My new book Cursed by Darkness is now available, so I thought I'd share the first two chapters with everyone!
I am so excited this spicy Bluebeard retelling is out. It's full of magic and found family vibes, and it's honestly become my favorite book I've ever written. I'm so proud of this story, and I hope everyone enjoys it.
Grab your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBL1X4GN
And now... the first two chapters:
Chapter 1
Juniper
When the universe came to be, the King of Gods had three children. The eldest were twins: Theran, the God of Light, and Eryx, the God of Darkness. But it was their sister, Ronna, who truly held the power.
Wringing her hands together, Juniper wondered if it was too late to sneak off, to escape and disappear into this vast foreign kingdom. Surely the gathered crowds around the palace would help her blend in.
Though, the white dress might make that difficult.
She tried to keep the rest of her body still as Nadine—the woman sent to be her new lady’s maid—pinned her hair into place. Most of her long blond waves were left down, brushing her lower back, but tiny braids had been twisted in here and there, giving it an intricate, regal look. Nadine had also lined Juniper’s green eyes with kohl and painted her lips a light red.
Only Juniper’s eldest brother, Raphael, waited in the room with them. He met her gaze in the mirror and gave a small smile. She tried to keep her own in place, but it was difficult when she was on the verge of crying. Not even her mother had come with them, which hurt more than she cared to admit.
“There we go,” Nadine said. “Perfect.” She had insisted on helping her prepare in the bold styles of Mesairla, but she managed to weave in some elements from Juniper’s home, where their preferences leaned toward simple and more conservative. The lacy white dress that had been made and brought with them from Forosse had been altered to add thin flowing chiffon skirts that were popular here. Her makeup and hair were done to appear natural, but they had been amplified to match the way the people here liked to embellish everything.
From what she remembered of her minimal time visiting this court as a child, everything was so grand here, overdone. She’d dreamt about the open ballroom surrounded by towering columns instead of walls for years. Though, that was about as much as she could recall.
When her father first told her about the arrangement and she voiced her disinterest in marrying a stranger, he had insisted she’d met the then-prince during her visits, as well as his younger brother, who was closer to her age. However, the last time she was here, she had only been six years old, and her not-yet betrothed was over a decade older than her. Not to mention the fact that she hadn’t been introduced as the princess. For her safety, while traveling, her parents had always hidden her true identity, making her act as if she were the daughter of a maid instead. She had mostly stayed in the servants’ quarters.
Prince Bodin would have been practically an adult when she was here.
King Bodin now. The widowed king everyone feared.
Her stomach churned.
“Can you give us a moment, please?” her brother said, cutting into her spiraling thoughts.
The maid nodded and left them alone, closing the door.
“Juni, what’s wrong?” Rafe asked, moving to stand behind Juniper and meeting her gaze in the mirror. His dark attire, pale brown hair, and golden-brown eyes contrasted with her white dress and light coloring.
She scoffed and turned to face him. “What’s wrong? Father is making me marry a monster.”
“King Bodin isn’t a monster. You know better than anyone how stories can be distorted the more they are spread.”
Juniper hated when he was reasonable and made sense. It was beyond infuriating. “So, he didn’t kill his first two wives?”
“His first wife died giving birth,” Rafe said in a soft tone, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I’m not sure what happened to the second, but if he’s the man I remember, I don’t believe that he killed her. He was quiet and broody, but not a bloodthirsty murderer.”
She wanted to believe him, but she was still terrified. “I know this alliance is important, but why do I have to marry him? Isn’t there another way? Or can’t it wait a little longer? You know… so I could meet him before walking down the aisle, get to know him.”
Sighing, Rafe pulled her into a hug. With a dozen years between their ages, he had always felt more like a parental figure than a sibling. At twenty-one, she still looked up to him in that way. Especially with how little she saw their mother, father, and the rest of their brothers. Most hadn’t even traveled with them to attend the wedding. Only Rafe and their brother Hugo accompanied her, and the latter barely spoke to her.
Rafe had always been there, looking after her, reading to her, teaching her how to protect herself. Though, his visits to her quarters had been sparse with too much time in between the older she got.
It was going to hurt to say goodbye tomorrow.
“I wish there was another way,” he whispered against the side of her head. “I tried to convince Father to find a different solution, but he refused.”
Because they needed the small fortune he’d traded for her. Her kingdom was struggling immensely, its people starving, so the king had sold his only daughter, his youngest child, the Princess of Forosse, to the one man rich enough to save them.
“Besides,” Rafe went on, “this gets you out of that tower.”
“But how do you know I’m not trading one gilded cage for another?”
He sighed. “I don’t…” He grabbed her bouquet—light pink roses, white lilies, and a variety of flowers in different shades of lavender, intermixed with greenery that cascaded in front of her when she carried it.
“I don’t want to marry a stranger.” She took the flowers then leaned into her brother. “Let alone one so much older than me, who’s already been married twice. Isn’t he older than you?”
“By a couple months, I think.” Regret filled his voice.
“What if…” She swallowed. “What if he expects too much? What if he hurts me?”
Rafe pressed a kiss to her temple. He didn’t respond. Normally, she appreciated him not giving her false promises, but right now, she just wanted her brother to lie and tell her everything would be all right.
“He won’t,” Nadine said as she returned.
Juniper hadn’t heard her enter. Releasing Rafe, she turned toward the woman and glanced at the lace veil in her hands. Nadine gave her a sad smile. One that told Juniper she understood—as only women of this realm could—that this wasn’t her choice. It was comforting, in a way. It reminded Juniper that she wasn’t entirely alone. She might not have known this woman before arriving, but she silently thanked the goddess for whomever had assigned Nadine to be her new maid.
Nadine stepped closer to pin the veil in place behind her tiara. “King Bodin is a good man. He might seem intimidating, but he’d never harm a soul outside of battle. He’s been through a lot, and as a result, he’s built up walls around himself that make him appear distant and uncaring, but it’s a façade. He cares more than anyone I’ve ever met.”
“You sound as if you know him well,” Rafe said.
She nodded. “My mother has been the head chef down in the kitchens for nearly two decades, and I used to help out as a child. I grew up here in the palace, so I’ve known him my whole life, and most of us here in Kehlir know he’s not the vicious ruler the rest of the realm thinks he is.”
That made Juniper feel a little better, but only just. It didn’t help the other concerns screaming on a loop in her head.
She was a princess in title only. Her life thus far had been spent confined by the same stone tower walls day after day. And in a few short minutes, she would walk down the aisle to marry a king. By the end of the evening, she would be the Queen of Mesairla.
Remembering that nearly made her sick. She didn’t know the first thing about being a queen, despite her own mother being one. Everything she did know came from books, fairy tales.
She couldn’t even think about what happened after the ceremony. Sharing a bed for the first time, and with a stranger…
She learned about that from books too, as well as whispers from the maids back home. On the way here, Rafe had asked her if their mother informed her of what was to occur, and when she’d told him no, he’d looked like he wanted to jump out of the moving carriage. Eventually, he worked up the nerve to explain it, but Juniper had cut him off with a laugh and said she’d already learned about the basics.
Please stop. I’ve read the anatomy books and understand the mechanics of it, she’d said, grinning through the underlying fear. His embarrassment and panic had been enough to make her relax for a little while at least.
“Juniper,” Rafe said, taking her hand and squeezing. “Take a deep breath.”
She followed his instructions and focused on the present. After a couple minutes, Nadine asked, “Are you ready?”
Juniper nodded, unable to speak, and let the maid lower her veil in front of her face. Then, she and Rafe followed her out through the corridor toward the courtyard.
Two of their guards stood just outside. Meeting the eyes of the older one standing nearest to her gave her a semblance of comfort. Richard had been with her most of her life, watching over her and stepping in like a parent when hers avoided her. She spent more time with him than her own family, and she was grateful for his presence here. Even if it was temporary.
“Princess,” he said with a smile.
When she reached for him, he broke protocol to wrap her in a cautious hug.
“You look incredible.” Richard gently pushed her back and tilted her chin up with calloused fingers. He had his own blond hair smoothed back, and his uniform was pristine. But the circles under his dark blue eyes betrayed the exhaustion she also felt from traveling nearly a week to get here and not having much time to rest before the ceremony. She knew, however, that even when this weary, he was still the most capable guard she knew. The only one she fully trusted. He gave a small, understanding nod. “Congratulations, Your Highness. I… met the king earlier, and I think this will be a good match.”
The other guard, who she only barely recognized from their travels, cleared his throat.
Richard rolled his eyes. “Not that it’s my place to tell you such things.”
Juniper chuckled softly and hugged him once more. “Thank you.”
She released him and stepped back, hooking her arm through her brother’s again. Then, she nodded, indicating it was time. She was ready for them to open the doors to the courtyard.
To the man on the other side waiting to become her husband.
Chapter 2
Bodin
For millennia, Theran and Eryx fought amongst the stars. Some claim it was out of jealousy, others say it was because each wanted to take their father’s place or earn his praise. The stories are often changed to fit the teller’s motif. But the one consistent truth was that they could not agree on anything… save for the love they possessed for their sister.
Every single fiber of Bodin’s being wanted to run away. He did not want to be here.
But then again, he didn’t want a lot of things.
He stared at his reflection and adjusted his buttons and sleeves for what felt like the hundredth time. His chest was too tight, aching to the point that it was difficult to breathe. Clenching his jaw, he straightened his shoulders and looked down at his immaculate dark waistcoat and breeches.
“It’s almost time,” Laurent said, joining him in the otherwise empty antechamber. Bodin had kicked everyone out to have a few minutes alone. Of course, his lifelong friend hadn’t listened. Stepping closer, Laurent ran a hand through his short, dark blond hair as he looked in the mirror. “You ready for this?”
“You know I’m not.” The king sighed and turned away. He went to the drink cart in the corner and poured two glasses of bourbon. Passing one to Laurent, he asked, “Did she get here safely? Everything go all right?”
His friend nodded, grimacing as he took a sip of the liquor. “Her envoy arrived an hour ago. I just saw Nadine in the hallway, and she said the girl will be ready soon.”
The girl. Gods above, she was so young. At twenty-one, she was older than he was during his first wedding, but that had happened not only out of responsibility as heir but out of love and happiness. There would be no such thing with Princess Juniper, and he hated that for her. He knew she hadn’t been given a choice about today. To contribute to that decision made him rage inside, but he was desperate. Along with their princess, the kingdom of Forosse was sending a couple of battalions to aid in the Mesairlans’ fight at the northern border. Without the added troops, they would lose this war soon.
Bodin took a large gulp of his alcohol before asking, “And is she…”
“I don’t know,” Laurent said. “I didn’t see her, and Nadine was in too much of a hurry to talk.”
There had been mixed messages about the Princess of Forosse. Most said the reason her father hid her away all these years was because she was hideous. Others said it was because she was sickly or incompetent. None made him eager to meet her, but for his kingdom, he would do this. He had to; they were out of options. Without the extra soldiers, Bodin’s people would continue to suffer with no end in sight.
“If it’s any consolation, it’s one night.” Laurent took Bodin’s glass with his and set both down before patting him on the shoulder.
“For now,” Bodin said as they headed toward the door. “You know they expect us to produce heirs though.”
Laurent snorted. “So, turn her around and pretend she’s someone else.”
Bodin glared at him.
“It’s going to be fine.” Laurent opened the door. “Worry about that later. Let’s just go meet your new queen.”
New queen. New wife.
One who was never meant to be his.
He was going to be sick. Laurent stopped him before they reached the next set of doors that led to the open courtyard. He was one of the only people who understood exactly what today meant and why it was so difficult. Putting a hand on Bodin’s arm, he whispered, “It will be fine. Just breathe and focus on taking one step at a time.”
Bodin didn’t usually let anyone tell him what to do, but in this case, he obeyed. His friend knew him better than just about anyone. Only Nadine rivaled their closeness. She was the closest thing he had to a little sister though, so naturally, he didn’t share everything with her.
Like how much Bodin thought he was cursed to live alone. Almost everyone he’d ever loved was dead—apart from those two. He didn’t want to doom the princess to the same fate. He’d even tried pushing Laurent and Nadine away for their own safety, but neither let him do so. They refused to leave his side, to let him wallow.
“Remember why you’re doing this,” Laurent said.
“For the men fighting in Valétoi. To protect my people and end this war, once and for all.” He’d repeated the words to himself for weeks. They had become his own personal mantra. And now, that had to be enough to get him through this wedding.
With a nod, he pointed to the entrance, signaling for the two guards to open the large oak doors. He and Laurent walked out to the courtyard that had been decorated so elaborately that it looked like a painting from a fairy tale. Small lanterns had been placed among the hanging wisteria and greenery, giving the space an ethereal glow. Flower petals lay scattered down the aisle between the rows of stone benches. They went to the dais at the end, greeting the clergyman before Bodin took a moment to look up at the darkening sky. This courtyard, with its lack of a ceiling, had always been one of his favorite places in the palace.
Behind the older man, the tall, arched windows let in an array of fading light and fresh air. The sun was already starting to set beyond the western forest, and it made the world around them almost golden. It could not have been a more perfect day for a wedding.
If only he was marrying someone he loved. Not that he ever wanted that again. He couldn’t handle losing another loved one, so he refused to even be open to that possibility.
But he’d settle for marrying any woman he simply knew at this point. They needed this alliance though. The entire kingdom depended on it.
The southern wall was part of the main palace’s structure, keeping it sturdy enough for a balcony to span its length. From there, the sound of violins drifted down to those gathered for the ceremony. Noblemen, courtiers, and staff had been invited, and he’d seen through his bedroom windows this morning that citizens of his kingdom had flooded the streets of Kehlir. Most of those who resided outside of the capital feared him, but it seemed even they couldn’t resist the spectacle. Everyone wanted to see what would happen when the mysterious princess and monstrous king married.
Honestly, he was just as curious.
Beneath the musicians, the rear doors creaked open. A man and woman slowly walked toward them. For a moment, Bodin wondered if the King of Forosse had decided to attend his only daughter’s wedding after all, but as they neared, he realized the man was too young to be her father. Bodin hadn’t seen the prince in years, and he was looking more like their king the older he got. He’d liked Raphael growing up though, enjoyed his visits from time to time. Where the king was cold and harsh, Prince Raphael was a kind leader.
It didn’t matter though. All that mattered was the woman he ushered forward. The one who’d stolen Bodin’s attention. Princess Juniper. Her white dress had thin, lacy sleeves that barely covered her shoulders. The front was modest, scooping just low enough to give a peek of her collarbones, but the bodice was tight, showing off her curvy figure. It came to a point below her stomach, as if indicating where this night was meant to lead. The full skirts beneath flowed around her, sweeping away some of the rose petals on the ground.
And a fucking veil covered her face.
He couldn’t tell if the stories of her looks were true or false. Though, everything he could see from the neck down made his mouth water. It had been so long since he’d been with a woman apart from the extremely rare late-night trysts. The last of which had been several months ago, and none were in any way meaningful. There was no connection outside of the physical; he’d made sure they always knew that it would only ever be that.
The two reached the bottom of the dais, and Bodin stepped down to escort her the remaining distance. Her brother shook his hand and inclined his head. Bodin dipped his chin as the princess slipped her small hand into the crook of his elbow, and together they walked back up to their places.
The princess let out a soft gasp and glanced around like something was wrong.
“What?” Bodin asked in a hushed tone. “What is it?”
“H-he was supposed to remove my veil before giving me away,” she whispered.
Oh. He fought back a nervous laugh. “May I?”
She nodded, and he reached for the edge of the lace to slowly lift it over her head.
All of the air fled his lungs. Even Laurent couldn’t stifle a quiet curse.
Because every single one of those stories had clearly been a lie.
Princess Juniper was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
~*~*~
Want more?
Grab your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBL1X4GN
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