Villainous

╔══ஓ๑Villainous๑ஓ══╗ Villainous. Copyright Ⓒ2023 by Dawne Rose. All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: The unauthorised reproduction, transmission, or any distribution of any part of this copyrighted work is illegal. This literary work is fiction. Any names, places, characters and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or establishments is solely coincidental. ISBN: 9798378616411 Imprint: Independently published Cover Design by TheFlowerCraze. Published through Amazon (KDP) Dedication To those who didn’t lose faith in me. Pronunciation Guide Aerowyn- Air-Oh-Win Levi- Lee-V-Eye Frai- Fur-Ray Myra- My-Ruh Merritt- -Mare-It Arachne- Ah-Rack-Knee Kian- -K-Eye-An Kyrie- K-Eye-Ree Ariena- Ah-Reen-Nah Rian- Rye-An Razorie- Razor-Ee Soriah- Sore-Eye-Ah Villainous By Dawne Rose Chapter One I walk with purpose down the long sun-lit corridor. The shiny jewels and clear markings on the wall gleam and reflect light over the entire expanse of the room. My long hair and cloak flow behind me as I walk. As I reach the doors leading to my throne room, I set my jaw and lift my chin, eyes looking straight ahead I nod to my two guards at the massive gold doors. They nod to me and the doors creak open and the wind blows my hair away from my face. I don't falter as I walk up to my throne and take a calculated turn, sitting gracefully on my padded seat. I gather my hair and move it to the side. It tumbles over my shoulder and down my front to pool in my lap. I run my fingers through the blue tresses. A knock sounds outside the golden doors. I adjust my hands on the armrests, clear my throat, and nod to the guards who now stand inside the room. They grasp the large handles and pull the doors open, letting more air stir my hair. I put a hand on it to smooth it down again. A tiny girl enters. She's wearing a tunic with a thick leather skirt and a belt full of weapons. She walks with uncertainty, but also purpose. Her long blonde curls bounce as she makes her way to me. She stops a few feet from my throne and takes a knee to bow, her left arm crossed over her chest and her head facing the ground. "Long life to the First Queen," she says in a loud voice. "Arise." I gesture her to stand with a flick of my hand. She looks up at me and gets to her feet, her face is stone-like and unreadable as her eyes slide straight ahead. "Speak," I say, bored and wanting this to end. "My Queen," she begins. I wave my hand, impatient and urging her to continue. "The Second Kings and Queens are here. They wish to have a word with you." I sigh internally. "Fine," I let out a huff. "Take them to The Great Hall. I will meet them there." She nods and backs away, still facing me. I rise from my seat and make my way off of the large chair and notice her still there. "What is it, Myra?" I snap, my hair getting brighter and more flame-like as my temper rises. Her jaw tenses as her eyes stay glued to the floor. She opens her mouth to say something, but suddenly shuts it. "Speak!" I demand, moving towards her threateningly. She flinches and lifts her eyes to look at my nearing face. "Some of the Thirds have been talking. Saying that there have been whispers about you being overthrown, alliances are being made with our enemies.’ Her eyes narrow, looking into mine.”Someone in the Kingdoms wants you gone." I stare at her while contemplating what to do about this new information. "Thank you, Myra." I slowly raise my hand and put it on her shoulder, squeezing it. She looks at my hand and then back to my face. I can feel her muscles relaxing. "Now do as I ask." Myra bows her head and turns to leave. I watch her back until she is out of the room and the doors shut. I release a breath I was holding and look towards the window. I watch the trees gently sway in the breeze and listen to the soft chirps of nearby birds. I close my eyes and allow myself a moment to relax. I open my eyes, turn my head towards the doors and walk to them. I lift my arms and bring them apart, gesturing for the doors to be opened. The guards nod and do as they are instructed. I lift my chin and clench my jaw once again. I hear the doors shut behind me as I walk towards The Great Hall. "Let us begin." Chapter Two I became First Queen when I was eighteen. Six years later, I am the most feared woman in all of Soriah. Men, women and children cower in my presence. I am cruel, calculated and careful. But that is how I needed to be with the life that was given to me, but we will get more into that later. My goal is to punish. Punish those who have wronged me, punish for pleasure and punish to taste their sweet pain in the air. I thrive on others' pain, it brings me a joy that nothing in this world can offer. It is my reason for living. The people of Soriah seek me for sanctuary, for peace and for protection. Few may say that I am a hero for doing what I do, but I know I am a villain and I thrive off of it. As soon as I step into the large room, the air seems to become cooler. I look to my left and see the Second King and Second Queen of Flint, the Mountain Kingdom. Kian and Arachne Stonebridge look