TITLE : ‘ Ruby's Owl' BOOK 1 & BOOK 2
HAVE A SAMPLE OF BOOK 1 🤗
SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHOR AUDREY NEWTS ✨💗🤗
( NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR ... THIS IS A DRAFT SAMPLE ... APOLOGIES FOR TYPO ERRORS )
On sale as eBook with Amazon Kindle Edition direct sale
https://a.co/d/bca9sSE BOOK 1
https://a.co/d/4SPrq67 BOOK 2
Post By Editor : Freelance Researching, Writing and Journalism
February 2025 Ms Izabel Langlais
***
DETAILS
‘Ruby’s Owl’ is a FANTAISIST fiction that takes place in the year 1024
It is a light romance without details, of a King who married a foreign wife, and the mix of culture she brings to his court and her influence to her new husband and to his peoples; Book 1 is the set of the story …
Book 2 is the celebration feast, welcoming the King’s new wife; Some dramas and fight of the Good over the evil start later in the story … there will be a child born from the union …
The story is written to be uplifting and inspirational, without gory, so to be read by young readers too ; some dramas and fight of the good over the evil will take place further into the story
Characters:
Zhi (mean Wisdom, Healing in Chinese), Miroslawy (mean Peaceful glory in Slavi) , Chieko (mean A Thousand Blessings in Japanese), Mrs Alms Kitchen head, Prince Mayej brother of king Miroslawy (slovak god’s gift), Lady miss Heide (noble nature, German) … and more
Time:
Year 1024 Era
Earth is flat to be known
***
BOOK 1
Chapter 1
In the castle, everyone was busy o their assigned works; there was so much to get organized before the celebration; harvest, meals, cleaning, cooking, baking, dress making, decorating the reception room, preparing the drink punch, boiling water, and cooling it for fresh water to drink later, flowers growing and decoration, musician practices … there was going to be a huge feast and no one was to miss it … inside , all the fire mantels will be grilling a top secret novelty the King had made rumors about to his court and peasants … something he had brought with him with his new Wife !!! … She was lovely and cheerful apparently … and very polite to all the staff … they already had exchanged, when at home after their work day … he seemed happy also they said … but he had a surprise he wanted to share with all …
They were a little wary of this novelty he was going to introduce to them … but all the staff had reported that he hadn’t lost his mind under a new wife influence … to the contrary , he was a lot less rude … so the novelty must not be threatening , they all agreed …
The weeks before … he had handed them, each, a letter invitation for them staff and their family , to the feast welcoming his new wife Zhi ! Some were not too pleased at the extended invitation that meant so much more food to serve everyone, and so , depleting the stack and even reserves …
‘’There would not be enough wild game to be catch even if they catched all of it to feed the court and the peasants and their family !!! ‘’ one exclaimes … the others were even more suspicious as no one was to go hunting at all for the event ?! Now they were insulted , assuming that the King had reserved the honor for his new wife relatives, instead of his best hunters !!!
But curiosity and great loyalty for their King of a long time already , and by respect to his new wife, and to stay on his good side … they of course decided to join in the party …
They checked from the corner of their eyes and listened carefully … but not once they heard the fire shooting games, or the arrows flying in the air … or any signs of hunting that is ?! … Rumors from the kitchen traveled that all fire mantels were prepared to roast as usual … but no one was to touch the food or look at it … they even had to leave the kitchen for few hours, ordered by the Kings New wife and her personal Lady’s maid to prepare something on their own … when Mrs Alms , head of the kitchen , started to protest that she had to prepare the food too … the King himself came to the kitchen to sort it out and asked all to leave as instructed and go for a break as his wife had asked all to leave as instructed and go for a break as his wife had to prepare the surprise ! … And so they went outside , and their staff peers came to hear what this was about , and rumors were going from one end of the castle to the other about this strange idea never seen before … and … what was this surprise about …
Some, always paranoids, had to add their input as hopefully it was not to poisoned them all to get the castle for themselves … now all were half excited or half terrified …
***
Chapter 2
The King’s wife Zhi, took over the kitchen for about 2 hours with her Lady’s maid … hey could ear them talking softly and not much noise else for a feast preparation … Mrs Alms puzzled came lurking around few times from the other side of the door, but couldn’t figured what they were preparing … walking back to her kitchen cook assistants enjoying their mif day long breaks, they sat under the trees and played at guessing what Zhi’s peoples could be making … one guessed rice …
“ I bet it is rice ! ‘’ one said
‘’ that for sure I know they eat a lot of rice … “ she added proudly
‘’ No … ‘’ Mrs Alms replied to them and at their surprised look she explained “we do will make tons of rice but later , and , we will , be making it ‘’ … now they were even more curious
Maybe it is seafood ?! “ another cook assistant tried … it is smaller and not hunt like a game
‘’yes … probably fish …’’ the third cook assistant guessed at her turn ‘’ they could have brought them separately and fresh just now … “ she added
Mrs Alms grinned and stood on her feet … “ who want to confirm this ? ‘’
She proposed jovial to her staff in a daring way … they girls smiled and looked at each puzzled but delighted of the daring game … Mrs Alms continued “ I know where they would have brought the fish to the kitchen from then ‘’ … and saying so , she turned on her heels and started to walk confidently in the direction of the entrance for the kitchen … hardly ever used …
‘’ the girls all stood up in jump and joined her , excited of this mission , already tired of this long break doing nothing … them always busy like 5 persons each cooking for the whole castle family , guess, events and court at time …
They went to the close door to the side of the kitchen area …
Mrs Alms made sign to hush with a finger on her lips to the girls
‘’It is very quiet …’’ she said … and then she peeked inside ad her shoulders dropped in disappointment … she walked inside followed by the girls and the area was empty … the floor dry and not one crate or box or net or any sign of passing by since last days …
‘’What …’’ Mrs Alms exclaimed, forgetting her own advises to hush their voices …
The girls looked thunder shocked too … ‘’ I know these fisherman ‘’ she started ‘’ and there is no way … Kin;s wife or not , that they would have become this neat when they bring their catch !!! ‘’ she said …
The girls disappointed too not to have found the answer to this enigma , and not to have answers to bring back to the others
‘’ no one had come here today … ! ‘’ one said ‘’ that is for sure ‘’
They looked around again for more missing clues and left back to their seats under the trees, now annoyed to have nothing to do …
One kitchen cook assistant risked ‘’ maybe the king has decided to not have games because it would be too expansive with everyone ?! ‘’
Her friends gave her a gentle tap on her shoulders too even say it ‘’ Hush … if they were to ear you ! ‘’ she said
‘’ so what would they be preparing then … ??? If he had decided to not have games >>> ‘’ the others one said in a tone that meant this wasn’t a possibility
Now they were looking at each other puzzled again when someone came outside from the kitchen in their direction …
‘Hi Lady’s …’’ the men said ‘’ you can now go back to your chores and start this wonderful feast we will be hanving later ‘’ he added with a wide smile
They all smiled that they were finally needed, and almost ran to the kitchen to start … inside were Zhi and her Lady’s maid assistants delighted tosee them
Zhi said with a heavy accent “ we thank you for letting us prepare our specialty ‘’ she said ‘’ we will be cooking it and you can prepare the rest as planned ‘’ she added smiling still with her maid assistant close to her side and then she bowed to Mrs Alms , the kitchen’s head, and left with her maid assistant, carrying piles of covered trays that were on the top of the kitchen island cooking prep …
Few men came to help , so they handed them the trays … Mrs Alms counted 10 in total … and they left
Mrs Alms still standing frozen in place after having been bowed to by the King’s wife … the girls were giggling … one work ‘’ I think this is a salutation ‘’ she said …
And Mrs Alms still was holding her serious in humility from this honor she had just received …
***
Chapter 3
The kitchen went loud and joyful after this ; all the girls were working in a sense of team synchronized, and all was going easy … it was a delight, and Mrs Alms even made a joke that she will have Mrs Zhi back at her kitchen next time they have to cook for any event !!!
***
Zhi followed by her lady’s maid assistants and the few men carrying trays, went to one , lighted for few hours already , fire mantle after the other , to add the trays inside the slide for it ; every room was warm now and lighted by a fireplace used for cooking instead of only for warmth or atmosphere …
She instructed her 5 Lady’s maid assistants to look over 2 fire mantles each, and to go back and forth between the 2 they were responsible for … the men instructed to guard the ones not attended by the maid they had been now paired with as a team, while their teammate was attending one tray then the other in different rooms … and to also go back and forth to guard the ones not attended …
No one ! … Was to come close or peek to the specialty meal in the trays … Zhi insisted …
***
TO BE CONTINUED IN BOOK 2
***
Chapter 4
Ruby’s Owl Book 2
Year 1024 Era
Earth is flat to be known
Chapter 4
After the kitchen preparations were all done with piles of trays to bring to the feast, Mrs Alms, and her cook assistants , went to get ready for the meal; servers came to the kitchen and started to bring the trays to the dinning Hall .
Lighted with crystals ceiling huge chandeliers and candles in the center, the Hall sparkling with silver trays and crystals glasses already placed at tables. Low flowers bowls were dressing the round tables center; a bowls per 2 guests were placed around the flowers above the plates in silver, with flowers petals in them.
Guests were starting to arrive in their most beautiful gowns and dresses, with their invitation letter; they were guided to their respective seats by a guest attendant.
After all the tables were seated with the King’s court guests, the peasants were greeted and guided to the chairs placed along the walls, facing the tables.
Peoples seemed amused as they were normally not invited to attend such honorable dinner; they were all lovely, with simpler dress and suits, but all in silk, lace and ribbons; kids were seated between their parents.
Long tables were in between sets of chairs of about 20, with all the same trays on them, and piles of silver plates, flower bowl in the center, and 2 bowls of water and flowers petals on each side of the flowers, crystals glasses also.
After all peasants were seated along the walls around the Hall; the staff could come also and were also seated together in rows of chairs on each side of the entrance doors, with a small round table in each corners, same as the big round tables in the centre of the Hall .
At the front of the Hall, opposite to the entrance; was the King Miroslawy and his wife Zhi’s table facing them, and everything on it the same as all the other tables. With silver plates and crystals glasses, Flowers in a vase on each side of the couple this timw and 1 bowl of flower petals in the centre; trays were also on the table along the front part of the table in front of them .
***
When everyone were seated, King Miroslawy’s brother made a presentation speech to open the dinner
“Welcome to all pf King Mirowslawy’s Kingdom tonight. I am Prince Matej, King Miroslawy’s young brother, as most of you know and for the new gests; we are happy and delighted to have you all here tonight for this dinner of welcome of your king’s new wife, princess Zhi …’’
‘’ … Let’s greet and cheer for the entrance of our King Mirowslawy and his lovely new wife princess Zhi. “ and he started the applause, as King Mirowslawy and wife princess Zhi, entered the entrance door, and walked in between the big round tables to their own table in front of the Hall; all the guests raised to applause the couple as they walked and raised their hats or waved from their seats along the wall.
King Morowslawy was very appreciated and respected with his brother, and were ruling fairly the court and peasants, but this was a Blessing for all to see his choice of a wife to be so gentle and lovely, him still intimidating and stern. All were delighted that her welcoming involved them as well, and no one unnoticed that all the tables were identical, theirs peasants and staff, same as the court ones and even the King and his lovely wife. Everyone was relieved and applause and cheers, went long after the couple were seated. They even seen their King smile for the first time; him so young to be king and responsible for all these peoples.
Peasants and staff, kmew very well the influence of a wife on a men of power … and so a kind one , was to be cherished by all .
After the cheers and appluases, king Mirowslawy raised to his seat while princess Zhi remained seated, with his hand waiving to them and gesturing to sit.
“Dear court and family, dear hard working staff and peoples of my Kingdom” he started ina loud and low voice , that normally made everyone trembled even if nothing was happening “ Me and my new wife Princess Zhi has invited you all to her welcoming into the Kingdom and family as my wife … princess Zhi is from another country , and we are hoping of an alliance with them … further to the success of our union, and hopefully of a heir to be born from it . Lets greet princess Zhi personally with a cheers …
“ Please , all take your glass from your respective tables, and add water or wine as you please for the toast … “ he instructed and serving his wife first and himself afterward he waited as closest guests from the table poured water and wine in the glass and pass the fill glasses to the next guests, and then to one another in a chain, this went flowing, which look like making the King very pleased of the well mannered of his court and the peoples of his Kingdom
After they were all seated again with a glass in their hand, even the children with a crystal glass of water, he continued raising his glass “ Please welcome princess Zhi, my precious and treasured wife !” he said proudly
They all raised to their seat and raised their glasses imitating him and as princess Zhi , standing now by the side of her husband , raised her glass also smiling and taking a sip, they all imitated her happily. Then they raised their glass again and laugh and cheered.
King Mirowslawy, made gesture to his peoples to sit back and continued “ As I have explained, princess Zhi is from another country, and today, we want to introduce one of her country speciality, that will be plenty and enough to feed all of you “ he paused looking at the curious face in front of him, he figured they were puzzled “ This novelty is made from no animals and can be grown in quantity and prepared as pleased for a variety of meals; it is also a good asset in case of shortage of meat or during the winter months or in case of a shortage of supplies of food for any reason of our natural harvest “
He paused again and seen that few were frowning and few others looked terrified “ I am not predicting a draw or any food shortage to come anytime, as we always had plentiful … but I am of a practical mind and like to be prepare and have extra opportunities “ he said with a tone this time that meant they had to see it in a positive eye with him “Also …” he added with insistance this time about the value of his idea and the importance of them to embrace it “ We are hoping from this to create exchange with her mother country as a form of alliance …” again with insistence explaining the rational for the benefit of this idea “ Which would increase the amount of work needed in the Kingdom for interesting items we might have that they do not and so increasing for some the chance to be employ also as staff and increase their family assets !” he finished alsmost making everyone trembles again .
The peoples were listening attentively and first looking almost petrified and terrified, faces seemed to soften with the idea of prosperous opportunities possible for them too …” One of the young lady along the wall with the peasants with a young child raised her glass first and cheered loudly “To new opportiunities for our families … Thanks to our King and princess Zhi !!!” followed by her most wishing suitor at one of the round table who raised from his seat and wanting to be noticed and hoping to have his chance at courting her in the near future, imitated her and added
“Thanks to our King and Princess Zhi !!!” and raised his glass looking right at lady Miss Heide and drank from his glass. All the others followed and cheered “Thanks to our King and princess Zhi !!!” and drank from their glasses too
Some were still puzzled or not sure about this, but they decided that it could be investigated further later about the details, and so joined into the crowd, cheering with their glasses too .
***
After they were all seated back, prince Matej raised to his seat and instructed them
:Dear court, family and peoples of my brother’s Kingdom, please have fill you plates ready to eat and back to your places. Make sure to keep spece for the novelty dish from Princess Zhi’s country, that will be presented and offered and wait for the final toast , before to start eating”
All peoples gathered around the long tables waiting in line or passing trays to one another from the round tables.
The whole Hall was now loud with voices of celebrations, happy to have such a feast to be attending to, and hungry for the delicious dishes offered to everyone equally.
Round tablles to the right of King Miroslawy, were his brother prince Matej and their closest family; to the left of princess Zhi was honourable guests, invited specifically for the feats; at the back with the staff were her Maid attendants , that will bring the trays of novelty dish when time. Other round tables were fill with the court and relatives of the King and his brother families. Children were sitting all through the Hall, with their parents.
King Miroslawy observed the whispering guests, and their lokks of awe, at the whole celebration and gathering for such an amount of assembly
A whole sitting meal offered for all these peoples and at once ! The table dress all the same, crystals glasses and silver plates for all, and his kingdom peoples behaving in such well manners with children attending too !
How could he have done so ?! They didn’t know his Kingdom was in such position of wealth.
Words would travel after the feast of his position now married and the size of feast and attendance he could feed.
Their unspoken admiration looks, were a delight to see, and pride was filling his heart. And he was all secretly thank full to his wife Zhi, for her suggesting it
At the long tables, staff tables and round tables , were trays of grilled vegetables, bowl of rice, bowls of boiled potatoes of different kind, mashed , plain and grilled; roasted corn, salad of cabbage, all sauces and crushed pepper, mustard and spices to add to it;
Red wine and water; tray of fresh breads, cheeses and dry fruits; trays of cakes and cookies
Their plates full of food of all sort with some space to add the novelty dish. Cakes, cookies, cheese and bread were left for later with trays untouched for now
Guest serving attendant were freeing tables from empty trays and bowls , to make space and leave table clean. They also refilled the wine and water. And brought more bowls of rice
After they were all seated back with their full plates, and could barely wait to start to eat
Princess Zhi’s maid attendants entered the hall with trays in their arms . They split up to the side of the hall, and through the centre, between the round tables
They gave a tray per table to apss around guests with this novelty dish … it seemed spongy textured pieces of meat roasted with a sauce delicious small, They were all curious of what it was and took some spoonful in their plates
After all were served, king Miroslawy raised to hs seat with his glass high and drinking a sip said
“Cheers to all my loyal friends presents! Enjoy this delicious meals from me and my wife Princes Zhi !”” and so everyone drank from their glass to and cheered
“Thanks to king Moroslawy and princess Zhi !”
They started to eat impatiently as this all smelled so delicious: they knew the traditional dish already and loved them, but the new ones smelled so nice; they yasyed the rice and the novelty dish and loved it : a taste of sweet mix with spicy!
They were trying still to examines the piece without being to obvious … it wasn’t fish … or meat !? they were whispering … what could this be ?
They were eating with a piece of bread and their hands and cleaned their plates with the bread. After they could go and wash their fingers at the water bowls of their tables, and guests serving attendant replaced them
The guest attendant were also eating cheerfully, keeping an eye when they were needed to take trays out or refill wine, water or petals flower bowls to clean fingers
***
They brought jars of Tea and Coffee and sugar and cream to the tables when al trays were empty: Voices were loud and everyone were happy and enjoiying themselves;
They refilled their plates with cakes, cookies, cheese, dry fruits and more breads and ate their dessert with the tea or coffee in their crystals glasses, empty from wine or water, or with more wine instead
King Mirowslawy and Princess Zhi were eating just as much with good appetite in front of their whole Kingdom’s peoples, They felt they cherished them, and were delighted of their appraisal of their marriage
Princess Zhi was specially delighted that her novelty dish had been accepted with enjoyment as she could see the trays empty and al had tasted it and seemed to like it even if some surprised by the new taste
This was a success ! Inside she was reassures about the outcome , and the welcoming. She looked at her Lady’s maid attendants, busy like the others talking and eating happily
She noticed few guests eyeing her Ladyy’s Maid attendant positively and took note to encourage it later, as she was to marry them here . she would not forget the young Lady who cheered first and the gentleman that joined in her stead either and encourage this too
There was lots of responsibilities for a King’s new wife, with such an amount of peoples to care and in a country with traditions and customs still not her own , Inside she felt like a felt over them and felt a shiver apssing through her spine
“everything fine my dear ?” King Mirowslawy asked tenderly to his wife in her ear
She giggled coming back from her thoughts … wine was acting on him … she looked on him … she looked at him with pride in her eyes as she was to be his wife and the honour of his trust to have her rule by his side and offered her such a beautiful Kingdom with appreciating already her condition
“Everything ‘s fine my love !” she said and placed a quick kiss on his cheek
The Kingdom peoples didn’t missed it and started to cheers and all where laughing delighted …
***
TO BE CONTINUED IN BOOK 3
Post author & writer : Ms Izabel Langlais
Editor : Freelance Researching, Writing and Journalism #1000478274