Smoke and Mirrors (Smoke and Mirrors Series Book 1)

by S. N. Nair

  “Rose, you touched the creature without losing your fingers, now can we please lea…”

  “We need to help it. Jessamine, help me lift it so we can bring it back home.”

  “I am not going to drag this beast back home so that it can eat us.”

  “Jessamine, it is hurt.”

  “Why do I even try?”

  I ignored her once again as I ran my hand across the fur of its large head. I smiled as it closed its eyes at my touch.

  “I am going to help you, but its going to hurt. Just promise that you won’t try to bite me.”

  “Now she expects the wolf to understand us. Rose, are you actually expecting an answer or…”

  My hand tore at the hem of my dress as I tried to staunch the bleeding.

  "I just mended that dress!"

  The arrow was lodged in too deep and I knew better than to just pull it out. Doing so would shred through its organs, and cause it to bleed to death. All I could do at this point was to try and stop the bleeding as much as I could while different ideas flashed through my mind on how to extract the arrow. I had once watched my mother deal with a soldier who had a similar injury, it should not be much different in this case. This was extremely difficult as a one-person job and I couldn’t rely on the rambling mess behind me. My sister was still pacing, talking to the air... yet she said that I was the one who had gone mad.

  “War and death bother her so much, yet she sits on the ground with a wolf while its blood pours all over her clothes.... and she is not going to be the one to wash it out.”

  My brow furrowed with concentration before the sound of hooves caused my sister to stop her incessant rambling. I shivered as a chill ran down my spine, the last thing I needed was for him to show up. Not now… please not now. I placed myself closer to the wolf as I watched the King’s Guard ride into view, their large chargers boxing us in.

  “Well…well, what are you two lovely ladies doing here by yourselves?”

  My jaw clenched as Sir Maxwell, the King’s Head Commander, stepped through the human barricade. My body tensed as the soldiers around him nocked their arrows, pointing them at me…or rather, the wolf behind me. Jessamine immediately ran to my side, she might not always agree with my choices, but she will always stand by me.

  “I don’t believe a stroll through the woods is a crime, Sir.”

  “Well, you should be out celebrating, you two ladies would have been a lovely addition to the party.”

  “Celebrate what? The deaths of thousands..."

  The rest of my words never left my lips as an arrow flew right past my ear before burying itself deep into the tree behind me. Jessamine pulled me to the side just as I saw the face of who almost killed me. The King himself was standing before him, I knew that it was his arrow that injured the wolf, but I thought he would just send his minions to retrieve his prey.

  “You’ve got quite the mouth on you, my lady. It could get you hurt.”

  “Thank you for the advice, Your Majesty, might you consider taking your own ad..."

  I hissed as Jessamine stamped on my foot, I yanked it out from under her. She gave my arm a pinch as I glared at her.

  “Rose, hold your tongue.”

  I opened my mouth to retort to my sister, bur felt silent when I heard movement from behind me. The wolf had stood up and started to slowly make its way in front of us, placing its body as though a shield between the King’s Guard and us.

  “The beast chooses to protect you.”

  “The only beast I see is you, Your Majesty.”

  Extra Chapter: Beast’s Lair

  Rose Elken

  My heart kept its fast pace as I sank into a wooden chair, shivering slightly despite the fire burning in front of me. What was I going to do now? I had no choice, but to follow orders.

  “I still cannot believe what you did, Rose. Of all people to mouth off to, you chose the King. Now look at what you have gotten yourself into.”

  My sister’s chiding fell on deaf ears as she placed our shawls on the nail. I expected to be thrown into the dungeons for my insolence against the King, but he just gestured his men to tie the wolf’s legs together. I screamed at him to let it go, but he told me he wanted to see if my healing skills were all that the villagers said they were. He wanted me to go to the castle and stay there till I healed the wolf. If it lived, I would become a Royal Healer... if it died, I would be thrown in the dungeons. I stood there, frozen in the forest, as he rode away with his guards... my freedom riding away with him on the back of a horse.

  My sister knelt before me, taking my shivering hands into hers. I looked up to see her eyes shining with tears.

  “You have to go to the castle.”

  She held me steady as I shook my head again and again. I didn’t want to go there, I might not be able to come back if I didn’t heal the wolf... I might never be able to see Jessamine again.

  “Promise me you will behave, Rose. Just keep your head down and do as your told. You are all I have left, I cannot afford to lose you."

  "Our father had died during the war, his death meant that our only means of putting food on the table was gone too. My mother took up the task of bringing home the money, working day and night as a healer. The stress of losing her husband, raising two daughters and being the only one bringing money finally caught up to her. She passed three summers ago, leaving Jessamine and I to care for ourselves. Jessamine was good with her needlework, and many ladies brought dresses and cloths to her in exchange for money. I, on the other hand, after forcing myself to learn to read one of my mother’s books, decided to collect herbs and flowers with certain properties and sell them to the villagers. As time went by, I began to learn how to mix poultices as well as the techniques to mend injuries. The money we brought in did not bring us a life of excess, but it was enough for the both of us.

  I silently nodded, she gave me a small smile before pulling away from me.

  We spent the right of the evening packing away the things I would need for my stay in the castle. Jessamine did most of the packing while I stared at the wooden walls of our home, this had been my home for nineteen years and this day might be the last I see of it. My hand traced against the pattern of the wood, smiling as I felt every scratch and chip. A sob caused me to turn around, Jessamine was standing over our bed, holding one of my dresses as she cried. Tears slid down my face as I walked to hold her, both of us now sobbing.

  ******************************************************************************************************

  The carriage shook as we traveled over the bumpy cobblestone, the rocking slowly making me nauseous. The King’s Head Commander had come personally to pick me up, at first light, along with a few of his soldiers. I hardly saw the need for such an escort, but did not voice that out as I remembered my sister’s words.

  “You are quiet, today. What happened to your smart mouth?”

  Sir Maxwell’s words were insulting, but his tone was good-natured. He had been staring at me intently ever since I set foot in the carriage, I had tried my best not to make any eye contact. He was amused by my silence, one side of his mouth quirked up in a playful smile.

  “My sister told me not to speak out of turn, Sir.”

  “You are not a prisoner here, Rose and I am not Xander. You can speak freely to me.”

  My eyebrows rose when he addressed the King by his name as if they were friends... I could not fathom the King being able to be friendly with anyone besides his sword.

  “Well since I have your permission. I truly feel like your prisoner, your King gave me an ultimatum that keeps me in the castle where I cannot see Jessamine, and if I fail... I will be thrown into the dungeon.”

  “We were planning to come to your house anyway, Rose. Xander had just relieved the Royal Healer of his post, and grew interested in how highly the villagers spoke of your practice. Many of the healers grew up within the castle, learning only through books. You have been practicing your craft, learning on your own
and have done well. The only reason Xander pushed this on you, is because you spoke your mind about him, which people rarely do.”

  I spend the whole night crying with my sister over my possibility of not returning, when I was going to have to go to the castle one way or another. Our tears were the result of his temper tantrum. Sir Maxwell could see the many thoughts running through my head and started to laugh. I was going to ask more about my stay when the carriage halted... we are here.

  Sir Maxwell helped me down as I took in the sight of the black monster in front of me. The castle was huge with tall towers, it stood strong with black stone as well as gold accents. I turned to see the drawbridge closing behind me... separating me from the rest of the world. We were now in the courtyard, various servants bustled around us like bees, stopping only to bow before Sir Maxwell. A few servants hurried to the carriage to help with my bags while Sir Maxwell took me into the castle itself. Inside, there were even more servants, ladies dressed in silk finery were busy being fussed at by their handmaidens. I kept my head down and followed till we stopped before a large door.

  “This is the castle library, Rose. You can entertain yourself here, your handmaiden will be here shortly to take you to your quarters.”

  He turned to leave. Now I was alone in this huge room filled to the brim with books, I strolled past the numerous shelves stopping to pick up books about plants. I continued to explore this labyrinth of knowledge before I realised that I was not alone. There was a man in front of a large window, staring at the view of the village as his hands moved to capture its beauty. His black hair matched the stonewalls, his clothes spoke of the same finery as the ladies of the court, he had to be noble. He must have sense my presence as he turned around, and I was greeted by the eyes as blue as the sea... his gaze was cold as he looked upon me.

  “The King is not here, and before you ask, I know not where he is.”

  With that he turned back to his masterpiece.

  “I am here at the King’s request, but I am not looking forward to the time we meet.”

  That seem to garner his attention as he put his book aside, turning his body fully to me. He had a much leaner build as compared to the King and Sir Maxwell, but he carried himself as regally as they did. His eyes seemed curious, after my confession, as they gazed at me.

  “Is that so? Well, aren’t you an oddity? Most women can’t wait to meet the King, and you sound like you cannot wait to leave the castle?”

  “To be honest, if I had a choice, I would not have stepped foot into this place. I am here on the King’s orders.”

  He silently pondered my words. My curiosity got the best of me and I walked towards him to pick up the book at his side, sitting beside him to take a look at his work. Each picture was breathtakingly beautiful, there was life in each stroke and every detail of the world had been captured by his hand. I wanted to see more before he snatched it away from my hands, putting it behind his back.

  “I am aware my work is paltry, there is no need to mock me.”

  “Mock you? Your work is truly magnificent, you have a gift. So much beauty captured in a few strokes.”

  “Do not lie to me.”

  “I swear that I am not lying. I am jealous, actually. I always wished I had the talent to paint or draw, but I think my calling lies elsewhere.”

  He sat up straighter at my words, the pride visible on his face. I wonder why he thought lowly of his work, such artwork could fetch high prices in the town square. I was then aware of the fact that I had been speaking to this man without even knowing his name.

  “Forgive my manners, I forgot to introduce myself. Rose Elken.”

  He nodded to acknowledge my name before taking my hand, bringing it softly to his lips.

  “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady. I look forward to seeing you around this place, I could show you more of my work... look at my rambling, I have not introduced myself. My name is Stephen Blackwood.”

  Extra Chapter: Waltzes and Wine

  Xander Lykos

  I closed my eyes in frustration at the colourful ribbons being waved in my face. I hated festivities like this, but when a foreign king decides to pay a visit, such displays are needed to put on show to establish good connections... anything less would be an insult to the visiting monarch.

  “This truly is a sight, isn’t it Xander?”

  I turned to Romin who did not look me in the eye, entranced by the dancers before him... as long as he was kept happy. Ribbons of gold silk were wrapped around each column, the chandelier sparkled, filling the room with its light. Nobles chatted at the sides of the ballroom as they watch the dancers as well, the women’s eyes filled with disgust while the men’s were filled with lust. The hypocrisy in the air was laughable, this nobles would sneer and put down women who did not dress conservatively, but would leer at them the second they got a chance to. The dancers continued their performance as more low-rank nobles entered the hall, they just the opening act before the herald formally announced our more esteemed guests.

  “I believe so, Romin.”

  Romin was our guest of honour, and had already helped himself to my wine, swaying in his seat in an attempt to move to the beat of the drums. The herald's trumpet sounded, causing the nobles to turn the the entrance staircase, gossiping about those who were about to enter. They would belittle them behind their backs, but grovel at their feet when they came face to face in hopes of securing marriages between their children so that they could move up the rungs of the ladder.

  “Presenting Their Royal Highnesses, Princess Risha and Nera of Miryia.”

  Romin clapped wildly as his two daughters descended down the steps, their elaborate blue and purple gowns forming a train behind them. They seem to glide across the ballroom till they reached their father and me. They curtsied with such trained grace before looking up to meet my eyes, smiling rather lavishly. I walked down the raised platform to kiss their hands.

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Princesses.”

  “Oh do believe me, my King. The pleasure is ours.”

  They curtsied one more time before walking to the side. Romin gave me a sly smile as I returned to my seat.

  “Xander, tonight might be the night you find a bride. I assure you there are truly women of good breeding amongst us tonight.”

  He was making no effort to hide the fact that he wanted me to marry one of his daughter to forge an alliance. Hell was going to freeze over before I let our kingdoms merge, forcing me to take on all the debt he built up from choosing to throw lavish parties instead of improving his kingdom.

  The herald continued to announce the various aristocrats, all of whom humbly bowed at the feet of my throne, but I knew better. Some of them had plotted to take my throne away from me after my father’s passing, they were lucky that the proof seemed to have disappeared before I could have them executed for treason.

  “Presenting His Royal Highness, Prince Orion Lykos of Avarelia.”

  My head snapped up as my brother strutted towards the thrones before stopping, arms open. No care to my position was given, I left my throne to embrace him... it had been years since I last saw his face.

  “Brother, were you not supposed to be in Teris to complete your studies?”

  “You underestimate my ability, dear brother. I completed my studies much earlier than expected, so here I am.”

  “What kept you?”

  “I am sure you know, brother, Teris has much to offer and I had to sample many of its jewels.”

  I shook my head as I clapped my brother on the back. We walked back to my throne where the servants had already prepared a chair for Orion. It was a comfort to have him back, at least now I had someone to share my misery with... although he enjoyed such festivities.

  “Presenting His Lordship, Lord Stephen Blackwood of Avarelia and Miss Rose Elken of Avarelia.”

  Orion made an affronted noise at the mention of our half-brother, he saw their existence as an insult to our mother. My father w
as a great king, there was no doubt about that, but his various discretions left much to be desired. Orion woke me up with a sword to my throat before my coronation, asking me to swear that I would not take any mistresses. It was an easy promise to make, I did not see marriage in the cards for me, although I knew one day I had to for the sake of my lineage. Orion held a more disdained view of our half-siblings as he was the one who had to stay and watch our parents fight endlessly about my father’s affairs while I was away in battle.

  “It seems that bastard managed to snag himself a lady after all.”