“Do not do this, Aurelio. You have no right. I am trying to protect this kingdom.” He stomps his foot like a child not getting the toy he wants.
“You think setting dragons to destroy the village is protecting the kingdom? You think poisoning the king is protecting the kingdom? Or what of lying about the future queen?”
“A queen who does not deserve the crown!” he wails.
“It is because of your traitorous acts that I even met Zanta. Had you never set out to destroy this kingdom, I might never have known her, and she would not be your queen. But we did meet because my mother died saving her from your mistakes, and now you will have to live with that. It is not up to you who I marry or who rules this kingdom. Certainly, it will not be you, ever.”
As I explain this, a look of utter shame and horror fills his eyes. “But . . . but . . .” is all he can say as he thinks it over.
“Guards! Take him to the dungeons,” I say sharply.
Two men walk in and bind Waylon before marching him away. I run my hand over my face and try to think of happier things, like perhaps the woman beside me.
I turn and look her in the eyes. “I am so sorry you had to hear that. He had no right to think you weren’t deserving of the crown,” I say, rubbing her arms, trying to warm the goose bumps.
She looks at the floor beside me as if ashamed. “It’s all right.” Then she meets my gaze. “I believe I’ve deserved the crown at this point.” She grins. “After all, I did just run the kingdom for a week.”
“Well…” I tilt my head as if truly thinking on it. “The people were rioting when I returned.”
“Yes, they also believed you to be dead by my hand,” she states plainly.
“I suppose that’s true. Very well, I believe you earned it as well.” I kiss her forehead.
“As do I,” Castel says from behind us. We both turn to find him standing in the doorway. “She has proven herself strong, willing, smart, kind, and most importantly, able to put up with me. I believe she will make a great queen.”
Zanta’s cheeks turn red. “Thank you.”
“Thank you,” Castel says to her. “For proving me wrong in every way.”
“It was my pleasure.” She curtsies.
“Indeed. Now, do we not have a wedding to prepare?” he asks.
THE SUN BEAMS brightly through the sliver of window not blocked by the drapes. I stretch my arms over my head, arching my back, before sliding back under the covers, rubbing at my eyes and turning so the light isn’t in my face.
I sit up, panicked. Is it really day? What happened last night? I remember Castel asking about the wedding, and Aurelio ordering the servants to prepare as fast as possible and to re-invite all of the guests. We ate a quiet supper in the private dining hall, just me and Aurelio. After that, everything is blank.
“Good morning, my lady,” three voices say in unison.
I jump back, turning while still sitting in bed, to find three maids standing at the end of it. “Good morning,” I reply, looking at Georgiana, Shyla, and Imani.
“We are here to help you prepare for the wedding, if you would like.” Georgianna steps aside, and I see my wedding dress draped over one of the chairs in the sitting room behind her. With blue fabric that shimmers, the whole gown is stunning with embroidered flowers and lace from the bodice all the way down the skirt.
With a sense of déjà vu overwhelming me, I step out of bed and approach the dress slowly, as if fearing it will disappear if I move too quickly. I run my fingers across the chiffon over the silk skirt. I use my thumbs and forefingers to grab the shoulders and pick it up, holding it against me as I look in the mirror. “Is it really my wedding day?” I whisper mostly to myself with a smile.
“It is, and we’d best be getting you ready for it. First, a light breakfast. Then you must bathe, and Shyla will put powders and blush on your face while Imani does your hair. Does that sound acceptable to you, my lady?” Georgianna asks.
“That all sounds lovely,” I say, still looking in the mirror. “But first I would like to see Aurelio. Do any of you know where I might find him?” I look up, searching each of their faces.
They all seem a bit confused. “No, ma’am. I am afraid we do not. But he instructed us to help you in any way we can, so if it is your wish, I can fetch him for you.”
“Thank you, Georgianna. I would appreciate that,” I say, though I want more than anything to go find Aurelio myself. This can’t be happening, and yet it feels as if I am living the same day over again. But even knowing that, I finish saying what I said the first time. “I presume Shyla and Imani can help me prepare a bath in the meantime.” I look to each of them, and they both nod in approval.
“Yes, of course,” all three say before dispersing, the tallest going to find my soon-to-be husband, and the others going to get a bath started for me.
Shyla and Imani return in no time, a bath drawn and ready. I undress, bathe, dry, and have just slipped into my wedding gown when Georgianna returns, a bit panicked. “Lady Zanta,” she blurts out before pausing to catch her breath. “You should come with me right away.” She’s still breathing heavily, which concerns me. How far did she have to run?
“What is it?” I ask as Shyla hurriedly does my dress up, and I me and step into a pair of slippers.
“The king appears to be in a bit of trouble. He asked me to get you immediately. He wishes for you to meet him in the meadow just past the gardens.” The girl’s face is pale, her voice filled with worry.
I don’t wait for more explanation, but instead, I run through the corridors, racing to get to Aurelio as fast as possible. What could happen that he would need me out there on today of all days, and in such a panicked hurry? My heart does a funny flip, beating but feeling like it’s not doing so correctly. I fear I may not make it to Aurelio before my heart stops working from worry.
I race past servants and guards going in and out of the castle, just doing their daily chores. I run through the courtyard and into the gardens. This can’t be happening again.
When I reach the meadow, Aurelio stands there as a human, just watching me, no expression on his face telling me something is wrong or right. I look down at my hands to make sure I’m human too.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” I ask, throwing my arms around him.
He chuckles. “Absolutely nothing. I just wanted to make sure you still want to marry me.”
I smack his arm. “Don’t ever scare me like that again. Do you understand?” I scold, feeling angry and relieved all at once.
He laughs again. “Of course. But you didn’t answer the question.”
“Oh, Aurelio, of course I still want this. In fact, I want nothing more. I love you. I always will.”
“I am so glad I let my heart lead.”
“And together, we’ll soar.”
If you would like to read more from the Skeleton Key series, click HERE!
Konstanz Silverbow has always been a dreamer . . . but not a writer. She was dragged into being an author. But since that day, she hasn't stopped. It has become more than a hobby—it is a passion.
During the day, Konstanz works at Rockpick Legend Co. making jewelry, and during her free time she can be found playing the violin, collecting dragons, and learning all she can about medieval weapons. But at night, she creates made-up worlds and places where those dragons come to life and the weapons are used in battle.
Young adult fantasy and paranormal author with a dash of romance, Konstanz Silverbow is the proud creator of magical worlds, fictional creatures, ideal super heroes, and sarcasm since 2007!
To connect with Konstanz, visit her blog: www.authorkonstanzsilverbow.com
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Curse of the Undead Dragon King (Skeleton Key) Page 12