A New Era: Kalparainia Chronicles Book One

Chapter One

I stared at my reflection in the mirror as my older sister, Celeste, did up my hair. For some reason, she was excited. I didn't know why, I mean, besides the fact that she had married Markus Caynar, King of Silverwood, just last year. She was going on and on about the Silverwood Royal Court, which sounded very different from Heartstone's Royal Court.

"Father has found the perfect match for you," Celeste said so nonchalantly that I had nearly missed it. "As a matter of fact, you met him at the wedding."

I stiffened and thought about it. Who could it possibly be? There were a lot of people at the wedding... I thought about it for a moment longer as Celeste created ringlets around my face. What if it's Him?! My heart skipped a beat at the very thought.

"Do you know anything else by the match?" I asked, hoping that I was right.

Celeste giggled, "Oh, now you speak to me." She gave me a look through the mirror and smiled, "Markus helped make the match. Not only does it secure an alliance, but it'll ensure you hold a high title."

Markus helped make the match. I bit my bottom lip, a horrible habit that had formed over the years. Great, it's probably his younger brother, Riely Caynar.

"Oh..." I tried not to sound so disappointed, but by the look on Celeste's face, I wasn't successful.

"Don't worry, Alyse, I even approve of this match. I know that you'd be miserable if you had to stick with a lord while Byron and I remained royalty," Celeste smiled knowingly, "and Father's also made a match for Byron."

"Wonderful," I stated dryly. Great, I'll probably be married off to the oldest king that Celeste could find.

"There!" Celeste clapped her hands together as she studied her handiwork. "You're going to send your betrothed's mind spinning when he sees you."

"He's here?" I turned towards my sister and gawked at her.

"Of course! Their finalizing your betrothal as we speak," Celeste nodded. "This is the easiest way for this to happen. With many kingdoms on the verge of war, it's only a matter of time before your betrothed goes to war. An alliance will ensure that we will all grow stronger."

It has to be Him! My heart skipped another beat. I ran my hand over the crimson ballgown that I was wearing. Jewels crested the bodice in shapes of flowers, and the skirt flared out lively. My dirty blond hair flowed down my back, the ringlets around my face nearly looked natural due to Celeste's skill. While I was petite, I was lucky enough to have some curve to my body. Celeste, on the other hand, she was four inches taller than me, curvy in all the right places, she had flowing golden blond hair, plump kissable lips, ivory skin, and stunning blue eyes.

A sharp knock on my bedchamber door made me nearly jump out of my skin as my chambermaid answered it quickly. Her deep curtsy told me who it was immediately. My mother, Charlotte Thane, Queen of Heartstone. As usual, she didn't wait for an invitation to enter, she strode into the room like the queen she was.

"Good, you're ready," Mother's tone was unusually gentle with me. "We're ready for you in the Great Hall."

"It's time," Celeste all but pushed me along.

Though a short distance, the Great Hall seemed as though it was miles away. Mother and Celeste chatted happily as they caught up on everything that had been going on. I was used to it. My entire life, Mother had been more focused on Celeste, wanting to find her the best husband in all of Kalparainia, while as the second-born daughter and youngest child, it had been my duty to only learn how to run a household. Celeste was raised to become a Queen, as Byron had been raised to one day become King. Me... I was the odd one out. Mother had once said that a loyal noble lord would do for me to marry, but Celeste had been insistent that she take the responsibility to find me a husband last year when she married the King of Silverwood.

As I followed behind them, my stomach turned. If Mother was so happy, then there was no way I was truly going to be happy with the match that was made. I fidgeted with the golden locket that Celeste had given to me before she had left for the kingdom of Silverwood. Please, let me be happy. That is all that I ask for. I knew that whoever I married, I didn't have a choice in the matter. It was normal, it was my duty to my family.

"This arrangement was a wonderful idea, my dear," Mother smiled happily at Celeste. "King Markus said that the match was all your idea."

Her idea?! Why did she tell me that it was Markus who arranged it? How could she just throw me to the wolves without telling me who it is? I thought that we were closer than that! I thought bitterly. I was so lost in my bitterness, that I missed the rest of their conversation, and before I realized it, we were entering the Great Hall where my father, brother, King Markus and his family, and two other Kings from neighboring kingdoms, sat discussing whatever it was that they'd been talking about. Until we walked through the doors.

I glanced at the two kings. Xander Shade, King of Kyrain, and Damien Rysse, King of Dragoon sat opposite of each other. It seemed as though everyone had been in a heated discussion up until Mother made it clear that we were in the room the instant we walked in by greeting everyone in her strict voice.

There he is! I looked down at my hands the moment Damien Rysse's sharp gray eyes met mine and a possessive smile spread across his face. I take back all negative thoughts I had about Celeste. She truly did want to make me happy.

"King Thane, may I introduce my sister-by-law, Princess Alyse Thane," Markus smiled happily at the king beside him.

My eyes shot to the man beside Markus, the King of Dragoon. Stay calm, this could just be an introduction.

As I curtsied, I tried my hardest to avoid looking over at the King of Dragoon. Instead, I forced myself to make direct eye contact with Xander Shade. Please let my betrothal be to Damien Rysse. Please...

"Next week will be the wedding," Mother whispered into my ear happily. "Celeste has already planned it all out. By this time next week, you will be Queen of Kyrain."

My heart instantly sank instantly. Control over my emotions allowed me to mask my feelings with a shy-like smile. I could tell that Xander was a kind man by the kindness within his eyes. I avoided acknowledging my mother, who was standing right over my shoulder.

At least he isn't old like I had assumed, but he wasn't who I was hoping for... It wasn't as if he wasn't good-looking. Xander Shade was in all words beautiful. His face was clean shaved revealing his strong jawline, his light blond hair was short-cut and only added to his beauty, from what I could tell where he stood, he was a good foot taller than me with a muscular build.

In all actuality, I should have been overjoyed at the fact that the man smiling at me was to become my husband. Why couldn't it have been Damien Rysse? I asked myself. I usually wasn't so selfish, my entire life, I had put my family first, but in this... I felt as though Celeste could have said something more.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Alyse. Your sister has told me a lot about you," Xander's bow was even graceful, his voice matched the kindness within his eyes.

"It's nice to meet you as well," I managed to say with a kind smile while I tried my hardest not to look over at King Rysse.

I forced myself to step forward and join the men at the dinning table. Mother ensured that I sat beside her, so that she looked like a good parent. The last time I had sat beside my mother had been when I was a small child. At least I'll never have to see her again.

I wasn't surprised that my father, Dean Shade, the King of Heartstone had started talking about how the alliance was going to be good for Heartstone, Kyrain, and Silverwood, and he continued to try to press King Rysse for some kind of an alliance as well.

During the conversation, while I was glancing over at my betrothed, and caught his gaze, though it wasn't towards me. For a moment, his eyes lingered on Celeste, and then he caught himself. Of course, he's marrying me for Celeste, the bitter thought came before I could stop it. Celeste, she only had eyes for Markus, it was clear that she had fallen in love with him. That was something that I had hoped for, but with the way he looked at Celeste, I doubted I'd have that with Xander.

I glanced over at Celeste, realizing that she was actually paying attention to their meeting. I couldn't really focus, not with everything that was being thrown at me all at once. I could feel eyes on me...more than one set. Not only was my betrothed's eyes on me every once in a while, but so were another man's... The lump in my throat hardened as I took a sip of my water. Please, Damien Rysse, don't look at me like that.

I stared at my plate, and I felt like the world was falling all around me. The room was spinning, I focused even harder on my plate, and took deep breaths. Of course, I was being sold off for an alliance-I figured that this was going to happen...I just wasn't sure when. I avoided looking up, continuing to be lost in my thoughts. I was ensuring that I didn't lose my composure or posture. The last thing I wanted was for Mother to embarrass me over me not sitting properly. Through them all talking about the benefits of an alliance, I could feel the nearly constant stare of the King of Dragoon. It was becoming increasingly difficult to not look at him.

"How would an alliance benefit me?" Damien Rysse's voice drawled out, causing my eyes to meet with his. I shyly looked away before anyone would notice.

My betrothed looked as though he was going to say something, but he glanced over at my father.

"An alliance benefits us all," my older brother, Byron, stated coldly.

"So, both Caynar and Shade get something out of an alliance with you, but I get nothing?" Damien's voice seemed to grow just as cold.

"Alyse, you need to sit up straighter," Mother whispered loudly. Possibly loud enough for others around us to hear... I realized that right way, Xander Thane had heard at least.

I bit my tongue so I wouldn't argue and covered it with the meekest look I could summon. I straightened myself until I was uncomfortable, "Yes, Mother."

"What is it that you want?" Byron asked while crossing his arms and puffing out his chest-a clear sign he was feeling threatened by the shorter man.

Almost immediately, the King of Dragoon's eyes went straight to me again. I watched as a smile spread across his lips as he didn't look away from me, "Cancel the betrothal between Alyse and Xander."

Celeste looked as though she was about to choke on her wine as soon as the words left the King of Dragoon's mouth. I could feel everyone's eyes on me at that very moment. The ones that made the most uncomfortable were the ones that belonged to my mother. I kept my eyes locked on my plate, actually afraid of what she would do if I showed any kind of emotion. I knew what my sister must have been thinking. That I shouldn't be able to marry King Rysse because of the awful rumors that were said about him by the people of Silverwood...just because they were at war with Dragoon.

Both my mother and sister looked at my father, Dean Shade. He spoke in a tone that made me flinch, "Alyse is already betrothed to King Shade, King Rysse."

The King of Dragoon seemed unfazed by the strict tone of my father, though his voice became cold, "Cancel it. Markus has a sister who can marry Xander. Didn't her husband die in a squirmish against my men?"

Despite how I felt, I knew that was a low blow. It was actually pretty heartless. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that only the Queen had rights to voice her opinion at these kind of meetings.

"I apologize, King Rysse, but all of the arrangements have already been made," my father's tone dropped into a cold warning that I knew all too well. "Perhaps finding another bride would be within your best interest."

With the silence that filled the Great Hall, you could have heard a pin drop to the ground. The Heartstone Royal Guards looked ready for the King of Dragoon to turn violent, but his smile remained on his face as he repeated, "Cancel the betrothal between Alyse and Xander."

"I apologize, but that's not going to happen," Father stood his ground.

"Girls, let's go for a walk," Mother pulled me up roughly and motioned for Celeste to follow. Chances were, she probably blamed me for what was going on.

I was pretty sure that Celeste knew what was coming as well as I did once we got out into the evening chill of Heartstone's Gardens. She rounded on me immediately and demanded, "What was that all about Alyse? How in the world do you even know King Rysse?"

"He was at my wedding, Mother," Celeste seemed to be trying to come to my rescue. "They danced together."

"You'd know that if you actually paid any attention to me," I said under my breath. By the look my sister gave me, she had heard me.

Mother, luckily, didn't seem to hear, but she still glared at both Celeste and me, "Alyse, don't mumble. It isn't proper, and Celeste, you should have said something sooner. Do you know how foolish we must have looked in there?!"

As usual, I went quiet and started to fidget with the golden locket Celeste had given me. I was angry and shamed by the accusations Mother was throwing at me. This is why I want to leave so badly. Queen Charlotte Shade had been a wonderful mother to both Byron and Celeste, but when it came to me...there wasn't really any kind of motherly instinct. Several Governesses had cared for me most of my life. Unlike my siblings, I had a distant relationship with our mother. The only time we actually interacted was when Mother was telling me what I was doing wrong.

"How was I supposed to know that this would happen, Mother?" Celeste frowned. "I didn't even know that the King of Dragoon would be here. I would have advised against announcing anything he could disrupt, if I had known."

Mother's green eyes looked at Celeste in anger for possibly the first time in her life and her voice turn commanding, "Are you saying that this is my fault?"

Actually, yes, I didn't dare say the words aloud. By the look on Celeste's face, she was thinking the same thing. Celeste was actually an equal to our mother...within the week I would be as well, but I'd still be one Mother didn't look upon with the love she did for Celeste.

"May I go to my bedchamber, Mother?" I asked in a soft voice.

"Absolutely not," Mother held her head high. "When your father's meeting is over, you will spend time with your betrothed."

I frowned-just for a moment-before Mother could catch me. I mentally shook it off and held my hands behind my back. Celeste frowned at me. She saw...she knows that I don't agree with the match. I didn't have much time to dwell on it. Father came storming into the garden with Markus, Byron, and Xander close behind him, his face was red with anger, and the vain in his neck was sticking out and throbbing with frustration.

"Get into the Great Hall now, the wedding is happening immediately," Father bellowed angrily.

I looked at the men, Markus and Byron seemed to be seething with anger as well. It took nearly every ounce of self-control not to ask what had them in such a frenzy. The only one who seemed actually calm was Xander. Why are they rushing things suddenly? I had a week!

I could feel all of the color leave my face, my stomach turned...I felt as though I was going to be sick. I had just met Xander not even an hour ago, and now I was being pushed into an immediate marriage. By all rights, I should have been given more time, though I was sure I already knew what Mother would say if I spoke out, "I met your father the moment I married him".

A hard lump formed in my throat as I was practically pushed back into the Great Hall, where the Priest of Heartstone was already waiting for us. Mother was happy, of course, finally getting rid of me after barely tolerating my existence for the sixteen years and five months of my life. Before I could even truly process what was happening, Martin, the Priest of Heartstone, was saying the final prayer of God over us to join us as man and wife.

My life is over, the thought ran through my mind repeatedly as Xander placed a gentle kiss on my lips. By all means, I was his. His wife, his property. I don't understand why it was rushed... Celeste...

I had no idea why my mind was accusing Celeste. It could have been due to the fact that she had arranged for it to happen. Why she wanted me with a man who was more interested in her was beyond me. I wanted to crawl into a hole and hide from the few that had been there. This wasn't the way I pictured myself getting married. No guests, no feast. The affair made me feel as I had always felt. Insignificant.

"We'll skip the public Bedding Ceremony," Father announced loudly.

I felt uncomfortable suddenly. With everything that had happened so quickly, it had completely slipped my mind that he would be... I shook my head lightly, I didn't even want to think about it. How could I be stupid enough to not realize that was going to happen?

"Are you alright?" Xander asked me in a soothing voice. I forced myself to nod, hoping that he'd turn his attention to someone else. "I apologize that this happened so fast. Your father feared that something might happen, so he pushed it along."

Wonderful, that probably means I won't be escaping Mother's control anytime soon, I looked down at my plate. That thought actually scared me. Celeste, she escaped, but I feared, she was going to make me miserable for the entirety of my life.

"I... understand," I said quietly, not sure if he had heard me. I took a deep breath and asked, "Won't your family be upset that they weren't here for this?"

Xander's hand rested on top of mine and squeezed gently, "As of our wedding, you became my only living relative." My eyes shot to his. I didn't know much about the kingdom of Kyrain, or even about the man who was now my husband. I opened my mouth to apologize, but Xander shook his head and spoke loud enough for only me to hear him, "Markus and Celeste told me how you feel about your parents. I even saw enough to understand. As soon as we go home, if you wish to never see them again, I will respect that wish."

I allowed my gaze to wander over to my mother. How would the Queen of Heartstone feel if she knew that she'd never see me again? She'd probably be overjoyed at the fact she'd gotten rid of me for good. Mother's green eyes met with mine as she gave me a cold smile.

As I forced myself to smile back at my mother, I couldn't believe the question I asked, "When are we going home?"

"By the latest, late tomorrow afternoon," Xander replied in a gentle voice. "As of now, you are the Queen of Kyrain. I expect you to be treated as such, even by your own family."

I may not have been happy about my marriage to Xander Shade, but in that instance, my heart actually softened towards him. Perhaps, if I give him a fair chance I can learn to love him. I looked into his striking blue eyes and gave him a true smile. This man was already kinder than I had expected. He was already treating me with more respect than I was used to receiving. Though, I had a feeling it was going to be a long night.

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I pulled my undergarments back over my head, and I stared out the window at the night sky. I was afraid to even look at the sheets or at my husband. I was unsure if Xander had actually enjoyed himself while I had been in pain the first few minutes of him bedding me. After the pain vanished, it was quite enjoyable, but part of me doubted Xander had actually enjoyed himself.

"Are you still in pain?" Xander asked in a gentle voice.

I shook my head and refused to look at him, "The pain only lasted a few moments."

"Would you like to get some fresh air while I meet with Markus for a moment?" Xander's tone didn't change. It was as though he was afraid that he had broken me.

"That would be nice," I nodded.

I could feel his eyes on me as I slipped back into my crimson gown. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror and tried to straighten my disheveled hair. Without a brush, there wasn't really anything that I could do to fix the mess that was my hair. As Xander got dressed, I fidgeted with the golden locket around my neck nervously.

"I promise that next time it won't hurt you," Xander was suddenly behind me. He kissed my shoulder lightly and held me at my waist. "If our first time was that wonderful, I don't think we'll have much problems in our marriage bed."

How blunt is he? Did he truly enjoy himself, or is he trying to rid me of my fears? Before I could ask, there was a sharp knock on the door. Through the reflection of the mirror, Xander looked truly disappointed that someone was already interrupting the two of us. When a second knock echoed through the bedchamber, it was clear to see that he was annoyed, and if the truth be told, I was as well. Only I'd be interrupted on my wedding night. I can't wait to leave tomorrow.

"Who is it?" Xander barked in a tone that made him quite intimidating.

"May we come in? Celeste and I need to have a word with Alyse and you," King Markus Caynar's voice came from the other side of the door.

"It's urgent," Celeste added quickly.

"Enter," I had to say, that I was surprised by his sudden change in demeanor as Celeste and Markus came into my bedchamber.

Immediately I knew that something was wrong. It was clear by the way that Celeste's face was full of anger. What happened now?

"Queen Charlotte plans on sending a friend of hers with the two of you back to Dragoon to order Alyse around," Markus stated quickly when he saw the look he was getting from his friend.

"Jillian?" was the only one I could think of. Jillian was my mother's favorite servant. She was extremely loyal to my mother, and as far as I could tell, there was nothing to make her budge on her loyalty.

"The answer will be 'no'," Xander stated dryly.

"Mother will still try to get her way," I told Xander. "She always gets what she wants."

"Then I'll tell her that her little spy can come, as a gift to you," Xander's voice was unusually cold. "If she's found reporting anything to your mother, I will treat her as a traitor."