by Frank David
“Cousins, I am sorry,” she called out to them. “Please, you have nothing to fear. I am myself, once more.” She gestured for them to join her.
Astrid looked at the others. She was not sure she trusted Stela, but she could not hide in Rothmar forever. She gingerly stepped from the doorway and walked down the stairs. She flinched as Stela ran toward her.
“I love you,” Stela hugged Astrid tightly. “I am sorry for the things I said. We must work to improve our realms’ relations.”
“You have suffered much since taking the throne. I suppose you cannot be blamed for you actions. I suggest you avoid situations in the future which upset you,” Astrid nervously laughed as she returned Stela’s hug.
Amanda and Maurice followed. Stela apologized and agreed she would never threaten them again. Maurice helped Harris enter Rothmar, while Stela and Braynard remained in the courtyard. Orthia, Astrid, and Amanda left the two alone, joining the others inside.
“I am afraid you have worn yourself out,” Braynard said. He could sense Stela was becoming weak. She had expended much energy and would need to rest.
“I am feeling quite exhausted,” she responded as the two walked toward the palace.
“You will not be returning to them.” Braynard stopped her. “It is time for you to come with me. There is much to do before you face Diana. I am afraid she is more powerful now.”
“I cannot celebrate with my family? I must leave now?” Stela began to move toward the palace.
“Stela, we must go. You have destroyed all that Diana held dear. She will seek to come for you soon. You are not prepared for her. You must learn to control the powers so that you will never again do what occurred here today.” Braynard grabbed her arm. He supported her as she collapsed. The two vanished.
Harris returned to the courtyard. It was empty. There was no sign of Braynard or Stela.
“Stela!” he called out. “Braynard?” Neither answered. He ran about the grounds looking for his wife, but she was not to be found.
‘She is with me,” the voice rang in his head. “She is fine. I must prepare her. My time grows short, as does hers. You will not see her again. You will be regent to young Joseph. Raise him well.”
“Stela! Stela!” he screamed but she would not come. The others heard his cries and rushed out to join him.
“Where is she?” Astrid asked, trying to console him.
“He has taken her,” Harris said, turning to her. “We are not to see her again.”
Orthia reached out and placed her hand on his back. His face was buried in Astrid’s shoulder. His sobs were faint, but she could sense his pain. “This was his plan all along,” she finally said.
“What?” Amanda asked.
“The making of a magister,” Orthia whispered.
Other works by Frank David
Available in paperback and Kindle through Amazon
Making of an Empress – Realm of Hulsteria Book One
Making of a Warrior – Realm of Hulsteria Book Two
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Both books available on Amazon – paperback and Kindle
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