Spell of Ages - Chapter 1, Part 1

It should be said that Aidan Bride was a good King, a fair-minded man who ruled the Kingdom of Brigden from the palace at Cair Llannerch.

( Chapter 1, Part 1 )

Spell of Ages - Chapter 1, Part 2

The palace at Cair Llannerch; indeed, the whole country of Brigden was in mourning for Queen Ríonach.

It was late in October when Queen Ríonach was called out to West Country. Her stay in West Country was pleasant, and she lodged with the affluent Leannain family. During Ríonach’s stay the Lady of the household gave birth to a child; in fact, Queen Ríonach, being a close personal friend of Lady Róisín Leannain, traveled to West Country just as soon as she received word of Róisín’s labor.

( Chapter 1, Part 2 )

Spell of Ages - Chapter 1, Part 3

King Aidan lay in wanting for many nights, wishing that his wife’s death was nothing more than an illusion. He clawed at the empty side of the bed, searching for her gentle lavender scent, but was met with nothing. Emptiness. Images of her grotesquely burned face haunted his dreams, and Aidan found that he woke several times during the night feverish with a mixture of fear, revulsion, and longing.

( Chapter 1, Part 3 )