by Sarah Bale
“Ian? Talk to me.”
Ian shook his head as if coming out of a daze and looked around the room.
“Lexi, what have you done?”
“What are you talking about? I saved you.”
He stood and grabbed the blanket to wrap around his waist. “The king will have my head for this. Once he knows I let the queen die, he’ll never let me live.”
“Ian, would you stop. We can go back to Sapphire City and everything is going to be fine.”
She knew this was true. King Loren knew more things than he let on and this was one of those things. He had seen the bigger picture all along, knowing that she would need the guidance of Ian to make it to Sapphire City. Everything happened for a reason.
Ian ran his hand through his damp hair. “No, you’re wrong. You should have let her take me. It’s what I wanted.”
Lexi stilled. “What?”
A single thought drifted her way. He had loved Miki in some twisted way and he truly thought being with her would have been for the best.
His blue eyes met her own. “I said you should have let her take me. Lexi, I’m never going to be the same man. And once King Loren finds out what I did, he’ll never let us be together.”
“It’s not his choice who I end up with. It’s my choice and yours.” She was trying to forget his thoughts but it was hard.
“And I’m telling you it will never happen.”
She stood frozen in shock, not knowing what to say. This outcome hadn’t crossed her mind.
Finally, she said, “But I love you.”
“But I don’t love you.”
Chapter Seventeen
Lexi stared at herself in the mirror. The last week had been nothing but a blur. A blur she wished she could have slept through. After killing all three of the Witches, she had left their palace and lifted the curse from all the soldiers. With her new powers in place, it had just taken the wave of her hand to free them.
Carter had joked that it was more effective than the other way she had saved the other guards but a lot less fun since Colleen hadn’t helped. His humor had only made her smile for a short time, though. When he and Andrew went to the tower to bring Ian down, all hell had broken loose. Ian fought them with every ounce in his body, screaming to let him stay. She finally had to put a sleeping spell on him just so he didn’t hurt himself or anyone else. The look of pity that she got from the others killed her. They thought he was a lost cause. And maybe he was.
As they left the Witches’ palace, the sun had come out. Several of the men fell to their knees and cried. It had been decades since they had felt the warmth on their skin. Then it began to rain. The moat around the palace cleared instantly, the poisonous water gone.
As the water ran down the palace, the once black rock turned so white that it looked like a moonstone. The grass began to grow before their eyes and little blue flowers popped up. Lexi inhaled, knowing the area was saved. If only everything could be healed that way.
King Loren was waiting at the gates of Sapphire City with Hank and Colleen at his side. Lexi had been welcomed back as a heroine and as the long-lost daughter of the king. None of it mattered though. She hadn’t realized how much of her happiness depended on Ian.
“Are you ready?”
She turned to see the king—her father—standing there with a concerned expression on his face. He had wanted to postpone the celebration in her honor but his council had advised against it. The people needed to know they were safe even though that wasn’t entirely the truth. There would always be the threat that another Witch could rise into power but as long as Lexi was alive, that risk was very slim.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
He took her by the hand and said, “You look just like your mother right now.”
Her face flushed at the compliment. That was another thing that had been happening since she returned to the palace. People kept comparing her to Grace, which was so very flattering but she didn’t know how to respond. She could barely remember her birth mother but everyone assured her she favored her.
Her father broke into her thoughts. “I hope you can forgive me for putting you in danger. I knew that if the Witches suspected you were my daughter right away, then you would have stood no chance in defeating them.”
He knew the Witches and their motives better than anyone. Even his own council hadn’t known what his true plan was until she had returned to the city.
“I understand completely, Father.”
His honest guilt over the matter had shown her that he was sincere. He had done what was best for Sinoda, just as any leader would have. It still stung that he had been willing to lose her, though. And now she was alone. It seemed her heart would never stop aching.
They reached the doors that led to the balcony where they celebration would take place. Two servants straightened King Loren’s cape before he entered the balcony to deafening cheers. The people once again trusted their king and all bans had been lifted, allowing Sinoda to thrive once more.
The servants moved to Lexi’s dress and began fluffing the skirt. It was so big that she wanted to twirl around just to make it spin. The designer of the dress had given her strict instructions not to do that, though, as it was not the way a princess acted. The light pink dress reminded her that witches could indeed be good. She was proof of that.
Her red hair was curled and piled on the top of her head. She didn’t even want to guess how many pins held it together. A large tiara covered in diamonds finished the look. One of the servants handed her a wand made diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Each stone represented a part of Sinoda and how special it was.
The doors opened again and it was her turn to walk onto the balcony. The crowd cheered and threw flower petals into the air. She inhaled and was reminded of the Enchanted Fields for a moment.
King Loren held out his hand and said, “You have done the Realm of Sinoda a great service Lexi. I am sorry that I doubted you earlier but you have proven yourself to me and to the realm. You have saved us from the evil Witches.”
The crowd below cheered and called out her name. Colorful banners waved and her chest swelled with emotions. She should be happy right now but all she could think about was Ian and how he should be there. Andrew caught her eye and winked. She could feel his thoughts drifting her way and knew he was upset with his friend.
Carter, who stood next to Andrew, was having similar thoughts. She was also surprised to find that King Loren had asked him to join the guard as a captain. It made her happy to know he was going to be able to protect the people of the realm. She only wished Ian would be able to do the same.
“You protected us when I thought all was lost. We can never repay you for what you have done but I can grant you one wish. Please, tell me what your heart desires and I will make it happen,” King Loren said as he gestured for her to step forward.
She knew this was the part when she was supposed to refuse his offer and pledge herself to the kingdom but the words caught in her throat. Everyone waited, knowing the answer she was supposed to give. Her eyes scanned the crowd one last time. He had to come—
“Lexi?”
She blinked and realized tears were streaming down her face. Her emotions were so strong that it was beginning to spread throughout the crowds too. She closed her eyes and tried to get control over her feelings. It wasn’t fair to make the people sad just because she was. Especially when this was a day of celebration for the realm.
Taking in a deep breath, she said, “I thank you for your generous offer, King Loren. The only thing that I would like is to go back to my home—in Oklahoma.”
The crowd gasped and she tried to block the emotions they felt. They were scared that without her there the Witches would rise again. She, too, worried that this would happen but without Ian, there was no true reason for her to remain. She could feel her powers wane at the thought of losing Ian and she knew it made her weak to anyone who might try to attack her. At least in Oklahoma
she could try to heal her broken heart.
“Are you…are you sure, Lexi?”
Loren spoke to her not as a king but as a father. The love and regret he felt surrounded her until she felt as if she was being held by it. She sent out her own feeling of love toward him and nodded.
His eyes softened. “Very well. Though we hate to lose you, we will make sure you return to your home. I have to remind you of one thing, though. It is our law that once you leave, you cannot return unless you are desperately needed to save the realm.”
She knew the consequences of her choices and she was willing to accept them.
“I understand, King Loren.” She looked out to the crowds and said, “And I give my word to you, the people of Sinoda. If there ever comes a time that you need me I will come back and do it willingly and happily.”
“Very well.”
He held out his arm and led her from the balcony. The crowd cheered though she knew they were sad. When they were inside the palace, the king stopped and turned to her. A few lingering servants scurried away, giving them a moment of privacy.
“I know this is partly because of…him, my daughter. Are you sure this is the right choice? You could be happy here and I could ensure your paths never crossed.”
Since returning to the palace, the king had not spoken Ian’s name. He said it was because Ian needed to prove how sorry he was but Lexi feared it was because her father resented him and would never be able to forgive him. She could imagine how her life would be if she stayed. Ian would be sent away and she would always wonder about him. When the day came that their paths did cross, it would break her heart all over again.
She took her father’s hands into her own. “And what kind of life would that be? It wouldn’t be fair to him or to me.”
“I am being selfish. I can’t bear the thought of losing you so soon after getting you back.”
When Queen Grace had sent her to Oklahoma with Myra, she had told everyone that Lexi had died. The king had been devastated thinking that his only child had been lost to him. Losing the queen a short time later had sent him into a depression so deep that his council feared he would not make it and the realm would be sent into turmoil.
“You aren’t losing me. This time you’ll know that I am alive and well. And if the realm ever needs me I will return, I promise. I…I just can’t stay here.”
His golden eyes filled with tears as he said, “Your mother would have been so proud of you, as am I.”
“I love you.”
“And I you.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll have the portal opened as soon as possible. You’ll be on your way home in a few hours. Is there anything you’d like to do before you go?”
He wanted to know if she would see Ian before she left but didn’t speak the words aloud.
Sighing, she replied, “I’m not sure. Part of me wants to but the other side knows it won’t do any good. He is lost to me.”
“Don’t give up on him, not yet. I haven’t.”
She nodded and turned. Brian and Hank were waiting for her in the back courtyard. When she stepped outside, she was pleased to see that their new lion was warming up to them, already jumping through hoops. She had known right away that it would be a perfect gift for the men. Soon they would have their circus back and it would be bigger than ever. Even her father had agreed to help rebuild it since Brian’s name had been cleared.
“Princess.” They greeted her with a bow.
“I see the cub has fallen in love with the two of you.”
Hank pushed his hair from his face and grinned. “It’s the other way around. Thank you for doing this for us. In no time we’ll have the circus running again.”
Brian added, “And with the costumes and props Sully is making, it’s sure to be better than ever. We only wish you were going to stay so you could see it.”
Pain and regret caused her to choke up and she took a moment to compose herself. She was glad the three men were going to work together. Since the Witches were gone, Sully had decided that he could use his talents in other ways since there wouldn’t be a great need for his weapons.
“I wish I could stay, too, but you both know my reason for leaving. I don’t think I can ever be happy here and I deserve to be happy, just as everyone does.”
Hank put his arm around her shoulder. “That’s why we won’t try to stop you.”
“When do you leave?” Brian asked.
“In a few hours.”
“Are you going to see Ian?”
He was the only person who had said his name to her. Everyone else had danced around the issue.
“I’m not sure.”
“I think you should. If anything, you might leave with closure.”
She nodded and then asked, “Will you two come see me off?”
“We wouldn’t miss it, Princess.”
They turned back to their cub and she walked away. Ian was being kept in a building away from the palace and she headed toward it. The last time she had asked Andrew about his friend, she had found out that Ian was being kept under restraints at all times.
Any time they let him out, he became violent and tried to escape. And as much as Andrew had hated to tell her, he kept asking for Miki. Always Miki.
Lexi reached the building and the two guards at the door bowed before letting her pass. She took in a deep breath and entered. This was a mistake but she needed to see him one last time.
Andrew stood outside the room where Ian was being kept.
“I’m glad you decided to see him but he’s been in a mood today.” He glanced over his shoulder at the closed door. “Lexi…try to bring him back to us.”
His plea broke her heart.
“I’m going to do my best but I’m afraid it won’t make a difference.”
It felt good to voice her fear. She was scared and there was no use hiding it. Andrew pulled a key from his pocket and unlocked the door before stepping aside. She ambled in and willed the door to shut behind her. The room was dark but she knew Ian lay on a bed near the wall.
“Miki? Is that you?”
Her heart ached in her chest as she said, “No, Ian. It’s Lexi.”
“Go away.”
She reached his side and tried not to cry. He was bruised where the restraints had cut into his skin. She reached out and pushed his dirty hair from his face. When was the last time that they had bathed him?
“No, I’m not going to leave. Well, not yet.”
His eyes met hers out of curiosity, “What does that mean?”
“I saved the realm, which you may or may not know. Now there is no need for me to be here.”
He looked at the ceiling and said, “They tell me Miki is dead. Did you do that?”
His question took her by surprise.
“Don’t you remember what happened that day?”
“No. Everything is one big blur. I can see bits and pieces but then they run together and I stop trying.”
She sat down in the chair next to the bed and replied, “Yes, I’m the one who killed all three Witches, including Miki.”
“So, you killed the woman I desire and now you’re going to leave me here to rot?”
The venom in his voice made her want to weep. He hated her and would never forgive her. She didn’t need to see his thoughts to know it was true.
“I…I’m not sure what’s going to happen to you once I’m gone. If I had stayed, I’m sure you would have been moved to another compound where our paths wouldn’t have crossed.”
He huffed. “That’s convenient.”
His anger was making her head spin. How could he have forgotten the love and passion they shared? Was it not real? She stood, unable to take any more of his hatred.
“Goodbye, Ian. I’ll never forget you.”
She leaned over and kissed his forehead. When he didn’t fight her, she moved lower to his lips. She put her heart into that kiss, sending him the love she felt for him before pulling away. A single tear fell and landed on his chest be
fore she turned away from him.
She held her head high and left the room without looking back. She wouldn’t be that girl even though it was killing her. Andrew waited outside the room and pulled her into a hug when he saw the sorrow on her face.
“I tried.”
“I know.”
He kept his arm around her and led her away from the room. As they left, she could have sworn she heard Ian yelling but she ignored it. He was probably asking for Miki again and she couldn’t handle it.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
She shook her head. “No. I just want to go back to my room and change my clothes and wait until it’s time for me to leave.”
Andrew was silent and didn’t ask any more questions though she knew he wanted to. She couldn’t talk about it right now but she would leave him a letter explaining what happened with Ian. It was the best she could do.
Chapter Eighteen
A few hours later Lexi stood at the portal. It swirled and spun as they waited for it to turn teal. Sully informed her it wouldn’t be safe to enter until it changed colors. If she were to step in a moment too soon, she might end up in a different realm and never find her way home.
She took a moment to look around. Everyone she cared about was there except for Ian. Though she was still sad, it warmed her heart to see everyone getting along. If she wasn’t mistaken, there was even a romance blooming between Carter and Colleen. They would be good for each other and he already adored her baby. He had even convinced her to leave the Wooden Brothel to work in Sapphire City as a seamstress.
King Loren took her by the hand and said, “It’s time. When you step through the portal, it will take you back to Oklahoma. The engineers have also arranged for your house to be just as it was before the tornado. You’ll still have to cast a spell to make the people there forget about it, though, but your magic will work there as it does here.”
That was one thing she was going to have to get used to back in Oklahoma. She would have to be careful and make sure no one knew of her new gift. It was something that would be feared or, worse than that, something that people would want to try to study making her a freak show.