "Of course they will, they’ll all come. He’s going to come and be so enamored by all your flowers."
She’s learned just to tune out some of the things her friend says. She didn’t know who he was. "Who is he, Li?"
"My brother, of course."
Nuala froze. "Delilah, you don’t," She was cut off by the jingle of her door
"Hi, are you open?" A woman around the same height as her asked.a
"Hello, yes, welcome!" Nuala beamed. "Are you looking for anything specific?"
"Yes, something for my brother." She answered.
"Okay, what does he like?"
The woman tilted her head. "Do you by any chance have Edelweiss?"
Nuala’s eyes widened. She did. "Yes, yes, I do. I’ll go get that for you!" She walked to the back to get them.
"Delirium." The woman hissed. "Get out of here now."
"Death, what a lovely surprise." She starts playing with Nuala’s pens. "Curious, these things aren’t they? You can write messages,"
"Delirium. We were supposed to stay away from Nuala. It’s what Dream wanted."
"Dream doesn’t know what he wants. Constantly changing his mind, thinking he doesn’t deserve anything good in his life.”
"We are leaving now."
"I’m quite happy here. I’m looking over her. It’s what he wants."
As she made her way back, Nuala caught the end of what her friend said. "It’s what he wants. "What’s that, Li?"
"Oh, nothing! She was just telling me about her brother here."
"Really? So are they for his birthday?"
The woman froze. "Something like that." Her eyes flickered to her neck. "What a lovely necklace."
Nuala reached for it, and smiled fondly. "Thank you,"
"Where did you get it? If you don’t mind me asking."
"I don’t," Nuala thought for a moment, but nothing came to mind about where she got it. "Huh, can’t remember. It’ll probably come to me later." She rang up her bouquet and handed it to her once she paid. The woman walked out without saying a word.
"That was weird, wasn't it?" She turns to ask her friend, but she’s nowhere to be seen.
She continued working, rearranging some vases and creating bouquets. Around 4 pm, it started to pick up. She was overjoyed that Li was right. A lot of people came, and some even said they’d let their family and friends know about it. Once it slowed down, she and Li started cleaning.
"Nuala, I will be going now. Enjoy the rest of your night!" Li said cheerily.
She smiled and said goodbye to her friend. Fortunately, all she had to do was throw out the trash. She grabbed the bags and went out back to the trash bins. As she made her way back into her store, something on her table caught her eye.
There in the center was a pot filled with bluebells. And a card. Her hand trembled as she opened it.
May these serve as a reminder to be
grateful for what life brings you.
I wish you well on your grand opening.
– YL.
Her fingers traced the letters. YL. She knew no one whose name started with a Y. She looked up and couldn't help but smile. They were beautiful. She could eat them, wait? Eat them? What am I thinking?
After that first week, she started having these vivid nightmares, sometimes dreams, where she was this powerful Queen, other times she was merely a pawn in her Queen's schemes. This time, she’s found this place, which has a beautiful garden filled with flowers. Over the past few days, though, she’s been feeling like someone is watching her, following her as she walks around her garden, almost as if they’re trying to reach her but can’t.
It’s been a month now, and she’s received another gift, but this time it was left outside of her shop. A basket? With "Oh my god." She said out loud. She picked it up as she tried to get inside her shop. She placed it on her table, gently. Her mouth watered at the thought of eating the fruit; they looked so sweet, too. She quickly opened the card attached to it.
I hope this new month finds you well.
Do enjoy these berries.
– YL.
Present
She knew that today she’d be receiving another present. She couldn’t go back to sleep after that. She decided to head to the shop 30 minutes earlier than usual. Just as she drives up to her shop, she’s hit with that feeling, like someone is watching her. She tries to shake it off, but that’s when she sees someone, a man. She races out of her car.
"Hey!" She yells. "Hey, come back here!" She tries to run after him, but it’s useless. She walks back to her shop and finds a cup; she’s instantly hit with the scent of lavender and honey. It’s tea. Her favorite.
I hope this lifts your spirits.
–YL.
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
"Are you INSANE?!" She yells at him as soon as he’s back.
"Not that I know of, sister."
"We agreed! We said we would leave her alone, let her live her life."
"Live her life?" He says calmly. Too calm in fact. "Her life is here, her home." He exhales. "She is the reason I am here. She is the reason the Dreaming is intact, sister. Do you truly expect me to leave her there in the waking world? After everything she’s done for us? For me?"
"Dream," Death states. "The fates decided that this was your punishment. Nuala agreed. So long as the Dreaming remained intact with you as lord."
"I will not abandon her." He says coldly. He’s getting her back one way or another.
"Stalking her is not the way to go about it, brother. She’ll most likely go to the police."
"I am not," He tried to defend himself, but she was right.
"You are Dream. You leave her gifts with notes, and you follow her around in her dreams. That’s called stalking, and it’s illegal in the waking world." She walks towards him. "Delirium is looking after her, she is fine."
"There’s no need for Delirium to bother herself with that; she has her realm to look after."
"She’s doing it as a favor to her big idiot brother while he was recovering."
"I am fine now." He states.
"Oh yes, you’re completely sane." She walks away. "Be careful, Dream. I don’t want to have another brother leave."
He’s about to respond when he feels it, feels her. She’s dreaming, finally. He finds her in a part that he has tried for so long to get into, but couldn’t until now. He realizes now that this part of the Dreaming only recognizes her and that she has finally decided to let him in.
“Oh, hello,” She says softly. “Are you dreaming too?” She takes a step back.
He’s so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t realize she had felt him. "I apologize, it wasn't my intention to startle you."
Dream just stares at her outstretched arm. "I am Morpheus. Dream of the Endless."
Nuala’s eyes widened. "You’re, you’re the God of Dreams."
"That is correct," He clears his throat. "Nuala."
She squealed, "And you know my name?!" Her face felt warm. "Are you real? In the human world? Is that what you call it?"
Dream is amused by her curiosity. If only she knew. "We call it the waking world." He answers.
"Waking world." She whispers to herself.
"To answer your question, I may leave, but not for a prolonged amount of time."
"But you don’t have like servants? Or people to take care of things while you’re gone?" She bites her lip, hoping he says yes, and she can meet him in the real world.
"My creations can take care of things as you say, but without me, I am afraid my realm would crumble once more."
"Oh," She whispered.
"Do you wish to see me?" He hears her breath catch. "If that is what you choose. I could make it happen," He steps closer towards her, watching her every move. Finally, his face is centimeters away from hers. "I would do anything for you, My Lady." He leans in and places a kiss on her lips, just as he’s about to apologize, she’s gone. Dream exhales, missing the warmth of her presence.
"My lord?" Lucienne says as she looks around at the garden, smiling softly. "How were you able to get in here?"
"She allowed me to enter." He looked around. Some of these flowers are from the faerie realm, some seem to be a combination of both. He’s astonished at what she’s created here, in his realm.
"Did Lady Nuala recognize you?" She asked.
"She did not."
"Your sister informed me of your whereabouts." She waited for his response; he nodded. "You may go into the waking world; we can keep the Dreaming together."
He shakes his head. "I,"
"You wish to be with her, we all understand. We know the sacrifice she made for you, for us. We will figure out a way to get her back home."
He didn’t answer her; he just walked back to his throne room.
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
The rest of the day was hectic; she tried to focus on work but couldn’t help but think of that kiss.
"Nuala, are you alright?" Li asked.
"Yes, yes, I’m fine." She answered quickly. "Li, I’m gonna go to the coffee shop down the street. Do you want anything?"
"I’m alright, you may go."
Nuala grabs her bag and heads out. She basks in the warmth of the sun; she wishes she could just lie on a field surrounded by flowers. She makes it to the cafe, greets the cashier, and puts in her order. She hears people coming and going, but what catches her attention and makes her freeze is when one of the workers calls out for a customer.
"Yl, your drink is ready!"
She looks up, her eyes widened. It’s him. The man she saw in her dream it’s, "Lord Morpheus." She whispered.
"Just Morpheus is fine." He replied calmly, as he walked over, watching for any sign of distress. "May I join you?"
"How are you here? I thought,"
"I was, I hadn’t intended on coming so soon. But I was reminded that my wishes matter as well." He sat down across from her. "I am surprised to see you away from your shop."
She laughs, "I needed a break, I couldn’t focus on work, after that," She blushes and looks around the coffee shop. "After the kiss, I couldn’t um stop thinking about it."
"I apologize for that. I did not intend to take advantage of you."
"You didn’t," She starts. "I just," She feels her face get hotter, "I am surprised with how much I enjoyed it." She whispered.
"I am glad," He answered.
"Here’s your drink, ma’am."
Nuala was surprised; she didn’t know they gave you your drink. "Oh, thank you,"
"Do you need anything else, sir?" She asked, batting her eyelashes at him.
Of course. She wanted to speak to him, that’s why she brought her drink to her table.
Dream answered without taking his eyes off of Nuala, "No, thank you."
She frowned, "Well, if you need anything else, I’ll be over there."
Nuala huffs.
"Is everything alright La," He stops, “Nuala?"
"Yes, everything is fine," She says as she fidgets with her necklace.
Dream watches as she reaches for the necklace; his eyes widen. It’s the one he gave you. He nods, "I believe it’s time for me to go. I’ve taken too much of your time already." He turns around and walks out.
Nuala quickly grabs her bag and tea. "Wait, Morpheus." She walks fast, trying to catch up to him. "My lord!" She yells.
They both freeze. She tries to catch her breath. He turns around and gazes into her eyes.
"I, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for that to come out."
"It’s quite all right, Nuala, I have a habit of saying things out loud that are meant to be just thoughts."
"Okay, um, well, I’ll just let you go," She leans in and whispers, "Back to your world."
"I hope, with your permission, of course. If you would like for us to meet again."
She smiled, "It would be a pleasure, My lord." This time, she just lets it slip out, not apologizing.
He nodded, "I bid you well, My lady." He disappears.
She doesn’t see him for the next few days, neither in person nor in her dreams. She starts to miss him.
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
"Boss?" Mathew says as he lands on his throne.
"Yes, Matthew?"
"You know how you told me to,"
"Keep an eye on Lady Nuala, yes. Is she alright?"
“Your sister told me she’s been distracted,” He pauses, “She hasn’t been to work for the past two days.”
"I will look for her myself." Dream arrives in the waking world and is greeted by his sister. "Sister, where is Lady Nuala?"
"Dream," Delirium answers. "She’s at the Coffee Shop. I believe she’s waiting for you."
He walks over to the shop. He feels her before he can lay his eyes on her.
"You’re here," She exhales. She can’t help but smile at him.
"I apologize for being away for so long. I was attending to some important matters." Finding a way to get you back home. He thought to himself.
"It’s fine. I just missed you." She admitted softly. "Which is strange because I don’t even know you, and you’re Lord Morpheus, Dream King. I’m just a human who you happened to meet."
"You’re more than that, Nuala, you’re," His eyes linger on hers until they slowly move down to her lips, he aches to kiss her again. "You are a successful shop owner. I hear that it’s going well for you." He steps closer to her, reaching for her, "I have missed you as well." He caresses her cheek, moving her hair away from her face over her ear. Funnily enough, he missed her ears.
Nuala knew she was being forward. "Would you like to go back to my shop with me? So that we can continue to talk?"
"I must return to my realm. If you wish to see me, you can go looking for me in the Dreaming."
"About that," She started, "Why were you watching me in the garden before?"
His gaze softened, "I had been trying to reach you. I wasn’t allowed to enter."
Nuala frowned; the crease between her eyebrows deepened. "I don’t, what do you mean? Isn’t that your realm, where we go to dream? So why wouldn’t you, the Lord of the Dreaming, be allowed?"
Dream tries to figure out what to tell her without telling her the truth. "I must leave now. I will be back in a few days. If I’m not, I will see you when you fall asleep." He reaches for her hand and kisses it.
Nuala smiles despite not liking his answer. "Okay."
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
Dream arrived in his realm, and he needed to figure out a way to get Nuala’s memories back and get her back home.
"Matthew?" He calls out.
The raven comes flying in. "Yeah, boss?"
"Where is Corinthian? Still with Johanna?"
"Yes," He answered.
"Could you inform them that I would like them to keep an eye on Lady Nuala. Then inform my sister that she may return to her realm, she has left it alone for far too long."
"On it, boss."
Lucienne walks in just as Matthew flies away. “How was Lady Nuala? Is she alright?”
"She is fine, just," He clears his throat. "She had been waiting for me; it was my mistake. I had informed her that I would be back."
Lucienne thought now was her chance to address the problem. "My lord, we must address something of importance."
"What is that?"
"Lady Nuala is creating parts of the Dreaming. She is expanding it."
He knew what this meant. "Only I am able to do that."
"How much do you know about the deal that Lady Nuala made with the fates?"
"I have tried to figure out what she agreed to, but I have heard nothing back. All I know is that for me to return, she promised them something. What that was, I am not sure."
"Have you asked your siblings for help? Maybe they can figure out a way to get her back."
"This is our problem to solve, Lucienne. We will figure this out."
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
"Sister self, how is she doing?"
"She’s doing quite well, I think she’ll soon come to see the truth and return to where she belongs."
"Should we intervene?""I don’t think we should sister self, we should let the Dream Lord worry a little longer about his precious Lady."
"The Dream King will get what he deserves."
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
"Nuala?" Delirium calls out. "Are you here?"
"Back here, Li," Nuala said as she organized some of her flowers that had just arrived. With her being out for the past few days, she was a little behind.
"I will be leaving soon," Delirium said.
"Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow then!" She said cheerily.
"No, I will not be coming back."
Nuala froze, she stopped what she was doing, and met her friend halfway. "What? Why?"
"My brother has decided that it’s time for me to go."
"Li, you don’t have a brother. Remember, we talked about this." She said softly.
Delirium tilted her head. "I apologize, I am Delirium, the youngest one of the endless. I am Dream’s sister, well, one of many." She doesn’t give Nuala a chance to respond. "Dream has decided it’s time for me to leave. He’s sent Corinthian and Johanna to look over you now."
Nuala is speechless. She watches her friend leave. "Li, wait!" She races after her, but just like Lord Morpheus, she’s gone. She starts pacing back and forth until she hears someone walking into her store.
"Hello," The man says, "Is anyone here?"
"I’ll be out in a second," She yells out.
"Matthew told us to watch her, and that also meant not letting her know we were coming." She heard a woman hiss.
"Darlin’, you heard Delirium, she told the Little Lady we were coming."
"Yes, but that didn’t mean we needed to make ourselves known!"
Nuala heard their conversation, "You must be the people Li, was talking about."
"Corinthian at your service, ma’am."
"Nuala, but I am sure you knew that already." She observed them, "So you are here on orders of Morpheus?"
Morpheus? Corinthian mouths to Johanna, "You know who Morpheus is?"
"Yes? No. "She huffed. "It feels like I know him, but my mind can’t seem to grasp from where?"
Corinthian couldn’t help but let out a laugh. "It’s always complicated with him."
"Ignore him, we’ll just be around if that’s fine with you." Johanna chimed in.
"Not like I have a choice?" Nuala snorted.
Johanna decided to stay outside, do her job. She left Corinthian on his own.
"Has he come to see you?" He asks.
"Only a couple of times, and stalked me in my dreams." She laughed.
He laughed, "What, the man couldn’t just walk up and talk to you?"
"No, he told me that he wasn’t allowed." She looks up at him. "Do you know what he meant?”
Corinthian tilted his head; his grin faltered. "That’s interesting,"
"What is interesting, Corinthian?" Dream asked.
Nuala stepped toward him, "My lord."
Corinthian stood behind her, ‘My lord?’ He mouthed to him with a grin.
Dream paid him no mind. "Nuala, are you well?"
"I was until I found out that my friend wasn’t my friend at all, but she was your sister? Did you really send her to babysit me?"
"Delirium does what she pleases. I cannot control what she does."
"I’m gonna join Johanna, Lord."
Dream nods at him.
"So why send these two? What or who are you protecting me from?"
"Nuala,” he says calmly.
She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "I deserve to know the truth,"
His breath hitched; it reminded him of when he had sent her back to Faerie. He wanted to tell her he had changed his mind and that she could stay with them, with him.
"Boss." Matthew starts. "We need to talk."
"Not now, Matthew."
"It’s about Lady Nuala."
Nuala turned to the bird, "He can speak?"
"Matthew, Lady Nuala." He bows, "It’s a pleasure to see you again."
"We’ve," Her eyes widened, she doesn’t remember meeting this creature, it also doesn’t get past her that he referred to her as 'Lady Nuala'
"I need to speak with her alone."
"I know why she doesn’t remember." He answered.
Dream froze. He had been looking for her for almost a year in the waking world. It wasn’t until a few months ago that Matthew found Delirium. "We will speak of this later. I will tell her my part. If she decides to believe me, then we shall take her back to the Dreaming."
"Morpheus?" Nuala says softly.
"Go, now, Matthew. Tell Corinthian and Johanna that they are no longer needed."
Matthew flies away.
"Is there a place where we may sit?”
"We can go to the coffee shop?"
They walk together in silence. Dream’s fingers twitch at his side. He wants to grab her hand and take her home.
"I shall order for us, you may sit wherever you feel comfortable." Dream said.
"Welcome! What can I get you?"
Dream resisted the urge to roll his eyes. It was the same young woman who had brought Lady Nuala’s drink the other time. "Could I get Lavender tea with milk and honey, then I would like a black coffee, and a dash of Lavender syrup?"
She beamed at him. "Of course! I’ll bring those over to you once they’re ready."
He found Nuala in a corner. "Where shall we start?"
"Over the past few months, I’ve had dreams of being in this magical place. Once there was a queen who hated me for some reason. Other times," She looked at him, "There were times when I was in this Palace, it was this beautiful home. At least that's what it felt like to me. Then all of a sudden, I was in this garden. I had never seen it before. I always ate some of the flowers." She laughed, "I thought, what’s the harm, it’s just a dream, right?"
Dream couldn’t help but smile. "Since you believe in me, do you believe in say magic?"
"I’d like to think it’s all real."
"What if I were to tell you that you are not?" He looks into her eyes for any sign of disbelief. "Mortal? Would you believe me?"
She nods instantly.
Dream wonders if deep down she does remember them, remember him. The ease with which she believes every word he says both worries and fascinates him.
"Nuala, may I show you something?"
She nods, within seconds, she’s in a room, it has a long door to her right, and a big staircase to her left. It’s all so beautiful, but what truly makes her catch her breath is what she sees when she turns around, herself, and Morpheus. She watches as they interact; she can’t see what he gives, but it’s as if, on instinct, she reaches for her necklace. She watches as another man approaches them; he's around the same height as Morpheus but blonde.
Morpheus pulls away. He watches as Nuala reaches for her ears.
"Was that real?" She whispered.
"Yes, Lady Nuala."
"Here you go!" A chirpy voice said they heard her gasp; she had caught them in a very intimate moment. "Oh, I didn’t, here you go, sir." She solely focused on Morpheus.
Nuala rolled her eyes and scoffed.
"Lady Nuala," He chastised.
Nuala bowed her head out of instinct. "I apologize, Lord Morpheus."
He reaches for her hand and squeezes it lightly. "It’s alright, I have just never witnessed you being so cross with another woman before."
"Well, she’s been throwing herself at you! When you’re my," She felt her face spread with warmth.
He watched it happen; he couldn't help but smirk. He quite enjoyed getting her flustered. "Yours? My, my, Lady Nuala, I am learning many new things about you."
She blushed harder. "Lord Morpheus. May we continue?"
"Of course, you believe me then? So easily?"
"It, it just explains so much. My love for flowers, the way I always want to eat them, and how I felt at ease in the garden. What doesn’t make sense is why I don’t remember. Did someone do something to me?"
"That is something I cannot answer. I have spent the last year searching for you."
Her eyes widened. "For me? Why? If I am just a Faerie, what importance could I have to you, Lord Shaper?"
Dream now felt his own face fill with warmth. "You are of great importance not only to the Dreaming but especially to me, Lady Nuala." He gazed into her eyes as she said it. "Do you wish to accompany me to the Dreaming so we may both get some answers?"
"Um, yes," She firmly nodded. "I would like that very much, My lord."
Within seconds, they are in the Dreaming just outside the Palace.
"It’s real," She admired the beautiful home.
Dream smiled as he led her inside. People greeted them, but she didn’t recognize anyone, only the man and woman who were at her shop.
"Hello," She says to them, "I am Nuala."
Lucienne answers. "We know Lady Nuala."
She blushes. "Right, apologies."
"There’s no need, My lady," Lucienne answers.
"Lucienne, could you show Lady Nuala to her room. I have to speak with Matthew." He faced her, "I will come find you the second I am done speaking with him.” He grabs her hand and kisses her knuckles. Nuala blushes even harder.
Dream watches them leave with a smile creeping onto his face. "Matthew, you must know I abhor being deceived."
"Yes, Boss."
"Have you known Lady Nuala’s whereabouts this whole time?"
"I was there when the Lady made a deal with them. It seemed like a good one until I realized it was too late. She had so much hope that you’d find her soon. But they were sneaky; we just wanted you not to die. We should have thought about it more."
"What did she agree to? What did she sacrifice?"
"As a punishment, if you weren’t able to find her again, she would live in the waking world, with no way of ever getting back to the Dreaming or to Farie." Matthew let him process what he had just said, "If, if you did and convinced her that this is all real, she would be bound."
He tilted his head, "Bound to what the Dreaming?" He scoffed. He knew she wouldn’t be that foolish.
"To you boss." Matthew answered.
Dream froze, no. He knew how this would go: after a few centuries, she’ll grow to resent him, and she’ll want to return to Faerie. He needed to figure out a way to get her out of this.
"You can’t," Matthew said, already knowing what he was thinking. "This was her decision. They agreed to it, she knew the risks."
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
"He is here, sister self."
"That he is," They straighten up. “Hello, Dream King."
"I assume you know why I am here."
They nod. "Yes, how is the soon-to-be Queen?"
He stiffened. "Pardon me?"
"You have not wed her yet?"
"Oh, Dream King. You have only just a few weeks left."
"If you do not, we will return her to the waking world, and long gone will be her memories of your realm and hers."
"This is absurd. Why would Nuala even consider this?"
One of them laughed, "Foolish girl thought you would find her the second you knew of her absence; she had so much faith in her Lord."
"Indeed, she seems to harbor some affections towards you, Dream King."
Dream knew this, but what he wasn’t sure of was whether they knew how he felt about her. "I am aware." He answers.
"We know you do not feel the same for her, given how your last conquest ended."
"Yes, how is Queen Nada?"
Dream fitted his teeth. "I am unaware. She is long gone."
They laughed, "Well, you know what to do marry the Faerie. She’ll be joyous, that is, once she realizes her affections for you are not reciprocated; that's when we’ll get our revenge."
"We’ll enjoy watching you suffer as you’ll have no way of getting rid of her."
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
"Do we know each other?" Nuala asks as she sits on her bed. "Before I mean?"
"I am not sure how to answer Lady Nuala. Lord Morpheus didn’t specify if we were to tell you anything or everything."
"Hmm," She looks around her room; it’s filled with many things which surprise her. She expected it to be your typical guest room if she’s honest.
"He kept it as is," Lucienne said. “It was in another part of the palace, but it’s been moved closer to him. I think he just wanted to be near, if you came back."
"What is my relationship like with Lord Morpheus?" She asked as she felt the silk sheets on her bed.
"It’s," Lucienne started. "He is a very stubborn man. But I know he has longed to have someone, to have someone choose him. Be at his side for eternity. I know he stopped looking for that after," She paused. "Queen Nada, she left him, respectfully; she had every right to." She sat on one of the chairs. "When you came along, though, he had already changed so much, for the better. He would’ve been selfish and taken you, without question, but now, regardless of what he may feel for you, I don’t think he would pursue this because he will think that you deserve better." She continued. "In my personal opinion, I think you would be great for him. It’s why we are all very taken with you. The way in which you seem to want to protect the Dreaming, to protect him, it’s admirable really."
Nuala sits there silent, processing everything Lucienne had just said.
"Lucienne, can I speak with Nuala?"
She was on her feet, "Of course, is Lord Morpheus back yet?"
"Not sure,” Johanna stated. "Hello, love, how are you settling in?" She asked.
"Uhm, great. What did you want to talk about?"
"Need you to take this," She hands her a small bottle filled with blue liquid.
"And what exactly is this?" She observes it, but it doesn’t look appetizing.
"It’s for your memories. If you want them back, of course."
"How did you?" Her brows furrowed.
"Kindly Ones gave it to me. Told me to give it to you once we were back home."
"Just like that?"
Johanna shrugged; she didn’t know what deal Nuala had made with them, but she knew they wouldn’t harm her. Not physically, at least. "Take it, don’t take it. I did my job by giving it to you."
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
She had just gotten out of the shower when she heard a knock on her door. "Yes?" She asks.
"May I come in?"
"Of course, Lord Morpheus," She says as she opens the door.
Dream doesn’t know what he expected, but seeing Nuala like this, wearing a silk gown that is far too short. His eyes rake over her legs; he imagines how soft they must feel. How they would feel against his cheek if he were to,
Nuala cleared her throat. She knew what he was thinking, or at least she hoped it was what she was thinking as well. "My lord, are you alright?"
His eyes met hers, "I am fine, you?"
Nuala laughed, "I am great, My lord. Did you need something?"
He smiled softly at her. "Yes, I was going to speak to you about everything. But I see now that it is late. We shall speak about this,"
"It’s alright, come in, you can sit over here."
He walks in and sits at the chair to the right. He wonders if she’s noticed that, despite her not being here, her bed has been slept in.
"Where did you go?"
"I went to speak with The Kindly Ones. The fates.” He clarified. "They informed me of the arrangement you made." He gritted his teeth. "I foolish, absurd thing to do, might I add.”
Nuala snorted, "Is that so?"
"Yes, I mean, how could you possibly just give up your life for something so insignificant as,"
"Yourself?" She answers.
Dream’s breath hitches, did she?
"I spoke with Lucienne earlier, and after that, I pieced it together." She sits on her bed.
He’s on his feet in seconds, and he walks over to her. "Nuala, you couldn’t possibly,"
"I may not know why this place means so much to me, but I can feel that it was important. So if you don’t want me," She cleared her throat, "If you don’t want me to be here, then send me back." She stated.
He was about to answer, but she stopped him.
"If that is all, Lord Shaper, I would like to get some sleep."
He nods. "Good night, Lady Nuala." He leans against the door the second he closes it. He aches to be near her.
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
Unbeknownst to everyone except Johanna, Nuala took the liquid. Lucienne went to wake her the next morning, but she was met by a still sleeping Nuala. She tried to shake her, but got no reaction. "My lord!" She yelled.
"Yes, Lucienne?" He answered, "What is the problem?"
"It’s Lady Nuala, she’s" Lucienne tried to slow her breathing down. "She’s not waking up."
He froze as soon as he entered. He walked towards her slowly, his hand trembling as he reached out to caress her face.
"She was alright when I left her last night."
Last night? Lucienne thought.
Dream eyes roamed across her face and down her body until he saw a small bottle in her hand. "It seems someone has given her something." He gritted out. He takes the bottle from her hand, inspects the liquid. "Take this to Johanna, ask her if she knows what this contains."
That’s when it clicked to Lucienne. "My lord, I have a strong feeling this was her doing; she came to speak with My lady after I did."
"Is she still here?"
"She left with The Corinthian,"
"Have Matthew bring them both here, now."
"As you wish, My lord." Lucienne hurried down to look for Matthew. She told him what Lord Morpheus had told her to tell him, and he left within seconds. She was about to head back upstairs until she heard him speak.
"I should never have asked you to leave," He whispered to her. "All of this could have been prevented if I hadn’t been so, if I were like I was before, if I had been selfish, you would be safe in Faerie, or"
"My lord?" Lucienne asks. "Matthew is back with Johanna and,"
Dream stands up as soon as she tells him. "What did you do?" He growled.
Corinthian steps in front of Johanna. "Lord? Whatever she did,"
"I just did what I was told, Morpheus."
"What was that exactly?" He gritted.
"To give her the potion. Even told her she didn’t have to take it if she didn’t want to."
"What is the purpose of the potion?"
She shrugged, "Something about memories? They said it wouldn’t cause the Lady any harm."
Dream tilted his head. He was getting tired of The Kindly Ones interfering in his realm, with his people. "Did they give you a time limit on when or if she would wake up?"
"Said the longer she stayed away, the longer it would take for her to regain her memories."
Dream walked away without saying a word to anyone. He found himself in her part of the Dreaming. He hadn’t realized how peaceful it was here; his eyes roamed over her garden, and there were many flowers which he assumed were from Faerie. One caught his eye. "Edelweiss?" He said out loud. "Of course, this is where she got them from." He walked around for what felt like hours; he hadn't expected it to be this big.
"My lord?"
"Is she awake?" He asks,
"Lady Nuala wishes to speak with you."
He arches his brow, and a smile creeps onto his lips. "Does she now?"
Lucienne smiles, "Yes, my lord. She also asks that you let her speak before you ask any questions."
His demeanor changes; this is it. She’s going to leave, "Let’s not keep the Lady waiting, shall we?"
They both walk back to the palace in silence.
"My lord, if I may?"
Dream waits for her to continue.
"You have changed. If you wish to, we would understand if you truly want a life with her. We would be okay."
Dream hummed, "Let's just see how this goes, Lucienne."
She left him at Nuala's door.
Dream stands so still, he can't seem to make himself open the door.
On the other side, Nuala was getting impatient. She was fine, so she decided to get up and look for Lucienne. Just as she rushed to open the door, she ran straight into someone. "Apologies," She started, then she looked up, her eyes widened in panic. "L-lord Morpheus." She bowed her head and avoided looking at him.
"You should be in bed, Lady Nuala."
She rolled her eyes. "I am fine. I do not wish to rest any longer."
Dream lifted her chin so that he could look at her, "Please, just until tomorrow, then you may roam about."
Her throat tightened; she had never heard him say please to anyone. "Yes, my lord." She turned around and walked back to her room.
"I was told you wished to speak to me?" He sat on the chair beside her bed.
"Yes, I wanted to apologize for, well, first for running into you like that, sire." She licked her lips.
Dream's eyes followed her movements.
"I also wanted to apologize for intruding in your realm. I had no right to do what I did, although I assure you I truly had no intention of even,"
"It's quite all right, you were unaware." Dream spoke in an even tone.
"Yes, well, my lord still, it was, I am not even from the Dreaming anymore. It is unbecoming of me to create a place here."
Just as soon as the smile came onto his face, it faltered. "Who has told you that you do not belong here?"
Nuala's throat tightened, "No one sire, I just assumed that you wished me gone. Especially after the arrangement I made with the Kindly Ones."
Dream hummed, "And what is that arrangement, Lady Nuala?"
"Well, according to them, you just needed to find me and make me remember. Then I am to remain here with you."
"Remain here with me?" He repeated.
Nuala nodded. "Yes, my lord. If it means anything, I do not mind staying here, but if you wish to send me back to Queen Titania, I will send word to Cluracan, and he will take me," She was cut off by him speaking.
"You are not only to remain here, Lady Nuala. You are to spend all eternity here."
"Yes, I am aware, my lord." She tilted her head, not quite understanding what he was saying.
"We are to be married, you will rule the Dreaming by my side." He stated. "That is the foolish arrangement you have made. You will no longer be able to go back to Faerie or the waking world. You will remain here, bound to me." He stated coldly.
"What has given you the impression that I wish to return to Faerie?" She said. "Cluracan can visit me, but I do not wish to return. You are My lord. I do not wish to serve Queen Titania any longer."
Dream's eyes widened.
"I am aware of the fool that I have made myself not only here but in Faerie. We are all aware of the true reason as to why Titania wished you gone from our realm."
"It was King Auberon, actually." He stated. "He was unsure of her affections." He cleared his throat. "I am aware I have this effect on women, men, anyone really. He saw she was infatuated with me and asked me to leave. I assume he told all of you it was because of an argument, but" He looked down at her. "I want to make it very clear, Lady Nuala, that I have never reciprocated Titania's affections towards me."
Nuala's breath hitched.
He got up and stepped closer to her until he could feel her breathing against his. "I will not give you false hope and say that I will be a good husband. But I would hope that you would give me a chance to show you,"
Nuala doesn't know what compelled her, but she closed the gap between them, wrapped her arms around his neck, and her lips found his. She heard him groan as she slipped her tongue into his mouth. He pulled her towards him as if he wanted them to melt into one another. Once she realized what she had done, and was about to pull away. Her breath hitches when she feels his lips on her jaw.
"Not so bold now, are we, my lady?" He whispers as he reaches her ear, he nibbles on it, and he feels her shiver. He trails down her jaw, sucking on it, savoring how sweet she tastes. "You taste just as I imagined." He says against her neck. His hands trail down her waist until they reach her thighs. He groans as he feels how soft she truly is, "So soft," He says as she kisses down her shoulder.
Nuala is a mess; she can't control the noises that leave her mouth as he speaks to her and continues to kiss and suck on her neck. "My lord," she says breathlessly.
Dream regains himself. "Do you wish to continue?"
She finally looks up at him, his lips swollen from their kissing but also from the marks he's surely left on her neck. She makes eye contact and notices his eyes are glowing. Her eyes widened. "I, if it is what you truly want."
"What do you want, my lady?" He whispers against her lips.
Nuala's eyes widened. "I want you, my lord,"
He pulls away and leads her to her bed. "May I?" He asks as he reaches for her.
"Yes," She whispered. She expected him to remove her gown.
Dream fell to his knees; he heard her breath catch as he slowly lifted her sleepwear, relishing in the way her body responded to his touch. He leaned forward and kissed her thighs.
Nuala falls onto the bed, and she giggles. She hadn't meant to, but his actions had caught her off guard. She lifted herself by her elbows and watched his eyes darken with hunger. He placed both hands now on her legs and slowly spread them apart. Nuala's breath catches; she didn't think he would. "My lord, you don't," She let out a moan as soon as his lips made contact with her inner thighs.
Dream has had many lovers, but none have tasted just as sweet as her. His tongue makes contact with her sweet center, and he groans. He would live between her thighs for all eternity if he could. He places his left hand over her abdomen, and the other one trails up and down her thigh as he continues to taste her. He can't help but get hard just by the sounds she's making for him, because of him. Finally, his right hand reaches for her center. He slips one finger inside of her, and he feels her tense beneath him. "Are you alright, my love?"
Nuala nods.
"I'd like a verbal answer," He says as he pulls out and slips both fingers inside her.
Nuala's hips buck against his fingers, "My lord, please." She pleads as she throws her head back against her bed.
"What is it that you want, my lady?" He says with a smirk on his face.
"More," She moans.
He follows her movements, slipping his fingers in and out of her. He can feel her tightening around them. He can only imagine how she'd feel around him. He leans in to suck on her. He feels her hand reach for his hair, she pulls him closer, and he groans at the pain.
"Please, please, sire." She whimpers. She's so close she can feel her lower abdomen tightening. Just as she is about to reach her climax, he pulls his fingers out slowly. "No, why?" She whines. She looks up and watches as he undresses himself, slowly, she might add. She lets her eyes wander over his face, down to his chest, and watches how the fingers that were inside her glisten with the moonlight.
He smirks when he catches her looking at his hands. He slips his coat and shirt off. He then reaches for his shoes and slips them off. He's about to take his pants off, but he stops. "Would you like to do the honors, my lady?" His voice sounds strained. As if he were holding on by a thread.
Nuala's eyes widened at his request, "Yes, my lord." She whispers as she scoots up to the edge of the bed and sits on her knees as she unbuckles his pants. She pulls them down, her breath hitched as she sees how hard his cock is. Is this all because of me? She thinks to herself. She sits back and waits for him to slip out of them and get on the bed. "How would you like me, my lord?" She says softly.
Dream pulls the string where the canopy is tied so that all corners cover the bed.
She then feels the weight of the bed shift as he places himself in the center of the bed, "As much as I enjoy looking at your backside, my lady, you may turn around now."
Nuala blushed. She turned around and faced him. "Where would you like me?"
He reaches for her hand, "Right here." He pulls her towards him and places her over his legs. He can't help but groan at the contact that her center makes with his cock.
She's about to apologize until she feels him place his hands over her hips and starts to grind her against his cock. Nuala starts to feel hot all over. "Oh," She moans.
"How does that feel?" He says as he leans forward to kiss her neck.
"Good," She whimpers. "More, please."
"Such manners, Lady Nuala." He smirks against her neck. "Queen Titania would be proud."
"Queen Titania would kill me if she saw us, me like this with you." She answers out of breath. "She wants you all to herself."
"But I am not, am I?" He states as he lifts her. He grabs his cock and slides it against her slowly until he slips inside her. They both gasp once he's fully inside her.
"No," She whispers. "You are mine, my lord." She feels so full. "Only mine."
"Only yours, my lady." He lifts her slowly once more and feels her clench around him, then slides her back down.
Nuala places her hands on his chest, sliding them up and down, feeling and memorizing every part of him.
Dream starts to caress her thighs, "These are my favorite part of you," He whispers into her ear. "They are so soft, I cannot wait to be between them once more."
"My lord," Nuala gasps, as she starts to ride him, slowly at first, trying to find a good rhythm for both of them. She finds that she enjoys being close to him, so she places one of his arms around her waist. "Together?" She whispers against his lips. She watches as his eyes begin to brighten.
"As you wish, my love." His arm tightens around her waist. He thrusts into her as she lifts herself. Meeting each other in the middle.
Nuala isn't able to form any words. She can feel herself getting close. She feels him everywhere. She wants to feel him like this always. "Oneiros, please." She whimpers.
This is what drives him over the edge; she has never referred to him by that name. He grips her hips with both hands and holds her down until he finishes inside of her. "I apologize," He starts to say.
"Whatever for?" She says breathlessly, she cups his face and places a kiss on his cheek, she continues lower until she's kissing his neck. "You taste sweet as well, my lord." She whispers against his neck, and she starts to move her hip slowly.
He places a hand against her hip, "I believe we should rest, you only just woke up hours ago."
Nuala hums against his neck. "Whatever my lord commands." She's about to pull away when he stops her.
"Let me," He holds her firmly against him and moves them both to the edge of the bed. "Wrap your arms around me," She does as she's told, and he gets up with ease. He then lowers himself so he can place her on the bed. Once he does, he finally pulls out. He can't help but watch as he spills from inside her. "I shall be back," He chokes out. He walks into her bathroom to grab a cloth and places it under the faucet with warm water.
"What took you so long?" She asks with a pout.
"I was cleaning myself. Now it is your turn." He gently cleans himself off of her, and he feels her twitch. "Sensitive?" He says with a smirk.
"A little, my lord." She says with a small smile, still feeling the aftershocks of her orgasm. "Will you sleep with me?" She asks softly.
Dream searches her face for any sign of regret; he finds none, only pure adoration. "Of course, my lady."
Nuala smiled as he picked her up to laid her on her side of the bed.
"I wondered who slept here," She whispers. "Did you miss me that much?"
He then pulls her against his chest. "More than I cared to admit."
"My Dream," She whispers, she places a kiss against his chest where his heart would be. She feels him shiver against her.
"My Nuala." He says as he places a kiss on her head.
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
"How do you think it went?" Corinthian asks.
"Given by the sounds she was making, I'd say she was being well taken care of," Johanna answered.
"I'd ask you to refrain from speaking about what my lord and lady do in their chambers."
"Oh, please, Lucienne. We could hear them throughout the palace."
"Be that as it may. It is not appropriate to speak of it."
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
Queen Titania truly did not care where Nuala was, but Cluracan's constant sulking lately has been bringing her mood down. So this is how she ended up calling him over. "Cluracan?" She asks.
He's at her side within seconds. "My queen?"
"Have you had any word from your sister?" She says as she stares at her nails.
"No, your majesty, shall I send for her?"
Titania didn't really want her back. "Yes, I would say it is high time she returned to Faerie. She has been gone for way too long."
"Yes, my queen." He leaves immediately.
Her husband asks as he walks in, "Where is he going?"
"Off to bring Nuala back."
"What for? We know she's not with Lord Shaper; he has not heard of her. Maybe she finally did leave us."
Titania thinks about, hopes the Cluracan doesn't find her. "We'll see what Cluracan finds."
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
He gets off his horse and makes it up the steps.
"Lord Cluracan, what do we owe the pleasure of your presence? Lucienne asks.
"I am here looking for my sister, Lady Nuala."
She tilts her head. "We have not heard of her in almost a year."
"Yes, I am aware, I was just,"
"Lucienne, I shall take it from here." Dream speaks, "Cluracan, what do you need?"
"Lord Shaper," He bows, "As I was saying, I came looking for my sister. Has she come by?"
"We have not heard from her. I'd assumed she was in Faerie." He stated.
Cluracan takes the information in, and he wonders if his sister truly left him. "Apologies for disturbing you, my lord." He bows and descends the stairs to his horse.
"There's no need." He tilts his head, "May you inform your Queen that there will be an event in a few days. Faerie is invited to celebrate."
"Of course, Lord Shaper." Cluracan rides away.
"My lord? Why did you not inform him that Lady Nuala was here?"
Dream turns around and walks inside. Lucienne follows behind him.
"Because Lucienne, Nuala has asked not to inform her brother. She does not want word to get back to Titania about our plans to be married."
Lucienne's breath caught as she froze. "Married?" She whispered. "But my lord,"
"Lady Nuala and I have spoken about it already, Lucienne. We are on agreeable terms. She is aware of my feelings towards her."
"And are you aware of hers towards you?" She asks cautiously.
A small smile crept onto his lips. "I am Lucienne. We will be taking this as it goes."
Within the next two days, they were married. Lucienne and everyone else decorated the palace with these beautiful flowers from Nuala's garden. It was only people from the Dreaming that attended the ceremony, although Nuala wished to have her brother by her side, she knew that would bring her former Queen. They celebrated until they were exhausted. Dream had been attentive throughout the entire night. It made her chest tighten at how caring he was. He actively showed her by the way he held her or caressed her hand, without even realizing it.
"How do you feel about tomorrow?" Dream said as he walked into their bedroom.
She sat up in their bed and flattened out her blanket. "Nervous," She chuckled. "I am afraid of how Cluracan will feel. What will your siblings think of me?" She said softly.
"Do not worry yourself of their thoughts towards you." He says as he gets into bed with her. "As for your brother, he will realize that you deciding not to tell him was beneficial to you. Tomorrow will just be us letting everyone know we are married, that we will be ruling the Dreaming together."
Nuala exhales, still fidgeting with her fingers. "Okay,"
"Come here."
She lies against his chest, which has become her favorite place to sleep these past few days.
"Everything will be alright, my love." He says as he caresses her hair, he accidentally touches her ear, and he starts to smile. "Do you know what I missed about you once I found you?"
"What?"
"Your ears,"
Nuala laughs and pulls away from him. "My ears?"
"Well, yes, they are a part of you. It was odd seeing you without them." He leans toward her, his lips find hers. He pulls her onto his lap, and he deepens the kiss. He feels her body relax against his. "So responsive, my queen." He whispers.
Nuala's eyes widened at the moniker. "My lord." She answered breathlessly.
"Yes?"
"As much as I would like to continue," She whispers as she feels him harden against her, "We need the rest."
He hums as he holds on to her hips, wanting to feel her. "As you wish, my lady." He pulls away and waits for her to get off.
Nuala does get off, but only goes lower until she reaches his cock. "I do believe you deserve something for how you were tonight."
Dream's breath hitched as his wife's hand made contact with his cock, "What ever did I do to deserve this?" He says breathlessly.
She leaned forward and licked the underside of his cock. "You were being very attentive, reassuring, always getting me what I needed before I even spoke a word." She took him into her mouth and hollowed her cheeks so she could take more of him in. She heard him groan as he went deeper into her throat.
"Nuala," He choked out.
She continues to bob her head slowly, savoring not only her husband but the sounds he's making. She pulls away and swirls her tongue around the tip. "Yes?" She asks.
"You truly are exquisite." He moaned as she stroked him. He reached for her hair, placing her lips just above his cock. "Have I mentioned that I am fond of the length of your hair?" He said softly as he slipped himself into her mouth.
Nuala mumbled, as her mouth was preoccupied, which only made him tighten his grip on her hair. She continued to suck on him like her life depended on it. Once he was close, she pulled off slightly, swallowing everything as he came. It was now her turn to clean them both off. When she had done that, she curled against him, sighing in content.
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
A knock on their door awakened them. Dream mumbled something as he pulled his wife closer to him.
"Morpheus," She whispered, not truly wanting to get up.
"Dream," He answered. "We are married, you can call me Dream or Oneiros." He kissed her shoulder. "I'd prefer Oneiros when we are alone."
"My lord?" Lucienne asked from the other side of their door. "We have everything prepared for our guests. Would you both like to come down and see how things are going?"
"We will be down as soon as we are ready, Lucienne. Thank you." Nuala answered.
"Of course, my lady." She pulled away from him, "We mustn't keep them waiting."
Dream pulls her back, nestling his face into her neck. "But you're so comfortable, darling." He whispers.
It sends a shiver down her spine. "I am as well, Dream, but we really should get up. Who knows how long they've been getting everything ready for?"
He groans as he lets her go. He watches as she gets up and goes to the bathroom. His chest fills with warmth.
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
"Did Lord Shaper inform you of what this event would entail, Cluracan?"
"No, my queen. Just that all of Faerie was invited." He answered.
Titania did not like this one bit. The only good thing that came of Cluracan's last visit was that Nuala was not in the Dreaming. Good riddance. "We're here, my queen." She heard Cluracan say.
They watched as Lucienne walked down.
"Queen Titania, King Auberon." She bowed.
They get off their horses and follow Lucienne up the stairs. Titania's eyes wandered over the palace; it was oddly decorated in a faerie manner.
"You all may take a seat in either of these tables," Lucienne announced. "My lord will be down shortly."
Cluracan sits a bit away from his queen. He has an odd feeling in his stomach.
"Welcome," Dream says as he descends the stairs.
"Lord Shaper," Titania answered.
Dream's face pinched. "Titania, welcome to my home." He turns over to her husband. "King Auberon."
The way he didn't refer to Titania by her moniker didn't go unnoticed by everyone. He told them to make themselves comfortable, that the food would be served soon.
"Why have we been invited, Lord Shaper?" Titania finally asked.
"If you wouldn't mind waiting until my siblings arrive." Dream answers, not really facing her.
Titania was getting frustrated with his demeanor towards her.
"Lord Shaper, if I could have a word? In private with you."
"Of course," He steps aside and lets her lead the way. Unsurprisingly, she leads them to a dark corner. "What is it you wanted to," He's stopped by her reaching for his hand.
"Dream," She says softly.
He pulls his hand out of her grasp. "Lord Shaper to you, Queen Titania."
"If you wished to see me, you only needed to send word with Cluracan."
Dream scoffed. He was about to answer when he heard someone approach them.
"My lord, your siblings have arrived."
"Thank you, Lucienne," He whispered into her ear as he walked back with her. "May you tell my darling wife to be ready."
Lucienne smirked. "I'm afraid she has been anxiously waiting around the corner, my lord."
He smiled. Of course, she was. "Alright, let's get this over with."
"Dream," Desire said. "What are we doing here?"
"Desire, please take a seat."
"Hello, Dream. I'm happy to be invited into your realm, where is the Lady,"
"Sister," He says abruptly. "Do sit down, I will announce why you are all here in a moment."
He waits for them to all sit down. "I would like to thank you all for coming." He walks back around so that he is in the center just below the stairs. "Today is a joyful occasion. A member of our home has finally returned to us."
They all look at him oddly. "Brother, what are you?" Death asks.
Nuala took that as her cue and descended the stairs. Dream holds his hand out, and she easily grasps it.
Cluracan goes towards his sister. He embraces her. "Nuala, I thought," He said aloud as he pulled away.
"Cluracan, I have missed you," She said as she squeezed his arms.
"Where have you been?" He asks.
"Yes, Nuala, where have you been? We have been longing for your presence back at Faerie. After Lord Shapers' announcement, we may all finally go back home."
Nuala smiled tightly. "Titania."
Titania narrowed her eyes. How dare she refer to her as a common person? "That is Queen Titania to you, Lady Nuala."
Dream interrupted them. Before things got out of hand. "As I was saying, Lady Nuala has returned to us." He says with a smile as he grasps her hand, he feels her thumb start to caress his hand. She does this only when she can tell that he is nervous or vice versa. "This is to celebrate not only her return, but also her new role in the Dreaming."
"Apologies, Lord Shaper, but Lady Nuala's role is to return to Faerie," Titania states. "She was merely a gift; if she has gotten attached to you, there's no need to worry, we will take her off your hands."
Dream's eyes darkened. "Titania, I shall remind you that you are a guest in my realm. I shall not drag this along. Nuala is no longer a part of Faerie. It is no longer her home, and you are no longer her Queen."
Titania was fuming, "How dare you,"
"Lord Shaper, I am aware we are in your realm, but that is no way to speak to my wife."
"She is disrespecting mine King Auberon." He stated. Everyone froze.
Titania laughed; she practically cackled. "Oh, please, you expect me to believe you married her?"
"This is your only warning, Titania." He answered coldly. "My wife. Queen Nuala. Will remain in her home, in the dreaming. You shall refrain from referring to her as anything but that."
"She is of Faerie. She shall return to her rightful home."
"We are bound to each other, I am sure you know what that entails?"
Her eyes widened. It's what she did with her husband. She could not leave him for another; she was tied to him for eternity. She stepped towards them, "She put you up to this, didn't she? She has always been infatuated with you. It was embarrassing, honestly, Dream."
Nuala stepped around her husband and walked towards her former Queen. "That is Lord Shaper to you, Titania. If you wish to continue to be allied with the Dreaming, you will address me by my title." Nuala stated.
"I will do no such thing; this, this farce will not stand."
"Either you accept this or the Dreaming will be closed to Faerie." She spoke.
"Titania, we should,"
"No, Auberon! This is absurd! How did she manage to, I mean," She answered exasperatedly. "How dare she speak to me like this!"
"Enough!" Dream's voice bounced off the walls of his home. "I will not tolerate any disrespect towards my wife. You may all leave. Now."
All of faerie got up and walked towards the door. He saw Auberon calm Titania down and told her to leave.
"Lord Shaper, may we speak in private?" King Auberon asked.
Dream exhaled; he was exhausted already. "Of course, let's go into my office." He reaches for his wife. "I'll be back, darling." He places a kiss on her forehead.
King Auberon smiled at her, "Lady Nuala, it is a pleasure to know that you are well. I know your brother has missed you dearly."
She smiled, "Thank you, King Auberon."
She watched them walk away.
"So Queen Nuala, huh?"
She chuckled. "Sister to you, Cluracan."
He couldn't help but smile at her; she seemed content. "Where have you been? I was only here a few days prior."
"Yes, I am aware. But I didn't want to risk you going to Titania and her possibly coming to stop our wedding."
"I would never,"
"Yes, you would, Cluracan, and that's just who you are. But I hope you realize now that I am happy here. I'm sure I can convince Dream to get King Auberon to let you come visit me."
"Dream?" He said with a smirk. "Well, I will let you know if I can visit. Which, if I am allowed, I will be over at once." He hugs her and holds her tight. "I will miss you, sister."
"So shall I, brother." She says as she hugs him tighter.