Over her shoulder, he sees the Vale shimmer in the sinking sun. It sparkles reflecting the light glittering like diamonds. On the other side, a warrior stands, flanked by his guardsmen ready to protect the Vale. Bastian is the master guardsmen and he and Duncan were once friends. Samantha holds his hand and smiles at the beauty of the Vale. She has only seen it in her dreams; she was born in the human world to parents who were forced from the Vale.
“Duncan, why have you returned?” Bastian asks looking at Samantha and back at him. Not sensing a threat, he calls off the guards and they fade away.
“Bastian, I come with a message for the Fae Queen,” Duncan says holding tightly to Samantha.
“What kind of message?” Bastian’s dark eyes stare into Duncan’s and he hopes for the sake of old friendships that he will not have to destroy him.
Samantha smiles at him, sensing his thoughts. “Worry not Master Guardsmen, we have come in peace. Our message is meant for the Queen.”
Bastian is shocked for a moment that the woman could read him so easily. He covers the shock quickly and within a moment a guardsman appears and leaves with the message for the King and Queen. “I hope for your sake that you tell the truth. Our King will not tolerate a threat of any kind.” Bastian tells the pair.
Duncan takes the warning into consideration and pulls Samantha closer to his side. “I’m not leaving you, Duncan, don’t even say it!” She snaps at him.
Bastian smiles in understanding at the look of frustration on Duncan’s face. “I can see that you have met your match, Duncan, albeit a tiny one.”
Duncan’s smile of pride lights him from his soul out. “Do not be fooled by her size, my friend. She has the heart of ten-thousand Fae.”
The guardsmen return, “They will receive them in the Garden.”
“Welcome home, Duncan,” Bastian says, and the Vale opens allowing them in.
Samantha holds tightly to Duncan’s hand and follows him home. “Wrong my love, you are my home.” He says firmly in her mind and she relaxes her grip.
Duncan feels the magic of the Vale, and his powers surge. His spirit refuels in an instant and memories of his family fills his mind. “Peace my love, they are at peace now,” his mate reminds him. He takes a deep breath and they follow slowly not sure what to expect.
They are lead through a forest and into a clearing where they hear the sounds of music floating on the air. The music of his people, wood wind instruments, dancing, and laughter spill out and they find themselves smiling. The King is watching his wife, dance. Her long black hair floats around her as she spins with abandon, dancing as if only he watches. Her love for him is clear in the way she looks at him. Children are spinning around her, and when the tempo of the music changes she flashes to her husband’s side. He laughs at her exuberance and holds her close to the cheers and clapping of all who watch.
Samantha smiles, unable to resist the intensity of the love they share. She feels a connection to the King and Queen because she understands that kind of passion. As they break apart, Caderyn turns and her eyes meet Sam’s. “Welcome home, Samantha.” She hears in her head.
Duncan jumps and his smile fades as he feels the sudden tension in Samantha’s body. At the sound of the Queens’ voice, she is driven to her knees with a vision. Duncan holds tightly to her hand when she drops to the green plush carpet below. She sees Reese surrounded by shadows and Nyssa is screaming in rage, pointing a sword at him. “Reeese…” she screams.
Instantly Caderyn is by her side and joins her on the ground. At the touch of her gentle hands on Samantha’s temples, she is able to share the burden of the vision, lessening the pain for her. Caderyn’s eyes turn white as they share the vision.
“Reese!” she says in shock. King Drake steps to his Queens side and looks at Duncan. As the vision passes, the two women find themselves staring at each other in understanding. Caderyn helps her rise up and Drake pulls her back. “Are you well?” he asks in concern.
“I am okay, but we need to talk.” Her voice trembles with worry for her friend. Reese saved her life and brought them together. She would not be the Fae Queen if it weren’t for his protection. She will do whatever he asks.
Duncan lifts Samantha in his arms, ignoring her protest and embarrassment. “Duncan, I am okay. Put me down you big oaf!” she snaps as she pushes against his mountainous chest.
Drake hides a smile as he looks at Caderyn.
“Don’t even think about it!” she remarks.
With a nod at Bastian, Drake tells them “We will need privacy for this conversation.” With a thought, the group finds they have been transported to a stone castle carved into the side of a mountain. Inside Caderyn leaves and returns carrying a tray with a steaming teapot and cups. She places it down on a table near a large fireplace and urges Duncan to put Samantha in a chair closest to the fire.
“Really, my Queen you do not have to serve me.” Sam is embarrassed. “I have visions all the time, I am alright, truly.”
“Tell me how is Reese? Bastian told us you have a message, is it from Reese?” Caderyn asks, clearly upset by the vision they shared.
Duncan tries to move forward but finds Bastian and Drake bar his way. “You said you had a message, what is this message, Duncan?” The tension in the room is thick and Duncan can only think of Samantha falling to the ground. The hair on his arms stands as
