The Disgraceful Lady

By TM Watkins

Carriel has always been a free spirit despite her past being rough and full of grief. A chance encounter with Kasen Aulden, the king of Metarn at the age of sixteen alters her life forever. With his help, she creates a new life that is similar to the one that had been taken from her years earlier. Her wild nature is never far away and in an attempt to keep her safe and occupied, Kasen gives Carriel a mighty gift when she becomes an adult. A ship called The Disgraceful Demon. For ten years she sails around the world with her crew, living a wild life that is far from the refined lady she used to be.

Kasen has a problem. In fact, he has several. Something is making him ill, his wife barely acknowledges him, orcs are hounding the north and he's in love with Carriel. In an attempt to solve the orc problem, Kasen asks Carriel to take him to Trosian. His plan to solve the orc plague is helped by the belief that the Trosian royal family performed an act of war against the Metarnese. All he needs to do is trap the king into admitting the truth. With a little luck, the trip to Trosian will help Kasen fix more than one of his issues.

Neither Carriel nor Kasen thought that the trip would be anything more than an attempt to get an admission of guilt out of the Trosian king. Kasen will admit the truth to Carriel, he will tell her everything. He knows the past. He keeps the secrets. He vowed to protect Carriel no matter what.

Danger lurks in the shadows and no matter how much he tries, Kasen cannot protect Carriel all the time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: TM Watkins
• Release date: Aug 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9780463603246

TM Watkins

TM Watkins lives in Brisbane, Australia with her family. When she's not working or running around after her family, she spends her days contemplating the next adventure for her characters and her nights writing about them.

Book preview

Heavy footsteps echoed through the almost empty street. Carriel’s breath was rough as she powered through her escape. Her legs burned, ready to give out. She would persist, desperate to avoid getting caught.

Looking over her shoulder, she could see the guard in the distance. The heavy rain granted her a little anonymity. She hoped it would be enough. In the darkness of the night, Carriel knew that he wouldn’t see much of her, just the thief that took something that didn’t belong to her.

Her heart was pounding hard and fast, not just from the running but because she was riding a high of adrenaline. The job had been done, almost wholly successful. There was just one little mistake, and with a bit of luck on her side, she’d escape the guard.

Turning the corner, Carriel’s boot hit a large puddle of water. It sloshed over her pants, soaking through the material. Carriel didn’t care. A few more turns and she’d be at the best place in this crazy town—the Five Ways.

It was the original town center. Once the place grew too big, the king ordered a new one to be built. He hoped that the space could cope with all the townsfolk. As for the original town center, it was now disused and was nothing more than a space for the townsfolk to hang around and talk.

The Five Ways consisted of five streets that met at the town center. Once she reached it, Carriel had four options to lose the guard, and he’d be left scratching his head, trying to figure out which one she’d taken.

Turning the final corner, Carriel wondered which she would take. The obvious would be one of the two on either side of the street she was on. It was the quickest. It was also the one that he’d pick first. Carriel thought that if he tried to think as she did, he might choose one of the other two. Her mind struggled, leaving her in a bit of a predicament.

Which was the right choice?

Carriel did not get to make the decision. A door opened, and someone dragged her into a house. Slowly, the darkness consumed what little light the storm offered. The door was pushed shut by a foot that belonged to whoever had grabbed Carriel. Before she could scream, a hand went over her mouth, and she was pulled against a rigid body. The arm wrapped around her was tight. She could not move.

Silence, the man whispered in her ear. It is the only way you will be free at the end of the night.

Carriel stared into the darkness. Muted light shone through the long line between the door and the frame. She could hear the heavy footsteps that grew loud, then grew soft.

Remain quiet.

The stranger let go of her. In the darkness, she heard metal slowly scraping. The bolt had been pushed over the door, locking it. Seconds later, a match was struck and revealed the figure who had dragged her into this room.

Carriel’s eyes widened as she sharply gasped.

Amusement filled his face as he turned, lifting the candlestick. She’d never seen him this close, never dared to think that she’d ever get the chance. He was far more handsome than the paintings she’d seen. Wavy black hair reaching just below his shoulders, sharp blue eyes, fair skin. He was everything that the girls in her neighborhood swooned over. He was everything that they wanted and would never get.

He was Kasen Aulden, also known as the king of Metarn. He was her leader.

Your Highness, Carriel breathed, struggling to curtsey in pants.

Kasen said nothing as he moved through the modest room to the dining table. Setting the candlestick down, he gestured to the seat opposite.

Sit. We need to talk.

Momentarily, Carriel frowned. She’d never met him before. What did they need to talk about? How did he know she was about to run down the street? Why did he pull her into this house?

Sit, he demanded, a little more forcefully.

Carriel moved to the seat, waiting until Kasen had sat down first. She felt uneasy about being alone with him. Not because she thought he would hurt her but because he was married, and accusations had a way of starting quickly. They’d begin as whispers, and with a bit of push, they’d become something ugly.

Kasen held out his hand, looking at the girl with a lot of expectation. Carriel rolled her eyes and pulled out the apple. Kasen looked at it and wondered why she’d only taken one. Putting it on the table between them, he gestured to the fruit.

Is that for you?

Yes, my lord, she whispered, lowering her head.

There is no shame in being hungry. Why haven’t you signed up for the food program?

The man said that I was not eligible because I don’t live in this town.

Where do you live?

Carriel gestured to the wall, trying to figure out which way she was facing. With a sigh, she gave up.

It’s a bridge. Small one near a bakery. Usually, I take what they throw out.

But the bakery burned down yesterday.

She nodded, remembering how much she feared the fire would spread to the bridge she was hiding under. 

So, technically, you do live in this town.

I don’t have residency papers. Without them, I’m just a street rat that is apparently trying to steal food to make money.

Carriel looked up, finding a little bravery within herself.

How did you know that I was out there?

Saw you through that window, saw the guard, and figured it out. I am curious about many things, one of them being how well my guards perform and behave when pursuing criminals.

Well, he was very diligent in trying to catch me.

For an apple.

Carriel nodded with a lot of sadness in her heart.

Why are you here? This is not your castle.

This is an exit point that is often used if we want to slip out of the castle unnoticed. There are guards at the top of the stairs if you think you can rob me later.

Oh, I’d never,

Kasen tilted his head, raising an eyebrow at her.

Okay, so maybe I would.

With a sigh, Carriel held out her hands.

What am I to do with them?

Cuff me.

Kasen grinned wickedly at Carriel.

You don’t seem the type.

Goodness, she murmured, thoroughly embarrassed. I meant to arrest me. I stole something.

Yes, Kasen said dryly. A piece of fruit. Must be worth hanging you from the gallows for.

He looked at the startled expression on Carriel’s face, then chuckled.

I’m joking. Put those things away. I’m not calling the guards here. The apple trees are for all to use. I don’t know why he was chasing you.

Carriel grumbled under her breath as she pulled her hands back, tucking them under the table. Her clothes were wet. She was sitting at a table in a fake house with the king of the country. Talking. Joking. He even got a little naughty with a dubious comment.

Kasen leaned his head on one hand, resting it on the table as he looked at the mysterious girl.

You know, I just realized that you know me, but I don’t know you. Let’s start with your name.

Carriel.

Just Carriel?

Her eyes turned, refusing to look at him.

Family name.

She shook her head.

I’ll open the door and push you out.

Polae.

Kasen sat up, staring at her. Slowly his hand lowered to the table as the realization hit him.

Carriel Polae as in the presumed-dead daughter of Lord Neale and Lady Floria?

Sadly, she nodded. Kasen sighed.

I’m sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed the company of your parents.

Thanks.

Their estate was locked as there were no living relatives. I could help you unlock it. Then there would be no more running through the city streets, no more stealing food.

I can’t prove who I am. I tried. Every scrap of evidence went up in flames. Thank you for the offer, your highness, but I can’t access anything when I cannot prove who I am.

Carriel stood, walking directly to the door. Before she could unlatch it, Kasen stopped her.

You’ve got me on your side. Don’t walk away from a better future.

And how do you know I’m not a lying imposter?

Carriel turned, looking up at Kasen. He felt his heart quicken as he stared into the dark green eyes. No one had ever elicited such a reaction from him. Not even his wife.

There was something undeniable about Carriel, and that was how much she looked like Floria. 

You look like your mother.

Taking her hand, Kasen drew Carriel back into the room. Picking up the candlestick, he led her to the bookshelf.

It’s going to be okay. I promise.

He pushed the panel, and the bookshelf turned, opening to a doorway and a hidden staircase.

Kasen pulled her into the narrow space, lit only by the candle's flame. Slowly, the bookshelf slid back into place, encasing them. When he looked down at Carriel, Kasen knew that his life was going to change. It would never be the same again.

Chapter 1

Brosa sighed as he stood at the closed door to the throne room, momentarily wishing he didn’t have to open it. He could hear the raised voices already, and the wood was quite thick. This was the throne room, and the doors should be wide enough to withstand an attack. Brosa did not expect to hear the queen or her raised voice, but he was not surprised.

Glancing at the guard, he got a shrug.

A good ten minutes.

And this one is about?

She wants to holiday in Weskana.

An atrocious idea, Brosa grumbled.

The guard nodded.

That is what his highness said.

Taking a deep breath, Brosa opened the door to the warring king and queen. There was always something that caused a fight between them, and he was the one that always stepped in and made them walk away. Usually, it was Lataya who stormed off in a huff because she wasn’t getting her own way.

Rather than meekly walking into the room, Brosa held his body tight, remaining rigid and forceful. Lataya would lash her snake tongue at him, but the stronger he appeared to her, the less damage she could do. Brosa wished Kasen would end the marriage. Lataya was not a worthy queen, in his opinion.

As much as Brosa had tried, he was always careful to choose his words wisely. They'd conversed about Lataya and the marriage. Still, Kasen was not prepared to dissolve the marriage when so many lives could be destroyed if he lost the connection and agreement with her family. The advisor thought his king was wise and a good king to his people, but Brosa did not like that Kasen had to suffer a terrible partnership.

Lataya scowled when Brosa entered the room. She knew that he would throw his opinion into this, and there would be no convincing Kasen.

My family has a holiday house in Corolae. It is a short distance from the Laeroth border.

Kasen sat on the throne. Brosa thought he was at his wit’s end. They’d discussed Lataya for weeks, and Brosa knew his king was unhappy.

I would not send my enemy to Weskana at the moment, Brosa said as he walked directly to Kasen.

Holding out a parchment, Brosa hoped Lataya would storm off. Instead, she narrowed her eyes to a hard, thin stare.

What is that? she hissed.

A letter for the king, nothing of interest to you.

You are insolent to your queen, advisor.

Kasen lifted his head, taking the letter from Brosa.

That is all, Lataya.

We’re still discussing Corolae.

No, we are not. I said that we would not be going to Weskana. If you decide that you want to go even after my warnings, then, by all means, go. If you’re taken hostage, don’t bother sending word to me. I won’t pay a ransom when I’ve warned you not to go.

Brosa watched as the pretty pink lips tightened. Huffing, Lataya stormed out of the throne room.

I’d rather hang out with the vampires, Kasen muttered.

A soft laugh escaped Brosa as he stepped back.

It would be less of a hassle.

And there’s a good chance we’d walk away. What am I about to read, Brosa?

"Word from the sea gate master. The Disgraceful Demon entered the river in spectacular fashion."

Kasen sat up as fear began to rip through him.

Everything is fine with the ship. It’s almost here. The gate, however, is damaged.

Opening it, Kasen read the telegram from the sea gate master. A frown slowly filled his face as he read about a large black ship that fired at the gates and entered the river.

Someone was chasing Carriel?

It would appear so, your highness. I have sent word to the port master to advise Carriel that you want to speak with her as soon as she docks. A cleric has been sent to the gate to conduct an investigation.

I will not charge her with anything.

I know.

Then why are you bothering with the investigation?

"Because, like you, I know Carriel. She does not welcome danger like that. Something has happened, and it is our duty to ensure that the crew is safe from danger. The Disgraceful Demon is a part of the royal fleet, regrettably."

Kasen smiled wickedly at Brosa’s disgusted tone. It was mild, it lacked meaning, and it was absolutely funny to the king. Holding out the letter to Brosa, Kasen stood.

I know you find Carriel to be interesting company.

Interesting was not the word he would have chosen.

Of course, your highness.

Wandering over to the balcony, Kasen looked toward the harbor. He could stand there all day waiting to watch The Disgraceful Demon glide into port. That was not happening. Kasen turned with a frown, gesturing to the water. Brosa walked out and saw the ship had already arrived.

I guess they made good time. My apologies, your highness. I was given the impression that the interaction at the sea gate happened recently. I shall send someone out to search for Carriel.

You’d be wasting your time and theirs. I know where she’ll be.

It’s barely noon.

I know, Kasen said with a merciless grin.

Returning to the throne room, Kasen quickly made his way through it and towards his bedchamber. Behind him was an advisor who was questioning how appropriate it was for the king to wander freely. Kasen’s intentions were obvious.

It’s fine, Brosa. I’m sure Miske won’t be far away.

The guard gave the king a nod, remaining at the door.

I’m sure this can wait until tomorrow. See, she’s listed in your schedule for nine a.m.

Kasen snorted a laugh as he stopped and turned.

She’s probably already drunk out of her mind. There is no way that she will be here by nine a.m. Your attempt to put this off for another day will not sway. Carriel was not expected back for at least another week.

I know, but I sent word to her on the ship after learning that she never docked at Oly Oni. See, she told me to take a long walk off a short pier.

Kasen chuckled as he looked at the piece of paper clipped to Brosa’s board. That was true to Carriel’s nature.

You know, Carriel won’t remember that she has an appointment.

Pulling on his cloak, Kasen strapped his long sword to his back. To the unobservant, he looked like an ordinary Metarnese. This was common. Brosa had seen it many times before, and Miske was used to accompanying his leader outside the castle walls in this garb. It was a moment to be free of the confining life of being a leader, to be free of the woman who tried to stomp all over him with her demands, to ignore the requests of his staff. To just let go. Even if it was just for a moment, Miske knew that it was enough.

Kasen turned, stopping when Brosa blocked the doorway.

Sire.

I feel fine, Brosa. No sickness. It’s all good.

I am concerned.

I am too, but like I said, I’m feeling fine.

Miske?

Knows to bring me back if something happens. While I’m gone, figure out a way to deal with Lataya.

Shall I inform the hangman?

Kasen chuckled as he opened the door.

You are a monster.

I try my best, your highness. Did you remember that you’re meeting with the Eprenanite king this afternoon?

Reaching into his pocket, Kasen pulled out a scrunched-up note and handed the balled-up mess to Brosa.

Canceled. Said that there was urgent business to attend to.

Brosa looked at the paper with dismay. He hated it when Kasen was distracted, and his paperwork skills were the worst.

Chapter 2

The path to the tavern where