I look at Cael, not sure how much to reveal of our missing memories, but we need answers.
“The serpent,” I begin. “It mentioned something about the request granted by the God of Creation after my death. What did he do?”
“You have not yet regained all your memories?” Her brow furrows deeply. “Even after finding the stone?”
I give her a hard look, not wanting to show any weakness.
“I still have my powers, and so does he.” I look at Cael. “If you dare try to—”
“Forgive me.” She lifts her hands out before her in a placating gesture. “I was wrong. I should not have tried to…” She stops, then steps forward and drops to her knees. “My queen, I thought what I was doing would protect you. It is foretold… you must be protected in this life. That is what I came to tell you. I found out what it was Bryndon asked the God of Creation for and what he was given.”
“What was it then? Tell us,” I demand.
“He begged the god to force you to take a harem in the next life… as you were supposed to have done in the first.”
I clench my jaw. “No one will force me to do anything.”
“Please,” she says. “Just as your coming was foretold, this has been as well. You will take five mates in this life, and together, they will protect you.”
I start to protest, but Cael steps forward.
“Where are they? How do we find them?”
My jaw drops as I look at him.
“You want me to take other lovers?” I ask incredulously.
“Of course, I don’t”—he gives me a pained look—“but we do not have a choice. You need to be protected. If I made this bargain with the God of Creation in our past life, I promise you it was not done lightly. It was not done for any reason other than I love you and cannot bear the thought of losing you again.”
“You should listen to him.” A smile quirks the mage’s lips as she stares at us. “He finally understands what must be done to protect you.”
“I can protect myself,” I grit through my teeth.
“Against a common enemy, yes, you can.” She shakes her head. “But against a legion of dark mages and the Guardians of Destruction, you need to forge the bonds created when one takes a harem. They are soul bonds, and they are deep. Each of your mates will be able to help you wield your powers. You are stronger than any queen who has ever come before. Even now, I can feel the strength of your magic… all of us at the guild could feel it the moment you entered this world.”
I think about what Nox said about creatures and people being drawn to my light. He was right.
“Your light,” she continues, “is strong, and all are drawn to it, both good and evil.” She pauses. “That is why the dark mages would seek to take you. They would torture you and force you to turn to their side. If that happens, all would be lost. Everything and everyone you love would be destroyed. The God of Destruction doesn’t care if it all falls to chaos. That is his madness. It is the reason he must be defeated before he can disrupt the balance that has existed to keep our worlds safe from the devastation and ruin he would bring to us all.
“Because you have returned, as a show of good faith, we have already found attendants and staff eager to serve in your home. All are glad our queen has returned.”
I look at Astra and Lynx, and they give me a subtle nod. I trust them to screen these people and make certain they mean us no harm. I still do not entirely trust the mages not to hurt Cael.
“How do we find the other guards?” Cael asks the mage. “The ones that will complete the queen’s harem?”
I clench my jaw as anger sweeps through me. I refuse to take any other mates. I love Cael; I don’t want anyone else. To take someone else to my bed would be a betrayal of my love for him. I remain silent as my dark emotions brim beneath the surface. I’ll talk to him when we’re alone. I will not be forced to take a harem.
“You will be led to them by fate.” She meets my gaze evenly. “When you touch one of them, you will feel the connection at that moment, and you will know they are yours.”
She tips her head to the side as she studies me. “I can see this angers you, but unfortunately, it must be done. A queen needs a harem for protection. The unbreakable bonds created between you will strengthen your powers and help you wield them.” She bows low. “I will be at the guild if you need me.”
When she leaves, I turn and storm up the stairs, angry at Cael for even suggesting he’s okay with me taking another lover.
“Kyra, wait!”
I do not stop or turn around. I’m so angry right now, seething as I return to our bedroom. We haven’t even sealed the bond between us in this life, and he’s already talking about me binding myself to other men.
When I reach the bedroom, I wave my hand and slam the door shut behind me. I flex my fingers as the magic courses through my blood like fire. Willow was right—magic has its uses.
I move to the balcony and open the door, staring out at the city below and the mountains beyond that. The cool breeze whips through my hair as I consider my options. I love Cael and understand he only wants to protect me, but I will be the one to decide if I take another mate. I don’t care what he asked of the God of Creation or what the god granted him in return. It doesn’t matter. This is my life and my heart, and I will not be forced into anything.
Quiet
