Rhema

By D.B. Lane

A girl broken by life. A young man who is not quite what he seems. A story that perfectly intertwines their souls.

Hazel Faith Snows life drastically turns upside down after the death of her father, Uriah. As she is forced away from everything she knows, she is pulled into a magical world filled with deception and unending questions. Nothing is as it seems. Even her fathers death is subject to an elaborate plan pieced together by her own mother and the King of Rhema. While unquestionable attraction heaves Hazel towards the Kings right hand man, Commander Michael Dyaus, the longing in her soul for truth tugs her down a dangerous path. With the power of life and death surrounding Hazels every move, she is forced, against all logic, to trust her heart.

The undeniably gorgeous warrior, Michael Dyaus, seems to be living a double life in Rhema. Eventhough he is the kings most trusted advisor, his life is surrounded by secrecy. As the tough Commander of the kings army and the leader of his mysterious family, Michael doesnt have time for emotions he cant control. Nonetheless, when Hazel arrives at Rhema Palace , Michael finds himself struggling with desires that could put his entire family in danger and cost him his very soul.

While her unbridled desires thrust her spirit closer towards Michael, Hazel is forced to search the depths of his secrets and finds honesty. But in Hazels quest to draw nearer to Michael, she has also lead a darkness directly to the Dyaus family. As evil pours forward, Hazel is forced to decided if her love for Michael is worth the ultimate sacrifice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781491814789

D.B. Lane

D.B. Lane is the author of the much anticipated novel Rhema. He has a great love for all things fiction and the great outdoors. D.B. attended the University of Mary Hardin Baylor and has a Bachelor of Arts degree. He currently resides in his home state of Texas, with his beautiful wife and best friend. They currently have one amazing son.

Book preview

PRELUDE VISITORS

Visitors

A s I pulled my father’s soft red robe up to my nose, I shifted my body weight once more. I had been tossing and turning for hours, listening to the soft tapping of rain against my bedroom window. However, nothing I did prevented my mind from chasing after memories of my father. It had only been a few weeks since his departure, yet the gaping wound inside my soul revealed a lifetime of pain. With the faint remnants of my father’s cologne calming my tears, I wiped my face and glanced toward my freshly packed suitcases near the door. While my eyes tried to adjust to the darkness, a violent crash of thunder jolted my head from the safety of my pillow. As fear-induced adrenaline rendered my stomach queasy, I raised my body forward and peeked out of the adjacent window. At first, the only discernible objects were water droplets, but a second soft flash of lightning exposed something much more intriguing. With uncertainty pouring into my mind, I tenderly clutched the robe to my chest and anxiously waited for another bolt. As soon as the sky brightened, I looked harder to verify my suspicions.

What? Who’s here? I said in disbelief.

While rapid pulsations of rage rattled throughout my veins, I instantly shoved my feet away from my floral comforter. Under normal circumstances, I would simply lay my body back down and try to sleep, but these days nothing was normal. Instead, I shoved my suitcases out of the way and quietly opened my door. As the drafty evening air blew effortlessly across my skin, sudden gushes of fear pressed heavily against my chest for some reason. Before I was able to take my first step outside my room, the sound of a man’s voice sent a strange chill throughout my soul.

I want that map, and I promise you that it is in your best interest to get it. I never ask nicely a second time, Elizabeth. His angry tone caused her heart to quiver.

My mother’s voice whispered a reply. My lord, wait. Please keep your voice down; Hazel is sleeping. I don’t even know how to get it or what I am looking for.

As the rapid drumming of boots slammed ferociously against the hardwood floor, I slowly eased my door closed most of the way. With it cracked slightly open, I tried to get a good look at the man inside our house; however, as he emerged, all I could see was his back. Who was he? What was he doing here so late? From my small vantage point, I saw that his garments seemed pristine, and the way my mother addressed him suggested nobility. However, I couldn’t make any sound judgments without revealing that I was spying on their conversation. As the man moved through our home in complete control, I heard the clicking of a cane, yet his graceful movements suggested that it was merely for show. Even though he carried himself as a man of great stature, the top of his salt-and-pepper head came to the tip of my mother’s nose. As their seemingly heated discussion ended, the gentleman handed my mother an envelope and headed for the door.

This is all you need to locate it. So I suggest you find it, Lady Snow, or your reputation won’t be the only thing I destroy! He stormed through our front door.

Wait! Why me? My mother dove toward the closing door.

Oh, I think you know why … don’t you? Oh, and by the way, I would be careful tomorrow; you’re not the only one who wants that. He chortled, pointed to the letter, and slammed the door.

As my mother fell toward the floor sobbing quietly and begging for answers, I carefully closed my door and headed for the window. A steady rain was still pelting the window with poised precision, but the darkness outside was the main factor preventing me from inspecting the man further. While the sound of the mysterious lord’s carriage wheels slowly faded deeper into the blackness, I gently dropped my curtain and eased my way under my floral sheets. For most of the night, my mind raced with questions, but most of them revolved around the sniveling woman outside my door … Who was the angry lord? How did he know my mother? Why was he so enraged over a map? And why did she agree to help him?

I cautiously fortified my body with the immense number of pillows on my bed, yet something deep in my stomach remained uneasy. Trying to bury myself in sleep, I nestled my body against my mattress and shut my eyes.

Good night, Papa, I whispered.

After a few hours of listening to my mother sob, I was able to wrestle my body to sleep, but my peaceful rest would be short-lived.

CHAPTER ONE

The Ride

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May 3

W ith one loud thud, my bedroom door flung open, and there stood my elegant and shapely mother. But to me, her golden curls may as well have been black horns.

Come, Hazel, the coach is here. She placed her hands on her hips as she spoke. Your things have already been placed on the coach, so let’s get a move on … and leave your father’s robe on the bed. We won’t be needing it. Put your shoes on as well … I won’t be late because of you, young lady. She twisted out of my doorway.

Slowly I pulled myself off my feather mattress, and lifting the crimson rag to my pale face, I took one final whiff of my now-departed best friend.

Bye, Papa, I said softly, my voice quivering.

I then laid the garment lightly on the bed and slid my small feet into the ghastly red shoes my mother forced me to wear. Making my way through my bedroom door and past the former love-filled family room, I carried my heartache out to the floral entryway. Inching toward the worn wooden front door of our meager home, I stood amazed by the intricate coach sent for us. The wheels were completely polished gold, and the rich deep mahogany wood was so clean that you could see your reflection throughout the entire carriage. Even though it was beautiful, one of the most fascinating and widely know details of the royal coach was there was no driver. It was almost as if the horses knew exactly where to go every time—no matter where the destination was. Today these mystic creators would be carrying me away from one life and into an entirely different one. This coach had been to our home many times before, but never with guards. I had never seen these two men before, yet my mother seemed to know them well. Why did we even have them?

Oh, you are too kind, Ethan! My mother giggled loudly.

Watching my mother’s horrible fakeness with the two men almost made me sick to my stomach. But I didn’t have any say in her actions. As I stood on our cobblestone walkway, her false laughter continued to pierce my ears, but I couldn’t make it stop. Instead, I stayed hopelessly glued to our entryway while two royal carriage keepers eased my mother inside.

Why, thank you so very much, Ethan, and you too, Thander, she said as she nestled her way into the lavish coach.

The two guards sent to usher us to Rhema Palace seemed very different. One appeared to be half the age of the other—and half the size, for that matter. While the older of the guards turned away to get back on his mount, my mother quickly dropped her smile and glared back in my direction. There it was—the real Elizabeth Snow. As I stared at the majestic gold-covered creation sent to pull me away from my memories, my mother barked her next order.

Well, in you go, she persisted. Come on.

The smell of the wildflowers along the walkway pushed its way into my soul, as I cautiously inched to the door of the coach and the younger, better-looking guard. While a mellow breeze ushered me closer to the wooden caramel-swirled door, the guard gently placed his hand forward.

Up you go, Madam Snow. He smiled as he guided me upward.

I turned back for one final look at our small straw-roofed house book, and then, with a soft thank you, I took my seat on the purple tweed cushion.

As the door shut behind me, I could feel a piece of my heart tear a lump in my throat, and with a flash, just as fast as the morning had left my grasp, we were off.

Why my mother would make us leave our home was unbeknownst to me, but one thing I did know was that my selfishly heartless mother always got whatever she wanted, no matter how I felt about it.

Peering out the window, I sat quietly across from my recklessly vile mother. My thin brown hair brushed back and forth across my face as the air softly glided through our road roller. Sitting with my arms firmly across my body, perfectly content not to talk to her, I looked up at her in utter disgust, only to see her spitefully smiling back at me.

What’s wrong, Hazel? You used to love going to the palace, she said.

You know I don’t want to go, and I have no choice, do I, Mother! I lashed back.

Hazel Faith Snow! she sniped back. These few weeks have not been easy for me either! But the simple truth is that your father is gone and he isn’t coming back, and we have to take care of each other …

Each other is right! I interrupted. If we’re taking care of each other, then why is the wealthiest king ever asking us to court?

Hazel! she replied. You know King David is a longtime friend of your father’s. He’s always been kind to us.

Some friend—inviting your friend’s widow to stay with you in your palace before your body is even cold in the ground! I stated.

I could see the rage protruding from behind her aqua gaze as she belted back at me, You know what? We are going, end of story, so you just sit there and be quiet if you can’t be pleasant! With her delicate hand pointing toward my face she added, And another thing, when we arrive, you’d better greet our king with respect and dignity. Do you hear me?

Yes, I mumbled.

"Yes, what!" she poked.

"Yes, ma’am!" I said loudly.

I turned my whole body abruptly toward the window in total repulsion, wrestling with my mind. I wiped a single tear from my rosy cheek and muttered, If Papa were still alive, none of this would be happening …

Well, he isn’t here, is he? she retorted.

My face began to burn red with anger at her continuous childishness. Why did she always have to do this? Every time we tried to talk, she continually attacked me to hurt me. What kind of mother wanted to hurt her own flesh and blood? Sometimes I think she never even wanted me around, but my father kept her from ever voicing it. And like any sixteen year old girl who needed her father, I missed him …

I pulled the curtain open a little farther to see the beautiful countryside and to avoid any more conversation with my selfish mother. A blissful blue blanket above the white-capped mountains sent a peaceful calm to my spirit, as if it had been placed there just for me this morning. I closed my eyes and lifted my hand out of the coach to feel the wind caressing my palm through the trees.

As we left the farmlands and approached the Redland Forrest leading to Rhema Palace, I overheard the older of the coach guards say, Be on the lookout for lurchers! I don’t want to battle today unless we have to.

After we heard him, my mother seemed more nervous than I had seen her yet on this seemingly routine trip. She popped her head out the window.

Not far, Mrs. Snow … but best if you keep inside.

Pulling her head with its perfect hair back into the cabin, she peeked back out the window and then put her fidgety hands on her lap. Almost immediately, she unfolded her palms and pulled open the latch to her accent purse. I could see the gentle shaking in her dainty left hand as she rubbed her thumb across a neatly folded letter. Immediately, I recognized the secret note as the one given to my mother from the angry lord last night. But why did she seem terrified over a little letter? As she closed the purse and tucked it neatly back against her hip, I couldn’t resist the urge to spout an inquisition.

Who’s that letter from?

My mother instantly glared up at me and spewed her parental rights. It’s none of your business, Hazel. Now close the curtain; the Redland Forrest is no place for a lady to be gawking.

Even though I hated her demands, I did as she asked. Nonetheless, I still wanted to know what was in that letter from the lord who’d visited our house late last night. Furthermore, what was so different today from every other ride through the woodland? I didn’t see what the fuss was about. After all, being the only child of my father, we used to hunt these woods, and he would teach me about the herbs here every Saturday. However, something clearly had my mother spooked. Watching my mother move around nervously began to fill my body with an uneasy tension. She would sit calmly for a brief second, until the coach snapped a twig or bounced roughly, and then she’d pop her head outside anxiously. After watching the show continue for a while, I asked, What’s gotten into you? Why are you so freaked out?

She replied, Oh, nothing … I’m just anxious to get to the palace, that’s all.

In complete disbelief, I sat back in my seat with a smirk and proceeded not to care about her anxiety. However, as the coach moved along the path, I couldn’t shake the strange chill rising up inside me. The hair on the back of my neck seemed to stand at attention, and goose bumps popped up along my arms. With this new unnatural feeling dancing through my body, I glanced at my fidgety mother once more and then looked up at the closed drapery. So my mother wouldn’t yell, I silently pulled my right hand up and peered out of the curtain. As my eyes tried to discern the view through my secret sliver, I locked on to three black figures wrestling through the trees as fluid as smoke. At first, I wasn’t sure if this was real or a figment of my imagination; therefore, I pulled my hand away from the curtain. However, almost instantly, my curious nervousness pulled the cloth open once more. While my eyes tried to discern shapes through the rapidly moving brush, my mother growled at me once more.

Hazel, what did I just tell you? she snarled.

But something is following us out there, I said.

Raising her finger to her mouth, she said, Shhh! Be quiet, Hazel. I have heard enough out of you this morning, young lady.

But, Mom, I mean it. They’re following us, I whispered back.

Her voice stiffened. Not another word.

I huffed loudly and crossed my arms as the coach seemed to accelerate. While my mother continued to watch my movements like a hawk, I rolled my eyes and turned to face the bouncing window curtain. I didn’t know why she’d taken the angry parent role as of late, but our relationship had definitely changed since my father died. My mother and I used to be so close; however, now we can’t even be in the same room without screaming at each other. I wished I had my old life back. It was almost as if every ounce of bitterness inside her was directed at me. I knew that when my mother looked at me, she saw her departed husband, but wouldn’t that bring out more love instead of hate? It was almost as if she blamed me. However, none of this would ever change, because we didn’t talk to each other anymore.

Mom, why are we moving faster? I asked as the bouncy road interrupted my train of thought.

As a simple stop-talking look glared back in my direction, I noticed a heightened sense of nervousness protruding from my mother’s expression. She clutched her purse tightly and then leaned forward to peek through the small sliver between the purple velvet hanging delicately over our window. As her eyes stared through the opening, I could feel the terror inside of her gushing like a fountain. With fear gripping her tightly, my mother slowly closed the curtain and eased back into her seat. Once her back made contact with the coach cushion, a bloodcurdling screech from outside tore through the privacy of my eardrums. Jolted from my sulking, I looked outside and saw three more black-cloaked figures running hard after our coach.

I t-told you. What are we going to do? We’re t-trapped, I stammered.

Just sit and be quiet, Hazel! Our guards will take care of us; that’s why we have them. My mother was trembling during her angry reply.

With the high-pitched shrills seemingly getting louder and my internal worries piling higher, I fearfully tried to gather myself. But how was I supposed to sit still when something was chasing me? I quickly slid to the other side of the coach to peek out the other curtain, and much to my surprise, through the dense woods, I made out the black-cloaked figures moving side by side with our coach. As I was watching the shrieking figures chasing us, a rapid rush of wind blew past me. It was the burly guard charging toward the back of the coach. Was one man planning to rush into six others completely outmatched? As my heart began drumming hard inside my chest, my pale hands started to tremble rapidly, and I pulled the soft fabric tightly together.

Still holding on to our window shade, I whispered, They’re all on this side, and one of the guards is rushing directly into them. He can’t take all six. What do we do?

I don’t know! my mother answered, breathing heavily.

As I continued to tremble, I could feel the air inside our rolling trap thicken. However, there was nowhere for us to go. The coach continued to bob and weave down the dirty path as I desperately glared at my mother, waiting for her to suggest some kind of a plan. Do something! I exclaimed, on the verge of tears.

With my breath quickening, my mind slowly began to emit through my senses horrifying images of being captured. What were we going to do? I quickly popped my head back through the velvet curtain to see if the guard was still alive. But to my surprise, I didn’t see him or the cloaked figures. I could hear the high-pitched shrieks, but some of them seemed distant and muffled. I peered outside in search of our guard. Pulling my body back into the coach, I noticed that terrible tremors had taken over my mother. She was sitting silently slumped over, her elbows on her knees and her golden locks covering her face, which was buried in her now-wet hands. The veins in her neck began bulging forward, and her delicate face went from her perfect glow to ghostly white in seconds. She abruptly began to gasp for air as if she were being choked.

"Mom!" I exclaimed, panicked.

She immediately fell hard onto the floorboard, flailing her arms wildly toward her chest. I quickly dove down, grabbing her shoulders "Mom!" A horrendous terror surrounded every fiber of my being as I watched my mother begging for one single taste of fresh air. Every roll of the coach wheel seemed like an eternity, and my mind, freshly saturated with the pain of losing my father, kept reminding me how real and swift death comes. I shook and shook my mother, screaming her name, but to no avail. Finally, in one movement of courage, I recoiled from the floor and kicked the solid mahogany door wide open.

Help us! I belted out as I stood in the doorway. I directed my fearful attention to the guard riding ahead of the right side of the coach … "Please help us!"

The dark wavy-haired man turned toward my commotion and sheathed his long keen edge back upon his hip. Pulling the reins of his white Clydesdale hard, he hollered a strange word: Altorum! After one fluid leap, his horse stopped and our coach halted instantly. Lady Snow! he shouted.

It seemed to me as if his foot never touched the ground as he jolted into the coach. He grabbed my mother’s limp body off the floor effortlessly, laying her on the cushion while kneeling in front of her. Was she struck or hurt by any of them? he asked.

No. She just grabbed her chest and fell to the floor.

All right. Just give her a little air … but don’t leave my sight, okay?

As the guard started fanning my mother with his hand, I quickly nodded my head and stared into my mother’s limp expression. With my eyes watering and what I was sure was a puffy face, I waited for any sign of life or movement from my only remaining family member.

Is she going to be okay? I asked the guard, whose name was Ethan, now sobbing.

In that instant, my mother gasped and said, Ough!

I leaped onto her chest and wrapped my arms tightly around her. "Mom!"

Wait, wait, she still needs some fresh air now, Miss Hazel, he said, slowly pulling me upright.

As he calmly stretched his muscular arms underneath my mother, I noticed the dust from the red clay road covering his brown leather boots. As several inquisitions popped from my lips, I determined that the warrior planned to lift mother out into the battle zone. With my mother easily resting in his arms, he started for the coach door.

You are not taking her out there! I firmly placed my arm in his path.

Miss Hazel, I won’t let anything happen to either of you. But she needs fresh air. Just trust me.

Looking directly into his eyes, the word trust grated gently against my soul, but what option did I have? Reluctantly, I lowered my arm, feeling that the confidence in his eyes assured my safety. As Ethan carefully stepped out of the coach with my mother, I instantly jolted my fearful eyes back and forth across the forest terrain.

Completely frozen with fear, I stayed positioned inside the coach and scanned the area rapidly again. The shrieking had stopped, but I was still tense. What had happened to the other guard? Were the remaining cloaked figures lurking in the shadows, waiting for us to exit the coach?

Can we hurry? Those men could still be out here, I said frantically.

We are going to be just fine, Miss Hazel. You just stay right there. Mrs. Snow, are you doing okay? The guard had dismissed my question and was looking at my mother.

How can you be so sure? That’s it—put her back in the coach and take us to the palace!

Hazel, we are going to be fine. Look …

As the younger guard motioned his chin toward the road we had just traveled, I noticed the much larger guard calmly walking back toward the coach. How did he know he was on the path? He hadn’t even looked in that direction. With his steed in hand, the confident mountain of a man casually made his way back to the carriage. Even still, my eyes searched once more for the dark-cloaked creatures lurking in the shadows, but I saw no one. I eased down the steps of the horse-drawn carriage and onto the ground in front of Ethan, who was still holding my weak mother.

Who-who was that? What was that? And why do they want us? I stammered.

The larger guard calmly answered, Not to worry, Miss Hazel. They won’t be back for a while, so we have time to get your mother rested.

Don’t you worry that pretty little head, Miss Snow. Thander and I are both here, Ethan added, motioning to the larger guard now standing firmly behind me.

The smaller, handsomer guard walked carefully to the other side of the coach and placed my mother on a lush patch of grass. Removing his vibrant blue cloak, he folded it and placed it under my mother’s soft golden curls. Turning back to me, he smiled and reassured me, Miss Hazel, your mother is going to be just fine. I think maybe the stress of the ride got to her. How are you doing?

I’m fine, I guess, but are you sure my mom is going to be okay? And why is everyone okay with being chased except me? I answered.

Thander’s deep voice quickly replied, Our chasers aren’t going to be a problem.

Well, what about their friends? Or who knows who else? Shouldn’t we be back in the coach, moving away from this trap? Huh?

Hazel, leave the man alone and we’ll be fine, my hate-filled mother replied with her eyes still shut. You don’t have to pester everyone. I just got a little overheated. Ethan, would you be a dear and fetch me a drink of water?

Absolutely, Mrs. Snow, he answered without hesitation.

Fine, die if you want. I was just trying to help, I muttered to myself. In sheer amazement as to how my genuine concern could be deemed pestering, I turned to head back toward the coach. As a renewed since of disappointment overcame me, my teary eyes stumbled upon my mother’s purse lying helplessly on the road. In all the commotion, it must have fallen out of the coach. I bent down to pluck it from the dirt. As soon as my fingers touched the expensive accessory, my mother’s need for rest instantly ceased.

Just what do you think you are doing? she screamed.

In a flash of manicured lightning, my mother jolted from the grass and snatched her personal possession from my grasp. Simply stunned by her movements, I stared into her eyes and stuttered an apology. I-I was just going to put this back in the coach. Sorry.

Well, you should be sorry. You don’t just pick up other people’s things without asking. You know, Hazel, your father would be so disappointed if he—

I interrupted, unloading my rebuttal, a hot rush of anger spewing swiftly at my mother. Don’t you dare speak to me about his being disappointed! I think we both know the person he would be most disappointed with!

Why, you ungrateful little snot. I should—

Now, now ladies. Easy does it. Ethan instantly jolted between our estrogen-filled war zone and continued. And Mrs. Snow, you just calm yourself back down.

Just get her out of my sight! my mother hollered.

The larger guard calmly slid his way into the uproar. Why don’t you come with me, Miss Hazel?

Not too far, Thander. As soon as Mrs. Snow is up to it, we need to be moving, Ethan said calmly as he ushered my mother back to the grass.

We’ll be fine, Ethan.

As the burly guard gently motioned me forward with his free hand, I heard my mother muttering to the younger guard how she gave me everything and how ungrateful I had become. Who did she think she was? With rage gushing from my pores, I huffed loudly and stomped violently around the coach. The dust from the road puffed effortlessly into the crisp breeze as the massive Thander silently approached me.

Ugh! I can’t ever do anything right by her. I kicked at the dirt in frustration.

It’s okay. Just calm down a bit. You’ll be fine. Thander said.

As the bruiser’s pearly white smile shined through his beard, I instantly frowned in his direction. Honestly, I couldn’t tell whether he was mocking me with his laughter. Therefore, I glared back at him and demanded to know what was so funny. His amber eyes gleamed back, and he bowed his head.

I’m sorry, Miss Hazel, Thander replied. I wasn’t poking fun at you. It’s just that you have a fieriness to you that I admire. Your father had the same quality.

How would you know? I retaliated.

Wait, I wasn’t being disrespectful. He was a longtime friend of mine, and we fought side by side many times. I have nothing but good things to say about him; in fact, I remember watching the two of you when you were little, handing out food in the Commons Market. You two still have quite the reputation down there. Do you remember that? He stepped closer.

Oh, of course, but that was a long time ago.

Well, not to those folks. Generosity has no expiration date. Thander smiled.

Feeling my anger soothed, I nodded and drifted into happier memories of my father. While my mind swiftly ran through several emotions, I scanned the tree line once more and placed my hand on one of the carriage horses. As my fingertips stroked the powder-white mane in front of me, the giant guard placed his free hand on the horse’s neck. Even though my mother hadn’t stopped rambling on the other side of the carriage, Thander and I stood silently rubbing the proud animal for a few seconds before the stillness was broken. Even though I had just met him, something about this mountain of a man brought me comfort.

You know, that tactic is one my father would have used, I mumbled.

Thander frowned. I don’t know what you mean.

Sure you do. When I’m mad or frustrated, you get me talking about something else to calm me down. Well, good job but she still … p-pisses me off. As I tried to keep a straight face, Thander and I both broke into laughter. Even the taste of that nasty word made my mouth scrunch in self-disappointment. But looking back at the grizzly warrior in front of me, I knew I was in safe company.

I shouldn’t be laughing. Little girls don’t speak like that, but I tell you what … I won’t tell if you won’t. Thander cheerfully patted me on the shoulder.

With a soft thank-you to my protector, I looked down at his right hand. As my mind replayed the last few minutes of my life, a small jolt of reality forced my protective walls into action. Thander had repeatedly told me there was nothing to worry about, yet he still had a firm grip on his sword. I quickly dropped my smile and scanned the tree line.

Miss Hazel, you okay? Thander asked.

They’re still out there, aren’t they? That’s why you have your sword drawn. I backed into the horse for protection.

Oh, no. No. It’s just um … habit. We’re going to be just fine. Here, look … See? Thander calmly slid his sword back into his scabbard; however, his hand stayed firmly wrapped around the handle. As my eyes bounced from his face to his hand, Thander tried to change the subject. But I wasn’t going to be an easy target. I kept watching the tree line, trying to anticipate the next black-cloaked surprise.

I interrupted his makeshift distraction. Thander, what’s a lurcher?

Why would you ask that? He finally let go of his sword.

Well, earlier I heard you tell Ethan to be on the lookout for lurchers, and then those men showed up. So … what’s a lurcher? I continued.

With a small nervous laugh, Thander said, Well, it’s just a term we use, but young ladies like yourself shouldn’t be thinking about such things. Hey, should we see how your mother is doing?

She can rot in that grass for all I care. Why won’t you answer my question?

As the morning air danced gently through the treetops, I could see his tanned forehead starting to glisten. As I fired my question off once more, Thander moved a few steps up the path and turned to pat one of the horses. Without saying a word to me, he mumbled something to the muscular steed and brushed his hand across its mane. Instantly, I huffed loudly and marched myself directly over to him.

So are you just going to ignore me? I asked.

I’m not ignoring you, Miss Hazel. But I do have a serious question for you. Thander’s amber eyes slowly pierced my heart.

What?

Why is there such a rift between you and your mother? I mean, I don’t want to overstep my bounds, but through this difficult time, you two are all the other one has.

As the tender warrior explained his genuine concern for my mother and me, some of my confusion dissipated. The way Thander displayed his concern seemed familiar to my spirit, but then again, this was unfamiliar territory. It was almost as if I were looking directly into the concern my father would have had at this moment, but he wasn’t here to voice it. Nonetheless, instead of firing back a hasty defensive response, I softly shook my head from side to side. Instead of telling me what I should or shouldn’t do, Thander simply patted the horse and waited from my reply. Normally, this would be an awkward silence, yet the comfort in his stillness revived more images of my departed father.

I guess it all started when my dad died … but for the record, I hate being like this, I mumbled.

Thander urged the conversation forward. Being like what?

Being like this. At each other’s throats all the time. I love my mom, but it doesn’t always feel like the feeling is reciprocated. Therefore, why should I be the one saying sorry all the time?

Well, what do you think you should do? Thander asked.

In that moment, something truly remarkable had happened—someone had asked my opinion. For some reason, my eyes started to water. Had this been affecting me more than I even knew? I could feel my years of self-loathing and need for reassurance as I spoke. However, Thander never made me feel silly or strange. Instead, he gave me the one thing I had needed for the past few weeks: a listening ear. Even though Thander had a gruff exterior, the way he listened with patience and sincerity revealed to me that he had much more depth. Why was he so easy to talk to, and why was I sharing this much about my troubles? The last time I remembered feeling this comfortable with anyone was my father. As Thander listened intently to my heart-wrenching tales, I could feel the layers of baggage from my soul dropping one by one. Honestly, I didn’t even remember everything I told him; I just knew that his letting me unload my heartaches genuinely felt freeing.

When finished, I frowned up at Thander. Does any of that make sense?

Ethan’s voice broke through our conversation. Thander! Hazel! Let get a move on.

We’re comin’. Thander grinned and said to me, Of course that makes sense, but one thing I do want to say before we head out, Hazel, is that no matter what you choose to do about your mother, remember one thing: she is all the family you have left. So trust your heart; it will always guide you in the right direction. Deal?

He’d helped alleviate so much confusion; however, I was still curious as to why my relationship with my mother had changed so rapidly. I knew I would simply have to bring it up to her, but that task was much easier said than done.

Thander and I headed back toward my mother and Ethan. As we pivoted around the back of the coach, I noticed that my mother had managed to make her way back into the carriage. With a keen eye for the dramatic, she was lying helplessly sprawled out across one seat, clutching her purse tightly to her chest. Why that letter was so important to her intrigued me.

Now, little lady, time for you to get back up in the coach so we can take you to the palace, Thander said, guiding me by the hand to the door.

As the man’s hand touched mine, I quickly leaned in and whispered, Thanks for listening to me today, Thander.

Anytime. He winked.

With a quick squeeze of my hand, Thander gradually lifted me up the steps and back to the purple tweed cushion. As the two guards made sure my mother and I were okay, I felt a strong desire to confront my relationship with my mother. While knots swiftly started to tie inside my stomach, my mother strategically asked Ethan for another drink from his canteen. Once the young guard placed his hand inside the coach, I jolted from my seat to grab the canteen.

Here you go, Mom. I quickly stumbled closer.

What in the world has gotten into you? my mother demanded. Back up, young lady, and get off of my dress! I look bad enough as it is without your nasty feet all over my expensive gown.

I just wanted to help. Sorry. I slowly sat back down.

Well, stop helping. Uh, I look a mess. How much time till we leave, Ethan? She was fanning herself with her delicate right hand as she spoke.

Not long, madam. I just need to saddle up and we’ll be on our way. You ladies just hold tight. He closed the cabin door.

Sitting there watching my mother beg for attention made me want to slap her with her own hand. After everything Thander and I had done to make her feel better, she continued to be the most selfish woman on the planet. With every fan of her hand, I could smell the grotesque fragrance she was wearing, so I leaned over to open the curtain.

Oh, thank you, Hazel. It’s so warm in here … She smiled. I rolled my green eyes and sat back on the cushion closest to the door and farthest away from her without saying a word.

The horseless coach finally started to roll, and my mind began to wonder through all the events from the morning. I gazed out the window and watched the trees float by as I tried everything in my power to avoid even looking in my mother’s direction. As the disgust I had for this vile woman thickened the tension inside, I heard deep, loud laughter from outside the coach.

As the wind pushed my thin brown hair wherever it wanted, I poked my head out the window and looked behind the coach to see Thander and Ethan riding side by side. Ethan was holding on to the reins of his massive Clydesdale, laughing hysterically as both of Thander’s hands flew through the air as if he were swinging a sword. I had no clue what in the world Thander was saying, but watching the two of them carry on made me smile.

As the two of them continued for several minutes, I found myself imagining the story being told, and laughter belted from my mouth, loud enough for Thander to notice that I was watching. In one Yah! he was trotting directly alongside the window of the coach. Is everything all right, Miss Hazel?

Yes … just fine, I replied with a smile as the wind blew my hair into my face.

Thander laughed and said, Good! Not much farther now, little lady … Just over the next hill is the road to Rhema. Watching Thander point forward, I turned my head to the left, toward the front of the coach, just in time to hear my mother sit up and beckon me inside.

I climbed back into the cabin as my mother, with rejuvenated strength, straightened my hair back down, lashing out, Oh, Hazel … you look an absolute mess. Honestly, a girl of your age should be more focused on her appearance. As my mother crammed her fingers through the knots on my head, I sat quietly wondering what my life would soon be like. Would I love the transition I was undergoing? Somehow, in my heart of hearts, I seriously doubted it.

Turning toward the west window as my mother continued her search for the perfection in me she would never have, I saw the thick lush tree line disappear. Off in the distance, I could see the Kade Mountains, which surrounded Rhema Palace on all sides, manifest to guide us to the palace.

It had been several years since I had been to Rhema, but seeing those familiar mountains warmed my heart as if I had never left. As my mother finished putting me back together to her standards, Ethan rode alongside the coach and said, Well, Lady Snow, your new home awaits.

CHAPTER TWO

First Impression

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I saw the mystical wildflowers dancing their way up the colossal walls of the Kade Mountains as we entered Rhema through three sets of enormous gates. With each crackle of the coach wheels, my stomach twisted with uncontainable emotions. I hated leaving home, but the familiarity of my childhood here at Rhema kept me from completely losing it. Rhema was somewhat of a second home for my family, but how was it going to be without Papa? While the gentle breeze pressed against my unending strain of internal questions, the scent of multicolored lilacs and the huge cedar gates tickled my nostrils. I rubbed the back of my palm quickly against my nose and slowly leaned toward the window. As the crisp breeze glided across my face, I closed my eyes and allowed myself a small taste of happiness. But once again, my only remaining family member halted my brief tranquility. With newfound energy, my mother pulled the purple curtains wide open. As she bounced up and down with anticipation, like a puppy trying to avoid wetting the seat, I could feel a hot rush of rage cascading inside my soul. Honestly, if I could have kicked the excitement out of her, I would have.

"Would you quit!" I shouted.

Who put the bee in your bonnet, young lady? she replied.

Forcing my face across the coach close enough to taste her breath, I spouted, You did, Mother! Can’t you just for one second pretend Papa’s dying affected you? You heartless wiiitt—

Before I could finish the word witch, my mother slapped me across the cheek with lightning speed.

Don’t you dare speak to me like that! she screamed. "Ever!"

I instantly leaped from my cushion and flung the coach door wide open, feeling heartbreak and pain as I stormed down the mahogany steps. How could she do this to me? With my mother hot on my trail, I immediately flexed my thigh muscles to leap onto the swiftly moving dirt road. I knew I might get hurt jumping, but at this point, I didn’t care. As the coach bounced wildly along the ground, I reached back and grabbed the open doorframe to steady myself. However, the tears in my eyes prevented me from seeing a clear spot to land.

You get your butt back in here, young lady! my mother yelled as her fingernails clawed into my forearm.

Hazel, wait! Ethan instantly popped into view. Altorum! As the coach rolled to a halt he said, What are you doing, Miss Hazel?

My face still throbbing and tears gushing, I hopped from the bottom step of the coach onto Ethan. "I won’t ride with that woman anymore!" I screamed. While tears poured from my eyes like polish on Ethan’s boot, I felt Thander’s arms tugging gently at my shoulders.

What’s wrong, Miss Hazel? Thander softly said.

He must have seen me before Ethan in order to dismount and grab me as swiftly as he did. But I didn’t care who saw me first; I just had to get away from my vile mother.

As Thander held me close to his chest, he turned back toward the swinging coach door. Is everything all right, Lady Snow? he asked my mother.

Everything will be just fine once you get that spoiled brat back inside! she belted out as she charged out of the coach.

"You get yourself inside now!" she growled at me, again latching on to my arm.

We had just entered the city gates and were headed directly into the Commons Market when this fiasco erupted, and there was the sound of chicken and oxen scattering because of our ruckus. Under normal circumstances, my mother would have tried her best to avoid making a scene, but today her temper got the best of her and she attacked me. As the merchants in the first few booths of Rhema’s Commons Market paused in their daily routines, our two guards tried to diffuse the tension.

Ethan quickly said, Ladies, please calm yourselves down.

I am calm! my mother lashed back.

"Ouch! You’re hurting me!" I flopped violently.

Both Thander and Ethan tried to pry us apart, but each tug only sent my mother’s knifelike nails deeper into my upper forearm. As excruciating pain dug deeper into my flesh, I finally broke free from her