Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
The orb disappears as quickly as it appeared. The being moves swiftly and leaps over the balcony railing, landing on its feet in a crouch.
The ground cracks with the force of her landing and debris rise in the air around her as her dark-blue-and-black robe billow out. The sound of her landing is deafening. However, as if not cracked and crumbled only seconds ago, the floor seals up and smooths out.
As she lifts to her full height, it’s confirmed that I tower over this robed figure. However, the power that’s coming forth from her presence is staggering. I proceed with caution.
She lifts a hand to point at me, revealing a slender finger from beneath the long sleeve of her heavy garment. The flesh revealed is a deep brown. The same color as the oracles and noble women of my plane and their families.
“You’re willing to pay the price of that which he stole. Is this what you’re saying?”
“Yes,” I bite out in frustration. My fingers tingle as magic builds within, resting just on the surface, ready for me to attack.
“You will take his place—here, with me? This is your promise?”
“Yes, I will take his place.”
“Argon, no.” My father appears, falling into my arms.
“Father. What have you done?”
“I wanted to bring you a rose of fire to give to your betrothed.”
“A rose that didn’t belong to you. A rose that has a price greater than your life,” the cloaked being says coldly.
“Allow me to get him home. He is weak. I will return to you as soon as I have him safe and mended.”
“No,” she says firmly. “You will stay in his place. My chariot will get him to your world safely.”
The figure moves past us to the front doors that are still wide open from my entrance. Her power brushes my skin in passing, like a familiar caress. It’s unnerving, but I don’t cower to it.
I wrap my father’s arm around my neck to support him. Turning, I guide him out, following our captor. He’s moving slowly. So unlike the man I know. I bite back my worry. This shouldn’t be possible.
A chariot with two horses—each with flaming manes—sits before us at the foot of the entryway steps. They both lift onto their hind legs, flames curling around their heads and smoke pouring from their nostrils.
The chariot is made of gold and studded with clear gems. Diamonds are what they call them on many planes. It’s fit for royalty where I’m from, making me question who this being is.
“Say your goodbyes and get him inside. His passage will be made safely. You have my word.”
I can’t help but wonder what hides beneath that robe. My instincts tell me not to engage it before getting my father back to our world safely. I will be able to feel him in his travels and once he has arrived home.
“You go. I will stay here. Our people need you. Your bride will be waiting for you,” my father says.
“Our people will want you to return well. I will get you home and return as soon as I can.”
“Argon. You cannot do this,” my father pleads.
“Father, I must. You are weak.”
“You’re young. Don’t do this. She’s a beast. You haven’t seen her,” he whispers and shivers.
“Enough,” the robed woman says. I believe I detect hurt in her voice. “It’s time. I will not hold the portal open long. I don’t want any more of your kind entering. Once you leave, you cannot return.”
“You can’t take my son,” my father says in protest.
“I have taken nothing. He has offered to take your place. Go before I change my mind.”
Without waiting, she turns and heads back into the castle. I help my father toward the waiting vessel. Getting him inside and settling him. I’m torn.
“Come with me. While she has turned the other way, we must go quickly,” Father urges.
“I have given my word. I will not go back on that. You know I can’t go back on that.”
“You owe her nothing. This isn’t our world.”
“But it is our way to honor everything we say. I will stay in your place. It will be fine,” I reassure him.
“Don’t do this to get out of your marriage, Argon. This is a sacrifice you don’t have to make. I know you have been displeased with having to marry. This is my fault… I should never have made that blood decree, but we can make this right. Perhaps another year before the wedding will be enough,” he says.
I look into the eyes of my father. They’re so much like mine. A blue-and-gray color that looks like the storm clouds in the earth realm. At the moment, his gaze is troubled.
I am his only son. I will be taking over the throne when he steps down. He’s been grooming me to take power soon.