deep breath.
“Walk in there like the prince you are, not like a flustered bull.”
Gulping, I nod, composing myself.
“All right.” Edwin pushes the doors open, and we stride inside, shoulder-to-shoulder.
I’m glad to have him by my side.
Father looks up when we walk into the throne room, but my eyes are on the girl in front of me. My knights stare at the ground, unable to meet my eyes.
Amalia’s gaze is on me, her confusion making my gut twist. She glances at Edwin briefly, but then her attention returns to me.
I feel like I’m going to be sick right here in front of all the courtiers and my father.
“Good of you to join us, Rhys,” Father says wryly, but he laughs after he says it, looking as if he’s truly happy for the first time in years.
No, not happy—relieved. He honestly believes Amalia is the key to saving his kingdom.
He has no idea how right he is.
“Come up here,” he commands, beckoning me forward.
Amalia’s eyebrows jump. Her hands are clasped so tightly at her waist, her knuckles are white.
“Don’t make a scene,” Edwin whispers. “Just go.”
I tear my eyes away from Amalia and make what feels like the longest walk of my life.
Father rises, and his usually solemn face crinkles with a smile. He embraces me and slaps my back as though I’ve done some great deed.
I can feel the princess’s eyes boring into the back of my head.
“My son,” Father says loudly, making me cringe. “You have done well.”
He turns me to face the crowd. “Rhys has gone into the belly of Renove and brought us back their princess—Edwin’s bride. Bow before him today. He and his men have saved our kingdom.”
The cries are deafening. Every person in the room falls to their knees, doing as my father commands.
All save one.
“Amalia…” I pull away from my father, feeling as if I’m drowning. No one in the room matters but the girl in front of me. I take a step toward her, extending my hands in a desperate plea for forgiveness.
The room goes quiet as the princess steps forward, moving silently. The crowd is captivated by her beauty and grace, but I am frozen by her pain.
She stops in front of me. “You’re a prince of Draegan.”
The statement hangs between us, suffocating and heavy.
“I am,” I breathe. “Amalia, please, let me explai—”
A collective gasp rings through the throne room when the princess slaps me. The sound of it echoes off the stone walls before a weighted hush falls over the space.
Amalia stands before me, beautiful, regal, and untouchable. Silent tears run down her face, each one piercing me like a sword.
I love her more than anything, but right now, she loathes me with every fiber of her being.
She turns to my father. “If I am a guest, take me to my quarters. If I am a prisoner, take me to your dungeon. I do not care what you choose to do with me, but I will not remain in the same room as this man.”
My father looks temporarily taken aback, but he then laughs as if Amalia is a new, amusing pet. “Edwin, please escort your intended to the rooms we have prepared for her.”
My brother glances at me, unsure how to proceed. After several moments, he places a gentle hand on the small of Amalia’s back and directs her out of the throne room.
I expect her to shake him away, reject the sympathetic gesture. But she doesn’t.
Before Amalia leaves, she casts one last look at me over her shoulder and then turns away, dismissing me.
She is broken.
And I am to blame.
To be continued…
Dawn of Darkness
Available 11/20/20
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Hello!
Thank you so much for reading Sea of Starlight! I hope you’re enjoying The Riven Kingdoms. The story continues in Dawn of Darkness, the third book in the series.
If you have a few minutes, please consider leaving a review on Amazon. It doesn’t have to be long, and it makes a huge difference.
If you enjoyed the book, take a look at my other fantasy series, Silver & Orchids and The Eldentimber Series. Also, I have book soundtracks listed on my website. While you’re there, join my fantasy newsletter for two free novelettes and a few other goodies!
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Wishing you the best,
Shari
Also by Shari L. Tapscott
FANTASY FICTION
The Riven Kingdoms
Forest of Firelight
Sea of Starlight
Dawn of Darkness
Silver & Orchids
Moss Forest Orchid
Greybrow Serpent
Wildwood Larkwing
Lily of the Desert
Fire & Feathers: Novelette Prequel to Moss Forest Orchid
Eldentimber Series
Pippa of Lauramore
Anwen of Primewood
Seirsha of Errinton
Rosie of Triblue
Audette of Brookraven
Elodie of the Sea
Grace of Vernow: An Eldentimber Novelette
Fairy Tale Kingdoms
The Marquise and Her Cat: A Puss in Boots Retelling
The Queen of Gold and Straw: A Rumpelstiltskin Retelling
The Sorceress in Training: A Retelling of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
CONTEMPORARY FICTION
27 Ways Series
27 Ways to Find a Boyfriend
27 Ways to Mend His Broken Heart
10 Ways to Survive Christmas with Your Ex: A 27 Ways Novella
Glitter and Sparkle Series
Glitter and Sparkle
Shine and Shimmer
Sugar and Spice
Stand-Alones
If the Summer Lasted Forever
Just the Essentials
About the Author
Shari L. Tapscott writes young adult fantasy and humorous contemporary fiction. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, making soap, and pretending she can sing. She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.
Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and several extremely spoiled pets.
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shariltapscott.com