Page 205 of Castings & Curses

“You are truly a force to be reckoned with,” whispered Eryx, “I was trying to save your life, but instead, you saved mine! For that I will be forever grateful to you. Any man who believes that a woman is not capable to reign an entire royal kingdom and rule with the wisdom of the wisest judge is a fool. I am truly happy that you love me, for I would never wish to be your enemy. Will you marry me, Beautiful Witch Princess, for I can now say the words I have waited so long to ask.?”

Bellatrix grinned and touched her nose against his. “Of course, I will marry you, Eryx. I love you.” The way the words fell freely from her mouth made her soul flutter with joy.

“Oh, be still, my heart!” The couples turned to see the Queen standing on the balcony holding her hand to her chest as tears dripped from her eyes. “This is what I have always wanted for both of you since the day you were born. For you to show the world how strong you are and to allow you to choose who you wished to spend forever with.”

“You are mighty strong yourself, Your Majesty,” said Eryx. “The way you wielded that sword, I would never want to be in a fight with you.”

The Queen blushed. “I know my daughters are capable of handling themselves, but it brings my mind peace to know they both have good men who will love and support them.”

“Ahem,” the sound of a throat clearing caused the group to turn around. With shocked expressions, their eyes took in the King of Maldinia who stood before them. He wobbled on his legs, and in his hands he clutched a golden staff. Jaiyana’s old staff.

“I hate to interrupt this happy celebration. My Dear Queen, would you give me a moment with my daughters?” He spoke in a low voice.

The Queen touched his arm affectionately and turned towards her future sons-in-law. “Come on, Eryx and Grün, let’s head inside and check on Fengari. The men glared at the King of Maldinia but knew better than to question the Queen’s wishes. Once they had left, the King hobbled forward and stood before his daughters.

“My offspring are now witches,” began the King. “I ban magic and now magic stands before me. My daughters are more powerful than I will ever be, and I see the error of my ways.”

“Where did you get that staff?” demanded Jaiyana.

“The dragon Fengari tossed it to me. He said I could use this and feel how someone else had felt for a very long time. My stay in the dungeon weakened my legs, and I lost my strength.”

“How could you do this to us?” interrupted Jaiyana. “Why didn't you love us for who we are?”

“Why is being a woman so wrong in your eyes?” added Bellatrix.

The King paused and stroked his beard. “I can give you no real explanation other than I am a fool. For generations it was engraved in my lineage and passed down through our family line, that the ruler on the throne should always be a man. My father never showed me love, and no matter what I did, I could never please him. This caused me to become bitter and angry. I projected my past onto you both. I felt if a male heir did not continue the legacy, I would be bringing shame to my family and disappoint my father. But I see now I have been as wise as the court jester and my antiquated way of thinking is irrelevant. When Roarke called me a liar and took away my palace and kingdom, I felt betrayed, for I thought as royals, we were to take the word of the other.

“Prince Roarke treated me in the manner I had treated so many other subjects and locked me away in the dungeons without allowing me the opportunity to defend my innocence. As I sat closeted with your mother, she enlightened me, and made me realize I was suffering the way I had let my own daughters suffer along with the citizens of Malidina. Locked in solitude for a whole year played upon my mind and allowed me to see the ugliness that festered within my soul. I could no longer bear the shame for the hurt I had caused out of my own selfishness, and I began to lose all grip on reality. My sanity faded.

“When you came to the dungeons tonight, you had every right to leave me there to continue my suffering. I would have done the same thing to my own father had he done to me what I did to you. But instead, you chose to free me and save me. This makes you both far better people than I have ever been. The way you took on the male betrayer and guards with strength, determination, and love for Maldinia, showed me that I was wrong to ever think a woman was incapable of rule. You showed more heart and honor for our beautiful realm than I ever did.”

Tears pricked at the patriarch's eyes. “I do not expect forgiveness from both of you. But I am truly sorry for the pain I have caused you both by forcing you to marry, Bellatrix, to someone you did not love, and by not taking more concern at your injury, Jaiyana. I am happy you are healed. If you could give me the opportunity to prove to you I have changed, and allow me to be the father I should have been to you long ago, I would be forever grateful. I am so very sorry. I am willing to mend this relationship if you are.”

Before the princesses could reply, Jinx scurried out the door and interrupted the conversation. With a straight tail and eyes blazing green, the cat padded over and looked up at the royal monarch. “Does your request for forgiveness extend to the feline population, Your Majesty? You cannot imagine the suffering this member of the royal family has endured over the past year, leaving his velvet basket behind to guide the princesses to victory, it seems I am owed an apology as well and lots of treats!”

“Jinx!” groaned Jaiyana. She picked up the black tabby and cuddled him.

Their pet’s entrance eased the intense moment, the twins looked at one another and silently communicated their feelings. How they longed to have a loving relationship with their father.

“We would be willing to try,” replied Bellatrix, and the two daughters put their arms around the King in a tight embrace.

“I can feel the love!” cried Jinx, “Easy! Don’t squish me!”

Under the Red Hunter Moon, another spell began to blossom, a conjuration of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

EPILOGUE

The Kingof Maldinia retired from his duties stating that his daughters had conquered the palace and were now in charge. The twins made sure to reverse any rules forbidding magic, and the Good Witches of the Woods were let out from the ghost trees and became healers among the citizens. Fengari became a castle favorite, Jinx lounged in his velvet basket, and Iris was invited to live at the palace and dazzled everyone with her exquisite jams. Most importantly, the princesses formed a stronger bond with their father who made good on his promise to be a better father and a more humble king.

Bellatrix and Jaiyana stood on the balcony, months later as the next full moon cycle took place.

“It feels good to be queen,” confessed Jaiyana. “We make a splendid monarchy.”

“That we do,” replied Bellatrix.

“Good evening, my dears,” a familiar voice called. Bellatrix turned to see Tiahanna standing before them.

“Who is she?” asked Jaiyana.

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