The Kingdom Chronicles Box Set 1

by Camille Peters

  “I did not,” I snapped midst my wracking coughs, breathless sputters, and spitting out mouthfuls of water. “I just wanted to see what was behind that waterfall.” I clutched my head and moaned. “Ow.”

  Alastar crouched down. “Let me look at that.” He poked his surprisingly gentle fingers through my hair. “You have quite a bump.”

  “Great, I’m going to get amnesia and forget all my memories. I’ll likely wander the Forest as a madwoman with no clue as to my real identity until I’m devoured by an escaped dragon that may or may not be one of the ones stalking the Sortileyan palace.” And then I wouldn’t be able to participate in Eileen’s royal wedding, a thought even more unbearable than that of temporary amnesia.

  Alastar actually chuckled. “How do you come up with this stuff?”

  When I didn’t answer, his fingers froze in my hair before trailing down my face to hook beneath my chin and raise my head up. I shivered at his touch and practically melted at the deep concern lining his eyes. Hazel eyes, and rather pretty ones, too.

  “Are you in jest or is that a genuine worry?”

  I shrugged helplessly. “One never knows.”

  “Then let me assure you that is a plot twist not in your future.”

  “In this chapter,” I muttered.

  “Not from this injury at the very least.” He returned to it. “I believe you’re safe from any negative consequences except for”—I hissed in pain at his prodding—“it being rather tender.” He withdrew his fingers and I had the strangest notion to ask him to touch me again. “While I can’t do anything for your injury, I can at least alleviate your other problem.” He tugged off his cloak and draped it rather tenderly around my shivering frame. I tugged it more tightly around myself and was enveloped in the most delicious honey-lemon scent that made me slightly dizzy.

  Warmth tickled my cheeks as I focused on the ground rather than him. “Thank you for coming to the aid of a damsel in distress, despite her claim of not needing a gallant knight.”

  I peeked up at him. A faint blush filled his cheeks. “You’re welcome. Thank you for the food.”

  I smiled shyly. “Are there dragons in the Sortileyan palace, Alastar?”

  He met my gaze with a crooked grin that sent a jolt of warmth seeping over me. Goodness, his smile was adorable. “Mm, well I’ve never seen any, but isn’t it more fun to pretend there are? It makes for a better story, don’t you think?”

  I felt my grin widen. “That it does.”

  And it was in this manner that Aiden and Eileen found us when they returned—settling a temporarily truce…for this scene in our story, at least.

  Chapter 5

  Eileen sure knew how to write stories, for her happily ever after was utterly magical. Even in my dreams I could never have imagined attending such a grand occasion. The decorations were lush. Visions of lace and streamers of white flowers of all kinds—roses, daisies, jasmine—adorned the gilded ballroom where the reception was being held.

  The wedding itself had been enchanting. Eileen and her Aiden stood beneath a floral archway woven with branches from the Forest, their hands clasped against one another’s hearts as they exchanged vows, beautiful promises to love and cherish one another forever. I’d waited my entire life to find the man to speak such beautiful words to, the act of giving my heart in order for him to cherish it forever.

  I embraced Eileen the moment the ceremony concluded. “I’m so happy for you.” Ecstatic was admittedly the more accurate word. “I always believed you’d find true love. Everyone has a prince.”

  “As do you, Rosie.” Eileen gave me one final squeeze before embracing her mother. Of course I had a prince—my heart fluttered as I remembered the storyteller’s promise—although he was quite slow in coming. Perhaps I’d meet him tonight amongst all the prestigious guests attending the reception of the crown prince and his new crown princess. The splendid scene unfolded in my imagination—our eyes would catch one another’s from across the crowded ballroom and time itself would stop as our hearts connected. I couldn’t wait!

  I caught sight of the King of Sortileya sitting on his gilded throne, watching the proceedings with a bored regality. Seated beside him was the Dragon Princess, Princess Seren. Both were frowning towards the newlyweds with clear disapproval for the union.

  Aiden and Eileen wove through the crowds hand in hand as they received the congratulations of their regal guests, Eileen’s expression full of joy, no sign of the slight uncertainty I’d caught glimpses of the past few weeks. Aiden leaned down to whisper something into her ear, likely the most romantic of endearments, evident by the way her blue eyes lit up at his words and her standing on tiptoe to brush her lips against his.

  I sighed wistfully. So romantic. Imagine: Eileen was now the Crown Princess of Sortileya, and I, Rosalina, was her best friend. Surely this marked the beginning of my own grand adventure.

  I turned away from the happy couple and flounced through the crowd, losing myself in the surrounding splendor. Nobles dressed in fine silks and ladies arrayed in glistening jewels swarmed around me and spun on the dance floor, their conversation and laughter mingling with the music from the orchestra. I mingled amongst the regal guests, getting a thrill whenever I introduced myself as Lady Rosalina, the new crown princess’s best friend.

  But after several minutes of mingling, the allure of being amongst so many prestigious people began to wane. The conversations were all the same—discussing the lavish decorations, what so-and-so was wearing, and gossiping about titled individuals I didn’t know.

  I excused myself from a trio of gossiping ladies and wove through the crowds, searching for a familiar face so I could engage in more stimulating conversation to pass the time. I paused in front of one of the gold-encrusted full-length mirrors to admire my elegant dress, a gown of lilac satin that fell in lovely ruffles. I turned to see it from all angles before twirling, loving the way my dress swirled around my ankles. With my lush gown and my golden hair twisted in an elegant updo, I looked very much a princess myself. Oh, bliss!

  I froze when my gaze caught sight of someone in the mirror, a handsome, golden-haired man. I swiveled around and frantically searched the crowds, but there was no sign of him. Where had he gone? I craned my neck, searching, and was just beginning to wonder whether the man I’d glimpsed had been trapped inside the mirror when I spotted him laughing jovially across the ballroom.

  My heart fluttered as I hungrily stared at him, soaking in both the fine cut of his regal uniform and his chiseled features so I might sketch both of them onto my heart in order to keep the memory of him there forever.

  As if sensing my gaze, he glanced over, and for one beautiful moment we stared at one another across the ballroom, just as I’d imagined in my earlier fantasies. I nearly melted when he flashed a dazzling smile and winked. Ooh, he was extremely handsome, deliciously so—the essential characteristic for one’s true love. I had to meet him and see what other connections we shared. Immediately.

  Introduction. I needed an introduction, but the proper way to secure one was to have someone already acquainted with this dashing stranger be the one to supply it, and I had no idea whom to ask. I couldn’t ask Eileen, currently in the middle of her own celebration, which unfortunately left only annoying Gavin.

  I began searching for him in earnest, but he was nowhere to be found. I gritted my teeth. What was the use of having a relation who was a member of the court if I couldn’t even use him to my advantage? It was most vexing.

  After several unsuccessful passes through the ballroom, combing my gaze across every face, I sighed in defeat and made my way to the refreshments laid in elegant and tantalizing arrangements on the surrounding banquet tables. Chocolate was the best way to quell even the most bitter disappointments.

  I inhaled a chocolate pastry in three delicious bites. Still chewing the moist, fluffy goodness, I seized a gold-lined plate and filled it with all manner of chocolatey sweets before beginning another round of searching.


  “What are you looking for, Miss Rosalina? Your prince?”

  I stiffened at that familiar deep voice. Him. I turned to the stoic guard standing rigidly in his usual place against the wall, despite his not being on duty. While we’d settled a temporary truce of sorts at the waterfall the week before, a day hadn’t passed when we hadn’t exchanged our usual spar of words, a ritual made easier since he was always conveniently—or as I liked to look at it, inconveniently—around, guarding my primary companion.

  But for once I wasn’t annoyed to see him, despite him having caught me drowning my sorrows in dessert. “Alastar, I need you.” I scampered over. He cocked his eyebrow.

  “In need of an accomplice to hide your stolen goods? I caught you pilfering sweets.” His lips twitched as he took in my full plate.

  Why did guards have to be so observant? “I didn’t pilfer anything; I’m a royal guest. Besides, everyone knows chocolate has magical properties to help mend the hearts of disappointed heroines.”

  “Are you a disappointed heroine, Miss Rosalina? From my observations, you’ve been floating through the reception as if you were the princess yourself.”

  My cheeks burned. How did he know that had been tonight’s fantasy?

  “For that, I won’t share any of my sweets with you.” I made an exaggerated show of enjoying a brownie oozing with frosted goodness. His expression remained rigid. I bit back a sigh. What was the point in riling a man when he appeared entirely unriled?

  “Even off-duty guards are dull,” I said as I investigated my spoils and selected a cookie. “You never react when you’re supposed to.”

  His lips twitched. “I couldn’t help but notice that you’ve seemed rather bored from all the shallow conversation.”

  Had he been watching me? A strange flutter tickled my breast at the thought, but I fought to appear indifferent as I delicately rolled my eyes and indelicately inhaled the entire cookie in two large bites, dribbling crumbs. “You’re breaking our truce.”

  “I don’t recall signing any contracts of late, Miss Rosalina. Now please don’t keep me in suspense. If I’m to act as an accomplice in raiding the desserts, I’d like to know my role as soon as possible.”

  I fought against my smile. I could always count on Alastar to provide entertaining conversation. “I won’t be requiring such a service.” I extended my plate. “Take one.”

  His lips twitched as he selected a chocolate. “Bribing me?”

  Perhaps a bit—I couldn’t keep anything from him. “I’ve spotted a guest with whom I’d like an introduction.”

  “And you believe I, a mere guard, can supply it?”

  “No, I need you to point me to one who can. Have you seen Gavin?”

  “Sir Gavin left early, for he’s being sent to Lyceria early tomorrow morning in order to negotiate some trade agreements.”

  Of course my slippery cousin—fourth cousin, I reminded myself—wasn’t around when I needed him. Traitor.

  That left me no choice but to rely on this guard, who shifted between villain and knight depending on his moods. Which role did he play tonight? I nibbled my fingernail. Perhaps I should offer him another sweet in order to get into his good graces.

  “How disappointing. How will I ever secure an introduction now? I suppose you’ll have to do.”

  “Your enthusiasm for my assistance makes me so eager to render it to you.”

  “Won’t you help a damsel in distress?” I gave him my most imploring look, even batting my eyelashes. His expression didn’t falter. Annoying. “If you can’t supply an introduction, can’t you at least give me his name?” The name of my true love was a start, at least.

  “If you point him out and I happen to know him, then I’ll be happy to…” His expression hardened. “Wait, his name?”

  “Of course. I spotted the most handsome man when our eyes met across the dance floor; it just may be love, but how will I know unless I speak with him? You must help me.”

  He sighed and, expression still hard, turned to scan the crowds. “Where’s this special man who’s already swept you off your feet?”

  I stood on tiptoe to search. “I can’t see him. What if he’s already left and I’ve forever missed my chance? Oh, this is awful.” I wrung my hands at my horrible plight.

  “I’m sure we’ll find him. Then I’ll arrest him.”

  I gasped. “Arrest him?”

  Mischief flashed in his eyes. “In the course of my interrogation you can get all the information you need from him, including his name.”

  I searched his expression to see if he was serious. With his usual expressionless countenance, it appeared he was. Panic clawed at my heart. “Alastar, you can’t do that. That’ll ruin everything.”

  He chuckled. “I know.”

  Odious man. I continued craning my neck, searching, but the handsome stranger was nowhere to be found. I groaned in frustration. “I can’t find him. Are you having better luck?”

  “It’d be easier to assist in your search if I at least knew what the man looked like.”

  “He possesses all the essentials: he’s tall, blond, handsome…”

  “Of course he’s handsome,” Alastar grumbled, his bad temper seizing him once more. “Is that the only reason he’s captured your interest?”

  “Being handsome is a wonderful start, not to mention he did wink at me.” I became all fluttery at the recollection.

  Alastar had the audacity to snort. “Sounds like a scoundrel to me.”

  “He most certainly isn’t. He’s absolutely perfect and—oh! There he is, Alastar. Do you see him? Do you?” I seized his arm and pointed to the dashing man I’d just spotted in the crowds. Alastar’s expression, if possible, became even more fierce. He gave the handsome man a skewering glare before the crowds once more swallowed him up.

  “Of course,” he spat. “Him.”

  “Do you know him, Alastar? Please tell me you do.”

  “Not personally, but I recognize him as Crown Prince Liam of Draceria.”

  For a moment I stood frozen in shock as my mind scrambled to catch hold of his words. Then my excitement exploded. “A prince? Ooh, I knew it. Just like a fairy tale.” It appeared Eileen wasn’t the only one whose happily ever after included a dashing prince. Mine did as well, just as the storyteller had promised.

  Alastar said nothing, only continued to glower. I frowned, both fascinated by his rare display of emotion and frustrated by it. “What’s gotten you so ruffled? Stop pouting and introduce me.”

  “I’d rather not.”

  I pressed my hand to my hips. “Why not?”

  “It’s too presumptuous for a mere guard to approach a prince.”

  “But I’m practically royalty. Can’t you make an exception?”

  “You may be practically royalty, but I certainly am not. Now why don’t you return to the reception?” With that, he walked away. I glared at his back.

  “You aggravating, uncooperative, villainous man. Consider our truce over.” I stomped away, seething, feeling a mixture of satisfaction at putting as much distance between me and my antagonist as possible and also a strange need to return to him and mend the rift that had sprung up between us.

  I pushed aside that ridiculous notion and focused my attention on searching for the dashing Prince Liam—imagine, an actual prince!—but he remained lost to the crowds. What a tragic end to what had been a glamorous affair, and it was all that guard’s fault. The aggravating man had a knack for getting under my skin unlike anyone I’d ever met.

  No, I wouldn’t think of him, not when he was thankfully no longer around. Alastar-free thoughts were the best ones to have at all times, especially at royal weddings.

  Time for more chocolate. I returned to the refreshment table and began to eye the desserts for the one most likely to wash away my romantic disappointments. Before I could select one, a man appeared at my elbow, holding a glass of punch.

  “Are you in need of refreshment, lovely lady?”

  I s
wiveled around and my heart skittered to a stop. Him. His Highness Prince Liam. For a moment I stared, at a loss as to what to say. What introduction did one give a man after sharing a romantic connection across a crowded ballroom?

  I finally thawed enough to shakily take his offered glass. “Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Your Highness.” I curtsied and flashed my most charming dimpled smile, which he returned with a wide one of his own. I nearly melted. Ooh, he was positively handsome, not to mention he was already proving to be quite the gentleman.

  “I felt I must come over and introduce myself to the best friend of the new crown princess,” he said. “I’m Liam, Crown Prince of Draceria. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He took my hand and kissed it. I thought I might faint. “And your name is?“

  My name? Wait, what was my name? Get it together, Rosie. “My name is Rosalina, Your Highness.”

  “A beautiful name to match a beautiful girl. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must find my sisters.” He bowed and departed.

  I stood in shock as I watched him get swallowed up once more by the crowds. It took several moments before I finally managed to float away from the refreshment table. The rest of the reception was a blur. I could think of nothing except for Prince Liam, his dazzling smile, and the special moment we’d shared.

  So this was how happily ever afters started.

  Chapter 6

  “Not so rough, Rosie dear, you’ll ruin the crust if you’re not gentle.”

  I looked up from rolling out the dough for the crust of the apple pie we were baking, which I’d been pounding with an aggressive fervor, as if it were to blame for my melancholy. Since abusing the dough was out of the question, the next best method to venting my frustrations was to complain.

  “When is she going to return?”

  Mother didn’t even need to press for details to know what had me in a bad mood. “I’m sure it’ll be soon.”

  “Not soon enough. Eileen has been gone on her wedding trip for over a month—a month in which I haven’t had a chance to see her.”