Reign of Resurgence: Checkmate (Kingdom of Destiny Book 5)

By Andi Neal

Checkmate is the fifth and final episode of Reign of Resurgence, the first thrilling volume of the Kingdom of Destiny series. Kingdom of Destiny is a fantasy thriller short story series that will feature three volumes.

Kingdom of Destiny:
A recent college graduate finds himself in an alternate world he never knew existed. Dealing with castles, kings, and betrayal, he will have to use his considerable wits if he is going to face his fate in the Kingdom of Destiny.

Reign of Resurgence:
Struggling at a crossroads in his life, Tristan has no idea who or what he wants to be. Until he is mysteriously thrown into the baffling but extraordinary kingdom of Barico. When a sudden and unexpected battle for the crown propels the kingdom into turmoil, Tristan finds himself uniquely qualified to aid the royal family in their Reign of Resurgence.

Checkmate:
Having decided to risk the ultimate sacrifice for a chance at victory, Tristan returns to Lochlain. His plan has the power to put an end to Penley's plot once and for all and restore the rightful king of Barico to the throne. But will it work...or will it backfire?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andi Neal
• Release date: Feb 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311042118

Andi Neal

Andi Neal grew up as an avid reader and devoured books of all genres in her younger years. Finding her passion for writing in college, she was drawn to the fast paced plots and daring, enthusiastic characters that drive her novels today. Her debut novel, Unraveled, began her trademark style of thrilling action and adventure.

Book preview

REIGN OF RESURGENCE:

Checkmate

ANDI NEAL

Reign of Resurgence: Checkmate

Copyright 2016 Andi Neal

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in the critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Cover Design by Andi Neal

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Dawn of Defiance

About Andi Neal

Dedicated to Joseph, a genuinely extraordinary young man. May you always let your heart guide you, for it beats strong and true.

Chapter One

Shaylin held tightly to the letter in her lap as she stared blindly at Rowen Lake. It stretched far and wide out from the castle of the same name. The land behind it consisted of gently rolling hills in varying shades of green.

Tristan was gone. The thought echoed in her mind. The man who had so mysteriously appeared in her life had left in the middle of the night. To go to Lochlain. Her home. The center of the kingdom she loved.

But Lochlain was no longer safe. After the king’s death, her father’s death, Chief Advisor Penley had taken control of nearly half of Barico’s army. He held control of Lochlain.

Tristan had concocted a plan that would entice Penley to open the gates of Lochlain to the people. A public execution. His execution. He believed soldiers could sneak in with the commoners and seize the castle from within. If it had been anyone but him, she might have grudgingly admitted it was a clever plan.

It didn’t matter that he hoped his plan wouldn’t end in his execution. It didn’t matter that he hoped it would end in the retaking of Castle Lochlain. It wasn’t what he hoped would happen that had frozen her heart in fear. It was everything that could go wrong that haunted her.

She sat still in the light breeze that stirred the air. Her heart clutched painfully in her chest. She could remember perfectly the first time she’d set eyes on Tristan. Three months ago.

He’d been dressed oddly, but more, he’d had an air about him. His stance. His posture. His eyes and the awe behind them. It had all screamed, I’m different.

She’d dared meet his direct gaze once as she’d passed him on Merchant Row. The resulting jolt had been shocking to her calm, quiet system. A jolt she’d never felt before but one she’d felt several times since. Every time Tristan had planted his hypnotizing, pale blue eyes on her.

Something in her had known from that first moment that he had the potential to change everything for her. That he was not only different but special. But she’d had no idea how special he really was.

Curiosity had stirred in her enough to have had her wishing for one more look even as her eyes had left his. Even as the people along Merchant Row had crowded around her. But when she’d turned, he’d been face to face with her rather than across the row. He’d seemed as surprised as she’d felt.

Then his eyes had darted past her, and he’d moved so quickly, taking