Traitor, page 1
Praise for Laurie Lucking
“Common is a well-told tale of true sacrificial friendship with a dash of sweet romance and a sprinkling of fairy tale magic. Teens and adults alike will enjoy this engaging coming-of-age fantasy.”
—Carrie Anne Noble, award-winning author of The Mermaid’s Sister
“Common is a lovely coming-of-age story with a sweet romance that will have you holding your breath in anticipation.”
—Julie Hall, USA Today Best-Selling author of the Life After Series
“Engaging and intriguing! Laurie Lucking’s Common pulled me in and kept me riveted from beginning to end. I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!”
—Katie Clark, author of the Enslaved Series
“Laurie Lucking’s Common quenches a spot in my heart that craves fairy-tale romances. With a dashing prince and a fearless heroine, you’ll find yourself turning pages late into the night, unable to put this sterling debut down.”
—Lucette Nel, author of The Widow’s Captive
“Common deserves every point on each of its sparkling five stars. I truly loved it, regardless of the fact that it’s a lot more romance-heavy than I normally read. The book taught me a lesson about expanding my boundaries, and that a great story is simply a great story and can be thoroughly enjoyed regardless of whether or not it’s squarely set in your favorite genre. I feel silly for ever being so picky!
“If you’re looking for a relaxing, heartwarming story you can dive into headfirst, I highly recommend that you grab a copy of Common. You won’t regret it!”
—Jamie Foley, author of the Sentinel Trilogy
“Common chambermaid Leah Wellstone is shy, loyal, and brave—and relatable—a refreshing change from the better-than-everyone-at-everything warrior heroines. The romance between Leah and Prince Rafe is delightful, and the ending perfect for lovers of fairy tales—or for anyone who enjoys a good romance. I look forward to reading more from Laurie Lucking.”
—Elizabeth Jane Kitchens, author of The Rose and the Wand
“Although Common contains all the staples readers of romance novels love, it is not just another Cinderella story. Filled with surprises that make readers eager to discover what comes next, Common is a fairy-tale romance unlike any other.”
—Lauricia Matuska, author of The Healer’s Rune
“Common pulls readers into a fantasy world of forbidden attraction, unforeseeable twists, and memorable characters. Plan on staying up all night reading—you won’t be able to put it down!”
—Sara Baysinger, author of the Black Tiger Series
“Common is a new fairy tale, full of wonderful characters and a storyworld that pulls the reader in. Exploring the themes of loyalty, faith, and self-worth, Ms. Lucking’s debut novel shares Leah’s struggle to save the royal family and her friend Rafe against insurmountable odds. Carve out some time for this delightful story—once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop until it’s over!”
—J.M. Hackman, author of the Firebrand Chronicles
“Lucking is an amazing fantasy writer! Anyone who enjoys a bit of romance in their books will enjoy this well-written story of courage and triumph. It’s nice to have a story with an HEA. Those are a scarce thing nowadays. I truly enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read more from Ms. Lucking in the future. Five stars from me!”
—Deanna Fugett, author of Ending Fear
“A shy servant girl, a handsome prince, a forbidden love, an evil sorcerer. Pair that with a group of mystic nuns and what could go wrong? This debut novel from Laurie Lucking has all these things and more! If you love a Cinderella tale with a bit of dark magic, Common is the story for you.”
—Pam Halter, award-winning author of Fairyeater
“This book was a fun, romantic, and exciting read that sped time up. I’m hooked and can’t wait to read what Laurie Lucking writes next.”
—Sarah Armstrong-Garner, author of Sinking
“Are you looking for a young adult fantasy with memorable characters, bold adventures, and a sweet romance? Laurie Lucking’s delightful debut, Common, ticks all of these boxes and more. Get ready to be won over by plucky heroine, Leah, as she adapts to challenging circumstances and falls in love unexpectedly along the way.”
—Jebraun Clifford, award-winning author of “Beyond the Stars, Past the Moons” in Encircled
“Gripping and beautifully written, Common is an adventure in friendship and real love. The ending had me so enthralled, I feared my reader-heart would be ripped in two. I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend it.”
—Desiree Williams, author of Illusionary
Traitor
Tales of the Mystics, Book Two
Laurie Lucking
Also by Laurie Lucking
Common
Tales of the Mystics, Book One
Traitor
Tales of the Mystics, Book Two
Coming Soon:
Scarred
Tales of the Mystics, Book Three
Mystic
Tales of the Mystics, Book Four
Copyright © 2021 Laurie Lucking
Published by Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing, LLC
Indianapolis, Indiana
www.love2readlove2writepublishing.com
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
ISBN-13: 978-1-943788-55-2 (Paperback)
ISBN-13: 978-1-943788-56-9 (Ebook)
LCCN: 2021932771
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Cover Design by Sara Helwe (www.sara-helwe.com)
Contents
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
Epilogue
Coming Soon
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Reviews
Where will we take you next?
About L2L2 Publishing
To Dad,
For so many laughs and memories
and for always believing in me
Chapter 1
“Exiled to Delunia?” I gripped the edge of my chair before I could topple out of it.
When Papa asked me to join him in his study, the nervous twitch of his brow hinted something was wrong. But I’d expected a scolding about the cost of my latest gown or a request to admonish my sister Sophia about her flirtatious behavior or loose tongue.
Not this.
Papa adjusted his collar. “Not exiled, Penelope. It is a betrothal. A joyous occasion.”
Oh, yes. My last engagement had been such bliss.
“The emperor and his son are thrilled to be making the alliance.” He adopted his best diplomatic smile, spreading his hands across the polished surface of his desk.
I swallowed a scoff. Of course they were. The benefit would be entirely on their side. How could Papa even consider it? Delunia was miserably hot, the people were loud and unrefined, and they didn’t speak any form of Sandrinian.
And it was thousands of miles across the sea from my beloved Trellich. From the entire continent of Sandrin.
The nightmare my life had become over the past year was about to get even worse.
“Won’t the voyage take weeks? Will I ever see you again?”
“Only one week, if the weather is favorable.” A ripple pricked through Papa’s confidence. “But it is a long journey, I can’t deny it. We won’t be able to visit often, but I’m sure every few years or so . . .”
Every few years. I’d almost prefer to separate from them forever than to become a stranger to my own family. “But why? How could anything they’re offering in an alliance be worth sending me so far away?”
He hesitated for a beat. Two. “They trade many valuable materials, and it would certainly be in our best interest to support and encourage those relations.”
“We have valuable items to trade as well,” I argued. “They can’t match our textiles, nor our gemstones. Isn’t that reason enough for the Delunian royal family to foster our trade agreements?”
“Their navy is formidable, the best on the Toan Sea. It wouldn’t hurt to have such might on our side, especially”—he glanced away, avoiding my gaze—“since our relations with Imperia have become more strained than ever.”
“Imperia?” I gritted my teeth. The very name made me want to shudder. “They wouldn’t cause tr
A knot on the dark wood of Papa’s desk consumed his full interest.
I swallowed a huff of frustration. “Surely, they wouldn’t defy an agreement they so recently—”
“They didn’t sign the agreement, Penelope.” Papa’s gaze collided with mine, roiling with frustration and concern.
“What?”
“I received their response last week.” He massaged his forehead. “They do not wish to enter into negotiations with us at this time.”
My stomach sank so quickly, I expected to hear a thud on the floor. They refused to sign because of me. Our improved alliance was supposed to be sealed by my marriage to Raphael, the Imperian Crown Prince. Instead, I’d gotten mixed up in a treasonous—murderous—plot.
“You’re ashamed of me. That’s why you’re sending me away.” I curled my fingers into the smooth material of my skirt.
“Of course not, dearest.” He leaned back against the curved wood forming the back of his chair. “I, too, misplaced my trust in the Duke of Brantley. He managed to fool us all.” He straightened. “But people will talk, and this marriage might give you a chance for a fresh start.”
A fresh start. Was such a thing possible? Another fiancé. A new country to explore. More opportunities to squander, relationships to destroy.
I gnawed at my lip. No, I mustn’t think like that.
The Duke of Brantley fooled even his dear friends, his own king and queen. I’d never step foot beyond Glonsel Palace again if my every thought anticipated future mistakes.
“Do you know anything of the Delunian prince?” I channeled stern tension into my legs, drawing on every last reserve from my etiquette training to sit still rather than fidget.
Papa smiled, apparently pleased by my feigned interest. “I met him when he was just a boy. A stout little fellow, clearly gentle-hearted and eager to learn. His father has spoken highly of him in his letters. Says he’ll make a fine husband, and one day, emperor.”
As though a father’s word could be trusted on such a subject. Especially when he sought to convince us to agree to the marriage.
But Papa looks so hopeful . . . “That is—comforting, I suppose. How old is he?” I pressed my lips together to prevent them forming a grimace. Please, Luminate, don’t let him be ancient.
“Only a few years your senior. Nineteen, I believe.”
That, at least, was a relief. “Then I am to be an empress.” The word tasted foreign—equal parts intriguing and distasteful—on my tongue.
“Indeed. And what a lovely one you’ll be.” Papa stood, rounded his desk, and placed a warm hand on my shoulder. “You shall be missed, child, more than I can say. But I do think it’s for the best. You’ve an entire lunar cycle to prepare for your departure, so take some time to get adjusted to the idea.”
An entire lunar cycle. He spoke the words as though they described a vast length of time, not the span of four weeks.
I rose, tucking my hands behind my back to hide their trembling. “I have much to think on and prepare. I’d best—”
“Of course.”
I hardly registered his reply before he clenched me tightly to his chest. Burying my face in his velvet doublet, I shut my eyes against welling tears. I’d be with my family for a lunar cycle yet, and they’d visit every once in a while. We could always write letters that would take weeks to travel across the Toan Sea . . .
A whimper escaped, and Papa clutched me tighter. Please, don’t make me go.
“Delunia? What an excitin’ prospect! Hardly anyone from Trellich’s traveled there, I’d wager.” My lady’s maid, Victoria, fiddled with a knot at the back of my corset.
“True. I was there once, as a child, when my family attended Emperor Tertius’s coronation. I confess, I’ve never had any wish to return.”
“I’m sorry ’tis’t what you’d hoped for, m’lady.”
I hardly knew what I hoped for anymore. But another marriage—especially one in Delunia—certainly wasn’t it.
“It’s my duty as a member of the royal family. Again. Though it’s entirely unfair that little Dominick gets to stay in Trellich and prepare to rule, while my chief value lies in my marriageability to other kingdoms as a token of peace.”
The knot finally gave way, allowing my lungs to expand more fully than they had all day.
“And what a peace I accomplished with Imperia.” The mutter escaped my mouth before I could hold it back.
Victoria gave my arm a sympathetic squeeze before helping me into my nightdress. “If I may, Your Highness . . .”
I sank onto the edge of my mattress. “Say anything you like, Victoria.”
While most of the girl’s talk was idle gossip, she’d earned my trust by staying by my side after Nicholas—the Imperian nobleman I’d been much more eager to marry than the prince—and his accomplice, the infamous sorcerer Lord Damien Lessox, had been arrested and I’d been sent home in disgrace.
Based on the dark, suspicious looks members of the Trellan court had cast upon me ever since, it appeared she and my father and sisters were the only allies I had left.
Perhaps Papa’s plan truly was the only way to lighten the shadow darkening my name and reputation.
Her shoulders rose with her deep inhale, sending her thick braid of light-brown hair slipping to her back. “Ye’ve been sulking for months, princess, and it pains me to see it.”
Victoria took a few steps closer. “That Duke of Brantley had the looks and charm to turn the head of every young lady in both Trellich and Imperia. The entirety of Sandrin, I’d wager. No maiden who’s honest with herself would fault you for developin’ an attachment. Those who shun ye now are just jealous he never paid any mind to ’em, or have likely been searchin’ for an excuse to look down upon ye for years, knowin’ they’d never have yer beauty or position.”
I choked back my surprised laugh. How novel to have someone speak to me so plainly rather than skirting around unpleasant subjects with a hasty bow or curtsy.
She swallowed. “I hope I caused no offense.”
“None at all.” I patted the bed beside me, and she hesitantly perched on the white bedspread, her hands restless in her lap. “I find it refreshing, when so few people are honest with me. Especially now.”
“We all make mistakes, princess.” She offered a slight smile. “Even you ought to be allowed one every so often.”
I avoided her gaze. My first love, the greatest adventure of my life, was now relegated by everyone—even my lady’s maid—into the category of mistake. How could I cast aside my memories from Imperia when they hovered over me like a storm cloud? When I still longed for . . .
I blinked, as though the simple gesture could clear my head of thoughts of him. Nicholas sat rotting in the Imperian dungeon. I could hardly marry him now.
Angling to face Victoria, I patted her knee. “What a treasure you are. You shall be very much missed.”
But did I have to miss her? Would it be asking too much?
Inhaling sharply, I sat up straighter. “Please know you’re under no obligation whatsoever. I’m happy to give you the highest recommendation to any of the ladies at court, or perhaps you could attend one of my sisters.”
She bit her lip and raised a brow.
I blew out a breath. “What I’m trying to say is, I won’t hold it against you in the slightest if you choose to stay in Trellich, but . . . would you consider accompanying me to Delunia?”
