CHAPTER 34

No one came for her the next morning.

‘Maybe they have given up this idea of me being The Lady of the Manor. This has all been a mistake. I should just go home now.’

Andrea looked out the window and into the garden. She saw the roses, her rose. She turned and left the room.

‘Just one more walk in the garden.’

"I was wondering when you were going to join me."

Andrea jumped at the sound of Starchild's voice. "I didn’t know anyone was here. I didn’t know you were waiting for me."

With a smile on his lips, "Come sit with me and we will enjoy the beauty of my garden."

Andrea sat down next to Starchild. ‘I do not know what to say.’ she thought to herself.

‘Words are not necessary between us you know.’

Andrea was startled. Starchild had never spoken to her telepathically before.

‘I know your thoughts.’ His smile got bigger.

‘Now I understand Dot's fear.’

‘Do you fear me?’

‘No. Not fear, but I was not expecting this so it did startle me. Dot would have been afraid.’

‘He and I talk often now.’

‘He wants to come here.’

‘I know. He keeps asking me to let him visit.’

‘What do you tell him?’

‘When you are used to life here I told him he could visit.’

Andrea and Starchild continued their conversation in the garden all afternoon. No words were spoken but you could hear each of them laugh and see them smile. Andrea had become so relaxed she found herself cuddled up in the arms of Starchild and was unaware of the world around her.

Demon watched the two of them from the window. He had lived with guilt for many centuries and was well aware of the feeling, but watching the two in the garden he was aware of a new sensation.

Jealousy. Demon had never felt this emotion before. There had never been any reason for him to feel jealous. But now he realized he cared about Andrea and she did not like him. All of The Masters had found their Lady. All but Demon and he was jealous of The Masters.

The day had been lovely. Andrea had even forgotten about Demon and her wish to go home. She had been able to use her powers for days without any repercussions from anyone. In fact, these Masters encouraged her to use them.

"Will you join us for dinner tonight?" asked Starchild

"That would be nice."

Andrea and Starchild walked into the manor hand in hand unaware of Demon watching them.

CHAPTER 35

Andrea went to her room to clean up for dinner. She came downstairs and as she was about to enter the dinning room she heard their conversation.

"I think we should send her back. She is not who we are looking for."

"Demon, she is exactly who were are looking for." Protested Beast.

"No. She cannot fulfill the prophecy. She does not know how. I do not want her here."

Andrea had heard enough. She closed her eyes, bowed her head and was gone.

"Demon, what is really wrong?" asked Celestial.

"Nothing is wrong. I am just being realistic." Demon stormed out the door.

The Masters looked at each other. What was bothering Demon now?

Demon walked out to the meadow, out to Miranda's grave and sat down. All these emotions were foreign to him. He did not know how to react, but he knew he was reacting badly.

There was a flash of light. "Oh my Dragon, what is bothering you? Why are you so sad?"

"Mandy."

Miranda sat down in Demon's lap and Demon's arms encircled her. They sat there in silence holding each other.

"You have to let me go my Dragon."

Demon started to protest.

"No. Do not argue with me. You have to let me go and move on. There is another for you to take care of and love.”

"Mandy, I failed you. I cannot fail someone else."

"You did not fail me my Dragon. I failed. Don’t you understand? I was not strong enough. I could never fulfill the prophecy. You have been feeling guilty all these years for nothing. It is time for you to start taking care of the real Lady."

Sadly Demon responded, "But Mandy, she doesn’t even like me."

"How could she not like my Dragon?" Miranda questioned.

"I have not been very nice to her." Demon admitted reluctantly.

"Then maybe you should change that. Why don't you take her flying?"

Demon looked at Miranda and smiled sadly. "That was your favorite thing."

"If I liked it then I am sure she will too. I must go now. Remember what I said my Dragon. It is permissible for you to love another."

In a flash of light Miranda was gone. Demon felt as if the weight of the centuries had been lifted from his shoulders. He finally accepted that it was not his fault Miranda had died and he now felt free to love another.

It was time to go find Andrea and make things right.

CHAPTER 36

"Where is Andrea?" Demon questioned.

"She is in her room." Starchild looked at Demon, "Something is different about you. What has happened?"

"Mandy came to see me. We talked."

"Do you feel better now?" asked Starchild.

"I have to explain to Andrea. When is she coming down?"

"She said she was not feeling well so she is staying in her room." Starchild informed them. "Tomorrow will be time enough to speak to her. You will have all day."

The morning did not come soon enough for Demon. At daybreak Demon was at Andrea's door. Carefully he knocked on the door. What if she was still asleep? What if she did not hear his knock. He opened the door quietly.

"Andrea, are you awake?"

There was no answer. Demon opened the door a little wider.

"Andrea?"

Still there was no answer. Demon walked into her room. She was not there and her bed had not been slept in. Andrea was gone.

Demon rushed downstairs looking for The Masters. He found them in the dining room.

"She is gone! Andrea is gone!" He said in a panic.

"What do you mean gone?" questioned Beast.

"I went to her room. She was not there and her bed has not been slept in."

"Starchild can you sense her?” questioned Celestial who was also becoming alarmed.

"No. I cannot find her."

*****

“Starchild.”

"Stephen, I am rather busy right now."

"I just wanted to say thank you."

"Thank you? For what?”

"For letting Andy come home and visit."

"Oh that. Is she finished with her visit?"

"Yes, she left already. Said she had to be alone for a while. But after a few days I can go visit her."

"You can? Do you know where to go?”

"Of course, I know the way. Andy used to take me with her when she went to the healer's house so I know just where it is."

"Good. I'll talk to you later Stephen."

"Bye, Starchild."

*****

"I know where she is."