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without courtesy.” She said sternly as the ground started to rumble around them. “You will not place your lips or your hands upon me again. You will not so much as look at me in a way that displeases me. You will approach me with the caution and respect that is befitting for my presence.”
    “Your Grace, please understand—“
    “Any proclamation of love and loyalty you feel to express to me should be appropriate for your position in comparison to mine.  Do you understand my words?” A line of fire appeared before them separating Zekiel from Lucinda.  The man backed away in panic, and Lucinda could see the familiar look of fear spread across his face.  The same look that those in the West Kingdom wore when the flames ignited the castle courtyard, seven years ago. 
    Two of her guards had approached the balcony with caution.  “Your Majesty, is everything alright?”
    She raised her hand to put out the flame she had caused and tried to breathe deeply. “Please escort the Commander out of the castle.  He has surpassed his welcome.”  The man looked up at her with wide, remorseful eyes still clutching his chest as the guards pulled him to his feet.  She turned away from him, not wanting to see his pain any longer. 
    She stormed to her bedchamber and collapsed to the floor.  She dug her fingers into the hard stone, trying to calm herself.  Geenessa appeared beside her.
    “What happened?” 
    “He kissed me! He told me he loved me! He asked me to be his wife!”  She felt angry tears rolling down her face and cursed herself for crying. A feeling of shame and betrayal swept over her. How could I let him kiss me? She wondered. She thought of the last kiss she had so many years ago.  She breathed deeply as the rumbling ceased around her.  “If I am to choose a husband, I will be the one to ask. How dare he be so bold?”
    “Zekiel?”
    “Yes, Zekiel.  Who else would dare?”
    To Lucinda’s surprise, Geenessa wore a slight smile across her face. “Yes, how dare he fall in love with a young, beautiful and powerful Queen.”
    “Geenessa, be serious.”
    “If I may be so bold my lady, perhaps you treated the man unfairly?”
    “Geenessa—“
    “Zekiel is a fair match for you, as I have told you so many times. The people love him and respect him, and he has done everything to ease you into power.  He would do anything for you. Yet, you were never honest with him or to anyone.”
    “Tell your meaning straight, Geenessa.”
    “Why did you let the Prince go?  Why did you not even bring him one night in our kingdom to recover after Narka?”
    Lucinda looked at the governess in confusion.  “Because he does not belong here with me.  You know that.”
    “Perhaps, you should have allowed him to make that decision.”
    “Don’t you understand? I could lose everything we have built these years.”
    “Why? Because Nycilla did?”
    “Yes!” She said exasperated. “She let Thomas’ death break her and bring down everything the queens before her worked for! Her selfishness brought destruction on her entire kingdom,” She fought the tears that continued to roll down her face, “and ruined the life of an innocent man.”
    “Some would disagree that it was selfishness.  She worked for the good of her kingdom and she took a chance on happiness for herself.  Thomas knew the risk he took in loving her, but the choice was his.  Although, I do not understand how this is pertinent to you. My lady, you are not Nycilla and Matthew is not Thomas.”
    “Nycilla has had no power over me since I separated from him. I have the advantage.  Yet, I fear she will gain it if I allow him in my life again.  He ignites her spirit in me! Her memories have already returned!” 
    “How are you to be the one true Queen if you continue to fear shadows?  You need to face her if you want to truly come to power.  You are giving her the advantage by allowing her to take away your happiness!”
    “My happiness is tied