“Not so fast,” someone called out from behind her.
She raised the spear and spun in time to see a disfigured Paler enter the room.
“Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Omin,” he said then, with great bravado, bowed. “I’m going to destroy you.”
Seta raced into the room, out of breath. “It is I,” she breathed, “who will destroy you, Omin.”
A swirl of green mist emerged from the middle of the room, and everyone stopped to stare as a beautiful blonde in an emerald dress came into view. Ann blinked. This had to be Kathz, but she had assumed Kathz would be an ugly old hag.
“All three of you have passed the tests, but only one can take the crown,” Kathz spoke, her voice surprisingly soft.
“That’ll be me,” Omin snapped and headed for the throne.
“No.” Seta hurried after him and grabbed him by the arm. “It’s Ann’s. She’s the rightful queen.”
Ann’s eyebrows rose. Since when did Seta want her to succeed?
But Ann chose not to dwell on it. She lunged for the throne. Omin jumped on her back, knocking her to the ground. Ann rolled and tried to stab him with the spear, but he shoved her out of the way and stood up. Seta pounced on him, and they went tumbling back until they hit a wall.
Ann glanced at the crown. She had a clear path to it now, but Omin was pinning Seta down and had his hands wrapped around her throat. Ann winced. She didn’t have enough time to grab the crown and save Seta. She had to choose. And since Seta had just saved her, it seemed only right she do her part to help Seta.
Angling the spear, Ann came up behind Omin as he tightened his hold on Seta’s neck. Ann heard several cracks and cringed. That couldn’t be good. Focusing on what she had to do, Ann plunged the spear through his back, hoping his vital organs were in the same place that they were on humans.
She waited for a long moment, ready to grab the spear if she needed it. But then Omin slouched forward, dead. Ann shoved him off of Seta.
“Seta, are you okay?” Ann asked, afraid to move her since her neck was at an awkward angle.
Seta grabbed Ann’s arm. “Queen Ann, have mercy on Pale.” Her hold loosened, and she let out a raspy breath. “Talk to First Commander Jaz. She can explain…”
Ann waited for Seta to continue, but she didn’t. Ann wasn’t sure if Palers stopping breathing or if their heart—or hearts?—stopped beating when they died. With a glance at Kathz, she asked, “Is Seta dead?”
Kathz nodded. “Her last act has redeemed her. I will send her soul to the star directly above her beloved Pale so she can watch over it. As for her body, it will return to Pale for a proper burial.”
A swirl of green mist swirled around Seta and lifted her body in the air.
“Omin, however, deserves no such comfort in death,” Kathz continued. “His soul shall be trapped in his body where he will have to live through all the memories of those he tormented. He will also be denied a burial.”
His body disappeared.
“Remind me to never piss you off,” Ann commented.
Kathz smiled. “It’s called justice. It’s impartial to all. Your decisions will direct your fate.” She gestured to the crown. “And yours have led you to the crown.”
With a nod, Ann went over to the throne and picked up the diamond crown. It wouldn’t kill her because she was the rightful heir to the throne. Repeating this to herself, she placed it on her head and waited. For a moment, nothing happened, but then the swirl of purple mist surrounded her. When it dissipated, she saw that she was wearing a purple gown trimmed in pearls.
“Long live the queen,” Kathz said and bowed.
***
When Ann emerged from the Dark Castle, she saw that Hathor was waiting for her, and with him were the Sphinx, three Palers, Inno, Leo, Calhoun and Erin. Behind Ann, Seta’s body floated in the green mist and followed her down the walkway.
Before she reached the end of it, Hathor ran up to her and wrapped her in his arms. “I’m so glad you’re here. I thought I was going to lose you.”
Unable to resist the urge to tease him, she said, “Oh, you know how it is. One adventure after another. Just another day in the life of the queen.”
He laughed and looked down at her. “I know, but that was cutting it close.”
“Come now, Hathor. Where’s your sense of excitement? If I recall correctly, you were happy when we almost got killed in the cave and almost got chewed up by a dragon.”
“Yeah, well, that kind of excitement is one thing. Losing you would have been much worse. And it’s not just because you’re going to be the queen.” Cupping her face in his hands, he brushed her cheeks with the pads of his thumbs. “I love you.”
With a smile, she asked, “Are you going to stare at me or are you going to kiss me?”
He chuckled then brought his lips to hers. She leaned into him and deepened the kiss. In all her time with William, it hadn’t been as good as this, and there was no doubt in her mind that she made the right choice. Hathor would be her husband. She’d never love anyone as much as she loved him.
Recalling the others, she ended the kiss and took his hand, leading him over to them.
Inno was the first to speak. “You’re the next queen?”
“I am,” she replied. “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you, but since Queen Basilia sent me and Seta with a map to the Dark Castle, I felt it best not to reveal my true identity.” She ran her hand over Leo’s mane. “Though someone on this world was never fooled, was he?”
Leo purred.
She turned to Calhoun. “I can’t change you into a fairy until I have been officially crowned, but I will make it one of my first acts as queen.”
“Thank you,” he replied, and Erin fluttered her wings in appreciation.
Though Ann was still apprehensive about talking to the Palers, she went over to the three who had remained quiet. “Seta was a hero,” she told them. “In the process of saving my life, she lost hers. Omin is no longer a threat. He’s dead, and Kathz sent him away without a burial. As for Seta, Kathz has preserved her body so you may give her a burial, but her soul is now among the stars.”
“Thank you,” one of the females replied. “I’m Jaz. This is Paff, and this is Halima. We hope there might be some way that we can make amends.”
“Considering the fact that you told the Olympians to bring me back from Earth and Seta helped me, I’m willing to discuss it, but I can’t do it until I’m officially declared queen.”
“I understand,” Jaz replied.
“May I take everyone to the Royal Palace?” the Sphinx offered.
Agreeing, Ann and the others went up her back. Hathor brought her into his arms, and Ann settled against him, glad she was where she belonged.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Royal Palace
Planet: Raz
The following day, Ann found herself at the entrance of the throne room once again, but this time she didn’t feel as overwhelmed as before. This time she felt more ready for the task that loomed before her. She would be the queen of this world. She glanced at the creatures who had gathered to witness the event. Yes, this time was much better than before. She no longer felt like a stranger on this world. This time, she knew she belonged here.
Hathor escorted her down the aisle, smiling proudly at her, as was his way. When they reached Queen Basilia, she knelt in front of her.
“Ann Kerwin of Earth,” Queen Basilia began, “it is my pleasure to transfer the rights of the crown and the responsibilities that go along with it to you.” She lifted the crown off of her head. “Everyone on this world will serve you and protect you. We are in your debt.” After she placed the crown on Ann’s head, she motioned for Ann to stand.
Taking a deep breath, Ann obeyed, surprised when Basilia bowed before her.
“May your kingdom prosper, Queen Ann.”
Basilia then gestured for her to turn to face the others who were in the large room, and she did. Hathor and the others bowed and
spoke in one accord, “Long live the queen of Raz.”
Ann’s breath caught in her throat. The ceremony had been such a simple one. Indeed, she had expected something far longer than five minutes, but even in its simplicity, it didn’t detract from the grandness of the whole thing. She didn’t know if she was supposed to say something or not, but the Great Magician stepped forward as the others rose to their feet.
“Have you selected a husband?” the magician asked.
She opened her mouth to speak but realized she needed to clear her throat first so she did. “I have,” she finally replied and turned to Hathor. “I choose him.”
She couldn’t be sure, but it seemed that Hathor stood a tad bit taller at her announcement. Returning his grin, she turned as the magician took Basilia’s place between the two thrones.
Basilia placed Hathor’s hand in Ann’s. “May you prove to be worthy of the queen, and may your union be fruitful.”
Hathor thanked her then squeezed Ann’s hand.
“It is my honor to preside over the marriage of Ann and Hathor,” the Great Magician spoke, his tone as solemn as it’d been since Ann met him. She wondered if he was always so serious, but before she could give it too much thought, he continued, “The role of a king is not to be taken lightly. He is to be diligent in protecting the queen and ensuring the future of Raz by giving her a daughter. Do you swear upon your life that you will do these things to the best of your ability?”
“I do,” Hathor replied.
“And do you, Queen Ann, take this man to be your husband with the understanding that if he doesn’t fulfill his obligation to give you a daughter, you can choose another husband to take his place. However, if he does provide you a daughter, you are still permitted to divorce him and marry another man.”
Though Hathor had explained this situation to her, it still unnerved her. “Can’t I promise to stay married to him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health as long as we both shall live?”
The magician’s eyes grew wide. “Why would you want to do that?”
“It’s okay,” Hathor whispered to her. “This is the way we do things on Raz. If you want to stay married to me forever, then that is a choice you can make.”
“Can’t I say it in the vows?” she asked.
“The vows only bind you two for as long as you wish to be with him,” the magician replied.
“Then why can’t I say I’ll stay married to him for as long as we both shall live?”
“Because once you speak them, they can’t be undone. This is not something to take lightly. You have the fate of the world to think about.”
“Well, if something happens and I don’t have a daughter,” she began, choosing her words carefully, “then Raz will have to send for another queen to replace me. That’s how I got to be here, after all.”
“I won’t argue with you, my queen,” the magician finally replied. “This is your kingdom, and you’re at liberty to do as you wish.”
“Fine. Then I vow to be with Hathor as long as we both shall live.”
“Very well.” The magician conjured a crown for Hathor and placed it on his head. “You are now the king. May you be worthy of the queen.” Placing his hand over theirs, he added, “The vows are done. You have my blessing.”
Everyone applauded, and Ann glanced at Hathor who smiled at her. She returned his smile and squeezed his hand. At least Hathor knew that he never had to worry about her choosing someone to replace him. She’d hate it if he were to do that to her and saw no reason to make him think it was even a possibility.
As Hathor led her down the aisle, she scanned the room once more. This time she noted familiar faces in the crowd that she had missed before. There was Zeus and the other main Olympian gods, there was Calhoun and Inno who stood with their parents, and there was even Paff who stood with Zak and Jaz. Seeing the familiar faces warmed her heart. She belonged here. Raz really was her new home.
“You won’t be expected to do any business today,” Hathor told her. “Today there will be a celebration. Tomorrow you will start your duties. But don’t worry. I’ll be here to assist you.”
“Good because I have a lot to learn.”
“You’ll do great. Come on. I’ll take you to the wedding feast.”
Catching his smile, she returned it and squeezed his arm. “Lead the way, my king.
***
Hathor tried to be patient in his bedchamber that evening as he waited for Ann to summon him. He had already dressed in his nightclothes. Now, he stood by the window overlooking the kingdom. But on this particular night, he wasn’t thinking of Raz or the tasks he must perform tomorrow. At the moment, his focus was solely on Ann.
He’d been looking forward to the wedding night more than he’d been waiting for the wedding, but he had to admit knowing Ann had chosen to promise herself to him for better or worse was an honor he couldn’t recall any king being granted before. The Great Magician had been right when he told her this wasn’t done.
But she came from Earth, and the way they did things on Earth was different from how they did things here. And she chose to share the same commitment people on her world did when they married. He couldn’t help but smile when he thought about it.
There was no doubt in his mind that she was the perfect choice for the queen of Raz. She’d already developed a love for this planet. That love would only strengthen over time.
A knock came at his door, and he jerked. He hurried to the door and opened it.
Athen chuckled. “A little anxious, aren’t you?”
Hathor should have known his childhood friend would tease him. “You’re just upset because she chose me instead of you.”
“While it is the highest honor to be the king, no one deserves it more than you. I’m happy for you, my friend.”
After thanking him, he asked, “Is the queen ready for me?”
“Yep. She summoned you five minutes ago, but I didn’t want you to seem too eager. No need to thank me.”
If Hathor hadn’t been so excited about seeing Ann, he would have told Athen what he thought of making him wait longer than necessary. But in this case, he decided he’d let it go.
He left his bedchamber and went down the hallway. When he reached her room, he knocked on the door.
“Come in,” Ann called.
He entered her bedchamber and shut the door softly behind him. His gaze went directly to where she sat in front of her vanity. Her hair softly fell down her back, and the silk white robe she wore concealed her from her neck to her ankles. Not knowing exactly what he was going to find when he removed it piqued his interest.
Recalling his manners, he closed the distance between them and knelt before her. “My queen.”
With a sigh, Ann turned toward him and shook her head. “I wish you wouldn’t insist on being so formal with me.”
“But you are the queen.”
“And you’re my husband. That makes you equal to me.” Before he could protest, she added, “To me, it does. I understand it’s not that way for you, but it’s going to be weird for me to consummate this marriage if you insist on kneeling in front of me and bowing all the time.”
“I want to demonstrate how much I esteem you. You’re the queen. It’s your right, and it’s how the king is to treat the queen.”
She hesitated for a moment then clasped his hands in hers. “How about this? When we’re alone, treat me as an equal. When we’re with others, go ahead and bow and do all the things kings are supposed to do. Does that work?”
“Alright.” Though it would be strange. He didn’t think any other queen ever made such a request of her husband, but since she made the request of him, he needed to honor her by doing it. “I’ll do as you wish.”
“Then kiss me.”
“I don’t need your permission to do that,” he teased, though it delighted him that she’d suggest he do it.
“Then what are you waiting for?” she replied with a grin.
&nbs
p; He obliged her and brought his lips to hers. He had kissed her before, of course. First in the Great Prison then at the Dark Castle. But this was their first kiss as husband and wife, and for that reason, it was much better than the others. This would be the first kiss of many to come. And he was secure in knowing that she wouldn’t choose another king to replace him once their daughter was born. She wanted to be with him forever.
He pulled her into his arms and deepened the kiss. He’d be lying if he didn’t admit to having daydreams of being with her on their wedding night once he met her, but this was much better than any of those. This was real.
“Thank you for choosing me,” he whispered when their kiss ended.
Then taking her hands, he led her to the bed. Despite his inexperience, he untied the ribbons holding her robe in place, pleased when he realized she wasn’t wearing anything underneath. She was perfectly made. Full breasts with nipples that hardened in the cool room. A slender waist. Dark curls that hid her secret place. It both excited and overwhelmed him that he had the privilege of making love to her. Unable to believe his good fortune, he knelt in front of her and bowed his head.
“Why are you kneeling again?” she asked.
“I don’t feel worthy to be with you.”
“What? Oh, that’s just silly.” She encouraged him to stand up. “Hathor, I just told you that when we’re alone, you don’t have to bow or kneel.” She cupped his face in her hands. “Just think of me as an ordinary person from Earth. You remember Earth. That boring planet in the boring galaxy?”
“It’s the Average Galaxy,” he replied then caught the humor underlying her tone and returned her smile.
“There. See? I’m the same easygoing person I always was. Well, I’m easygoing when someone isn’t trying to kill me. I tend to get uptight in those situations.”
This time he laughed.
“So, how does this magic work?”
“Magic?”
A Royal Engagement (Enchanted Galaxy Series Book 1) Page 23
