Dismemberment

By Kenneth Paul Jones

As far back as Keane could remember he had always loved Steyan. But she was a princess and he of the Kings Guard and forbidden to marry. Knowing that only via dismemberment could he resign the Captain's post, still he could not walk away for he would challenge even the blinding sun itself if that's what it took to win her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kenneth Paul Jones
• Release date: Mar 3, 2012

Kenneth Paul Jones

Kenneth Paul Jones lives in Victoria, BC, Canada where he has worked for Canadian Blood Services since 1997.

Book preview

Dismemberment

Another Burning Love Story

by Kenneth Paul Jones

Copyright © 2011 Kenneth Paul Jones

All characters, places and events are fictional regardless of how unbearably hot our universes sometime seem.

Smashwords Edition

All Rights Reserved.

No portion of this book may be duplicated without written permission.

Prologue

As the children streamed into the courtyard below, the enormous stone eagle stood watch, silent but sinister, its gargantuan claws biting into its perch above the promenade no less than if it had been the perpetually tantalizing liver of Prometheus.

Princess Steyan wiped a tear from her eyes before anyone might see and not a moment too soon for Keane quickly found her… as he always did. Keane smiled and bowed even though such protocol was not necessary during recreational occasion. Keane loved her and, though but thirteen years of age, as far as he could tell he always had.

As always, the coarse grey stone face of the Lesser Ward felt inexplicably comforting to the children. They ran about running their hands over the sharp features of its many statues and meandering banisters entirely oblivious to the fact that it was simply the warmth captured in the stone that lightened both heart and mind… though not for everyone.

What’s wrong? asked Keane. You’re upset! Tell me who wounded you so and I shall set more than their ear on edge!

It’s nothing! blurted the nine year old more boisterously than she wished. It’s a bit of sand on the wind is all… why must you always assume the worse. Do you think me too small to fend for myself?

Hardly, confessed Keane, scrunching his face as he studied her. I only wanted…

Thwack! A large body slammed into his from behind and Keane was thrown forwards. His body struck Princess Steyan hard, propelling her slight frame over the wide stone rail. He leaned out with both hands as far as he could and only just caught her, saving her from a face first fall of more than two full spears. He froze awkwardly realizing both his hands had disappeared and were wrapped about a medley of lace and silk the likes of which he’d never allowed himself to even try to imagine.

Put me down! insisted the Princess still hanging upside down and fighting to keep her skirt from following