Rightful: The Story of Thyrena Antuir

By Pamela Memmott

Thyrena Antuir is Rightful heir to Midnights throne, but she might never rule. Someone is trying to kill her and she has few allies left.

With her country in turmoil, Thyrena must learn who is behind the attempts on her life - while on the run. Not even the walls of Midnight Castle have been successful in protecting her.

Robbed of her father and her best friend at a young age, and abandoned by others who feared they were next; Thyrena has learned the hard way that people are not always there for you when you need them. Shell need to not only defeat whoever is after her, but also face her past in order to become the Queen her people need.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512749007

Pamela Memmott

Pamela Memmott grew up with a strong interest in both the medieval era and fantasy. Her works tie these two elements together in suspenseful stories aimed at young adult readers. Pamela lives in Ottawa, Ontario with her husband, son, dog and pet rat. She would enjoy hearing from you at [e-mail].

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

REMEMBERING

P rincess Thyrena Antuir wandered aimlessly through Midnight Castle’s dark hallways. Her mother, Queen Thatraya, was dying and Thyrena didn’t know what to do. Thyrena’s dark-brown hair hung limp and dull — a condition she had never allowed before. Her normally beautiful, olive-brown skin was pale and gaunt from lack of sleep and too much stress. Her mother had been brought back from battle on a skiff but was still conscious. Now, her condition was rapidly declining as she fought a high fever. A host of healers were doing all they could, but it did not look like the life of the queen of Midnight would last much longer. There was poison in her blood; she didn’t have the strength to fight it.

Your Highness?

Yes? Thyrena asked tiredly, turning to the young servant.

Her Majesty wishes your presence.

Thyrena noticed the young man seemed distressed. Panic coursed through her as she ran to her mother’s rooms.

Ema? she asked anxiously, as she entered the room and walked across the soft rug to where the queen lay deathly still in her large canopy bed.

Kuana Test, the lead healer, motioned her assistants back to give them privacy.

Thyrena, Thatraya rasped, I will not live through this night.

Though Thatraya’s cold, pale body bore evidence to her statement, the princess couldn’t believe it. You have to, Ema! she wanted to protest.

Thatraya seemed to be able to read Thyrena’s troubled thoughts, for she spoke wistfully. It will be hard. Take Havana with you— Thatraya’s sentence was cut off by a coughing fit that racked her shrunken body. When it was over, she collapsed wearily onto the pillows with no energy left.

The healers converged upon her bed, trying to ease their queen’s pain.

It was hard to believe that two weeks ago, she had addressed an assembly of Midnight’s Watch with a proud, commanding voice from her stallion’s back. Thyrena tried to bury the panic seizing her as she watched her ema fade into death.

The Diamond Sword? Thyrena questioned in awe. But I’m supposed to be twenty years old to take the Royal Throne and Sword!

It is yours by right. Keep it safe. She paused to catch her breath. Even the lowliest of subjects knows the Sword. Thatraya grabbed Thyrena’s hand and spoke in earnest. Keep Havana from — She sunk back into the pillows for the last time. Her last breath left her like a sigh of wind, and she was gone.

Thyrena felt a wave of dread as she leaned over to feel for breath. None. Ema? Ema!

The healers rushed over once more. Kuana Test, the lead healer, shook her head sadly. I’m sorry, Your Highness. She is gone to walk the Silver Road.

No! Thyrena cried, crumpling to the bed. She felt as though her body and her world were being ruthlessly cut to pieces. All she wanted to do was weep, but awareness of the others caused her to desperately pull herself back together. Thyrena forced herself to stand, took Havana from her mother’s bedside, and slung it on her belt beside her own sword.

Will Your Highness take up the throne now? a door servant asked.

Thyrena was vainly considering her answer through the fog in her brain when a tall, powerful man strode into the room. The servants and healers scampered away from the bed, to give him privacy. Thyrena looked up as her stepfather entered. His black hair flowed well past his shoulders, unusually long for a man. His stately face held a remarkable calm as he took in his surroundings.

What happened? he demanded. Draven’s gaze shifted from his wife’s daughter to rest on the bed. He noticed the blue tinge of Thatraya’s skin . How can this be? he questioned furiously. How could you let her die?

Thyrena caught a slight glint in the corner of his eye as he spoke.

She defeated the wound differently than we hoped, Milord, Kuana guardedly replied from the edge of the room. Kuana was three hundred years old and little deterred her, but she knew the queen’s husband held much power.

I would have thought such a small wound would not be difficult for you to handle. She was only pierced by an arrow, the queen’s husband explained, anger in his voice.

The poison on that arrow has never been seen in these parts, the woman replied, still watching him.

Then perhaps it’s time Midnight finds a more knowledgeable chief healer.

Steptata? Thyrena interrupted quietly.

Draven turned from his challenge of Kuana, his expression softening. My dear?

Do not speak of the healers so. They are the best in the world. Kuana in many ways replaced the grandmothers Thyrena had never chanced to meet. It distressed her to see the woman demeaned.

"My wife, your ema, is dead because of their incompetence, he reminded her. I will not hide my grief!"

Silence followed his statement.

Excuse me, steptata, Thyrena replied in a whispery tone. I wish to mourn my ema alone. She walked out of the room without looking up, her long, straggly hair falling in her face and hiding her tear-filled eyes.

She’s gone! She wasn’t supposed to die! Ema, I need you! Thyrena screamed as burning tears poured down her face. It was more than she could comprehend. This isn’t supposed to happen! The people of Midnight could live up to five hundred years and her parents both died shortly after turning one hundred. Most children had hundreds of years with their parents. She hadn’t enjoyed even eighteen.

Shhh. You’ll be all right, someone hushed.

Thyrena panicked and whirled around. Her hand instinctively closed around the hilt of her sword. She froze when she saw her cousin Cian walking toward her from the other side of her private terrace. How did you get in here? she demanded. I told my servant not to allow anyone in!

Cousin, do I need doors or permission? The brown-haired prince shrugged dismissively. I threw a line to your balcony from the courtyard.

No one stopped you?

What can anyone do to me? I live here, Cian replied.

I am to be queen! she replied indignantly.

But you’re not queen yet, Thyrena. What’s wrong? Worry laced her cousin’s voice, but he still had the right words for her. He and his elder sister Mir became like siblings to Thyrena’s family after their parents were killed. How is Aunt Thatraya?

She passed not an hour ago, Thyrena told him gently. She turned away and looked down at her cousin’s handsome stallion below. The horse was well trained even before Cian had received him for his birthday, and the prince spent part of each day teaching the stallion wood skills that now impressed many knights.

Cian put his head in his hands, momentarily overwhelmed by the pain, but he possessed the same emotional control of most Antuirs. When he met Thyrena’s gaze, his eyes were again clear of feeling. Perhaps I will return once Wander has been fed?

Thyrena glanced up for a brief moment. Quite, she replied, forcing the words out. She knew this was only the beginning of her family’s leaning on her. She didn’t know who she was supposed to lean on with her mother gone. She hadn’t handled her father’s death well.

He met her eyes with concern. Farewell, cousin. My name, he promised using the second-most binding oath he could give. I’ll be back.

Farewell, she managed.

Once Cian had left by climbing back down his grappling hook and line to the ground below, Thyrena collapsed against the cold, black stone of her terrace. Her mind traveled back to the battle of last Moon. Wars were messy affairs. She could still almost smell the sickly sweet odor of blood and sweat filling the air. Doubt was her companion that day.

She’d been tired and asked her ema how many Raiders were left. We can handle them! Thatraya encouraged. Just fight like a true heir! But then she cried out in pain and fell back in her saddle. Thyrena grabbed her ema to keep her from falling.

Rae Karly was there immediately. But it hadn’t been enough.

All too clearly, Thyrena remembered the arduous journey back to Midnight Castle. The downcast faces of Midnight’s swords and the triumphant look of the prisoners were seared into her mind like the memories of the friends she had lost. It nearly killed her to send out the advance riders to go ahead of them to the castle. The White Rider carried the Midnight standard, the Red Rider bore the crimson flag of victory, but the Black Rider bore his black flag, and she was required to send the Silver Rider to guide the fallen ruler home.

She could have done so much more. She could still hear her mother’s cry of encouragement. Just fight like a true heir!

She began to criticize herself. Was I really giving my best? What if I was watching more closely? What if I gave my all? Would that archer have been able to release one last arrow from his string? Would my mother have been saved? What if I fought my very best? Would I have failed her still? Would she still be dead?

A late morning breeze blew through the opened doors to Thyrena’s balcony as she alternately sat and wandered aimlessly around her ornately furnished room. Shock was too mild a word to describe her feelings. She was completely numb. When Cian returned last night, he’d been more emotional than she was. Ever since that interrupted cry last night, she’d not shed another tear. Her heart was too broken to mourn.

Her door servant announced her stepfather, and Thyrena turned to meet him with a nod and empty eyes. She didn’t dare face her siblings. If they saw her like this, they would know there was no one left to rely on. She hoped Draven’s presence might give her some relief.

Daughter, will you ride with me? he asked.

I suppose so steptata, Thyrena replied, assuming a respectful tone. She was afraid of leaving her room and seeing a sibling, yet afraid of staying alone where the brilliant diamond blade of Havana tempted her to end the pain forever. Going for a ride was a better solution than any she had come up with. When do we saddle? she asked absently, fighting to turn her thoughts from giving up.

I’d thought now. The morning is cool and fit for riding. These days become hot all too quickly and it’s hard on the horses.

A wave of unease settled deep within her. She hadn’t ridden without her bodyguard Rae Karly in years. Still, Draven would be with her. She would just be careful. As you wish, she agreed. I’ll change to suitable clothes and arrive at the stable shortly.

Very good, Draven left with the self-assured air that both awed and irritated Thyrena. When she changed from her dress into riding clothes, she put on her mail as a base layer. She usually didn’t wear it unless training or traveling, so its weight staggered her. It shouldn’t have been an issue, but Thyrena had let her health slip in the two weeks since coming back from the borders of Midnight. Autumn was coming, and Midnight had just secured a clear victory over Raider’s army. She expected peace again until the snow came and went.

For a moment, she looked at the emblem of a Silver Star and crescent moon in the reflection pool then pulled on a loose leather jerkin that was without a crest. She re-tied her leather belt and sheathed Fareta. These were dark times for Midnight. No longer was it safe for a Royal Child to wander the streets of Pearl alone as she did as a girl. Lamordi Karr was out there with his own claim to the throne. Just before leaving, Thyrena pulled her greasy hair back into a tight French braid and splashed her face with water in an attempt to freshen up.

Thyrena entered the stable area and she noticed her mare was saddled. The stable boy assisting Das, the Castle’s head groom, tried to hand over the dainty mare, but Thyrena ignored him. Her stepfather was already riding his war stallion around in circles to work out his sprits. She knew Arise would be equally anxious to get out of his stall again.

I’d rather ride Arise today, Thyrena told her stepfather before entering the royal stables to saddle up her dappled grey warhorse. She noticed the stable boy lead Jalim back inside and unsaddle her, embarrassment and confusion written on his young face. She knew she should speak to him. Her mother would discipline such ignoble behavior, but Thyrena couldn’t bring herself to do better. The pain washed over again. She was really gone.

You are wise to exercise your warhorse. He’ll get irritable otherwise, Das’ familiar voice told the Princess.

Thyrena turned, greeting the elderly man, with a broken smile, all she could manage. Thank you, she replied, before returning to the sunlight.

Ah, there you are my dear, Draven greeted as she returned on the tall grey stallion. Come let us ride!

Quite, Thyrena agreed with a forced smile. They guided their high-stepping stallions through town and to a quiet trail in the woods. Even in the mail, Thyrena felt naked. Rae Karly’s absence kept her on edge.

Draven was quiet for most of the ride, allowing her time to think. She sat despondently on Arise’s back, glad the horse was paying attention for her.

I’m worried for you,

She glanced at Draven in surprise. Her stepfather was generally closed with his emotions like the rest of her family. Why?

You lost your Ema yesterday, he reminded her gently.

Thyrena shrugged him off, and he didn’t pursue the issue further.

They came upon a meadow and he announced he would like to rest the horses.

Whatever you say, Thyrena complied, dismounting gracefully and taking her stallions bit. Quietly, with her stallion treading behind, Thyrena picked a bouquet of wild yellow roses to place in her mother’s hands when she was lowered into the ground. The Queen hadn’t been buried yet, for it was custom to wait a day. Tears were unbidden, and she pushed them away.

Some have asked for you to take up the throne, Thyrena.

She turned slowly to look at her stepfather.

I, personally, would recommend that you allow me to become Trespassing King for the next three years.

I don’t know what to think.

Don’t rush, Thyrena. Ruling Midnight won’t be easy.

An awkward silence fell between them. Thyrena rarely spent alone time with her steptata. As Heir she tended to stay close to her mother’s side, learning how to rule. She wasn’t sure how to respond to his offers of friendship and advice. Thyrena collected a large bouquet of flowers by the time Draven finished wandering about. The Heir slid Arise’s bridle back on and they returned to the castle.

Dawn found Thyrena in the healer’s wing visiting her bodyguard Rae Karly. She slipped into the room quietly enough that she didn’t wake him. Rae slept until Kuana Test came in to give him breakfast. The aging woman smiled at the heir and shortly after she left, a maid returned with food for her.

Despite his valiant efforts to hide any signs of his injury, Rae Karly winced when he pushed himself to a sitting position. I’m honoured by your visit Princess, he told her, three-quarters teasing.

Thyrena tried to smile, but it didn’t work out quite right. Thanks Karly, she managed.

How are you faring? he asked empathetically.

She frowned, I’m not weak.

Rae tried to laugh, but the pain turned it into a cough. Everyone is weak Thyrena, that’s why we need The Father, he replied.

She crossed her arms emphatically. Why does Karly always have to pry? I’m fine.

He smiled, but didn’t try laughing again. Even so, I don’t intend to have you at the funeral without a proper guardian. Help me up?

Thyrena shook her head. Rohi Kuana said you should rest for at least a few more days.

It’s with your help or on my own, He replied. Rae started getting up and Thyrena grudgingly assisted. He didn’t admit it, but he could tell by the warm feeling in his side that his wound had re-opened. The healers would not be impressed. Are you ready for today?

I’m not sure. Draven asked me to approve appointing him as Trespassing King, yet others have mentioned allowing me to take up the Throne and Sword early. It’s a difficult choice.

If a humble bodyguard could have a word to say, he would advise you to take the throne. Midnight needs an Antuir to rule.

So much has changed. Thyrena couldn’t help thinking it was her own fault. It all comes back to my stupid mistakes. I’m not ready to be queen.

Two hours later Thyrena’s black dress contrasted with the world around her as she stood before the People of Midnight. It was a beautiful August morning with birds fluttering everywhere. Five of her brothers and Cian carried her mother’s casket to the gravesite. Her heart felt constricted to the point she could no longer breathe properly. Rae Karly’s iron grip was all that kept her connected to reality and vertical. It was all too much.

The silent procession slowly made its way to where Midnight’s rulers were buried. Each grave graced by their symbol flower. Thatraya’s had been dug beside her husband’s. She’d ruled as Trespassing Queen for four years, and as Larn’s Queen before that. Even though she was not a blood Antuir, burying her somewhere else was not considered. Yellow roses were already waiting to be planted after the dirt was replaced. Thyrena’s eyes burned, but she again forced the tears back.

The yellow roses were important to her mother because as a child, Thyrena insisted on picking them for her. The bite of the sharp thorns often cut the young princess’s tender palm, but she would keep working the stalks back and forth until the mangled flower broke free and lay in her hand. The tradition continued throughout Thatraya’s life, though when she was older, Thyrena used a dagger and leather gloves to protect her skin and ensure the flowers survived. In her hands, Thyrena held the last bouquet she would ever give her.

A large, solemn crowd watched silently as the casket was lowered and each of the Princes shovelled one load of dirt into the hole. Though she felt like all eyes watched, she couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. Thyrena knew she should say something, but didn’t trust her voice. She glanced around anxiously until her steptata took over for her.

I would encourage you to make your final farewells before the men cover the Queen. She was loved, and will be missed, Draven told the assembled.

Did you want to walk by the casket? Rae asked in a low voice.

Thyrena nodded and together they walked to the edge of the foreboding hole. To see her mother’s casket broke whatever composure she had left. Thyrena collapsed, crying, and Rae let her. I’m sorry! I failed you a thousand times and now I’ve caused your death! I don’t know what to do anymore Ema! The yellow roses slipped from her fingers and tumbled down on the casket. They landed roughly and scattered across it as broken and damaged as she felt.

Rae summoned his strength and crouched beside her, pain from his side searing through him. Shhh, he said softly. This is not a place to linger. Still, he let her remain a while before gently taking her arm, raising her, and leading her back to the Castle. Her family followed, making a convoy of sadness.

Thyrena did little that day or the next. Heavenly Stirr and her father visited. Her friends tried to comfort her, but there was little they could do.

Kingsmire will be sorry he missed this. I know he’ll take leave as soon as he can, but he’s down in Amethyst. I doubt he’s heard, Heavenly told her.

Thyrena nodded with resignation. You’re my only friend who came, Heavenly.

Out of her closest friends and playmates growing up, only Kingsmire and Heavenly still kept in touch, but they lived in Opal now, and Thyrena in Midnight Castle. They rarely saw each other. She forced down the bitterness to be polite. How long do you intend to stay in Pearl?

There is a harvest to bring in, and much my Tata and I need to attend to. If you’d like I could stay a little longer, the young woman’s voice trailed off.

Whether she meant to or not. The way she spoke told Thyrena that not even Heavenly had time to trouble over her sorrows anymore. So you shall be on the road again soon?

We are staying with the Grey’s. We’ll probably be leaving the day after next?

She nodded. I wish you safe journeys Ev.

I know you must be busy, but if you would like to go for a short ride, send a messenger to the house or else drop in.

I will think on that, she replied. Thyrena didn’t say it, but she had no desire to remind the Grey family she existed. Though she’d been close to the family in childhood and Lord Awnam sat on the council of Midnight, it was her fault their son was dead. Emmerson was gone because of her. She would not bring them more pain by her presence. She would not send a messenger to Heavenly. If Heavenly chose to seek her out, Thyrena would gratefully receive her, but she couldn’t see them. Especially right now.

The princess summoned her strength and walked Heavenly to the courtyard to bid her farewell. Rae Karly frowned down on her as they re-entered the castle. You needn’t have lied to Lady Heavenly, Your Highness, he reminded her.

If she is insensitive enough to forget what I did to Emmerson Grey then I’m not sure she’s worth visiting with, Thyrena fumed.

Rae winced at the memory. Might I remind you it wasn’t your failure but mine.

Thyrena let go of Rae’s arm and stepped away. It was not! How dare you!

Rae remained calm. Write a short letter and send it by messenger to Lady Stirr. You don’t have to stand on the doorstep yourself, he reminded her, trying to calm her down.

How dare you! she hissed.

Rae quickly glanced around and noticed Thyrena’s antics were drawing looks. He felt exhausted, and didn’t want to have this argument with his princess just now. It was an old one that wouldn’t be resolved with revisiting. Let’s step inside, Your Highness, Rae cautioned her: Many people listen for gossip in the courtyard.

Thyrena frowned, but managed to calm herself enough to restrain from continuing her assault against her bodyguard. It was my fault. She raged. Karly can say what he likes about his job as my bodyguard, but I was the brilliant one who took off with Emmerson into the bush and tried to lose Karly. I was the wonderfully intelligent child who got her best friend killed by an assassin.

As they mounted the many stairs of the closest turret, Thyrena felt hot tears threaten her fragile composure. She tried to take a deep breath to calm herself, but it came out ragged and unsteady. Rae, dutifully following a few steps behind, fought off the pain and picked up his pace to walk beside her again.

I’m sorry Your Highness. I didn’t mean for this, he told her empathetically.

Thyrena sniffed despite herself. I know, she replied shakily. You’ve always worked so hard to protect my family and me. I don’t think I’ve ever behaved appropriately grateful.

Rae chuckled softly. I’m not worried about your words of thanks, Thyrena. I know they’re in there somewhere, but with times as they are, I can understand that they are slow to escape.

The days Heavenly and her father were in town passed slowly for the young heir. she was too intimidated by the Greys to contact her, but wanted the company terribly. Anyone’s company would do. Her siblings constantly bombarded her. Larn and Talia did not understand their mother’s death and would often cry all night for her to come and hold them. Thyrena tried to fill her mother’s shoes, but they felt large and uncomfortable on the seventeen-year-old’s feet. Sensitive twelve year old Eminsil and his twin Meldinah were due for a birthday celebration no one had a heart to plan. Makir was always there to complicate things. She and her next younger sibling never got along. He was cocky and self-assured while Thyrena was more self-conscious and determined to prove herself. In his grief, he was insensitive and burned her hurting heart with words not thought through.

Thyrena wanted to escape all the chaos, but felt compelled to fulfill her responsibilities. She didn’t have a good solution for anyone. Not even herself. She paced the nursery with agitation, keeping an eye on her youngest siblings’ fitful sleep. The door quietly opened and she turned to see her stepfather enter. Thyrena nodded to him, but did not fully acknowledge his presence.

You don’t look well, dear, Draven told her.

I’m at a loss.

We’ve all lost much Thyrena. I would be shocked if Thatraya’s death was easily accepted.

I’m distressed by the people’s request that I take up the Throne and Sword as Queen. I’m too young, and I feel not only the legal implications, but my own incompetency.

The Throne and Sword are heavy. You do well in considering their weight, Draven agreed.

She sighed heavily.

Get some rest. Is there a cot you can sleep on here?

Thyrena nodded.

You would do well to at least lay still and allow your body rest, even if your soul lies wakeful.

Yes, she agreed, trying to smile as he kissed both the children on the forehead and left her.

She tried to rest but was plagued by memories she never succeeded in blocking out. She hadn’t heard from most of her ‘friends’ in years. They’d all promised to stay in touch, but none succeeded except Kingsmire and Heavenly. Kingsmire was angry with their other friends, but there was little he could do. Oh Kingsmire. How she missed him. And then there was Emmerson. The boy she was responsible for killing. She’d been foolish as a child and she’d paid with his blood. And now her mother’s.

Thyrena