Kingdom of Refuge (Gemstone Royals Book 1)

by Kelly A. Purcell

  Jasper turned around and shook his head amusedly, taking in his friend in a simple white tunic and a pair of trousers; a stark contrast to the ankle length priest’s robe he wore during the day.

  “We both know none of you go to bed at this hour.”

  His old friend chuckled and picked up the lamp he had placed on table next to the door and eased past Jasper.

  “You are worried,” he said matter-of-factly, as Jasper followed him through the halls which led to the back rooms of the temple. It was where the priest’s quarters were as well as the library of sacred scrolls.

  “How could I not be? My sister’s fate is uncertain and even more bothersome is the fact that it is her doing. Did she visit the temple recently? Did you have any indication that her heart was no longer with her people?”

  Geoff stopped abruptly and with a sigh turned to his old friend. Jasper and Geoff had grown up together and considered themselves best of friends. A brotherhood had formed between the two boys as they walked in the shadows of their fathers. While Jasper was the son of the king, Geoff was the son of the High priest and chief adviser to the king’s council. They both knew that the directions their lives would take, would lead them down very different paths. Jasper’s was a path of war and politics while Geoff’s was a path of peace and confidentiality. They both served their people, their kingdom and their God, but in very different ways. And though Geoff often disapproved of what Jasper would often have to do, Jasper held a great respect for his friend and truly believed that he would make an excellent High priest one day. It was why he knew that Geoff would find another way to answer his question without betraying Ruby’s trust.

  Geoff was dedicated to the task of serving El in the temple, so much so that he had forsaken other viable paths for a man of his age. He was not difficult to look upon, with kind eyes set on a chiselled face of a nutmeg complexion, made him quite the talk among the maidens. Priests had the choice of choosing a wife or serving in singleness; Geoff had chosen the latter. Jasper often considered it himself, having failed to find a woman capable of capturing his heart. Unfortunately, as prince of Aldor, he would soon have to make a decision in that regard.

  “I am sorry that you and your family must endure such pain,” Geoff said, his large brown eyes solemn, “But you know I cannot betray the confidence of offered and overheard prayers.”

  “So, she was here, you heard her praying?”

  Geoff shrugged, “Your sister may have questioned her place in Aldor, but her heart is with our God. Would you like to talk? Or shall I facilitate an offering?”

  Jasper shook his head, Geoff’s words was supposed to give him some sense of peace, but he knew better. If Ruby went into that dark place with loyalty for El in her heart, he knew she would have a difficult time of it.

  “I um… I would like to do those as well, but first I need to browse the scrolls.”

  “Ahh, I see. Having trouble sleeping again?”

  “It is impossible to rest easy in times like these.”

  Geoff nodded his understanding, “Yes true. But you must entrust Ruby’s wellbeing into the hands of El. He has foreseen her hearts desires before even she has, and he knows what the best way is to reach her heart and return her home.”

  “I know, you are right Geoff, but I cannot help worrying for her. There is something else that troubles me, something about the turn of events in Dravia has my mind recalling a prophecy I read in the scrolls.”

  Geoff’s eyes sparked with recognition as if he knew to what Jasper was referring.

  “You speak of the Dravian king’s death and the disappearance of his heir.”

  Jasper nodded. Trying to decipher the odd look on his friend’s face in the dim light the lamp cast in the dark hallway.

  “I have been thinking of it too,” he turned abruptly as was his way, “come follow me.”

  There were many compartments in the Temple other than the priests’ chambers. But there was one, that only a select few knew of and had access too; the annals of prophecy. It was a safeguarded room, in the upper levels inside the temple. Selected priests spent their time guarding, caring for and studying the prophecies. It was not the same as the annals of the kingdom’s history, or the library of sacred scrolls. Instead it held divinely inspired words from El about future events and the great feats of the oracles who brought them in ages past. Oracles were men or women, chosen by El to hear his voice. For many years, Aldor had always had an oracle walking among them, the king was never the only one entrusted with being guided by El. But it had been many years since one had emerged, leaving the people solely at the mercy of the king’s vision. One of the scrolls of prophecy, outlined this period of silence, but it also hinted at a dark time to follow, during which an oracle would rise again. Oracles had always emerged from the priesthood and so the people waited with great anticipation for one of them to be chosen to bring in the new era of Aldor. Until then, all that was left to do was to guard and study the scrolls, which held the teachings and prophecies of El.

  It was not customary for the monarchy to concern themselves with study of the scrolls, but since Geoff had introduced Jasper to them when he was a youth, it had been his secret obsession. Geoff led him into the scroll room and at his presence the activity of the scribes and scholars stopped abruptly. Geoff eased past them without saying a word, and Jasper followed him into a small back room with a writing desk and chair. This was where Geoff spent most of his time. He never openly said it, but Jasper knew that his rigorous study of the prophecies and his dedication to the temple was coming from his hope to be called by El as the next oracle.

  “Here,” he said, removing a scroll from its place on the shelf with a gentleness that suited a mother with her new-born. Jasper leaned over and looked intently at the scroll, but Geoff reached over and directed his gaze to a place towards the middle of it with his finger.

  “Read here,” he said. As Jasper read the old language of their people, that only priests and kings studied, his eyes widened.

  “I was right,” he said.

  He looked up at his friend with wide eyes, “does that mean…”

  Geoff had an eager look in his eyes, even as a pleased smile spread across his face.

  “Prince Haddin is the one to bring in the era of darkness. He has to be. Everything else lines up.”

  “How can you be so excited about this?” Jasper asked, “we do not even know what this Era of darkness holds, or what it means for our people.”

  “It means the oracle will arise and El will direct us with his presence once more. With El we can overcome whatever dark fiend comes against us.”

  Jasper nodded slowly, a thoughtful frown on his face “if the prince is the one who sets everything in motion, then where does that leave my sister, who as we speak is within his very reach.”

  “It is all part of El’s plan Jasper.”

  Jasper’s fist slammed down upon the wooden table with an alarming thud.

  “El’s will?” he said, “or the will of two misguided children who have no idea what they are getting into.”

  He turned to leave, “I have to find her Geoff.”

  “And you will I am sure of it. But there is nothing we can do to stop the coming events, not even prince Haddin. Even if he could get to the Outlands and succeeds in awakening Maldeev, nothing will stop the plans of El.”

  He waved his hand about them, “it is written, El’s people win in the end.”

  Jasper narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, “you do not think he would try do you… to form an alliance with those people.”

  “Nothing will stop El from doing his will brother. You must have faith. Let Haddin and his cohorts do what they wish, El may be silent but he is not blind.”

  Jasper returned from the temple even more burdened than he went in. His sleep was even more troubled, and he spent most of the early morning counting down the hours until he could meet with his father. Once morning arrived he dressed in an airy white tunic with gold trimmings
and dark trousers tucked into his favourite boots and headed in the direction of his father’s chambers.

  It was always refreshing to be home after days on the road with his men, being weighed down by armor and weapons every minute of the day. But being around his family always refreshed him as well and reminded him of why he was so dedicated to the task of making Saharia a safer place for everyone. He was so preoccupied with his thoughts that he almost walked right by Louis. Louis was his chief attendant. In addition to seeing to the prince’s domestic needs, Louis had also taken up the responsibility of managing the more trivial responsibilities that came with being prince.

  “Prince Jasper.”

  Jasper turned around to find Louis scurrying toward him, his quick measured strides resembling mice prowling in the pantry at midnight.

  “Yes, Louis I am content with your choice of attire this morning and the bath you prepared was lovely,” he said quickly, knowing how sensitive the man was about pleasing him.

  Louis bowed, twiddling his thumb nervously, “I am glad you are satisfied my prince. However, there is something else that I wish to speak to you about.”

  “You know you can always speak your mind to me.”

  Louis nodded, “I know this is not the most opportune time your majesty but… there is a young lady asking for a minute of your time.”

  Jasper sighed, “it really is not the right time Louis. My sister is missing, and I can think about nothing else. I am actually on my way to find father to discuss matters of utmost importance.”

  “I know my prince, I understand. It is just that finding yourself a suitable bride on your own before your father is forced to, is also a pressing matter. You desire to marry for love, well... the only way that will happen is if you give these poor young ladies a minute of your time.”

  Jasper turned to face him fully, “you have never had a problem with making up an excuse for me and sending them away. What is so special about this woman?”

  Louis smiled widely, excitement lighting up his eyes, “your majesty I believe she is the kind of woman you desire. She is a duchess, hails from the Southern territory, her father governs the city of Milina. She is well spoken has shown herself to be brilliant and to have her own mind and very beautiful.”

  “Louis… I do not think I will be good company right now.”

  “Oh, but this might be just what you need.”

  Jasper sighed, “alright, just a meeting.”

  The duchess was waiting for Jasper in one of the sitting areas at the west wing of the castle. It was where most of castle events were held, just one floor above the ballroom with a beautiful view of the mountains of Krev from the extending balcony.

  Jasper walked into the room and bowed stiffly, “Good morning,” he greeted with a polite smile.

  “You must be lady Ana of Milina,” he said before lifting her hand to his lips for a light kiss.

  The woman curtsied and smiled, “it is a pleasure to finally put a face to the man behind the advancements towards a more peaceful Saharia.”

  Jasper smiled, “thank you.”

  He gestured to the couch and joined her in sitting, “what brings you to the Royal City?” he asked.

  “Your sister’s ball,” she replied, “I was so sorry to hear about all that has happened. You must be devastated.”

  Jasper sighed, “it has been hard on us,” he admitted, “but we Stones are strong and stubborn, we can take it and we always find a way to get around it.”

  Ana smiled, sweeping her long lashes at him, “I will remember that.”

  Jasper shifted in his seat uncomfortably, “Milina is one of our favoured cities. My father boasts regularly at the growth your father has made in trade. Our only desire is to accumulate more lands on the coast line.”

  “Yes, it will provide us with a stronger trading base and defense.”

  Jasper grinned, pleased with her knowledgeable response, “that is exactly it,” he replied.

  He took that moment to truly look at her. Louis was right, she was quite beautiful, a raw Aldorian beauty. Her brown skin looked pampered and soft, her long braided hair was elegantly pinned up behind her head, with golden hooped earrings accentuating the soft curves of her face. Bright brown eyes looked back at him, shining with the brilliance of a woman who knew what she wanted.

  “What can I do for you Ana?” he asked.

  “I like that you get right to the point your majesty. So I will,” she leaned forward and placed a hand on his where it rested on his own knee.

  “I know that we are both in similar situations. Our parents have great expectations of us, especially for the people we choose to marry. My father is of the olden ways and desires me for his second in command. He believes that I will stand by his choice even though I have proved capable of governing Milina. Instead he wants to hand over governing power to someone who is not family. But I… I have heard so much about you and I have longed to meet with a man of your honour and vision and know for myself if there could possibly be something between us.”

  “You barely know me Ana, how can you decide that I would be better for you than the man you have chosen?”

  “If I marry Tol I will be nothing but a beautiful image to stand next to him for the rest of his life. He does not care for my insight. But you, I could tell even before I met you that you were the kind of man who would see a woman and let her be her best and not be intimidated by it. I need that kind of strength in my life.”

  Jasper sighed, “I am flattered Ana. You are a beautiful woman and brilliant too. And I believe that a woman like yourself with so much to offer should be given a chance to use it. But… I am afraid I am not quite ready to pursue marriage, my mind is fully focused on the tasks I am assigned. I am sorry.”

  Lady Ana smiled sadly, desperation flashing in her eyes, “it does not have to be now,” she said.

  “You can make a commitment to considering me. All I ask is some time for us to know each other, to see for yourself what a great match we could make.”

  Jasper looked down at her hand on his, holding it tightly. He could sense the desperation in her tight grip. Whatever she wished to escape was a great burden for her, he could tell.

  “I was to choose you as a bride would you be happy to stand beside me here in Stone Vale, instead of governing your own land?”

  “Well that is exactly it, as Queen I could still govern Milina, I would have the authority to do so. And with you out on missions all the time, we do not even need see each other. It would be perfect for two people like us.”

  “I wish I could help you Ana, but I am not the man you think I am. This is not the way I desire to find the woman I will marry. Marriage is more than just an arrangement for me, it is a partnership fused together by love. If you were close by I would greatly consider getting to know you better, but I can make no such commitment. Especially one built on a foundation such as this. Please understand.”

  Ana nodded but he could see the unshed tears in her eyes. This is why he avoided these meetings, he always ended up breaking someone’s heart. He had never set out to be a heart breaker, but he could not compromise his beliefs. He longed for the kind of love his father and mother had for each other and he believed that El would direct him to her in time. Until then women like Ana would only get his understanding.

  He stood up and looked down at her bowed head, “I am sorry. I know this must have been difficult for you…”

  “They said you were cold, incapable of love,” she interjected, “but I believed you were different than what they said. Surely a man who does what you do must have great heart and compassion, but you have shown me otherwise.”

  Jasper looked across the room at a grimacing Louis, then back down at the distraught woman.

  “I am sorry that I did not meet your expectations Lady Ana. I pray that your journey home is a safe and comfortable one. Now I will excuse myself from your presence to avoid stirring up any more uncomfortable feelings.”

  He turned an
d walked out of the room, once again he was reminded of why he never took these meetings in the first place. So many women were looking for him to rescue them from some form of unpleasantness, but he dared not compromise on what he was hoping for.

  CHAPTER 14

  The city of Dravia was unlike anything Ruby had ever seen. It confirmed what she had believed to be true for a long time, that there was more to be seen beyond the walls of her father's kingdom. Yet, as she stood on the balcony of the palace, staring out at the tall mountains clothed in the pink flowers of the blooming trees, she wondered if it was worth it. After two days in the prince’s palace, thoughts of her home, her father, her siblings and her inheritance were beginning to turn into longing. And she knew that it would not be long before the beautiful view and the attention of a leery eyed prince completely lost its charm. Her vision of the beautiful tapestry of the prince’s garden grew blurry as regret welled up on her heart over what she had done.

  "Enjoying the view?" the honey-tongued prince appeared behind her, elaborately dressed as usual.

  He placed a hand on the small of her back and leaned close. Ruby took a deep breath and clenched her fists which were hidden behind the folds of the ornate dress she wore, hoping to steady her racing pulse. Every time he was near, discomfort assailed her, but she was yet to figure out what it was about him that disturbed her heart so, when her eyes found him so appealing.

  "It is quite mesmerizing," she replied, her voice surprisingly steady.

  He peered at her from beneath long lashes, his blue eyes searching, like he could see more than she showed. His eyes reminded her of her grumpy body guard, what was his name? Deswald. But the reminder was so only in contrast. Even though Deswald was openly disapproving, the kindness in his eyes always eased her any discomfort she might have had around him.

  Ruby took a step away from the prince, turning her back to the dazzling scenery. She wanted to face him head on, unlike her guard, she did not feel safe with him. If someone had told her that the day would come when she would miss her grumpy old shadow, she would have laughed in their face, yet here she was.