*Queen Lena*

“Abalone shell, dried sage, quartz,” I muttered to myself, listing off the items I needed for the ceremony. When I named something, I touched it to ensure it was still there.

“Lena, my love, what are you doing?” Xander came into my study. He walked up behind me and slipped his arms around my waist from behind.

I sighed and leaned against him. “Just making sure I have everything.”

He kissed my neck and chuckled. “You’ve ...