Love’s Legacy


Written By Jersey Girl

 

Ch 1

 

Stephanie paced in her office waiting for Shane to arrive.  He was late as always.  She sat down at her desk staring at the email message on the screen.  She read the message aloud trying not to get tears in her eyes.

 

“Dear Stephanie,

    I have read your email about coming home countless times trying to find the words to explain to you what is going on with me.  Remember when we were little and mom would read us fairy tales every night.  You and I would pretend for hours we were princesses staring out our bedroom window waiting for our knights to come rescue us.  What if it wasn’t pretend? What if in another lifetime we were princesses?  I know it sounds silly but the more I dream and the more I work on my project here I feel it could be a reality. 

 

   You keep asking what caused me five years ago to just up and leave everything behind to go to Ireland.  You refuse to believe when I keep telling you it was the dreams not my desire to not being part of the McMahon spotlight.  I don’t know why I started having these dreams.  They started the night of my 22nd birthday and have haunted me every night since.  Steph, I can’t escape them even if I wanted to.  You were there the first night I dreamed on my past love.  You saw how upset I got because it felt so real.  I was in the garden of the castle with him.  I could feel and touch him.  I believe all these dreams and rebuilding the castle will help me find him again.  I can feel him every night I know he is out there somewhere. 

 

   I know you don’t believe in past lives but I truly do believe for some reason that something that happened back then is going to happen again now.  Like we are going to relive everything again just in a different time and hopefully with a different ending.  If I don’t find the pieces and put the whole story together I will lose my true love again.  Steph, I know this all sounds crazy.  I wish you would come here like mom and Shane did then you would understand to I’m sure of it.

 

  I miss you little sister very much.  It breaks my heart I can’t come home right now.  I know whatever your problems are with Dad you will be able to handle them.  Please think about coming here the next time you have a break there is so much we need to catch up on. 

 

Love,

Samantha.”

 

 Stephanie sighed staring at the family photos on her desk wondering how her family had grown so far apart.  She was about to respond to the email when her office door opened.

 

“I’m sorry for being late.  What was so important that you made me leave my golf game,” Shane sank down in a chair in front of her desk. 

 

“This is,” Stephanie turned her laptop around for Shane to read the message.  Shane scanned the words not surprised at all. 

 

“What is so urgent about this?  I told you she would turn you down,” Shane leaned back in the chair putting his feet on the edge of her desk.

 

“Damn it Shane, how can you be so calm,” Stephanie slammed the laptop closed.  “Daddy is slowly driving this company into the ground and we no longer have any power to stop him, doesn’t that bother you?”

 

“Now your true colors show.  You don’t care that Samantha turned down your invitation to come home and be part of our family again.  You’re upset because her 25% of the WWE isn’t coming home,” Shane stared at Stephanie his brown eyes wide with anger.  “I do give a damn that our sister hasn’t been home for almost five years.  I miss her like crazy and at least I have gone to Ireland to visit her unlike you.”

 

“I care about Samantha.  I can’t help that I don’t agree with this search that she has been on.  I don’t have time to fly overseas,” Stephanie pouted crossing her arms.

 

“No wonder Samantha doesn’t want to come home to this crazy family,” Shane started to leave as

Stephanie ran grabbing his arm.

 

“Shane, please help me try to convince Samantha to come home.  We need her especially mom,” Stephanie stared into Shane’s eyes seeing he was softening.

 

“Fine, I will call her tonight,” Shane pushed Stephanie’s hand off his arm.  “I’m only calling because I want her home and mom misses her.  I could give a damn less if Samantha helps us.”

 

“Shane once she sees what a mess Daddy is Samantha will help,” Stephanie smiled feeling good that she had convinced Shane to help bring back Samantha. 

 

“Steph, you keep forgetting Sammy wants nothing to do with the WWE. She won’t even watch any of the shows.  To her it just doesn’t exist,” Shane slowly opened the door.  “The only reason she keeps her share is because Dad made his lawyers make it impossible for her to sell.”

 

“Shane, just get her here and I will do the rest,” Stephanie snapped at him as she picked up the photo of Samantha off her desk.  “Does she still look the same?”

 

“Of course Steph.  Her hair is a darker blonde and longer that’s all,” Shane laughed hugging her.  “You and she have really lost touch in the five years.  I think you should concentrate more on fixing your relationship with her than the WWE.”

 

“Shane, I just don’t understand her,” Stephanie slowly sat in the chair staring at her sister’s greenish blue eyes in the photo.  “She gave up her whole life here to go search for something she will never find.  Now she has started that site up in Maine to continue her dreams here.”

 

“Stephanie, she believes she will find it,” Shane sighed grabbing the photo from Stephanie.  “You might think she is nuts but I think she is incredible giving up her pampered life her to go to Ireland.  She has no family there it’s just her and the team she has hired to evacuate and restore the ruins of the castle.  You should have gone with me last month to see the castle,” Shane was silent for a moment remembering walking about the lands overlooking the Irish Sea feeling comfortable like he was home.  He spent hours riding around the countryside feeling like he had seen it all before. 

 

“Don’t tell me you’re falling for that bullshit too like mom has,” Stephanie yelled breaking Shane from his thoughts.  “Samantha’s nonsense is all based on dreams.”

 

“I don’t have time to argue with you,” Shane kissed her cheek.  “All I can say is Samantha is on to something and I will never think she is crazy.  I can’t wait to go back to Ireland.”

 

Stephanie watched Shane leave slamming the door behind him as she huffed for minute hating to hear Shane defend Samantha’s bizarre behavior.  Stephanie always thought Samantha and her would be close.  Samantha was only two years older but to Stephanie it felt like they were lifetimes apart since Samantha left for Ireland. Stephanie smiled for a minute remembering all good times she had with Samantha as they grew up together.  They were not only sisters but the best of friends till too many nights of haunting dreams made Samantha completely change leaving her sister and family behind on a quest to find the key that would hopefully lead Samantha to her true love and her past. 

 

Stephanie kept running her fingers through her hair staring at the phone wondering if she should try calling Samantha.  Stephanie clumsily pulled out the piece of paper from her purse with Samantha’s number.   She slowly dialed the cell phone number almost hanging up when the ringing started.   

 

“Hello Samantha McMahon here,” Samantha’s voice brought tears to Stephanie’s eyes as she tried to blink them away.  “Hello is someone there?”

 

“Sammy, its Stephanie,” Stephanie’s voice was barely a whisper.  “I’m sorry to bother you.”

 

“Stephanie, it’s so good to finally hear your voice,” Samantha was truly happy to hear her little sister’s voice.  “How are you doing?”

 

“I’m ok, how about you?” Stephanie sat down in her leather chair.

 

“I am the same crazy sister,” Samantha laughed relaxing the tense moment.  “Stephanie, I know you’re not calling to chat.  What do you want?”

 

“The same thing I asked in the email,” Stephanie hesitated afraid of making her sister mad.  “Sammy, you need to come home now the family needs you.”

 

“I can’t do that right now.  I just talked to mom last night.  She didn’t say anything is wrong.  Is this about the WWE?” Samantha looked out the door of her cottage at the dark castle walls illuminated by the moonlight not wanting to leave till she found the secrets those walls contained.

 

“Yes, dad is destroying it.  The company is losing tons of money everyday,” Stephanie huffed into the phone.  “Can’t you just take a break and come home for a few weeks?”

 

“Stephanie, please try to understand this.  I can’t leave here till I find what I need to live my life in peace.  Do you know what its like to be haunted by dreams every night?” Samantha said knowing it was pointless to reason with Stephanie. 

 

“Yes, I do.  I have nightmares every night of daddy losing our legacy,” Stephanie was trying hard not to raise her voice. 

 

“Stephanie, I’m sure you and Shane can handle it.  I’m working on part of our legacy too whether believe me or not this castle is part of our history.  Its not just some crazy dream…”

 

“Enough Samantha, its all bullshit.  You had a few dreams about a past life as a princess in the medieval times what is the big deal its just dreams.  It’s not worth throwing away your life and family here for,” Stephanie cut Samantha off unable to control her temper.  “Stop living in a childish fantasy and come home.  Isn’t my problem important to you at all?”

 

“Other people have problems too not just you.  I’ll tell you what Stephanie you want me to come home so bad then come here for a week that’s all I ask,” Samantha listened to the silence on the end. 

 

“Fine, I’ll catch a flight tonight or tomorrow morning at the latest,” Stephanie breathed a sigh of relief.   

 

“Stephanie, thank you. I hope while you’re here we can become close again.  You won’t understand why I’m doing this till you come here and feel the magic this place holds,” Samantha sighed hating fighting with Stephanie. 

 

“I feel the same way I really do miss you. I was thinking about all the great shopping trips we used to go on,” Stephanie laughed. 

 

“You come over here and I will take you on one hell of a shopping trip,” Samantha smiled.  “It also is nice to finally meet my brother in law.”

 

“Paul and I separated recently.  We are in the middle of getting a divorce I thought mom would have told you,” Stephanie said into the phone. 

 

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Samantha felt sad for her sister.  She remembered when Stephanie called her with the news she had married Paul after only dating for two weeks.

 

“If you don’t mind, I’ll bring my new boyfriend with me,” Stephanie smiled thinking of a week with her new man at a romantic castle.

 

“You can bring whoever you want.  I have plenty of room.  Most of the bedrooms in the castle are restored just working on the great hall right now hopefully will be done by the time you get here,” Samantha looked over at the castle again watching the moonlight gleam off the stained glass windows of the great hall.

 

“I’ll see you soon sis and I’ll try to come with an open mind.  I hope you’re still keeping a journal of your dreams I would love to read hopefully understand more,” Stephanie twisted the cord of the phone around her finger.

 

“Still keeping one, you’re more than welcome to read it. Bye Sis.”  Samantha hung up the phone wondering if Stephanie really would have an open mind.  Only Shane and her mom truly believed what she said.  Especially her mom believed after coming to the site and walking through the parts of the castle that was safe.  Linda couldn’t stop telling her daughter how she felt she had been there been before. Samantha was amazed when her mom found her way to chapel without anyone telling her. She had tears in her eyes telling Samantha she felt like she had spent lots of time there.  Shane was the same way once he explored the grounds he knew he had been there before roaming the countryside on horseback.  Samantha promised him the next time he came the stable would be restored and she would have horses for him to ride.  Her father was like Stephanie refusing to believe it was possible to remember a past life and believe that ruins of the medieval castle was once theirs even after Samantha found a old sign in the rubble that said McMahonus.

 

“It’s our family castle now,” Samantha said out loud pulling her sweater around her deciding to go to her favorite place on the castle grounds.  Samantha with the help of Linda had brought the castle from the local town who where more than happy to get rid of it.  The townspeople considered it an eye sore.  It took Samantha a year of traveling around Ireland looking at many castles till she finally found it not far from Dublin.  She thought it was beautiful from the minute she saw it.  Most of the outer walls and buildings had crumbled.  The castle walls and interior were in good shape only the great hall and kitchen were in ruins. Samantha over the last four years had slowly been making it a beauty again trying her best to restore it properly with some modern comforts.  She had decided to build a smaller replica of the castle in Maine so she wouldn’t have to be away from her family so much.  Samantha raised the money for her two projects by opening two hotels and a restaurant in the nearby town.  Her father hated the fact that Samantha had found a way to make money without his help. The money she got from her share of the WWE she barely bothered with anymore letting it sit in her bank accounts. 

 

Samantha walked out into the chilly night air loving the peaceful feeling she felt being here.  The gentle winds blew her hair away from her face as she wrapped her arms herself.   Samantha would never be truly be at peace till she found the key to her heart the treasure that she buried in a past life that she believed would help her find her true love once again.  She found her way to the garden of the castle.  The one place she had restored immediately with loads of flowers and ivy just like in her dreams.  She had the fountain in the middle of garden with cupid restored adding lights in the bottom to illuminate it at night.  Samantha found the button turning on the light happily smiling as she sat on the edge staring at her reflection wishing like in her dream she would see his handsome face behind her.  She closed her eyes seeing the way his wavy brown hair flowed to his shoulder.  Samantha let out a sigh wondering if her father and Stephanie were right maybe she was crazy doing this all because of dreams.

 

Part 2

 

Samantha returned to her cottage pulling her journal from her bag.  She slowly opened it scanning the words she had been writing for five years.  The whole journal was full of what she remembered of the dreams she had been having.  Samantha changed into her nightshirt crawling into her bed reading the entries looking for the clue she needed.  It read so far like a fairytale missing a few pieces.  She shuffled the pages finding the entry about the garden hoping to have that piece of the dream tonight.  She closed her eyes thinking of the garden smelling the flowers hearing the sounds of the night as she fell asleep.

 

Her dream immediately took her over as she looked around realizing she was in the garden.  The sounds of a banquet going on in the great hall echoed through the castle walls.  Samantha sat on stone edge looking into the water at her reflection.  Her long dark blonde hair was pulled back into a braid with flowers entwined into it.  Her dark blue gown shimmered in the moonlight.  She ran her hand lightly along the water blurring her reflection for a moment.  The water became calm again revealing his brown eyes staring at her reflection.  He smiled as their eyes met. 

 

“Good eve fair mistress.  I’m Sir Glen, one of King Marcus’s knights.  I hope my presence didn’t startle you,” his deep husky voice made her turn to face him.  She was taken away by how ruggedly handsome he looked with his brown hair hanging loosely.  His shirt hung open giving a glimpse of his muscular chest. 

 

“Good eve good sir.  I’m Princess Samantha,” she blushed as he kissed her hand.   Her heart was captivated by him at that moment.

 

 “It’s an honor to meet the King Vincent’s lovely daughter.  I crave your pardon for disturbing you,” he let her hand her go. 

 

“No pardon is needed,” she tried to ignore the nervousness creeping through her stomach.

 

“I thank thee, how one does enjoy being in thy presence.  I could not take my eyes off of you this eve as you dined with your family,” he moved closer to her.  “My heart hopes to see you at the tournaments.  Lady luck has not been on my side.  I fear I am on a losing streak.”

 

“I shall be there tomorrow,” she watched as he took her hand placing it on his broad chest over his heart.

 

“You have made my heart beat again,” he stared into her eyes.  “My lady is more beautiful than all the flowers in this garden.” 

 

“I thank thee for the kind words,” she pulled back her hand. 

 

“I mean every word my pretty maiden,” he leaned over kissing her cheek.  “Why is her ladyship out here alone instead of enjoying the banquet with her family?”

 

“I don’t belong there I crave the silence of eve and peace of the night,” she looked up dreamily at the stars.   “This is my haven from the power lust of my father.”

 

“I’m honored you allow me to share this paradise with thee,” he stared into her greenish blue eyes falling more in love with her with every breathe.  They suddenly heard someone calling Samantha back to the banquet. 

 

“I must go Sir Glen,” she stood up to leave as he grabbed her arm towering over her searching her eyes with a nervous grin. 

 

“Would my lady be kind enough to bestow a kiss of luck on me?”

 

Samantha stared into his brown eyes for a moment.  He leaned brushing her lips with his.  The feel of his lips were intoxicating as she softly kissed him. 

 

“When I am victorious tomorrow will my lady met me here in paradise under the stars to celebrate?” he whispered against her lips feeling their heats beating in time together. 

 

“Even if you lose I shall come,” she kissed him again before returning to the banquet.  She turned at the entrance of the hall to look back at her sweet knight watching her with tender eyes.  She was already deeply in love with him and she hoped he felt the same as she gave him a wave goodbye. 

 

Samantha was smiling in her sleep loving the dream.  “I will always love you please come find me,” she whispered in her sleep.  Across the oceans many miles away her love lay asleep having the same dream.  He heard her sweet voice saying she would always love him.  His brown eyes shut up looking around the room for her realizing once again he was dreaming.  He touched his lips feeling her warm kiss on them.  He never thought dreams could feel so real but for years he had dreamed of her.  The dreams were always strongest when he slept in the afternoon those were the moments he truly felt her like she was right there in his arms.  He always woke up searching for her. 

 

“I wish I could find you,” he said out loud running a hand through his hair.  

 

Ch 3

 

Samantha was roaming through the castle in the early morning hours checking on all the renovations before the crews arrived to continue working when her cell phone ringing startled her. 

 

“Hey sis, I hope I didn’t call you too early I always get confused with the 7 hour time difference between us,” Shane sounded tired.

 

“Shouldn’t you be in bed,” she smiled listening to him sigh. 

 

“Its only midnight, nowhere near by bedtime yet,” he laughed.  “I heard Stephanie is coming to see you.  I was wondering if it was alright if I came to and brought a few of my buddies.  I keep raving about how cool the castle is and they went to see it.”

 

“Shane, you know you’re always welcome.  How many of your buddies are you bringing?” she looked down the hall silently counting the bedrooms in her head. 

 

“I’m going to bring Undertaker, Test, Bradshaw, and maybe Kane” he ran the names off out loud.

 “I think you’ll like Test maybe he can make you forget about your lost love,” Shane closed his eyes waiting for her to yell at him.

 

“Very funny not interested,” Samantha smiled knowing Shane didn’t mean any harm.  “I definitely have enough room for everybody.  What is Stephanie’s new boyfriend like?”

 

“Rob works for the WWE as Rob Van Dam.  He is a nice guy can be slightly annoying sometimes with how laid back he is but he adores Stephanie so I’m not complaining,” Shane said yawning into the phone. 

 

“You better get some sleep,” Samantha looked out the window seeing one of the construction crews arriving. 

 

“You’re right since I have caught the flight to come see you at 8 am but first I have one important question.  Did you get any horses yet?” he was grinning like a child listening for her answer.

 

“You’ll have to wait and see,” she laughed.  “Good night Shane I’ll see soon.”  She hung up the phone looking out the window seeing the eight horses roaming around the stables knowing Shane would be overjoyed when he saw them.   She smiled happy that soon all her hard work to restore the castle would be put to use. 

 

Stephanie sat on the plane next to Rob caressing his hand as the plane took off.  She looked over at Shane already sound asleep.  Test was sitting next to him almost asleep too.  Bradshaw was sitting behind them flipping through a magazine while Undertaker sat next to him looking deep in thought rubbing his chin.  Undertaker turned to catch Stephanie’s glance.  He gave her a smile before looking out the window. 

 

“I wonder what is wrong with Taker.” Stephanie leaned on Rob’s shoulder as the plane leveled off. 

“Maybe he doesn’t like flying,” Rob kissed her forehead.  “What did you want me to see?”

 

“I almost forgot,” Stephanie pulled her laptop out of her bag turning it on.  “Samantha emailed me a summary of her journal so I had some idea of what is up with her.  I want you to read it and see what you think.”

 

“Babe, sorry I hate to read while flying it bothers my stomach,” Rob frowned not wanting to disappoint her. 

 

“Its ok, it’s just us on the plane.  Shane and Test are asleep I’m sure my reading aloud won’t bother Bradshaw or Undertaker,” she looked over at Mark who shrugged his shoulders not caring.

 

“I always enjoy bedtime stories,” Bradshaw said reclining his chair smiling at Stephanie.

 

“Do you think your sister will mind you share with us?” Rob asked as Stephanie nestled closer to him.

“I don’t think so,” Stephanie opened the file with her saved email finding the journal. “Ready boys here we go.”  She started to read Samantha’s entry as Undertaker closed his eyes listening. 

 

“I have kept a journal for five years trying to piece together everything I could from dreams.  There are nights I dream the same dream over and over.  I’ve never been good at story telling but here goes.    The McMahonus Kingdom was ruled by King Vincent and Queen Linda who had three children Shane, Samantha, and Stephanie.  Shane was heir to the kingdom.  He was a humble prince who loved hunting and spending hours riding with his trusted friend Sir Andrew.   He did not share the same power lust of his father content to stay out of the wars with other kingdoms but always willing to fight for his people to make sure they were well taken care of.    Stephanie shared her father’s love for power spending hours at strategy meetings learning everything she could about the kingdom.  Samantha was like Shane no desire for power.  She spent hours with her tutor learning everything she could.  The evenings she spent in her garden dreaming about far off lands she had read about but never seen. Even thou she didn’t share her sister same desires they shared a powerful bond.  They could spend hours talking about anything. 

 

Samantha like many nights had gone to her garden to escape watching her father plan to destroy everything in his path.  She stared at the water wishing to be somewhere else on a ship sailing across the seas when true love looked over her shoulder.  The minute she turned to see Sir Glen she knew she had found the love of her life.  He was the strongest and most loyal knight of King Marcus’s court.  Sir Glen was a handsome and charming man.  His brown eyes had a tenderness that made Samantha adore him even more.  She became his from that moment.  They shared a brief moment sharing their first kiss before Samantha had to return to her family.  The next day at her father’s tournament Samantha cheered on her knight as he won joust after joust.  He paused after each win raising his helmet to smile at her.  The king never noticed his daughter’s attraction to the knight.  He only cared about the fact that Sir Andrew was losing disgracing his name and his was about to tell Stephanie she would not be marrying Sir Andrew when he finally won a match.  Stephanie joined her sister to watch her soon to be husband.  Stephanie was overjoyed when Samantha told her about Sir Glen.   Their happiness was short lived when Sir Glen and Sir Andrew were put up against one another.   Both sisters watched in concern as the men raced their horses towards one another.  Sir Glen knocked Sir Andrew off his horse making Stephanie upset for a moment till Samantha hugged her telling her not to be mad.  The two sisters never could stay mad at one another for very long.  After the tournament and banquet, Samantha went to the garden to meet her knight finding him already waiting for her.  She stopped for a moment watching how the moon light illuminated his handsome face as he paced.  He came to her embracing her in his powerful arms.  He kissed her passionately taking her by surprise.  She broke their kiss taking him deeper into the garden to a stone bench.   They talked about his tournament and about King Marcus’s plan to stay for a few more weeks at the castle.  They spent three weeks together constantly.  She showed him the countryside during the day at night they cuddled and kissed falling deeper in love.  She danced with him at banquets loving the feel of his body.  The one night their passion was intense till Sir Jonathan came looking for Samantha telling her father wanted to see her immediately.  Samantha slowly parted with her love promising to meet him again tomorrow morning.  Sir Jonathan took her to her father and she could tell from the minute she walked in something was wrong.  Her father had an evil smile on his father.  He thanked his daughter for coming then he started talking about how it was improper that Stephanie was getting married while her older sister was still single.  King Vincent had decided it was time for Samantha to get married.  He embraced her telling her to turn around and met her new husband King Marcus.  Samantha turned seeing the tall muscular man with long auburn hair and piercing green eyes staring at her.  He came forward taking her hand kissing it softly telling her what a pleasure it would be to have such a beautiful young woman as his wife.  Samantha was shocked she was speechless while her father told her what a great alliance her marriage would make.  It would make his kingdom even stronger.  Samantha heard enough running out of her father’s room.   She heard the heavy footsteps coming after her as she climbed the stairs to her room.  She felt the strong hand grab her before she could enter her room.  She turned seeing King Marcus staring at her asking what was wrong.  She spilled her heart telling him she was in love with another.  King Marcus laughed telling her he would make her forget this man in no time.  He leaned down roughly kissing her.  She felt nothing when he kissed her only the need to run.  He let her arm go telling her in tomorrow she would marry him and they would return to his castle to begin their family.  Samantha watched King Marcus leave trembling as she entered her room.    She saw a figure in her room she was about to scream till she saw her love’s concerned face.  He pulled her close when he saw her tear stained face.  She told him the news watching his face cloud with displeasure.  He kissed her again telling her he could not betray his king by being with his soon to be wife. He was about to leave when she suddenly stopped him taking the cross from around her neck that had belonged to her grandfather putting around Glen’s neck.  She whispered to him this will always keep you safe my true love.  He stared at her not sure what to say.   She didn’t want him to leave and he sensed that not wanting to lose her either.  He took her hand telling her they would take advantage of the time she had before her marriage.  He picked her up kissing her passionately. They made love all through the night. They were happy and didn’t want to give up their love.  Glen came up with the plan for them to sneak away and go to a far off land where no one would ever find them.  Samantha agreed happily packing what she could as he checked the hallway for guards. 

 

Stephanie, this is where it gets hazy I’m not sure what happened after that.  All I know is I dream of Glen holding me with blood on his hands telling me our love will never end he will find me again even if it takes lifetimes.  He keeps talks about us being one and our souls will always find one another. 

I know this sounds like nonsense but it’s what I dream and things in the castle confirm my dreams.  I will show when you get here.  Stephanie, I need your help maybe you will remember something when you are here.  See you soon, Samantha

 

“That is incredible,” Rob said in awe looking at Stephanie who had tears in her eyes. 

 

“I really am glad I agreed to come see this place,” Stephanie wiped her tears.  “This is weird but some of that sounds so familiar.  I can actually envision my dad dressed in a royal cloak giving orders to his knights while I’m watching.  I can see the jousting clearly.  The scary thing is I see Test as this Sir Andrew.”

 

“Does that mean you don’t love me?” Rob gave her a sad look.

“I love you very much.  I don’t feel anything when I look at Test,” she smiled kissing him. “I can’t wait till we land.  Imagine me a real princess.”

 

“You are already the princess of my heart,” he caressed her hand as they cuddled in silence.  Undertaker had his eyes closed but he wasn’t asleep he listened to the whole story.  He too was having déjà vu feelings as Stephanie read.  He thought hard remembering Samantha.  She was a beautiful woman with long dark blonde hair with enchanting bluish green eyes.  He remembered her always wearing her hair back in a braid with flowers entwined.  She was the same height and build of Stephanie.  He opened his eyes wondering if Stephanie had a picture of Samantha. 

 

“Hey Steph, you have a picture of your sis?” Undertaker sat up staring at Stephanie.  Stephanie didn’t answer only smiled going in her bag handing him a picture.  Undertaker’s heart stopped realizing the image he just saw in his mind matched the picture exactly.  Shit, I know this girl, he thought to himself. 

 

“You ok Taker?” Stephanie touched his arm.

 

“Yes, thanks.  I was just curious what your sister looked like,” Undertaker reclined back in his chair as Stephanie showed Rob. 

 

“Except for the eye color and hair color, you and your sister look a lot alike,” Rob said smiling at Stephanie. 

 

“She is a ½ inch shorter than me,” Stephanie laughed putting the photo away. 

 

“I can’t wait to meet her,” Rob kissed Stephanie. 

 

Neither can I, thought Taker closing eyes hoping sleep would come.

 

Ch 4

 

Kane boarded his flight annoyed at how long it took to get through security. He couldn’t believe Undertaker insisted he go to Ireland for two weeks what was he going to do.  He was happy sitting at home staring at the TV.  Kane sat down in first class feeling tired as the plane took off.  He closed his eyes hoping he would have dreams of his princess.

 

Samantha anxiously waited at the door for the car to arrive with her guests.  She had already gone over all the bedrooms seven times to make sure everything was in order.  The chefs were making roast chicken for dinner something she knew Stephanie and Shane both liked.  Samantha told the chefs to surprise her with the rest of dinner.   Samantha suddenly got an eerie chill.  She shook her head trying to forget about it as the car came through what was left of the castles gate.  She rushed to meet the car as Shane jumped up giving her a big hug. 

 

“Sis, I’ve missed you,” Shane hugged her tighter as she got tears in her eyes.  She pulled back from him seeing Stephanie smiling at her.  The two sisters both started crying embracing one another tightly. 

 

“Stephanie, thank you for coming,” Samantha wiped the tears from her eyes. 

 

“I wish I would have come sooner.  Sammy, this is my boyfriend Rob,” Stephanie pointed to the handsome man next to her smiling happily staring at the castle.

 

“This place is excellent,” Rob shook her hand. 

 

“Sammy, I want you to met Test,” Shane pointed to the tall blonde muscular man looking around in awe. 

 

“Nice to meet you,” Test took her hand kissing it.  Samantha stared at Test like she had seen him before he gave her the same look.  “I think we met before isn’t that weird.”

 

“This is the place for weirdness,” Samantha smiled at him.

 

“This is Bradshaw,” Shane patted the tall brown haired man on the shoulder as he gave Samantha smile.  Bradshaw came close giving her a hug.  “The lazy one in the car is Undertaker.  Taker, get out here and meet my sister.”

 

Undertaker wasn’t being lazy he was in shock at what he was feeling.  He knew he had been there before.  He slowly got out of the car seeing Samantha’s long blonde hair flowing to her back as she looked at Shane.  The feeling was getting worse as she turned.   Her blue greenish eyes met his. 

 

“Marcus,” she softly said looking at the huge man in front of her with familiar green eyes it didn’t matter his hair was short he was the exact twin of King Marcus. 

 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Samantha,” he leaned down kissing her cheek.  She trembled under his kiss.  “Are you ok?”

 

“I think so, come on in guys,” Samantha looked away from Taker smiling at the others.  They all went into the castle as Undertaker lingered behind looking around.  He felt Samantha’s stare. 

 

“Don’t be afraid I am not going to hurt you,” Undertaker moved closer to her talking softly so the rest didn’t hear.  “I’m might look like this King Marcus and have some his memories but I’m not him.  I hope you will sit down later with me so we can talk.”

 

“You remember being here?” Samantha gave him a curious look.

 

“Yeah, you want me to prove it,” Taker gave her a cocky smile.  “Give me a destination and I’ll go without any directions.”   Samantha bites her lip thinking for a minute thinking of some place hard. 

 

“The secret passageway,” Samantha crossed her arms knowing he would never find it.

 

“Ok baby girl, follow me,” he went into the castle past the others down the long hall.  He stopped for a minute closing his eyes then he went into dining hall.  He walked along the wall stopping under the two swords crossed.  He turned smiling at Samantha while reaching up and pulling the one sword suddenly a door in the wall opened. 

 

“Proof enough or do you want to go down to the kitchen?” Taker leaned against the wall watching her awestruck expression. 

 

“How did you know about that?” Shane asked as the others watched from the door.

 

“Its simple baby girl’s fairy tale is true at least the parts I can remember,” Taker stared at Shane.  “Come on Shane, open your mind and you’ll start remembering to.”

 

“This is crazy shit,” Rob blurted out as Stephanie elbowed him.

 

“Samantha, you and I need to talk later. Right now I’m going to lie down,” Undertaker cupped her chin.  “Don’t be afraid of me together we can remember what happened.  I only remember up to our wedding night the rest is a blur.  Together we can make it clear.”

 

“Our wedding night I married you?” Samantha softly said. 

 

“Yes, we will talk later,” Taker let her chin go disappearing out the door.

 

“There is definitely something haunting him,” Bradshaw said looking around the place.  “I never saw him so serious.”

 

“I have a feeling this is going to be the weirdest two weeks of my life,” Rob said watching Test swing a sword around like a pro.

 

“This is too cool,” Test laughed as Stephanie and Samantha shared a concerned look.

 

“Andrew, they are real swords please be careful,” Samantha said watching him piercing the air.

 

“Yes my lady,” Test said without thinking.   Stephanie was about to say something when Shane started screaming from another part of the castle.  They all ran through the hall finding Shane staring out one of the windows.

 

“You got me horses!” he yelled hugging Samantha swinging her around the room.  “Come on boys let’s go riding.”  Shane rushed out the nearest door to the stables.

 

“Man, we should have gotten him horses a long time ago,” Stephanie laughed as Test and Bradshaw went after Shane.  “Rob, you can go with them its ok.”

 

“Really,” he smiled broadly as she nodded yes.  “I’ll be back soon babe.”  He kissed her deeply rushing after the guys.  Samantha and Stephanie couldn’t stop laughing as they watched Shane riding around in a circle on the horse waiting for his friends. 

 

“Samantha, I hate to do this to you but I’m really tired do you mind if I lay down?” Stephanie rubbed her tired eyes. 

 

“I don’t mind.  I’ll show you to your room,” Samantha led Stephanie up the stairs to the room pushing open the heavy wooden door.  Stephanie looked around amazed at the huge canopy bed with hundreds of pillows and all the lush furnishings.  “I hope you like it.”

 

“I love it,” Stephanie kissed Samantha’s cheek.

 

“Get some rest, I’ll call you for dinner in a few hours,” Samantha left the room heading down the hallways to look out the window at Shane riding with Test, Bradshaw, and Rob.  Samantha smiled glad that Shane was happy.  She was still bothered by what Undertaker said and she had to find out what he remembered right now.

 

Samantha went to Undertaker’s room slowly pushing the door open.  She saw him lying on the bed his eyes closed his hands resting on his chest.  Her eyes ran the length of his body taking in ever feature.  She closed her eyes seeing King Marcus in front of her sleeping the same way.  She opened her eyes watching Taker’s chest rise and fall with every deep breathe.  She didn’t think just sat down on the bed next to him resting her hand over his heart feeling it beat.  He didn’t stir just opened his green eyes staring at her. 

 

“Why did you do that?” he softly asked her resting his hand over hers.

 

“I needed to make sure you were real.  These dreams have me doing things I wouldn’t normally do,” she stared into his eyes realizing there was no reason to be afraid of him. 

 

“I’m real baby girl.  This is all overwhelming I had strange dreams before about being a king never thought much of them till Stephanie was reading that email from you,” Undertaker reached out running his fingers along her cheek.  “I can’t believe I’m touching you I dreamed about you many times.  Why is this happening?”

 

“I don’t know there has to be a reason,” Samantha felt the familiar gentleness of his touch. 

 

“The reason will come clear as we learn more.  This is where we spent our wedding night,” Undertaker smiled looking around the room.  “It was a lot colder than really love having heat.  You decorated this room almost exactly how it used to be except the canopy was deep purple. Things are becoming clearer just being around you my beautiful rose.”

 

“Say that again,” Samantha closed her eyes.

 

“My beautiful rose,” she closed her eyes seeing them dancing as the musicians played as he whispered those words into her ear.  She had on a beautiful royal blue gown and a crown atop her head.  She opened her eyes seeing Taker staring at her with a smile.

 

“You’re remembering our wedding aren’t you?” he watched as she nodded yes.

 

“I thought for some reason you might have hurt me,” Samantha said softly watching his eyes fill with emotions.

 

“I never hurt you.  I was hopelessly in love with you as you remember more you’ll understand that.  You cared for me but you loved Glen,” Undertaker said wondering if should tell her about Kane’s remarkable resemblance even with his scars to Glen.  He watched her eyes fill with pain deciding he would wait till later to tell her more.

 

“Come on let’s go check on dinner,” Undertaker nudged her gently so he could swing his legs and sit up.  “Where are the others?”

 

“Stephanie is lying down.  The guys went horseback riding,” Samantha followed Taker back downstairs.

 

“Shane and his love for riding.  One thing he remembers from his past.  Always cared more for those damn horses then your father’s empire,” Taker laughed as they entered the dining hall.  “Dinner smells delicious.” 

 

“I’ll go check on dinner,” Samantha tried to go past Taker as he caught her hand. 

 

“Have you ever seen or heard of my brother Kane” Undertaker stared into her eyes as she shook her head no.  “Ok, I was just wondering.”

 

“What is troubling you?” Samantha touched his cheek making him smile. 

 

“Your favorite question to ask me,” he laughed.  “At this moment I’m troubled by my feelings and all of this it’s like being in a forgotten world.   It’s hard not to feel like that King Marcus here it’s like I could lose myself at any moment.”

 

“That’s how I feel at night when I sit out in garden it’s like I lose all sense of time and place,” Samantha sighed.  “It’s like living in a dream constantly.  That is why I’m building the replica over in Maine I know it won’t have the same magic but if I stay here much longer I will slowly lose my mind.”

 

“Don’t think like that,” Taker smiled down at her as the chef called out dinner was ready.  “You’re much too pretty to lose your mind.  I’m going to go call Shane and the guys for dinner.  Will you be alright?”

 

“Yes,” she stepped away from him feeling an unusual safety with him around. 

 

CH 5

 

After dinner, everyone turned in for the evening exhausted from their flight and the excitement of the day.  Samantha stayed behind helping her staff clean up from dinner.  She went into the sitting room staring into the roaring fire till she heard footsteps behind him.  She turned around seeing Undertaker looking down at her. 

 

“Sorry I couldn’t sleep,” he sat down next to her on the mountains of pillows. He kept admiring how lovely she looked with her hair pulled back into a braid “This is comfy could almost sleep here.” 

 

“Why can’t you sleep?” she asked watching the fire reflected in his eyes. 

 

“Something is tearing at my soul.  Do you want to know why Glen’s plan for the two of you to escape didn’t work and how we ended up getting married?”  Undertaker felt her inner torment of needing to put all the pieces together.  He too needed to piece things together for his own reasons. 

 

“Yes, please tell me,” she gave him a sweet smile that made him reach out and touch her hand. 

 

“I or should say King Marcus stopped Glen’s plan.  I was waiting in the hall when Glen opened

your door I was in shock.  He was my most trusted knight.  We stared at one another for a minute before you appeared looking disheveled.  The glow on your pretty face told the story of what was going on between you two,” Undertaker’s looked deep into the fire letting himself go back to that moment.

 

“I’m most disappointed in you Sir Glen.  Come with me now Princess and I will spare your lover’s life.  Refuse me and I will send him to the dungeons,” King Marcus put his hand out to Samantha as she looked up into Glen’s eyes.  Samantha stared at the two men trembling beneath King’s Marcus stare knowing his words were true.

 

“I can’t let you die.  My heart would never forgive me,” she stood on her tiptoes kissing Glen’s cheek.  “I will always love you.  You are the keeper of my heart.”  He leaned down kissing her as tears filled their eyes.  She pulled away from him taking King Marcus’s hand. 

 

“Princess you have made a wise decision,” King Marcus guided her back into her room.  She slowly went staring at Glen with tears running down her face till the door shut and two guards posted near it.  “Sir Glen, you will come with me now.”  King Marcus hurried down the torch lighted halls out into the night air.  He never looked back at Glen till they reached the stables.

 

“Sir Glen, I think of thee as a brother.  I have trusted thee with my life on many occasions.  I will spare you my wrath. You will leave now and oversee our men in the northern battle.  You will not return till I send for thee,” Marcus said in a stern tone.

 

“My Lord, I did not know till this eve about your upcoming marriage,” Glen stared into Marcus’s eyes.

 

“It doesn’t matter if King Vincent finds out you have slept with his daughter he will have you hung.  I am saving your life.”

 

“I thank thee for your kindness but I am already dead without my love.  I’m in your debt and as always your loyal servant.  I shall ride into battle seeking my quick death. I beg my Lord to take care of the princess,” Glen looked towards the princess’s window knowing she was crying within.

 

“Do not fear she is in good hands.  Be gone now before King Vincent awakens,” Marcus turned away never looking back at the man he considered his best friend.  Marcus entered the castle quickly going to Samantha’s room finding her crumbled on the floor trembling and crying.

 

“My lady please understand I did what was necessary.  If he stayed your father would have executed him,” Marcus kneeled by her side brushing her hair away from her face.  “I’m sorry your heart aches soon it will heal.”

 

“It will never heal he is my heart,” Samantha’s eyes filled with angry grabbing at King’s Marcus’s dagger.  “You have killed my soul you might as well finish the deed and kill my body.”

 

“Enough,” Marcus pushed her hand away.  “In the morning we will marry and one day you will understand I’m not your enemy.”   He left her crying on the floor as she prayed for her life to end at that moment. 

 

King Marcus did not see the princess again till the morning.  He met earlier in the morning with King Vincent going over once more the allegiance the marriage would create.   It was not a marriage for love only for power.  King Marcus stared at his young bride dressed in the ivory gown as they stood in front of the chapel for all to bare witness to their ceremony.  Samantha never looked directly into his eyes repeating the words softly.  When they were announced husband and wife, she did not return his kiss.  King Marcus took her hand leading her to the great hall for their banquet. 

 

She never smiled as they placed the crown atop her head.  King Vincent ordered the music to play as King Marcus took his new bride into his arms guiding her across the dance floor. 

 

“Did you hate so much you can’t even lay eyes on me?” King Marcus whispered into Samantha’s ear.  She turned staring into his gentle green eyes.  “My lady has enchanting eyes.  I fear it will not be long till I give into your enchantment. Do you fear me?”

 

“The only one I fear is my father,” she looked over at her father basking in the glory of his new ally.  She could see in his eyes he was already planning the battles. 

 

“He will be the ruin of himself,” Marcus quietly said.

 

“His ruin will also mean your defeat,” Samantha looked up into his eyes again making him smile at how wise his wife was.

 

“It will not be your father that ruins me,” he leaned close to her brushing his lips against her neck.  “Only my beautiful rose of a wife has the power to do that.”

 

“You have my promise I will never bring harm to you in gratitude for sparing my true love’s life,” Samantha tried to hold the tears back as she thought of Sir Glen. 

 

“It was my honor to spare his life for he has saved mine many times in battle,” Marcus pulled his wife closer.   The loud clapping of King Vincent startled Samantha.

 

“It is time for King Marcus and Queen Samantha to take their leave to their bedchambers,” King Vincent smiled wickedly as the guests followed the couple to their chambers waiting for the garter to be tossed.  Samantha tossed it quickly wanting to be rid of the crowd.  She caught glimpse of her mother in the background weeping for her daughter.  Samantha met her mother’s eyes reassuring her everything would be fine as Marcus closed the doors.   Samantha found him lying in bed covered with the blankets.  He had his eyes closed looking like he was in a peaceful sleep.  She nervously climbed into bed lying down next to him.  She turned on her side listening to his breathing.  She felt him move turning on his side wrapping his arm around her slender waist.  He pulled her against him resting his head against hers.  His auburn hair fell over her shoulder. 

 

“Samantha I will not force myself on you this eve I am content to hold you for the moment.  Soon I will not be able to control my cravings for you and will take you,” he whispered as she turned in his arms looking into green eyes. 

 

“I’m confused my Lord why are you being kind?” she said watching the smile on his face.

 

“My intentions are not innocent.  I have two requests of my lovely queen,” he ran his fingers along his cheek slowly.

 

“What requests?”

 

“First I wish you would give me the chance to love you and show you my love.  I understand your first love will always be Sir Glen.  There is surely room in your heart to love me as well,” he stared directly into her eyes making her shiver slightly. “Second wish is an heir to my throne.” 

 

“My Lord I am in your debt for saving Sir Glen therefore I will try to grant your requests.  The first will be the hardest,” she paused running her fingers through his hair.  “The second we shall work on now.”  She moved closer to him kissing his lips taking him by surprise.  He smiled kissing her back running his hands along her body. 

 

“This shall not be work only pure pleasure,” he whispered kissing her deeply starting a night of passion.

 

CH 6

 

Undertaker blinked his eyes coming back to the present realizing Samantha was in his arms resting against his chest.  He ran his fingers through her hair holding her tighter as she trembled in his arms. 

“I did give you an heir and an heiress,” Samantha whispered against his chest remembering the two children. 

 

“We lived a happy life for four years.  You never forgot about Glen but you did love me in your own way,” Taker had tears in his eyes trying to remember what destroyed their happiness.

 

“Do you remember what changed? The four years are blurry.  I see us going to my sister’s wedding to Sir Andrew.  I remember nights waiting up for you to return from meetings with my father.  I definitely remember our son he was your pride and joy and our daughter looked just like you with auburn hair and green eyes.  You’re right we were happy and were content with life.  Why can’t I remember what changed that?” Samantha stared into his eyes. 

 

“I can’t remember either.  Last thing I remember is watching from the doorway you lying in bed with our newborn daughter.  You looked so beautiful with your hair hanging loosely as you talked to our daughter about her new life.  I climbed into bed with you wrapping my arms around you telling you how much I loved you and our children.  I remember watching you put the baby in her cradle then you came back to me nestling in my arms till a knocking came on the door,” Undertaker stopped cursing silently for not remembering more. 

 

“Taker, its ok you have helped me so much tonight.  You are helping the pieces fall into place,” Samantha sat up kissing his cheek.   He smiled throwing more wood on the fire. 

 

“Will you stay with me for a little longer?” he touched her hand as she nodded yes.  He lay down across the pillows facing the fire pulling her down against him. 

 

“It’s getting harder to keep the past separate from the present,” Samantha whispered as he wrapped his arm around her waist.  “Laying here with you right now I feel like Princess Samantha.  I feel like I have slept in your arms many nights before.”

 

“You have my beautiful rose.  Let the feelings sweep you away don’t be afraid,” Undertaker rested his head across hers.  “Once you let the feelings take you all the reasons for this weird stuff will come clear.”

 

“Let the feelings take me,” she smiled pulling his arm closer around her.  “Thank you for coming here.”

 

“My pleasure baby girl,” he said softly as she completely relaxed in his arms falling asleep.  Undertaker smiled seeing she was sleeping peacefully.  He sighed knowing her peace would end once Kane arrived.  Once Kane gets here I won’t be holding her like this anymore, Taker thought to himself watching the flames till he fell asleep. 

 

Stephanie came down the stairs looking around for her sister.  She was worried after not finding Samantha in her bedroom.   The downstairs was filled with the sweet smells of breakfast.  She went through the hall till something caught her eye.  She looked into the sitting room seeing Samantha asleep against Undertaker’s chest.  Taker had his fingers entwined in Samantha’s hair.  Stephanie’s mouth dropped not believing her sister was cuddling with Taker.  Stephanie heard footsteps seeing Bradshaw coming her way. 

 

“Good morning Steph,” he smiled kissing her cheek as she pointed to the sleeping couple.

 

“That’s cute,” he snickered pulling Stephanie back towards the dining hall.  “You don’t want to wake up Taker.  He can be grouchy first thing in the morning. How did you sleep last night?”

 

“Like a baby.  Never have slept so well in my life,” Stephanie smiled as the butler appeared with coffee and pastries. “How about you?”

 

“Pretty good, had some strange dreams about you,” Bradshaw looked into her eyes.

“What kind of dreams?”

 

“Nothing kinky don’t worry,” Bradshaw laughed.  “I was a knight and constantly meeting with you about the King’s plans.  You were married to another knight Sir Andrew and he was always at the meetings too.  You were brilliant knowing every enemy’s weakness and the best way to attack.”

 

“Fits into Sammy’s dreams,” Stephanie frowned.  “I didn’t dream at all last night. What do you think is going on with Taker and Sammy?”

 

“She was married to him in her past life,” Bradshaw said it so casual Stephanie shook her head.  “I dreamed about them too last night about their wedding.”

 

“This is all getting too strange,” Stephanie sighed. 

 

“Its cool all our lives are entwined one way or another through this castle,” Bradshaw looked around.  “Check this out Steph.”   Bradshaw grabbed some apples lining them up on the table grabbing a sword off the wall.  He swung the blade into the air slicing the apples in half in one swift movement. 

 

“Oh that is amazing,” Stephanie watched him smile putting the sword back. 

 

“By the time I leave here imagine all the things I’ll be able to do,” Bradshaw winked at Stephanie.  “Isn’t Kane supposed to be here?”

 

“Yes, he should arrive today?” Stephanie looked around again.  “I can’t believe my sister was married to Taker in the past.”

 

“Taker is not a bad guy,” Bradshaw defended his friend. ”You just don’t know him.”

 

“Know who?” Test joined them looking refreshed from a good night’s sleep with his pulled into a ponytail.

 

“Taker isn’t he a nice guy?” Bradshaw pulled out a chair for Test to sit down.

 

“As long as you don’t piss him off he is cool,” Test noticed the apples sliced on the table.  “What happened here?”

 

“Bradshaw was demonstrating his new skills,” Stephanie laughed.  “Did you have any dreams last night?”

 

“Yeah, had a nightmare I was married to you,” Test broadly smiled.  “You were always bossing me around and you father was constantly in our business.  Your sister was married to Taker they had an adorable little boy.”

 

“I guess that pretty much confirms why Sammy and Taker are all cozy right now,” Stephanie looked out the door anxious for her sister to awake. 

 

Samantha felt a tickling feeling.  She opened her eyes realizing it was Taker’s chin resting against her forehead.  She felt so warm in his strong arms she didn’t want to move an inch.  She heard the light chatter coming from the dining hall realizing the others were already up.  Samantha slowly tried to turn in Taker’s arm hoping not to wake him.

 

“Are you going somewhere?” his deep sleepy voice startled her. 

 

“To entertain my guests,” she said softly feeling his embrace tightening.

 

“They can entertain themselves,” he whispered kissing her forehead.  “Keep me warm for a few more minutes.”

 

“Just a few minutes than I have to get up,” she laid her head back down on his arm watching him open his eyes. 

 

“What is the rush baby girl?”

 

“I have to run into town this afternoon and pick up a few supplies.”

 

“Can I go with you? I’m curious about the town,” he gently caressed her arm.

 

“Sure you can.  I would enjoy the company.  Don’t you want to be here when Kane arrives?” Samantha felt Undertaker tense at the mention of Kane’s name.

 

“Doesn’t matter I’ll see him when we get back,” Taker avoided her curious eyes.  “Come on let’s go have breakfast.”  Samantha felt that he didn’t want to talk about Kane and she couldn’t help being curious about why.  Samantha went upstairs to get dressed while Undertaker went to join the others. When Taker entered the dining hall, Bradshaw, Test and Stephanie gave them a funny look. 

“What none of you ever slept with someone without doing the deed?” Undertaker glared at them sitting down in a chair. 

 

“I sure haven’t,” Bradshaw grinned, “especially if I cuddled with a pretty sexy woman wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation of making things very hot.” 

 

“The reminds me I better check on Rob,” Stephanie laughed rushing back up to her room as Test and Taker shook theirs heads at Bradshaw. 

 

“You need to find a woman soon,” Test hit Bradshaw in the arm. 

 

“Hey you don’t have a woman either,” Bradshaw responded making Taker roll his eyes. 

 

“Maybe the two of you should hook up,” Taker grinned as Bradshaw and Test looked at one another laughing. 

 

“Enough of that, what is the plan for today?” Bradshaw leaned back in his chair.

 

“I’m running into town with Sammy, you guys want to come?” Undertaker took a sip of the strong coffee. 

 

“I’ll go I forgot to bring a few things.  What about you Bradshaw?” Test asked.

 

“Sure, I need a break from riding horses.  Shane will probably being doing that all day,” Bradshaw tried not to think of the soreness from riding for hours yesterday.

 

“Actually I’m going into town with all of you,” Shane joined them.  “I want to check out Sammy’s hotels and restaurant.”

 

“Your sister is incredible,” Test blurted it out turning red in the face.  “All I meant is Samantha is a beautiful sexy woman and smart that is like the perfect woman.” 

 

“She is the perfect woman,” Undertaker said softly getting up from the table rushing out of the room leaving them all in stunned silence.

 

Kane looked at the castle appearing before him its towers glistening in the morning sun.  I have been here before, Kane thought looking at the crumbled walls seeing them as they used to be strong and guarded by archers.  He got out of the car looking around in awe.  This was the place in his dreams.  He heard footsteps coming near seeing Undertaker. 

 

“Hey brother,” Kane said feeling something was wrong with Taker. “What is up?”

 

“Nothing,” Undertaker shook his head avoiding Kane’s stare.  “How was your trip?”

 

“It was ok. I’m exhausted can never sleep on planes,” Kane yawned under his mask. 

 

“You can say hello to the others than take a nap,” Undertaker said hoping Samantha was still up in her room.

 

“Sounds good,” Kane followed Undertaker through the huge doors pausing for a moment when the entered.  Kane marveled out the place as they went towards the noise of the others talking.  Rob, Stephanie, Shane and Test said hello to Kane as he entered the room. 

 

“Hey Kane about time you go there,” Bradshaw smiled looking up from his breakfast. “Isn’t this place awesome?”

 

“Its definitely unforgettable,” Kane stared at the swords hanging over the doorway to the great hall.  He was drawn to the one with the serpent on the handle etched in gold.  An eerie feeling crawled through his bones as he went closer to it. 

 

“You’re feeling the magic of this place too?” Stephanie said coming up behind Kane.

 

“I felt the magic when I passed through the gates,” he murmured using all his willpower to look away from the sword.

 

“Do you want some breakfast?” Stephanie asked Kane while pouring a cup of coffee for Rob. 

 

“No, I really need to get some sleep,” Kane felt his eyes almost closing. 

 

“Come on I’ll take you to your room. Hopefully on the way I can introduce you to my sister,” Shane jumped out his seat motioning for Kane to follow him.  Undertaker watched his brother go trying to mental prepare himself for what would happen when Samantha and Kane laid eyes on one another. 

 

Kane followed Shane through the halls quietly.  Kane ran his hand along one of the stone walls making sure the place was real and not a figment of his imagination.  Shane stopped outside one of the doors slowly pushing it open.

 

“Sammy, are you decent?” Shane’s voice echoed through the room decorated in all shades of blue. 

 

“Shane, I’m in the shower.  I’ll be out soon,” Samantha’s voice echoed back with the sounds of water before a door slammed close.  Kane was wide awake when he heard her voice. 

 

“I’m sorry Kane.  Do you want to wait for her?” Shane pulled her door close. 

 

“I’m really tired I’ll meet her later,” Kane felt like his heart was going to beat out of his chest. 

 

“It’ll be easy to bump into her since your room is right across the hall from hers,” Shane opened the door.  “We are going to run into town if you need anything the staff is very helpful.  Do you need anything?”

 

“No I’m fine.  I’ll see you later,” Kane said going into his room shutting the door behind him.  Her voice was still echoing through his head.  Is it possible could my princess be real, he thought leaning against the door.  He slowly pulled off his mask looking around the room. 

 

“Stop living in a dream world.  She isn’t real,” Kane said out loud flopping down on the bed closing his eyes. 

 

Samantha quickly changed into her jeans and sweatshirt.  She opened her door feeling a strange presence.  Her heart beat a few beats faster as she tried to figure out why she felt that way. 

 

“Hey Sammy,” Shane said coming out of his room.  “Sorry about bugging you earlier.  I just wanted you to met Taker’s brother Kane.”

 

“Its ok, I really wanted to meet him.”

 

“He was tired from his trip.  You’ll meet him tonight,” Shane smiled at her.  “I heard you had some company for sleeping last night.”

 

“It was harmless just cuddling,” Samantha brushed past Shane heading downstairs. 

 

“Ok I got the hint I’ll drop it,” Shane caught up to her on the stairs.

 

“Thanks Shane, when I’m ready to talk I will,” she stopped briefly to kiss his cheek before entering the dining hall.  Her eyes went immediately to Undertaker sitting quietly while the others talked looking upset.  She said good morning to the others sitting down next to him. 

 

“You ok?” she stared into his piercing eyes. 

 

“Yes,” he tried to smile.  “Did you meet my brother?”

 

“No, I was in the shower.”

 

“You can meet him tonight,” Undertaker said breathing a sigh of relief that he would have her to himself for a few more hours. 

 

After breakfast, Bradshaw, Test, Shane, Undertaker, and Samantha headed into town.  Undertaker stayed closely by Samantha’s side as she checked in on her hotels and the restaurant.  Samantha enjoyed his company as they shopped talking about the town’s history.  Shane, Bradshaw and Test did their own exploring finding a tavern to have a few drinks at while they waited for Samantha and Undertaker to finish her errands.  Undertaker noticed when she stopped outside the jewelry store looking at all the crosses hanging in the window like she was in a trance. 

 

“What’s the matter baby girl?” Undertaker touched her shoulder breaking her stare. 

 

“I gave him a cross for protection,” she softly said.  “I wonder if it protected him.”

 

“Sammy, don’t think about it,” Undertaker leaned down kissing her forehead.  “Come on let’s go find the others and head back.”  Samantha nodded ok letting him guide her through the streets back to the car where Shane, Test, and Bradshaw were waiting.

 

“Did you guys buy anything?” Samantha asked as Shane smiled broadly. 

 

“Look in the back,” Shane handed her the keys.  She opened the back door finding a new saddle. 

 

“I guess I know what you’re doing when we get back,” Samantha laughed as Shane nodded his head yes making the others laugh as Undertaker started the car starting the journey back to the castle. 

 

Ch 7

 

Kane didn’t come down for dinner he was still asleep when Undertaker checked on him.  They others eat then headed into one of the rooms to watch movies.  Samantha snuck away from all of them when she saw Undertaker doze off in a chair.  She needed to be alone and she knew he would follow to see what was troubling her.   Samantha pulled on her long cloak heading outside into her garden.  She felt a warm gust of wind blow through her hair as she looked up seeing a spring storm was on the way.   Samantha walked over to the newly built gazebo smiling when she saw her small stereo was still there with the song that had been playing through her mind all night.  The soft music of My All by Mariah Carey filled the moonlit garden.  She closed her eyes imagining her true love was there holding her tightly in his arms. 

 

“I am thinking of you
In my sleepless solitude tonight
If it's wrong to love you
Then my heart just won't let me be right
'Cause I've drowned in you
And I won't pull through
Without you by my side
[Chorus:]
I'd give my all to have
Just one more night with you
I'd risk my life to feel
Your body next to mine
'Cause I can't go on
Living in the memory of our song
I'd give my all for your love tonight”

 

Samantha slowly swayed to the music letting it consume her.  She didn’t notice Kane staring down from his window watching her.  Kane quietly opened the window letting the music in.  She laid her cloak on the nearby bench.  He sighed at how beautiful she looked in the white off the shoulder short dress.  The wind blowing her blonde hair around making her look like an angel.  He was captivated by her sweet voice singing along with the song filled his heart.  Kane needed to be near her.

 

“Baby can you feel me
Imagining I'm looking in your eyes
I can see you clearly
Vividly emblazoned in my mind
And yet you're so far
Like a distant star
I'm wishing on tonight”

 

Samantha felt the wind grow stronger as the weird feeling she felt before in the hall outside her room returned.  She shook her head trying to ignore it concentrating on the music closing her eyes tighter.  She suddenly felt strong arms muscular arms go around her waist.  She was about to open her eyes.  “Don’t open them yet,  sing for me dance with me,” the deep voice of the man she loved more than life itself whispered in her ear as tears came to her eyes. She did as he asked leaning back against his warm hard body moving with him to the music.

 

“I'd give my all to have

 

Just one more night with you
I'd risk my life to feel
Your body next to mine
'Cause I can't go on
Living in the memory of our song
I'd give my all for your love tonight

 

Give my all for your love
Tonight”

 

The music died down as she felt him slowly let her go.  She opened her eyes turning to find no one behind her.  The tears trailed down her cheeks as she crumbled to the ground feeling like she was going crazy. 

 

“Were you really here or is it all just my imagination?” she yelled out into the night as the rain started to fall.

 

“I’m here my lovely princess but I’m a hideous monster now who doesn’t deserve the love of such a beautiful sweet woman,” Kane said softly hiding behind a wall of ivy watching her cry in agony breaking his heart. He should have never touched her he knew he wouldn’t be able to face her. He was about to go to her when Undertaker came out of nowhere rushing to her side. 

 

“Sammy, what the hell are you trying to drown yourself?” he picked her up in his arms cradling her. 

“He was here Sir Glen was here.  I felt him.  I heard his voice,” Samantha cried.  “Am I going crazy?”  The torment in her cry was unbearable for Kane. 

 

“Baby girl, you can’t stay out in this rain. You’re not crazy,” Taker carried into the house as Kane watched not caring about the thunder starting to crash above his head silently hoping it would strike for once again causing his true love pain once again.

 

Ch 8

 

Samantha shivered on her bed watching Undertaker igniting the fire in the small fireplace in her room.  He turned staring into her eyes seeing all the confusion and pain. 

“Sammy, you need to put dry clothes on,” he touched her rain drenched hair as the thunder roared outside making her jump.  Taker immediately took her into his arms stroking her hair trying to comfort her as she started to cry again. 

 

“I don’t understand how could I feel and hear him without him being there,” Samantha whispered against Taker’s chest. 

 

“The mind plays tricks sometimes when the heart desires something so much,” Taker sighed knowing it was no mind trick Kane had held her then let his fears scare him away.  “Please change into warmer clothes,” Taker felt her shiver even more as the thunder got louder.  She didn’t say a word just moved away from him going into the bathroom to change.  Taker took off his soaked shirt putting it near the fire to dry.  He went to her door slowly opening looking across the hall hearing nothing but silence from Kane’s room.

 

“I will be paying you a visit later little brother after I fix the damage you did,” Undertaker whispered through the door knowing Kane was in there lying in the dark tormenting himself for what he did.  Taker went back in Samantha’s room just as she came out of the bathroom dressed in a long black satin nightgown.  Taker being shirtless caught her by surprise as she couldn’t deny how sexy he looked.  She felt his eyes checking out her body as she slowly climbed into bed pulling up the warm covers. 

 

“Do you mind if I join you in that warm bed?” he grinned at her. 

 

“I don’t mind as long as you behave,” she smiled as more thunder echoed making her tremble. 

 

“Behave?  I never behave,” he climbed in next to her laying back against the pillows as she put her head on his chest. 

 

“Do you think I’m crazy?” she whispered as he felt tears on his chest.

 

“Baby girl you’re not crazy stop thinking like that,” Taker ran his fingers through her hair.  He knew he should tell her about Kane but he didn’t want to lose her.  His soul felt a peace with her in his arms.  She ran her fingers along his chest while he caressed her back listening to the storm raging outside.  Taker smiled when she fell asleep.  He waited a few minutes till he was sure she was in a deep sleep.  He slowly laid her back on the pillows kissing her forehead getting out of bed. 

 

Kane sat on a chair near the window watching the lightning dance across the sky feeling terrible for what he did.  He just should have left her alone.  She was sad before but now he had made her completely miserable by touching her then disappearing.  He heard his door open knowing immediately who it was. 

 

“What the hell is wrong with you?  Why would you torment her like that?” Taker grabbed Kane by the collar of his shirt pushing him against the wall.  “Thanks to your shit she thinks she’s crazy now.”

“I’m sorry Taker I didn’t think I was watching her from the window feeling her pain and I just wanted to hold her for a moment like I did before,” Kane stared into his brother’s eyes.  “She is my princess.  The one I dream of every night.”

 

“No shit!” Undertaker let his brother go.  “Do you know who I once was?”

 

“Yes King Marcus the son of bitch who took her away from me in the first place,” Kane felt his anger start to fill his blood.  “You sent me away then married her had kids with her while I cried for her every night.  Now you’re doing it all again.”

 

“I’m following my heart and not being a coward,” Taker was getting upset.  “I’m not stupid enough to think I can change fate.  That woman over there loves you.  She will love you in that lifetime, this lifetime, and the next lifetime.  I’m just the fool who is happy to have one moment with her.”

 

“Say it however you want.  Bottom line you want to sleep with her,” Kane turned away from his brother. 

 

“Be a man and stop me than.  Let her see you.”

 

“Let her see this,” Kane ripped off his mask revealing his scars.  “Let her see the monster I’ve become!”

 

The door to the room suddenly opened making Taker and Kane jump.  Kane turned staring into her eyes as she trembled pointing at him. 

 

“Its you, you’re alive and here,” she softly spoke before fainting as two men rushed to her side. 

 

Samantha opened her eyes seeing light blue eyes filled with concern staring at her.  She sat up quickly startled by the mask for a moment looking around seeing she was in her room lying on her bed with Undertaker on the other side of her.  She saw the pain in Taker’s eyes as the awkward silence was broken by his long sigh as Samantha looked back at the other huge man.  Her eyes  were drawn back to his eyes filled with tears as she slowly got off the bed approaching him.  Samantha’s mind was racing as she reached out touching his arm running her fingers along the muscles feeling like she had touched this man a hundred times before. 

 

“Who are you?” she softly said searching his eyes feeling him tense under her touch.  He looked away from her suddenly.

 

“I’m Kane, Undertaker’s younger brother,” Kane was trying to control the amazing feelings coursing through his body as she ran the strands of his brown hair through her fingers.  “Are you ok Samantha?”

 

Samantha trembled listening to his voice realizing it was the voice in her dreams, the voice that whispered in her ear down in the garden. 

 

“I don’t know,” the tears ran down her cheek.  Kane ran his fingers along her cheek wiping the tears from her face.  She caught his hand holding it tightly.  “Its you.  I know your gentle touch. I know who you were before.” Kane broke free from her going to the window not wanting her to see his tears.  “Its you Glen, my love don’t you remember me?”  Her voice trembled as she touched his back making him wince in agony.  Undertaker watched with silent pain waiting for the lovers’ reunion to happen. 

 

“I’m not Glen.  I’m Kane now,” Kane said refusing to turn and look at her.  “I may look and sound like this man you once loved but believe me I’m not him.  I am monster, someone you should fear and stay far away from.  I have to go now!”  Kane rushed past her pulling open the door. 

 

“Please don’t go,” her voice echoed through the hall as she went after him.  He went through his door slamming it shut sinking to the floor holding his head in his hands listening to her cry.  “Please Kane.  I need to talk to you.”  He wanted to open the door and hold her tell her he remembered most of his past with her.  His love for her had never changed he loved even more.  He caught his reflection in the mirror running his hand to his mask knowing he was a monster not the man she loved. 

 

“Samantha, come on give him some time,” Undertaker picked her up from in front of Kane’s door.   Samantha was confused beyond belief she knew Kane was her past love.  She felt it in her soul why wouldn’t he even talk to her.  “Kane is just being Kane.  He is a loner and doesn’t know how to open up to anyone not even me his own brother.  Then again I can’t blame him for that I have done cruel things to him.”

 

“What have you done to him?” Samantha looked into his green eyes seeing the glistening of few tears. 

 

“He wears the mask and thinks he is a monster because of me.  I started the fire that burnt his face and took away his family making him grow up alone and never feeling truly loved,” Undertaker put her down on the bed pacing in front of her.  “Years later I have tried to make up for it.  I try to be the best big brother I can but I can’t get through to him.  He talks to me but not about what is going on inside of him.”

 

“It’s wrong for him to think he is a monster.  I have to talk to him,” Samantha got off the bed.  Taker caught her with one arm around the waist as Bradshaw came through the door looking like he rushed up the stairs.

 

“What is all the commotion up here for?” Bradshaw ran a hand through his dark hair. 

 

“Its ok, little problem between Sammy and Kane,” Taker said holding onto Samantha.

 

“No problem is little with Kane,” Bradshaw laughed noticing how upset Samantha looked.

 

“Sammy, you have to leave Kane alone for now.  Please trust me and give him at least till tomorrow,” Taker felt her stop struggling against him.

 

“Ok Taker, I do trust you,” she started to tremble suddenly as a memory flashed in front of her eyes as she stared at Bradshaw with wide eyes seeing him differently suddenly.

 

“Hey, what’s wrong,” Taker tilted her chin to look into her distant eyes seeing she was somewhere else.  “Samantha tell me what are you seeing.”  

 

“The knocking on the door the night our happiness started to change was Sir Jonathan telling you that Sir Glen had been brought to the castle wounded.  I went to rush out the door to check on him when you caught me just like this around the waist telling me I couldn’t see him I needed to rest after having the baby.  You tried to put me back in the bed but I wriggled out of your arms down to the room where the doctor was tending to Glen,” Samantha looked at Bradshaw again staring deep into his eyes.  “Jonathan followed me while you called one of the ladies to watch our children.  He tried to grab me before I entered the room but I was too fast for him.   Glen was lying on the bed pale and shaking a deep wound to his shoulder.”  Samantha heard the door across the hall open meeting Kane’s eyes taking her right back to that moment. 

 

“My Lady, you must wait for King Marcus,” Sir Jonathan pleaded with the queen as she neared the bed seeing her true love.  She slowly kneeled by the bed brushing his hair away from his pale face. 

“My love can you hear me?” she leaned down softly whispering in his ear. 

 

“The voice of my angel calls me,” he murmured as she ran her fingernails over his bare chest glancing at the doctor putting an herbal mixture on Glen’s wound. 

 

“Will he die?” Samantha had tears in her eyes as she watched Glen shiver. 

 

“My Queen, I have done all I can.  The wound is deep and he lost quite a bit of blood.  We must wait and see,” the doctor looked at her sadly before walking away.

 

“My Lady, Sir Glen is strong he shall live,” Jonathan stood behind her resting his hand on her shoulder. 

“I hope you are right,” she stood suddenly staring into Jonathan’s brown eyes.  “I have a favor not a request to ask you.”

 

“I would do any deed for my lady,” Jonathan smiled running his hand through his dark hair. 

 

“Watch over him.  Let no harm come to him.  I fear whoever did this will return to finish the deed,” Samantha shivered slightly. 

 

“As you wish my lady,” Jonathan tilted his head slightly as she looked down at Glen again.  She saw the cross still hanging around his neck smiling. 

 

“Sir Jonathan will protect you my love,” she kissed his forehead as she felt her husband’s strong hand grasp her shoulder.

 

“You shall return to your chamber now,” King Marcus picked her up carrying her up the stairs as Sir Jonathan stayed behind with Glen.   

 

Ch 9

Samantha broke out of the memory feeling Undertaker still holding her tight as Kane looked on. 

 

“Bradshaw, do you remember what happened after I left?” Samantha stared at him.

 

“I remember sitting with Glen watching him tossing and turning after that is all cloudy,” Bradshaw sighed as he looked at Kane.  “Its you buddy, you’re Sir Glen.”

 

“No I’m not,” Kane shook his head till he met Samantha’s greenish blue eyes filled with tears staring at him.  “Samantha, please don’t look at me like that.  It always tears my heart apart.”  As Kane said the words, he cursed himself for letting her know he did remember their past. 

 

“Kane, you do remember please tell me what you remember,” Samantha ran out of Undertaker’s arm resting her hand against Kane’s chest. 

 

“Not tonight,” Kane took her hand holding it feeling her warmth and softness.  “I’ll see you in the morning.”  He let her hand go returning to his room. 

 

“I’m going to turn in for the night too,” Bradshaw came over kissing Samantha’s cheek.

 

“Undertaker, can you go for a ride with me tomorrow morning?  I want to show you something.”

 

“Sure Bradshaw,” Undertaker nodded.  “See you in the morning.” Undertaker watched Bradshaw leave than returned his attention back to Samantha sitting back on the bed looking exhausted. 

 

“Why didn’t you tell me Kane looked like Glen?” Samantha said softly looking down at the floor. 

 

“I’m selfish.  I knew I would lose you to him,” Taker kneeled in front of her taking her hand.  “That night when I brought you back to our bed.  You slept with me like always cuddled against my chest but it was his name coming from your lips as you dreamed.  Your bond with him is powerful one I can never break.  I just wanted to have you to myself for a few days.”

 

“Taker, we have a bond too,” she caressed his cheek.  “We will be close just not in a romantic way.  I hope you can understand that.”

 

“I do,” he touched her hand.  “May I spend one more night with you?  I promise I’ll be on my very best behavior.”

 

“Yes,” she laughed lying in the bed pulling the covers for him to get in.  She turned on her side looking out the window at stars.  Undertaker cuddled next to her putting his arm around her waist. 

 

“Good night Samantha,” he kissed her cheek. 

 

“Good night Taker,” she closed thinking of Kane across the hall. 

 

Kane couldn’t sleep he tossed and turned in the bed.  He kept staring at the door knowing he had hurt Samantha tonight.  He slowly got out of bed quietly going to the door opening it to the empty quiet hall.  Kane listened to the low noise of Bradshaw snoring from next door.  He went across the hall to her door laying his hand on her door.  He silently pushed it open enough to see her asleep in the arms of the Undertaker.  Kane watched her sleep from the doorway her face illuminated by the moonlight.  He was about to turn away when she started to stir. 

 

“Glen, I love you,” she murmured.  The words went straight to his heart trying to unlock the door holding his love inside for her. 

 

“I love you too Samantha,” he whispered.  “My brother is the better man for you.  I love you enough to let him have you.”   Kane slowly shut the door returning to his room.

 

Samantha woke in the morning finding a note from Taker saying he had gone for a ride with Bradshaw and would see her later.  She heard a knock on her door. 

 

“Come in,” she pulled on her robe smiling when Stephanie opened the door.

 

“Hey Sammy,” Stephanie said looking sad.

 

“What is wrong?” Samantha hugged her little sister.

 

“Everyone keeps having dreams and remembering things about living here or around this castle before.  I only remember little things.  Test was telling me he dreamed last night about us having a son together.  He also remembered me getting very upset about something I heard while riding through the woods with Sir John.  Why can’t I dream or remember any of this?” Stephanie pouted.

 

“I don’t know.  You have to want to remember.  I have an idea Test gave you a place to start go for a ride with Bradshaw when he gets back,” Samantha watched Stephanie shake her head. 

 

“I don’t like horseback riding,” Stephanie frowned.

 

“Steph, just give it one try.  I will ask Shane and Test to entertain Rob while you’re gone,” Samantha pulled her long hair up into a ponytail. 

 

“Ok I’ll try,” Stephanie sighed noticing how distracted Samantha was.  “I heard about you and Kane last night.  Are you ok?”

 

“Yes, I just really wish he would talk to me.  I have to find some way to break through his walls,” Samantha rubbed her face feeling nothing but frustration.

 

“Good luck sis.  I’ve known Kane for a few years and he is still a mystery to me,” Stephanie slightly shivered. 

 

“He is one mystery I’m definitely going to solve,” Samantha deeply sighed as Stephanie hugged. 

 

“I know you will.  True love always finds a way,” Stephanie watched Samantha returning to her bathroom finishing getting ready.  Samantha decided to wear a dark blue tank top and blue jeans.  She picked up one of the jean shirts Undertaker had left in her room putting it on.  She checked her reflection one more time in the mirror as Stephanie watched deep in thought.

 

“Wait a minute Sammy, I have a better idea.  Put Taker’s shirt back,” Stephanie smiled broadly.  “Go ask Kane for a flannel shirt to keep you warm.”

 

“I can’t do that.  What if he gets mad?” Samantha’s eyes went wide at her sister’s idea.

“Yes you can do it,” Stephanie pushed Samantha towards the door.  “Also get that big boy to come down to the garden for breakfast.  I know you can do it and don’t worry about a thing I’ll make sure everything is set up in the garden.”

 

Stephanie grinned running down the stairs leaving Samantha alone in the hall.  She took a deep breathe lightly knocking on his door unsure about Stephanie’s idea.  She was about to walk away after the second knock when the door slowly opened. Kane peered out at her surprised to see her.  He looked irresistible shirtless his long hair still damp from his shower.  Samantha felt her pulse quickening at how sexy he was even with the mask on.

 

“What do you want?” Kane said softly.

 

“I’m sorry to bother you for such a silly request but can I borrow a flannel shirt?” she pleaded with her eyes. 

 

“I guess come on in I’ll see what I have,” Kane opened the door letting her in.  He went through his suitcase handing her a navy blue flannel shirt. 

 

“Thank you Kane,” she smiled at him making his heart pound out of his chest. 

 

“Where is Taker?” Kane asked watching her put his shirt on over her tank top.  He smiled under his mask thinking she looked incredibly sexy in his shirt even though it was huge on her.

 

“Riding with Bradshaw,” she said watching him pull his navy blue t-shirt.

 

“I’m sure he will be back soon then you can continue your memory lane trip with him,” Kane turned away from the hurt rising in her eyes running a brush through his hair. 

 

“I’m not worried about him,” Samantha moved close to Kane reaching up touching his shoulder.  “You’re the one I want to remember the past with.”

 

“Why would you want to do that?  Just let the past stay where it belongs,” Kane turned staring deep into her eyes. 

 

“I can’t do that.  There are too many unanswered questions,” Samantha said trying not to feel nervous under his stare.  “I really need you.  Kane, please don’t push away.”

 

“Don’t I scare you?” he touched his mask. 

 

“Why would be I afraid?  I know the man behind the mask,” Samantha put her hand over his heart.  “I know how loving your heart is and you would never hurt me. Who knows maybe soon you’ll let me see the handsome man behind the mask.”

 

“You don’t want to see under my mask,” Kane pushed her hand away. “I’m not the same man I used to be.  His soul isn’t in this body.”

 

“Kane, will you make a deal with me?” Samantha twirled her hair nervously around her fingers.

 

“What deal?” Kane sat down on the bed across from her. 

 

“Spend the day with me.  If by the end of the day you still want to push me away than I’ll respect your wishes and leave you alone,” she hoped he would agree.

 

“I don’t think that is a good idea,” Kane looked away from her hopeful eyes.  He was surprised when she quickly stood gently touching his chin making him look at her. 

 

“Kane, its just one day.  What harm can it do?” Samantha ran her fingers lightly along his neck. “Are you afraid I’ll break down your tough walls and you‘ll have to stop pushing me away.”

 

“I push you away because I love you.  I don’t want you to have to love a monster,” Kane sighed touching her cheek running his long fingers along her face. 

 

“If you love me, than spend the day with me. Let me see this terrible monster you claim to be,” she smiled. 

 

“Ok Samantha, I am yours for the day,” he smiled. 

 

“Thank you Kane,” she caressed his hand. “Come on downstairs with me.”  She held his hand tightly pulling him downstairs.

 

Ch 10

 

Stephanie nervously sat at the table watching Bradshaw eat his breakfast while looking through a magazine.  She looked down at her food realizing she hadn’t touched a bite yet. 

 

“Steph, is there something wrong with me this morning?” Bradshaw looked up at her.

 

“No why?”

 

“You keep staring at me like I have two heads or something.  Speak up what do you want?” Bradshaw stared directly at her.

 

“Will you go horseback riding with me today?” she softly said surprising him.

 

“Me? Don’t you want Rob?” he closed the magazine giving Stephanie his full attention. 

 

“Test said he had a dream where I was upset after riding with you.  So I want to go riding with you to see if I can remember why,” Stephanie nervously smiled at him.

 

“I wish you would have told me this before I went riding with Taker,” Bradshaw frowned. 

 

“Where did you and Taker go riding to early this morning?”

 

“One of the cliffs that overlooks the sea.  It was the place him and I used to meet to talk about things without nosy ears hearing,” Bradshaw sat back in his chair.  “Watching the sun rise was magnificent this morning.”

 

“Take me riding there please,” she begged with her eyes. 

 

“I want to take you riding to another place but it has to wait till this afternoon.  I’ll meet you back here around 1.  Is that ok?”

 

“That is perfect.  Thank you Bradshaw,” she smiled at him as he reopened his magazine reading his article. 

 

Samantha led Kane into the garden.  Kane looked around seeing the nicely decorated table under the gazebo with breakfast already waiting.   Samantha smiled at the beautiful job Stephanie had done for them.  Kane waited till Samantha sat down before sitting across from her. 

 

“This is nice.  The cooks here make the most delicious food,” Kane looked hungrily at his omelet and the fresh fruit and pastries on the table.  He silently cursed realizing he needed to take off his mask to eat.

 

“I’m glad you like it,” she smiled pouring the coffee for them. She noticed the tension in Kane’s neck.  She cautiously put her hands on his broad shoulders slowly massaging them. “What is wrong?” 

 

“Nothing,” he said quickly.  Her touch felt soothing as she kneaded his muscles. 

 

“Please tell me,” she leaned close to his ear her breathe tickling his neck. 

 

“I can’t eat with the mask,” he said softly. 

 

“Stop being silly just take it off,” she ran her fingers along his neck feeling the tightness of his muscles. 

 

“I’ll just eat later,” he said as his stomach started to growl making Samantha laugh.  She slowly ran her fingers through his hair touching the straps of the mask.  She thought for a minute getting a smile on her face. 

 

“What if I take your mask off?” Samantha moved in front of him. 

 

“Sammy no way,” he shook his head.

 

“Do you mind if I sit on your lap?” Samantha hoped her idea would work. 

 

“What are you up to?” his eyes grew wide as he decided to see what Samantha was going to do.  He pushed his chair back from the table patting his lap as she sat down. 

 

“I wish you would eat with me,” she gave him a sad look reaching for a plump strawberry. 

 

“I’m not hungry,” he tried to ignore his stomach. 

 

“Ok,” she shrugged her shoulders slowly taking a bite out of the strawberry.  His hungry eyes watched the juices run down her delicate fingers.  “Are you sure you don’t want some?”

 

“Samantha, do you know what you’re doing to me right now?” he sighed as she put the strawberry down straddling his lap facing him.

 

“I know what I want to do to you,” she caressed his chin under the mask. “Please take the mask off.”

 

Kane didn’t say a word enjoying her caress staring into her loving eyes realizing she truly had no fear of him.  She didn’t see him as a monster only as the man she loved.  He deeply sighed taking his mask off preparing for Samantha to turn away from him in horror.   Samantha pushed his hair away from his handsome face running her fingers lightly along his scars. He trembled under her gently touch.  He looked into her eyes knowing he would do anything for this woman.  

 

“Thank you for taking it off.  You are very handsome and shouldn’t be hiding behind that mask,” she kissed his cheek.  She picked up the strawberry running it along his lips till he took a bite.

 

“Very sweet,” he rested his hands on her hips as she feed him another strawberry.  He leaned forward holding her against him with one arm dipping a strawberry into the whipped cream. He smiled as she took a bite never taking her eyes from his.  He leaned closer to her softly kissing her sweet lips.

 

“You’re even sweeter,” he whispered against her lips kissing her again.  She wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her closer kissing her deeper. 

 

“Don’t ever let me go again,” she broke their kiss.  “My heart can bear to lose you again.”

 

“I’m not going anywhere,” he caressed her cheek.  “You and I have some memories to stir up today.  Let’s finish breakfast and than go for a walk along the shore.”

 

“That sounds perfect.  Is there a reason why?” she gave him a sweet smile.

 

“I’ll tell you then unless you remember yourself.”

 

“I’m sure I will,” she went to move off his lap when he pulled her back. 

 

“Don’t run away,” he reached for her plate moving it next to his. 

 

“I guess this means you won’t be pushing me away anymore,” she leaned back against his chest. 

 

“I’ll be pulling you closer every chance I get,” he wrapped his arms around her.  “You have a powerful hold over me I couldn’t even resist you for an hour.”

 

“This feels like my dream is coming true,” Samantha entwined her fingers with his.  “We will figure out the rest of the mystery about our past right?”

 

“Sweetheart, we will it may take some time and some help from the others,” Kane kissed her forehead.  “Come on let’s eat and start putting all the pieces together.” Samantha nodded ok happy just to be in his safe arms.

 

Undertaker watched from Kane’s window feeling his heart break as the two lost lovers found their way back to one another sharing a passionate kiss.  He knew Samantha and Kane would rekindle their love he just never thought it would so soon.  He felt happy for his little brother and he knew Samantha was right.  Taker would always have a bond with Samantha and that was all he needed.  He watched the couple cuddling deciding it was time to figure out the past and why fate had brought them all back to this castle.  Taker sighed hoping they could do it in time before the past repeated itself.

 

 

Part 2

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