Shadowed

by Tara Jadestone

  The King had personally asked me if I would accompany him and Owen on their journey to Prince Gareth’s wedding. Despite it being King Randin’s first-ever recognition of my existence, I refused, to his dismay. It hurt to see Selenah in such a desolate state from hearing about the Prince’s wedding and I feared going there would only ruin our growing relationship.

  But instead of saying that aloud, I lied, saying, “I am grateful that you would have me present at Prince Gareth’s wedding, but I would like to stay here. I want to make sure Niro –the wounded bird we found– is being treated properly.” When the King raised an eyebrow, I added, “Niro’s wounds are severe, and he is only just a chick. He must be seen to at all times.”

  “If that is your final decision, then my nephew and I shall go on without you,” the King replied with a nod. He stood up, a hand on Owen’s shoulder. “Come, we must prepare. I wish to see my son as soon as I can.” I smiled at the King’s excitement.

  Owen glanced at me. “If Melanie will not go, neither shall I.”

  The King frowned, his hand slipping off Owen’s shoulder. I shook my head.

  “Owen, leave the girl be. Your own wedding will happen after we return from Gareth’s. Is that not enough?”

  “What would the people think if I just left her–” Owen started.

  “They would think you a mighty fine King-to-be to grace their kingdom’s alliances with his presence,” King Randin snapped. Owen ran a hand through his hair, silent at his uncle’s words. As the King walked out of the chamber, he muttered, “What a pitiful king you will be the day she is gone.”

  I felt a pang of guilt hearing him speak those words, knowing King Randin had ruled Tenebris without his queen. Yet he did not allow for his wife’s death to stop him from his raising a son on his own and maintaining the kingdom. Although, perhaps, it had turned him somewhat bitter.

  Biting my lip, I forced my gaze to the floor, feeling a bit ashamed. The King is right. While Owen and I are to be married, it was no excuse for us to learn and do things on our own.

  After a few minutes of quiet discussion, Owen conceded, promising me he would be joining King Randin on their trip south to Porticor. It would take three days nonstop on horseback and about a half day’s by ship just to get there.

  I forced a smile. As much as it was important for Owen to be there for Prince Gareth, there was also a part of me that feared I would lose him. To what, I could not say for sure.

  Eager to see his son, the King issued to leave for the island nation a little before sundown that day. However, a problem arose. Since many of us were not going to Porticor, including myself, Selenah, Connor, and the small number of maids and servants that had not fled the Castle, there would not be a sufficient number of Guards to protect the Castle and escort the King, Owen, and the leftover noblemen safely to Porticor.

  To fix this, everyone was called to the Throne Room where King Randin addressed the situation. We all arranged ourselves before him, save for Selenah and Connor; Selenah I was told, could no longer walk so much a step without aid. Neither Owen nor I wanted her to exhaust herself, so we assured her we would bring the news back to her.

  “It is time Tenebris’ royalty move back to the Solstice Palace,” King Randin said, motioning his hand to all of us. “From this day forward, as your King, I proclaim that the King’s Castle shall no longer be home to her Royal Family. Our future leaders will rule from the Solstice Palace, as it once did from the beginning of her existence.”

  King Randin’s gaze had fallen upon us as he spoke. Heads turned to face us, both curious and judgmental. It made me press against Owen’s side. I did not think I would ever get used to so much attention. But Owen placed an arm around my waist in comfort, and I realized I would have to.

  After all, I would soon be the future Queen of Tenebris.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  THE QUEEN DUCHESS

  The journey to the Solstice Palace was both enjoyable and difficult. When I was not with Owen in one of the dozen carriages transporting the remaining nobles, I was walking alongside them with my maids and various other servants. Guards surrounded us on foot and horseback as townspeople received word of the King’s decree. Owen remained sitting inside the carriage for the entirety trip, with Niro safely settled on his lap.

  It had taken longer to get there at our slow pace, and by the time we had gotten to the Solstice Palace, Palace Guards and coachmen had already rushed to meet us halfway in assistance. After our arrival, the nobles and castle staff retired, filling the rest of the Palace’s empty chambers.

  By the next morning, the King and all those who were attending Prince Gareth’s wedding had set up to leave.

  “Send my regards to Prince Gareth,” I whispered to Owen. “And please come back safely.”

  “Of course, I will, Melanie. I will not lose you before we could marry or even start a family together.” He grinned down at me and I smiled, blushing at his words.

  I leaned forward and gave him a kiss, before pulling away to embrace him tightly. As he walked into a carriage, I waved goodbye and watched the carriage roll out of the Palace grounds.

  With Owen and the King gone, the Palace Guards began looking at me for their orders and guidance. I was overwhelmed by their attention, but despite this, I knew I had to put my full attention on what needed to be done for both Tenebris and the upcoming coronation. Lady Yael was among my foremost advisors at the Palace.

  In took nearly three weeks for Owen and the others to come back. While away, I managed to keep an eye out for Niro –who I had learned was a baby eagle and was healing exceptionally well– as well all past affairs that had risen during their absence. I especially looked into aiding the towns farthest from the Palace, remembering the nurse’s words about their maladies. I also helped restore my former home in Brassion and its surrounding houses, granting anyone who had lost relatives a claim to the land, including Selenah. She had been horrified by the news of how our parents met their end, and with Connor’s magic, she was able to partake in its reconstruction.

  Above all, I was able to call for Tiran to take Conner’s place as Captain of the Guard; Connor was willing to give up his title to remain by Selenah’s side to ensure her recovery. With Tiran as Captain of the Royal Guard, he earned back the people’s trust by carrying out my orders of helping rebuild towns and quelling pockets of crime that persisted since the Shadow Reaper’s attack. And although the Shadow Reaper no longer haunted my dreams, I had made it mandatory for Selenah to be on constant watch from a Royal Guard –namely Connor– should he appear in her dreams, too. Tiran’s four eldest sons also ended up becoming a part of the Solstice Palace’s staff as Palace Guards, as neither of them qualified to join the rank of Royal Guard.

  In the days before Owen’s arrival, I opened the doors of the Solstice Palace for villagers to come and request an audience. Originally, only regional lords could request personal counsel from the King, but I decided to change it. My maids –now Ladies-in-Waiting– had strongly advised me to do so as it would give a better insight to how the people perceived us. Most of those who visited were women and young men, voicing concerns or thanking us for the help they had received.

  But not everyone was pleased with this change, including lords like Owen’s father, who saw the people receiving direct attention as a violation of their duty to serve on the people’s behalf. But I was able to convince them that the hearings were only meant to give us a viewpoint of the kingdom’s wellbeing and that the lords still retained their seats when it came to lawmaking decisions.

  When the golden carriages finally rolled through the Solstice Palace gates, my maids and I, along with the remaining nobles, anticipated their return. The Palace itself seemed to glow brighter with its stones polished and redone, and its entrances covered in lightly powdered snow. The brown leaves skittered along in the winter breeze as the carriages rushed forth through the gates.

  King Randin was the first to step out of the carriage. We curtsied
as he neared, but I quickly looked over his shoulder, eager to see Owen. He stepped out after the King and grinned widely as our eyes met. I rushed over to him, throwing my arms around his neck. Owen pulled me close, kissing my cheeks. He had grown a light beard on his travels and the hairs tickled my face. I liked the new look.

  “Forgive me for returning so late,” he said after we pulled away. The familiar sensation of happiness swept within me as I gazed up at him. “Uncle was adamant on visiting every city and announcing the news of a new king and a future queen.”

  I shook my head, smiling. “Owen, you are home. That is all that matters.” Owen watched me for a moment, head tilted. “What is it?” I asked.

  A small smile spread across his face.

  “You seem changed,” he replied as we both walked after the King, who seemed quite gleeful by the Solstice Palace’s re-furnished look. I raised an eyebrow at Owen. He chuckled. “I can assure you it is a compliment.”

  I tugged on his arm. “Come. Niro would love to see you again,” I said, the necklace I wore warming once more.

  “And his mother? Is she not happy to see me, too?” Owen asked, winking.

  “You can find out yourself when she is your wife,”

  I answered, smiling.

  Owen offered his arm and I took it, entering the chamber I had dedicated to Niro.

  The large hall-like chamber had once been the residence to Queen Isomara’s dogs, but with it unused and Niro in need of a place to stay, I found it was fitting that it be reformed into a place for him to heal. Here, cushioned chairs and soft rugs littered the ground, hanging rings swayed in the air and the walls were shelved with leave and branches. They served as a way of movement throughout the chamber as bird-like as possible for the flightless eagle.

  Niro was by the windowsill where the curtains were parted, allowing the morning sunlight to shine through. He had turned at our entry and squawked out a greeting.

  “Good morning, Niro,” I said, dropping Owen’s arm to walk forward. Niro hopped off the sill and used the furniture and low hanging rings to come closer.

  “His wings have not healed yet?” Owen asked, gently running a hand over Niro’s bent wings. They had been clipped together to allow his broken bones to form properly.

  I shook my head. The wounds on his chest had been cleaned and mended, but I had not been able to heal his wings.

  “A shame,” he said. “Do you know when, if ever, he will be able to fly?”

  I shook my head again, watching Niro as he hopped out of Owen’s reach and onto my forearm. I smiled, running my fingers through his feathers. I hoped one day Niro would be able to fly, but right now, I was content with him staying within the Palace walls. With us.

  “Ah, here you two are,” the King’s voice boomed behind us. We turned to face him as he walked in, taking in his surroundings. “Hmm, a Kennel now Falconry,” he said as he touched one of the hanging rings by his head. “This is a nice addition to the Palace. I suppose it takes a queen to realize such things,” he mused aloud before turning to fully face us. “Owen, I am hosting a hunt with your father. Do join us.”

  “Uncle, I have just returned,” Owen said. “Might I rest a bit before we go?”

  “Of course, of course. I expect you will be ready at noon.” Owen nodded as King Randin turned and left.

  “A hunting trip sounds wonderful,” I said, leading Niro to his feeder. “Do not let me stop you.”

  “Would you like to accompany me?” Owen asked, watching as Niro followed my every move.

  “Accompany you in the cold to chase an animal through the woods?” I gave him a quirky smile. “Thank you for offering, but I shall politely decline.”

  Owen chuckled and pulled me away from Niro, wrapping his arms around my waist and pressing me against his chest. I leaned back, closing my eyes. My body sang as Owen held me. I had not realized how much I missed him.

  “You know I love you,” he whispered into my ear.

  I smiled. “I do, and I love you, too.”

  The warm pulse that had lingered from my necklace cooled as Owen traced his lips along the back of my neck.

  “You have never removed that necklace since you received it,” he said, more a statement than a question.

  “Why would I?” I asked.

  Owen shook his head before he began to pull me out of the chamber.

  “I think we require more private quarters right now.”

  I grinned at the mischievous glint in his eye.

  “Just for a little bit,” I agreed, entwining my fingers with his. Before I could turn to go with Owen, Niro let out a sharp call, propelling himself onto me. With a laugh, I caught him, letting go of Owen’s hand to hold him close. “It seems that Niro is not used to sharing my attention,”

  I said, smiling over at Owen. He raised an eyebrow. “All the time I spent caring for him must have meant something to him.”

  I lifted Niro onto one of the higher rings. He hopped onto it, trying to flex his injured wings. Just then, the chamber door swung open and my maids rushed in.

  “The tailor arrived!” Ayah exclaimed before either of us could speak. “Oh, and the dresses she has! There is just so much to choose from!” I could not suppress a smile at her excitement.

  “Tell her I shall be there as soon as I can,” I said, feeling thrilled myself.

  The four of us had been waiting for the tailor to arrive for the past week now, but she had been delayed because of the cold weather.

  “She will also need the Archduke for his fitting,” Blaire added.

  Owen nodded, taking me by the hand. They smiled as I said farewell to Niro and walked out with Owen at my side.

  ****

  The weather had gone from small flurries of snow to blossoming flowers by the time everything for the wedding and coronation had been set. In that time, I had learned what to say and do during the ceremony, as well as smaller customs about royal weddings and public speaking.

  The dress I would wear was a pure celadon silk gown; its sleeves were netted and sewn in with floral patterns, the neckline hugged my throat, and it had a four-layer skirt topped with a floral mesh layer. My maids would wear a dress of lavender, to match the hanging garlands that now decorated the Palace walls and entrances.

  I gasped in horror at my reflection when the tailor had stepped away, pleased with her work. I had seen this reflection before, of a happy, beautiful me.

  The Shadow Reaper’s vision of me with magic.

  I looked over my shoulder, half expecting to see the Shadow Reaper standing there. I exhaled in relief, seeing only my maids adding their finishing touches to each other’s gowns. My fingers gripped the bird-shaped charm on my necklace as I took deep, slow breaths. The necklace was the only thing I had not been wearing in the Shadow Reaper’s vision.

  “Mistress, it is time!”

  Blaire’s voice brought me out of my thoughts. I gave her a brief smile and turned to face my maids, each wearing their identical metallic purple gowns that shimmered from its decorated corset. All three held a bouquet of assorted purple and white roses. I threw my arms around them, thankful for such wonderful and steadfast companions. We pressed each other close, our heads tipped downwards. And for those moments, the fear within me was gone.

  “I am ready if you three are ready,” I whispered.

  “We are ready,” Yana said firmly. As I began to lead the three out of the chamber, Yana added, “to meet our own future husbands.” I grinned as Ayah giggled and Blaire scolded her.

  The four of us made our way through the Palace and neared the side entrance to the Throne Room. Standing there was Tiran with a smile.

  “You deserve this, Mel.”

  He held out a sword to me, still sheathed. I took it from him, doing my best not to drop it as I gazed at the gilded designs and jewel-encrusted hilt.

  It was the King’s Sword.

  Taking a deep breath, I gave Tiran a firm nod. He bowed his head and slowly opened the door, bright light f
looding into the hall.

  As I walked in, I cast my eyes down, aware of the whispers that began immediately at my arrival. Not all were in my favor as I had hoped. I closed my eyes for a moment before raising my head to embrace it.

  This is my day.

  My Ladies-in-Waiting entered single-file behind me and took their positions, each one of them standing on the individual dais steps. On their opposite side was Connor, wearing gold plated armor, with his hands behind his back.

  Breathing deeply, I took my place in the first pew beside the Lord and Lady of Herington. They did not take notice of me, rather, they kept their gaze forward as Owen was being crowned by King Randin and the King’s Adviser. Owen caught my gaze when I stopped to stand by his mother and smiled before he turned to face the King.

  The room hushed as the King spoke.

  “I, King Serim Randin of Tenebris, hereby bestow my title as sovereign to my rightful born nephew, Archduke Owen of Herington, rescinding my title as King to be Lord of Akron, and grant Archduke Owen the highest honor of leading Tenebris and her people.” He then knelt on the cushion before Owen, bowing his head.

  The King’s Adviser tentatively took off the King’s crown and placed it above Owen’s brow. I smiled, seeing it tilt a little sideways. Owen truly looked like a king, dressed in a viridian and white suit, embroidered with gold threading.

  The Lord of Akron’s golden cape was then unfastened and draped across Owen’s shoulders. The former King stepped aside and stood by Connor so the King’s Adviser could address everyone.

  “No king shall take his burden alone for with every challenge he endures, he will have his Queen at his side. And for every gain his kingdom receives, he will have his Queen to thank.” He paused, now addressing Owen. “And with whom will our Glorious King share his rule with?”