This place was built more for aesthetics than for defense. That is why we always cast a protective spell over the structure. Allowing only those who would do no harm to us, to pass through the invisible barrier.
As I raise my hands, I close my eyes and feel the magical force surrounding the castle. No one has entered this place since our deaths. Because Bryndon was my husband, he absorbed some of my powers. His magic was almost as strong as my own. None have been able to break through the barrier since it was cast.
I turn to Cael and take his hand in mine. This will take both of us.
Closing my eyes, I concentrate on unweaving the spell. I’m only vaguely aware of the people who have gathered behind us in the streets to witness this event, including several of the mages.
Sweat beads on my brow as I focus all my strength and power. I cannot fail. Not now and not in front of all these people. I must leave no doubt in their minds that I am as powerful as I was before. I cannot show weakness and risk anyone threatening our safety.
In the crowd, I hear whispers of doubt and disbelief among some of the people, but they do not matter. They will see I am who and what I claim.
Power flows from the tips of my fingers, extending to the spell surrounding the castle. Slowly, the fibers of magic begin to unwind as I concentrate on dissolving the barrier. It shimmers softly, then completely fades away. A collective gasp rises from the crowd as we step through the gates.
With Cael’s hand in mine, we ascend the palace steps. The white marble and sparkling glass windows are immaculate after all these years, preserved by the enchantment. The front courtyard is filled with large trees full of heart-shaped purple leaves and thick, dark gray trunks and branches that twist up toward the sky. Various flowering plants with blooms of purples, blues and reds fill the entire space. The grass beneath is varying shades of lush green—the verdant shades richer than anything I’ve seen on Earth.
We follow a worn path with a small stream winding beside it. It is just as I remember. When we reach the large silver doors of the entrance, I stare in awe at the beautifully etched vines and flowers that cover them in a beautiful, woven pattern. I wave a hand, using my magic to open them.
Cael and I are silent as we step into the grand entryway. The ceiling is three stories tall, and the opposite wall is floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the gardens in the back. Two great staircases curve up along the wall to the second level and a balcony that overlooks the city and the mountains beyond the gardens.
A large statue stands in the center of the room, almost as tall as the ceiling. It is of me… as I was before I died—Queen Alora. It was a gift from a neighboring kingdom—a prince who sought my hand.
Wisps of memory float through my mind as Cael and I ascend the stairs. I trail my hand along the smoothly, polished wooden banister as I remember our life together here. It is both strange and familiar to return to this place. Everything is just as we left it… all those many long years ago.
It is a testament to the power of our combined magic that Cael was able to weave a spell strong enough to withstand the ravages of time and all the attempts I’m certain were made by the light mages to break it.
When we reach the top of the stairs, I look to Cael. Together, we raise our joined hands and create a protective barrier that will allow nothing and no one who means us harm to enter the palace.
I lead him to the bedroom… our bedroom. When we reach it, everything is as I remember it. My eyes sweep to the large four-poster bed. The deep gray wood is carved with a beautiful trailing pattern of vines and flowers. Bryndon had it made shortly after our bonding. The large white comforter with fine threads of silver woven throughout is just as soft as I recall. The massive fireplace directly opposite is still stacked with logs on the hearth.
The long silken white curtains wave gently as the cool night breeze drifts in through the open windows. I wave a hand to shut them and keep out the chilled air.
I remove the crown from my head and place it on the nightstand beside the bed. My gaze travels over the intertwining silver metal a moment before I look to Cael. “I remember there was a gemstone for each element. It helped me to wield the power of water, earth, wind, fire and spirit. But I do not know why they were removed from the crown and hidden. Do you have any memory of this?”
He shakes his head. “If I was the one who removed the gemstones after your… death, I do not remember it.”
“Perhaps the memory will come later,” I offer.
He sighs and then turns his attention to the fireplace. He opens his palm and conjures a flame to light the wood stacked on the hearth, warming the space. He turns to me, a smile tugging at his lips. “I hope so. I’m remembering more and more of our life here.”
“I am too.” My gaze drifts to the large rug on the floor near the fire. We made love there many times.
Cael walks toward me. His teal eyes meet mine full of desire. He’s so close, the warmth of his body radiates to mine. He glances down at my lips and then back up to my eyes. I want him so much and I’m tired of waiting. “Make love to me, Cael.”
I lean forward, ever so slightly but I pause as
