Divided: Four Stars Over Ardatz: Sovereigns, #6

By Kandi J Wyatt

Finding magic or finding love? Can both exist for 16-year-old Mairead?

Orphaned, thrust into the throne, and now mysterious and mystical things are happening within her. Mairead is overwhelmed. When Prince Lysander requests a diplomatic visit, Mairead feels a pull to say yes, despite the warnings from her council.

As her draconic powers awaken, she turns to the prince who understands magic—and her life circumstances. Their lessons soon focus less on learning about this fascinating power and more about their growing attraction for each other.

Although those closest to her grow more suspicious of the prince's intentions, Mairead can only see the hurt and pain Lysander has experienced and is drawn to the power he exhibits.

A heart is a fragile thing, and first love is never easy. Mairead must decide where her loyalties lie and uncover the prince's true purpose before she loses far more than the crown her parents fought so hard to establish for her.

Divided is the sixth book in the coming-of-age epic fantasy series: Four Stars over Ardatz: Sovereigns. If you like action, multi-dimensional clean romance, and addictive stories, you'll love Kandi J Wyatt's book.

Grab Divided today to finish the adventure!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kandi J Wyatt
• Release date: Nov 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223166450

Kandi J Wyatt

Even as a young girl, Kandi J Wyatt, had a knack for words. She loved to read them, even if it was on a shampoo bottle! By high school Kandi had learned to put words together on paper to create stories for those she loved. Nowadays, she writes for her kids, whether that's her own five or the hundreds of students she's been lucky to teach. When Kandi's not spinning words to create stories, she's using them to teach students about Spanish, life, and leadership.

Book preview

Chapter 1

There’s no place in the world like the stable—whether at a lowly inn or in a palace, ‘tis always the same inside. ‘Tis the one place I feel truly at home. The horses don’t pass judgment; Father was right about that. As long as we remain calm and self-assured, they’ll accept us.

~Journal of Hest, second dragon king of Muintir

6125 AI

Cahar, Muintir

6137 AI

HORSES THUNDERED AROUND Mairead; the clash of swords rang against her ears. She ducked a blow. Her heart pounded as loud as the horse’s hooves around her. She had to keep up with Momma. There! But why wasn’t she wearing her crown?

A breeze pulled a red banner taut, revealing a crude stick-tree—the Navwood emblem, but what was it doing on a red field? Beneath the banner, a tall man with dark hair tapped a thick stick against his hand. The butt glowed with a yellow light. His smile didn’t reach his eyes and sent shivers down Mairead’s back. She stopped. This was the same man who’d hurt Momma and given Mairead such terrifying dreams.

He grinned. I see you, princess. Do you really think you can stand against me?

You leave me alone! Mairead crouched into a fighting stance Kyeth had taught her, but she still felt exposed without her wooden training blade.

The sanyalee flinched back at her words. You are stronger than you appear, little princess.

You leave my daughter out of this! Momma’s voice was low and commanding.

Momma! Mairead reached for her, but Momma didn’t respond. Instead, she swung her sword, sending sparks flying from the man’s weapon.

A ball of fire exploded from the stick and struck Momma in the chest. She flew backward, landing in a heap, her armor crackling with arcing energy, her body twisted and limp.

Mairead jolted upright. The lamp in the hallway cast a soft light over her room but did nothing to still her beating heart.

Momma? Her hand strayed to find Barene, but instead of the stuffed bear, it encountered something hard and covered in delicate points—the crown, the last thing her momma had left her. She’d kept it close ever since. If Momma wanted her to keep it safe, then that’s what she’d do. Momma!

Rydian opened the door the rest of the way and peeked in. "’Tis the middle of the rest period, princess. Your momma and the cannonsea only left five steps ago."

Mairead nodded and bit her lip. No word had come yet from the battlefield, nor would it for another three steps at least, but she was convinced that things had not gone according to plan; the dream that had brought her out of a deep sleep was proof of that. How could she rest now?

She straightened her pillows and leaned against the headboard, drawing her knees up to her chest and pulling her mother’s crown close. The only thing she could do now but wait.

Her eyes drooped. As they did, a golden light shone from the wall opposite her door. She squinted. What was that? Was it a person? Had someone found one of the secret passages her momma had always warned her about?

The light blinded her, and she shielded her eyes with one arm.

"Inene, rest. Your mother is safe with me." The voice was soft, resonant, and full of love—the father’s love she’d longed for all her short life.

Is she... will she...? I w- want her to come h- home.

"I know, Inene. I am sorry for the cost of what she gave you."

Mairead’s eyes filled with tears, and she buried her face in her knees. B- but that means...

Listen and walk in my ways. ‘Twill make you a queen to be proud of.

How will I know what to do? Her voice trembled, despite her best efforts to keep it steady.

He held out his hand, and she saw the spine of a slender book in his grasp. She frowned but took it. Then, as suddenly as it had appeared, the light vanished. In one hand she held her mother’s crown, in the other a leather-bound volume. Wide-awake, she lit her bedside lamp and folded the cover back. Fine, confident handwriting filled the pages, strokes she could read even through the blurring of her tears.

I cried out to Jeeah, and He heard me. I laid down and slept, because Jeeah sustained me. Because of Him, I awoke refreshed.

Jeeah’s words returned to her. Your mother is safe with me.

She laid her head back against the pillow and took a first deep breath after too many shallow. "Chay la Jeeah, Momma. Chay la Jeeah."

"Oh, Inene, chay la Jeeah," her mother’s voice whispered to her.

ANA GENTLY SHOOK MAIREAD awake. Time to get up, princess.

Mairead sighed and turned over. As she did, her hand lighted on the ridges of her mother’s crown. Memories of the dream returned, and she sat up.

Is Momma back yet?

Worry crossed Ana’s face. "Nay, Inene. They won’t return for another three steps at the least. Achan wanted you to spend the step with him."

Even the excitement of time in the stables was dimmed by her worry.

What’s this? Ana picked up a book from the floor. She straightened a page that had been bent back.

’Twasn’t a dream? Mairead reached for the leather-bound journal and opened it. "I laid down and slept, because Jeeah sustained me. Because of Him, I awoke refreshed. I don’t know who wrote it, but ‘tis nice."

’Tis true. Ana pulled a dress from the wardrobe and helped Mairead into it. I don’t know what I’d do without Jeeah as my guide.

Momma does... didn’t talk about him much, but I think she agreed.

Ana paused, but then continued, "I’m sure she does, Kailah. Now, let me fix your hair, and then you can take some food and go meet Achan."

Seating herself on the settee and arranging her skirts, Mairead smoothed open the page and read.

Those who trouble me are all around, Jeeah. Many rise up against me, saying You will not help me, but You, Jeeah, are my shield, my glory, and the One who keeps my head high.

Ana, how can Jeeah be a shield? Mairead saw her furrowed brow in the mirror.

"Well, ‘tis a mighty big question, Inene. Ana twisted three strands of hair together. Remember when you were a small child and your momma wouldn’t tell you about your Da despite how many times you asked?"

Aye. What did this have to do with Jeeah being a shield?

Your momma was protecting you from information she felt you weren’t old enough to grasp. She was shielding you.

Oh, like when Rydian steps in front of a wild sword swing in the practice ring?

Exactly. He’s your shield. Jeeah can be the same way. He’ll protect you and keep you safe.

Ana wrapped the tie around Mairead’s braid and patted her head. "There you go, Kailah. I had Ryleigh fix you a breakfast and snack to take with you. ‘Tis in the basket."

Thank you, Ana. Mairead grabbed the basket and hurried eagerly out the door.

The bayheah always had fun things in store when he allowed her to spend time with him, and she needed something fun after the dream that had wrested her from sleep. She shuddered at the memory of her mother’s crumpled form, taken by a blast from the sanyalee’s rod, but she also recalled the sweetness of her strong, loving voice, and the overwhelming peace of Jeeah’s presence. She didn’t know how to feel. Everything she thought and did carried a sweet, horrific aching, from her chest all the way out to her fingers and toes. She knew what had happened, but she didn’t want to know yet, not when no one else had to. It hurt too much to know.

At least the rain had stopped. Mairead hurried across the courtyard and into the stables. Warmth and the scent of hay hit her in the face. She smiled. Besides the Rittider training ground, the horse barn was the next best place to be. Brown, bay, and black noses popped over the stall doors in greeting. She patted some and hummed a tune to all.

"Ah, there’s the cahleen the creatures love." A slender man with strong arms smiled making even more wrinkles in his face.

Greetings, Achan. She curtsied. Ana said I get to spend the full step with you.

Aye, ‘tis true. He winked at her and held out his hand. I have a surprise for you.

What ‘tis? Mairead took his hand and followed him past the long row of stalls, beyond the tack rooms, and to a corner in the back near his quarters.

Achan paused in front of a stall door. The light didn’t reach into this one, and Mairead wasn’t tall enough to see over the door anyway.

You’ll need all your wisdom and cunning as a horse lover. May even need that tune I taught you synods ago.

The music came easily to her mind, and she hummed it.

Aye, that one. Like I’ve taught you, be still. Are you ready?

Mairead shut her eyes and breathed deeply. Something scuffled in the hay behind the door. With a snick Achan released the latch and pulled the door back.

Oh! The expression was a soft whisper, barely audible.

’Tis Beskallare’s. Thought you might enjoy him. He’ll make a perfect horse for a princess one step.

The colt sat in the hay, his star the only part visible in the shadows. Then he stood. With a snort, he backed up, only to trip over his impossibly spindly legs.

"Sh, Shcab, li care." Mairead put out her hand and hummed the tune that had calmed the colt’s sire.

Ears pricked forward. The colt trembled. Mairead continued to hum as if she had no care in the world. She discovered the more she focused on the melody, the more her own heart calmed as well.

When the colt realized she was safe, he pressed his nose toward her.

With a smile, Mairead nodded. Aye, Shcab, come.

I thought you’d be perfect for him. Achan leaned against the stall door. He needs human contact. There’s a towel there for you to rub him down with when he’ll let you.

’Tis fine, Shcab. I won’t hurt you. No one’s going to harm you here. She kept her voice slow and steady, talking to the colt as if he understood her words. He rewarded her with his breath on her hand.

Aye, that’s the way. She placed her hand on his cheek.

With a shrill whinny, he moved to bolt and toppled forelock over haunches, tumbling into the hay again.

"You have all step, cahleen. Achan kept his voice calm. Break your fast and work slowly with him. You’ll gain his trust."

Where’s his momma? Mairead didn’t take her eyes off the colt, who trembled and then started rearranging his legs to get himself upright.

Achan let out a heavy sigh. "Well, cahleen, sometimes things don’t always go the way we think they should. His dam didn’t survive his birth."

She... died? Mairead felt heat build up inside and tears threatened to spill.

Aye, ‘twas sad, but at least we were able to save this one. He’ll need to learn to take the bottle and will need someone to feed him often. Think you can do that this step?

Mairead caught her lower lip between her teeth and nodded.

"Knew I could count on you, cahleen."

Thank you, Achan. She looked up, ignoring the struggling colt. I’ll make you proud of Shcab.

Shcab, huh?

’Cause of his star.

Aye, thought that was the case. ‘Tis a beauty, Shcab is.

She turned her attention back to the struggling colt. He couldn’t get his legs under him, and his frantic efforts compelled her to step in. Humming her father’s tune, she scooted closer to the colt.

Hush, Shcab. Let me help. She stroked his fluffy back.

He twitched but didn’t shy away.

There you go. See, ‘tisn’t that bad. You’ll be fine.

Shcab nibbled at her fingers with a power that left dents in the tips.

Ow! Achan, when did he eat last?

The bayheah reached to a shelf and pulled down a glass jar with what looked like a stocking strung to the top. You’ll have the privilege of feeding him his first real meal.

The glass was warm to the touch and fit comfortably in her hands.

Here you go; this’ll be better for you than my fingers.

Mairead fitted the stocking into the colt’s mouth. He spit it out, milk dribbling down his chin. With a quiet laugh, Mairead stuck both the stocking and her finger in Shcab’s mouth. The colt nibbled, then sucked with a strength that hurt.

Ow, Shcab! Mairead pulled her finger out, and the colt continued to suckle. There, see? ‘Tis better. You have to eat, you know, so you can grow and be strong. You’re going to be a beautiful stallion one step. Mayhap you’ll even be my horse. Would you like that? She kept up the flow of gentle words as he drank, tugging so fiercely on the bottle that she had to lean back a little against his pull.

Achan knelt beside her. Now, take the towel and rub him down. His dam was able to do a little of it, but not all. See his hocks? Get those clean.

With methodical movements, Mairead wiped the colt with one hand while holding the bottle with the other.

When he’s done, spend time with him. He’ll want to sleep, and that’s fine. We want him to think you’re his momma.

I’m not a momma, but I can make him think that. Mairead smiled at the thought, but then she remembered her dream. Her smile fell away.

After watching her for a few moments more, Achan said, I’ll leave you to work with him. If you need anything, just call out. One of the stable boys will be by and can help.

Mairead nodded but kept her focus on Shcab who lost the nipple and started nuzzling for more milk.

Here you go. She helped him find the stocking again, then set her head close to his. We’re much alike, you know that? I don’t have a da and you don’t have a momma. Your da was my da’s horse. Think we could be friends?

Shcab’s tail whipped back and forth, and he butted the bottle with his head. She pulled it away to keep him from knocking it out of her hands and breaking it.

’Tis gone, Shcab. No more.

He nuzzled her fingers, but she didn’t allow him to get them in his mouth again. Instead, she trailed them along his cheek to his star. There she scratched at the white hairs. The colt bent one leg and flopped down beside her.

Mairead laughed. You’ll get it figured out before long. My turn for food now. Mayhap when you’re a little older I can share.

She dragged the basket over without getting up and pulled out a plum, her favorite. The sweet juice exploded in her mouth and dribbled down her chin. Ana would have scolded her for it, but she wasn’t around, so Mairead went ahead and wiped her mouth with her sleeve. Shcab sniffed at the wet fabric and lipped at it, but Mairead pulled her arm out of the way with a soft laugh and stroked his forelock as an apology.

With a deep sigh that rattled his whole body, Shcab settled his head on her lap. His warmth seeped through her skirt and brought her comfort. She rested her hand on his back and allowed the cares to slip away. A moonstep in the barn was exactly what she needed after her bad dream. Jeeah had known what would soothe her soul. The words from the journal returned to her mind. I cried out to Jeeah, and he heard me.

Jeeah, are you there? Will you hear? Thank you for Shcab and Achan. Help Shcab grow strong like his da. She took a breath. And help me to trust you.

Dust motes danced in the lamplight as if in answer to her questions. She smiled content to know that even if she couldn’t see him, Jeeah cared.

Chapter 2

This step has been the worst of my life. Not only did I watch my beloved friend fall in battle, I had to return to his wife with the news. If I never watch a soul crumple like that again, ‘twill be too soon. A sciv’vare is not supposed to have to face the realities of war. This was not to be my task. How did it come to me?

~Aatami, sciv’vare to Ovar Leonin

3255 AI

Cahar, Muintir

6137 AI

FOR THE NEXT FOUR MOONSTEPS Mairead spent every waking moment either in the barn or the Rittider training center. With half the warriors with her mother at Charnee Creek, the center didn’t feel the same. She worked through the caine, perfecting the practice blade’s movements, ingraining them into her muscle memory, trying to blot out the terrible dream—if ‘twas a dream.

Well done, Mairead. Oakwin snatched a wooden blade from the rack. Care to spar?

Please! Mairead bowed to the Rittider, hoping the desperation she felt hadn’t made it into her voice. Thank you. It hasn’t been the same since...

Oakwin rested a hand on her shoulder. Aye, they’ll be back and everything will be back to normal around here. Take the quiet as a time to unwind. Now, about that sparring. A smile lit his face. Think you’re ready for me?

Her chest tightened, but she gave a nod. Mayhap.

Raising his blade in salute, Oakwin came forward. He lifted his blade high and brought it down toward her head. This, Mairead knew! She jerked her arms to the left, the flat of her blade sloped to protect her shoulder, and angled to meet him. The clack of wood on wood sounded loud in the empty arena. Their blades slid past each other, and Oakwin came at her again.

Wind blew the sand against her legs, and the sound of heavy footfalls filled the courtyard. They both turned. Solemn-faced Rittider spilled through the entryway. Most were silent, and those who conversed did so with slow words and slumped shoulders.

Mairead searched each one, hoping to see the tall red-headed cannonsea. Buckles jingled as the Rittider doffed their armor. Still no Kyeth.

She chewed her lip. Where is he?

He’ll be here. Oakwin reassured her, but she heard the tension in his voice.

Then as if curtains had been drawn open to brighten the room, the warrior stepped through the entryway. Mairead ran to him and flung her arms around his neck. The cannonsea hefted her up and clutched both hands across her back, squeezing tight.

You’re back! Her words were muffled in his leather jerkin.

"Inene, oh, Inene." He choked on the words and set her down.

Kyeth? she pled with him, incapable of words.

Instead of answering, he took her hand in his and led her away from the commotion of the Rittider settling in.  Rain hit her in the face and drenched her hair and dress, leaving her chilled. Kyeth walked as if he didn’t feel the weather—he probably didn’t, under all that leather. He opened a side door leading into the castle and pulled her into a room lit only by what filtered through the drapes. Without letting go of her hand, he slumped onto a bench. She stood beside it, allowing the water to pool at her feet.

Never had she seen Kyeth so pale and listless. It sent her heart racing and her stomach plummeting, fighting to leave her body as if it could escape the words he was assembling. The warrior leaned his head back and closed his eyes. His face was haggard, and for the first time she thought that he looked old.

Clenching her free hand at her side, she licked her lips. K- Kyeth?

Mairead didn’t want to hear what the cannonsea had to tell her, but at the same time, she already knew. His words would only confirm what Jeeah had already shown her in the dream.

Kyeth opened his eyes—green like the trees she loved. Where laughter usually danced, tears brimmed.

Oh, Mairead! He gulped in air as if he couldn’t get enough and wiped at his eyes with his free hand.

Her knees turned weak, and she sank onto the bench beside him.

’Twas the Lochlann general, wasn’t it?

He lowered his head into his free hand. Aye. H- how...? His voice cracked.

Mairead rested her head on his shoulder. For the first time in her life, she felt that he needed her strength.

I... I cried out to Jeeah, she whispered, and he heard me. J- Jeeah, she couldn’t even lift her face for the prayer, we need you.

Kyeth’s shoulders shook, and that unraveled Mairead’s reserve. Sobs broke out between them, and for a long time she sat there with him, eyes clenched shut and finding nothing in the hollowness but the clasp of his hand, his broad fingers wrapped around her slender palm and grasping tightly enough that it hurt, but she didn’t care. Such a mild pain couldn’t matter when the loss was so raw that it felt like a scraped knee all over her insides; a little discomfort was a low cost for something to hold onto in the dark. At some point, Kyeth wrapped his arm around her and pulled her to him his tears rolling down with her rain-drenched dress and soaking into the folds. She held onto the shoulders of his shirt, bunching the fabric up in her fists and pulling herself against him, curling up small into his chest and wishing his strength could erase the world where momma could die and leave her behind.

At long last, the sorrow emptied out its clouds and the dim light came back into her awareness. She felt chilled, drained—drowsy against Kyeth’s warmth now that his breathing, too, had steadied. Sleep beckoned her, but when they had both calmed, Kyeth opened a little space between them and looked her in the face, pushing her straggled braid behind her shoulders. "’Tis a hard thing to bear, Inene, but you deserve to know. Your momma, he closed his mouth, his expression pained, your momma fought like the great queen she is—was. He wiped a hand over his face. She faced the horde with only Seamus beside her. They left the army behind and forged ahead to meet the sanyalee on the hill behind his forces. I don’t think he expected her to be so bold."

The images came too quickly for Mairead to process. How could it be?

I- I was there, she whispered.

The cannonsea stared at her.

I saw a bright light fly from his weapon. It hit Momma in the chest.

Aye. Kyeth blinked rapidly.

And she fell, and... She wiped her eyes. Where was Seamus? Why didn’t he protect her like he was supposed to? She knew that he would have laid his life down for Momma if he could have, but all the same, an unreasonable anger clutched her heart at the sudden thought. How could Seamus have let her momma die?

A deep sigh pushed its way through Kyeth’s body. Because he’d already taken the first blow for her—and it tossed him like chaff. He couldn’t get up and back to her in time to stop the next one.

The anger faded into shock—Seamus, a man who seemed to Mairead as sturdy and invincible as Kyeth, thrown aside? How