I dedicate this book to my mother
I love you so much, momma
Prologue
Beads of sweat drip from my forehead as I gaze around the room. Nothing around me seems real, yet everything looks so vivid. I watch as the dust particles dance lazily through the air as the light from the lamp gleams just so. The end tables by the bed lie scattered on the floor in shards of splintered wood. Paintings torn from the walls, and glass shattered along the concrete floors.
How could I have let things get so bad? How could I not see it from the beginning? It’s amazing how one person can fool you so well. And how one person can harden your heart to depths you never thought possible.
I shake my head. No, I had no way of knowing. I can’t blame myself for any of this. Not now, anyway. Now, I needed to get rid of a body.
I touch my forehead, feeling like my body could give out at any given moment, when I realize I’m still holding the dagger in my hand. I hold it up to stare at its beauty. It was given to me as a gift when I first arrived here at Cryptshiere, to begin my alliance with one of the most powerful and wealthiest countries. It was my duty, after all. But this “duty” caused me to turn into a person I no longer recognized. This duty turned me into a cold blooded killer. Rightfully so, but still, a killer nonetheless.
I watched now, as the blood slid down the blade in streams, and working its way down my wrists. It smelled remarkably like copper. And who knew blood was as sticky as molasses? Who knew that a body held as much blood as it did?
I touch my forehead again. I’m going to be sick. No doubt from the pungent smell of sex and blood filling the air. Or could it be from the body slumped in a pile at my feet? Either way, if I didn’t act quickly, this would be the end of me. I’d be dead by morning, with my head, no doubt sitting on a pike for this whole wretched family to laugh at.
I know what you’re thinking. Why would she do something so vile? It’s quite simple really. I was saving myself and saving those I love from the brutal attacks and attempts on our lives. Wouldn’t anyone do the same in my position? You’d be lying if you say you wouldn’t.
But how was I going to cover this up? How would I explain any of this?
“Blair?” I jump quickly out of my thoughts as I hear the door slam shut behind me. “Blair, what did you do?”
That’s a good question. What have I done? I take a deep breath, and turn to face my fate...whatever it may be.
Chapter 1
I’m surrounded by big, swooping trees as the dust from the road captures my lungs. My heart hammers in my chest as I stare out at unfamiliar terrain. I wasn’t sure if this was the right decision, marrying into the Delvoe family. But my father insisted that it would only strengthen our country and our alliances even further. I knew he was right, of course, even if I didn’t want to admit it to myself. I knew this needed to be done. But would I love this man? Or would I spend the rest of my life unhappy in a marriage forced upon me by duty? With as many luxuries as royals have, love is not one of them.
I grumble as the carriage jolts me from side to side with every small rock and twig it comes across.
“Blair, this is for the best. I promise you.”
Father has always been so optimistic, irritatingly so.
“How can you promise me that?,” I ask.
“He’s a wealthy and powerful king. We need Cryptshiere on our side.”
I didn’t say anything to that, just glared out the window as the trees slowly passed by. What could I say? I couldn’t exactly argue with my father, the king of Myrkdovia. I had too much respect for him, even if I didn’t agree with him.
It’s true, an alliance as strong as this promises to be is needed for our country. The great war of 1584 devastated Myrkdovia, shaking it to its very foundation. King Henry of Troushiere, and his army of two thousand men stormed through Myrkdovia and surrounding countries. He needed to rule over all kingdoms. As many as he could take. I was not yet alive to see it, but the blood shed that occurred on those tragic nights still haunt our palace today. Most of our army perished in the war, along with innocent men, women, and children. The kingdom my father worked so hard to build came crashing down. Most of our money, and all of our resources were gone. But in the end, King Henry was finally slain. Myrkdovia rose from the ashes, and began to start over.
Now, twenty-two years later, we are almost back to what we were before. We have become a little stronger, and a little more stable. But money is still a major concern for my father. And Cryptshiere has a lot of it.
“Say something,” he said.
I looked into my father’s eyes. They were so kind, so loving, but at the same time, fierce and bold.
“You are a powerful king too, father. We don’t need this man. Do we even know anything about him? I heard he killed his last wife.” The thought made my stomach churn. What if he really was a cruel man? Would he kill me too?
“Who told you that? I’d be careful who you say that in front of. You don’t want these gross rumors coming out of the wrong mouth,” father scolded.
“It doesn’t matter who told me,” I say in a low voice. I couldn’t tell him that my lady, Millicent told me. For a woman of her status to say such things about a King, could only have her hung.
“Well,” father said, waving his hand, dismissing the idea. “I knew his father well. We were good friends, remember. He was a great King. Not only that, but a great man. He wouldn’t have raised his sons to be anything less.”
“How old is he?” I ask.
“He just turned forty-five.”
I’m 20. What would a man that age want with a woman my age? Only one thing that I can think of. Did women his age just not do it for him anymore? Need someone a little younger, does he? The thought made bile rise to my throat. I swallowed hard, trying not to throw up all over my father’s shoes. Maybe if this damn carriage would stop swaying so much, I….
“Pull over!” I yell. The driver stops just in time for me to throw myself from the carriage and expel my lunch violently. Relief flooded through me, and a little bit of embarrassment.
“Darling, are you alright?” father was at my side now.
No. Of course I’m not alright.
“Yes, I’m fine now. This ride is just a little bumpy.”
“We’re almost there now, just a couple more miles.”
More bile rises to my throat at the thought of being so close to my destiny. Or maybe my doom. Only time would tell. But I quickly swallowed it back down and put on a brave face. I didn’t want father to worry anymore than I knew he already was. He could put on a brave face better than anyone I knew. But I knew him well enough to know, he was worried for me. More so, worried that I was afraid. I could tell by the way he twitched his thumb against his index finger, over and over again. And the way his brow furrowed, so slightly it was hardly noticeable. But I noticed.
Chapter 2
We arrived at Cryptshiere castle just as the sun was at its peak in the sky. I look up at the giant castle coming into view, and my jaw drops in awe. It really is beautiful. Just as beautiful as I’ve always heard. It stood bold and proud. It’s weathered stone exterior, glistening softly in the summer sun. Its strong walls promising to hold up to anything that might try to tear them down. Beautiful oak trees surrounded itself around the castle, creating a fairytale-like canopy effect. But at the same time, it looked as though it was telling a story of bloodshed and despair. I didn’t know what it was exactly. As beautiful as this castle was, it was unsettling. Probably just my nerves. But I usually had a good sense of when something wasn’t right. And this most definitely didn’t f
eel right.
“Are you ready?,” father asks as we pull up to the main entrance.
My heart skips a beat, but I smile and put on a brave face as I give a quick nod.
“His Majesty, King Julian and her royal highness, Princess Blair of Myrkdovia.” We’re announced as we step out of the carriage. Well, this is it. I’m here, and there’s no turning back.
As we walk closer, I notice a modest and friendly looking family standing in front of us. Two boys, one a young teenager, and a small child, standing tall and proud. An older woman, probably in her sixties, standing closely next to them. And then I see the man. He couldn’t possibly be the king I was to marry, could he? My God, he’s gorgeous. I couldn’t possibly be so lucky, could I?
“King Elias.” Father embraces the man with a hug. They slapped each other’s backs and laughed, like men do.
I guess I could be that lucky.
My heart quickens. Not because of nerves this time, though. But because of his raw beauty. He didn’t look like he was in his forties. He looked no older than thirty, maybe. And he looked like a king, standing tall and strong. His face was serious, but you could see the softness shining through his eyes. His big green eyes. They struck me hard in my gut and my breath caught quickly in my throat.
“King Julian, it’s a pleasure as always,” he said and then looked directly at me, his eyes becoming even softer.
“Princess Blair. I can't tell you how pleased I am to meet you,” he said as he took my hand, gently kissing it. Shock waves course through my veins at his touch.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, King Elias,” I say in a small, cracked voice.
What the hell is wrong with me? I’m to be the queen of Cryptshiere and Myrkdovia. I needed to act stronger, wiser. I straightened a little and introduced myself to his two brothers, Prince Randolph and Prince Triston. And to his mother, queen mother, Charolette. They all embrace me as if I were already part of the family, and I relaxed a little. They didn’t seem like the snobbish family that I heard stories about. But stories are just that. Stories. Works of fiction. I had to believe that I would be in good hands here. And I had to trust Father to know what he was talking about.
This is for the best, I promise myself.
The rest of the day was spent unpacking all of my belongings and getting myself comfortable in my new chambers. I shoed the maids away, I wanted to be alone. I enjoy doing for myself more than someone always serving me. Being busy helped me keep my mind off things. For awhile anyway.
After unpacking, I looked around the room, taking in its elegance. It’s fit for a queen. The bed is positioned tight against the wall, a large red canopy covering for privacy is tied back to the bed posts. The quilt and pillows are the color of gold. A big rug sprawls over a large portion of the floor, the rest is a shiny gray stone. A large window is positioned to my right, and I can see the main entrance to the castle. It was only then, after looking over this beautiful room, that I realized how completely alone I really am here. I have no one. Who would I turn to when I needed to talk? Or when something exciting happened? Who would I turn to if I was afraid? I hoped my new husband could be all of those things for me. It would just take some time. And maybe the queen mother could be the mother to me that I never knew. My own mother died in child birth. It has just been my father and me ever since. But now, it was just me. Soon, my father would be leaving to head back to Myrkdovia. And It would just be me here, alone.
I sat on the bed and let tears slip from my eyes. I wanted to cry all day. But being the future queen, I needed to present myself in a way that people would look up to me. I could never show my weaknesses. Honestly, it’s exhausting. Why do people expect royals to be emotionless? You would think they’d want to be shown that we are exactly like them. Human. But we aren’t seen as human. We’re seen only as royals, like it’s a completely different species. One in which is strong and unbreakable.
I hear a light tap at my door, and a guard pokes his head in. “The king wishes to see you.”
Expecting my father, I stay sitting on the bed as I tell the guard it’s okay to let him in. But it’s King Elias. I quickly stand and wipe the tears from my face, hoping he doesn’t notice that I’ve been crying.
“Princess, you’ve been crying?” So much for not noticing.
“It’s nothing,” I say. “It was just a long trip and I’m tired.”
He purses his lips as he looks down and nods, clearly not believing me.
“Well, I just wanted to see how you were settling in,” he says, standing awkwardly by the door.
“It’s going fine, thank you,” I say. I really didn’t feel like talking to him right now. Even though he was looking even more handsome than before.
King Elias cautiously steps closer, as if not to startle me. I straighten a little, to show him I’m not at all intimidated by his presence.
I’m totally intimidated by his presence.
“I know it can seem lonely, moving to a new place, and seeing unfamiliar faces. But I promise, I’ll do everything in my power to help you feel at home,” he says in a low voice.
His kind voice swept through my spine in chills. “Thank you,” I say. “Though, I really am fine.”
You are a terrible liar Blair.
He gives a soft smile. “Well even so, I have a surprise for you that I think will help you adjust a little more.” He points to the door, and what I see makes me squeal like a girl. My Ladies! I never expected them to be here with me. They were supposed to stay back home to find husbands of their own.
“Adelina, Millicent! What are you doing here?” I asked as I embraced them in a hug.
“King Julian and King Elias arranged for us to be here with you,” Adelina said.
“They wanted it to be a surprise for you. We left a few hours after you did,” Millicent chimed in.
I looked up at King Elias, and he smiled warmly at me. “Thank you,” I say, and hug him before I can stop myself. He hugs me back, wrapping his arms tightly around me. Not only does he look good, he smells good.
I’m suddenly feeling more confident. Back to my old self. I can do anything as long as I have the people I love by my side. And thanks to my father and King Elias, I do.
“I’ll let the three of you chat,” He says as he heads for the door. He turns back to look at me before stepping out. “Have supper with me tonight?”
My stomach flutters with excitement. “I’d love to.”
King Elias gives a devilish grin, making me weak in the knees. “I’ll see you at 8 o’clock.”
Once he was gone, Adeline and Millicent came strutting over to me. “Is he not the most gorgeous man you have ever seen?,” Adeline asked.
“He certainly is that,” I agree
“Plus, he’s older. He’ll know what he’s doing in the bedroom, that’s for sure,” Millicent said, waggling her eyebrows.
“Milly!” I say with a laugh, quickly pushing the thought from my mind.
Milly turned quiet. “I just wonder…”
“What is it?” I ask.
“Do you think it’s true about his last wife?”
My excitement suddenly dwindled. What if it was true?
“I don’t think so. You’ve met him. He seems so nice,” I say, trying to reassure us both.
“He seemed nice enough to me,” Adeline said as she plopped down on the bed.
Millicent gave a nervous smile. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Of course I am. Now, let’s explore the castle, shall we?” I say, trying to lighten the mood.
Chapter 3
As we explore the castle grounds, my troubles vanish. I’m a child again with my two best friends, and there isn’t a care in the world. I’m not a princess, or a future queen. I’m only Blair. I’m just a girl.
The garden is beautiful, with a maze of plush, green hedges. Flowers line in rows of all colors, a light breeze swaying them back and forth lazily. I take in a deep breath to quite literally, smell the roses as I lif
t my face to the warm sun.
“I could get used to this easily,” Milly said as she danced in circles.
“Well that’s good, seeing how this is our new home!” Adelina joked.
I let out a small laugh. Yes, this is our new home. And it’s beautiful. It might not be so bad living here. I still have Adelina and Milly, and a dashing king to be my husband. What more could a girl want? I push the negative thoughts out that try to creep back into my mind. This isn’t the time. I needed this, if only for the day. Before I had to go back to being a princess with all the responsibilities of a soon-to-be queen. All of that could wait, for now.
“It’s nothing like home, that’s for sure,” I say. Myrkdovia is beautiful of course. But in a completely different way than here. It’s small, but mighty. Old, but elegant.
“We’ll all get used to it,” Milly said. “As long as we have each other.”
We slowly made our way to the courtyard, where we stayed for most of the day. The courtyard is just as beautiful. The castle’s exterior surrounds us, it’s walls large and bold. And for the first time since being here, I feel safe. I know no enemies will be barging their way through anytime soon. The lawn is lush and green, lying completely flat for military training. Small walk-ways swirl through the east side of the courtyard, with trees swooping down, creating a steady shade throughout the day.
We watched the knights battle with one another, their swords clanking together in an elegant tune that rang through the castle grounds. I used to watch the knights back home for hours as they swayed this way and that, avoiding each stroke of the blade. There was just something about a man in armor…
“Hey, Blair. That knight over there can’t keep his eyes off you,” Milly teased. I looked over as the man turned to meet my eyes. My pulse quickened. He was irresistibly gorgeous. He stood tall and proud with his dark and piercing brown eyes. Even with all of his armor, you could tell that he was full of muscle. His big hands gripped the handle of his sword, making the veins in his arms bulge out.
The Deadly Alliance (The Deadly Alliance Series Book 1) Page 1
