“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
Out of the corner of her eye she saw a flashing light. It startled her and she stopped crying and looked in the direction of it.It was Khepri. Flossina was so happy to her. Khepri was still as she remembered, beautiful. She was wearing a gold ostrich feather floor length gown with matching gold feather bracelets. Gold cuffs with scarabs carved into them were adorned on her wrists and upper arms. She was still beautifully bald and her eyes were outlined in the dark black eyeliner and cobalt blue eyeshadow. Her sun kissed caramel skin seemed to be glowing in the gloomy castle. Flossina hadn't seen any sign of Khepri since she had had her assistance leaving Marlon's home, which succinctly got her captured and rescued. Khepri walked over to her, kneeled down in front of her and held her face in her hands. She wore a sympathetic look on her face.
Flossina closed her eyes at the motherly gesture. When she opened them she was alone yet again in her room. Seconds later the door opened and in walked her lady’s maid Alexis Carrying a large white box. Princess Flossina immediately stood up and wiped away her tears. She then went over to help Alexi set the large box onto the foot of her bed.“Evening, Flossina.”“Evening, Alexi.”“What’s in the box?”“This is your wedding dress, ma'am.”She still couldn’t get use to hearing the word wedding in conjunction to her.“Is it?” She asked, hoping she sounded interested in it.
Marlon stood on the desert sand dune surveying the desolate land. It was low mountains and golden sand as far as the eye could see. The hot breeze blew, but he did not feel it touch his bare arms. He looked down and noticed he still held the book inside of his left hand. He wore brown leather boots with a matching brown leather kilt. A leather face mask hung loosely around his neck. There had been no time to gather his wits. He had passed the first trial and was immediately sent here. Where was here? He wondered what he would have to do to pass this one. He steadied his footing and walked down the dune. The sun seemed to become hotter with each step he descended. He wanted to think that it was odd, but seeing as he had awoke in the afterlife for royalty, the temperature changing in conjunction to his movements didn’t seem so far fetched. He
Thoughts of his mother’s burial seemed to sucker punch him and he fell to the sand holding his head in his hands. He saw his mother’s motionless body wrapped in the white muslin. The lamenter sang a beautiful farewell song about her. He felt his sorrow,his heartbreak. He was so young then, but the emotions he had felt then, he was feeling now. Loss was his main emotion. Loss of warmth and love. His father had seemed so tough to him then. His mother had always been there to fuss at him for stealing the baker's bread and cuddle him when he fell and scraped his knees as he often did. She was the first woman he had loved, and she had grown sick rather quickly and died. He looked ahead and he saw a mirage of the burial. It was as if it was playing in front of his eyes. He saw himself, his father, the priest, and all of the townspeople. He had bee
he flapped his wings harder so he could go faster. It had worked and within minutes he landed on her shoulder. She smiled at him and it seemed brighter than the sun.“Ah, I see you have overcome the desert of sorrow.” She stroked his feathered breast. He thought it would feel awkward but it didn’t. It felt comforting. “You have a strong spirit, Marlon.”He flew off of the perch that was her shoulder and stood in front of her. When his feet touched the ground he was transformed back into his full human form once more. He was happy for that. Being in hybrid bird form had felt strange, but freeing. He touched his bare chest and saw that he was back to adorning the outfit he had started this journey on. The book was tucked between his gold belt and the white linen kilt he wore.&ldquo
“This is your final judgement. Although you are not of royal blood my brother insists that this is the only way. Had you just not conquered the desert of sorrow I would be worried, but now I understand.” She took him by his hand and held it in hers as she pushed open the door.He followed her inside.The room’s walls were a charcoal black. Three large torches sat atop gigantic, black alabaster pillars that had the same gold inscriptions that the door had. He heard low singing. A song similar to the one the Royal Lamenters sang for the Queen when she had passed on. It felt somber here. He had forgotten that Khepri was the one leading him through this large somber chamber. He became enthralled with the beast that was slowly stalking him. The atmosphere and gravity of his situ
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