Berek started laughing. The air around him shifted, and I knew he was about to unleash everything he had.
I enhanced the shield protecting my soldats. Magic flared out of Berek, slamming into my shield. The impact caused a violent wind which shredded the tent. We now stood among my soldats. When Berek saw everyone around us was fine, he growled and moved his hand. A series of daggers flew past me, aimed at my men standing directly behind me. I reached out with my magic and hit the daggers downward so they each tumbled to the ground.
I heard the word attack shouted in my head. Berek must have ordered the Sonvel army to attack.
The future of Nelebek would be determined today. If I didn’t protect my kingdom, we would be prone to future invasions. I had to prove our power now. But how?
I projected my voice into the hundreds upon hundreds of soldiers here from Sonvel. If you don’t return to your kingdom immediately, I will destroy all of you. Nelebek is under my protection and you will not harm anyone in it. Leave now, or face my wrath.
Berek laughed. “You’re a child,” he said to me. “You’re playing with things you don’t understand. Heks command the magic in the world, not you.”
“Are you sure about that?” When I sensed his men standing firm, I called upon the magic in the world. It immediately responded, begging to be unleashed. I sent it into the ground. Once it surrounded the Sonvel men, I commanded the ground to shake. It did. Then I urged the ground to be still. Last chance, I thought to everyone, leave now or die.
A few men took off running, the rest remained. I sent the magic of the world once again into the ground. Only this time, I told it to open the ground up, sucking in the humans. The magic obeyed.
Berek screamed. When he lunged, I almost used my magic to strike him when I thought better of it. He swung toward Anders, stopping his hand inches from Anders’s face.
“Ah, you can’t hit me, can you?” Anders taunted him.
“You have been a thorn in my side since I first saw you,” Berek said. “I should never have bought you from the slave trader. You’ve been worthless.” He unsheathed his knife. “I should have killed you long ago.”
“Yes,” Anders said, “you should have. Because now you can’t touch me. At least, not without devastating consequences—for you.”
“All you had to do,” Berek continued, “was come here and obtain the sapphire. Simple. But you ended up destroying everything.” He pointed the tip of his knife at Anders. “Was that your intention the entire time? Did you come here hoping to end me?”
While Berek was busy talking to Anders, I recalled everything I knew about the treaty. A thought suddenly occurred to me. Just like Berek couldn’t harm Anders or myself, we couldn’t harm him. I couldn’t command another person to kill him. But there were other ways to hurt someone. Because Berek couldn’t be allowed to live. He would only cause more chaos when I wanted to restore peace and prosperity.
I sent my magic out; past the thousands of soldats, past the surrounding hills, and into the nearby forest. I sensed the creatures I wanted to call to me. The fugl flying high above the treetops, the brubjorn sleeping in the cave, and the ulvs hunting. I called all of them to me, sending them thoughts of fear. Fear of the master assassin—the man’s face I showed them. I projected my fears to them being careful to never will harm to Berek.
I felt them coming. I showed them the way out of the forest, over the hills, and into our camp. I led them past my soldats who cowered in fear.
Come, I said to the creatures.
Anders probably thought he could provoke Berek enough that the master assassin would strike Anders, thus losing his magic and suffering the consequences. Anders mistakenly thought he could sacrifice himself to protect me. I wouldn’t let him make that sacrifice. No, I planned to save us all.
The creatures arrived into the small clearing that had once been the command tent. The brubjorn roared, spit flying from its mouth as it went on its hind legs. The ulvs growled, circling Berek. And lastly, the fugl flew directly above us, its massive body blocking out the sun and casting us in shadow. Its talons scraped the ground as it landed, observing its surroundings.
Berek flung his daggers at the ulvs, taking them down in less than ten seconds. The speed with which he threw his weapons astounded me. His chest rose and fell as he called on his magic.
I let fear coat my thoughts, projecting what could happen if Berek struck the brubjorn or the fugl. The fugl shrieked.
And complete chaos ensued.
The fugl reached for Berek who threw a blast of magic, striking the animal. It flapped its wings, causing Berek to back up—right into the brubjorn. The brubjorn swiped toward the master assassin’s back, slashing his shirt and skin open. Blue blood sprayed and Berek screamed. He turned to face the brubjorn and when he did, the fugl—now lying on the ground, injured—reached forward with its talons, impaling him.
Stunned, I stood there, staring at the Heks as he bled out on the ground.
“Kaia,” Anders said. “Slowly back up before the animals attack us.”
“I can’t believe that worked.”
He eyed me, probably putting two and two together. “Neither can I. I’ve never seen anyone best Berek physically or intellectually.” He glanced back at the animals. The fugl was still on the ground, trying to get up but unable to. The brubjorn roared.
Once again, I projected my thoughts into the animals’ minds. I pictured the forest and peace. I showed them the way.
“Why aren’t they attacking us?” Anders mumbled.
“Because they can’t see us,” I whispered. “I made us invisible before they arrived.” The animals left the small clearing, not even bothering to look at us.
Anders chuckled. “I didn’t know you could do that.”
I turned and looked at his warm brown eyes. “Is it really over?”
He rubbed his hands over his face. “I think it is, although it’s hard to believe. Not only did you manage to end the curse, but you destroyed the Heks’ sapphire and killed Berek all without breaking the treaty.”
Anders took my hand, leading me to the edge of the clearing. In the distance, I could see where the ground had still split open from when I’d destroyed the Sonvel soldats. More death and destruction by my hands. Would I ever be able to live with myself for what I’d done?
I tipped my head back, closing my eyes, letting the sun shine brightly on me. When I opened my eyes, I saw that the Nelebek’s soldats had knelt on the ground before me. While so many good people had lost their lives today in this battle, we’d won. And we were free. Finally free.
Anders squeezed my hand. Together. We would rule Nelebek together. While the future was filled with uncertainty, I knew Anders would remain at my side supporting me. I’d kept my promise to my father by ending the curse, I’d freed our kingdom, and now I would help shape its future.
Epilogue
Standing at the edge of the room, I watched my son dance at his coronation ball. It was hard to believe that this was my last day here. For the past twenty-five years, I’d tended to my various duties as queen every single day in this castle. I reached up, feeling the crown atop my head for the last time. It seemed like only yesterday that I’d been afraid to wear the thing. That I’d been afraid to be queen.
I smiled, thinking about everything Anders and I had accomplished over the past twenty-five years. Nelebek was now one of the most prosperous kingdoms on the continent. We traded with the other kingdoms and life here was good. Peaceful. People were happy.
There had been several years of hard times, especially when it came to explaining to the Heks of the various kingdoms that I was indeed helping them. New treaties had to be drawn up ensuring cooperation between our races, and in order to protect my child.
Child. Vidar wasn’t a child anymore. No, he was a grown man and had just celebrated his birthday. I still couldn’t believe he had been crowned king today. He was ready for the responsibility ahead of him. Even though Anders and I wouldn�
�t be here to support him, he’d have his brother and sister at his side. They’d both taken up supporting positions to help rule the kingdom.
I watched Vidar dance with a young Heks woman. Our two races had come so far.
“You’re not having second thoughts, are you?” Anders asked, joining me.
“No, I’m not.” We stood in silence, watching the dancers.
I felt a slight breeze even though the windows were closed. Whispers filled my head. I didn’t know what they said—only that there was a sense of joy to them. This happened every once in a while. Even though I didn’t have any magic in me, I knew the magic in the world and it would talk to me sometimes. That connection would never be truly gone.
Anders wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “Are you ready to depart?”
The sides of his hair, just above his ears, were turning gray. I smiled, thankful each and every day that he was aging like a normal person. That we’d been able to live this life together. That we had each other.
“I am.” I’d already said my goodbyes. I took Anders’s hand and we walked down the hallway, through the great hall, and out of the castle. A carriage awaited us. All of our possessions had been sent on ahead.
Vidar ran out of the castle behind us. “You’re leaving now?”
His black hair and blue eyes reminded me so much of Morlet. I patted his cheek. “We are. I love you.”
“Are you sure you want to go?” he asked. “Even though I’ve been crowned king, you’re more than welcome to remain here.”
“You know your mother,” Anders said. “When she has made up her mind, there’s no stopping her.”
Vidar smiled. “Yes, I know.”
“If you need anything at all, send word,” I said as I stepped into the carriage.
“I think you’ve given enough for Nelebek,” Vidar said. “I am more than capable of leading the kingdom now. After all, I had excellent mentors.” He embraced Anders. “Thank you for being my father.”
“It is my honor,” Anders replied. He released him and climbed into the carriage next to me.
Vidar closed the door and the carriage lurched forward. I watched the castle become smaller and smaller as we drove away.
“Are you ready for our next adventure?” Anders asked.
I clutched his hand. “With you by my side, I’m ready for anything.”
My last act as queen had been a selfish one. I handed the crown over to my son because I wanted to spend the rest of my days with Anders living on my family’s property on the other side of the mountains. Life was full of endless choices.
* * *
The End
Turn the page for a sneak peek of THE KEY (The True Reign Series, Book 1)
* * *
Seventeen-year-old Rema lives in a brutal kingdom where travel between regions is forbidden, people are starving, and looking at someone the wrong way can mean death. Nineteen-year-old Darmik is the king’s son and Commander of the King’s Army. He spends his days roaming the island, doing his father’s bidding and trying to maintain control over the people.
* * *
When a chance encounter throws Rema and Darmik together, they share an instantaneous connection, but any sort of relationship between them is strictly forbidden. Darmik’s brother, the Crown Prince, notices Darmik’s interest in Rema and, in a calculated, political move, blackmails her. Faced with an impossible choice, Rema is forced to sacrifice her heart in order to save her family.
* * *
As Rema is taken to the palace with the Crown Prince, Darmik confronts the growing rumor that a legitimate blood heir to the throne exists and is trying to overthrow Darmik’s family. In Darmik’s quest to hunt down and kill the threat, he discovers that nothing is as it seems. Locked in the king’s castle, Rema finds herself a key player in a massive power struggle. When Darmik shows up, she’s not sure if she can trust him. The line between friends, enemies, and loyalty becomes blurred. As truths are unlocked, Rema understands that she just might be the key to finding the rightful heir and restoring peace to the kingdom…if she can manage to stay alive long enough.
Prologue
Mako
Screams of the dying echoed throughout the castle.
As Mako made his way toward the stairwell, he kept to the shadows cast by the setting sun. A deep, throaty laugh carried down the hall. He slid into an empty room, pressing his body flat against the wall next to the door.
“That way,” a man ordered. “This section has already been taken care of. Go to the east wing. Check every room. No one is to be left alive.”
A group of enemy soldiers dressed in battle gear marched past without noticing Mako. They carried weapons—swords and daggers—all dripping with blood.
Mako’s fist tightened around the hilt of his sword, his muscles tense and ready to attack. He held his breath and forced himself to remain still instead of charging the soldiers. When the last man stepped around the corner at the end of the hallway, Mako crept out of the room.
A deafening rumble shook the castle, causing small pieces of the ceiling to cascade down like snow. An hour earlier, the fearless king had led his soldiers to the docks to fight the invading army. A messenger had arrived ten minutes ago with news that the king and his sons were dead. As commander, it was Mako’s duty to protect the remaining royal family.
He ran up four flights of stairs and down an empty corridor. At the tapestry depicting a castle shrouded in clouds on a mountaintop, he shoved it aside and entered the secret passageway. Darkness and a musty smell engulfed him. Feeling along the rough walls, he counted as he moved through the tunnel. After thirty paces, he turned left. Then at fifty paces, he stopped. There was supposed to be a door directly to his right. His hands ran across splintered wood, and he pushed the door open a couple of inches. Mako peered into the royal wing. It was silent. Slipping out of the passageway, he unsheathed his sword and entered the main sitting room, which was used only by the royal family.
A baby cried from a room on the right, the sound similar to his daughter’s, making his chest tighten with concern. Were his baby daughter and wife still alive? Or had the enemy gotten to them, too? Mako took a shaky breath and progressed toward the doorway, limiting his steps to the rugs and avoiding the stone floor. Glancing inside the room, he realized it was the royal nursery. He raised his sword and held it ready, then counted to three and stormed inside.
Movement came from a curtain across the room. “Who’s there?” he demanded.
The queen stepped out from behind the heavy fabric, her face red, hair wild and untamed. “Commander!” she cried, clutching her wailing baby tight against her chest. “We’re under attack! Where are my husband and sons? Are they all right?”
Unable to look her in the eyes, he said, “Queen Kayln, we must get you and the princess into the tunnels.” He took hold of the queen’s elbow and led her back through the passageway. When they reached the stairwell, it was still empty. Mako and the queen hugged the wall while they descended to the first floor, the baby princess squirming in her mother’s arms. As they neared his bedchamber, Mako prayed his wife and baby daughter were hiding safely inside. He rounded a corner and saw the door to his quarters hanging open. Bloody footprints led away from his room and down the corridor.
Mako tensed and forced himself to step through the arched doorway. His wife lay twisted awkwardly on the floor, her glazed eyes staring up at him. Her throat had been slit. Blood pooled around her body, its metallic smell thick in the air. His legs buckled and he fell to his knees, feeling for her pulse. It was too late to help her.
Perhaps no one had noticed his baby daughter, Tabitha, tucked inside her cradle in the corner of the room. He ran over to her. The white blanket she was swaddled in was crimson with fresh blood. The baby’s round, chubby face looked peaceful—but a knife with a silver sun on the hilt protruded from her chest. Slipping his large hands under the damp, red cloth, he picked Tabitha up, choking back a sob.
Everyone he loved
was gone. He swore to kill those responsible for the blood spilt today.
He placed his daughter back in the cradle, kissing her forehead gently. Then he ran over to his dead wife, kneeling next to her. He closed her eyelids and removed her wedding ring. Tears dripped from his cheeks onto her lifeless face. “I’ll always love you,” he whispered.
A woman screamed and heavy footsteps pounded across the bedchamber directly above, followed by a loud thump. Mako stood, remembering the queen and princess still standing in the corridor.
“There isn’t much time.” He pulled them inside and closed the door, shoving a dresser in front of it.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered, tears streaming down her face.
Unable to speak, Mako just nodded. The lives of the queen and princess depended on him. He rummaged through his wife’s clothes until he found a brown cloak. “Your Majesty, please put this on.”
“No,” the queen answered, her eyes fixated on Tabitha. She squared her shoulders and looked at Mako. “Emperor Hamen sent his army to kill us. He won’t stop until they do.”
“I promised the king I would protect you and the princess.”
Her eyes widened. “My husband and sons?”
“Dead,” Mako confirmed.
Nodding, the queen said with a weak voice, “Emperor Hamen wants to take over Greenwood Island. He can’t have control until the royal family is dead. Princess Amer and I are the only ones standing in his way. I have to save her.” Queen Kayln gazed down at her daughter, still crying in her arms.
Mako nodded. “Emperor Hamen will need a dead baby as proof, and we’ll give him one.” He knelt on one knee, placing his sword on the ground before him. He took the queen’s right hand, lowering his head. “Your Majesty, I promise to avenge the royal family’s deaths and preserve the royal line.” He hated these barbarians as much as she did. He would destroy them all and make them pay for what they had done. Mako pressed his lips to the queen’s ruby ring, sealing his promise.
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