He reached out and shook Riordan’s hand. “Thank you.”
“Remember your promise.”
“Papa, don’t do this.” Charlemaine reached out for him, but Jensen pulled her tightly against his side.
As Riordan began to chant, she ceased her struggles and clung to Jensen, crying against his shoulder.
He woke up with her still crying in his arms.
Chapter Twelve
The price to save their lives had been too high, and now, standing seconds away from seeing her mother again, Charlie could barely focus on the gate in front of her. The reassuring feel of Jensen’s palm against hers encouraged her to put one foot in front of the other and mechanically perform the tasks necessary to deliver the news that would devastate her family.
Release the gate. Move through the grounds. Into the foyer of the estate she’d shared with her siblings and her parents. Her mother stood at the opposite end of the hallway, as beautiful as ever, though her face bore the look of someone who’d just suffered a painful loss.
Did she already know? How could she? Charlie pulled her hand from Jensen’s and picked up the pace toward her mother. “Mama.”
Dana welcomed her with open arms. “My sweet, sweet daughter. How I’ve missed you.”
Charlie buried her face in her mother’s fragrant tresses and wept. She tried to find the words to tell her what had happened, but she couldn’t force anything past the lump in her throat.
“You must be Jensen.”
Her mother’s calm voice surprised her, and Charlie pulled back from her embrace. “Mama?” The question in her voice made Dana’s face crumple. “You know, don’t you?”
“Falcon was courteous enough to pay me a visit. He saw no need for you to be the one to impart the news.” Tears rained down Dana’s cheeks, but she cupped Charlie’s face to offer strength. “You were right to do as your father instructed.”
The lump in her throat grew bigger. “But I left him there.”
“Shhh.” Dana touched a finger to Charlie’s lips. “You did as you were brought up to do. Follow the orders of your elders. Your father loved you so much, Charlemaine, and he could not live knowing he had sacrificed his life for yours. That is why he made the choice he made.”
Charlie tried to borrow from her mother’s strength, but the pressure from the past few days proved to be too heavy a burden. She fell back into Dana’s arms and cried again, sobbing so hard her chest ached and her lungs burned.
“We should not weep for him, Charlemaine , for your father is not dead.” Dana’s voice shook. “He is apart from us for now, but Falcon has assured me he will do everything within his power to obtain your father’s release.”
Strong hands took hold of her upper arms, and Jensen’s voice wrapped her in its embrace. “And you know how considerable that power is, Charlemaine.”
Charlie turned and sought the sanctuary of his arms for a brief moment before forcing herself to stand upright. If her mother could face the loss with such fortitude, so could she. “Of course. If there is a way, Falcon will find it.”
“He is quite the gentleman, that Falcon.” Dana smiled though it didn’t reach her eyes. “He told me Jensen would be joining you.” She transferred her gaze to Jensen’s face. “Thank you for accompanying my daughter, and welcome to our home. I hope you won’t find it rude of me if I speak to her alone now.”
“Of course not.” Jensen remained behind when they walked beneath an archway and into the main living area of the guild.
Charlie followed her mother to a marble bench with silk cushions and sat down beside her. “I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner, Mama.”
Dana patted Charlie’s hand. “There was no need for you to. You went through a difficult situation. Of course you needed to rest.”
“I wish it was just that.” Charlie hung her head, a little ashamed that she’d dragged her feet returning home. In truth, she hadn’t known what to say and wasn’t sure she could provide the strength her mother might need at the moment. Now that she saw how strong her mother was all on her own, Charlie’s guilt intensified.
With a slight smile, Dana curled her fingers around Charlie’s. “We all make different choices in life, Princess, and fear is a natural response to trauma. I understand why you didn’t return right away. Our family is strong, Charlemaine, regardless of whether we’re in the same room or separated by a different world.” She paused. “Or guild.”
Charlie’s gaze flew to her mother’s face. “What do you mean?”
“My intuition tells me your heart has chosen another place to live.” Dana leaned forward, giving Charlie a look tinged with joy and sorrow. “And I want you to know your father would want you to be as happy as he and I have been all these many years. If you have a chance at love, you should not turn your back on it.”
Even though she listened to her mother, internally, Charlie was shaking her head. Regardless of what she might feel or think she felt, her heart would have to wait. She couldn’t just leave her family. Not now. They all needed to stick together.
“Mama, it’s not that simple.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.” Dana turned on the bench and clasped Charlie’s hand so tightly, her fingers went numb. “Your father once told me that happiness isn’t a guarantee in life so when we get our chance at it, we shouldn’t let it pass us by. If you can sit here and tell me you feel nothing for this wizard who has brought you here, then I will let the matter drop.”
Swallowing hard, Charlie dropped her gaze. Her mother never gave easy challenges. “I can’t say that, but it doesn’t change how I feel about leaving you behind.”
“You’re not leaving me behind, Charlemaine. You’re going where your heart leads you. Besides,” she touched Charlie’s chin with two fingers, “you’ll only be one guild away.”
The lump in Charlie’s heart tripled in size. “He wants me to marry him, Mama.”
Dana smiled through tears. “What do you want to do?”
“I think I want to marry him, too.” Somehow, she managed to inhale. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone, and I tried to tell myself it was too soon, we hadn’t had enough time together, but my heart won’t listen.”
The smile on Dana’s face grew wider. “No, it’s your head that isn’t listening. Your heart is doing just fine.”
A laugh bubbled up from the center of Charlie’s chest. “We won’t stop looking for a way to bring Papa home. You won’t be alone for long.”
“I never thought I would.” She stood and kissed Charlie’s forehead. “Why don’t I send that man of yours in now? I believe the two of you have some planning to do.”
Charlie watched her mother leave with a twinge of uncertainty. She didn’t want to throw anything away, but she couldn’t imagine chasing her own happiness while her father was trapped in another dimension. Besides that, she’d never experienced love before so she wasn’t sure if what she was feeling was love. Jensen had said time didn’t matter, but what if it did?
Dana stopped at the door, one hand on the edge. “Don’t spend too much time second-guessing yourself, Princess. Go with your instincts.”
Hot tears stung Charlie’s eyes. That was what her father always told her. “I will, Mama.”
“Come fine me before the two of you return to The Assembly.”
Three weeks later
“Why does Falcon have to marry us?” Charlemaine’s nose wrinkled, but even that cute little quirk couldn’t erase Jensen’s exasperation.
“Because it is our law and our way.”
“I don’t even think he likes me.”
“Falcon knows we love one another. That is all that is required for him to perform the uniting ceremony not his approval.”
“That’s easy for you to say considering he likes you.”
Jensen let out a breath loud enough to bring a frown to Charlemaine’s face. Since she’d agreed to marry him, she’d spent the better part of three weeks complaining about the arrangements. While he wa
s sure most of her uneasiness had to do with her father, he was beginning to wonder about the sincerity behind that acceptance.
He took hold of her hand and guided her toward the settee inside his bedchamber. “Please sit down.”
Charlemaine did as he asked, looking up at him with a questioning gaze.
“Do you love me?”
Her look gave way to one of shock. “What? How can you ask me that now?”
“I would like an answer, Charlemaine.” Or maybe he wouldn’t.
Face softening, she reached out to him with both hands. “Yes, I love you, Jensen, and I’m sorry if I haven’t been acting like it.” She shrugged. “I just didn’t expect this wedding to be such an undertaking. I’ve never been good with being the center of attention, and what you’re describing sounds more like a coronation than a wedding.”
He sat down beside her, relief making his shoulders fall. “That is truly all that is behind your trepidation?”
Her palm caressed his cheek. “Truly.”
Before Jensen could smile or react, Falcon interrupted the conversation with a sudden appearance. “Jensen, your presence is required in the Assembly Room.”
Charlemaine huffed out a breath. “Is knocking too much to ask here?”
Falcon didn’t look her way before disappearing.
“I will be back soon.” Jensen snatched a quick kiss before following Falcon. For the leader to intrude in such a manner, the meeting had to be one of extreme urgency which was why he hadn’t taken the time to explain to Charlemaine.
He wasn’t wrong. Once he entered the Assembly Room and saw all the wizards gathered around the table in their indigo blue robes, he sat down without saying a word. There was a time to ask questions and a time to be silent. The look on Falcon’s face told him now wasn’t the time for curiosity to be voiced aloud.
“There is a way to bring Charlemaine’s father back.” Falcon didn’t look up when Jensen joined them. “But it will require a sacrifice.”
Of course it did. Jensen wasn’t surprised. Everything in their world came at a price. “The loss of life?”
Falcon shook his head. “No. The loss of magic.”
Chapter Thirteen
Charlie couldn’t have arrived at the Assembly Room at a better time. Though not welcome, she cared less about what the wizards thought of her and more about the secretive subject which required Jensen’s presence. Now she was glad she had taken the risk and followed his magic trail.
“I’ll do it.” Charlie would give up anything to save her father even though the thought of being without her magic scared her.
All wizards in the room got to their feet, most of them wearing thunderous scowls. It was Jensen who came to her side and took hold of her arm, though his touch was gentle.
“What are you doing in here?” He lowered his voice to address only her.
“I figured whatever Falcon wanted had to do with my father.”
“And how did you find your way here?” Falcon also stood, but, unlike Jensen, his face was neither kind nor welcoming.
She managed to hide the nerves in her voice when she replied. “I followed Jensen’s magic trail. It’s something my father taught me.”
“It is very advanced for such a young wizard.” Falcon’s approach had her shuddering. “You have taken a great risk to interrupt a council meeting.”
“You can do whatever you want with me once I give up my magic to save my father. I’ll be helpless to fight against you then.”
The leader’s lips twitched beneath the white beard. “As though you are any different now.”
“Falcon, she must be restricted,” came a nasally voice from the right.
“’Tis my decision what must be done with her.” Falcon folded his arms, and Jensen moved in closer, imperceptibly shielding her body with his. The leader didn’t miss the action. Twin bushy eyebrows escalated. “Would you stand in for her, Jensen? Sacrifice your own self to protect her?”
“Yes.” No doubt. No fear. Only strong assurance rang out.
A round wizard with glittering green eyes smacked the table to gain everyone’s attention. He quickly apologized when Falcon scowled at him, and when he spoke, his voice was meek. “This woman should be escorted from the room immediately.”
“This woman is also a wizard,” Jensen corrected.
“Not one of us.” The reply had Charlie turning to face her adversary.
“No, you’re right. I’m not one of you, but this discussion is about my father. Because of that, I have every right to be here.”
“You have no rights here on Mystique. This is our world, and we make the rules.” The wizard’s response was decidedly more aggressive, causing Jensen to take a defensive stance.
“And would you not want to be here were we discussing a member of your family?” Charlie challenged him, and the wizard made his displeasure known by rounding the table.
Jensen met him halfway. “Do not come any closer, Vallen.”
“Of course you would protect the one who warms your bed at night.” Vallen’s lips curled amid murmurs from the assembled wizards.
“Enough.” Falcon intervened before the stand-off could escalate. “Though she was not invited, I am not opposed to Charlemaine’s presence.”
Charlie wasn’t sure if he was smacking her hand or taking it. The tone of his voice indicated his distaste at her presence, yet, he seemed genuinely concerned about her father…at least, he had. Still, she was being allowed to stay, and that had to be enough.
“You will take a seat beside Jensen.” No options. Just a command from the leader who was accustomed to being obeyed. So Charlie sat.
“She does not belong here.” A feminine voice enunciated each word with brittle clarity.
“We have dealt with the issue.” Falcon didn’t lift his gaze.
“She taints us with her presence.” Same voice. Same tone.
“I agree,” Vallen inserted.
Jensen had apparently had enough. He rose and walked to stand behind the pair who didn’t appreciate her visit. When he spoke, his voice was low and vibrating with fury.
“You know nothing of her save her guild. For that, you judge her. Is that not what we have been attempting to rectify among all the guilds?”
“They hate us.” There were sounds of approval at Vallen’s response.
“And by all means, let us give them more reason to do so.” Jensen leaned over the back of Vallen’s chair. “She is no better or no worse than any of us, and she is a wizard. Does that in itself not warrant our help?”
Falcon’s palm smacked the table, drawing all eyes. A heavy silence fell over the group. No one dared speak. The leader lifted his gaze and directed it toward the chair next to Charlie. Jensen followed the unspoken command and joined her at the table once more.
“At his request, I conferred with Licheron.” As the hushed whispers began, Falcon clarified. “The Ancient One. He is of the belief that the Universe is off balance because of Galen’s misuse of magic.”
“And he believes bringing my father back will shift the balance back to right?” Charlie held tight to Jensen’s hand underneath the table.
Falcon tipped his head to one side and studied her with all the intention of a sentry ascertaining her permissible presence. “Not only your father but your uncle as well.”
“He tried to kill Charlemaine,” Jensen’s grasp on her fingers tightened.
“We are all aware of Galen’s actions, but sudden departures from this realm are not acceptable to our universal laws.”
“You said my father’s return will require the loss of magic. What about Galen’s?” Charlie wished she could force the leader to reveal all the information at one time rather than providing it to them in substandard bites.
“Galen will have no magic upon his return. He will be defrocked.” The murmurings resumed until Falcon held up one hand. “That will satisfy the Universe on his behalf but not for Riordan.”
“And the Pravus? What do the
y think about all of this?” Charlie scooted forward, focusing all of her attention on Falcon. He alone held the knowledge to her father’s safe return home.
“The Pravus will be under the illusion your father remains until he is safely back in this realm.”
Jensen coughed just before the other wizards began to protest in boisterous voices.
“An illusion of that magnitude will require much magic.”
“We will all have to participate.”
“I will not be forced to assist these wizards.”
One by one the group voiced their opinions and announced their decisions, and while they muttered and groaned, Charlie bit her lip to keep silent. As much as she wanted to rail against them again, now wasn’t the time. She needed their help. Her family needed their help.
“Have each of you forgotten your place in this guild?” Falcon asked the question in a deadly quiet voice. Without giving them time to respond, he continued, “When our magic is required as a united front, we join together. It is the law of our people, and there will be no dissenters. Riordan of Nocturne will be brought back alive and with our assistance.”
Charlie wanted to breathe a sigh of relief, but one problem still remained unsolved. Whose magic would be taken to bring her father back?
Chapter Fourteen
The wizards had gathered outside the fortress, forming a united front in spite of their earlier protests. Charlemaine had wanted to join in the line, but the unexpected arrival of her mother had, fortunately, changed her mind. Now, she awaited behind The Assembly, her hand clasping Dana’s.
The seconds ticked by much too slowly for Jensen’s liking. He wanted this to be over, to see Riordan and Dana joined together once more. Mostly, he wanted his life with Charlemaine to begin.
Falcon nodded, and the wizards raised their arms. A soft chant began, growing louder after each stanza until hundreds of voices segued into a roar of sound.
The ground rumbled, and Jensen heard a gasp behind him, but he couldn’t look back. If even one wizard didn’t fulfill his part, the spell could fail.
The First Spell Page 9