ENCHANTED WORLD SERIES BOOK 1: POSSESSED BY LORD MAGE

The last day of the conference had arrived and the Mage fortress was in chaos. Everyone hurried up and down the long corridors getting the nobles and the royals ready for their departure. Noelle didn’t want the headache so she retreated to the infirmary where her father was recuperating well. Noelle didn’t even know where to start asking her father of what happened. He looked worn out and tired. There was sadness in his eyes and every time he looked up at her, Noelle saw the unshed tears twinkling. He apologized a thousand times for what she went through. He believed he had failed her both as a father and as her king.

“You are the best father in the whole world.” Noelle squeezed his hand in assurance. “I’m glad that you are in my life.”

Alston shook his head sadly. “If it wasn’t for me insisting that Ron stay with us at the Light Fortress, your mother would still be alive today. I should have sent him to the Great Hall the moment I had the chance!” he growled angrily.

“Everything has happened for a reason, father. No matter what Ron said about mother, he can’t play a god. He will not get away with what he did. Justice will find him and it will hit him hard.” Noelle promised her father vehemently.

Alston touched her cheek and nodded. “You have become a strong queen, Noelle. I’m very proud of you. I’m also proud that you decided to return when both the Fae and the Mage needed you the most. Tyran is a good male. He will never hurt you and he will always protect you. I don’t have to worry about your wellbeing when he’s around.”

Noelle smiled softly. “I know that now. Oh, father!” she sighed placing her head on her father’s shoulder. “I was so young and naïve back then. I didn’t think of anyone else other than myself. I learned a great deal being with Tyran, father mine. I love him.”

Alston laughed softly caressing his daughter’s wings. “I can see that.”

A light blush stole on Noelle’s cheeks as she drew back. “And talking about wings, how are yours? They were greatly harmed when you were brought to the infirmary.”

“They are weak but with time they’ll heal.” Alston answered then sighed and rested back on his bed. “I tire so quickly. I’m too old for this kind of thing. I think it’s about time I give up my throne to Alana entirely. She seems to be doing a great job.”

Noelle’s eyes widened. “She was doing a fantastic job—until she decided to send Florian and Luna our way!”

Alston laughed out loud and ended up choking. Noelle quickly reached for the glass of water on the side table and helped him up before she helped him drink up some of it. She wiped his mouth and settled him back on the bed.

“Florian has always had a mouth too big for his face and status. Even I have had my share of his uncensored wrath. But one thing is for sure, he is like an old dog; he’s all bark and no bite.”

Noelle’s laughter filtered across the infirmary and made even the healers working around turn to her and smile warmly.

“He doesn’t even know how to wield a sword.” Noelle assured her father.

Alston nodded but frowned. “Neither do you. And when I taught you archery, it was not so you could show off. It was to defend yourself and your people when it was necessary.”

Noelle rolled her eyes but nodded. “I have heard that little tidbit over a million times already.”

“I gather Tyran doesn’t like it that you know archery.”

Noelle smiled mischievously. “You should have seen his face when Lyrah and I decided to practice one day. His face was as white as death!”

Laughter and pride twinkled in Alston although he tried to appear displeased with her actions. “It’s not right to frighten your mate like that.”

Just then Ruvin and Drake entered the infirmary. Noelle was glad to see that both Ruvin and Drake doing well. Apart from the slight limp that Drake had on his leg, he was completely healed. Ruvin still had a pale clammy color but if he managed to send the helpers skittering away giggling then he was back to his own-self.

“We apologize for the intrusion but Queen Malenna is departing and she would like to see you before she does so.” Drake announced.

Noelle nodded and turned to her father. “I’ll come see you later okay? Try and get some rest and let the healers tend to you.” she placed a kiss on his cool cheek.

Alston settled back as Noelle followed the two commanders out of the infirmary.

“How is the Fae king doing?” Drake asked as they walked through the hallway to the other side of the fortress where the royals and nobles’ cars were parked.

Noelle smiled up at the second in command. “He’s doing very well actually. Now, he can eat and talk.”

“I’m glad he is recuperating quite well, my queen.” Drake held the door open towards the underground parking.

Noelle turned to Ruvin. “And how are you doing?”

Ruvin grinned like a boy. “I am as fit as a horse, my queen.”

“Good to know—and how’s Jax doing?” Noelle felt a little guilty about what happened but she was angry as the same time. “I haven’t seen him since the incident.”

Ruvin snorted.

“The healer said he’s suffering from a minor case of disorientation.” Drake couldn’t hide the huge grin on his face. “He can’t walk in a straight line even if his life depended on it!”

Noelle bit onto her lower lip. “His balance is off? But I thought fish were the most balanced creatures ever!”

Both Drake and Ruvin erupted into barks of laughter as they approached Queen Malenna and her royal army. The dragons were closely watching over their queen. They were large males and several females too. The last time Noelle checked, female dragons couldn’t shape-shift. These had to be exceptional to be in the royal army.

Tyran turned to them and his eyes glowed when he saw her. Noelle felt a blush creep up her cheeks. He extended his hand to her and when she accepted it, she found herself drawn up next to him. Her wings buzzed with excitement that her mate, her king and her lover was close beside her.

“Queen Noelle, I would like to thank you for your hospitality.” Queen Malenna took her hands into her warm ones. Her dark eyes crinkled on the edges as she smiled. She was a beautiful female with long dark hair. Even though she was an ancient she didn’t even have a gray hair on her head nor a wrinkle on her skin. Noelle envied the woman’s eternal beauty but then again all enchanted beings had prolonged lifespans of thousands of years.

“I wish you a pleasant travel back home, Queen Malenna...and you are always welcomed to our realm.” Noelle assured the female.

Without warning, Queen Malenna pulled Noelle into a hug whispering. “Many females from all over the enchanted world have been eyeing the Lord Mage in attempt to lure him into their beds if not for a civil union in front of the high court. You are lucky to have him as your mate but be watchful my dear.”

Noelle’s throat dried up as the female pulled away and turned to her car without even a side glance. Noelle looked up at Tyran who frowned in puzzlement as he pulled her closer to him.

“What is it?” he murmured into her hair.

Noelle shook her head lightly. “Nothing.”

And the first convoy left the safety of the fortress towards the nearest border of the realm. Tyran made sure they were escorted all the way to the borders.

“Come, I have something to show you.” He took her hand, placed a kiss on the inner part of her wrist where her pulse was jerking wildly and led her towards the gardens. Ruvin and Drake were close behind muttering to themselves.

“I have yet to give you a wedding present as the Queen of the Realm of Spells. Even though we are to become one in a week’s time, I couldn’t wait.” Tyran smiled softly at her.

Noelle smiled back touching the pale blue crystal around her neck. “I thought you already did.”

“It’s not enough for my queen.” He told her as they crossed the freshly mowed lawns with rose bushes of assorted colors and shrubs towards the stables. A couple of warriors were still up and about making sure all was well in the grounds. The warrior quarters were just behind the stables. The building was as impressive as the fortress itself.

As they approached the stables, Noelle noted the two horses kicking their hooves against the ground angrily. Her heart thudded loudly in her ribs. She remembered her horses back home and the long rides she had in the sunset through the fortress grounds with her guards. It felt like a lifetime away.

They stopped right in front of the horses.

“This is Steel and Tatiana, they are mates.” He reached out his hand and the black stallion trotted forward placing his forehead against Tyran’s palm. “They are also unicorns.” he added and suddenly the middle of their foreheads shimmered and beautiful horns protruded. Steel neighed loudly and snorted but he didn’t move away.

Noelle gulped hard. Unicorns! That was beyond incredible!

“Unicorns hide their horns because they are an endangered species. Their tears can heal any wound, render any poison useless and break any curse or spell. Their blood is silver and is as priceless as Nosferatu blood. Their horns are made from the toughest material known to both the human and our world and they are their greatest weapons.” Tyran raked his hand into the stallion’s thick mane. “A unicorn choses his or her rider. The rider becomes his or her master or mistress. They are as loyal as dogs and will gladly lay their lives down for the safety of their riders. Once you bond with a unicorn, the bond is for life until when their rider dies will the unicorn decide whether to follow him or her in the afterlife or choose another rider.” Tyran reached out for her hand and pulled her closer to him and Steel. “Steel chooses you, Noelle.”

Noelle’s eyes widened as her hand was placed softly against Steel’s cheek. “How do you know he chose me?”

Tyran smiled. “He told me.” then he stopped abruptly as if he was listening and his smile turned into a grin. “He says it seems I’m not doing a good job taking care of my queen and that I should step aside and see how a queen is truly taken care of.”

Noelle found herself giggling uncontrollably as Steel snorted and dug his hooves into the ground. Tatiana snorted and swung her head catching Steel on his neck. Steel neighed and tumbled back grunting lightly at Tatiana.

“She’s your queen too, Tatiana.” Tyran said softly.

Tatiana looked like she was in a dilemma of some sort but finally she trotted forward and bowed to Noelle.

Noelle couldn’t help but run her fingers into her soft mane. “Don’t worry girl. I have my hands full with just one male, I don’t think I can handle another.”

Tatiana snorted in agreement.

Noelle felt strong arms around her waist and turned to Tyran.

“Want to go for a test ride?” He asked her.

Noelle nodded excitedly and Tyran helped her onto Steel’s back. She held onto his thick mane and Steel trotted away from them. He had a smooth gait and his coat was silky smooth. Unicorns were much larger than horses so when Noelle looked down at the moving ground she sent a silent prayer to the Heavens that she didn’t fall off.

Gradually the trot became a short run. The cool air bathed her face. Her wings opened up and got some wind too. She didn’t know how to control them yet and whenever she got excited, they buzzed annoyingly on her back...just like the way Luna’s did whenever Florian was close-by.

She’s a good rider. Tatiana whispered into Tyran’s mind. And Steel is such a show-off.

Tyran couldn’t help but smile. The female was envious of his mate. You know how Steel is. Duty will always come first. I’m glad he chose my mate for his rider.

He is a good male. Be assured that she will always be protected, my king. Tatiana assured Tyran.

“Are you sure it’s such a good idea handing the queen’s safety to that brute of a unicorn?” Drake asked softly.

“I’m positive it’s the best for now. I can’t have her go around unprotected when I’m not around.” Tyran feared with all that was going on in the enchanted world, the lives of his mate and his sister were constantly going to be in danger. Tatiana chose Lyrah. He had yet to tell her but first he wanted to enjoy his queen’s happiness as she raced around the grounds. Even the warriors who seemed busy the first time were now watching her. “How is the Fae king doing?”

Drake sighed. “He’s still in no shape to travel but he is recovering quite well. Florian and Luna suggested to stay and wait for him to recover but the last time we mentioned the suggestion, you were quite clear you didn’t want them here so they’ll be leaving soon.”

“Good.” Tyran said curtly. He was not a person to get irritated easily or else he would have locked Noelle up one of the fortress towers but Florian was beyond help. The male was an eye-sore. He needed to go before Tyran lost his temper and did something that he together with the noble Fae would live to regret. “Prepare Olena for her execution tonight.”

Drake and Ruvin glanced at each other then Drake nodded. “Will do, my king.”

Tyran turned his gaze back at his queen who was patting and cooing the unicorn as they trotted back. Steel was enjoying every minute of the queen’s attention making Tatiana snort in disgust. When they got close, Steel went down on his front knees so that it was easier for Noelle to get off. She was exasperated! Her eyes were bright with mirth and Tyran wanted her to be like that always.

“You like?” He quirked an inquisitive eyebrow to her.

“I love!” She exclaimed hugging Tyran.

Tyran hugged her back, lifting her slight body up from the ground and turning with her to his commanders. “Queen Seranis is leaving soon. We better go say goodbye. I’ll see you inside.” He flashed himself and his queen inside the fortress.

As he tried to put her back down, Noelle clung onto him.

“Not yet.” she murmured on his neck, teasing his skin with her hot breath. “I love the feeling of you. I love your scent of leather, storm and dark spices. I love the heat of your skin, the way you hold me like I’m the most precious thing in the world.” she lifted her head and looked at him. “I love the color of your eyes especially when you are angry and they flash with energy.”

Tyran smirked.

“I love when you growl and when you laugh. I love when you try to apologize and don’t know what to say. Your smile is like sunshine on my face and the look in your eyes makes me quiver with anticipation. In general Tyran, I love who and what you are and I will never change anything about you.”

“You say the sweetest things, my queen.” Tyran placed a kiss on her forehead, then her nose then down to her chin and finally her lips.

All her love for him was poured into that kiss. It humbled him that this female that promised to give him hell and actually did could have so much love for him. He had been alone for a long time, he even forgot what love meant but now, re-learning made it all the more exciting. He loved Noelle more than life itself and he was ready to kill the entire enchanted world just to protect her. She was his queen, his mate and his life.

“It’s because I’m saying them to the sweetest male in the enchanted world.” She grinned at him rubbing her nose lightly against his.

Tyran grunted in disbelief. “I’m anything but sweet, Noe. I’m an ancient royal Mage with no equal--”

“I heard a little secret that you almost lost to the Jinn king several weeks ago.”

Tyran’s eyes widened. “I had him at a disadvantage. He retreated like the good little Jinn that he is.”

Noelle chuckled merrily. “That’s my spell-binder.”

“Lord Mage...lover mine, not spell-binder.” Tyran nipped softly at Noelle’s lower lip.

She yelped just as someone cleared her throat.

They both turned and Crystal was eyeing them knowingly over her glasses. “Queen Seranis asks for you before she departs.”

Tyran watched as Noelle’s face exploded with color and smiled. “We’ll be right down.”

Crystal nodded and walked away.

“We’ll finish this later.” Finally Tyran placed Noelle on her feet and they walked hand in hand to say good bye to Queen Seranis.