Darkest Rose (The Inevitable War Book 1) Read online

  DARKEST ROSE

  Copyright © 2020 by Vera Morgana

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission, not be otherwise circulated on any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organisations, places, events and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Cover design by Kim's Covers

  Edited by Elizabeth Raynor

  Book Formatting by Kim's Covers

  First edition: October 2020

  National Library Board, Singapore Cataloguing in Publication Data

  Name(s): Morgana, Vera. | Raynor, Elizabeth, editor.

  Title: Darkest rose / Vera Morgana ; edited by Elizabeth Raynor.

  Other title(s): Inevitable war.

  Description: First edition. | [Singapore] : [Vera Morgana], 2020.

  Identifier(s): OCN 1199941049 | ISBN 978-981-14-8204-5 (hardback) |

  ISBN 978-981-14-8205-2 (paperback) | ISBN 978-981-14-8206-9 (ebook)

  Subject(s): LCSH: Love--Fiction. | Magic--Fiction.

  Classification: DDC 828.99353--dc23

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Also by Vera Morgana

  To my lovely sister Uthara, who not only supported my writing more than anyone else, but became an inspiration in creating the character of Elizabeth. Without her, I would not have had the courage to pick up the pen in the first place.

  Prologue

  She could feel the tendons in her legs tearing; gradually, she reduced her pace. They must have managed to catch up. She wasn’t sure.

  Bloodshot eyes, glares from hungry wolves, preying to pounce on her … bright colours like mirrors of the moonlight with faces of murderers. For an instant, she yearned for help from humans. Her distinct camouflage betrayed her. They were going to wolf her down their throats.

  The tree behind was the only alternative, but the branches pressed her downwards, bending and breaking from her weight. The rustle of the leaves as she fell to the ground drained all the energy she had left. Hiding was the only logical option, but those noisy leaves were giving it all away. Her thoughts of him overrode the idea of her freedom. Her death held no importance.

  She had become prey for being different – those words reverberated through her. The only vivid image she could recall without any stress was when his voice echoed her name. Not her name. It was the girl with the red hair or the cherry servant.

  At least someone saw her as human.

  As the voice grew closer, she realized that even though faith was adrift, she held on to hope. Although it was too late to live, she could always find comfort in him – her love. She let every part of him explore her dying mind.

  When he wrapped his arms around her for the first time, their giant secret hideout tree, slowly she drifted into darkness. As her eyes were closing, she felt an open locket fall off her chest.

  Someone picked it up and closed it.

  Her knight in shining armor. He was human, and she knew that for sure. He watched her as the fangs of his hungry pack sank into her skin. This was it. She wasn’t going to fight anymore. Just as she gave in to the last gasp of death, she heard her name … not the girl with the red hair or cherry servant …

  ‘Virgo …!!!’

  Chapter 1

  ‘Why aren’t you dressed?’ Lady Desouza asked.

  It was a regular morning in the Desouza mansion. The budding sun kissed the edges of the clouds. Rays of warm, soft light peeped through the window. It was a morning with a bit of a difference. A girl of her age should have jiggled for joy, since it was her birthday. Still, no iota of fun or excitement crawled into her wandering mind, only memories of sitting in the rose pavilion and listening to musical sounds from afar.

  A few feet down, it was all hustle and bustle, like the town market. Except that these weren’t traders, only brightly dressed ladies who were craving the nod, smile, or glimpse of some handsome earl.

  ‘I will ready her soon enough,’ Nurse Marcie said.

  The girl was fumbling with the pearl of her necklace. Calm as the still sea, her tepid self remained.

  Marcie was handling both troubles, hers and that of the celebrator. ‘My lady. Your elegance is wasted here; feed it to the starving guests.’

  ‘You sure know how to flatter …’

  A knock.

  ‘Let yourself in,’ the lady commanded.

  ‘My lady, my lord requests your presence. As it isn’t right to keep the Duke of Kroukhesta waiting.’

  ‘The Duke? Why is that infuriating fellow here?’ the little girl voiced out her first concern.

  ‘To mark your coming of age.’

  ‘You sure have a way of daubing my emotions with misery.’

  ‘Hush, Ella. You shouldn’t say that,’ Marcie cautioned.

  ‘You will perform your duties to our family’s name. Nobles of your age are with their husbands.’

  Ella picked up a matching pair of earrings. ‘I would cheerfully trade this nobility for freedom.’

  Lady Desouza let out a peal of wry laughter. ‘Everyone awaits your presence. Don’t delay,’ she said as she walked out of the room.

  She caters for every other person except me, Ella thought.

  Edmund Gilmore finally got a moment alone from the blare and clatter of his kin. They were at home for his birthday. The feasting table had always been a stand for political standings and debates. The constant chatter between his father and uncles would sometimes get out of control. Edmund’s mother was still quick to quench the inferno with a passionflower tea.

  Lady Gilmore took longer than ever to serve the tranquillizing tea today. Unlike other days, she wanted to air her opinions concerning the strident discourse. The Gilmores shared similar detest for the Desouzas and for the mere reason that the Desouzas’ only daughter, who was ripe for marriage, wasn’t getting any advances.

  Edmund sneaked into his room to embrace the comfort of his bed. The thought of his parents deciding his future due to some old rivalry he never understood made his head thump. It wasn’t the first time they’d tried to outdo the Desouzas, but it was becoming infuriating now more than ever. Out of a thousand rivalry situations, one would sometimes become w
ild. So wild and riotous that the prince had to intervene.

  Just as he tried to wrap his head around all of that, he heard a knock on the door.

  So much for a peaceful day.

  Ruffle-haired and desperately needing alone time, he made his way to the door. ‘Just a minute, Father.’

  Walking briskly to the door, he wondered why his dad had come knocking.

  Maybe he perceived my absence.

  He pulled it open, but no one was there except the empty door frame. ‘Reveal yourself.’

  The young lad didn’t get any reply. He lazed back to his bed and once again, he heard a knock. ‘One more time, and you’ll see red,’ he warned.

  ‘Open the window, you flapdoodle! How much longer do you require me to hang on the tree?’

  Edmund turned to see the mischievous figure through the window. He was hanging on the tree outside. ‘Leofrick! From the look of it, you must have been here a long while,’ he said.

  While he opened the window to let him in, Leo was stuck on one of the branches, but he made it to the room with Edmund’s help. ‘Only burglars use windows.’

  ‘And only a deafened one wouldn’t observe me out the window.’

  ‘I express my regrets for that.’

  Leo’s eyes and face were similar to that of the vermilion flycatcher’s – a bird draped in human red fluid cloaked in black. ‘You know, friend, I could be anywhere else but here, clinging on trees like that one.’

  A mischievous smile plastered across Edmund’s face. ‘What other evil have you been preparing?’

  ‘A whole heap, I have lost track,’ Leofrick answered with a rogue snigger. ‘Like I could get away with Hermes’ slippers. Travelling to and fro in the blink of an eye. I would laugh at the horse’s stride. Wouldn’t that be a spectacle?’

  Edmund raised a brooding eyebrow. ‘I know you are as tough as an old boot, but you’ll outdo yourself.’

  ‘Well, I did climb a tree like a young lad toda—’

  ‘What object is that?’ Edmund gestured towards the locket hanging on his belt.

  ‘Label me ancient, but this grey-haired could only think of this as a present for your natal day.’ Leofrick handed him the locket.

  Edmund held it high against the noon light. ‘Thank you. What bothers me now is how ancient it is.’

  ‘Three decades old.’

  ‘How can you tell?’

  ‘Whoever sold it said so.’

  ‘And you swallowed it all.’ Edmund began fastening his boots. ‘Can we Hermes’ sandals off now?’

  Leofrick smiled. ‘That depends on what is next.’

  ‘I couldn’t care less about what is next, and I just want to leave.’

  ‘Wouldn’t they observe your absence?’

  ‘Yes, and I couldn’t care less. How do we leave?’ Ed asked.

  ‘The same route I came in, but not all which comes up easily goes down the same.’

  ‘Your horse?’

  ‘Ready for your use, my lord,’ Leo jeered unsuccessfully.

  ‘We would be visiting one place we are never wanted.’

  ‘The palace?’

  Leo and Ed had their mischievous days. They once stole the king’s ornamental armor just to cause a ruckus in the palace. The king had prohibited them from stepping into the castle ever since.

  ‘No, the Desouzas.’

  ‘Are you pie-eyed?’ Leofrick asked, completely startled.

  ‘My heart beckons to Sophie, and I need to see her. You know me well; nothing stops me.’

  Nurse Marcie signalled to the lord of the house.

  It was time, and Sir Desouza enjoyed showcasing his jewel to the world. He cleared his throat like he was about to make a toast. Instead, he channeled the attention to his daughter, who was walking loftily down the stairs. The chill golden handrails sent a spasm of nervousness down to her feet. Unknown eyes with hidden intentions trailed her every step. Her eyes were trying to avoid the gossip whispers.

  Wilkin walked up to her, his sly smile irritating her. She held out her hands. ‘You are striking, my lady. Like the sun’s radiance piercing through the clouds, your beauty pierces my heart,’ he said.

  Ella faked a smile. She needed to flow with the tide. ‘Thank you,’ she whispered. ‘I need not your support to take a stride,’ she added.

  Wilkin pulled in his hand like a leper. ‘I hope to win your heart, my lady.’

  ‘It can never …’

  ‘Beautiful, isn’t she?’ Lady Desouza cut in.

  ‘Yes, my lady,’ Wilkin answered. ‘My lady.’ Wilkin gave Lady Desouza a hand-kiss. ‘Excuse me.’

  ‘I hope I didn’t interrupt anything.’

  ‘Not at all, Mother, he was just leaving.’

  Lady Desouza led Ella to one of her guests; Baroness Sulley. A lanky loathsome widow married to the vile act of wrecking those she viewed as a threat to her troubled life. On the other hand, she was never to be ignored when social events like this were involved.

  Baroness Sulley’s sister, Swetiue, was the reeve of the district. She was a close friend to Lady Desouza and mother to Sophie. Ella and Sophie had been mischievous little imps since childhood, though they were more responsible now they were grown up. In a way, the only good thing about the party for Ella was meeting Sophie.

  Lady Desouza and Baroness Sulley kicked it off with conversations about King Gilbert Atalon II, the reigning monarch of their Kingdom, Yovaria. It was high time she escaped this female political twaddle.

  She took a step back, hoping that the heels of her shoes wouldn’t give her away. Then another, till she disappeared from the presence of those two. She managed to hide in the crowd and found her way to her exclusive hiding place, the rose pavilion. She spread the grapevines at the entrance of the canopy so that no one would be able to find her, and sat on the bench. She loosened the corset around her waist, listened to the music, and slowly swung herself to the melody. She was finally alone.

  Edmund was looking for a way to get into Desouza’s mansion. The process was a bore for Leofrick. Nothing was stopping him from seeing Sophie except the guards. He had seen her once, her golden spun hair gleaming beneath the noon sun … bright grey eyes like the mirror of the moon in the sea. Memories of the beautiful Sophie wouldn’t leave him.

  After circling the mansion for the fifth time, he found an opening – the most dangerous route climbing the creepers near the garden wall. The son of the head and future heir of the Gilmore House couldn’t possibly waltz into the Desouzas’ party. Both families were sworn enemies. As far back as when the foundations of the Kingdom existed. There was no way he was getting a formal invitation to this party. Not even if he begged for it.

  Edmund was about to start climbing when Leofrick walked up to him. ‘You’ve fallen so deep in the Abyss for this young lady. So much that you are willing to climb over walls into Desouza’s hell?’

  ‘I didn’t fall for her.’

  ‘No, you didn’t. You plunged into Sophia.’

  Edmund shrugged off Leo’s sarcastic remark. ‘I am just here to confirm my feelings.’

  ‘Look at yourself. You are climbing a wall draped with treacherous grapevines. What other confirmation do you need?’

  Ed smirked. ‘Your days at the Faded Tavern are finally paying off. It is too early to be dead drunk.’

  ‘I haven’t had any wine. If word of this reaches your father, you’ll—’

  ‘It won’t. Except if you plan on stabbing me in the back.’

  Leo smiled. ‘We have been a mischievous duo for a very long while. I would never soil that.’

  ‘See you at Canary Lane,’ Edmund called. He was half-way up already.

  ‘See you, and try not to get caught,’ Leo called out from below.

  Chapter 2

  Lord Desouza sighed, already tired of all the conversations he had been engaged in with the numerous guests in attendance at his daughter’s party. Politics held little interest to him when all he could think about was the importance of
Ella’s first dance and how smoothly he intended it to go.

  Where was this woman when he needed her? He wondered at his wife’s disappearance. His eyes scanned through the crowd meticulously, and he finally caught sight of her doing what she knew how to do best with the Baroness of Hillsville.

  He shook his head. Nothing in the world could break women and gossip apart. That he had learned quite early on. He walked up to her, interrupted them politely to ask for Ella’s whereabouts and waited patiently as Lady Desouza called for Nurse Marcie. It was time for Ella’s first dance.

  When he was sure Ella would be summoned, he turned to leave only to come face to face with Sir Wilkin, who handed him a glass filled with wine, quite similar to the one he held in his hand.

  ‘It seems to me that you are losing your charm as a man if you ever had any,’ Lord Desouza said to him.

  Wilkin faked a smile. ‘She has stopped avoiding me like the plague nowadays. I need more time.’

  ‘Good. Take as long as you need, but time isn’t what you have. You know her beautiful and noble self receives proposals from suitors every week. An ignoble nobody could sway her with words.’

  ‘Never would that happen. This beauty I shall take as my wife. I have your blessing, and that is what matters,’ Wilkin said in a measured tone.