LOGINThe anger and hatred in Corpa’s eyes unsettled even Donton. Roydo shrank back, trembling. “I said get out!” Corpa roared. “Your Majesty—” Donton began. “Go! Now! Before I have you thrown into the dungeon, you ugly freak!” Corpa shouted. Roydo flinched and hurried from the chamber. Corpa dropped heavily into his seat, breathing hard, his eyes still murderous. Donton waited until the king’s breathing had steadied, before speaking quietly. “He is your blood, your Majesty. No amount of anger can change that.” “That monster is not my son.” “You know as well as I do that he is. Queen Boda was the purest of women. She did not betray you.” “She must have,” Corpa snarled. “How else could such an aberration be born?” “He bears the royal mark,” Donton said evenly. “He is yours.” As always, the mention of, the Mark, made Corpa grind his teeth and fall into a sulking silence. The mark, a small black star at the nape of the neck, had been borne by every royal of the Zombie K
According to legend, Zombie Kingdom was the first kingdom created by the Moon Goddess and given to her eldest daughter, Mortava, to rule over. The level headed Mortava shaped the people to be much like her. Quiet, peaceful and scholarly. Their proximity to the Silver river, combined with land poorly suited for farming, made fishing the primary occupation of most of Zombie Kingdoms. Jokes were often made that, being the first kingdom, the Goddess had not yet perfected her land making craft. The previous kings had maintained a hospitable environment and the kingdoms neutrality in the endless squabbles among the other realms, making the land a melting pot of vampires, wolves and witches all living and working peacefully. But all that was changing. The present King Corpa was taking a different path. Hot headed, arrogant and stubborn he wanted to end the neutrality by aligning with Vampirehaven, despite reapeted warnings from his council. His plan had been interrupted but the attack o
There was dead silence. “What is wrong with all of you? Why must our meetings always end in chaos?” She demanded. “Apologies your highness,” Dold said quickly. “But lady Lara is the instigator.” “No I’m not. I’m just making an argument-“ Lara began. “Argument just for the sake of it, as you always do. Just to cause confusion.” Hane snapped. “I said enough!” Reyna thundered. “Even my little Hira won’t behave this way.” She turned to her sister. “You are out of line Lady Lara. Apologize at once!” “I am sorry Lord Dold.” She muttered. One day I will make you sorry you stupid old vulture. She thought. “I too am sorry for my conduct.” Dold said sincerely. “Good. In case you all have forgotten we are here to debate something serious. Should we or shouldn’t we hand over our relic?” “I think we should.” Dold said. “Me too.” Hane agreed. “It’s the only thing to stop this creature.” Marge added. The others nodded. “I still think it’s a bad idea.” Lara insisted. “I ag
The Hex Council of Hexvale consisted of twelve witches and wizards who served as both lawmakers and advisers to Queen Reyna. Aside from Prince Hane, the Prince Consort, and Lady Lara, the Queen’s sister, the remaining ten council seats were filled through an ancient rite known as the Initiation. Hexvale was divided into ten great clans, and each clan had one ruling family entrusted with the right to present candidates for the Council. When a seat from a clan became vacant, the eligible members of that ruling family would gathered in the Hall of Shadows to undergo the Initiation. During the ritual each candidate pricked their finger and let a single drop of blood fall into the Witch’s Cauldron, that held only a small pool of clear enchanted water. The person whose drop caused the water to turn bright pink was the one chosen by the magic of Hexvale. That individual became the clan’s representative on the Hex Council, sworn to serve until death or resignation. Council member could not be
“I wish you would stay the night.” Kip murmured snuggling against her naked chest. She smiled, gently stroking his hair. “I can’t. Lady Elena needs me to settle her into bed. I’m only here because she is with lord Dusk.” Kip grimaced. He hated Dusk and all vampires, but not Elena. She was different. Sweet and kind to all the servants. “Come back when you have put her to bed.” He suggested. “Please. I want you here with me.” Drianna considered it. It wasn’t a bad idea, but she couldn’t. She had other plans tonight. Plans to drop more poison into Dusk’s ear. “I want to my love, but I can’t. Lady Elena needs me.” She said softly. “But when she is asleep she won’t need your service anymore.” He argued. “She might.” Drianna lied smoothly. “Sometimes she wakes in the night and calls for me. If I’m not there, the guards will tell her beastly husband and I will be in big trouble.” “I wish there was a way for us to escape and be free from this cursed people.” Kip said bi
Drianna was waiting in the solar when Elena came in breathless and fidgeting.“My Lady are you alright?” Drianna asked taking her cloak.“Yes. Did my husband ask after me?” Elena asked anxiously.How should I know? Drianna thought mentally rolling her eyes. She had left immediately after Elena, and was only just getting back. Though She knew Dusk had been in a meeting with his generals all morning, so it was doubtful he had asked for his wife.“No my lady. He didn’t.” She said.“Good. Please you will keep this between us, agreed?”“Yes my lady. Let me get you ready for dinner.”“Later. I need to rest first.”Drianna bowed and withdrew. Elena sank into a chair, multiple feelings fighting inside her. Nostalgia at seeing an old friend, Pride that once again she would be instrumental in bringing peace to all the kingdoms, but also worry. If Dusk found out she’d secretly met with a wolf he’d be furious. Maybe she should tell him? But why stir up trouble when he would never find out? No







