An Enchanted Kingdom

By Anna del C. Dye

Not all men are created equal; don’t believe me? Ask the werewolves!

Princess Angelic’s first love comes to her Father’s party, where he welcomes a race of dark people to their kingdom. When the grandmama of that race visits her, she wakes up alone in an enchanted forest where only small animals can get in.
She doesn’t grow old, eat or need new clothes. As nice as that is, how will she return to normal life? and what happened to beloved Robin and her kingdom in the thirty-plus years of her exile?

Robin meets the woman he wants to spend a lifetime with and wants to go home to arrange for their wedding. However, his delegation can’t go out of her kingdom and no one can come in.
On top of this bizarre situation, his princess is nowhere to be found. Her father remains consumed with guilt for years and Robin will have to take over if he wants to set her kingdom free and find his princess.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anna del C. Dye
• Release date: Feb 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005538750

Anna del C. Dye

Anna was born in the extreme South along some famous beaches. She grew up with four other siblings being placed in the middle. Her mother died when she was six and she found a new mother in her husband’s mother and loves her dearly. She accredits her mother-in-law with teaching her many things in life.The green eyed, brown haired author moved north to marry her husband Rodney and has resided in Utah since then. Her husband, a native of Idaho, met her in her hometown. They fell in love and she came to Utah on Christmas Eve to be married two weeks later. They are the parents of three princes and a princess.Early on in her life she showed an affinity for sewing and took classes that rewarded her with the opportunities of doing costuming for the cast of four musicals, which she enjoyed immensely. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and understands some Portuguese.Some of Anna’s writing recognitions:She received the Editor’s Choice Award from the International Library of Poetry and had her article entitled A New American Mother published by Desert Saints Magazine. Her short story entitled Amerine—Fairy Princess wan an award in the Oquirrh chapter contest and was published by Kalkion Magazine. Other articles about family and relationship have been published frequently in the MOMS CLUB® of Salt Lake Valley-West.

Book preview

Chapter One

Anashi’s Threat

It can’t be Your Majesty. Did you say she threatened you? That will never do.

In the castle of Devonshire, a singular scene played out between its stone walls as the King held conference with his chancellors and a visiting prince.

I tell you she did, Head Chancellor. What am I to do now?

A spring day bloomed outside the windows, birds welcoming the new season with rainy afternoons to help plants come back in splendor from the arms of winter. Yet, the castle’s occupants had not noticed.

I’m worried, Head Chancellor. She gives me the creeps, yet I can’t see myself complying with her demands. Her skin is so dark, more like a devil than a woman, and now this … terror.

King Zione, did you bring us to their welcoming party because you were afraid of her?

I hoped your presence would give me courage until they left, Prince Robin. However, I didn’t expect a dark-skinned people when I opened the gates of Devonshire to them. So, I’ve just added you to my misery.

A word as to the real reason we were invited would have helped us prepare to aid you, King Zione. Now we are just as trapped as you are, with no idea of how she accomplished what she did. Do you believe her to be an enchantress, cursed with that color?

No, Prince Robin. There is a whole kingdom of them and they have existed for many years before you and I were born.

Do all of them have powers, Chancellor? Do you believe she has some kind of unnatural powers?

We don’t know, Prince Robin.

For being the king’s chancellor, there isn’t much that you do know about them, is there?

The short, plump man lowered his head and answered nothing.

They are private-like, I understand, and until they showed up at our gates, we didn’t know they existed. I’m sorry I have dragged you into my problem, Prince Robin. I will hope you won’t condemn our kingdom for my shortcomings.

Think nothing of it, King Zione. However, I have grown quite fond of your daughter, Princess Angeline, and she of me. I was on my way to start preparations for our wedding in my kingdom when I found I couldn’t leave.

Anashi has done something to keep all of Devonshire prisoner, Prince Robin. I have reports that no one can leave Devonshire’s walls.

My delegation and I couldn’t either. That is why we are having this conversation, Chancellor. Now, you told us she has threatened to kidnap My Princess, unless you comply with her demands, right?

Yes, she actually said she’ll make my beautiful girl disappear until I do what she demands. But I can’t …. I can’t force myself to touch that woman in that way.

Robin didn’t know how he would respond to such a demand if it were put to him. No matter what, he would keep Angeline protected by all and any means. The king didn’t seem to be worried much, except by the displeasure of touching another human being. The prince understood that some people are less desirable to touch than others, but to base it on the color of their skin was pure ignorance.

How can I be of assistance, King Zione? I wish to protect Angeline at all costs from that mad woman. However, I need to know more about them before I can form a plan of how to accomplish that goal.

I appreciate your offer, Prince Robin, though I’m afraid we need a miracle.

If I have your leave, Your Majesty, I will have my party help me figure out how we may be of service to your kingdom. If you find out something, let me know at once.

Our hopes go with you, son. We’ll be thankful for any help you can give us.

Robin left the old man alone, and went, heavy-hearted, to meet his countrymen. The bright hall seemed dim this morning and he wanted so much to run to Angeline’s arms to comfort her. However, right now, his priority should be her protection. For his precious princess would pay the price if he did not find a way.

As soon as he cleared the door of his chambers, he declared, Frante, call everyone to me and place some guards about this room.

His friend and captain’s firm jaw showed no doubts about his command as he swiftly moved to comply with his request.

They await by the stables with our things, until we know what is going on, Sire.

Tell them to be discreet. Station two guards with our belongings, in case we need to leave in a hurry.

Robin watched his tall, fit friend leave and felt gratitude for him and Tenias. They had known each other since childhood and he would trust either with his life. That was a good thing, especially now with all the uncertainty this new trial brought.

After a long instant, the spacious room he called his for as long as he stayed in Devonshire grew smaller by the moment. He paced and wondered why his countrymen took their sweet time in coming to him. His heart contracted a little at the thought that he hadn’t done anything to keep Angeline safe.

He walked the many steps to the window in the middle of the long wall to see if he could see why they tarried in the yard. Halfway there, his door opened and Frante came in, moving aside to let another eight men in.

We are all here, Prince Robin.

About time, Frante. I had begun wondering if you had been taken prisoners by that mad woman.

All his men glanced at each other, but said nothing at his dark mood.

I have talked with King Zione and the situation is dire. My Princess is in danger from some sort of magic and I find myself lacking the weapons to save her.

How do you know it is magic, Your Majesty?

The woman we came to celebrate has placed Devonshire under a spell of the foulest kind. No one can’t leave without her consent, and no one can come in.

Thus, our mounts couldn’t go through the gates this morning, Your Majesty.

That is right, Tenias. Now she will kidnap My Princess and I don’t know how to stop her.

Let’s kill her whole delegation, Sire. There aren’t more than twenty of them and at least half are women.

I don’t know how you can plan the demise of twenty people in such a fashion, Parten.

Your Majesty, I have a problem killing women, especially if they are as trapped in this problem as we are.

Tenias is right, Parten. We could cause a war with their people, though I would gladly battle against them for My Princess’ safety.

"Sire, I have become acquainted with Lady Tamarind during our stay here, and she seemed most amiable with me. Why don’t I seek her out and see what I can learn from her, before we exterminate them all?’

‘We don’t have a lot of time, Tenias. Can you do it now?"

Are you not afraid of them, Tenias? I can barely tolerate their presence in the room. They disturb me.

Why this woman has chosen to act this way is beyond me, Seten. However, I find it appalling to believe that a human, whatever their color of skin, should repel you or have less value than any of the rest of us. They are a beautiful race and, in many ways, just like us.

Yes, Sire. A thousand pardons, Your Majesty.

I expect better from my countrymen, especially when we are in foreign lands and you are part of a goodwill delegation. I suggest you look deep within yourself, Seten, and let me know if you can’t find an open mind there. If not, I will give your position to a person that won’t be so prejudiced next time. Tenias, go now and return to us in haste, my friend.

The lady in question likes to walk in the beautiful gardens of the palace at this time each day. I should have no problem finding her.

Tenias, be most careful. We need what you can learn and we prefer that you give it to us alive.

Tenias left and the group watched the closed door for a moment before someone broke the silence.

Should we try to see if there is another way to leave this kingdom, Sire?

Yes, it’s better than doing nothing, Frante. Let me know as soon as you find something. If we are so lucky, we’ll take the king and Angeline and head home quickly. We’ll let the king’s chancellors and guards take care of the colored delegation.

We’ll be ready for anything, Sire…. However, our first priority is you…

You will do what I tell you or your life will be forfeit, Frante. Is that clear?

Most clear, Sire.

Chapter Two

To Mate or Not to Mate

Outside in the west garden, Tenias approached the lilac bushes with their soft, yet pleasant, calming aroma. Lady Tamarind, in a bright red and orange gown, sat on an iron bench for two, her countenance pensive and hands clasped in her vibrant lap.

My Lady is most beautiful, if she pardons my outspoken manner.

Lord Tenias, it’s good to see you again. I…

My Lady stopped her words; may I know why?

You said that you would leave this morning, yet you are still here. I wonder what happened to make you change your mind.

Reproach or hope laced her words. Her high cheekbones showed worries beyond worry and that took away his resolve to ask much of her. She had no idea what she did to his heart.

My Lady doesn’t know?

Please tell me. Does Lady Anashi have anything to do with it?

Yes, from what My Prince says, she did something to prevent us from leaving Devonshire. Can you shed any light as to why she wants us here?

Please walk with me, Lord Tenias.

He offered her his hand to guide her, as was custom in his kingdom. She stared at it before she took it.

You aren’t revolted by my touch, why?

The color of My Lady’s skin changes nothing but to accentuate My Lady’s beauty. Why would it bother me?

This is the first kingdom that hasn’t sent us on our way screaming that we must be evil and My Lady has repaid you in this fashion. I am most sorry. I promise she wasn’t like this before this trip. An abyss, dark and dreary has grown between us and I don’t know how to help her.

Her sincerity took Tenias aback for a moment. He had been right that the woman acted on her own and the rest of them were as guiltless as Devonshire.

You mean your delegation has nothing to do with her magic…? It is magic, isn’t it?

She has a talisman, passed down through generations of her bloodline, and she uses it to do things I don’t quite understand.

My Lady means she doesn’t know how to use it, then?

I didn’t say that. I’m a descendant of her line and the medallion will pass to me, but only when she dies. She has showed me some things I could do with it but, nothing as powerful as to stop people from leaving a kingdom. She doesn’t think she will die soon, so she isn’t in a hurry to tell me all she knows.

Could My Lady trick her into telling her how she did it and then use the medallion and undo her magic, to help us? This whole kingdom and ours would be most appreciative of her help.

It could cost me my life, you understand that?

Most regrettable, My Lady…. However, she is preventing millions of people from living their lives, perhaps she will kill us all. No one person should hold that kind of power over the world, My Lady. As you can see, we are powerless against her.

I can’t promise anything, Lord Tenias…, though I will try my best.

I understand. All and any help will be most appreciated, My Lady.

Pushing wouldn’t do. Tenias wisely chose to be still, for he didn’t want to give her the impression that he sought her only to ask that favor of her. Nor should she think that he didn’t care for her life, when he felt most attracted to her.

He watched her head turn one way and then the other, as if she had more to say and dared not.

Lord Tenias, she stopped and looked straight into his eyes. Lady Anashi has demanded of us…, I mean the women of our delegation, to sleep with the men in this kingdom tonight.

What? Is that normal for your race?

Not really. She wants us to carry their children to change the color of our skin to white. She believes the children from this act will be white and that we can start a new race and a new kingdom as white people.

I’m so sorry, My Lady. You are a beautiful race and I’m most outraged at your sufferings. But change the color of your skin, is that even possible?

I don’t know. All I know is that Lady Anashi believes it, and we must comply. Though my companions and I feel threatened by the possibility of being hurt by men who think we are animals and have no feelings.

My Dearest Lady. Now I’m most thankful I couldn’t leave. I will explain this to My Prince, who believes in your rights as a people. We’ll find a way to help you.

If you can’t find another way to help us…, would you consent to be my…

My Dearest Lady, if you let me, I would marry you this instant. I’m honored you would ask me to be your partner. My Prince would never consent to allow our men to hurt your companions, My Lady. Has Anashi told you that she has ordered King Zione to mate with her or she will kidnap the princess?

No, that isn’t proper. She told me that she too will be busy tonight, but said nothing more. Lord Tenias, her orders didn’t set well with our kinsmen as three of them are coupled to three of the ladies in our delegation. As you see, we don’t agree with her. But she is Our Lady and we must obey her commands.

Even when it could mean your demise?

It would mean our demise if we didn’t do it. Our customs demand it.

I will go and pass your news to My Prince, My Lady. I’ll will do anything to keep you and, if I can, the rest of your ladies’ safe tonight. Please learn how to use the medallion in the meantime and help us to get rid of her threat.

I will. Lord Tenias…, I too am glad you didn’t leave.

I’ll count the moments until I see you again, my beloved lady. I should have taken you with me this morning, a mistake I won’t repeat again.

He retraced his steps after a long kiss on her dark, though sweet, lips. No, he didn’t care what color her lips were, he would kiss them forever if he could.

In the prince’s quarters, Tenias had just finished narrating Lady Tamarind’s story.

Tenias, that is good news. Do you think Lady Tamarind will help us then?

You should give us lessons on how to conquer a lady, Tenias. I would be willing to pay for your help.

Why a lady would want you is beyond me, Parten, so you’d better save your coin.

I’ll be willing to offer my services to any of the ladies, Sire.

The rest of the men laughed and hooted until the prince motioned for silence.

You will not disrespect them in any way. Is that clear?

Yes, Your Majesty.

They aren’t toys to play with, no matter their situation. They are ruled by a mad woman and we will not take advantage of them.

Of course, Sire.

You and I will have a class on gentlemen’s manners when we get home, and, no, you won’t have to pay me anything, Parten. I’m ashamed of your position as a representative of our court in foreign lands. Your behavior will tarnish our reputation as a nation. Enough of that for now. There will be enough time when we are out of this dilemma. I assure you I won’t forget to bring this theme back up as your comments disturb me to no end.

Sire, I know this isn’t the place but, I wish to be clear…, I will ask Lady Tamarind to be my wife.

A complete silence prevailed in the room while eyes met eyes across the delegation.

You are right, it isn’t the place, Tenias, though I congratulate you. Now, please tell her to send the three men who are coupled to the ladies in her delegation on errands and tell them to join us in my room, through the servant’s stairs and at different times.

Yes, Sire, we all know where they are. May I query why we want them here, Sire?

As witnesses that the ladies will be safe and thus turn them to our side, Tenias. We could need their help at any moment.

One of your best ideas yet, Sire. They will be thankful for our gesture toward their women. Robin nodded to Frante.

The rest of you will go get the ladies one by one, asking for them by name. Tenias, have Lady Tamarind give you their names. Bring them unharmed to my room. It is the biggest and no one will enter unannounced.

Excellent plan, Sire.

I suppose you will get Lady Tamarind, Tenias?

If it is permissible, Sire.

Most acceptable, my friend. When will you talk with your lady next?

She comes down to prepare supper at 5:00 sharp, Sire. I will wait for her near the kitchen and tell her our plans.

Wonderful, let’s help these ladies help us. You have your orders.

That night, as planned, Prince Robin’s men went to get the ladies and they came by one couple or two at a time. The three colored men came one by one to the prince’s room, somewhat skeptical as to why the white men would want them there.

Ladies, please make yourselves comfortable. It’s going to be a long night. The prince noticed how tense their shoulders looked. He didn’t blame them. After all, they had suffered much from other men’s ignorance and they didn’t know what to expect.

Sire, Lady Connie is not here yet, one of the colored men mentioned after a long silence.

She left before I did…. Do you think she is all right? one of the ladies from their delegation replied.

Come with me, let’s see what has detained her.

The prince and two of the colored men moved swiftly to the servant’s stairs and opened the doors on every floor they passed.

On the second floor, they saw nothing. But, when the prince started to close the door, he heard a woman cry, No, let me go.

At that moment, a hard sound came to their ears as if a huge hand had struck someone’s face. From the cry the woman had uttered, Robin could imagine what had happened.

The two colored men hurried forward, but Robin slowed their advance and motioned with his finger to stay quiet. Let’s go, he signaled with his hand and they followed him to the corner. There, they found Parten with a knife at the girl’s exposed neck. Her lips and eyebrows bled where she had been struck more than once.

I don’t know what you want to know.

Her cry was answered by Parten raising his hand to strike her again. Robin sensed the colored men ready to pounce on him.

Let her go, Parten, it’s an order.

You are soft and I don’t feel like following your rule any longer. She knows how to get us out of here. So, I’m going to find out. If you come any closer, I’ll kill her.

Parten didn’t bother looking at his prince, sure he wouldn’t do anything against him. This worked in Robin’s favor as he didn’t see when he nodded to his companions to move to either side of his guard.

What do you think she will tell you? She doesn’t have the medallion and she wouldn’t know how to use it if she did.

We’ll see about that. Parten pulled the woman’s hair back to expose her neck better to his blade and she screamed.

If you kill her, you’ll learn nothing. How is that going to get us out of here?

At that moment Parten turned to look at his prince and found the two colored men on top of him. The next second he was pinned to the wall. The girl ran toward the prince’s arms while her compatriots held Parten, spread-eagled, one of them at each arm while their legs trapped his. One of them took the knife from Parten’s hand while Robin tried to quiet the girl.

You are all right now, My Lady. You have nothing to fear. While he calmed the woman’s tears, one of the colored men used Parten’s knife to slice his heart in two. Then he turned hurriedly to defend himself from the prince while Parten fell slowly to the floor.

At the sudden movement, Robin looked in time to see his guard hit the ground. The girl didn’t notice the change in the energy of the hall, among her tears.

Leave the knife with him and let’s get out here before someone sees us.

The two colored men glanced at each other before they did as told. Still, they stayed in their places behind the prince. They didn’t trust Robin and he didn’t blame them. The girl took in the scene and ran to her mate’s arms.

Come. Robin turned toward the servant’s stairs and gave them his back to show them they need not fear him.

The prince couldn’t fault the man. He would have done the same if someone were to hurt Angeline in such fashion, even if it was their mistress.

Please don’t make a sound until we are in my room, My Lady. At his murmur, they ascended the stairs in a single file with the couple at the end. When they entered his room, everyone stopped talking at the same time to look at Connie’s injuries.

Tanias, do you know where the healer’s room is?

On the fourth floor, Sire. I had to get an herb for Lady Anashi and visited his quarters a few days ago.

Thank you, Lady Tamarind.

Do you wish me to go fetch him?

No, Lady Tamarind. It is too dangerous for you to be out on your own when you should be entertaining Tenias. Please tell me how to get to there and I’ll get him. Lady Connie needs his services.

Sire, where is Parten? Frante looked about the room.

Did he do that to her, My Prince? Tenias cried.

He did and he is no longer in my services, nor will he ever be again. That is all you need to know.

Of course, Sire.

Please accept our apologies for his behavior, Lady Connie. You are safe now. Please stay here and, whatever you do, do not go out of this room. If Lady Anashi sees you strolling about, she will guess that all was a falsehood. Your lives will be in danger and so will ours.

My countrymen, go to the room on my left. You are to sleep, but keep your weapons by you at all times. I will leave this door unlocked in case we need your assistance during the night. Frante, by my most strict orders, none of them or you are to go out of that room until morning when you will return the ladies to their chambers.

What do you want us to do meanwhile? the colored man who had killed his guard pointed at himself and his two companions.

I hope you can counsel with me and help me find a way out of this situation.

The three men glanced at each other before their leader answered, We’ll do our best..., Sire.

I’ll be back with the healer, Lady Connie, and we’ll talk some more.

Robin hurried to the top floor and found the healer mixing potions and such. After he asked him to accompany him back to his chambers, the middle-aged man took his satchel and followed him. On their way down, the prince instructed the healer to forget what he would see there for his own good.

The healer stopped and stared at the prince for a small moment and continued following him. It won’t be the first time, Sire, and I’m sure it won’t be the last either.

Once at his door, he knocked twice before he entered. Is everything well?

Tenias opened the door. Yes, Sire.

The healer looked at everyone on the room and settled his eyes on the hurt lady.

Lady Connie needs you, Healer.

I can see that. I’d better not ask how this happened, I suppose.

You could, but no one will answer. Robin smiled.

"Very well, if My Lady will let me touch her face, I will clean that cut