Novels by CharlotteTownsend

The door swung open as Theron removed his fingers from the material. Another device designed for the Royal Clan no doubt. Candles were scattered around and the flames sprang to life as we entered the large cell. How much here is magic, created by Aldith? The thought both fascinated and terrified me. If the eleven mage had such a stronghold of arcane creations, presumably for security purposes, would they recognise that I used to be a witch, recognise that I still possessed magic? And if so, would these devices turn on me, even if I became a part of the Royal Clan? I brushed the thoughts from my mind. They were contemplations f

"Your closest friend is an eleven mage." I calmly pointed out, as I walked next to Theron through the corridors."Yes." Theron returned simply, as though he had no understanding of the history between my kind and Aldith's. "I would expect you're aware that eleven mages are famous for their hatred of witches, something me and Lixiss used to be and in fact, partially still are." I returned, a slight edge leaking into my tone. There was no way Theron could be that ignorant. A vampiress witch for a bride and eleven mage for a

"And you are?" I growled, not in the mood to be dealing with further interruptions. "Aldith." The stranger said easily. As he stood there and my fury dampened, I noticed he was dressed differently to the others I had seen flitting about the palace. His attire resembled robes, only less flowing and sturdier in nature. His hair was so blonde it gave off a silver sheen and its length meant he'd organised it in an intricate single braid. A wisp of memory tugged at my mind, but to insubstantial to really grasp. He reminded me of something. A meeting from long ago, in another life..."Your name tells me little." I returned, noticing the defensive edge in my voice.

I was just about to change into my sleep wear when another knock at the door forced me to abandon that idea.It had been mentally draining to navigate the banquet, Theron and constantly make observations on my safety. I was more than ready for some sleep. With the door locked of course. A sigh heaved through my lips as I tossed the garments to the side and stepped over to the door, cracking it open just a little. The eyes of a cat stared back and relief filled me. I didn't have the energy to handle any more visits from the Royal Clan or Dynus, but Lixiss I could handle. I pulled the door open wider, gesturing for her to come in. I didn't want to risk any of our conversation bein

The rest of the meal passed amicably, as we devoured food and engaged in lighter conversation. I had to admit, this banquet had been impressive, but I wasn't quite ready to have the future heirs to the throne just yet. Sorry Royal Clan. With care, I placed the fine cutlery back on the plate, indicating I was finished. There were still mountains of food spread across the table and upon casting my eyes around at the remainder, it felt as though we'd hardly made a dent in the meal, despite feasting for hours. The delicate clatter of cutlery on the plate next to me showed Theron had also finished. Whether that he was genuinely full, or doing so because I

"How marvellous!" The Empress cried with glee. "There is no doubt your addition to the Royal Clan with both strengthen and restore reputation." Strengthen and restore reputation? What in Nicneven's name did that mean? I slid a glance Lixiss's way and she subtle shook her head. Guess she didn't know either. Probably another thing Rhuesia had forgotten to mention. There was no doubt the leader of our former clan knew what was going on. That dam

I turned, distracted from the fruit in front of me. "Hector!" I exclaimed at the sight of my closest friend. "What are you doing here? How have you been?""Well I couldn't let you run off to this town all by yourself could I? Besides, there's a couple of business mergers taking place up here that I'm overseeing. I'll be here for at least a couple of weeks." "And of all places, you ambush me at the market?" I grinned.

"Thank you Maurice." I uttered, as he stopped in front of my house.He tipped his hat, "Anytime Sir." Clambering out the vehicle,

The dinner had finished hours ago, after we'd indulged in a delectable tiramisu. Afterwards, we'd continued the evening by having drinks at the bar. One had turned to two and two had become three. Anything to make the night last longer. But now here I was, finally standing outside Italia wrapped in my jacket, gazing across at Killian and trying to hide my sadness. Just like seven years ago. It was late, close to midnight in fact. And yet I still didn't want the night to end. This evening had proven that he was still the

Was it something I said? Nerissa had grown very uncomfortable after I had mentioned Cyrus, even though she had tried to hide her reaction. Maybe it was the talk of death that had caused a shift in mood? I didn’t know whether she’d suffered any bereavement recently. Maybe the topic was still too raw for her. Maybe she still felt guilty about not attending the funeral. I just hoped she came back. God, what if I had messed this up?! Ok, if she comes back, I’ll apologise, I’ll pick a new topic of conversation, anything to put her back at ease. This dinner was going so well, better than I could have hoped for. Please, please, please let her come back.

The dinner was off to a better start than I could have imagined, despite the slight awkwardness. And Killian looked good. Very good. Women must be falling at his feet. A burst of jealousy shot through me at the thought and I tampered it down. Killian wasn’t mine, he could see who he wanted. But right now, he’s here with you, my mind whispered. He was, wasn’t he? I resolved to make the most of this evening and his company. The waitress from earlier returned with our drinks and asked for our order. “Can I get the bruschetta to start and then the ravioli?” I asked without missing a bea

Of all times to be late! I’d never run late in my entire life but apparently the universe was making up for my impeccable record today of all days. Maurice came to a halt in front of Italia and I dashed out of the car, checking my phone. 7:15pm. Letting out a groan, I hurried my pace into the restaurant, barely glancing at the exterior. With rushed steps, I came to a halt in front of the greeting desk. A waitress was already situated there thankfully. She looked up at my abrupt stop but before her lips had even parted in scripted acknowledgment, I blurted out “Table for two under Reed.” A flash of recognition swept across her face. “Ah yes, your companion