And this key unlocked something else.
She began to see a glow in the darkness of her closed eyes. At first it was a blurry glow, but as she focused on it she saw what it truly was.
It was an archway, carved with swirling designs, and filled with a radiant mist.
But this was not the Kel-sei archway. It was smaller and wider than the one Nastasha had seen on Celmarea, and the room behind it appeared to be partially caved in. It was a different archway, for sure.
She stared at the portal in awe with her mind’s eye, and felt an amazing sense of accomplishment. Just seeing this, a thing of the spirit world that had only been described to her, made her ecstatic. Makias had been right! The vast secrets of the universe were available to her.
But to go through the archway?
This might be the only chance she had, she thought, and she feared the portal may never appear to her again. But, remembering that her intention was to overcome fear, she convinced herself that the portal would be there again when she needed it. She also recalled Makias’ warning not to meditate without taking steps to protect her unborn children.
She bade good-bye to the portal, and it faded.
Turning her attention to Jaimin’s happiness once more, she felt it intensify and she stayed with it, patiently, consuming it and letting it warm her.
When the pleasure faded into echoes, and Nastasha’s sense of self came back stronger, she realized that she had experienced Jaimin’s deepest love after all, but in a most unexpected way. And, more importantly, Jaimin had helped to unlock her soul on this day of new beginnings.
As their consciousness slowly came back into the room, Elaina held Jaimin steady, against her and within her, and listened to his heartbeat slowing.
“I never imagined such pleasure was possible,” Elaina said to him, slowly rolling off of him.
He leaned over her, kissing her warm lips. “How often can we do this?” she asked.
“I suspect we’ll have to devote some time to our royal duties,” he said, “but this will be a priority.”
She smiled.
He ran the back of his fingers lightly most of the way down her body. “Your body is gorgeous,” Jaimin told her. “It’s perfect.”
The royal pair next enjoyed a quick bath together, and then they sampled the best of the food that was laid out for them—not eating too much.
“They sure did a good job making today about us,” Elaina said. “I wonder what they have in store for us next.” She still felt the warmth of Jaimin inside of her. She would feel it all day.
They donned the new clothes set out for them. Elaina’s outfit was a stunning white gown dotted with diamonds and pearls. Her Celmarean crown was there, set out for her, as were long, white gloves and white shoes. She almost tripped a few times getting into her shoes. “I’m so excited, Jem,” she said. “I can’t stand up!”
Jaimin’s outfit was a formal suit, all white, over which he was to wear his father’s three-hundred-year-old dress robes: black with violet trim. Set out with the shoes, gloves and other trimmings was his favorite Arran crown.
Once they were dressed, they shared a few more breathless kisses, and then there was a knock at the door. Jaimin set off to open it.
Nastasha and Alessa had arrived together.
At first, Jaimin was too shy to look Nastasha in the eyes, but once he did, he instantly relaxed. He felt in her gaze and saw in her smile that she was genuinely happy for him. Nastasha “felt” different to him; he wasn’t sure what was different, but he knew she had changed today—for the better—and he was excited for her. He offered her a hug, and she took him up on it. “Thank you,” he whispered into her ear. She nodded.
As Jaimin and Nastasha hugged, Elaina came to the door and embraced Alessa.
“You’re in good hands now,” Alessa said to Elaina.
“I’ve always been in good hands,” Elaina said, pulling back and kissing Alessa’s forehead.
Jaimin stepped back from Nastasha, and he addressed the other three. “I want us all to stay close no matter what. There are still challenges ahead, but if we stay together in mind and in spirit I know we can do anything. Let’s try.”
“I want that,” Nastasha said. “I’m in.”
“Is this some sort of pledge? Or a pact?” Elaina asked.
“It can be,” Jaimin said.
“How exciting!” Elaina said. “Yes, yes, all of you have my devotion forever.”
“And I’m honored that you would ask me, one of the older generation, to be part of your pact,” Alessa said.
“You’ve got Makias now,” Elaina told her, “and you’ll be living apart from us, but don’t think we’re ever going to let you go.”
“I’d never let you go either,” Alessa said. “I’m in.”
The four friends chatted as they slowly made their way through the castle’s corridors together. At the end of their walk, guards opened the double doors to the courtyard, where the brilliant sunshine, a jubilant crowd, and an extraordinary future awaited.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
R.J. Francis, like the characters in the Principality series, has traveled with the divine spirit through the many wondrous worlds of creation. The Kiwi-American author currently resides in New Zealand.
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