The trip back to castle Meadowbrooke had taken half a day’s ride. They had rode fast and hard, arriving at the castle when it was night, and in half the time it usually took to arrive there. Her home seemed so foreign to her now. It seemed darker and less magical than it had been when she was just a little girl growing up here. The carriage ride had been a silent one.
The General had made sure she was uncomfortable the entire trip by staying stretched out inside of the small, confined space, and using the majority of her seat as a footrest for his dirty boots. To avoid them she had to sit to the far right of her seat. Cramped in a corner of the carriage.
Shortly after arriving home the General, along with his guards, escorted her to her Royal chambers. She noticed two large soldiers standing in front of her doors. The General wasn't taKing an
He let her go and walked out. She watched them all follow after him. She felt the nervous knots in her stomach relax once she heard the last soldier shut her chamber doors. She finally exhaled, not realizing she had been holding her breath this entire time. With the room being so full she hadn’t noticed her lady’s maid. She stood by her hope chest against the wall across from where Flossina stood. She thought the General was joKing. All she saw was a young girl with a long raven black braid pinned into a bun atop her head. She looked no more than thirteen.“You are my lady’s maid? ” Flossina asked her. She had already knew the answer but she tried to keep the attention off her. She felt enraged and numb. This was a child, and Marlon had only been protecting her. General Torunn w
The tears were spilling out now as the overwhelming feelings swarmed around her. She brought her knees up to her chest and gently rested her forehead on them while she quietly cried.Twenty minutes later her lady’s maid returned with a large drying cloth for her. She felt weak from all the crying she had done and she hoped Alexi wouldn’t notice. She wrapped the garment around her and dried herself off. She put on her favorite nightgown, which was a lavender color silk chemise. Alexi had pulled her bedcovers back for her.“If that will be all, Flossina.”“Yes, thank you for your kindness.”Flossina said.She saw the girl blush under her compliments. She curtsied once more and left the room.
“Princess, no handcuffs. No guards. Just you and I, talKing.” His tone still sounded oily to her.“Talk of what pray tell, General?”“Your future.” He said simply.Those words got her thinKing. She hadn't been thinKing about her future in the same way he had. She had been in survival mode for a while now.“Come.” He commanded and began to leave her room.She followed him out her room, down the hall and winding stairs, and into the grand meeting hall. It was a room her mother had utilized only for social and political gatherings with other Royalty. Everything inside of the large beautifully decorated room was covered in white linens.
No matter what, she had to endure. No matter how long, she had to wait for the right moment. She would avenge the death of her mother and Marlon.She nodded her head ‘yes’“Answer me.”“I wish to live, General.” She said quietly.She saw how he looked at her mouth. She realized Marlon had had the same look on his face when she would want him to kiss her, and in this moment she realized he had desired her, just as she had desired him.Her heart ached more for him.“Then you will do exactly as I say. Do you understand Princess?”She nodded her head when she spoke, “Yes.”
“Good ! Shall we go to your stepfather, Princess?” He jerked her chains and half dragged her out of the room and into the throne room.Flossina’s mother had only let her watch court proceedings a handful of times and her mother had always been kind and generous to her people, making sure her diplomacy and fair justice reigned supreme. Now, she was inside the throne room and it looked drastically different than she recalled. The banners were no longer brightly coloured they were all dark purples, grays and blacks. The room was filled with unfamiliar faces. Courtesans walked around freely. She was shocked. She couldn’t see her stepfather. She saw the looks of the men.When they saw the General enter the sea of people parted and he pushed her in front of him. She refused to ho
“Please, Your Grace, I ask for your forgiveness.” She said it loud enough for everyone at court to hear. She could feel the General’s gaze on her back.“Why did you escape if you had nothing to hide?” He shot back loudly.There was a small uproar in the room. Her stepfather held up his hand and the crowd ceased.She hated lying, hated not being able to tell the truth, or to expose both of these men for the evil men they were. She stood there under the scrutiny of the the people of Zuff. She took a deep breath and recited what the General had told her.“I was taken, Your Majesty. By a man. He…” She paused. Thoughts of Marlon caressing her cold cheek when she was unconscious came to her. She didn't think she coul
“Please, Your Grace, I ask for your forgiveness.” She said it loud enough for everyone at court to hear. She could feel the General’s gaze on her back.“Why did you escape if you had nothing to hide?” He shot back loudly.There was a small uproar in the room. Her stepfather held up his hand and the crowd ceased.She hated lying, hated not being able to tell the truth, or to expose both of these men for the evil men they were. She stood there under the scrutiny of the the people of Zuff. She took a deep breath and recited what the General had told her.“I was taken, Your Majesty. By a man. He…” She paused. Thoughts of Marlon caressing her cold cheek when she was unconscious came to her. She didn't think she coul
“You two shall be married at once. A wedding will brighten this Kingdom’s spirits and bring some hope back to our land.”The people clapped at his announcement and he once again stood up. The two courtesans were again by his side. The crowd parted once more and the King exited the throne room. All but a few were left from the crowd that had filled this room seconds earlier. The General took her by her left arm and escorted out of the room. They walked down a hidden hall the servants used. She felt low. This man walKing beside her was evil. This had been his plan all along. To make himself look like a hero and then marry her. Her stepfather fell for it all. He had fell right in agreement with the General and she felt forsaken.“That w
The Collective: 'The Collective' is a demonym used in various ways throughout history to refer initially to a nomadic group from the southeast region of Zuff, and later as a royal police origin.In the Zuff archaeological record, a culture known as the Manna culture. It is considered by experts to represent 'The Collective'. The culture is named for its uncanny ability to manipulate the natural elements of the earth,(earth, air, fire, water), as well as being able to befriend and tame fire dragons. Which date before the beginning of first Zuff sovereign reign.The sudden appearance of these fossils/artifacts found in the low woodland areas represent an immigrant population. While the presence of red Moeina sand found on their clothing and hair follicles on many of them suggest their occupants came from the Moeina desert. Other objects commonly found; runestones
Hi, this is the author of jewel of humanity. I hope that you have enjoyed the book. I have decided to give you a little more, and tell you all about the world that you have been reading about. So here we go. Geography of Zuff comprises of relatively high lying mountains surrounding a central plain with four navigable rivers, extending outward. Zuff has lush vegetation. A product of its mild but changeable climate which is free of extreme temperatures. Much of Zuff is woodland. 33% is native conifer.There are 36 land mammal species native to Zuff because the climate is influenced by the warmth of the ocean with very moderate days. Winters are milder. Summers are cooler with very infrequent rainfall and cloud cover. Culture: Zuff culture has recorded history since the beginning of recorded time being among the earl
Queen Bihadlly : Ruler of ZuffKing Fvendal: A poor yet brave warrior who aided in conquering of the SheHaaltesKing Tehxadlayk: Pure Blood Royal. Queen Bihadlly's one true love. First husband. Murdered by thr SheHaaltes.Prince Yupta: SheHaaltes King's brother. Accused of murdering King TehxadlaykAmbrose: Last Known Chieftan of the Collective before its disbanding. Marlons father.General Torunn: General of Zuff army. Close confidante to King Fvendal.Marlon: Assassin/ Leader of a disbanded elite Royal fighting group called the Collective.Deleav: Spy/ Second in Command of the disbanded elite royal fighting group the Collective.Agnes: Queen Bihadlly's personal gardener and confidante.King Osiris: Egyptian God of thr underworld.Khepri: Goddess of creation and renewal of life.Thoth: God of writing,magic and the moon.
She was expecting them to leave, but they didn’t instead they all began to clap and chant. “Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen!”Marlon turned and looked up at her.She looked back at him. She had done what she thought she would never be able to do. Believe in herself and lead her people…******Later that night …Flossina fell on top of Marlon’s chest out of breath. Once again he had made her body feel exquisite. She looked up at him. His eyes were closed but his heartbeat was rapid.“I can’t believe it’s over.” She said.&ldquo
Flossina was announced upon her arrival.“Queen Flossina, Ruler and last living heir of Zuff.”She watched the room full of Chieftain Lords and Ladies bow and curtsy as she walked forward to her throne.Marlon walked several steps behind her.She could see the looks of puzzlement on their faces, but she kept her face expressionless and her vision forward. She climbed the stairs.Marlon stood on the bottom of them looking out at the crowd. Once she reached the top she turned and looked out at the sea of faces. She did not see Lord Azelle. It did not matter. She had to once again address her people and make them believe in her.“Chieftain Lords an
She touched his cheek then, bringing him back to reality.“I am fine, Marlon. I promise. It’s over.” She reassured him.He hugged her tight.She didn’t care that he wore armour and it was cold against the sheer outfit she wore. She was just happy it was finally over.There was a loud knock on the door. She jumped. Marlon pulled his sword out.She walked over to her door and opened it. It was General Torunn’s second in Comand, Blake.Blake stood in the foyer of her bedchamber. He bowed to her, and then spoke.“Your Majesty, It appears General Torunn is dead.”
“Is something wrong General?” She asked as if she didn’t know what was going on. She picked up the carving knife and held it behind her back as she slowly walked toward him.“He staggered towards her.“You..you… My food...you poisoned me!”She smiled at his helpless expression.“No, General. I didn’t poison the food.”He looked puzzled until she finished“But I did poison your precious wine. And you’ve almost drank the entire bottle ensuring your death.”The shock on his face was priceless to her.
“To our future Your Majesty, may it be prosperous and blessed.”She smiled and brought the cup to her lips, but did not drink it. She watched as he drank the liquid in one gulp.“That was delicious.” He said.She still held the goblet in her hand when she walked to her place and sat down.He sat down after her.“Husband, I mean General? Could your men wait outside while we dine?”He looked curious at her request. She once again lied to placate him.“I wish to enjoy our meal together and to speak freely of the upcoming plans to be made”
Flossina had to admit she was impressed at how beautiful and delicious all of the food looked. It had been made in record time. For this occasion she had decided to wear the one of the wedding gifts General Torunn had given her. It was a sheer white floor length gown with lace flowers intricately placed on her breasts and at the juncture of her thighs. Tonight, she also wore the Crowned Jewels around her neck and the crown on her head. Cook seem ecstatic that the Queen herself came early to see what all she had cooked.“Your Majesty, it is an honor to feed you and your husband, the General. I hope the food will be to your liking.”“Thank you cook, for putting this together on such short notice.”The cook smiled, curtsied, took two steps bac