Mira

"You Highness, an emissary from Thuradok seeks an audience," a young initiate came into the room breathless. "He says he must speak only to the Queen."

I tensed at the mention of Raiden's kingdom. Could it be him? Why would he be here, it's not time yet I still have three months to go. I lowered the golden veil, "Very well, bring him in." I told the young girl.

I watched as Taj entered the receiving hall, looking around the room curiously. He stopped just shy of the steps to the throne, bowing deeply. "Your Highness, I am honored that you could receive me." I noticed the false tone of his words immediately.

"Emissary of Thuradoc, what brings you to Killery and the Serpent House?" I did my best to mask my voice, fearful that Taj might recognize me.

"My King wishes to form a trade agreement. Killery is known far and wide for its agricultural bounty and herbal remedies. His Majesty feels our kingdom could provide the metals and gems that Killery lacks. It would be a most beneficial arrangement." Taj did not make eye contact with me, keeping his glance to the floor.

Smelling his lies, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise as I ran my fingertips over the serpent tattoo. My familiar began to writhe from my forearm and come to rest in my lap as I stroked the snake's hood. "Ah, Master Wizard, do you really think I believe your lies? Thuradoc already has a prosperous agricultural trade. It has no need for Killery's goods. Pray, tell me your real reason for coming here." I paused, letting the snake in my lap coil and hiss at Taj. "I will know if you are lying, mage."

I saw Taj's chest heave with fear as he tried to fight my magic. His gaze was forced to meet mine as he looked at the veil. I had no doubt that Raiden had forbidden him to tell me the truth, and he was struggling to not go against his King's orders as well. "Revenge, your Highness. King Raiden seeks revenge for the death of his soulmate. It was your coven that killed her. His grief has made him cold and mad with rage."

The mage's revelation made me gasp softly. Had he really lost all hope? I placed the snake back in my arm and stepped down the stairs to stand before Taj. "He has no need for revenge here. The crones who performed the spell have been released into the primordial pits and will never be allowed to reincarnate. My kingdom has no alliances or treaties with the werewolves any longer." I gently reached out to take his hand. "How can I assure you and your King that we mean no harm and have grieved his loss as well?"

Taj stared at me as if trying to magically see through my veil. "I'm not sure any words would truly convince him, your Highness."

I nodded knowing full well how stubborn Raiden could be. "I can understand that. Perhaps this will help." Holding out my hand, a large diamond and a scroll appeared. I handed them to him, "Take this gem and spell. It will show the punishment that Lilith herself placed upon the two hags. If he needs further proof, seek out my father, Deimos. He was also present at their execution." I saw Taj's eyes go wide when I mentioned my father. "Yes, wizard, Deimos is my father. Use your own magic and spells to verify what the crystal shows. I do not lie, sir. I wish nothing but peace and happiness for King Raiden." I tried to keep my voice from cracking, but I couldn't stop the tear that fell from my eyes.

If Taj saw, he did not acknowledge it. Instead, he quickly bowed, accepting the scroll and diamond, then left. I quickly ran down the corridor to my private chambers. Ripping the veil from my head, I fell onto the bed, sobbing.

****

I knelt in front of the cauldron, and took a deep breath, steeling myself for the next step in the spell. Slicing my palm with the athame, then holding a bay leaf in my hand, I crumbled it, mixing the blood with the herb as it fell into the cauldron. The room seemed to swirl around me. Slowly everything came back into focus. The sight before me filled me with sorrow and rage. I was back in Raiden's bed chambers, but the room was destroyed. Long gashes ran across the walls, furniture was smashed, windows broken and there, slumped against the bed with his head in his hands was Raiden. He looked frail, as if he had aged a thousand years since I last saw him.

"Raiden," my voice was barely a whisper, "Oh, Raiden, I'm so sorry." I took a few hesitant steps toward him. His head snapped up. The look on his face made my heart break even more. His eyes were black and his face was riddled with tears. He seemed to be caught between his demon and human form - both lost and angry.

"Mira? Is that you or have I finally gone mad," his voice was scratchy and unsure, but he didn't move.

I moved closer to him, praying the astral projection of my old form held, "It's me."

In a flash, he grabbed me, smashing me against his chest, repeating my name as he stroked my hair. I felt the depths of his pain. He was unstable, lost to his grief and anger. It was my fault he was like this. I have to help him, regardless of the cost. Wiggling free enough of his embrace to cup his face in my hands, I spoke softly, "Raiden, I need you to listen to me," but his mouth crashed against mine, cutting off my words as he moaned softly.

"It doesn't matter, you're here again. Nothing else matters," he groaned as he pressed me to his lips again, his hands starting to caress my body. For a moment, I started to lose myself to his touch. I had missed him - his smell, the way his lips felt against my skin, his hands holding me tight. I let out a moan as his lips trailed down my neck, biting and licking. "Please, let me feel you, little one," he whispered as he shifted me to straddle his legs. He pressed into me, making my body arch in response.

"Please, Raiden," I squeaked, "I don't have much time."

"Then stop talking and let me love you," he purred, pulling my hips into him. "I want to feel you, Mira."

Realizing his intent, I pushed him back roughly. I saw the hurt look in his eyes and quickly spoke, "Raiden, I'm not really here, love. You have to let go of your pain and take up your duties as King again. This," I motioned to the destroyed room, "has to stop."

Anger flashed in his eyes and he shoved me off him. "You left me, Mira. You made me fall in love with you, then you left. Do you even understand what that does to a demon?" his voice roared, "Demons weren't meant to love like that, we're creatures of lust, power, and pain - I'm a damn incubus for fuck's sake, and you broke me!"

I stared in shock at his words. My heart felt heavy and I couldn't stop the tears that fell. The room seemed to tilt as the spell began to wind down but I couldn't move - his blame, my guilt - they held me rooted to the spot.

When he saw my tears, Raiden dropped to his knees in front of me, wrapping his arms around my waist and leaning against my stomach, "Please don't cry, little one. I didn't mean it, I'm just so lost without you."

With the last of my energy, I stroked his hair. My voice was low as I spoke the spell, "Raiden you will let go of your grief and anger. You will rule your kingdom as you did before you met me." I felt his body begin to go slack against my legs, and with a wave of my hand the room repaired and he was in the bed asleep.

Stepping close, I gently kissed his forehead, "I'm sorry it had to be this way, my love, but I promise you will find happiness, even if it isn't with me."

"He will survive, Mira, but the pain will never really fade." I spun around as I heard Taj's voice from the doorway. "I don't understand the magic that has brought you here, but I will do my best to help him. Thank you," Taj bowed to me. My tears flowed openly as I placed a final kiss on Raiden's brow, and then the room faded.

"Well, that was ridiculously dangerous," her mother's voice rang out as I opened my eyes, rubbing my head.

I shook my head and scowled, "I couldn't let him suffer anymore. He was on the verge of madness and ready to declare war on us over my death."

Lilith helped me to a chair, then took my hands in hers, "Have you changed your mind? Have you decided to walk away from him?"

Tears adorned my cheeks again. "I've decided to stop making him suffer. As much as he hates witches, he may not accept your idea. Without knowing who I really am, he may not be open to an arranged marriage," I sniffled, trying to contain my sobs. "I just want him to be happy again - with or without me."

Lilith embraced me tightly, "That, daughter, is the true sign of a Queen. You have placed his happiness and your kingdom's safety above your own desires." She pulled back and looked into my eyes, smiling. "I think we should make the marriage offer at the Solstice. He can come here for the feast and you can meet with chaperones."

I nodded. 

Author's Notes:  Has she lost him?