The Lost Melody

By Katherine J. Sinclair

Why would anyone want to leave a life of privilege?

From the outside, Ayla's life seemed perfect. She had everything a young lady could want, from an influential father to pretty dresses but nothing was as it seemed. Her fathers disapproval and sisters hate made her feel unwanted in a world she was certain she did belong in.

With the fear of being trapped in a potential loveless marriage and her sisters ridicule, Ayla finds herself running toward an uncertain future and away from everything she knows. However, she quickly discovers that the world is full of hardship and danger, and she finds herself struggling to survive her harsh new reality.

It isn't until she stumbles upon an elderly woman at the top of a mountain, that Ayla begins to find purpose in her life but nothing lasts forever and she soon finds herself fighting to survive once more.

Will Ayla find peace or will something else find her first?

A stand-alone adventurous escape to a time long forgotten.

NOTE: This book contains content that some readers might find offensive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Katherine J. Sinclair
• Release date: Jan 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215007662

Katherine J. Sinclair

About Katherine J. Sinclair Born in Brisbane Australia, Katherine was fortunate enough to spend most of her childhood exploring the rainforest and the great barrier reef in far northern Queensland. This environment has always been a great part of her inspiration, even while living and working in Canada. With a love for Fantasy and Romance novels, Katherine has always enjoyed writing and has taken inspiration from various different sources like; dreams, memories and her experiences. This book started as a dream and has developed over time. Katherine loved writing this book and hopes you have enjoyed reading it. Happy Reading! Email me at: [e-mail] Note: This is not an email list and no promotional material will be sent, sorry for any inconvenience.

Book preview

Chapter 1

A cool breeze carrying the sweet sent of the spring blooms, blew through the manicured gardens, creating a wave of colour that moved through the trees, as if it were an ocean. Even the birds that sung the sweetest songs, seemed to move with the breeze, as if they danced to the tune of the Earth itself. It was a beautiful sight for anyone who stopped to look but most were too busy to notice.

The sound of a finely polished timber carriage, bumping along the smooth cobblestone road was the only disruption to the peaceful garden but the birds didn’t seem to notice. Instead, they sung their songs and continued to dance in the warm morning sun. It wasn’t the first carriage to use the road and it certainly wouldn’t be the last.

As the carriage slowly came to a stop outside the guest entrance to the grand palace, a man dressed in a pressed uniform, that suggested he expected nothing but perfection, stepped out to greet the occupants. There was no emotion in his eyes as he stood at attention and waited for three young girls to gracefully stepped out of the carriage and organized themselves on the path from youngest to eldest.

Despite the long journey and the weariness that lingered in their eyes, all three girls silently waited with their heads lowered respectfully. They all worked hard to ensure that none of them showed any signs of the aches they felt from their travels as they waited for their father to emerge from the carriage. It was a procedure they had performed many times and their father expected nothing less than perfection, especially when arriving at the king’s palace.

While there wasn’t as much grace in his movements, their father exited the carriage in a manner that a man of his standing should. His presence demanded the attention of his fellow peers and just the sight of him suggested that he was a man of high standing.

Welcome Lord Custis the man said formerly. Follow me please.

Holding his head high, Lord Custis walked passed his three daughters, expecting them to behave like the ladies they had been taught to be. Once he had passed his daughters, he paused for a moment and waited for the man to turn before he followed him into the finely decorated foyer.

Your daughters? the man questioned, looking at the three girls who had lined up behind their father.

Mai is my eldest, Clara is next, and Ayla is the youngest Lord Custis said with an arrogance in his voice that demanded respect, as each girl curtsied at the mention of their names.

The handmaiden will show them to their room the man said, gesturing for the handmaiden who had been waiting for her cue to do as he said. Right this way Lord Custis.

Surrounded by gold trim and crystal adornments, the three girls waited until the handmaiden gestured for them to follow her before any of them moved. While the two eldest sisters had followed this protocol before, the youngest was new to it all and even though she had practiced many times she still followed their lead, she was too nervous not to.

The hall they entered was filled with many exquisite decorations, from vases filled with bright flowers to sculptures that captured the perfect human form. Even the floor appeared to have an artistic touch, with subtle colour changes in the timber and a polish that shone in the morning sun. Everything spoke of the wealth the king possessed and the expectation that was expected of those who entered his palace.

Stopping in front of a door, the handmaiden pushed the door open and waited for the three girls to enter the room before she followed them in. She then carefully closed the door behind herself and gestured for the girls to pay attention.

You are welcome to enjoy the gardens surrounding this wing but you are not permitted to wander the halls or go passed the hedges the handmaiden told the three girls with warning in her eyes. Do you understand?

Three nods were all the handmaiden required before she turned around and headed back into the hall, leaving the sisters to explore their new surroundings.

The moment the handmaiden closed the door, the eldest sister, Mai, headed over and sat down in an armchair by the windows. While Clara let out a laboured sigh, as she perched herself on the edge of a bed.

I’m so glad that trip is over Mai moaned, as she kicked her shoes off and looked out at the garden.

I don’t think I could have handled another minute in that carriage Clara groaned, flopping back on the bed with a huff.

While her sisters moaned and groaned about the long ride they had all endured, Ayla quietly headed over to the wash basin and washed her face. She then looked at her reflection in the small mirror and told herself that it wouldn’t be long before she could leave. She didn’t like the prospect of being paraded around in front of officials and matchmakers, in fact the mere thought of it twisted her stomach into knots.

Most of the young girls that had been brought to the palace would leave with their future husband and his family, it was tradition. Although, Ayla wanted nothing to do with any of it and hoped that the matchmakers would send her home for another year, just like Mai and Clara had been the previous year.

It was a well-known fact that Mai had her heart set on marrying the eldest prince, who had dismissed the idea of marriage. However, each year the king pushed him harder to find a bride and had even threatened to deny him the crown if he didn’t marry soon, and this only spurred Mai on. Even their father had encouraged Mai to pursue the prince but Ayla had never bothered to even listen to her sisters plans, none of it seemed to matter. She didn’t know him and she doubted she would ever meet him.

After freshening up, Ayla took a book from a table and began to read on one of the three beds. She had always enjoyed losing herself in the pages of a book, especially after their mother had died, it provided her with a comfort nothing else could.

I don't know why you bother with those books Mai groaned, frowning at Ayla with disapproval. They won't help you marry well.

Lifting the book higher to cover her face, Ayla hoped that her sister would find something else to amuse her with. However, her heart began beating faster and she had to tighten her grip on her book to hide her trembling hands. She was used to her sister’s disapproval but some of their remarks hurt more than she cared to admit and were harder to ignore.

I don't know why she’s here Clara scoffed, rolling her eyes as she glanced over at Ayla. She's just going to embarrass us with her inexperience and we can only have perfection here, especially when the prince asks for your hand.

She better not Mai hissed spitefully, looking over at Ayla disgusted. I swear if she ruins my chances with either of the princes, I will make her pay.

With a deep frown on her face, Ayla considered if she should say something to defend herself but she was sure it would only make things worse. She wanted her sisters to marry and make a life for themselves but she also wasn’t sure if she wanted to inflict them on anyone else, especially if it meant that one of them would be queen. Although, if one of them were to become queen, she vowed to never visit the capital again.

Just as Ayla was about to get up and find somewhere else to read, the handmaiden quietly entered the room and drew their attention with a small golden bell that she hid in her long sleeve.

Morning tea will be served in fifteen minutes the handmaiden announced formally, silently taking note of what each of the girls were doing. Part of her job was to report on what the girls did and how they behaved away from the eyes of their potential suitors. The higher standing suitors wanted the perfect bride but most of the girls seemed to misunderstand what this meant.

Quietly, Ayla put her book down and climbed off the bed. She then nodded at the handmaiden with a warm smile before she smoothed her hand down her dress, ensuring that it sat on her body the way it should. She wasn’t sure what the protocol was but figured she needed to do something because in her opinion, ignoring the handmaiden was rude.

Will the princes’ be there? Clara asked, trying to keep the excitement from her voice but without success.

I can’t say the handmaiden answered and quickly left before the girls could ask anymore questions. She didn’t know where either of the princes were and didn’t want to be pressed for information she didn’t have.

Oh, I hope they’re there Mai squealed, as she jumped to her feet and looked at Clara with an excited grin. We’ll get to see who our competition is too.

I bet none of them stand a chance against you Clara told Mai, as she quickly got to her feet and began preparing.

If it’s anything like last year, we don’t have anything to worry about Mai said, as she began to fix her hair.

Positioning herself in a corner away from her sisters, Ayla began placing the glittering pins her mother had given her in her hair. She didn’t want to get in either of her sister’s way and cause an argument. She already felt nervous about attending her first event and she didn’t want to disappoint her father by failing to meet his expectations because she felt frustrated.

As she moved her long, light brown hair into position, she ensured to keep everything as simple as possible. She didn’t want to stand out like her sisters did and hoped that she could just blend in. All she wanted, was to get through her time at the palace without any trouble and if she could help it, without attracting a potential husband.

I don't know why you bother Ayla Mai scoffed, glancing over her shoulder to see Ayla fixing her hair. No one cares what you look like.

Sighing, Ayla quickly finished placing her pins in her hair and headed over to the windows. She loved her sisters but she didn’t like them. It didn’t matter what she did, neither of them approved of her and seemed to despise her existence, and despite the fact that she had given up on gaining their approval, it still hurt.

Even though she had found comfort in the pages of the books she read, Ayla still wanted someone one on her side. Someone she could share her secrets with, without fear of retribution. She felt lonely and sometimes imagined that she could befriend the characters in her books but fantasy was very different from reality and she knew she couldn’t live like that. She was going to have to meet new people but nothing felt more frightening and she could only wish that she was braver.

Ayla, I’m sorry but I think it would be best if you kept your distance from us while we’re here Clara told her unapologetically, staring in the mirror as she fussed with her own hair.

We can’t afford any embarrassments Mai added, as if it were an obvious fact.

Why do you hate me so much? Ayla asked, unable to hold her tongue any longer. She could feel her own tears burning the back of her throat and she wasn’t sure if she had the strength to hold them back, not when her stomach was twisted with nerves.

Because you're a disappointment to our family Mai answered, frowning at Ayla as if speaking was a crime. You put no effort into improving your appearance and have not made any attempt to impress the matchmakers. No man is going to want you and you are going to disappoint father. In fact, if mother were here, she would be disappointed too.

Take that back Ayla hissed, feeling that Mai had gone too far by involving their parents. Mother loved us all.

No, she pitied you Mai spat, dropping her comb onto a polished timber table. You shouldn't be here, you're going to end up as whore anyway, especially when no man is going to want to marry you. She then placed her hands on her hips and deepened her angry frown at Ayla. You should do us all a favour and change your name, that way we can deny any relation to you.

That's not true Ayla cried, trying her best to hold back her tears but she was failing and she knew their father would disapprove of her tears, which made it even harder to hold them back. Why would you say that? Her sister’s words hurt and they both knew it.

Because it's true, so why don't you go and find yourself a whore house somewhere and leave us alone Mai growled, narrowing her eyes at her sister. Everyone would be happier without you.

Gasping, Ayla stumbled back and grabbed hold of the window ledge, as she looked into Mai’s eyes. The hate she saw broke her heart and she knew that there was nothing she could do to ever please her sisters. Her presence alone bothered them and there was nothing she could do to fix it.

There are probably plenty of whore houses in town Clara snarled, looking at Ayla as if she were well below her station.

With a shaky hand and tears still burning the back of her throat, Ayla raced across the room and grabbed her cloak before she headed for the door. She couldn’t stand to listen to another hateful word. Her sisters couldn’t have been more clear, they wanted nothing to do with her and it hurt more than she wanted to admit to herself or them.

I hope you both find love Ayla breathed, pausing at the door only long enough to take one more look at her hateful sisters. She then stepped out into the hall before either of them could say another word but the sound of their laughter through the door ripped at her aching heart.

With tears streaming down her cheeks, Ayla quickly headed down the hall. She had no idea where she was going, she only wanted to find somewhere to hide from her sisters. She didn’t want them to see how much their words had hurt her, it would only encourage them and that was the last thing she wanted.

Finding herself standing in the entrance she had come through not so long ago, she looked around and considered which way to go. She couldn’t even guess what lay beyond the halls that led off the foyer but as she was about to go back and find the garden, she heard a masculine voice draw near and panicked.

Without a thought, she quickly hid behind a table draped in silk and prayed that no one saw her. She knew that she wasn’t permitted to wonder the halls and didn’t want anyone to think that she was. She didn’t want anymore trouble than she already had and prayed that she would go unseen.

I don’t know where either of them are a concerned male voice said, as the sound of footsteps grew louder.

I’m sure they will show up another male said but he didn’t sound convinced.

Do you think the king knows? the first male asked, as they reached the table Ayla was hiding behind, causing her heart to beat so fast that she was sure that it might break through her chest.

I’m sure he is well aware of the situation the second man said, as their footsteps started to move away from the table.

Closing her eyes, Ayla carefully pulled in a shaky breath and waited for the two men to walk away. She then crawled out from behind the table and peered down the hall she had come from to see the back of the men walking toward her sister’s room, passing others in the process. She couldn’t go back and, in many ways, she was relieved.

Drawing in a deep breath to calm her speeding heart, Ayla pulled her cloak tight around her body and headed outside. Her heart was still pounding in her chest but feeling the cool breeze on her face and the warmth of the sun on her skin seemed like the remedy that she needed.

As she passed the guards stationed just beyond the door, she dropped her head and held her breath. She didn’t want them to take her back to her room but despite the curious looks they gave her, neither of them did anything to stop her, much to her relief.

Once she reached the cobblestone road, she raised her head and looked around to see people going about their business. There were gardeners tending the gardens and guards watching both the palace and the gates that sat just beyond the garden. It was a scene that she knew that she would be able to blend into or at least that’s what she hoped.

Pulling her hood up over her head, she pulled in a deep breath to calm her nerves and began walking down the road, toward the gates. She wasn’t planning on going far but sitting between her sisters in the carriage didn’t give her a chance to see what laid beyond the gates and now she was curious. She wanted to be like an explorer in one of her books and even though she knew that it wasn’t the same, the game kept her mind off her sister’s and the fact that she would eventually have to face them.

Once she reached the gate, a large guard stepped out in front of her with a frown on his face, stopping her. His body alone made her feel insignificant and as she looked up into his hardened brown eyes, her stomach dropped.

You’re not permitted to pass the guard said with so much authority in his deep voice that Ayla straightened and looked at him wide eyes.

I’m sorry Ayla said meekly, as she began to back away.

Once the guard had visibly relaxed, Ayla stopped and watched the people coming and going for a moment, as she considered what to do. She didn’t want to go back and face her sisters, not yet anyway and she was sure that the morning tea had already began. This would mean that she would not only have to find where the tea was being held but she would arrive late and this would not sit well with her father or the matchmakers. She was doomed either way, she just wasn’t sure if being late would cause more trouble than not showing up at all.

Slowly, she turned around and headed for one of the stone benches. She needed a moment to consider her options and staring at the gate was not getting her anywhere.

As Ayla sat on the stone bench by the cobblestone road, she dropped her head into her hands and allowed her sisters words to play over in her mind. She hated how it made her feel and wished things between them all could be better, just like it once was but their mother’s death had changed everything. Their father had buried himself in his work even more than he ever had and had very little time for any of them, not that he had spent much time with them before her passing. His only interaction with them was to encourage a beneficial marriage but that seemed unlikely for Ayla, especially when she had spent very little time with any men. She had also spent very little time with her brothers and didn’t know what a man would expect of her or how to prepare herself, especially when the romance books she had read seemed unrealistic.

It wasn’t long before the sound of horses racing through the gates filled the air and everyone in the area dropped to the ground. Even though she had never been to the palace or attended any formal events, Ayla knew that she needed to drop to the ground and slid off the bench, especially when everyone else had.

With her hands on the cobblestone and her knees beneath her chest, she carefully peered out from under her hood to see five horses racing toward her. Her heart dropped at the sight of them and while she didn’t dare move, she prayed that they would see her and avoid running over her.

It wasn’t until the horses slowed down that she was able to draw in a shaky breath. There were people all over the courtyard and she was certain that the horses would have to slow down to avoid them but she wasn’t expecting them to stop by her.

Your majesty a man said formally, causing Ayla to stiffen. She had never been in the presence of royalty and her mind numbed at the thought. She feared that she would do something to offend them and bring shame to her family. Your father is waiting to hear the news that you bring from the north.

I’m on my way the rider groaned but despite his frustration, his voice was as smooth as silk and easily carried through the air.

As the horse started to move again, the man the prince had spoken to, stepped back, hitting Ayla and causing her to stiffen in fear. As a result, the man’s entire body shifted off balance and all he could do to stop himself from falling was to drop his hand onto her back, causing her to let out a startled gasp.

With the weight of the man’s body painfully pushing into her back, Ayla let out a whimper and tried her best not to move. She could feel her knees grind against the cobblestone road and as much as she wanted to cry out in pain, she knew she couldn’t. She didn’t want to draw any more attention than she already had to herself, especially when she didn’t want to attend the morning tea with her sisters or face the consequences of her disobedience. She was not where she was supposed to be and she wasn’t ready to face the repercussions of her actions.

Get out of the way the man growled, glancing down at Ayla with an angry frown.

With the man’s weight resting against her, Ayla bit down hard and waited for his weight to lift from her aching body. She knew she couldn’t move until he had stood up, otherwise they would both fall to the ground and she would be in more trouble than she could handle.

The moment the man pushed himself up, Ayla scurried over to the garden and dropped to the ground. She wasn’t sure where the prince was and she didn’t want to disrespect him by breaking with protocol. Although, she was sure she probably ready had, she just didn’t know how to rectify it.

As the sounds of the busy courtyard began to fill the air once more, Ayla carefully peered out of her hood to see that the horses had moved on. She then climbed to her feet and looked down to see her hands shaking uncontrollably. She was sure that she had just caused more trouble than she could handle and ultimately, that would let down her already disappointed family.

As she climbed to her feet, tears began to roll down her cheeks again and all she could do was blindly walk further into the garden. She didn’t want to disappoint anyone and wished that she could just go home and forget about it all.

Dropping down by a hedge, she pulled her knees to her chest and sobbed until she couldn’t cry anymore. She then stayed where she was with her head on her knees and listened to birds singing in the trees and the wind blowing through the garden, rustling the leaves as it went. It was beautiful and she could feel her heart slowly return to its regular pace.

It wasn’t until she heard her father's angry voice, that she crawled closer to the hedge, hoping to go unnoticed as fear flooded her heart. She then carefully looked up to see her father talking to a guard. He looked composed, as he usually did but she knew the look in his eyes, he was angry and she feared what he might do if he found her.

If you find her, bring her to me she heard him growl, causing her heard to sink and her hands to tremble. I will not be made a mockery of by her.

I will do my best to locate the girl the guard said with a slight frown.

I should never have brought her, she’s a disgrace her father hissed before he stormed back toward the palace.

Covering her mouth with her hand, Ayla drew her knees against her chest again and let her tears silently roll down her stained cheeks. Her heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces and there was nothing she could do to mend it. She had disappointed her father and now she couldn’t bare to face him, she didn’t have the strength or courage.

With despair creeping into her heart, she wiped her eyes dry on her sleeve and quickly scanned the area. No one seemed to be going out of their way to find her, which suggested to her that she was either not important enough to find or worth their time. Either way, she knew that she wasn’t wanted at the palace and figured that everyone would be better off without her.

All she had to do now, was figure out a way to get passed the guards at the gate. She would be free from her sisters and could make a life for herself, without matchmakers and officials telling her what to do, it seemed like a perfect plan.

Moving into a position where she could see the gate, she watched people coming in and out of the gates. As she watched, she noticed that the larger groups seemed to pass out of the gates with relative ease. The guards seemed to scan the groups