Beveled Hearts

By P. D. Stargazer

Evil was invited with open arms. Like lightning sparks fires, death traps were set. Then murder shook the kingdom and all senses stayed sharpened, even after a swift and bloody justice was served.

• Language: English
• Publisher: P. D. Stargazer
• Release date: Nov 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463843581

Book preview

Part I

THE PAINTED HORSE

1

Dora came out of the cottage door giggling and covering her eyes. Glen, her older brother, towered tall close behind. It was a lovely spring morning, with a bright blue sky and a few scattered white clouds. Between the sun and the latest rain, the grasses and wildflowers were bursting with color as far as you could see.

Princess Gabriella was on her toes bouncing with excitement. Okay, you can open your eyes now. Dora screeched at the sight of a beautifully painted young horse. The pastel colored hearts and flowers made it look as if it had stepped out of a fairy tale. Speaking of its tail and mane, they were braided with blue ribbons and yarrow of a variety of colors.

Dora ran circles around it praising its beauty and every little painted heart. Where did you find the time to do such a thing. There will be no greater wedding gift presented than this one.

As the young ladies tittered details, Glen reminded them that there was plenty of time to talk on the way to the orphanage, where the celebration was to be held. But even he had to admit what a fine horse it was. Indeed, it is fine, he straightened his hat and put it on. "They will be very happy to get it and we better get moving, I don’t want to be late. The tables will be full of food. I can see it now, he looked up at the sky and fluttered his eyelids, and inhaled deeply. Oh, the cakes, the cakes, just soaked in fresh cream and honey. Hmmm

Stop, not another word. Dora pulled hairpins from her pocket and crowned her head with her thick braid. Then took a yellow yarrow from the horse’s mane and stuck it above her ear. My belly has been grumbling all morning in anticipation. She caught a wink from Gabriella who okayed her look, and the three sat off for the festivities.

Dora bit her lip and rolled her eyes, I wonder if Mona’s mother made that butter cheese bread again. If so, I’m going to steal a loaf and stick it in my skirt to eat on my long way home.

Speaking of skirts, Dora looked her up and down. where did you find that old thing. I don’t even think I own anything that drab." She giggled.

I want to go and see but not be seen, you know what I mean. She smiled, confident that her disguise would work. Dora snickered, knowing it would take more than dull clothing to hide the attractive girl.

Glen led their horses down the road with the gift trailing behind.

2

When a quake collapsed a portion of the old orphanage, TowHum gold helped them purchase a somewhat weathered estate. In time and with some hard work and a lot of care, it had become the center of a large village.

The delectable fragrance of food floated in the air far before the three hungry ones arrived. The double doors opened to a huge courtyard packed with well wishers and wedding festivities were in full swing. Bore and fowl roasted, and ladies carried trays of food to tables full of fruit, cakes, pies, breads, and lots to drink. Music blared as children ran wild and card games were full of laughter.

The three were greeted with oohs and awes as they entered with the most wonderful gift trailing behind. Drawing a little too much attention, Gabriella backed away to a familiar voice calling her. Cathleen’s wave soon caught Gabriella’s eyes. Her hair was braided on top of her head, and when the sun hit it, it looked like bright copper, entangled, were flowers and weeds. Like young children, the excitement ignited their hearts and caused their feet to skip. With a scream they embraced with yelps of joy.

Cathleen grabbed Gabriella’s hand. Oh, Gabby, I’m so glad you made it, I almost didn’t recognize you. She studied her drab clothing, But I suppose you wouldn’t want to out dress the bride.

No, I’m not like my sister. Gabby snickered.

I heard about James and the spot thing. I wasn’t sure you would be here, what about your mother or, she raised her eyebrows, your grandmother the Queen?

That’s what I was thinking. They would keep me from coming. So, I made sure they couldn’t find me to dish out the punishment. I wrote notes telling my whereabouts, and Mitts is going to shuffle them around every few hours. She tilted her head and rolled her eyes. Now I will go home and receive one punishment for the two crimes, not one for the dots and, she shook her head, and another for coming here without permission.

Concerned, Cathleen replied, Well how long will you stay before they come looking for you?

I’m leaving right now. Gabby answered sadly.

What? Cathleen gasp. You just got here! How can you leave? She waved her hand toward the festive crowd. With all this food, dancing and lots of this stuff called dull wine. It almost tastes like the real thing." She snickered.

I know, Gabby twisted her lip. but if I hurry and get back by tomorrow, no one may even notice I was missing.

Cathleen, dropped her head, I understand. I wish I hadn’t been band, or maybe I would go with you. I could be arrested, but I never had so much fun in my life. I guess the exploding powder thing was a bit too much. Oh, if they only knew you were here with me…

Yes, I’m still not considered human yet.

And my behind is still stinging. Cathleen led Gabby through the crowd, So, tell me about James, he’s such a fly.

Well, my father had us cleaning in my grandfather’s library, our so called ethics teachings. She snickered, You should see the place. It’s not like the one here, it’s much, much bigger. Well, lazy as he is, he fell asleep, and I polka dotted him. I didn’t think it would stain but it did, and for a week now." They laughed loudly.

Please tell me the spots are blue.

No, better, they’re green.

An eye to eye threw them into hysterics, calming just a little when they attracted a bit too much attention. Almost in tears, Cathleen confessed, I’m so happy you’re here. It’s only a few moments and I feel so alive. I didn’t think my teeth would ever be exposed in a smile again. She takes Gabby’s hand. "Oh! You have to see this merchant’s son, Sunny. Oh, Sunny my heart is screaming. Whatever you do, you have to see him before you leave. And guess who else is here? Come, let me see if we can find them.

They twitchingly glanced around, then like frightened small night animals, scampered up a flight of stairs to a balcony where they could get a better look at the crowd below.

There he is. She bounced and pointed at three young men standing together just below.

Which one? Gabby asked.

The one with the blue hat, she bit her lip.

Gabby dropped her mouth in aww. Oh, what a sweetheart that one is. So, have you done anything rotten to him yet? she snickered.

Not yet. Cathleen, wrinkled her nose with a smirk. I was waiting for you. They pass a devilish eye and crouched down to eavesdrop.

The one in a brown hat, murmured, Well thank the heavens for the lovely ladies because this fake wine is sickening.

The black hat replied, Humm they should have waited so we could celebrate the wedding and Feast of no Wine at the same time. Blue hat nodded.

But Sunny in the blue hat, added, I think that's exactly why they had it today. This way we get two celebrations. By the way, did you see the land he purchased?

Brown hat answered, No, I’m surprised he found any land worth having.

Well it’s not around here, added the black hat, That Prince Alexious is buying all the grazing land in these parts. Soon the TowHummy will be feeding the orphanage and the rest of us as well, if it keeps up.

What’s he doing with it? Sunny sipped his diluted wine.

Not sure yet. Brown hat answered, It just sits there, but I heard my father say, when the next ship docks, there will be hell to pay.

Buying farm land and a ship docking? Sunny frowned, How do you put the two together?

Brown hat took a deep sigh and shook his head. You got me, He watched a lovely lady with a tray of fruit, but I don’t have time to wonder with all the beauties running around here.

Gabby grabbed a small flower from the garland on Cathleen’s head. Now! Now’s the perfect time. Cathleen took the flower and gently dropped it in the midst of the three men and stepped back on the landing as the young men looked up to see where it might have come from. The ladies slipped into the building to snicker.

After catching her breath, Gabby professed, Okay I really have to leave. I hate going but… She glanced out the door, gave a sigh and check the sun. I really must. I have no idea how severe my punishment will be. They already hate me.

With arched brows, Cathleen tried to make light of Gabby’s situation. Maybe they’ll exile you here.

It worked; Gabby took her friend by the hands and with a sincere smile, she replied, We can only dream.

The moment was sharply interrupted. Princess Gabriella! What in the world are you doing here? The ladies turned to find Roda, a TowHum palace handmaid that knew she was not supposed to be there. Like she was a child, she pulled her to the side and whispered, You know better than to be out here. Someone could see, you know what. You need to leave right this moment, or I will be forced to lock you up for the night. It’s for your own good.

Gabby pulled away, I was just leaving when you stopped me.

Well don’t let me hold you up any longer. Roda scolded gently.

Gabby turned to the door but quickly turned back, You're not going to send a bird are you? There was dread in her voice.

Roda raised her brows like a mother, Not if you leave this moment.

Relaxed, she replied, Aww, she gasps, Okay I’m gone already. Remember, you never saw me. Quickly down the stairs and winding her way through the crowd, Gabby saw a young man take notice of her. It was Gray, he waved and she put her head down but it was too late.

Is that him? Gabby asked.

Yes, it is the Cod Prince Gray. Cathleen assured. He’s coming this way and will block us. He wants you.

Oh no, I can’t stay another moment. He’ll try to make me, I know it. What’s he doing here anyway?"

Maybe hoping to see you. Honestly, I don’t know how you can walk away. He sails the seas, brings back treasure and protects the shoreline. You know you love talking to him. Really! I’ll bet he has some new wonderful stories. You like to read those kinds of books and look at the pictures. He’s the real thing. She glanced in his direction again, How I’d love to run my fingers through that thick flock of curls on top of his head."

I do enjoy talking to him. Gabby’s heart skipped. Gray, he should be called some other color. Well I certainly can’t talk to him today. Will you can keep an eye on him for me?" Cathleen glanced at him again with a devilish smile.

Gabby picked up her pace but was stopped by a pair of polished black boots and when she looked up, he stood confident, with his shirt loose at the neck. She was reminded of just how handsome he was with such broad shoulders for a man his age.

He shook his head with a tisk, "Leaving