A Kingdom of Shadow

by Clara Johnson

  He sighed. “I won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do, Ellyn.” He raised my chin to make me face him.

  “But, I want you to be part of this kingdom. My kingdom. This is a very important time of year, for everyone. I’m expected to have this ball because I must represent out time of peace. You’re the first light I’ve had to this dreadful event in a long time. Please say you’ll come.” He brushed a hair off my face.

  A part of this kingdom. His kingdom. It was to fathom it. I would never be able to return home, so all that was left for me to do was try and make this my home. Mother was safe and that’s what matters to me. This ball was important to him, and he was simply requesting my company. After all he’d done for me, could I really refuse him? As much as I wanted to say no—I couldn’t.

  “I will Jared. I promise.”

  ~ * ~

  I woke up in a dark room with nothing but the moonlight through the window to scare away the shadows. I sat up on my bed and pulled off the covers, then lit a candle. A cold breeze caressed my skin, making me shiver and threatening to blow out the light. In the kitchen, I saw the front door had been busted open and the fireplace was coated in ash and black logs with no sign of a flame. Had I not started a fire?

  Another breeze. Where were Mother and Albert? With each step, the floorboards creaked. I walked down the hallway to find Mother’s bedroom door wide open. There was no sign of Mother in her room—her bed had been folded as if she never slept in it. Further down the hall, my brother’s room was the same way. Moonlight shined through the doorway showing something wet on the floor.

  “Albert?” I called. “Mother?”

  As I approached Albert’s room, I knelt and touched the liquid. It was warm to the touch—fresh. The color was almost black in the candlelight, but the smell told me what it was.

  Blood.

  The trail traveled pass the frame leading into Albert’s room. I entered, scanning the area. Empty. His bed was neat—the same as mother’s. Old shoes remained untouched under the bed. A growl came. Whirling, I saw a pair of red eyes staring at me. I tightened my grip on the ax that I didn’t realize I was holding.

  I dropped the candle and rushed to the doorway, swinging the ax at the creature’s head. It vanished. Another growl. Another pair of eyes, only this time it was red with a golden ring around each iris. I saw this creature perfectly—the largest of the inferniwulves. The one that killed my brother.

  It was then when I saw where the blood had come from.

  I turned around and saw Albert’s neck was ripped open. His eyes wide with terror. His skin ghostly white. His corpse already gone cold.

  I was too late.

  Albert was dead.

  I woke up, wheezing and struggling to suck air through the weight on my chest. My heart pounded as though it would explode. Another nightmare. The same one. My stomach turned, and I rushed to the bathroom, where I vomited. Again and again. I wiped my mouth with my sleeve as hot tears streamed down my face. My eyes burned. I was too late. I hugged my legs for both comfort and warmth.

  I could still feel the weight of my brother’s tiny body in my arms. He’d been so cold, and I’d hugged him close as if I could warm him again, his head leaning against my shoulder. That cold was all I could feel now.

  Despite the warm air coming through the cracked door, it did nothing for the ice that seemed to encase me into its arms. Over time, this cold would consume me and I would lose any aspect of heat, both within my body and heart.

  Jared.

  I remembered the warmth of Jared’s arms around my waist, wishing it was here now. His arms pressing me against his body. My shield. My warmth. If I fell, he would catch me.

  I will never let you fall.

  If only he knew how far I’ve already fallen.

  CHAPTER 14

  Today was the day. The palace rumbled as its people rushed to prepare for the ball. The cooks had been up even earlier to prepare the feast as well as the meals for the rest of the day. Guards were station at every corner, doubling their efforts. Mia was back and forth with me and managing the other maids. We had spent most of the afternoon going through dresses and arguing over what would I should wear.

  I jested that we prepare for the worst with weapons and boots. She’d was not amused, but instead of scolding me, she warned me that the weapon choice for nobles—their true weapon—was their tongues. They’re able to talk you out of giving up even your most valuable possession of please.

  I imagined I’d be walking into a pack of hungry wolves. How I’m supposed to managed myself with such a group, I didn’t know.

  It won’t be so bad, I told myself.

  I would’ve thought a different world, would mean that the people would be different as well. It’d seem that no matter where I go, I’ll see the constant injustice. The homeless, merchants, soldiers—I’d already met a number of them and now, I would be meeting the higher class. It will take all of my strength not to open my mouth and yell at them for taking all the available resources from Jared to help themselves.

  But I had to be better than that. Jared needed me to be respectful even if the nobles didn’t deserve it. I would mingle, be polite, and bite my tongue the entire time. I understood why this was important to him. The treaty. He had to show that the peace between Isilda and Elra remained intact. I knew the very whisper of war can cause fear in the hearts of men.

  Even after thirty years, Jared would have to spend many more to prove that things are good between the kingdoms. And I’ll do my part in helping him—whatever it takes.

  I set out in the early afternoon to find Jonas before Mia could get her hands on me to spend hours painting my face, and shoving me into a no doubt uncomfortable pair of shoes that will end up hurting my feet. Jonas would be my port in the storm. I eventually found him near the guard barracks, holding pieces of paper. He already looked exhausted, this was going to be a long evening for him.

  “Hello Jonas, seems you have your hands full,” I called out.

  “Indeed, you’ve no idea what it’s like trying to read the captain’s handwriting when you have to post this duty roster in the next hour,” he whined. “Even a child has better penmanship.”

  He showed me a several-page list filled with something closer to scribbles or random shapes than handwriting. And he was building a duty roster from it? I pitied him, truthfully. Assigning guards to specific posts and changing shifts based on this was not my idea of fun.

  “You see what I mean. This is one of the main events of the year that gives me a headache.”

  “Is there anything I can do to help?” I offered.

  He laughed, then picked up his canteen and chugged down its contents, wiping his mouth afterward.

  “Not unless you want to fill this with some wine. Might take the edge off.”

  I shook my head. “I think the last thing we need is a drunken guardsman.” Although, having Jonas tumbling down the halls white he tried to slur orders would at least be diverting. I’d imagine Jared would be furious.

  He sighed. “You’re right as always Ellyn.” He stood and bowed. “Perhaps a dance then? It would make my night if I could dance with the prettiest girl there.”

  Blood rushed to my cheeks. I never imagine that he thought of me that way. He was probably just teasing me. Jonas was a charmer, but a silly one. Before I could answer him, a guard approached and whispered something in his ear. Whatever it was, it made Jonas sigh and frown.

  “I’m afraid I have more dreadful duties to attend to, my lady. I’ll see you at the ball.” He bowed to me again and left.

  It was time to get back to my room anyway, before Mia discovered I wasn’t there. I believe the wrath of that woman wouldn’t get me far. It was best to be on her good graces. I hurried back to my room to find her already waiting for me.

  “You’re late,” she said.

  I shrugged. “Sorry, but the thought of being painted up like a doll made me consid
er running away.”

  Her lips twitched. “So, why didn’t you?”

  I shrugged. “I remembered that you’d probably have the guards hunt me down or you would yourself.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “With a brush, no doubt.”

  “No doubt,” I repeated.

  ~ * ~

  The girl in the mirror looked familiar, but it wasn’t me. She was beautiful. Her golden hair was pulled back with a braided crown. Her eyes had been painted with a light blue shade to match her eyes and appeal to the similar blue dress she wore. Several of the seams were embroidered with a golden trim. Her face had a light layer of paint. She was thin, too thin in places but managed to have a small curvy figure. Her shoes weren’t as tight as the previous ones Mia made her wear—making it the only good thing she could think of.

  She was beautiful, but she wasn’t me.

  Mia and another servant clapped their hands to their mouths at the sight of her and their eyes widened with glee. They told me how beautiful she looked. The king will be pleased they said. Every girl will want to be you. I forced a smile and thanked them both.

  Mia had prepared herself for the ball before she attended to me. She told me she would be joining me due to the His Majesty’s orders. I supposed he was giving me an easy way out to complain of illness if I wanted to leave. I would have to thank him for it later.

  She wore a simple but elegant red gown that she told me she made herself. She looked lovely and bright.

  “You look beautiful Mia,” I complimented.

  She offered me a smile as thanks.

  “My dear, you look beautiful. I’ll have to fend the boys off of you.”

  I rolled my eyes. Boys weren’t something I was interested in having this evening. This was nothing more than some special occasion that I’m only going to because Jared asked me to. Earlier in the day, I had Mia show me the proper way of eating at a table with nobles. While I’d thought I had good table manners, her standards were extreme.

  I wasn’t sitting straight enough. My seat was pulled forward several inches, then I was too close to the table. I chewed my food too loudly. I need to take smaller sips of the wine. Mia was patient with me but insisted I needed to practice further. I believed she eventually gave up on me.

  She’d shared stories of what to expect from the men especially. Often, they would forget they were in a king’s court and stuffed their bellies with the food, burping too loudly. Drinking too much wine and being loose headed. We shared our own laughter when she acted out the scenes.

  She glanced outside and deemed it time for us to head to the ball now that many of the guests have arrived.

  When we walked into the ballroom, the group was slightly smaller than I expected, but they still filled the room. People from all over the kingdom were here tonight. Many of the men wore badges on their uniforms. I assumed the symbol of their houses or something to show their services to the kingdom. Women were dressed in fine lace and silk of all colors.

  Mia had to leave my side for a time so she could check on the servants’ progress. I eagerly searched for familiar faces among the strangers. I felt as though I was a sheep—lost and alone. Jared was mingling and speaking with a small group sipping a glass of champagne.

  The group of people around him laughed at something he said. He had a way with words I would never understand. He held himself as king as well as spoke like one. He knew how to talk to his people. I admired him for it.

  One of the servants offered me a glass of champagne. I took it and thanked him as I sipped it and almost gagged. The taste was bitter. Why people liked such dry, gross drinks I would never know. Still, I kept it. Perhaps the taste would improve with time. I made my way to the food. The table was covered with fine cheeses, fruits, and bread. I sampled a strawberry, which was immensely sweet.

  Someone tapped on my shoulder, and I turned to see Jonas. Feeling relieved that it was him.

  “Ellyn, by the goddess, you look beautiful,” he exclaimed.

  Thankfully, the paint on my face hid my blush. Jonas was in a uniform, but it was clear that it was meant for special occasion purposes only. It was deep maroon with a golden trim like my own. He stood tall, making his broad shoulders stick out. His sword and dagger hung by his side with his hair cleaned, and slicked back into a small ponytail.

  “You look handsome as well,” I said. “You clean up nice for a guard.”

  He ran a hand on the top of his head and puffed his chest. “I always look handsome. This is just the less dirty version of myself.”

  He took my hand and kissed it. “I believe you owe me a dance later.”

  “I never said I would, you know.” I winked.

  He placed a hand over his heart. “My lady, that just breaks my heart. Please, let me know if you changed your mind.” He bowed and walked back to his post.

  I immediately wished Jonas stayed with me. His company seemed to warm the entire room. No matter how bad I felt, he always managed to bring a smile to my face. It made me grateful for his friendship, even if that friendship made me want something more with him. I only felt this way with one other person, but I knew Jonas would be different. He had a sense of honor and didn’t care for the finer things in life. He was practical, which attracted me more to him than I expected.

  I sipped on my drink again. The taste was slightly better. I suppose I could learn to enjoy the taste. A woman stood next to me, sampling a taste of the cheeses.

  “Marvelous party, no?” she said. Her hair was red wrapped up into an elegant bun. Her dress was a light green and silver jewels covered her neck. Her face had way too much paint on it. She looked pretty despite it.

  “Yes, it is . . . my lady” I added, unsure how to address her.

  She took a gulp of her drink. “I’m afraid I haven’t seen you before, girl. What is your name?”

  Girl.

  “Ellyn Cromwell.”

  She looked me up and down as if studying me, but whether if by curiosity or disgust was not clear.

  I took a bigger sip of the champagne.

  “Your dress is . . . pretty. It matches your eyes,” she said, forcing a compliment.

  I returned the compliment with more enthusiasm to hold back the annoyance building in me. She told me about the designer who’d worked on this dress for months and just finished it earlier this week. She was the best. I ignored most of what she said after that.

  I was saved when Jared waved at me, gesturing me to over. I walked to him and the two married couples with him. The men were dressed in military uniforms with badges on their chest. Generals no doubt. Their wives were similar to the woman I had just met. Too much paint on their faces and their hair too bright.

  Jared was also wearing a uniform of gold and red, but with a dark red cape and his golden crown. This was the first time I had seen him with it on. It fitted him perfectly, making him look handsome and . . . kingly. I felt out of place standing beside him.

  He introduced me to Lord Ardgard, Lord Grimson and their wives. Lord Ardgard and Lord Grimson were both retired generals who moved into the trade business. Lord Ardgard imported wine from Grishway and Lord Grimson focused on the imports of fish with Esneway.

  “Your Majesty, who is this lovely creature you present us?” Lord Ardgard asked. He was a large man with an even larger stomach. His hair showed signs of gray and wrinkles beginning to form on his face. A man approaching his late forties, I guessed.

  “Ellyn Cromwell. She is my new guest,” Jared introduced me.

  I gave a small curtsy.

  “New guest, Your Majesty? How long will you be staying here, my dear?” Lord Grimson asked me, sounding stern.

  I got the impression he wasn’t happy with my presence—especially for any extended period of time.

  Jared had made it clear that I was to stay here because I couldn’t return home. I wasn’t sure if I should reveal that information. I glanced at Jared, hoping he would answer for me.
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br />   “I-I haven’t decided yet,” I stuttered.

  Everyone raised an eyebrow to Jared. The women both gave me an accusing glare. What were they assuming? That I was here to bed their king? When I was about to continue, Jared interrupted me.

  “Her home was unsuitable for her health. She helped me when my men and I were injured by a wolf attack while we were hunting. She stopped the bleeding and saved my life.”

  Inferniwulves he didn’t specify. I made a mental note to not bring that subject up.

  “Oh, my girl, that was so brave of you,” Lady Ardgard gasped. “If it weren’t for your quick wits, we may not have our king.”

  Something in her voice told me she wouldn’t have minded if she did. My gut twisted at her words. These people had ambitions I didn’t want to know. Did Jared know of their intentions? I’d hoped that he did, and just ignored them with a smile.

  “You owe a life debt to this young girl? Your Majesty, I thought you were better on your feet,” Lard Grimson said grimly almost glaring at Jared.

  “Life debt?” I asked.

  Everyone looked at me in surprised except for Jared. He lowered his head for a moment, not looking at me.

  “You don’t know?” Lady Grimson spoke.

  All I could do was shake my head. What were they talking about?

  “I suppose you’re unfamiliar with our ways seeing you did not grow up in a . . . suitable house,” she continued. “Our king was saved by you, girl, he now owes you his life. A life debt. It is within our ways that if someone saves your life, you owe them a life. You are to spend the rest of your life giving them what they desire, whatever they ask of you because they risked themselves to save you. A life for a life.”

  A life debt? Is this why Jared brought me here? All of his kindness was because of a life debt? I felt a sting of betrayal. My blood began to boil. Why didn’t he tell me? I didn’t want anything from him. What did he expect? That I would demand a kingdom—his kingdom? I didn’t want anything like that. I acted, with no expectations of a reward. He was in danger and I was the only person able to help him.