Book 4: Nicholas

Chapter 1

“You will take over the throne duty, the appearances, and meet with the House of Lords on Tuesday, then, while we are occupied,” Alexander said, glancing to his younger brother, Nicholas, across the table. “It's a duty that you used to do often when I was King. I have no issue with it.”

“But not until Tuesday,” Nicholas replied, raising an eyebrow. The dragon lord, Second Prince of the planet Umora, was calm about it. He even had a smirk on his face. But his head was calculating exactly how many hours it was until Tuesday morning.

“Yes, I just said that,” Alexander, the current prince regent, his older brother, and the former king before their eldest brother Peter returned from the Other, the Dragon heaven, sighed. “Honestly, Nicholas, one would think that you aren't listening at all.”

“I'm listening!” Nicholas protested. “I just want to make sure that I have heard you right so you aren't wondering where I am on Monday. I will be here on Tuesday, then.”

“Why? Where are you going until then?” Alexander asked. Nicholas gave his easy smirk.

“Does it matter? You are prince regent now that Peter is back. All the dragons, all the wolves, all the shifters, have to come to you if they can't get to the king, no matter where I am. I have business to attend to, on some of the outer realm planets that has been pushed to the side since we started this mad hunt to find Father. And, frankly, Alexander, I am not sure he is still here. He returned from the Other, yes, but it's been quiet for months. There is nothing to say he couldn't have slipped back into it.”

“That is wishful thinking, Nicholas,” Alexander waved his hand. “But for now, it is allowed. Go if you have business to attend to, and try to slide back in the door before 9 on Tuesday morning, hmmm?”

“8:59, it is, Brother,” Nicholas smiled, heading straight to the antechamber. The antechamber of the throne room was the easiest vortex not only to Earth, but to the other planets in the galaxy. The universe was filled with shifters of all kinds: dragons, wolves, bears, lions, and more. Some of them were more prominent on certain planets than others. There were also witches of various varieties, sorcerers, prophets, physics, mages who used magic of types he couldn't even begin to remember. Earth, water, black magic, ancestral magic; the list went on. At the top of the chain, however, were the dragon princes, fueled by magic and ruling for thousands of years. In a lot of ways, he was just a blip in the spectrum, a moment in time. But this moment of freedom was his.

“Nicholas.” His sister-in-law, Ariel, almost ran into him. Ariel was Alexander's wife, a once marriage of convenience that was turning out quite well. Raised on Earth and working mostly as a dancer, the fiery redhead also happened to be the queen of the carapaces, magical beings that could suck magic from anything around them. The carapaces and Ariel had a broken relationship, and although she hated them for abandoning her as a child, she ruled them as queen by being the daughter of the two most powerful families. She was mouthy, confident, strong, and Nicholas' favorite sister-in-law. She had been dragon queen in their equal opportunity society until Peter married an Earth girl. Now, crown princess suited her just fine. “Where are you going? Off to visit your secret girlfriend?”

“My secret girlfriend who no one knows about,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “And even though I am the worse secret keeper in the world, I've managed to do it for years.”

“Of course,” Ariel replied. “Are you going to Earth? I have some things you could take.”

He paused for a moment, horrified that his secret was out, and then realized she must have guessed that from the way he was dressed. The dress on Umora was much different than Earth, but he kept a regular stock in his closet of clothes that would help him fit into various planets. Today, he was wearing dark dress pants and a white shirt, overlaid by a grey vest. His brown hair was swept back, and he had taken care to clean up his scruff this morning. His eyes, with a hint of dragon yellow, were dulled against the white shirt, and he chose black cufflinks to offset the outfit. He could be just a well-dressed businessman, off to attend to affairs.

“Sorry, precious. I don't have time to be running errands on Earth,” Nicholas said. “Next time, perhaps?”

“Mm,” she shrugged. “I'll get Cole to take them when he takes Enya.” Cole, the youngest prince, was also married to an Earth girl, and they visited regularly. “You're lucky I like you, or I would accuse you of rushing off.”

“Accuse all you want,” he said. “It won't make me like you any less. I'll see you on Tuesday, yes?”

“Bye.” She was used to him running off. Having been married to Alexander for over fifteen years, she was closer to him than the other girls. He also enjoyed her company more because she never pried or judged. If he was running off to some important task, she wasn't going to stand in his way.

Once she was gone, he closed both the doors. He listened for a moment, making sure no one's desperate footsteps were coming toward him. It was common for dragons to burst into the antechamber to transport themselves various places with their magic.

All was calm, and Ariel seemed far enough away to use his magic at full strength.

He closed his eyes, letting the magic swirl around him. He wanted to do it carefully, undetected, which took a little bit more time and energy. The last thing he wanted was someone following him.

He felt it swirl from the tips of his feet up to the top of his head. With one long breath, he waited until he was completely engulfed and then flicked his wrist.

When he landed, he had to blink twice to make sure he was in the right place. It was a vortex he had never transported to, even when it was open before. A year ago, the carapaces had raged war and closed many of them, sucking the magic out of the ground, thanks to their newfound numbers. When the veil had dropped between this world and the Other, it brought back many who had died, including tyrants like his father. These days, they had no idea where his father was, and at the moment, he didn't really care. He knew that some carapaces had died as a result of his returned father's attacks. Their death meant the vortexes they had been blocking were now open, which was at least one useful thing that heinous old man had done since he returned.

He was in the middle of a large city, but it wasn't his final destination.

He wished he could transform into dragon form and just soar there. But ever since Peter had revealed himself one too many times on Earth as a dragon, they had to be extra careful. So instead, he got his bearings and headed toward the train station.

He reached into his pocket, turning on the cell phone that he got specifically for his time on Earth. He didn't expect there to be any messages or calls, but he did want it on just in case.

He was in luck for the train schedule, and boarded right before it left. It was a four-hour trip, and Nicholas' heart beat faster every moment. He had waited a year; he thought four hours would be easy. However, the hours ticked by, and he thought he would die of anticipation before he made it to his stop.

Finally, the conductor announced the stop. He practically flew off the train, his feet hitting the pavement.

He looked at his phone, the glaring numbers telling him that it was almost two o'clock

Slow down, he told himself. You have plenty of time. You have two hours to spare.

He knew he had to get there before four o'clock or it would be too late. He only had this one location, this one bit of information.

When he had researched it, it had said the place he was looking for was only a four-minute walk from the train station. The street names threw him off, however, and he got lost for at least fifteen minutes before he found his way.

He had seen–from his research–that the place he was looking for was inside a mall in the center of town. It was a small town, and the shopping center seemed to reflect that. There was barely anyone inside it, which made it easier to navigate his way into the men's wear store.

He had been born a prince, and so pre-made clothing was hardly something that suited him. All of his clothing was hand-stitched by a tailor, made to fit him like a glove. Even the clothes he was wearing now were made for him, bought nearly two years ago on his last trip here. Men's fashion on Earth, it seemed, hardly changed, and so he could pass it off as brand new.

“Can I help you?” came a voice. He spun around to find a rather tall, thin woman, staring him down. He supposed he had been staring too long at the vest in front of him. Really, he just wanted to kill time, but he supposed he had been a little suspicious about it.

“Yes, I'll try this on,” he grabbed it, having no idea if it was his size. But she simply pointed to the back where the fitting rooms were.

“Someone will let you in.”

“Excellent,” he said, trying to calm his beating heart.

In the back was a row of fitting rooms, pristine, white, and shining. There was a girl with short hair, cut like a pixie with her back to him. She was sitting on a stool, putting clothing from a table where people had flung reject items back onto a hanger.

“How many?” she asked, and he stopped moving.

“Just one, love,” he said.

She spun around so fast that she nearly fell off her stool. Her large eyes met his, and she nearly cried.

Nicholas bit his lip to hold back his emotions as well. It had been a year since he had seen Rosa–the longest year of his life. But now, she was right in front of him.

“There's always been just one,” he said softly.

She slowly reached for the Number One to hang on his door, sliding off her stool. On shaky legs, she indicated he should follow.

“I'll just give you this one,” she said, her voice low. She waved him toward one of the larger stalls, and he stepped in. Looking around to make sure that no one was watching, she stepped in behind and shut the door, and then she flew into his arms. “What are you doing here?”

He kissed her furiously, his hands everywhere at once. He could kiss her forever, holding her tight against him like they were made to fit together.

“Rosa, Rosa, I missed you so much.”

“I missed you, too, my love,” she said, in between kisses. She wanted to melt into him, to never let go. “We're safe here for a moment. There are no cameras here.”

“Good,” he said. “Oh, I was so afraid I wouldn't find you. After they moved you, I was lost. I found out you worked here, but I couldn't find where you lived.”

“I knew you would find me again somehow,” she said.

“Give me your address,” he said. “I will meet you there when you get off at four.”

“And never leave?” she asked, pleadingly. He leaned down to kiss her again, wishing it were so.

“One day, my love,” he said softly, placing his chin on her head as he held her. “One day, the world will be safe for you and me.”

Chapter 2

Nicholas had fallen in love with Rosa when they were little more than children. She had been a princess, an heiress to the witch coven Halloway, and they had always moved in the same circles. When she wore a crown on her head, draped in jewels and ball gowns, it had been acceptable for him to hold her hand, to stare at her. They got on famously, and there had been talk of marriage. Witches were fueled by magic, their bodies not operating like humans. Their hearts beat because of magic, and their brains functioned because of magic. They were almost nothing but magic taking a human form.

But the Halloway line had faltered and then fell. Ancestral magic, the kind that they used, needed four living coven members in order to practice and flow. It was easier than one thought for a line to fail. A brother has no children, another one only has three, a battle, or an accident. Within three years, the Halloway line fell to the crucial four, and six months after that, one.

Rosa was ripped away from public life by other witch covens. She was put in hiding, moved from planet to planet, house to house, each time her identity was discovered. She had to support herself, most of the time; the covens helping her had little money themselves. Her death would mean the death of that line forever. She could barely use magic, and each time she did nearly killed her.

Nicholas knew that people surrounding the dragon princes tended to die. They lived a dangerous life, and although they were strong, wounding them was as easy as killing the ones they loved.

And he could not live in a world where there was not Rosa. He simply could not function and could not breathe. She was the most precious thing in the world to him, and he needed her to live, even if they were apart.

And so, their relationship fell into hiding. He found out where she was each time she was moved on his own accord. He could not trust anyone to know he was always looking for her.

When he found out, he went when he could, visiting her no more than twice a move. Any more than that, and it would raise suspicion, he thought. Being seen in the vicinity of the same man twice was a coincidence; three times was not.

They never had public dates; they never went to dinner or held hands in the park. But it was enough for him to simply hold her at night and know that wherever he was in the universe, she was safe.

He was not surprised when he got to the address that she had given him, but he was disappointed. Rosa's job did not lead to luxurious living quarters, and it seemed the covens were giving her no help this time. He wished he could help, but any money coming from his accounts to hers might arouse suspicion. Even paying a bill she normally couldn't would raise eyebrows as to how, and so he could do nothing but leave her a few dollars each time.

This time around, she had slipped him a key to a studio apartment on the second floor of a building that he wasn't sure was any safer than the world knowing she was with him.

It was sparsely decorated, with beat up furniture, and a bed in the middle of the room. Normally, if he got to a place earlier than her, he cleaned up, made dinner, and waited. But he could see nothing to clean up, and there was barely tea in the cabinets.

Sinking onto her bed, he stared at the cracked ceiling as he waited. It was cold, but the heat was probably set low to avoid a high bill.

This was no life for a princess. She deserved a palace, a crown, and servants. Instead, she looked to be barely surviving.

Rosa got home shortly after 4:30 and fell into his arms right away.

“I can't believe you're really here,” she said, trying to snuggle as close to him as possible. “I've spent so many nights dreaming; so many days hoping–”

“Shh, love,” he kissed her head, drawing her into his lean body. “I'm here now.”

“For how long?”

“Technically, until Tuesday morning,” he replied, “but I don't know if it's safe to stay that long.”

“No one is watching,” she assured him. “No one notices anyone here.”

She felt thinner than she normally did. She was small-boned, but her normally lean stomach was concave, and her shoulder bones popped through the top of her arms. She moved to get under the covers, shivering, and he wished he could light the whole room on fire to warm her.

“How was work?” he asked, trying to make the situation normal. “Do you like working there?”

“It's a job,” she rolled over to face him. “It was the highest paying job I could find, so I took it. We get commission on top of an hourly rate.”

“Ah, so I should have bought ten vests,” he said, and she smiled.

“If you are in need of them, yes,” she replied. “But let's not talk about work now. Do you want some tea?”

“I'll make it, love,” he said, as they both sat up. “You worked all day.”

“I worked four hours, actually,” she said. “It was supposed to be eight, but they cut my hours from this morning, which is a terrible hit on the paycheck.”

He didn't know what to say to that, because he had never been in that situation before. All he knew was that it was terrible, and he wished he could help.

“The tea is in the bottom cabinet,” she pointed him in the right direction. “I have sugar, but I don't think I have milk.”

“Leave it to me,” he kissed her head and got up, going to boil water in the beat-up kettle. While he prepared the fixings for tea, he watched her out of the corner of his eye.

Rosa had always been quiet and thoughtful. Everything she said and did was pre-determined in her mind, and she often moved slowly. It hadn't ever concerned him until recently. She had never had his high amounts of energy, but something had changed. He knew her well enough to know what she was thinking just from the movement of her eyes. Now, as she got up to do a few things, she seemed to be constantly calculating where the next place she could sit down was to put away an item, charge her phone, close a book. There was a couch, the window ledge, a dining room chair, and the edge of the bed that she moved from.

The kettle boiled, and he poured the tea, bringing both mugs to the table.

“Are you all right, Rosa?” he asked, as she fiddled with her phone. She looked up and gave him a smile.

“Yes. I'm just tired. Perhaps we could have an early night?”

“Whatever you need, my love,” he said, as they both sat. “I'll cook your dinner, do your laundry, and rub your feet….”

She laughed.

“We are remarkably domestic, given our situation.”

“I would trade it all for domestic bliss with you,” he said. “Especially since my brothers are all married now.”

“I saw Cole the other day,” she said, and he looked up. Being half witch, Cole could visit her with no issues. He was up to date on witch affairs, and often went to Rosa for advice. “He looked well, for the brief moment he stopped in to ask a question.”

“And could you answer it?” he asked.

“Of course, I know everything about magic.” She gave him a teasing smile. “I just can't use it.”

“You will again one day.” He placed a hand over hers, and she looked down. They both knew that the chances of that were unlikely.

Dinner was a dismal creation, but he thought it was the best meal that he had ever had in his life, because he shared it with her. Cobbled together from various leftovers, it was barely enough for his growling stomach and tall frame. Rosa seemed full after a few bites though, a fact that he was sure contributed to her new figure.

Everything was normal until they were going to get ready for bed. It was as if they were a married couple, taking turns brushing their teeth and turning out the lights.

Rosa got up to wash her face when he returned from the bathroom. He glanced down at his phone, and the next thing he knew, there was a giant crash.

He looked up in terror to see Rosa crashing to the floor. He couldn't move fast enough to catch her, but he managed to at least stop her from hitting her head on the hardwood.

Two of his sisters-in-law, Enya and Yvette, were humans in ill health. On more than one occasion, he had caught them both when they fainted. This didn't seem like fainting. Her eyes were wide open in surprise and alert as she reacted to the sudden movement.

“Woah,” he said. “Woah, love. Stay down, don't move, don't move.”

“I'm all right,” she said. “I'm all right.”

“Just stay here a moment.” He pulled her close. “What happened? Did you get dizzy? Have you not eaten enough?”

“No, it's not that.” She leaned against his chest, listening to his breathing. “I'm all right.”

“Rosa,” he picked up something in her voice, “what happened?”

“I…” she swallowed. “Sometimes, the magic just gets a little too weak to support me.”

“What?!” he felt like his world was crashing down. He knew that witches were fueled by magic, of course. He knew they relied on it. But seeing her legs give out made him realize just how much they relied on it.

“It's nothing to worry about,” she tried to assure him. “I'm fine now.”

“You are not fine,” he protested. “How long has this been happening?”

“I don't know,” she replied, but she was a terrible liar.

“Rosa,” he whispered softly, “please tell me.”

“About eight months,” she admitted. “Not usually like this. Just–”

“God.” He held her close for another minute until he felt she was strong enough to stand up. “Do the witches know?”

“Yes,” she said. “But it's expected. Ancestral magic without a coven can't last forever.”

“Let me.” He was ready to flood her with dragon magic, anything to give her strength, but she pushed away.

“You do that, and everyone will know your mark is on me,” she said. “I'm all right. It was a momentary lapse.”

She seemed strong enough and headed to the bathroom. But he wasn't about to let this topic go so easily.

“How long do they expect it to last?” he asked, point blank.

“What?” she turned to him.

“The magic,” he replied. “How long do they expect it to last?”

“Nicholas, there's never been a situation like this,” she replied, lightly. “No one knows for certain–”

“How long?” he demanded again, and she sighed.

“Six months. A year, maybe.”

“And then what happens to you?” he asked.

“And then I…” She turned back to look in the mirror. “…will have no magic life to fuel me.”

“And so, you die,” the words felt hollow.

“And so, I die,” she echoed softly.

Chapter 3

Tuesday came far too quickly for either of them. He knew that he shouldn't have stayed that long, but after her news, he couldn't leave her side. He did everything he could for her, from grocery shopping to cuddling, but it didn't change the truth. Her legs didn't give out again, but he could see the signs.

When her alarm went off on Tuesday morning, he wanted to smash it. He wanted it obliterated and to snuggle with her forever. But they had a world to face, as much as it broke his heart.

“I will be back as soon as I can,” he said. “And I'm going to leave you with some contacts. My sisters-in-law are here regularly, and should anything happen, and you need me, you can reach out. But Rosa, only if–”

“Only if it's the end.” She looked him right in the eye. “It won't be, Nicholas.”

“I know.” Neither of them believed that. “But if there is….” He wrote down Enya's number and then Yvette's. He was about to write down Ariel's, and then he froze. “No,” he said, and scribbled it out.

“No?” she asked, confused.

“Ariel is a carapace,” he reminded her. “Some exposure to her may have been all right once, but not now. You are to stay away from her at all costs. Her kind has already permanently damaged Alexander. I love my sister-in-law, but you can never meet this one.”

“Right,” she took the paper, staring at the numbers. She swore to memorize them by today, because carrying them around was too dangerous. “Come back soon, my love.”

“Wild horses couldn't keep me away,” he said, hugging her tightly.

Leaving her was the hardest thing he ever had to do. She had to go to work, and he had duties to attend to. She was cold, she was hungry, and there was nothing he could do about it. Worse of all, he had to act as if all was well and he hadn't just spent the weekend having his heart wrenched out by the love of his life. He had to have his usual smirk on his face, strolling through the palace like he didn't have the weight of the world on his shoulders.

He got back to the palace about nine A.M, wanting to change and clear his head before he was to take over. Peter and Alexander would already be gone, doing whatever it was they needed to do, and he resented that it was him that had to sit on the throne today. This was never supposed to be his duty, even when Peter was dead. Alexander was militant about the throne and tried to be there as much as possible. When Nicholas was regent, he only babysat it for an hour or two a few days a month. Now, it seemed Alexander and Peter had constant duties.

He was walking the hallway, lost in thought, when Cole called out to him.

“Brother?” he asked. “I didn't expect you back a good hour before you had to run into the throne room. Something has changed within you.”

“Perhaps I thought I'd be responsible,” Nicholas replied. “You should try it once in a while.”

“Maybe,” Cole answered. “But as the youngest prince, my only job is to keep the line alive. So, stay safe and reproduce.”

“Speaking of your wife in such terrible terms,” Nicholas said. “Are you due to Earth in the next bit?”

“Not until next week,” Cole replied. “Why?”

“No reason,” Nicholas answered, trying to appear nonchalant. “I thought that might be the case, but you seem to be on the trail of something witchy.”

“You have spies everywhere, I swear,” Cole answered. “It's nothing sinister. The witches reached out to me for help. There's been many reports of fading magic. They wondered if it had to do with the Other dropping the veil away.”

“Fading magic?” That stopped Nicholas in his tracks.

“Sure. Once powerful witches not being able to cast a spell for coffee. Usually, it's more of a momentary lapse than a fade,” Cole shrugged. “I haven't noticed any issues, but then, I am only half witch, so it's not quite for me to say.”

Nicholas tried to calm his beating heart. “And do you have any idea what the cause is?”

“Not yet,” Cole replied casually, as if lives didn't depend on it.

“Report directly to me with any new information,” Nicholas said. “It's not specifically dragon business, so there is no reason to bother Alexander and Peter. But we should keep on top of it in case it starts to affect other shifters.”

“Of course,” Cole gave him an odd look. “It's not like you to care about other shifters, though.”

“Perhaps I'm trying to turn over a new leaf,” Nicholas said. “What does it matter, Cole? Just do it.”

“There's the grumpy brother I know so well,” Cole replied. “I will, don't worry. Now, get to the throne.”

“Do I have a queen?” Nicholas called over his shoulder. “If not, find me one, please.”

“I think Ariel is home,” Cole replied. In the absence or ill health of Yvette, the actual queen, they tried to always have one of the girls on the throne as well to represent the equal opportunity the dragons were known for. They made no distinction in terms of inheritance and rank between males and females. The only reason the princes lorded over the kingdom was because they were four brothers and no sisters. Their wives were equal to them in rank, and Ariel had been queen by default for a time until Peter married. “She's always fun to do throne duty with.”

“That's fine, Cole,” Nicholas said. But as he walked into his chambers, he wondered if he should be near his favorite sister-in-law at all. Could carapaces pass on their abilities to take magic through osmosis? Was he hurting Rosa simply by being near Ariel?

He decided to be cautious of it, which made Ariel raise an eyebrow when he didn't take her arm to enter the throne room.

“I'm trying something,” he said to her. “Do you mind?”

“What are you trying?” she asked. Ariel never judged, but she was curious at times. “How to look single while sitting on the throne with a queen?”

To that, he grinned.

“Everyone knows that you are in love with my brother.”

“Everyone does not know that,” she said to him. “Mostly because it's not true. Alexander and I have a marriage of convenience, and I am perfectly happy with that.”

“You must think I'm stupid,” he grinned, “to not see the way you two rejoice in each other’s arms.”

“This is going to be a long day,” she teased him. “Luckily, I like you. But you have been acting funny lately.”

“It's nothing,” he tried to assure her. His sister-in-law was smarter than that, but she said nothing to him. When Alexander returned that night, though, she brought it up.

“Nicholas is up to something,” she said, as they got ready for bed. In the public eye, they were regal, strong, and were often putting on a show for the public rather than talking honestly. No one saw them when all the walls were dropped and they were just themselves. They were usually quiet, honest, and tired.

“He is always up to something,” Alexander replied. “How would today be any different?”

“He said he was trying to look single while sitting on the throne.”

“He said that?” Alexander asked, confused.

“Not in so many words, but yes,” she replied, as she sunk onto the bed. “He's usually the king of affection.”

“He's just moody today, perhaps,” he said, sitting on the bed next to her. “I wouldn't worry about it.”

“Hmm,” she glanced over to him. She was always cautious about the fact that a band of carapaces had ruined his health for good. She knew that her singular energy alone could not do any lasting damage, but it didn't mean she didn't feel bad about it. “All right?”

“Long day,” he answered, shifting down on the pillows. “If you think he's up to something, you are welcome to investigate and report back to me.”

“Pht,” she replied. “What am I, one of your princes to report back to you?”

“No.” He wrapped an arm around her waist. “You are my queen.”

“Go to sleep, Alexander,” she replied, shifting down on the pillows as well. “You're clearly tired if you're being sappy.”

“I must be,” he answered, closing his eyes. She was perfectly happy to snuggle against him, though, letting sleep take her.

Outside their door, Nicholas paused. He had been heading to his room for the night, but his superior hearing perked up at their conversation. It tugged at his heart. They may take a night like this for granted, thinking that it was nothing special. But he would give nearly anything to have a night like that with Rosa.

He wished he could bring her here inside the palace walls. Just last week, though, two guards had died in an attack on the palace treasury, and a third one would likely never be seen again. He couldn't subject her to that; couldn't even stomach the idea of her being near such a threat.

Rosa was currently safe from everyone but herself, it appeared.

He spent half the night staring at his cell phone. They had each other’s numbers in their minds, but they never called or texted each other.

The cell phone was primitive technology on Umora, but it hooked up to the internet well enough. Nicholas had always smiled when the Earth girls were shocked by Wi-Fi here, as if it were difficult.

His hands were shaking, and he knew he shouldn't, but he typed in a few numbers and sent her a voice chat request. He was hoping that at least this way, it would be more anonymous than actually calling her.

She accepted within moments, and he hit the button for the camera to pop up. This was a huge risk, but he needed to know.

“Are you all right?” he asked, keeping his voice low when she answered. She was in her apartment, sitting on the very bed that they had spent most of their time on. His chest ached from missing her.

“I'm fine,” her voice came through a bit crackly. “You're calling me.”

“I know. I know I shouldn't,” he said, “but I needed to check on you.”

“Nicholas, really, I'm all right. It was a good day,” she said. “How was your day?”

“Fine, except you weren't in it, so terrible,” he answered. She smiled, her eyes connecting with him through the screen.

“This is so nice,” she said. “Like a normal couple.”

“Like a normal couple,” he answered. “Just talking on video chat.”

“Ha,” she shifted her position. “Show me your room.”

“My room?” he asked in surprise. “It's just a room.”

“If this is only going to happen once, I want to see every detail of your life,” she said. “Please, show me.”

“All right,” he got off the bed, angling the camera. For ten minutes, he took her on a discreet tour of his room, pointing out where he spent time doing various tasks. She giggled at some of his comments, or mentioned the things that she liked. It was so simple, yet so delightful. “I miss you so much, Rosa. But I should go.”

“I miss you, too,” she said, softly. “But I know you have to go.”

“For you to be safe,” he reminded her.

“Yes, safe,” she said. “I know.”

But her heart ached a little more when they hung up. What was safety without love?

Chapter 4

“What are you doing?” Alexander looked at Ariel, confused by the fire after a long day. She was standing up, her hands flying, which told Nicholas she was telling a story. She was so animated when she spoke, and he always thought his sister-in-law should be their spokesperson. That was, if she could keep the filth out of her mouth, which she usually couldn't.

“It's a musical about American history. But it's a rap musical with modern dance, rather than traditional styles.”

Alexander looked absolutely baffled by this. “Why?” he asked. “I've heard rap is not–”

“The world is changing,” Ariel said, flexing her leg up and then down, as if she were on stage. “Rehearsals are four days a week, and you are not going to deny me my career. I'm 27 years old, Alexander. I'm not going to be able to dance much longer. This is a lead role. I'm going to do it.”

“Can you even rap?” he asked, baffled. “Or sing, for that matter?”

“Excuse me,” Nicholas said, with a smile. “I have heard on good authority that doubting your wife's talents ends badly, always.”

“Does it now?” Alexander glared at his brother. “I'm not stopping you from doing anything, Ariel. Do you intend to stay on Earth?”

“Not if someone can take me back and forth,” she replied. “Essentially, you create the transportation, and I'll continue to smart ass my way through this kingdom.”

“That's frequent,” he said. “I can't do that.”

“I know that,” she shrugged. “But someone could. They are consecutive days, so–”

“I can do it,” Nicholas spoke up, suddenly seeing an opportunity

“What?” Alexander said. “Nicholas, that's so much work. We need you here.”

“Her magical vacuum doesn't bother me,” Nicholas said. “And it didn't bother you for ten years until the carapaces attacked. I could do it safely. I've taken over so many Earth accounts anyway, it might make sense. I could time it to take the girls as well.”

“What about your work here?” Alexander asked.

“It makes sense, though,” Nicholas said, “to just have one of us go. And it makes the most sense for me to be the one. Peter is king, you are his regent, and Cole is the last heir. I'm the one who is in limbo, so why not me? The girls can get to their classes, their appointments, and Ariel can rap her way through American history.”

“It does make sense,” Ariel said with a shrug. “Loosen the reins a bit, Alexander. Nicholas has always done work, despite sneaking off to God knows where.” She winked at him, and he winked back.

“You will have to ask their husbands whether that's acceptable,” Alexander said, always old fashioned. “But I don't see a problem with it. If it's historical, Ariel, does that mean you might be wearing a decent amount of clothing in it?”

“Pfft, you like it when I'm dressed like a stripper,” she replied.

Alexander was too dignified for a response, and Nicholas smiled, reminded of how these two were examples of opposites attracting.

“I will ask,” he said, as if it was a duty he was undertaking out of the goodness of his heart.

“Three humans–one of them a carapace–may be a bit much to transport at once,” Alexander reminded him. “At least try to take only two of them.”

“Of course,” Nicholas replied. “I'll be careful. My sisters are the most precious things in the world to me.”

“No one believes that,” Ariel said. “But I love you anyway. Thank you.”

“Of course, sister,” he said. “Let me know when you need to be there.”

“Tomorrow,” she said, and Alexander sputtered.

“Tomorrow? What were you going to do if we couldn't make it work?”

“Move back to Earth,” she said with a shrug. He cocked an eyebrow at her, but said nothing. Ariel was strong, and she didn't need to be with Alexander constantly.

Nicholas used to think that he was like that. But with each passing day since his last visit with Rosa, he felt the pounding need to be close to her. And now he had an excuse.

He had to do this carefully. As far as he knew, she was still in the same place. But if she was moved, this could be disastrous, especially if it was off Earth. Neither Peter nor Cole had any qualms with Nicholas taking their wives to Earth when they needed him to. Both girls might have once been uncomfortable with it, but now, they were a family. They had been through so much, and they trusted him.

He paced his room, his head spinning. His hand was trembling on his phone, but eventually, his heart overrode his head. He pressed the video chat button.

This time, it rang through, and her automatic voicemail picked up.

He hung up right away. He may be taking a risk in calling her, but he wasn't going to be so stupid as to leave evidence like that on his phone.

He waited four minutes and then tried again. This time, to his relief, she picked up.

“My love,” she said. “I am so glad to hear from you.”

“What's wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing, nothing,” she said. “I just…I'm glad that you called back. We shouldn't, though.”

“We shouldn't,” he agreed, “but here it is. I have news for you. Are you somewhere safe?”

“Yes,” she replied. “But be quick.”

“I'm going to come and see you much more often,” he replied. “I'll be on Earth at least four days a week. Are you in danger of being moved?”

“No,” she said. “Not for a while, anyway, I think. These things are hard to predict, though.”

“I know. Just maintain your normal routine,” he instructed her. “Make it easier for me. Go to work, go home, and I'll see you tomorrow”

“Not that I do anything anyway,” she answered. “That takes money.”

“I…” he wanted so badly to help. “Can I bring you anything? Please, something that can help.”

“Does Cole have any books on my family?” she asked, and he furrowed his brow in confusion.

“What? I mean, maybe. If it has to do with magic, Cole has the book.”

“Can you look and bring it to me?”

“If I can find it, yes of course,” he said. “But what do you need it for?”

“Just want to look up a few things,” she smiled. “And as you can imagine, it's not easy to google these things.”

“Of course. I'll bring you whatever I can.”

“I'll see you soon. I love you.”

“I love you, too,” he said, and they hung up.

He stared at the screen, his eyes focused on the call details. He went to delete it, although it felt like a piece of his heart was being ripped out.

It wasn't fair, he thought. Cole and Peter and Alexander had their loves by their side. They held hands without a second thought. They gave them kisses, and they didn't care who saw.

Of course, they made their choices. He knew that. Those girls were at more of a risk holding their hands than bungee jumping without a cord. But that didn't seem to stop them.

The next morning, Ariel and Enya gathered in the antechamber, backpacks on their back and munching on breakfast.

“So, you,” he said to Ariel, “need to go to rehearsal. And Enya needs to go…to the doctor?”

“To class,” Enya replied. “Which could be mistaken for a doctor’s appointment in how boring it is. But to the university.”

“Education is overrated,” Ariel said. “I never went to college.”

“But you trained as a dancer since you could walk,” Enya pointed out and Ariel shrugged.

“That is true. And I also won't be qualified to do anything but teach in a few years,” Ariel pointed out.

“And maybe be crown princess?” Nicholas pointed out, and she shrugged.

“But that's easy.”

“Is it, now?” he smirked. “Give me your hands, girls.”

“Cole normally holds me,” Enya said. “Because I'm small, and the landing is jarring.”

“Right,” Nicholas replied, putting an arm around her waist. She reminded him of Rosa, and it put a pang in chest. “Ariel, here.”

“I'm tall,” she said, as she took his other side. “But if you jar the landing and affect my first day of rehearsal, I will kill you.”

“Excellent,” he replied, and closed his eyes.

The magic swirled from his palms. Alexander was right; it was a bit difficult with two of them. But he had little trouble, and they were soon smoothly on Earth.

“How was that for a landing, Precious?” he teased Ariel, who shrugged.

“I've had better. Thanks, though. I'm going this way, and I'll be done at four.”

“You have my number?” he spun around to Enya, who seemed intent to head in the other direction.

“I do,” she replied. “Thank you.”

It wasn't long before he was alone on the sidewalk. He made sure both of them were out of eyesight before he bolted.

He hadn't lied to Alexander; he was taking over some Earth accounts. Most of it involved checking in on dragons who had chosen to move off Umora. He didn't have much to do today, and he cheated, using magic for every move. He had spent most of last night mapping out the open vortexes so he could travel as fast as possible. He knew that he was taking a risk, but he tried to be as careful as possible.

Before noon, he had checked off everything on his list. At last, he could do what he came here to do. He had found a vortex that was much closer to where Rosa was, and he used it now, pushing his magic to the limit. He knew he couldn't use anymore if he wanted to safety get back and transport the girls.

He found himself near the mall where she worked. He experienced a surge of happiness as he walked toward the mall. He felt like the world was perfect as he got to spend another few hours with Rosa. He had a plan to shop for a few new outfits–anything to help her commission. He could buy several things without drawing too much attention to himself. He had the book tucked under his arm and planned to leave it in the dressing room. Everything was perfectly planned out.

What he didn't plan for was the outside of the mall to be blocked by an ambulance. The lights were flashing, and he blinked, almost blinded as he stepped around it. He had always thought the way humans dealt with emergencies was a bit obnoxious. They panicked so much, running and just adding to the stress of the moment.

But then, they didn't have an instant healing touch at their fingertips. They had to take their patients somewhere far away, usually dodging traffic.

He was so distracted by these thoughts that it took him a moment to notice that the crowd was in Rosa's store.

His heart sunk, and he tried to push his way through the crowd. He was taller than most people, but not all, and quite a crowd had gathered.

He elbowed and ducked his way to the front. And to his horror, there was his Rosa, lying on the floor. She was awake, up on her elbows, her legs sprawled out under her. As the paramedics lifted her gently, he watched as her legs supported no weight. She looked terrified as she met his eyes. She held out her hand, and he went to her and took it without thinking.

The whole store saw, and there was no taking it back. They were exposed.

Chapter 5

“Who are you?” one of the paramedics asked. Nicholas looked to Rosa who bit her lip, her eyes frantic.

“He's a friend,” she said at last. “He can come with us.”

“All right,” the paramedic replied, and didn't even give Nicholas a second glance. “We're going to Mercy General. Your friend can come in the ambulance or follow in his car.”

“Please come with me,” she said, and he squeezed her hand. He could erase the minds of the entire crowd right now, but he would have no magic left to do anything, including heal her if it came to that. He didn't let go of her hand as they moved, noting how cold it was.

“Yes, of course,” he said. “What happened, love? Are you in pain?”

“No,” she said. “That's the problem.”

“What happened?”

“I fell.” She met his eyes. “And I can't feel my legs.”

His eyes fluttered closed for a moment, knowing exactly what this was. They had to play this game and go to the hospital. But while Rosa's vitals would likely be fine, he knew they would not find a cause for this sudden paralysis. They would have to run the tests, listen to the doctors, and try to sneak out.

But nothing the doctors could do would help. Her magic was leaving her.

“Who can we call?” he asked, and she shook her head.

“No one. Just wait,” she said, wanting to be alone with him before she could speak freely.

The ride to the hospital was excruciatingly long. They kept trying to check vitals on her and tried to make sure she was comfortable. But aside from being terrified, Rosa was fine. She wanted Nicholas close by, but she didn't need anything else.

As soon as they were alone in a room, she dropped her voice, whispering to him.

“I can text the coven that is looking after me. But if they come, and you're here….”

“I can feel them coming,” he assured her. “If you need them, bring them here. I will make myself scarce. But, my love, I am so worried about you.”

“Don't be,” she said, dryly. “It's happened before like this for long periods of time.”

“What?” he asked. “You told me that it was just brief, that it was just–”

“It's gotten worse,” she admitted, and he winced. “Nicholas, don't be afraid. We always knew that it would come to this.”

“We knew that things might happen slowly,” he said softly. “We didn't know it would vanish all at once.”

“Maybe we'll get it back,” she said, and that was when he remembered the book. He had been carrying it under his arm so long that it almost felt like a part of him.

She shifted so that he could put it down on the bed.

He didn't quite know what he was looking for. He had raided Cole's bookshelf in secret, looking for anything that could relate to ancestral magic.

The Halloway line was one of the oldest, but it had always been weak, if he was truthful with himself. Their numbers were always small, keeping mostly to themselves and not trusting outsiders. That was probably how they got to be in the situation they were in now.

The book spanned a few clans, but mentioned the Halloway clan more than once.

For a while, Rosa was quiet. Since her clan had died out mostly before she was born, she didn't know much about them. She turned page after page, fascinated by the history.

To anyone who wandered into the room, it looked just like a fantasy book, and so neither of them bothered to hide it. They took blood, they took her CT and MRI scans, and then returned her. Neither of them expected an answer, and they barely listened, waiting for the moment when they could be released.

“Not exactly the way you expected the day to go, is it?” Nicholas asked with a smile as he got her a mid-afternoon snack. “But it is a lovely way to spend a day with you.”

“Flatter-er,” she said, and then looked up at the clock. “When do you have to go?”

“I….” The answer was soon, although he didn't want to say it. “Never.”

“Nicholas,” she said. “I've been with you long enough to know when you are lying.”

“I'm supposed to retrieve the girls at 4 P.M,” he said, “but they can wait.”

“Rosa,” a doctor burst into the room then. “How are we doing?”

“I just want to go home,” she answered truthfully.

“I see,” he replied. “And I understand that you've been through this before?”

“A few times,” she said. “It always goes away.”

“Rosa, you don't seem too concerned for someone who has paralysis,” the doctor sat down on her bed. “Do you know what's going on?”

“I…,” she glanced to Nicholas. “I have Guillain-Barré syndrome.”

“What?” The doctor asked. “You've been diagnosed with that?”

“Yes,” she replied. “I have. And I'm being treated for it. I was too scared to tell my work, and I was too scared to tell you,” she grabbed Nicholas’ hand, urging him to play along. “I'm sorry.”

“Oh, my love,” he replied, trying to play the part. The worst part was, although the words weren't real, the emotion was.

“I see,” the doctor said. “And you are under regular treatment?”

“Yes,” she assured him. “Please, I'm sorry for wasting your time.”

“I see.” He looked down at his clipboard and seemed relieved that he didn't have to diagnose this complicated case. “Well, if you know what's happening, and you are under regular treatment, I don't see any reason to keep you.”

“Yes,” she practically begged.

“Well…,” the doctor paused. “You can refuse treatment here. But I don't recommend it.”

“Please,” she said, and he agreed.

“I'll get you the paperwork. But I sincerely hope you are being treated elsewhere.”

“Of course,” she said, and he relented. Only then did she turn back to Nicholas, sighing. “That was close.”

“What's Guillain-Barré syndrome?” he managed to ask, confused.

“It's a syndrome that would mirror my symptoms,” she said. “Of course, if they did invasive blood tests, it wouldn't be there. But to a doctor's face, it's a good explanation.”

“You researched this?” he asked in surprise.

“I had to be prepared,” she replied. “Otherwise, it could happen like today, and I'd be stuck here for months.”

“Would that be so bad?” he asked. “You are safe and warm here.”

“Nicholas,” she gave him a look. “I don't live in a palace with my bills paid by the people. I need to pay my rent.”

His heart ripped. “Rosa, you can't do this forever. We have to find out what's happening.”

“We know what's happening,” she said, and gave him a look. “That magic is fading.”

“Yes, but so fast?” he asked, and then he gasped. “This is related to the veil dropping.”

“The veil? From the Other?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said. “It dropped, and we had no idea why. Now, your magic is vanishing.”

“It's an interesting theory,” she said, “but weren't the carapaces involved in sucking magic out of things?”

“This isn't the carapaces,” he replied. “Not since Ariel became in charge. I have to talk to Cole. I feel if I present this theory, he'll have ideas.”

“You have to go,” she reached for his hand. He squeezed it silently. He didn't want to go. He wanted to take her in his arms and return her to her bed, snuggling up safe and warm. But four o’clock was fast approaching, and he knew he needed to go or risk their cover being exposed. They had already taken too many risks today.

“I know. I can at least take you home.” He glanced at the clock. “You can't even walk, Rosa. You need my help.”

“We'll get it back,” she assured him, but he wasn't so sure of that. He spoke nothing of his pessimism, though. He bundled her up to keep her warm, and made sure to pack her bag full of everything she had brought. He tucked the Halloway book into the front of her bag and zipped it closed.

The discharge papers were soon signed, and she was free to go. They brought her a wheelchair, but Rosa turned her nose up. Nicholas smirked.

“Oh?” he said. “How are you going to get out, then?”

“You're going to carry me,” she said, as if it were the most obvious fact in the world.

“Of course,” he rolled his eyes, “my princess.”

“I could be your princess one day if we get married,” she whispered into his ear as he picked her up.

“We will get married one day,” he answered softly. “Just as soon as I figure out how to make this world safe for you.”

She lay her head on his shoulder as he walked, burying her face to ignore the stares.

He barely had time to get her home in a taxi. All he wanted to do was stay with her sweet kisses and her arms around him.

By the time he got her into bed, she had gained back some mobility, her legs twitching as she stretched them. He could feel it under his palms; her magic was slowly returning. But how long would it be until it happened again, and then for good?

“I'll be back tomorrow,” he assured her. “But please, call me if you need anything.”

“Tomorrow is not soon enough,” she replied. “But I'll try to still my beating heart until then.”

“Mm,” he leaned down to kiss her. “I love you, Rosa.”

“I love you, too,” she said, and then he had to leave.

His magic was shaky when he got back to the transport spot. He knew he could still do it, but it was going to be rough. The restoration and use of magic on Earth was a bit more difficult than on Umora. However, it was the easiest of the other planets, and so he was grateful to be here.

“Nicholas.” Ariel met him, looking tired but happy. “What have you been up to?”

“Errands, love,” he said, putting on his usual smirk. She raised an eyebrow.

“Errands with lipstick on your collar? My, tell me how I get assigned those tasks.”

“What?” He paled, turning to his shirt collar. Sure enough, Rosa's pink lipstick was smeared there. “Damn it.”

“So, who was it?” she teased him.

“No one, Precious,” he said, although it damn near killed him. “You're not the only one in this family who has random, casual encounters.”

“No judgment,” she said, looking behind him. “But our sister-in-law may be a bit shocked, so tuck your collar down or something.”

“Good thinking,” he said, reaching to put it under his jacket as Enya approached. “Anything else you ladies need to do?”

He was trying to delay. The longer the magic could refill his fingers, the better. But both of them were done for the day, and so he had no choice. He took both of their hands, closing his eyes.

“Oh, Lord,” he whispered, pushing as hard as he could. The magic swirled, and then he felt the dizzying blackness surround him.

Before he knew what was happening, they crashed onto the antechamber floor.

“Nice,” Ariel said, a bit miffed at their landing. “Ow.”

“Sorry,” he said. “Don't tell your husbands.”

“I'm fine,” said Enya. “That was exciting.”

“It will be less exciting tomorrow, I promise,” he said, as they all stood up. “I hope.”

Chapter 6

“Vanishing?” Cole asked that night at dinner. “That is interesting.”

“That's what people are saying,” Nicholas said, trying to remain vague. “It seems more to be affecting individual cases and spells rather than large quantities of people. But there is the matter of the Other dropping.”

“There is that.” Cole shoveled food into his mouth like he was starving. “I hadn't thought of putting the two together, but we have had reports of dragons feeling less powerful on Earth. I had always attributed it to Earth's atmosphere.”

“What are you saying?” Peter spoke up from the head of the table. He was always so quiet, so thoughtful. Alexander was his mouthpiece, still, doing so much of the work. “That magic is dissipating?”

“I don't know,” Cole replied. “I don't think it's quite that drastic.”

“Well, magical hybrid,” Nicholas pointed out, “I think this is your job.”

“Sure,” Cole replied. “But I'd like to consult Thomas.”

“Sorry?” Yvette spoke up for the first time. Thomas Dolcetti was one of the few other magical hybrids in the universe. Like Cole, he was half dragon and half witch. He and his family had retreated long ago to Earth, rebelling against the tyrannical old king, Richard. They were a mismatched family, trying to live in peace on the edge of human civilization. Thomas, however, was a trouble maker, broken and struggling. He had allied with Richard, and Peter had pardoned him for his crimes only on the basis that he used his magic to help with his doctor father. Thomas also used to be Yvette's lover for over a year in her short life.

“You can consult with Thomas so long as it is on our terms,” Peter said. “He appears before us; you do not go to him.”

“We would have to beef up security,” Cole replied. “The people will riot if they see Thomas here. His pardon was not popular.”

Peter shifted his gaze to Yvette. “I’m aware. That's why he comes here. We do not bow to his rule; he bows to ours.”

“What are the consequences if magic is leaving?” Nicholas put in.

“It could be catastrophic,” Cole replied. “But I think we are being dramatic, really. It's probably just a singular issue, someone is behind it. Magic is not fading form the atmosphere; the whole world isn't suddenly going to be magic-free.”

“Welcome to my life,” Ariel put in, leaning back in her chair. “It's not so bad.”

“But for those of us who are used to magic…,” Alexander reminded her, and she shrugged.

“You can adapt. That is the whole reason for being alive. Tell me when you will summon Thomas, and I'll make sure to be in the throne room to calm him. As long as it's around my rehearsal schedule.”

“Oh, I will,” Cole grinned. “Bringing him here again is going to be fun.”

Nicholas was not calmed by the conversation they were having. The truth was, almost every magical being could survive without magic. They would be trapped in human form and unable to transport themselves, but they would be alive.

Rosa, however, was pure magic. If her magic vanished, there would be nothing left of her. And the thought of it was enough to make him consider throwing himself off the roof.

“Where are we on sightings of our lovely father?” Nicholas asked. “My intelligence isn't telling me anything. Anyone else?”

Cole shrugged.

“It's just the same. Unconfirmed reports, a body here or there that can't be linked anywhere. If Father is around, he's keeping it a secret.”

“I expected him back before now, to be honest,” Peter finally said. “A battle for the throne, straight out of the movies.”

“Good reference,” Yvette said, who had taught him all about modern culture and films. He smiled at her, scraping the last of his plate.

“In a movie is fine. In our throne room is a different story. In any case, he's in hiding or he's gone.”

“Either way, it's something we should stay on alert for,” Alexander said. “Everyone keep your ears to the ground.”

“Aye,” Nicholas said, as they finished dinner. Yvette stood up, which made all of them scramble to their feet. As the queen, her small presence commanded that they rose when she did. Peter rose as well, taking her hand. “My lady.”

“An early night?” Peter asked, and she nodded.

“Nicholas, I need to return to Earth on Thursday, if that is all right?”

“Of course,” he said. “I think, Enya, you aren't coming then? My caravan has room.”

“Excellent,” she said, and the two of them floated off. Cole kissed Enya on the head, beckoning her off as well. Nicholas was left at the table with his brother and sister-in-law who were deep in conversation. Alexander's plate remained half full, which was a constant source of argument.

“But you can't regain strength unless you do eat,” she tried to argue with him. His decline in health since the war with her people was something she felt terribly guilty over. However, Nicholas felt like he could point out that Alexander had always had issues with food. A civilized dinner was one thing, but the blood lust a dragon needed was a different matter, and he often couldn't separate the cravings he felt. He once thought Peter was the one most unhappy about being a dragon. But Alexander was the one who seemed to fight everything about their dual form.

Nicholas was about to speak out when his phone buzzed. Discreetly, he looked down, trying to not draw attention to his gaze.

It was a message from Rosa, which she really shouldn’t have sent. But it was a picture from the book, and he had a feeling that he needed to see it.

Halloway magic is the strongest and yet the weakest of the coven ancestral magic. It burns bright like a torch for a very short time, and then burns out. Halloway have shortened lifespans, overcome by their magic at young ages. This is a fact often kept secret from outsiders in order to protect them from being the easiest to take down. A Halloway clan of four can take down an entire planet with their magic, but they often have little time to plan such destruction.

He froze, reading the text in the photograph again and again.

“No,” he whispered, his eyes widening. This couldn't be.

And, yet, there it was in black and white.

Rosa was simply following the pattern that every single one of her ancestors had. Burning too bright and then being snuffed out and overcome.

The fact that she was carrying the last of her ancestral magic meant for four people was not lost on him. If they had shortened lifespans, hers was going to be significantly shorter from the sheer burden of the amount of magic she was carrying.

“God,” he said, which drew the attention of his siblings.

“Nicholas?” Alexander asked, grateful for the distraction. “What's the matter?”

“Nothing,” he managed. “Where's Cole?”

“Who are you texting?” Ariel slid over to him, a teasing smile on her face. “First, lipstick on your collar, and now secret messages? Nicholas, I'm starting to think that you do have a secret girlfriend.”

“No,” he said as he pulled his phone away, but she took that as an invitation to play on. She reached for it, dodging his arms. To his horror, she managed to pry it out of his hands. “Ariel, NO!”

She stopped, in shock.

Nicholas had a temper. Everyone knew that. He was out of control, his anger enough to kill an entire room if it manifested into physical actions. But never, in his life, had he yelled at his favorite sister-in-law.

Alexander rose, throwing his napkin down on his plate and holding out his hand.

“Ariel, give me the phone,” he said, looking right into Nicholas' eyes. “Now.”

She handed it over without protest. For Nicholas to yell like that, something had to be terribly wrong. Alexander's authority bore into his brother who stood stock still.

Alexander's eyes flashed over the screen, reading quickly. He was silent for a moment, and then looked to his younger brother.

“Explain,” he said.

Nicholas' brain frantically tried to come with an explanation. “I was trying to look into the theory about magic fading,” he said. “So, I asked some witches–”

“No,” Alexander said. “You are lying. Explain, now.”

“Alexander, I can't,” Nicholas begged him. “Please, don't make me. Please.”

Alexander had never seen such emotion in his brother's eyes. He recognized the look. He had seen it in Peter and in Cole when their lovers were threatened. This was the same glassy stare, the same lost eyes, pleading for help.

“Nicholas,” Alexander chose his words carefully, “is this something that will put us in danger?”

“No, I swear,” Nicholas cried. “I would never do that. How could you even think that of me, brother?”

“I don't,” Alexander said. “But you are not normally so secretive.”

“Please, just leave it be. Please do not make me explain.”

Alexander held his gaze for a long time and then handed over the phone. Nicholas took it with a sigh of relief, putting it back in his pocket.

“Thank you,” he said. “I promise this will make sense someday.”

“Do what you need to do,” Alexander said, dismissing him. Nicholas bowed and left, his hands shaking.

Alexander sank back in his seat, raising an eyebrow at Ariel.

“Who is she?” Ariel asked.

Alexander sighed, picking at his plate again. He thought he might have the strength to make it through the evening if he could find a way to get another mouthful or two in.

“Her name is Rosa Halloway,” he said. “She's a witch, and the last of the Halloway line. I had thought she was long dead, but it appears Nicholas has found her. And from the look in his eyes, it's more than just a business relationship. They knew each other as children, but it appears it has blossomed.”

“Halloway?” Ariel replied, in surprised “There are no more Halloway witches.”

“Didn't they say that about carapaces as well?” Alexander raised an eyebrow at her. “The Halloway are odd witches. They are very powerful, but they use ancestral magic, so they need four. Rosa is all that is left. The rest have died out early, overcome by their magic. It eats at them and eventually destroys their human body.”

“My God, that is not a good evolution,” she said. “So he's being all secretive. Why?”

“He's trying to protect her, I imagine,” Alexander shrugged. “The Halloway, like carapaces, were hunted for their power. Killing them off, stealing their power by a transfer, all those things were common. All of those things were things King Richard did.

“I never met your father and I hate him. Have I mentioned that?” Ariel put in. Alexander quirked an eyebrow.

“You wouldn't be alone. In any case, my dear, I know Nicholas has no evil attentions in mind. If he wants to keep Rosa to himself, it doesn't matter. Without three others, she is useless. She will burn out like the rest, and his heart will break, but that is all.”

“Mm,” she put her hand over his. “Except grief. Which can kill you.”

“He'll be all right,” Alexander sighed. “He's strong like the rest of us. Shall we retire for the evening?”

“Speaking of strong,” she pointed out. “You look like you could do with an infusion of magic yourself.”

“A good night's sleep, that's all,” he slipped an arm around her waist. “A night where I don't have to wear the crown.”

“I can think of ways where you can wear nothing at all.” She nuzzled into his neck, and he chuckled. No matter how dire the situation, Ariel always had a way of making him smile.

Chapter 7

Rosa had called in sick for work. She didn't want to, but she didn't know what else to do. They would expect her to after the accident. But she would have gone if she felt like she had the strength.

She felt so strange, as if her body was fighting a passive war. She needed the magic, but she hated the magic.

She was staring at the wall, trying to get her strength up when she saw her front door open.

She jumped about four feet in the air, afraid. If someone was coming to rob her, they were going to discover quite quickly that there was nothing to rob. Perhaps they would get angry and hurt her. She couldn't defend herself, and she didn't want to die this way.

But to her surprise, the person coming through the door meant no harm.

“My Lord,” she said, trying to look dignified. Cole stood there, a grin on face. He came and went as he pleased, asking for magical advice whenever it suited him.

“I caught you at a bad time?” he said. “I was in the area, so I thought I'd pop in.”

“You thought you'd pop in?” she raised an eyebrow. “Right.”

“Okay, I need something,” he grinned. “How are you?”

“I'm uh…,” she remembered who she was talking to. “Having problems with magic.”

“So, I figured,” he said. “There was an interesting topic brought up at dinner last night, so I thought I'd come and see you. After all, who is the oldest witch clan in history?”

“Me,” she said. “But I'm currently a singular force, so….”

“And you're experiencing a magical drain. Do you think it has to with the Other dropping?” He leaned against her wall.

“Uh…,” she paused. “I don't know. I don't know what's going on, to be honest.”

Cole's brow furrowed. “Rosa?” he asked, moving forward.

Her reaction was to get up, to pretend everything was normal. It was such a strong reaction that she forgot her legs didn't work. She fell back onto the bed.

He was beside her an instant, his moves lightning fast.

“Damn. You are in bad shape,” he said.

She couldn't hold in her emotion any more. “I'm a Halloway,” she said. “We already have such problems living with our magic. If the world is taking it from me sooner, it's just cruel!”

He was taken aback by this sudden emotion.

“Rosa,” he said as he touched her. He was alarmed at how little magic was under her skin. “Oh, my God.”

“I don't know what to do,” she said. “I don't know what to do. I don't want to die.”

The tears flowed down her face, and he felt pity for this poor girl. He was about to say something comforting when the door opened again.

Rosa's head snapped toward it, her eyes wide.

There stood Nicholas, equally shocked. “Brother?” he asked Cole. Rosa looked between the two of them in a panic.

“Nicholas,” Cole said. “Do you know Rosa Halloway?”

“I–” Nicholas said. This was it, they were caught. Rosa dropped her head. “Yes.”

Rosa was dying anyway, he figured. This was their last chance.

“We know each other quite well.”

“Cool,” Cole said. “We have to get her to Umora.”

“Sorry?” Nicholas said. “What?”

“You know that Earth has more trouble supporting magic,” Cole said. “Her magic is fading. She'll have a little longer if we could get to Umora.”

“But….” Nicholas sputtered. “Rosa is protected by witch covens who–”

“Who I am in charge of,” Cole pointed out. “If they have a problem with it, they can answer to me. Do you want to help me?”

Nicholas looked to Rosa, trying to stay calm. It was hard not to swoop her up in his arms and just run away. He didn't want her to feel an iota of sadness, let alone these tears. “Rosa, you know what this means.”

“I don't know what else to do,” she cried. “I can't take this anymore.”

“I will take care of you,” he assured her, looking her straight in the eyes. “I promise you, my love. I will take care of you no matter what.”

Silently, she nodded, holding out her hands.

“Please,” she whispered, meeting his eyes. “If these are my last moments, then let them be with you.”

Nicholas reached out to her, the magic swirling already. He was prepared to take her as far away from this hell as he could. He could transport her in an instant.

What he didn't expect was his magic to be blocked.

“Ah,” he cried, almost in pain. His head whipped around, and his heart dropped. To his horror, there was a dark shadow in the doorway. As it advanced, he gritted his teeth. Rosa groaned, and he knew she was being drained.

Standing in the doorway in human form stood King Richard. The limp body of a carapace, with shocking red hair that reminded him of Ariel, dropped to the ground. Killing a carapace released their magic like a flower with pollen, and Nicholas felt himself start to go weak.

“Boy,” Richard looked to Cole. “If you know what is good for you, you'll step away from that witch and hand her over.”

“Ha,” Cole said. “Like I'm that easily convinced. I owe you nothing.”

“I will kill you both,” Richard said. “As a human, here and now. I have no issues with that, I'm stronger than you.”

“You will not lay a hand on her,” Nicholas growled. The carapace’s energy was still in the room, and he couldn't transform. He didn't care, though. He would kill his father with his bare hands if he even thought about hurting Rosa.

“Don't you want to live forever, Nicholas?” Richard said, and then he launched forward.

Rosa screamed and dove backward as fast as she could. She put her hands over her head because she didn't know what else to do. It wasn't as if she could fight or protect either of them.

She felt air whoosh over them, and she heard crashes and grunts. Her heart beat rose ridiculously high, and her breathing became ragged.

“Please,” she whispered, to a god she wasn't sure she believed in. “Please, help me. Help us.”

Suddenly, she felt magic flood her. She screamed, unsure whose it was. And then she was on a cold marble floor, trembling and bruised.

“Rosa! Rosa!” Nicholas scrambled over to put his hand on her back. “Are you hurt, my love?”

She rolled over, blinking.

His face was bleeding, and his cheeks were filled with color, but he was all right. His eyes were bright, and his hands were gripping hers.

A quick look to her right saw Cole also sitting on the floor, looking rather proud of himself. There was no trace of Richard.

“No,” she said, shell-shocked. “What happened?”

“As soon as the carapace magic faded enough, I got us out of there,” Cole said. “He didn't follow. Although, it wouldn't take a genius to know we would come here.”

“Where are we?” she asked, as Nicholas helped her sit up.

“We're in my palace, my love,” he said softly. “You're safe. At least for now.”

“In the palace?” She looked into his eyes. “But, Nicholas–”

“I know,” he said. “But we have no choice. We are no longer safe apart, my love. We made that choice.”

She leaned her head into his chest, trying to calm her breathing. She felt weak, although that wasn't a surprise with a carapace suddenly spewing every bit of magic they had. What surprised her, though, was how she didn't feel completely incapacitated. She was feeling better every moment she sat here.

“Magic works better here,” Cole said, reading her mind as he stood up. Despite looking a bit rough, he didn't seem at all bothered by the fact that his father had just threatened his life. “You should be able to stand.”

“How did you know?”

“I'm a witch. I know all things.” He winked at her. “Go on, try,” he said.

She looked at Nicholas who gently helped her up. Although her legs were shaky, she found more strength than she had in days. She leaned into him.

“Should we hide me?”

“No, love,” he said. “You're here now. I'm going to make sure to you are taken care of.”

“Why are you–” Suddenly, the door to the antechamber opened. Rosa felt it before she knew what was happening.

She recognized Nicholas’ sister-in-law, Ariel, standing in the doorway. With high heels and a green dress that brought out her eyes, Rosa immediately felt inadequate at her beauty. She also realized that she felt dizzy at her very presence.

She stumbled against Nicholas who put his arm around her.

“Ariel, get out!” he screamed. “To the other side of the palace. OUT!”

“What the?” She obeyed him, although she was clearly confused and annoyed by it. Rosa panted, trying to regain what she had only moments ago.

“Oh, my God,” she gasped, as Nicholas held her tight. “That's–”

“That's why she is their queen,” Nicholas said softly.

“Well, she's going to be mad,” Cole put in. “I'm going to talk to her before she breaths fire.”

“She can't,” Nicholas said, and Cole grinned.

“Can't she? Go settle your lady love in,” Cole said. “I'll just fix the world, per usual.”

Cole left them alone, and Nicholas looked down at Rosa, who lifted her head from his chest.

“Are you all right now?” he asked. “I'm going to take you to my room, where you can settle in.”

“We can share your room?” she asked hopefully.

“Of course, my love,” he said, as they began to walk. He was cautious, on guard, in case Ariel was anywhere nearby.

Rosa tried to smile.

“Like a princess,” she said, and he chuckled.

“You've always been a princess.”

“Nicholas,” she said softly as their footsteps echoed in the hallway. “What did your father mean? About living forever?”

“I…” he was about to say he didn't know, but then he remembered the book and the conversation he had with Cole. “I think he was trying to steal your power.”

“My power?” she said, surprised.

“Did you know the Halloways were just as hunted as carapaces once?” he asked. “They are the most powerful of all witches, and I think that your power can give him immortality. If not immortality, a very long life.”

“But dragons already have a ridiculously long life,” she said. “Why does he need mine?”

“It may be easier to take since you are the only one,” he replied. “I don't know. We still don't fully understand what is happening with the supernaturals who returned from the Other, but what we do know is that magic in this universe is changing, and possibly fading.”

“That would make sense,” she said, as he let her into his room. She gasped at the vastness and the beauty. “Oh, my goodness, you really are a prince.”

He laughed, helping her on the bed.

“Did you not believe me?”

“I didn't dare to dream,” she whispered, as he leaned in to kiss her.

Chapter 8

“Princess,” Cole strolled through the palace, using his magic to trace Ariel. He kept sending out pings and waiting to see where they faded. “Ariel. Come scream at me.”

Wherever she was, she felt his magical shocks and strolled out from the library. It connected to so many rooms, and he was reminded of her power by the fact that he couldn't quite locate her. She didn't look particularly angry, but she did look annoyed.

“What do you want?” she asked.

“You want an explanation of what just happened?” he said. “Don't be mad at me. I didn't tell you to go away.”

“Sure,” she replied. “Everything else that goes on in this palace confuses me, so why not?”

“That was Rosa,” he said. He expected to give her more of explanation, but she quirked an eyebrow.

“Rosa Halloway?”

“How did you know?” he asked, and she shrugged.

“Alexander and I snooped in Nicholas' phone last night, accidentally, but on purpose. Is he having a love affair with her?”

“He is, I think,” Cole replied. “But he freaked because she's only alive because of magic. You take it away, and she's done for.”

“Isn't her magic also killing her?” Ariel asked, remembering the conversation she had with Alexander.

“Indeed,” Cole replied. “Halloway need four, so she is carrying the magic of three other witches, and that's too much. If she could just carry her own, there would be room for an actual life force in her, and it wouldn't be such a problem.”

“I don't get it,” Ariel said. “They need four, and yet she has the other three?”

“Because…there is just her?” Now it was his turn to be confused.

“But there's you,” she said.

That stopped Cole in his tracks.

“What?” he asked, increasingly confused. “What are you talking about?”

“Your magic is the same as hers,” she said. “When I absorb yours and hers, it feels the same. Aren't you of the same line?”

The words confused Cole. He realized that nothing he said would make sense. He was half-witch, yes, but he never thought of what his witch origins were. He knew how to use his magic, and it worked, so there was no reason to question it. Despite a brief straying from the palace of his royal home, he knew who his family was. At least, it was the family that mattered. He didn't have any need or want to chase after his birth parents.

Until, that is, right now.

“You think my magic feels like a Halloway strain?” he asked.

“Well, I was only in the room for two seconds,” she replied. “So, I'd have to verify again. But yeah.”

“Huh,” Cole had not expected this to come from the conversation.

“So, is three witches instead of four in her enough to take it over?” Ariel asked.

“Two would be enough,” Cole replied. Ariel paused, thinking.

“Thomas.”

“Thomas Dolcetti?” he said in surprise “Are you serious?”

“Cole, I just said it was two seconds. Let me near her for half a minute, and I might be able to tell you for sure,” she protested. “But I think so.”

“Somehow, I feel like convincing Nicholas of that is going to be very difficult,” he said. “You could kill her.”

“Not in thirty seconds,” she said. “She'll just suffer for a while. But this is sort of in the name of saving her life.”

“Right,” he paused. “God, I never even thought about mine.”

“Sorry to burst your bubble,” she said, but he shrugged.

“It doesn't matter,” he said. “My family is here in this palace, except if my so-called father shows up.”

“What happened, exactly?” she asked, confused.

“He tried to steal all of Rosa's power, probably for some sort of immortality.”

“Cole, if the magic really is fading, does that put Peter at risk? He came back from the Other, same as your father,” Ariel said.

“I don't know,” Cole replied. “You hoping for your place as queen back?”

“Not really,” she answered. “And Alexander certainty couldn't be king ever again. But I'm just wondering.”

“I have a suspicion,” Cole said, “that if the Other does reclaim those who have returned, they won't take Peter. He willingly faded away, he wasn't forced. No one has ever done that before. So, I suspect if Peter wants to, he could stay here, no matter what happens to the others.”

“Oh, a special snowflake,” she smiled. “That's good, because with the way the show is going, I really don't have time to be queen here anyway.”

“Poor princess,” he said. “Let me go talk to Nicholas. He's not going to take kindly to this suggestion.”

“Didn't you have Thomas scheduled to come here?” she asked. “We could put it off until he is here, too, and do it all at once. It's been awhile since I felt Thomas' magic.”

“I could arrange that,” Cole said. “I'll put in the call to him now. For now, just stay away from her.”

“Thanks,” Ariel rolled her eyes. “I'll be in the library, being a loner.”

“Thanks, love,” he said, and he skipped away.

Once he was gone, she did sigh. It wasn't lost on her that she was hurting those whom she had come to care about the most. Ariel didn't often speak feelings of affection, but she did care about her in-laws. They were the only real family she had ever known. The fact that Alexander had been permanently damaged, and now the fact she could kill her favorite brother-in-law's love just by standing there was reasonably painful.

She and these creatures were not made to be together. But she had spent her whole life listening to people tell her about the things she shouldn't do. She wasn't about to let this stop her from the happiest time of her life.

She hoped she could help this situation. Detecting magical strains wasn't an exact science. However, she was the strongest carapace in the galaxy; it shouldn't be that difficult.

If she was honest with herself, she was afraid that she was going to be wrong. It wasn't an idle task; there were lives at stake here.

If someone had told her a few years ago that she would care so much about something that wasn't her own survival, she would have laughed in their face. Dragons had a way of changing you that was for sure.

“Ahem,” she spun around to find Peter entering the library. She realized she had been standing stock still, staring at the bookshelf like she was in trance.

Peter met her eyes, and she raised an eyebrow. She knew exactly what he was waiting for, and that was for her to bow to him. He may be family and the king, but they were in private, and she wasn't going to take things that far.

“Yes, Peter, what can I do to annoy you now?” she asked. His English was strong enough now that he could understand her perfectly. But on Umora, he was strict about speaking in the dragon lore, which drove her mad.

“Why did my brother just go tearing down the hall like demons were chasing him?”

“Because I told him that he's got Halloway magic, and so does the other magical half-breed. Why?” she asked innocently.

Peter choked. “I'm sorry?”

“Why does it matter where his magic comes from?” Ariel asked. “It's not like it's a surprise that he's a magical half-breed. The origin shouldn't matter.”

“Because Nicholas just told me that Father is looking to drain Halloway magic to live forever,” Peter replied, turning on his heel. “And Cole is the last heir.”

“Is your palace so unsecured that you worry about your father breaking in here?” she asked him. He glared at her.

“If your entire reign ended because you could not keep your family safe, Ariel, how would you feel?”

“I would do everything I could,” she said. “But if I believed I was the God-granted leader, I would probably also accept that God ended my reign.”

“Huh,” he said. “But not today.”

“Not today,” she said.

It was not an easy process. Thomas was considered an enemy of the kingdom, and they would have to be careful bringing him in. In addition, Nicholas was not happy about exposing Rosa to Ariel again. However, he couldn't deny them, given what was at stake. The fact that two Halloway heirs may be hiding behind dragon blood was fascinating, and also baffling.

“What happened to them?” he asked Cole as they waited for Thomas in the antechamber. Peter, himself, had gone to retrieve the troublesome dragon. “Is that why they died out?”

“I don't know, maybe,” Cole replied. “No one knows why there suddenly weren't any more. But if they started relationships with dragons….”

“More likely, they were forced into relationships with dragons and then killed,” Nicholas said. “As much as I don't want to demonize our kind, it's more likely. Look how desperate Father was to get his hands on Halloway blood.”

“I bet you this means I'm immortal,” Cole grinned, and Nicholas rolled his eyes.

“Prince Cole, annoying the universe for all eternity.”

“I should put that on a sign,” Cole replied. “Perhaps that will be the motto on my banner.”

“In which case, I'm glad I won't be around forever,” Nicholas replied.

They felt a sudden whoosh and stepped back as Peter and Thomas materialized.

Peter had taken no chances and had Thomas shackled with his arms behind his back. He looked grim, and Cole could only imagine how awkward it was. After all, Peter had essentially stolen his wife, Yvette, from Thomas' clutches. There were many versions of the story, but none of them created good feelings between the two of them. It was only because of Yvette's pleas that Thomas lived at all.

Thomas was mostly silent, not quite impressed with the whole process.

“Stand up,” Peter pulled at him, trying to get him to not make a fuss. “You don't have to say anything.”

“He does have to say things,” Cole said. “But to me, later. For now, into the throne room you go.”

“You are not my king,” Thomas snarled at Peter. Peter raised an eyebrow.

“Really?” he said, and waved his hand. It was supposed to invoke a spell called majesty, which forced them to bow. Thomas gritted his teeth, fighting it. But then, as the doors opened and Yvette turned around, his knees weakened. “And is she not your queen?”

Silence passed as Thomas met Yvette's eyes, full of emotion. She wanted all to be well between them, but she knew that it would probably not be. Cole raised his chin as Enya joined him.

“Technically, I am his king,” Cole said, “and this is his queen. Either way, Thomas, be respectful.”

“I–”

“You tried to kill us all,” Peter pointed out, and Thomas fell silent. “Bring the girls.”

“Make it quick,” Nicholas reminded Ariel when she came in. “As fast as you can.”

“I know,” Ariel said. “But remember, this isn't an exact science. I'm not in the habit of purposely killing innocent girls, though.”

Nicholas took a deep breath and then went to get Rosa, who was waiting outside the throne room. His heart pounded in his chest. This was such a risk, especially for as long as Ariel thought she needed. If she was wrong, then it could be permanent damage. Even if she was right, he wasn't sure what it would accomplish. But they had to try because they had no other solution. It was do or die–in the worst possible way, with the highest possible stakes.

“Rosa,” he said, holding his hand out. “We're ready.”

She placed her small, cold hand in his and followed him in.

Chapter 9

As soon as Rosa entered the room, she felt Ariel's presence. It made her gasp and clutch at her chest. She felt like her insides were being sucked out, and she couldn't breathe.

It got worse when Ariel approached. Nicholas was trying to protect her, but his sister-in-law shooed him away.

“You're messing up my read,” she said, and Rosa closed her eyes as he let go of her hand.

“Here, quick,” Ariel held out a long-fingered, well-manicured hand. Rosa took it tentatively, and nearly fell to her knees. The carapace reached out for Thomas' shoulder, and Cole touched her back.

Ariel closed her eyes, trying to feel the similarities between the three of them. The two dragons had mixed blood and were from different families, which made things more difficult.

“Just one more minute,” she muttered, mostly to herself.

Rosa let out a little gasp and a cry. Nicholas was dying inside, wanting to rip her away.

“Ariel,” he growled, and she glared at him.

“Shut up,” she said, trying to focus as Rosa's knees wavered, and Nicholas was about to call the whole thing off. Her face was losing color, and she would hit the floor at any moment.

At the last moment, Ariel stepped away, backing toward the throne on the other side of the room.

“Well?” Nicholas asked, practically begging her. “Ariel!”

She spun around, her eyes on fire as she took a seat on the throne. It was draining, but she wasn't about to admit weakness.

Everyone was waiting with baited breath as she tried to make a judgment call. She took a deep breath.

“I think it's the same,” she said.

“You think?” Cole asked.

“They are the same,” she declared. “The three of you carry the Halloway bloodline. Which means–”

“Which means I just need one more,” Rosa looked up at Nicholas. “One more, and I can have a chance of living.”

“Yes,” he wrapped his arms around her. “But the question is, how do we do that? Cole, are there other half breeds running around?”

“Not that I know of,” Cole replied. “Thomas?”

Thomas shook his head, seeming shell-shocked by the truth. “Not that I can think of. We are Halloway?”

“Which likely means we are immortal,” Cole answered. “Huh.”

“My Lord,” Yvette's voice finally broke in, sounding quiet and small. “Could I have a moment alone with Thomas?”

Peter's eyes flickered up, and he seemed hesitant. Of course, he trusted Yvette. He knew that she loved him, and he knew she would never betray him. He didn't trust Thomas farther than he could throw him, however.

“Are you sure?”

“Please,” Yvette said, and Peter knew he needed to obey.

“Out,” he said to the others. Thomas raised an eyebrow and held up his shackles, but Peter just laughed.

“Not on your life,” he replied. “Yvette, if you need help, you call for me.”

“Of course,” she said quietly as they exited. She waited until the doors to the large throne room had clicked shut before she returned her gaze to Thomas. His chest was still heavy from the carapace experience, and he didn't look particularly comfortable. “You knew.”

“What?” he laughed. “What did I know?”

“You knew that you were Halloway,” she said softly.

He tried to play it off. “What makes you say that?”

“Because you've always been obsessed with power and with magic,” she said. “If you teamed up with King Richard, no doubt that was the deal that was struck. You knew Halloway blood was the secret to immortality. How did you find out?”

He was fighting with himself as he struggled for the words. “It was a spell, the way the spells manifested. It never looked like anyone else's. It wasn't until I saw Cole's magic up close that I realized that something was the same.”

“Ah,” she wasn't sitting on the throne, nor was she wearing a crown. But somehow, she looked like a queen. And what hurt the most was that she wasn't mad. She was hurt. “How could you, Thomas? There are so many innocents involved.”

“Yvette,” he managed. “I did not intend to hurt you. Ever. You have to know that. I did not set out to hurt you, even after you became involved with him.”

“You nearly burned down a mall with me in it!” she cried, and he looked away.

“We've discussed this. I thought that I could save you.”

“Well, you didn't,” she replied. “Peter did, though, luckily.”

Thomas remained silent at that fact, looking at his feet.

“What else do you have to tell me?” she asked. “Now that you know my life is mixed up in all of this? Tell me, now, Thomas, because I swear to God, I will not make the mistake of sticking my neck out for you twice.”

He took a deep breath but remained silent.

“Thomas,” she reminded him. “We were friends. And you promised to protect me forever. You swore it, no matter what happened.”

He still said nothing, although he did look up at her.

“What is it that you want?” she asked.

“Do you have the power to grant me what I want?” he asked.

“I do. You know that I have equal power beside Peter. But it's also my choice. What is it that you want?” She hoped that it was not something horrible.

“I want to be free from the Donizettis and the life they would have me live,” he said softly. “They retreated from Umora because they did not agree with life here. And I thought I did as well. But Umora is my home, my life. I am a dragon, and I am a witch; I do not belong on a planet full of humans.”

“Oh, my,” she said. “Thomas, I can't just–”

“Didn't you say that you have equal power?” he asked. “So why can't you grant me this?”

“They take care of you.”

“You know that they don't,” he cried. “You know that my father has me so doped up on meds I can hardly see straight. Yes, it controls my anger. Yes, it controls my blood lust, but it also controls me. I feel like I'm walking through water, like I'm moving through life in slow motion. I just want to be free, Yvette.”

“If I make that choice, I take any blood you spill into my own hands,” she said.

“There will be no blood,” he assured her. “If you wish me back in the Royal Army, I will return. But I cannot live that life anymore. I will live any way you want, just let it be here. You said we were still friends, Yvette.”

“You can't control your impulses, Thomas. You need help.” She buried her head in her hands.

“I need help here,” he roared at her. “I will die there. Except I won't, because I'm immortal, so it will be a living hell forever. Please, please!”

She was practically shaking. She knew that if she said yes, there would be backlash and repercussions from everyone. Her family and the entire planet would rebel and question her judgment.

“I was a loyal subject the whole time,” he said. “You know that I was, you can check the records.”

“Tell me what you know,” she said. “Tell me what information you have, and prove to me that you are on our side. If you do this, I will commute your sentence.”

“How do I know you won't just throw me back in jail?” he asked.

“Because trust has to start somewhere, Thomas,” she said, and he sighed.

He knew he was taking a gamble. Once upon a time, he would have trusted Yvette with his life. He remembered curling up to her at night when he was out of his mind with blood lust, with the drugs, with the demons in his head. She had always been gentle and kind.

But this Yvette? This Queen Yvette who loved Peter? He didn't know her so well.

However, she was right. He had to start somewhere.

“King Richard is using tracer spells to find Rosa,” he said. “He knows that she has the magic of two witches in her, and he does mean to take it from her to survive. Those who have returned from the Other cannot survive forever on this side. The Other dropped because the magic is fading. It's the way of the world, my love. All things must come to an end.”

“That's why you want to return to Umora,” she said. “Your magic will fade on Earth.”

“We who came from Umora will all have to return if we intend to survive,” he said. “On Earth, the magic will be gone quickly. It's already hard to trace–hard to capture and feel. You don't feel it because you are human, but it is fading.”

“Peter,” she said. “Peter came from the Other.”

“Yes,” Thomas said, waiting for her to speak.

“How do I make him stay?” she asked. “How do I make sure he doesn't return?”

“I don't know,” Thomas replied. “Everything is out of balance. There's one pure Halloway witch, dozens of other bloodlines that have died out, and so many things that are different than the balance nature intended.”

“So, we have to put things back into balance,” she said. She was smart, even when her head was spinning. “How do we do that?”

“I don't have all the answers,” he admitted. “But restoring the Halloway line could be a start.”

“I can't just wave my hands and order another Halloway witch,” she cried.

“Create one,” he said with a shrug.

“How?” she asked him, aghast.

“Yvette, do not make me draw you a picture.” He fixed her with a look.

“I…oh!” She blushed bright red. “So, you or Cole or–”

“It's best to let Rosa do it,” he said. “She is the one with two stores of magic.”

“Right,” she said. “I can uh…let them know. Until then, you need to go back to Earth.”

He bowed his head. “I understand. But don't be long.”

“I won't be,” she said. She stepped forward, not quite touching him. But she wanted to. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome,” he replied. There was so much more that could be said between the two of them, but Yvette chose to say nothing. She loved Peter with all her heart and wouldn't change that for the world. She missed Thomas and what they had, but it didn't compare to her love for her husband. She just wished Thomas well. She hoped he found happiness of his own one day; even if the road seemed dark right now. “Wait in the antechamber, and someone will take you back.”

“Aye,” he said. She left the throne room before she said something she would regret. Luckily for her, she didn't have to go too far. Nicholas was waiting eagerly with Rosa in the dining room. Their hands were grasped together, and they were gazing at each other with pure love. She smiled when she realized what she had to tell them. It wasn't such a bad thing after all.

“Well?” Nicholas asked.

She paused, looking between the two of them. She couldn't break the news all at once. So, she chose the easier route.

“You two really should solidify your line to protect the dragons and the witches. A formal marriage would be best,” she said, not wasting any time. “Are you up to that?”

Rosa blushed, but Nicholas understood completely. Without a word, he slipped out of the chair, taking a signet ring off his finger. He dropped to his knees, taking her hand.

“I've been picturing this moment my whole life, my love,” he said, slipping the ring on her finger. “Will you do me the honor of being my princess?”

“Yes!” There was no hesitation in her voice, no second guessing. She had been waiting her entire life for this moment, and it was finally here.

Good things came from dark paths so long as they walked it long enough.

Chapter 10

“The final royal wedding,” Peter said to Yvette when he heard the story. “I suppose we were all putting it off for so long, really. Now that Nicholas is getting married, it makes things more secure, especially if they are focused on having an heir.”

“What is a princess wedding like?” she asked. “Does she have to be crowned?”

“No,” Peter replied. “It's really just a wedding with a little more fanfare. And then, she'll be his princess, the third highest woman in all the land, after you and after Ariel. Hopefully, a power she will never have to call on.”

“Mm,” Yvette sank into the bed beside him. Ever since her conversation with Thomas this afternoon, her heart was beating wildly. She was dying to tell Peter the whole truth. Now that they were alone, it seemed as good of a time as any. “I have to talk to you.”

“About what, my love?” he asked as he sat down beside her. “What troubles you?

“It's about Thomas,” she turned to him, trying to be brave. “I promised him he could return to Umora and live in peace if he told me what he knew.”

Peter said nothing for a long time. Yvette was terrified that he was angry and started babbling excuses.

“Peter, I only did it because I knew that was how he would talk. He trusts me, despite it all. He's a warrior; he's not afraid of death. If you tortured him for information, he would never give it to you. The magic is fading, and Umora is where it will sustain longer. He hates the way the Donizettis are treating him. He doesn't want to be controlled, drugged, or live as a human.”

“Yvette,” Peter said, softly at last, “That is your decision as queen.”

She stopped, confused by his tone. “You aren't angry?”

“No, my love, I'm not angry,” he replied. “I can't be everywhere at once, and I trust your judgment completely. You calculated the risks and the returns, and you made an educated decision. I'm proud of you, my love.”

“It was still a dangerous decision,” she admitted, and he shrugged.

“Yes, but that is part of ruling. We make those choices every single day, and hope that the majority of them work out. Those that don't, we deal with.”

“I don't want you to think that this is because I still have feelings for him,” she said. “I love you, Peter. I was thinking of the good of the family.”

“I know you were,” he leaned in to kiss her. “But will it be difficult, having him on the same planet?”

“Not if you're nearby.” She took his hand with a smile. “When you're around, I forget everything else.”

“Good,” he said as he kissed her lips gently.

Across the hall, Nicholas was in a similar position with Rosa in his arms.

“I can plan anything I want?” she said, and he smiled.

“Anything you want, my love, he said. “No expense is spared.”

“I can't believe this,” she said, bursting with happiness. “We’ve dreamed about this for so many years, Nicholas. Now, we are here.”

“It still won't be easy, Rosa,” he reminded her. “You are in incredible danger even being seen at my side.”

“I know,” she said. “But what other choice do I have? Besides, a moment with you is worth an eternity alone.”

“My love,” he took her hand. “You have never been alone. I have always been with you, even from afar.”

“Well, now you can be with me close by.” She grinned, kissing him. “I know how dangerous this is, Nicholas, and I don't take it for granted. I promise to be careful.”

“Is there a chance that the witches could rise up?” he asked, trying not to be too distracted by her kisses. All he wanted was to be lost in her touch, but he was using every ounce of willpower he had in order to think logically. “For you doing this?”

“No,” she assured him. “Their goal was to continue the line. This is how we do that, so everything is validated. I will talk to them, just in case.”

“And your apartment? Your job?”

“I can get out of the apartment easily. It's week by week. That is what I could afford,” she said, and he responded in shock.

“Rosa, you should have been honest about the conditions!”

“Well, it doesn't matter now,” she said, softly. “You are what matters now. As for my job, I'll just quit.”

“You won't miss selling men's wear?” he teased her, and she laughed.

“I doubt it. But if I do, you are a prince. I'm sure you could arrange for me to get a job somewhere.”

“No princess of mine will have to work,” he replied. “That is, if she doesn't want to.”

“So, if I do?” she responded.

“Uh–”

“I'm joking,” she said as she leaned into kiss him. “Don't worry.”

“Good.” He took her in his arms. At last, they could be together without worrying about the dawn coming, or someone tapping on the door. He knew that there would be challenges ahead, but for once, he was inclined to live in the moment. Rosa was with him, his family was nearby, and his heart was bursting with love.

And she had more of a chance of living now than she ever had, thanks to a carapace that was supposed to be her enemy.

In the ballroom, the carapace in question was not being quite as kind to her husband. Setting up her phone to blast the music from her latest show–a rap beat that made his head pound–she had blocked off the ballroom to practice. She was determined to get the dance steps right for her next rehearsal, and she forced Alexander into submission in assisting her.

“Just stand there,” she growled at him from across the room, in leggings and a tube top that were not befitting of a princess. “When I leap at you, catch me and then lift.”

“Ariel, we’ve done this half a hundred times. I am not a dancer” He had taken off his suit jacket, his sleeves rolled up and his muscles already aching.

“I know, but I can't get the landing right,” she answered. “So, I need you to keep doing it.”

“You're going to be the death of me, woman,” he answered. “You or that music.”

“You're coming to the show, right?” she asked, implying that he did not have a choice. Ariel launched toward him, hitting the beats that she had been taught just two days ago. He always thought it was fascinating to watch her dance. She went from a confident, cocky woman to a beautiful angel, graceful and smooth. She could bend in ways he could never imagine, and she got the most serene look on her face.

He almost missed her, but he grabbed her waist at the last moment, using her momentum to push her up. Her rock-hard abs flexed as she fought the urge to curl up. She could feel her position was off, and indicated that he should put her down.

“Again,” she said, as her half-naked and sweaty body brushed against his. Alexander put an arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

“Ask nicely,” he said, his face inches from hers. She grinned, allowing a kiss.

“Please,” she said, with those eyes that had once charmed him from the audience. Their attraction had always been undeniable, despite the lack of romantic love. Sometimes, Ariel fantasized about loving him the way his brothers loved their wives. But she acknowledged that they were such a different couple, and they needed to accept that or they would likely kill each other.

“One more,” he said, sending her across the room.

Her body was throbbing with the temptation he had alluded to, and she almost missed a step. But this time, perhaps fueled by the hope of what was to come, her beat was perfect and his lift was in line with her momentum. She flexed and then held her body perfectly straight.

He got a perfect view of her breasts, of her collarbone, and of her perfect body.

“Good,” she managed, her chest heaving. He lowered her down carefully until her feet were flat on the floor. Only then did he pull her forward, kissing her with passion.

“How many balls have you danced in here?” she asked.

“A thousand,” he replied, as she reached to unbutton his shirt.

“And with me?”

“Half a hundred,” he answered, his breathing labored.

“And how many balls did you dance with me when you'd rather be making love to me?”

“All of them.” He captured her mouth, and then there was no more talking.

***

Of the family, only Cole and Enya were sleeping peacefully. Normally the friskiest of the bunch, Cole had slipped off to sleep almost as soon as they had gone to bed. He was looking forward to a good night's sleep, his arm swung comfortably around Enya.

He did not expect to wake up with a gasp, his eyes flying open.

Enya sat up with him, sleep ridding itself from her brain right away.

“Cole, what is it?” she asked.

He searched the air, sending out magical pings. Something had woken him up; something had disturbed him. But his magical homing signals came back empty.

“I don't know,” he replied. “I don't know.”

His chest was heaving. For some reason, he was frightened. He felt like there was something terribly wrong, but he couldn't speak as to what.

“It's okay. It’s probably just a bad dream.” She took his hand.

“Maybe, but I don't remember a nightmare,” he said, his heart beat finally slowing. “In fact, I was dreaming of you.”

“Oh, I see,” she gave him a nudge. “Must be terrible.”

“Horrible,” he said, as they settled back in the darkness. For a while, they were both silent, their thoughts drifting back to sleep.

“That was quite a day,” Enya said, as she waited for sleep to come. “Started in a potential death and ended in an engagement.”

“Welcome to life at the palace,” he replied with a shrug.

She laughed. “I knew that when I married you,” she said. “And it's certainly far more exciting than Earth.”

“And if you can never go back?” he asked. “You heard what Yvette said today.”

“If I can never go back, then as long as I am by your side– and I have Wi-Fi–I'll be all right,” she replied.

“Mm, my love,” he closed his eyes, leaning his head on top of hers. She had provided him such solace and such comfort over the last few years. He had once been ready to rip the world apart, and she had showed him that life was worth living.

It was with his eyes that he felt the first twinges of magic. A few of his pings had returned late, and now they were sending him warning signals.

He opened his eyes, trying to listen with every fiber of his being. In half a second, he threw the covers off, his feet hitting the cold floor.

“Cole?” she asked, in sudden concern.

“Father is here,” he said. “Hide yourself.”

Chapter 11

Cole was already summoning magic as he ran down the hallways. He wasn't sure what exactly what he was going to do when he got there. His father was a stronger dragon than he was, and Cole had no idea where his brothers were.

He was searching frantically when he heard the giant footsteps behind him. Turning around, he found his father in dragon form, stalking down the large hallways like he used to when he was king. Cole knew he would need a moment or two–too long to transform into dragon form. He needed a distraction, but he was currently alone.

“Father,” he said, “what a surprise. Again. Perhaps next time you can send a letter ahead of time?”

The great yellow eyes flashed, and Cole tried not to flinch. Even though he was a dragon himself, he was a small one due to his witch blood. In human form, he was intimidated by them.

“So, can I help you?” he asked his father, trying to distract him. But he knew that Richard was not here for him. “With anything? Or could you just stay dead? Because frankly, I was not too sad about it.”

Richard roared, letting fire stream out of his mouth. The ceiling and walls were fireproof; it just made sense for the kingdom of the dragon lords. Cole felt the heat and winced. Humans were so susceptible to burns.

He cast a spell, dragging the dragon's attention to the magic that was streaming out of him. “Yeah, that's right,” Cole said. “It's Halloway magic that came from. Did you know that's what's flooded through me?”

Richard cocked his great head, watching his adopted child.

“Is that why you brought me here?” Cole asked. “Is that why you searched the kingdom? Or did you force whoever my parents were to mate so you could have me? Did you have this plan all along?”

Richard advanced on him, and Cole took a step back. He knew that he couldn't hold him off forever, and he was running out of ideas.

He had never been so grateful to see Nicholas coming around the corner.

His older brother had time to transform, and as a strong dragon, was almost as large as Richard. Nicholas roared, asserting his power, and Richard turned.

Cole took it as the moment he needed. He may not be as strong as Nicholas, but he knew that two dragons were better than one.

Standing beside his brother in dragon form, his wings were extended to exaggerate his size.

Now that he was in dragon form, he could hear Richard's thoughts much more clearly.

Bring me the girl, Nicholas. Or I will take her.

Over my dead body. Nicholas threw his head forward, threatening Richard, daring him to take him on.

Richard lashed his great tail and a pillar fell. Cole winced, thinking how many thousands of years old it was. But Richard seemed to have no regard for history or for the palace that he had grown up in.

That can be arranged, Richard raised an eyebrow on his scaly face. I am your king, boy, and you will respect me.

You were not my king the second you cast out Cole, Nicholas answered.

Cole turned his head to his left, hearing another noise. To his relief, both of his brothers stalked down the hall.

It was as if the universe had made Peter more majestic since he became king. Taller, stronger, and larger than Richard, something about Peter just invoked an invisible crown on his head.

By contrast, Alexander beside him looked aged and tired. Once a majestic king himself, the regent now stood tall beside Peter, knowing that he would die for his king. He seemed to accept death as a welcome relief, and Cole growled at Richard, trying to distract him from Alexander.

However, it wasn't Alexander that Richard's attention went to.

Peter, Peter, you usurper, Richard said.

Peter did not even pause for conversation. He roared, rushing forward, his jaws open.

It was a signal from their king to attack, and the other three rushed in. Richard was stronger and older, but he was no match for his four sons, who were determined to protect the women they loved.

They crashed through the palace with no regard for the things they were destroying. Columns crashed in, walls gained giant holes, and the dragons burned what they could.

It was probably the most destructive fight the palace had ever seen. No one dared step in, even though they came running, for no one was a match for the strength being displayed.

The fact that it was a stalemate was becoming clear within minutes. Richard was so strong, and he appeared enhanced. He kept snapping at Cole, knowing the other three would defend him. His age brought him more magic than any of them, and he would not give up.

Nicholas couldn't focus; he was so terrified for Rosa and their future. Suddenly, he felt himself pulled back to human form. He felt blood drip down his face, and his vision blur. It was shocking and very sudden.

Around him, the others began to shrink as well. The destruction around them became massive, dwarfing them.

Alexander grabbed onto a broken column, panting. “Ariel,” he managed.

Sure enough, his wife stood in the hallway, her body tense. She was absorbing a strong amount of magic, and it hurt, as much as she didn't want to admit it. She faced Richard without so much as blinking.

“You will stop,” she said.

“Your whore wife wants to join you in impending death, Alexander,” Richard said, staring her down. “You send a woman to do your dirty work?”

“I am my own woman,” Ariel replied, “and he makes me do nothing I don't want to do. Guards!” She snapped her fingers, and the guard unit she had gotten rushed Richard.

“After I get the Halloway heir, you will be the first to die,” Richard said, and waved his hand. There was too much magic for Ariel to take care of at once, and he vanished into thin air.

“What the actual…?” She gaped. “How did he do that without a vortex?”

“He's been after other witch blood is how,” Cole said as he recovered “There are certain witches that can make vortexes on their own. The Ryersons. The Venoms. No doubt if we search the records, we will find out that he murdered some of those as well to absorb their power.”

“And what if he comes back?” Nicholas asked. “And we don't happen to have a carapace at our disposal? We can't destroy him on our own, that much is clear. Four of us, and he threw us around like rag dolls. We would never stand a chance if Ariel wasn't here.”

“We would,” Cole said. “With two things.”

“And those are, oh smart brother?”

“Earth,” Cole replied. “And a full-blooded Halloway witch.”

“Cole, have you been asleep for the last week?” Nicholas wanted to scream in his face. “There is no full-blood Halloway witch.”

“But there could be,” he answered. “If we go to Earth, the magic is reduced, weakening Father. And then if Rosa can share her power.”

“How does she share her power?” Ariel asked, confused.

Cole rolled his eyes. “Can I speak, please?” he asked. Everyone fell silent. “When there was just Rosa, it was too much. But now that there's three of us, there needs to be one more. If she were to have a child–”

“A child…” Nicholas paused. “An actual child takes 9 months.”

“It does,” Cole said, “but it also has to be a legitimate heir.”

“Which means, in case you missed it,” Ariel pointed out. “You have to marry her. And soon.”

“We have to be married to make the child legitimate, and therefore transform the power,” Nicholas said slowly. “So, call the priest.”

“On Earth,” Cole said. “Witches belong on Earth. Everything about the marriage needs to be right, perfect.”

“This is very old fashioned,” Ariel said as she leaned into Alexander. He put an arm around her waist, kissing her on the cheek.

“I'm just glad that I am alive to hear you complain.”

“But we were planning a wedding here,” Nicholas said. “She will be a Princess, she will be–”

“Dead, if we don't hurry up,” Cole answered. “We can always come back and do a royal wedding. But we need to go now if we have any hope of making this plan work.”

“Right now?” Nicholas felt like he was still in shock. Cole rolled his eyes.

“Yes, right now,” he wanted to scream at him for a second time in less than a minute. “Wake her up, pack her bags. I promise you, this is the only way it will work. And you two should come, too,” he turned to Ariel and Alexander. “Even if you can't be near her, or too near each other. We just have to avoid Father for a while, until the ball is in motion. That and,” he winced, “put a protection order around Thomas. If he dies, that's one more heir we need.”

“And a protection order around you,” Peter pointed out. “Are you sure about this, Cole?”

“I'm not exactly a fan of shotgun weddings,” Cole reminded him. “I courted Enya for months before we even figured out that we could make it work. I'm old-fashioned. I'm romantic. So, if I am telling you to get married now, go and do it!”

“I hope Rosa actually wants children,” Ariel said. “Or this is going to be a very awkward conversation.”

“She does,” Nicholas answered. “But I don't know that she wants them right this second. I'll speak to her.”

“We will be awaiting our deaths if you don't move now,” Cole reminded him with fake cheer. Ariel turned to Alexander.

“How are you?”

“Hmm?” he asked, confused at her sudden concern.

“If we choose to run to Earth, you are at risk.”

“And if I don't choose to do that, everyone is at risk from my insane father,” he pointed out. “It will be all right, my love.”

“Mm.” She looked at her shoes, and he smiled.

“Ariel, are you actually worried about losing me? Suddenly?”

“Don't get all sappy on me,” she dug her hip into him. “Who will keep me up all night with adult activities if I lose you?”

“I am quite sure you have a hundred men waiting in the wings,” he answered. “To answer your question, I'll be all right. At least, until they can find a church and get married. Surely, Cole, you can't mean we stay on Earth for nine months? If we abandon the palace, Father will surely take it over.”

“I'm still working that part out in my head,” Cole admitted. “For now, we need to pack our bags.”

“Cole,” Peter said. “You come with me until we can find enough guards.”

“But!” Cole looked like a pouty child for a moment, and Ariel had to laugh.

“Even when we are in the depths of chaos, we’re still a normal family,” she said.

“Absolutely normal,” Alexander rolled his eyes. “At least you'll be on earth for your rehearsals.”

“Wait until you hear the finale,” she replied. “It's beat box.”

“I'd rather let Father eat me,” he answered, as they headed to their rooms to pack their bags. She smiled and took his head.

Peter took a final look around the palace before they entered the vortex just minutes later. He closed his eyes, his hand on Yvette's, and prayed for the first time in a long time. He wasn't focused on the darkness that lingered in his mind and that Yvette had mostly rescued him from. He was focused on the safety of his family, and the hope that when they returned, it would be peaceful for once.

Chapter 12

Rosa looked in the mirror, her flowing, white dress barely fitting. Everything seemed so hastily planned. There was only one thing that she was sure of, and that was she wanted to marry Nicholas. Everything else was in chaos.

She knew that she had to do this. She knew that she wanted to do this. And yet, when it came down to the moment, she was terrified. What if this didn't work? What if this was the last moment of happiness they ever had? She had spent so long dreaming of this moment, imagining so many alternatives. None of them had ever ended up like this.

The church was mostly empty, and she was trying to steel herself for that. She felt like she was doing something wrong, sneaking. And yet, it felt so right.

“Ariel just wants to say good luck,” Enya said as she came into the room with a phone. “On Facetime. No carapace magic can get to us through the magic of Apple.”

“Of course,” Rosa took the phone from her, looking at the beautiful face of her red-headed, soon-to-be sister-in-law. “Hello!”

“Hi,” Ariel said. They weren't too far away, but Alexander had chosen to stand in solidarity with his wife. Their bond grew each day, although it pained Alexander to not attend his brother's wedding. Rosa knew Ariel would never ask her husband that, but he had chosen to watch from the phone rather than attend. “Have fun.”

“That's your advice?” Rosa raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Don't look at me,” Ariel smiled. “My wedding was a drunken whirlwind, and the best part was the hot sex after. But hey, it worked out for me.”

“Ariel!” Alexander called in the background, embarrassed.

She grinned. “So, you'll be fine.”

“Thank you,” Rosa smiled, used to Ariel's comments. “I'm sure I'll see you soon.”

“Hopefully safely,” Ariel said. “Congrats, sister.”

Rosa handed the phone back to Enya as Yvette put the final flowers in her hair. “Well, I think it's honorable to do this. I think it's beautiful,” Enya said.

“I just…I want to be able to know we were locked together for our lives,” Rosa said. “Even if it goes wrong.”

“It won't,” Yvette assured her. “Unless Peter trips as he walks you up the aisle.”

“Excuse me,” Peter swept into the bridal room then. “I have never tripped in my life.”

“You tripped on the way to breakfast yesterday morning!” Yvette cried, and he smiled.

“I suppose there was that,” he said. “Are you ready? Everyone who is going to be here is here.”

“I think so,” Rosa said. “So, by everyone, do you mean five people?”

“The priest, two of my brothers–one of whom is your future husband, I give you–your sisters in law…,” he counted on his fingers, “and myself.”

“Oh, six,” she said. “Excellent.”

“Come,” he held out his arm. “What matters now is your wedding day and your happiness.”

She accepted that and took his arm.

She didn't care that it wasn't a grand wedding. She didn't care that there weren’t a thousand people in the church, or that it wasn't in the palace. As soon as she saw Nicholas at the end of the aisle, all she could think about was how much she wanted to be his wife.

Peter's arm was tight around her waist, guiding her as carefully as he could. Her legs had barely recovered, and they had placed a chair at the end of the aisle. It looked plain without any dressings. She had enough time to make an IPod play list, but not much else. She wished she had gotten her dress tailored or had asked a few friends from work. But it was too late for all of that.

As soon as Peter put her hands in Nicholas', she forgot about everything else. He held her steady while Nicholas took off her veil, kissing her and then letting her sit. She focused on his face, his sparkling eyes, and everything melted away.

They were getting married, at long last. That was what mattered.

Nicholas turned to the priest, who nodded and cleared his throat. Everything had been so hastily planned that they hadn't even had time to look over the vows properly. They had read them over just once from an internet printout before handing them over to the priest. Rosa hoped that she remembered what to say.

The priest looked to the few of them gathered at the front pew, standing silently. She could feel their eyes boring into the back of her head, but she didn't turn around.

“Into this union, Rosa and Nicholas now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not be lawfully wed, speak now, or else forever hold your peace.”

Of course, no one said anything. She didn't really expect any noise, although, she supposed, there was always the excuse that this was pointless. She knew that his brothers thought they couldn't stop the cycle that had already happened. But they had to try.

“Rosa,” the priest said as he turned to her. She was so glad that he was feeding her the lines, because there was no way that she could remember them.

“Will you have this man to be your husband, to live together with him in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto him as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” she whispered. Somewhere in the middle of the words, it hit her. This was forever. They were getting married; their dream forever. She just prayed that they had some time for happiness. She didn't want forever; but she wanted a few years to live in this wedded bliss before she slipped away. The way things were looking, though, even a year was a stretch.

“Nicholas, will you have this woman to be your wife, to live together with her in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto her as long as you both shall live?”

“I will,” he said, looking up at the priest with emotion in his eyes. None of those words really compared to what they had already gone through. It seemed like they had been to the ends of the Earth and back without even thinking about it. Sickness and health would be easy compared to what they would be facing.

As for forsaking all others, he had done that the moment he had seen her. There was always Rosa, and no one else ever held a candle to her beauty. He would be faithful to her until the end of her days.

“Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?”

“We do,” the small crowd behind him said.

“Rosa and Nicholas, having witnessed your vows of love to one another, it is my joy to present you to all gathered here as husband and wife. Nicholas, you may kiss the bride.”

He leaned over to kiss her gently, and she relished in his touch.

“We're married!” she said, leaning her forehead against his.

“We are,” he whispered, “and I promise to take care of you forever.”

Chapter 13

“Nicholas. Nicholas!” Rosa poked him and then poked him again. He grunted, rolling over.

“My love?” he asked, in confusion. It took him a moment to figure out where they were. In the past ten months, they had adopted Rosa's style of living. In league with the witches, they had been on the run. This time was a little bit different because he had the money to fund their exhibition. They never went hungry, and they were never cold. The witches were just glad that the Halloway line was due to return, and at any moment. At forty weeks, he should have guessed exactly why Rosa was calling to him.

“It's time,” she said.

“It's time?” he asked in shock. “Oh, God, it's time.”

He practically fell off the bed. Despite her contractions, she laughed.

“It's okay, we have a little bit more time than that. We don't have to fly me there.”

“Right,” he said. “We should…I forget where we are. What do we have to use? Are there emergency numbers? Are there humans on this planet?”

“We're on Terratuva,” she said softly. “It's like Earth. There's a phone right there. They deal with lots of humanoids, and the emergency number is the red button.”

“Right,” he said. He remembered they specifically chose Terratuva because it mimicked Earth, in many ways. They did deal with humans, and the magical content was even lower than Earth's atmosphere. It wasn't too far from Umora, considered a more remote planet. “Red button.”

He pushed the button, barely able to get out garbled speech about where they were. The dispatcher though, told him to remain calm and breathe. “Aren't you supposed to be telling that to my wife?” he asked.

“Sir, your wife seems calm in the background. It's you who seems to be having a panic attack.”

He blushed.

“Sorry. It's my first child.”

“That much is clear,” said the weary dispatcher. “Help will be along shortly. I'll stay on the line. Just put the phone down and hold her hand.”

“I can do that,” Nicholas responded, leaning over to Rosa. “Are you all right, love?”

“I'm fine,” she said. “My water broke, but it doesn't hurt too badly yet. Should you, um…do you want to call your brothers?”

“I can,” he said. “But I thought maybe we could just enjoy this moment, you and I? After this, everything will change.”

“Yes,” she squeezed his hand. “Everything will change”

They sat in silence for a while, listening to the sound of distant sirens.

“Do you think this will bring balance back to the magic world, like Cole said?” Rosa asked. “I love our baby more than anything, but it's hard to believe that one baby can bring balance to an entire world.”

“That is what some religions believe,” he said. “Also, some movies.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Are you seriously talking about Star Wars while I'm in labor?”

“And Christianity!” he pointed out. “And other religions that have had a prophet. You always think the prophet is someone other than yourself, but it could be you and I and our baby.”

She smiled.

“I'm just happy for a healthy child,” she replied. “The rest is bonus.”

“Yes, me too.”

Rosa had asked Cole whether the gender of the baby mattered, and he assured her that it didn't. So, she had insisted on it being a surprise. Everything was going to be taken care of for them. They would have unlimited funds, a nursery, help, clothes, and everything else they needed once they made it back to the palace. She didn't have the added stress of choosing clothes to suit a budget, or painting a room blue or pink. All she wanted was to meet her child, boy or girl.

“Do you think your father has figured it out yet?” she asked.

“I doubt it,” Nicholas replied. “Father used to yell at me all the time for my tantrums. He's probably thought that, since I'm not in the palace, I've just done something like that again.”

“Vanishing to see me?” she asked, and he smiled, kissing her forehead.

“Yes, of course.”

“You endured all that for me?” she entwined her hands in his.

“Rosa, I would endure anything for you,” he assured her, sitting on the bed beside her.

The dispatcher had been right; it wasn't long before help arrived. The process was actually very smooth, given that Rosa's pain increased. And, Nicholas noted, she was flexing her hand, letting out tiny sparks of magic.

“Rosa,” he whispered, covering her hand to not alert the paramedics. But he realized why she was doing it right before it was too late. Neither of them had thought about things like heart monitors and vital signs. Fueled by magic, Rosa had none that would show up. She was trying to imitate them.

He shot his own magic through them just in time. The monitors began to beep, and the paramedics look satisfied.

“Well,” Nicholas said to her in dragon lore as they headed toward an ambulance, “good thing I learned what human vital signs are supposed to look like.”

“It will get better once I have the baby,” she said. “I will be able to do that on my own.”

“You will,” he assured her, although he knew there was a chance that she wouldn't.

Cole's guesses had been only that–guesses. They were probably the most educated guesses someone could make, but they were still taking a huge risk.

The other option, though, was certain death for all of them. So, Nicholas chose to be happy and excited about this child and dreamed about their life. He couldn't think about what would happen if he didn't.

He missed his brothers so much, but he respected her wishes. He also wanted a moment alone with her, to revel in being a father.

He hadn't been frightened until they got to the hospital. Then, his heart rate rose as she started to struggle with pain. She held his hand, and he tried to flood her with as much magic as possible to keep her calm. She wasn't afraid, but she certainly wasn't comfortable.

“Is this your first?” the doctor asked.

“Oh, yes,” Nicholas replied, “but it won't be our last.”

“Yes, it will!” Rosa cried. He would have smiled if she wasn't in so much pain.

It was over in a moment. One minute, she was in terrible pain, and then the next, there was a different cry in the room.

“It's a girl!” the doctor said, handing Nicholas the child as soon as he had checked. “Congratulations!”

Nicholas wasn't sure what he was going to feel in this moment. He thought he would be excited; he thought he would be over the moon. But he was also full of emotion, tears popping into his eyes.

She was beautiful. With his blonde hair and Rosa's dark eyes, she was stunning. As her tiny hand reached out to grab his, he burst into sobs, turning to Rosa.

“I have a daughter,” he managed. She met his eyes, tears equally filling her own.

“We have a daughter,” she reminded him. She was exhausted but happy.

They only had one moment of peace before the alarms suddenly pierced the silence. The doctor and nurses rushed to Rosa's side, but she was fine.

She was more than fine, in fact. Her cheeks suddenly flooded with color, and she took a deep breath as if she hadn't been breathing in months.

He knew exactly what was happening. There were four Halloway heirs now, four witches to carry that magic. She could finally be flooded with the line force she should have.

“I'm all right,” she assured them. The doctor looked confused and took her pulse. It beat strongly, and she had bright eyes.

“Perhaps it was a machine error,” he said at last. “I will get you new ones. For now, take a few minutes with your baby, and then I'll be back.”

“Thank you,” Nicholas replied, settling onto the edge of the bed with Rosa. “You did wonderful, my love.”

“What should we call her?” Rosa asked. “The first baby born of the new generation.”

“Charity,” he smiled. “We are going to call her Charity, because that is how our rule is going to go. No more tyranny, no more terror. Only goodness.”

“Beautiful,” she said. “I approve.”

“Well, I sure hope you approve,” he said, “because you'd have to live with it the rest of your life otherwise.”

“Oh, what if I didn't like it?” she teased

“Then we would change it immediately.” He was a smarter man than to anger his beautiful wife. “She is lovely, though, isn't she?”

“What now?” Rosa asked. “Immediately back to Umora?”

“I think as soon as you are able,” he answered. “It's the safest place. Now that the Halloway magic is active again–”

“I can kill your father,” she finished for him.

“Or at least control him,” Nicholas answered.

She took a deep breath. “What do you want?”

“He's my father,” he said, “but we cannot live with him threatening our lives at every turn. I know how he is. He won't stop until he has what he wants.”

“Immortality and the throne,” she turned to Charity. “And he won't get it, not from me or my daughter. We will defend the throne.”

“The four of you should be enough to send him back to the Other,” Nicholas said.

“Do you think he might stop if he met his granddaughter?” Rosa asked.

“Any other man, I would say yes,” Nicholas answered. “But him…I don't think so. That's the sad bit.”

“Then we won't take any risks,” she sat up straighter. “Give me a day to recover, and then we shall go.”

“I should call my brothers,” he answered. Gingerly, he handed over Charity, who smiled at her mother. “I don't want to leave her for an instant.”

“We won't go anywhere,” Rosa assured him. “But maybe if you just stand at the other end of the room to make a phone call?”

“Brilliant,” he said, standing up. “What would I do without you?”

“Just make the phone call, Nicholas,” she rolled her eyes as she turned her attention back to her daughter.

Pulling out his phone, he punched in the numbers and then stopped himself.

“What am I doing?” he said, switching to Facetime. They may be able to call each other over Wi-Fi, but the technology of making phone calls did not go through planets. Clearly, he was distracted.

He called Alexander first, expecting the calmest response. Each brother had always taken care of the one closest in age to him, and Alexander had practically raised him, encouraging him despite Nicholas' shortcomings. He wanted to tell him first, and hopefully the rest of them were close by.

To his surprise, Alexander didn't answer, which was odd. Alexander always answered his phone, no matter where they were.

It rang and rang before he hung up, trying Cole next. Surely, Cole would be waiting for the news, excitable as always.

Except, Cole did not answer his phone either.

“What is happening?” he asked himself, confused.

“Maybe they are throwing us a party,” Rosa suggested. “Ready for our return.”

“Maybe,” Nicholas said. He tried Peter, although he knew that Peter was terrible at answering his phone. Peter hadn't quite grasped Earth life as well as anyone would have liked, although he was much better these days.

“Try the wives?” Rosa suggested. “I have their numbers if you don't.”

“One of them should be answering their phones,” Nicholas frantically dialed Ariel. To his relief, she picked up, right before it went to voicemail. “Oh, thank God. Precious, is everything all right?”

“Why wouldn't it be?” Ariel answered, confused. In the background, he could hear strains of music.

“Are you on Umora?”

“No, I'm at rehearsal,” she said. “Did Rosa have the baby?”

“She did!” He was momentary distracted by the terrible feeling in his chest. “A girl. Charity.”

“Really? I mean congratulations, but so old-fashioned.”

“That's us,” he answered. “Where's your husband?”

“Everyone is on Umora,” she replied. “I think there's some strategy meeting going on right now.”

“So, they are all in the same place?” Nicholas responded

“They should be. Why?” Ariel answered, confused.

They were all in the same place. They weren't answering their phones.

“Ariel, text me exactly where you are,” Nicholas answered. “We have to get back, and now.”

He hung up without giving her an explanation. Rosa clutched Charity closer, confused.

“What's the matter?” she asked.

“Something is wrong. Hold her tight,” Nicholas replied. “We're going to get Ariel, and we need to go.”

“But…” Rosa answered.

“My love,” he looked right into her eyes. “I will take care of you. I promise.”

She took a deep breath. This was what it had all been about, wasn't it? Being his wife, saving his planet, loving him.

She stretched out her hand and then stopped.

“Wait,” she said. “I can transport myself now.”

“Do you know the spell?” he was taken by the momentary happiness. They had wanted for this for so long and had dared to hope for this. It was a shame that they finally had to experience it under such circumstances.

“Yes,” she said. “Close your eyes, Nicholas, and tell me where to find her.”

“Here,” he showed her the map, and Rosa gathered her strength.

“Let's go home, Nicholas.”

Chapter 14

She hadn't expected it to be as easy as it was. They had all made big claims about how hard a transport was, especially with more than one person, never mind a carapace. But Rosa felt the spell fill her and move them as easy as breathing.

She was strong. She had never been strong before. Her landing was even smoother than any of the dragons had ever managed. Magic came naturally to her as if she had been doing it all her life.

And in a lot of ways, she had done it all her life. Every aspect of living had been done with magic instead of a life force. The simplest things were really just spells. She was just existing then as a holding cell. But now, she was alive.

Charity was clung tight to her breast. She felt half exposed, but Nicholas grabbed one of the ceremonial robes from the wall. It was meant for a queen to sit on the throne. It fit her like it was made for her.

“Are you all right, my love?”

“Yes, strangely enough,” she said. “I know giving birth is supposed to be exhausting but–”

“It's the magic giving you strength,” he assured her.

“Hey, you two,” Ariel was already standing. “I'm happy to celebrate my niece, but maybe in a moment. Listen.”

“Listen to what?” Nicholas asked, cocking an ear. “I hear nothing.”

“Exactly,” she replied. “It's the palace in the middle of the day. Shouldn't it be bustling?”

She looked fierce, in boots and an American revolutionary coat, her hair pulled back, and her eyes lined. Nicholas made a mental note to go see her play one day when there wasn't chaos in their lives.

“What's the plan?” Ariel prompted him.

She was right about the silence. It was deadly, as if someone had wiped all trace of life from the building. For all Nicholas knew, there were hundreds of bodies lying just outside of the door. The building could be about to collapse. He needed to find out.

“Rosa,” he said. “If we find my father–”

“You've made your wishes clear.” She held her chin high.

“But our baby…”

“For such a time as this we were placed upon this Earth.” Rosa clutched the child close to her.

“All right, enough sap,” Ariel pushed open the door.

The palace was empty and cold. There was no trace of life anywhere. The epic battle that they had engaged in last time had caused quite a bit of damage, and not all of it was repaired. But Nicholas noted there was still debris on the floor.

“This is new,” he crouched down. “Someone has been here. Ariel?”

“Step away from me a moment,” she said, trying to feel the magic around her. She closed her eyes, extending her palms, and then re-opened her eyes. “He is here. Near the bedrooms, I think.”

“The bedrooms,” Nicholas replied. “Of course. It's the easiest place to trap them all, away from the vortex. This way.”

He was questioning his movements even as he made them. What kind of father brought his newborn child into a battle that they had lost last time? What kind of father introduced his child to the world through violence and tyranny?

It was the price children paid to be born to royals, he knew. He had survived, and his brothers had survived, but it hadn't been easy.

This poor child wasn't even a day old and was already fulfilling her princess duties.

“Here,” Ariel stopped outside the king's bedroom. She could feel the magic coming from that room, stronger than any others. Nicholas pushed the door open, half expecting it to be locked. It opened with no resistance, and what he saw in the room shocked him.

There was blood and the stench of death everywhere. Two servants lay on the floor, clearly devoid of life.

Peter lay on the bed, bleeding out of a stomach wound.

“Peter!” Nicholas grabbed his hand and was relieved to find a weak pulse. “Peter! Peter, can you hear me?”

To his relief, Peter's eyes flickered open. Nicholas had never gotten along with his oldest brother, but he was eternally grateful to see him take a deep breath.

“Nicholas,” Peter managed. “Father….”

“I figured,” Nicholas said. “Where is he? Where did he go?”

“I don't know. He's somewhere,” Peter gasped, clearly in great pain.

“It's okay,” Nicholas replied, trying to soothe him. “It's okay, Peter. You're going to be fine.”

“This is Charity,” Rosa stepped forward. Peter was momentarily distracted from his pain by the baby.

“Oh,” he said, looking upon her as if she were an angel. “Oh.”

Charity's little hand reached out, touching Peter's finger. Nicholas thought it was one of the most endearing things he had ever seen.

He did not expect it to also stun him. From Charity's tiny hand, pure white magic began to flow. He had heard of white magic before, but he had never seen it. It was reserved for those who were the kindest–the best of all their race. Pure white magic was stronger than the yellows and browns that came from the dragons and older witches.

To his amazement, Peter's wound began to close. His eyes cleared, and his blood knitted a deep scar. His chest stopped heaving, and he looked puzzled.

“What?!”

Rosa could only smile in pride. “She is a Halloway, after all,” she said. “It's no real surprise she can do that before she can even walk.”

Peter eventually sat up, his head clearing. Ariel hung back as far as she could, keeping watch in the hallway.

Her heart was pounding at the thought that Alexander was in the same state somewhere. Peter may have been able to hang on, but Alexander certainty couldn't.

She reached out with her hand, pushing her strength to feel for his magic. She didn't want to drain him, and it took a minute longer than she expected.

All of a sudden, a rush of magic hit her like a tidal wave.

“Nicholas,” she said, heading down the hall way to the queen's rooms. “This way!”

Her brother-in-law turned rushed down the hallway after her. He wasn't sure what they were going to find, given the state that Peter had been in. He felt more confidence, though, with Peter at his side. They were going to win; they had to. There was no option for failure.

Alexander, Enya, and Yvette were in the queen's chambers. None of them appeared to be hurt, but they were bound and gagged. Ariel needed no magic to rip the cloth gag off her husband's mouth.

“What the hell happened?” she asked, as Alexander shook himself free of the bonds. Alexander looked more angry than hurt.

“Father had dragon minions with him,” he said. “At least fifty of them. We were no match for them. Their orders, luckily, were not to kill.”

“Lucky you, because he ripped my intestines out ten minutes ago before taking Cole,” Peter said.

“Where would he take Cole?” Nicholas demanded. “Does he have Thomas?”

“If he has both of them, they are alive,” Rosa answered. “I wouldn't feel this way if they weren't.”

“I keep getting flashes of magic, and then nothing,” Ariel said. “I think he's blocking himself somewhere.”

“Cole's room,” Nicholas figured out. “That's where he could do it.”

“How?” she asked.

“Cole is the last heir,” Alexander reminded her. “The youngest heir's room has enchantments on it in case of a palace attack. He will stay hidden.”

“You all put a lot of faith in that mischievous kid,” Ariel replied. “No offense, Enya.”

“Cole told me that Father needed all the Halloway heirs,” Enya said. “So, he is likely keeping them alive and waiting. And oh, my goodness, your baby.”

“Charity,” Rosa said, proudly. “I'm hoping that perhaps we can have a proper baby shower when all of this is over. But for now, Nicholas…”

“You know that your magic can kill him now,” Nicholas replied. “But it's whether you can get a clear shot at him without killing any of us. You know his style of attack. It's rough and wild. There's a good chance you could destroy the palace or our lives.”

“So, you need to give me a clear shot,” Rosa replied. “If that's my job, then this is yours.”

“Remember when we were children,” Peter put in. “We used to play Capture the Flag?”

“What?” Nicholas turned to him in shock. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“The four of us would split up into teams and take turns distracting each other,” Peter replied. “We'd trade off every time the prize was in sight. We had it down to a science.”

“Am I the flag?” Rosa answered, a bit horrified. Alexander actually chucked.

“I suppose you are. Don't take offense.”

“I don't think I've ever been called a flag before,” she answered. “But I'm game if you are.”

“That's the plan,” Peter said. “Alexander? Nicholas?”

“If I can get my hands on him,” Ariel said. “I can weaken him. I'll stay behind him. It should make it easier.”

“What can we do?” Enya asked, eager to help. “Please do not leave us out.”

The two girls were humans, and sickly ones at that. No amount of strategic planning could make them strong in the fight. But Rosa saw the need in their eyes, to be with their husbands, to fight for this family that had become their own.

“Can you take care of Charity?” Rosa said, handing her over. She never wanted to be separated from her baby, but this was the moment she had been born for. “I can channel her magic, but I need her to be safe.”

“Yes,” Yvette said, touching the baby's head softly. “We can keep her safe.”

Rosa kissed the top of Charity's head, and Nicholas did the same. For a moment, they stood, a small family of three, their eyes closed, praying for hope.

But then Rosa opened her eyes, meeting her husband's.

“Now,” she said, and he was not going to argue.

“Now,” he echoed. Now was the time they would bring their father down. And this time, they would make sure that he stayed dead.

Chapter 15

Nicholas wasn't sure whether he was happy or angry that they had been right. Sure enough, as soon as they reached Cole's room, they knew that Thomas and Cole were inside. And from the crashing, his father was likely in there as well, in dragon form.

“Should we?” Nicholas asked. Alexander nodded, glancing to Peter for agreement. Ariel stepped as far back as she could, and they stretched their necks, giving each other room.

“I'm impressed with how you can control your powers,” Rosa said, as the princes began their transformation. “I didn't realize it before. But being around you, you are completely in control and you can flex it. That's rare.”

“Practice,” Ariel said, grimly. “More than I would like. In the recent months, I've tried to control it even more around Alexander, just in case.”

“Hopefully, all that practice comes in handy at the moment,” Rosa answered. Ariel winced, watching, with her arms crossed.

“They say practice makes perfect,” she said. “But to what end?”

Once the three dragons were standing in the hallway, they checked in with each other, waiting half a moment.

And then they stormed the door, breaking it down.

King Richard was standing in the middle of the room. Both Thomas and Cole were bounded as Alexander had been. They were injured, but alive, frantic for help.

Ah, my boys are all together. Richard looked at the three majestic dragons in front of him. His long neck swiveled down to look at Rosa. His eyes flared, recognizing that the magic had finally reached its peak. Immortality.

Is that really what you want, Father? Peter distracted him with a slight step to the left. The throne is terribly exhausting.

Of course, you think that. You were never properly prepared. You hate what you are.

Do I? Peter cocked his head. Or did I just hate what you tried to make me?

Richard focused on Peter for a moment and then turned his head back to Rosa, trying not to be distracted.

You fashioned him into a tyrant, Alexander put in, circling him. When in truth, he's a much better king than you could ever dream to be.

Richard snapped at Rosa, and she jumped, trying to be brave. Nicholas got in his way, his nostrils flaring.

Why don't you give up, Father? He asked. You can't win.

You forget, boy, Richard said. I taught you everything that you know. I know how you move. I know how you fight. I know how you think.

Do you? Alexander taunted him. Do you think we take after you?

I think we take after Mother, rest her soul, Peter said.

The conversation was hard to follow; Richard's head going every which way. Ariel pushed herself up against the wall, taking a step and then another one and another. She was edging behind Richard, moving carefully, one leg behind the other.

Rosa snuck toward Thomas and Cole. She didn't dare take off their bonds for fear that Richard might notice. But she thought she could channel their power better if she was touching them.

She didn't need to touch Charity, for they were forever bonded as mother and child. Even apart from her, she could feel Charity's heartbeat in her own and feel her life force growing stronger with every moment.

She crouched down very slowly, almost not moving. Luckily, Cole picked up on what she was doing and leaned in, touching her. Thomas did the same, and she felt their magic flow through her.

This was much different than when she had two bodies of magic in her. Those didn't belong there and had made her sick. But this way, it flowed through her and out her fingertips, growing every second. A gift, rather than a duty. A choice, rather than a punishment for being alive.

She could see the scene in her head half a second before it played out. She knew, somehow, that Peter was going to step to the right and Alexander to the left.

Ariel had made her way behind Richard, and had her arms spread out, ready to grab his massive sides.

Rosa nodded very subtly to her, and Ariel tensed.

This was it; it was now or ever.

Peter did exactly as she predicted he would. Nicholas ducked, Alexander moved to the other side, and she shoved every bit of magic forward.

To her surprise, it was white as well–pure.

“AHHHH!” she cried, as it shot from her hands and hit Richard square in the chest.

It was an explosion; it was fireworks–pain and pleasure all at once. He rose half a meter off the ground, Rosa's magic filling him.

This was for Charity, for the Halloways, for all the carapaces that he had murdered. This was for Nicholas, for Peter, for Cole and Alexander. This was for her sisters-in-law who had to live in the hell Richard had created.

She wasn't sure how long it was. Her arms grew tired, but she didn't waver, focusing on her goal.

And then, in another second, it was over. Richard was gone as if he had never existed, fading quickly.

Ariel fell backward, her head slamming into the wall. The windows shattered, and the bedframe collapsed with a terrible crunch.

And then there was silence.

“He's gone,” Rosa said, in shock. “He's just gone.”

She turned to take Cole's gag off, operating on autopilot. He sputtered, shaking his hair.

“Into the Other,” Cole said. “I felt it.”

“I killed him.” She had never killed anyone before. It felt shocking, and yet, peaceful. He couldn't stay here; he was ruining their lives. He didn't belong here.

She hadn't expected to feel this way the first time she killed someone. She knew as a witch, a supernatural creature, it would eventually happen. But now, she was in peace, knowing that she had done the right thing for her child.

“You sent him back to a place that he had already gone,” Cole replied. “That was all. Welcome back, Halloway.”

“Ariel!” Alexander had shifted back to human and rushed to his wife.

“Ah.” Her eyes were fluttering open. She had gotten a good knock on the head, but she was already moving. “Damn it.”

“You did so well, my love,” he kissed her head. Rosa smiled as Nicholas came toward her.

“I think that is the first time that Alexander has said he loved her.”

“We dragons are loving creatures,” he took her in his arms. “Very loving. I am so proud of you, my love.”

He wrapped her in a hug as Cole moved over to undo Thomas' bonds.

“I can't believe that we did it,” Rosa said. “I can't believe, all these years….”

“This is what you were meant to do,” he said. “You saved us.”

“Not just me,” she said, humble as ever. “We all played our part. And we couldn't do it without each other.”

“Ah, my love,” he couldn't stop holding her, kissing her. He never wanted to be separated from her again. “I love you. I love you. I can't think of anything else to say.”

“Let's go see our daughter,” she said into his ear. “That's all I want to do.”

“Yes, I agree,” he finally managed to tear himself from her neck and shifted to let her take his arm.

All around him, everyone was standing, recovering. In a reverse of power, Ariel was in Alexander's arms. He was taking no chances with her head, although he looked like he'd rather cuddle her all night than take her to the sick bay.

“I can't believe we are finally free of him,” Cole said as they walked. “Although, it is just like him to come back uninvited.”

“He won't come back,” Rosa assured him. “Not with the four of us here. Even if the Other spits him out again, it won't be hard. Your rule,” she turned to Peter, “is secure.”

“For now,” Peter said, with a soft smile. “No rule is ever secure. But I think mine is as safe as it can be.”

“I want to thank you all for not throwing me in with him,” Thomas suddenly spoke up.

“And how will you repay us, Thomas?” Yvette turned to him, a small smile on her face. She knew that there was good in him, deep down. Thomas only wanted a life where he was treated well; where he could be himself. He had never meant to hurt them. He only wanted to be free, and now he was.

Thomas surprised them by getting down on one knee, his head bowed.

“I promise you, I shall be your loyal servant. In anything that you need.”

“Mm,” Peter said, hugging his queen. “Since you did provide us such information, perhaps I can trust you again. In a position closer to the palace.”

“What?” Thomas' head shot up.

“Yes,” Peter mused, looking to Yvette. “Perhaps you would like to resume your post as a warrior in my army.”

“My Lord,” Thomas sputtered. “I would be honored.”

“Excellent,” Peter said. “Then rise. You shall return to your position as a lieutenant in the army.”

“Thank you,” Thomas said, rising.

Yvette and Enya had kept their promise, and they proudly handed Charity back to Rosa, safe and sound.

“Thank you,” she said, and Enya smiled.

“I have a feeling that we have a lot more to thank you for.”

The moment that Charity was put back in her arms was the happiest moment in Rosa's life. She felt complete as she turned to Nicholas.

“We will make this world a beautiful place for her,” he said, as the others gave them a moment to be reunited with their child. “A beautiful place that she can rule over, with a fair and just hand.”

“I just want her to be happy,” Rosa said. “And free.”

Nicholas kissed his wife's head. “I will always give her those things, no matter what our position in this world.”

The others came forward then to revel in the newest heir to the throne. Nicholas convinced Rosa to let her go for another moment, drawing his wife into his arms.

“Well,” he said, “when she grows up, we can tell her quite an entertaining story about her birth.”

“Not a story most children want to hear,” Rosa rubbed her nose against his. “But I think in this case, we can make an exception.”

“She and her siblings will have quite the experience,” Nicholas grinned. Rosa choked.

“Sorry, her siblings?” she asked. “Nicholas, she's not a day old.”

“Well,” he replied. “We better start planning at the very least. I want so many that the throne room will be full.”

She chuckled, leaning in to kiss him. She didn't know what the future held. She was sure there would be more challenges. They might even see Richard again, if they were so unlucky. But whatever the future brought, she knew they would be able to stand tall and face it together. Together, with Charity between them, they could do anything they set their hearts to, for love could conquer all.

***THE END***