“This is your final judgement. Although you are not of royal blood my brother insists that this is the only way. Had you just not conquered the desert of sorrow I would be worried, but now I understand.” She took him by his  hand and held it in hers as she pushed open the door. He followed her inside. The room’s walls were a charcoal black. Three large torches sat atop gigantic, black alabaster pillars that had the same gold inscriptions that the door had. He heard low singing. A song  similar to the one the Royal Lamenters sang for the Queen when she had passed on. It felt somber here. He had forgotten that Khepri was the one leading him through this large somber chamber. He became enthralled with the beast that was slowly stalking him. The atmosphere and gravity of his situ

The wedding that Flossina had been threatened with by both the General and her stepfather, the King, had finally arrived. There was only three hours left until she was to be dressed, primped, and presented like a prize mare to her betrothed and the entire Kingdom in a wedding she did not want. Her lady’s maid Alexi seemed more excited about the wedding than she was and it was all starting to annoy her more than she cared to admit. She’d been back at her home for a full week now. Everything seemed to be calm and back to normal on the surface. After her stepfather had pardoned her in front of the royal court it was as if  magically, nothing had ever happened. The only evidence of her traumatic ordeal was that her mother was no longer here. She and her lady’s maid were walKing inside of her mother’s garden picKing out flowers for the abysmal wedding. The scents of the differ

“See you in a few hours Princess, and don’t forget to look happy.” He said as he took a step back, turned and walked out of the room without so much as a second glance. She felt her knees give way and she fell to the ground. He was a horrible man, and he was right. She had no one to come to her aide. No one to be her champion this time. She had to endure whatever he had planned for her. That thought didn’t sit well with her. She would find a way to kill him and end this all. She had nothing left to lose. She began to take slow,deep, steady breaths. Seconds later she slowly stood up and walked over to her bed and sat the box of jewels down upon it. They were her mother’s. She smiled at that thought.  She recalled when she was little and her mother wore the gold stone ea

She reached over and took hold of  the old woman’s right hand gently. The old woman seemed touched by the gesture. She patted the top of Flossina’s, then stood up, and spoke again.“Your mother loved her garden. It is now yours.”“True. I’ve never been very good at gardening.” She smiled, recalling the times she’d help her mother and end up covered in dirt. “Your mother also used it to escape the pressure of the palace and to think.”“Ah, I see.” The memory of her mother choked her up suddenly. She cleared her throat from the tears she was constantly holding back. “She was a wonderful woman, wasn't she? Not just a wonderful Queen, but a lovely person. I will miss her everyday. Especi

“This evening we are here to join General Torunn and Her Royal Highness Princess Flossina Araelia in holy matrimony. If there is anyone that objects to the marriage speak now, or forever hold your peace.” Flossina prayed someone would, anyone would, but alas, it didn’t happen. The Archbishop continued by handing the General a very beautiful diamond wedding band that was once her mothers. “Now General, recite the words. With my heart, my life, my soul. I will protect you, love you and be yours for all time.”“With my heart, my life, my soul. I will protect you, Love you and be yours for all time.”He slid the ring on her finger. She swore if she hadn’t known what a crazy bastard the General was she would have swore he was sincere just now reciting his words.