Blade of Love

By Ann M Pratley

In the kingdom of the House of Mordasini, a future king is waiting for the day to come when his father will die. While there's nothing to suggest that King Maynard will be leaving this world anytime soon, his oldest son, Aldin, increasingly desires to be the one on the throne. With the darkness that has been residing in his soul since he was a child, ideas begin to flow inside of Aldin's mind. All around him, there are things happening that go against his idea of how the realm should be run. In particular, the realization that his father has granted permission to his brother, Prince Iztal, to wed is something that adds to Aldin's hatred for his brother - a hatred that has grown into an intense obsession.

While brothers continue to share their volatile relationship, their sister continues to experience signs that a beast will soon arrive in the realm, eager to cause destruction. Everyone thinks they are ready for the beast's return, but are they?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ann M Pratley
• Release date: Jun 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9780463186626

Ann M Pratley

Ann M Pratley has a simple passion for words and writing of all kinds, and far too many stories in her head.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Princess Semera Mordasini awoke before the sun rose. It wasn't a usual thing for her to do but her nervousness about the day ahead was intense. After months of negotiation and back and forth discussion between her father, King Maynard of the House of Mordasini, and King George of the House of Zambuca, finally the day had come when she would meet her possible betrothed.

As Semera lay quietly in bed, she listened. There was silence within the palace, as was always the case so early. She knew from the words of her lady-in-waiting, Marin, that some palace staff did not sleep during the night time hours. From the warmth of her royal bed-chamber, Princess Semera never heard anything while the sun slept.

Lying in the warmth of her bed, she reflected on her recent sleep patterns. During her period of illness a short time earlier, she'd begun to dream about the beast that was expected to return and cause destruction in her kingdom every eighty years. Those dreams had continued even after she had recovered from the illness. They had also caused concern and fear in her. There were aspects to them that felt far too real to not worry about them or regard them as more than mere dreams.

Three full months had passed since Semera had last dreamt about the beast. Despite not having recently experienced the dreams, they were never far from her mind. In them, she'd seen her own body, burned from flames that the dragon had caused. That image alone still haunted her.

She hadn't spoken to anyone about her dreams, except for her brother, Prince Iztal. Two years older than her, in their childhood he had seemed so much more mature than she'd been. As they'd grown older, Semera found she still regarded him as someone she could fully trust. She'd shared with him the initial dreams she'd had about the dragon. The later ones, she had kept to herself. They'd been so horrific that she often wished for them to be gone from her memory. As yet, they hadn't left her mind, but she still determined to never share them with anyone.

For the present moment, she had something happier to focus on. Prince Philippe was being escorted to the palace by his aunt and uncle so that he and Semera could meet. Their marriage had already been agreed upon tentatively, but Semera's mother and father had said it was a meeting only. They would finalize details of any wedding once the visiting monarchs, King George and Queen Rohesia, were back in the House of Mordasini palace.

Thinking about the foreign king and queen, Semera's mind shifted to their daughter - her sister-in-law, Lovisa. In recent days, Semera had seen Lovisa's excitement grow and intensify at the prospect of seeing her parents again. Two months earlier, Lovisa had given birth to the second child of Prince Aldin, Semera's eldest brother. It had been a fearful time for all as Lovisa had delivered her child but then drifted in and out of consciousness for two weeks. Now she was healthy again, as was Semera's infant nephew, Prince Shayne. The little one had arrived safely and continued to thrive, just like his older sister, Princess Orabella.

All in all, life within the palace was happy. Babies were being born. Weddings were being proposed. The members of the royal family appeared healthy and happy.

Despite there being much to be joyful about, Princess Semera felt the heaviness of doom. They all knew the dragon was coming. She wasn't sure they all knew just how much destruction it really was going to bring.

But she did.

CHAPTER 2

Even without any official word that the royal parade of King George and Queen Rohesia was arriving, it wasn't difficult for anyone in the palace or the adjacent castle town to know what was happening. The lengthy chain comprised soldiers on horseback scattered around four different sized carriages, each decorated with colored fabrics and insignia representing the House of Zambuca. It was impossible to miss.

Semera! They are coming! Princess Lovisa said as she swiftly entered the bed-chamber of her sister-in-law. Will you come to the turret to watch with me?

Semera immediately grinned, stood and ran to where Lovisa stood. Without any more words, the two young women walked quickly along the great corridor, up one of the stone staircases, and out the doorway at the top. As they leaned against the safe sturdiness of the parapet, they looked beyond the castle town walls. Even from the distance they were, they could see the parade clearly.

I am so excited to be seeing my father and mother again, Semera! Lovisa exclaimed with great animation in her movement. Two years older than Semera but already mother to two, Lovisa usually seemed much more mature than her age. Semera couldn't help but smile at the youthfulness her sister-in-law exhibited at that moment. Oh, but, of course, it is also exciting that they are bringing my cousin, Philippe, here for you to meet.

You need not say that, Sister, said Semera as she laughed. I am very happy that your mother and father are coming and you will get to see them. That is more exciting than my meeting Prince Philippe.

Oh, no, Semera, Lovisa said as she smiled. "Philippe is a good, kind man, and he is funny. I believe the two of you shall get on very well."

Semera grinned but resumed her view out over the township and beyond the wall. The parade was still a distance away from the portcullis that protected the citizens of the palace and castle town. It was quite something to see for all who watched.

Ahh, here you are, my wife, Lovisa heard her husband, Aldin, say from behind her. When she turned to look at him, she noticed he wasn't smiling but it didn't dampen her mood. She was used to his seriousness much of the time. Both being incredibly ambitious in desiring their future positions as king and queen of the House of Mordasini, she'd learned to love her husband despite his serious nature.

Aldin had to force himself to look at his sister. He had no regard for her at all, just as he had no regard for any of his family. He still knew when manners were best used.

Semera, he said simply as he nodded a little at her. He saw her return a small nod but then turn back to keep looking toward the distance. It was clear to him that she had as little time for him as he had for her. That didn't bother him at all. To some, it might have seemed their four-year age gap would be the reason for their distance from one another. Aldin regarded it more as them simply not liking one another.

Moving to stand directly behind Lovisa, he wrapped his arms around her waist as he kissed her neck. In truth, he'd left his tedious work of the morning to go and find her in the hope that they would be able to enjoy another session of pleasure. Since she'd given birth to their second child two months earlier, she'd returned to their bed-chamber and they were back to enjoying each other's bodies several times each day.

As he sensed her excitement, he felt the excruciating realization that it wouldn't happen at that time. She was wrapped up in watching the procession approaching the castle town walls. He didn't understand why she would be pleased to see her parents. He couldn't imagine he'd feel the same if he was away from his parents. If he was in the same position, it was more likely he'd be happier to be apart from them.

Regardless of how he felt about his own family, Aldin knew his wife was excited. It meant another period of time when their personal pleasure would possibly be reduced, at least during the hours of daylight. He resolved that he could handle that. There were always the nighttime hours.

Not wanting to display his displeasure at knowing he wouldn't get what he wanted, he held her close. When it came to the simple act of bodily pleasure, he still held a huge secret. Lovisa didn't know about the things that had been done to Aldin by his groom, Thomas, during the few weeks prior to the birth of their son. Aldin hadn't shared that with her, or anybody else. He still felt shame, guilt and, sometimes, disbelief that he'd let it happen, first of all. He felt further disbelief that he had wanted it to happen.

It had now been many weeks since he'd told Thomas that it couldn't happen again. He'd been surprised by Thomas's facial expression when he'd said that. For a moment, Aldin had feared that Thomas would tell someone what had been happening. So far, that hadn't happened. Aldin was glad and relieved. The gifts Thomas had for satisfying him had been a suitable replacement while Lovisa's body had been unavailable. Given the choice, Aldin knew he would always choose his wife's body over his groom's skills any day.

Once again fighting to push Thomas from his mind, Aldin tightened his hold around Lovisa's waist and forced his eyes towards the procession. The things that he'd undertaken with his groom, he often wished had never happened. Finding his mind drifting back to those occasions as often as it did only seemed to add to his unhappiness over the entire subject.

They are almost here! he heard Lovisa call out loudly as she jumped up and down, temporarily moving out of Aldin's grasp.

Despite his need for the relief of physical pleasure, Aldin couldn't help but smile at his wife's playful eagerness at that moment. With where his thoughts had wandered to, Lovisa's obvious happiness was a distraction he welcomed.

They are almost at the portcullis, Aldin said. Let us go down and greet them, Lovisa.

Lovisa turned, smiled at him and nodded before gently kissing him. Without words, she began walking away, not giving her husband another thought as she started to run down the staircase.

From where Semera stood, she quietly watched her sister-in-law leave the spot they'd been standing in. Immediately afterward, she saw her brother leave too. She was relieved. Being around him had never made her feel at ease.

She stood where she was for a long while, enjoying the fresh air, sunshine and solitude as she saw the royal carriages enter the outer castle walls and begin their slight incline up to the palace. Down below, near the base of the palace wall, Semera saw Lovisa run out and begin waving. The sight made Semera grin. It was unlikely that the foreign king and queen would see Lovisa yet, but Lovisa's excitement was delightful to watch. As Semera saw Aldin walk to where his wife stood, it was evident he didn't share the same delight.

Realizing she was caught up more in Lovisa's impending joy of seeing her parents, Semera remembered that another person was in one of the carriages and that person was there for her. Prince Philippe was down there, somewhere in the small procession. Semera had no idea what he even looked like. She supposed it didn't matter. When Lovisa had come to the palace to marry Aldin, they had never seen each other before and they seemed well suited to one another even though Semera could see no attractive qualities in her oldest brother. In her opinion, he wasn't even a nice person. That hadn't stopped his marriage from seeming to be a successful one.

Casting such negative thoughts aside, Semera turned to begin walking away. As she did, she saw her mother, Queen Azura, walking toward her.

Will you come down now, Semera? Azura asked. Our guests approach.

Semera nodded.

Yes, Mother, she replied. Seeing her mother summon her made the arrival of the prince seem a little more real than it had minutes earlier.

Are you ready to meet your betrothed? Azura asked as the two of them turned and began their journey downstairs.

I am, Semera said as she nodded and looked at her mother's face.

Azura looked at her daughter. She'd always thought that Semera seemed so much younger than her age. As Azura studied her daughter's face, she conceded she could see a strength in it that was admirable. She hoped that the prince would see it too.

The two of them said nothing more as they walked down the staircase and along the great corridor. As they walked out the large wooden doors of the palace frontage, Semera's father approached them.

Are you well, Daughter? King Maynard asked as he looked at Semera.

Yes, Father, Semera dutifully replied. In truth, she was starting to feel a little faint at the realization that she was about to meet a man who might eventually become her husband. She'd always known she could be betrothed and then wed to someone she'd not grown up knowing. The consideration quickly becoming a reality affected her more than she'd expected it would.

Maynard looked at Azura and saw her grin at him. It was difficult to believe that their youngest living child could be approaching marriage but there was strategy in the move. Semera marrying Prince Philippe would further secure the bond already made between the Houses of Mordasini and Zambuca. Aldin marrying Lovisa had initiated that bond. Them having two children had strengthened the bond. The intended marriage between Semera and Philippe could provide the connection with one more layer of security to ensure the ongoing successful alliance between the two kingdoms.

The procession neared and stopped. As King George stepped down from the first carriage and turned to help his wife, Queen Rohesia, do the same, Lovisa was already running toward them.

Mother! Father! Lovisa called out, not caring about any formal etiquette she possibly should have been exercising.

Queen Rohesia ran toward her daughter, grinning with tears visible in her eyes. There was no holding back as mother and daughter met and embraced.

Oh, my daughter! Rohesia said as she appraised the young woman she'd left at the Mordasini palace two years earlier. You look so well.

Lovisa nodded, her smile so wide it almost hurt.

"I am well, Mother, she said. When she saw her father approach and hold out his arms, she gladly walked into them. Father, it is so good to see you both."

King George released his hold, kissed her forehead and smiled at her.

We must meet our grandchildren, Lovisa, but first we must greet the king and queen, he said, turning toward where King Maynard and Queen Azura stood.

Lovisa nodded and stood aside to watch her mother and father approach Aldin's.

King George, you and your party are most welcome, Maynard said as he bowed to the foreign king. After similar greetings with the queens, he turned to King George once more. We have much to discuss, but I believe we must meet one more person.

With a nod of King George's head in the direction of the third carriage, a door was opened and down stepped a young man.

CHAPTER 3

From where she stood, Semera watched as Prince Philippe stepped down from his carriage. His stride was strong and confident as he walked to where the two kings and two queens stood. When he joined them, his bow was low and long.

Prince Philippe, you are most welcome, Semera heard her mother, Queen Azura, say to the young man.

Semera watched the prince's body language as he greeted her parents. When she was very young, she'd realized that there was more to be discovered about people by watching their actions than listening to their words. She'd grown up with an older brother who'd often been mean toward everyone. In that, his nature was different from her own and that of their mutual brother, Iztal. Aldin had provided her with many years of demonstration about how actions could conflict with words.

As she forced herself to focus on what was happening, Semera realized her mother was looking at her and quietly summoning her to join them. Semera walked forward, focusing on her parents until she was in front of the prince. There, she curtseyed.

Princess Semera, she heard his deep voice say as she stood up straight and saw him reach for her hand. It is a great joy to meet you at last.

Semera watched his lips move down and kiss her hand gently. She couldn't help the blush that she felt as his eyes met hers, even as his head was dipped.

And you, Your Highness, Semera said before gently pulling her hand back. The prince looked handsome. He sounded charming. That wasn't enough to convince her that he was good.

Let us move indoors, King Maynard declared, prompting the movement of many.

~ ~ ~

As the two families sat together and talked, Aldin remained by his wife's side when he expected she wanted him to. Inwardly, what he truly desired was to be away from all of them. He knew better than to attempt an escape. As always, the thought in his head was that he was the future king. It was expected that he would always do as others wanted him to, not as he wanted to. That was a constant consideration that frequently displeased him.

Joining in the conversation only when it was demanded, he mostly found his mind drifting off to other aspects of his life. Even with it having been a long while since he'd last experienced the pleasure that his groom had proven he could provide, it still seemed to sit at the forefront of Aldin's mind. That annoyed him profusely. He was the future king. In his opinion, he should have been able to better control his thoughts.

CHAPTER 4

Prince Iztal rejoiced in the current aspect of his training to become a knight. Throughout his years of working through the stages of page and squire, he'd loved everything that he'd been taught. Now that his knight training had shifted fully into the area of weaponry and battle strategy, he felt like every minute of every day was fulfilling and full of promise.

Standing in the middle of the training ground, he heard his friend's name called to be his opponent in their current round of sword fighting. As Edward approached, Iztal saw the grin that he'd grown to know so well in their years of training together.

Do you think you can beat me today, Iztal? Edward taunted whilst never stopping that smile from showing. Finally?

Iztal laughed softly. It was a serious aspect of their training, as everything was, but when it came to the simulated battles that they undertook as a group, there was some fun to be had when friend was matched against friend.

Finally? Iztal called out as he moved in a circular direction, the two of them no doubt looking like they were beginning a dance together. "You have yet to beat me, Edward!"

Edward laughed in reply but said nothing. Instead he began his maneuvers. With his mother and father being close friends of King Maynard and Queen Azura, he had grown up knowing the princes and princess but it had been in their years together in knight training that Edward had begun to appreciate what a good person Prince Iztal was. Not only that, but he'd grown into a great fighter. No matter what aspect of combat they were trained in, Iztal seemed to grasp it easily. There was reassurance in that, knowing that if a battle ensued, Iztal would be among those who fought at Edward's side.

It had been the challenge that Edward had needed at the start of his training. With his father, Sir Henry, being the head trainer of the knights, it had taken time for Edward to comprehend that he had to work a little bit harder than others to gain the same respect from his father. Iztal had encouraged him in working hard too. If a prince could give 100% to the seriousness of training, so could everyone else.

The smiles of the two young men quickly dissolved as their battle role play began. Both were focused. They could joke and smile, but when weapons were being used, they were always serious. Everyone knew that time was passing. It wouldn't be long before the great beast would return to their kingdom. As knights, Edward and Iztal would be leaders among the frontline of defense.

The crowd around them cheered and rallied them on as they fought. When one went down, the challenge was over. Edward held out his hand to the young man down on the ground.

Good fight, Iztal, but I do believe I am getting better than you, Edward said, smiling again.

Iztal looked up at his friend.

I concede that you may be correct, Edward, he said before grinning and standing up. "Perhaps."

Edward laughed as the two of them moved to the outer ring, allowing two new opponents to begin.

How goes it with the betrothed arriving today? he asked quietly.

I do not know, Iztal replied. They will be there by now but I shall not see them until after our day is done, he continued before turning and looking at his friend. It is not too late, Edward. My sister is not wed yet.

I was not asking for that reason, Edward said quietly, although he smiled a little when he said it. How does Semera feel about it, however?

Iztal didn't tease his friend further. He'd done that many times over the years as they'd grown closer.

Semera is always happy, no matter what is happening, he said. I do believe that even if she does not like the prince, she will happily marry him.

Do you believe there is a chance she will not like the prince? Edward asked.

No, replied Iztal as he shook his head. I have never known my sister to dislike anyone.

For a long time, Edward remained silent as the two of them watched the fight that had begun. When he spoke again, he surprised the prince.

And you, Iztal? What of your friendship with your sister's fair lady-in-waiting? he asked.

Iztal smiled before turning to face Edward.

Lady Marin and I are friends, Edward, he said. I enjoy her conversation very much.

"Just conversation?" Edward teased, making Iztal chuckle.

Yes! Iztal said quietly. I esteem her greatly and she is a very good friend to my sister. I can only admire and appreciate her greatly for that.

Edward nodded and smiled before resuming his stare to concentrate on the fight again.

~ ~ ~

As the evening began to set in and the young men parted to go in separate directions, Edward called out to Iztal.

"Will you wish her all