In the days following the attempted execution, Court was abuzz with gossip and laughter. I had redecorated much of the Palace, lining portraits with silver and gold leaves and placing bouquets of lilies, peonies, and roses in all pastel colours throughout the Hall of Ancients. Bouquets of midnight blue roses were flown in from the … Continue reading Chapter Ten: A Power Unknown
The chamber walls croaked with the uproar from the gallery. Feet stomped and loud voices shouted liar and crook. Whispers uttered conspiracy theories and guards closed in on myself and Griffin. Sebastien was red with outrage, he shouted and pointed, urging my father to see Griffin in the image he had painted. "Order." My father's … Continue reading Chapter Nine: A Poor Execution
Two weeks ago, I had objected to being forced to marry a man I did not love. I was now about to face a court to defend an innocent stranger against the heir of the most powerful family at Court, all because I had refused to give myself the chance to marry for love. All … Continue reading Chapter Eight: Reputation and Life
Silence filled the cell as we processed the conversation. The lack of light suggested it was still night outside. I wondered how long we had been talking for and how long it would take the guards to return. Nobody would be looking for me, they were all too busy with their plots and planning. We … Continue reading Chapter Seven: The Final Trial
My time spent tossing and turning that night was in vain as the news that woke the Palace in the early hours of the morning would overshadow even my mother's rage. I had barely drifted off for five minutes when a piercing scream pulled me from my sheets. I grabbed my robe and rushed after … Continue reading Chapter Six: Murder on the Winter Terrace
As I rose to my feet and looked around, courtiers stared at me with mouths covered and eyes wild with fear. I caught a glimpse of my mother clutching my father's arm as he rested a shaking palm on Alicante's head. The beautiful hound panted loudly but remained motionless. As Griffin stepped towards me I … Continue reading Chapter Five: Family Matters
I tried to run forwards to Griffin's side but my mother's hands wrapped around my arm, yanking me back to my place. Wordlessly, she dug her nails into my skin and we both watched as my father declared Francis the winner and called for medics. The scene blurred past me as if I weren't a … Continue reading Chapter Four: Inconsistent Identity
I wiped tears from my eyes and turned to look at Griffin. He stood quietly next to my empty throne, his eyes intently on mine. He descended the stairs and stood before me, wordless. “Thank you. I don’t know how to repay you” I whispered, stepping into his arms. As my grandfather’s image faded, the … Continue reading Chapter Three: Three Warnings
Today's post is part of a two-post collaboration with the wonderful Benet Stoen. She approached me a couple of weeks ago to combine our minds on the age old protagonist/antagonist challenge. Plenty of people offer advice on how an antagonist should be credible, or how a protagonist shouldn't be perfect. So if you'd like to … Continue reading 5 Tips to Create a Strong Antagonist
Defiance and agitation interrupted my sleep that night. Waking up was not a choice but the sunrise beckoned me from the comfort of my sheets. I combed through my memories of dancing and drinking until I found my mother’s warning. Rarely did she express an opinion that contradicted my own, and yet she was adamant … Continue reading Chapter Two: Flawed Expectations
