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tried to take over her body again.  Lucinda knew she was getting stronger every year, and hoped that now she was too strong for the Queen’s spirit to overtake her and put those around her in danger.
    Restless, Lucinda got out of bed and went to the balcony of her throne room, overlooking her kingdom. Her thoughts continued to trouble her. She had her castle, her loyal subjects, her powers in control, yet she knew something was missing to make her kingdom truly feel like her home.  I promise I will return to you.  Nycilla had said to Thomas, but why did she delay?
    “My lady,” Zekiel appeared behind her.  “Something’s been troubling you. Tell me.”  He placed her hand into his.
    He looked down at her with thin, dark eyes.  His gaze made her uncomfortable.  She pulled her hand away from his. “It is nothing more than the usual burdens of a queen.  I have so many dependent on me, Zekiel.  I do not want to disappoint them. The way for the Ancient Queen was paved for her by many queens before her. She had every reason to succeed as queen, yet she failed.  How many lives were lost under her rule?  How many lives will be lost under mine if I don’t succeed?”
    “Nycilla was the first Queen born a sorceress.  Her journey was troubled from the beginning.  Yet, her kingdom prospered under her for years.  She made the kingdom greater than it ever was before her.” Zekiel leaned forward closer to her. “But, she gave it all up by loving the wrong man.  She put her own desires above the needs of her people and her kingdom paid the price.” Zekiel put his fingers through his hair.  “It is a shame what happened to her, but you have no need to fear becoming her.  You are quite the opposite of her. You always put your people’s needs above your own.  To a fault some may say.”
    She stepped away from him slightly. “What do you mean?”
    “You don’t allow yourself any joys.  So few smiles have left your face since you rose as queen. It’s a pity.  Your people rejoice in your happiness. How much I would love to be the cause of a smile on your lips.”  Zekiel lifted her chin toward him and to her surprise, pressed his lips against hers. She allowed few people close to her, fearing who she could truly trust. Yet, she could not fight the feelings of loneliness that crept up on her as the years went on. The kingdom wanted her married. She knew it. They desired a king, second in command next to her.  She had many eligible men brought before her through the years, but she refused them all.
    She raised her palms to his face and pushed Zekiel away from her. “Enough.” She said gently as she turned away from him. A feeling of guilt started to wash over her.
    “My lady,” He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward him again.  “Please forgive me for my boldness, but I have loved you for so long.  Ever since I saw you upon the rubble of what is now our kingdom, I was yours.  I have been waiting for years for the confidence to come to you and tell you how I truly feel.  Words fail me when I am near you.”
    She retracted her hand from his. “Zekiel, please—“
    He grabbed her shoulders. “I desire to be your husband.  If you stopped and considered, you would know that I am the right match for you. I am the most loyal to you.”
    “Zekiel, enough—”  She tried to gently move away from him but his grip was strong.
    “I believe you are the true Queen.  I am loyal to the new regime that you have put in place. Please consider me.  Be my wife.”  He pulled her closer to him. “I love you Lucinda!”
    “Enough!” Lucinda commanded. Placing a hand upon his chest, she sent the man flying backwards cowering to the floor. The waters started to crash against the shore. The winds picked up around them.
    “Do you consider me some maiden for you to court?”
    “Lucinda—“ Zekiel started with a hand upon his chest where she had brought pain to him.
    “I am your Queen .  Never address me