Page 92 of Bewitched

“That’s what we’re thinking,” said Alaina. “But only time will tell.”

“Let’s hope my mother and your sister are right about this,” said Rhys. “If so, it’ll allow us more time to enjoy Lily-Rae’s childhood.”

“I have faith it will. I’m so happy, Rhys,” Medea said, hugging the baby and Rhys at the same time.

“Will you be my Queen and also my wife, Medea?” asked Rhys.

“I will. If you... and all of you, will have me,” she said, looking out at the people of Kasculbough.

Someone in the crowd started clapping slowly. Everyone joined in and clapped and chanted together.

“Long live the King and Queen. Long live the King and Queen,” rang out through the courtyard.

Rhys looked over to the cart to see that the damned elf was the one to start the clapping. When Elric noticed Rhys looking at him, he darted off in a blur.

“Medea, are you sure won’t come back to England with me?” asked Rapunzel. “Speaking of that, how will I get back through the portal with the dragon? I certainly can’t control it.”

Just as she said it, there was a loud thumping heard. Rhys looked over to see Elric using his magic and lifting the iron bars off the pit.

“Nay! What are you doing?” yelled Rhys, taking off at a run for the pit. Everyone screamed and scattered as the dragon rose up out of the pit and into the sky.

“We’re all going to die!” yelled a woman from the crowd.

“My King, shall we try to kill it?” shouted one of the soldiers.

“Nay! Leave it,” said Rhys, holding up his hand. He looked up at the dragon, straight into its eyes. “Get down here now and stop terrorizing people,” he commanded.

“Rhys, you fool, that’s not going to work,” shouted Zann.

To everyone’s surprise, the dragon settled in the courtyard, bowing its head to Rhys.

“Then again, mayhap it will,” muttered Zann from behind him.

“I think the dragon sees you as a Dragon Lord, now that you wrestled it to the ground to capture it,” Rapunzel told him.

“I guess so,” said Rhys with a satisfied nod. The crystal key pendant glowed on his chest, and Rhys knew it was time to open the portal.

“Rapunzel, it’s time to go home,” said Rhys. “I will take you through the portal atop the dragon myself. When I return, Medea and I will get married.”

“Goodbye, Sister.” Rapunzel gave Medea a hug. “And goodbye, Niece,” she said, kissing the baby as well. “I am going to miss you. Father and all your siblings will miss you too, Medea. I wish the whole family could meet little Lily-Rae.”

“I have an idea,” said Medea. “Rhys, can my whole family come through the portal and to Mura for our wedding?”

“I suppose so,” he answered with a shrug. “As long as we have the key, I don’t see why you can’t visit with your family whenever you want, Medea.” He picked up the crystal pendant in his hand to look at it. When he did, a piece of it broke off. Both ends glowed.

“Oh no!” cried Talia. “It might not work to open the portal now that it is broken.”

“On the contrary, I think it was supposed to happen.” Rhys handed the broken piece to Rapunzel. “This is for you,” he told her. “Since it is still glowing, I am sure it will work. Now, you and your family can come visit us in Mura whenever you want. Medea and I can come to visit you in England as well.”

“Thank you,” said Rapunzel, clutching the crystal in her hand. “Well, I suppose I should go now. Goodbye, everyone. I’ll miss you, although I am anxious to get back to my husband and my son.”

“Can I help you up?” Rhys held out his hand to help Rapunzel onto the back of the dragon.

“Thanks, but I can manage.” Rapunzel used her magic and sat waiting for Rhys atop the dragon.

“I’ll be back soon,” Rhys said, giving Medea and the baby a quick kiss. “Up!” he told the dragon, and it obeyed. It was a wonderful feeling, flying over the tops of the trees, listening to the huge wings of the beast flap air around him. “To the portal,” he said, looking down to hopefully catch a glimpse of Medea and the baby once more, but he couldn’t find them. “Rapunzel, I don’t see Medea and Lily-Rae,” he said in concern.

“We’re right here,” he heard from behind him, so startled that he almost fell off the dragon. He turned to see Medea sitting behind him holding on to Lily-Rae. The baby waved her arms around in the air and giggled like a little fae. “It’s good to have my powers back, Rhys,” said Medea. “I hope you don’t mind if we come along with you. Lily-Rae wanted to ride on the dragon. I also decided I wanted my family to see the baby right away and not have to wait.”