The Crown of Amiriel: The Crown of Amiriel, #1

By Shade Rachea

Despite her unstable powers, Princess Raynin is the most powerful fighter in the Guardian Realm.

After being named the heir to the coveted Crown of Amiriel, the most powerful object in all the realms, Raynin and her best friend, Prince Riley, are forced to flee the kingdom and seek refuge in another realm to avoid death.

Soon, that realm is thrust into an unexpected war against a merciless king, forcing Raynin and Riley to make new alliances and learn to trust and rely on others. With the help of their friends, the two must fight to stay alive while trying to get a grasp on their powers and find the Crown before anyone else gets to it.

Problem is, the king has sent more than one assassin after them and the Crown, making staying alive that much harder.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shade Rachea
• Release date: Dec 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386441083

Shade Rachea

Shade Rachea is a high school English teacher who lives in California with her family and loves to spend her time hanging out with them. When she isn’t writing romance or fantasy, she can be found binge reading or shopping for new movies and books. 

Book preview

Chapter 1

A SMALL, PETITE FIGURE sprinted across the courtyard just as the last bell began to toll. The palace was crawling with guards, so the person moved through the shadows along the walls that surrounded the palace. Looking around, the figure stepped out of the shadows, revealing a teenage girl with piercing dark eyes. Drunken laughter echoed from the watchmen tower, so she knew she could make it to the servant entrance without being detected.

Hey, you! Where do you think you're going? How did you get through the phaser? The girl looked up to see who called out to her. Unable to see the person clearly, she took two steps back into the light. A young, masculine soldier stood on the torch-lit, second-story balcony connected to the watchmen towers. His red and black garments clung to his body, stretching the emblem of the pagan goddess, Atiane, on his right shoulder.

Easily, Captain Kieran. You know that. She removed the cloth that covered her face.

Feigning alarm, Kieran cried out as he glanced over to where the guards lay on the ground by the palace entrance. Guards! Guards! She's come to assassinate the King!

Looking to escape, the girl covered her face and ran back in the opposite direction but was soon met by the King's soldiers. Let's take it easy, guys. I wouldn't want to cause a scene. This is just a big misunderstanding, she stated innocently as the men continued to surround her.

Kill her, Kieran commanded his men.

They slowly began to advance. Very well. I warned you.

The soldiers hesitated momentarily looking from person to person but continued. Four soldiers ran at her. She pulled out her two sai from where they hung hidden on her hips and began to fight. Three more soldiers tried to sneak up behind her but were thrown back by a gust of wind as she waved her hand toward them. Soldier after soldier charged from behind to avoid having to fight her but were tossed aside before they could get within five feet of her.

Let me at her, a bulky soldier, about seven feet tall, barked as he shoved his way to the middle of the circle. Everyone else backed away from the two of them. How about we even the odds. He nodded at the two sai in her hands.

Fine. I always did like a challenge. She removed her face covering and cloak and sat her sai on top of them. She wore a brown leather vest with matching pants and dark boots. Sword. A soldier tossed her a sword and then resumed his position next to the other men. She twirled the sword and checked its quality.

I don't have all day, Sweets, so how about we quit delaying the inevitable. The man took his fighting stance as she shifted her attention to him. With eyes burning red, she broke her sword in two. You call that even, he protested standing up straight.

Disregarding his words, she threw the bottom half of the sword into his chest. The soldier dropped to his knees and spat up blood. Using her telekinetic ability, she drew his body closer to her. She circled the soldier and yanked his head back and whispered, The name's Raynin. Without a second’s delay, she took the other half of the sword and slit his throat. Who's next?

Tired of the incompetence, Captain Kieran readied his bow and whistled at the girl. How about me?

He released the arrow right as a young man appeared beside the girl, grabbed her, and disappeared as she drew her things into her hands. Kieran grunted in frustration before jumping down from the balcony. Can someone tell me why that girl is still alive? he asked rhetorically. We were given specific orders by King Shaul to kill her, yet here we stand with no body.

One of the foot soldiers stepped forward in boldness. With all due respect, Captain, she is The Controller. None of us could have gotten within four feet of her.

Kieran bent down and picked up a sword lying on the ground. He walked up to the soldier and plunged it deep into his abdomen. No one asked you, he said pridefully, pausing after each word. Anyone else care to speak out of turn?

No, sir, they answered in unison.

I thought so. Now get this mess cleaned up while I go and explain to the king how she got away. Having pulled the sword out of the soldier, he dropped it next to the body and left the courtyard.

Entering through the main doors, Kieran hastened to the king's chambers on the second floor. Upon reaching his study in the West wing, Kieran abruptly had himself announced and entered the room. Sir. Kieran bowed his head in reverence.

Kieran, what a pleasant surprise. Is everything okay? King Shaul asked with a knowing grin on his face.

Yes sir. I mean, no sir, Kieran replied uneasily.

The smile on Shaul's face disappeared. He stood up and walked around to the front of his desk. What's the problem exactly?

Kieran cleared his throat and took a breath. Your daughter is still alive.

You fool, he spat as he kicked Kieran in the stomach. How hard is it to kill a girl? You've failed me one too many times, Kieran. I should kill you right now.

Grasping his stomach in pain, he sunk to the floor. Please don't. I did all I could do. It was that boyfriend of hers who saved her. He keeps getting in the way.

Then kill him too! Shaul motioned to his servant to come forward. He wrote a message on a piece of paper and sent him away with it. You better hope another opportunity arises for me to take her out, he threatened glancing down at Kieran. Moments later, a man who seemed metallic in nature walked into the study. Othello, initiate Plan B and get Clayton down here immediately. His presence is expected by the morning.

Yes sir. Othello turned and smirked at Kieran. Coward. He shook his head and left the study to accomplish the task assigned to him.

Having regained his poise, Kieran preceded to leave but turned back around to face Shaul. She’s wounded. I shot her.

ELSEWHERE IN THE PALACE, Raynin and the young man appeared in a dark room. Turning on the lights, he turned to look at her. You've been shot. He left the room and reentered carrying a first aid kit. He motioned for her to sit on the bed.

It's just a scratch, Riley. I'll be fine. Ignoring her, he removed the arrow from the right side of her shoulder. He poured alcohol into her wound and dressed it in silence. You can't stop talking to me. Riley!

What, he snapped and then stood up. I can't even look at you right now. You lied to me.

I made it back here before the last bell tolled. I just ran into a few obstacles.

Obstacles that nearly got you killed. How could you be so careless?

Careless? If I recall, it was you who was nearly killed not even a week ago, due to your arrogance, when you were trying to evade my father's soldiers. And I wouldn't have been so close to death if you had shown up sooner. So, if you don't mind, I don't want to be reprimanded for the same issues you have.

Riley sighed and ran his hands through his shiny black hair. He was six feet with a clear, smooth, fair complexion. Fine. Were you able to speak with him? She nodded. What time should we expect him?

Raynin shrugged. My guess is when the guards come out. She watched Riley as he cleaned up the blood from her wound. I guess it wasn't just a scratch.

You're not making my life any easier. I promised your mother I'd protect you, Raynin.

I don't need protecting, Riley. You'd realize this if you deflated your ego a bit.

And if you weren't so prideful, you'd realize you do. Raynin walked away from him and entered her closet. Look, we have a long day tomorrow and I don't have time for this. I'll be in my room if you need me. Make sure you apply the salve to the wound. It should be healed by the morning. He looked toward the closet before exiting the room.

Raynin emerged from the closet carrying her pajamas. Placing them on the bed, she began to undress in front of the mirror. Unbuttoning her vest, she gazed at her bloodstained necklace. Her expression turned sad and then grim.

Snapping out of the trance, she rang the servant bell. Yes, Princess. You rang? a gray-haired woman inquired as she entered the room.

Nunya! You're back. Raynin embraced the elderly woman. You haven't aged a bit.

Thank you, dear. Nunya's face became distorted as she took in the sight of Raynin. You've been shot. What happened?

Nothing, Nunya. Just let it go.

They both sat down at Raynin's desk. It doesn't look like nothing. You're covered in blood.

I can't talk about it. You know that.

Fine, I'll drop it. For now, at least. What is it that you need, dear?

Some pen and paper. I plan to write Cameron in the morning to alert her of our progress.

The woman looked at Raynin with concern. Dear, you know you were forbidden to contact her. Why do you insist on putting yourself in harm?

Cameron's one of my best friends and I can't afford to lose her or anyone else for that matter.

Nunya took hold of Raynin's hands. Just be careful, Raynin. You don't want your mother's fate to befall you.

That's the last thing I'm worried about.

I know. That’s why I am reminding you.

You worry too much, Raynin laughed halfheartedly. Will you inform the guards that I am about to walk down the corridor indecent to my bathing room? I will need about an hour of privacy and then they may return to their posts.

Nunya nodded in compliance and looked at Raynin. I'll have everything set up for you when you wake up. Sweet dreams, dear. She left the room after kissing Raynin good night.

Having waited a few minutes, Raynin gathered her washcloths and peeked outside the door to check the vacancy of the corridor before making her way to the washroom.

RAYNIN RETURNED TO her room an hour later and slipped on her pajamas after applying the salve to her wound. She pulled back the blankets on her bed and laid down. As she laid there in the dim-lit room, her breathing evened as she drifted off into a deep sleep. Seconds later, she jerked upward in her bed. Her eyes were open now and burning red, but she was still asleep.

A dark-haired young girl and a boy with blond hair stood in the middle of an empty field. The girl wore a silver tiara that contrasted the gold seamed shirt the boy wore. They both carried weapons that hung loosely on their hips.

Colin, why did you bring me all the way out here? the girl asked.

Because I wanted to give you something. Plus, I know no one goes this far past the palace grounds. He reached into his pocket and held up two necklaces. One had the letter C engraved on it and the other an R. It stands for...

Colin. I know. She smiled. It's pretty. Help me put it on. Colin fastened her necklace and she helped him in return.

Colin and the girl sat down in the grass. Raynin, do you think your father would let me marry you?

Marry me? We're too young. Plus, why would you want to marry me? We’re friends.

Because I love you. And I mean when we get older. Like in five years. We’ll both be 18 then.

Raynin frowned at his words. I don't know. My mother said the royal law states that I must consider your brother Clayton too because he's older. Or of course another suitor. Most likely Riley.

He's only older by five minutes! And Riley's like your brother so that would be gross. Plus, he's also older than us.

No, he's not. We’re best friends. And two years is not that older.

He stood up and paced back and forth. Regardless, there has to be a way around that law.

There probably is, but we're only 13. Marriage is not something I want to talk or think about. Raynin stood up.

You're right, but we need to find out before you turn 18 and have to make a claim for the throne.

And we will. Can we go now?

Colin’s green eyes lit up as he laughed. Sure. Wait, I forgot to tell you. If you wear that necklace, we'll always be connected.

Connected how?

I don’t know. That’s just what I was told.

Okay, Raynin said with skepticism. Is that all?

Yes.

Now can we go?

Yes, we can go now. They started to leave but came to a stop as five gray figures carrying daggers surrounded them. Raynin, put up your force field. Faders can’t get through them.

Raynin turned and whispered, I can't. My powers are draining. What about you? Can you change your density?

No.

So, what do you want to do? We could always make a run for it.

No. Let’s fight. You take those two and I've got those three.

Great. She took out her sai. I really didn't want to do this but... She charged both and began to fight.

Colin unsheathed his sword as he faced his opponents. You've obviously come to pick a fight so let's get on with it. Colin ran and lifted his sword just in time to block a strike to his ribcage. You missed. He began to fight all three Faders.

Not too far off from Colin, Raynin continued her fight. She squatted to avoid being hit in the face. Standing up again, she threw a sai into the right side of a Fader’s chest. Turning her attention back to the other Fader still standing, she kicked it in the gut and stabbed it. Pulling her sai out of its body, she went over to the other Fader and removed her sai from its chest. If you want to live, stay down.

Colin straightened his clothes out and turned to Raynin. Ready?

If you... She stopped mid-sentence and fell to the ground. A needle stuck out the side of her neck.

No! What have you done! You shot her with a slaiyoan! That could leave her asleep for days. Rushing towards the Fader, Colin fell and dropped his sword. A Fader from behind had thrown a slaiyoan into the back of his neck.

Raynin's dream shifted to a dark bedroom. A young woman slept hunched over in a rocking chair next to the bed Raynin lay asleep on.

The young Raynin began to wake in the bed. Colin, she exclaimed sitting up in her bed.

At the sound of Raynin's voice, the young woman woke and tried to comfort her. It's okay, sweetie. You're safe. She stroked Raynin's hair and kissed her forehead.

Mom, where's Colin?

We don't know. We found you four days ago in the meadow outside of the palace walls with a slaiyoan in your neck. This is the first time you've woken up.

Raynin's eyes began to turn red. The air around her started to spark as her hair began to blow uncontrollably. No! She threw her mother back and ran out of the room.

Nunya!

Queen Sarai, what happened? the servant exclaimed rushing through the door.

Something is happening with Raynin's power. She's out of control. Wake Riley and tell him what's happened.

What about you?

Sarai stood up holding her side. I'll be fine. Just go wake Riley.

Nunya left the room and hurried over to the opposite end of the floor. She knocked on the last door and then entered. Riley. Riley, she whispered loudly.

The figure in the bed grumbled and then sat up. Yes, Nunya. What is it? Riley rubbed his eyes to see more clearly.

Raynin's missing. Her powers went out of control and now she's gone.

Riley hopped out of the bed and grabbed his pants. And what do you want me to do? he asked as he pulled on his pants.

Find her before she gets hurt or hurts someone.

I'm on it. Riley teleported out of the room and into the courtyard. He ran up to the guards laying on the ground. Which way? The guards pointed towards the palace entrance. Thanks.

Riley ran in the same direction as Raynin and then disappeared. He reappeared in the grassy area she was found in four days earlier. Spotting something glowing red in the dark, Riley stopped walking. Raynin, is that you? It's me, Riley. He moved forward to see her more clearly.

She was suspended in the air with a blank look that accompanied her red eyes. Her hair was flying wildly and the air around her continued to spark. What's happening to you? You've got to stop, Rayn. You need to control it.

Raynin started to cry. I don't know what's happening to me. I’m scared. Riley continued to approach her. Stop coming towards me. She waved her hand pushing him back.

Look, it's okay. I won’t let anything happen to you. Focus on me and try to calm yourself.

I can't. This is all my fault! The air around her began to pick up speed causing Riley to nearly be blown away.

It's not your fault. Colin could still be alive.

How do you know that? He's been missing for four days now.

Because we haven’t found a body. Come back with me and I will make sure we continue to search for him.

Raynin's hair stopped flying and the air around her went still as she drifted back down to the ground. Am I going to be in trouble?

No. I promise. He walked toward her and reached out for her hand.

Not even for what I did to the guards?

That depends. What did you do to the guards?

I threw them up and down in the air several times and then dropped them midair.

Riley laughed. Even for that.

Her eyes turned back to their normal dark brown color. She reached out and took hold of his hand. I'm sorry, Ry.

He smiled and hugged her. It's okay. He teleported them back into her room.

Sarai and Nunya sat waiting for them on the bed. Raynin ran to her mother and embraced her. I’m sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you.

I know. It's okay. Sarai pulled away from her and held her at a distance. Listen to me. If anything were to happen to me, Nunya will take care of you and Riley will protect you, okay? She looked at both Riley and Raynin as she said this.

Riley nodded to ensure he understood. Mhm, Raynin said to satisfy her mother.

And never believe anything negative you hear about me. Sarai kissed Raynin's forehead. I love you.

I know, mom. You don't have to tell me that. And I love you too.

Sarai nodded and looked at Riley. I need her to sleep with you tonight.

Yes ma'am.

Why can't I sleep in my bed? Raynin complained.

Because I said so, Sarai snapped and then massaged her temples. Please take her to your room.

Yes ma'am. The two of them left the bedroom and headed to Riley's room.

Thanks for everything.

It was nothing. I'll always protect you. No matter what. He opened the door to his room. After you. Raynin walked into the room and got into Riley's bed. Oh, it’s no problem. Go ahead. Sleep in my bed, Riley said with mock sarcasm.

Raynin tossed him a pillow and gave him the top blanket. Good night, Riley.

Riley made a pallet on the floor and laid down. Sweet dreams, Rayn.

They both fell fast asleep but were soon woken up by a loud bang. More clamor continued for about two minutes and then ceased.

Realizing which direction the noise had come from, Raynin jumped out of the bed and ran out the door. She made it around the corner just in time to see three guards closing her room door. Stop. What's going on?

We are not at liberty to say, Princess. We're under strict orders to keep quiet.

Whose orders? Riley asked coming up behind Raynin.

King Shaul's, Prince Riley.

Very well, carry on. The guards bowed and then walked further down the corridor before descending the stairs. Riley walked Raynin back to his quarters and closed the door. He watched Raynin as she turned on all the lights. What are you doing?

Getting dressed. Come with me to my room, so I can get some clothes. Oh, and nice underpants, Raynin snickered.

Shut up. He grabbed a pair of pants out of his dresser and put them on. Come on. Let’s go through the secret entrance to be sure no one is in your room. He walked to the right side of the dresser and touched the wall. The wall slid upward revealing a passageway. Riley walked in and beckoned Raynin to hurry inside.

She stepped into the passage just in time to avoid being smashed by the wall. Swiftly moving along the path, the duo finally reached a dead end. Raynin walked in front of Riley and placed her hand on the wall. This wall slid to the side disclosing a wardrobe. Welcome to my closet. Well, at least one of my closets. She turned on the light and walked further in before reaching the double doors. Cracking the door open a little bit, Raynin peered into the room. The coast is clear, she assured Riley. You can wait in here while I get dressed. She grabbed a pair of pants off one of the left shelves and a blouse from one of the right shelves. I won't be long.

That's what you always say. Raynin smiled and then closed the door as she exited the wardrobe.