OverThrown: The Over Ruled Series, #3

By Brittney Joy

Magic bows to no one. Not even the crown...

 

War is quickly approaching Jade's country. To keep the magic flowing within her veins-- and to protect her kingdom-- she must marry before time runs out. She plans to hold a suitor contest to seek out her one true love… except the contestants aren't all what they appear. Jade knows if she doesn't find her match, her nation is surely doomed.

 

Nova has been reunited with her sister, but the army of the dead marches onward toward Sterling. To stop them, Nova and Jade must work together to harness their powers. If Nova cannot master her magic before the evil king arrives, she'll lose her new family… and the man she loves forever.

 

The epic OverRuled series concludes in a heart-racing final battle of magic and might. The power of sisterhood fights against an army of darkness. But what will prevail? Love … or magic?

 

READ THE COMPLETE TRILOGY:
OverRuled (book 1)
OverRun (book 2)
OverThrown (book 3)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brittney Joy
• Release date: Apr 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9781958178058

Book preview

OverThrown

The OverRuled Series, book 3

Brittney Joy

Copyright © 2020 by Brittney Joy

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.

Brittney Joy/Horse Girl LLC

www.brittneyjoybooks.com

Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

OverThrown / Brittney Joy; Horse Girl LLC --1st ed.

ebook ISBN: 978-1-958178-05-8

Contents

OverThrown

1. Nova

2. Jade

3. Nova

4. Jade

5. Nova

6. Jade

7. Nova

8. Jade

9. Nova

10. Jade

11. Nova

12. Jade

13. Jade

14. Nova

15. Jade

16. Nova

17. Jade

18. Nova

19. Jade

20. Nova

21. Jade

22. Nova

23. Jade

24. Nova

25. Jade

26. Nova

27. Jade

28. Nova

29. Jade

Epilogue

About the Author

OverThrown

Magic is stronger

than muscle or bone,

will secure a crown,

or demolish a throne.

Magic comes from the heart,

it lives deep inside,

where fear tends to linger,

and truth cannot hide.

Chapter one

Nova

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The sun was bright at midnight, forced by magic to overpower the moon. Golden rays poured through the castle’s stained-glass windows, coloring the white marble floor and tall columns of the interior courtyard. A rainbow of red, yellow, green, and blue shimmied and danced over still surfaces. Nova squinted, still half-asleep, standing in the empty courtyard, looking for the floating orb that woke her.

Where’d you go? she asked herself, afraid she’d lost the orb in the sunlight. She’d chased it from her dark bedroom, through windowless halls and stairways, and wasn’t about to lose it now.

A guard appeared from behind one of the many columns that lined the courtyard. Nova jumped, suddenly aware she wasn’t alone.

She was barefoot and wearing pajamas— an old tunic that thankfully covered most of her thighs.

How can I help, my Queen?

His salutation took a moment to sink in. Nova wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to her royal title. After escaping the island of Gelida and her demented grandfather, King Mortuus, Nova fled with Jade, back to Sterling, where they were both considered monarchs. So far, Nova had spent a month in Sterling, in the castle, but still wasn’t used to being referred to as Queen.

You can go back to your post. I’m fine, she replied, feeling oddly exposed in her worn tunic. When she’d jumped from her bed to chase the mysterious orb, Nova hadn’t considered what she was wearing. She wasn’t sure why. In her time in the Larkspur castle, she was rarely alone. There was always someone keeping tabs on her— guards, attendants, cooks. It was as though no one believed she could take care of herself.

As if her life before Sterling never happened.

Your Majesty, the man started again. A group of guards began gathering behind him.

Please, Nova urged, but opted for a more direct approach when she finally spotted the glowing orb. It was twinkling near the grand staircase that led to the second floor. By order of the Queen. Go back to your post.

Nova started to run. The guard looked like he wanted to follow. She gave him one final stare and he surrendered to her request. Turning away, the guard shooed the rest of the men off.

Nova didn’t blame him for being alarmed. She was sprinting through the castle at midnight following a mysterious ball of light. Yet Nova knew she was safe. The glowing orb was the same entity she’d encountered the first time she was in the castle— when she’d been kidnapped and imprisoned by Katrina. The orb had appeared and led Nova to the menagerie— the caves under the castle that housed an array of wild beasts. And just as it did the last time, the orb’s presence warmed Nova’s insides, like a mug of hot tea. It made her feel safe, protected. It called to her silently. The need to be near the orb was intense, like it was a piece of her she couldn’t live without.

Slow down, she breathed, chasing the white radiance of the floating ball. It bounced up the grand staircase, illuminating the red carpet and intricately carved railing. Nova bound after it, taking the stairs two-by-two. She followed the ball down a long hall lined with closed doors, but when she sprinted around a sharp corner, Nova crashed into another moving body. The sudden whack abruptly knocked her on her butt. She smacked against the ground. The other half of the collision squealed and landed in a heap as well. Before Nova could make sense of anything, she was yanked to her feet.

Ouch! Nova huffed, pushing against a guard’s hold.

Your Majesty, the guard replied, and dropped his grip as soon as he realized who he was assaulting. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know it was you. Please accept my apologies.

He immediately stepped back, a sheepish look on his face. Nova gave him a grimace, but she didn’t blame him for grabbing her. He’d obviously been running alongside Jade— who was now at Nova’s feet, sprawled on the ground.

It’s fine. I’m okay, Nova said to the guard.

Jade put a hand over her heart. Her gaggle of guards helped her to her feet and she stood, her raven hair spilling over a long, white nightgown.

What are you doing out here? Jade asked, as though she was accusing Nova of being up to no good.

I’m— Nova twirled around, looking for the orb. She pushed wild blonde curls from her eyes, knowing she looked a mess. I was chasing that thing, she muttered out of frustration when she couldn’t find it. She didn’t care what Jade thought of her midnight rousing. What was Jade up to, anyhow?

Jade’s emerald eyes went wide. You see it, too? she breathed, and Nova met her bewildered gaze just as Jade jumped and pointed. There! There it is!

Nova spun again, nearly losing her balance this time, and spotted the white orb. It hung in the hallway like an ornament. Only now it was joined by a second orb which glowed with a yellow light.

Did you follow that here? Nova asked Jade sharply, referring to the yellow orb. Jade didn’t answer. Instead, she grabbed Nova’s arm and wrenched her into a stumbling run.

Easy, Nova said, nearly jerking her arm from Jade’s hold, but the orbs moved and instantly distracted her. The two bright orbs flew down the hall like tossed balls and Nova chased them. Jade was at her side and the guards were close behind them. They followed the orbs down the staircase and through the courtyard, bounding toward the back of the castle where they were ultimately stopped by a giant, closed door.

Where are we? Nova asked, nearly out of breath, amazed at the maze of halls, tunnels, and hidden rooms in the Larkspur castle. She knew she’d only explored a fraction of the massive castle.

Before Jade could answer, the orbs melted through the closed door like ghosts, and disappeared.

Open it! Jade yelled. The guards that had been running with them raced ahead, fiddled with keys and locks, and finally opened the door.

A stone staircase was revealed. Jade gave pause before answering Nova’s question. The dungeon.

Jade’s reply unsettled Nova, but she needed to be near the orbs. As soon as the orbs were out of her sight, Nova longed to be near them. They gave her a sense of peace. She didn’t understand why, but Jade must’ve felt the same, because she sprinted through the open door. Nova followed, and they descended into a dark, windowless spiral staircase. They ran, glimpsing the edge of the orb light that was just out of their reach. A thunder of boots followed them until they all spilled out into a damp, dank cave lit only by the orbs. They were beneath the castle and their presence awakened whatever lived there.

Moans and groans quickly turned to shrieks. The eerie cave was lined with iron bars. Nova gasped when hands and arms appeared, pushing between the metal rods.

Are there people down here? Nova asked, her heart lurching when dirty faces pressed against the bars. She turned to Jade. Did you know that?

Jade shook her head back and forth. Katrina, she started, looking alarmed.

How do we— Nova asked, immediately wanting to release these people. How long had they been down here?

I thought Katrina sold all the prisoners, Jade said, turning to one of her guards, accusation in her tone.

No, my Queen, the guard replied, quickly. Not all of them.

Why was I not made aware of this? Why were these people not reported to me? Jade’s stance had gone rigid.

Please accept my apologies, the guard started to grovel. I have been reporting the prisoners to you, as I was previously instructed to by your mother. They are included in the list of available bartering goods.

Jade’s face melted from fury to horror. The prisoners are included in the list of goods available for trade? With the silver, gold, spices, and jewels?

The guard shook his head up and down. He was now cowering. Yes, that is how your mother requested the prisoners be accounted for. They were always to be included on the barter list.

Jade looked like she was choking and Nova had a million questions, but the orbs moved again and Nova pulled Jade forward, out of her conversation with the guard. He would have to be dealt with later. Right now they needed to find the orbs’ destination. So far, the glowing entities had led them to a cave full of prisoners. What else would the orbs lead them to?

Nova and Jade moved past iron-clad cells and when the orbs reached the last chamber, they passed through the bars and illuminated the small space.

There were three women standing inside, shoulder-to-shoulder, dressed in burlap sacks which were tied at their waists with rope. Unlike the rest of the prisoners, these women stood quietly, as though they’d been waiting for visitors.

The silver-haired woman in the middle spoke first. Queen Jade. Queen Nova. She addressed them by name and added a slow bow. Nova’s mouth fell open.

Who are you? Jade asked. There was a tremor in her voice and guards closed in, waiting for a command.

We are the Larkspur Witches, all three women replied, in unison.

"We are your witches, the woman in the middle added. Her dark skin was smooth. Her eyes were an eerie gray, almost matching the color of her silver curls. We’ve been waiting for you."

The other two women raised a hand toward the stone ceiling, and the magical orbs floated to sit in their palms. Nova blinked, not sure what she was witnessing, but remembering the orb had helped her before— when she was trying to escape Katrina. It had led her to the animals in the menagerie that ultimately saved her life.

Are those your orbs? Did you lead me to the menagerie? Before? When I was running from Katrina? Nova asked her questions in a blur, without taking a breath.

The silver-haired woman nodded. "And we used an orb to lead Jade to Cor Montem."

The short, curvy witch played with the orb in her hand like a ball of dough. We’ve been helping you from afar. The both of you. As much as we can. Her round face crimped into a smile, which felt odd in the dirty, cold cell.

The third woman was slim and tall. Her chocolate hair hung in a braid across her chest. She looked to be the youngest of the three, and added, We’re glad you outwitted that nasty mother of yours. We didn’t think you’d actually do it. Her comment seemed sincere, but jarred Nova just the same.

The silver-haired woman gave the young woman a reprimanding glance. My name is Solis. These are my cousins, Stella and Luna. She waved her hand first to the curvy witch, and then to the young one. We’re from the Terra Coven and were previously in service to your mother. When she lost her wits, she locked us up. Solis raised her brow. And we would be much more help to you without the restriction of these bars.

Silence hung like a wet rag until Jade replied with, Let them free.

Guards moved in and keys clattered. Nova must’ve looked worried, because Jade whispered, I remember Katrina mentioning those names when I was little . . . Solis, Luna, Stella. I remember hearing great things about her witches, even though I never met them. They’ve already proven they want to help us, and we need all the help we can get when it comes to magic.

Nova gave a nod, cautiously agreeing as the bars swung open like a door.

Stella, the curvy witch with short, pixie-like blonde hair, exited first. Thank the heavens, she breathed. I didn’t think we’d ever get out of there. And if I had to catch one more rat for our orb spell, I was going to scream. She looked at Nova like she should understand.

A rat? For your orb spell? Nova asked, as all three witches left their cell.

Solis took a deep breath, as though the air on the other side of the bars smelled sweeter. Then she focused her gaze on Nova. We come from generations of witches. Our family taught us how to create magic, how to use it. We do not own magic like you do. We make it. And in that cell, we haven’t had access to many ingredients. We’ve had to make do with what we can find. The orb spell is one of the few we’ve managed to create while imprisoned.

Stella hugged her shining orb to her chest. Three rats, she said, scrunching her nose. Each orb requires three rats to be caught and then lulled to sleep. Do you know how hard that is?

Hard? Nova replied, still unsure what was happening.

It is, Stella sighed, looking thankful that Nova agreed with her.

But worth it, Luna added before setting her yellow orb on her shoulder. It sat there like a parrot, warming her face, emphasizing her silky complexion and olive-tone.

Solis nodded in agreement with her cousins. The orbs are temporary, but while they last, they act as our eyes. Wherever the orbs went, we could see. They allowed us to move through the castle even though our bodies never left that cell. They allowed us to communicate with you and guide you. And because we used white magic, you felt safe in the presence of the orbs.

White magic? As opposed to black? Jade asked, tentatively entranced by the three women in front of them.

Solis twitched as though Jade had just used profanity. White magic. Black magic. There are all kinds of magic. Most of it I’d consider gray magic, Solis explained. White magic is used for good. Black magic is used for evil. But— Solis paused. Magic itself isn’t good or bad. The intention of magic is what determines its purpose. That’s why I don’t care for those terms. You can’t put magic in a box and label it.

Stella’s friendly face turned serious. Black magic will come back to haunt you. You must always use spells or potions with the best of intentions. Otherwise, the universe will eventually punish you.

Solis pursed her lips. There’s a lot of gray area in that statement, Stella.

Look what happened to Katrina, Stella argued.

Luna nodded in agreement and ran her fingers across her throat, like she was slicing it. Nova stiffened, knowing exactly what Luna was referring to.

Did . . . did you see her die? Jade asked, as though she’d read Nova’s mind.

When Nova and Jade had been forced to fight Katrina in the menagerie, Katrina had turned herself into a deadly panther. She’d tried to use fear to turn Nova and Jade against each other— hoping one of them would murder the other. Instead, Jade sliced her mother with a thrown sword, and Nova pierced the queen’s heart with an arrow. But, ultimately, neither Nova nor Jade had killed Katrina. They hadn’t made the final blow. Chael had been the one to slit Katrina’s throat. He’d been the one to kill her.

Solis raised her hands and both orbs jumped into her palms like flitting birds. The movement jarred Nova out of her head.

"We used an orb to lead Jade to Cor Montem so she could learn about her magic. We used an orb to point Nova toward the menagerie so she could use the animals to defend herself against Katrina, Solis replied. And the orbs also allowed us to watch as you battled your mother in the menagerie."

Jade reached into her nightgown pocket and pulled out a jar. Did you also make this?

Nova recognized the jar immediately. It was the jar that held the sun potion— the magical potion that could turn night to day. It was the reason the sun was shining, even though it was the middle of the night.

Solis stepped toward the jar, taking it carefully from Jade’s outstretched hand. Inside, a small rock glittered dimly.

My sun potion, Solis said, gazing into the jar. Stella and Luna scooted close. Have you been using this? The magic is nearly gone.

We had to, Jade replied, sounding startled. "We’ve been using