A Castle of Ashes (The Fifth Kingdom Book 2) (12 page)

The glass King Adelphi had raised to the new couple fell to the floor. He grabbed for his chest. His wife screamed next to him. John stood to approach him, but a choking sound caught his attention. He turned to where King Joseph sat. The man was gripping the table in front of him tightly trying to breath. Within seconds, a loud thud was heard.

“Father!” Lucinda cried as she ran from her seat next to Matthew to where King Hamlyn now lay on the floor. His body was convulsing. John turned to his brother. Though Lucinda had left his side, Matthew was not standing alone. A dark silhouette, shaped as a woman was standing near him. Her hand was extended out to where King Hamlyn had just fallen.

“Matthew!” John cried in panic. His brother turned to him in confusion and fright, as the dark shadow standing by him turned to John as well. She retracted her hand from King Hamlyn and extended it toward John. Her features were difficult to make out, except for her eyes, which were glowing in contrast to her shadowy body. She glared at him with green eyes like emeralds.

“John! John!” He could hear his brother’s voice coming toward him as commotion and confusion ensued. John kept his eyes on the shadow as a sharp pain ran down his body. He lost his balance and started toward the ground. He collapsed into his brother’s arms.

John stared up at Matthew’s panicked face and tried to speak. “She has returned,” He managed. “The Queen has returned.” He whispered as the arms of death reached out to him.