The Carnelian Tyranny: Savino’s Revenge
Page 40
Holding the sword in her hand, she watched the small jewel glow and pulse. The Wounded Heart had taught her about hope and forgiveness, but the Ambrogia stone had shown her the love of Garon and His promise to always protect those who place their trust in Him. The sword was the perfect manifestation of what she hoped would represent her reign for years to come.
“Are you ready?” he asked, pulling her from her thoughts.
“Yes,” she replied. “I was just thinking about how well this sword represents all the things I want for my kingdom.”
Darian smiled. He helped her lift the sword up onto the hooks and fastened the piece of metal across the blade to hold it securely to the wall. “A beautiful new member of the family,” he said. “Behold the sword of a queen!”
They climbed down the scaffold as the rest of the family stood back to admire her new addition on the wall.
“Look!” Mark said, pointing. “Even from down here, you can see the jewel in the sword pulsing with light!”
Sure enough, it was easy to pick out her sword from the others from its glowing purple light that pulsed in the darkness.
“And now, Your Majesty, I believe that we have a long overdue appointment,” Darian said, placing his hand on Bertoldo’s shoulder. “Will you not join us for a family council in the Crimson antechamber?’
“Aye, I shall,” Bertoldo answered jovially.
“Family council?” she repeated, looking at Darian. As he nodded, she bit her lip. She knew this matter would have to be addressed soon, but she had hoped to put it off as long as possible.
Darian, Marisa, Bertoldo, Alessio, Cinzia, Arrie, Helena, Adalina, Savino, Matilda, Loris and Mark all entered the chamber and took their places around the slate table.
“Your Majesty,” Darian began, “both of our kingdoms are facing an ever-increasing threat from the Apollyon Order. Years ago, it had been decided that an alliance between our families would help strengthen our position throughout the Kingdoms and against the Order. Unfortunately, when the Carnelian disappeared from our world, we were forced to put this alliance on hold. But, now, we would very much like to renew our vow in creating this alliance.”
“I, too, wish to express my sentiments by affirming the desire to seal this alliance. But is Her Majesty’s brother prepared to offer himself to the task?”
All eyes shifted to Mark and Loris as the two brothers exchanged puzzled glances.
“What task?” Mark asked. “And which brother?”
Bertoldo gave him a sidelong glance. “To marry my daughter, Caterina. And you are the brother.”
Mark’s jaw dropped. “What? But she doesn’t even like me! I don’t even know her. This is…”
“Mark, please do not insult His Majesty,” Darian answered in a stern voice. “You were betrothed to the Crown Princess immediately following your birth after your father agreed to the match with King Bertoldo. I am sorry that you have not been informed of this until now, but, unfortunately, there have been other more pressing matters of late.”
“But, how…?”
Mark’s voice trailed off. He turned to Adalina. She gazed at him with sympathy as if saddened by the news, but she didn’t look surprised. He glanced over at his sister in final desperation. “Sis, can’t you do something about this?” he pleaded.
“I’m sorry, Mark. I have an arranged marriage as well. We all must do our duty.” She let out a deep sigh, shrugging apologetically. She had only found out about the betrothal a few days earlier and hadn’t found the opportunity to break the news to him yet.
“But that’s different,” he protested. “You love each other.”
“You shall grow to love my daughter in time,” Bertoldo assured him softly, furrowing his brow. “She is a pleasant girl once you have had the chance to secure her trust.”
“So that’s it? I have no say in this at all?”
When no one answered, he jumped to his feet and headed toward the door. The somber faces around the table watched him angrily stalk off. Adalina sprang from her chair and ran after him.
“Marcus, wait,” she called out.
“Your Majesty, we shall continue this discussion again soon,” Darian said softly, watching the two of them hurry from the chamber. “But, for now, I think it best that we leave matters as they are. At least temporarily.”
“As you wish, Your Highness,” Bertoldo answered.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I owe a debt of thanks to many people whose contributions, encouragement, feedback, and suggestions helped me pen the story that could not wait to be told. Without their assistance, skills and encouragement, you would not be reading this story today. And so I offer a word of thanks to the following people:
Debbie Hahn, for your endless enthusiasm and loyalty;
Christy Holley, for your eternal optimism;
Najla Qamber, for creating the most beautiful cover imaginable;
Tonja Drecker, for your excellent proofreading skills;
Elizabeth Bollinger, for your passion of the written word;
Samantha Colville, for polishing my jewel until it shone;
Cheryl Loeb, for showing me things in a different light;
Janice Blaszcyzck, for your smiling face and listening ear;
Ken Ward, for your calming words of wisdom;
Sydney McMahon, for introducing my stories to a whole new generation of readers;
Mom, for your devotion and enthusiasm;
Amy, Vincent, Joshua and Marcus for the love and daily inspiration you show me every day;
…and to Jan, for your bottomless supply of tolerance, patience and understanding!
I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart!
CLK
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The Third Installment of The Carnelian Legacy Saga
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Table of Contents
THE CARNELIAN TYRANNY
COPYRIGHT © 2014 CHERYL L. KOEVOET.
CONTENTS
CAST OF MAIN CHARACTERS
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
CHAPTER 25
CHAPTER 26
CHAPTER 27
CHAPTER 28
CHAPTER 29
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 31
CHAPTER 32
CHAPTER 33
CHAPTER 34
CHAPTER 35
CHAPTER 36
CHAPTER 37
CHAPTER 38
CHAPTER 39
CHAPTER 40
CHAPTER 41
CHAPTER 42
EPILOGUE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS