Chapter 7

I am telling Elliot about my dream, and he tries to get me to lay back down. I shook my head, “I can’t go back to sleep. I could literally feel the evil coming off of her. Goddess! That was such a horrible feeling! I can’t let her find me, Elliot. You know what’s even worse?” He cocks his head in interest. I told him, “I have siblings that she is trying to find too.”

Elliot takes a deep breath, “I wonder if there is a way to find them before she does?” I shook my head, “I don’t think there is. My mom has tried. I know she already has one of my sisters. I saw her shackled in a room in her castle.” Elliot sighed, “Okay. There really isn’t anything that can be done about it tonight. Let’s try to get some sleep, then get this conference room ready. It’s going to take the whole alliance to work this out. Dahlia is no one to be messed with, from what I understand.” I leaned into the comfort and safety of Elliot’s arms, “Okay. I will try and get back to sleep. Thank you.” He asked, “What are you thanking me for?” I replied, “For not getting mad at me for waking you up or for keeping you up.” He squeezed me tighter, “You should never have to thank me for not getting mad. It would be unreasonable to get mad at you for being afraid. Comforting you is something I want to do. Loving you isn’t a job, my princess, it’s my life now. There is nothing I want more.” I kissed him lovingly, “You really are the sweetest man on Earth. Get some rest, my love. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”

When I woke the next morning, I was eager to get started. I know one thing. I absolutely can not use my magic today. Not for any reason. Every time I use my magic, it sends out a marker to all witches, good and bad, where I am and the strength of my magic. It’s almost like a wolf’s scent. It can be tracked by other witches. I can not risk her sensing my magic. Especially not after my dream last night. That was absolutely awful.

I don’t know how many more siblings there are, but their magic must be powerful too, if she is taking the time to kidnap all of us. I wish there was a spell to be able to stay alive if someone takes your magic. I can live without using my magic, and that would also mean I wouldn’t leave Elliot. I wish there was a way to do it. I wonder if anyone in the alliance would know? I guess I will find out tonight.

I move Elliot’s arm and go to the bathroom. I do my business, wash my hands and start the water in the shower. As soon as I step in, I can hear Elliot run into the bathroom. I laugh as he steps in the shower with me, “You are so predictable.” He laughs, “It’s my favorite part of the day. I love seeing you naked. You’re just… ugh… everything.” I laugh and shake my head at him, “We should get done, so that I can get us some breakfast ready. We have a lot to do today, my prince.” He laughed, “We do, my princess.”

I sighed, “I need to ask you something.” He answered, “hmm?” I continued, “Would you be upset if I lost my magic for good?” He kissed my forehead, “I have already told you, love, I don’t care if you never use your magic again. I love you with or without it. I love you for you, not for what you can do.” I smiled, “That makes me feel better.” Then he asked, “Why?” I sighed, “I think I may have come up with an idea, but I need to know if it’s even possible. That’s a question for the alliance tonight. But, for now, I should get out of the shower before I turn into a prune.” He laughed, “Okay. I will be downstairs shortly.”

I got out of the shower and got dressed. I walked downstairs and looked in the fridge. I started cooking some bacon and mixed my batter for French Toast. I had just finished cooking and had it all plated and, on the table, when Elliot came downstairs. He smiled, “Mmm French Toast! My favorite!” I smiled as I poured a cup of coffee for each of us and sat down. He took one bite and his eyes rolled back in his head. I laughed, “I do love that particular reaction.” He laughed, “You have no idea how happy this makes me. My mom always cooks this particular breakfast on our birthday. She has done it for as long as I can remember. So, now, with you cooking it, it just makes it even more special.” I smiled, “Aw! I’m glad my cooking does that for you.” He smiled, “As much as I don’t want to think about it, I know that with you cooking it, if my mom passes, you will be able to carry on her traditions.” I smiled with a tear in my eye, “I would be honored to do that. But let’s pray that doesn’t happen for a long time!” He nodded, “Already done!”

After breakfast, I was cleaning the kitchen while Elliot wrote down the list of all that we needed for the new conference room. Then I asked, “Would you mind writing a grocery list for me too?” He smiled, “Of course, my love. What do you need?” I dictated a list of what I need, then we got in the car and left.

The first thing we did was go to the furniture store. They had the perfect size table, with enough chairs to go around it. We also asked for an extra ten chairs to place around the room. We also got a huge Apple TV so that we could project images and maps from our iPad or iPhone to the meeting. We also wanted to be able to do conference calls with it. They told us that it will be delivered in two hours, so that gave us time to go to the grocery store and get everything I needed. I bought some extra chicken breasts and asked Elliot, “Why don’t you invite your parents over for dinner before the meeting?” He smiled, “You are a genius. You do know my mom is an oracle. Right?” I shook my head, “I’m not sure that I ever did know that.” He nodded, “She is. She might be able to help us in this. She may have had visions about it.” I smiled, “That would be great!”

After getting all of our running done, we went home to find the furniture delivery truck pulling in right behind us. We each grabbed groceries and let the delivery guys in the house. Elliot showed them where to put everything, and they even mounted the TV on the wall for us. Everything looked great for that. I set up a small coffee and drink station in a corner of the room.

 I went back to the kitchen and pulled my cupcakes out of the oven just in time. These are carrot cake. I have already made strawberry and chocolate. I asked Elliot, “Do you think this will be enough cupcakes?” He laughed, “Good grief, love, how many are here?” I shrugged, “Only six dozen total.” He laughed, “Baby, we may end up having to eat them for a week after this meeting.” I shook my head, “I don’t think so. Wait and see.” Then I started making the cookies. I made four dozen of each kind: chocolate chip, no-bakes, sugar cookies, oatmeal cookies, and peanut butter. Elliot was enjoying trying the first one of each kind. He laughed, “Now it’s not going to bother me one bit if I have to eat these for a month after this meeting. These are all really good.” I asked, “Which is your favorite?” He shook his head, “Please don’t put me on the spot like that. I love them all.” I laughed then looked at the time. I smiled, “Time to start cooking dinner. Did you invite your parents?” He nodded, “They will be here.” I smiled, “Sweet! I can’t wait to see them!”

Prince Aidinth and Princess Chloe showed up right on time. I was putting the food on the table as Elliot let them in. Princess Chloe immediately walked to me and hugged me, “I’m so happy you’re Elliot’s mate.” Prince Aidinth smiled, “We all knew you two were going to be mates. You were inseparable each time you got together.” I laughed as we all sat at the table. Then Princess Chloe said something that stopped me in my tracks, “Make sure you stop using your magic. She’s coming.”