Shattered, An After Ever Series Novel

Chapter 1

Is he here yet? I asked as my arms pulled the curtain apart on the window before waiting for an answer. Outside, the birds sang across the clear, blue sky. Lush flowers tilted toward the sun to receive the light’s blessings. It was a perfect summer day. Two years ago, I would have delighted in it. Today, the beauty is lost to me—along with every other feeling but anxiety, exhaustion, fear, and stress.

Behind me, Lucy, my housekeeper, nurse, and cook humphed. You know how I feel about this visitor, Lena, but whether I like him or not, you staring out the window every five minutes will not hasten his arrival. Her eyes lifted from the clothes she was folding. Here, she said, handing me a dull dress. Fold this and relax.

I reached for the cloth. My arms creased the material mechanically in straight lines. All the while my mind recounted the events that had happened just three days ago: the trial, Ella’s threat, my liberation. Again and again the words whirled in my head. They spun like a twirling baton, switching order and mixing letters until the world spun, and a jumbled mess of nonsense was formed; until the sun’s light faded and Lucy’s voice was drowned by the steady cascade of memories; until the seconds between then and now were erased. I was taken back to three days before...

It was an unbearably rainy day. Buckets of fat droplets stormed down from the heavens. Sloshes of watery mud on the roads. But no one was outside to notice the muck. They were inside, awaiting the sentence, and all heads were facing the front bench where Supreme Judge Wilborn sat perched at the helm. His voice, deep and pronounced, held the court under a spell. The spectators sat in rapt attention, ears alert, as he began.

On the count of high treason to a member of the royal family... My fingers grasped the edge of the defendant’s box as the words reverberated in my ears. I closed my eyes, and my lips mouthed a frantic prayer. Please, let me be innocent. I hereby sentence Lady Lena Ellis Rayne to life—in prison. My eyes flew open; they watched as Wilborn raised his gavel high and smashed it against the mantle. No!

My heart pounded against my chest keeping time with the echo of the gavel. No! I am innocent! I wanted to scream it to the rooftops and bring the blasted building down to the ground. Instead, I said nothing. I wiped my face blank of any emotion as two guards materialized by my side. I refused to let them know that they had defeated me. To let Her know that she had defeated me. The guards clasped my upper arms and dragged me toward the prison door, every step bringing me closer to my uncertain future.

I walked in time to their long strides when all I wanted to do was drop to the ground and kick them away. I wanted to strike each and every person we passed and wipe their faces of the gleaming smiles that said, she got what she deserved.

I knew what they whispered among themselves. They believed that the mighty Lady Rayne had finally been brought down low, back where she belonged, amid the trash of society. They knew nothing. It would take much more than a silly trial to defeat me. I will prevail. I will go home. I will see my family again. I thought the words so compellingly I almost convinced myself. Almost. But before I got my happily after ever, I would hunt down the woman who did this to me and... what? What could I do? I had nothing, and she had everything: money, power, the kingdom. I sighed. I would do nothing, and we both knew it. She had me backed into a corner; I couldn’t escape.

How did I let it get this far? I should have run long, long ago, when the king first told me of my supposed crimes. I should have fled when he placed a guard on the outskirts of my cottage after kicking me out of Rayne Manor and depriving me of my inheritance. I should have left when there was no one to turn to. No one associates with a criminal. Even an innocent one. I had learned that the hard way. The truth was that I had had plenty of opportunities to escape, but I was too stubborn to take them. I never imagined it would get this far. Judge Wilborn’s words echoed in my mind: Life...in prison.

If only my old friends back home could see me now. They wouldn’t believe who I’d become. Or maybe they would—no one would have thought that wild Lena could have caught a lord for a husband. The image of me locked and bound would seem appropriate. I had always been a little scamp.

Maybe I should tell the truth...

I ruthlessly crushed the whispering thought. Tell the truth? Who would believe me? Better yet, who would care?

Stuck in my thoughts, I didn’t notice the flash of red shooting in the fringes until it exploded in our path. Our group stopped short. A woman, clothed in a crimson cloak, stood between us and the door. The guards made a swipe at her, but she anticipated their movement. Before their fists could connect, she pulled her hood down. Wisps of gleaming, yellow hair floated around her sweet face. The guards stood still for a moment, their jaws slack with disbelief, before they abruptly knelt. In a wave, beginning with the front row and rippling down south, every person knelt down and bowed—everyone but me.

I raised my brow at the intruder, ignoring the censure from our audience. The princess simply laughed at my disrespect.

Lady Lena, she said, a smile curling her lips. Come with me. She waved at a guard to open the doors, and she walked down the hall, leaving me no choice but to follow.

I closed the door on my way out.

She led me to the first door on the right and then turned the lock. The princess slowly circled me, a small smile lifting the corners of her lips. Hello, Lena, she said. Aren’t you glad to see me?

I slipped into a belated curtsy. About as glad as I am to see a snake, Your Majesty.

She laughed. I think we can dispense with such formalities, Lena, don’t you? I mean, you are family.

Then, we should drop the false courtesy, Ella. We both know I was no stepmother to you.

And yet my father left you all his riches, leaving nothing for his precious, only daughter. A bitter look crossed her face. You didn’t even love him.

I took a deep breath, ignoring the dig about my relationship with Edward. I married him for security at a time in my life when everything was in tatters around me. I was battered down with my burdens, and he offered me a life vest. Marrying him was the best I could do then, and I refused to let her make me feel guilty about it or my inheritance. And who is she to judge? From the rumors surrounding her and the prince, their hasty romance has quickly fizzled. I wonder if she ever loved him.

You made your choices three years ago, Ella; so don’t call yourself the poor victim, I said. Your father was prepared to give you the world. You’re the one who threw it away.

I still remembered how his sky-blue eyes, so much like hers, turned cloudy with tears and how his shoulders slumped when he realized she had run away. And when the grief passed, anger took its place. From that day on, she was no daughter of his.

This forgotten anger latched onto me as I looked at Edward’s forgotten child. Not for the first time, I wished she had never come back. You have everything you’ve ever wanted, Ella. Let me go. I poured a year’s worth of stress into the plea. A mysterious twinkle appeared in her eyes. I looked away. I should have known better than to beg. I forgot that she fed on it—the vulnerabilities of her victims.

Oh, Lena, she sing-sang. I would, I really would, but this is too much fun.

Are you happy now, Ella? Does ruining my life make you feel better? My nose flared. Tell me, when you first accused me, did you imagine the end would be like this, with me locked in prison—for life?

She eased into a chair. No, Lena, I didn’t imagine it. This was simply an added bonus.

My deep resentment toward her bubbled in my chest, and my hands clenched at my sides. She taunted me with her eyes, and urged me to do something about it. With effort, I relaxed my palms. I kept my voice calm and steady. Only a hint of my ragged emotions showed through. I can almost imagine it, you with your big, blue eyes, pouring tales of how your wicked stepmother mistreated you. I can see you kneeling at your husband’s side telling him about how I treated you as a slave, making you fix my gowns, wait on my family, and cook our meals, I spat out.

Once again, I wondered at her audacity. How dare she say such things about me and ruin my life with those lies when we both knew I had done everything I could to make her feel included in the family!

Did he strut around like a peacock when you told him that his proposal at the ball saved you from a lifetime of servitude? I said, looking at her with fiery eyes.

She smiled. What an impressive imagination you have, Lena. You missed your calling. You could have been a writer. There’s more of a professional satisfaction from working for what you own instead of stealing it from trusting, old men, don’t you think? Maybe next time around, you can change your ways, hmm? Her eyes lingered over me mockingly. And yes, he did strut around like the most unbecoming rooster. How insightful you are. Although, I must add, I did not kneel. I never beg. Her eyes seemed to say, but you do.

Do you feel any guilt at all?

She flashed her crooked smile. Should I? I see this as a belated revenge. You had no right to steal my inheritance from me. Now, it is safe where it belongs—with me.

Anger left my body at once, exhaustion taking place. Is that what this was about? I would have gladly given it to you, Ella. Was this necessary? I spread my hands in the air, trying to grasp the agony this trial caused me with my fingers. Why am I even here? I didn’t think I’d prefer the prison walls to anything, but I could not spend one more second with her.

She frowned. Of course this was unnecessary, Lena. Didn’t I just say I did this for my own enjoyment? As for why you’re here, we’ll get to that. She waved a hand. Sit.

I did, but only because my legs were too tired to hold me up. The moment my bottom hit the chair, servants flooded the room, their hands filled with silver serving dishes covered in matching domes. They set the dishes on the desk and then whisked off the tops.

The smell of well-cooked chicken permeated the air, with hints of thyme, garlic, and rosemary. Cranberry sauce filled a bowl to the top; the succulent purple-reddish color made my stomach growl, reminding me that it was lunchtime. The tallest server of the bunch dished leafy, green salad into our bowls, adding a generous amount of dressing before bowing to each of us and setting it down. Ella dug cheerfully into the dish while I stared at my too-green leaves with distrust.

She laughed at my speculations. Eat it, Lena. I didn’t poison you. Her eyes darkened. When I want to hurt you, you’ll know it. She shoveled another forkful into her mouth. Tempted, but unsettled by her words, I pierced a leaf with my fork, inspecting the length of it before eating.

It was as good as it looked, maybe better. The crunchy leaves left my stomach satisfied. Before I knew it, I had finished my first bowl and refilled it for seconds. In roughly half an hour, we ate our fill. The servers nodded and left, leaving with the silver serving dishes as silently as they came. I glanced at Ella before looking at the door. It seemed a bit contradictory to be eating lunch with her like we were the best of friends, or worse, the perfect family. My eyes snuck towards the door again. Maybe I could…

Don’t even think about it, Lena. You wouldn’t take more than ten steps before you’re caught.

What do you want from me here?

She took a long sip from her glass. I’m getting to that. She set the glass down. Earlier, I told you I sent you here for laughs. While that’s true, there’s nothing funny about actually sending you to jail, she shuddered, with those dirty convicts. No, that doesn’t do anything for me. She smiled. I was instantly suspicious. Instead, I’m banishing you from the kingdom, effective immediately. In three days’ time, I will send for a carriage to pick you up at your home. You will leave at the stroke of midnight.

I didn’t know what to feel about her plan. Was exile better than imprisonment? If imprisoned, I had a plan. I meant to escape as quickly as I could with Drina, Stazia, and Lucy and flee to one of the other neighboring kingdoms: Brissenden of the North or Jenova of the South. With exile, I had no idea where she would send me, and I had no clue how long it would take to come back. My other plan was flimsy at best, but it was comforting to have a set strategy. Now, my security blanket had been ripped away, leaving me bereft and anxious. I wondered if that was her intention.

You have nothing to say? Don’t I get a ‘Thank you, Your Majesty, for selflessly releasing you from jail’? She pouted. Lena, this ingratitude of yours just hurts.

I brought my eyes to her face. Selflessly? Do you even know the meaning of the word? I don’t trust you, Ella. I don’t trust this convenient lifeline any more than I believe that you had a change of heart. You want something from me. I don’t know what you want; I only know that it’s something important, or else you would have easily thrown me to the dogs. So, what is it, Ella? What is my saving grace?

She smiled her crooked smile, with the left side slightly wider than the right. It’s good you don’t trust me, Lena. I certainly wouldn’t if I were in your shoes. She leaned in. The thing is, I was not asking for your trust. I was giving you an order; so now I’ll give you a promise.

All amusement fled her face, and her cold, light eyes glittered as she spoke. If in three days, you don’t leave this kingdom at midnight in my carriage, you can be sure that I will hunt you down. I will start from every single person you have ever encountered in your life. I will make you pay. Her eyes flashed and her lips twisted. I’ll begin with that teacher who your darling Drina is so infatuated with, then your blacksmith, dressmaker, shoe fitter, Lucy, and on and on and on until I get you where it hurts: your family. My hands gripped the bottom of my seat. The bones in my shoulders were so stiff I feared they would crack. I think I’ll start with Drina. Do you think she’ll cry out your name when my men steal her under the night stars? My head started shaking frantically to and fro. What do you think she’ll do when she realizes you can’t save her? Will she go limp in silent terror, or will she scream to the moon? My body shook convulsively. After I finish with her, I’ll begin with your daughter. What’s her name? She tapped her finger against her chin. Ah, St—

I rose on unsteady feet. Stop! I’ll do it. Just please, stop. The last entreaty blew from my lips like the flimsiest whisper.

She smiled. I knew you would see it my way. I blinked at her pearly, white teeth, my breath still falling rapidly. Oh, how I hated her.

* * * * *

Hours later, I was outside, and on my way home. My feet sloshed in the rain. The small droplets clung to my cloak, plastering it against my body. My hair was soaked and left hanging in front of my eyes, obscuring my sight. My skin was pelted with frigid drops, leaving me chilled to the bone. I had already walked for one hour straight, and I was still miles from home. Ella offered me a ride in her carriage, but I refused. I would eat a bowl of nails before accepting anything from her again.

Besides, the walk gave me time to think. How could I make the best of a horrible situation? I asked myself again, and like the other hundred times, I came up with the same answer. You can’t. But I needed to, not only for me, but for my family. For their sakes, I had to try.

I could tell the truth. Again, the thought crossed my mind, but when I shut it down this time, I was softer and more regretful because more than ever, I wished I could. I wish I had told the truth to the prince before he married Ella and made the worst mistake of shackling himself to her forever. I wish I had told the king so he could have stopped marriage before it began. Before I gave her the power over me to do what she wanted with my life, I could have told the truth.

There was no use thinking of what might have, should have, or could have been. The fact is—it wasn’t—and that was something I would simply have to live with.

To be truthful, even if I had the power to tell the prince or king, I wouldn’t have. I never liked Ella—she was a spiteful, sulky child—and I never trusted that gleam in her eyes, but I never would have ruined her chances at a good match. Throughout my marriage to her father, I tried to love her. I really did, but she was so... evil. I was glad she married the prince because she was no longer my responsibility, and I no longer had to pretend.

I tightened my cloak around me as thunder rumbled in the distance and a lightning bolt sizzled in the air. A storm was brewing. It was distant for now, but it would soon reach me. I quickened my pace.

All at once, I became aware of a ricocheting careen of wheels. A sleek, black carriage overtook me, blocking my path down the road. The door opened, and a young man with slender limbs crouched under the roof. He smiled, but it looked anything but genuine with the way his eyes flickered and lips twisted. He swept his arm toward the blanket-covered seats inside.

Would you like a ride? he asked. I made the slightest hesitation before a shower of rain poured on my head. He smirked. You would definitely fare better with me than in an impending storm. He was right. I was soaked and had no other option. I squeezed the moisture from my hair before stepping inside.

I immediately moved toward the blankets, wrapping them around my body tightly, letting no heat escape. I fidgeted with the cloth for a while trying to find a nice position when I became aware of silver eyes staring at me. He smiled. Comfortable?

I adjusted the folds one last time. Yes, I said, raising my chin. I am.

We sat in silence for a few moments until he broke it with his question, Do you have an address?

I blinked once before rattling off directions to the outskirts of my village. From there, I could walk the rest of the way to my cottage. I hope it’s not too far out of the way.

It is, but it’s a pleasant diversion. He nodded at me and then picked up a notebook and started writing.

I turned toward the window seeing none of the scenery. I was making a mental checklist for when I got home. I needed to pack, of course. Lucy could help me with that. Then, I needed to make arrangements for my girls. I didn’t trust our neighbors or Ella enough to leave them alone with Lucy, but who could I trust them with? I had a short list of friends, but after so many years of silence between us, would they help me? I sighed, adding another item to my list of regrets.

The carriage stilled to a halt with an easy grace. I looked out the window and frowned. This was not the address I gave him. I opened my mouth in protest when he grabbed my arm and jerked me up. What are you doing? I tried yanking my arm from his grasp. His hand tightened its grip.

He kicked the door open with his foot. Don’t worry, Lady Rayne. I won’t harm a hair on your head. I just want to have a little chat.

I didn’t listen to him. I screamed. My voice became shriller as each second passed, but he didn’t slow down. He chuckled. Don’t even bother. The men around here ignore such cries for help. All that screaming would only irritate them.

At his words, I glanced at my surroundings for the first time. The air was tinged with the foul scent of gin and sweat. The grass was brown, and the buildings were shacks, poorly constructed from wood and nails. The people looked even worse. They loitered at the sides of the walls, a layer of filth on their weathered skin. Involuntarily, I leaned against my captor. What do you want from me?

He led us to a building holding itself together slightly better than the rest. Just to talk. I didn’t believe him.

We could have talked in the carriage. I watched as the bouncer nodded to him and opened the door wide enough for us to pass. I looked at him again. He didn’t seem like the type who would rumble with such ruffians.

His clothes were well-cut, showing his long limbs to perfection. His hair was a bit too long, brushing against his shoulders, but it was groomed. And no one here could have afforded his carriage. Yet, there was a certain air of danger around him, skulking in his twisted smile and bright eyes. It was barely there, but it was enough.

He ignored me, holding a conversation with the bartender. Five minutes passed before he turned back to me. What do you want to drink?

My eyes widened. Oh, so you do remember I exist. And here I was beginning to think I was part of the furniture. He ignored me again, ordering water for me instead. He took our drinks with one hand and led us to a table on the second level, far away from the other customers.

I took a deep breath. Okay, you have my attention now. What was so important that you had to steal me from the road and bring me to this bar? I paused. Then, I narrowed my eyes, remembering what he said outside. And how did you know my name? I stood up. Who are you?

Sit down, he said. I brought you for a private conversation, not to attract attention.

I remained standing. I don’t see how we can have a private conversation when I don’t even know your name. I shook my head. Why I stayed so long with you is a mystery to me, too. I headed towards the doors.

Wait. He shot up as quickly as lightning. His eyes peered into mine, earnest and serious. You might want to stay a while. Seeing my disbelief, he went on. I have information you might want—about the trial... and Princess Ella. His voice dropped to a whisper.

I swallowed. What do you know?

He nodded at the table. Sit. This time, I did. He sat across from me, downing half his drink in one gulp and then looked at me.

Do you know how many people have been tried for treason in the past year, Lady Rayne? His eyes stared into mine until I answered his question with a shrug. A little less than fifty—that’s more than there has ever been since the Great War. His brows lifted expressively.

Now, of that fifty, how many of them do you suppose were put to death or imprisoned? Again, I lifted my shoulders. Almost all of them, he said. He leaned back in his seat and swirled his glass in one hand. His lips lifted in a half-smile, and his eyes sharpened.

Now, I’ve seen a lot of things in my life, crazy, inexplicable things—most of which come from my profession. But never have I, up until today, seen a woman charged with the highest offense in the kingdom... Those stark, grey eyes cut through mine while the ever-present half-smile played at his mouth. ... released from prison. He finished his drink and then set the glass down with a clang.

We sat in silence while the barmaid refilled his glass, tossing him a saucy smile before leaving.

I lifted my elbows and set them on the edge of the table. What does that have to do with Princess Ella? I studied him hard, changing my opinion of him once again. Now, I could tell how he could easily associate with the thugs in this quarter. Before, the image was barely a glimmer. Now, the picture was vivid and lurid with detail.

The easy grace about him didn’t suggest a gentleman’s background like I thought. No, it was like the manipulative slowness of a snake. His lithe limbs and those eyes only enhanced the likeness.

In that sense, he was worse than the small-minded men here. From them, one got what one expected—petty theft and careless murders. He would bring a level of sophistication to the slaying of his opponent, something utterly unexpected yet completely in character. Bringing me here to the slums was no mistake. He wanted me to see the comparisons between them and him.

Oh, Lady Rayne, you stole my line. He smiled. I’ll ignore that question and pretend that you didn’t crush my opening salvo. He cleared his throat, his features taking on an exaggerated twist. Now, I know what you’re thinking. What does this have to do with Princess Ella, you ask? He wagged his brows, smiling wider when he saw me trying to stifle a snort. I had to remember to add jester to the list... along with mysterious rogue and kidnapper.

All too soon, his face fell. All comedy swept from his expression, and the mask was back. "As I said earlier, in my profession, you see