Hail to the Queen (Sage Trilogy, Book 3) (42 page)

“What would you have suggested? I do something completely out of character?”

“You should have danced,” Chloe giggled. “I would have.”

“But I’m not you. I…I,” Kyran’s head began to bow on his own as he fell to one knee. “I…what’s wrong with…”

“It’s okay,” Chloe said, reaching down and rubbing his back. “You’ve reached the end of your life…must not have had too many years left
, Mr. nine lives.”

Kyran coughed and closed his eyes as he fe
lt a deep pressure in his chest.

A
nd then it was gone.

He took a deep breath and opened his eyes quickly, surprised by how good he felt. He stood up and saw Chloe smiling, her hands behind her back, her green sundress looking just
as stunning as ever against the dark backdrop. Kyran began to speak when she pointed down. He looked, and there his physical body remained, lying face down in the grass. Kyran looked back at Chloe and she kissed him tenderly on the lips.

“We’re really together forever now?” he asked, and she nodded. She grabbed his hand for them to go, but he held up a hand.

“Just one moment,” he said. He took his hand back, and then one at a time, removed the buttons on his black coat, and when he was finished, threw it violently to the ground. Underneath was a green dress shirt, the same color as Chloe’s dress, and black pants. Chloe smiled as he took her hand and kissed it.

“I won’t be n
eeding that anymore,” Kyran assured her, and the two began to walk towards the tree line. Kyran looked back only for a second to see Catherine staring at them with a grin on her face. He smiled back, and then continued forward as Chloe leaned on his shoulder.

And t
hen they disappeared into the moonlight.

Catherine got up from her spot in the grass, retr
ieved the stone that had removed itself from Kyran’s fallen body, and crushed it in her bare hands, destroyed under her own stone’s might. Then she walked away, and joined the rest of the celebration…

              *              *              *              *              *

“You’re needed,” Jennings whispered into James’ ear as he tapped him on the shoulder. James gave Leidy an “oh, well” look and let her go. Leidy scowled but easily picked up a Langoran partner who was eagerly waiting to join in nearby.

“What is it?” James asked.

“Just that you’re needed out in the meadow.”

“We’re already in the meadow.”

“Do I really have to spell it out? Catherine wants you.”

“
Oh! Geez, why didn’t you say so? Giving me cryptic messages and stuff…”

“Sage or not, you’ll always be
the same old James to me,” his friend replied.

“
Good,” James said, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Keep me humble.” James gave him a little wave and then made his way through the crowd. As he passed, he couldn’t help but smile at seeing how much fun everyone was having. The way the guests were acting, one would never surmise that less than a month ago they were devising ways to kill one another. As he reached the end of the crowd, he had to stop - for just a second.

Arimus and Ashalynn were maki
ng out by a tree on the side. It was a little disgusting to watch, but still, he was happy that his mentor and friend had found his long lost love. Knowing how much they loved one another, what he endured, and how long they had been apart…seeing them kiss so passionately…well, it wasn’t TOO gross. And James had the feeling that the couple were going to be anti-social for quite a long time, just enjoying the lost years of their marriage…

James kept walking until he saw what he was looking for right in the middle of the grass, a few hundred yards from the wedding. His bride…already having turned her wedding dress into work clothes. He chuckled as he approached and Catherine placed her hands on her hips.

“I know what you’re thinking,” Catherine laughed. “Well, get used to it.”

“So, it’s time, huh? Are you sure you want to do this now? I mean, the reception is still going on.”

“If I stay any longer, I’m going to literally start manifesting dragons just for a little action.”

“Fair enough,” James chuckled. “But, you’re absolutely sure you don’t want to go somewhere real?”

“Like where? The ruins of Prattle? The tunnels of Languor? No, I’ve had enough of the real world for a while. I want to go to our place.”

“And the Kingdom will be
fine while we go on our honeymoon?”

“Zain and Tyuin have agreed to watch things, and besides, Arimus is around.”

“I take it Kyran is with his loved one?”

“Yes,” Catherine said with a grin.

“Good for him,” James said. “Now…as requested, one special honeymoon coming right up!”

The
meadow and the trees vanished, and their haven appeared in its place. The wooden boat lying on the sand. The sunset and the calm breeze massaging the ocean. The wharf where they had their first real kiss. This truly their paradise.

As soon as it was manifested, Catherine ran down the sand beach and started pushing the boat out onto the ocean. James laughed but followed curiously as she jumped in and began paddling it
out to sea.

“Where do you think you’re going?” James laughed. “I don’t know where that leads. It’s just there.”

“Then let your imagination get to work,” Catherine said as she waved him in. James chuckled and climbed in, picking up a paddle of his own.

“So…where are we going? Seriously?”

“I’ll tell you where,” Catherine said, kissing him quickly. “We’re going away from wars and violence, pain and loss, torture and death. We’re getting away from chores and making hard decisions, training and school. We’re getting away from duty and obligation, tradition and rules. We’re going away from all of those things, and that, just makes me wants to cry out in joy. Maybe you had to learn how to become an adult, but I was forced to grow up since birth. I want you to show me what it’s like to be a kid. I want you to show me what it’s like to not have to worry about anything.”

“After all I’ve went through, you want me to go back?”

“It’s different. This time, you’re going back with me,” Catherine said as she kissed him again, slower this time. “Take me through your imagination. Let me play in your world, and show me everything about you. I love you, James, and I’m ready to give myself completely over to you.”

“Well…” James smiled. “That can be arranged.”

“It better,” Catherine laughed. “Because once we get back from our honeymoon, it’s all work and no play.”

“Ugh! The sound of it!” James said in disgust.
“Don’t you worry then, my love, I’ll give you your heart’s desire. Just look out there and marvel. Welcome to Paradise!”

James stretched his hands out towards the sunset as Catherine just happened to give him another kiss.

“Thank you,” she whispered, and then turned around to see what he had manifested. Her eyes lit up and her mouth dropped open in awe as she leaned forward in the boat, a look of wonder and unbridled happiness upon her face.

“James,” Catherine whispered. “I think I love you.”

James shook his head and laughed as he grabbed her paddle and began to work with both. She continued to lean forward and point as he smiled and took in the ocean air. Sailing off together and finally being able to be together after so much fighting, James just closed his eyes and realized that this was a dream come true, what his heart longed for and what his soul needed above all else.

James cast
his eyes upon Catherine, his wife and sighed heavily.

Why do I need an eidolon? He thought.

When I have her…