Prologue
Robertus stalked down the corridor. He wouldn’t tolerate lying or deceit. His steps slowed and he came to a stop before the door, grasped the knob, gave it a quick twist and flung it open.
“Antonia!” he shouted.
His wife sat before her dressing table, a lady’s maid behind her, unwinding her long hair from its ornate updo. A smile touched her lips as she looked at him, seemingly unaware of the anger he currently harbored. “Robertus, is everything all right?”
“Out. Now,” he snapped at the maid. He remained silent until the maid had scurried from the room, pulling the door shut behind her. “We are going to have a discussion,” he told her in a deceptively calm voice.
She rose, still smiling. “Of course, dear, about what? There’s nothing wrong with Rayn, is there?”
“This has little to do with our daughter. It seems as if you are hiding a very important secret from me and I’d like to know why.”
“I’m certain I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Liar!” He slapped a piece of parchment down on the dressing table. “I have it on good authority you are a sorceress! You have magic and never informed me! What if it has been passed to our daughter?”
She sighed and dropped back into her seat before the dressing table. “Darling, I didn’t feel it was important to mention. My magic is minor and I rarely use it. If Rayn had inherited my gift she would be showing signs already. She’s twelve.”
His hand slapped down on top of the parchment. “You didn’t feel it was important to tell me you are carrying the devil in you?”
“There is no devil in me! We have been married long enough that you should know that!” she snapped, leaping up from her seat and poking him in the chest.
He cackled. “I should have guessed it when you gifted Rayn with that damned magical beast! I should slaughter the thing!”
“No! You can’t do that to her, she loves Bella!” She grasped his sleeve. “Where is the man I married, the one I fell in love with. Where is this anger and hatred coming from?”
“The man you fell in love with,” he answered with a snort. “You mean the man you lied to about who you really are.”
She sighed. “I am the same woman, my gift doesn’t change that.”
“Gift?” He flung an arm toward the window. “We fight everyday against those who would tear down this kingdom with their so called gift!”
“Not all who have magic are evil. I’ve told you that!” she yelled.
He laughed. “And now I understand why you argued so vehemently for them!” he shouted.
“Stop this! There is no reason for this hatred!”
His hand flashed out, striking her across the face, opening a gash across her cheek with his ring. “Bitch! I will not tolerate lies! I am your King and you will not disobey me again!” he snarled.
She pressed a hand to her cheek, backing away from him. “You’ve lost your mind!”
“No, it seems I’ve found it. You will not cloud my judgment again with your gift!” He spun and left the room.
She remained for a moment before fleeing the short distance down the hall to her daughter’s room. She found Ryan curled in bed weeping. Their argument had been loud and she was certain it had drawn not only Rayn, but servants as well. Her husband had a loud booming voice that tended to carry. Even more so when he was angry.
She pulled her daughter into her arms, holding her while she cried. “Rayn, darling. It’s all right, baby. It’s all right.” They remained like that until Rayn’s tears dried up.
“Mom, why were you and dad fighting?” she asked on a sniffle.
“The reason doesn’t matter. I need you to me. We’re going to leave, I don’t know where we’ll go but we can’t remain here any longer. Whatever you do, don’t trust your father ever. He’s not the man I thought he was.”
Things had changed drastically. Not for the better. Any hope she had of convincing Robertus to rescind his law outlawing magic was lost and with it, hope for the people. Hope for their kingdom.
