By Shirley Martin
Digital ISBNs
EPUB 978-1-77145-060-7
Kindle 978-1-77145-627-2
WEB 978-1-77145-6289
Amazon Print 978-1-77362-264-4
Second Digital Edition
Copyright 2015 Shirley Martin
Cover art by Michelle Lee 2015
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
Allegra–Come with me, Allegra. The husky voice echoed through her dreams, causing a shiver to run through her body. Let me take you to where you will be safe. A tall man stood before her, his arms outstretched. Allegra, you are in danger, danger, danger. . . .
“My lady, wake up!”
Someone was shaking her shoulder, disturbing her sleep. She turned onto her side and nestled under the covers, unwilling to abandon the dream voice.
“My lady, you must wake up!”
Allegra fought off the dregs of sleep and blinked her eyes open.
Elsa, her maid, bent over her, a lantern in her hand emitting a dim light.
“My lady, someone’s here to take you–to take both of us–to Avador.” Her maid’s worried tone dispelled the last remnants of her dream.
“What?” Fully awake now, Allegra sat up.
“We are being moved from Elegia to Avador.”
“But why?” Shivering in the cool night air, she drew the covers up to her shoulders.
Elsa’s mouth tightened. “All I know is that your guardian just woke me a few minutes ago and told me to get you ready.”
“Well, I–”A knock on the door interrupted her.
“My lady, you must hurry! Take only what is necessary.”
“No! I’m not leaving until I discover the reason why.” She shoved the covers aside and jumped out of bed, rushing over to the door to jerk it open.
Her guardian stood outside her door. “My lady, please! You must hurry.”
”If you want my cooperation you need to tell me why we must leave in such a rush and in the middle of the night.” She drew herself up to her full height and glared at her guardian.
“My lady, the only thing I know is that the Director of Security woke me up a short while ago and told me to take you and your maid to Avador. He said that your life is in danger. Now, please, hurry! We have horses outside.” He turned on his heel and strode out, leaving her standing in the doorway.
“Well!” A cold thrill shot through her body as she thought about her parents in faraway Fomoria. She shut the door and quickly dressed in the clothes her maid had set out for her, fumbling with the ties at the bodice of her dress.
And take only what was necessary? What about her books, the knickknacks sitting on the shelves, all the things that meant so much to her? The maid scurried about the room, gathering up her clothes, toiletries, and her few jewels, putting everything in a large velvet bag. Captured as a hostage at the age of ten, Allegra had been taken from the royal palace in Fomoria and sent to Elegia to guarantee that Fomoria would not break the truce that had ended the war between her country and Elegia. But now–
“My lady, time to leave.” Her maid stood in front of her holding her cloak. Allegra threw the woolen cloak over her shoulders and waited while Elsa fastened a gold brooch at her throat. She looked around this small but comfortable room, the only home she had known for the past nine years. She grabbed a holy book she kept by her bed and tucked it into the bag. Leaving like a thief in the night, she wouldn’t get a chance to say goodbye to the king and queen of Elegia. Even though they were on opposing sides, still King Andreas and Queen Catrin had always been kind to her, had made her feel at home, while she was so far away from her own country. Had they even been told she was leaving? she agonized. If they knew, why hadn’t they come to say goodbye.? Perhaps no one had told them. Her heart fluttered at the implied level of secrecy and what it could mean for her life.
Housed in the royal palace in the Elegian capital of Komartis, she’d never had reason to complain of her treatment. But she’d been a prisoner, just the same. And oh! how she missed her mother and father. Would she ever see them again?
“I believe that’s everything, or at least, all we can take.” The velvet bag in her hand, Elsa opened the door for her, then closed it behind them.
All was quiet in this early morning hour as they hurried down the marble hallway, then on down the steps that led to the main floor. Another long hallway took them to the door that opened onto the outside. With a bow, the footman held the door for them as they stepped out into the frosty night air.
Here outside the palace, two soldiers held the reins of their horses. Her guardian was already mounted with a small retinue of four soldiers. The guardian’s right hand was clenched around something. She idly wondered what it was but had other thoughts to occupy her mind.
Elsa gave her a worried look. “My lady, I’ve never ridden before.”
“You‘ll do fine, Elsa. Just hold on tight to the reins.” And let’s hope you can stay on the horse, Allegra thought to herself. Short and thin, the maid looked almost too delicate to maintain her perch.
The soldiers helped them mount. Forgoing modesty for speed, both ladies mounted astride. One of the soldiers offered to hold the velvet bag, to make it easier for the maid, and Elsa handed it over with a look of relief. Soon, they were off, starting at a canter, then they galloped, leaving the royal palace far behind. Allegra kept a wary eye on Elsa, mindful the maid was getting a rough initiation in horseback riding. Although she looked frightened, Elsa seemed to be holding up well.
Silent minutes rushed by as they passed a lonely hamlet, stirring up dust as they rode. Allegra turned at the sound of hoof beats behind her. “We’re being followed!” Straining her eyes in the dark, she saw eight riders, quickly closing the distance that separated them. Her heart beat rapidly and fear seized her at the signs of pursuit.
Her guardian turned to look. Raising his right hand, he released a phosphorescent ball, spewing a misty green spray that blew toward the followers.
She turned and watched in amazement. “What was that?”
“A soporific spray. It will put them to sleep. When they wake up, they’ll forget what they were doing.”
And forget they ever saw me, she exulted, her heart singing with joy at her escape.
* * *
In the Avadoran capital of Moytura, Rowan Leinster stood before the head minister in a room at the vast Hall of State, sunlight pouring through its wide windows. Red velvet draperies adorned the high windows; matching chairs were scattered throughout the room.
The minister looked up from a paper on his wide oaken desk and gestured toward a chair. “Have a seat, Rowan.” Tall and thin, his dark hair speckled with gray, Donat Fand was a conscientious minister, one Rowan had respected throughout the years he had worked with him. Both men were on a first name basis. The minister cleared his throat. “Bad news. The king and queen of Fomoria have been assassinated and the government overthrown.”
Oh, no! Will trouble in Fomoria never end? Having recently returned from a difficult mission to Galdina, this upheaval in Fomoria was the last thing Rowan wanted to hear.
“Look how long King Corvell struggled to keep a fragile peace between his country and Elegia. He was largely responsible for the truce that existed between Fomoria and Elegia. Our spies have told us there’s a faction that wants to renew hostilities between Fomoria and Elegia. This faction is behind the assassination and overthrow. Any peace that existed between the two countries is shattered now. Frankly, the truce was kept in place more because of Elegia’s forbearance than Fomoria’s restraint. There’s a certain group of men in Fomoria who like to stir up trouble with Elegia.. The king had little success in controlling them. You know Elegia has held the king’s daughter as hostage for years?”
“Yes, I had heard that.” And now the poor child has lost her parents. But what was his part in all of this? “Sorry, I forgot her name.’
“Allegra Dorsay.” The minister opened his hands wide. “Now who knows what will happen? The Elegians fear they can’t protect the princess should war break out again, a definite possibility. They’re afraid assassins will come after the princess and, destroy the entire royal family, since she was their only child.” His gaze focused on Rowan. “This is where you come in. Elegia has asked for our assistance. Since we have remained on good terms with them our queen has agreed to grant the help they request. They have sent the princess from the royal palace at Komartis and taken her to one of the Avadoran royal palaces, the one in Mag Bregha.”
“Not far from here,” Rowan commented.
“Indeed. As an extra precaution, we have posted guards at the palace. We told the guards and servants that she comes from a wealthy family and was widowed at a young age. They think her family sent her here to recover from her loss.. That’s all they need to know, besides the fact that we are paying them very well. No one knows of the princess’s escape but you and I. We will notify Queen Keriam and Prince Roric, but they are on a state visit to Galdina. The Elegians who escorted her have already returned to their country. You will take custody of the princess, see that she is well-treated.”
How old is this princess? Rowan wondered. He’d had very few dealings with children, especially royal children who tended to be spoiled.
The minister’s voice broke through his thoughts. “You speak the Fomorian language, don’t you?”
“Fluently, also Elegian.”
“Well, there you are. You would be best suited for this task. This is among your other duties, of course, as our liaison to the countries on the continent.” He sighed heavily. “One more thing. No one has told the princess that her parents are dead. I understand she had to leave Elegia rather clandestinely in the middle of the night., She was even unable to bid the king and queen goodbye. So, unfortunately, the unpleasant task of informing the princess of her parents’ deaths will fall on your shoulders.” He handed him an envelope. “Here’s a letter of welcome to give the princess, at a more propitious time, of course. It’s offering our condolences and our help whenever she needs it. It’s written in our language. My knowledge of the Fomorian language is not nearly as extensive as yours,” he said with a smile. He nodded. “That’s all. Good luck.”
“Very well, Donat.” With a heavy heart, Rowan rose and left the room, walking past the Avadoran flag in one corner, the statue of the Mother goddess Talmora in another. He understood the duty assigned to him but it was not a duty he relished. He dreaded having to tell the little girl that her mother and father were dead. His footsteps echoed on the marble floor as he exited the building and walked out into the early morning sunshine.
Allegra paced back and forth in her room at the palace in Mag Bregha, continually looking out the window as she studied the lay of the land. Questions flooded her mind. What had happened to her parents? Why had she been moved from Elegia to Avador? What was going to happen now? She wrung her hands together, wishing she knew something, anything! She longed to go home and see her parents.
So many years had passed since she’d last seen her mother and father, and although she had exchanged letters with them, correspondence was no substitute for being with them, for feeling their loving warmth. She fought the tears that threatened to spill;, lonely for her parents, missing her country. Dear mother and father, I miss you so very much.
Her thoughts wandered to her maid, who sat in a nearby chair, knitting a sweater. What about Elsa? Surely she missed Formoria, too, even though she was a widow with no family. They were two exiles, set down in a strange land. At least she wasn’t alone in her exile.
Settled in a suite at the palace, she couldn’t complain about her accommodations. She had a large, comfortable living area with wide windows that let in the sunlight. She marveled that this palace had so many windows, when her own castle in Fomoria had only a very few windows coupled with slits in the walls. Rose-colored brocade draperies matched a sofa in the center of the room, and chairs with a rose print flanked the sofa. The white marble floor shone with such a high gloss she could almost see her reflection in it. A spacious bedroom with a canopied bed and a clothes chest led off from the living area. Her maid had a separate, smaller bedroom.
Stopping by a window, she stared out, seeing a horseman approach the palace. To see her? She hoped so. No one had come to see her since her move to Avador., She felt almost wild with the need to know what was happening. Her only outside contact was with the servants who brought her meals and those who did the housekeeping. Queen Keriam and Prince Roric had left the country before she had arrived., They were on a state visit to Galdina, a visit long in the planning, she’d been told. She’d never before met them but hoped to have the opportunity when they returned. How she wanted to get outside, go horseback riding, visit the shops in the cities. any activity that would take her mind from her fears for her parents.
Enough whining! She must find a way to return to Fomoria. She had to—
A knock at the door interrupted her musings. As Elsa rose to answer the door, she fought to maintain a calm expression, reluctant to let anyone sense her anxiety.
“Princess Allegra.” A tall man bowed before her, so like the man in her dream! “Rowan Leinster, at your service.”
Her pulse quickened, her mouth gone dry. Was she finally going to learn what this was all about? Her heart hammered in her chest. “Elsa,” she said, “please leave us alone for a while.”
“But my lady–”
”Please.”
“Yes, my lady.” Elsa left the room, lips pursed in disapproval.
Clad in a dark green tunic and black trousers, a gold pendant sparkling around his neck, Rowan Leinster looked to be a man of importance.
“My mother and father–” she asked, trying to keep a tremor out of her voice.
”My lady, please sit down.”
“No, I’ll remain standing.” A lump settled in her throat; tears misted her eyes. If he was here to tell her the bad news she feared, she would remain standing. She wanted no one to think she was weak.
He sighed, his mouth working. “My lady–“
”Just tell me.! What has happened to my parents?”
“Princess, the king and queen were assassinated. I’m so very sorry.”
“No!” She clutched the back of a chair, the room spinning around her.
A look of sorrow crossed Rowan’s face. With infinite tenderness, he took her by the arm and helped her sit. “ I am deeply sorry, Princess. I truly wish it were not so.” He paused, as if searching for the right words. “Word reached us of their. . . their demise only recently. I understand that even your former guardian wasn’t told. The Elegian authorities felt you were in danger so they had to move quickly to get you to safety.” He sighed. “My lady, there is more I’d like to say, but I think it would be best if I left you now. I can’t tell you how sorry–“
“Enough! Please, just--.leave..” Despite her every effort to control herself, tears streamed down her face. She didn’t want this stranger see her at her weakest point. “I feared this on the night we left. . . .” She choked on her words and shook her head, unable to say any more.
He pressed his hand to her shoulder, then left the room.
* * *
Anger grappled with sorrow as Rowan left the princess and rode from the palace minutes later. Someone else should have told the princess of her parents’ assassination. The task should never have been left to him, a stranger to the princess. To hear of her parents’ deaths in this manner. . .
Determined to throw off his depressing thoughts, he recalled the princess’s looks. He had expected to see a young girl, but Princess Allegra was a grown woman, and a beautiful one, at that. Her ivory-hued skin presented a lovely contrast to her dark hair flowing down her back, and he’d never seen such delicate coloring, nor such violet eyes.
For now, he must forget his other obligations and think of the princess’s sorrow. To lose both of her parents, so far from home! His heart ached for her.
Family was important, he thought with a newfound appreciation of his own. When would he see his family again? he agonized, his mother and father, his three brothers. For too long, his duties had kept him from visiting his folks in Gairech, several days’ ride away. His family were all farmers. His brothers had always gravitated to the farm, but from the time he was fourteen or so he had sought a wider world, a world of travel and diplomacy. They had supported him despite not being able to understand his wish to leave the family farm. When he married again, he’d want his family to meet his new wife.
More than the princess, thoughts of Fomoria vexed his mind. With the assassination of the king and queen, he feared what the war party would do next. If war broke out again between Elegia and Fomoria, Avador might well be drawn into the hostilities. Avador would not accept the defeat of Elegia. The two countries had maintained peace for centuries, long before Fomoria had stretched its warlike muscles. But what would happen now?
Riding past villages and farmland, Rowan breathed in deeply of the early spring air, cool but with a promise of warm weather and budding crops. How he loved his country, every hamlet and city. Avador must remain at peace. He would do all in his power to assure that outcome.
* * *
After Rowan Leinster left, Allegra fought to control her emotions. In spite of her efforts, tears flowed down her cheeks. She brushed them away, well aware that tears would gain her nothing. She must not show any weakness, nor feel any faintheartedness.
Tired of being shunted from one place to another and letting other people dominate her, she vowed that from here on, she would be her own mistress. She would determine her own destiny and make her own decisions. And if Rowan Leinster thought he could manage her, he had a surprise coming.
She resolved to return to Fomoria and avenge her parents’ deaths. But how? She was just one woman, and an exile, besides. Yet despite her years away from her country, she knew that the people of Fomoria were–had been–loyal to the king and queen. Oh, yes, she recognized that there was still a war faction in Fomoria, ambitious men who wanted to continue the war with Elegia. But both countries had declared a truce; to renew the war would undo all the good the armistice had obtained, all the good that her father had accomplished. Too many men on both sides had lost their lives in this war.
She recalled years ago hearing her father and mother discuss a distant cousin who had a legitimate claim to the throne through his mother. What had happened to him,? she wondered., How did he fit into the scheme of things? Did he support the war faction? Surely not, for if he cared about his country, he would want to see it at peace.
And that’s what I want, she vowed, ! More than anything, she longed to see a prosperous country, where no one starved and all men had a livelihood. A country free of war.
But first, she must avenge her parents’ assassination. She saw a long, hard road ahead, but she would let nothing stand in her way!.
“Rowan, when do you intend to be hand-fasted?”
“I’ve thought about it lately,” Rowan replied. He wondered why Donat Fand was asking him about his marital plans, as if the minister cared whom he wed.
He sat across from the minister, his mind working. “I need to find a woman who would make a suitable wife, a good companion who could help me with my career here at the Ministry.” He thought of his first wife, dead these many years, and wondered if anyone could replace her.
Yes, he needed to marry again, needed someone to help him advance in his career. Neala Dechtine, the daughter of the ambassador to Partholonia, came to mind. A lovely woman with silvery hair, she was intelligent and well-read, good company for a lonely man. She would surely make him a suitable wife, even if he didn’t love her. The ambassador from Galdina was holding a reception this evening; possibly he would see Neala there.
“I hope to marry again, and soon.”
Donat nodded. “Many suitable women here in Avador, daughters of ambassadors or well-connected daughters of prominent merchants or businessmen. But your wife must be from Avador. A foreign woman would not be appropriate. Actually, it’s not permitted by law.”
“Good to know.” Neala Dechtine came to mind again, a lovely woman if often a bit domineering.
Donat shuffled a few papers on his desk. “Normally, I don’t concern myself with the personal lives of my assistants. But lately I’ve had health problems,” he said, lightly touching his chest. “This position can be very demanding. For a long time now, I’ve had you in mind to replace me.” He nodded. “I intend to recommend you to the queen as my replacement whenever I retire.”
Rowan’s heart leaped, but just as quickly he berated himself. He admired Donat and regretted that he suffered a serious illness. “That means much to me, but I’d hate to see you leave. You’ve managed the Ministry of State quite ably and have kept the peace in Avador.”
“Thank you, but I am getting older and tired. I hope to return to my home in Ros Creda soon, devote more time to my family.” The minister smiled. “Now, you spoke of peace. We can thank Queen Keriam and Prince Roric for the peace we have enjoyed, and of course, King Tencien before them. May it remain so. Now, the Parholonian ambassador is hosting a party this evening. I trust you will attend?”
“I’ll be there.” And hoped to see Neala. Despite his nebulous plans of marriage, the prospect of seeing her didn’t thrill him.
* * *
The Partholonian ambassador’s residence was truly splendid, a three-story sandstone mansion of thirty rooms, one Rowan had always admired. The reception room held a crystal chandelier, where a host of candles burned. Candles in iron sconces throughout the room bestowed a warm glow on the vast marble-floored space where hundreds of men and women had gathered.
Gold goblet in hand, Rowan sipped dry wine and surveyed the room, recognizing many of the guests. Dressed in silks and furs, their jewels gleaming, the guests mingled in groups, their voices rising and falling. Sounds of laughter carried throughout the room.
A strong musk scent drew his attention to a woman who approached him from the right. “Rowan, I haven’t seen you for a long time.”
He grinned. “Not since last moonphase.”
Clad in a gown of deep blue satin, Neala was as beautiful as ever, her gown revealing ample cleavage. Diamonds glittered from her silvery tresses, her hair arranged in an upswept style.
She waved her beringed hand. “That doesn’t count, only a few minutes when we met by accident in Talmora’s Square.” Her voice was low and sultry, as if trying to seduce him. And was she? For some inexplicable reason, he didn’t care. She tapped his arm. “Word is that the Minister of State intends to name you as his successor.”
Rowan’s head jerked in her direction. “Where did you hear this?” How had word gotten beyond Donat Fand’s office?
“Here and there. It’s well-known that Fand thinks highly of you. Also well-known is the fact that he suffers from heart trouble and has been thinking of resigning his position.”
He pretended nonchalance. “Let’s hope that Donat Fand stays in his position for many more years.” He had to deflect the conversation. “How have you been? Are you planning anything special?”
“Actually, yes I am. I plan to journey to Galdina next nine-day to see the mountains and volcanoes.” She smiled. “I’ll be away for one moonphase. Will you miss me?” she asked with a sultry glance.
“Of course,” he answered with a smile. At least he hoped he would miss her. She was an engaging woman, but she failed to set his pulse racing.
A few minutes later, she walked away to seek out the ambassador to Elegia.
In the early hours of the morning, Rowan left the ambassador’s residence and headed for his apartment on Granno’s Way. The night air was cool and crisp, a light breeze whispering among the trees and bushes. Drifting clouds hid the moon and stars on the coal black night.
Marriage came to mind again. He needed a wife, he realized with a newfound regret for his single life. He needed a woman to come home to, to bear his children, someone to love until the end of time. But he didn’t love Neala. Should he wait until he found someone to love? No, that might never happen. He’d propose to Neala, he decided. If she refused him, it wouldn’t break his heart.