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    Dark Mirror Image
    Dark Mirror Image
    Dark Mirror Image
    Ebook372 pages5 hours

    Dark Mirror Image

    By Anna del C. Dye

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    King Keban didn’t realize that gazing upon Princess Arianne was punishable by death. Saldil was the kingdom that piqued his curiosity, and the sole reason he had accepted this visit. Her brother, the king, gave him another option—Now he will return home to Perjha with the princess as his wife. He wonders at the turn of events, but only for a small moment. After staying there for a night, filled with hair-curling cries and dreadful noises coming from her brother’s chamber, he could never leave her in that place...not even for his kingdom.

    Arianne liked King Keban the moment their eyes met. She is no longer so sure when her brother announces that Keban demanded to marry her, or he would attack Saldil. Who is this man with two faces? And why won’t he tell anyone that they are married? She will have to keep both eyes on this king and this most unusual arrangement.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherAnna del C. Dye
    Release dateFeb 1, 2018
    ISBN9781370832354
    Dark Mirror Image
    Author

    Anna del C. Dye

    Anna was born in the extreme South along some famous beaches. She grew up with four other siblings being placed in the middle. Her mother died when she was six and she found a new mother in her husband’s mother and loves her dearly. She accredits her mother-in-law with teaching her many things in life.The green eyed, brown haired author moved north to marry her husband Rodney and has resided in Utah since then. Her husband, a native of Idaho, met her in her hometown. They fell in love and she came to Utah on Christmas Eve to be married two weeks later. They are the parents of three princes and a princess.Early on in her life she showed an affinity for sewing and took classes that rewarded her with the opportunities of doing costuming for the cast of four musicals, which she enjoyed immensely. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and understands some Portuguese.Some of Anna’s writing recognitions:She received the Editor’s Choice Award from the International Library of Poetry and had her article entitled A New American Mother published by Desert Saints Magazine. Her short story entitled Amerine—Fairy Princess wan an award in the Oquirrh chapter contest and was published by Kalkion Magazine. Other articles about family and relationship have been published frequently in the MOMS CLUB® of Salt Lake Valley-West.

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      Book preview

      Dark Mirror Image - Anna del C. Dye

      Dark Mirror Image

      Anna del C. Dye

      This is a work of fiction. The events and characters described here are imaginary and are not intended to refer to specific places or living persons. The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher.

      Dark Mirror Image

      All Rights Reserved. 

      Copyright © 2018 Anna del C. Dye

      Version 2.1

      Cover by Mikey Brooks

      Illustrations by Kevin Mura

      This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

      www.annadelc.com

      ISBN 13: 978-1985002043

      ISBN 10: 1985002043

      All Rights Reserved USA

      PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

      Other books by Anna del C. Dye:

      The Silent Warrior Trilogy:

      The Elf and the Princess

      Trouble in the Elf City

      Elfs in a Conquered Realm

      Curse of the Elfs

      A Royal Elf of Abalon

      Shahira & the Flying Elfs

      The Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain

      Once Upon Two Kingdoms

      Kingdom by the Sea

      A Golden Princess

      And available only as an e-book:

      Emerine’s Nightmare

      The Chancellor from Connier

      Prologue

      verything is ready, My Lord." The servant bowed deeply to his beloved master and lingered. The dimmed room lined with books didn’t bother Nanno’s old chocolate eyes. He knew his lord and the study like

      the back of his knotted hands.

      The time is almost here, the cavernous voice of Lord Anton de Piazza replied, it sounded tired and defeated. I can’t imagine why this malevolence has befallen my house.

      I have lived long enough to know that sometimes the wickedness of a father will punish his child, My Lord.

      My father deserved to die on the guillotine, Piazza answered. His deeds were foul, and this dynasty is better off without the likes of him.

      Well said, My Lord, he bowed.

      That his black blood has tainted my offspring, as the fortune-teller said, is too hard to take.

      She also said there are two creatures in your wife’s womb, Sire, and only one of them will be death itself.

      We must make sure that the first child is dead before it can take its first breath in this world.

      It will be done, My Lord. I will personally see to it.

      You have been a trustworthy and dear servant to me …. I trust you with this charge; make sure that it is done according to my wishes.

      I promise, Master. Your needs are mine and bringing your home back to the right by doing this is my charge, even if it takes my soul.

      A couple of days later, Nanno sat outside the rag that served as a door to separate Lady de Piazza from him. He tightened a blanket about his slim body when a cold wind rushed by. Even though midafternoon, the day had turned dark and dreary as a forbidding to that which was about to be born. Early spring brought rains and cold winds in this part of the domain quite often, yet today it seemed worse.

      The piercing scream of Lady Anexka de Piazza penetrated his soul, though by now he knew not if he still had one. He questioned if killing a child was enough to lose one’s soul, even if the child would be the devil himself. It mattered not, he must and would see it done, for his kingdom and his master’s peace.

      Can’t you do anything for her pain? he complained to the toothless hag who was helping the lady on the other side of the rag. The noise will bring the whole kingdom to see what is happening.

      We are alone, yes, quite alone we are, the chanted singsong came from inside the small room that served as the old hag’s home.

      Nanno’s eyes slithered about the forest that surrounded the hut without seeing even a bird. However, the tall trees swayed to the rhythm of the heavy wind and produced a scary song of their own.

      We gave her the tea we did. Your woman’s pains should stop soon, they should.

      If something happens to her, not only won’t you get your money, but it will mean your death, he reminded her.

      He had never been near a woman delivering a baby before. His duties for his master were such that there had never been a chance. He had to see this; what many deemed a joyful moment in one’s life. It seemed like a lot of pain, and he didn’t like the hurt his mistress felt, above all, not on behalf of the things she was about to give birth to.

      True to the old hag’s words, Anexka soon quieted inside her self-inflicted, tattered prison. Nanno’s nerves, however, wore thin and fragile. When in the distance a flash of light appeared, the sound was sure to arrive soon. When it exploded, he leapt as high as his poor heart with it reverberating in his ears. As soon as he felt his heart return to normal, a semi-dark silhouette took form in front of another blinding light. The old hag was in front of him, a bundle in her arms.

      No problem there was, the hag told him. Only second one is alive, the other is not, just as you asked.

      She handed him the bundle, and without a glance, he hurriedly put it in his wagon away from the droplets that wished to kiss the new baby’s cheeks. Perhaps all would be well once again in Piazza Mansion.

      I have to make sure the other is dead, Nanno told her.

      She nodded and let him in. Blood assaulted his eyes and he felt sick. As told, however, on the floor next to the lady’s cot was the inert body of a naked male infant. He couldn’t make himself touch it. After all, that was evil itself and he wanted nothing to do with it. He moved faster than his years let him to drape one of Anexka’s slender arms over his shoulder and motioned for the woman to help with the other arm.

      Both need baths when at home, they do, the woman told him as his mistress took refuge in the carriage. Take these herbs, you must, add to the bath water you need, she added.

      On his way to the other side, he took the bag she offered and dropped a sack of coins in her hands. As fast as the thunder exploded overhead, Nanno hurried his mount to get to the shelter of his lord’s home and the support of his master’s healer.

      Chapter One

      The Strange King

      elcome, King Keban, the monarch of Saldil said. Zulam stood to half embrace the visitor from Perjha, a neighboring kingdom. His long, embroidered tunic swished out of the way and returned to its place when he straightened up. Everything is well in Perjha, I expect?"

      Everyone is well, King Zulam. Keban bowed slightly, his chocolate hair framing a chiseled jaw. I thank you for the invitation to call on your kingdom, he said as his traveling cloak enclosed him completely when he arose. A group of women to one side of the king whispered among themselves and distracted him for an instant.

      It is a beautiful kingdom, is it not? Zulam asked, once back at his throne.

      The presumptuous question took Keban aback and returned his attention to the young king’s pale face.  The doubly high ceilings covered Zulam’s high-backed-throne, making it appear like a small child’s over-adorned play chair. The king sat on it like a spoiled boy.

      The most beautiful I have ever seen, Keban answered. A ray of sunshine intruded through a large window and lighted a red-haired woman, dressed in a green velvet gown. His heart did a summersault in an effort to leave his chest and lay at her feet, as his brown eyes locked onto her green ones.

      Leave us, the king commanded the same group of damsels, and Keban felt cold, as if a dark cloud had covered the sun. The ladies hurriedly left the room through a back door, but not before he noticed her cherry lips had smiled in his direction.

      I am sure you wish to freshen up before supper. That will be at the sound of the next bell, the young king said.

      Your men and horses are being cared for as we speak, a man behind the king spoke, however, no one mentioned his name.

      I acknowledge your hospitality, Keban answered.

      We shall talk at dinner, Zulam said and motioned for the double doors of the room to be opened. At this most awkward dismissal, Keban turned and left, followed by a small delegation composed of his Royal Guard, Captain Patel, Chancellor Truen and a few others.

      A servant escorted the royal delegation to their quarters. If you need anything, ring this bell and a servant will bring it to you. The man bowed and left them alone in the room.

      Well that was interesting, Keban said as soon as the door closed behind the servant.

      To say the least, his middle-aged chancellor sat tiredly in a plush chair. This is the first time we have been presented to a king before cleaning ourselves up.

      His servant took his traveling cloak from his hand and set it on another tall-backed chair.

      The way he dismissed us bordered on rudeness, the captain added as he combed his black hair with his fingers. He unbuckled his broad sword and set it on a blue silk chair next to the door.

      Their customs are somewhat different from ours, Sire, Truen commented. May I ask what you meant by interesting?

      The way the maidens were sent away when I glanced upon them was indeed interesting, Keban answered.

      I too noticed. Why would they be sent away as if they had overstepped their welcome?

      Do you suppose they are not permitted to be in social affairs at all? Truen asked.

      It could be, Keban said. The welcome air in the room seemed to have changed before he sent them away, and I felt cold in a strange way.

      A knock came at the door and his manservant opened it. The same man that had escorted them to their room entered with a silver platter dotted with small cups and a tall bottle full of red colored spirits.

      Compliments of the king, he bowed and gave it to Keban’s servant.

      Excuse me… may I know your name? Truen asked.

      It is Sarge, Sire, the man bowed low.

      Sarge, could you please explain to us who the maidens were in the throne room? Keban asked.

      Princess Aria and her friends, Sire.

      A princess, cried Truen. The king didn’t introduce her to us? How … he glanced at Sarge and finished, different.

      Single women aren’t seen by or presented to single man, Sire, no matter his office, Sarge replied.

      Why not? How will they find husbands then? Keban asked.

      Orders from the king, Sire. Anything else I can answer for you?

      What must I do if I desire to meet the princess then?

      That can only be answered by the king, Sire, he bowed and moved back to the door.

      At the last moment, the man without turning added, She is in the south garden, at this moment, then left.

      Amidst giggles, songs and beautifully colored flowers, a small startled shriek escaped the sweet throat of a maiden.

      What are you doing here? Osiria, Arianne’s handmaiden demanded of the man that stared at her. All her companions surrounded them with curiosity.

      A thousand pardons, My Ladies. I am King Keban. I seem to have lost my way, the man answered with a deep bow. All the perfume floating in the air seemed to have concentrated about him.

      You come from Perjha, do you not, Sire? Osiria asked.

      That is the name of my fair kingdom, My Lady.

      I am Princess Arianne. A bit rushed, I know, she thought.

      An honor, My Princess. He clasped her hand and a small current swept through her. However, the most amazing thing happened when his eyes penetrated hers, her heart smiled and so did she.

      I had but a glance of your beautiful eyes in the throne room, and they found a place deep in my heart, he said.

      No man has ever talked to me like that and my mind is smiling for some odd reason.

      May I know why are you here, in this garden? she asked again. This isn’t proper. Why should I care what happens to him? Besides that, he is gallant, gorgeous and his chest wishes to explode from his garments.

      I heard the lunch bell and I meandered to the dining hall. I must have turned the wrong way, for I found myself here instead. Though, I must admit that I am most thankful for my mistake.

      I see, the corners of her lips decided to turn up on their own accord. I will request that a servant escort you to lunch, she added.

      Doesn’t My Lady eat? the daring man asked.

      She needed to send him away before someone noticed and told her brother. Our customs demand that we dine separate from the main hall, she answered.

      Your customs are foreign to me, My Lady…. May I know why My Princess doesn’t eat with the rest of the court?

      It is for our own protection … she started, however, something froze the rest of her words in her throat.

      King Keban!

      The voice of Zulam assaulted them from behind and the smell of Aleppo soap replaced the flowers’ perfume in the garden.

      Sire, I became lost in your beautiful castle and this enchanting princess was about to show me the correct way, he responded.

      To your quarters, Zulam ordered and the girls swiftly moved away from the garden. The sweet aroma in the garden seemed to have disappeared with the princess.

      King Keban, it pains me to inform you that no one is permitted to stare at my sister, Princess Aria, in such way and live.

      A thousand pardons, Your Highness, he bowed once again. To admire her beauty is by far worth any death you may inflict upon me. Gallant, but true, he thought.

      I see. The young king paced in front of him. Keban paused to see if his words would remind the monarch that he was a king, not an easily bullied subject.

      I don’t need a war on my hands, and because I like you, Zulam said, I will give you another option. You will consent to marry my sister tomorrow at noon in the cathedral, to erase her shame.

      It was never my intention to bring shame upon the princess in any way, I assure you.

      It matters not, our laws have served us for centuries and they have proven true. I demand your decision.

      Why, the insolent twerp, Keban fumed silently. "Then, it will be my honor to espouse the princess. He nodded. Your Highness, law or death, I won’t take the princess if she doesn’t wish to marry me."

      I will have her consent presently, the younger king left the garden, followed by his servants and lords.

      The turn of events had left Keban speechless and, in silence, he rejoined his friends in his room.

      Patel’s face showed three shades of red when Keban rehearsed the happenings in the garden.

      What is the meaning of this falsehood, Your Majesty? Truen asked when he had finished.

      Patel paced the length of the room, though the rich floor covering didn’t let his nervous steps be heard.

      Our host has taken offence at my admiration for his sister, he answered. I’m glad he didn’t realize I meandered there on purpose, or he may have had my head by now. Either way, it seems like I will return home with a wife.

      Interesting, he liked the sound of that. He’d wait to see what she would answer. That such a beautiful creature was to become his surpassed all his dreams. The truth was that he hadn’t found anyone special who called his heart until he gazed at her. No matter, perhaps rushed, though, it felt so right.

      Their customs have proven quite different from ours, Sire, Patel stated. I can’t help but feel that this is a trap and we fell in it. How else can you account for the way things have progressed so far? The rushed invitation, not presenting her to us, to cause intrigue and perhaps desire. The servant’s comment of where she was, and now a wedding.

      We could tell him you are already betrothed to Queen Marly from Tuscan and see if that changes matters, Chancellor Truen suggested.

      I strolled there of my own accord and I will be responsible for my actions, Keban replied. I can’t go back on my word, nor will I lie. I don’t like Queen Marly, nor would I consider her a suitable mate.

      What will we say to Queen Marly, then? Truen asked. It could mean war, Sire.

      We will deal with that matter when it arrives, he said.

      But Queen Marly, Your Highness? Truen begged.

      You will think of something, Truen. You are the best at politics, are you not?

      And you aren’t going to make my work any easier, are you, Sire?

      He smiled and patted his chancellor’s shoulder.

      When you do send my apologies to her kingdom, remember, I gave not my word nor my heart to Marly, Keban added.

      Do you wish us to believe that you have given your heart to this woman, Sire? Truen asked.

      I believe my heart knew exactly where she would be, Truen, and I just followed it. I find myself excited at the prospect of having her in my life.

      You don’t know this woman, princess or not, Sire, the captain countered.

      My eyes strayed to her once and in her gentle, beautiful countenance I found my equal. I yearned to know her and to make her mine.

      An equal in a woman is not what a king needs for a wife, the chancellor cautioned.

      A bit of a challenge hurt no one, the king smiled.

      A challenge, Sire? Truen repeated.

      Didn’t you notice how the throne room lost its brilliance once she left, Truen?

      I am afraid not, Sire.

      I don’t desire to live in a place where her brilliance doesn’t complement mine.

      Has my king made up his mind then? the royal captain asked. I don’t understand how you can accept this situation so easily, Sire. However, it is not my place to judge.

      My mind is made up, Captain, he responded.

      Have you thought that it could be a trap of some sort, Sire, Patel insisted.

      My brain has not taken absence with my heart as of yet, Keban told them. We will be careful and keep our eyes open at all times.

      Then why accept, Sire? Truen asked.

      Because she completes my soul, Chancellor. He moved to the only window in his room and parted the curtains to glance outside. She will bring the warmth of the sun to my world, though I never noticed it wasn’t there before.

      I would have never taken you for a romantic, Sire, Truen commented. Still, My Lord isn’t bringing a puppy home. Her kingdom would take offence if you change your mind later, and, if you keep her, you could be unhappy all your days.

      If I can make her thrilled in our kingdom, Chancellor, she will never wander from me, he said. He returned to the silk chair he had sat on before.

      Does My King have feelings for her, then? How can this be? It was only a passing glance.

      My heart waited for her to come into my life and now that she has, I am whole.

      Well, I hope she can make you as joyful as you believe she will, Sire, Truen said.

      Much more than anything I could have expected from Marly, he smirked at the thought. I don’t really care how it works. All I know is that my heart rejoices in the thought of her at my side. I will win her love with gentleness and I will conquer My Lady’s heart if it takes my whole life.

      There is nothing we can say, is there, Our King? Patel stared at him.

      The matter is settled. After lunch, bring my treasure, for I will select a gift for my bride.

      Later after lunch, back in their room, Patel asked, My King, what is it that you see in King Zulam?

      I feel something dishonest in this kingdom, he answered. I can’t put my finger on it, though. Something feels wrong. An air of foreboding seems to hang everywhere.

      Truen served a cup of spirits and handed it to the king.

      Their king shifted his eyes too often and they seemed red, glossy and large, observed Truen.

      He returned to the bottle and poured another cup for himself.

      I know not why, but I can’t let the princess stay here even if she doesn’t choose me for her husband, Keban avowed. He emptied the small glass and stared at it.

      How would you get her out of here if she doesn’t desire to marry you, Sire? Truen pondered.

      An invitation to tour our kingdom may be in order, he answered. I am not sure. Although, I would do my best to convince her to go with us.

      The back of my neck prickles when their king speaks, the royal captain commented. The way the servants act around him is likewise disconcerting. They are afraid.

      The way he forced his own sister to your arms is unnatural. Truen, too, finished his drink.

      That is how it feels, doesn’t it? Keban concurred.

      The conversation around the table insinuates that he wishes her gone and away from his kingdom, as soon as possible, Truen added. Though any reason as to why escapes me.

      Patel returned the empty glasses to the tray and turned to stand at the side of his king.

      I thought the rashness came from their customs. Nevertheless, the more I interact with them, the more I, too, acknowledged your assessment, Keban agreed. Keep your eyes open for anything unusual and pass the word to our delegation. However, do not mention my wedding…. If it is possible, we will leave soon after the ceremony.

      The chancellor’s eyes doubled in size. What about your honeymoon, Sire?

      Let me worry about it, Truen. You do as I ask.

      Yes, Sire.

      In the meantime, in the women’s room a knock came at the door at the same time it was opened by an uninvited man entering the room.

      Aria, may I speak with you? King Zulam asked.

      His eyes surveyed the room where three ladies sat playing cards at a small table.

      Yes, My King. The princess’ love for her brother was expected and so was her reverence. He escorted her into the hall outside her room to make sure he was not overheard. In the hall, the tall tapestries were the only witnesses to their conversation.

      You know King Keban is here visiting?

      Yes, he came to the garden earlier…. You found him with us, do you not recall?

      Of course, I do, he said. What do you think of him?

      He deports himself royally and is handsome too. I imagine him a warrior and a man of truth. I bet many women have been flattered by his attentions.

      Excellent. This will be easier than I thought. He has insisted on your hand in marriage.

      He wishes to marry me?

      Her hand flew to her chest and he couldn’t read the girl’s meaning. It could be surprise or pleasure.

      But why? she cried. What did you answer him?

      She will know if I lie to her…. When we were children, she always knew when I did, his mind rehearsed. I have done my best to dissuade him, yet I have failed you. He bowed his head in mock sorrow.

      I don’t know what to say. The thought of meeting him passed through my heart and made it beat faster. I consider I may like him.

      Are all women this silly? he thought and fought the desire to roll his eyes. How does the beating of one’s heart have any bearing on this?

      Aria, this is more serious than your heart beating faster. If I give him any more excuses, I will endanger our relations with his kingdom.

      Do you mean he has threatened us?

      Now, I’ve got her attention, he thought. I don’t desire for you to go away from here. This is your home, and you are my only sibling, however, I have no other choice. That should set it in stone. Now for the rest, dear sister, he thought. Aria there is more…. He also insisted that the marriage to be at noon tomorrow.

      Did he threaten war if you don’t consent?

      Let’s say that he forced my hand.

      How dare he?

      Ouch, I think I came on too strong. Time to back down, he thought. I am so sorry, Aria. He gave me no other choice. He went and held her in his arms.

      If this is for our kingdom’s sake, I will do as you ask of me.

      I’d better go before she changes her mind, he thought and just nodded to her and hurried her back through her rooms. Great, that was close enough to a consent, he thought. I will let Keban know immediately. I won’t give him time to change his mind.

      Once inside the women’s room, Aria called for her lady-in-waiting, Osiria, help me, we need to pack my things.

      The two turned and moved

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