Crimson Tides by Eliza Tilton

Author:Eliza Tilton [Tilton, Eliza]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781620075975
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Published: 2016-05-11T23:00:00+00:00

trolling up to the expansive grounds of Lucino’s home in Daath, I hesitated, slowing to stall beside some vendor carts that lined the street leading up to the palace. Would it be odd that I arrived on foot? No, I was a simple jeweler; a carriage would be too much.

My amber dress brushed across the path leading to the massive doors as I walked. Pausing at the entrance, I wondered what the proper etiquette would be. As a humble jewelry merchant, did I knock? Would someone announce my presence? I was unprepared. My heart began to flutter. I twisted the beads in my hand.

A servant exited, nearly colliding with me as I stood in a stupor.

“Hello,” I quickly said. “I’m here to see Daago. I have an item for him.”

The servant hesitated only briefly, then turned on her heels. “This way.”

I followed the girl through the familiar home. Each step made my pulse race a bit more. Memories of wandering the halls, roaming the gardens, and running through the maze, flickered through my mind. If Avikar and Derrick hadn’t stopped the wedding, this would be my home.

What would happen when Lucino returned? I didn’t think he would reside anywhere but Daath, which meant soon, I’d return here with him.

“Your name?” the servant asked before opening another set of doors.

“Miss Aurora.” Nervousness made my mouth dry. The worst that could happen would be for them to dismiss me, but at least I’d know I tried.

She swung open the doors to the throne room. A black stone throne sat where Lucino’s golden thrown once stood. Jagged pieces stuck out at the top, resembling fangs. The man sitting on the throne read from a parchment. The room was empty except one man standing in front, waiting.

“Lord Daago. A Miss Aurora is here for you.”

“Come forward.” Daago waved me ahead.

Jeweled rings dangled off his long fingers. The dark black of his dress matched his slicked back hair, which made his pale face a sickly white. A trimmed mustache, the only facial hair present, reminded me of the old barber in town who always smiled strangely at me. Darkness shrouded over Daago, an invisible cloud that sent a chill through me and silenced the room. How many of the servants knew he wasn’t human? Lucino’s people would never have put a human as regent. Daago had to be Reptilian—a thought that made me quickly regret coming.

Lucino was different from his kind because he was half-human. But what were the others like? The Queen, cold, but slightly accommodating, and Krischa, well, she tried to kill me. Then there was Lucy. She was half-human and hated me. The only time she was nice was the day of the wedding, and I’m still not sure why. I doubt it was because she was excited we would be sisters.

I waited while Daago continued reading, sweat forming at the nape of my neck. How I wished I’d worn my hair in a bun.

“So,” he finally said, rolling up the parchment and handing it to the gentleman who waited.

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