A Castle of Ashes (The Fifth Kingdom Book 2) by Lisa M. James Read Free Book Online

to the prosperity of my kingdom.”
    “Yes,” Geenessa said bitterly. “ Your kingdom… which after all these years is hidden from all the rest.  No, it’s no true kingdom at all.  You cower in the darkness with your kingdom, and all your people with you.  You think you have gained control over your powers these past years, but you have never been challenged.  The true test of your abilities is yet to come.  Perhaps, it is already starting.”  She looked to the ground, where Lucinda’s fingers were bloodied from clawing into the hard stone floor. 
    She looked at Geenessa in disbelief. “What do you suggest I do then?”
    “It is time to return to the land, my lady.  No more hiding. Face your fears outside of this kingdom and rise as Queen of the Fifth kingdom of the Green Sea.”  She extended her hand to Lucinda and looked her directly in the eyes.  “Return to your prince. The time has come.”
     

Chapter 5
    After the attack in Matthew’s bedchamber, his brother sent him to the East with little confidence.  His uncle insisted in joining him, and though Matthew did not desire someone watching over him, John would not allow him to go without an escort.  When the other assassin, Stephen, woke from unconsciousness he swore he did not know how he got into the kingdom.  “I was meant to check of his return.  I do not know how I came to his bedchamber.” He babbled, pointing at Matthew.  When asked on whose command, the man stammered.  John had him imprisoned, giving him three days to admit who sent him.
    Matthew and his uncle traveled nearly two weeks, never sleeping through the night to make time.  When they reached the outskirts of the South Kingdom on the eleventh day, they decided to make camp for a night. Matthew had debated with his uncle on whether to go by sea or land.  The passage by sea would have cut the month long journey by road in half if the tides were favorable.  “It’s safer to go by land.” Jonathan insisted.  Matthew knew the truth of it.  Since he had gone missing in sea, neither his uncle nor John desired Matthew to travel by ship too soon.  The journey by road was less treacherous going through the droughts of the South than the storms of the North, but the heat made it impossible to travel a full day without rest. 
    Matthew felt like a coward.  In truth, he slept little and insisted they make few stops not because of eagerness to reach the East, but because of fear.  He feared of attacks at night and night terrors of shadows ripping out of bodies.  As he laid down to rest, he tried to make sense of his assassins’ words.  You are her weakness. As long as you are alive, she is in danger. They had told him.  You will bring her downfall. How could he bring her downfall?  He thought about the woman who saved him when he was beaten half to death in Narka.  She was stronger than him. 
    Look at you! Look what she has done.  How many did she endanger?
    And how was she to respond to the cruel words against her? You purposely provoked her! She did not wish to hurt anyone!
    She has no control! She is an unfit Queen and she will be the death of you! I told you to end this.  I swear to you, I will take your life with my own hands before I see her take it! Open your eyes Thomas! 
    Matthew opened his eyes just as a sword was coming down upon him.  He rolled to his left as the man holding the sword nicked the side of his arm before stabbing the ground beneath where Matthew camped. Before he could retract the blade, Matthew grabbed for the hilt and attempted to unarm the man. 
    “Who are you?  Why are you trying to kill me?”
    “She is at peace without you!  We will not let the same fate befall her again!”
    “Who?”
    The man looked at him with disgust.  “You know who.  Learn from your mistakes.”  Suddenly, the man was thrown back from him.  Uncle Jonathan placed a sword at the man’s neck.
    “The man asked you, ‘Who’?” 
    The assassin gave them