Eden (Night in Eden Book 1)

by Amanda K. Dudley-Penn

  "You may leave," She said and Mrs. Sherman stomped past her. Queen Adelaide turned to Alberta, "You may leave also."

  Alberta opened her mouth as if to argue but then, thought better of it and curtsied before walking out of the door. The Queen followed behind her and shut the door firmly behind her. Serafina raised a brow as the Queen turned to face her.

  "Mrs. Sherman didn't seem to be in a good mood," Serafina said, raising her brow.

  "No," the Queen replied, "Of course after three lashes, no one is in a good mood."

  "Am I to be punished, My Queen?" Gretchen asked. Her face darkened in fear.

  "No, Gretchen," she said, "Though I can't say the same for Alberta. She shall recieve her lashes for speaking ill of the King as well."

  "They spoke ill of the King?" Serafina asked, frowning. She stared at the door in shock. She couldn’t imagine Mrs. Sherman nor Alberta speaking ill of their favored king.

  "Yes, and were heard by one of my daughters," The Queen said. Her smile twitched over her lips and Serafina realized the princess had lied.

  "That's unfortunate," Serafina whispered turning to the Queen.

  "Well," The Queen said, clapping her hands, "Mrs. Sherman will no longer be permitted to be your maid for fear she will poison you against the King. As soon as you choose who your lady's maid shall be she will be the one who will perform Mrs. Sherman’s previous duties."

  "What of Alberta?" Gretchen asked, her eyes wide with hope.

  "Well, My Dear, that's a sad thing indeed," she said, "You will have to dress Serafina on your own because Alberta will now work in the kitchens. Do you think you can manage dressing the future princess by yourself?"

  "Yes, Your Majesty," Gretchen said as her smile slid across her face.

  "That's good," she said, turning back to Serafina, "Have you chosen your maid?"

  Serafina nodded, "Her name is Arynne Corwin," she said, raising her brow.

  Queen Adelaide's eyes widened, "Very good," she said, glancing at Gretchen, "Make sure she is dressed soon. My husband has requested that the royals dine together for breakfast."

  The warning in the Queen's voice sent a chill down her neck, "What is the purpose of this breakfast?" Serafina inquired.

  The Queen's eyes hardened, "Wedding planning," she stated, raising her chin, "This wedding will not be like the others. Every member of Eden will be in attendance. He wants to put on a show."

  Serafina nodded but as she stared into the Queen's eyes she knew that this was not a celebration. Something bad was coming and she didn't know what it was.

  **********

  Serafina was dressed in a light yellow sundress picked out by the King as she curtsied before him in the large formal dining room. A table stretched almost from wall to wall of the massive room to accomadate all of the royals. Prince Eamon and Prince Riann both rose. Their dark heads bowed to her before peering at her with an identical pair of dark eyes. Though they looked similar, Prince Eamon was an inch shorter than his younger brother and his lips were not as full.

  "I am Prince Eamon," he said offering his hand which she took before he pressed his lips to the top.

  "It's a pleasure to meet you," she replied, blushing.

  "The pleasure is mine," He beamed with a wink and then, took his seat.

  Serafina glanced at Riann who shrugged his shoulders before taking her hand. Princesses Iris and Andressa rose before curtsying before her. She blinked back the shock of having Princesses curtsy before her but she remembered that she was to be the elder princess and it was custom.

  Iris stepped forward. Though she had the dark hair of King Alastair, she had her mother's blue eyes and kind face. Her smile was wide as she took Serafina's free hand.

  "I am Iris," she said, tilting her head, "My mother has insisted that my sister and I shall join you for tea this afternoon."

  "That would be wonderful," she said as Andressa moved forward. Though as beautiful as her mother, Andressa possessed her father and brother's dark hair and eyes.

  "I am Andressa," She said, grinning, "We shall be great friends."

  "Girls!" The King's voice echoed through the dining room causing everyone to jump, "That is enough! Take your seats!"

  Andressa and Iris' eyes widened as they turned to do what their father told them. The Queen arrived and Serafina curtsied before she took her seat. Then, every member of her family rose and bowed before taking their seats. Serafina glanced around the table and noticed a seat next to the Queen and moved to take it. She lowered herself into the chair as a servant brought a plate with more food than she could ever eat.

  She glanced at the King who picked up his fork before skewering a piece of bacon and raising it to his lips. Once he did, everyone else lifted their forks and began their meal.

  "Serafina," the King began, raising his brows, "Has my wife told you why we are having this family breakfast."

  "To discuss the details of the wedding," Serafina replied, finding it hard to keep the smile on her face while his eyes were on her.

  The King smiled "Yes," he said tilting his head as he studied her, "I have decided to have the wedding next week in the church."

  "I thought the royals always married at the castle," Serafina frowned, hoping to gain knowledge of the reason for the change

  "That's true but I want the coronation to take place the same day," he said and she blinked surprised. The King smiled, "You see, Serafina, your father and I have spoken and I feel that we both want you as a member of this family as soon as possible."

  She glanced at her father who narrowed his eyes but a smile slid across his face. She realized the reason for the rush was her father. He thought she would ruin it if it wasn't a rushed marriage and had obviously advised the King. She turned back to the King as he spoke again.

  "We want you in this family, Serafina," The King repeated, "But the purpose is simply a show of loyalty. By the end of your coronation, Eden will know you are loyal to this family but more importantly, loyal to me."

  Chapter Fourteen

  Serafina paced her floor as she waited for the Queen and the princesses in her room. Her heart thudded in her chest as a knock sounded at her door. She rushed to the door opening it to find the Queen with her daughters. The Queen glanced over her shoulder before ushering her daughters within. Her eyes were wide with fear.

  "What did he mean when he said I would be showing my loyalty?" Serafina questioned, her voice shaky.

  "I don't know but we need to find out," Queen Adelaide whimpered, twisting her hands.

  Iris bit her bottom lip and shifted, "I think I do," she said as her blue eyes found Serafina's, "I heard father talking to the General of his King's Army. He is setting up the gallows for that day. Someone is going to be punished."

  "Do you know who?" The Queen gasped staring at her daughter in a panic.

  "No," she cried as tears fell down her face, "But it's a royal. I think it's one of us."

  "Did he say that?" The Queen asked, her shaking hands flew to her chest as the door swung open.

  Riann glanced around the room, his face pale, "Don't worry," he comforted them, raising his chin, "The General is on our side. He's told me of father's plans."

  "What are they?" The Queen asked, going to him, "Is he going to put me to death."

  "No," he said, glancing at Serafina. His face was grim, "He is going to allow me to marry Serafina to make her a princess. You see...He knows the story of your time in the gallows and he realizes that every citizen in Eden knows too. He also realizes that the citizens of Eden are becoming restless. If he has you as a princess and he can make you kneel to him, then the citizens of Eden will be too afraid to fight if their bravest is tamed. However, once that happens, his weakest link will no longer be needed."

  "His weakest link?" Serafina asked, frowning. Her heart stuttered in her chest, "Who is that?"

  "I am. The gallows are for me," he whispered, narrowing his eyes, "He plans to execute me in front of Eden on my wedding day. You will s
till be a princess but I will be dead and all of Eden will know that he can tame the bravest and even his own son is not safe from his wrath."

  "How do we stop him?" She asked staring at Riann with wide eyes.

  He turned to the Queen, "You will have to stop him, my dear step-mother. You will be the only one close enough," he whispered, pulling a small knife from his pocket, "You will have to shed his blood."

  The Queen nodded as she took the blade. Her eyes sparked with all of the pain the king had caused as she wrapped her hand around the hilt. When she lifted her gaze to his, determination marked her brow, "Then, I will," she said, "For everyone in this room and the citizens of Eden. The King will die."

  **********

  Arynne Corwin was led to Serafina's room by Thane. Her eyes were wide as she entered, glancing around as if waiting for someone to jump out and attack her. Her eyes flew to Serafina's as the door closed behind her.

  "You can speak freely, Arynne," she said, raising her brows, "The cameras do not work here."

  Arynne raised a dark eyebrow as she glanced back at Thane, "It's seems the King's Army is here to compensate for that," she eyed Thane with suspicion before turning back to Serafina.

  "I understand your worry but Thane would never do anything to harm you," she said, crossing her arms over her chest, "As a matter of fact, he is part of a group that is doing something dangerous against the king and it is the very reason you are here."

  Arynne's eyes sparked with interest as she glanced at Thane and then, Serafina, "What do you mean?"

  "I was told by the king to choose a lady's maid for myself," she said, staring into Arynne's eyes, "And since I will not be able to leave the castle, it is imperative that my lady's maid can get messages to Eden and know who to give those messages to."

  "What kind of messages?" She inquired, her voice careful.

  "A war is coming," Thane said, raising his chin, "And we need people to fight in it...People who are willing to chance their lives…People who are brave like you and Serafina."

  "Why would they do that?" Arynne asked, tilting her head, "These people are frightened. You must remember that. They would have to have a very good reason to be that brave."

  "Is freedom a good reason?" Thane asked and Arynne's eyes widened.

  "The only way to get that is to kill the royals," she said and turned back to Serafina, "That would include you."

  "No, it's not the only way," Serafina said and then, smiled, "I used to think that too."

  "But you don't anymore?" She asked, narrowing her eyes, "Is it because you are one of them...A royal."

  "It is because I have seen what happens here," Serafina said defensively, "You see people only see the outer walls of this castle. They don't see what happens within it. You know the first Queen died of a supposed illness?"

  "Yes," Arynne said, shrugging, “Everyone knows that.”

  "Did you know the illness was that she was in love with another and the king used his son's sensitivity to murder his own wife?" She asked, raising her brow.

  Arynne winced as the suspicion began to fade, "Which son?"

  "It was Riann. He couldn't watch his nanny die so the king made him watch his mother be tortured and murdered," she stated stepping closer to Arynne, "Though it doesn't matter that it was Riann. All of his children suffer at his hands."

  "And the Queen allows it," Arynne said, her lip twisting in disgust.

  "No," she said, "The Queen is his victim too. Remember that the first Queen was in love with someone else. That was her brother. He was executed. Her twin sister, Mia is imprisoned in a cottage on the castle grounds. If Queen Adelaide dies, she will take her place. Believe me when I tell you that his children and his wife want him dead. Though some of the servants are very faithful to him. Those are the ones you should worry about."

  Arynne blinked as she took in Serafina's words, "What would you have me do?"

  "I need for you to gather the people who are willing to fight. Tell them the truth about what happens behind these walls," Serafina said meeting her eyes, "I need you to ready them because on my wedding day, he intends to kill Prince Riann and make me bow to him. I refuse to let him kill Riann and I will refuse to bow."

  "How will you prevent it?" She asked, frowning.

  "We are going to kill him," she said, "And when we do, we will need people who will fight his followers."

  Arynne smiled, "I think I know just the people to do that."

  Serafina nodded, "I thought you might."

  Chapter Fifteen

  Thane left soon after Arynne agreed to help, leaving Serafina alone with her. Arynne’s hazel eyes found hers, softening with relief as she peered into her face.

  "Aren't you worried that this is a trap?" She asked, frowning, “I mean…It could be.”

  Serafina shook her head, "No," she whispered, her voice firm, “I’m not worried.”

  "Why?" She asked, narrowing her eyes as she took in Serafina’s face, "You aren't stupid. There must be a reason."

  Serafina gave her a crooked smile, "Do you remember who Thane is?" She asked as Arynne's eyes widened.

  "I think so," she said, frowning, "Is he the same Thane who took your lashes when you faced the gallows?"

  Serafina nodded, "Yes and since he's part of this, I have to trust that I am not being set up," she said taking a deep breath, "He would never sacrifice for me just to put me in danger."

  "I understand," she said, pursing her lips, "I would trust anyone who had taken my lashes for me. Sadly, I never found that person."

  "I'm sorry for that," Serafina said, remembering each time that Arynne had faced the gallows. The last had been the most horrific. She winced as she remembered that the sheriff who had administered that whipping was dead and she had been a part of his torture. She shook the thought from her mind.

  "Do you think you'll be able to be meek until my coronation?" Serafina asked, wincing.

  "If it ends with freedom, I can manage," she said, raising her brow. She tilted her head as she studied Serafina’s face, "I must say it doesn't surprise me that you are the one to do this."

  "Why do you say that?" Serafina asked as she glanced at Arynne, "Because I stood up to the sheriff?"

  Arynne shook her head, "No," she said and laughed, "though that inspired me to rebel when I could."

  Serafina shook her head, "Stupidity. It almost got you killed."

  "Maybe," she said with a sad, crooked grin, "But it helped me."

  "So, what's the reason," Serafina asked, raising her brows.

  "The reason was you always seemed to have this light just beneath the surface that made you inspire people to want change. I saw it. Your grandmother saw it and the rest of the citizens see it," She said, smiling.

  "I'm sure they hate me," she said, shaking her head.

  Arynne scoffed, "No they don't. Maybe they hate the rest of the royals but not you."

  "What makes me different?" She asked as her heart clenched.

  "They still remember the girl who stood up to the sheriff and the girl who visited those who were about to face the gallows," she said, frowning, "Serafina, they still remember you and that’s all they need to still love you."

  Serafina closed her eyes and then, nodded her head but she wondered if their love of her would be enough for the citizens of Eden to follow her into war.

  ************

  A knock sounded at the door and Serafina straightened. She gave Arynne a warning glance and the girl tensed. Her long brown hair fell down her back to her waist as she moved. Arynne opened the door and then, curtsied before Thane, Prince Riann and Prince Eamon entered the room. Arynne closed the door firmly behind them.

  Prince Eamon smiled as he glanced at Serafina, "Quite a show my father puts on, isn't it?" He asked, glancing at Arynne. His lips twitched into a smile as he studied her with interest.

  "You must be Miss Corwyn," he said, raising his brows, "Your times at the gallows have been well-documented."

  "I see yo
u didn't stop them," she said, raising her brow. Her mouth stretched into a sarcastic smile.

  "Ah...You are under the presumption, I could," he quipped and then, shook his head, "Sorry to disappoint you but no one has any power here except for my father."

  "Well, we must do something about that," Arynne declared, smiling as she turned to Prince Riann, "You made a wise choice in a princess to help you with your war."

  "I realize that," Prince Riann said, tilting his head at the straight-forward girl before him, "She's already proven that."

  "You'll find she chooses wisely also," she said and glanced at Thane, "First, I have a question for you."

  "What is that?" he asked, frowning.

  "How many of the King's Army are loyal to the King?" She asked, raising her brow.

  "Around three-quarters," he said, frowning, "Some may break from him when they realize he's gone."

  She nodded, "You have the rest of your army within the citizens of Eden," she said, pacing in front of them, "They've been gathering for a while. There is only one thing that keeps them from acting."

  "What's that?" Thane asked, frowning.

  "Weapons," she said, raising her brow, "We have no way to fight against whips, knives and guns."

  "I don't control the weapons," Thane said before pressing his lips together.

  Prince Eamon coughed, "Well, I know who does," he said, wincing, "But we'll still have to steal them."

  Arynne grinned, "I think I am up for that."

  "Wonderful," Prince Eamon said with a sparkle in his eye, “We’ll go tonight.”

  **********

  Serafina lay in bed that night tossing and turning. A knock sounded at the door and she rose to answer it. The hallway was dim and she had to squint to see within it. Thane stood outside and she frowned.

  "The King has summoned us," he said and Serafina's heart trembled. She opened her mouth to question him but Mrs. Sherman appeared behind him. Her lips twitched into a smile that made a shiver run down her back.

  "I'll get dressed," She said, frowning. Her mind raced wondering if Eamon and Arynne had gotten caught. If so, both she and Thane faced the gallows.