Mira

The palace was dripping with flowers. I had been practicing my spells all week and gotten a bit carried away with the nature magic. Some of the blooms had been so stubborn that even after cutting them back, they continued to try and grow. Lilith had arranged for several neighboring royals to visit for the mid-summer feast, including Raiden. I'd been in a panic, trying to figure out seating. I mean, I wanted to place him near me but didn't want to be too obvious.

"The carriages have started to arrive," a young witch announced.

Letting out a nervous breath, I took her seat on the throne with Mother standing off to the side as my regent announced each of the Kings and Queens as they entered the chamber. I did my best to keep a placid smile on my face under the golden veil. I'd been required to keep my face hidden from everyone except my parents since the moment I materialized in the main hall. I know the reincarnation spell had altered most of my appearance, but I still worried someone, especially Raiden, would recognize me before my servitude was over.

"King Raiden of Thuradoc, and the God Deimos," my regent announced. I quickly stood and took a few steps down to greet Father in an embrace. Raiden wore a confused expression, making me assume that Taj hadn't told him.

"Raiden, let me introduce you to my daughter, Queen Lilianna of Killery," Deimos gently pushed me forward as I cursed him mentally.

Raiden bowed slightly, not taking his eyes off me, "Your Majesty, I didn't realize Deimos was your father. He failed to mention it before." I noticed he shot a hard glance at my father.

"Don't think much of it, King Raiden," I giggled, "He and I have only recently become reacquainted. I guess I'm easily forgotten," I joked.

"I doubt that," Raiden said under his breath, making me give him a puzzled look. "I only meant to say you seem to be someone who could never be forgotten, Queen Lilianna." I did my best to suppress the shiver that ran down my spine.

Mother came to stand next to me, "The meal is ready if everyone will make their way to the gardens. We will also have a brief demonstration from our initiates." She started to lead me from the room when I felt Raiden's hand on my arm.

"May I?" His voice pierced my soul. I began to worry that this was a mistake. How could I just pretend we were strangers?

Bowing my head slightly, I replied, "Yes, thank you." I led him to the garden and gestured to have him take a seat at the table. "How do you find Killery, King Raiden?" I asked, trying to make small talk to settle my nerves.

Taking a drink of wine, Raiden replied, "Unexpected, my Lady." I tilted my head in confusion. "I guess I had some preconceived ideas about your kingdom based on some past incidents. However, I'm finding the new monarchy to be much more enjoyable," he said with a mischievous grin that made my breath catch, and my stomach clench. "If I may ask, why do you conceal your eyes, my Lady?"

I paused for a moment. "It is part of my training and vows, Your Highness."

"How long must you wear it?"

"Not much longer, my vows are almost complete," I replied quietly, lowering my head slightly. Our conversation turned as the food was served, and Raiden began to talk with Father. I felt Mother squeeze my hand, giving me a reassuring nod.

As the evening drew dark, the tables were cleared and everyone moved to the center of the garden to watch the demonstrations. I stepped up on the small platform and turned to address the guests, "Thank you esteemed guests for joining us on this sacred night. Many things have changed in Killery since I took the throne. As a coven, we have rededicated ourselves in the service of my mother, the Goddess Lilith. In honor of her and your presence, we would like to share a bit of our magic with you. Please, relax and enjoy." Darkness fell over the garden as I stopped speaking.

My voice began to rise in an ancient chant as flowers around the garden began to glow and bloom. The initiates were spaced out in the garden and crowd, creating a ripple effect of magic that surrounded and captivated the guests. Spheres of light rose into the air, creating shapes. Raising my hands, I sent a flurry of lights into the sky, creating a single ghostlike crow. As the figure began to descend, it landed on my shoulder and then vanished.

When the demonstration ended, I clapped my hands together in a resounding boom, and the garden filled with shimmering fairy lights as soft music began to play. "On this the longest day of the year, we celebrate. Drink and be merry, friends!" My voice carried and filled the garden.

Sipping a glass of wine, I sat on the edge of the fountain, watching the guests as they danced. I had noticed the hitch in Raiden's chest to my final illusion and was mentally kicking myself. I worried it had flashed a memory for him. The last thing I wanted to do was cause him pain.

"You seem to be troubled, my Lady," his voice pierced my thoughts. I looked up to meet his piercing gray eyes and gave a weak smile.

I shook my head, "Just a bit tired, Your Highness."

"Raiden, my Lady," he corrected me. "If you're not too tired, may I have this dance," he asked, holding out his hand. I hesitantly took his hand as he led me to the dance floor.

His smell was intoxicating as his arm wrapped around my waist. I felt like my heart was going to explode as he stared down at me. Trying to steady my breathing, I looked down. "Don't ever look away from me, little one," his voice whispered. My head snapped up at his words, making me gasp.

"I'm... I'm sorry, excuse me," I stammered, fleeing the dance floor. I ran down the garden path, not paying attention to where I was going. I just needed to get away. It was too much, his words were too much. I wasn't sure if he knew, or if he was just using his thrall to flirt. Breathless, I sank down to the ground and began to sob.

Author's Notes:  Does he know???

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