Blessings From Ashes: A Kingdom Saga Holiday Read online

  Table of Contents

  Other Books by Megan Linski

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  The Witch’s Curse

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Blessings from Ashes

  A Kingdom Saga Holiday

  Megan Linski

  Copyright © 2017 Gryfyn Publishing

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  The reproduction or utilization of this work in part of in whole including xerography, recording, and photocopying is strictly forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

  Linski, Megan

  BISAC Category: Young Adult/Fantasy

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Cover Art by Molly Phipps

  Formatting by Molly Phipps and Megan Linski

  Editing by Thalia Smithingell of Gryfyn Publishing and Constance Roberts

  Distributed in the USA by Gryfyn Publishing

  For information about custom editions, special sales, ARCs, and premium and corporate purchases, please contact Gryfyn Publishing at [email protected]

  Manufactured in the United States of America

  Contents

  Other Books by Megan Linski

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  The Witch’s Curse

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Other Books by Megan Linski

  Alora

  These Starcrossed Lives of Ours

  The Kingdom Saga

  Kingdom From Ashes

  Fallen From Ashes

  Redemption From Ashes

  Prince of Fire

  The Rhodi Saga

  Rhodi’s Light

  Rhodi Rising

  Rhodi’s Lullaby

  Creatures of the Lands Series (co-written with Krisen Lison)

  Kiatana’s Journey by Natalie Erin

  Vera’s Song by Natalie Erin

  Wyntier’s Rise by Natalie Erin

  Vixen’s Fate by Natalie Erin

  Midnightstar by Natalie Erin

  Angel’s Rebellion by Natalie Erin

  The Shifter Prophecy

  Court of Vampires

  Den of Wolves

  War of Witches

  Heir to Russia

  Song of Dragonfire

  Song of Smoke and Fire

  Change of Wind and Storms

  World of Gods and Men

  Note to readers:

  Blessings from Ashes is a short Christmas/holiday themed Kingdom Saga special. It takes place a few months after the events of Fallen from Ashes and three years before the events of Redemption from Ashes. It is recommended you finish both Kingdom from Ashes and Fallen from Ashes before reading this short novella. Reading Redemption from Ashes first is not required, as it comes after the events of this book.

  Every year, at year’s end, I stare into Alshams’ flames. I think about many things… what has happened in the past, and what is still to come. Though the future frightens me, the idea of the past repeating itself is far more terrifying.

  Though when coldness creeps over me and fear threatens to steal away my joy, I remind myself that Alshams will always protect us.

  Sometimes, the most painful things for us can be blessings in disguise.

  “Bennua, can you please stop pacing?” Shadi complains as I circle my bedroom for what has to be the ninth time. “He’ll get here when he gets here.”

  I peek out the window again. Nothing. Although it’s particularly cold, as is typical for the desert this time of year, I don’t draw the curtains. I keep them open, just in case the sight of Zahid’s horse comes into view.

  “You’ve only been apart for a week.” Shadi rolls his eyes. “You act as if you two have been parted for a century.”

  “The first day of Tajdid Alnaar starts tomorrow,” I remind him. “It isn’t right for a wife to be separated from her husband on the holidays.”

  The very mention of Tajdid Alnaar has nearly got me jumping out of my skin with excitement. The presents, the decorations, the feasts… there’s no time of year I love more than Tajdid Alnaar. This will only be my second holiday with Zahid, but last year, we were busy with me taking on my new role as queen, so didn’t get to celebrate the holidays as much as I wanted to.

  Also, this is the first year we get to celebrate the holidays while being married instead of simply engaged, which makes it infinitely better. Since I was a little girl I’ve been dreaming of celebrating Tajdid Alnaar with my husband. I’m excited for all the new things we get to do together that are reserved only for couples.

  “Someone should tell that to my wife,” Shadi grumbles under his breath.

  “What was that?” I ask absentmindedly. I’m looking out the window again.

  “Nothing,” Shadi adds quickly, before whimpering, “Nobody listens to me.”

  “Oh, hush.” I give up and turn away from the window with a sigh. “I suppose you’re right. He’ll get here when he gets here.”

  Even so, I’m chewing at my nails. I know I’m being ridiculous, but after what Zahid and I went through over the past few months, Shadi should understand.

  Even since… Rukuh killed Zahid, and Toshana brought him back, it’s been nearly impossible for me to be parted from my love for a few minutes, let alone seven days. We couldn’t avoid this diplomacy meeting, and Zahid volunteered to go while I ruled from here, but it couldn’t have come at a worse time.

  There’s a knock at the door. “My queen! Are you in there?”

  I whirl around to face Shadi. “Get in the lamp!” I hiss. “If anyone sees you in here with me, it’ll be a scandal!”

  Shadi sighs, very loudly, before disappearing back into his lamp. Although we’ve managed to disguise him as one of our servants within the palace, no one knows he’s a djinn, save for Zahid and I. If he, as a male, was to be found in my quarters, the people would scream adulteress and probably call for my head.

  The door opens slowly. One of my maidservants bows to me slightly. “I beg your pardon, my queen, but the children are waiting down in the throne room for you to tell the Tajdid Alnaar story. It is a tradition. You appear to be slightly late.”

  Dammit. How could I have forgotten? I’m so absentminded these days.

  “Oh. Of course,” I say. “Tell them I’ll be there in a moment.”

  The servant bows, then turns to leave. I pull on a rich green robe with red silk trim (traditional Tajdid Alnaar colors) and hurry out the door as dignified as I personally can.

  I might be a queen, but I feel completely undignified and out of place without Zahid here. It makes me doubt I can rule on my own.

  I remember when my father used to recite the Tajdid Alnaar story to all the children in Haya-Maa the night before the seven-day fast began. Since last year, it is a tradition that falls to me. When I come floundering into the throne room, I find dozens upon dozens of little eyes upon me. The th
rone room is massive, but each and every corner is packed with mothers and babes, most under ten.

  They cheer when I come into the throne room. It’s not decorated, not as of yet, but we will begin hanging decorations tomorrow once the holiday begins.

  I blush, then proceed to the pillow that has been placed at the topmost staircase and sit upon it. Children inch closer, gathering all around me. When I raise my hands, the clapping and cheering stops and the children gaze at me fondly.

  I did this last year, but I stuttered a lot and wasn’t very loud. I hope I do better this year.

  I swallow nervously and say, “Good evening, children. Are we looking forward to the beginning of Tajdid Alnaar tomorrow?”

  “Yes,” they reply back in a unanimous chorus. It brings a smile to my face.

  “Are you here to hear the story? Do you want me to tell it?” I ask. It’s the same question, year after year, just as my father asked it, and his father before him with his tribe, probably. The response is also always the same.

  “Tell us, my Queen, tell us!” the little boy at my feet begs. He hops up and down. I remember he was at the back of the room last year. He must’ve begged his mother to bring him extra early so he could get a seat close to me. I reach out my arms and take him into my lap.

  “Very well.” I take a deep breath, and increase the volume of my voice so it booms throughout the throne room. “Centuries upon centuries ago, all that existed was Alshams, and the space he inhabited. Alshams had lived for years and years, but grew lonely, and desired to create something that was in his image.”

  I shift the little boy. He’s pressing into my hip, and it hurts, but I don’t want to move him off because he looks so excited. “And so, Alshams took seven days and created the world. On the first day, he made the light and the dark. On the second day, he made the sky, and on the third day he created the firmament. On the fourth day, he made the stars, and on the fifth day he made all the creatures.”

  My smile falters a little. “Then, on the sixth day, he made people.”

  “Did he make me then?” the little boy asks, and a few of the mothers giggle.

  “He made you a little later,” I say, and the crowd laughs.

  I allow myself a little chuckle as well before I continue. This part of the story is probably my least favorite— but its meaning didn’t take on such a seriousness until recently. “But as time went on, Alshams realized his creation was flawed. Humans were good, but they were also bad, and his enemy Akshalad corrupted them to be evil. Akshalad enslaved those he could and devoured those he could not.”

  At the mention of the eagle devil, I feel a knot harden in my throat. As beautiful as the story is, I’m one of the few people who knows how real it is. Akshalad isn’t just a fairy tale— he’s real, and he’s out there. I’ve seen him, and made him my own personal enemy.

  And one day, he will come for me.

  “What happened next?” the little boy prods, and I jump.

  I realized I’ve slipped off. Several mothers are staring at me… the children are starting to stir, as if I’ve paused for a long time and they’re getting fidgety.

  I shake myself and say, “Alshams decided that his creation would have to be cleansed with fire, to rid itself of the evil that had taken hold of them. He came to earth and lived among us for a time, warning us of the fiery fate that would come to pass. If humanity does not change, Alshams will keep to his promise to burn the world and begin it anew. But if it does change, and become more kind, Alshams will return to rule over us in an age of peace and harmony.”

  I never thought of it before, but this story is somewhat grim. I had always believed in Alshams, of course, but the story becomes far more terrifying when you know for certain it’s completely true.

  “Alshams left the earth. On that day, our forefathers established Tajdid Alnaar, which in the old language means fire rebirth. We vowed to change our ways and become more like Alshams and less like Akshalad.” I take another breath. “That’s why we fast for six days— to remember how Alshams created the earth, and to remember that there are still many people in the world who are poor and sick who need our help. On the seventh day, the last day of the year, we feast and give each other presents to celebrate how good Alshams has been to us.”

  “And Qdis Amaan will come with his flying camel while we’re sleeping to give us presents!” the little boy bursts, and the children in the crowd chatter excitedly.

  “Only if you’re good.” I tweak his nose. “Otherwise, he’ll leave sand in your stocking.”

  “I’ve been good,” the little boy insists. “I’ve learned to use the bathroom this year.”

  A woman in the crowd that I’m presuming to be his mother laughs loudly. I laugh with her.

  “Have you been good this year, my queen? Will Qdis Amaan come to give you presents?” a little girl by my knee asks.

  I stare at her. Thinking back on my actions of the past year… no, I suppose haven’t been good at all.

  I’ve been arrogant. Mean. Sometimes, cruel, even. I asked Zahid for a divorce right before I nearly lost him, hours before he sacrificed himself to preserve my life. Even though Toshana brought him back my actions still caused a death, the loss of my best friend and of the great phoenix that protects us all.

  I had too much pride, and it was nearly the downfall of my sultanate and all the people in it.

  I am certainly on the naughty list. But I can’t admit this in front of my subjects, obviously.

  I force a grimace and say, “Qdis Amaan only gives presents to children. My husband will make sure that I get presents this year.”

  Not that he should.

  The thought is so shocking to me that I have to compose myself for a second. I’ve doubted myself before, but this… this is different. I’m being blatantly nasty to myself. It’s odd, and not like me.

  You still deserve it.

  People are looking at me again. I open my mouth and say, “I know it’s been hard this year, for many of you.” Faces darken, and I add, “The takeover by Ikram and the siege by Rukuh were dark times we all had to endure. But this is a time for celebration, for laughter and joy. Sahrahn will be at peace from now until the new year begins.”

  “And, hopefully, for much longer than that,” someone echoes across the throne room.

  That marvelous voice is like music to my ears. Zahid. He must’ve slipped in when I was telling the story. My eyes search the crowd until I find him. He’s leaning against the wall, arms crossed, one leg propped against it. His hair is falling into his eyes, and he’s smiling at me.

  By Alshams, his eyes are sparkling. It feels like I haven’t seen him in a thousand years. I’m either going to explode or have a heart attack.

  Pull yourself together. You can’t fall apart in front of all these people.

  I lift the child off my lap and force my weak knees to stand. I want to run, but I calmly gather my skirts and nod to my subjects. “I hope all of you have a wonderful Tajdid Alnaar. And don’t despair. Hopefully, this year will be better than the last.”

  “Come along, children,” one of the mothers says. People begin to leave— the mother of the little boy gives me a knowing smile. “The queen wishes to greet her husband.”

  I’m walking a little too fast toward Zahid. When I stand before him, his smile increases. “Hello.”

  “Hello,” I reply breathlessly. Zahid pushes off the wall and turns. Silently, I follow him.

  I just want to jump him, but I can’t— not in view of all these people. We can’t kiss, or even hug until we’re hidden away. Tradition demands purity. I can’t even hold his hand. If we were in Ashana this wouldn’t even matter. Stupid rules.

  One day we’ll be so powerful we’ll create a world where we don’t have to be afraid of touching each other in public.

  When we get in our room, I shut the door and lock it. Zahid grabs Shadi’s lamp and opens up a trunk. Zahid throws the lamp in the trunk and locks it. From inside, I hear Shadi give
a shrill scream.

  Zahid turns around. “We’ll let him out lat—”

  Zahid gives an oof as I tackle him onto the bed. I straddle his hips and pin his wrists over his head. He doesn’t have any time to get any more words out, because I’m kissing him.

  I only pull back when I need time to breathe. I brush his hair away from his brown eyes and stare into them. Once upon a time those eyes were cold and still and—

  Stop. Don’t ruin it.

  “Somebody missed me.” He laughs and sits up. I refuse to budge off his lap. Instead, I curl my legs around him.

  “I missed you so much.” I wrap my arms around him and squeeze him until he can hardly breathe.

  “I missed you, too.” He grabs the back of my head and kisses me again, deeply. “Unbelievably so. It was incredibly boring being locked up in a palace with a bunch of old men for a week, talking in circles and going nowhere.”

  I put a finger to his lips. “No more talking,” I tell him. “What we need to say, we don’t need words.”

  He grins deliciously. “My queen, I can ever so agree with that.”

  *

  It’s nighttime. I’m curled up against Zahid’s chest, listening to his steady and strong heartbeat and feeling better than I have in days. Now I’m happy. My body is buzzing with a high that only Zahid can give me. When he’s gone, it doesn’t feel right. Everything’s restored and back together as it should be now.

  Zahid’s fingers are meshed into my hair. He plays with the tendrils and says, “Truth be told, it was harder than I thought it would be, being apart from you. Nearly torture.”

  I make an agreeable noise. “We’re best when we’re together. I don’t want us to be apart for so long after this.”

  “No.” He kisses my forehead. “I agree. Never again.”