by J. D. Wright
Cassandra laughed. “Oh, don’t mind me. I’ve experienced the Blood Moon, as well. Although, I didn’t have full magic then… But it was still… powerful.” She glanced sideways at Dagan for a moment, then took another bite of her biscuit.
Sidonie saw the look that Cassandra gave to Dagan and the color drained from her face. She wanted to reach across the table and grab a handful of Cassandra’s hair, then drag her out of the castle and—
Sensing something bad was about to happen, Dagan jumped over the table and took Sidonie’s hand. “We will go find that potion for you, Rhea, and deliver it to your suite. Cassandra, I will return shortly.” Sidonie allowed him to lead her out of the hall and up the upstairs but rounded on him the moment they entered the wizard’s tower and closed the door behind them.
“You were with her on a Blood Moon?” Sidonie shouted.
“Maybe? I don’t know,” Dagan said, shaking his head. “If I was, I didn’t realize it. I didn’t even know that day was a called a Blood Moon, back then. It was just a day that I had more… energy.”
“Well, maybe you should tell her that because she practically boasted about your powerful sex!”
“Sid, please. We’ve been over this. You know that there were… other women… before I met you. I haven’t lied once about that.”
“Sometimes I wish you would lie about it, Dagan. Sometimes I wish I didn’t know.”
“It doesn’t matter, Sid. None of that matters. None of those women matter. Not even… her.” He decided not to say Cassandra’s name. “Do you actually doubt my feelings for you?”
“No. I don’t. Usually…” She was beginning to feel shame for even thinking it. “I can’t help it. She does this to me. Every single time. I don’t usually behave this way.”
“I know.”
“I don’t know why I let her bother me.” Sidonie looked away and took a deep breath.
“I know,” he repeated and pulled her close. The moment their skin touched, their magic instantly began to react. “Do you feel that?”
“Yes,” she said, looking up at him.
“Well, she can’t. No one else can. No other woman can. Ever again. This,” he said, pointing back and forth between them, “is ours. Fate made damn sure that you and I came together.”
“I like fate,” Sidonie said, eyeing Dagan’s mouth. “I like fate, a lot. But I don’t like Cassandra.”
“I will deal with Cassandra. You just help Rhea before she accidentally causes Reeve to hurt himself.”
He started to kiss her, but she put her hand up to block him. “I think we should avoid that, if possible. We can’t stay in here for the entire day and if you kiss me right now, we will never make it out of this room.”
“I believe you may be right.” Dagan kissed her hand, instead, then went back to the hall. He found Cassandra exactly where he had left her, only now she was surrounded by men who were laughing and admiring her. He pulled her arm and guided her away from them. He didn’t stop walking until they were outside in the courtyard.
“Did you come here intending to cause problems?” he asked her, letting go of her arm.
“If your sorceress can’t handle a bit of truth, she has no business being the Elder Mage.”
“I didn’t decide to make her the Elder Mage. Neither did she. The realm chose her. She and I, both, wish it hadn’t. So there is no need for you to challenge her. But I would really appreciate your restraint in regards to our history.”
“I don’t know what you mean,” she said, smiling.
“I don’t have time for this.” He started to leave, but she stepped in front of him.
“I didn’t come here to pester your woman. I came here to help,” she said, speaking calmly.
“How are you going to help? You can’t stop the magic from spreading. Females, likely all over the realm, are going to get magic. If they haven’t already.”
“And do you realize what this can do? What problems this can cause?”
“You mean another war? Yes, we’ve considered it. But we’re hoping it won’t come to that.” Dagan tried to avoid imagining all of the terrible situations that could possibly stem from this change in the realm’s magic.
“Then, you underestimate the hatred that still exists among wizards in regards to females with magic, Dagan. This could be disastrous. Not to mention, deadly. Now that women have magic, again, who knows what they will choose to do with it.”
“I know. We know. We have sent messages to every kingdom, advising them of the situation. We’re hoping that each kingdom’s Royal Mage will set aside any personal feelings and be willing to help these women. And girls.”
“You know, as well as I do, that wizards tend to create children and then leave them to the mothers to raise while they wander around the realm. Who is going to be there to teach these girls how to use their magic safely? Not everyone has a magical family like I do.”
“I realize that. We’ve already gotten a visit from a young woman who accidentally flooded her chambers. Her husband was terrified of her and he isn’t even a wizard. How do you intend to help?”
“By giving you these,” she said, reaching into a pouch hanging over her shoulder. She pulled out three amulets, attached to chains and held them up.
“Those may help, but I’m not sure they will be enough. Sidonie let that woman try her amulet and it didn’t make much of a difference.”
“These aren’t like my usual amulets,” she said.
She took one of the red stones and placed it into Dagan’s hand. Immediately, Dagan’s face became concerned. He could feel his magic being suppressed, much more than usual. It almost reminded him of the night that the third moon was half full and his magic had been greatly reduced.
“How did you do this?” he asked, rolling the stone around in his hand.
“It was my mother’s idea, actually. She had an old book with enchantments inside. We’ve never been able to use them because none of us have ever had enough magic. Now, I do.”
“This might actually work, Cassandra,” Dagan said, handing the stone back to her. He could feel his power return the moment the stone was out of his hands. “This could help the new sorceresses to control their magic until they can learn to use it.”
“How, exactly, are they going to learn? I know only a handful of wizards who would be willing to teach them. Who is going to handle this?”
“I guess… we will. I don’t want to volunteer my queen’s kingdom as a refuge so we will have to decide on another way. But those stones may be the first step. How many can you make and how quickly?”
“I came prepared. As always,” she said, smiling. Dagan followed her over to her horse, which was tied to a post on the far side of the courtyard. She opened the flap of a bag strapped to the horse’s saddle. Inside, there were dozens of amulets, in different colors. “I coordinated the colors to the amount of magic the amulet suppresses. Red is the strongest, and should go to the youngest sorceresses. Blue is a bit weaker and the purple stones are the weakest. Those should go to older sorceresses, who have more of an ability to learn control.”
“I don’t know what to say, Cassandra. This is extremely helpful. You may have outdone yourself,” Dagan said, impressed.
“I am simply doing my part. I have dreamed of having full magic for my entire life. Perhaps, if I had, I could have saved my brother. If I can do something, anything, to save another person with magic from being persecuted, by Sabras or wizards, I will.”
“I don’t think the Sabras pose much of a threat to anyone,” Dagan said, taking the bag when she held it out to him. “Not anymore. As long as they don’t feel threatened, that is.”
Cassandra didn’t believe him but decided there was no use in arguing. Now that he was in love with a Sabra, he would never agree with her. “What are you going to do with them?”
“I will see what Sidonie wants to do. We will probably send some to every kingdom, in hopes that their Royal Mages will distribute them. If they won’t
, we may have to find a way to do it ourselves.”
“They are fairly light. An eagle should easily be able to carry them. Carine is going to North Everealm before the first frost and can take some of the amulets with her, as well.”
“How is your sister? It’s been years now since I’ve seen most of your family.”
“She fell in love with a man from Nivea. She met him in Sire and they are planning to marry in the spring. I have convinced her to assist us, even though she wants little to nothing to do with magic, anymore.”
“I don’t blame her,” Dagan said, shaking his head.
Carine had fallen deeply in love with a wizard when she was younger, only to be left behind when the wizard found his magical mate. It was, unfortunately, a common occurrence in the realm and the cause of much disdain toward wizards over the years.
Sadly, it was something mostly out of a wizard’s control, but a broken hearted woman would never see it that way. The fear of this very situation is what caused many wizards to avoid marriage. They would rather be free to find their mate than be tied to a woman who wasn’t their mate. It also meant that many female children were raised without their wizard fathers.
“I don’t blame her either, to be honest. But she did agree to take a few amulets with her in case she happens upon someone who needs it along the way.”
“Good thinking. How long do you intend to stay? Here, in Junacave?”
“I wasn’t planning to stay. That’s why I didn’t let anyone stable my horse. I didn’t want to give your Elder Mage the opportunity to kill me in my sleep,” she said, smiling.
“She doesn’t hate you… that much,” he replied. “Well, she may now. You really don’t understand the idea of playing nice, do you?”
Cassandra smirked. “I don’t. I am on my way to Taten to purchase more stones, then I will enchant them and send them to you.” She wished Dagan luck before saying farewell and riding away. Dagan took the bag of amulets and went back inside, actually thankful that Cassandra decided to ruin their morning.
~*~
The next day, Bree sat on her throne and watched Sarita teaching Gabby how to knit. Gabby didn’t seem very happy to be learning, but she was doing her best to pay attention. Bree smiled to herself, then sighed in relief when she looked over and saw Dahlia enter the hall.
“Finally!” she said, walking up to her. “You are three days late!”
“I hit a small… snag… on the way back from Sire.”
“Oh, no. Was it your father?” Bree felt goosebumps spread across her arms just thinking about Silas.
“No, actually. It was a toddler girl who was accidentally shooting sparks of lightning from her palms. She nearly set a passing carriage on fire.”
“Oh, dear,” Bree said, covering her mouth with her hands. This was the third report she had received of a young girl with new magic being unable to control it. “We’ve, hopefully, developed a plan to handle it. Though, that story will have to wait. You need to follow me.” Bree turned on her heel and strode out of the hall. Her cousin didn’t hesitate before following her out and up the steps to the floor above.
Bree opened a door on the right and gestured for Dahlia to enter, then stepped inside after her. Dahlia stopped and stared ahead for a moment, then turned and tried to leave.
“No,” Bree said. “You agreed to this.” She grabbed Dahlia’s shoulders and spun her back around.
“I didn’t know I would have to wear pink,” Dahlia replied, scowling.
“That wasn’t the initial plan,” Bree said, then turned and locked the door. She wasn’t taking any chances of letting Dahlia flee. “I may have allowed Sarita to choose my wedding colors.”
Dahlia raised her eyebrows at Bree, then frowned at the gown hanging in front of her.
“Try it on,” Bree said. “There is still time to alter it if we need to. You are about the same size and height as Rhea, so we used her measurements.”
She took the gown down and held it out to Dahlia, who begrudgingly took it. Once it was on, she turned to the mirror and was amazed to see how delicate she looked. Bree was smiling when she looked over at her.
“It’s lovely.”
“I am… surprised,” Dahlia said.
“We may have underestimated your measurements in the chest area, however.” Bree gestured to her cousin’s breasts, which were almost spilling out of the top.
Dahlia laughed, looking down. The gown was snug around her breasts, which she didn’t mind. She was used to wearing her corsets and bodices a bit tighter. After all, having a desirable body was part of her job as an entertainer.
“I would suggest that we loosen that part,” Bree started, “but I assume you would be more comfortable the way it is.”
“I would, actually. But this is your day. I will do whatever you want.” Even wear pink.
“Good. Because this isn’t the only thing I would like you to do.”
“I’m not sure I want to ask…” Dahlia laughed.
“I want you to tell me all about this handsome stranger that you mentioned in your letters,” Bree said, grinning. “But let me find Sidonie first. She wants to hear about him, as well.”
Bree left the wardrobe in search of Sidonie and Dahlia took one last long look into the mirror. The color wasn’t as bad as she initially thought and it made her cheeks appear a bit rosier than usual. It matched her hair well, too. She couldn’t really complain. She removed the gown and had just finished putting her own gown back on when Bree and Sidonie entered, followed by the fairy, who she soon learned was a permanent resident of Junacave now.
“Alright,” Bree said, sitting in a large plush chair. “Let’s hear the story!”
“You are about to be a married woman,” Dahlia said. “Are you sure you want to know about this?”
“I am a married woman and I want to know about it,” Rhea said, taking a seat beside Sidonie. “Besides, I can’t touch my husband until after the Blood Moon, tomorrow. I need this!”
“Oh, honestly, Rhea!” Sidonie exclaimed. “All your husband practically has to do is touch you and… poof!” She imitated an explosion with her hands. Rhea’s multiple orgasms had become a secret joke among the three of them. Sid and Bree constantly teased her about it, though they were actually quite jealous of it.
Dahlia laughed and sat down in the seat behind her. Then, she dove into the story, “Well, it all began one night in a tavern outside of Labara…”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Leitis was waiting by the front gate when Zander and his lady friend rode toward the castle. He could sense his son’s magic but was surprised at how easily he could feel the girl’s magic, as well. He had been preparing for their arrival since receiving their message.
“Hello,” Leitis said when they reached the gate.
Zander jumped down from his horse and walked up to his father. After a tight embrace, he pulled back.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“I was worried,” Leitis replied. He didn’t want to seem too anxious to see his son, even though he really was. Leitis had become petrified upon entering his chambers several months ago to find a letter from Everett and Zander was gone.
“I know. You have every right to be angry.”
“I was angry. Now, I am just grateful that you are no longer imprisoned. Or worse…”
“That was my fault,” Rianne said, stepping forward. She felt strange interrupting them but didn’t want Zander to take all of the blame. It was her that he had come to Labara to rescue. Even though, she ended up rescuing him, too.
Leitis turned to her and smiled. “You both must be tired from traveling.”
“We haven’t been able to sleep well,” Zander grumbled.
“You must be feeling the effects of the moons, then.”
“The moons?” Rianne asked, looking up at the sky.
“Once each year, all three moons are full. It causes a large increase in our magic. Everything is heightened. Our energy, our senses, most ever
ything. Tonight will be the worst of it. Tomorrow, everything will go back to normal.”
“Are there any other effects?” Zander asked, afraid to hear the answer.
“You mean the lust? Yes, it’s common for magical beings to lust after one another during the full moons. It mainly affects wizards who have found their one true mates, like you two. I will give you a sleeping potion. It should help.” Leitis turned to go into the castle, then stopped when he realized that neither Rianne nor Zander had moved to follow him. They were staring at each other with horrified looks on their faces. “You didn’t know? About the moons or about being true mates? Or… any of it…”
“Zander, what is he talking about?” Rianne continued to stare at him, but he didn’t respond.
“You said you have a sleeping potion?” Zander asked, turning to his father and completely ignoring Rianne’s question, along with the intense scowl she was now giving him.
“I asked you if there was anything else I needed to know!” She then turned to Leitis. “Do you have a truth potion, as well?”
“Oh, dear…” Leitis felt a bit of shame for ruining the moment. He had a habit of saying whatever was on his mind and, at times, his wisdom was anything but helpful. After a few moments of silence, he added, “Why don’t we just put some food in the both of you and then you can have a nice long rest. Everything will be clearer in the morning once the moons are no longer full.”
“Rianne…” Zander started, but she was already walking away from him.
“I didn’t realize you hadn’t told her. I just assumed…” Leitis said, frowning. “I am truly sorry, Son.”
“It isn’t your fault. It’s mine. I was hoping that you could fix whatever was causing this and I wouldn’t have to tell her about it, at all.”
“Really? That’s what you hoped would happen?” Leitis chuckled and turned to walk inside.
Rianne was nowhere to be found when they entered. Leitis asked a passing servant and was told that Rianne had already introduced herself to the king and a chambermaid had escorted her upstairs.
“She really is a princess. Made herself right at home,” Zander said, amused.
