The Hour of Kiernan — Tabetha Waite

Five years have passed since Kiernan left with the Enchanter to focus on controlling her powers—and the emotions that govern them. She returns as a mature woman ready to take her place on the High Throne, but the High Oracle isn't ready to concede defeat just yet. While she was gone, he was busy building an army and training an apprentice—an old foe with whom Kiernan is all too familiar. Reign has never stopped thinking of Kiernan. Ever since she was gone, he vowed that he would be prepared to stand by her side as the Protector he was meant to be. But neither will his heart be denied. He intends to embark on a joyous homecoming, but the cool queen he meets is not the spirited girl he'd met for the brief time they were finally together. But is it only a front for the insecure woman behind the façade? As he helps her to overcome her doubts, darkness is closing in on them. Not until they embark on a quest that ends in chaos and battle, where Reign has to make a difficult choice on Kiernan's behalf, will he finally find himself worthy of her. But by then, will it be too late?