A Dangerous Dance [BOOK ONE]

Chapter Twenty-Six

ALTHEA WOKE WITH A CRY, HER muddled mind still in the dark underground world far below her feet. Her heart was racing, body tense for action.

"Thea!"

"She's awake!"

"Send for Father."

"Thea, Thea, Thea!"

Althea was suddenly bombarded with sisters, red and gold hair everywhere, huge green or blue eyes staring, littler hands touching and being pulled back by bigger hands. Althea blinked, taken aback by the full attention of all her sisters.

"Don't crowd her, now." Cassidy snapped, "Give her space."

"Girls."

Althea's sisters skittered away like a flock of frightened sparrows, making way for the King to approach her bed. She looked up at him, seeing the age and wariness in the deep lines, in the more silver than blond hair. But the tenderness and love written in those same lines took Althea's breath away, and she was even more overwhelmed as he reached up and gently brushed her hair off her brow.

"Thea, my girl," he whispered, "You gave us a fright there."

Tears so suddenly blurred her vision that she had no time to stop them from falling.

"Father." Her voice was raspy from sleep. How long had she been out?

His usually so stern face broke into a gentle smile and Althea saw Dahlia's sweet smile there, "Hello, goosey."

He hadn't called her that since she was very little. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. Althea closed her eyes, savoring the warmth and connection there.

"W-what happened, father? How long have I been asleep?" She burst out, opening her eyes to look up at her father.

King Nathaniel hushed her, "Please, Althea, you still need rest and quiet. I will answer all your questions after Dr. Cormac has tended to you."

"But Father-"

"No, Althea." He stated firmly, the old grit returning to his voice.

She knew she couldn't argue. And she also knew that her sisters would tell her everything the moment he stepped out of their chambers.

"I will fetch Dr. Cormac." He said, standing and straightening his suit jacket, "You are not to leave this bed."

"Yes, sir." Althea mumbled, although she knew she hardly had the energy to lift her head let alone get up.

He strode out of the bedchamber, easily picking up Phoebe as he went and letting Magdalena tag along as she grabbed his large hand with her tiny one. It looked both unusual and like the most natural thing in the world.

The moment he was gone, the girls were clamoring around her again. As it was when they were excited, they spoke over one another until they got louder and louder, vying for Althea's attention.

"Girls, girls, girls!" Finally Cassidy shouted over their excited voices and they went quiet, "Please, Thea just woke up, no need to be so loud."

Blythe sat on the bed besides Althea, letting Natalie sit in her lap, "You've been asleep for almost two days, Al, we were all concerned. Dr. Cormac told us that the spell had just taken a lot of your energy and a good rest was all you needed. I know what you're thinking. The gate has been sealed. And we've burned the wardrobe, Blake and Locklyn did it themselves. As for the Queen... no one really knows if she is gone or not."

Althea relaxed, truly relaxed, as she listened to her twin speak.

It was over. No more dancing. No more spells. No more magic. It was truly over. Althea could've wept, the relief was so prominent, so rich, it washed over her like a wave.