Missing Royal (23 page)
Authors: Konstanz Silverbow
~ Javiar’s Story will continue in White As Death, (Finding Gold, Book Six). ~
~ And now, a preview of White As Death ~
Two Hundred Years Later
In a painful second, I am aware of my body again. I touch my face, rub my hands down my arms. I stretch. I must be sure that my soul and body are together again.
My last memory is of begging for death. It’s all I wanted. I didn’t want to be trapped.
Being trapped was … agony. Trapped inside my own body, unaware of my surroundings, unable to control them.
Being in control is exhilarating. It is also painful, getting used to it again. Every bit of my body is stiff and sore, having not been used in … I don’t know how long, but I will find out.
I must find someone. I must find out where I am, and where those I love are.
I push my legs over the edge of the bed, forcing them to hold my weight as I stand. I must use the headboard and wall to keep from falling over.
I feel as if I am spinning, and my head hurts. I stand perfectly still for a moment, allowing my head to clear. I take in my surroundings, but I do not recognize the room. Large round four-poster armoire, large window—castle.
I am in a castle.
Which one?
I make my way, slowly, to the large oak door. I open it.
Definitely in a castle.
The wall is gray brick, the floors covered in carpets. Sconces light the long corridor. No one in sight, I leave the confines of the room and turn right, unsure whether one direction is better than the other.
I must find someone. Anyone. Where am I? What is going on? And most importantly, how long have I been trapped?
Shanice—is she alive? Is she a queen? Valentino? I stumble, unable to control my body fully. Having not used it for however long has taken its toll. I use the wall to steady myself and continue walking. My breath quickens.
Slow down.
I am practically running, but I am pushing myself too much. I am not back to full health. I must take things slowly.
I take smaller steps and slowly make my way through the castle. At the end of the long hallway stand two large oak doors, intricately carved. And while two suits of armor stand on either side, they are empty.
I pause, putting my hand over the cold metal handle and twisting before pulling the door toward myself.
There before my eyes is the large grand hall. Servants of every kind scurry about as they hang decorations and move tables, arrange flowers, and dust every bit inch of the room. Not a single person notices me. But I know one thing for sure—I am not in Umare. This is not Shanice’s castle.
“Pardon me.” A maid smiles before dropping her gaze to the floor as she rushes by.
“Wait!” I grab her upper arm, almost losing balance. She looks at me, frightened. “Where am I? What is going on?” I ask in a calm matter as to not scare her further. I let go of her arm with the realization that I may have been hurting her.
The maid looks at me with wide eyes, frightened. She needn’t be afraid of me. My brows draw together as I watch her, confused. I am about to comfort her when a sharp voice captures her attention.
“Lithia, why are you not performing your duties?” the woman snaps. I look at the stranger and begin to understand the maid’s worry. This woman is wearing a long black gown, with spikes adorning the collar and sleeves. Her eyes are dark, black. Her hair is as well, but it does not look natural. She looks at me, smiling in place of the evil sneer. “And who are you?” She takes a step closer, eyeing me.
I don’t dare let her out of my sight. “Javiar. Where am I?” I question, now walking in circle, refusing to drop my gaze.
“Welcome. I thought you would never wake.” Her lips pull up in a smile that makes me wish I was still asleep. “This would be your kingdom if you hadn’t been taking a little nap. And with all your family gone, now it’s mine!” She says this with joy in her tone, but I hardly care at the moment. I can’t hold my weakened body up any longer.
I fall to my knees and take in her words. “Gone? What happened?” Tears begin spilling.
“What happened?” She laughs, bending so she is only inches away from my face. “Well, they died, silly. It’s been almost two hundred years. Once they realized you weren’t waking up anytime soon, they made a plan. Your dear sister got the kingdom, but without an heir, once she passed, it was left to my family, caretakers to watch over the kingdom until the sleeping prince decided to wake up and take it back.” The way she says this tells me she has no intent of giving it up.
“Where will you live now that I am here?” I give the woman a chance to do what is right.
“Why don’t we have supper? You must be hungry after such a long nap.” She laughs. I cringe, knowing only one other person who laughed like that.
Mendina.
“Thank you. What is your name?” I wipe away the remaining tears and pull myself to my feet.
“To the world? Your Majesty. But you may have the special privilege of knowing my name.” She says this as if it is an honor. “Acacia. My name is Acacia.”
Avonathia - A-VON-A-THI-A
Danica - DAN-EEK-A
Edda - ED-DA
Eina - Ei-N
Ferrell - Fer-rel
Garverdale - GAR-VER-DALE
Gowell - Gow-ell
Ivy - I-V
Javiar - JAY-V-AR
Krea - K-REA
Nastasia - NA-STAIS-A
Palamides - PAL-A-MY-DIS
Roan - ROW-N
Romondino - ROM-ON-DINO
Sephet - Se-fit
Shanice - SHA-NEICE
Tivor - Tiv-OR
Umare - Ooh-Mar
Valentino - VAL-EN-TINO
Wentsden - Wen(t)-c-den
Konstanz Silverbow has always been a dreamer … but not a writer. She was dragged into being an author. But since that day, she hasn't stopped. It has become more than a hobby—it is a passion.
During the day, Konstanz works at Rockpick Legend Co. making jewelry, and during her free time she can be found playing the violin, collecting dragons, and learning all she can about medieval weapons. But at night, she creates made-up worlds and places where those dragons come to life and the weapons are used in battle.
Young adult fantasy and paranormal author with a dash of romance, Konstanz Silverbow is the proud creator of magical worlds, fictional creatures, ideal super heroes, and sarcasm since 2007!
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