Beauty and the Blade: Swords of Men and Angels, #4

By Arthur Miriello

Ernum's desire for the sword of Teranda did not diminish through the years and has once again set forth evil plans to obtain it. During a long period of peace, sin and treachery suddenly bring war and death to the royal family of Teranda. King Dunen is forced to make his most difficult decision between love and life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arturo Miriello
• Release date: Jun 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781534616264

Book preview

Chapter 1

A SUITOR FOR THE PRINCESS

I do not love anyone! Dania cried out in exasperation.

She stood by her window looking out into the world with her back turned away from her parents. The princess had an oval face like her mother but with softer features and lighter skin. Her long red flowing hair reached almost to her waist. A thin crown, woven with gold and diamonds, grouped her hair on her head. She wore a long white gown with tresses which flowed down her delicate figure.

Dunen, seated across the chamber, looked at his wife Marani with frustration.

As most tribal woman of the Soloneb valley, Queen Marani had a firm dark-skinned face. Her hair a burgundy color, flowing long over her brown and green dress. Stitched emblems of her tribal village decorated around her neck.

When will you decide? Dunen asked Dania as he controlled the tenor of his voice.

King Dunen wore his golden crown with the bust of a roaring lion protruding in the centre and with two large fiery rubies as eyes. His tunic was braided with straps of white and gold. A black lace tied his coat down the middle.

When? she asked as she turned and looked at her father with wide-eyed unbelief, Am I God to know when I find love?

Dunen gripped the arm of his chair as he dissipated his anger. He heard this argument from her too many times. She knew better to even use it. As princess of Teranda, she had to consider the welfare of the city and not her feelings. He hoped she could put aside her dreams for the sake of the realm. In recent months, a great weight began to grow upon him as the royal cities Sandinor and Dernak wanted to marry their sons to Dania with the hope of a greater alliance.

I love you my child, but your wishful hopes grow heavy on me, he told her with a heavy sigh.

For Dania, nothing was worse than to disappoint her father, but she could not bear the choices offered to her. She prayed for God's help and hoped His guidance would come soon.

I am truly sorry, father, she could only say, restraining her heart from yielding to his wishes.

Sorry? It is I that should be sorry. Our family carries a great burden. I believe you will soon make the right decision, he told her.

Dania hoped her father was right.

She understood her great responsibility as royal princess was to serve the people. She also tried not to be selfish with all the great blessings God had bestowed upon her. And even though many ladies of the city were wedded to lords and found happiness, deep inside, she felt something else awaited her.

A part of her resented the pressure. She sometimes felt her tribal half called her to be wild and free, but she knew a decision was inevitable.

Dania calmed herself and prayed to God for strength. Her parents waited for an answer before they could join the ball.

I will seriously consider your words and pray for the Lord's wisdom, she said humbly although she knew it would only appease them for a short time.

Marani approached her daughter and cradled her face in her hands. She gave her a comforting smile as she admired her daughter.

We wish you only happiness, my love, she said softly.

Dunen gave a quick unhappy frown. He had heard these words from her daughter before and nothing came of it.

Sadly, it was clear to him that he would have to make the decision for her.

I will give you by the next moon to make your own decision. Then I will decide, he told her firmly as he raised himself from his chair.

Both women looked at him with different reactions. Marani who understood her husband’s responsibilities and difficulties was not surprised by his decision.

Dania was not surprised her father would be forced to take action, but it made it no easier.

Father! she could only hiss.

I have spoken. It will be so.

Are you heartless? she asked in shock.

At first, he wanted to cry out how much he cared and wished better things for her, but as king, he had to put aside his feelings and do what was right.

He decided not to argue, Our guests await us, he told her flatly and walked to the doors.

Dania's mind began to race, searching for a last argument to change her father's decision.

You married the one you loved, she blurted out.

Dunen froze before opening the doors.

He thought for a moment and replied, My mother chose for me.

Suddenly the door burst open and Favrob entered.

What is taking so long? he asked impatiently.

Favrob was slightly taller than his father but had a greater build, taken from his heritage of the Soloneb tribesmen. He had a stern face and took his place as heir to the throne very seriously. Young and strong, he gendered an unyielding decisive demeanor which few felt comfortable with. He wore a dark leather tunic with intertwined silver threads and a golden belt.

Your sister, Dunen said dryly and left the room.

Favrob looked at his troubled sister and the disappointed look on his mother and knew an argument had just ended.

What is wrong this time? he asked, even though he could easily guess what was discussed.

It does not concern you, Marani answered, hoping her son not would interfere.

All things of the realm concern me, he reminded her.

Marani gave her son an annoyed glare. She knew he had the right to know but didn't like the cold manner he often dealt with family issues.

And what concerns my family, concerns me more so, he added firmly.

Yes, my love, but certain affairs are personal, she said bluntly and then took Dania by the arm, Come, my petal.

Dania quickly went along with her mother not wanting to hear her brother's opinion.

Favrob held back from pushing the matter and let them pass by.

Favrob had mixed feelings on the subject. He was highly protective of his sister and cared much about her, but like his father, he understood her duty to Teranda outweighed personal feelings.

And like his father, Favrob felt the political pressure his sister created among the cities and he knew it needed to be resolved soon. Even among his friends, the subject was divisive.

He walked after his family and joined them at the door that led to the great hall. They gave each other brief uncomfortable glances without saying a word, keeping their thoughts to themselves. By habit, they gathered their poise before they entered as was expected from the royal family of Teranda.

A tall muscular man clothed in dark blue clothes approached the family and stopped just behind Dania. He wore a golden strap which began from his shoulder and crossed his chest that ended with a knot on his sword belt.

His scabbard had the family’s royal insignia of the roaring lion and the hilt of his sword was wrapped in black leather.

His name was Eru, personal guard to Dania. He had a rugged, dark-skinned face which was often stern. He always kept a ready stance for the unexpected. During public events, he remained very close at all times to the princess. His trained eye never stopped watching or examining the surroundings and the people who were there. His skill as a swordsman and in combat was well respected in all the land, defeating many times great warriors in tournaments of combat.

Two family guards stood before the doors.

Is my mother still in Maarkaat? Dunen asked his wife.

Yes, she answered and then looked at her husband, You miss her?

I miss her presence in our courts. She knows how to deal with the lords better than I.

Marani did not believe him, You know how she loves the company of my mother and my peaceful village, she reminded him.

Nevertheless, I need her here, he said annoyingly.

You miss her, she poked with a smirk.

Dunen gave her a frown but could not hide the truth from her and then nodded with a smile.

The doors were opened to a ceremonious introduction and the royal family followed the marched steps of the guards.

The loud chatter of music and people talking in the great throne hall subsided as the royal family made their entrance. The hall was filled with guests from the three great cities and included some chiefs and princesses from tribal villages who lived outside the regions.

They all turned and watched the royal family take their place on the throne dais and give their guests a solemn bow.

Dunen stood before his throne chair as Marani stood before her chair to his left. Favrob took his place to the right of his father as Dania stood to his left.

Welcome, friends and guests, to the palace of Teranda and may your spirit be refreshed among us. The Lord God, creator of the heavens and of the earth, bless you with joy, peace and long life. Let us rejoice in His goodness and the peace He has given us today, Dunen proclaimed loudly but calmly.

All the guests clapped once in unison. The sound vibrated throughout the stone hall.

My family and I are honored by your presence. Please be filled by our blessings, Dunen said and raised his right hand.

Instantly, the musicians began to play again as servants carrying trays of fruits, cakes and other delicacies entered the hall through several doors. Servants carrying jugs of beverages also came forth while others offered cups to the guests.

The invited happily received the food and drinks and verbally expressed their appreciation and awe for what was offered.

Many men saluted the family with raised cups and shouted blessings.

Once Dunen and Marani saw their guests being served, they sat down.

Where is Soro? Dunen asked Favrob as he searched the people.

Late, he answered annoyingly.

A weakness he must correct.

I will remind him, Favrob answered although he knew it would make no difference.

Favrob excused himself as he went off to join his close friends.

Dania looked around and noticed all the men who were looking at her and hoped to meet her. Still troubled by her father's ultimatum, she did not feel very cordial. Nonetheless,