The Lovemark

The beautiful girl covered her eyes as she sat patiently in the room waiting for her surprise just as he asked. You could hear footsteps...very soft as they approached in the distance and stood behind her.
"I'll tell you when to open them."
The handsome boy placed a large object on her lap and told her to open her eyes. Clarissa’s golden orbs slowly opened, gasping in surprise. There, on her lap, was a book; leather-bound with gold inscription and a picture of a strange boy on the cover. "A book! This is what you were working on all summer?!" she exclaimed. Sea green eyes were bubbling with mirth as the youth nodded, with the biggest grin on his face. He watched as Clarissa slowly opened the binder, revealing the first page and there, in red ink, were the words, "To my love, Clarissa...for inspiring me to create my legends."
"Yup!" he replied.
Jeffery was elated just watching her. She looked so cute, glowing with excitement, looking at his work and was more anxious to read it than he was. "Would you like me to read it to you?"
"Would you please", was her reply. So Jeffrey took her hand, led her to the coach, sat down next to his girlfriend and opened the book.
"Alright, Rissa...Listen to a tale as old as time...well my time anyway..." And as he began.... A legend was about to be born....

THE LOVEMARK
The Legend of the Ten
By Carol A. Edwards
Chapter one-The child of legends

Long ago, in the great and mystical land of Raindashea', greatest of all empires, the king and queen were given their only child, Prince Kareem, a ball. Various kingdoms, both large and small, were invited to attend this great event. Everyone was enjoying himself or herself...everyone except Prince Kareem. The young prince was bored. He was just telling his best friend, Prince Tigere' Thomasson of Dancea, how his parents had arrange this party to get him out of his slump.
"Bring on the entertainment!" the King, cried.
Prince Tigere’ tried to cheer his friend up but Kareem preferred to be alone. As he began to walk towards the exit, he did not see the beautiful maiden, whom carried a strange instrument, as she slowly approached his parents nor did he see her bow to sit. Slowing and with gentle fingers, the lovely maiden began to play.
The room slowly filleth sth sounds of music. Not just ordinary music but the most beautiful music anyone had ever heard. All were enraptured by its seductive spell as each note dripped of paradise. All were enchanted...all but Prince Kareem. Then words slowly came from the honeyed voice like the sound of angels and at that moment, Kareem finally turned towards the voice. He knew he had heard it before, like in a dream from which he had just awakened. Hypnotized, he stepped through the crowd, closnd cnd closer to find the source.
There, sitting on a sea green pillow of satin, was a girl. Her silken hair was incredibly long as it caressed the floor like a carpet and the color....it was as black as a raven flying in the mid of night. He had seen this strange hair before, but only in his dreams. "But dreams are not real...are they?" he questioned himself. He had to see her face to be sure. He crept closer and closer...so close to the point of tripping over his feet and falling flat down on his face. That caught everyone's attention but it was at that moment, he saw a most wonderful sight...icy sea green eyes...eyes you could drown yourself in....eyes that brought the sea to you though you were standing in the middle of a forest. He looked down and saw he had lost something as he fell. His crown glowed on the crystal floor of Brightmoon's dance hall and the maiden's hands were on it. Shyly, she handed it to him and blushed very prettily.
"Forgive me, most exultant one..." she nervously replied, "I did not mean to touch the sacred crown." Kareem stared at her a second and felt a giggle rise from his throat. Then the giggle turned into all out laughter as his loud baritone voice surrounded the room. Whispers were heard everywhere as everyone wanted to know what was going on. Denisea looked up puzzled at the strange young man before her. "Why is he laughing?", she thought. Kareem finally stopped and regained his composure. He then apologized for his behavior because this was the first time anything of this nature happened to him...Never in his entire life. Denisea looked relieved and slowly began to rise.
"Are you a princess?", he asked.
"Yes...", she replied. "...but from a small realm compared to your kingdom. We are known for our music." Kareem instantly knew where she was from his many studies of various lands. "Music...only one land is of that nature- Pardisio, the land of heavenly music. Am I correct in my assumption?"
"Yes, your majesty." she replied shyly.
"Then it is I who is greatly honored, your highness. Many have never seen the princess of such an extraordinary land. Would you honor me with this dance?" he replied.
Shyly, Denisea told the prince of her inability to dance and her unworthiness to his station but he would not stand for that. He told her his invitation was not only to dance but also to reprimand her that in Raindashea', everyone was equal. Gently touching her hand, he led her to the center of the dance hall. The two young teenagers could not take their eyes off of each other and never left each other’s side for the entire night.
Soon, within months, the sound of wedding bells rang throughout the kingdom. And it was on that day, a very special guest came to bless the young couple. As Kareem and his new bride exited the church, an illuminating light appeared before them. An extremely beautiful woman with shimmering eyes and silver gold hair stood with fairies around her, holding lockets of hair.
"Godmother!" Denisea screamed as she happily ran towards the woman while Kareem stood dumbfounded. "It is Empress Jessica! Empress of all the fairy folk!" the people exclaimed. Some uttered "The Eternal mother herself..." as her light danced on her goddaughter's veils. It was then Jessica approached Kareem and spoke to all that could hear her voice. "Prince Kareem Joneson of Raindashea", she bellowed, "you have my most beloved child. Heed my words, young one. Your first child will be your male heir. He will be loved by all, both human and non-human, and magic and non-magic. He will be a gentle and kindhearted child yet strong and brave. Of all the names that the heavens can bestow...name him Jefric for he will truly be a special child, bearing the mark of your love...a heart-shaped birthmark. Protect him and keep him safe...for he has a very special destiny...very special." Then she was gone and the young couple never forgot the blessing or the words she spoke to them.
Nine months passed, and as predicted, Denisea and Kareem had a son born to them. The baby was the splitting image of his father, with dark reddish brown hair, yet the little boy's eyes were the same sea green hue of his mother. He was a beautiful child and only a select few knew about his birth until he had his christening to formally introduce the new prince. Everyone in the kingdoms were ecstatic of their beloved prince's marriage...everyone except King Liaso. Liaso was an ex-suitor of Denisea who was thoroughly obsessed with the shy maiden. The more she denied him, the more obsessed he became to make her his. Her parents soon were giving consul with his parents and they rectified the problem by marrying their only child to another princess before Denisea was married to Prince Kareem. Liaso had obeyed his parents’ wishes and secured his line by producing a son, Ronaldo, (whom was five at the time) but he was not satisfied. He never forgave his parents for denying him the only true thing he yearned for he truly loved Denisea.
Liaso had a strange hobby of studying folklore and ancient books when he stumbled upon one of ancient spells while in his wife’s ancient library. Curious at his find, he slowly skimmed through some pages and came across something that might help him gain Denisea back. He called upon the services of a well renowned witch from deep within Blackmoon forest, where even the elven folk were afraid to enter. With a sharp tongue filled on lies, he gained the witch’s allegiance and conspired with her to get revenge on his enemies. The more he conspired, the more he thought...why should he settle for just Denisea, whose innocence was now soiled from another man’s touch. He then became greedy and evil filled his heart. He didn't just want Denisea now...he wanted all that Kareem (who was now King Kareem) possessed. He wanted supreme control of the kingdoms and that meant taking over Raindashea!!!
Six months later, King Liaso summoned one of his elite to his chambers. He chuckled at his new status as his wife's wealth and land gave him equal power to the fabled Raindashea. He heard his Captain at arms enter and didn't even bother to look at him as he searched from his chambers' window for some wenches to play with. "Are the forces ready?" he asked.
The guard replied "Yes sire! All is prepared for the overthrow of Raindashea."
"Is the witch dead?"
"Yes..." the guard replied, "but she has cursed you for your double cross. She vowed that everything you touch, including your wife and son, would be cu. On. Only death will follow you." Liaso chuckled, glad that the hag was finally gone. Her services were no longer needed anyway. But the guard was not finished. "But she also said something odd as she was dying, sire."
Liaso motioned the man to continue without even turning to look at him.
"Well sire, she said 'do not kill the young king and queen else you and your entire line will die on the spot. The curse has been placed and no male heir will they ever bear thus destroying the line.' But then she started to laugh as she had her dying breath..."
Liaso’s face turned red with fury as he quickly turned and screamed at the captain. "FOOL! THEY HAVE A SON ALREADY! They just christened the child and told no one of his existence! I just got an invitation today proving this! How dare they!! The crone's curse came too late!! I'm glad she's dead! But that child can ruin everything and lift the curse."
The guard did not know what to say but a cold chill went through his body when he saw his king's face change suddenly. He knew the king was a little touched but would not dare tell him that.
Then a sick grin came upon Liaso’s face. "Send a missive..." Liaso began. "A missive of our declaration of war. No harm will befall them if they will kill their only son publicly."
The captain gasped. "A baby?!"
Liaso swung around looking like a man possessed. "You question me?"
"No, my lord" as he bowed in respect though he was shivering. "A baby." The guard thought. "He wants to kill a baby...Blessed Mother...he is mad."

Clarissa gasped! "Jeffery!! He wants to kill the baby!!!!"
"Rissa! We just started!" trying to calm her down. But Rissa was too hyped. "Is he gonna die?!?!" Jeffery shook his head and started to read again.

Now we know that Denisea was special since her godmother was Empress of the fairies. One morning, while in young Jefric's nursery she felt something was not right. "The clouds seemed so different today" she thought. She felt funny, very funny. An aura she had never felt beforicklickled her skin. She only felt like that whenever Liaso was around her. Her thoughts had been on the nightmares that had plague her dreams lately. She knew something was coming but she didn't know what. She cradled her six-month-old son closer to her heart, listening to his gentle coos and gurgles. She couldn't stand it anymore as she ran out of the nursery to find her husband. A maid saw her pass by and became suddenly afraid. Everyone respected the young queen because of her strange gifts and Anaisha deeply loved her young mistress. Something wicked was coming if the ever joyous queen was suddenly terrified. Denisea ran up the hidden stairwell that led to her husband's inner chambers.
Sobbing...she heard her husband's crying. She had not seen him cry since their wedding and their son's birth. She gently pushed the door opened as she entered. "Kareem...beloved..."
"My poor son..."
She softly treaded into the room. She could see his body shivering yet no breezes was flowing in the room. "My love, why do you weep?" Kareem couldn't stop the tears from flowing. "That obsessed suitor of yours!" he began, "King Liaso has placed a curse on this gentle land. I have seen it with my own eyes, beloved." When he paused, Denisea saw his shoulders flinch. She stepped closer as he began again. "Cattle is dying. Our people are starving and there is not a thing I can do, not even our armies can stop this evil magic. But the bastard gave me the cure, Denisea. Tis our little Love...our son and he know this. He has threatened war and wants little Jefric dead else all the children will die...like the ten I just saw."
The child made no sound. Denisea's warmth held him to her bosom. "No..." she thought, "Her child would not die." She had remembered her godmother's words as if it was yesterday.
"Keep him safe...for he a s a special destiny..."
Those were the words she said and she knew what she must do. She touched her husband's shivering shoulder, turning him towards her. His blue-green eyes were rimmed with red and his cheeks were flushed from an indescribable agony. She silented him, wiping the tears from his beautiful eyes. She had a plan and she needed him to listen to her very carefully.
"Do not weep, my love..." she began as tears joined her own eyes, "...for I too have envisioned darkness. Our son will not die. Our godmother will raise him as her very own." Kareem looked at his wife. Most husbands would think their spouses mad but Kareem knew his wife loved their son, more than her own life. He saw her, tenderly remove Jefric's hood showing his rusty crown of ringlets. His sea-green eyes bubbled with innocence as he looked at his mother, reaching for her raven hair.
"It will hurt...but to save him means life. He will regain the kingdom. WE are the ones who must be strong." Denisea felt her husband's hand caress her face as the other held their son. Jefric's soft cooing recognized his sire as he tried to lift his head towards the voice. Kareem kissed the babe's head before she continued.
"We must fight to the end...Darkness must come before light." He knew she was right and it was the only way. Using her special powers, Queen Denisea called her godmother. Empress Jessica arrived, deep within Black Moon forest the following night. She saw several shadows but two very familiar ones. Kareem had already gave special instructions to trick the evil king but the final piece had to disappear. Jessica knew what they were sacrificing. The lost of a child was great enough to drive a normal person insane.
"Your sacrifice is great." Jessica bellowed, "but I will raise him as you have told me. He will revenge you...he will...he...will..."
Denise saw her godmother waver and succumbed to her tears. She had never seen her cry but she ran to comfort the mystic being. Jessica's heart was breaking. She saw the darkness coming but couldn't interfere with the lives of humans. It was forbidden. Denisea sighed in her godmother's arms. This would be their last embrace. She knew the rules of the forest well and she also knew of her godmother's vows.
"If I die, I know my so in in capable hands. I will never leave my husband because of stupid pride. I love him."
"You all can escape..."
Kareem stopped her before she uttered another word. "Then my people will suffer because of our cowardice." Kareem shook her head. "We could not do such a thing. We love our people also. No...It is better this way." Jessica just stood there, looking from Kareem and then back to her goddaughter. They would not move from their decision. She resigned to their wishes.
Kareem was holding his son through all of this. The young prince was wrapped in an exquisite royal purple blanket, embodied with jewels and a neck fastener of the royal symbol of his heritage, to cover his heart. The young king's tears would not stop as he looked at his only son. "Well, my little wonder...my mirror...you look exactly as I did at your age...yet your eyes are of your mother’s." He paused, though the tears were still flowing, a smile crept on his face as he chuckled from Jefric's gurgles. But then he got serious again and the wind started to blow as he spoke. "When you see your reflection, you will see me. Remember, my son." Kareem's tears were flowing like a stream now, his hands were clutching his son to his breaking heart. "My strong son...my love for you and your mother will withstand even death."
He felt a gentle hand touch his shoulder. "Please, one...last…time..." He turned as he saw his beloved's pleading eyes. They spoke so much between them, knowing this would be their final time as a family. The darkness of the forest suddenly felt alive as Denisea sung her last lullaby. Forest creatures watched as the maiden's song embraced the forest. Soon time was growing short and Kareem knew they must hurry for the plan to work. A gentle breeze lifted the babe from his mothers' arms into Jessica's. Jefric still remained silent, not truly understanding the events going on. A simple kiss caused the babe to sleep a deep sleep and the Empress of the fairies disappeared in the darkness. Kareem had to hold on to his wife as he told her not to look back. He wanted to carry the weight on his shoulders. He wanted to remember that happy smile..always laughing...always smiling.
They ventured back to the castle. Screams and sobbing were held everywhere. Kareem had to harden his heart as the master plan was about to be put to the test. A dead child, with similar looks to the prince was placed in his place. Liaso had just stormed through the gates, armies behind the insane ruler. Liaso searched franticly for the owners and there he heard wailing. Just as planned, Denisea and her mate acted as if in mourning when he barged through the door. The evil king became joyous and started to laugh insanely instead of being skeptical. Liaso looked down on the grieving parents and gave them an ultimatum-SURRENDER THE KINGDOM OR DIE! Kareem wanted death but knowing the stability of his wife and the lives of his people...he had no choice. He did not resist and Liaso's evil reign began.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Dancea, deep with the Sacred Forest, Empress Jessica took the child with her without knowing the true fate of his parents. Her tears welled up again and dropped on her silken garments. Young Listatoe, princess and heir of the royal fairies, shyly flew into her queen mother's room to welcome her back. She stopped midway as she saw her mother's shaking body. In all of her young years, she had never seen her cry and she was her daughter. The little raven-haired fairy maiden flew to Jessica's shoulder and gasped in surprise.
"A BABY!" There, before her, her mother placed the most handsome child she had ever seen.
"Yes...Lishatoe...a baby boy. Your brother."
Lishatoe looked up, surprised. "My brother?!"
"He is the prince of the fairy realm..." she continued, "...my son. You will watch him as your own baby brother. Understand?" Jessica could see the confusion disappear from the young girl's face. "He will know the truth in his 15th year."
Lishatoe remained quiet but words escaped before she could stop herself. "So...this is the child of legend."
Author notes: Whew! finally! Got the first chapter done!! Hope you like my little adventure...Betcha you wanna know what happened to Denisea and Kareem. Betcha wanna know what happened to the baby? Heheheh! The fun’s just starting! Stay tuned, Dreamers.

In the next chapter, "Little Prince Lost", Growing up in the Sacred Forest is not all it's cracked up to be...especially when your mother is the Empress of the Fairies!!