Kingdom by the Sea

By Anna del C. Dye

A secret passageway conceals more than spider webs.

The common belief in two kingdoms is that Serena, the Princess of Delmar, wants slaves. Even her fiancé loses his love for her, in commiseration with the islanders captured in her name. When she discovers his betrayal with Linah, a slave girl, it could be the end for Linah and all the slaves held prisoner in Delmar.

A brokenhearted princess, now the queen, could become a weapon too powerful and deadly for her opponents to survive.

And what will she do about the spies and political intrigue found in Delmar?

Will this new queen use her powers to bring destruction to both kingdoms? To mend the rift between her and her fiancé? Or use it as a reason to become a true and kind monarch to her people?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anna del C. Dye
• Release date: Feb 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311924278

Anna del C. Dye

Anna was born in the extreme South along some famous beaches. She grew up with four other siblings being placed in the middle. Her mother died when she was six and she found a new mother in her husband’s mother and loves her dearly. She accredits her mother-in-law with teaching her many things in life.The green eyed, brown haired author moved north to marry her husband Rodney and has resided in Utah since then. Her husband, a native of Idaho, met her in her hometown. They fell in love and she came to Utah on Christmas Eve to be married two weeks later. They are the parents of three princes and a princess.Early on in her life she showed an affinity for sewing and took classes that rewarded her with the opportunities of doing costuming for the cast of four musicals, which she enjoyed immensely. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and understands some Portuguese.Some of Anna’s writing recognitions:She received the Editor’s Choice Award from the International Library of Poetry and had her article entitled A New American Mother published by Desert Saints Magazine. Her short story entitled Amerine—Fairy Princess wan an award in the Oquirrh chapter contest and was published by Kalkion Magazine. Other articles about family and relationship have been published frequently in the MOMS CLUB® of Salt Lake Valley-West.

Book preview

Chapter One

A Tormented Sea

Whadaya mean, ditch the cargo? It’s people, Kit bellowed toward the second mate, Sirian; his voice, however, disappeared into the wind. His wet clothes lashed at him with the fury of the violent gust and it fell like wet knives against his slim body.

The frenzied waves sent watery hands to slap his tormented ship, The Paloma. Torrents gushed over the deck as Kit and every other loose item in its path washed toward the open jaws of the sea.

Sirian grabbed Kit at the last minute as he slid by, glad the lad’s soaked shirt was stronger than the waves. As fast as the thunder clapping overhead, Sirian helped Kit regain his feet, one hand anchored to the gunwale.

That’s what ya do ta make yer boat lighter, Sirian shouted in Kit’s ear. It gives ya a betta chance of stayin’ afloat.

The officer didn’t need to see Kit’s reaction to his comment, he could visualize his normally tan face paling to a shade which would match his drenched, sun-bleached hair.

At that moment, The Paloma’s ribs groaned amidst the turmoil as if to stress the second officer’s prediction.

But the cargo’s women, Kit protested.

Sirian’s face, hidden by brownish hair plastered over it and the dark clouds, didn’t let the boy read his expression. It’s them or us.

The youth shuddered with his words.

Meanwhile, Captain Axel stood in his cabin with his mind and heart as tormented as the ship he commanded.

Unexpected storm, eh, Captain? The voice of Ezack, his first officer, brought him back from his personal shadows.

Aye. When we left the Island nothing would have suggested such a dramatic change in the weather.

Surprised us all, Captain, as always with late summer storms. Still, the crew made the ship ready in record time. I think a round of ale’ll be appreciated by all, Ezack suggested.

The first mate peered at the normally jovial young man in front of him, the one who was now becoming more morose the closer they came to home.

Intermittent bright flashes through the cabin’s windows revealed the captain’s usually handsome, but now haggard, countenance. A crash of thunder seemed to accentuate his jaw line as he clenched his teeth. What could have his young captain so perturbed? Ezack usually could read him easily enough. However, the past week had not been the same as the many trips he had taken with Axel. He had become quiet and seemed engrossed in his mind for hours at the time, not uttering a word.

The men did a good job of reefing the sails before they could be shredded to pieces, the captain agreed in a flat voice. You have my permission to open the last barrel of ale and share it with them, with my compliments.

Much obliged, Captain.

Outside, the storm continued to pound their vessel, tossing it to and fro. Another flash of lightning bathed the main deck and revealed Sirian as he grabbed Kit at the gunwale.

Ezack, why does Sirian have that soaked youngster out in the rain?

It’s Kit’s first sea voyage, Captain. He’s the newest crewman on The Paloma and Sirian likes to welcome him personally.

This is Sirian’s way to welcome him? You mean he has done this before? Axel’s eyebrow raised.

Ezack smiled. Sirian’s thirteen voyages on The Paloma had given him some great opportunities for his customary welcome to landlubbers aboard. The second mate was the latest of many generations of seamen in his proud seagoing family and Sirian took a personal interest in all who professed to be seamen.

Where did that boy ship from? Axel asked and leaned closer to the darkened windows.

Miramar, Ezack answered.

Ah, Miramar, the best and biggest fishing port in our beloved Delmar, the captain’s voice tinted with sarcasm. Go and set the lad free from his tormentor. The captain’s eyes softened, but remained on the slim dark figure outside his window.

Captain? Sirian won’t hurt the lad.

I have enough problems at port… I don’t want to have to explain an accident to his parents. Axel turned away from the flashes of light at the window and stared at his friend.

Ezack caught up his oilskin and slung it in place with practiced ease. His thoughts raced as he sent a long look at the young captain. ‘Four years have I sailed under his command and never has a trip taken so great a toll on him. What does it all mean? And why has he not confided in me? Well, whatever it is, I will make sure Sirian pays for getting me in trouble and wet in this storm. There many things that seem of place on this voyage, I hope it doesn’t mean disaster for us all.’

As he started toward the door, his mind replayed the scenes from the first time he the new captain board The Paloma.

Captain aboard, had cried a sailor, and all came topside to see him. They all knew the name of the new captain, but no one knew who he was or what he looked like.

Captain Axel, a broad-shouldered young man, stepped on the deck, saluted his officers and removed himself, followed by the first and second mates. He entered his new cabin and poured over the maps and charts spread out on table.

The entire crew knew this was Alex’s first command, so they watched him disappear behind closed doors and wondered about their future at the hands of a new leader.

At least he didn’t fall on the deck, someone murmured under his breath.

No he managed to stay up straight and dignified, someone said.

But a man in his early twenties, master of his own ship? another man asked.

Who ever heard of that? the one mending the sail looked hard at his back.

Are the lot of us putting our faith, trust, health and heart with the devil himself? yet another asked.

Why, he was still having his nose wiped by some old nurse while we sailed the sea, another commented behind his back.

The captain had pretended he didn’t hear them, but Ezack had sent a nod to Sirian and both vowed to take care of the dissenters later that day in private. After all, that is what the first and second mates did best.

‘Of course,’ thought Ezack, ‘we had used any means at our disposal to find out more about Captain Axel after being told of his commission. The other officers at Miramar had no knowledge of him, except that he was commissioned by the king himself. Now that proved to be most interesting, why the king himself?’

All that matters, mate, is who you know and ev’rythin’ else is ’istory. He knows not how to sail a canoe is my bet, one of the men had replied to their inquiry.

That had worried the two officers to no end. It took more than a month before they could gather some information about Axel and they had found it in the palace, of all places.

It hadn’t come easy for Axel to gain respect from his crew, but in the last four years, he had won them all. His fair and easy way had earned their loyalty and many sailors would give anything to work under his command. He was a natural at sea, which surprised them all, even passing Sirian’s mighty scrutiny.

A gust of wet wind slapped Ezack’s face and threatened to send him back the way he had come as soon as he opened the door to the companionway. However, the cold gust brought him back to the storm and the task at hand.

Two wet figures appeared in front of him as if they had materialized from thin air. Near the prow of the ship still cuddled to the gunwale, Sirian pointed a wet finger toward him. He pushed against the wind until he was close beside Kit’s ear.

Kit, … the captain wants you to get below, Ezack bellowed.

Aye, aye, sir, he responded. His eyes took a softer look at the prospect of a dry shirt. Soon, they darted in the direction he would have to go and then out at the storm-tossed sea.

Come, Ezack offered. I remember well my first storm like this’un. He grabbed Kit by the collar of his wet shirt and helped him navigate the wild movement of the ship to the companionway.

The young sailor was tossed in every direction, as the water rushed under his not-so-seaworthy feet and Ezack struggled to keep the young man in his grasp.

Sirian meanwhile stayed put, with a big smile on his wet face.

As the two wet figures staggered, another great wave smacked them against the side of the deckhouse. Kit groaned as they pressed tight against the wall of the deckhouse until the water left them for a moment and they dared continue.

As soon they reached the door that led to the inner passageway, the young sailor tried his lungs to make sure that they could still take in air without water. The fury of the storm could still be heard here, but with reduced intensity after they closed the door.

Ezack scrutinized the young sailor’s green face. Are you well boy? You don’t look so good.

Chapter Two

The Confession

The usually slim form of the youth had assumed an even thinner look as his sopping shirt had molded to individual ribs. It was sculpted to his torso like the inner skeleton of a barrel.

I’m fine, sir, it’s just thet storm’s not ova.

Ezack sent a crooked smile at the boy as the shadows cast by the passageway lanterns played across his face to give him a lopsided look.

It’s always the same on yer first ship and yer first storm, he said. Don’t worry, it’ll pass as the years do.

Aye, aye, sir. Kit’s eyes showed doubt, but he did straighten his shoulders.

Ezack’s eyes focused on the puddle that was growing bigger by the minute in the middle of the corridor. Where’s yer oilskins, seaman?

I didn’t have a chance to find ’em, sir. The Second Mate took me outside before I knew what happened or thet the storm would be so furious.

Next time remember that your oilskins’ll keep ya drier and warmer than yer wet clothes. First get them, and no officer will give you bad marks for it, Ezack counseled.

I’ll remember, sir.

We can’t have ya down with a chill end too sick ta help, Ezack added.

Aye, aye, sir, the young man responded with a hand salute. Errr, …sir, ’bout the cargo… do we have ta throw it overboard? Kit’s face assumed a deathly pallor.

Ezack’s laughs roared, outdoing the noise of the storm, and his jolly tears mingled with the seawater dripping from his wet hair. It’s jest a jibe, he told the intimidated youth, as soon as he could manage a word. Welcome ta our ship.

Moments later, Ezack made his way back to the captain’s cabin to find Sirian and the captain there alone. The captain’s eyes seemed attached to the dark outside of his porthole.

The storm’ll soon break, Ezack said. The worst of it’s almost passed by and a calmer night’s my forecast.

The captain’s wavy dark hair didn’t move in acknowledgement. Ezack turned to Sirian, who shrugged his shoulders.

Quite the jibe ya threw the poor kid, he continued. He was sure ya meant to throw the women overboard.

Sirian’s roar of laughter was lost, overpowered by thunder so close that it seemed to threaten to tear the ship in two. Yet, the captain’s face muscles tightened in a frown.

We couldn’t even if it were needful, Axel words hissed between his teeth. The tone of his voice matched the dark stare when he turned toward them. The Imperial Princess will send us to the gallows if we lose her precious cargo.

Captain? Ezack said.

We thought she was set on marryin’ ya, sir, Sirian added.

I wish I could deny it … but, I can’t, Axel replied, a hint of desperation in his voice. I apologize. I shouldn’t have made such a comment in your presence. It puts you in danger and me in an awkward position before you.

A man needs to let loose now and then, Captain … where better than with his friends? Ezack responded.

Thank you. Both of you have befriended me from the beginning and I appreciate your loyalty and respect.

Is there anything we can help you with? We’ve heard of Her Highness’s ill temper and… Sirian trailed off. Well, you’re in a fix, Captain. I don’t know how you’ll manage her…?

Aye, her thoughtlessness, you mean. Unfortunately, my foolishness didn’t let me see how she truly was, until the king informed me that she wants personal slaves, Axel replied, his back to the window. That moment is when I wonder who I had promised my heart and life to.

That’s why we enslaved these poor souls, then? asked Sirian.

The king’s orders said that we’re at war and they are our enemies, sir, Ezack said. Yet, you make it sound like we take’em to please the princess and that doesn’t set well with me.

When kingdoms are at war they attack and defend themselves, but I have never see these islanders attack us, Sirian added.

They have never attacked us, Axel confirmed. We raid them, we wait for them to be in small groups and take them, all in the name of the Del Mar Princess, but at war we are not.

What kinda woman is she? Sirian blurted out. How does she put our kingdom in such danger?

Watch yer tongue, officer. Ezack turned sharply to reprimand him.

Forgive me, Captain...though I’m not sure I can stomach her actions.

I understand, he answered. However, she is your princess. Axel strode away from the window to halt by the second officer. One day, she will become our queen and your loyalty and respect should start now…

Aye, sir, Sirian saluted his captain.

What’s gonna happen when she becomes queen? asked Sirian.

I don’t know, sighed Axel, his hand on the first officer’s shoulder. All we can do is to pray that the king will enjoy a long life.

But Captain, it doesn’t seem to me that the king can handle her either, Sirian said.

We are in troubled waters, my friend, one way or the other, Axel answered.

Can you do anything, Captain? asked Ezack. You’re the one who knows her best.

Axel’s eyes turned the dark clouds on the horizon. Once I was the man you think of, my friend, but that all changed the first time I saw the haunted eyes of the slaves on my ship. I couldn’t live like a slave, but, I too am slave to my own promises.

Both officers glanced at the captain, uncomfortable at the depth of their friend’s sadness.

We’ve heard pieces of yer story from the courtiers, the second mate prompted. Ya know how it is … lotsa gossip. Do ya mind straightenin’ them out for us?

Axel turned toward the chair next to the table and fell on it as if the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders.

My father, Rasptane, kept himself too busy for me. One day he came home, beside himself with excitement, and told me that all his hard work had paid off. He had been chosen as the king’s head chancellor.

Axel stopped, and for a long moment, only the ship’s moans at the buffeting of the sea could be heard around them.

Soon we moved into the castle. Father had always been a somber man, so his new smile filled me with hope. Axel swept a hand over his dark hair. However, I soon realized that nothing had changed for me. I continued to be alone as no other children my age lived in the palace. After a few weeks, I met Serena by chance. She had come out to go for a horse ride and I had just come back from mine. She welcomed me to the palace and we became fast friends. Not a day passed that I didn’t see her.

Axel stood and walked back to the window.

By the time I turned sixteen, my friendship with her had grown into love. I thought then that I didn’t want to live without my sweet princess and couldn’t wait to secure her by my side. One evening at sunset, I made a pact to marry her when she grew up. A child’s dream, I know, but a promise that now obliges me as a man.

Whoa! gasped Sirian. But, if ya were sixteen, that made her…

Nine, Axel finished for him.

Does she still remember that moment? asked Sirian.

Aye, he answered bitterly, and restlessly moved back to the chair. Serena spends her hours on plans for our wedding. Precious few times am I free of her, except when we go to sea."

Why don’t ya leave her? asked the second mate.

My father is the head chancellor to the king and, although I don’t care for him either, everyone expects me to fulfill the promise I made to her … there’s nowhere to hide.

So, … ya put it off for as long as ya can, Ezack concluded in a murmur.

Aye, my friend, I do, he murmured. Though every time we set foot in port I wonder if it is my last time to be free.

The two officers exchanged a quiet look.

Back to work, the captain startled them from their private thoughts with the echoes of faraway thunder to punctuate his words.

The mates disappeared through the captain’s door on their way to help the sailors busy at work. Some were back on deck to secure the lines and cargo; others were deep in the hold of the moaning vessel at work at the pumps. The brunt of the storm seemed to have passed and Ezack hoped that his captain’s blues had left with the rain. They were all in a pickle if the captain didn’t marry the princess, but how could they expect him to go through with it? A rejected princess could be more deadly than the sea.

Thet was a fair blow, Ezack told a group of seamen after the wind died down. We all worked hard and deserve a rest after we get things battened down and food in our bellies.

Aye, sir, they echoed.

The captain ordered ale for all as his thanks, he added.

The men all shouted and whistled their joy at the prospect of the sweet drink.

As the evening shadows descended on The Paloma, Ezack made sure all the ship’s lamps were lit as he again examined the ship from top to bottom. At the crew’s quarters he listened to the snores and restful breathing of the occupants while he took a head count of the tired men there. They had lost no one, and that was the way he like it.

Hours had passed since his captain’s confession, yet the Captain’s words still haunted him. A promise that obliges me as a man.

Was the princess as awful as they painted her? He had never seen her, being at sea most of his life. Many seemed to fear her, though the reason why escaped him. True, she sounded like a demon. With a heavy feeling in his chest, he contemplated his friend’s fate.

Chapter Three

Castle on the Lake

Back on dry land, King Talone sat in the majestic council chambers in Miramar’s palace. His ancestors had managed the smooth functioning of the kingdom from comfortable repose in the tall-backed blue velvet chairs, just like he did today. The agenda was to discuss the coffers and how to make them more plentiful, a subject close to the king’s heart.

Your Highness. Chancellor Rasptane’s personal attendant paused before he advanced to the head of the ancient Mahogany table. He bowed to the plump king, seated at the head. Chancellor Rasptane apologizes for his tardiness.

The servant, dressed in a colorful silk tunic over dark pantaloons, was well-known to the king. With a troubled heart, Talone accepted the parchment the man handed him.

‘Rasptane wouldn’t miss this council for anything. After all he likes gold as much as I do,’ the king thought disconcertedly. He pictured the tall man with a slim nose and his equally slim lips turned up in a half smile It was the same face he has seen every time money had been a possibility for Axel’s father to add to his coffers. He set the parchment on the table that had been brought across the sea by his great-great-grandfather and adjusted his gold crown.

The king half-stood and faster than lightening, two brown-skinned servants took their places at each side of his ornate chair, lifting it closer to the table. Once comfortable, Talone opened and read the short message written in the curvy lines of the head chancellor’s handwriting. After he read it, he fumed as he placed it back on the table and felt abandoned in the midst of his other chancellors. Rasptane has been his companion for many years and he felt deserted without him at his side.

Is something the matter, My King? asked the chancellor who sat to the right of Rasptane’s vacant chair.

The king swept his dark eyes about the room and over the rest of his chancellors before he answered. The open windows revealed a clear day that promised to be warm and sunny. The rest of the ministers were involved in polite conversation with each other, but he knew that their ears were pointed in his direction. He was well aware that some of them didn’t approve of the way he ruled, but knew better than to oppose him. The head chancellor kept them in check and out of his way, something he liked a lot. The decision to call Rasptane as a head chancellor was the best one Talone had made.

He returned his gaze to the chancellor and answered, It appears Rasptane had a bad night. His indisposition confines him to his room. He motioned slightly with one hand.

A servant hurried to the king’s side and with much care, placed a cloth in front of him on which he positioned an engraved silver cup. Another dark-skinned man then offered him a choice of milk, juice or fresh ale from the three exquisite metal pitchers that rested upon a silver platter. After the king had made his choice, another servant poured the liquid in the cup and hovered close by until he had tasted it.

Would My King like to start the council without him or would it be better to postpone it? the same chancellor asked after a reasonable delay.

The servants, meanwhile, hurried like busy ants around the oval table to set plates full of fruits within easy reach and pour juices of their choice for each of the chancellors.

I don’t know. This is Rasptane’s first absence. Maybe we…

His words trailed off when his daughter, Serena, pushed open the carved doors with a clunk and rushed into the room with her dark locks bouncing at each step. Her manservant, Emanio, hurried behind her and made repeated bows toward the king.

Father, it was so beautiful I had to come and tell you all about it, she cried, oblivious to the fact that she had interrupted anyone.

Talone watched as all the servants skittered out of the room, as if she were death itself. Such perfect compliance to his instructions brought a contented smile to his lips, until he discovered the cups that had been abandoned dangerously teetering halfway off the chimney mantel.

A loud sigh escaped the king lips as his eyes rested back on his impulsive daughter who now lacked five steps to be at his side. ‘How can she not notice the commotion she has caused? This is so perfect,’ he thought.

What is it now, Serena? he asked. I am in the middle of an important council and need to continue our work.

For the second time that morning, he wished that Rasptane could direct her desires to his liking. The man had a gift even with his stubborn daughter.

This is much more important, Father. She clung to the back of the nearest chair until her knuckles became white for added emphasis. "Axel will return at any moment