Mirror: Tales of Tessagonia, #2

By Mary W. Jensen

"I see all. I know all. I cannot tell a lie."

 

A magic mirror that speaks only truth. A girl unwanted by her mother. Seven muses watching over the land. And a dark ritual that calls on the old gods. 

 

Korina idolizes the mother she rarely sees. What she doesn't realize is that her mother's attention is much more dangerous than her neglect. Korina must survive in order to find her own happily ever after.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mary W. Jensen
• Release date: Jun 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798224450428

Mary W. Jensen

Mary W. Jensen lives in Utah with her husband and son. Mary is the middle of nine children, and escaped the loudness of reality by immersing herself in books and poetry. From chaos comes creation. Her poetry has been published in the webzines Moon Drenched Fables and Abyss & Apex. She is also co-author of the poetry book Lifelines published by InkSpotter Publishing.

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Copyright

MIRROR by Mary W. Jensen

Published by Briarbook Lane Press

https://www.briarbooklane.com/

© 2023 Mary W. Jensen

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permissions contact:

[e-mail]

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Contents

Copyright

1

2

3

Epilogue

Thanks for reading!

The Princess Test

Author Bio

1

Lady Sophia wandered through Market Square, hardly noticing the sweaty smells of the commoners or the raised voices calling their wares or haggling with customers. She usually sent her servants to shop for her, but on this day, she needed a distraction. A cart driver swerved when she didn't move out of his path. His swearing didn't penetrate her heavy thoughts. One month to the day had passed since her husband had set sail. She longed to see him. The manor had been so empty without his laughter. He hadn't even told her where he was going or when he would return. Only that the sea was calling for him once more.

She didn't understand how he could leave her. He had always praised her beauty; in fact, considered her the most beautiful lady in the land. She placed a hand on her slightly swollen stomach. Had he found her pregnant form ungainly? Sophia sighed and lifted a swath of cloth from the booth in front of her. The indigo should hide her condition a bit longer. The merchant agreed to send a bolt of the fabric to the Lady's personal dressmaker for no extra charge. She sauntered toward a display of jewelry in a lighter mood. She heard a desperate yell coming from the direction of her parked carriage and had to take her eyes off the goal. What could possibly be wrong?

Her steward caught up to her. Madame, a letter has come. They saw your carriage, so gave it to me rather than send it to the manor.

Sophia's breathing faltered. Could it be word that his ship had reached port? Read it to me.

He broke the seal. Lady Sophia, we regret to inform you that The Dark Lady has been found drifting out at sea. The cargo is missing and the crew, including your husband, is dead. The steward cleared his throat and bowed his head. I'm sorry, Madame. Truly sorry.

Despair crippled her for a moment and she felt the steward grab her arm as her vision blurred. What would she do without him? Why, why did he ever have to leave? Anger rushed in, strengthening her. She straightened her shoulder, shook off the steward's hand. Father had been right; she never should have let herself be wooed by a common sailor. He got her with child and left her to deal with his burden alone. At least Father had left everything to her. She didn't need a man.

A glint of gold caught her eye. A merchant from the Outer Isles had his wares set across the way. His dark hands polished a mirror with an elaborate gilded wood frame. He turned it and stepped aside, so all Sophia saw was her own reflection. One couldn't tell she was pregnant. She flushed, pleased at her still apparent beauty, and that no tears had tarnished it. She had to have the mirror. The only ones in the manor were small or handheld. This full-length one would do justice to her glory. She paid extra to have men deliver the mirror