I make sure I arrive early for our departure, settled atop Diago’s saddle. My brother only glances at me with pursed lips, but doesn’t comment on my riding horseback instead of being safely tucked away in a carriage. I’ve invited two of my Ladies-in-Waiting to join us, ones who I know are proficient riders. It will benefit my brother’s cause […]
Queen Amaria arrived with much fanfare, but not that of a Queen of Rezia. No, her entrance was more fitting of a King. Instead of being helped out of a glamorous carriage, she rode in at the head of her retinue on a gorgeous white horse. Trumpets announced her approach, and flags in the sapphire and silver colors of Movalon […]
“I don’t want that,” I told my brother as he held out my birthday gift. He blinked at me and then exclaimed, “Evelyn, that’s no way for a Princess to behave!” “Well, that’s no riding cloak.” I crossed my arms and stared him down. “This is a very fine cloak made by the best seamstress in the Kingdom.” He held […]
Not a bad day, Henrik thought as he threw a cover over his stall. He frowned at the small cage next to the box of displays he would lug home. Only one little dragon didn’t sell. Now that the season had concluded, with what he was sure was great fanfare, no one would be in need of further adornments for […]
“Let me show you mine,” the woman holds out her arm to reveal a glistening ruby adornment that matches her shimmering gown. A tiny dragon’s head rests atop her middle finger, its bright red body of scales wrapping around her wrist and up her forearm, ending in a tail tipped in gold. “It’s a Rubymawed Fireball.” She glances at her […]
“Anyone can learn to string sentences together and form a cohesive narrative,” the professor projects into the full classroom as he strolls from one side of the room to the other. “What makes a storyteller is pouring your soul onto the page.” He pauses for effect. “Emotions. Experiences. Truth.” His voice booms. “What about fiction?” a student asks. The professor […]
Oh no, no, not again. Don’t react. You’ll cause her to panic. I fixed my face into a pleasant smile. “Well, how does it look?” the woman in my shop asked, clasping her hands and jumping up from the chair. “I’m just going to need to make some adjustments,” I replied, easing her back down into the seat. “Eyes on […]
I strolled through the streets of Vrezar with Brayden at my side. In place of the gallows, vendors had set up stalls of fragrant foods, produce, and flowers. Some sold or traded their crafted furniture or woven rugs, as everyone was rebuilding their homes. Neighbors lingered in the streets, chatting and laughing. I shook my head, a grin on my […]
We pulled our boat to shore under the cover of darkness. Rage boiled up within me the moment I stepped foot back on the mainland. But startlingly, a kernel of fear resided in my heart. I reminded myself that I was the one with all the power now. The tables had turned. That brought a vicious grin to my face. […]
To read from the beginning, start here. If you missed Part 5, click here. … Dyanis smiled at me. “I was right about you Aleryn. You are truly noble at heart.” Behind the smile was a sadness I couldn’t understand until he continued. “But you’re naively optimistic. We both know the logical choice here.” Before I could stop him, Dyanis […]
