Selestria 3: Battle of Alev

By Sarah Day

After a lifelong rivalry with the Evolin kingdom and the constant betrayals that Saige has faced with its people, she is never expected to form an alliance with the prince of the kingdom, Austin Maleki. With Saige no longer being the only one on the Alev throne and having to share it with the new king, she is now left with only one responsibilit

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rose Reads Books
• Release date: Aug 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798887226361

Sarah Day

Sarah Day is the author of the "Selestria" series, a young adult fantasy series published in March of 2022. Sarah grew up in Manchester, Maryland and graduated from Manchester Valley High School in 2021. You can learn more about Sarah and upcoming books at RoseReadsBooks.com

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Chapter One

Austin’s Story, Part One

In the distance, two men and a woman stood where the warmth met the cold. They trekked through the frost covered, dead grass that soon transpired into the bright purple flowers, crushing them as they walked. How much longer until we reach the castle? the man with broad shoulders, dark brown hair, piercing green eyes, and a tall build asked as he shoved his hands in his pockets while he marched.

It shouldn’t be long now, the woman with long brown wavy hair, matching brown eyes, leather black pants, and a red corset said in return.

So… what’s the plan? Saige thinks I’m still in the human world, the boy with curly blonde hair and muscular build asked. He was still dressed in his football jersey and jeans that he wore in the human world to disguise himself.

You’ll tell the girl that you were captured by the Evolin kingdom. You escaped by the help of me, the woman muttered from beside him.

You want her to know about you? the man replied.

No, William, she answered, "do not tell her who I am. Just say some woman helped you escape."

Okay… William replied, still seemingly confused as he watched his tennis shoes stomp over and crush the beautiful flowers.

He’s an idiot… the other man said from beside them. He’ll probably ruin the whole plan… he muttered from under his breath.

What’s the point in me being here if Austin doesn’t even have faith in me? William asked Autumn. The plan can continue without me…

Austin smirked at his words, because as much as the queen likes to pretend she’s moved on, she has a soft spot for you…

Autumn scoffed, that woman has terrible taste in men…

William laughed, oh, I know. I was intolerable in the human world.

From what I saw, you acted no different than usual… Austin stated.

William pursed his lips and ignored Austin’s words. Okay, so tell me what I should say then. What is the plan? he asked seriously, straightening his posture in attempt to have the two look to him with more respect than they did, although it was unlikely that they would ever.

You, Austin said as he pointed his finger towards him, are going to show up at the gates of the castle, begging to come in. She’ll take you in, hopefully ask you to stay to protect you, and then when her guard is down… he glared at him threateningly, you take the crystal. It doesn’t matter who you have to kill.

William nodded solemnly. He had only killed once before, and it was only with the help of Austin.

Austin then scoffed as he thought to himself, what am I saying? He won’t be able to do it… he’s a coward and an idiot… he said aloud.

Well, our whole plan is relying on him. What else are we supposed to do? Autumn asked him.

Austin shook his head, I don’t know… he muttered as he glared at the ground that was trampled underneath him.

You can trust me, William said, I promise. I want this just as much as you do…

Autumn glared at him before looking out into the distance at the sunset before them. If you fail… she said to the sunset, I will kill you… she promised softly, as if in a daze.

William seemed taken aback by this at first, his eyes widening for a moment before he suppressed his fear, masking it with confidence. I understand.

And if she doesn’t, I will… Austin sighed from beside him.

William was used to being threatened by the two, it was in their nature to use violence to get what they wanted, although they usually never meant it when speaking to William. They knew that he was essential to their plan. But this moment, this is where he was crucial in their climb to success. This is the moment that would make or break what they have been planning and developing for years now. Years of work and dedication lead up to this moment. So now, hearing those words come from Austin and Autumn held especial weight to William that they hadn’t before. Because now he knew that they meant it…

Why do you keep moving your hand around in your pocket? Autumn asked Austin carelessly. It’s strange…

Austin raised an eyebrow to her, finally looking up for once as if he were snapped out of his daze. Oh… he pulled his hand out of his pocket which was grasped around a small chain with a steel skull attached to the end. It’s nothing… he said as he stared down at it.

Autumn rolled her eyes as she smirked, don’t tell me it’s your good luck charm… I didn’t think you were that kind of person, Austin, she told him.

What kind of person is that? he asked, not seeming to care for the answer.

An idiot.

He scoffed, no, it’s not my good luck charm…

So, what is it then?

It’s a skull so… is it your constant reminder to someday kill me? William asked with a nervous laugh, the fear of the two soon killing him still lingering in his mind.

No. It doesn’t have to do with death. The opposite of it, actually…

I honestly don’t care anymore, Autumn then said, what are you and I doing while William is in the castle?

Austin took in a deep breath let it out as he focused in front of him. I don’t know…

So… William began as he realized something, something quite important, where… is the crystal? he asked them.

Second floor. Third hallway. There’s only one room so even an idiot like you can’t mix it up, Austin answered.

Autumn looked up at him in confusion, how do you know that? Nobody knows that…

"I have my ways… ways that my parents were too stupid to think of…"

She stared at him in response, you’re just not going to answer? I know you have trust issues, Austin, but we need a certain level of trust here if we’re going to succeed.

He sighed, rolling his eyes just slightly as if he did it unwillingly. I’m sorry, Autumn, but there’s some things I need to keep to myself. Just trust me on this.

Fine, she grunted.

Did the rebellion say if they would assist us? he asked her, changing the subject.

I didn’t ask.

We don’t need them anyways, Austin scoffed.

Then why did you want them to help?

Because now I know their intentions… he looked to the side. I don’t understand why you’re still affiliated with those scum.

We’ve gone over this, she groaned.

That doesn’t mean that I understand it still.

Autumn smirked, anything to take down the monarchy…

Austin was not amused by this statement. William seemed to be off in a daydream. You don’t think with your head… Austin said softly.

What’s that supposed to mean? Autumn snapped.

The rebellion is just a group of angry people who want to attack whoever’s in power and just use violence to get their way. My parents are the same way. Them not wanting to join us just further proves that. That’s also why I wanted to form this alliance. Because in order to achieve success you must use precision and thoughtfulness. Not random acts of violence.

Autumn was silent. She didn’t want to admit that Austin was right, it went against everything about her.

You’re right… William said softly. He smiled slightly, I will follow you to the grave, Austin…

Trust me, William, Autumn said flatly, exactly that will be your downfall…

William suddenly became very angered by Autumns words for the first time knowing her, why’s that? Am I wrong to serve my prince?

Being the prince of Evolin does not automatically earn my respect in my eyes, Autumn told him.

William opened his mouth to speak again but was cut off by Austin suddenly speaking. No, she’s right… he said to the ground with his permanent frown, being born a Maleki means nothing to me. I am respected purely for my actions. Nobody noticed, but Austin began to clutch the small medal skull in his pocket even harder.

He glared from the ground to William angrily as he gasped, stopping in his tracks. There it is… the Alev castle… William breathed.

Chapter Two

I held the diamond ring out in front of me as I admired it. It’s beautiful… I said in awe.

Took you long enough, Margo muttered to James.

It’s not my fault my mom took so long to find my grandmothers ring, James replied.

It’s not Sunshine’s fault… I told him, not taking my eyes off of the ring. It doesn’t even matter, I’m just happy to have a real ring now and not those hay rings… The ring Madison had made me had fallen apart pretty much as soon as I had put it on my finger, but I wanted to keep it for sentimental value, so I kept it in my jewelry box in my room as if it were a real ring.

I couldn’t help but to think back to when we told James’s parents that we had gotten married. Sunshine was absolutely ecstatic, embracing me tightly as her new daughter. It took a while for Christopher to come around to it, but he eventually came around to not exactly accepting it, but not caring either.

I looked back to James to see his expression had fallen, what’s wrong? I asked.

He then crossed his arms, did you get any work done today? he asked.

I looked to the side as I began to step away in attempt to walk away from the conversation. Mm… yeah… I lied.

Saige… he said in a low voice as he tilted his head down, as if he were warning me.

I know, I know…

I gave you a whole list of things to do today! he complained as he threw his hands up.

I looked to Margo who curiously looked back and forth between us as if she were anxiously watching a tennis match. She made eye contact with me as she shrugged, unable to help me in anyway.

I turned around to face James, placing both my hands on his arms to reassure him, honey…

You know I hate it when you call me pet names, he complained.

I know, I do it to annoy you, I said quickly with a smile. He didn’t return my smile as he tilted his head again, as if to plead for me to be serious with him in this moment.

I sighed through my nose as I pursed my lips. I know Jessica’s gone, I said under my breath to him, but that doesn’t mean you have to replace her.

He pulled me close to him by my arms to show some sort of sympathy and affection, I’m sorry, but you have to admit that Jessica was the only thing keeping you in order. Now with her passing you’ve just been… he stopped himself as if he didn’t want to finish. I raised an eyebrow, daring him to say it. "You know… lazy."

Margo choked out a laugh from beside us. I somewhat forgot she was there. I became so lost in the moment. I jerked my head to look at him, giving her a dirty look out of the corner of my eye. She cleared her throat, suppressing her smile. Sorry… she chirped.

I looked back to James, dreading every movement. I know… you’re right, I admitted, "but it would be nice to have a Jessica and a husband, not as the same person."

He gave me a small, sad smile, I’m just looking out for you is all…

I nodded, smiling back at him. I know… and I appreciate it, really, I do…

You don’t seem like you do.

My smile faded, I guess I’m just lazy is all… I said, my smile returning.

Welllll… Margo held out, I’d hate to break this moment, but I told Aaron that I would meet him at the bar.

I’ll come with you, I muttered as she turned around to leave. I took a step forward to follow her just as James grabbed my hand. I looked back at him curiously, yes?

I… he stuttered, I just want you to know that I love you…

I smiled at his words, I love you too, James. I told him as I kissed him softly before joining Margo down the hall.

Trouble in paradise? she asked me with a smirk.

No, I answered simply. We just get into little spats sometimes, but it’s all apart of being in a relationship.

She scoffed, that’s a nice word for fights…

"Spats," I corrected her.

She laughed at me, whatever you say.

We entered the castle bar where Aaron laid with his head down on the table, passed out. I sat down on the stool next to him as I lowered my face next to his ear. Aaron… I whispered, Aaron…?

Well, that’s not gonna do anything… Margo muttered as she kicked her leg out abruptly onto the bar stool, causing it to fall over and for Aaron to fall along with it to the ground.

The hell was that for? he slurred as he sat up.

I picked up his stool and grabbed his arm as I helped him sit back up. You didn’t wake up! Margo explained with a shrug.

I patted his back to comfort him as he settled back down, are you okay, Aaron? I asked him genuinely, my voice hushed.

Yeah, she didn’t push me that hard, he muttered.

"I mean in general. You’re here all the time."

Yeah, what about it? he growled with a raised eyebrow, knowing what I was accusing him of.

I… I don’t think you’re handling this the right way… I told him honestly.

He looked to me angrily for what seemed to be the first time, "then tell me, Saige? How should I be handling my bride taking my new born son to another world minutes after he was born, huh?"

I would have killed myself already… Margo muttered as she took a sip of the drink she made herself.

Margo! I snapped at her, why would you say that?

She’s right… I can’t live like this anymore… Aaron slurred as he slouched down, swirling his whiskey in his hand. You don’t know how fortunate you are, Saige, he told me, to be in a happy marriage…

I began to poor myself a tequila as I sighed, taking a big gulp of it.

I thought you didn’t drink since you’re not the age of the humans? Aaron slurred.

I stopped caring. Hell, I’m nineteen, the queen of an entire kingdom. and married. I’ve done more growing up than most people in their thirties at this point.

That’s so sad… Aaron breathed as he stared out into space, deep in thought. I stared at him, focusing in on him. I really haven’t gotten to spend much time with him recently. I didn’t even process how much he had let himself go. His hair was growing out and was quite shabby now. He stopped shaving as frequently, causing him to have some scruffy facial hair. His usually stiff posture was now slumped into a hunch. If only Ashlynn would see him now, I think she’d cry.

What’s sad? I asked him.

Growing up so much at nineteen… you missed out on your childhood.

I scoffed at him, I had a childhood. I already saw what I needed to see, I’m fine with moving onto adulthood, no matter how… bleak it may be.

He chuckled at my unfunny statement, it’s still sad…

I raised an eyebrow as I straightened my posture, "I’m the sad one?"

Margo let out a laugh, I’m glad somebody said it! she looked to me as she shook her head with a smile, thank you, Saige. God, what would society do without people like you pointing out what everyone’s too nice to say? I would never say something like that to my dear friend, Aaron!

I ignored Margo and continued to focus in on Aaron as I sighed, maybe it was a mistake getting married so young…

Aaron looked to me, confused, why do you say that???

I shrugged, well, who knows what the future holds? Who’s to say if we’re going to spend the rest of our lives with each other or not? We’re still so young, we have our whole lives ahead of us.

Then why did you choose to get married in the first place?

I shrugged, we thought we were going to die…marriage is spending the rest of your lives together, after all, even if that means only the next few minutes…

He asked you afterwards if you wanted to stay married though, right? Why did you say yes?

I shook my head, "theoretically I would spend the rest of my life with James. I can full heartedly say that right now… but what about tomorrow? What about next month? Anything can happen to change my mind. We’re still so young, what do we know?" I asked as I took a sip of my drink.

If given the option, I would have married Ashlynn in a heartbeat at your age, and I wouldn’t regret it to this day.

"See, maybe that could be us, or maybe that won’t be us, I just don’t know. That’s the thing…"

You don’t have to know, Margo chimed in, what’s the fun in knowing your future? Take one day at a time, if one day you wake and think he’s ugly, just divorce him then! Pretty simple!

It’s not that simple, Margo, you wouldn’t understand…

Yeah, Mars, you’re not in the married club, Aaron slurred as he took another sip of his drink.

Oh, please, you were married for five seconds and then she left, I wouldn’t consider you married either… Margo muttered to Aaron.

Aaron seemed deeply saddened by Margo’s words as he stared down into his drink.

Have you seen Ashlynn and David at all since they left? I asked him softly.

No, he answered abruptly. I tried to, but she said that she wants some time to settle in, just the two of them on their own since that’s the way it will be for a while. If I visit them now, it will just hurt more when I leave.

I nodded, that makes sense…

I want to be with them, he muttered; his expression now angered as he clutched his glass tightly. I want to give up the crown and be with them. Screw the kingdom, screw the people, screw everything, I just want my wife and child…

Well, that’s selfish- Margo started but was interrupted by the cracking sound coming from the whiskey glass in his hand as it shattered in his tight grip.

I stood up as Margo quickly grabbed a rag, wrapping it around Aaron’s hand tightly to stop the bleeding. No! I exclaimed, you’re not seeing my sister or my nephew until you straighten up!

He slowly glared up at me, what are you talking about?

"This isn’t you, Aaron! You’re a drunken, sloppy, mess! You’re angry all the time and you’re just… sad to look at, frankly. You really want this to be what your child grows up to have as a father??? He stared at me as his eyes welled with tears. I sat back down as I sighed, clutching his uninjured hand in mine. Ashlynn left you here knowing that you would be doing important work. But all you’re doing is wallowing around, drinking all the time. So… do what Ashlynn left you here to do! Be the king your people need!"

He gave me a small, sad smile as a maid’s voice squeaked from behind us, um… Your Majesty? she asked from the doorway.

Aaron and I both turned around, yes? we answered at the same time.

Um… Queen Saige… the maid clarified as Aaron and I squinted to each other.

I stood up as I approached her, dusting off my dress as I did, yes, what is it? I asked.

General Carnell would like to speak to you in your room, please.

I nodded. Alright, thank you.

Don’t fight with him… Margo warned as I made my way towards the door. I rolled my eyes at her words.

They’ve been fighting??? Aaron asked in shock just as I closed the door behind me, making my way to the bedroom that James and I now shared.

I opened the door as he smiled to me, motioning towards the balcony. I returned his smile as I entered the room, leading him towards the balcony door.

We sat down on the small bench as I clutched his hand in mine, so… what did you want to talk to me about? I asked him.

"Oh, I just wanted to let you know that I finished all your work for the day. That one thing you had to do.

I chuckled, thank you… I guess I should have just gotten it over with… I said to the ground.

"It’s okay, I’m happy to do it. It’s just a lot to do your work