The Savage Shield: The Cursed Heirlooms, #2

By Jessica Kemery

Rae fled from everything she once loved, but will the heirlooms she stole shield her from the truth?

She has nothing left to give the empire. It has taken everything from her: her family, home, and heart. Taking the chance one dark night, she steals the shield and slips away to the east with her mad lover on her heels.

Relentlessly, she is pursued across war-torn lands. With the shield's ability to block any blow, she's counting on it to save her life. What Rae didn't count on was falling straight into the hands of the enemy. Now, can she survive imprisonment in the dungeons with nothing but her wits?

Can Rae hide the truth from the one man with nothing to lose?

The Savage Shield is the second book in The Cursed Heirlooms series. If you like strong heroines, an enemy-to-lovers story combined with a war-torn world, then you'll love Jessica Kemery's dark fantasy.

Read The Savage Shield today to enter a world of curses, secrets, and danger!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hot Mess Express Publishing
• Release date: Nov 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215548264

Jessica Kemery

Called by some a multi-tasking ninja, Jessica Kemery lives in Crystal Lake, Illinois, where she works a day job so that her dog, Rocky, can live a life of pampered luxury. The Hobbit is the first book she read, and she has been searching for dragons ever since. She has two teenagers who firmly believe their mother is slightly unhinged and roll their eyes every time she starts playing the greatest hits of the '80s. She also has a husband who dreams of becoming her business manager one day when she "makes it big." Powered by caffeine and the bare minimum of sleep on a nightly basis, she thinks the world's greatest invention is meal delivery services.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

The night was bitter, and Rae Turner’s breath rose around her as she rode hard, her horse’s hooves pounding on the road. She looked behind her, seeing the dark outline of the Maldavan Palace and the lights of the capital disappearing behind her.

Rae clutched the shield, glad that she had it. If she was attacked, she had confidence she could defend herself. With her own eyes, she saw how it took even the hardest of strikes. She hoped Leo would not get in trouble for helping her or for her theft of the shield of Arden.

Shivering against the cold, she pulled her cloak closer, hiding her small baby bump under her clothes. Before her time came, she had to find safety for herself and her child.

She let her horse walk for a few minutes to catch his breath. If she wanted to make it to the bridge by morning, she would have to pace the horse. Jord would send out a force to look for her, and the more distance she put between herself and him, the better. He intended to make her his empress, and that is what she feared most in this world. His ruthless wrath. If he caught her again in his web, he would never let her out of his sight.

The horse caught his breath, and she urged him on as fast as she dared, gripping the shield tighter. She felt her bow on her back and her sword on her side and was glad to have them both. Right now, Jord was at a party she had begged out of. She thought she might have until morning before her escape was discovered. She wondered if she was foolish, heading to the east, right into the enemy's clutches.

But if she could make it across Stoven, she would be free. The Kingdom of Rashan was to the east. It was a mountainous kingdom, filled with dark-skinned people, darker than even Salvatore from Esspa. Rashan was a land of wild animals, rocky and wild mountains, and deep forests. She had read books about the land, and if she could make it there, she and her child could live in peace.

But the curse of the shield weighed on her mind. The words of the shade leading them to his body echoed in her mind.

The shield will make you untouchable in battle, but it will hide the truth. The sword will strike down any enemy it battles, but it will deceive your heart. But the ring…beware the ring! It is powerful and dangerous, and it will take your soul.

She wished they had never found the heirlooms, for the curse had delivered on its promises. She had picked up the sword, and she hadn’t realized how it had deceived her. It had made her believe she loved Jord, even when he treated her poorly. It had made her all but oblivious to Leo, who may have truly loved her in a pure way.

It wasn’t until she had lost the sword that she had fallen in love with Salvatore, whose child she now carried. She wished she could have said goodbye to him, but after the death of the emperor, he had left suddenly. Now he served as the emperor's governor in the city-state of Esspa. She couldn't hide there. Jord would find her.

And the shield had been claimed by Leo. It had hidden the truth from him. Her friend had followed Jord blindly, not seeing how twisted and evil he had become. She hoped now, with the shield far away, he could see Jord for who he truly was. She nervously looked down at the etched engraving, wondering if it was deceiving her at this moment.

And the shade had warned that the ring was the most cursed of all, and that was a straight-up cold fact. She had watched Jord put on the ring and rise to power. This boy, whom she had known her entire life, this sweet neighbor boy, who had been engaged to her own sister, had been twisted into an evil tyrant who had somehow risen from a mere foot soldier farmer to the Emperor of Maldave. It was inconceivable.

She shuddered, remembering how the ring had bitten his finger. He could not remove the cursed ring, and she watched it drive him to madness.

That first time he had put it on, he had accidentally released a wave of fire that had burned her badly. It left the left side of her face horribly scarred, and she was blind in that eye. She wore a simple leather eye patch. She cursed her blind spot because she knew it was a terrible weakness.

Rae looked down at the shield again, thinking she wouldn’t use it unless she had to, for she needed to see the truth around her. The effects of the heirlooms, at least the sword and the shield, seemed to diminish if they were not used.

CHAPTER ONE

Jord was in a good mood, feeling happy for the first time in a long time. He picked up another glass of wine and drank deeply, watching the crowds of people.

A lively quartet played in the corner, and he watched the ministers and their wives talk and laugh. His newest ministers, loyalists who had replaced the two he suspected of slander, beamed in the corner. He knew they would do his bidding.

Leo came into the room, looking upset about something. He caught his eye and smiled, calling him over. Friend! Good to see you. Why are you so late? Jord laughed, handing him a glass of wine from a nearby server.

Leo accepted the drink and downed it in one swift motion. Your Majesty, sorry I was delayed, he said, giving him a formal bow.

Oh Leo, stop. You can call me Jord. He laughed, slapping him on the back.

A shadow crossed Leo’s face. You are in a good mood this evening, he said dryly.

And you are not. What troubles you, friend? Surely, it is not the weight of the command I have placed on you.

No. Girl trouble, Leo said, with a sigh, looking away.

Hear, hear! Jord said, raising his glass. Everyone paused what they were doing and looked at the new emperor. My good friend Leo here is feeling lonely. What woman would like to entertain my newest general this evening?

The crowd laughed, and several young girls came forward, laughing and giggling. Leo grinned at him as he was led off to dance.

As the dancing started, Jord was slightly peeved that Rae had not felt well enough to join him this evening, but then he smiled to himself. He was going to be a father! He couldn’t wait to announce to the kingdom that his child was already on the way, even before the wedding next week! He hoped it would be a boy.

His eyes then flicked across the room to his little sister, sitting and petting a black cat in the corner. He made his way through the crowd and bent down next to her, patting the cat's head.

I can’t believe you brought the cat with you, Rose, he said with amusement.

Rose smiled up at him, looking angelic with her blonde hair in curls. Her blue eyes sparkled as she smoothed down her blue silk dress. His heart broke in two. She looked just like his older sister, June, and his mother. Both had died in the attack on Sarrif by the Stoven Knights last year. Of course, I brought Jinx. He’s family, after all.

How are you liking the palace, Rose? he asked. I’m sorry I haven’t had much time to spend with you. You know, I’ve been busy getting the house in order, so to speak.

Sadness crossed her face, and she hesitated before speaking. I understand. I miss Sarrif, the Inn, and Mr. Ingman. I miss my friends at school and talking with the people who come to the Inn. I just feel homesick. But I’m glad Rae’s here, Rose said quietly.

Well, hopefully, we will expand our little family soon, Rose, he said with a smile.

I’m so glad you are marrying Rae. I love her so much, Rose said, jumping up. A lively tune started, and she held out her hand. Dance with me, Brother! I’ve been practicing with my governess!

Laughing, Jord allowed her to lead him on the dance floor, and it was just like old times, except now he was in a state ballroom, wearing fine silk clothes instead of a dusty farmyard smelling like horse manure. And instead of tripping over chickens, he glided smoothly across the floor while the audience beamed at the young emperor and his sister.

When the song ended, everyone clapped, and Rose curtseyed, her cheeks flushed and her eyes bright. Jord caught the eye of her new governess standing in the back, clapping with pride.

It’s time for you to go to bed, young lady, Jord said, nodding his head at the governess. She moved forward and took Rose’s hand, leading her upstairs to the nursery.

Goodnight, Jord! she said, blowing him a kiss.

He turned back to the crowd and started moving through it, finding Leo with his arms around a pretty girl with black hair and blue eyes. And who is this, Leo? he said with amusement.

Lady Lila Ernst of Crimla. Her father is the Minister of Trade, Leo said, stars in his eyes. He was clearly smitten. She asked me to dance.

Lady Lila. Of course, Jord said, taking her hand and kissing it. You are truly a beauty.

The young girl blushed and curtseyed. I’ll let you two carry on, he said, nodding. Then he went and stood on the patio and enjoyed the icy breeze. It was hot inside. He wasn’t outside long when the door opened, and Leo joined him.

I thought you were entertaining Lila? Jord said, accepting another glass of wine from him.

I was. I’ll find her again. You seemed a little lost. I just wanted to check on you, Leo said, looking at him closely.

Ahhh, just thinking, I guess. About how much has changed in the last year. Rae told me earlier that we are going to have a child.

How wonderful, Leo said, joining him at the railing and looking out at the night. I hope to have my own family someday.

Well, you must lead my army first. Then a family, Jord said, patting his right-hand man on the back.

Of course. Duty first. And then I’ll retire to Sarrif, take over my da’s Inn, and have a passel of my own children, Leo said, a trace of sadness in his voice.

I wonder if Lady Lila would enjoy being an Innkeeper? Jord joked, emptying his glass.

I really doubt it. Let me get you another one, Leo said, taking the empties.

I’ll go inside, anyway. I feel like dancing, and it’s bitter out here. Would you mind If I danced with Lila? Jord asked, looking through the window and catching the beauty peeking out at the patio at them.

Of course not, but just one dance, and then it’s my turn again. Leo laughed.

And Jord danced that one dance, and another with Lady Sarah, and another with Lady Jennifer, and he kept drinking until he was well and thoroughly drunk. The red wine drowned out the whispers of the ring, which demanded he take the girl into a guest bedroom and make love to her, but he pushed it down. He was almost a married man with a child on the way. As long as he could stuff down his desires, he would be faithful to Rae. He wasn’t sure how long he could resist the ring that constantly whispered in his mind, but he thought he could remain true until the wedding, at the very least.

He woke up in the morning on a silk sofa in the ballroom. The sun from the nearby window hit his face. His eyes blinked open, and his head pounded. Sitting up, he groaned. Water! he croaked, and a servant was quick to hand him a tall glass.

He drank deeply, and his dry cotton mouth was refreshed, but his stomach groaned. He looked up and saw Leo standing there, with his hands on his hips, eyeing him warily. 

You look green, Leo commented.

I drank way too much last night, Jord complained, struggling to his feet, unsteady. I haven’t been this hungover since the party at the Inn before we joined the army.

That was a memorable party. I think we all drank a full barrel of the best ale in my da’s cellars, Leo said with a chuckle.

Ooof. Rae will be cross with me, Jord said, taking a few steps toward the door, past all the servants scrubbing the floors and cleaning up the ballroom.

Jord, I have some bad news for you this morning, Leo said cautiously.

What? An early attack by Stoven at Cross Stronghold? he guessed, trying to think of the worst news he could imagine.

No. It appears Rae left last night. And she took the shield, Leo said, looking at him closely.

I’m sorry. What? Jord said, freezing in his tracks.

Treachery! the ring said in his mind, and he rubbed it. He needed it to be quiet so that he could concentrate.

She left a note, and the shield is gone, along with my purse. I think she stole it, Leo said, handing him a slip of paper.

Jord took it with trembling hands.

Dear Jord -

I have decided to leave. Please don't look for me. The child is not yours, and I can’t marry you. I am not a bird to be put in a gilded cage. I wish we would have never found the heirlooms.

Rae

Red, fiery rage rose in his head. The ring started screaming, its words twisted in his head, elevating his hangover into an all-out pounding throbbing vice of pain.

He picked up a nearby tray of glassware and hurled it across the room. The delicate crystal shattered into a melody of broken glass. Then he picked up a cane chair and threw it against the wall with all his might. It splintered into pieces, and the servants screamed and scurried out of harm's way, terrified.

How could the child not be mine! he bellowed, next picking up a table and tipping it over. Fire sprang to his fingertips, and he threw it across the room, igniting the fireplace in a curtain of flames.

He let the fire pour out of him into the brick fireplace, and his rage ebbed. When he was done, he collapsed on the marble floor with his hands on his face, sobbing in the agony of his heartbreak.

Come, Jord, Leo said kindly, placing his hand on his friend's shoulder. We will get over this together. It is not the end of the world. You will find another woman to warm your bed.

Jord’s face twisted, and an evil look filled his eyes. But it is the end. I love her, Leo. I will find her and the child. The child is mine. I don't care what she says. She couldn't have slept with another. And if she did, I will make her tell me his name. And then I will hunt him down and kill him. I will twist my sword into his belly and make him scream my name. He will wish he had never lain with my woman. She is mine! He said, pounding on the floor. The ring cackled in his head, playing out visions of torture and revenge.

Stop, Jord. She is long gone. The stable master said a horse went missing last night. It is already midday. Please, just let her go, Leo begged, putting his arm around Jord.

Jord sobbed, a pitiful sight on the floor, but eventually, he allowed Leo to lead him upstairs to THEIR bedroom. He looked around and then collapsed into his bed, still smelling her scent on the sheets.

Spring will come. You will take out your revenge on the Stoven Knights. The kingdom will fall. And if we find her, we will make her pay for breaking your heart, the ring said, laughing in his mind.

Shut up! he said, and he put his hand in his mouth, biting his ring finger hard enough to draw blood. But he knew from past attempts that no matter how hard he tried, he could not bite off his own finger. He and the ring were bound together until death did them part.

Messengers went out first to every stronghold in the land, ordering squads to look for Rae and offering a large reward for her capture.

Captain Deirdre read the orders from her tent, staked in the plains just outside Cross Stronghold. She smiled and then turned to Feyra, who was resting after a long day of training, curled up in her bedroll.

Feyra, she did it! Rae escaped! Deirdre said, leaning over and gently shaking her best friend.

Feyra’s eyes flicked open. What? she asked, sitting up in the cold air and stretching, goosebumps rising on her exposed dark skin. Who escaped?

Rae! Look at his message! Deirdre was hurrying to put her boots on. She had been awoken out of her nap and called to an emergency meeting. 

Feyra took the paper from it and read it, and a grin grew on her face.

To all officers -

You are immediately ordered to search for Rae Turner, former Lieutenant of the Maldavan Army. She is of normal height, with red hair. She has a scar on the left side of her face and wears an eye patch. She was last seen in the capital last night but left on a brown horse, thought to be headed eastwards. If seen, please detain her immediately. 1000 coin reward and promotion to any soldier that captures her and returns her to the emperor unharmed.

Feyra whistled. One thousand gold AND a promotion. I might turn her in myself!

You would not. It’s good she got away from HIM, Deirdre said and leaned over and kissed her. I’ve got meetings.

Of course. I’ll tidy up our tent and get dressed. If I’m not here when you return, you know where to find me.

Around the fire telling stories and drinking ale? Deirdre grinned. The army had spent the warmer days of this winter obtaining horses in the thousands and training the army on what she thought were overly complicated maneuvers. In the evening, they usually gathered around one of the many fires lit to keep everyone warm. The women had their own regiment and their own corner of the camp. Only a few trusted men were welcome at their fire.

Spring is coming soon, Deirdre said. And while I’ll be glad to get out of the freezing tent, I’m not looking forward to this campaign. One more year, Feyra, and then we can go home. Our time will be up.

And what then, Deirdre? You coming home with me to Esspa? It’s a delightful land. Feyra smiled and leaned over and kissed her.

Or you can come home to Port Tinga with me. My home is by the sea, and we can buy our own fishing boat and hunt for lobsters all day long instead of Stoven Knights.

Hummm, that sounds interesting, Feyra said. I’ll think about it today when I’m freezing on the back of a horse.

Do that. I must go. Captain Barret doesn’t like it when we are late.

CHAPTER TWO

Rae saw Cross Stronghold rising in the distance, and the sky to the east was just turning lighter. She stayed in the trees as long as possible, skirting the tree line as she made her way east. Reaching up, she worked at her Lieutenant’s badge, getting her finger up under one corner and then picking at the stitches until it was loose. With a yank, she tore it off her red cloak and threw it to the ground.

Much better. Now, she was a mere foot soldier. She pulled her hair back, under her hood, and leaned over, her hand on the opal hilt of her sword.

Stepping out in the open, she made straight for the bridge, holding her breath as she traveled under the walls of