He shuddered at the memory.
“King Ezra, are you alright?” The ever-faithful Buford was staring at him with concern.
“Yes, Buford. I’m fine. Thank you for asking.”
Buford's image in the mirror looked aghast. King Ezra knew the words were long overdue. He met the butler’s eyes in the mirror.
“Do you remember the last few years, Buford?” he asked.
“I’m sure I don’t understand, King Ezra.”
“Just Ezra, Buford.”
“Sir?”
“I’ll take your confusion as a no. This is going to be difficult, starting all over again. It took ninety-nine years to get you to stop calling me sir.”
“Your Majesty?”
“No, not happening. Buford, call me Ezra. No sir, no king.”
Swallowing, the butler nodded.
“Please tell the men their king has changed his mind. He has thought long and hard over the counsel of his war cabinet and has decided not to go against the Second Kingdom.”
“Sir?” His eyes were wide.
“Ezra. Just Ezra, Buford.”
“Ez-ra,” he stuttered.
“Tell them instead that there will be a ball this evening. Invite all the men and women of the kingdom. In fact, send a message to the Second Kingdom. Please make them aware of the ball, and that their presence would be most welcomed.”
“Sire, are you alright? Should I send for the doctor?”
“No, Buford!” He laughed. “I’m feeling magnificent! I feel more alive than ever!” The king laughed again, and Buford took a step backward.
“See to it, Buford. Tell Mrs. Hausmeister of the arrangements. Anything she needs, she must have! Tell her she only has to ask.”
When Buford only stood there with his mouth hanging open and his eyes round, showing an alarming amount of white, King Ezra turned and bestowed a huge grin upon his old butler.
“Go on then, Buford. Your king is not crazy. Just suddenly very happy to be alive. Let's celebrate the fact, shall we?”
Buford snapped his jaw closed, nodded once, and backed out of the room without taking his eyes off his king.
King Ezra had lost his mind.
The devout servant swallowed and shook his head. He'd never seen the royal so cheerful. In some ways, it scared him, and in other ways, he didn't know what to think. He did as he was asked though.
When questioned, “What has come over our king?”
He could only answer, “I think His Highness is happy.”
To which, everyone just nodded with a perplexed brow.
Hearing a squeak of the door, King Ezra knew this time who it was. He turned around with straight shoulders and a small smile upon his face.
There she was. A woman who towered over his six feet, three inches. Her hair was the exact shade of wheat, rich and golden blond-brown. It curled down her back over her ebony black dress.
The dress still shimmered in lace over black silk, dripping over her to the floor in sweeping folds. She looked like a goddess standing there. Again.
Her appearance was just the same as it had been one hundred years before, and it made him reflect over those years. It made him think of his overwhelming pride and arrogance.
“Will she still be born?” was his first question.
He remembered everything. She had allowed him the knowledge of his time as the beast. He was certain the queen knew of whom he spoke. He also knew it was the only question worth asking.
“Yes, King Ezra. Her fate will still be what it must be.” The voice was once more soft and translucent.
Her lips continued to look as though they weren't moving when she talked, but this time, he could spot their subtle shifting with the words.
“Will I ever meet her again?” he asked and held his breath, waiting for the answer.
Queen Ada tilted her head at him and stared straight into his eyes. He did not flinch or look away. This time, he was prepared to be honest.
“Maybe,” she said.
Her smile stretched her lips across her cheeks, and for a moment, she was so beautiful King Ezra felt his breath catch. “Your true love is never as far away as you may think. It seems as though you have really learned your lesson about sacrifice.”
“I have.” His head bowed over this admission.
“Then, your heart's desires are within reach of your repentance.” The queen's voice whispered through the room and echoed inside of him.
When he looked up, she was gone.
Sighing, the king smiled again. Tonight held the promise of something. He was cognizant of it deep inside his heart. Taking off his battle gear, he knew what awaited him.
When Buford returned moments later to fill him in on the steps being taken to turn the
almost war into a party, the king was seated in front of his mirror, staring at it, without seeing himself. Instead, he imagined Roz dancing with him around the polished ballroom floor.
“Sire, are you sure you're all right?”
“Yes, Buford. I am more than all right. In fact, I think there may be a very special lady at the ball tonight.”
“Really, sire?”
Buford began to suspect his king was drunk. However, he didn’t spot any of the signs. His king was clear-eyed and smiling. The last part disturbed him.
Still, the king hadn't even looked at the girls his parents had tried to match him with many years ago. He'd been adamant in his refusal to marry anyone. Buford didn't think he'd set his eye on any young lady in the years since his parents’ deaths.
“Yes, and I was wondering how the roses are looking?”
“The roses?” Buford burst out.
“Yes, I want them placed around the whole ballroom this evening and a private bouquet stashed away for me in the library. I believe I will be putting them to good use.”
“Yes, Your Highness. Will there be anything el-se?” Buford's voice cracked on the last word.
“Not at the moment, Buford. In fact, I think I'll go pick those roses myself. By the way,” he paused at the door, “thanks for being my butler. In fact, I’d like to think you’re my best friend.”
“Of course, King Ezra.” Buford cocked his head to the side.
“I know this might all seem a little out of place right now, but believe me when I say, it’s been a long time coming. Also, I’m going to convince you to call me Ezra at some point and to roll your eyes at me.”
“Sir?” Buford’s eyes were large and round, but there was no rolling.
“We’ll work on it,” he said.
Smiling, he patted his butler’s shoulder. “Thanks, Buford. I’ll see to those flowers now. Have Mrs. Hausmeister find some vases, please.”
As he exited the room, King Ezra didn't notice Buford's hanging jaw or stationary stance. Whistling, he headed for the stairs with a jaunty spring in his step.
Eyes wide, Buford didn't follow. Rather, the old man dropped to his knees, folded his hands, and began praying with great feeling.
* * *
The End
Just a Reminder
If you have enjoyed my hand-crafted story, please feel free to sign up for my ebook updates and releases.
* * *
Sign up for Rebecca Reddell’s Write Inspirations Newsletter where you will have the opportunity to see sneak peeks, get inside information, and receive FREE offers first!
* * *
You can sign up here: http://eepurl.com/bZ4FM1
If you liked my story, please consider writing a review here (I’d appreciate your feedback!):
* * *
amazon.com/author/rebeccareddell
7 Assassins
Snow White Retelling
Legal Notice:
* * *
7 Assassins
ASIN: B01LANXFES
Copyright © 2016, 2018 by Rebecca Reddell
Publication Date: August 30, 2016
* * *
All rights reserved. This book or any portion of this book thereof
may not be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, distributed, stored in or introduced into any information storage or retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, without the express written permission of the author, except for brief quotations in passages for review purposes.
* * *
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, or any events or occurrences, is purely coincidental. This story is the manifestation of the wide awake imagination of the author and was written to entertain you.
* * *
Copyright © 2016 Cover Design by Cynthia Vreeland
Copyright © 2016 art design by iStock Getty Images
Created with Vellum
Description
The king is murdered.
Princess Wren Snow is being set-up. Her father is killed, and the two main suspects are her and her stepmother. Obviously, Wren knows who did it, but the evidence isn't quite pointing in the direction of the evil queen. Hoping for help, she enlists the assistance of Private Detective Ioan Hunter.
* * *
He's searching for the truth.
PD Hunter is willing to take the case for the princess. He likes watching her eyes flash at his offhand attitude, and he's willing to bet she couldn't be the killer. Taking on his own line of questioning, Hunter looks into an obscure link which might have nothing to do with the case. However, he's unwilling to leave any lead unscrutinized because lives are at stake.
* * *
She's the next target.
Unsure if the conceited, gorgeous PD is going to help clear her name, Wren finds herself almost assassinated by the killer. While evidence is mounting, assassins are confusing the police by shooting at their suspect. As a complete monarchy take-down seems to be in bloom, Wren struggles to find any answers that will confirm her stepmother's involvement.
* * *
The killer isn't ready to stop.
With each new death threat, Wren finds herself having to rethink her previous theories and trust PD Hunter to find the culprit. However, in the end, she might not want the answers she was so eager to find. Sometimes, being in the dark is the safest place to hide.
A Sneak Peek
Thank you so much for purchasing my book! YOU are a wonderful reader, and I hope you will enjoy this sneak peek of my Beauty and the Beast retelling, Second Kingdom.
* * *
Chapter One
* * *
Roz jump kicked, turned to the right, threw a double-jab before hip checking, twisting the body around her, and throwing her opponent to the ground with a thud. Bright blue eyes stared up into her own as both gasped for air.
“Well done, Roz!” Captain Ralph walked forward and clapped her on the back.
She, in turn, helped her opponent up. Ice blue eyes shot shards of anger her way as she clasped wrist to wrist and pulled him to his feet. Shrugging, she let go of him, but he didn't release her at first. His fingers tightened until her skin whitened, and she bit her lip to keep from objecting.
“Very good, Leuthar. You almost had your sister. This time.” Captain Ralph chuckled as he clapped both brother and sister on the back.
Leuthar squeezed one last time, the bones and muscles retracting before he released her and led them from the training mats. His gate was long and quick as he went to the benches on the right. To the left side of the room, others stretched out in preparation for their own training session.
Captain Ralph raised an eyebrow at her as they walked behind. Shrugging once more, Roz sighed and swallowed. Her parched tongue reminded her of even more important matters.
Sliding between the captain and her brother to her cup of water, she took a few sips before looking around the room. Several mentors had their trainees around the mats enacting maneuvers of hand-to-hand combat. She recognized those she’d been training with since she was seven.
Nina, her best friend, stood across the room and tilted her head in silent question. Roz’s eyes met hers, and she shrugged. Nina blew her a kiss and refocused on her own training lesson.
“Stop besting me, Roz,” Leuthar's voice whispered from her left, as the captain turned to assist another student.
She glanced up at him and held his gaze before giving her signature move: another shrug. “I can't help it that you’re too slow, Leuthar. You need to practice more. I’m only doing what I’ve been taught.”
He continued to glare at her and shook his head. “Stop shrugging at me! I don’t wish to be bested by you. You’re my younger sister, and I have been practicing. I have two years more in training, and it makes me feel silly when you are able to take me down like that. I think we need to start training separately.”
“Perhaps,” Roz allowed, taking another gulp of her water.
Leuthar grabbed his bag and pushed past her.
“So, Leuthar angry again?”
A voice behind Roz had her react with an elbow to the midsection of this newcomer.
“Oomph,” the sound escaped Everett's mouth as Roz brought a hand to her own.
“I'm so sorry, Everett!”
Swallowing, he just shook his head and smiled. “A baby tap. You're blessed I was able to control my own reaction.”
Roz nodded, thinking of what might have happened if Everett had reacted. His broad, muscular frame would have inflicted damage. He was the only person she hadn't tackled to the ground yet.
“Perhaps he too wishes for this training to be over,” Everett reverted to the beginning of their conversation as he took a gulp of his water.
“Don't we all,” Roz agreed.
“Hey,” Everett nudged her arm. “Do you think he’s even there? What if he’s dead, and we’re down here trying to think of a way to take him out for nothing?”
“I’ve wondered the same thing. Has anyone seen the Beast King in the last few years? Or the last decade?” She sighed.
“Not from what I’ve heard. Your grandfather was one of the last to have seen him without retribution. I don’t think anyone’s actually seen him and lived to tell the tale,” Everett speculated.
“So, we could have been training for over a decade on a plan that will prove to be useless? How do we stop it then? How do we save them if we are wrong?”
Everett shook his head at Roz’s pleading. “I don’t know, Roz. If any more of our people die or the sickness comes upon them, we’re just going to all die out.”
“Did the others find any way out? Can we still not make it past the border?”
“No,” Everett shook his head. “The whole town is surrounded by trees and darkness. Every group we’ve sent into the woods to find a way out don’t come out. We can’t keep losing people that way.”
Roz nodded. “This has to work. I’m afraid of what we’ll be forced to do if it doesn’t.”
“Well, the time approaches. Captain Ralph said we’re near ready to follow through with our plan. We have enough recruits to go against this monster. We will finally be free.” Everett closed his eyes as though he were picturing that day, and Roz wondered what it looked like in his mind.
“Unless there is no monster, and we’re out of options and answers.”
“Roz, we’ve got to look on the bright side. I don’t know if we can survive otherwise,” Everett told her with downcast eyes.
She wondered if he was thinking of his parents. For their sake, for Leuthar’s sake, the beast had to be real and taken out.
“So, you believe the story?” she asked.
“You mean, if we find the beast and destroy the curse, we’ll live happily ever after?” Everett mocked.
“Yes, something like that,” Roz told him.
“I don’t know, Roz. Sometimes I think we’ve been grasping at straws the last decade. Building an army to take out an unseen monster that might not even be real? Maybe it’s all a big joke on us, and we’re not going to be the ones left laughing.”
“I guess we'll see. The meeting is within a week's time, right?” Roz asked, even t
hough she knew the answer.
“Yes, and it can't come too soon.” Everett nodded and bent to gather his gear.
Roz picked up her own bag as well and walked to the doors with him. They walked silently, right leg, left leg, out the door.
The black sky above them was the same as it had been for the last ninety-nine years, or so, they had been told. It was the same sky Roz had seen for the last seventeen. Crops were very difficult to grow, but somehow, they managed to do so. The blackness had its own light, but they knew it was nothing like the real thing.
“What if this is reality?” Everett asked as the doors closed behind them.
“Black sky and sick crops?” Roz questioned and shoved her bag further up her shoulder.
“Yeah,” Everett nodded. “What if the stories of our history are just that: stories?”
“I can’t believe that,” Roz told him. “You can’t either, Ev. There has to be some truth in the stories. We have to find an answer before more of our community dies.”
“Why is it I feel as if this is going to be a losing battle?”
Roz reached over and took his hand. “Ev, we’re going to find out what’s happened, beast or not. If nothing else, the castle might have answers. We need those answers.”
“I hope so, Roz. I don’t think I can watch my parents like this anymore.”
“I understand,” Roz said, and she squeezed his hand.
“Are you coming over to visit with Nina tonight?” he asked.
The Four Tales Page 43