The Bitter Blade: The Cursed Heirlooms, #3

By Jessica Kemery

She ran away and found love in her sworn enemies' arms, but now the mad king will stop at nothing to get her and the heirlooms she stole back in his clutches.

Rae has built a new life and risen as a powerful queen, standing at her former enemy's side. But when the battle turns, she must pick up the cursed heirlooms and face her past or witness the destruction of everything she holds dear.

Seeking an end to the suffering of war, she turns to loyal allies, both near and far. Yet, she must trust her heart to heal old wounds and conquer the forces that threaten to destroy her world.

Will she master the heirlooms, or will they drive her to the same madness that has destroyed time and again?

The Bitter Blade is the third book and final book in the cursed heirlooms series. If you like second-chance romance and battles of good vs. evil in a dark fantasy world, you'll love Jessica Kemery's dark saga.

Read The Bitter Blade today and discover the darkness within.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hot Mess Express Publishing
• Release date: Dec 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798224794546

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

CHAPTER ONE

Wind whipped across the frozen ground, making a lonely sound. A thin layer of snow covered the spot where she had buried her entire family six years ago.

Rose Ingman wiped away a frozen tear and buried her face deep into her husband's shoulder, feeling the scratchy wool brush across her cheek.

It seems like only yesterday I helped your brother bury them, Leo said gruffly, patting his wife’s shoulder.

She looked up again, feeling the wind sting her cheeks. In front of her were the skeletal remains of the house, its charred beams collapsed in on itself, the stark black a contrast against the snow.

And to her left, the barn, with her da’s now rusted wagon to the side. The memories rushed toward her as much as she tried to push them away. She remembered she had been in the barn, hiding in the loft from her mother’s chores, when she heard horses approaching. She had peaked out the window and saw the knights in blue and white. The enemy. They threw the torches onto the roof of the house, setting it alight.

A haze had appeared in the darkness behind her. Child, the voice sounded far away, and a feeling of coldness overcame her, it is not your time. Follow me. 

With shaking legs, she had climbed down the stairs; the shadowy figure ahead of her was silent. She followed him out, crossing the farmyard briskly. A soldier spotted her, calling for her to stop.

Run! the figure said, and she broke out in a sprint, her legs pumping until she crashed into the woods, fleeing until she found thick cover and diving into it.

The shade slowly faded away while she caught her breath. She heard the screams and shut her eyes, covering her ears.

She remembered vividly the death of her family and how everything had gone deathly quiet in the aftermath, but she didn't want to.

Shaking her head against the terrible memories, she stepped toward the gravesite, only marked by a few large stones. Stifling back a sob, she touched the cold earth, then turned away.

As she rose, her husband crushed her to him. Let’s go back to my da’s inn. Too many ghosts here.

She nodded, blinking back tears. I want to rebuild the house, Leo. We can live here. Jord said he would give it to me as a dowry.

Your brother is the emperor now. He can certainly afford more than just a simple farmstead in Sarrif. Leo scoffed. He looked around the land, now desolate and cold, and his face softened.

It’s all I want, she said sadly.

I can’t farm, Rose, he said, leaning on his silver cane, not meeting her eyes. A war injury had left him in permanent pain, unable to more than limp. He had been forced to step down as General of the Maldavan Army, leaving the leadership to younger men.

Leo had done everything his friend asked, watching him become corrupted by the curse of the ring. He had even married his friend's little sister. The unlikely pair had found happiness together, even though his raging poppy tea addiction threatened to destroy him.

But he hid his addiction well. So well, he had been appointed as the governor of the new city-state of Stoven.

You can be a gentleman farmer. We’ll hire people. Rose laughed, leaning over and kissing him gently.

Leo nodded, looking over the bare fields. Just next door was the homestead of the Turners. It was in a similar state, although that barn had been burned. 

On that terrible day, he had helped Rae Turner bury her family. She had become the infatuation of the emperor before running away to Stoven. Rae seemed to have a history of running away. It was rumored she was now in Esspa, the renegade city-state. Their recent declaration of independence had shaken the emperor. 

That is why he had sent Leo to govern Stoven. The emperor needed a powerful person to rule the new city-state. They had struggled for generations to take it, and now that he had it in his grasp, he was not about to let it slip away. The emperor would be busy fighting the new war to the west with Esspa.

Maybe we should start the house in the spring. I can leave some money with my da. I don't know how long the position in Stoven is going to last, Leo said, looking over the farm.

Why do you say that? You don’t see us staying in Stoven? Rose asked.

I’m tired, Rose. I’ll stay as long as Jord needs me. Not a minute more. I’ve accumulated a fortune working for your brother. I just want to rest and raise a family.

She smiled as they turned back to the rough dirt road, where her father-in-law, Edric Ingman, was waiting with his wagon, bundled up against the cold. She put her arm around Leo’s waist, helping him over the rough, frozen ground.

We have to do something about that poppy tea problem you have first, she said simply, seeing how he grimaced with each step.

I know. Don’t remind me. I need it. I’m in so much pain, he admitted. Some days, I wish those arrows would have killed me instead of just crippling me for life.

We will look for someone new to help us in Stoven, she promised. There has got to be something we’ve missed.

Poppy tea comes from Rashan. Maybe they know a few secrets, Leo said, reaching for the side of the wagon.

Scratch the itch? Edric Ingman asked solemnly, looking back over his shoulder at the two ruined homesteads.

With a grimace, Leo gripped the side of the wagon box, pulling himself up with his good leg and his upper arms and dragging his bad leg behind him.

Rose climbed into the back, settling in among the crates and barrels Mr. Ingman had picked up from the depot earlier, all intended for the inn’s stores.

She threw a worried glance at her husband, who, with each jostle of the wagon, grimaced with pain.

Son, you don’t look so good, Edric said, his gaze flicking to his son’s face.

It’s my war injury, Da. It pains me, Leo answered, clutching the wagon box.

How are you going to make it to Stoven if you can’t ride in my wagon for half an hour? Edric said, casting a doubtful glance back at Rose. She shrugged.

I’m hiring a coach. They will be here in a week. But I wanted to come home. It’s been a while.

Aye, it has, Edric said, pursing his lips. I’m not getting any younger, son. Why don’t you retire from the emperor’s service and help me run the inn?

Leo pondered for a moment, and then he glanced back at Rose, a smile on his lips. Ahh, Da, I don't know. Rose wants me to be a gentleman farmer.

I don’t know why you serve the empire, anyway. Edric muttered, his mouth twisting into a sour expression. We all thought it was going to be better with a Sarrif boy at the top. But honestly, it’s been worse. Taxes rising every year, expanded conscription, and constant war. I guess the only good thing about him is that he’s finally ended the war with Stoven. Maybe we’ll see peace now.

I wouldn’t bet on it. Jord wants to push into Rashan.

Why? Edric said, annoyed. Let’s just end it. War is pointless!

Leo gripped the wagon box with white knuckles. His face was drawn, and he spoke slowly. Da, whatever you do, don’t let a Maldavan officer hear you say that.

You would think having a son who is the governor of a city-state would offer me the ability to run my mouth a little. Edric laughed.

No, Da. Sorry. Leo shook his head.

Edric slowed the horses as they rattled through a rut. I’m proud of you, son. I wish your ma was still here to see the man you’ve become.

Ahh, Da. I’m not that great. Really, Leo said in a strained voice.

Don’t sell yourself short, Leo, Rose said cheerfully from the back. He looked out on the frozen farms of Sarrif, feeling like he didn’t deserve the praise, especially from his wife, whom he failed so miserably time and time again.

CHAPTER TWO

Rae stood before the mirror. Ladies’ maids bustled around her, putting their finishing touches on the bride. It was her wedding day, and although she had been married previously to the now-deceased King Riven Arden, she still felt butterflies in her stomach. Crowds of people were waiting for the nuptials.

The smell of her bouquet of white roses, sitting on a bench nearby, filled the room. A maid carefully adjusted the veil, a drape of cream lace that partially covered her scarred face and missing eye. The expensive handwoven piece covered her shoulders and trailed down to the floor.

Her jade silk dress hung around her, its gauzy cloth hugging her curves. The colors suited her deep red hair and hazel eye nicely.

The door opened, and her soon-to-be husband appeared. King Salvatore Fuego stepped in, looking impossibly handsome in a black suit, his daggers polished blindingly and at his side, even on his wedding day. He wore his crown, a newly made piece that had been reconstructed painstakingly to replace the one worn and lost by his father all those years ago.

His dark eyes sparkled as he moved across the room in that liquid way he had.

Her ladies twittered, and all stepped aside.

I think I’m ready as I’ll ever be. Thank you, Rae said, dismissing them with a nervous smile.

Salvatore was carrying a black box, and he looked at her with adoration and gave her a lopsided grin. A gift for you on our wedding day.

She beamed radiantly at him and accepted the box. I didn’t get you anything, she protested.

Not necessary. Your love is gift enough. Now, open it, he demanded softly.

With trembling fingers, she opened the box. Laying inside were two long-bladed daggers on a beautifully tooled leather belt. Gasping with delight, she pulled them out.

I know you have the sword and the shield, but you don’t carry them all the time. As the Queen of Esspa, it is only fitting that you have these and learn the way of the knife. You can wear these every day, not only for protection but as a sign that you are my queen, Salvatore said, his voice full of tenderness.

Of course, she said, pulling out one of the daggers from its sheath and holding it in her hand. It felt right. She grinned.

My warrior queen, Salvatore said, looking at her approvingly as she returned the knife to its sheath and then buckled the weapon belt around her waist. Even with her formal dress, it did not look out of place in a land where even the servants wore knives daily.

When Talia gets a little older, we will get her a set, too, Rae said, looking at her reflection in the mirror.

And our future children, Salvatore said, coming up behind her and putting his hands on her hips. Together, they looked at their combined reflection in the mirror. They made a handsome couple.

I might need those knives, with all the ex-lovers you’ve left behind. A lot of sad boyfriends this day, Rae teased him.

He reddened slightly and kissed her on the ear. But I’m marrying you. Those men were just a diversion. My heart belongs to you. Come, we have a hall full of my exes, ministers, and nobles of Esspa waiting to watch their king marry his bride.

It seemed as if half the Kingdom of Esspa was indeed seated in the banquet hall of the palace. Salvatore Fuego had a long and winding road to make it here, with Rae on his arm and walking down the aisle as the King of Esspa.

He had been a young boy when the Maldavan army had launched their surprise attack on the unprepared kingdom. So young and unprepared for the pain and suffering that lie ahead.

Not that his people couldn’t protect themselves; it was just that in the past, they had no army to speak of. No organization or leadership to organize the men and women of Esspa into a fighting force. It was tradition to carry a similar set of knives as he had gifted Rae, but one man against an army is no way to win a war.

The brutal Maldavans marched to the capital of Esspa, crushing any resistance they found.

His father and the palace guard had indeed fought bravely, but they were no match for the weight of the Maldavan Army.

It was just outside in the courtyard where he had watched his parents die. He was just a young boy; he had been taken hostage by Emperor Argo himself. First, he had been forced to serve as a common servant. But then he had caught the emperor's eyes, and he became not only the emperor's companion but an assassin as well.

He didn’t have any say in the matter but realized that his survival depended on his compliance. Salvatore warmed the emperor’s bed and killed his adversaries. He bid his time, watching, and waiting for the perfect opportunity to take his revenge.

It came when the Maldavan ministers grew tired of Argo and his never-ending stalemate with the Kingdom of Stoven. They pinned their eyes on the up-and-comer, a new leader rumored to have an amazing ring that commanded fire.

They conspired and promised Salvatore that if he would kill the emperor, they would give him what he wanted most: return to power in his homeland.

It was easy for him to do, to kill Argo in his sleep and make it look like an unknown assailant had broken in. Almost too easy. With the job done and a new ruler on the throne, Salvatore was soon appointed governor of the city-state of Esspa.

The only thing he regretted was leaving Rae behind. But he did it unblinkingly. He didn't know at the time that she was with his child, or things might have worked out differently. But he left her behind without a second thought. Besides, at the time, the new emperor had been obsessed with her, and he deemed it better for his health to step aside.

He had returned to Esspa and was welcomed as the king he rightfully was. The people had found hope again.

In secret, he had built up an army under the pretense of improving internal defenses. He held back taxes from the empire, fudged the books, and slowly grew his treasury. He got rid of the Maldavan loyalists, dismissed others, and sent them packing back east. He made secret plans.

Just last fall, he declared independence. With the fall of Stoven to the far east and the death of her husband, King Riven Arden, Rae had fled back to him. With her, she brought the son he didn't know he had but who he loved immediately. 

Looking over his people assembled in the hall, he knew that war with the empire was coming. They weren't just going to let Esspa go. The entire force of the Maldavan Army would turn to him in the spring.

But he had a secret weapon. Rae. She had in her possession the sword and the shield, two pieces of the cursed heirlooms. Just the ring the emperor wore was missing from the set. 

She would be practically invincible in battle, and he knew that with her help, they could meet the threat of the Maldavan Army head-on.

And besides that, they loved each other deeply. Through the years apart, he had never forgotten her. Even after he had left, and she had run away to Stoven and married the king, Riven Arden, he had dreamed about her.

He had tried to forget her, but it had been impossible. Every boyfriend he took was with the shadow of her memory hanging over him.

Now she stood at his side as they began the ceremony. The priest stood in front of two ravens in a gilded cage, who looked at them with beady eyes.

It was the blessing of the ravens, the sacred bird of Esspa. If the birds cawed, it was considered good fortune.

A blessing of the ravens had not been seen in decades since his parents had married so many years ago. As the ceremony progressed, the crowd held its breath, waiting for the birds to speak, but they remained silent.

He wanted to glare at the birds and demand they vocalize a blessing, but really, he didn’t care about the blasted birds. He only had eyes for his beloved, her head bowed, her hands in his. His knives at her waist.

The children she brought to the marriage stood behind her. His son, looking so much like him, stood at her side, holding his little sister's hand.

And his new step-daughter, Talia, was only three years old. Even though she was not of his blood, he would protect and love her as his own.

Salvatore had an instant family, and he didn’t need the blessing of these black birds. He found himself smiling in spite of his vow to look stern and kingly the entire time. He had longed for this his entire life. A sense of belonging and love, and now it was here, wrapped up in a ready family. It was an easy choice to make.

Just as the cleric was finishing the wedding rites, the birds both simultaneously let out a "CAW CAW. The crowd erupted in applause as the new queen turned and radiantly beamed at her people.

He was Salvatore Fuego, last of the name—no more.

CHAPTER THREE

It was hard to get and keep Queen Imani Ladipo’s attention. The woman was self-absorbed and interested in every fashion and style. She hunted down court gossip and thrived on it. Getting her to pay attention to such things as the impeding war with the empire was simply impossible.

Deirdre was not one to give up so easily. After all, the queen had given them expansive privileges, appointing them both to lead the Rashan Army. They had access to the treasury of the kingdom and her Captain of the Guard, Jelani, who they promoted and placed at their side.

Three generals, but not a lot to show for their efforts.

Deirdre left Barret and Jelani in the training fields, going over maneuvers. The Rashan people carried a long curving blade called a khopesh, and although Barret had never used the weapon, he picked it up pretty quickly. She threw him an irritated look; he didn’t even notice she was leaving.

Despite