Only Their Love

A Picnic

FLASHBACK - QUEEN DIA'S POV

I lay on my bed, reveling in the love made with my King before he had been called away by his work. It was late and the moons shone brightly through the large window of our bedroom. I dozed in and out of sleep, our love-making had been a distraction from the worry we both suffered by seeing our children begin to go wild looking for their mate.

Our Princess was running away from her problems, burying herself in royal work. Barely giving herself a moment to sit still to feel her pain. She spent more time in the human realm than she did at home. Running our businesses there, very successfully by all means and ridding them of the crooked ways that had slipped in when we trusted humans to take control.

Our Prince was broken, barely functioning as a human being. He had become cruel and a number of our people had felt his wrath and the information was spreading that he was more beast than man now. I was beginning to believe they were right. He had broken no laws but he showed little mercy or understanding to those who broke the laws in his role as Royal Magistrate and Peacekeeper. Peace would not be held within the Supernatural Multiverse long if he could not change his ways.

I fell into a deep sleep before long, knowing my husband and mate would be long at his business. When I believed I awoke, I was in a meadow. The sun shone in the bright blue, clear sky. The grass was long, there were magnificent trees in the distance and wildflowers, vibrant and fragrant all around me. I was lying on a blanket and a picnic basket overflowed beside me. I was alone, but I didn't feel afraid.

I closed my eyes and felt the rays of sunshine warm my skin. There was the most beautiful birdsong in the distance.I had never heard anything like it. It was like an aria of the most wonderful instruments and reflected my feelings of peace and tranquility like I had no recollection of ever feeling before. I wondered if I had died. Was this what it was to travel to the next life? I had devoted my life, even before I became Queen, to light magic. This was the purest version of light magic I had ever experienced and I realized I was in the presence of the Mother, our Moon Goddess Selene.

When I opened my eyes, her angelic face smiled before me and my eyes wept. She was more than beautiful, more than any words I had learned in my nearly 500 years. Her blonde hair shone like liquid gold, her heart-shaped face had pink cheeks, plump peach lips and a button nose. Her eyes were turquoise and she wore a bright long white dress that flowed like water when she moved.

'My daughter, welcome.' she spoke and stroked my cheek, wiping away my tears of joy. 'We do not have long, I have a task for you. One, that I do not ask lightly, but one that will bring joy to all of my children, long-lasting peace to the Multiverse and such joy to those whom you love. Do you accept this task, Queen Diamond Cohen, first Enchantress of the Wiccan Enchanted Realm and Queen of the Supernatural Multiverse?'

Her voice was melodic, her words almost a song. They struck fear in me, but I could not refuse her. I nodded and she took my hands in hers. I felt her power through the touch and was overwhelmed when I felt the power she emanated flow into me and I gasped. 'Hush my daughter, You will need my strength for what lies ahead. Use it, only when you feel my presence.' Again I only nodded, silently thanking her for the blessing she was bestowing upon me.

After what felt like hours, she let go of my hands and served us both from the picnic basket. We sat side by side, ate quietly and listened to the bird song. When we finished, she faced me again and began to speak. 'Dia, there is a girl. A girl who is of the utmost importance to every human; wolf, siren, dragon, elf, witch and every creature, magical or not. She is but four years old and in grave danger. Her parents are a fairy and siren. They have run away from their homes, their sanctuary and their people, they know what their daughter is. Dia, my blood runs through her veins. She will be the most powerful and sought after creature I have blessed but she was born too soon. The universe is not ready for her power, not ready for her presence or her love. You must help me to shield her, to keep her beast from her until she has her mate, until another comes to you and tells you they know of her. Her mate will know who she is, the stories told to children are often prophecies hidden in tales of war, romance and lessons in mercy. When the time comes, you will guide her, teach her how to use her gifts, you will be her mother. Until that time, you must hide her. She must not be found by another. You must be the only exception I make. She must not meet her beast, she must not know of our world. She will suffer, she will feel the pain of her parents and she will be tested at every crucial moment in her life. You will be the one to ensure that her life endures. The power I have given you is to be used for these purposes alone, Dia. There will be times where you will want to use them to help your King, your children and your subjects but if you do, your light will fade and you will not survive to see the outcome of your success in keeping her safe. Your power will be intertwined with this girl until she meets her mate and their bond is solidified. Do you understand, child?'

'Yes, Mother. I understand.' My heart raced and leapt at the task that lay ahead of me. I was terrified, but I knew I must do as the Moon Goddess asked. 'I will not fail you.' I vowed.

'She is in the human world, in Ireland. You will feel her pull when you get there. I will guide you. You will guide her, but from a distance. She must not know who you are until I give you permission. I know your husband will feel betrayed when he finds out but you will find a path which will lead him to understand and show mercy.' She smiled, acknowledging the relief that was so obvious in my face. Having to hide this from my love would be the biggest betrayal and the Moon Goddess knew it.

'Go now Enchantress. You have work to do. Have faith, I will be with you.' She kissed my forehead and I woke in my bed. My King snoring softly beside me.

END OF FLASHBACK

KING ANSEL POV

My love withdrew her finger from my forehead and buried her face in my chest and wept. I held her tight, my heart broke knowing the burden she had carried alone for those years. She was so brave, and she had succeeded. Despite my sorrow, pride and awe in my wife and mate were dominant.

'Forgive me Ansel. I could not deny the Moon Goddess.' I held her even more tightly.

'Hush, my heart. You did right. I am so proud of you, I am in awe of you. You are magnificent to have succeeded in your task of keeping her safe. And now, now she is coming to us.' I whispered. Her body stiffened and her head whipped up.

'Our Princess has found her, she is our children's mate.'