Prologue
1600, Csejthe Castle – Hungary
Snow cascaded down on Csejthe castle, looming menacing over the village, hidden in the depths of the Carpthian Mountains.
Elizabeth gazed admiringly at her beautiful reflection. Her young, terrified servant attempting to avoid eye contact. Quivering, her hand gingerly combed Elizabeth’s hair, petrified of doing something wrong.
She felt the terror oozing from that pathetic child. The punishments she would force on these servants if they stepped out of place was legendry. Like her aunt, she relished punishing the servants for any reason. Savouring the pain she saw in their eyes, aroused by the screams and pleas.
Such beautiful, unblemished skin this child had. Resentment brewed within her, like a serpent ready to spring and attack.
She once possessed such youthful looks, unmarred by age and trials. Now Elizabeth felt herself getting old. Even though her beauty was known all over Hungary, she felt sure one day that too would fade. What would she have then?
Her husband dead, her children occupied with their own lives, and her beloved aunt brutalised and murdered.
Elizabeth bitterly gritted her teeth, glancing at this young child that trembled behind her. Life wasn’t fair, why couldn’t she stay youthful forever? Why should she bear the brunt of old age?
Feeling an overwhelming urge to whack all the beauty from this simpering servant.
Suddenly, a sharp yank jolted her from her reverie.
Jerking around, Elizabeth glared at the incompetent girl. “You stupid little bitch. How dare you hurt me that way.”
Snapping out, Elizabeth’s hand slapped the girl’s soft flesh. Unaffected by the tears trickling down the servant’s face.
Elizabeth’s gaze slowly made her way down to the faint sensation of blood oozing down her finger, transfixed by the small amount of blood left on her ring.
An indescribable sensation surged throughout her body, gingerly caressing the crimson liquid.
The young servant too petrified to move, just stared at her mistress.
Elizabeth gradually turned towards the mirror, mesmorized with what she saw. Do I look younger? Is this possible?
Ignoring the frightened child, Elizabeth rushed from the room, thoughts catapulting in her mind. Excitement filling her.
“IIona, I’ve found what I have been seeking. Come, we must begin right away.”
The Legend Returns is the second instalment of the Annabella Cordova series that I am currently editing. I’d be keen on hearing your thoughts on what you think of the sample chapter, and if you would like to see more. 🙂
Comment below, or PM me
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