Chimera: A Dark Fairytale of Love

By Nishi Serrano

On his journey home, a handsome knight hears talk of a wealthy princess living in solitude on an island. His new quest takes an unexpected turn when he finds the princess, who binds him to a promise to never touch her apples. However, it is her wealth he seeks. His own dark secret is challenged and rivaled by the strange, beautiful woman he weds and attempts to destroy as he spirals into madness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nishi Serrano
• Release date: Nov 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311724274

Nishi Serrano

While wandering the forests of Oregon, I write dark fantasy, steampunk, horror, and YA. Join me on the unbeaten path of foodie adventures and traveling the backyards of the uniquely strange.

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Chimera: A Dark Fairytale of Love

By

Nishi Serrano

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement (including infringement without monetary gain) is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in, or encourage, the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Chimera: A Dark Fairytale of Love

Copyright 2011 by Nishi Serrano

Smashwords Edition

Cover art by Nishi Serrano

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work, in whole or in part, in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the Author.

Look for Nishi Serrano online at: www.nishiserrano.blogspot.com

Dedication:

Chimera is dedicated to everyone who loves a good ol’ dark fairytale!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part One: William

Part Two: Night’s Temptation

Part Three: Secret Passage

Part Four: Maira Annwyn

Part Five: Not So Knightly

Part Six: Baked Goodies

Part One: William

William felt parched. Even after his second ale, his thirst grew. He eyed the bar wench and winked. A pretty tart, although a little thin for his tastes. Still, she would have to do. The small hamlet in the forest did not hold many choice damsels, and the wench was far from distressed.

Sauntering to the table, she bent over to whisper in William’s ear, exposing a nice peep of small mounds.

Sir Knight, might I be bringin’ ye another round, or perhaps a nibble? the barmaid crooned.

Lady, I do believe a nibble would be most appetizing, William smiled.

His charms had won over many a fair maid. In fact, William was irresistible to woman. It gave him an advantage over others that sustained him quite agreeably. And because of his persuasive talents, William rose to the ranks of knighthood faster than most young men his age.

Perhaps you wouldn’t mind bringing me a bit of bread and stew, he asked politely. The wench frowned. William grinned and added licentiously, And dessert will most definitely be in order ….

Giggling, the barmaid went to fetch William’s request, confident her favors would win over the handsome cavalier.

William enjoyed traveling, and he preferred to do it alone. This last campaign took him farther from his birthplace than usual, but war and wanderlust were in his blood. He hated the fact that he was heading home. The