Prologue:

"She's dying," Mercury reported sadly.

The king closed his eyes against the most unwelcome announcement, as if by refusing to see the events unfolding around him he could change reality.

There had been too many of them. The vengeful spirits had grown in number over the centuries always focused on only one thing – his queen.

"She can't die," he said brokenly turning back to the one and only love of his life as she lay there pale and unmoving. He prayed that she would open her crystal blue eyes and dazzle him with her ever-present smile. Instead, she remained frozen, framed in the golden sunshine of her hair. He squeezed her hand. She did not respond.

"I don't think she will awaken again, your majesty."

His worst fears were coming to life before his eyes.

He hadn't been fast enough. He hadn't been able to protect her. He should have been able to protect her. She was the most loving and compassionate person in existence. Why did the spirits want her? Why did they flock to her, screaming for her death? Even now, the creatures surrounded the palace with otherworldly screeches scrambling at doors, windows, and cracks.

He cradled her golden head against his chest. He couldn't lose her, he screamed in his mind. He didn't know who he would be without her love gentling him. He feared the cold existence before her and he could not go back to that. The sunlight itself seemed to diminish as he took in her sleeping form.

"Your majesty!" Venus called, bringing his attention back to the spirits clamoring at the gates. Their numbers had multiplied again – the dark mist pressed against every window and seemed to be oozing through the seams.

"What is causing this?" he demanded in rage. "Where are they coming from?"

The blue soldier of knowledge typed furiously on her handheld computer.

"I've never seen readings like these," she mumbled.

"Mercury!" Mars screamed impatiently.

"Your majesty, I think I finally have enough data to present a theory."

He hated her in that moment. The most important person to all five of them lay dying a few inches away and she had that awe in her voice. The incredulity she always had whenever she made a scientific breakthrough.

"Well?" he demanded when she did not continue.

"It's you," she said, her eyes never leaving the little screen.

"What the hell does that mean?" he spat.

She finally looked up, meeting his eyes. "It's all centered around you. You're creating this nightmare."

…..

A/N:

This is a sequel to Once Upon a Dream, though I think you'll have no trouble following it even if you haven't read that one first. This has been in the works for awhile now and I want to apologize to my followers for the delay. You have my husband and muse to thank for this finally getting out as he helped me iron out my premise that I was struggling with for the longest time. This story is dedicated to him and our own story of true love! Anyway, hope you enjoy!