 
Ashborne

Book one of the Ashborne Trilogy

By Kat Lilynette

Copyright © 2014 Kat Lilynette

Smashwords Edition

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More by Kat Lilynette

Ashborne (The Ashborne Trilogy: Book 1)

Unyielding (The Ashborne Trilogy: Book 2)

Birthright (The Ashborne Trilogy: Book 3)

The Ashborne Trilogy (Books 1, 2 & 3)
Dedication

To Gloria and Steven for their continued support.

### Table of Contents

Penelope

Dinner with Kings

The Road to Benthil

The Pass

Emoren

The spring in Shadowbark

Home

A Surprise Visit

Unprepared

Dear Reader...

#  Penelope

The sun was just beginning to set. The sky was softly emblazoned with colors of orange, pink and purple, letting me know this battle was about to come to its end. I stood my ground as the four of them took flank on either side of me. I could tell from their nonchalant swagger that they expected this girl to be easy prey, but I would show them otherwise.

My right foot glided along the trampled grass as I took my stance. I raised my sword, anxiously awaiting the one who would be bold enough to strike first. Suddenly, my eyes shifted as the first of the four lunged at me from the left.

"Too slow," I whispered to myself.

Deflecting his blade and hammering my sword's hilt into the back of his helm in one, effortless spin, the attacker collapsed to the ground. Two more quickly suffered a similar fate as they came at me in succession.

The last of my attackers stood in front of me, hesitant to meet the same end as his comrades. I'm sure the look in my eyes told him that I wasn't about to let him escape unharmed. Mustering up what must have been all of his courage, he let out a roar and came at me.

As I stepped in to meet his broad swing, my foot caught a rock hidden within the grass. I only lost my balance for half a second, but it was too late. I was going to be bested this time. I raised my head and peered through my helm at my assailant. I wanted him to see my eyes as he struck me down, and I wanted to see his.

Realizing what had happened, his eyes widened as his blade smashed into my shoulder armor. The blow didn't even bring me to the ground.

What the hell was that?! I instinctively reached out, using my left hand to grip the inside of his wrist with all my might. I could feel his tendons tighten to ensure he didn't lose hold of his weapon.

"I'm going to make you regret that," I growled.

I pulled him toward me as I batter-rammed the heel my boot squarely into his chest. If there was one part of my body that was stronger than his, it was certainly my legs, and he would never forget it. His armor caved to the force of my blow as he went flying backwards. His sword flopped to the ground like a dead fish, looking now as useless as he was.

He lay squirming on the ground, his hands tugging at the rim of his chest piece, trying desperately to regain the wind that had just been knocked out of him. I could hear his desperate, shallow breaths as I walked up to him.

"Please," he gasped.

Placing my boot upon his chest and looking down on him, I raised my sword high above my head. It gleamed with the light of the setting sun as if it were ablaze. My grip tightened. My muscles tensed. I was prepared to rip this sword from the sky and give this pathetic excuse for a knight what he deserved.

"Amber!" a commanding, aged voice bellowed.

Just as I was about to deal my punishment, an all-too-familiar voice shattered my concentration. It was Gentry, the Captain of the White Torch knights and one of my only friends. My arms and sword still raised to the sky, I spun my head around and glared at him with frustration.

"That's enough, Amber," he said sternly. His face adorning the wise, calm and battle-worn expression it always had.

Begrudgingly lowering my sword, I turned toward Gentry and the rest of the new White Torch recruits. The fresh-faced recruits were all just standing there, staring at me in silence, like I was some kind of crazy person. I pulled off my helm and stared back at them. My long, dark-brown hair danced in the breeze that was cooling my light, almond-colored skin. I continued eying them for a few moments before stomping over to address the lot of them.

"Listen up!" I commanded. "Any knight who pulls their punches against me will spend a month in the oubliette!" I looked over the sea of silent of faces, ensuring my message was understood.

"Yes, Highness!" they hesitantly replied, clearly afraid of both injuring the Princess of Ashborne and enduring the oubliette.

I looked over at the gasping knight that Gentry was helping to his feet, and I hid the guilt that was welling up in my heart by maintaining my pissed-off scowl as I stormed off the field and headed toward the castle.

# # #

I made my way to my chambers where Penelope, my handmaiden, was waiting for me. As I opened my chamber door, I could see Penelope standing near the window. Her arms were crossed behind the beige servant gown she was always wearing, and her long, blonde hair framed the youthful innocence of her teenage face.

"Welcome back, Highness," she said softly as I, a bit more calm now, slowly closed the door behind me. "Are you all right? I saw what happened." Her kind voice was filled with genuine concern.

"I'm fine," I replied quietly, pulling at my chainmail. "Please, help me take this off."

"Of course," she smiled, "come sit here." Penelope pat the bench near the window where she'd sat me a hundred times before.

Penelope began removing each piece of armor as I stared out the window. I could see Gentry addressing the new recruits below as twilight took hold of the sky. My thoughts returned to the recruit I made an example of. I began to feel bad about my actions and wondered if maybe I had gone too far.

"You had to do that," Penelope said, clearly sensing my moment of self-doubt. "If they don't train with all their might, when a real battle comes, they'll pay the price with their lives."

Her tone was ripe with the wonderful naivety of someone who has never endured a battlefield; someone who didn't bear the burden of carrying the Ashborne name. I loved that about her.

"I know..." I replied solemnly. "It still doesn't make it any easier."

Penelope kept working dutifully as we sat in silence for a few moments. She had nearly finished removing my armor when she finally said, "Don't worry, I have just the thing to make you feel better!"

"What's that?"

"It's one of my favorite thing things in the whole world! Guess what it is!"

I rolled my eyes and smiled. I already knew the answer before I turned to look up at her beaming face. "Is it a hot bath?"

"A hot bath!" she said loudly, as if I had won a prize. "I've already heated the water for you!" she added, doing some kind of little dance, obviously trying to cheer me up.

Penelope was always like that. She wasn't jaded like I was, she was a joyous person. She found hope, light and love in everything. Despite only being a year younger than I, she was still pure of heart. I envied and adored that about her.

Ever since we were little kids, and she was just the blacksmith's daughter and I was just the king's daughter, she's always strived to keep me in high spirits under the weight of the Ashborne crown. With everything I've been through in my 18 years, it scares me to think what kind of twisted I would have become without her in my life. She was a treasured friend.

"Jeez. Doesn't take much to make you happy, does it?" I teased.

"Hey! Not everyone lives in a giant castle with people to make hot water for them, ya know! Hot baths really are one of my favorite things!" she said, getting a little embarrassed by her own simple nature.

"Penelope?" I sighed with a smile.

"Yes, Highness?" she replied, still grinning foolishly from ear to ear. She didn't know it, but her innocent and lighthearted ways kept me sane.

"Don't ever change. All right?"

Her expression grew a bit more serious as she continued smiling and removed the last piece of my armor. "I never will."

In the far corner of the room, I could see the steam rising from the bathtub Penelope had prepared for me. Undoing the laces of my leather pants, I continued undressing as I walked toward it, with Penelope following right behind me. After another all-day training session with the new recruits, my muscles ached. A hot bath was just what I needed.

"Oh! I almost forgot! Your father told me to tell you that your presence is required at dinner tonight. Something about the King and Prince of Benethil being the honored guests."

"Ugh, really?!" I groaned, dropping my clothes to the floor.

"Yeah. And he also said, 'Tell her to dress like a princess for a change.'" Without missing a beat, Penelope quickly gathered up the mess I had just made.

I stepped into the steaming water and slowly eased my body into it. "Just great. Another fun-filled night of my father pretending like we actually speak to each other, all while trying to marry me off to some spoiled brat," I complained. "He should know by now that there's not a prince in all of Everrathe that wants to marry me."

"Now that's not true. You just haven't met the right one yet," Penelope reassured me as she took a seat on the edge of the bed.

I winced as the rest of my body grew accustomed to the hot bath water. I looked over at Penelope, ready to continue my self-deprecating rant. She was sitting there, ready and willing to bubble over with words of encouragement for me.

Bearing my negativity when I'm like this must be tiring, I thought. Really not sure how she puts up with it. I need to give her a break.

"I'm sorry, Penelope. It's just been a long day. You're right," I said before switching to my sarcastic, highborn tone. "I trust you'll lay out something suitable for me to wear."

Even though Penelope was my servant, I can't remember the last time I seriously addressed her as the Princess of Ashborne. I mean, despite the fact that she waited on me hand and foot, to me, she was more friend than servant.

I laid my head back and closed my eyes, enjoying the warmth of the water.

"You don't want to choose?" Penelope asked curiously.

I knew how much Penelope enjoyed going through my royal wardrobe and playing her little game of 'Dress the Princess.' I figured I might as well let her have some fun. Particularly since I had no interest in entertaining these 'honored guests.'

"Nope. You can choose. You always make me look beautiful."

Penelope's face lit up as she jumped to her feet. "I'm going to make you look ravishing, tempting... irresistible!"

Opening one eye, I glanced over at her. "Don't go too crazy. I need to look like a princess, remember?" My tone was playful, although I was half serious.

Penelope had a habit of getting carried away when dressing me. Always gushing over my 'amazing body,' Penelope seemed to enjoy flaunting vicariously through me. Left to her own devices, she'd have me greeting the Prince in nothing but a see-through gown.

"Bah! You leave it to me! I know what princes want!" she touted, her blonde hair swaying from side to side as she headed briskly for the door to the adjoining room that contained a collection of dresses and gowns worth a small kingdom in gold.

Such a funny girl. I smiled and let the warmth of the water overtake and relax me. If I had to spend the rest of my night entertaining guests and enduring the company of my father, I was at least going to enjoy my bath first.

#  Dinner with Kings

"Wow," Penelope said in awe, standing behind and gazing into the mirror at me. "You spend so much time training and wearing boy clothes, I always forget how gorgeous you can look. You really do look like a princess, ya know?"

It wasn't often that I dressed this way, but I had to hand it to her, she certainly knew how to transform me into a breath-taking image of royalty. The violet gown hugging my athletic frame in all the right places, the delicate dark, curls in my hair bouncing with every movement, and my gold-speckled brown eyes glistening as they stared back at me. Even I was a little shocked at how well I cleaned up.

"Thank you," I said.

"Well, you better hurry up and get down there. You don't want to be late." She was right. My father wouldn't find it amusing if I was late in front of royal guests. "I'll have your bed ready for you before you return."

I continued staring into the mirror at Penelope's handy-work. "No, Penelope. It's fine. You can go home. It's getting late and I'm sure your father is waiting for you."

"Are you sure, Highness?"

I looked back and smiled at her. "It's fine, I'm pretty sure I can make up my own bed. You go ahead."

"All right. Well, you have fun with the Prince. I'll be sure to throw out your bedsheets in the morning!" she teased as she headed for the door.

My mouth dropped, hearing such a thing come from her. Enjoying my surprised expression, she laughed her way out of the room, quickly closing the door behind her before I could come up with a retort.

I turned back to the mirror, running my hands along the violet, silky fabric of this beautiful gown. I liked the way it felt against my skin. It was smooth, soft and sensual. Much different than the rough leather, mail and plate my body had grown accustomed to over the years. It reminded me of the life I would have had, had I been a normal princess; a life that wasn't mine.

I left my chambers and started down the castle's outer corridor, heading to the Royal Banquet Hall that was a bit of a walk from here. My heels echoed through the hallway as I walked, and the moonlight poured through the glass-less corridor windows and illuminated the long pennants that were hanging from the walls and blowing in the cool, night air. They seemed to dance as I walked by, as if they were excited to see me all dressed up. I'm glad someone thought I looked pretty.

Truthfully, I wasn't looking forward to the event ahead. I had never been one for the banquets and balls of the nobles of Ashborne. I was more comfortable in the tavern with Gentry and the rest of the knights than I was wearing a dress like this, pretending to be a princess I just wasn't.

Ever since my accident, Gentry had been more of a father to me than my own. The King only spoke to me during occasions like this. It was something only for the benefit of others. I played along, if only to avoid my father's temper. Being the Ashborne puppet in front of guests would ensure that my father would leave me alone and I could get back to my real life with Gentry and the others.

Eventually, I arrived and stopped just before the doors to the banquet hall. The guards on either side began to reach for the handles.

"Wait," I ordered.

They stopped, looking a bit puzzled.

I needed to prepare myself before I entered. Like putting on a mask, I needed to ready the grace and manners of the Princess of Ashborne. As well as become mentally prepared for the way I was sure my father was going to treat me. I closed my eyes and took a deep, long breath. Exhaling slowly, I opened my eyes and put on a beautiful, fake smile. I was ready.

"Please, open it," I said sweetly, not even bothering to hide the obvious facade I was putting on.

The guards looked at each other. They said nothing as they opened the doors, giving way to the immense Royal Banquet Hall.

"Ah! She's here!" My father's voice filled the Hall.

I stood just inside the Hall's entryway, a bit surprised that the room wasn't bustling with people. I could see my father and two unfamiliar men standing at the end of the long banquette table that stretched out before me. They all turned and began walking in my direction.

The guards pushed the doors closed behind me, causing a gust of wind to flow over my bare shoulders and into my Penelope-approved cleavage. It reminding me of what I was wearing, and I felt a little self-conscious as my father and the two strangers approached.

Here we go, I thought as I began walking to meet them.

"Ah, the lovely Princess, Amber Ashborne. What a sight to behold!" The older of the two guests said as he opened his arms, ensuring he would be the first of the three to greet me. His round, jolly face lit up by a warm smile that even his dark, silver beard couldn't hide.

As we met near the center of the banquet table, using both of his large paws, he excitedly raised my hand to bestow a prickly kiss upon.

"I haven't seen you since you were crawling around on the floor and shittin' on yourself!" he laughed heartily. "Just look at ya! You've got your mother's eyes! Look at how beautiful you've become!"

I bowed my head in respect and spoke graciously. "Thank you. Yes, it's been too long."

"Amber," my father interrupted and stepped forward, clearly annoyed by the gushing over me, "this is the King of Benethil, Gillien Fildar, and his son, Prince of Benethil, Alexander Fildar."

"We're honored to have you both as our guests tonight," I said.

"Alexander, come have a look," My father gripped my hand tightly and signaled Alexander closer.

Despite my father's age, he was still surprisingly strong. His body still carried much of the strength and muscle he earned from waging war in his younger years. As Alexander stood in front of us, Father callously raised my arm.

"Turn around, Amber. Let this boy have a look."

I knew my father was going to do this, yet it still made me angry. I felt like cattle being auctioned off as I turned full circle. Alexander eyed me like a snake eyes its prey, taking in every inch of my body as I turned back to face him.

Alexander, who must have been nearly twice my age, kissed the top of my hand while staring solely at my breasts. "A pleasure to meet you, M'lady." His respectful tone certainly didn't match his demeanor.

Maybe it was his shifty eyes, his black mustache and goatee, or the lustful expression on his face, but I could tell right away that Alexander was not to be trusted. Still, I smiled and nodded my head politely. That was my job tonight.

"What do you think? You can marry this, right?" my father said, sounding like a street merchant looking to unload his unwanted wares.

Alexander crossed his arms. He started at my laced heels and slowly went all the way up to my eyes. He looked at me, seemingly pleased with himself. "Hmm. I'm not sure. Perhaps she could stay the night in my chambers to help me decide."

Ugh... swine. Lay one hand on me and I don't care who you are, I'll break it off.

"Hey! Knock it off! Darius, leave those kids alone and let's eat! I'm starved!" Gillien said as he headed back toward the end of the banquet table that was already decorated with the finest meats, cheeses and fruits our kingdom had to offer. He and my father must have had more history than I knew, because there were only a few men who could address my father by his first name without consequence.

He pulled out a chair near the head of the table and gestured to me. "Amber, you come sit here. Let's get to feastin' and drinkin'! It's been two whole days since I've had some good wine!"

"Oh? Will no one else be joining us this evening?" I asked politely, taking my seat from Gillien.

"Heavens no, girl! I ain't here to share my wine with the whole of Ashborne. We're here on business."

That was a relief. I wasn't looking to stick around any longer than I had to. As everyone else found their seats, I began to wonder what kind of business Gillien had with my father. I knew from experience that the road from Benethil to Ashborne was a week's ride along dangerous territory. For the King himself to brave such a journey, something must be wrong.

"I figured this wasn't a social visit," my father said, stuffing some cheese into his mouth. "What's this all about, Gillien?"

Gillien poured wine into an over-sized goblet he must have brought from home. "Now, now! Let me get some damn wine in me first. We've got plenty of time for that later. Let me catch up with your fine daughter here. Amber, have some wine." He grinned and held his giant goblet out to me.

I chuckled. "No, thank you. That's too much for me. Besides, I have to continue training our new recruits tomorrow with Gentry."

Gillien took a big gulp from his goblet and let out a satisfied belch. "That's right. I hear you've become quite the soldier. Stories 'round Benethil have people callin' ya the Flame of the White Torch."

He must be referring to the battles I've lead, under my father's orders, over the past three years – sieges of other kingdoms. Battles where the numbers were against us. Battles we weren't supposed to win and where I'm sure my father had sent us all to die.

"Well, you know how stories are, most of them exaggerate the truth." I was really hoping to discourage the idea of discussing the details behind those stories. I wasn't proud of what my father had ordered me to do.

"Oh rubbish! Come now, ain't no need to be modest! Alex here has been pushin' back the raiders that have been comin' at us from the mountains and he won't shut up about it. Ain't that right?" Gillien looked beside him to Alexander, who had been staring at me the entire time from across the table.

"Ain't that right?!" Gillien repeated, hitting his son in the shoulder.

"What? Yes, yes. That's right," Alexander finally turned his demeaning gaze away from me. Just him looking at me made me feel dirty. "The raiders of the Kalibor Mountains have been foolish enough to try and raid our townspeople. Which is why we've come, Your Majesty."

The table turned to my father, his ornate crown glimmering in the torch light of the banquet hall. He rose from his plate of food and brushed his shoulder-length gray hair from his face, ready to hear the request that was about to be made of him. There was nothing he loved more than being in a position of power.

"Continue," my father said as he leaned back in his chair, wine in hand.

Alexander looked all business as he sat upright and addressed my father. "As Your Majesty knows, Benethil lies just outside the territories known to be occupied by warring groups of forest and mountain raiders. Normally, these two just kill and steal from each other, and any outlying villages, but lately, their attacks have been increasing against our walls. We have plenty of men, but we'd like to request aid in the form of weapons and supplies."

I looked over to gauge my father's reaction. He sat there silently, sipping his wine. I could tell he was taking his time, thinking about what was in this deal for him. He certainly wasn't the type of man to give something away without receiving something in return. His cruel and greedy nature is what has made Ashborne the dominant kingdom of Everrathe.

"You're having trouble defending your borders. How is that my problem?" my father said, his face ripe with indifference.

Hearing that response, Gillien pipped up quickly, his mouth still full of food. "Don't be that way, Darius! We've known each other since before we were Kings, I'm still older than you, and don't go forgettin' who helped ya during The Great Purge!"

Alexander continued where his father left off. "Well, speaking of The Great Purge, Your Majesty, it's rumored that the raiders are being driven from the forest and mountains by druids. That's why they are attack-"

My father shot to his feet, throwing his wine goblet across the table before slamming his fists down. "There are no druids! How dare you speak their name in front of me!"

The three of us sat there in a shocked silence, staring at my father. With all eyes on him, he slowly regained his composure and took his seat again before pouring himself a fresh goblet of wine.

"You shouldn't believe such baseless rumors, boy. There are no more druids. Those vile, evil creatures are extinct. I and The Great Purge saw to that many years ago. You would be wise not speak of them again," my father warned in a forced, calm tone.

Alexander's face was pale. Didn't he know that speaking of druids in Ashborne was forbidden? I could tell from the look on Alexander's face that he knew if he didn't watch his tongue, not even King Gillien would be able to save him from my father's wrath.

"Yes, Majesty. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend. Please, accept my apologies. I will take my leave." Alexander stood up from the table and bowed before leaving. "Father, Majesty, Princess Amber."

I just sat there silently, playing with my food. I've never seen my father like that. He was usually indifferent. I've never seen his eyes filled with so much hatred, not even when looking at me. The three of us sat there for what seemed like an eternity, eating quietly.

"Still get to you that much, eh?" Gillien said, finally breaking the silence.

"What did you need, Gillien?" Father was clearly still flustered by the mention of druids.

"Weapons and armor. Swords, mail, shields...all kinds of stuff. Those damned raiders stole a whole shipment last month."

Father responded immediately, waving his hand in annoyance. "Fine. Leave a list with Gentry before you retire. Amber will leave at first light and deliver whatever you need to your captain."

Upon hearing my name volunteered for this mission, I quickly looked up from the plate of food I wasn't eating. "But Father, I-"

Father shot a icy glare in my direction, stopping my protests cold.

Gillien looked uncomfortable at the unspoken discipline my father was warning me with, should I defy him. "Now, Darius. Those roads ain't no place for a lady. My son and I will take the supplies back ourselves."

My father continued staring at me for a moment, taking a drink of his wine before turning back to Gillien. "Nonsense. You and your son will be my guests for the week. I want to make it up to your son for my outburst. I'll hear no refusals. Gentry and a small squad of White Torch knights will accompany Amber, but she will deliver those supplies."

Gillien looked over at me without saying a word. His sympathetic eyes told me all I needed to know. It wasn't his wish that I go on this journey, but he wasn't about to continue arguing with my father. I gave him an understanding smile and nod, trying to let him know that it was all right, that this is just how things were here, that this was the burden I bear as the Princess of Ashborne and sole heir to the throne.

Having had enough for one evening, I stood up from the table. "Well, Your Majesties, if you'll excuse me, I guess I have an early morning tomorrow. Good night."

#  The Road to Benethil

I woke early the following morning. I laid there for a moment, looking out the window. It was still dark out, the sun hadn't come up yet. I stretched my legs as I rolled over. Penelope was there, sleeping in the chair near my bed. Gentry must have sent word that I was to leave this morning.

Normally, I would bring her along on my trips, but not this time. This was too dangerous for her. I got out of bed and took Penelope's hand.

"Penelope... Penelope," I whispered.

"Hmm?" she groaned, her eyes still closed.

I started to gently pull her up from the chair. "Get in my bed and go to sleep."

"All right," she said agreeably as I helped her stumble her way to my bed.

She was clearly still asleep. Had she been coherent, she would have protested against such a request and been looking to go with me to Benethil. A servant would be punished if they were caught sleeping in an Ashborne's bed, but I knew, with Gentry and I leaving, that no one would come in here and she could rest undisturbed.

I quietly got dressed, putting on my leather pants, boots and vest. I knew we would want to stay light for this trip, so we wouldn't be bringing any plate armor. I grabbed my sword and my chainmail vest. I quickly brushed my hair a few times, put it in a tight pony-tail and headed out the door.

Once outside, I began walking toward the stables. I could see the sky was preparing to greet the morning sun, although the chirping crickets didn't seem to notice. I enjoyed a deep breath of the cool, crisp morning air before I reached the stables. I knew that fresh scent of early Spring was soon to be replaced by something far less pleasant.

I arrived at the stables, and as expected, Gentry was already there readying the horses. I often wondered when he slept – or if he slept at all, for that matter. I could see an over-sized cart filled with an assortment of items from our armory, and I walked up to inspect the load.

"Good morning, Amber," Gentry said without turning around. He was the only man besides my father who addressed me by my first name.

"How did you know it was me?"

He turned to face me, his pepper-colored mustache enlarging the smirk he was giving. "You're the only one who gets up almost as early as I do."

I smiled. He did have a point.

"How was your feast last night with our guests from Benethil?" he asked as he turned back to finish his work.

"The King was nice," I replied, purposely not mentioning the Prince.

"And the Prince?" he said without missing a beat.

Knowing he wasn't going to leave it alone, I just decided to be blunt. "Ugh. He was a creep and a pervert! He's old enough to be my father."

Gentry laughed. "Yeah. I've heard he has a certain way with the ladies." He was clearly amused by my response, and noticeably relieved that I had no interest in such a man.

"Where are the others?" I asked.

"I have six recruits coming. They'll be here shortly."

"Recruits?! What the hell, Gentry?!"

"Relax, Amber. It's not the new bunch from yesterday. These are guys from the group that came a couple months ago. Your father doesn't want his best soldiers being used as errand boys. Besides, once we reach the pass, we're riding straight through."

"'Doesn't want his best soldiers being used as errand boys?' why are we going then?" I asked, trying to point out the irony in his statement.

"We're there in case anything goes wrong."

"I guess..." I reluctantly accepted Gentry's logic, but my tone made it pretty clear that I still wasn't thrilled about having run this fool's errand with a bunch of newbies.

"Listen. These knights look up to you. They trust you. With the respect you've earned among Ashborne kingdom over the last couple years, these guys would follow you into Hell. Don't take that for granted, Amber."

As we fastened a couple horses to the cart, I could see the six recruits coming down the hill with the sun peaking up behind them. I didn't want them not to come because I thought they were inferior, it's because I've seen what it can be like outside these walls, and I didn't want them getting hurt.

Many of these recruits have lived their whole lives in blissful ignorance behind the walls of Ashborne, protected by the White Torch knights. I didn't want them to have to see and experience the bloodshed I have. Least of all, in the name of a crown that was the same as my own – it made me feel responsible for them.

The six recruits lined up behind me, and I heard their boots clamp together in unison as they brought their right fists to their left shoulder – a perfect Ashborne salute.

"Good morning, Highness!" they said together.

I turned, flashing a genuine smile and bringing my fist to my shoulder. "Good morning."

Gentry wasted no time. "Mount up! We've got a long ride ahead of us. We've already prepped the horses, so let's get going."

And with that, we headed out beyond the castle walls, on our way to Benethil. Little did I know, this journey was going to change the course of my life, forever.

# # #

Time passed uneventfully as we made our way toward Benethil. We had been riding for about 3 days, taking breaks to eat and sleep here and there. I could see the Kalibor Mountains towering in the distance, and judging by the increasing amount of large boulders littering the landscape, The Pass was only about a half a day away.

I pointed to a rock formation on a nearby hill. "We'll set up camp there!"

Even though we still had daylight left, I gave the order to set up camp. The rocks would help conceal our campfire, and the high ground would would help us see any approaching enemies. If we were going to get through The Pass without stopping, we needed our horses to be well rested. With the Shadowbark Forest on the left and the Kalibor Mountains on the right, The Pass was the area I was most concerned with. It was the part of the journey I was looking forward to the least, and fearing the most.

Nightfall came quickly, and it wasn't long before the recruits were fast asleep. As it often happened on our journeys, Gentry and I sat by the fire, the only ones still awake. I sat there, mesmerized by the dancing flames of the campfire, replaying the night of the feast in my head. My father's actions that night were just a glimpse of the way he's treated me my whole life, and it made me feel like crap.

"Gentry?" I asked softly, my eyes still locked under the spell of the bright, pumpkin-colored flames.

He looked over inquisitively as he lay propped up against the rock beside me.

"Why does my father hate me?"

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the immediate change in Gentry's expression. His eyes welled with pain, as if my question had hurt his soul. He leaned forward and sighed with concern.

"He doesn't hate you, Amber. He just doesn't know how to love you."

"What does that even mean?" I asked, dissatisfied with such an answer.

I could tell that Gentry was trying to choose his words carefully, so as not to hurt me, but I also knew that he respected me enough to tell me like he saw it. I'm not really sure what I expected him to say, or why I even asked him in the first place. I guess a part of me hoped that he would tell me something different than what I'd grown up believing my whole life.

"He wasn't always like he is now. It's just with the death of your mother, him being unable to father any further children, and you having your accident... it changed him. I don't think it's that he doesn't love you. I think it's that he doesn't love himself anymore."

He continued watching me closely, carefully monitoring emotions like I imagined a worried father would do. I sat there quietly, still firmly under control of the dancing flames, trying to somehow make sense of what he had just said. I wanted to believe it, that my father was the one at fault and not me, but it's just not what I felt inside.

My unblinking eyes began to well with tears as I spoke. "No... There's something wrong with me... I'm broken. That's why Father doesn't want me, and that's why no man wants me as his wife, but only to share his bed."

Hearing those words aloud, I began to choke up. Until now, they had just been words in my head; words that weren't true because I've never heard them. Saying it somehow made it all real. My tear-filled eyes broke free of the flames and I turned to look at Gentry as if asking for help.

Immediately, Gentry wrapped his huge arms around me and I couldn't hold it in any longer. I curled up in his arms, buried my face into his chest and began to cry. With his arms around me, he laid his cheek upon my head, as if he was trying to shield me from the world and everything in it. He gently rocked back and forth as I cried myself to sleep.

#  The Pass

Dawn came and I could hear a bustling of activity just beyond the rocks. I laid there for a minute, blinking several times and trying to clear my sleepy eyes before I leaned up and looked around. Gentry and the others had already prepared the horses and were just about ready to leave. I scrambled to my feet, brushed myself off and headed down to meet them.

"Ah. Good. I was just about to wake you," Gentry said with a smile.

I yawned and rubbed my eyes like a newborn baby. After all the crying I'd done, I slept like a rock.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked casually, clearly pretending that last night's cry-fest didn't happen.

It was obvious that he was doing it for my benefit – so I wouldn't lose face in front of the knights who followed me. As I raised my arms to the sky and stood on my tip-toes, stretching my whole body, I smiled and nodded. It was a smile that let him know I was ready, and it said 'thank you' without saying a word. His pleasant grin let me know that my message was received. We mounted up and set off on our way.

After an hour of riding, I was finally awake enough to feel human again. I could see Gentry well off in front of the convoy, and I urged some speed form my horse to catch up to him. Despite last night's emotional breakdown, there was one more thing I wanted to ask him about from the night of the feast.

I trotted up along side him, feeling as playful as my horse seemed to be. "Gooooood morning, Gentry!"

He must have been lost in thought, sleeping, or whatever he does when he's in his own head, because he quickly turned with a surprised look on his face. "Oh! Good morning, Amber..."

"I was wondering... Can I ask you one more thing about my father?"

Gentry sat up apprehensively. I could tell he was worried about me having another breakdown just as we were about to go through the pass.

"No, no! It's nothing bad," I assured him, waving my hand in the air.

His body relaxed. "All right, what is it?"

"Well, during the feast the other night, Prince Alexander had mentioned the druids and my father went nuts. It was like he lost his sanity for a moment. I don't even know who the druids are. I just know we aren't supposed to talk about them. Do you know what that was all about?" I had hoped that the cute, curious tilting of my head would encourage an informative answer.

Gentry looked on all sides of us, checking to see if anyone had heard what I had just said. "Amber, all I will tell you is that they were magic-wielding people, they were dangerous and they no longer exist. Please, for both our sakes, don't speak of this again."

"Magic?" I said in clear disbelief of such a notion.

Gentry shot a glance at me, letting me know to keep my voice down and that this conversation was over.

"Well, aaaaall right." If my cute head tilting didn't work, then he wouldn't mind me rolling my eyes at him either.

Considering they were extinct, I wasn't sure why it was such a big deal, but after seeing the scowl on Gentry's face, I decided to let it go. I continued trotting along side him as we traveled in silence, and it wasn't long before we were finally approaching the pass. With only a couple miles to go, Gentry gave instruction as our troop began to gain speed.

"We're almost to the pass!" he yelled. He looked around to make sure he had the knights' attention. "We're getting through here as quickly as possible! As long as we keep a brisk pace, we should be clear of it before sundown!" He raised his arm and pointed to the left, at the thick forest that was inching closer with each passing gallop. "Shadowbark Forest!" He switched arms, doing the same with his right and pointing to the approaching mountain base. "Kalibor Mountains! Both are areas full of warring enemies unfriendly to the crown! Stay sharp and keep moving!"

Within a matter of moments, we were thick into the pass, and we hurried along at a steady pace. I looked at the deep, dark forest to the left of us, then to the rocky, ascending mountainside on the right. If we were attacked in here, we'd have no place to go, and every one of us knew it.

An hour passed, then 2 more, then 3 more. Our cargo was weighing heavily on the carthorses carrying it. Even though the poor beasts had been reduced to a trot, with the world seeming empty around us, I started to feel a little more relaxed. Then, I could see it. Far in the distance, the mesh of tree and rock had finally separated. We were going to make it, unharmed.

"Look!" I said excitedly, pointing to the break in the horizon. It was just as beautiful as the first time I saw it. I turned my head and flashed my best princess-esque smile at Gentry and the knights behind me. And that's when I heard it – the only sound that terrified me on a battlefield – a sharp, quick wisping through the air.

I heard a guttural neigh come from one of the carthorses as it collapsed to the ground, bringing the large cart's movement to a standstill. As I quickly turned toward the ascending mountainside, I heard the dreadful wisping sound again.

"ARCHER!" one of the knights yelled out.

I already knew what was happening without needing to see the second carthorse collapse from the arrow I'm sure was aimed at it. We were being robbed.

Still looking desperately for the attacker, I quickly made my way toward the immobile cart at the center of the formation the knights had been trained to create. My eyes finally honed in on the culprit, just in time to see him draw back his bow. This time, with an arrow that was meant for me.

"Amber!" Gentry yelled as he hurled a dagger through the air. It raced toward its target with a fierce, battle-honed accuracy that exposed the years of killing hiding underneath Gentry's father-like exterior.

The archer's blood sprayed along the rocks as the dagger found its intended home inside his neck. And as the mortally wounded archer tumbled down from his rocky perch, two groups of Kaliborian raiders raced forth from the porous formation of the mountainside and quickly surrounding us.

They swarmed the two groups of knights on either side of me, and the battle began immediately. We were outnumbered almost three to one, and as Gentry and I caught eyes, we knew we weren't going to make it out of this alive. I guess if I had to die, I was glad he would be with me until the end.

The Kaliborians were quick to slash at the legs of our horses, determined to negate our only advantage. With the knights fighting fiercely to keep any raiders from breaking through to me, I dispatched the unfortunate few who made it past them.

As I sat atop my mount and pulled my blade from the chest of another Kaliborian, I looked back at Gentry's group that had now drifted far behind me. My eyes widened as I watched a raider leap from a large boulder beside them, crashing into an unsuspecting Gentry and knocking him from his horse. I saw Gentry's head bounce fiercely off the gravel-covered ground as he came down under the full weight of his attacker.

"Gentry!" I couldn't hide the frightened concern in my voice as I yelled. I rein-whipped my horse into an immediate gallop and raced toward him.

Gentry lay there motionless as his assailant came to his knees. His would-be killer raised a dagger high above his head as I leapt from my racing steed, desperate to stop what was about to happen.

What only lasted a second, seemed like years. I raced through the air, arms extended and blade-first, praying I would make it in time. My mind thinking only of Gentry.

I was terrified that I might never see his warm, mustache covered smile again; that I might never share another dinner with him after a long day of training; that I might never get scolded by him again after doing something stupid. I was terrified that I might lose the only real father I 'd ever known.

I screamed, from the bottom of my soul, as I slammed into that nameless Kaliborian, piercing his body with such force, that my sword went hilt-deep into his chest and sent us both tumbling along the ground. For the first time in my life, I was glad to have killed someone. I quickly came to my feet and raced to Gentry's side.

"Gentry! Gentry, wake up! Please!" I pleaded, gripping him by the shoulders, but he still wasn't moving. The left side of his pepper-colored hair was now tainted red with blood as he lay there unconscious, but alive. My panicked mind raced.

I looked up, desperately trying to figure out a way to get him to safety. I could see this group's two remaining knights in front of me, bodies surrounding them, fighting feverishly against five raiders. I looked behind me, far down the road at the other group of knights. The lone survivor was quickly overcome by a group of ten he never stood a chance against. They murdered him mercilessly and turned their attention toward me.

They're dying! I didn't want this for them! Why do they have to follow me?! Why do they have to die?!

I had to stop this... No, I was going to stop this. I reached over and took Gentry's sword from his hand, and slowly, I came to my feet, my face filled with anger, determination and sorrow. I turned to the group of raiders that were charging down the pass at me, and swirling in a rage-filled calm, I began walking toward them.

They had no idea of the hell that was about to be unleashed upon them. Over 2000 days of training and 3 years of fierce battles coursed through these veins. I was the daughter my father never wanted, trying to be a son I would never become. All the pain, the rejection, the guilt... They were going to feel the rage of the Ashborne Princess.

My mind seemed to clear as my over-developed battle-instinct took over. And like a wave breaking against the ever-standing walls of Castle Ashborne, they came at me in a pathetic, fragmented stream of untrained assaults. One after another, I slaughtered them. My long, dark hair whipping through the wind with each movement of my well-trained, feminine body. Spinning, sliding, screaming and slashing, I danced a bloody dance \- as if possessed by the Goddess of Death herself. Until there was but one enemy left.

He laid there, disarmed and cowering, trying to push himself away from me. I hovered over him, never taking my eyes off his, my fair skin decorated with the blood of those I had just slain. Still thoroughly consumed by pain and bloodlust, I would show him no mercy. It was time to end this.

I raised my dripping blade to the heavens I knew I would never be allowed to enter, preparing to further that belief with one final stroke, just as the Kaliborian's expression suddenly changed. The fear that filled his eyes only moments ago was now gone. The terror in his face was replaced by a smirk. I instantly recognized what was about to happen, but it was already too late.

Before I could react, I felt two large hands take hold of me from behind. One firmly around my raised wrist, and the other holding a large fistful of my hair.

How could I be so careless, I thought as I was jerked straight back and to the ground.

I was quickly pinned by this new enemy. Placing a knee across my chest to contain me, he slammed my sword-wielding fist into the ground until I could no longer hold my weapon. As I squirmed and kicked, I noticed the dead bodies of the two knights who were previously fighting behind me. Everyone was dead. All that remained were the three of us and an unconscious Gentry.

The Kaliborian I was about to kill quickly made his way to his feet. He picked up a dagger as the other hovered over my head and was now locking my arms to the ground, using the full weight of his body. I struggled desperately to break free.

As the knife-wielding Kaliborian was trying to grab my kicking legs, I managed to land one strong kick, catching him in the jaw. But from this position, I knew it wasn't going to be enough. He turned back to me, angrier than before, and jumped on top of my legs. He wasted no time jamming his knife straight through one of my calves. I screamed in pain, but it was only met with a hammer-like fist to the face that sent my head slamming into the ground.

"Shut your mouth!" he demanded.

The blow dazed me, and I could feel my left cheek begin to swell instantly while the other became warm with the blood that was now flowing from my nose. I was dizzy, my eyes started to become heavy, and my body began to give up on me. Even without them on top of me, I could barely move.

With the knife still buried in my calf, my pants were pulled down as far as they would go. With one Kaliborian still pinning my arms to the ground, the other spread my weak, trembling knees. These savages were about to take the only thing left of me that was pure. The only thing that the men of this dark world seemed to want from me.

As I laid there helplessly, I knew what was about to happen, and all I could think was, Please, don't leave me alive after this. Just kill me.

The Raider stepped in between my bare thighs. He stood upright, staring down at me, salivating, slowly undoing his pants. I tried not to think about what he was about to do to me. I just prayed that after they were done, that I would be dead and that they would mistake Gentry for dead as well, sparing his life. I closed my eyes just as he was about to pull down his pants, trying to go somewhere else in my mind, but then, I heard that sound again.

A quick, sharp wisping in the air and a large arrow to the chest launched the Kaliborian standing from in between my legs and into the air. The man pinning my arms released me and tried to run, but he didn't make it more than a couple steps before I saw his arrow-impaled body crash lifelessly to the ground.

My head pounded. I struggled to focus and comprehend what was happening. I used what little strength I had left to roll over on my stomach. With blood still dripping from my nose, I looked around, desperately trying to see who my savior was. Maybe the Gods hadn't given up on me after all.

Is it reinforcements from Ashborne? From Benethil?

With my vision steadily losing focus, all I could see were two men emerging from the forest - one brunette and one blonde. Their dark, forest-colored cloaks fanned out behind them as they ran toward me. I knew right away, if they were coming from that forest and wearing cloaks like that, they weren't here to save me. Even with my blurry vision, there was no mistaking their attire. They were Shadowbark Raiders. I was like wild prey being stolen from one predator by another.

In one last attempt at an escape, I tried desperately to pull my battered body along with my arms, my pulled-down pants catching in the gravel beneath me. My eye lids grew heavier and heavier, and my vision started to go black as the intense pounding in my head continued.

Don't you dare, you bitch! Don't you dare pass out!

The two men were approaching quickly, and I could hear their boots crunching along the gravel-ridden road, but none of it mattered. Everything just went black as my arms gave out and I collapsed back to the earth.

I no longer had the strength to hold my eyes open, and I could no longer move. My exhausted, beaten body had given up. I groaned as I tried desperately to force and retain consciousness, but it was all in vain. As the two men came up to me, the last thing I heard was a voice say, "Yes, I know who it is, and I'm not leaving her here. Give me your cloak."

#  Emoren

It was quiet. The gentle sounds of the campfire and crickets outside were calling me from my sleep. As I opened my eyes, I laid there, staring at the ceiling of a large tent that was dimly illuminated by the few candles scattered about the interior. My head hurt for some reason, and I didn't know where I was.

I lifted my groggy head to take in my surroundings. I was wearing a white cloth shirt and gray cloth cut-off trousers that seemed to be a size or two too big for me. There was an empty bed made up a few feet beside the one I was laying in, and my injured calf was neatly wrapped in bandages and propped up atop a large stack of folded blankets.

Why is my legged wrapped? I wondered as I laid my head back down. Suddenly it all came flooding back to me at once: the journey to Benethil, the battle at the pass, the Kaliborians, and Gentry.

"Gentry!" I yelled as I quickly shot up, causing the blankets beneath my leg to tumble off the wooden, branch-framed bed. My sudden movement was greeted by a searing intensity that shot straight up my injured leg and sent me reeling back in pain.

"Easy," an unfamiliar voice said from inside the tent, "you're still not well enough to walk around yet."

Realizing I wasn't alone and hearing a strange man's voice, I froze. Slowly, I lifted my head to look past the foot of the bed I was laying in. With the folded blankets no longer blocking my view, I could see the back of a man as he rose from a chair at a small table near the entrance of the large tent.

His chair was draped with a dark, forest-colored cloak and his dirty-blonde hair was gently reflecting the soft candlelight that was lighting up the room. He gently closed and placed a old-looking, brown book on the table before turning to me.

Using my elbows, I propped myself up apprehensively and stared at him as he slowly walked over and took a seat on the bed beside mine. I could tell from the strong, knight-like build that was giving shape to his large, white shirt, that in my current condition, he could easily overpower me. Friend or foe, I was at this man's mercy.

He sat there for a moment, looking down and gently brushing some dirt from his wood-colored leather pants. To my surprise, he only seemed to be a few years older than myself. And judging by the shirt he was wearing, I must be wearing his clothes.

"You're lucky to be alive, you know?" he said softly, finally looking up at me and brushing his dirty-blonde bangs aside to reveal a set of stormy-blue eyes. He leaned forward a bit, placing his elbows atop his knees, preparing for the barrage of questions he knew was coming.

I laid there for a moment, propped up and motionless, staring at my new captor. "Who are you? Where's Gentry?"

"I'm not sure who Gentry is, but if you're referring to the men that were with you, we only found one that was still alive. An older man."

"Yes! Him! Where is he?! What happened to him!? Tell me!" I demanded.

The blonde stranger held up his hand, signaling me to calm down and that he would answer my questions. "We could only carry one of you. We patched your friend's head and hid him in the brush before bringing you here. When we went back for him, he was already gone."

He's alive. Thank God. I collapsed back to the bed in a wave of relief. After the hell we had been through, Gentry had survived. I laid there for a moment, smiling at the news, but my brief moment of happiness was cut short as I noticed my captor lean over and begin to reach for me. I quickly propped up on my hands, pushing myself back in fear as the memory of what those Kaliborians almost did to me was reignited by this man's advance.

He froze at my reaction. I could tell by the expression on his face that he felt sorry for me, and for what I had been through.

"I'm not going to hurt you." He voice was soft as he spoke and stood frozen just before me with his arm still extended in mid-air.

He looked me straight in the eyes as he stood frozen in time, as if he was dealing with a wounded animal and waiting for permission to proceed. I gazed into his stormy-blue eyes. I didn't see the lust or maliciousness that I had grown used to seeing in the men of my battle-ridden world. In fact, I saw the opposite. His eyes seemed to swirl with kindness and concern. Despite my situation, there was a calm about this mysterious blonde that seemed to put me at ease.

I slowly laid myself back down while watching him closely. My body language was still apprehensive, but it gave him permission to proceed. He gently took my chin in his hand and tilted my head to the side, inspecting my bruised cheek.

"That's good. It's healing nicely." Despite the situation, the genuine smile he flashed seemed nothing short of inviting.

He stood up and began gathering the blankets I had knocked to the floor, calmly folding and stacking them on the foot of my bed. The tense uneasiness in my body began to fade as I watched him. He wasn't going to hurt me. His body language, his eyes, his voice, everything about him seemed to tell me I was safe with him.

"Who are you?" I finally asked.

He gently put his hands under my knee and the heel of my foot. His touch was unusually soft and warm against my bare skin, much different than what I expected of someone who lived in these woods.

"My name is Emoren," he said as he carefully propped my injured leg back atop the stack of blankets.

"You're a Shadowbark Raider?" I asked, still not taking my cautious eyes off him.

"That's right," he replied as he proceeded to check the bandages around my calf.

"Why am I still alive? What are you going to do with me?"

He stopped and turned to look at me, his fair-skinned face smiling sympathetically at my obvious distrusting nature. "You must be hungry. You've been sleeping for almost two days. Try not to move around too much. I'll bring you something to eat," he said before he turned and exited the large tent.

He was right. I didn't notice it until he said that, but my stomach was aching. I laid there in bed, waiting impatiently, trying to figure out why I was still alive and what his intentions where for me. The Shadowbark were a mysterious people. I didn't really know much about them, except for their unmistakable forest-like attire. Living deep in this unforgiving forest, they weren't ruled by any kingdom, and they weren't allies of anyone. Even though I was alive, I still wasn't sure if I was saved.

As I continued pondering the situation, I noticed that I was unconsciously twirling something on my right ring finger. Raising my hand in front of my face, I saw a bright green ring. Made up of thousands of tiny strands of grass woven and braided together, it seemed to glow ever so gently. It was an intricate piece of work, and it was beautiful. Even among all the royalty of Everrathe, I've never seen anything like it.

"Do you like it?" Emoren smiled as he entered the tent carrying a flask of water and a large bowl of stew that filled the room with a delicious aroma.

"It's beautiful," I admitted, still entranced by the ring's soft glow. "Did you make it?"

"Yes, while you were sleeping. It's made from a very rare fern that only grows deep within this forest. After what you went through, I thought it might cheer you up," he said as he walked over and set the food down on the cot beside me.

I didn't know what to say. This gift of compassion upon my finger only seemed to further the impression he was already giving me – that I was safe with him and that he was concerned for me. Puzzled and touched by the sweet gesture, I watched him as he went around the tent, gathering up his cloak and pillows before presenting them to my bedside.

"Here, lean up," he said.

I winced in pain as I slowly leaned myself forward. I looked down at the bandages wrapping my calf as he began stacking the bundle behind me. I wondered how long it would be before I was able to walk again, and how if it wasn't for Emoren, I would be dead right now, or worse. God only knows what would have become of me had he not come along when he did. Thinking about it all, my heart began to swell with gratitude toward this mysterious, blonde savior. I owed him my life.

"Emoren, I-" I must have turned around to thank him just as he had finished my makeshift support, because we both froze in surprise as our eyes met, his face only a hands-length from my own.

He was an undeniably attractive man. I don't know why, but a surge of anxiety and excitement filled me as I got lost for a moment, swimming in his stormy-blue eyes and picturesque features. It was as if my eyes were drawn to him and I had no say in the matter. His surprised expression turned to a smile as he placed a hand along my back and shoulder and eased me onto the rest he had just made.

You're staring! What the hell is wrong with me? I thought as I snapped myself back to reality and quickly looked down toward my feet.

"You were saying?" he asked.

He handed me the bowl and water before taking a seat on the cot-like bed beside mine. Inside the large bowl was some type of brown, potato stew and it tasted even better than it smelled. I must have been hungrier than I thought, because if only for a moment, as I indulged myself, I completely forgot about the awkward moment that had just occurred, the pain in my leg, and the fact that I was at the mercy of a Shadowbark Raider I barely knew.

"There's more if you'd like," he chuckled, seemingly pleased that I was enjoying it as much as I was as I shoveled it into my mouth like a man. I didn't care; I was starved.

I finished my meal and smiled, a little embarrassed at my own gluttonous behavior. Full and content, I laid my head back in bed while resting the empty bowl and flask in my lap.

"Thank you," I said, smiling and turning my head toward him.

"I'm glad you like my cooking."

"No, I mean, thank you for saving me. And Gentry. For everything." I said as I began to get lost in his eyes again.

He just smiled back at me.

"But, I don't understand, if you're a raider, why save me?"

"I may be one of the Shadowbark, but we're not killers. We're not like the Kaliborians," he said, looking a little insulted by what I was accidentally insinuating. "They're savages. We try to keep to ourselves here, but when they attack us, or helpless people in nearby villages, we do what we can."

"No. I- I'm sorry. I didn't mean-" I stumbled poorly over an apology before being interrupted by a dark-haired man who was now leaning through the tent's entrance.

"Emoren," the man said sternly, beckoning him over.

"Don't be rude, Belafor. Come in and say hello to the Princess of Ashborne," Emoren responded as he signaled the visitor to enter.

Not fully recalling the events at the pass, I had hoped he didn't realize who I was. Hearing him say my title out loud sent an uncomfortable chill up my spine. Even though I didn't seem to be in danger, I would have felt better had he not recognized me.

Belafor reluctantly took a few steps inside the large tent and stood in the center of the room. He stood up straight – much like a soldier. He was much older than Emoren and I. His thinning jet black hair, strong build, and mercenary swagger reminded me of Gentry.

"M'lady," he said, bowing his head as he eyed me with a look of worried disapproval before turning back to Emoren.

"Princess, Belafor. Belafor, Princess Amber." Emoren said politely, extending his hand as he introduced us.

Emoren was surprisingly well-mannered for someone who appeared to have lived in the woods his whole life. He had a calm, confident disposition, and hearing him interact with Belafor and myself, he seemed almost regal.

"Emoren, a word." Belafor's tone matched the serious expression he was wearing.

"Hmm. Wait for me outside. I'll be right there," Emoren said, realizing that Belafor was not in the mood to be sociable.

Belafor gave me one more disapproving glance as he turned and left the tent. I suddenly started feeling as though I must be an unwelcome burden on this unfamiliar pair.

"I don't think he likes me very much."

"Don't mind him. Despite his tough exterior, he's a good man. He's saved my life many times," Emoren said as he continued gazing toward the exit Belafor had just used, his mind obviously recalling the events he was referring to.

"Is he your father?"

"He might as well be." Emoren began going through a leather pouch that was under the bed he was sitting on. "We've been together for as long as I can remember. He's raised me as his own."

Hearing him say that made me realize why Belafor must have reminded me of Gentry. It seemed Emoren and I had something in common – both being raised by fathers that were not our own.

"Ah. Here it is!" he said, pulling a glowing green vial from his pouch and waving it at me.

"Here's what?"

He took a step forward and handed the vial to me before touching my shoulder, signaling me to lean up a bit so he could retrieve his cloak and extra pillows and blankets.

"It's medicine from the same fern as the one on your finger. If you want to walk soon, you should drink it. It'll make you sleepy, but it'll heal and help with the pain," He finished making up the bed beside mine before he began walking away.

"Wait!? You're leaving?" I blurted it out without thinking while leaning straight up in my bed. What the hell did I just say? Why do I care if he leaves?

He stopped and glanced back at me from over his shoulder, flashing a calming, reassuring smile. "You're safe here. Belafor and I are the only ones who know you're here, and none of the Shadowbark would dare enter my home without permission. Besides, I'll be just outside. Please, drink that and try to rest. I'll be back shortly."

I laid back in the bed, studying the glowing, green liquid swirling inside this vial, wondering if I should drink it. He hadn't given me any reason to distrust him, and he had shown me nothing but kindness. Figuring that if he wanted to harm me, he could have done it already, I closed my eyes tightly and chugged the mysterious glowing medicine.

"Ack! Tastes like licking a tree," I complained out loud.

As I laid there, wishing he had left me some water to rinse my mouth with and waiting for the effects of the medicine to kick in, the room felt strangely empty with Emoren gone – like it was incomplete. I didn't know why, but it was weird and off-putting; I didn't like it. Laying there alone, my mind drifted away from the empty feeling of the room and headed towards home.

I thought about Gentry and Penelope and how worried they must be. I wished there was a way I could let them know I was all right, and I hoped I would be able to see them again soon, but, truthfully, I had no idea how far away from home I was or how deep they've taken me into these vast woods. Suddenly, I could feel the pain in my leg start to dull as the medicine began to take hold, and it wasn't long before it pulled me back to sleep.

I tried, but didn't sleep well. The dull pain in my leg kept waking me as I tossed and turned, drifting in and out of sleep. Maybe it was because I was alone in an unfamiliar place, but each time I woke, in my groggy, drugged state, I found myself checking to see if Emoren had returned, hoping he would be there.

Finally, during what must have been the middle of the night, I rolled over in my bed, and as the pain pulled me from my sleep yet again, I noticed that this time, all the candles of the tent were out except one. I looked over to see Emoren sleeping soundly, facing me, as he lay in the bed a couple feet from my own.

As my eyes adjusted to the dim lighting of the tent, I noticed his crossbow laying only a few feet away from me, at the foot of his bed. I was sure it hadn't been there before.

I wondered why he would leave such a thing out in the open with me here. Even injured as I was, surely he knew I was capable of wielding such a weapon. It was as if he knew I would wake before him and his deliberate leaving of the crossbow within my reach was a message. He seemed to be letting me know that he wasn't going to ask for any amount of trust he wasn't willing to give himself.

I laid there on my side with my hands curled just below my chin, I watched him as he slept, the blonde savior who had rescued me and was now nursing me back to health. The dim candlelight of the tent seemed to be as captivated by his face as I was quickly becoming.

As I stared at him, I tried to figure out what was going on inside me. He wasn't the first man to ever give me a gift, be kind to me, or even save my life, but I couldn't explain what I was feeling. So why, despite myself and having only just met him, did I feel relieved when I woke and saw him sleeping next to me? Why did my new, small world inside this tent feel incomplete when he left me earlier? And why couldn't I stop watching him sleep?

I laid there for what must have been an hour, listening to his soft breaths and following the lines of his face with my eyes. He looked peaceful, and he seemed to be smiling, ever so slightly as he slept – which made me do the same. It was in that hour that all my anxieties toward this mysterious savior seemed to fade away. It seemed as if my heart knew something that my mind had yet to figure out.

Oh, Amber. You've really lost it this time, haven't you?

# # #

When I finally woke again, the light tapping on the roof of the tent let me know it was raining outside. I had no idea how long I had been asleep, but if felt as though it was later than mid-day. I looked passed the foot of my bed and could see Emoren, sitting at the same table he was before, leaning back in his chair, reading the same book as before.

"I was wondering when you were going to finally wake up," he said as he closed his book.

"Why do I still feel so tired?" I felt even groggier than I had the night before, like I could sleep for the rest of the day. Emoren must have been waiting for me to wake, because he already had water and a plate of food prepared for me and was bringing it to my bedside.

"The first dose is always strong. It takes several hours before the full effects kick in," he said as he handed the meal to me.

I propped myself up enough to set the food beside me on the bed. My head was still so fuzzy, and it was difficult to concentrate. It felt as though I had drank too much ale the night before. "Thank you."

Emoren smiled and returned to his seat at the table. Grabbing the old, brown book, he propped his legs up on the table, leaned back in the chair, and began reading silently to himself. I ate quietly, waiting for my mind to right itself, staring at Emoren while he read.

"What are you reading?"

He glanced over at me and smiled as I chewed my food and stared at him curiously.

"It's a journal." He closed the book and began to rise from the table. I guess he realized it was going to be tough to read in peace with me being awake now.

"Your journal?"

He walked over and placed the book beneath his bed before he began rummaging through his brown pouch again.

"No," he said. "It's someone else's story."

As I finished my meal, I could see Emoren pulling another glowing, green vial from his pouch.

"Ugh.. No more, please," I groaned.

Emoren chuckled. He stood up and took the plate from me, exchanging it for the vial he was holding. I gave him a playful, angry sneer as we traded our wares.

"Sorry," he smiled. "Don't worry, this is the last dose you'll need to take. It's not as strong as the first, but once it finally kicks in, it's still going to make you sleepy."

He walked over and set the dishes down and began pushing his chair back under the table, as if he was preparing to leave.

"Are you leaving again?" I asked, leaning up in protest.

He turned and smiled at me before slowly walking over and taking a seat on the bed next to mine. I watched him, waiting for an answer, as he reached down just beyond the foot of his bed and pulled up a gray, unmarked book.

"I'm not leaving today. It's raining," he said with a reassuring smile.

I still didn't understand why, but after hearing that, I felt relieved. I wasn't sure what was going on inside my heart, but I didn't want this new, small world to feel empty again.

He sat there quietly for a moment, carefully flipping through the pages of the run-down-looking book. Once he appeared to have found the page he was looking for, he leaned in my direction, sitting on the edge of his bed.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Well, since neither of us are going anywhere today, I thought you might enjoy it if I read to you," he said, surprising me with a another unexpected gesture of kindness.

"I would like that very much."

Emoren glanced at the vial on my bed and then looked at me expectantly, letting me know he wasn't going to begin until I consumed the tree-tasting medicine. I begrudgingly downed the glowing liquid before curling up on my side, ready to accept his verbal gift of storytelling. He looked down at my attentive face, smiled sweetly, and began reading to me.

His soothing voice was captivating, and the story he was telling was beautiful, but for the life of me, I couldn't follow it. I was far too distracted. I couldn't stop studying his beautiful face, going over his lips with my eyes, and trying to make sense of everything he was making me feel.

The feelings I had felt the night before only grew stronger as I gazed at him. My heart felt at home as I laid there in front of him and listened to him speak softly to me, and it was scaring the hell out of me. I was worried that my heart was attaching itself to him, even without my conscious permission, but I felt powerless to stop it – no, I don't think I wanted to stop it.

It wasn't long before I could feel the medicine began to take hold, and as he continued reading to me, I closed my eyes and let his voice begin carrying me away. I still didn't understand what the hell he was doing to me or why I was feeling the way I did, but as I drifted off to sleep, listening to and feeling safe with him, my heart had never felt more at peace.

#  The spring in Shadowbark

When I woke the next morning, I was greeted by the sweet smell of breakfast. I leaned up and could see Emoren preparing a setting at the small table he was seated at the night before. His lean, muscular arms showcased in the thin, sleeveless leather vest he was now wearing.

"Good morning," he smiled, placing a metal fork atop the neatly folded cloth that lay beside a plate of delightful smelling eggs and fruit.

"Morning," I responded sleepily. It was just as I feared. After the past two nights, it felt completely normal to wake up to him – like I was were I belonged.

"I've prepared breakfast for you. Come. Eat," he said as he walked to my bedside.

I looked up at him, a bit shocked that he wanted me to try and get up. As I shifted my weight, to my surprise, the pain in my leg was almost completely gone. I turned, sat on the edge of the bed, and looked up at Emoren's smiling face. Did he really want me to try and stand? With my wound, I knew I would probably never be able to walk correctly again. There's no way I would be able to stand so soon.

"It's all right. Try to put some weight on it," he said as he put his hands out to assist me.

I took his hands and carefully put all my weight on my uninjured leg as I rose from the bed. It still surprised me how soft his skin was to the touch. I stood there, standing on one leg, holding his hands, feeling a little nervous about trying to put weight on my injured leg.

I slowly eased my other foot to the ground, applying a small amount of pressure. It didn't hurt. I looked up at Emoren and smiled in amazement, his stormy-blue eyes just a bit higher than my own. Not sensing any pain, like a fool, I immediately tried to stand normally. I gasped as a sharp burst of pain shot through my calf, sending me crashing into Emoren's well-defined chest as he caught me in his arms.

"Gently now," he said softly as he supported my full weight with the strong arms he was wrapping around me.

As he held me, helping me regain my balance, I could feel my breasts pressing firmly against his tight torso, and the anxiousness and racing in my heart that I had felt before, returned to me like a flood of too much sunlight. I could feel my cheeks become completely flush. So much so, that I knew he could see it. But, as he helped me over to the table, he just smiled sweetly at me. I was glad we were both pretending that I wasn't blushing like an idiot.

"Are you not eating?" I asked as he sat me at the sole chair of the table.

"It's all right. You eat. I'll have some later."

He wasn't going to hear any arguments from me there. I don't know if it was because of the medicine or what, but I was as hungry as ever.

"I made something for you this morning."

I looked up at him curiously, my mouth full of another meal he had kindly prepared for me. He reached just outside the tent's entrance and pulled in a hand-made, wooden crutch. Looking proud and pleased with his creation, he held it up triumphantly, as if it was the famed sword Excalibur.

"Are we going somewhere?" I'm not sure what he was so impressed by, the ring that was still glowing on my finger was far more impressive than that painful-looking mess of sticks and rope.

"There's a spring, not far from here. I'm taking you to it today."

I sat there staring at him, chewing my food, trying to figure out what this was all about. I wasn't really looking forward to trying to go anywhere on that crutch.

"It'll be good for you to work your injured calf a bit," he said as he leaned on the crutch, sporting the calm, regal demeanor I was quickly growing used to.

I guess it made sense. As fast as my leg seemed to be healing - thanks to the mystery medicine - getting the blood flowing through it would probably help. I nodded in agreement and turned back to the plate of breakfast I was enjoying.

"Plus... you need a bath. You're really starting to stink up my tent," he quickly added, smilingly playfully at me.

I froze, and my face went full crimson with embarrassment as my mouth dropped open. I guess it must have been just the reaction he was looking for, because he immediately started laughing. I looked up at him, and I couldn't help but smile and giggle at his cute, amused expression. He was right though, with everything that had happened, a bath was long overdue.

"You sure know how to talk to a princess, don't you?" was the pitiful retort I came back with.

He just smirked at me. He and I both knew, out here, I wasn't the Princess of Ashborne, I was just a girl. A feeling I was quickly growing fond of in his company.

"I have to meet with Belafor for a moment. You enjoy your breakfast. When I return, we'll head to the spring," he said, the smile never leaving his face.

In the short time I've known him, he seemed to be happy watching over me like he was. I had no idea what I had done to deserve such kindness. My whole life, I always felt I deserved the opposite. Aside from Gentry and Penelope, I wasn't used to people being this way toward me, least of all the men in my world. I felt somehow... special.

"Emoren," I stopped him just as he was lifting the tent's doorway. He looked back over his shoulder at me, his stormy-blue eyes peaking out from just beneath his dirty-blonde hair. "Thank you."

He just smiled and nodded appreciatively before leaving to meet Belafor.

As I finished my breakfast, I sat there, waiting patiently for Emoren to return. The tent seemed bigger in the daylight. I glanced around the room, hoping to get some insight into just who this man was I was becoming so taken with.

Aside from the table I was seated at and the cots we slept in, he didn't seem to own much. His dark colored cloak draped from one of the wooden posts of the tent, his crossbow and pouch laying near his bed, and a makeshift book rack that contained quite a few old-looking, unmarked books.

By the looks of it, he spent much of his time reading. I wanted to know more about this man that seemed to intrigue me so. I was sure I could learn something about him if I knew the different types of books he liked. Just as I stood up and was about to try and hop my way across the room, I heard Emoren reenter the tent.

"Ah. You're ready to go?"

I smiled and nodded.

"Put this on." He pulled down and handed me his Shadowbark cloak. The black of the hood went all the way down, gradually changing into a dark, forest green at the bottom.

"What's this for?"

"While Belafor and I are the only ones who know you're here, and it's unlikely any of the Shadowbark would recognize you, it's probably best to avoid any unwanted attention."

"Hmm. You're right," I said as I tied the cloak around me.

Emoren held up the large cloth doorway of the tent as he helped me limp outside. The campfire in front of the tent where Emoren had prepared my breakfast was still burning. There was only one other tent at this campsite. I assumed it must be Belafor's.

I took in the forest air. It was ripe with the fresh sent of nature, and the tall trees above us seemed to stretch on forever. I could see the branches of the canopy dancing in the breeze, as if they were playing with the sun, letting rays of light slip through here and there.

In the distance I could see only few other fires and campsites scattered about the woods – like a small village. Really small.

"I thought there'd be more of you."

Emoren smiled. "Don't be fooled by what you see. This is just one of our outposts. This entire forest is our home," he said as he positioned himself beside me.

As I put the crutch under my right arm, Emoren lifted my other arm and placed it around his neck. My hand seemed small, holding onto his smooth, muscular shoulder. He put his arm around my waist and smiled at me as we began heading behind the campsite and into the woods.

As he helped me along, he held me without reservation, like it was the most natural thing in the world for him to touch my body. And for some reason, I felt the same.

My whole life, I had always been preserved for a royal engagement, and everyone in my life knew it. It would have been uncouth for me to be so physical with a man, regardless of my injury. Outside of battle, I'd never been so physically brazen with a man before.

"Don't worry, it's not far," he said as he guided me along an unmarked path.

After a walking for a while, we came to a small clearing in the woods at the base of a large plateau hidden within the forest. And there, encased in the trees beneath the plateau overlooking them, as if it was a secret the forest was keeping, rest a large, beautiful spring. It was surprisingly secluded, with smooth, large rocks of green, blue and gray surrounding the crystal clear, almost glowing water on all sides.

"Wow." That's all I could say. I truly was astonished at what I was seeing. Never had I seen anything like it.

"I thought you might like it," he smiled as he sat me down on a large rock on the edge of the spring.

I dipped my hand into the water. It was warm to the touch. I was so captivated by the beauty of the spring, that I didn't even realize my leg was resting casually in Emoren's lap and that he had begun to remove my bandages. It was as if that was completely normal too.

As the bandage came off, I looked down to survey the damage. To my amazement, It had almost completely healed. Aside from the light scarring, you could barely tell that a blade had been through it only days ago.

"How?!"

He smiled delightfully as he glanced down at the gently glowing, fern ring on my finger. "It heals the outside much faster than the inside, but you'll be back to normal in no time."

I glided my hands along my calf. I couldn't believe it. It was still tender, but it was healed enough that I should be able to ride a horse. I looked up at Emoren as he stood up from the rock we were sitting on.

"I'll wait for you over there," he said, pointing just beyond the tree line of the spring.

Hearing him say that, my heart seemed to flutter nervously in protest. I stood up carefully, just as he was turning to leave. I still didn't understand why I seemed to care about him like I did, or what the hell this battle going on between my heart and mind was all about, but I didn't want him to leave... not again.

I stammered like a fool for a minute before I finally blurted out, "Wait. Please."

"Yes?"

What the hell are doing, Amber?

"You can stay..." I gave him an order, but as I stared into those stormy eyes, I quickly remembered that I wasn't the Princess out here. "I mean- Will you stay?"

I hoped he didn't get the the wrong impression. I wasn't about to let him into this spring with me, I just didn't want him to go. Thankfully, the understanding smile and nod he gave me meant I wouldn't have to explain that part.

"Just- Um- Turn around!" I demanded, waving my hand in a circle.

"Of course," he smiled.

I eyed him cautiously as I began undressed myself, and as I glanced at the cloak and clothes I was removing, I suddenly remembered that they weren't mine. Staring at the back of his blonde head, I quickly realized that after bringing me to his tent, he must have been the one who cleaned and dressed me.

Even though I knew he had already seen me naked and that making him turn around was kind of pointless, he didn't say a word about it. He just turned and stood there respectfully, like a real gentleman of the forest, and it brought a smile to face.

I quickly got myself into the warm water. It was only about waist high in the deepest parts, but it felt wonderful to finally bathe again. As I continued eying Emoren to make sure he wasn't peeking, I crouched down in the water and covered my breasts.

"You can turn around... But only long enough to find a seat!"

As he took a seat on the rock with my pile of clothes, he flashed me a playful smile that let me know how silly he thought I was. It was a smile that said, 'I've already seen what you're trying to hide.' I pursed my lips and scowled back at him before he turned back around.

Bathing in the spring was unlike any bath I had ever experienced. I could stretch and float to my heart's content. Bobbing around like a child, I forgot about everything as the warmth of the water embraced me.

This must be what Penelope feels like when she takes a hot bath, I giggled to myself.

I looked over and saw Emoren just sitting there quietly as I got way too excited about this bath. I just stared at him for a few moments. There was just something about him. From me being helplessly injured, to now bathing naked behind him, he was the only man that I'd ever been this vulnerable in front of. He was the first person in my life that I didn't have to be the Princess of Ashborne with.

Knowing he was too respectful to turn around without permission, I floated up only a few feet behind him, where the water was a bit more shallow. He didn't say anything, but he knew I was there.

As I stared at him from behind, I slowly stood upright. The sound of the water cascading off my body was unmistakable. It made sure he knew I was standing naked just behind him. This was the closest I had ever been to a man like this, naked as I was.

Standing there, never taking my eyes off his statuesque frame, I reached down, cupped some water in my hands, and poured it over my bare chest so that he could hear it cascading off - like I was daring him to turn around. Then, I did it again, and again.

I felt vulnerable, excited, nervous, desirous, and anxious all at once. The racing in my heart before was nothing compared to what I was feeling now. As I went over every inch of his lean, muscular body with my eyes, with the gentle breeze caressing my wet, naked body, it felt as though my heart was going to leap from my chest at any moment, and it was impossible to mask the shallow, unsteady gasps that were escaping from my excited lips.

I had no idea what I was doing, and I loved it. I could tell by his tensed muscles and the subtle squirming he was trying to hide, that he was just as excited by this as I was and that he wanted desperately to turn around. I knew he wanted to touch me, and that turned me on even more. I felt as though I was standing on the edge of a cliff that I couldn't see the bottom of, and all I had to do was take one step and I would soar. Just one step forward...

I giggled softly at the torture I was putting us both through as I crouched back down into the water. As I floated myself out to the deeper parts of the spring, I could see the tense excitement and anticipation leaving Emoren's body as he and I both calmed ourselves. I'm not sure what he was feeling at that moment, probably disappointment, but that having been one of the most intense thing I had ever done - I was feeling relief.

"Emoren? Can I ask you something?"

He turned his ear toward me responsively.

"Why are you doing all this for me?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, saving me, caring for me, watching over me, all of it."

I thought it might take him a moment to explain, or that he'd give me some generic response about being the Princess of Ashborne, but he didn't. He responded immediately, without having to think about his answer.

"I know this might sound weird, and I'm sure you weren't conscious of it, but as I was carrying you from The Pass and holding you in my arms, you took one of your hands and gripped my shirt tightly, never letting go. I don't know what it was, but in that moment, looking down at you like that, hurt and vulnerable as you were... I- I felt bound to you. Like I was meant to watch over you or something."

The honesty in his voice made my heart skip a beat as if it were gloating over my mind. And hearing those words come from him, I knew my life would never be the same again. Whether he knew it or not, whether he meant to or not, all his actions and all his words had finally sent me falling - and there was nothing I could do about it.

"I'm just sorry I didn't get to you sooner. Belafor warned me not to get involved, but I couldn't just sit by and do nothing," he added, turning his head a bit to make sure his words were heard. I guess he felt a bit guilty for letting it go on as long as it did.

"I'm all right now. I'm glad you came at all," I said as I continued bobbing gently in the water.

He sat there quietly for a moment. He looked as if he wanted to ask me something, but was struggling to find the right words.

"What is it?" I asked.

"It's just... I've never seen a woman fight like you." He paused for a moment. "I've heard stories about the siege of Alkanamor. I've heard stories about you, the Flame of The White Torch."

I immediately stopped bobbing. Hearing someone praise my fighting prowess would have filled me with great pride, especially where the Kaliborians were concerned. I mean, after all, I was proud of all the hard work I had put in with the sword. But, hearing it come from him, and hearing him mention Alkanamor, it made me feel something much different – it was shame. It seemed I would never be able to escape my past, nor my crown. I stared somberly into the clear water as he continued.

"You're the princess of the most powerful kingdom in Everrathe. Why do you fight? Why do you put yourself in such danger?"

Without saying a word, I drifted over to him. Slowly, I got out of the water and sat on the rock with him and rest my back against his. I was about to tell him something I never talked about, and I knew if I tried to say it too loudly, emotion would overtake me and the words would never make it out.

"I didn't want to go to war," I said quietly. "I was ordered by my father to assume control of Alkanamor and kill their King."

"You couldn't refuse?" he asked naively.

My eyes became watery with shame and guilt as I spoke. "My father told me that I was to leave with 1000 men or that he would send 5000 in my place. With either amount, it was a suicide mission. Alkanamor's army numbered nearly 10,000 strong. We launched a surprise attack, and as the White Torch knights were battling and dying around us, Gentry and I, disguised as Alkanamor guards, made our way inside during the confusion. We were able to get close to and take hostage the King of Alkanamor. After forcing him to order his army to my father's command, I killed him in front of everyone, and the death stopped."

"I don't understand how any father could do such a thing. Is that how you got the scar on your waist?"

I looked down in disappointment at the large scar that stretched across my waist. I had forgotten that he had already seen my body. With our backs together, Emoren could feel me begin to cry, and he started to turn around. I leaned my back harder against his, stopping his movement.

"No. Please." I whimpered. "Let me finish."

He slowly sat back as I regained a bit of my composure. It was something I didn't want him to know, but it was something I wasn't going to keep from him. I only knew what Gentry had told me and what little I could remember, but I was going to tell him everything. For some reason, I felt compelled to bare my soul to Emoren, if only to see what he would do with it.

"My mother and father tried for years to have a child," I started. "When my mother became pregnant with me, it was nothing short of a miracle. The whole kingdom celebrated for weeks. Everyone was excited to welcome the Child of Ashborne. Things were fine until my mother went into labor. There were complications during my birth, and my mother died shortly after. I was told she only lived long enough to hold me for a few moments."

Emoren sat quietly, still supporting my back with his, and listened intently as I went into a trance and poured my soul into him.

"My father blamed me for the death of my mother. Even as his only child, he couldn't bare to be around me. Resenting me and isolating himself, he went into a deep depression. He never saw me, and we never spoke."

"When I was very young, I remember women coming and going from the castle at all hours. My father was trying desperately to find a woman to bear a son for him, and he didn't keep it a secret. Learning this, I wanted to try to earn my father's love, and I begged Gentry to start training me as a knight. I thought if I could become the son that my father so desperately wanted, that maybe he would love me. It took weeks of begging, but Gentry finally agreed."

"Eventually, the women stopped coming to the castle. My father accepted that he wouldn't be able to father another child. After about of year of my training, it seemed as though my father was trying to move past everything and love me as a daughter. But it was short lived with what happened next."

"I had been warned to not try and ride the horses by myself, seeing as I was still just a young girl and very inexperienced, but I decided to try anyway. I went to the stables and was going to try and ride one of our colts, but I must have spooked it after I entered its pen, because it went mad, nearly trampling me to death. Had Gentry not kept such a watchful eye over me, I'm sure I would have died there."

"My father gave up several kingdoms to bring in all the physicians and potion masters of Everrathe. They managed to save my life, but they told my father that I would never be able to bear children. Their beliefs were confirmed when I bled for the first time. It was the most pain I've ever felt. It lasted for two weeks, and then never again. That is how I got that scar, and it's why I'm still unwed to this day. As a princess of Ashborne, I'm only allowed to marry royalty. No prince wants a wife that is incapable of bearing him a son."

"Because of my foolishness, I marked the end of my father's long bloodline, and the resentment in his heart quickly turned to hatred. My existence was the cause of all his troubles."

"I continued training everyday with Gentry, who continued raising me as if I were his own. Being with Gentry and the knights was the only time I ever felt happy or forgot about my guilt."

"Over the years, my father's hatred continued to grow and fester, even though we rarely saw or spoke to each other. Until one day, three years ago, he came to me and told me that I would be of use to him and that I would make up for what I've done - starting with reclaiming each kingdom he bartered for saving my life. If the overwhelming guilt I felt already wasn't enough to make me go, like with Alkanamor, he would find other ways to persuade me."

Finishing my sentence, admitting it all, my body began to shake as the tears started flowing down my cheeks.

"I killed my mother, Emoren." I held my knees against my chest, crying fiercely. "I never wanted this. I've killed so many people...I- I'm broken. I-"

Emoren's arms came around me from behind, pulling me back, deep into his chest. I was crying so hard I didn't even notice him turn around. I buried my face into his neck as I sobbed, groaning in pain. He just held me tightly, letting me cry, before wrapping me in his cloak. Not once did he let me drift from the safety of his arms, for fear I would be lost forever to the dark abyss I had resurrected with my words.

"It's not your fault, Amber. None of it. I know that's not who you are."

Hearing my name on his lips, I looked up at him and tried to steady my tears. His stormy-blue eyes were welling up at the pain I was carrying.

"You're not a killer...You're just a girl who wants to love and be loved," he said as held me tighter, staring into my eyes. "You deserve much more than the life your fathers made you believe you have to live."

I felt as though he was looking straight into to my soul. For the first time in my life, it felt like someone truly saw me, like someone understood the pain I've dealt with. He wasn't looking at the Princess of Ashborne, he was looking at the girl I really was.

"If you're hurt, then I'll carry you. If you're lost, then I'll find you. And if you're broken, then I'll fix you," he whispered as a tear drifted off his cheek and landed on my own.

I laid there in his arms, believing every word, wiping the tear-trail from his soft cheek. I stared into him, drifting from his stormy eyes, down to his perfect, pink lips as my hand began to move through his full, blonde hair.

My heart began to race and I lost my breath for a moment as I felt the muscles in his arms begin to contract, slowly lifting me toward him. His gorgeous face now only inches from my own, I could feel his sweet breath upon my very much, wanting lips.

"Emoren! Come quick!" Belafor yelled out from beyond the trees.

Emoren's head darted around to look behind him. The urgency in Belafor's voice was undeniable. Emoren got up and knelt down with his back to me, signaling me to get on as I quickly got dressed. I wrapped myself around him and he blazed through the forest, heading back to camp.

As we neared the camp, we could see Belafor knelt along side another man of Shadowbark. He was badly injured. Emeron quickly set me down before racing to the injured man's side.

"Alastar! Alastar!" Emoren said.

Alastar laid there on the ground, bleeding heavily and unconscious. The side of his shirt was slashed, covered with blood from the gashed skin underneath.

"It was the Kaliborians," Belafor said as he feverishly dumped the contents of a brown satchel beside him. I looked on anxiously as bandages and a vial of fern medicine scattered along the ground.

"We have to hurry," Emoren said as he tore Alastar's shirt open.

Belafor quickly handed the vial to Emoren and began readying the bandages. As he held up the vial, Emoren whispered something I couldn't make out, and I watched in amazement as he poured the glowing liquid directly onto the gashed skin. It bubbled a fierce green as it immediately began cauterizing the wound.

"Let's get him inside." Emoren signaled Belafor to help him lift from the other side.

They carefully carried Alastar into Belefor's tent where they stayed for almost an hour. I sat on one of the large logs surrounding the campfire and waited anxiously, wishing there was something I could do. Although I didn't know the injured Alastar, I prayed he would be all right.

Eventually, Emoren emerged from the tent with Belafor just behind him. Emoren was wiping his hands, his clothes covered in blood. I looked at him expectantly at he walked over and took a seat beside me, with Belafor sitting down on the log across from ours. While they seemed a little more calm, they were both noticeably shaken by what had happened.

"Is your friend going to be all right?"

"He's lost a lot of blood, but he'll survive," Emoren said before immediately turning to Belafor. "Tell me what happened, Belafor."

"We had just finished up trading in Saberfell and were leaving town when they attacked."

"Those damned savages." Emoren stared at the ground, his fists clenched in anger.

"Emoren, we have bigger problems than the Kaliborians."

He looked up at Belafor, his angry eyes filled with curious concern over Belafor's new warning.

"We only manged to escape because a large group of Ashborne knights showed up. They would have killed us too, had they not been so busy slaughtering the Kaliborians."

Hearing Belafor's say that, I spoke up immediately. "The White Torch would never hurt innocent people! They-"

Emoren placed his hand on my arm to quiet me.

"It wasn't the White Torch," Belafor continued calmly. "It was His Majesty's Royal Guard."

What!? The Royal Guard?! Out here?!

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The Royal Guard made up over one-third of Ashborne's forces. They were my father's ruthless private army; made up of the only the strongest knights, they were bound by blood to serve only the ruler of Ashborne, unto their own death.

"They're hunting for her, Emoren. And they'll kill anyone in their path."

I sat there, shocked, trying to figure out why my father would have sent his Royal Guard all the way out here – it certainly wasn't out of concern for me. Regardless of the reasons, Belafor was right. If they were under orders from my father to retrieve me, they would carve a bloody path across Everrathe until I was found, and then kill whoever had me.

"Emoren," Belafor said. "She can't stay here."

As I watched Emoren stare at the ground, my heart began to sink. I knew Belafor was right. I couldn't endanger Emoren or these people by staying here any longer. After everything that's happened since I arrived here, I never wanted to leave Emoren's side. But I knew I had to go back to Ashborne.

"He's right, Emoren." I stood up slowly. "I don't know why my father has sent them for me, but as long as I'm here, everyone is in danger. I have to leave immediately and tell my father to call them back, before any innocent people get hurt."

Emoren sat there quietly. He continued staring at the ground for a moment before raising his head and smiling at me.

As he stood and took my hand, he said, "You're right. You must go back to Ashborne. But you won't be going alone."

"Emoren..." Belafor clearly didn't seem happy about what Emoren was suggesting.

"It's too dangerous for her to go alone. From this position in the forest, Ashborne is only a day's ride. We'll leave at once and ride straight through, under the cover of night, and be there by this time tomorrow."

My heart leapt at the thought, but I couldn't stand it if anything happened to Emoren. "No. Emoren, he's right. Not even I can command the Royal Guard. If they find us before we reach Ashborne, they'll kill you without question."

Emoren smirked confidently at me. The look in his eyes was clear. He wasn't going to leave my side – no matter the cost. "Belafor, please, find a pair of horses. We'll leave as soon as they're ready."

Belafor stood up reluctantly and huffed as he headed off without saying a word. He and I could both tell that Emoren was not going to be swayed. In no time at all, Belafor returned with ready horses. Emoren helped me atop my horse before giving Belafor a warm embrace and mounting up alongside me.

"This is a bad idea, Emoren." Belafor's voice was ripe with fatherly concern. "But I know you're going to do it anyway... Just don't stop until you reach Ashborne, and watch yourself out there."

Emoren shot Belafor one more confident smile before we set off on our swift ride to Ashborne.

#  Home

We rode straight through the night, and just as Emoren had said, we arrived at Ashborne by mid-day the following day. As we approached the castle's familiar outer wall, I was excited, but also nervous. I was happy that I would get to see Gentry and Penelope, but I was nervous about Emoren. I had to keep my feelings a secret – from everyone. If anyone learned about Emoren, there's no telling what my father would do.

We trotted through the gate, among the small shops and houses that littered the area, and even though I hadn't been away from Ashborne long, coming through those gates felt different than any time before it. Maybe it was because Emoren was beside me, but everything just felt different – I felt different. As we dismounted our horses, I pulled back the hood of Emoren's cloak I was wearing, and I heard a sweet, familiar sound.

"Princess Amber!" Penelope yelled as she came racing down the street, her face wearing the brightest smile I'd seen in a long time. She ran up to me and embraced me so hard that it almost knocked the wind out of me.

"Oh my God. I was so worried! I heard what happened!" she said, crying just a bit, her arms wrapped firmly around my neck.

"I know. I'm sorry. Don't cry. I'm all right," I said as I hugged her back.

Penelope held onto me as if I had been gone for years. She was so emotional that she didn't even seem to notice Emoren. Eventually, she stepped back so she could try her hand at scolding me.

"How could you leave without me!? Don't you ever do that again! I would have beat those Kaliborians up and brought you home!"

"I know you would have." I laughed and smiled at the thought. "Is Gentry here? Did he make it back all right?"

"He made it back. He's the one who told me what happened. I'm not sure if he's here though."

Just as I was about to introduce her to Emoren, our happy reunion was quickly interrupted by one of the Royal Guards. "Highness, the King commands an immediate audience."

"I forgot how fast word travels inside these walls... Good. I need to speak with him anyway," I said. "Penelope, this is my friend, Emoren. Please, show him arou-"

"The King requested both of you," the guard interrupted.

Oh, no, I thought.

I knew there was no way he could know about Emoren, but still, I wanted to keep Emoren as far away from my father as possible. I looked at Emoren who was standing there quietly. I knew he could see the concern in my eyes, but he seemed calm and self-assured, as I had started to realize he always was. He smiled and nodded at me, signaling that he understood the situation.

"Penelope, if you see Gentry, please let him know I'm here," I said before turning to the guard. "Very well. Lead the way."

With the guard escorting us, I couldn't risk trying to discuss anything with Emoren, and as we approached the throne room, I prayed to myself that Emeron fully grasped the situation. His life was surely at risk if we didn't choose our words carefully in front of my father.

As the guards opened the doors to the throne room, I could see my father sitting upon the throne with his head propped up on his hand as he gazed toward the windows. A few of his royal guard were scattered about the room. I signaled Emoren to stay behind me as we entered, and I marched confidently into the center of the room.

"I'm back. You can call of your dogs."

My father sat there unresponsively for a few moments as he continued staring toward the windows and saying nothing. Having thoroughly expressed his aloofness, he finally turned to address the both of us.

"You," he said, looking straight at Emoren.

Emoren walked confidently past me with a grin on his face, looking as though he was impressed with himself. As he began approaching the stairs leading to the throne, the guards on either side of my father began to draw their swords. My father quickly raised his hand, signaling them to wait.

What the hell is he doing? Doesn't he know who my father is?

Emoren walked up and knelt at the foot of the stairs. "Your Majesty."

I had no idea if Emoren had been stuck in the woods too long or what, but I was grateful that he was at least smart enough to kneel and address my father with respect.

"Rise," my father said.

Emoren slowly came to his feet, his expression much more serious and regal as he stood in front of my father – as if he was royalty himself - as if he was my father's equal.

"What's your name?" my father asked, never taking his off him.

Emoren bowed his head respectfully when speaking. "My name is Emoren, Your Grace."

"Emoren..." Father eyed Emoren for a few moments as he let his name sit on his tongue for a moment, clearly sizing up the young blonde in front of him. "Where are you from, Emoren?"

"Saberfell, Your Grace," Emoren lied.

"Saberfell? I received word that my men were just there."

"We must have missed them on our journey here, Your Grace."

My father sat there for a moment, still measuring Emoren's response. "Hmm. And you're responsible for bringing her here?"

Emoren continued bowing his head as he spoke. "That's right, Your Grace."

I couldn't believe my eyes. I knew that after everything I had told him, that Emoren had no love for my father, yet the show he was putting on was remarkably impressive. Watching him handle my father with such smart, calm, confidence made me adore him that much more.

"Well, Emoren of Saberfell, you've saved my men a great deal of trouble," my father said. "I suppose I should thank you for returning my property to me."

Property?! I bit the inside of my lip as I heard my father's familiar remarks, not that they surprised me. I just hoped that Emoren wouldn't say anything in my defense. The repercussions for doing so would surely be painful.

"No. No thanks are necessary. It was my pleasure to be of assistance, Your Grace," Emoren replied.

"Nonsense. I'm a king who punishes betrayal and rewards loyalty. I'll grant you a room in the Servant's Wing. You may stay as long as you like, as my guest. Guards, show him to a room," my father said as he signaled guards over to escort Emoren.

"Thank you. You're too kind, Your Majesty," Emoren replied.

Emoren flashed me a subtle smile as he turned toward the guards that were now on either side of him, almost as if everything had gone according to a plan he didn't bother to fill me in on. The guards held out their arms, signaling Emoren to walk in front, and they began heading toward the door. I smiled in secret to myself for a moment, relieved that everything had gone so smoothly.

"Oh..." my father interrupted as the three of them stopped. "If he's caught anywhere inside the Royal Wing, kill him on sight."

Just hearing that, my heart stopped beating for a moment. But I knew everything would be fine as long as Emoren didn't wander around the castle. It was hard to keep myself from looking back at Emoren as they left, but I had to control myself, as not to give anything away. The last thing I wanted was for my father to realize that Emoren was much more than some commoner to me. Plus, there was still the matter of the Royal Guard to figure out.

"Why did you send the Royal Guard after me?" I asked.

"That's all," my father said dismissively as he turned his gaze back toward the windows. Damn bastard. Even if he was going to try and ignore me, I still needed to find Gentry and tell him what happened. If anyone knew where he was, it would be my father.

"Where's Gentry?" I asked. "I wish to resume training the knights right away." I figured if I posed it under the guise of doing my duties, I'd be much more likely to get what I needed.

"Gentry's on a scouting assignment. Training is postponed until he returns. Now leave," he ordered. His daughter had come back from an attack, safe and sound, yet he seemed more irritated about having his men out looking for me than anything. Whatever, I still didn't understand why he bothered looking in the first place. A small part of me wanted to think he actually cared, but with all the years I've been his daughter and the Princess of Ashborne, I knew better.

As I left the room, I was already beginning to wonder how I was going to see Emoren, and how long Gentry would be gone. I wasn't really eager to begin training, but I was eager to see Gentry. I was going to have to do the one thing I was absolutely terrible at – be patient.

#  A Surprise Visit

This morning marked the third day since I've seen Emoren. I sat there, staring at the meat and cheeses Penelope had brought me for breakfast, while she went about the room, cleaning and organizing. Since my return to Ashborne, I woke every morning, thinking of Emoren, and I went to bed the same way. After what he did to my heart at the spring, being away from him was torture. I missed his face. I missed his eyes. I missed him.

But even despite the way I felt about him and everything he had said to me, my own insecurities were trying to take root in my heart. I started to wonder if Emoren was even still here. I mean, after the way he acted in front of my father, there was a part of me that wondered if maybe it was all just an act to try and get a gold reward out of my father for bringing me back safely.

Or maybe, even if he did like me, that he decided I wasn't worth having his life threatened over. Maybe I just wasn't really worthy of his affections, after all.

"What's wrong?" Penelope asked. The girl knew me too well. It was becoming difficult to hide the emotions I was feeling and how much I missed him. I guess my face couldn't help but give me away.

"Is something wrong with your breakfast? Do you want me to get something else?"

"No. It's not that. I'm fine, Penelope," I managed to force a smile to the surface, but all the uncertainty in my heart was making me feel awful.

Penelope wasn't buying it for a minute. She sat down across the table from me, staring at me with a puzzled look on her face. "You've been different since you've come back. I just haven't been able to put my finger on what it is."

"What? What are you talking about? I'm the same as always, I just miss Gentry. That's all," I said, trying desperately to lead her away from the truth.

"No. That's not it. I've seen you when Gentry's been gone before," As she continued to stare at me, I could see the wheels turning in her head.

"Oh my God!," she finally said as she stood up from the table. "You're in love!"

"What?! No I'm not! You don't know what you're talking about, Penelope." Listening to myself, even I could see how obvious a lie that statement was. It didn't help that I could feel my cheeks tingling with embarrassment.

"Oh my God! Look at you! You're turning red! You're in love!" she exclaimed, pointing at me while a surprised and happy smile stretched across her face.

"Penelope, stop." I pleaded.

She just laughed as she took her seat again. "Who would have thought there was a man alive that could make the Flame of the White Torch blush like that!"

She seemed happy, maybe even a little relieved, seeing this side of me. I had always been the Princess-Soldier of Ashborne, forced to maintain an image of stability and strength, and I guess it made her feel good to know that, deep down, I was really just like her – that I was really just a girl.

"So, who is it? Is it that Prince Alexander?" She leaned toward me as she whispered, her face brimming with excitement.

I hesitated. I didn't want Penelope to get involved. I was so nervous about anyone finding out about Emoren. But I knew that if I didn't satisfy her curiosity, she'd run through the whole kingdom, proclaiming my love for that scumbag.

"It- It's not that disgusting Alexander," I said.

She leaned back in her chair, surprised by my answer. I could tell she was confused. She hadn't even considered Emoren because he wasn't royalty, but it only took a few moments before her face lit up and her mouth dropped open as she put all the pieces together.

"It's that Emoren guy! The one who came with you from Saberfell!"

"Shhh! Penelope!" I said, looking nervously around the room.

Although I was a little apprehensive about her finding out about Emoren, in this moment, gossiping with her like this, I felt like a normal girl for the first time in my life. I was embarrassed as hell and blushing like like an idiot, but God, it felt great.

Penelope quickly covered her mouth and brought her voice back to a whisper. "Oops! But it's him though, isn't it?"

I just looked at her without answering. The uncontrollable smile on my face and sparkle in my eye would tell her all she needed to know. With her hands still covering her mouth, she giggled in delight at learning who my secret love was. She was so happy for me, it seemed hard for her to contain herself.

"He's beautiful! But, wait. He isn't royalty though, is he?"

My cheek-hurting smile quickly turned somber as Penelope brought me crashing back to reality. I looked down at my food dejectedly. I just wanted so badly to keep pretending with her, but she was right. My expression made it pretty clear to Penelope that he wasn't of royal blood, and her face filled with sympathy as we sat quietly for a moment.

"H- Hey. I'm sorry," she said.

"It's all right,"

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know. I don't even know if he's still here. My father gave him a room in the Servant's Wing, but I haven't seen him in days."

"Well, Ashborne is a big place," she said, trying to console me.

"No. Father threatened his life should he be found in the royal wing. Seeing what he was going to have to deal with, he probably already went back home."

"Hey..." Penelope placed her hand on my arm comfortingly. "I'm sure he's still here. I'll check with the other servants and see what I can find out," she said.

"No, Penelope. It's too dangerous. If Father finds out-."

"Relax," Penelope interrupted. "I know how how your father is. I can be very sneaky when I want to, ya know?"

She flashed a sly smile as she rose from the table and turned to leave, determined to see what she could learn for me. I wanted so badly to continue objecting to her help, but at the same time, I was desperate to find out about Emoren. My heart hurt without him.

"Just, please, be careful." I urged.

She raised her hand without turning around, letting me know that I worry too much as she continued walking for the door. I heard her open the door as I turned back to my plate of food. If I wasn't anxious before, I certainly would be as I waited for her to return.

"Oh. Hey, Gentry," Penelope said happily as she left the room.

My face brightened immediately as I turned back toward the door. There, as if I hadn't seen him in ages, stood a smiling Gentry. I shot up and raced over to him and jumped into his arms.

"Haha!" He twirled me around once as he caught me and embraced me like a father. "I knew it would take more than some Kaliborians to get the better of the Princess of Ashborne!" He held me by the shoulders and pushed me back a bit so he could get a better look at me.

"You're all right? You're not hurt?" he asked as he looked me over, turning me this way and that.

"No," I laughed. "I'm fine. I'm fine."

"Thank goodness," he said. "When I came to, everyone was dead and you were gone. I was so worried. I raced back here to form a search party, but your father sent the Royal Guard instead."

"Do you know why?" I asked.

Gentry shook his head. "After I gave him the news of the attack, he mobilized the Royal Guard and sent me off on a scouting mission. When I heard that you had returned to Ashborne, I raced back as fast as I could. I heard there was a man from Saberfell with you?"

"Yes. He's the one who bandaged your wounds and helped me make it back safely." I chose my words carefully. I wasn't trying to lie to Gentry, I just wasn't telling him the whole truth.

"Well, I'll have to thank him properly. Is he still here?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen him since we arrived," I replied, trying to hide my disappointment.

"Hmm. Well, next time you see him, you be sure to tell him I owe him some ale. In the meantime, are you ready to get back to training? These knights have been on vacation for too long in our absence," he said with a smile.

I nodded my head and smiled in agreement. Truthfully, I couldn't stop thinking about Emoren, and the last thing I wanted to do was train, but this was how Gentry and I bonded, and I knew I had to keep up appearances.

"All right then!" Gentry said. "I'll see you on the field in an hour."

Without Penelope to help me, it took me quite a bit longer than usual to suit up, and I headed down to the field a little late. As I approached, I could see Gentry and the recruits standing around and socializing, as they tended to do before training. With armor still dangling from my limbs, I took a seat on one of the hay blocks surrounding the field and began to fasten the loose pieces.

"Um, Your Highness?" a voice said.

I looked up to see who was addressing me, and to my surprise, it was the same recruit I had made an example of before being sent to Benethil; the one who probably still had my boot imprinted in his chest. He stood in front of me, looking a bit nervous as I eyed him and continued trying to fasten my armor.

"Yes?" I asked.

"I- Um... Well, we heard what happened," he said. "I just wanted to tell you that we're all happy to see you back safely."

I leaned back and smiled, truly surprised by what he had just said. After having been so hard on him, I was sure he would hate me. But I guess I was wrong. Gentry had always told me how these men had respect and admiration for me as their princess-in-arms, but it was rare that they ever expressed it. I suppose my usual, aggressive demeanor, combined with my position and title, didn't make me the easiest superior to approach.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"J- Johnathan, Your Highness," he replied, bowing his head and keeping it lowered.

I stood up, placed my arm on his shoulder and smiled at him. "Well, Johnathan, thank you. I appreciate that very much. Really," I said as he raised his head and smiled, seemingly relieved that he survived the encounter. And with that, we began our training.

Since we had started later than usual, Gentry and I decided it would be a good time to get in some night training. We sparred late into the evening before finally calling it a day. I tried to use the training to distract my mind from thinking about Emoren, but once we were done, I couldn't help but race back to my room to see if Penelope had heard anything.

# # #

"Penelope?!" I said as I burst through the door to my room.

It was empty. There was a plate of supper sitting on the table, but Penelope was no where to be found. I hurried over to the table, looking for a note, or anything, but there was nothing. I knew she had been here because only she would have thought to bring me supper. I guess she didn't find anything. Or, he's already gone and she just didn't have the heart to tell me.

I let out a depressed sigh and began undressing. My insecurities started running wild again, and I began to think that maybe I should just accept that being alone was my fate. That because of what I've done in my life and who I was, that this was the Gods' punishment for me. I guess it was silly for me to think that Emoren would endure my father just to be close to me. After having his life threatened, I couldn't blame him for walking away. And then, just as I was about to remove my shirt, I heard a voice from inside my room.

"You're a hard women to get close to, you know?" Emoren said.

My eyes lit up as I turned around. There, leaning against the wall in the shadow of the room and wearing a confident, almost arrogant smile, was Emoren.

"Emoren!" I gasped as I ran over to meet him and threw myself into his arms.

He chuckled a bit as he caught me. I'm sure he was laughing because I was acting like a lovesick girl who hadn't seen him in years, but I didn't care. With his arms around me and my face buried in his neck, I breathed in his intoxicating scent and rejoiced over my stupid insecurities being wrong. I was right where I wanted to be.

"You didn't really think a death threat was going to keep me away from you, did you?" he smiled.

I wasn't about to ruin this moment by telling him all the crazy thoughts that had been running through my mind. I just held him, wishing this would never end and trying to enjoy it for as long as I could. "I missed you. I thought you had gone back to Shadowbark."

Emoren turned his stormy-blue eyes toward me and gave me a look, as if I had just said the most absurd thing in the world.

"How did you even get in here?" I asked.

"That Penelope cares about you a great deal, you know?" he replied.

"Penelope brought you here?"

"She wanted to, but I wasn't going to let her endanger herself on my account. Although, she may have helped point out which chamber was yours. This place is a lot bigger than it looks."

"You risked your life just to hide in my room? You really are an idiot, you know that?" And I loved it.

"Perhaps," he smiled coyly.

I stared up at him. God, how my eyes had missed looking upon his beautiful face. Running my fingers through his hair, I ached to give my longing lips what they've wanted since the moment I laid eyes on this gorgeous man. Finally, Emoren leaned in to kiss me, his eyes never leaving my own, and it felt as if I might burst at any moment.

My breaths were shallow and uncontrollable from anticipation, and as his moist lips pressed against mine, my body exploded. He must have known my knees were going to go soft the instant his lips met mine, because as he kissed me, he effortlessly supported the weight my weak knees could no longer hold. With his lips against mine, our breath mixed as one, I became enveloped in him.

In this moment, we were the only two people in our world - a world I never wanted to leave. I knew that from this moment forward, I would be powerless against the whims of this man. He had complete control over my heart, and I would do anything he asked of me. Whether he knew it or not, my life, my heart, and my soul, now belonged to him. And throughout my entire life, I had never wanted anything more.

"Highness? Everything all right? I thought I heard voices," a royal guard said as he banged on my chamber door.

Emoren and I looked at each other with wide eyes. I knew I was going to have to answer the door. The guard would let himself in if I didn't respond. I signaled Emoren to hide as I ran over to grab the plate of food Penelope had left for me. With food in hand, I quickly raced over to the door, put a pissed-off look on my face, and flung it open.

"This meat is spoiled!" I yelled at the guard. "I train all day and I can't even get fresh food!?"

The guard just stood there in complete surprise.

"How dare my handmaiden bring such garbage for my supper!" I shoved the plate into the guards chest for good measure, forcing him to hold it. "Find Penelope and send her to my room at once!"

"But- Your Highness- I'm under orders from your father not to leave the royal wing."

"Then find someone else and tell them to send her! How incompetent are you!" I yelled, slamming the door in his face.

I quickly put my ear to the door, listening to the guard walk away and call me a bitch, before racing back over to Emoren.

"You can't be here, Emoren. It's too dangerous."

He didn't look happy when I said that, but he knew I was right.

"Hurry! You have to sneak out while he's gone," I urged, pulling Emoren over to the door. I opened the door and checked to make sure the corridor was clear before tugging on Emoren's arm.

As Emoren began walking out, he turned to me. "I have to see you tomorrow. Meet me in the courtyard. I'll tell anyone who asks that you're being gracious enough to give me a tour of Ashborne."

"Emoren, go! You have to hurry!"

"I'm not leaving until you say you'll meet me,"

"What!? Fine! Just go! Hurry!" I blurted out.

I followed Emoren to one of the large, glassless windows of the outer corridor just opposite of my chamber door. I watched longingly as he leapt down into the bushes below and then disappeared into the night. Once back inside my room, I closed the door behind me, leaned against it, and slowly drifted down to the floor. I was so relieved that Emoren wasn't discovered. Our secret was still safe.

Instantly reliving everything that had just happened, my heart did cartwheels inside me, and I couldn't contain the smile on my face. As I sat there thinking about how much he had risked just to see me, it proved that he really did care about me, even if he was out of his mind for doing it.

I couldn't help but giggle to myself as I thought about it, almost unable to believe that someone had done something like that for me. Emoren... you idiot, I love you.

#  Unprepared

The following morning couldn't have come fast enough. After I woke, I didn't even wait for Penelope to bring me my breakfast before I started getting ready to leave. I bounded around my room, absolutely beaming at the thought of spending the day with Emoren. I must have pulled out ten different gowns before finally deciding on the one that was teal, sleeveless, and a little revealing. I quickly got ready and raced expectantly down to the courtyard.

The sun was shining, the breeze was gentle, and the outside world seemed to be just as happy as I was. As I entered the courtyard, I could see Emoren seated on the edge of the fountain, reading the same old, brown book he always was. I began casually walking toward him as he looked up from his book and smiled.

"Good Morning, Emoren."

"Good Morning, Your Highness," he said, bowing before me. "I thank Your Highness for taking the time to give me a tour of your fine home. You're much too generous."

I smiled at his facade. Even though it didn't seem like anyone was around, Emoren was showing me that he was going to play his part to perfection.

"Shall we?" I said.

"Yes, M'lady. Please, lead the way."

We strolled casually down to the Trader's Square where many of the prominent shops and traders of Ashborne did their daily business. I pointed out the various shops and merchants that I had grown up with over the years; from the baker's shop where I would purchase warm bread during breaks from training, to Penelope's father's shop where my first sword was made.

Even though we were both wearing our masks amongst the bustling streets and crowds of Ashborne, Emoren seemed to enjoy and love learning everything about me and where I came from. It felt like I was showing him little pieces of myself and my world. And the more he seemed to embrace everything he was learning about me, the more I wanted to show him.

Time seemed to go by too quickly alongside Emoren. Regardless of how slow I walked, how much I yammered on, or how much I stalled, time just kept hurrying by. It wasn't long before we were back near the guest chambers and strolling along the stone walkway that surrounded the castle and courtyard. With each person that passed us, I would do my best tour-guide impersonation and we would laugh quietly to ourselves, sharing the secret only we knew.

As we continued along the walkway, I saw Alexander coming out from one of the guest chambers. He saw us instantly and began walking toward us. I wasn't sure what he was still doing here, but I had no desire to speak with him.

"Well, look who it is," Alexander said as he stopped in front us.

"Nice to see you, Alexander. I thought you and your father would have already left for Benethil," I said, trying my best to not be rude.

"Yes, well, after we heard about the attack, we had to remain here until this morning as we waited for additional escort from Benethil to arrive," he said before putting on a devilish smile. "I see you're no worse for wear because of it."

His shameless eyes were going over every inch of my bare skin and making me feel dirty in the gown I had worn just for Emoren. If he wasn't a guest of my father's, I would have certainly made him pay for looking at me with such violating eyes. But instead of getting myself in trouble, I decided to try and get back to spending the day with Emoren.

"Well, I wish you and your father a safe journey. Emoren, shall we?"

"You know..." Alexander interrupted as we began to leave. "I'm very glad you made it back safely, especially with the arrangement your father and I made while you were away."

I spun around angrily. "What the hell are you talking about, Alexander?"

"Oh? He didn't tell you?"

He took a few steps forward and stood much closer to me than I cared for. He reached out his hand and began gliding it along the thin, shoulder strap of my gown.

"Don't you dare touch me!" I shouted, knocking his arm away with one hand and putting my other out to steady an angry Emoren.

Alexander acted as if Emoren was beneath him and not even worth acknowledging as he continued looking at me and smiling unscrupulously. "Oh, how I love girls with so much... spirit. It makes things so much more fun," he said as he grabbed a handful of my hip and ass and pulled me toward him.

What the hell?!

Before I could even react, Emoren pushed Alexander away from me with one hand while using his other to land a fierce right-hook that sent Alexander crashing to the ground.

"Emoren, don't!" I urged, but it was already too late. The calm demeanor he always seemed to have was gone. He was pissed. I held his arm back tightly, trying to keep him from making this any worse than it already was going to be.

"You filth! How dare you!" Alexander said as made his way to his feet and used the back of his hand to wipe the crimson from his bleeding lip. He unsheathed the sword that was dangling from his waist and brandished it at Emoren, who was now standing between us and shielding me with his body.

"You dare strike a prince, you fool? You just signed your own death warrant, you little peasant!"

I kept trying to make my way around Emoren, tying to get in between the two of them so the sweet, unarmed idiot wouldn't get himself killed, but he just kept holding me back. And as he did, I started to panic as I saw Alexander raise his sword, preparing to strike Emoren down.

"Stop!" Gillien's voice boomed as he walked out of the same chamber door that Alexander had come from. "Alexander... Go and meet the escort!"

"But, Father! This mongrel-"

"Now! We're leaving! One more word and you'll be enjoying a cell in our dungeons!" Gillien yelled. I had no idea what was wrong with Gillien, but he seemed way too upset for this situation.

Alexander reluctantly sheathed his sword, eying Emoren angrily. He shot me an uncomfortable smirk, like he knew something I didn't, before turning and storming off.

"My apologies, Princess..." Gillien said as he bowed his head in respect. He raised up slightly, his eyes looking at me apologetically as he finished his sentence. "...for everything."

I could tell he wasn't just apologizing for what had just happened, it was something else, something far more serious. "Your Majesty... Gillien, what's going on?"

He said nothing as he turned and walked away. What the hell was going on? Nervous and anxious, I turned to Emoren.

"I'm sorry," He said.

"No- That's not it. Just- Wait here. Somethings wrong. I have to see what's going on," I said before leaving Emoren in the courtyard and hurrying off to the throne room.

I flung open the throne room doors and marched angrily toward my father. He was sitting there, looking completely unimpressed by my display.

"What did you do!?" I asked.

"I was wondering when I would be seeing you," he said as he began to stand.

"What have you done!?"

He walked casually toward the windows overlooking the courtyard and stared out the window. "There's something you're going to do for me."

"Another one of your suicide missions? I refuse!" If the look I was shooting him didn't make it clear that I was pissed, the contempt in my voice certainly did.

"No..." he said, turning to me and flashing a cruel smile. "You've already reclaimed the only kingdoms I care about. The rest are tainted trash that I have no interest in any longer. No, as a soldier, you're no longer useful to me."

I stood there quietly as he spoke, trying to figure out what the hell else he could possibly want from me. Something about this whole thing was just off. Like the calm before a storm, it felt as though something ominous was approaching, like something awful was about to happen.

"However, there are other ways you can serve me, and you will serve me," he said, signaling me over to come stand alongside him in front of the window.

"What the hell are you talking about?!" I said, not moving an inch.

"Benethil is the only kingdom left that interests me. And instead of going to war and destroying much of what I want, we're going to absorb their kingdom through marriage. And, since he already has a son, Alexander has agreed to marry you – not that you'll be much more than his whore."

"You're insane." I couldn't help but laugh. "What makes you think I would ever agree to something so absurd?"

Again, my father signaled me over to the window. Reluctantly, I walked over and took my place beside him and stared out the window that overlooked the courtyard. There, seated on the fountain, was Emoren. And as I stood there, staring down at my beautiful savior, my father leaned in close.

"You think I don't know everything that happens behind these walls?" he whispered, grinning maliciously.

My heart immediately filled with fear as I heard those words. He knew my secret. He knew about Emoren. I didn't speak, I just listened.

"You will continue your recompense. You will be of use to me. And, you will marry Alexander." My eyes began to fill with tears as he went on. "If you choose to disobey me, in any way, the price for defying the King of Ashborne won't be paid with your life, but with his."

Silently, the tears began streaming down my face as I looked down at my sweet Emoren, the man who was saving my soul from the darkness, my savior, and I watched helplessly as two royal guards began approaching him.

Not even living a thousand lifetimes, could I have been prepared for the heartache and fear my father had just caused, nor could it have prepared me for the unthinkable act I knew I had to do next...

#  Dear Reader...

Thanks for reading!

I truly hope you enjoyed reading this work as much as I enjoyed writing and sharing it.

You, my readers, are the motivation for my continued writing and publishing. Thank you.

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More by Kat Lilynette

Ashborne (The Ashborne Trilogy: Book 1)

Unyielding (The Ashborne Trilogy: Book 2)

Birthright (The Ashborne Trilogy: Book 3)

The Ashborne Trilogy (Books 1, 2 & 3)
Copyright © 2014 by Kat Lilynette

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This is book a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental and unintended by the author.

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