Storytime (Once 2)

By Alyson Serena Stone

Sequel to Once! After returning from Trelia and breaking the curse, Ryanon and Dak return to Xandria, only to find it a much darker place than what it was. Illness rages through the streets, murder rules their lives, and dark creatures lurk in the streets. As the Trelians arrive in Xandria, the political situations reach their climax. Blood runs on the dawn of civil wars. New allies are made and old enemies return.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alyson Serena Stone
• Release date: Dec 12, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370965700

Alyson Serena Stone

Alyson Serena Stone hails from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. She began her writing career in 2010 on fanfiction.net and fictionpress.com. She has published over two hundred stories on those sites. When not writing, she came be found reading, watching bad movies, and listening to heavy metal music. She would love to hear feedback from her readers, so don't hesitant to drop a review. Okay, enough of that strange third person stuff. So...About Me.... Top 5: Books: 1. Harry Potter by J.K Rowling 2. Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas 3. A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J Maas 4. Cleopatra: Daughter of the Nile by Kristiana Greogory 5. Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder TV 1. Reign 2. Game of Thrones 3. Shadowhunters 4. The 100 5. The Fosters Movies: 1. Harry Potter 2. Disney Animation 3. Cinderella 2015 4. Gettysburg 5. Bandslam CDS 1. Nightwish: Imaginaerum 2. Within Temptation: The Heart of Everything 3. Delain: The Human Contradiction 4. Nightwish: Endless Forms Most Beautiful 5. Within Temptation: The Unforgiving Songs: 1. Nightwish: Elan 2. Nightwish: Ghost Love Score (Floor Jansen Style!) 3. Within Temptation: What Have You Done? 4. Delain: Here Come the Vultures 5. Arch Enemy: War Eternal Where Else Can You Find Me? Goodreads: Serena Fanfiction: Aphrodite-Venus-u.k National Novel Writing Month: AlysonSerenaStone Youtube: Alyson Serena Stone

Book preview

Chapter One: It Begins with a Story

Ryanon Cinderspear could not believe this was actually happening. Granted the last few months of her life should have led her expect the impossible, but nothing like this had ever happened to her before. She stared down at it, where it rested the empty alley of the slums of Skalavik. It had been an eighteenth birthday present.

Whipping around she stared down Dak Morninghelm. I really cannot believe that you just did that!

Dak shrugged. You weren't listening to me and it was the only way I could get your attention.

But I was just getting to the good part! she objected, once again staring down at her beloved book, which now laid in the middle of the filthy alley. You are going to have to replace that!

Dak just waved his hand at her. As I was saying, the wedding is set to take place in a few weeks.

Ryanon moved away from her window. She would deal with the book issue at another time. I still can't believe that Vicar is Jessimond's true love.

Dak smiled. You should see the looks she's been giving him when she thinks no one is looking. He paused. At least, she still has Amberfall to fall back on.

Is there anything we can do to stop the wedding? Ryanon had been thinking about the event ever since they returned from Trelia.

A few months ago, Ryanon and Dak and a group from Xandria had gone to Trelia to break a sleeping curse that had been placed on the land by the Iron Fairy, Nightstone. No one had thought that Vicar would have the power to break the curse, which could only be broken by true love's kiss. At last, Vicar had broken the curse and he and Jessimond were set to be married.

There was still the matter of King Rauffe Eveneye. Amberfall had reported that he was doing well; he was currently being housed in a manor on the Trelian-Zanian border. They still had to figure how to introduce him back into the world stage and had to do so before Vicar had a chance to lay claim to the Trelian throne. Amberfall had had some contact with Trelian leaders, who did indeed report the land still did have some wealth. However, they were far from their previous glory.

Dak peered back at her. Are you even listening to me?

Ryanon smiled. Sorry.

I was saying the castle is nothing but wedding plans right now. My mother has brought in some of the best wedding planners in all of Eacken.

Ryanon laid back further against the building. So, it's actually happening?

I'm afraid so.

Ryanon wrinkled up her nose. What does Jessimond's mother think about this?

There hasn't been much coming from the queen. It's like she's disappeared from the public eye.

Why? Ryanon fired, her brow deepening into a frown.

She's lost both her husband and daughter, as well as her nation being in pretty much a state of anarchy. Plus, she's just woken up from a sleeping curse. How would you feel? Dak fired back. She's only human after all.

Ryanon ran her hands along the uneven brick wall. She wasn't even sure what it felt like to be human, to let your guard down and just be free. What do we do now?

Dak ran his hands through his hair. I don't know.

Ryanon turned and kicked at the wall. We seem to be saying that a lot.

I know, but what else is there to say?Dak looked out into the distance, as if he were thinking carefully about his next words. "There's something in the castle killing and eating peoples’

faces. I had to find that out from Amberfall."

Ryanon tried not to wince. She couldn't even being herself to think about going in such a way.

And we have no idea what it could be or where it is lurking. Dak sighed. Now, what do we do?

We could try and be happy, Ryanon said with a smile, as she tried to wrap her head around what Dak had just said. It was just downright disturbing. What is there to be happy about?

That is the question no one seems to have an answer to.

A cart rolled down the main drag, an arm flopped out from underneath a blanket. Its lifeless force bounced as the cart hit a rather deep pothole. The scent of rot and decay filled Ryanon's lungs, sending a wave of vile forming in her throat. The Exhausting Plague was still racing through the city, just like hunger was in the villages. How could a king do this to his people?

Plus, she still had to do something about Kjallaksstaoir. Those hollowed out children plagued her dreams even more than Nightstone.

Dak stared as the first rays of sunlight reached them.

Ryanon let the sunlight warm her skin. It felt so good, reminding of her the bed that she hadn't seen in so long. I'm so tired, she finally admitted.

Dak moved closer to her, wrapping his long arms around her waist. I know, I know. His breath warmed her neck, making her realize even more just how much she was missing. It's never ending.

Ryanon leaned into him. Promise me something.

He nuzzled her neck, almost making her want to purr. What?

Don't let Vicar get control. We still have to fulfill our promise to your mother.

And how am I supposed to stop Vicar from getting on the throne after we kill the king?

We'll have to burn it down.

You're talking about war.

Ryanon moved away from him, turning to face him. No, I’m talking about saving our nation.

Amberfall watched as Jessimond and Vicar dinned as the early morning sun filled the dining hall. The grief was still apparent on the princess's face. However, she was still smiling and pretending to be having a good time.

Teodric laughed with his son, while Jessimond attempted to hide a look of disgust. From what Amberfall had been listening to, Vicar had been talking about the elf he had killed. Jessimond hated any kind of killing.

Frostfire studied Amberfall out of the corner of his eye. I heard you, the princess, and Queen Ariana are planning an outing later this morning.

Amberfall nodded. She had not been alone with the queen since their meeting with Lady Alexia, the one where she admitted that she wanted Captain Morninghelm on the throne. To look at the queen now, one would not think that she was a killer. Who killed their own husband and pitted her own children against each other? That in itself made Amberfall very leery of Queen Ariana.

However, Soul Reaper, Longblade of Truth being found after all this time did give Amberfall hope and she was going to give the blade to Captain Morninghelm. Plus, she had also given the captain blazewing as well, just in case he got a clean shot at his father. However, the captain had said it was either use it at Nightstone or not come back at all. As long as Captain Morninghelm was alive, they had a chance.

No matter what they did, things were just going to get downright messy.

Amberfall took a bite out of her muffin, enjoying the moist feeling that it left in her mouth. She could had gone back to Zania, but she couldn't leave Jessimond here with the monster.

Vicar whispered something in Jessimond's ear, which caused her look of disgust to change to one of love. Maybe he was actually her true love. After all, he did break the curse.

Still, it just didn't seem possible.

How could someone so foul be someone so sweet true love?

Frostfire kept eyeing Amberfall. You look like you're about ready to murder someone, he said, so softly that she almost didn't make out his words.

It's just wrong, she answered. It was times like this that made her very thankful for human's overall poor hearing. This should not be happening.

But it is, Frostfire pointed out. It's happening.

I'm not going to let it go much longer, Amberfall answered. We are going to have to put a stop to this.

And how do you plan on doing that? The wedding is being planned as we speak.

Amberfall just gave him a long look. Don't you worry about that.

Dak found himself sliding into the castle just moments before he was supposed to report for duty. He would have scolded his men for cutting it this close and was probably going to get an earful from his father. He straightened the uniform that he had managed to grab off his floor, hoping that it wouldn't make his tardiness even more noticeable.

Hell, he wasn't even sure if it was clean.

Juel Firedew gave him a long look as he walked up the stairs. Why didn't you shave?

Dak just gave him a dark look. Why don't you shut up? He ran his hand over his unshaven face. Does it really look that bad?

Juel studied Dak in a way that made him kind of nervous. You do look like you've been out all night.

Dak shoved past the other guard. Great, just another thing for the king to gripe about.

Juel feel in step next to Dak. I guess he hasn't complained about you yet this week.

We wouldn’t want that to stop now, would we? Dak muttered as he started straightening up his uniform. He didn’t think he looked that bad...

The two young men paused outside the throne room, neither one of them could make themselves open the door. Dak wasn't sure why Juel didn't want to go in. Maybe he was lingering to make Dak feel better about himself.

Or maybe he could also sense the darkness around the king too.

General Malculmus Irondrifter arrived last night unexpectedly, Juel said. I tried to find you, but you weren't in your chambers. He wants to know why his men haven't been paid yet.

Dak frowned. I thought we sent the payment.

Juel shrugged. Well, they didn't receive it.

Dak fought the urge to groan. General Malculmus Irondrifter was the commander of Leira’s legions-the same legions who had gone on the Trelian mission. Leira was known throughout the world for producing Xandria's finest legions. Though the general hadn't gone on the mission, he had still been a key player. The legions were more loyal to him than they were to the king, which was not a good thing. If King Teodric didn't make things right with the general, Xandria's fiercest legions could turn on them. Why did his father have to cross this man?

How bad is it? Dak asked.

Let's just say there's no war yet, but we aren't far from it, Juel answered.

Dak rested his hand on the heavy door. As if things couldn't possibly get any worse. Let's get this over with.

The heavy door opened and right away Dak could feel the darkness in the room. He really couldn't tell if it was from his father or the general's rage. The general stood a couple of steps below King Teodric.

Sire, my men are going to starve if they do not get their wages, General Malculmus Irondrifter was saying.

King Teodric eyes narrowed just a bit-not enough for the general to notice. I sent their wages as soon as we returned. Are you implying that I would not see that those who serve me well are not taken care of? He laughed. Trust me whenever I say that I take care of my people.

Dak fought the urge to snort.

General Malculmus Irondrifter smiled. I'm not saying that you didn't, but any good king would make sure to keep his legions happy. If they are saying that they didn't receive payment for what you call a job well done, I would make sure that I paid them again. His voice grew dangerously low with each word.

The little hairs on the back of Dak's neck stood up. He wanted to say something, but knew better than to cross his father.

Teodric looked back at the general. I will look into it.

General Malculmus Irondrifter's eyes narrowed. You had better do more than look into it. I want it fixed and I want to fixed quickly. With a swipe of his cape, he turned and stormed out of the throne room, nearly knocking into Juel on his way out.

Teodric waited until the door was completely closed before speaking. Well, I thought we would never get rid of him.

Chapter Two: Twilight

Ryanon stared at the castle with a frown. There was just something completely off in the air surrounding it, but she couldn't quiet put a finger on it. It was almost like there was a sickness about it, like it was literally dying. She shifted her weight around. Whatever it was, it was threatening to drown her.

Hurry up, Dak, she muttered to herself.

A few nobles brushed by her, but didn't give her a second glance. They probably just thought she was someone's fun for the night. It made her sick to think that was what people thought of her. It did, at least, give her the prefect disguise for entering and leaving the castle at will. If only she could kill all the pigs, then there would be nothing to worry about.

It's about time, she said as the gates opened and Dak slipped out.

He looked over with a smirk. Well, don't you just look charming.

She brushed past him. Don't make me kill you.

He shook his head. Now, is that really the right way to treat a paying customer?

I'll give you a paying customer.

He bowed as she walked through the gate, which he shut behind them with the tug of a wheel. Her eyes shifted around as the cameras trained on them. There seemed to be more and more cameras these days. It was as if the king was getting more and more paranoid.

Dak came up behind her, putting his arm around her waist, leaning into her. It's not safe, yet. His hot breath sent tickles down the back of her neck.

She nodded as she leaned further into him. Anything else?

Not now, he hissed.

Whatever you say.

They stalked through the grounds. A few people still lingered about, but none of them gave them a second look. Maybe they were growing used to seeing their captain with women. She still ducked her head-not simply because she was playing the role of a whore, but because she had a feeling that not everyone bought the whole Craskbrand killed Lord Lowis Goldspire. After all, they had been given a description of the killer and Craskbrand sure did not fit that role.

Dak pulled her closer. He's had all the halls spiked, so don't speak of anything until we get to my chambers.

And you sure there's nothing in there? Ryanon asked.

I haven't seen anything yet.

But could there be? she pressed.

Dak just shrugged. I've looked pretty close and there's nothing there.

Ryanon felt her lips grow thin. She knew how Dak looked, but, still, she knew he wouldn't mess with something like this.

He grabbed onto her as a group of men walked toward them. Just go with it.

Ryanon frowned. Go with what?

He gave her a desperate look. You know what I mean.

She didn't even have time to press the matter before he latched onto her. Right away, her body started to react to his touch. The termers raced through her, making her arch her spine with just the slightest movements. She felt a moan forming in her mouth and it took everything she had to keep it back.

Dak leaned into her, his breath hot against her skin. She could feel his body reacting like her own was. It was like their bodies wanted them to become one, wanted them to enjoy the pleasures that each other had to offer.

You're mine, he breathed. Ryanon couldn't tell if this was part of the act or not.

His lips broke the kiss for a brief time before finding hers again.

It was gentle, almost soft. It was the kind of kiss that she had read about, but never thought she would get to experience herself. She slid her arms around his shoulders, drawing him even closer. She found herself opening her mouth, inviting his tongue in. He slide in, brushing it up against her own.

This was how it was supposed to be...This was what love was supposed to feel like. They weren't in the hall, they were alone.

Or so it seemed.

He deepened the kiss as she wrapped her legs around his waist, drawing him even closer. She could feel his body react even more to her. He actually wanted her, wanted her right here in plain sight. He tore his lips away from her mouth to her neck.

The men walked past them without really saying anything. Though, Ryanon could have sworn she heard one of them tell them to get a room and that the captain was so lucky.

Dak broke away from her. They’re gone. He looked calm and collected like nothing had just happened.

Ryanon looked down the hall. Good. She found herself struggling to get air. Maybe he felt the same way, but was just better at putting up a front.

Dak led Ryanon to his chambers. It looked just the same as it had before, but the air felt different. Death’s aura wasn’t as noticeable here as it had been in the hall, but it was still there. The king’s poison seemed to be in all areas of Eacken.

We can talk, Dak said once he had closed the door.

Has anyone said anything about Rawlin? Ryanon asked.

Dak shook his head. There was a funeral, but that was it. They all think he died a hero’s death. We’ve been feeding the story that he gave his life in order to save some men from Nightstone.

Ryanon lowered herself down on Dak’s messy bed. Did he really want the king to live or was there something in it for him?

Dak just shrugged. I can see Vicar offering him lands in Trelia, but Rawlin was Trelain or, at least, descended from the Trelians. It really is possible that he did just want to save the king’s life.

Ryanon sighed. Why does it seem like everything is getting more and more complicated?

It’s going to get worse, Dak answered as he pinched his temples.

What do you mean? Ryanon snapped, her voice coming out harder than she meant.

My mother wants my father taken care of. She wants the war to start.

Ryanon rolled her eyes. Great, this just keeps getting better and better. She looked at Dak. How? Why? I mean, I know how, but why now? Why not wait until things settle down a bit?

Dak just shrugged. Well, she has already given us an extension as it is. I think we should just be lucky that she even waited this long.

Ryanon ran her hands through her hair. I just don’t see how we can pull this off now. Once your father is gone, what do we do about Vicar? How do even go about raising an army? He’s bound to come after us. I’m pretty sure Amberfall doesn’t have the number of legions we would need, even if we do have magic and gunpowder. Xandria truly does have the best army around. When was the last time Amberfall’s troops would have even seen combat?

Dak just looked at her. You’re rambling.

I know, but still! How in the world can we pull this off? We just can’t, not yet anyway.

Dak just gave her a small smile. I know it’s a lot to take on, but we will figure it out.

What if we don’t?

We wouldn’t be around to see what happens anyway. We’ll be dead, Dak pointed out.

True, but what if we are? What if we still happen to be around by that time? Ryanon went on. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to live in a country ruled by Vicar.

We could always just leave the country if that does happen.

And go where? From what I’ve heard and read, the rest of the world isn’t all that great.

Maybe we can find a new land and start our own country. It’s been done before.

Ryanon gave him a small smile. Maybe.

I’m surprised you haven’t asked me about Irondrifter.

I was actually waiting on you to bring it up.

He’s not happy, Dak said slowly. My father claims that he sent payment and Irondrifter said that they never received it. His men are up in arms. I think they will march on us if they got the chance. The king isn’t doing anything to solve the problem. He’s pretty much calling the general a liar.

Not a wise move, Ryanon muttered.

Dak shook his head. There’s more. Duke Wymond Cragshield was found dead in an alley. It appears that he died from alcohol poisoning.

Well, that’s such a shame. There was no trace of the poison, then?

Dak shook his head. You and Masse did pretty good.

What about the lord?

Dak just shrugged. I’ve not heard a lot about it. They seem to believe that Craskbrand could have gotten in and out of the room without anyone noticing.

Then, that takes care of that problem, Ryanon said.

Yeah, one of our many problems that can actually be erased.

Do you think the sword will be enough? Are you even able to get close enough to do? Ryanon wasn’t actually sure if Dak could run his own father through with a weapon. Sure, their relationship was complicated, but they were still father and son. Was that a bond that could even be broken? How far was Dak willing to go?

Dak sat down next to her on the bed. We’re just going to have to go through it all and think about what we are going to do. We have to do it; there’s no doubt about it. We just have to be smart about it.

Ryanon folded her hands in her lap, twisting them around. Where do we even start?

See, that’s the thing. I really have no clue as to where to even begin. There’s just so much. He bent over, burying his hands in his face for a brief moment before raising it. We have to get a starting place.

Ryanon sighed. What needs done first?

Amberfall wants Jessimond away from Vicar as quickly as possible.

And I have a feeling that she can be a very scary person.

So, do we make Amberfall happy first then? Ryanon asked with a raised eyebrow.

Dak just sighed deeply. I think that would be the best place to start, but it’s going to be very messy.

How do we go about stopping a royal wedding?

We just have to find Vicar a better offer. The sad thing is that I don’t think there’s going to be a better offer or any other offer for that matter.

Ryanon just sighed. Which really doesn’t open anything up for us.

No, it doesn't.

What about Alse? Ryanon asked, remembering that there was third child for the first time.

What about her? Dak asked.

What do we do about her?

Don't worry about my sister.

Ryanon looked out the window as at the twilight. It looked like a watercolour, so beautiful and so wonderful that it didn't look like it belonged in this world. She wanted to go out and ride off into it, away from all of this.

We can't stop a royal wedding without drawing attention to ourselves and we can't outright kill the king either, Dak went on.

So, that leaves us right back to where we started.

Dak's eyes flickered over to hers. I guess it does. He laced his fingers through hers. That doesn't mean that we can't have a little fun ourselves.

What do you mean?

He moved closer to her. I would like to finish what we started out there in the hall. It will be so much better now that we don't have an audience.

Ryanon didn't protest as Dak lowered her down onto the bed. It was strange that just a mere few months ago they had been at each other's throats, but now she was letting him do things to her that she really hadn't let anyone before. She had been with men, but none of them were like Dak.

He spread his fingers over her stomach, letting them rest there without moving for several seconds. She reached up for them, trying to him to move them, to soothe the tingles that were racing through her body.

You really are impatient, Dak whispered, his lips hovering just centimetres from her body. That will get you killed one of these days.

Ryanon raised her head to meet his lips. But right now, it will get me all kinds of rewards.

Dak smirked. What makes you think that?

I know you.

His fingers started to travel her body, touching her in places that made her just melt on the bed. The tingles felt so right as he stroked her body; he certainly wasn't new to how to make a female feel good. She could feel the ache, the longing for him as he kept touching her. His lips worked similar magic on hers.

He broke the kiss. Tell me what you want, Ryanon.

She cried out a bit as he felt his hand slid beneath her dress, touching her in the sweet spot. She was so close to him that it made it impossible to tell where one body began and the other one ended. She smiled. She knew what he wanted, so could feel it, but that just wasn't how she worked. She wanted to have fun while she could.

I want you to make me forget, she said, breathlessly.

She felt his body tense. You really are a tease, aren't you? he whispered.

She just smiled. And what are you doing to do about it?

He leaned back down close to her. I'm going to give you what you want. Forget about everything. His breath felt warm against her skin.

His hand reentered beneath the top of her dress, pulling it down to her waist. She didn't bother to cover herself as he stared at her. He reached up and pulled off his own tunic. Skin to skin, he bent down over top of her, his hands roaming over her body.

Ryanon groaned as he kept touching her, going as far as to bow into his touch. She ground against him.

Now, now, now, you let me be in charge for once, he whispered.

She smiled as she began twisting and reaching for him. She needed him now; she needed him to help her forget what she was going through, what they were going through. He shook his head as he pressed harder against her. There was no gap between them now.

Let me do this for you, Dak whispered. Let me show you the pleasures' the world has to offer.

His hands and lips kept roaming her body, sending a fire to her core. She didn't know how much longer she could control herself, how much more of this she could take.

Please, Ryanon begged.

Dak gave her another smile as he finished taking off her dress. His eyes raked over her exposed body.

Now, your turn, she whispered as she pulled down his trousers and underclothes.

He just smiled as he pressed against her. Now what?

Let's forget about the world, Ryanon said.

He leaned down over her, baring his entire weight on her. He wasn't as heavy as she thought he would have been. His hot breath seemed to warm her cold body, bringing life back into her dying soul. She had never thought a man could make her feel this way.

Maybe this was what love was supposed to be. It was supposed to bring you up instead of down. Opening your heart up to someone was actually a good thing.

Chapter Three: The Princess and the Queen

The midmorning tea had been laid out in the south courtyard. Amberfall ran her hands over the fine material. She had requested that Jessimond join her for a private tea at ten and it was almost ten now with no sign of the princess.

She folded her hands in her gown. She wasn't used to the bulky Xandrian styles, but she was here to save the princess, not to be comfortable. She looked back down the path. There was no one there but a few guards.

What was taking her so long?

Female giggling echoed up from the path. Amberfall peered around the hedges, only to find Princess Alse and Lady Lina Lowfallow walking away down one of the many paths. Both of them had their heads bent closer and seemed to be gossiping about something or another.

There was still one thing about this whole plan of Queen Ariana's. Why hadn't Princess Alse been mentioned? Amberfall knew that women could rule Xandria in their own right, but why not mention the princess? She had heard rumours that the princess was to be used in marriage for political gain. Was that still the plan?

Unless...No, it was just completely mental. Still, it was possible. General Irondrifter was unwed, but he wasn't titled. He did, however, have an army. Would Queen Ariana really go that low? It was mad, but not impossible.

So sorry, Jessimond breathed as she slid out from the opposite direction. Prince Vicar was just showing me his hunting hounds and, er, hunting trophies. Some of things he kills for fun are just odd.

Is that so? was all Amberfall said as she settled down opposite off Jessimond. And how are you finding the prince?

Jessimond folded her hands on the table. Well, he's quite interesting.

Amberfall raised an eyebrow. Interesting? How so?

Well, he enjoys talking about himself and not much of anything else. He thinks he's a saviour or something. Jessimond waved her hands. Never mind that. I'm sure we'll grow very fond of each other at some point in our lives.

Amberfall took a bite of a pastry. Is just fondness okay with you?

Jessimod slowly looked up from her tea that she was stirring. Fondness is better than nothing.

Amberfall picked up a piece of bread and began to butter it. "This is coming from the girl who used to sneak out to see