The Sisterhood of Secrets: THE GODS' SCION, #4

By Winnifred Tataw

Author Winnifred Tataw explores kingdoms and worldbuilding in this fantasy novel full of secrets and twists in her latest book, The Sisterhood of Secrets.

 

The story follows Arcelia, her flawed family, and Prince Rodrick, as they tumble through the deserts and underground city of Siesa Arid. Everything has been off since she found out her mother could be a murderer with the whispers of lies and broken promises hanging over her head. She hopes that a visit to her twin cousins' homeland of Siesa Arid may be the kind of family reconciliation she's been hoping to have. Arcelia and Rodrick are troubled by threats from a criminal organization; they become overwhelmed with moral questions of right and wrong. All with the help and under the watchful eye of the Archangel and God of Life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Winnifred Tataw
• Release date: Jul 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201537005

Winnifred Tataw

Winnifred or Winnie, as most know her by, is an artist, writer, and author of her debut novel: The Gods’ Scion: Child of Tempus. As a military child, Winnie has traveled extensively around the US East Coast and Germany, learning about the history, lore and culture of each region. Winnie has spent the last two years writing and expanding the world of  The Gods’ Scion trilogy series. Winnie has had a lifelong love of literature and art.  As a new writer she wants to create beautiful fantasy world and with compelling and intriguing characters. Winnie resides in South Carolina and is an undergraduate at the College of Charleston. She loves to spread positivity and joy to those around her, and look at the world through a glittery pink lens.

Book preview

Chapter One

Tying the Knot

Y our hair and headpiece are completed, Princess Alistine. 

I stiffly turned my head toward the servant who addressed me. Thank you, but please, I am not a princess. I am only still a lady.

She bowed. My apologies, my Lady.

Tina, I said. We are alone; you don’t have to use the title.

Of course, I do, she said. It is yours to hold, don’t be embarrassed.

It had finally settled in me to have such titles attached to my name. But hearing it from castle staff, something I once was before getting in a relationship with Rayden, was still odd. I knew many of Diar’s chief staff I used to work with felt one of two ways. Either they were happy about our wedding or filled with more envy than a green-eyed viper snake. Nonetheless, I was finally getting officially married to my husband.

Though we were granted marital status from Riva over three years ago, we’re only now having the wedding ceremony. With us raising five little children, Riva becoming sick, and Ray taking on more political and democratic tasks and studies, there was no other time that felt right to have this wedding in good faith.

Lady Alistine, we shall take our leave now, said the head maid and a friend. The guards will be outside your door if you need anything.

I chuckled and held out my hand to Tina. Come and help me look at myself in the full mirror. I did not want to see myself until everything was done. I knew I would have made the jobs harder for the maids attending to me, going back and forth to the mirror.

Tina took my hand as she said. The rest of you may leave. 

The other four servants bowed and quietly left the boudoir. Tina moved some of my gown’s train before returning to raise me. The smell of my perfume lingered through the room, light and flowery. We walked over to the giant gold mirror.

I gasped. It—no, I, was beautiful.

My makeup was light; soft pink blush, nude lipstick, and subtle green eyeshadow helped my dismal, brown eyes pop. My bobbed brown hair had been swept up under my giant gold and blue kokoshnik crowned headpiece. Sprigs and pearls dangled in from my kokoshnik and onto my face. They left a small sweeping fringe that made my large forehead appear slightly smaller. And my wedding gown was just as beautiful on me as it was for me. It was made of satin and lapis blue silk.

The small, high bust pressed my breast firmly to my chest. It was cream and had matching gold floral embroidery on the skirt, cape, sleeves, and train. The dress had billows of under-layers which made me nervous and worried about whether I would sweat through our afternoon ceremony. My cape was a transparent, gold fabric that sparkled in that mid-day sunlight. I do not think I ever looked or felt as gorgeous as I do right now in all my years of living.

Tina squeezed my hand. I cannot believe you are getting married. And to our prince, of all people!

Neither can I. It was the truth. And most would agree with me—a young orphan mother and three orphan children of her own. I had to drop out of college and migrate to Diar in hopes of a better living. I never thought all my misfortunes would lead me to a lucky future.

Many of Diar’s commoner class saw me as a story of wonder and love. It is unheard of for a Diar Royal to marry a foreigner. It was almost taboo. Regardless, people will say what they want. I was happy, and Ray loved me even more than I loved myself sometimes.

Tina turned to give me a tight, careful hug, not wanting to mess up all of her and her staff’s hard work. Congratulations, Lady Alistine. 

I lightly squeezed her hands. Thank you.

I slowly walked to the boudoir’s large glass window as she shut the door. I looked around the room. I watched the little specks of light dance on the lilac velvet furniture. The air in the room felt heavier. A normal chill ran down my spine. Then I noticed a familiar white feather caught in the cushioned pillow. I relaxed, peering over my shoulder. You know Archangel, it is rude to enter someone’s room without knocking,

I turned my head to the left. There stood Acolyte of Life, Nikolai, with his fist raised to the wall. As if he were going to knock. He did so anyway and gave me a bright grin. Well, you noticed me before I could, Lady Alistine. I didn’t think you would sense me so quickly. The Death and Life Acolyte could make themselves unseeable to a regular person if they wanted to.

As a Sixth seer or Clairvoyant, I had higher astral and celestial energy and a second presence, allowing me to hear, see, and touch things most others could not. It was a trait common in Humans like me more than any other race. Yet, due to the severe and dangerous prejudices of others, I only told those I trusted about my abilities or those who Mïr has blessed in the past.

What brings you to Diar? I asked Nikolai. He usually visited me when I was pregnant, whether I had known beforehand or not. I was sure this was not one of the cases. At least, I hoped it was not.

He sighed, relaxing the ivory wings on his back. Well, for one, I was to congratulate you on the wedding, many—or should I say more blessings to your future household.

I frowned. I think I have enough blessings running around my house already. 

He laughed, Yes, I suppose so.

So, you took time out of your day to come and congratulate me? I asked.

He huffed again. Well, yes, for the most part.

The other reason being?

Well, work...and tracking.

Tracking?

Mïr.

My eyes widen briefly. Mïr was the being of miracles; they were the highest spirit of the Divine Agency. Mïr is the surprising and welcoming being of miracles and was inexplicable. No one, not even the God of Life, knew when Mïr would give out a blessing. You would soon be blessed with a miracle when you saw him riding his horse.

So, who do you think Mïr is going to bless? 

Nik shrugged. All I know is it’s someone in this castle.

There was a knock on the door. I turned to the door and then back to Nik. I’ll keep an eye out for you.

Thank you, and sorry for the bad timing. Enjoy your wedding— 

There was another knock. I rolled my eyes. Come in. Till next time, Nik, I whispered.

The door slowly opened, and in stepped my husband, Ray. He looked just as breathtaking as I did. He wore matching floral and dark blue decorative satin robes on top. His hair was braided into a spiraled bun underneath his kokoshnik too.

He smiled brightly. "Wow, you look...Linda."

I bowed my head. Thank you, dear.

Ray walked over to me. He guided his hand to raise my face. My brown eyes met his stunning blue ones. "You’re like a dazzling Esmeralda."

Emerald. That is what he called me. I was his beautiful gem, and he was my shining star.

And speaking of Emeralds.... Ray dug into his pocket and pulled out a ring box. He opened it, and small diamonds on both surrounded a giant kite, Emerald. The other ring band was covered in diamonds too. In Diar, ring exchanges between the bride and groom are a private affair, and diamonds are only available to royalty.

Ray slowly slid the ring onto my finger. He kissed it and whispered, você segura o meu coração na sua mão.

I smiled. I pulled my ring box out of my hidden gown pocket. Ray’s ring was a gold band with decorative engravings and glittering diamonds. I took his hand, slid the ring on, and kissed it. You hold my heart in your hands too.

He smiled as he lifted my head. Ready to get married? He asked.

I returned his grin. Of course, my love. 

Chapter Two

Waiting for Mine

Islowly adjusted the bodice; it had been months since I had to wear one, and to say it was uncomfortable was an understatement.

Are you okay, Arcelia? Rodrick asked me.

I nodded. Yes, the bodice is just a bit tight. How much longer until the wedding starts?

Only a few more minutes, love, be patient, Rodrick said with a reassuring smile.

This wedding was very culturally diverse. It was my first Diar wedding, and everything was new and different. All unmarried people, like myself, had to wear yellow gowns. It was my first Diar wedding, but it was also my first Draconian and Tempus Order wedding. And all of these played a big part in how the wedding processions went. The ceremony happened in the mid to late afternoon. Rodrick had explained it dealt with a Tempus Order religious purpose, how the partners were both the night and the day coming together in the middle to be one. Their home and togetherness shall forever remain a place of sanctuary and renewal.

Then for Diar weddings, the number three played a role since the first king and queen ruled for three decades. For Ray and Alistine’s wedding, the three things they chose to symbolize were the mutual bond of sharing, caring, and loving throughout life: Love, Trust, and Forgiveness. There was also a plaque that read:

You and I are connected in a way beyond romance, friendship, and what we've ever had before. It has defied time, distance, and changes in ourselves and our lives. It has defied every explanation.

The style of dress was based all on Diar culture. The bright yellows and overuse of floral prints and patterns scream Draconian. The reception would be a mix of Draconian and Tempus Order celebration activities. I was excited about everything I would be learning. Who knew, it may be essential to understand for my future wedding.

The venue was marvelous. It stood in a large Tempus Temple’s butterfly garden. Various kinds of butterflies and fairies roamed the skies of the garden. They left behind the smells of fresh honeysuckle and fruity florals. The seating for attendees was shaped in a big circle. In the center was a bed of wildflowers where the wedding couple were to solidify their vows. The wildflowers were in the full bloom of reds, pinks, and yellows. Globes of light floated in the air humming soft tunes.

It’s all so beautiful, I whispered to Rodrick and Rona, who sat on either side of me. All the bride and groom’s family and friends sat together. It was cute to see Prince Ray’s many children hang off Queen Riva and Lady Alistine’s friends.

It is, Rona whispered back to me.

We sat back and watched the wedding procession start. Soft music began to play. Lady Alistine and Prince Ray walked in together, hand and hand, to the center of the wildflowers. They stopped in front of the royal marriage officiant.

I squinted my eyes and nudged Rodrick. Are they barefoot?

Yes, it’s tradition.

I raised an eyebrow. So, you have to be barefoot at your wedding?

Rodrick chuckled. Yes, I do.

I didn’t want to snub traditional practices if they don’t align with my preferences, but being barefoot at an Umbrian would be a problem.

Well, it will be different at our wedding, I put it simply.

What?! Rodrick exclaimed.

Sssshhh! Rona loudly shushed us.

I giggled softly and mouthed her a quick ‘sorry.’ I sat back as we watched the rest of the wedding procession continue.

THE REST OF THE CEREMONY was exquisite and moving. Ray and Alistine’s vows were magical and so loving. It made me angry that they had to wait all these years to celebrate their togetherness. I’d nudge Rodrick and ask him questions about things from time to time.

Why do they wear wedding rings?

They’re just for show but are not exchanged during weddings, appertain it was a private affair between the couple.

What about the brooches they just pinned on each other?

Brooches were exchanged and placed on the heart. The brooches symbolized their connection to each other’s hearts. A married couple only wears the brooch twice in their life when they’re connected by marriage and when death disconnects them.

Their children’s laughter mixed in the melodies of the soft orchestra music. It added to the ceremony's light and loving tone, and I couldn’t stop smiling the whole way through. My first Diar wedding was one to remember and cherish.

After the wedding procession was over, then came the reception. The reception was less intimate but more formal than the actual wedding. Everyone with some type of noble status in Diar was here. Yet, with all these people, I felt alone. No one spoke to me, nor did they even offer a friendly smile. No, I, the Umbrian Duchess from Qiar, was just as notable as the servants who served these people food. It only became of interest if Rodrick was in the picture. Which no longer was a surprise to me. People only respected the titles and who you know, not who you are as a person.

I’m going to talk to my brother for a second. I’ll be right back, Celia, Rodrick said.

I smiled. Take your time. I’ll be fine, love.

As faithful followers of Tempus, The Diar Royal Family didn’t waste time in any shape or form. Enough servants were carrying around trays of champagne for me to feel comfortable being alone. And people watching had become a new hobby of mine.

My, do you look lonesome. I jumped at the sound of Rona’s voice.

Oh, Rona, I said lightly, grabbing my chest. Where did you come from?

Thin air. She winked. There was no telling if she was being serious or not. Though Illusionists are not looked down upon in Diar, they are still not respected. Rodrick’s belief in it was different than what his country presented. Going to college here truly opened my eyes. People respect and accept Illusionists if they stay in their place, and Rona was not one of those.

Rodrick finally starting to ditch you?

Rona’s comment snapped me out of my thoughts. What do you mean?

She smiled. Don’t worry, I meant no harm by its Celia, just my brothers are keen on ditching their own guests.

That I would have to agree with you, Rona. Another voice spoke.

I turned my head to see who was speaking to us.

Wow. I thought I was tall, standing heads and shoulders over the average woman, but Lady Alistine was tall. She was at least six feet tall, and her attire made her look even more elevated.

Lady Alistine. I bowed, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Congratulations.

Hello, Ali, Rona said.

She gave us a graceful smile. Hello, Rona. And a pleasure to meet you as well, Duchess. Her voice was stoic but deep and smooth at the same time. I wanted to speak to you too since it felt like we were the odd ones out here at this event, she explained. My husband is engrossed in an ego battle with his brother.

Rona rolled her eyes. Of course, they are.

I didn’t know much about her, but I could tell she wasn’t this grand of a person, and neither was her now-husband. Guessing what it must be like to be in her shoes. I found it funny that she talked about her own wedding and reception as events separate from herself.

I decided to find someone to keep conversation with, and I spotted you, Duchess, Alistine said.

Rona and I looked at each other. Which one? Rona asked.

Alistine let out a breathy laugh. I meant Arcelia.

Oh, would you like me to leave? Rona asked.

Alistine shook her head. No need, you’re no bother. She set her eyes on me. How about the three of us move somewhere less crowded.

I furrowed my eyebrows. I don’t want to come off as rude, but can you leave your own wedding reception?

Rona and Alistine nodded. After the gifts and toast have been said and exchanged, it works like a...large banquet, Alistine responded in an even tone.

Oh, okay, I said. Lead the way, my Lady.

Alistine turned to walk away with Rona and me in tow without another word. There were plenty of judging eyes on us, but none said anything or minded our presence for long. I guessed since everyone here was of the same class status, the bride of the crown prince was not as eye-catching as I thought she would be.

We made it to the hydrangea gardens and sat in one of the quartz stone gazebos. I brushed my fingertips through the velvet pillows and gazed at the moon.

Dione looks beautiful tonight, Rona said.

I agree. I turned to Alistine.