Harmonic Souls: Magic & Demons, #2

By K.A. Turnbull

It's been two years since the curse on the Kingdom of Laquar has been broken.

 

Now Jay Walden must take his rightful place as King, with Crystle Nuca, his Captain of the Guard, and Cucun, a cat-demon, by his side.
But Jay never expected to rule like this; without his powers, and brought back to an archaic tradition - arranged marriage. He must find a Queen to stand by his side, but the one he truly yearns for can't be his.

 

Everything seems calm until a traitor crashes the engagement. Will Crystle, Jay and Cucun find out who the real enemy is, within the next thirty hours, and stop them before the Kingdom of Laquar suffers the consequences? Or is the Kingdom of Laquar's fate to be forever shrouded in darkness?

• Language: English
• Publisher: K.A. Turnbull
• Release date: Jul 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9781777913878

Book preview

Prologue

The sun started to set, only a bit of light peeking over the horizon. A man wearing a red robe, running over the sands, constantly looking over his shoulder. A cool wind blew across the sand, lifting small bits of sand into the air. It wisped past him, nipping at the back of his sweating neck, his skin started to crawl, making him even more paranoid. Finally, in the distance he could see the outline of an old abandoned town, seeming to come out of nowhere, giving him hope that he would make it without being followed.

He started to find it hard to breathe, his legs becoming heavy with how long he was running for. As he entered the beginning of the town, he tripped over a stone among the sands, dropping something. He frantically brushed his hands through the sands, throwing it in all directions, trying to find the item. Once he found it he scurried to his feet, placing the item back into his sleeve, running towards the largest building in the center of the town. All the buildings in the town started to fall apart, gaping holes along the sides. The only one that seemed to be the most intact was the one he was looking for.

He entered the building, looking around, trying to figure out where he was supposed to go. He walked into one of the larger rooms. The room was dark, making it impossible to see where anything was, with only one spot of light throughout the entire thing. He stumbled farther into the room, walking towards the beam of light.

As he kept moving forward he spoke out loud, his breathing still heavy. He looked around, hoping he would see something. Are you there my Queen? I have brought what you told me to find. He knelt to the ground, just before the beam of light, removing a black and orange dagger from the sleeve of his red robe. He held it above his head in his hands, reflecting some of the light, waiting for a reply.

You’re late Chisisi. You better not have been followed, I don’t want any surprises. And, you know I expected you to have been here much sooner than this. And you know my thoughts on having to wait for what I want, said the Queen, tapping her fingernails against some type of hardwood.

No, my Queen, I don’t think I was followed. I apologize, my Queen, I know my tardiness is unacceptable. I tried to hurry as fast as I could, but we didn’t know when they were going to show up. If they would at all during this lifetime. And, when they finally did, and I was able to get the dagger into my possession they started to become suspicious and almost caught me. I had to take my time to make sure that there weren’t any loose ends or anything else that could prove that it was me who stole from them. And to keep them from being able to take the dagger back from me if they had figured it out anyway. Chisisi replied, his voice shaking, never raising his head to see if he would be able to see the Queen’s face.

Don’t bother trying to make up excuses to the Queen now, you know it won’t help you. Just place the dagger on the ground, said a masculine voice.

Chisisi looked up slightly, feeling stunned to have heard another voice. Who else is here? I thought that I was only meeting with the one true Queen?

"My name is not important to the likes of you. All you need to know is, is that it was because of me that you were able to have that other guardian of yours under your control. I am the demon that, that dagger is for, to be able to better serve the Rightful Queen," replied the voice, never moving from his spot, staying away from the light.

Chisisi bowed his head back down, and slowly placed the dagger on the ground, in the middle of the beam of light. The Queen snapped her fingers, then the sound of the gentle clacking of feet moved towards him, never moving into the light. Chisisi was able to hear a blade lightly graze against the floor, dragging the dagger out of the beam of light. Then the sound of footsteps started again but was walking away from him this time.

Good, it is in one piece and seems to be in good shape for how old it is. Maybe I will not have to kill you just yet Chisisi. Today seems to be your lucky day, I have another task that I will need you to do soon. But until everything is planned out, meet your new servant. He will be able to keep you safe, but don’t bother trying to talk to him, he won’t say a thing while his mind is under our control unless we wish him to speak, stated the Queen.

Chisisi was able to hear the footsteps coming closer to him again, they sounded like they were the same footsteps that he heard before the dagger was dragged out of the light. Chisisi looked up seeing the person walking into the light. Chisisi stood up quickly to see the man that was before him. He had long, chin-length brown hair, his skin tanned and his eyes were black, which had the look of being completely empty. He wasn’t very old, only looked like he was in his early to mid-twenties, not overly tall, only about five foot six, and was in good shape. He didn’t look like a bodybuilder by any means, but his body was completely toned. The man was wearing brown leather plated armor, that covered his chest and legs, leaving his arms exposed. The armor seemed to be very thin, but easy to move in. He was carrying a spear at his side.

Take care not to touch the spot on the back of his neck. Unlike the person you were controlling before, he needs something a little extra to keep him under control. If this is removed somehow, he will have full control over his own actions. I doubt that you would ever have the power to be able to remove it, however I don’t want to take any chances. If he gains control, he will defy us, and will most likely come after me. So do not betray your Queen! The Queen stated, her voice becoming tense once more. Chisisi’s entire body shook slightly, not wanting to think of the things that she could do to him.

Do not worry my Queen. Soon enough, with the help of this dagger, I will be powerful enough, that I will no longer even need such use for a mark like that to be able to control those like him. Then nothing short of his death will be able to remove that spell. Stated the male voice, being able to tell that he was smiling as he spoke.

You better be right about that! But I wouldn’t put anything past those Ancients, they always have something up their sleeves. I will not tolerate any mistakes by anyone. I want that throne, the throne of Laquar belongs to me! Said the Queen angrily.

Chisisi bowed to her, of course my Queen. I will ensure that I do nothing that can cause the plan that you bestow upon me to go wrong. I will do anything that I can to aid you in attaining the throne of Laquar as it is rightfully yours. I am your servant, now in this body and later, in spirit, in the afterlife.

Very well. Now be off with the two of you! He shall take you to where you’ll be staying until I need to summon you once more. Now go! yelled the Queen. As she finished saying what she had to say, the man lowered his spear into both of his hands, pushing it against Chisisi’s waist, pushing him out of the room. As they were about to exit the beam of light disappearing completely, only leaving the little amount of light coming from the moon through the entrance of the building.

Chapter 1

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"How many times have I told you, Ana, stop calling me, My Lady! It’s Captain when we are with other people, or by my real name," a lady snapped, kneeling down on the ground, combing her hands through the dry, soft soil in a garden full of plants, at the edge of a stone slab. The aroma of the ground wafting up her nose.

I’m sorry Crystle. You know it’s a habit of mine, but you need to be getting ready for the King’s party. He expects you to be ready before it begins. He even brought over a dress for you from your homeland. But here you are, in the basement, playing with plants, Ana replied, standing at the base of the stairs. She was a slender woman, wearing a light blue dress that went down to her ankles with an apron over the top. The dim light in the basement glowed off her tanned skin.

Not everything has to go exactly according to plan. Even for the King. Besides, Cucun and my guards will be by his side, keeping him safe. I know they won’t let anything happen to him, so the party can wait a few extra minutes. These plants are delicate and need proper care. They can’t wait. I won’t risk them dying because of a party that doesn’t need me there. Besides, it won’t take long. I only have to water them and then I will get ready for the party, Crystle stated, looking over the entire garden filled with flowers, with a large tricolored gem in the center, encased in a tree trunk.

You’re not going dressed like that, are you? I got you a dress for this event, you know, stated a male voice, walking towards them. He wasn’t overly tall, only about five foot four, his skin was fair and he had no hair on his head, minus the bit of stubble along his cheeks and upper lip. He wore a white robe that ended just above his knees, with a blue belt around his waist.

Crystle glanced over her shoulder, with a smirk on her face, knowing who he was before she looked at him. Ana bowed and stepped to the side of the stairs, letting him pass. Yes, Jay, I know you bought me a dress. Both you and Ana keep reminding me. Crystle stepped onto the stone slab, walking over towards Jay. She wore a black leather trench coat, with a matching black leather tank top, a miniskirt that stopped halfway to her knees, and black leather heeled boots that stopped just before her knees. But I really don’t know why you’d want me to wear the thing. I’m your guard and what I’m wearing now suits that profession more. It’s not like back home where we could dress up and have fun. Now you need protection.

Oh come on Crystle, just put on the dress. I brought it in from back home. I know how much you miss it there, and I’m sure if my powers started working, you’d go back in an instant, Jay replied.

Crystle turned and walked over to the two large containers connected to several pipes moving along the iced roof over the entire field. She touched a container, and filled it with water, I do miss home, I miss it a lot, and would love to go back and see it again one day. The traditions here are weird, like come on, it’s so old fashioned to have a party to find your bride-to-be. I know you’re King and all, but that’s what this party is for, for you to find a wife, not someone to date or fall in love with. This is business and I’m not attending to become such a person for you, so I don’t see why I have to get dressed up. The black leather and weapons suit me just fine, and I know you used to like it.

I never said I stopped liking it. But I think you’ll like the dress I picked out for you, just please wear it for me, for this one night, even if it seems pointless, Jay said, pausing for a moment, seeing that Crystle wasn’t buying it, even for a second. If it makes you feel any better, think of it as your King requesting it rather than me asking you to, Jay said, walking closer to her.

Crystle chuckled, hmm, I’m not sure if that makes me want to stay in these clothes even more now or not. Jay glared at her. Crystle rolled her eyes, alright! Fine, I’ll wear the thing. I wish you’d made some of your other guards dress up more. Don’t need them thinking I’m getting special treatment or people thinking I’m some sort of princess.

Jay smiled and moved towards the stairs, thank you Crystle. But to be honest, the moment you’d open your mouth, everyone would know you aren’t a princess.

Crystle glared at him, picking up a stone from the ground, never taking her hand off of the container, throwing it at him, missing him completely.

Jay laughed, knowing that was only a warning shot, now please don’t be late, the party begins in less than an hour, and I expect you to be dressed and by my side by then, Jay said, continuing up the stairs.

Crystle rolled her eyes as she removed her hand from the one container and touched the next, doing the same thing. Alright Ana, I guess I’ll need your help after all, to get this all done. Then we can head back up and start getting ready for the party.

Of course, anything at all, Ana replied, perking up as Crystle spoke.

Just grab the bag that I brought down here and put about two handfuls in the water, then turn on the valve until it’s empty. Then close it, Crystle requested.

Of course, Ana replied, grabbing the bag that was leaning up against the wall, straining to bring it to the container. I know I may be out of line for saying this, however, do you think the King secretly wishes to marry you?

Crystle jolted her head, looking at Ana, her eyebrows scrunched together, what would make you think that he’d want to marry me? We’ve been friends forever. I know he jokingly flirts with me, but that doesn’t mean he wishes to marry me.

Ana opened the bag, scooping her hands into it, filling them with a bronze looking powder, reaching on her tip toes to pour it into the top of the container. I’m sorry, My Lady, it’s just he went through a lot looking for that dress and getting it here for you, and like you said, he didn’t have the other guards dress up for the occasion. However, maybe that is because you are his friend and the only female guard he has, and wanted to give you the night off, Ana rambled as she opened the valve. A swashing sound moved from the container through the piping that traveled over the garden, letting the water sprinkle over half the field.

It’s Crystle! And I’m sure you’re just reading too much into this, and need to keep it to yourself. We don’t need someone overhearing you saying such things, and it gets back to the guests upstairs. It could cause an uproar and my guards will want to hang me for making their night a living hell. Crystle stated, walking over to get the bag from Ana, she put a few handfuls of the powder into the other container, opening the valve to water the other half of the field.

I’m sorry, Crystle. I did not mean to make you angry. It was just an observation that myself and some of the other maids have noticed over the years, Ana stated, looking down at the ground.

Trust me, Ana, I’m not angry at your statement. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, however today, with everyone who’s coming, it’s better to keep things like that low key. This is his engagement party, I guess you would call it, and even though I don’t agree with it, it’s a reality. He won’t be marrying someone for love, he’s marrying someone that best suits the needs of this kingdom. The rest of us need to do that too. Try to make decisions we can all live with, and make this place even better to live in, Crystle said, smiling at Ana.

You know it would be nice to see you two happy, rather than just doing things to make this kingdom a better place, right? You have already gone through so much unwillingly and even saved everyone here when you could have chosen to forget about us and lived your own lives. Maybe it should be yours and the King’s turn to have something good happen for once. Maybe even something both of you want in life, rather than something that is expected of you, Ana said.

Life is complicated, though. Sometimes it’s not the hand that we’re dealt that can make us happy, so much as how we handle it that can give us all our happy endings. We can’t always get everything we want. And I never said that I wanted to marry Jay, anyway. And you never know, maybe he’ll find someone that can make him happy for the rest of his life. I’m his sworn guard, and I will always be by his side. That won’t change, and I’m alright with that, Crystle replied.

But shouldn’t you want to strive for more than content? Ana asked, her voice low.

Crystle looked back over the field, not wanting to answer Ana’s question, not entirely sure what she wanted in life anymore. She saw the water mist change to a slow drip from the pipes, well I guess our job here is done for now. Time to get ready. Crystle closed the valves to both containers, picking up the bag as she started walking, putting it under the table near the stairs.

Yes, I guess it is. I will help you get ready, Ana stated, walking up beside Crystle and placing her hand along her back. Crystle smiled and put her arm along Ana’s shoulder, pulling her closer to herself as they walked up the stairs.

Chapter 2

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The Grand Hall was filled with people dressed in fancy robes and dresses. There were musicians playing their instruments, encouraging people to dance. At the front of the room, there was a large throne with a red curtain hanging behind it. Cucun, a blue cat demon, stood beside the throne, with his arms crossed, his fur recently brushed, showing the strokes in it. He stood almost as tall as the throne itself. He wore a knee-length brown wrap around his waist, with a matching brown vest, and on his back, he carried his blade, Norik.

Beside him stood a man with a scroll, wearing a full white robe, with a yellow ribbon wrapped around his collar and down his chest, all the way to the end of his robe. He was in his early thirties, his hair almost jet black, and his skin tanned in a light brown tone.

He kept glancing at Cucun. When do you think the Captain of the Guard will arrive? She was not to be late! he said, scrunching his lips together.

I am sure Crystle will be here soon. You need to have more patience with her and the King. They are still young for this day and age, and they changed many things in their lives because of everything that they were destined to do. Now just relax Alim, and enjoy yourself for a change, Cucun replied, his tail twitching as he spoke, never making eye contact with Alim.

"I don’t have time to