Royal Twins Shalin & Esme ~ Book 8 a Royal Wedding

By Dory Lee Maske

Shalin returns from Thessalonica to Henge with her mother and her fiancé, Soldad, only to find trouble brewing in her homeland. Her aunt, Queen Delphinia, is estranged from her husband King Geoffrey. What will this mean for the upcoming meeting with Henge’s new trading partners? Will Henge’s royal family still attend the meeting in Manoa?

Serafina is in a murderous rage over King Geoffrey’s treatment of her sister, Queen Delphinia. She leaves at once to find her sister in Helsop. The twins quickly decide to accompany their mother, knowing how dangerous their mother’s wrath can be. Before she became Queen of Henge, she earned her living as a sorceress.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dory Lee Maske
• Release date: May 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005006792

Dory Lee Maske

I've always been a reader--loved fairy tales when I was young. I started writing when I had children of my own. My husband, Bob Maske, does all the art work for my stories. He did all the book covers and the animations that accompany each story.I try to keep at least half of my stories and books free and would love to receive feedback from my readers. You can contact me at [e-mail] or at [e-mail] Thanks to all you readers out there for your support.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Kingdom of Henge

The Sea Dancer sailed around the final promontory in its long voyage to the Holy Land and back to Henge. Shalin smiled as her homeland came into view. She had been gone for months and was now returning as the future wife of the Governor of Thessalonica. She could already feel herself making the shift to this new identity. She yearned to see her father again. And her Uncle Phinn. She wished her grandfather, the Old King, was still alive.

Serafina joined her at the ship’s rail. I see a few more iron ore pits have opened up in our absence.

Shalin had noticed that as well. Above the castle, farther up the hillside, three new pits were active. Miners from Helsop loaded wooden carts with the newly exposed ore. She wondered if all these pits would eventually make the hillside unstable.

We will not be here long if we are to attend the meeting of the new allies in Manoa, Serafina said. The end of harvest is near.

Do you think Father will want to go? Shalin asked. He hates being in the company of King Gundar.

King Gundar is not trustworthy, Serafina said, but that is all the more reason to keep a close eye on him.

Shalin sighed. They had already been so long at sea. "Soldad will likely offer the use of the Sea Dancer to take us to Manoa."

And your father will likely accept his offer, Serafina said. It is large enough for us to invite Electra’s family along and even Phinn’s acting troupe if he should wish to go.

Shalin was surprised to see her twin sister Esme waiting on the dock to greet them.

Esme smiled and waved, surrounded by a large group of Gypsy children.

Curious, Shalin thought as she waved back. I supposed Esme would have stayed in Helsop, teaching classes at the school of medicine, watching over her animal hospital and walking in the forest with Dag.

Serafina, Shalin and Esme reunited with hugs and teasing words there on Henge’s wharf.

The children recognized the ship, Esme said. They tend to loiter around the wharf area when they have a few coins to spend.

Why would they notify you? Serafina asked.

I have opened a morning clinic in the Gypsy camp, Esme replied. I pay the children to supply me with sea shells which I use to package my various salves and ointments.

Shalin laughed. When did all this start? I am surprised to see that you are not still in Helsop.

It is a long and complicated story, Esme said. Much has happened since you left for Thessalonica.

Soldad joined the group on the dock after seeing his ship safely tied down. How good it is to find you here, Esme.

And you, my future brother-in-law, Esme said. I suppose this means Thessalonica has passed muster? Have you come to be married posthaste?

Not until spring, I fear, Soldad said. But I shall impose on Henge’s hospitality until then. Is all well here since we have been gone?

Esme shrugged. I suppose it depends on whom you ask. There is so much to tell. But you must have news as well. Who should begin first?

You should, Serafina said without hesitation. And please begin by telling us how you came to the decision to open a medical clinic in the Gypsy camp.

Esme smiled. Very well. Then I shall have to start at the beginning.

Yes, Shalin begged. And leave nothing unsaid.

They began the climb up the hill to Henge’s castle as Esme began her tale.

As you remember, the two Silent Men came to Helsop to ask for my help. Their brother monks were dying inexplicably and it sounded as though the cause might have been the poisoned statue that you left there, Mother, so many years ago.

Esme shook her head, remembering. I thought I was responsible for poisoning their water since I put a picture in their minds when I left. It was an instruction to throw the statue into the deepest part of the river after I left. I knew there was something evil about that statue.

I admit I intended to poison that den of kidnappers, but how could you know that? Serafina asked. You were only three years old.

I do not know how, but I sensed it. In any case, they did not follow my instructions. They took the statue to a cave where they could go to worship the statue once a year. It served as a replacement for their lost goddess.

So it was not a poisoned water supply as you and Electra believed? Shalin asked.

It appeared not to be at first, Esme said. But when Dag and Maki the Scout found the cave where they had hidden the statue, they saw high water marks on the walls of the caverns.

Floods, Soldad said. He appeared to be following the story closely.

Exactly, Esme said, and the depth of the cave made it possible for the poisoned water to seep into the water table below. That tainted water then made its way into the well from which the Silent Men drank.

A masterful bit of scouting, Soldad commented.

Indeed, Esme agreed. There you have the beginning, and here we are at the castle. The remainder of the story will have to wait a bit.

They surprised King Blackwell in his office. You have returned! Why was I not informed?

We are here to inform you in person, Shalin said, smiling.

King Blackwell hugged his wife and daughter at the same time, one arm around each of them. His voice caught a little as he said, How I have missed you both.

As we have missed you, my husband, Serafina said. But we have accomplished all we set out to achieve.

You must have done more than visit Thessalonica, King Blackwell said, but start there.

It is a large city with an excellent port – a prize not unlike Constantinople itself, Serafina began.

Is it still in danger? King Blackwell asked, with a suspicious glance at his future son-in-law.

No, it seems secure – no signs of wariness among the residents, Serafina reported honestly, I believe the Byzantine victory was decisive.

Blackwell nodded, But?

Serafina shook her head. No buts or exceptions. I believe it is as safe as any city on the shores of the Great Sea.

Then I suppose congratulations are in order, King Blackwell said, extending his hand to Soldad. Have you agreed on a date for the wedding?

Soldad nodded as he shook hands with his future father-in-law. We thought as soon as the seas are clear of ice come spring.

Shalin thought her father looked relieved to learn there would still be several months before the wedding.

Let us go down to the dining room where we can all sit together, Blackwell said. I will tell Cook there will be more of us for lunch. We have much to discuss. There is the matter of our first meeting of the new alliance. I still have not made the decision whether to stay or attend.

Chapter 2

City of Henge

While King Blackwell went to tell Cook that Shalin, Serafina and Soldad had returned, Esme pulled her sister along the corridor to their old room in the castle.

So, Father saw fit to lower his standards and allow you to be engaged to Soldad, Esme said in a teasing voice.

Marrying a Byzantine governor is lowering his standards? Shalin asked.

He has no royal bloodline, Esme stated. Likely your children will be quite common. She smiled.

I have warned Soldad that our children may be like you and me, Shalin said. So far the thought has not deterred him. Although, I should add, he has not told his family of my unusual abilities.

Esme laughed. How did he react to learning you can read minds?

I promised to always tell him what I was thinking by way of compensation.

And have you kept your promise? Esme asked.

Not really. It would have become tedious. But I plan to always be honest with him when it is important.

Umm, Esme said. Dag is here in Henge now.

He is? Shalin was surprised. Is Father warming to the idea of him as a suitor?

I have hopes, but no, not as yet. Dag has been put in charge of overseeing the mining operation here for Helsop. He is also scouting throughout Henge for more iron ore outcrops. But here is the most hopeful part. Father has asked him to share with the infantry officers Helsop’s method of training scouts. Dag is now giving suggestions to some of our army scouts.

Yes, that does sound hopeful, Shalin said. Father has great respect for outstanding soldiers. She smiled as she looked at her sister. Has Father’s regard for physicians been equally elevated?

Esme laughed. He has little use for them as he remains singularly healthy and free of injury.

Shalin laughed, too. I cannot remember his ever taking sick.

And what of our mother? Esme asked. Did she have a relapse of malaria while you were so long abroad?

No, but I was quite worried about her in Hindustan. The country was in the middle of the monsoon season when we arrived. The streets were flooded. The air was damp as it was when we waded through the jungles on our way to Timbitu. Luckily we did not stay there long. We found out what we needed to know and left for Jerusalem.

Esme’s eyes went wide with surprise. You visited Jerusalem?

Shalin nodded. Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Shalin looked around her old bedroom before continuing. The bed she shared with her sister was unmade. Esme was never one to tidy up. A half-finished painting of a Gypsy child sat atop an easel. From the window she could see the Sea Dancer tied up at the wharf.

I have no doubt now that my ring was crafted by Persians as soon as the astrological signs of a new messiah were seen in the night sky. It was crafted to lead them to Jerusalem, the place where Israel worshiped and waited for the coming of their heavenly King.

What happened when you reached Jerusalem? Esme asked with baited breath.

My ring began to hum in some kind of harmonious kindred spirit. It was quite decisive. We went on to Bethlehem and it actually lessened in frequency, but only slightly. Jerusalem was definitely its destination.

And were the remaining spells revealed to you? Esme asked.

No, nor will they be. I am content now with what I know. I thought of leaving the ring there in Jerusalem on the altar that marks the place where Yeshua was buried and rose from the dead, but have since thought it mete to pass the ring on to others who might benefit from being led to Jerusalem.

Not me, surely, Esme said.

No, you seem already to know as much as you need to know about the ring. But I thought perhaps there may come a time in Delphi’s life when she might need to make such a pilgrimage. She is the only one I know as yet who might be able to decipher the remaining spells.

Yes, with her help we might be able to decipher the third spell. Esme said.

Shalin nodded. I think I shall return the ring to Electra. She can keep it until she sees a time in Delphi’s life when it might be of benefit to her.

Esme agreed. I miss Delphi so much. She is more like a sister to me than a cousin.

I do as well, Shalin admitted. I almost refused to leave with Soldad, I was so reluctant to leave Delphi. But when she fell in love with the puppy they named Skye, I knew she would be all right without me.

We had best go down for lunch, Esme said. Uncle Phinn and Cousin Drake will be anxious to see you."

And I, them. Shalin threw the covers of the bed back to straighten them. I am sure there is more news than mine to hear.

And you are correct in thinking so, Esme said.

The members of the acting troupe led by Phinn the Ambassador, half-brother of King Blackwell, were already taking seats around the dining table when Shalin and Esme entered the dining area.

Shalin saw her cousin Drake had grown taller in her absence. He would be tall and thin, like his father, when he reached his full height. Now at thirteen years old, he was already tall for his age.

Drake, Shalin said, I forbid you to grow taller than me.

Drake laughed. I am already as tall as you. Shall I wear a weight on my head?

Shalin attempted to hug her cousin but was swept up in a hug from behind instead. She looked up into the smiling face of her Uncle Phinn.

I thought you had abandoned us forever, he said. Tell the truth – you have already married this young upstart Soldad and begun your life as a Byzantine, have you not?

Shalin laughed. I promise I have not. You shall play at our wedding or else I shall not be married at all.

Phinn laughed as he stood Shalin down beside Drake. It is true. You are the same height. I predict in a year or so we will have a winner.

Drake smiled. Am I to win at something at last?

After much teasing and more hugs the celebrating crowd settled down to eat the lunch Cook had prepared for them.

Tell us the news of Henge, Serafina said as they passed around platters of roasted lamb, vegetables and bread. Has all been peaceful here?

Yes, we are ending a good harvest and a return to tranquility, King Blackwell said. I have not informed King Geoffrey as yet as to our decision on attending the meeting of the new alliance in Manoa, though I cannot hold off a decision much longer.

Will Geoffrey and Delphinia be going? Serafina asked.

King Blackwell cleared his throat and hesitated for a moment before replying. King Geoffrey and Queen Delphinia no longer live together.

Chapter 3

Kingdom of Henge

Shalin knew it was difficult to catch Queen Serafina unawares, but she could tell that her mother was shocked to hear that her sister Queen Delphinia was no longer living with King Geoffrey.

Serafina gathered herself for a moment before asking, How is it that my sister is no longer living with her husband?

King Blackwell answered tentatively. It seems King Geoffrey was taken by surprise to learn that she had been in touch with Prince Avor against his orders and had kept her new granddaughter’s true identity a secret from him as well. He left for Fernland without her.

My sister is here in Henge? Serafina asked.

No. She was in Helsop when the truth came out and she is still there as far as I know, King Blackwell said.

I shall leave for Helsop at once, Serafina said.

Both Shalin and Esme were surprised by this statement. The relationship between Serafina and her sister had always been strained at best. Serafina had once been engaged to marry King Geoffrey herself and Geoffrey had broken off their engagement to marry Delphinia, whom he claimed to love.

Serafina had reacted to King Geoffrey’s betrayal in the worst possible way. She had kidnapped her sister’s first child, Electra, and raised her as her own daughter. Electra was sixteen years old when she learned Serafina was not her real mother. The fact that in recent years, Delphinia finally seemed to have forgiven Serafina, was nothing short of a miracle.

Yet here Serafina was, seemingly determined to go to her sister’s rescue? The twins pondered the paradox.

Esme and Shalin tried to read both their parents’ minds to find their true thoughts.

Esme sent a silent message to her sister’s mind. Father is surprised that mother seems so concerned about her sister.

Shalin, who was quite shocked by the news herself, tried to read her mother’s mind, but found her mother’s thoughts blocked – a thing Serafina had mastered early in her daughters’ infancy. Mother has blocked her thoughts, as usual, Shalin relayed feeling.

Do you think we should go with her to Helsop? Esme transmitted.

I do think so, Shalin shot back. Mother is capable of murderous rage, as you well know.

I will go with you, Esme said aloud. I should like to visit little Delphi and Electra as well. Esme looked at her father. Should we perhaps invite Electra’s family to accompany us to Manoa for the meeting of the alliance while we are there?

King Blackwell’s eyes had not left his wife’s face since making his announcement of the royal split. Do you think it a good idea to attend the meeting in Manoa? he asked Serafina calmly.

Of course we must go. Serafina answered as though there had never been a question at all.

Then yes, you may as well invite the Helsop clan to accompany us, he said, turning back to Esme.

King Blackwell shifted his attention to Soldad. Would you care to go as well, Governor Soldad? he asked.

"Yes, thank you so much for including me. It is a great honor to be treated as a member of your illustrious family. We could all go aboard the Sea Dancer if you like."

Shalin wished she could hug Soldad for his peacemaking abilities. She could see in his mind that the tension in the room had not escaped him and that he was very aware of her mother’s rage, but he chose to smooth things over with his generous offer.

Perhaps you and I could accompany Esme and Mother to Helsop, Shalin said, smiling at her fiancé. I know you have always longed to see Helsop for yourself.

What a generous invitation, Soldad said. Of course we must go.

The cheerful mood that had prevailed at lunch only a few minutes before was broken now, so the discussion turned to preparations for the meeting in Manoa instead of stories from Shalin’s voyage.

Uncle Phinn said, I see no reason for my acting troupe to go along to Manoa unless you think our role as ambassadors sent to entertain might be useful. He directed his question to King Blackwell.

I think you and your acting troupe would bring a much-needed element of celebration to the occasion, King Blackwell replied honestly. Turning to Soldad, he continued, "Thank you for the offer of your ship. I could, of course, take the King Gundar but it may be seen as an affront by King Gundar himself, who likely still harbors a grudge at having to forfeit his ship for his son’s deeds. Besides, the King Gundar is much too large for the few of us who will be going."

Shalin knew her father would never take the King Gundar to Manoa. He was afraid the ship would be taken from him in Manoa by the vengeful king of Sandovia.

Did you wish to leave right away for Helsop? Shalin asked her mother.

Yes, Serafina said, her thoughts still blocked from view.

Shalin decided to say a quick hello and goodbye to Cook before they left for Helsop. She opened the door to the kitchen to find Cook picking up a dessert intended for all the guests at the table.

I made apple cake for you all, Cook said, smiling at Shalin.

As it happens we are not staying for dessert. We are leaving at once for Helsop. Might I take a few pieces along with us? Shalin asked her old friend.

Yes, I suppose so – but why the rush? You only just got here.

Just a little family dust-up, Shalin said. Mother only now found out her sister and King Geoffrey are no longer living together.

Ah, Cook said. Yes, a shame, that bit.

Mother seems quite upset about it. I am not sure why she cares so much, Shalin said.

Sister loyalty, Cook said. You know about that. You and Esme being like two peas in a pod.

Yes, I suppose that would be it, Shalin agreed. But they have never been as close as Esme and I are.

All the more reason, Cook said. Here’s your mama’s chance to patch things up, Cook said.

Perhaps, Shalin said.

Esme burst into the kitchen. Here you are. We are ready to leave, she said. I have your luggage.

Cook has apple cake for us, Shalin said.

Esme kissed Cook’s cheek and took the whole cake from her hands. Thank you, she said. All Electra’s family will likely be with us when we return.

Cook looked at the cake. What about your father and them others still at table? she asked. Won’t they be wanting a bit ‘a cake?

We need it more, Esme declared. Mother is in a dangerous state.

The twins made a quick exit with their apple cake.

Chapter 4

Kingdom of Henge

King Blackwell arranged for one of his soldiers to accompany his wife, daughters and Soldad to Helsop. Dag was standing beside one of the upper iron ore pits when the group emerged from the castle. He walked down to meet them.

Where are you off to? he asked.

"We are going to show Helsop to Soldad and to invite Dagon’s family to go with us aboard the Sea Dancer to Manoa," Esme said, leaving out the part about her mother insisting she must go to see her sister.

I will go along with you, Dag said. I have several carts of ore ready for transport.

Good, Esme said. If one of us tires we can rest atop a cart for a bit.

Dag looked doubtfully at a cart full of jagged pieces of iron ore. Esme could see that he believed rest atop those rocks would not be possible. He believed that there must be more to this sudden visit.

The group kept up a brisk pace and stopped for