The Kingdom of Shadows and Wolves

Chapter One

(not final edits.  releasing in 2024)

The stench of rusty metal and fear amass as another servant is dragged into the throne room. A lump forms in my throat, knowing that the smell of blood will be palpable enough that everyone will taste copper on their tongues for the rest of the day. My chin stays high and my face hardens as the Fae male is dropped thirty feet away from the dais.

King Aeron, my uncle and the King of Krigare, sneers at the offender. My eyes flit left, inspecting the twitch of Uncle's nose. From the way his upper lip bobbles, I am certain much blood will be spilled this week. One would think that the endless punishments on the people who disobey him would make him become bored of the action and seek a new form of entertainment. I shudder at the thought of war, aware that is what Uncle seeks.

The guard speaks, informing Uncle of the offense or crime the man has committed. Humming a tune in my mind Mother used to sing to me, I'm able to block out their words. It is the only way to remain stoic and calm in moments like these.

My eyes drift to the servant which is a mistake. His gaze pleads with me for assistance although I know he, and all who live under Uncle's rule, have heard of the reprimands I have endured for interfering with his affairs. The right side of my mouth tugs slightly, offering the man the little bit of condolence I can afford. I offer a prayer to the Gods, bidding him a swift and painless death as—as the guard's sword pierces the man's spine, cracking it like twigs upon impact.

I have heard many tongue lashings as well as the occasional crack of the whip against my flesh. The latter, particularly when I was younger, I would garner for reacting out of empathy for those presented to Uncle. After the second time, when he drew blood by way of a riding crop, I had pinched my skin every time since when I was forced to watch him reprimand his subjects. I was almost eleven when I finally learned the lesson to never react. Uncle barely glances at me, regardless if we are before the people of Krigare or we're dining alone in the evenings.

"Do my duties bore you, niece?" His expression is a sneer as always.

Uncle never addresses me while in the throne room attending to his subjects—not unless I did or said something to draw attention. Why is he paying attention to me? He must be in the foulest of moods to acknowledge my presence.

"Not at all," I object, offering him a heartless smile. I shift in the cushioned footstool I've been afforded when I'm requested to be in the throne room. "It has been at least three days since blood has been spilled in this room. The servants will be grateful for the added duties to keep them from boredom."

Uncle's left eye twitches as he studies me. "Mind your mouth."

"It would not bother you as such if you would allow me to join the warriors and—"

The raising of Uncle's hand, indicating that he might backhand me, cuts me off instantly. He snickers when I flinch and prepare for the blow. Uncle is always in a mood, but he is unpredictable when it comes to his physical corrections. Their occurrence is less frequent over the last few years.

"No niece of mine shall fight. Not when your duty is better suited elsewhere for my kingdom."

Several thoughts scream in my mind; the preferred response I desperately long to do is lash out by way of my tongue. I have yet to figure out if Uncle has discovered that I know the truth about to who the kingdom of Krigare belongs. It wasn't always named that and he hasn't rid the land of all who served or know of my parents.

"You have conquered several, fine kingdoms and their lands in between, Uncle," I declare. "I doubt that my duty to marry is—"

"That is the duty of every Fae princess," he states sharply, his pointy nose gleaming in the firelight. "There are still many who defy me and many whom I will conquer." Uncle peers at his subjects. "There are several ways for you to perform such a duty, but I am waiting to see who will come groveling to my feet that bares the most riches and spoils for me."