Spoken

By J. M Million

Princess Calla Everfield has many secrets: a secret crush on the servant Greyson, having no desire to marry Prince Devon but her biggest secret is the magic she does in the west tower with her governess, Lady Destiny. Magic is forbidden in the land of Hillshire, and princess or not if Calla is caught tangled up with such evil, her punishment will be death. When Greyson threatens her life, she thinks he's discovered her secrets.

Greyson has followed orders since birth. Even the ones he's questioned like his father sending him to the mortals world to befriend a princess. And then later being told if such a time when Lady Destiny tries to strip the princess of her powers, he must kill the princess. When the plan to kill Calla fails he decides to whisk her away to his magical kingdom, Spalden. And now, he finds himself going against his father's wishes again when he falls for Calla, instead of Isadora the intended bride he's to marry.

While Calla learns how to hone her power, Lady Destiny begins to steal dark energy and eventually lures the princess back to Hillshire. In order for Calla to save herself and everyone she cares about from Lady Destiny's wrath, she must make a choice. If she gives up her magic she'll never see Greyson again since her father has a bounty out for him. And if she keeps the magic, she must kill her mentor while leaving her family behind forever since magic isn't accepted in her world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. M Million
• Release date: Feb 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301355679

J. M Million

A writer with two super awesome kids and a cool dog. Reading, playing, and writing are a few of my talents. I love beaches, traveling, eating and cooking as well as watching or playing sports.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Calla

A kiss of a blade resting against my throat wakes me from my sleep. Moonlight pours across the cheek of a servant. My heartbeat pounds against my ribcage, while panic courses through my veins. Everything inside me is begging me to scream, but fear constricts my voice.

I can feel beads of sweat forming across my forehead as Greyson’s ragged voice drowns out my whimpers, I’m sorry, Princess Calla. It’s me or you.

Closing my eyes, a lonely tear slips down my cheek. My body trembles beneath the weight of his azure gaze. This can’t be happening. For just yesterday, these same eyes crinkled with laughter when I crossed my own and tilted my head to the side pretending to hang myself at dinner. Listening to Prince Devon’s parents talk about anything made anyone react in this manner.

Greyson, please… The steel bites into my throat. I choke back a sob as hot liquid trickles down my neck. There’s nothing else I can do but wait for the inevitable.

My breath hitches. Any second, Greyson will kill me.

This is it…

I hear him swallow and watch his Adam’s apple bob. The weapon falters against my skin and I don’t dare interrupt whatever thoughts preoccupy him. Tears continue to leak, and I’d wish they’d stop because they make me feel weak. Future queens, are never to look weak, that’s rule number three according to my governing a kingdom’s studies.

Please don’t let him do this.

He looks away. Clenching his jaw, he inches away from me; it’s not nearly far enough. A sigh—heavy and broken—tears out of him as he lowers the knife to his side. I can’t, he whispers. I struggle to put more distance between us, but his weight has me pinned in place. Calla, the castle is dangerous for you. A frustrated noise escapes me as I fight to free myself from the sheets. Believe me or not, I’m not the real threat to you. You must go. She’s determined to have her vengeance on you. Do you understand?

She? Vengeance? I’ve no idea whom he’s speaking of. I’ve never been outside the castle long enough to offend anyone. He’s producing falsehoods to atone for his current actions. No matter what kind of lies he tells, it won’t redirect my focus, which is currently on the dagger tight in his grip. While he stares at me, words don’t form easy in my head, but I mange to mumble, Why?

Up to this point, we used to be friends. We’d play in the gardens; I’d hide from my tutors, while he ducked the other servants. Well, maybe not the best of friends after my fifteenth birthday, but his odd behavior has never reflected pure hate toward me.

Calla, you have to leave now. I can help, but you have to promise never to come back here.

He’s mad! If he thinks I’m going to leave my home in the middle of the night with him as my escort, well, he’s severely mistaken. Friends don’t do what he just did. Any trust I had vanished the moment he threatened my existence.

Yanking my leg free from my quilt, I direct a kick at his side. Get out! Sitting up straighter, I don’t take my eyes off him. He lunges at my throat—with his forearm, not the knife. He presses it against my collarbone. My air is almost constricted, I choke, I swear, I’ll have you hanged for this!

He flinches, but remains where he is. I don’t want to do this. I’ve been able to avoid it for the past year. She’s growing impatient and there is no more time left for either of us. Please, let me save you.

Is that what you’re doing? I snort. That’s absurd!

I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything I’m about to do. He stares at me and whispers, Be dead to the world. His hands don’t move, but suddenly the side of my skull throbs as if someone drilled a fist into my temple. Next thing I know, darkness has me.

Chapter 2

Greyson

Ghhh! Now, what the hell am I going to do with her? Scowling, I drop my stares from Calla to my dagger, which currently feels like a thick slab of hot iron in my hand. Tucking it back into the leather in my boot, I sigh. This is a mess.

I shouldn’t have gotten close to her. My job would be finished, and I could finally go home. Rising from the bed, I wince. Gingerly touching the left side of my ribs, I cringe. The little vixen kicked me good. Casting a look over at her door, a thought slips in leave her, I’ve been gone entirely too long and someone is bound to take notice.

Oh, hell! She’s as good as dead if I leave her like this. Lady Destiny is on a mission to take Calla’s powers. The royal guards won’t be able to help her let alone protect her from Lady Destiny’s fury. Hiding here is no longer an option. Taking her to the portal proses as a bad idea as well.

If only I learned the invisibility spell during holiday, this challenge of sneaking an unconscious Princess Calla from her home at this late hour wouldn’t seem so hard or reckless for that matter. The consequence of such act is instant death, the same goes for those who use magic. Either way my head will end up on a chopping block.

I glance back at her. Her soft breathing reaches me like a whisper. Guilt washes over me. Scooping her up, I run out the door.

Looking left and then right down the hallway…so far the coast is clear. Calla moans lightly in my arms. She’s a talker in her sleep. I know this from listening to her little ramblings and rants while tending to fires in her room, for the past five years. This isn’t one of those types of moans though, this one indicates one thing only, she’s fighting against the spell.

I admit, I didn’t expect this to happen so quick.

Darting right, I head for the stairs, and race down them. They lead me directly to the back part of the kitchen.

I scan the area so fast I almost miss Clarence waltzing into the room. He whistles with an armful of wood, and halts as soon as his eyes spot me. Greyson, he hisses. His stares trail down to Calla’s still body, and his jaw unhinges. What the hell did you do?

She’s not. Okay? I couldn’t. He narrows his eyes and shakes his head. I’ll explain later. I’m taking her to Spalden.

All the color has almost drained from his tired face. What? Have you lost your head? You know what your father will say about this. He’ll make you destroy her. She’s not some puppy needing a home.

I know what she is and isn’t.

He continues to shake his head. This is a bad idea.

I can’t stand here and argue with him for the rest of the night about this. My father’s trusted advisor and my mentor is just going to have to understand. I can’t do this. He stares at me like he’s waiting for me to say more. I swallow. They know and are… I trail off because a loud drunken shout echoes off stonewalls.

Cal—la! Prince Devon bellows.

I rush to the back door and wait in the shadows. A clash of pans hits the floor, and the noise is so close it causes me to jump. Clarence mutters, Prince Devon, may I help you with something?

"Why would I need a thing from a pathetic person like yourself?

My fists tighten. I want to cast a spell on him, one that makes him beat himself senseless. But the grandfather clock down the hall chimes off eleven times, reminding me that no matter how much I want to make Prince Knob here, show a little respect, Calla and I need to leave.

If you don’t need my services I shall be on my way to tend the rest of these fires. The castle doesn’t heat itself you know?

Where’s Grey–son? I know he’s around here somewhere and that means Calla is close by.

Clarence coughs. Why would Princess Calla be with Greyson, sire?

Are you calling me a liar? She’s with him. Tell me where he is?

He’s probably in the main hall tending to the fire.

Another clash of items hit the floor and Devon says, You better clean that up. What a git! Not that it matters who Calla takes an interest in, but that guy is the worlds biggest knob. I wait a few minutes to slip by and then peek in the kitchen.

Clarence is on his knees gathering up the pots and pans from the floor. He starts to straighten with a handful of pans and his eyes find me. What are you still doing here?

I don’t know. Weren’t you coming with me?

He shakes his head. Go Greyson. Get her out of here and keep her safe.

She moans again as I nod and make my way out the backdoor.

Sprinting to the stables, we make it unseen by anyone else. I approach the first stall with Calla lying, limp in my arms. I set her down against the haystack outside one of the horse’s pin. She groans. Crap. She’s coming two.

I don’t want to place another spell on her, but she’s leaving me no choice. Multiple spells have a terrible side effect when used on a person. Killer headache, dizziness, and nauseous, I sigh. Yeah, she’s going to hate me in the morning. I whisper, Sleep Princess.

The black mare in the stable neighs and stomps its front leg into the packed dirt floor. I quickly get the horse ready in riding mode, and just as I’m about to gather up Calla the warning bells sound off---bong-bong-bong.

Settling on the saddle, I mutter another spell, "Light as a feather she’ll be, float her gently to me.

Calla’s legs and arms dangle in the air while dark, spiral curls trail as she rises above my head. The black mare huffs and stomps her foot into the scattered hay on the floor. Clearly, she’s spooked, and I don’t blame her. If I’d never seen magic I’d probably be freaking out, too. I hold the reins tight and whisper, It’s okay. She’s going to be fine. I don’t know if I say this for the horse’s benefit or mine. Calla drifts down to me. I wrap my arm around her waist, while the other keeps a tight grip on the reins.

Come on, Adeline.

Calla moans, Don’t…I…

Adeline trots us out of the stable and into the open field. I don’t want to go too fast since Calla isn’t able to hold on, but I need to speed things up so we aren’t caught. I’m sure by now that jackass Prince Devon has warned the entire palace that she’s missing.

As I veer us off the common riding path through the castle’s pastures and into the darkened forest, I hear the royal guards’ horns along with the galloping of horses not far behind us. There’s not much time now. They’ll be on the hunt for me and we don’t have much of a head start.

Chapter 3

Calla

I blink while my head bobs forward and pounds all at the same time. Sounds of heavy breathing followed by a light neighing fills my ears and I wish it would all stop. My cheek brushes against something rough, this doesn’t bother me at the moment. It’s the scents of cedar and cinnamon wafting to my nose, causing my senses to sharpen, his scent. I squint as my vision slowly comes into focus. My attention snaps to Greyson. I instantly reel back and he peers down at me. Ah, finally up. Good. That means we can ride a little harder. Hold on, princess.

I ignore his command and immediately regret it. The horse we’re riding speeds up. My body slips from the jolt. Suddenly, I’m gripping for things to help me stay on. My one hand catches the leather reins while I let my nails embed themselves into Greyson’s arm.

Ahhh. You’re digging! he growls. Good! He lightly brushes the horse’s neck and shouts, Whoa. Sorry Adeline, our sleeping beauty isn’t listening. The horse slows to a trot.

Greyson sports one of his famous I warned you grins. I wish his smug smirk would meet a nice branch.

He readjusts me, by pressing me firmly against his body. I swear, I can feel every ripple in his abdomen. I bite back a ghastly remark as he starts to move my dangling legs from off the side of the horse and drapes them over his left leg. My skin prickles with goose bumps while my heart speeds up. Don’t touch me. I slap at him. I want off this beast right now and far away from you!

He scowls. Calla, we don’t have time for your little fits. It’s either you hold onto me, or I put you to sleep again. I close my mouth and glare at him. But I must warn you will feel like a carriage rolled right over your skull.

Take me home!

I can’t! He growls. You’ll suffer a terrible fate if I do, his voice softens. So what will it be, asleep or you holding onto me?

I should scream, but the forest looks empty and unrecognizable to me. Blast him. I make a sour face. And let him secure his one hand around my waist while the other takes ahold of the reins. He snaps the leather and hollers, Full speed, Adeline. With a kick of his worn shoes into the horse’s sides, we begin galloping deeper into the dark forest.

Where are we? He doesn’t answer. Where are you taking me? I demand.

Somewhere safe. She has spies everywhere. Everyone will be looking for you. So, when we get there you can’t leave. Not until I come for you.

Who? Who’s after me?

Again, he doesn’t answer, only sighs like all my questions are annoying him. Right. I roll my eyes. Don’t tell me. You’re going to be in so much trouble when the royal guards find me. I stare at him. You’d be wise to take me back now!

Something dangerous flashes in his eyes, and he clenches his jaw. I’m trying to save your life. He peers down at me with a wicked grin. But, you’re making it much easier to change my mind again. Keep it up, princess, and I won’t hesitate to leave you for dead out here in these woods. No one will hear you scream. No one will come to your rescue. It will be over, and I won’t have to worry about Lady Destiny and her plans for you any more.

My eyes widen at his words. I swallow hard. Lady Destiny wants to kill me? Lady Destiny? The same woman who taught me how to be the perfect princess? She practically raised me. This can’t be so. I’ve done everything she’s ever asked of me. I even kept her secret about what she does in the west tower. This is a mistake. She can trust me. I never told a soul about her witchcraft, and I still wouldn’t. I’ll take that secret to the grave.

He has to be lying. This makes no sense. I don’t believe you. I’ve had enough of this nonsense.

I don’t care if you don’t believe me. You’re dead if you return home.

I’m so confused. I feel my eyebrows knitting together. What about my parents?

"They’re fine. It’s you she wants."

I don’t understand, I whisper more to myself than to him.

Greyson’s face softens and he sighs, I know. I feel his body tense. Don’t worry. I’m taking you somewhere safe. None of the royal guards will find this place. She won’t be able to get to you.

I don’t know if he’s telling the truth, but for the sake of argument, I’ll play along. Why are you helping me? You were going to kill me in my room, so what changed your mind?

He inhales deeply and shakes his head. I don’t know. It…it’s nothing. Can’t you just be grateful? He slaps the reins and digs his heels into Adeline’s sides. She gallops faster, whipping us around trees, and under thick branches all the way up a rocky hillside and back down the other side.

I’m grateful he’s not ending my life, but it doesn’t mean I have to be thrilled he has taken me from my home. As I chew on the thoughts stirring inside me, the scenery of forest life seems to go on forever until we reach a small log cabin. The horse comes to a halt and Greyson swings himself off the saddle.

He extends his sun-kissed hand to me, and at first, I just stare at it. Does he really expect me to keep going along with this plan? The Lady and I are friends. I confided my most intimate secrets with her. From my crush on Greyson to how I feel about Prince Devon and my parents’ stupid arrangement with his family. This is ridiculous the Lady would never hurt me. But even this seems false the more I think about it. The other day she was livid with me because I couldn’t say the one chant she wanted me to repeat without giggling. She said I failed a test. Maybe that’s what all this is, some sort of test, to see if I can keep her secret. Our secret. He’s just trying to frighten me, to see if I’ll tell. Well, I’ll show him. Show both of them.

Raising an eyebrow I ask, You said no one will find me, wherever you’re taking me right?

He nods.

And my parents are safe, right?

Yes, Calla.

My mind is full of protest, but I let him help me down from the saddle. Lacing his fingers around mine, with his free hand, he slaps Adeline’s backside. Go girl. She hurries off and he pulls me up to the front porch. Greyson scans the forest behind us. I open my mouth to ask what he’s looking for, but snap it shut when he returns his stares to the door in front of us.

Door of the spoken, a maiden from afar seeks safety. We enter the world in peace as always. Open for your master now.

I gasp as the door’s wood melts into a solid gold block. Magic. It swings open slowly and blinding light is the only thing visible. I glance over at Greyson and mouth, What are you? But he doesn’t answer, instead he shoves me through.

Chapter 4

Lady Destiny

What do you mean she’s gone! Lady Destiny slams her hand on the edge of the table. The tabletop and all the contents on it shakes. All these years of perfect plotting and planning, were wasted.

She turns her glare at the guard who failed her. If she had an ounce of magic left within her bones she’d have clipped his voice box from his throat, and then ripped out his tongue for sure measure. His incompetence made her furious. One simple task, Martin! One. And this is what you have to say to me? Some meaningless apology?

Martin shook in front of her. His breathing sounded labored and his bottom lip quivered. I’m sorry, my Lady. One of the servants has gone missing as well. We’re not sure if he’s taken her, or he’s trying to find her.

Her stomach twists in agony not because she thought much of the girl. It’s the importance of the child, what she held within her. Thick in Calla’s blood is the Lady’s magic. Stripped and casted out like everyday waste, it found a home in the princess the day she was born. For three long years, Lady Destiny searched high and low for her powers.

When she felt the magical presence within these stone walls, the child was four. The plan seemed so simple at the time, find a way into the castle, take her powers back and then return to Spalden the place that turned her into this vial non-magical, human waste.

Her plans changed once she got the position, everyone watched them, and the child showed no signs of Witchery, not until her fifteenth birthday. Now, all that prepping and hard work has been for nothing! She must find her and soon because Lady Destiny refuses to stay mortal forever.

What’s the name of the servant? she asks as she paces the unused west tower.

He shakes his blond head. I believe it was Greyson.

At least you did one thing right, you imbecile. Get the hell out of my sight and find her immediately.

The royal guards are searching high and low for her, my Lady. Did you want me to join the hunt?

She glares at him and snarls, Yes! You fool!

He bows and scurries out of the tower.

Lady Destiny hand runs over her sleek raven colored locks. She glides over to small desk near the only window in the tower. Her dark eyes stay fixed on the tiny, gold hand mirror lying absently in the middle of the desk. Her fingers trace the rose design for a few seconds before she lifts it up. They’re not going to find her. I knew Greyson was more than what he seemed. Those fools think Calla will be safe from me. Well, they’ll see how wrong they are.

Her menacing laugh fills the stone room, and she smiles at the reflection resting in the palm of her hand. Son? she says to the image in the mirror.

Yes, mother? he answers.

We’ve got some work to do.

Chapter 5

Calla

My hand shields the bright rays of the sun, gleaming down upon us. I blink a few times and glance at my surroundings. To the left of me there’s long stretches of fields, to the right are massive trees and gigantic hills. Straight ahead, an ivy covered archway with a cobblestone path leading to village of some sort. What is this place? I whisper more to myself and not to him.

This is my home, Spalden.

I glance back at Greyson and fold my arms. Oh, really, your home? I suppose the next thing you’re going to do is tell me you’re not a servant, I laugh. His eyebrows rise and my cheeks instantly warm. Tell me you… I trail off because instantly a shadow falls upon us. Following the foreshadow casting over us, I see wide green eyes looking downward. A scream instantly rips out of me and a hand slaps against my mouth stifling back the rest of the high pitch sound.

Shh…it’s only Harold. He’s not going to hurt you.

Aye! How are we today Pr… he stops whatever he was about to say and clears his throat. Greyson we’ve missed you around here, lad.

I know. It’s been a while.

The extremely tall person sizes me up. Who’s this lovely little thing?

This is Princess Calla. Greyson uncovers my mouth and says, This is Harold. He’s an Ogre.

Wow, I must be hearing things or had way too much wine at dinner, because I swear he just told me Harold’s an Ogre.

Ha-Ha. Funny. I elbow Greyson. And I’m a pixie. This is possibly the craziest