Crown of Sunlight

by Payton Taylor

  This book is rated R for sexual situations, violence, and language. Not suitable for audiences under 17 years of age.

  Crown of Sunlight

  The Corvinus Chronicles Book 1

  To Mawmaw Judy! We love and miss you!

  WRITHIA

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Epilogue

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  About the authors:

  Prologue

  Eleyna

  Writhia, 5117

  Ettria

  I would never forget the image of Writhia when I left that night. Snow was cascading down, leaving a blanket of glittery white over the steep mountains surrounding the castle. If it weren't for the blazing fires in every direction, glass breaking, and screams filling the air, it would have been a peaceful sight.

  I'd used almost every last inch of control I had, harnessing my Gift to escape my prison.

  Judging by the picture of chaos behind me, I had succeeded.

  My feet pounded into the ground as I raced toward the transport I planned to steal. Stay calm, I told myself. You're almost there. The mantra played repeatedly in my head.

  My daughter's tiny arms encircled my neck while her head lay against my tear soaked shirt.

  "It's okay, Noelani," I said as she clung to my chest and sobbed, upset by the sounds of destruction echoing in the distance. I started singing quietly, in the hopes that it would soothe her—and myself.

  “I had a toy ferris wheel, round and round it went.

  I can't tell you the many-a-times one asked could it be lent.

  When the King's daughter came to visit, all for the sake of my toy ferris wheel, she asked if we could strike a deal.”

  I finally reached the garage where the transports were. Dozens of them aligned the wall, ready for use.

  I ran to one and placed my palm against the scanner. There was the sound of a click as the transport came unlocked and I yanked the door open.

  I tried to smile at Noelani and pushed some of the blonde hair out of her red rimmed eyes.

  Hurriedly, I tried to buckle her inside as I continued singing softly.

  “She asked: May I have your toy ferris wheel?

  Round and round it goes.

  If you say yes—which would be best— I'll rid you of your foes!”

  My Gift tingled in awareness and I sensed the guard as soon as he entered the garage. As I turned to face him, he pulled a blaster from its holster. A sword and a few daggers hung from his hip.

  "I am to bring you back alive, but I will use force if I must."

  I smiled sweetly at him and, even though I felt my strength ebbing, I trudged on, tugging deep within, forcing him to turn the weapon on himself. "You dare threaten me with my child present?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

  The guard's eyes met mine and, though he didn’t show it, I knew he was afraid.

  "I'm sorry, but no one will get in the way of her safety."

  When a whoosh of breath left his lips, and the body collapsed to the ground, I felt no remorse. I turned back to my crying child and finished the song I started:

  “I said: So lovely a princess, never before did I see; you can have the toy ferris wheel, as long as you marry me!”

  My heart thudded rapidly as I climbed into the transport and took off as fast as I dared. We were so close. So close to safety. If I could just make it to Mais—to the Black Hallow Forest.

  I made my way out of the city quicker than expected, and thankfully, the streets were mostly empty due to the late hour. Used as I was to the winding roads, I had to be careful of the black patches of ice that always formed this time of year. The snow had stopped falling, but a light dusting coated the road, making it hard to see.

  Tearing my eyes from the road, I checked on Noelani to find her sleeping peacefully beside me in her baby seat.

  As we got further and further from the city the tension began to ease from my shoulders, bit by bit. But my instincts were still screaming, my eyes constantly scanning the dark forests that lined the narrow road. I didn’t know what I was looking for, but the fog seeping in from the trees gave off an ominous vibe.

  A flash of movement caught my eye and I turned my head but there was nothing to see. As I continued driving, my eyes wanted to play tricks on me, conjuring images of figures running next to the transport, shrouded in mist. But every time I glanced their way, it was only the shadows of branches moving in the wind.

  I turned my head back toward the road and slammed on the brakes, the transport fishtailing wildly.

  There he was.

  A figure from my nightmares.

  He had appeared as if from nowhere, standing in the center of the road.

  The transport came to a screeching stop a good distance away. Snow swirled slowly through the air, upset by the transport’s swerving. With my heart pounding and barely a moment to catch my breath, I reached for the reverse switch. But I was too late, and my hand froze in mid-air.

  Next to me, Noelani awoke, screaming.

  My baby! My mind cried. Run! Shouted my instincts.

  My arms ached to reach out for her, but I couldn’t move. My chest felt as if a cold hand squeezed the air from my lungs. Desperation filled my brain as it screamed and thrashed, trying desperately to take back control of my body from the dark shadow that was now slowly approaching the transport. Against my will, my hands made their way to my seatbelt, unbuckling it. With stiff jerks, my arms shot forward to grab my screaming daughter, but my embrace offered her no comfort.

  It wasn’t her mother holding her.

  It was him.

  My body climbed out of the transport, taking lurching steps forward until I reached him.

  “Please—” was the only word that escaped my lips before he stole my ability to speak. Noelani's cries faded as well.

  As I suspected, the face of my nightmares stepped into view.

  Slender and tall, with an aura of dark power.

  In passing, one would think he was nothing but a handsome, pretentious man, not knowing he could destroy someone’s mind with a single thought.

  "If you were planning to make a fool out of me, I think you have succeeded," he said bitterly, betrayal shining in his pale, blue eyes.

  "Why?" he choked out. “Why would you do this? Why run?"

  Though I couldn’t move, I began to feel a deep weariness take root. At this point, I was sure he hadn’t gotten past the wall I kept up in my mind. The place that I had locked him out of so severely. The safety net in which my secrets and true feelings had been hidden for those past few months spent with him.

  He appeared more upset than I thought he'd be. Good. Maybe I could use this. I pleaded with my eyes. I�
�m sorry. Please, let me explain. I sent the thought through my mind. With barely a blink, my voice was returned. . .for now.

  "This kingdom is a threat to Noelani. She cannot stay here." Somehow I spoke in a strong, clear voice. I could not let him catch on. "I have to get her out of here, off to somewhere safe."

  "You do not think me capable of protecting you two?" he asked quietly, trying to control his temper.

  "I know that you're perfectly capable of it," I stated calmly. This placated him, so I went on, "There's someone on the inside. I heard some guards talking the other day, and they plan to have Noelani killed!” A note of hysteria seeped into my voice. “Someone wants to harm an innocent child because of who her father—" I stopped, having to take a deep breath to fight back the emotions flowing forth. "Because of her status. I need to find a safe house for her."

  There was hope in his eyes. Hope is dangerous. Hope can be used.

  "Did you think I was leaving you?”

  He gave a curt nod, an almost childlike petulance in his gaze.

  “I'd never leave you. I'll come back to you, once my daughter is taken care of. Please, let me come to you." I gave him what I hoped was a gentle smile.

  He looked suspicious but released me from his control. I strode forward, clutching Noelani to my chest, and put my hand on his cheek. He leaned into my touch and covered my hand with his own.

  "Why didn't you speak to me about this? I would have helped."

  I thought fast. "I didn't know who to trust. I was scared." It wasn’t hard to call tears to my eyes. “Now that you’ve told me the truth, there’s no need for you to leave. I’ll hire extra security. You’re safest with me.”

  He was right, I would have been safest with him. . .had he not been the one I was running from.

  Then, I felt his body go rigid.

  A figure appeared at the edge of my vision, and I knew that if I could see him, then the man in front of me could sense his thoughts. This was the moment I’d saved my strength for and, pulling the last ounce of my Gift forward, I froze his body and mind and yanked my hand away from his face. My back ached as I fumbled and pulled out a dagger from the inside of my jacket and lunged forward, stabbing him deep in the thigh. His eyes widened with pain, as I twisted the knife.

  Now he was the one who couldn’t speak.

  "How does it feel being completely helpless?" I asked him, burning with rage.

  His own anger burned back.

  Tightening my grip on the knife, I yanked it out of his thigh before stabbing him deep in his gut.

  I won’t lie—it felt good to hurt him, to cut him almost as deeply as he had cut me.

  As he glared up at me, eyes glazed with pain, his anger mounted, and I saw his hand twitch. His survival instincts were rising up just as I was running out of juice. A moment longer and he would be able to regain control of his body.

  I tightened my grip on my daughter, who was still crying, and ran for the figure in the distance. Before I got very far, the figure appeared in front of me, and I was forced to skid to a stop.

  Kind, worried blue eyes shone down at me. "You are so brave," Mais told me, "Silvius would be so proud." The tears came faster now, and I gave him a weak smile.

  "Thank you, Mais, thank you so much for this," I told him and hoped he could see the gratitude in my eyes. "Come with me," I urged him. "He knows who you are now, and he won't forgive this. You'll be safe with me." He gave me a sad smile, and I knew the answer before he said it.

  "I can't survive in that world. Not without my Gift. It's a part of who I am. I'd rather die whole than live as half a man. And if I do die, at least I'll die knowing she is safe." His gaze shifted to Noelani, before he leaned in to kiss her on the forehead. Frightened as she was, she still managed to give him a small smile.

  I opened my mouth to argue, to convince him to come with us, but before I could utter a word, he laid a hand on my shoulder and then all I saw were stars.

  Chapter 1

  Westin

  Writhia, 5219

  Ettria

  “We found the girl, Your Highness.”

  General Westin Airoldi’s low voice echoed ominously off the marble walls of the king’s private study. At his side was a young girl, no older than a child. She was dressed in rags, and her long, light- brown hair was matted with dirt. In front of them stood a large, ebony desk, behind which sat the regal silhouette of the King of Ettria. Shadows obscured his face, and all Westin and the child could see were the king’s pale hands clasped in front of him.

  The girl's narrow frame shook with fear, but, to Westin’s surprise, her eyes remained dry. He had brought many a weeping citizen to stand before the king, but it would seem this girl had more courage than some full-grown adults. He watched as the small girl looked around the room with large eyes, taking in the black, marble floor and the black, silk drapes that covered the windows. The far wall was covered in bookshelves, upon which stone beasts watched their every move. The king’s penchant for dark colors often made people see him as more intimidating than he actually was.

  The king stood and strode around the desk, the shadows receding to reveal a tall, slender man with a small smile. Westin thought there was something off about that smile, but before he could ponder it any longer, the thought was swept away like a leaf in a current.

  He shook his head and refocused on the king.

  Westin often thought that King Azmodeous seemed carved from living marble; the angular planes of his face were smooth and pale but fixed, calling to mind the appearance of a statue.

  “Tell me your name, child,” the king purred, his voice a deep baritone.

  Westin felt the girl stiffen beside him and he brushed her arm with his hand to reassure her that he was there. Though Westin was rather large and the undefeated general of the king’s armies, he knew that he appeared less intimidating than royalty.

  The girl remained silent, too nervous to speak. She would learn in time that King Azmodeous wasn’t as hard as he appeared.

  “Her name is Zoë Leoni,” the general said for her. “A drifter from the Wastes, Your Highness.” Westin couldn’t hide the curiosity in his voice as he wondered what the king needed the girl for.

  The king leaned over the girl, so close that she had to crane her neck to look at his face. “Do you know who I am?” he asked. His voice was soft and unthreatening, yet the girl shook with fear, her small form seeming to flicker in and out of existence. When she shook her head, the king smiled a gentle smile. “I am Azmodeous Moreau, King of Ettria. I’ve heard that you have a very special Gift. I’ve had General Airoldi here scour the land, looking for someone like you.”

  Young Zoë had a very rare Gift, one that was almost impossible to find. This small girl was a Traveler, someone who possessed the ability to jump between worlds. There were many alternate realities stacked up against their own, and Travelers were the bridges between those realities. They were the only ones who were capable of walking that divide. Not to mention, they were capable of teleporting within their own reality. All they had to do was picture where they wanted to go, like something out of the fairy tales of old. Westin hadn’t even heard of someone with this Gift since he was a small child.

  “I have need of your Gift,” the king explained in his soft voice. “In exchange for your help, I am willing to offer you a home here, with me. All the food you can eat, toys to play with, and a room all to yourself. Painted in your favorite color if you so wish. All you have to do is help me help my kingdom. Do you think you can do that?”

  Westin saw hope gleam in the girl’s large, hazel eyes. She was an orphan Westin had found in the Wastes, a lawless land of criminals. Convicted felons from all over Writhia were sent to live in the treacherous lands, and often those felons bore children who became lost or abandoned in the thick forests and barren deserts. According to Zoë, she had never known her parents. She made her living as a thief, teleporting into the homes and camps of others to steal food and clothes, and using her Gif
t to escape those who wanted to hurt her. Having never seen anything beyond the Wastes, she wasn’t able to teleport herself somewhere else, somewhere safer. Westin didn’t want to know what it had been like, growing up in such horrific circumstances.

  Westin himself had been blessed by the gods, enjoying a happy childhood with his parents and five siblings. Zoë somewhat reminded him of his youngest sister, the way the childlike curiosity gleamed in her eyes.

  "You mean I can live here in the castle? I'll be able to eat and drink as I please? As long as I help you?" Her soft, high voice asked from trembling lips.

  "Yes, my dear," said the king, looking a little lost at the thought of a child crying.

  Westin could usually control his emotions, but he felt for the girl as well. How kind of the king to offer her a home. Reasons like this, helping the innocent, were why Westin chose to become a soldier.

  "Yes, yes! I'll do whatever you need. Thank you so much, Your Majesty!" Zoë spoke eagerly, her trembling lips transforming into a broad smile.

  The king nodded his approval. "I need you to find someone for me. Do you think you can do that?” His voice held a hint of anticipation.

  Westin knew this was important, though the king had kept the exact nature of this mission a secret. He wondered who the king needed to find. A criminal? Another helpless child? An enemy of the kingdom? The list could go on and on.

  The girl nodded. “I’m very good at finding people,” she boasted, already trying to prove her worth. Westin couldn’t help but smile at her confidence.