The Carnelian Legacy (43 page)
Read The Carnelian Legacy Online
Authors: Cheryl Koevoet
He looked at her sheepishly. “Yesterday after I deposited Matilda in her suite, I went to your chambers to gather a few of your things for the move to Beauriél. It was then that I noticed it was already starting to bloom. The moment I saw those scarlet petals, I knew you loved me.”
“It bloomed on my birthday?”
“Yes. I knew it last night at the ball. I knew I was your true love even before you did.”
“Darian, I don’t know what to say. This is too incredible.”
“Then don’t say anything. Just enjoy it.” He caressed her cheek softly as he kissed her lips.
It was the only place in the world she wanted to be.
Standing in the very room where her life had begun eighteen years earlier, Marisa MacCallum wiped the tears of joy that blurred her vision and smiled at the man destined to share her life and her legacy.
DARIAN
SAT
WITH
A
puzzled expression. He was deeply engrossed in Queen Elyse’s diary when a soft knock at the door interrupted his reading.
“Come in.”
“Your Highness, you asked to see me?” asked Uncle Al.
“Yes, but please, dispense with the formalities whenever we’re alone. Would you care for some tea?”
“No thanks. How can I be of service?”
“Well, I’ve been reading Queen Elise’s diary, and I’ve stumbled across some rather disturbing passages.”
Uncle Al shifted uncomfortably. “Where is Marisa now?”
“She went out riding to Beauriél.”
He eased back in his chair. “Good. Which entry do you mean?”
Darian pointed. “Here, this very last entry is extremely troubling. Please read it and tell me what it means.”
Uncle Al put on his glasses and began to read out loud:
Sunday, August 6, 9:34 p.m.
I have decided to end my life, so this is my final opportunity to say goodbye. My dearest Alano, I’ve loved you since the day we met in Terracina all those years ago and I could have spent forever with you. But my heart is heavy and I cannot go on any longer.
I have found the transition to our new life too much to bear. Please watch over little Marisa and baby Mark and give them extra love in my absence. I wish I could hold you all just one more time before I depart from this world.
Please forgive me,
Alice
Uncle Al sighed heavily as he folded his reading glasses. He closed the book and handed it back to Darian, crossing his arms in quiet thought.
Finally, he leaned forward and sighed heavily. He glanced up at the young man and his eyes wore a grim expression.
“There are some things that happened during our time in the other world that you should be aware of. But you must promise me never to reveal them to either Marisa or Mark.”
There are several people to whom I owe a debt of gratitude and without them this book would never have become a reality.
First, I would like to thank my beta readers Christy, Debbie, Jennifer, Ken, Amy, Jan, Candace, Adrienne, Shirley, and Melodie for their insights in helping make a fantastic story even better. Thanks also to my good friend Janice for serving as an unstoppable source of moral support and prayer.
I would also thank my husband, Jan and our children, Amy, Vincent, Joshua and Marcus who all showed an incredible amount of patience as this book went through editing, after editing, after editing. I love each of you very much in your own special way.
I also owe a word of thanks to the staff of WestBow Press who patiently guided and encouraged a debut author all the way through the lengthy process of transforming a story from the concept stage to the physical book.
Lastly, I want to thank my two cheerleaders, Debbie and Christy for believing both in me and in this story from square one. Without their constant supply of encouragement and support, the story of Marisa and Darian would never have seen the light of day. I love you both, and remember to keep your fork—the best is yet to come!
- CLK
Coming in 2013
The
Carnelian
TYRANNY
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