Spain again, it was so beautiful!!!

It is tense in Lady Indira's office. We all stand quietly until Lady Indira starts to speak. By now, all the other rulers of Shadow are here.

"What we know is not to leave this room," she instructs. We all nod. "Had this been a year earlier, the four of you would not have been included in this conversation. However as you all will be ruling in about four months time, it is important we keep you all involved in everything we do." She looks over at the four of us eldests royals. "And as Isla is the queen of Zola anyway, she has to be involved." We all nod. The Queen speaks next.

"As you all know, the Scorpallis family can't tell us what they saw. If they do, our prevention of the event will make it all even worse." The Queen sighs sadly and runs a hand through her pale blonde hair.

"We do have to take some drastic action. The NightShades are getting stronger. My spies are getting discovered, tortured and killed. We are losing what little power we had over them." It is clear that everyone is stressed. Judging by the bags under everyone's eyes and the messy unkempt appearances.

"What are we going to do? It is obvious that something bad will happen. We need to try and stop it," Oliver says.

"For now, we will carry on training and preparing. I still have a few spies that are undiscovered who can help. All we know is now that the Dragoheirs are back, King Harrison is going to be a lot warier and careful in his planning." We all nod. 

"From now on, our protection along the coastline is to be inspected and reinforced every day. It has either got to be protected by magic or guards at all times around the whole country. Does everyone understand." Again, we all nod. 

"I need to go back to Zola for a few days," I say. The Queen nods. 

"I will come with you, there is much we need to discuss." 

General Xavier teleports us to Lady Aspens home where we are staying for the next few days. My siblings have also come as has Princess Kayleigh. I want to visit the coast of our lands and check what's guarding it. All of the lands have a coastal area apart from the capitol lands which are landlocked. Even though my lands of Zola are mostly deep valleys and high mountains, it does meet the sea and make up part of Shadow's borders. 

"It's so great to see you," Lady Aspen says as she greets us on the balcony. I wrap my arms around her. 

"It's great to see you too, Aunty Aspen," I smile. 

"Come on, I have some food laid out ready," she beams as she bows to the High Queen then kisses her on the cheek. 

"It's lovely to see you, Aspen," the High Queen smiles. "Now, we have plenty to discuss."

"Of course," Aspen says as she turns serious. 

A long table of food and teas are laid out as we take a seat. 

"The first thing I need to discuss with you Isla is your new home. As you've decided not to rebuild your old palace, a new one needs to be built for you and your family once you've finished your education at the Academy." I nod my head. 

"Where?" I ask. 

"It's completely up to the four of you. I suggest during this visit, you fly over all your lands and pick a place and then we'll talk about designs."

"Who will build it and design it?" I ask. I don't want to force shifters into building me a palace. 

"Shifters take great pride in our architecture," the queen smiles. "Most shifters will be honoured to build a palace. Plus with extra speed and strength along with a variety of powers, building isn't a difficult task." I smile, nodding my head. 

"Now, you wanted to  visit the coastal borders to check the protection around it."

"Yes, please."

Tanya and Serenity shift and we ride toward the coast of our land. It takes a while. Zola is very big. We pass over a few mountain cities and small valley villages. The mountains slowly thin into hilly grassland until it drops into sheer rocky cliffs to the ocean beyond. 

"We'll fly along the whole coast of Zola, stopping at the borders of the other lands," I instruct. 

The High Queen and Aspen fly on eagles behind us as we make our way along the cliffs. I can feel the magic that shields our coast from anyone getting in. 

"How are the shields kept up?" I ask Aspen. 

"Every Twenty miles, there are stations," she says as we come across a tall stone building. 

"In each station is an enchanted object that keeps the shield up," she carries on. 

"What does it shield and who enchanted it?" I ask. 

"There are multiple shifters who have shield abilities which are slightly different. Some shield from physical attacks and some from magical attacks. Together, they've all created a complete shield around the cliffs from the ocean floor to high up in the sky to stop anyone from getting in," she explains. I nod my head understanding. I summon some ice and throw it toward the cliff. It his into an invisible shield and drops to the ground. 

"How can I still feel the sea breeze?" I ask. 

"That's the beauty of the shield. It only stops magic or physical attacks. That means the natural breeze or splashes from the waves can still move freely. Shifters can also move through the shield. Any other creature can't."

"What if  the King and Queen of Serena want to visit, can they not travel through?" I ask. 

"With the permission of a shifter, another creature can pass through." I nod my head. 

We travel up and down the coast of Zola, stopping at the borders of the other lands. We travel back to the middle area of the stretch of coastland along our borders. My sisters shift back and sit down, looking out over the clear blue ocean waters. It is very beautiful and relaxing. We are all relaxing after the long journey and after testing the shields the whole coastline. 

"It seems as though there are no gaps in the shield," I say. "Not that I doubted there would be," I continue. 

"It is good that you came to see for yourself Isla," the High Queen says. "As Queen, it is vital you ensure that your lands are protected." I nod my head. 

"Now, we should go back to Lady Aspen's palace." We all agree and prepare to leave. 

As we go, I can't help but feel as though I've missed something.