Alliance

By Jade Farhill

Three countries. Many motives. All are struggling for power.
Now that immortals have openly entered into a war between humans, the king furiously pushes Lumina to fulfil her phoenix potential—without realising she already has.
In this fantastic conclusion to the Land of the Phoenix series, Lumina must find the strength to stave off invasion, keep her people safe, and bring peace to the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: Feb 18, 2018

Book preview

By

Jade Farhill

Copyright © Jade Farhill 2018

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, paces and incidents are all made up in my mind. In other words, nothing is to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organisations is entirely coincidental.

© Jade Farhill 2018

Table of Contents

Title Page

Front Matter

Dedication

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 39

CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 41

EPILOGUE

Review

Want More?

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Copyright

To Brooke, Stephanie and the group.

To the inspiring Melissas.

To Chaz, Megan and Mum, for all of your encouragement and support.

To Kylie and co., I hope this makes you laugh.

CHAPTER 1

Lumina opened her eyes. Everything hurt. It was a massive effort to even breathe. She sat up and groaned, realising that she was naked and lying in the charred remains of the secret room.

She had almost died last night, burned by her own flames when she’d used up all of her magic to keep General Tullica alive.

Rubbing sleep from her eyes, she stood and wandered over to the doorway. Stepping into her bedroom, the bright sunlight assaulted her eyes. She squinted and looked away, raising an arm to cover her face. Once her vision had adjusted to the light, she watched the sunlight filtering in streams through her window, dust particles floating through the air.

A noise at the entrance to the rest of her quarters made her turn.

There was the vampire, Lothaire, frozen in place just inside the door, staring at her in shock. He was in his humanoid form: black hair that seemed to hold the stars, eyes as red as rubies.

Ah, he said.

Lumina’s face flamed. What was he doing, just staring at her like that? She asked her blood to set a fire in front of him, to spin him around and send him away. But her blood didn’t even sing in response to the order. Her magic was used up.

Instead, she picked up the nearest object—a jug on her bedside table—and hurled it at him. Get out, Lothaire!

He dodged the projectile and leapt out the room, shutting the door behind him.

Lumina collapsed onto the floor—the effort it had taken to throw the jug made her head spin with dizziness.

Phoenix? Lothaire said carefully from the other side of the door. Did I just hear you fall over?

Lumina mustered up all her energy and shouted, No!

Then why does it sound like you’re speaking into the carpet?

Lumina realised that she was actually speaking into her cream carpet. She took in a deep breath and rolled her head. It’s your imagination!

He was silent for a moment. Clearly, something happened last night. I thought I smelled you roasting in there …

Lumina didn’t want him to realise how exhausted she was.

Do … Shall I fetch a female rebel to assist you?

Lumina blinked. Was he actually trying to help her? Had he truly changed his ways?

Or … I could help you, he continued. I shapeshift into your form every day—it’s not like I haven’t seen anything you want to hide.

Lumina’s jaw went stiff. I’ll burn you to cinders if you’ve been perverted.

He sighed dramatically. Really, Phoenix. I’m 400 years old. Do you honestly think that I haven’t seen a naked female body and can’t guess what’s under your clothes?

Lumina relaxed slightly. Fine. Can you go get a female rebel? There was no way she was letting Lothaire back in here so he could help her get dressed.

Shall do, Phoenix.

There was no indication that he’d walked off, no footsteps to prove his absence. But Lumina had known for a long time that he was stealthy.

CHAPTER 2

Lothaire shifted into a replica of the princess and frowned. So—he really had smelled her burning up in that room last night. When he’d drunk his fill of Grand Prince Laddiv, the Avadierish prince and the phoenix’s fiancé, he’d returned to Lumina’s bedroom and noticed the stench of smoke and ash pouring from the hidden room.

He had opened up the windows and set the fireplace going, in case any sensitive humans walked past and grew suspicious of the odour. Never mind that it would seem odd to have the windows open and the fire going.

Then the princess had emerged pale and drawn—obviously without possessing any sort of magic—and the room behind her was a charred and blackened mess.

Lothaire had barely registered her enticing half-human, half-phoenix scent. Instead, he found himself wondering how close she had come to death and rebirth last night. How had she even been able to stand up today? She was shaking with the strain of it, he could see. Could his limited healing magic help her? Would she even allow him to heal her—

Then she’d thrown that jug at him and he’d dodged out of there fast. Clearly, she wasn’t as exhausted as she seemed.

Only when Lothaire went to fetch Pacaus, Lumina’s favourite guard (and also a rebel), did he realise that he could have taken a sip of her blood and she wouldn’t have been able to do a thing about it. But … it wasn’t really worth it. He was still needed here. And she’d finally stopped throwing fireballs his way each time she saw him. Anyway, he was sated from the grand prince’s blood.

Plus, if he tried anything, she would hunt him down this time for sure.

He left her quarters and stepped out into the hallway. The phoenix’s guards jumped to attention. It was early in the morning—too early for the maids to come and prepare the phoenix for the day.

Pacaus, I must speak with you.

The guard bowed and followed Lothaire to the receiving room. Once there, Lothaire braced himself for the waft of fear-based scent that was about to come his way. He swiftly changed into his humanoid form and cut to the chase. The phoenix almost died last night and is in need of healing in her room. Send a female rebel—or a few—to help her.

Pacaus looked alarmed. She almost died? Is she all right?

Lothaire quirked an eyebrow. She managed to throw a water pitcher at me, so she’s well enough. But I think she collapsed after I left.

Pacaus widened his eyes and started towards the phoenix’s bedroom, but Lothaire caught his wrist and said, "Unless you want a water pitcher thrown at your head, I suggest you stay out here and send in a female rebel."

But Pacaus ripped his hand from Lothaire’s grip, scowling. He dodged around Lothaire and was turning the handle to the bedroom when Lothaire panicked.

The fires that were going to eat her up destroyed everything in that room behind the wall, Lothaire said quickly. Everything, Pacaus. Even her clothes.

Pacaus stopped and nodded slowly.

Good, you finally get it, Lothaire sighed. Honestly, why do you think she threw that pitcher at me?

Because you’re a vampire?

I am, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to attack her when she’s naked, vulnerable, out of magic and not smelling as nice as she normally does.

Pacaus bristled. "Would you attack her if she did smell as nice as she normally does?"

I’m not suicidal! Now go and get that rebel!

Pacaus blanched and raced from the room.

Lothaire rubbed his forehead. Gods, he muttered, I think I preferred it when I just attacked humans.

***

Shortly afterwards, Kinni entered Lumina’s rooms and her fingers flew up to cover her mouth. Her blond hair was tied up, the worry lines on her forehead more prominent.

Lumina was still on the floor. Kinni helped her up and into a nightgown; she moved the princess over to the bed and started to work her healing magic.

Lumina’s eyes fluttered shut as Kinni’s mortal healing power flowed through her veins. It wasn’t quite as effective as unicorn magic, but she could still feel her tiredness slipping away.

So far, Lothaire had done exceedingly well. He’d kept Pacaus out of her room, he’d ensured that Kinni got to Lumina and he’d taken her place when the maids arrived to dress her for the day then asked them not to clean her bedroom, which meant that the maids remained unaware of her situation. He had also not allowed anyone apart from Kinni to entre her bedroom.

He must be more trustworthy than she had given him credit for.

CHAPTER 3

That afternoon, Lothaire grew hungry. He was impersonating the phoenix in a meeting with King Arro, the phoenix’s scumbag father; Grand Prince Laddiv; a few Avadierish advisers; and Royal Advisers of the Phoenix. The scent of every mortal around him was making Lothaire salivate. Could he sneak off and snack on someone?

He was trying very hard to remind himself that the phoenix would not be a satisfying snack. She would certainly be an easy one, but she’d also ensure that his immortal life would be cut short.

I’m in control, I’m in control, he thought as he eyed the neck of the serving girl who was offering him wine.

He took in a breath and smiled sweetly at her. Thank you. I’m not thirsty.

Suddenly, a messenger ran into the room. Your Majesty! News from Whisperwind Bay!

Lothaire stiffened—Whisperwind Bay was the town closest to the fight that had broken out last night.

An Avadierish messenger arrived moments later. Your Imperial Highness! News of your fleet!

Servants and all non-essential staff are dismissed, the king said. The heavy golden crown on his head and the sapphires and rubies in his beard glinted fiercely in the sunlight.

Most of the servants bowed and left the room. Lothaire tried not to look too longingly at their necks as they left.

King Arro nodded to his messenger.

There was an epic battle out to sea last night, Your Majesty—

We already know about the dragon, the king said impatiently.

Did you know that the sea was boiled? asked the messenger. "Dead sea creatures have been washing ashore all morning and … giant tentacles, as thick as battleships and as long as three battleships."

Lothaire stared. What had happened last night? The sea had boiled? That must have been Milorth’s doing—he was a sea dragon, after all, and boiling the sea came naturally to sea dragons. But giant tentacles? Any number of immortal creatures had giant tentacles.

Did any of our fleet survive? asked the grand prince sharply, his blue eyes piercing the messenger. Did any survivors wash ashore?

I’m afraid not, Your Imperial Highness.

What else can you tell us about what happened? What of the other fleet? Do we know who it was? asked the king.

A Bucansian flag washed up this morning, too.

Everyone went pale.

This was the result of a Bucansian assault? Lothaire ventured. Whatever for? And, for that matter, how?

The messenger shook his head. I do not know, Your Highness. All I know is that there were ten times more dead sharks than there were other sea creatures. Far too many sharks for that area.

Lothaire furrowed his brow. "Are you saying that … A kraken attacked the Avadierish fleet?"

There was a pause.

How do you know it’s a kraken, Crown Princess? asked the grand prince carefully.

Lothaire realised his mistake, but it was too late. He’d been so caught up in figuring out what had gone on last night that he’d forgotten the phoenix shouldn’t know what a kraken was or how to identify one—she’d made it clear to everyone at the border keep and at her palace that she’d never studied immortals.

He did some quick thinking. My mother is a phoenix, Grand Prince. I have always been curious about my immortal heritage and I needed to know why my phoenix has never risen.

His lie seemed to pass muster—there were nods of understanding around the table.

Lothaire continued. As a result, I have studied all I could get my hands on about phoenixes—which really isn’t a lot—and immortals in general. I’ve learnt that krakens are massive immortals who live in the ocean, and whenever they attack, lots of sharks are involved.

Well, replied the grand prince, "I did figure out recently that you are surprisingly fun to debate academia with and are vastly more intelligent than I first thought. And that the library is your favourite place in this castle."

Lothaire gave the prince a dirty look.

The messenger cleared his throat. Judging by how many Bucansian flags we found, the …—he looked briefly at Lothaire before continuing—the kraken didn’t discriminate as to which fleet it attacked.

So, that was why the phoenix had almost died last night. The boiling ocean, the kraken and rescuing the delicious-smelling General Tullica would have been a strain for any land-dwelling immortal, let alone a young one who had just come into her power.

So, said an Avadierish adviser, our fleet was completely destroyed?

What of General Tullica? asked King Arro.

The phoenix wouldn’t have returned unless Tullica was safe, thought Lothaire.

We believe he was either lost or perished with the Avadierish fleet, Your Majesty.

A muscle feathered in the king’s jaw. Then our deal is off. The marriage between my daughter and the grand prince will not be held this evening.

Shocked silence cloaked the room.

But Your Majesty—

The deal was that you would hand over General Tullica on the day of the wedding to the Phoenix Princess. He is not here to hand over, so you will not marry her today.

Lothaire breathed an inner sigh of relief—the phoenix’s plan had worked.

But what of this dragon, Your Majesty? You will need the might of the Avadierish Empire behind you if Bucansi has allied with an immortal, said an obsequious Avadierish adviser.

The king rested a hand on Lothaire’s shoulder and smiled. We already have an immortal on our side.

Lothaire tried not to gape at him. Father, you must know that my phoenix hasn’t risen—

But Bucansi doesn’t know this, he interrupted.

If even the Avadierish—who come from the other side of the world—know about my lack of magic, then surely Bucansi should know too?

Your mother is a phoenix. That means you should be able to rise when the occasion presents itself.

Lothaire stood. You put too much on my shoulders, Father.

I put only what is necessary on your shoulders. Besides, the mere threat of your phoenix should be enough to make them hesitate.

Lothaire exhaled sharply and swept from the room. He waited outside the door for a moment, listening to the Avadierish continue trying to convince the king of his need to protect the Land of the Phoenix and not rely on the princess, just in case she could never access her phoenix.

Lothaire went into the royal gardens and stared at the phoenix form statue of Queen Eos, the phoenix’s mother. He knew this was what the princess did whenever she wanted to connect to her inner phoenix.

It wasn’t long before the grand prince came to join him. So, he said after a moment. You’ve studied immortals?

It’s not night time, Grand Prince. If you continue sitting here, I will start monologuing about the history of the fork and deliver it in a monotone.

The grand prince chuckled. And here I was thinking that I’d come to comfort you.

Lothaire wrinkled his brow. Comfort me? Last I heard, you enjoy irritating me.

The grand prince was silent for a moment. That was before we started our nightly debates. He shrugged. "Now I think you’re just tolerable enough to worry about."

Lothaire suppressed a smile at this gentle verbal joust, wishing that the phoenix deigned to banter with him like this. Instead, he glowered at the prince. If you’ve come to insult me, you can leave. I have enough to deal with without you adding to it.

The grand prince pulled a face. No, I didn’t come to insult you … Like I said, I came to comfort you.

Well, you’re not doing a very good job.

The prince grinned. I suppose I’m not. They contemplated the phoenix statue in silence.

You never speak about your mother.

You never speak about your family.

You never asked.

Neither did you.

Well—would you like to speak about your mother?

No, Lothaire wanted to feast on the grand prince’s blood. But sunset was still an hour away. No, I don’t want to.

Good, because I don’t want to speak about my family either.

Lothaire’s lips twitched. Perhaps I should speak about my mother, then.

The grand prince laughed. I’d much rather speak about what you know of immortals.

You don’t know about immortals?

Not as much as you, apparently.

Lothaire rolled his eyes.

For instance, what do you know of dragons?

Well, considering krakens fight using sharks, dragons must be able to boil the sea.

The grand prince nodded. Yes, I suppose you’re right. And what can you tell me of phoenixes?

Only that my mother is one. They both looked at the statue of Queen Eos again. Other than that, I don’t know.

Well, you must know that they command fire, and when they die, they are reborn in fire.

Lothaire was keenly aware of this, considering how his day had started.

If a phoenix and a dragon battled it out, who would win? asked the prince.

Lothaire had wondered about that back at the Bucansian border keep. The phoenix’s command of fire was absolute—even able to control Milorth’s fiery breath. But if they battled in the water, he suspected that Milorth would win.

He frowned at the prince. No, I do not know.

I’m just trying to gauge a phoenix’s power, that’s all. King Arro seems to think that you’d be able to defend this country if a dragon invaded along with the Bucansians.

Lothaire stood up and smoothed his skirts. As my phoenix has never risen, this is a moot point. He started explaining the history of forks and the grand prince rose hastily, holding up his hands in surrender.

If you wanted to be alone, all you had to do was ask, Crown Princess.

May I have some solitude?

The grand prince bowed, then did as he was told.

But what did it mean, Lothaire wondered, that he’d come to comfort the phoenix? Maybe it was a ploy to gain her trust and ask her about her immortal powers. Maybe it was to gain firmer footing in her court by building a better relationship with her. But maybe, just maybe, he was genuinely worried about her.

Lothaire huffed and sat back down, staring at the statue again. What would her blood taste like? He contemplated this as the sun inched slowly—far too slowly for his liking—towards the horizon.

***

After dinner, Lothaire determinedly stayed away from the phoenix’s rooms and knocked on the grand prince’s door instead.

You’re here early.

It’s after dark.

But you normally come when the castle is asleep.

Are you saying you don’t want to debate with me tonight?

The prince tilted his head back. Not at all, Your Highness. Please come inside. I have some snacks prepared already.

Lothaire tried not to smile as he entered. Within moments, he’d mesmerised the prince and taken a deep drink of his blood. Lothaire’s eyes rolled up in his head as he feasted. I’m glad I’m pretending to be the phoenix, he thought. I would have to work harder to get my meal otherwise.

CHAPTER 4

That night, Lumina was feeling better. Kinni had been healing her all day and now, finally, her magic was returning.

She sat up in bed. Thank you, Kinni. I should be fine now.

Kinni inspected her carefully. You couldn’t move this morning.

You need to oversee the rebels. There’ll be a meeting tonight.

I won’t leave you here alone with that vampire nearby.

He didn’t attack me this morning, Lumina said. In fact, he got Pacaus to send for you and stopped Pacaus from entering my room …

Even so, he’s a vampire.

Lumina couldn’t deny that. True enough. But someone needs to coordinate with the rebels and clean up after last night.

Kinni nodded slowly. I suppose you’re right. Well, I’ll go and run the rebels, see what else we need to respond to.

An hour later, a polite knock came at her door. Phoenix? Are you okay? May I come in, and will you throw a pitcher or fireballs at me if I do?

Lumina smothered a smile. You may enter, Lothaire, although I don’t promise not to throw anything at you.

The door opened a crack, and the princess looked up and met her own eyes staring back at her. Lothaire, still in his princess form, stepped into the room. You must be feeling better if you’re sitting up on your own.

I am. And thank you for this morning.

He shrugged and sat on her chair by the unlit hearth, turning back into his humanoid self. "Well, we are on the same side, Phoenix. I remember the last time I slipped up a little too well."

They fell into silence for a moment.

There are some things you need to know about today, he said, and told her about how her father and the Avadierish thought that she’d secretly been studying immortals.

We’ll need to find some books on the subject, she said, hands going limp.

I didn’t mean to let on, Phoenix. I was just trying to figure out why you almost died.

Lumina winced, remembering the chaos of last night, and how she’d nearly lost the general.

I’m sorry, Lothaire added quickly. I didn’t think it would be a sore topic.

She flicked her eyes upwards. I almost died, Lothaire. Of course it’s a sore topic.

So … what happened?

Lumina explained it all: the escape, the kraken, the dragon, the sharks, the mages and the dream torture.

Lothaire nodded. Well, now we have a bigger problem. Everyone knows Milorth has allied with Bucansi, and they’re all expecting you to realise your phoenix powers so you can drive off Bucansian invasion.

And when they realise I ‘don’t have any’, my father will turn to the Avadierish for protection … Lumina groaned.

Well, the Avadierish were certainly aiming for that. Although considering the Bucansians wiped out an entire fleet, they can’t say they’re that much more powerful.

That’s right. But the sheer numbers in their navy force would make my father reconsider their offer. She stared at the unlit hearth. I need to tell Kinni about this.

You’re sure you’re up for that?

I used to go off to rebel meetings long before I discovered I had magic. I can do this … She stopped suddenly, realising she had just admitted to being vulnerable.

Lothaire tapped his foot. Oh, please, Phoenix, I know you don’t have that much magic at your disposal right now. You don’t need to pretend.

Lumina’s eyes strayed away.

Besides, I’m well sated on the grand prince’s blood. He rubbed his stomach, smiling.

Lumina suppressed a tremor and climbed out of bed. Well, I’d better be off.

I’ll be in the library, Lothaire replied, trying to figure out if there are any books on immortals. If not, then I’ll go to Milorth and have him conjure a few.

I could ask a few rebels to conjure them for us, Lumina said.

Lothaire narrowed his eyes. Considering I was human at one stage, I shouldn’t have forgotten that mortals can use conjuring magic. He contemplated his deadly pointed nails. But apparently, I have forgotten more than I thought.

Lumina hoped she would never forget what it was like to be mortal, especially since she’d be queen one day.

***

At the rebel meeting, Kinni looked stricken when she learnt Lumina’s news.

He’s going to try to get the Phoenix Princess to use her powers again, isn’t he? asked Ishton, Pacaus’ brother and head of palace security, his eyes on the disguised Lumina.

He will, Lumina replied. And if that doesn’t work, he’ll take the Avadierish up on their offer of using their great military might, thus inviting an invading army into our country.

And this time it won’t just be one fleet, whispered Kinni.

Lumina nodded. This now begged the question: did she reveal her phoenix powers, or did she continue pretending she didn’t have them?

After the meeting, Lumina pulled Kinni, Ishton and Pacaus aside. Do I reveal my powers to my father?

Pacaus pinched the bridge of his nose. Knowing him, he’d marry you to the grand prince the moment you do.

Lumina swallowed.

But if you don’t, we’ll have a worse invading force than before, muttered Kinni.

I need to speak to the general, Lumina said. Maybe he has some ideas about what we might do. Then she remembered Lothaire’s comments about the books. And can you conjure some books on immortals for me?

Pacaus raised his eyebrows. I wondered why the vampire spoke about immortals today. I suppose something must have come out when the messengers told the king about the attack last night.

Lumina explained what had happened, but Pacaus seemed uncertain. "Well, we can conjure objects, but they don’t stay around for that long," he told her.

How long do they stay around for? she asked, surprised.

Three days, Kinni said.

Then I need to acquire books on the subject. Kinni, can I leave this with you?

Absolutely. I’ll send people out to scour the bookstores.

CHAPTER 5