But what she hated most about these waking moments was knowing what was coming. Behind each of the other four outer crystals was a figure, and she turned her head to look behind her. Outside of her own crystal was a woman with a face fit to break hearts and a body to inspire sin. A slowly lashing tail swayed behind her, broad leather wings protruded from her back, and thin, oddly attractive horns extended from just below the hairline of her forehead.
The succubus smiled, and her voice echoed in Serel’s mind. “Hold still for your medicine, Serel.”
Serel wanted to fight, but the brand she bore didn’t allow that. Instead, she held still as the demon’s hand slipped through the crystal like it wasn’t there with a syringe in hand. The needle pierced her skin with a sharp pain, and Serel gasped as it penetrated her heart. The injection, though, was pure, raging pleasure and lust, as it blew away all thoughts once again.
“Good girl...I’ll be back next week, darling.” The demon cooed in her mind, and Serel almost didn’t hear it as the demonic blood seeped through her veins.
* * *
Queen Calath read the letter again, her fingers trembling as she did so.
To Her Majesty, Queen Calath Iris Contessa,
As I have been training to rule for my entire life, this letter pains me, but it is necessary. I, Princess Phynis Contessa hereby renounce my claim on the throne of Sifaren. I renounce my membership in the royal family of Sifaren, and all claims of nobility that derive from my family. I declare myself without family or kin, and that any children of my body will likewise be removed from the lineage of Sifaren. This I so avow before the gods themselves, may they witness my oath to be true. A copy of this letter has been provided to the Royal Archive and the Royal Council, that it may take effect as soon as possible.
By My Own Hand,
Phynis Contessa, of the line of House Contessa, Earldom of Everium
P.S. This is for your eyes alone, mother. How dare you? How dare you give Desa an order that asked her to betray me? How dare you betray your own daughter for political expediency? If you had told me originally, I might have even agreed, but you went behind my back. You avoided speaking with me when I was in Vara’Sel, and left me to be shattered by my experiences.
And then, when I chose to take a slim glimmer of happiness in the darkness of my life, you tried to rip it away. I am done with this, mother. I am done with Sifaren, as much as it pains me to say so. Zanath can have the throne, as much as it hurts to throw it aside. I am going to stay here and try to find happiness in the ruins of our forebears. And I think that with Sistina I will have it.
I’m certain that Desa added her own dispatch that included Sistina’s reaction, so I will not bother addressing how badly you handled that either. Goodbye, mother. I doubt we will meet again.
Finishing the letter, Calath found her vision blurring. As the first hot tear trickled down her cheek, she felt a century older as she whispered softly. “What have I done?”
Author’s Note
For those that wonder, Ancient Ruins is intended to be the first book of a trilogy. I’ve plotted out books 2 and 3 as well, and they are solidly in place. For books beyond that? I could come up with two or three more that involve Lily, Phynis, and Sistina in particular, but they are not going to be part of this story arc. Anything beyond that is unlikely at best for the foreseeable future. So for those who care, this is going to be a trilogy. Don’t expect anything more, but also don’t expect anything less. Now, on to information about me.
I believe I have a degree of Asperger’s Syndrome, based on some of my own habits and focus on some topics. Those topics are primarily books and games that are Fantasy and Science Fiction, and even more focused on elves and succubi. Due to this, I will warn that the latter two species will be exceedingly common in my writing. Best to let others know in case they don’t like such topics, hmm?
I write because I enjoy creating and telling stories. My earliest work was truly horrible, and will never see the light of day again. I sure hope I’ve improved since then! As a game master for roleplaying games, I’m modestly competent. Not perfect, but no one ever is. And if you have questions about characters, feel free to ask! If they’re a minor character, though, please refresh my memory? I have created literally thousands of characters, so I don’t always remember which one is which.
I have to thank my parents for supporting my hobbies, even if I’m mortified by the thought of them reading this story. I thank my wife, Jessica, for supporting me and acting as a sounding board. I want to thank Joe for reading and proofreading the story, and also allowing me to insert him as the experienced cleric of the adventuring party within the pages. And thank you, everyone, who reads the story.
And if you like it, please give it an honest review. It’ll motivate me to get off my lazy butt and write another one. In fact, I’ve already started on book two, currently working under the title of Spells of Old.
Ancient Ruins (Ancient Dreams Book 1) Page 37