Kingdom of Aces - Ebony Edition: Kingdom of Aces, #1

By Steven Smith

The Red Kingdom receives disturbing news of a rebellion by the banished savages in the west, the Stormbringer's are on the brink of raiding the capital and the queen must make a stand. That is until her son throws a spanner in the works, by making an enemy of two other realms who are not exactly the queen's biggest fans. The queen of clubs must protect her corrupt kingdom from all sides, the list of candidates for the throne grows in an explosive almighty clash and a war that will surely collapse the Red Kingdom of Curillia.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steven Smith
• Release date: Sep 11, 2020
• ISBN: 9798215028087

Book preview

Kingdom of Aces

~Ebony Edition~

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Written by Steven Smith

Written in the United Kingdom

Copyright © 2020 by Steven Smith

Chapter List:

Ace of the Crown

2 of Murders

3 of Ships

4 of Borders

5 of Lives

6 of Secrets

7 of Swords

8 of Haters

9 of Stones

10 of Daggers

Jack of Maces

Queen of Peace

King of Clubs

Ace of the Crown 

The Jewel Islands were not always this way. Once upon a time, peace and tranquillity existed amongst the lands for many decades. But, when King Alshercort Trezmakt, ruler of the four realms died after his fifteen-year reign, so did all of the age-old laws. His wife, Maylin Loradove was granted the rule of the entire kingdom, and that was the exact point when things began to turn sour within the Jewel Islands. Maylin’s father was the king of Curillia before Alshercort, unfortunately for her, her father died during the celebrations of his 60th birthday. At this point, Maylin was just sixteen years old, yet, a new ruler would need to be appointed. Maylin was a controversial replacement given her gender and age, therefore the crown soon found itself upon the head of another regal family, the Trezmakt’s had a son who was a few years older than sweet Maylin. But, less than two years later she was married to this new ruler. It soon became apparent that Alshercort Trezmakt was more brutal than Maylin’s father had ever been, yet, the queen at his side began to also show glimmers of harsh treatment of the people her husband ruled over. So, it was only inevitable that if she ever took the throne, she would be a much fiercer monarch than any of her predecessors. 

She was now in her mid-thirties and had finally been given the power and title she had waited her entire life for. But, just like last time, the realms did not wholly approve, considering their new queen to be weak and untrustworthy. Immediately takers for the grand Regal Stone stepped forward, wanting to prise the Ruby from her neck to grant themselves power over Curillia. It was a fatal mistake that they each made, she quickly became the most ruthless monarch that has ever sat upon the Red Throne.

During the first year of her reign, the bravest of the three surrounding realms tried to stand in the way of the new queen. Vanstorminal was a huge realm that lay west of Curillia. Joined at the hip as it would be, only a narrow shard of land barely a quarter of a mile wide made the connection between the two realms. Vanstorminal was home to a vast tribe of savages, this large group of dwellers often refused to obey the rules of any regal realm. And for their defiance, this time, they paid a heavy price. They were defeated barely a few miles from home soil, forced back across an imaginary border. A border that soon became a reality, once defeated the queen had ordered that the Stormbringer’s should never advance beyond a small settlement called Storms Town. If they ever disobeyed again, then their entire race would face extermination. A promise made by Queen Maylin and agreed upon by the leader of the people of Vanstorminal. A leader by the name of Veekziat.

The Red Kingdom rose from that tremendous one-sided victory, leaving the people of Vanstorminal beaten beyond recognition. There is no denying that Queen Maylin Loradove is now the most feared and terrifying woman in all of the realms. Prince Corris Loradove. Son of the queen and heir to the throne has watched his mother in awe for many years, despite her tremendous skills, the young prince despises his mother. Hoping that his rise to the throne would come sooner rather than later. 

Queen Maylin Loradove has now stood as the ruler of The Jewel Islands for almost half a decade, her iron fist governing the people of her lands brutally. They dare not argue, they dare not grumble, the queen’s word is the final word. Her husband now a distant memory, and her son missing his beloved father, a father whom he aspired to be like, and most of all loved him dearly. But for all it was worth, Prince Corris continually disobeyed the queen, creating all manners of mischief and havoc. This too would also play a part in creating the disarray that was to come.

The Red Kingdom, as it is commonly known. Has stood as the most powerful of the four realms for six generations, it is the regal capital and for obvious reasons, and it has always been the most feared kingdom. Northeast sits a more glorious realm under the name of Dewrawbia. Long ago this realm chose the Sapphire as it’s regal stone, despite their loyalty and obedience towards Curillia, Dewrawbia has always been strong at heart. They continue to live peacefully at arm’s-length of the Red Kingdom. To ensure peace prevails it feeds huge amounts of wealth into the direction of the fierce queen. 

The largest of these four realms is New Brescoria. A realm that had been rebuilt and re-established by a wealthy family long before the rule of Alshercort. The people of Brescoria have seen their entire realm thrive once more, thankful for this redevelopment of their huge and lush lands. And evidently, peace had been restored during the rebuild, it was once again a place for the masses to live in harmony. But again, just like Dewrawbia, the hand of the queen was eager to take her share of trade and fortune from a profitable realm. New Brescoria willingly obeys, fearing the Red Kingdom could once again tear apart all that they had rebuilt over several decades. Queen Maylin ensured the Brescorian’s continued living in fear of the mighty Curillian Regal Capital.

On this day. The queen was about to receive some news of a disturbance upon the Storm's Town border. News that would not go down well with her highness. Yet, would be the beginning in shaping the future of the four realms. 

My Lady, your drink?

Maylin looked beyond the cup that was still being held out on a tray, she shook her head briefly and focused on the cupbearer, she then gently took the cup from the tray, a ferocious gaze swept up at the cupbearer.

That will be all, Maylin waved her other hand in a typically uninterested manner, the cupbearer scurried away before his queen devised some cruel words to only dismiss his services further. 

It is time to stop tiptoeing around these savages, I say we move in and cut them down before they do the same to us. Maylin sipped from the goblet after speaking. 

My Queen, they would never be able to break our defences. It has been a long time since a Stormbringer tribe even dared to pass the border, let alone launched an attack on the capital. The commander of arms was Bulltus Fallith. A dark-haired slender man expertly trained in combat and military tactics. Bulltus was second in command, only the queen's son Corris was higher ranked in the chain. 

Queen Maylin shot a burning glare at the commander, It’s not a risk I care to take, I will not wait for them to stray over my border. If the rumours are true then we need to be one step ahead, attack them before they realise that we even know of their plans. 

The commander gave a subtle nod of approval, there would be no point in arguing, after all, the queen’s decision was always final. 

Queen Maylin placed her wine cup on the table, but it stuttered to stay balanced and the queen had to steady it with both hands, she glared up at all those around the table, What? 

No one dared respond, lowering their heads to stare at their hands or simply divert their attention elsewhere, anywhere but directly gawping at the queen. 

Maylin snarled and muttered under her breath and she let go of the cup, leaning back in her chair, turning her head to the side and rubbing her left eye, So, that is that then? Are there any other pressing matters? 

Again, total silence, it seemed the queen’s impatience had become clearer than the current morning's sky. Maylin stood up and squeezed her fingers, trying to regenerate blood flow to her cold and numb hands. I expect to have my battalions ready to march by the morning, and tell my useless son to get his arse in gear also, he has missed yet another council meeting.

Of course, my queen. Bulltus obeyed the commands.

And get some damn hearths lit, it is bastard freezing everywhere I go. Queen Maylin made for the exit but was tailed by her young and polite floppy-haired advisor.

Jaiyrred! What is it? The queen continued to walk the corridor barely acknowledging the young man behind her. 

My queen. A word in your ear if I may? Jaiyrred swept his long floppy brown hair away from his eyes. The queen halted her steps and turned to face him. Jaiyrred stumbled into the queen, awkwardly stepping on her toes.

Careful, Jaiyrred! Maylin scowled at the young man, Why did you not speak during the council meeting? You know the procedures. She snapped angrily as she crouched to brush the dust off her shoes with the back of her hand. 

"Pardon me, my queen. I felt that this would be something that only you wished to hear, I wouldn't want it spread around the capital." 

Maylin huffed, What is it? You’re begging for a slap young man; I don’t have time for this sh- 

The green princess, my queen. Jaiyrred butted in.

Queen Maylin shook her head and glared at Jaiyrred awaiting further Information. 

Yes? What about her?

I have heard that she is to marry Prince Serron of Dewrawbia. 

So what? The little slut can marry who the fuck she wants, I care not for the dealings of New Brescoria anymore. They are still a weak realm who does exactly as I tell them. 

Well, that is just it, my queen. New Brescoria allying with Dewrawbia is surely not a good thing. Is it? Jaiyrred puzzled.

And where are you getting your information from young man? The queen frowned. 

I have spies based in New Brescoria. They easily blend into that trusting nation, and it is a vast realm with many places to hide. Even in plain sight. a smug grin appeared upon Jaiyrred’s face. 

Walk with me. The queen smiled and Jaiyrred beamed upon the invite. 

So, Princess Emortia is to marry Prince Serron then? The queen continued. 

Yes. I am told she sailed across to Dewrawbia in secret to arrange terms along with her grandmother. Who I can only assume setup the proposed alliance, a way of strengthening and combining their respective realms. 

And the Duke of Dewrawbia seems to be eager for the marriage to go ahead also? 

He is delighted apparently. He knows that Prince Serron has long sought a bride. And the prince's fondness of Emortia has been evident for many years. 

Have you informed Corris? The queen's jaw set hard. 

No, my queen. He would be devastated. His equal fondness of Emortia is overbearing, I dread to think what his reaction might be. 

Precisely my thoughts. Very well, arrange a meeting with Duke Gilayeus. I must do all I can to stop this wedding. It has not been condoned by me, therefore it cannot happen. Duke Gilayeus must know this. And as a way of an apology, I will strongly suggest he marries Emortia to my Corris instead. 

Jaiyrred was stunned, stuttering to a halt. But the duke will refuse, my queen. He has done so, many times before. 

I know this Jaiyrred. But this time he has crossed me, tried to be underhand and deceitful. I will not tolerate that. Arrange the meeting, I want him here in the next few days to explain his actions. 

I will try, my queen. But I cannot imagine he will be eager to sail here. Jaiyrred spoke apologetically. 

Tell him I have some business that will make him a much wealthier man. He doesn't need to know why I really want him here. 

Very well, your highness. 

Oh! And Jaiyrred. Do not breathe a word of this to my son. I will tell him once we have solid plans regarding Emortia. He cannot know of Prince Serron's intentions, for you know what he will do. 

Yes, My queen. Not a word, I promise thee. Jaiyrred bowed a curtsy and left to continue his duties.

2 of Murders

Storms Town was the smallest and most western remaining settlement within the Curillian Kingdom, beyond that lay the western border, a border that divided the Red Kingdom from the banished Vanstorminal savages. They are more commonly known as the Stormbringer’s. A savage tribe residing in the dishevelled and wasteland areas beyond the royal kingdom, the Vanstorminal realm was notorious for its fearless tribes, they would raid, steal and kill to survive in a world that