Okay, so I blame my family for watching a couple of TV shows with knights, castles, and stuff like that. It's not my fault I came up with another book idea! ;)
Anyway, here's the first page of my new current WIP. Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear from you!
For his whole life, Crown Prince Heiris of Shenock believed he was an only child. Born on the eve of the Great Winter. What was he supposed to do with the revelation that not only did he have a brother, but that brother was the brutal King of Karlay and the ruler of the Dubh-Woods?
Prince Heiris covered his face with his hands and tried to think. “Why?” he whispered, dropping his hands and lifting his gaze to his father who sat across the table from him, before glancing at the other two people sitting around the table. “Why would you and Mother do this to me?” No, to us, he mentally corrected himself.
King Agron sighed and grimaced, it was then Prince Heiris couldn’t help noticing his father looked much older than he had just that morning before all this madness started, and Lord Blare arrived at their doorstep. “As you know, King Yanavin was your mother’s first cousin as such when he became ill… she became heir to the Karlien throne,” King Agron said, squeezing his eyes shut. “But of course, the Karlien nobles did not want a Shenockien Queen on their dark throne, nor did they want a leaderless kingdom.”
“So, after much thought and council, a compromise was made,” the Lord Regent said, clasping his hands in front of him. “Not many people were aware that you were born with a younger twin, young prince. While you took after your father’s pure Shenockien blood, he took after your mother’s old Karlien heritage far more than she did. With his raven black hair and pale skin. It seemed like fate that he should become heir to the Karlien throne in your mother’s stead, for he was the one who was born to be Karlay’s King.”
“Once it was decided, we thought it best that no one knew he was our son,” Queen Ellis said, gripping King Agron’s hand as a tear slid down her cheek as she lowered her head. “But instead of telling them who he really was, we decided he would be King Yanavin’s… unclaimed child. Not even you could know the truth.”
Prince Heiris rubbed his temples, trying to fight back the pain throbbing in the back of his head. “So… so why are you telling me this now?”
“As you’re most likely aware of, King Nira will be coming of age at the end of the month,” Lord Blare said. “And as Lord Regent, I thought it was best he knew his true heritage instead of continuing this lie by the time he takes the throne.” He cleared his throat and stepped forward. “And now that he knows… Well, he wishes to meet you, Prince Heiris. That is why we are here in Shey without much of a warning, he wished to come here right away.”
With a loud scraping sound, Prince Heiris shoved his chair back and jumped to his feet, nearly toppling it over in the process. “No! He is welcome to attend the celebrations for the anniversary of my sixteenth year, but he is not my brother!” Heiris said, slamming his fist against the table. “And I will not treat him as such. You can tell your… your cut throat, heartless king, I never want to meet him!”
Silently, Lord Blare rose from his seat. His knuckles were white as he gripped them tightly in front of him. “Of course, your highness, if that is your wish,” he said, giving a small bow to the king, the queen, and the prince. “I will inform his majesty now.” With that, he turned and left the council room without a glance back as he marched through the doors.
“Was that really necessary?” Queen Ellis asked, turning toward her son as she too rose to her feet. “He’s your brother, Heiris! Why won’t you at least speak to him?”
“No, he is not my brother.” Prince Heiris spat, stepping back from the table. “I have neither met him before in my life, so how can he be my brother?” He glared at both his parents before marching out of the council room, using one of the side doors and letting it slam closed behind him, much harder than was quite appropriate for someone of his status. But he did it anyway, and it made him feel a little bit better as he marched away from the council room and to his chambers.
