A Fantasy Book Series
Ondar Series by Amanda Young & Raymond Young Jr.
Series Excerpt
Maerishka looked around anxiously. The ball would begin soon, and Svanteese had not brought any word on the uncle or the missing guard. The heat from the day was ebbing, but the high humidity made the cooler temperature less than enjoyable. Her gown hugged her uncomfortably, but she did not adjust it. A queen did not adjust her garments in public.
“Her Royal Highness, Queen Maerishka,” The announcer called.
“Long Live the Queen,” rang out in the hall. She took to the steps and made her grand entrance, not even faltering when she caught sight of Svanteese from the corner of her eye. Of course he would choose now to appear. Between the customary introductions to the other distinguished guests and the several requests she had to dance, it would be at least an hour before she could slip away to talk to him in private.
Finally, taking advantage of a lag in conversation with Lord Brenalain to excuse herself, she ducked into a private chamber adjoining the hall and waited. Svanteese was quick to follow. He approached her with a look of trepidation, hesitant to speak. “Spit it out,” she ordered. “You’ve had plenty of time to consider your wording.”
Knowing her temperament was not about to improve, Svanteese spoke. “The uncle is gone and two guards are dead. Reports from neighbors place a young elven woman at the scene shortly before the guards went to the residence. From her description, she is most likely Marcy Kentalee, a recorder who had dealings with Kern Tygierrenon.”
“Double the guard around the palace, but do it discretely. We don’t want to alarm our guests. And do a sweep of all the homes. They must be hiding somewhere. Find them.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” He bowed and exited quickly. Maerishka returned to the ball, but her heart wasn’t in it. Every servant caught her eye. She watched every stranger for some hint of hostility. Anyone could be a threat. She had not felt this paranoid since she first assumed the throne. Of course the vast majority of those she suspected of treachery then were guilty, so you could not actually call her fears and suspicions paranoia.
“Your Highness,” Alvexton waited for her to take his hand and led her to the dance floor. “I must say, so far I am very impressed by Suriax.”
“I’m glad to hear it. We are honored to have you here.” They settled into a comfortable dance, standing a little closer to each other than was customary. She did not complain.
“I must ask, isn’t it difficult ruling over a land with such unusual laws?”
Maerishka grinned. “Quite the contrary. It actually makes my job much easier.”
“Really?” Alvexton asked, intrigued.
She nodded. “As you know, sometimes as a ruler you must do things that the general public would consider questionable or immoral to protect your people and maintain order. Here, I can do what needs to be done without having to hide or justify my actions. Everything is strictly above board.”
“So, you have no secrets from your people?”
Maerishka tried to maintain her smile. “I did not say that. But everything I do is completely legal, so no one could ever use my actions to unseat me or challenge my rule.”
“I see,” he looked off in thought. “Well, Suriax is lucky to have you.”
They maintained small talk after that, not leaving the dance floor until the music ended and the banquet began. He smiled warmly when he realized they were to be seated by one another. Unfortunately Brenalain was seated to her other side, so she found herself regaled by story after story from his homeland throughout the dinner. She and Alvexton did not speak again until the meal was over and all the other guests began filing out. “I had a lovely evening.”
“As did I.” At least the day wasn’t a complete loss, she thought to herself. But the time for relaxation and enjoyment was over. She had matters to attend to. No one would take her throne. Kern Tygierrenon would pay.
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