Strength of Spirit

By Eve-Liz Addams

A kind princess of a peaceful kingdom. An obedient daughter to a ruling mother. A girl with a secret.
Vallia has lived all her life trying not to let her emotions show. Not just because she is always on show as the princess, but because a dangerous beast lurks just under the surface of her calm demeanour.
So when Vallia is kidnapped and her father refuses to pay the ransom, the princess calmly waits to die. Only, a friendly talking horse has other ideas, and whisks her away before she can object.
Now she faces the chance to tame her beastly side once and for all. Because she's not the only one in her family with secrets, and it seems like her mother's past might hold the key.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eve-Liz Addams
• Release date: Jul 16, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463759516

Eve-Liz Addams

Hi, my name is Eve-Liz Addams, and I'm an aspiring English author. I live on the South coast of England with my adorable boxer dog, and spend entirely too much time daydreaming. For a long time, I've been more immersed in fiction than reality, so I don't think anyone was surprised when I started writing out the stories that were in my head. It started out just as a fun hobby in 2013, but now I want to share my creations with the world.If you've read any of my stories, please share your comments and opinions in the reviews section. I'd love to know what you all think. :-)

Book preview

Strength of Spirit

Eve-Liz Addams

Distributed by Smashwords

Copyright © 2019 Eve-Liz Addams

Cover Design by WinMin at 99designs

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This ebook remains the copyrighted property of the author and may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for your support.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

***Chapter 1***

‘You have a meeting with Lord Herbert in an hour.’ Ferelith told me as Celeste finished tightening my dress and started putting pins in my hair. ‘After that, you have two hours for lunch, before attending the Royal Hearing this afternoon. Then you will have dinner with Lord Phirus before retiring for the evening.’

‘Thank you, Ferelith.’ I replied formally. ‘You may go now.’

Ferelith nodded shortly and left my chambers. I didn't like having to speak to her that way, but she thought it was how I should behave to those of lower status than me.

Ferelith was actually one of my mother's maids of honour, but she still came around every morning with my schedule, because she thought my maids of honour were too young. A thin, stick like woman probably thirty years my senior, Ferelith had a pinched face and a long hooked nose that made her look a bit like an eagle.

She had never married, but not for lack of proposals, according to her. She just thought that her duties lay solely with her responsibilities to Queen Jerica, and now me.

‘Lord Herbert.’ I considered. ‘He would be the son of Duke Herman, would he not?’

‘Yes, Milady.’ Celeste responded.

Celeste was sweet, only sixteen, and looked like an angel. But she never said very much and was always very serious.

‘And Lord Phirus.’ I continued. ‘Who, if memory serves correctly, is son to Duke Pablo. In your most humble opinion, on the matter of my suitor, which do you think would be the wise choice for me to elect?’

‘That would not be my place to say, Milady.’

My mother, Queen Jerica, chose all my maids of honour personally and switched them around every five years, so I never got overly familiar with any of them. Celeste had been working here a little under a year now, but she still didn't open up very often.

‘Rumours have been circulating of late about the declining health of Duke Pablo.’ I recalled. ‘So, perhaps in matters of power and wealth, his son would be the wiser choice, in terms of sooner succeeding the title.’

‘Yes, Milady.’

‘Would you have entertained the thought of considering marriage for yourself?’

‘Yes, Milady. I look forward to it.’

‘Really?’ I replied, the mild surprise I felt not shown on my face. ‘I am most intrigued by your words. Pray tell, what have you to look forward to? When you are wed to some suitably ranked husband, you will lose any freedoms that you now exhibit, and be chained by your title of bride.’

‘I'm sorry you feel that way, Milady.’

I blinked and mentally sighed, without letting my face so much as twitch. Sometimes talking to Celeste was like talking to a wall.

Finally finished with my hair, Celeste got down off the stool she had been standing on and placed it in the corner of my room.

‘Celeste, I require with me, the pleasantness of your company as I begin my tranquil walk to the gardens.’

It wasn't an order, but if the Princess asked you for something, you couldn't very well say no.

‘Of course, Milady.’ Celeste answered predictably.

On the way through the corridors we took to reach the gardens, many maids stopped to curtsey to me, and I dipped my head in return so many times that I felt rather dizzy by the time we got outside.

Noting the elegantly styled table and chairs on the marble plateau rising above the immaculately cut grass, I realised I was to have some kind of meal with Herbert. Good thing I hadn't eaten much for breakfast.

Celeste helped me up onto the plateau and then waited until I dismissed her. From here I could see under the stone arches leading to other parts of the Palace and the many maids that waited patiently in case they were needed.

I didn't mind being the Princess, since I had been raised for this since birth. I always had several protectors guarding me, and a flock of maids could get me anything I desired whatever time it was. I didn't mind the responsibility, or the lack of freedom, privacy or friends.

I wasn't even particularly bothered by the fact I had to marry one of the two Lords I was meeting today – with the chance that my mother had already decided which one it was already.

‘Your Highness.’ A voice called out.

I turned to face Herbert, who was dressed in a long frilly overcoat, and wondered how he could possibly wear something that thick in the heat of the day.

‘I present to you Lord Herbert.’ The same voice announced from one of the arches. ‘Son of Herman, Duke of Klarion.’

Klarion was a city to the West of and slightly smaller than Peutria – where the Royal Palace was. I had never been, but I'd heard that it was mainly farm land around there and we got most of our organic produce from them.

‘Welcome, Lord Herbert.’ I smiled faintly, as was expected and swept out my arm indicating he should sit at the table with me.

Leaving his retainers to scatter among the arches, Herbert made his way up the marble steps to join me and I noticed an empty scabbard swinging by his hip. It was common for nobility to carry weapons, but not in the presence of royalty, so he must have had to hand his sword over when he entered.

Being the proper gentleman that he was expected to be, he waited for me to sit before seating himself.

‘Your Highness, it is a pleasure to be alone with you like this.’ Herbert started.

‘Likewise.’ I replied, fully aware that we weren't even close to being alone.

I waved to a maid I had noticed holding a tray of drinks and indicated that she should bring it over. After the maid had poured us both a drink and left, Herbert continued.

‘You look absolutely stunning today, if I may say so, Your Highness.’

‘I thank you for your kind compliment.’ I smiled in the same small manner as earlier. ‘However, I feel honour bound to mention this dress's beauty comes from its seamstress. If you are to be flattered by my appearance, then you must also congratulate my seamstress for making the dress.’

‘Of course, Your Highness.’ Herbert dipped his head. ‘Surely though, the best dress in the world would not help the wearer if they did not have their own beauty.’

‘You are kind to say so. Alas, you did not come all the way here just to tell me the limitations of a good dress, now did you?’

‘Of course not, Your Highness.’

He sipped his drink, cleared his throat and then launched into the reasons why a Princess needed a husband and the kingdom needed a Prince and an heir.

During his speech, he paused a couple of times to allow more servants to carry out platters of food for us, but he never even looked at them. It was almost as if to him, as soon as they were out of his immediate sight, they no longer existed.

Throughout our meal, he continued telling me why he would be a good candidate for the role of Prince, including the various wealth and power he would inherit from his father.

His words were very convincing and he even brought in examples from other kingdoms and our own kingdom's past. But his eyes lacked emotion, almost as if he was reciting the speech from memory – which is what I assumed he was doing.

I could have completely unbalanced him by asking a question he wasn't expecting, but I didn't want to humiliate him, so I stuck to the questions I knew he was expecting and let him drone on. I was used to listening to people talking about topics that held no interest for me, so much so that I had mastered the act of feigning interest to a level equal to my mother's.

A couple of hours later, another one of my maids of honour, called Amber, came to rescue me from Herbert's speech and I bade him farewell.

‘Would you like me to walk with you, Milady?’ Amber asked once Herbert and his entourage had left the garden.

‘I am most inclined to accept your kind offer.’ I replied with another faint smile. ‘I give you my thanks for your suggestion.’

I liked Amber. She was eighteen and had started working at the same time as Celeste, but she had more guts to her. She would initiate conversations with me, give me her opinions, and occasionally tell me gossip running around the Palace.

‘Would you perchance know any topics likely to be brought into the Royal Court today for my parents' consideration?’ I asked Amber as we walked back to my rooms in my tower.

‘I've only heard that there's a dispute between two sons after their father left no will, Milady.’ She replied.

‘Then, while I am eating my lunch, I would very much appreciate it if you could enquire as to anything further that may be presented.’

‘About the sons, Milady?’

‘No.’ I paused for a second. ‘Forgive me if I have misled your kind ears when they had been so good as to listen. The matter I require your assistance for, is in recognising and foretelling which other topics may be brought before my parents in the upcoming Hearing.’

‘Of course, Milady.’

Back in my rooms, I received summons from my mother to have lunch with her and my father, King Caelan. After changing into a different dress, I went with another maid of honour, named Brianne, to the Royal Chambers.

‘Ah Vallia, my dear. There you are.’ Mother crooned as I entered.

She was one of the few people who used my name to my face, and it made me feel human again after hearing only honorifics for so long. But feeling human around my mother was dangerous, because she saw me just the same as everyone else – as a puppet.

The only difference being that she was the puppeteer.

‘Mother.’ I dipped my head in respect to her and walked into the room a little ways, still keeping my distance from her.

‘Your father is already waiting for us.’ She informed me.

‘Of course.’

I followed her into the next room where a feast had been laid out on a giant wooden table with intricate carvings on the legs. I couldn't focus on the food at all, though, because on the other side of the table from where I was expected to sit was Tristan, my brother.

If I had thought the conversation with Herbert required a lot of effort, this was going to take a miracle to get through.

‘Father.’ I nodded my head to him and then turned to Tristan. ‘Brother.’

‘Sister.’ He replied with a smirk.

The only other person in the room was Wendelle, mother's lady-in-waiting and best friend. She knew nearly all our family secrets and squabbles and was one of the only people who had stayed in the Palace for longer than five years.

As we all sat down, mother turned to Wendelle.

‘Give us a bit of privacy, won't you my dear?’ She smiled.

There was nothing happy about the way mother smiled. Her green eyes were as cold as a snake's and it took immense effort to get them to show any sort of emotion, let alone joy.

‘Of course.’ Wendelle smiled in return, but her eyes were much warmer as they briefly glanced over at me.

We started eating until father nodded at mother and I knew all the listeners had been ousted. In fact father wasn't the only one who knew, from Tristan's change in attitude it was obvious he'd inherited the advanced hearing from his father.

I had a bad feeling I knew what this family meeting was about.

‘Children, you both know how your father and I met.’ Mother started. ‘And you know that your uncle elected to find his own path rather than remaining with us.’

In simple terms, my father and his brother were werewolves and my mother could bring back their human side. It was more complicated than that and my father didn't turn into a wolf, but I tried not to think about it.

‘That was fine by us as long as he kept out of trouble.’ Mother continued. ‘But recently there have been a number of attacks just outside the city walls.’

‘What kind of attacks?’ Tristan asked, taking another bite to eat.

‘You know what I'm talking about, dear.’ She looked at him levelly.

‘He's back?’ Tristan frowned darkly, his food forgotten.

‘It appears that way.’ Father agreed gravely.

‘Then can't you just go and tell him to go away like last time?’ Tristan glared at mother.

‘It's not that simple.’ She replied, her face still impassive.

‘Your mother's a Queen now.’ Father added. ‘She can't just go walking around in the dark like before.’

‘So you're going to let people die just because you're Queen now?’ Tristan sneered.

Mother and father shared a look across the table.

‘I didn't say I wouldn't go.’ Mother replied slowly.

‘Then what are you wasting time chatting here for?’

‘Actually, I wanted to talk to Vallia.’

‘Yes mother?’ I asked immediately.

‘Listen to her; yes, mother.’ He mimicked. ‘Don't you ever think for yourself?’

‘Be quiet, Tristan.’ Mother reprimanded him before turning back to me. ‘Don't mind him, dear. I've spread rumours that you're not feeling well, something like nerves in choosing a husband. What I need you to do is not leave the Palace for any reason at all until I clear up this mess with Byron.’

Byron being my father's brother.

‘Of course, mother.’

Unlike my brother, when the Queen asked me to do something, I did it.

Tristan made a noise of disgust at my obedience and went back to eating his food.

‘And Tristan, dear. I doubt I need to tell you this, but don't go looking for your uncle.’ Mother warned.

‘Is that a threat, mother?’ He grinned dangerously.

I don't think my brother had worked it out yet, but I was fairly sure he had inherited our father's darker side, and that meant a lot of extra strength even while in human form.

‘Of course not.’ Mother replied with another one of her false smiles. ‘I just don't want to lose my only son.’

‘Your mother's worried about you.’ Father added. ‘Both of you. Please don't give her any more to worry about.’

‘What she chooses to worry about is her own problem.’ Tristan scoffed. ‘But she can't tell me what to do just because it will worry her.’

‘Enough you two.’ Mother ordered, her green eyes starting to flash.

She may not be royalty by blood, but she certainly fit the role of Queen well.

Father immediately went back to his food, but Tristan looked like he was battling with something for a while, until he too gave up and shovelled more food in his mouth.

And that was a good representation of what had happened twenty-five years ago. Father was busy killing people with his brother when mother arrived and told them to stop. Now with Tristan being part monster, he had to obey her as well.

The remainder of lunch passed in silence, for which I was grateful, and then Wendelle returned with Brianne, who took me back to my rooms. Inside, Celeste helped me into yet another dress while Amber told me the latest information she had on the upcoming Royal Hearing.

With the exception of a small family dispute over some technicality as to whether someone actually challenged them to a duel or not, Amber had found out what the rest of the issues included.

One was from a couple who had gotten engaged before the man had decided he was in love with someone else and wanted the engagement ring back. Apparently the woman had already sold it after hearing of his infidelity, and felt no need to give him the money.

Another was a fight over a painting in which the buyer demanded his money back after finding out it was a fake. In order to establish it was a fake though, he'd had to rip into the painting, so destroyed it in the process.

Yet another was a straightforward plea to the Court for compensation after an attack outside the city had left a trader with nothing. It was this last one that must have been what my parents had heard before lunch, in order for mother to have asked me to stay inside the Palace.

Amber managed to cover the most interesting ones, but unfortunately that wasn't all I was subjected to as I joined my family at the Royal Hearing.

With so many petitions, the day dragged on and on, but neither of my parents showed any sign of boredom. So therefore, neither could I.

Finally the last person had made their pitch, the final decision had been made, and everyone had been dismissed. I just had time to change into my last dress of the day, before heading down to a guest room in one of the other towers where Phirus was waiting.

Phirus's father was Duke Pablo of Rotenia, a city to the East of Peutria. Originally a mining town, a lot of our gems and jewels still came from there. But nowadays it was more commonly known as the Black City, for Duke Pablo ruled with an iron fist and all his enemies ended up dying mysteriously.

Except now he was dying, and his son Phirus was going to take over. I wondered if Phirus was the same as his father.

Instead of wearing a fancy robe over the top of his clothes, he was simply dressed in a tunic. Granted, the tunic probably cost more than most workers made in a year, but at least he was trying to be casual.

More impressive though, was the room. Candles seemed to be everywhere and all the furniture had been taken out and replaced by a simple table with two cushioned chairs. The table had been strategically placed so that although the balcony doors were closed to keep the heat in, the chairs could look out onto the city below.

I had to give Phirus credit. He was really trying hard.

As I entered with Eliza, another one of my maids of honour, Phirus turned from surveying the scene outside and walked over to me.

‘Your Highness, it is indeed a pleasure.’ He held his hand out, so I gave him mine for him to kiss my knuckles.

Then he did something most unexpected.

‘Excuse me, miss.’ He turned to Eliza. ‘I'm afraid, I'm rather smitten with your mistress. Would you mind if I borrowed her for dinner?’

‘N-not at all, sir.’ Eliza stammered, with a curtsey.

It wasn't her place to grant him permission and we all knew it, but it was nice of him to even suggest it.

‘Thank you.’ Phirus turned back to me and offered his arm. ‘Shall we?’

‘I suppose we shall.’ I replied, laying my arm lightly on his until we reached the table.

Phirus helped me into my seat and sat down. On some signal that I didn't see, a butler came from across the room and placed plates in front of us. After he was gone, the room seemed eerily silent, almost as if we were the only two there. That wasn't true of course, but it was a clever trick.

‘Your Highness, I do not wish to be presumptuous, but this hardly seems the time for titles. I would be honoured if you just called me by my name.’

‘I appreciate the kindness of your offer.’ I smiled slightly. ‘And I am most inclined to accept your request, Phirus.’

‘Then would you also permit me to drop your formalities?’ He pressed. ‘I would like to speak to you, as your own person, not under the guise of your status.’

For the most part, I usually let my suitors, and any other person have their own way when I was with them. However, giving into his demands would break the etiquette my mother had rigidly enforced since I was young. And given the choice between betraying Phirus, or betraying my mother, there really was no competition.

‘Then, perhaps Princess will suffice.’ I offered, keeping my voice bland. ‘I presume that neither of us are under any misconceptions that our roles and statuses are interwoven into who we are. When you speak to me, you speak to the Princess, for that is who I am.’

Something snapped in Phirus's eyes at my rejection of the level of intimacy he wanted and his true side was revealed. Although, I'm pretty sure I knew the moment I entered the room what he was after.

‘Of course, Princess.’ He purred, recovering quickly. ‘I did not mean to offend.’

‘I assure you, your words had no such affect.’ I guaranteed.

The next part of the conversation went very similar to Herbert's speech from earlier; how I needed a husband and the kingdom needed a Prince. Blah blah blah. But interestingly, Phirus put more importance on how he was going to be Duke soon and how much power he had already. Not once did he mention wealth.

It wasn't hard to work out that Duke Pablo, or maybe his son, had used up all their money. That's why Phirus was trying so hard to win me over. Not that it was my choice at the end of the day, but it was nice to be flattered for a while.

Eventually Amber came for me and I said my goodbyes, before heading back to my tower.

‘How many candles did he have?’ Amber breathed as we walked back through the Palace corridors, a lot quieter now than they were during the daytime.

‘Perhaps he is soothed by their light and illumination in an otherwise darkened room.’ I joked. ‘For it is not unheard of for even esteemed gentlemen such as himself to have a regretfully sorrowful fear of darkened places.’

‘I think he was aiming for romantic.’ She insisted seriously, completely missing the fact I was joking.

‘I think perhaps your mind does you a great service in intellect.’ I agreed, giving her a small smile.

‘So I guess there's no real competition, then?’ She mused. ‘You'll be getting married to Lord Phirus. I wonder when the wedding will be. I hope it's in the summer, I love summer weddings.’

I maintained my faint smile, but didn't answer. If it was down to me, I wouldn't marry either of them, but it wasn't my decision to make. I just had to look pretty and say my vows, then I could let my husband rule the kingdom while I could focus on more important things.

What was more important than ruling a kingdom?

Not destroying said kingdom.

Back in my room, I stripped to my undergarments and dismissed all my maids, not having the energy left to deal with them.

The city was quiet as I looked out of my window at the full moon shining brilliantly through the dark sky as it started its ascent. It would be a couple of hours until midnight when the moon was highest, and I hoped to be fast asleep by then.

The cobbled path flowed like a silver river below me, around the many bricked buildings with tiled roofs that made up Peutria. From the vantage point in my tower, I could see the grassy fields beyond the high rise stone wall encircling the city, with the heavy wrought iron gates closed during the night.

Truth be told, all of the defences were just for show. If the creatures that lived in the night decided to attack, there was little we could do about them.

With a last glance up at the moon, I sighed and headed to bed. People still remembered the horrors that ended two decades ago, so no-one was willing to venture out at night. Little did they realise that the nightmare wasn't over, it was just taking a break.

A break that was almost over, since my uncle was back.

A strange clapping sound woke me, slow but steady. I lay in bed listening to it for a while before realising it was getting louder, and louder meant closer. The sound grew for a couple more seconds before stopping.

Then a small clicking sound started and I looked up at my window to see a dark figure outside. My heartbeat sped up as I realised what was happening, but I didn't scream, or make any other noise that would alert someone to the intruder.

Truth was, I wanted to be kidnapped. I wanted to get out of here, if just for a little while. I had thought that with Byron's return it wouldn't be possible to leave the Palace, but this person may just be my saviour.

As the final lock clicked into place and the window swung open, I shut my eyes and pretended to be asleep. The intruder walked quietly over to my bed and then a gloved hand was placed firmly over my mouth.

I inhaled sharply through my nose in shock and opened my eyes.

‘No screaming, Princess.’ A gruff voice commanded. ‘And I won't have to hurt you.’

‘Mhmm.’ I made a muffled noise of agreement against his hand and he let go slowly, checking I wouldn't go back against my word.

‘Very good. Now you are going to lead us out of here. Tell your guards you want to go for a walk alone or something.’

There was no way they'd believe that and then my kidnappers would be caught and I'd still be here. We had to leave the same way he came in.

If I told him this, he was bound to be suspicious, so I just shook my head mutely.

‘Now listen here, I don't make a habit out of harming young women, but I'm on a time limit here. So you're going to have to do as I say.’ To prove his point, he pulled out a small blade and aimed it at my throat.

It would be oh-so-easy to do as he said and get him arrested, but then I'd be stuck back here again. Just for once I wanted to do something adventurous, something dangerous. Something a Princess should never do.

So, gathering every scrap of courage I had, and praying like crazy that he wouldn't kill me, I shook my head again.

‘You're a damn stubborn Princess.’ He muttered. ‘Aren't you supposed to just do as you're told?’

The blade disappeared and I breathed a soft sigh of relief before my assailant brought out a piece of cloth.

‘You're coming with me whether you like it or not.’ He growled.

Without asking for permission, he grabbed my hair and yanked my head down, pressing the cloth over my nose and mouth. In a blind panic at being overpowered so easily, I made murmuring sounds of protest and tried yanking at his hand, but it was no good.

Within a couple of breaths, the drug worked and I fell unconscious.

I was woken by a constant rocking motion sending sharp spikes of pain into my head, and the feeling of something heavy covering my body. Opening my eyes revealed very little, but confirmed that there was something on top of me, covering everything including my face.

Panic started overriding my mind, but years of my mother's calm influence retained logic in my mind. Raising my hands, I pushed away the objects blinding me, allowing me to breathe freely again.

Once my vision cleared, I looked around to see the reason for my entrapment was a load of apples. I appeared to be in a trader's carriage of some sort that was more used to carrying fruit than people.

Before I could comprehend much more than this, the rocking stopped as the carriage came to a halt.

A pair of heavy footsteps walked around the carriage and then the door was thrown open, letting in much more light than my eyes were used to. As I bowed my head in an effort to protect my eyes from the light, one of the men reached for me and threw me over his shoulder.

The jarring motion from him carrying me made me want to be sick, but I was more than a little concerned with the excruciating pain in my head. Thankfully he wasn't carrying me far, and threw me unceremoniously onto a pile of straw in the corner of a room.

I had no idea where I was, and with little idea of my surroundings, I didn't even know what type of place this was. From the smell, I was guessing animals were kept here, and from my new bed of straw, I wouldn't be surprised to find some horses nearby.

The man who had carried me left me alone, and locked the door behind him without saying a word. A single window let light into the room, and from the time of day outside, it appeared I'd been asleep for about twelve hours. Unheard of for a Princess.

I imagined what Ferelith would say and smiled slightly. I was finally out of the Palace. Sure, I'd been out before, but always in the presence of guards and only to well established places fit for a Princess to visit.

I also realised that I was still in my undergarments, but this thought failed to bother me. These men that I was with didn't seem so bad. Apart from drugging me, they hadn't actually hurt me, and I'm sure the Palace guards would find me soon enough.

I was still sitting in the straw admiring my surroundings when the door opened again. This time, a man led in a chestnut horse with a white underbelly and, after removing its saddle and bridle, he shut the door behind him again. A couple of seconds later the same thing happened with a dappled grey horse and then again with a light brown horse.

All three were very good and just stood there as the man removed their riding gear while occasionally glancing at me. For my part I was glad of the company, since I didn't know how long it would take the guards to reach me.

After a couple of minutes with no disturbance, I decided to try making friends with the horses. Walking over to the dappled grey one, I reached out my hand to touch her muzzle. The mare regarded me calmly and made no move to shy away, so I smiled slightly and gently rubbed her nose.

‘I offer you my most pleasant greetings.’ I murmured. ‘It is definitely in my interest to enquire as to how a nice horse such as yourself got included in this scenario, but I fear I would not be able to understand your response.’

Princess. A dejected voice seemed to echo directly into my head. There's no chance you could hear me, is there?

I knew I wasn't imagining things, but the voice in my head sounded distinctly male, while I was fairly sure the horse I was stroking was female. But then, this was the first time this had happened to me, so maybe genders didn't come across the same.

‘I would worry that you subject yourself to misgivings too early.’ I replied gently, looking at the horse I was stroking. ‘For I can indeed hear your words spoken seemingly directly into my mind.’

You can? The voice exclaimed, with none of its former dejection.

At the same time, the chestnut horse that had been watching with his mate on the other side of the room suddenly lifted his neck and started towards me. My training had taught me to never back down or retreat when threatened, so I kept my place next to the mare as the much bigger stallion approached.

You can actually, really hear me? His excited voice rushed his words, but I thought I could detect a slight lilt to his voice.

‘Yes, I can.’ I replied evenly.

His excitement was spreading to the other horses and they started shifting around uneasily.

This is brilliant news! He enthused. I can't wait to tell Garnok. We all thought Jerica was the last Elsword, but it is truly a privilege to speak to you, Princess.

I didn't understand most of what he had said, but one thing was clear – he knew my mother.

‘Might I know the name of my mother's acquaintance?’ I asked, unruffled by his quick speech.

Acquaintance? He repeated. Oh, no Princess. I never met your mother. But the Spirits have been keeping an eye on Esmerelda's family for generations and we all thought Jerica was the last one. I can't wait to tell them the good news.

If someone had spoken to me like this in the Palace, my guards would have arrested them on the spot for avoiding my question. But since I was alone, I would have to deal with him by myself.

I opened my mouth to ask again, but before I could say anything, the door opened.

‘Oi, keep it down, would ya?’ An unfamiliar man's voice yelled. ‘Don't try anything stupid, Princess. I wouldn't want to harm that pretty head of yours.’

Then the door shut again, with the horses once again behaving themselves.

You don't need to worry about him. The chestnut stallion told me. He won't hurt you. He's just here to look after us.

Well it was good that these men didn't appear to want to harm me.

Oh, Princess I completely forgot to introduce myself. Please excuse me. I am Dillon, loyal steed to Zorak and humble servant to Garnok.

Finally.

‘I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Sir Dillon.’ I greeted him calmly. ‘Would you now be so kind as to perhaps explain who these other people that you mentioned are.’

Wow, you really are a Princess. He gushed, enthusiastically. Do you ever lose your calm? I'm starting to think you have a different air about you.

Again he had avoided my question, and I got the sense that not only was he a free spirit used to doing what he liked, but he was very sure of himself. Thus he felt no need to bend over backwards for royalty like most people did.

Even in your undergarments you have this aura of dignity around you. Dillon continued. I'm sure you'll make a great Queen someday. The guys holding you have put out a ransom demand, so you should be going home tomorrow.

Well that was good news, at least. Maybe I should just stay quiet and let him fill in all the gaps when he was ready.

Mother had met father in his nightmarish animal form, but due to her ability, she could talk – and command – him to return to normal. I knew I had that ability as well, but mother had said that she could only speak to animals if their true form was human.

‘Sir Dillon, may I enquire as to your true nature?’ I enquired. ‘Were you born in this form, or are you in fact human?’

Human? Dillon laughed slightly, but it seemed a little forced. Yes, I was born human, but that was a long time ago.

‘You have very good control over this form.’ I commented, remembering my father and uncle.

That is to be expected, Princess. I have been like this for a long time. It would be a shame if I still didn't know how to walk.

He hadn't even mentioned the desire to kill humans, but then I supposed horses were herbivores anyway.

‘Of course.’ I replied with a faint smile. ‘I am most pleased to hear of your success.’

Lighten up, Princess. He chuckled. I was joking. Of course I'd know how to walk. Have you ever seen a Spirit creature before?

‘Yes.’ I replied, warning bells going off in my head.

It wasn't common knowledge that the royal family could turn into beasts. Everyone had skeletons in the closet, but ours were considerably larger than most.

So that'd be why you weren't surprised when I spoke to you, then.

Actually, I'd been very surprised, but my upbringing kept it from showing on my face or in my voice.

I walked over to the window to try working out where we were, but all I could see were fields surrounding us. I couldn't even see Peutria in the distance. Of course it could be behind me, seeing as there was only one window in here.

Don't worry, Princess. Dillon encouraged me, heading this way. You'll be home by tomorrow evening and all this will be nothing more than a bad dream.

Yes, and then it would be back to the same old life again. This would fade into past memories as a dream, but not a bad one.

I can tell you stories, if you like, Princess. Dillon offered. It would help pass the time quicker.

‘Thank you.’ I replied, turning back to him. ‘That is a very generous offer, and one I am most persuaded to accept.’

Dillon, it turned out, had a lot of stories to tell. For a horse, he sure went on a lot of adventures. And for one of the first times in my life, I found myself actually interested in what he had to say. He had met bandits, witches and all sorts of Spirits – humans in beast form, as well as travelled across nearly the whole known world.

It was like listening to him narrate a story book; but I could hear the intensity in his voice as he relived these experiences as he told them to me. It made me start to want to go on an adventure, but seeing as that was impossible, I was content to just listen to Dillon's amazing travels.

That day seemed to fly by faster than any I'd lived before, and I realised I was actually enjoying myself. In this worn out old room, surrounded by horses and wearing nothing but my undergarments, I was actually having fun.

One of my kidnappers returned at one point to feed the horses and presented me with a couple of apples to keep me going, but other than that we were left alone.

When it was dark, Dillon let me sleep on the straw and said he'd watch over me to make sure no harm came to me. One thing I hadn't realised about life outside the Palace was just how cold the evenings got. But tucked into a ball in the straw, surrounded by horses, I managed to doze into sleep on and off.

Shouting voices woke me up and I opened my eyes to see daylight streaming in through the window above me. The three horses had been saddled again while I was sleeping, and were clearly uneasy with the noise coming through the wooden doors.

Although there were no other people in here with me, I could still hear their voices, and if I focused, I could make out their words as well.

‘…leave it.’ One man had just finished saying.

The one who Dillon had said was here for the horses, I thought.

‘He's right, she's the Princess.’ A second stressed. ‘We're thieves, not murderers.’

‘And how do you expect to get your money then?’ A third voice argued. ‘She said the ransom would cover our costs, so I say we're not done until we get paid.’

This one I definitely recognised as the one who had taken me from the Palace.

‘Then why don't we go ask her for the money? We did our part, she can't blame us that it didn't work.’ The second man suggested.

‘I say we send little Miss Princess's head back to show we're serious and take the boy.’ The third one declared. ‘They're bound to listen when we take the last remaining heir.’

So much for my theory about them not hurting me.

Dillon turned his head to look at me and then noticed I was awake.

‘May I perhaps question your most noble self as to what is going on at present out there?’ I asked quietly.

The King refused your ransom. Dillon told me bleakly, none of his enthusiasm from yesterday present.

‘I see.’

Aren't you bothered by that? Dillon raged. He's as good as left you to die.

‘It would appear to me, that my father made the best decision for the kingdom in the face of certain despair.’ I replied calmly. ‘There is another heir for the continued safety and stability of our kingdom, and the ransom money would be better spent on the people. Besides, I'm sure he's already sent guards out to look for me.’

Well unless they're just outside, they're not going to get here in time. Dillon seethed in a clipped tone. Raymond is a renowned murderer, he works for no-one except the money in his wallet. Just the fact that you're a Princess isn't going to still his hand, and those two are too scared of him to stop him.

Raymond must be the one who scaled the tower wall to reach me then.

‘He will not reach my brother.’ I was confident of that, at least. ‘After news of my abduction reached the King's ears, he will have insisted on tightening security for sure, so the Palace will be safe from any further assaults of a similar nature.’

Plus, if he tried to take my brother, he would be in for a big surprise when Tristan left my mother's influence.

I can't believe you're being so calm about this! Dillon exclaimed in anger rather than respect. There's a man outside who wants to kill you.

It wasn't that I didn't care if I died, more that I didn't really believe this was happening. It was all surreal and I half expected to wake up in my bed in the Palace any time now.

‘Mother says the best form of attack is through negotiation.’ I told Dillon, standing up. ‘Perhaps I should talk to Sir Raymond.’

Are you an idiot? Dillon blasted. He'll kill you the moment he sees you.

I paused in momentary shock. No-one had ever called me an idiot before. But then no horse had ever spoken to me before, so it was no surprise he would think I was an idiot.

‘Out of my way, you two.’ Raymond ordered outside. ‘Before I decide I don't need you and leave your bodies here with hers.’

Princess, get on my back. Dillon ordered tersely. I'm not going to let the youngest Elsword die.

I had never ridden a horse before, since I was always travelling in carriages, so I had no idea how to get up onto a horse's back. Guessing this, Dillon bent down until he was kneeling on the floor, allowing me to climb onto his saddle.

Hold on. He ordered grimly, as he rose up to his full height again.

I was now a lot closer to the wooden beams that arched across the underside of the roof, and noticed that the door was nowhere near as tall as the ceiling. Dillon's stirrups were a little further down than my feet could reach, but I still tried to hook my toes in them as we slowly started towards the door.

Dillon had his bridle and reins attached as well, so I grabbed hold of them, not sure what I was supposed to be doing.

Hold onto my mane. Dillon sounded distracted. And stay down.

Worried that grabbing his mane would hurt him, I only held it lightly as Dillon got ever closer to the door. Bending low over his neck, I should just about get out the door.

Dillon's body tensed underneath me as footsteps approached. The door swung open and Dillon bolted. Raymond had been standing clear of the door, so he didn't impede us, but he certainly made a lot of noise as we raced past and out of wherever we were.

I managed to duck down low enough to protect my head from the doorframe, but what I hadn't judged correctly was the width of the