Ode to an Empress

By Megan Elizabeth

As yet another Quinquennial approaches, the whole of Cassana holds its breath in anticipation of the start of a new era. Another Empress must be chosen, and the fate of the next five years, or perhaps the future, lies in the prophecy of the Everdiamond. The strength of Cassana is wanning, with enchantment and magic banned throughout the land, the ancient and powerful order of the Viridescents banished to the outer islands, and their enemies growing in number and their faith in the Everdiamond diminishing. Only one could possibly unite them once and for all. The Empress. It is time to follow the journey of eight individuals, one prophesied to be the Empress, one determined to become a Crystalline warrior, one banished to the outer-lands as a Viridescent, one seeking wisdom, one prepared to do what it takes to bring the magic back to Cassana, one who plots to take the throne, one the leader of the order of the Viridescents and one who wishes only to see her brother once again. This is their story. Battles must be fought, and Draegons awoken, magic rekindled. Wise be your council; fair be your judgement.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Sep 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9781398484313

Megan Elizabeth

Megan Elizabeth is an Australian author, born and raised on a farm with her five siblings in regional New South Wales. Megan now lives in Wagga Wagga where she is currently a piano and ballet teacher whilst pursuing her studies for a Bachelor of Music majoring in piano performance, as well as developing her talent for writing fantasy fiction. Megan is very passionate about the fantasy genre, and some of her biggest inspirations include C.S Lewis, J.R.R Tolkien and Brandon Sanderson. Some of Megan’s other interests include, singing, learning new languages, reading and spending time on the farm.

Book preview

About the Author

Megan Elizabeth is an Australian author, born and raised on a farm with her five siblings in regional New South Wales. Megan now lives in Wagga Wagga where she is currently a piano and ballet teacher whilst pursuing her studies for a Bachelor of Music majoring in piano performance, as well as developing her talent for writing fantasy fiction. Megan is very passionate about the fantasy genre, and some of her biggest inspirations include C.S Lewis, J.R.R Tolkien and Brandon Sanderson. Some of Megan’s other interests include, singing, learning new languages, reading and spending time on the farm.

Dedication

For my sisters who are true diamonds.

Copyright Information ©

Megan Elizabeth 2023

The right of Megan Elizabeth to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781398484306 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781398484313 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2023

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

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Canary Wharf

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E14 5AA

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank all my friends and family for their support throughout the writing to publication journey of this book. You are the reason that this is all possible and forever my greatest inspiration. A huge thank you to Austin Macauley Publishers for recognising something in my writing worth sharing, and for your patience through the editing process, reviewing proof after proof to reach the end result and for all you have done to make my greatest dream become a reality. You all have my endless gratitude and a special place in my heart.

Chapter 1

Alaena

You’re late, she stated. Her stare was piercing and unforgiving, many would shrink under such a gaze, but not Alaena Tamerance; she held her eyes with the same steel.

My apologies, she replied, hardly meaning it.

This chamber council is no place for tardiness. It will not be tolerated, the woman warned, Regardless of what position you hold or soon will.

You have my word it will not happen again. She took her seat at the large table, it was oval shaped and jagged at the edges, its pure diamond surface reflected the soft candle light of the too large room for just the table of the Crystalline Council alone, but she let herself admire the extravagance; such brilliance she had not seen before in her life.

She tried her best to ignore the hostile looks and hushed whispers from the others seated around her. She held the other nine of them in suspicion; she had no reason to trust any of them, not yet. As she observed those seated around her, she knew that they had been training for their positions their whole lives, and she resisted the urge to shrink back into her seat. What did she know about politics; about bringing order to the realm? Why did I have to be chosen for this? She would not let them see the doubt or fear that pulled at her beneath her confident appearance. She was by no means of high reputation or noble birth but none of that mattered, the Everdiamond had chosen and they all were servants to its will.

As you all are aware, once again another Quinquennial approaches, and once again we will have a new and glorious Empress. The woman glanced at Alaena when she spoke, and her heart quickened in her chest. This woman was intimidating, to say the least. Her hair was stark black, no, blacker than black, despite her apparent age. Her eyes were the usual deep amber colour and seemed to burn like fire. She was exceedingly tall and had a breadth to her shoulders that demanded authority, and she made her address with a such passion that planted doubt in Alaena’s mind that she could ever be a leader. Why couldn’t it be someone like her? She returned her attention to the table of pure diamond, captivated by its natural beauty.

The Everdiamond has made its choice, and we must embrace it. Rise, Alaena Tamerance. The room was silent as she rose from her seat, hoping no one would notice the slight tremor in her legs, despite the confidence she had shown just moments before. I present to you our new Empress. May your council be wise and your judgement be fair as the next five years lie in your hands.

Wise be your council, fair be your judgement, they all echoed in unison, but she was certain of what they must be thinking. No doubt her young age was a concern to the Council, but they obediently said the words, their worries lifeless on their lips and left unspoken. The Everdiamond was not to be questioned, its decision was final, and its decision had been her.

The words they spoke sent shivers up her spine, and a feeling swept over her, somehow making her feel like she shouldn’t be here in this place, surrounded by all the finery, rituals and politics. She should be at her home nestled deep within the mountains shrouded with ancient pine trees, training with her sister and hunting rabbits. Their mother trained them well with the sword and in many forms of combat. If she closed her eyes in this very moment, she could picture them now, her mother’s hand wrapped delicately around the hilt of her diamond dagger, which had been named Everjust; it was the most beautiful thing Alaena had ever seen, it reflected the light just like the table that was before her, but in a thousand colours. It was considered a great honour to have such a weapon. They belonged only to the order of the Crystallines, the protectors and great warriors of the great land of Cassana. Her mother had been one of them, a Crystalline warrior and protector of the realm in an age long ago. It had been a dream of both her and her sister to become a Crystalline warrior someday, but now Alaena’s future couldn’t look more different. As she took in more detail about the room and all the diamond intricacies, she tried to imagine what the Everdiamond might look like. There were only a few that had seen it with their own eyes, and Alaena guessed that they would have been members of the Council.

Now, to voice the matters of importance.

In moments, Alaena was snapped back into reality, her fantasies about the Everdiamond and her dreams of wielding her own diamond dagger blade vanishing as soon as they had come, and she was once again seated at the jagged table of diamond.

The former Empress, as we are aware, has a son, Elliat Wranson. Who, until recent times, has held no threat of consequence, but things have since changed. Many agree that he brings instability to the realm.

Nods of agreement passed between the council members, and a frown formed on Alaena’s brow as she sensed a plot forming.

It is true that he is young, eligible, handsome, influential and a real threat if allowed to be. There has been whispers of the young man’s… interests. You all know of what I speak. There are whispers that his passions lie in the old enchantments that have long been forbidden. If proven he could be executed for treason. And so, I bring it to the attention of the council that this might not go undiscussed. Aris, I will have your thoughts on this matter, she said, with a gesture toward the petite woman, dark of hair, who would have been quite beautiful if it weren’t from the scar that crossed her face from brow to chin.

You are most wise, Charise, this is a delicate matter indeed, she addressed the woman who had spoken to her. Elliat is very much a threat to the stability of the realm. He is now eligible for marriage; many women may seek power through such an attachment, and these ideas he inhabits must not be permitted to spread any further than they have already. He must be dealt with.

Thank you for your council, Charise nodded, seeming pleased that Aris agreed with her on the matter. Indeed, this is wise, Aris. I say we must marry him to a woman of our own arrangement, Charise proclaimed, he will then be under our influence and a… contained threat. What say you?

There was a moment of silence while the Council members considered her proposal, then, they slowly nodded their approval, and Alaena remained silent, unsure what her opinion of this young prince might be or if he really was any kind of threat. Then it is decided, Charise smiled, the kind of smile that Alaena couldn’t help but think that this was only the first step she was hoping to accomplish. This matter shall be brought to the attention of our former Empress, but we must tread carefully, for she is ever so fond of her son, Charise continued. Is there anyone else who wishes to speak on this matter?

I do. I wish to speak, Alaena said, glad when her voice came out stronger than a whisper. It seemed even she was surprised by her decision to speak on the matter.

Alaena? said Charise, looking at her, surprised, May your words reflect your wisdom.

I don’t believe that Elliat Wranson has posed any sort of threat to our realm, she began, Why now should we doubt him? Because he is eligible to marry? Because of words whispered in dark places? She challenged them, and she felt some satisfaction from how taken aback they seemed at her words. No. I say we wait and we do not act. We have many brave and loyal warriors that surround us, and those that can silence these rumours for good. There is no reason to take action.

Silence fell over the room and looks of contemplation passed between them.

And what of his eligibility? one asked.

Allow him to take a bride of his own choosing, she explained, It is of no consequence to us.

I believe you are quite mistaken, said another, "You do not realise the power of such an attachment. He is the son of an Empress, what if these followers he’s gathering begin to whisper heir, then what will become of us? It is too risky; we must take matters into our own hands."

Silence, Narsene! hushed Charise, You speak with passion, but it must be carefully considered.

Narsene was then silent and Charise continued, There may be a solution in near sight. This bought the attention of all, order finding the Council once more. What if we were to make an alliance to better ourselves? Marry him to a very powerful woman.

Please, excuse me for being outspoken but won’t that be granting him the very power you wish to withhold from him? said Alaena.

"You are right, however, it will be within our control, she said with certainty. And, I happen to have the perfect choice."

And who is this woman? asked Narsene.

Charise shifted her gaze to Alaena. Alaena Tamerance will be granted the honour and will become Elliat Wranson’s new wife. She will remain on the council until another such decision is made. Alaena, this is now your duty and which you will accept in the name of the realm of Cassana, Charise announced.

So, this is all that she was? A weighted chain to attach to the Empress’ son so he would be within the control of the Council, forever watched and observed. Imprisoned. It was all as clear as the jagged, diamond table before her. As clear as the crystal blade that would never feel at home in her hands, a blade that she would never get the chance to hear it speak its name. Alaena Tamerance, will you accept your duty to the realm? she demanded. Alaena knew she had no choice. If she refused, she would be putting her whole family at risk. This was her future now, and it couldn’t be further from what she had first imagined. Accept or her family would surely die; that is the choice she had been given. She knew what she had to do but still tears threatened to fall from her eyes. Never in her life had she felt so helpless. Blood covered her hands; she hadn’t realised how fiercely she had gripped the rough edges of the diamond table, but she didn’t feel the pain that she should have, it was nothing to her, drowned out by the pain she felt building inside her. I accept my duty to the realm this day and promise to fulfil it, she managed, trying to keep her hands from shaking. She did not know whether it was from rage or despair.

Wise be your council, fair be your judgement, they chorused once again. A single tear slipped from her eye and Alaena’s dream of holding her very own diamond dagger as a Crystalline warrior in all its purity seemed to stab into her gut and twist painfully.

Chapter 2

Elliat

Elliat dined in the grand Crystalline palace for one of the last times with Jenae Duram which he was certain had to be one of the most beautiful women in all of Cassana. Her red hair fell in tight curls down her slender back, her pale skin aglow in the light of the intricate diamond chandelier above them. Freckles dusted her nose and her pink cheeks, the softness of her smile echoed in her blue eyes. They sat in the main dining room, sunlight streamed through the windows on the East wall, light reflecting from the diamond table, engraved with flowers. The table was piled high with native fruits and freshly baked pastries, roasted meats and bottles of the finest wines; more than you could ever drink. This was his home for just a little while longer, at least until the official coronation of the new Empress, and he intended to enjoy himself. He had heard rumours that she was no older than nineteen, such a young Empress in reign had never been heard of before.

Will you miss all this? Jenae asked him. Her bejewelled hand gestured around her to all of the finery that surrounded them. It was truly splendid. The enormous chandeliers that hung from the ornately engraved ceilings, everything constructed out of pure diamond, reflecting the light in so many colours. It was a wonder to behold.

Well of course, it has been my home for what seems like forever, but in this life there is a freedom that I long for, he told her, I plan to take a long journey. There is so much about our world that is yet to be discovered, and so much history that begs to be uncovered and put on display once again, he told her, a dream on the tip of his tongue.

And when will you go? After the coronation of the new Empress, the Quinquennial? she asked him. She hoped he would stay for her if for nothing else, or perhaps take her with him. She watched him, taking him all in as if he would soon fade from her memory and be nothing but a moment in time. His dark features, the stubble that accentuated his jawline, his kind, honey-brown eyes that always seemed to be filled with a thousand questions, and the way he always seemed so relaxed, but still always so poised. It was a sight she would not soon forget if she had a choice. She did not know how she could ever bring herself to confess her love for him.

It could not be soon enough. I already know they’re watching me closely, the Council; I won’t stay here long enough for them to carry through with whatever schemes they have planned, he took a long drink from the goblet before him. From what my mother is saying they are planning to marry me off to a woman of their choosing. He tried his best not to cringe at the idea of such a thing, foreseeing how he would feel forever trapped and the dreams that would whisper away into nothing but mere notions.

They plan to have you marry? she asked. The idea made her uncomfortable, and she no longer felt the ravishing hunger that had first been upon her when the food had been brought before them. She wondered if she could be considered for such a position and if he would be so opposed to it if she was.

It seems they do. It’s most likely a plot to control me. They are afraid of my growing popularity, influence and charm. He winked at her and she returned it with a coy smile.

Please tell me you won’t leave straight away, she pleaded, her voice hopeful.

It depends if there is a reason to stay.

She smiled at him sweetly, hoping that she would be that reason and be the woman he would find was his impossible weakness. What could be more perfect than the son of an Empress?

Shall we take a turn about the gardens? She rose from her seat and he held out his arm, tan and strong, for her to take and they made their way out the glass doors on the opposing side of the room that lead to a garden laden with sweet roses.

Your mother was a wise ruler and a just Empress, she acknowledged.

Indeed, she was. There is much that she accomplished in so little a time, he agreed, Including the continued enforcement of the prohibition of magic and old enchantments, he told her.

It won’t stay that way forever, it can’t, she said, decidedly. Cassana cannot continue this way. It is growing weak without magic, and there is only so long that we can keep secrets for.

Sooner or later, they will discover who I am associating myself with and it will no longer be safe, and your identity… he trailed off. He did realise the type of risks he was taking, but why did it feel so right?

Magic could be a great asset to our realm, the qualities and power we could possess… we would be unbeatable. I read in a book once that magic powered the diamond armour worn by our Crystalline soldiers, and that they were stronger for it. Her eyes seemed to come alive as she told him. What if things were to change? she looked to him, What if such things were no longer banished and all returned to how it was?

Then we would be wise to welcome it. People only fear it because it is something they don’t understand, it is something that cannot be simply understood, it requires faith, he said, passionately.

Sometimes I think it would be best to put more trust in the hands of the council, not in an Empress. So much is trusted to fate with the Everdiamond, she considered.

"This is exactly what I mean! You