Chapter 1

Sandova, 2118

"Prince Philip."

Philip turned around and couldn't believe his eyes. In front of him was his Sara, but not the same Sara. She still looked like the little vixen who had tagged after him, but the stillness which clung to her was not the same high energy radiance he'd become accustomed to seeing in Sara.

"Sara. You're back! It's good to see you. You've grown at least four inches since the last time I've seen you." He rose from the chaise in the library where he had been reading.

"Yes. I've missed you, so I asked Mama if I could possibly stop and see you while Daddy was talking with King Angi."

He noticed she had her hands folded in front of her.

"How was Rathington's?"

"Educational. I was lucky Mom and Dad sent me to such a prestigious school."

He studied her carefully. This vision of proper witch was nice, but where has my little tarta gone to? Maybe I need to bait her a bit and I'll find her.

"Do you have a hug for your chosen?"

She continued to stand across the room from him.

"It would be unseemly, Prince Philip."

"What have you done with my Sara?" He rose, crossed the room and stopped mere inches from her.

"She grew up. The teachers, professors and the staff at Rathington made sure of that." Her voice was so soft, he barely heard her words.

"Are you all right, Sara?" Concern whipped through him and he took her hand and drew her over to the chaise. He was unprepared for the thrill and power of awakening his inner magick. The moment he touched her, it awoke and spoke to him.

Chosen. Our Chosen to claim.

Philip stilled as he realized the truth of what Sara had told him so many years before was confirmed. I should've believed her.

"I'm fine. I merely longed to see you. I've missed you dreadfully, but I am sure we'll occasionally see each other when Daddy comes to visit your father."

"Come Sara, your father has finished his business with the king." Kara Glasten urged. Philip didn't see Sara stiffen but he felt a change in her none-the-less. Something is very amiss here and I intend to find out. I want my Sara back.

"Yes, Mom. I'm truly sorry, Prince Philip, but it's time for me to leave." Sara curtsied and left with her mother.

Philip scratched his head before walking over to one of the numerous bookcases. Running a finger along the tomes, he finally found the one he was looking for. Pulling the thick volume off the shelf, he settled back on the chaise and opened it.

An hour later he closed it with a smile. I've found the perfect way to bind her to me. She's too skittish for my liking. Something happened while she was away and until I figure it out, she's not leaving my side.

"You did very well today, daughter. Your father was concerned Rathington wouldn't be able to tame the wild streak in you. It'll be a relief to him to know his fear was unjustified."

Sara stared out the window, showing her mother the polishing which the headmistress had beaten into her. Mother has no idea how I longed to jump into Philip's arms as I used to. Nor does she have any idea Father allowed the headmistress free reign in my discipline. I almost wish Auntie Clara had never foretold my bonding to the next king of Sandova. Then Father wouldn't have become obsessed with how the future Queen should conduct herself and I would've never been sent off to that awful Rathingtons. Perhaps this is what she meant when she foretold of being tried by tribulations.

"Sara, are you ignoring me?"

"I'm sorry, Mom. My mind wandered. But I'm sure Father will be pleased."

"I say, Rathingtons was the best move for you, Sara, dear." Her mom continued to work on the needlepoint on her lap.

"If you say so, Mom. May I retire to my room? It has been a long day and the travel from first Rathingtons to the palace and then back here has fatigued me."

"Of course. I'll send a tray up for you."

Sara nodded and took her leave.

Philip knocked on the study door where his father had retreated to after dinner.

"Come in."

Pressing the door open, he stepped into the study. He spotted his father right way. He was sitting at the great desk, whittling as was his practice. Philip couldn't help but smile at the site. I wonder what the populace of Sandova would think of this?

"What's troubling you, son?" Angi looked up from the slender piece of carnac he was whittling.

"I need your help, Dad. I need to perform a binding spell."

Angi paused and fixed his laser blue eyes on his son.

"This is a grave request, Philip. Binding spells aren't to be taken lightly. Why do you seek such a spell?"

"It's Sara."

"You want to perform a binding spell on the girl you swore was going to dog your footsteps to the grave? What has changed?"

Philip plopped down in the chair across from his dad.

"I'm not sure, Dad. Gaerwn sent her off to Rathingtons where she's finally finished her studies, but she's not the same girl that left here."

"Other than her being your friend, why does this concern you?"

"She's my chosen."

Angi set his whittling down.

"Is that so? What finally convinced you?"

"My magick. I touched her today and it spoke to me for the first time."

"I see and now you want me to help you perform a binding spell on your chosen. This could seriously backfire, Philip. Sara is a very feisty witch. Why not wait for the mezclar? It will bind her just as tightly to you as any binding spell."

"How soon can I start the mezclar?"

"It's not that easy, son. Sara has to trigger it. You'll have to wait until new moon approaches and then her body will jump start it."

Philip covered his eyes with an arm and groaned. "Do you realize how far away the next full moon is?"

"Yes, considering I helped create it."

"Damn, Dad. I don't want to wait that long."

"It is only eight weeks away. Why don't we invite the Glastons to stay at the palace. I know I would love to see Sara once more. Perhaps I can find out what has changed."

Philip removed his arm and locked eyes with his father.

"Perhaps."

Sara stood at the study door and listened as her father and older brother plotted against the King. Even with all the discipline Headmistress Raven doled out, she still couldn't break me of my little spying habit. I've learned to hide better so as to not get caught.

"Once Philip has bound himself to her, we'll use that bond to bring down the whole family."

"Are you sure we can control her, Dad? She's always been more than a handful." Sean's voice seemed to come closer to the door. Sara jerked back in response.

"Yeah, I had that bitch of a headmistress place a compulsion spell on her. According to her Sara is ready and all you'll have to do is say the correct phrase and she'll do everything we tell her to."

Sara nearly jumped out of her skin when her sister placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Still spying, little sister?" Kira's blue eyes blazed with hatred.

"Let go of me, Kira." Her words while soft, where still loud enough the two men inside of the study realized they were no longer alone.

"What in the name of Mica is going on out here!" Gaerwn yanked the door open. Sara cringed as beneath her father's disapproving gaze. "Just as I suspected. Still can't resist sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."