The Beast and the Enchantress by Camille Peters
Epilogue
Despite all the years I’d spent studying magic, it still always surprised me when I discovered it in the most unexpected places, whether it was the joy that came from overcoming my past mistakes, the peace that came from healing and forgiveness, the enchantment of falling in love, or the wonder of living my happily ever after, a fairytale ending that felt even more special and magical than I could have ever imagined.
Rediscovering my magic had allowed me to continue my studies, and now I was nearing the end of my apprenticeship. My increase in powers and marriage to Gladen had brought more responsibilities, but though I found great joy in both roles, I couldn’t resist neglecting them for my current task: a spell of waltzing flowers twirling through the air to the gentle sound of a lullaby.
It’d become easier to control my spells the more my magical skills increased, even when all-to-welcome distractions chose to interrupt. I heard the gate of the rose garden open, followed by Gladen’s familiar footsteps. Moments later, I felt his warm arms loop around me from behind. I leaned against him but didn’t break my concentration from the enchantment.
But my husband took his role as my distraction quite seriously. He snuggled me close and nuzzled against my neck, finally causing my spell to falter. I heaved an exaggerated sigh, though in truth I wasn’t really upset with him, a fact he well knew. “You made me lose my focus.”
He chuckled. “Oops.” He didn’t sound sorry at all.
“And it was such a lovely spell. Dahlia was quite enjoying it.”
He peered over my shoulder to stare down at our darling daughter, who was now six months old. She sat contentedly playing with the enchanted petals that had rained over her from my magic, not looking the least bit tired despite the magical lullaby I’d prepared for her. It appeared magic could only do so much.
“Do you think she and our future children will inherit your magic?” Gladen asked with unmistakable hope.
“The odds are at least one will,” I said. “Now, are you finished distracting me from my motherly duties?”
“I’m just helping you learn to focus on your spells despite whichever temptations try to lure your attention away.”
I snorted. “And you consider yourself quite the temptation?”
He turned me around in his arms so I could see his rakish grin. “Quite so. Shall I prove it?” He leaned in to kiss me. As usual, the heat and allure of his touch caused me to want to give him his way far too easily.
“I technically have work to do,” I warned before he fully closed the distance between us, but the protest was halfhearted.
“You do. The prince requires the use of his enchantress.” His lips found my jaw.
“Does he, now? He’s rather demanding. I had no idea when I learned of my future post as your enchantress all those years ago just how spoiled you’d be.” I hooked my arms around his neck. “Very well, what do you want? My magic is warmed up and ready to go.”
“Hmm, I never said I wanted your magic; I want my enchantress.” He dipped down and lightly kissed me.
I allowed myself to enjoy him a moment, one that unfortunately didn’t last long before we were interrupted by yet another distraction. I broke away at my spellbook’s disgruntled rustle to see it flying frantically around Dahlia as she crawled towards a pile of dirt. It opened and planted itself in front of her to block our daughter from her explorations.
She didn’t seem bothered by its interference, merely giggled and reached out to pat it. It allowed itself this indulgence before beginning to nudge her closer towards us; she obediently crawled over and settled at our feet. Its duty satisfied, the spellbook plopped onto its spine and fell open in clear exhaustion.
“It appears our nanny is off duty,” I said. “Nor does Dahlia seem inclined to nap, despite my best lullaby spell. It appears I must shift my focus to our dear daughter.” But Gladen didn’t relinquish his hold on me.
“Wait, just one more kiss. Between Dahlia, your magic studies, and my meetings, I may not see you again until tonight, and that’s far too long.” He immediately claimed his promised kiss.
“You do know how to charm me,” I murmured against his lips.
He chuckled. “I try. You can’t be the only one with charm in this relationship.”
He kissed me again and I lost myself in him. Being in his arms enveloped my entire being with light, which as usual lent strength to my powers. My favorite spell burst from me, causing flower petals to gently rain down around us.
Gladen pulled away to glance up. “What’s this?”
I giggled. “Oops, I’m still learning to control my magic, which especially has a mind of its own when I’m so happy.”
He grinned widely. “Are you happy?”
“Of course,” I said. “Trust me, you’d know if I weren’t; you’d likely be a frog by now.” For I’d made it my mission to study human transformations quite thoroughly shortly after our marriage, if for no other reason than that I delighted in teasing him about it.
He laughed. “You wouldn’t dare do that to your husband.”
“Try me.” I raised my arm, as if to cast a spell, but he took my outstretched hand and pressed a kiss against my knuckles.
“I’m not scared of you. Even so, I will continue to do all I can to remain in your good graces.”
“It won’t be hard; after all, as you so often remind me, I’m your enchantress.”
“You are indeed. And I’m your prince.” For a moment he stared at me in wonder before glancing up at the magic swirling around us. “I love your magic. I love you.”
My heart warmed, aglow with brightness and enchantment, a magic I never tired of, and one I doubted I ever would throughout our marriage. “And I love you.”
And I always would. For I knew that the magic Gladen and I shared was one spell that would last forever.