Acabar Series: Books 1-3: The Princess Collection

By Teresa A. Beeler

Three supernatural princesses faced with a fate worse than death…or so they thought. King Alim's reign of Acabar draws to a close with no suitable male heirs. He rushes to find husbands for his three magical princesses: Teriliyn, the War Princess/Dragon Rider, Vanessa, the Telepath, and Amma, the Nature Empath. The King's biggest problem is getting the Princesses to agree to a betrothal. What the King doesn't know is the Queen has her own treacherous plans for Princess Amma. Can King Alim uncover the secrets of his kingdom in time? Will King Alim's plan for succession win-out or will outside evil forces ascend the throne?

Amma's Liberation: Amma must find a way to escape her stepmother, the Queen and her witch. Can Amma figure out a way to use her nature gift to escape the abuse? Will Queen Amara be able to conjure up enough dark magic to ensure the rightful lineage is crowned?

Teriliyn's Fire: Time is fast approaching for the king to pass down the crown. King Alim has managed to marry one of his three daughters. The two remaining will cause trouble, he is sure. Both are headstrong, and resistant to marriage. Will Teriliyn or Vanessa be the next princess to head up the aisle? Princess Teriliyn holds a grudge against all men, or so it seems. She has focused on being a warrior for her kingdom snubbing attempts to court her. Is there a secret in the princess' past? Is there a strong enough knight to tame the princess?

Princess Vanessa adamantly refuses to consider ruling. She hasn't spoken since she was five years old. How can a princess rule if she doesn't speak? Can King Alim uncover the secrets of his kingdom in time?

Vanessa's Rule: The Great Fire had destroyed the forests of Acabar. A then five-year-old princess who loved to tell stories suddenly lost her words. The seers told of a prophecy, 'when the one who doesn't speak, speaks the giants will return'. With two of his three daughters married, can he convince Vanessa to follow suit?

The healers give Princess Vanessa little hope of her eyesight returning. Who would want to marry a princess who can neither see nor speak? Would her people accept her?

Bevan is a trained knight who has just been told of his pending arranged marriage. Will he accept a princess with disabilities? As a second son he knows nothing about ruling a country. Can he adapt to his new circumstances or will he change the rules?

The evil witch, Tavara continues to seek revenge on the kingdom. Will the royal family survive kidnappings, torture, invasion, and dark magic? AND will King Alim survive the secrets of Acabar?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Breckenridge Crossing
• Release date: Mar 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393070436

Teresa A. Beeler

Teresa Beeler is married with two grown children, one grandchild, one chicken-of-a-dog, and a herd of cows. She lives on a rural farm in West Central Illinois. She has a degree in business and has worked in public service for thirty years. She is an avid reader accumulating thousands of books on her kindle and bookshelves. Yes, she still prefers paperbacks.

Book preview

ACABAR SERIES BOOKS 1-3

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The Princess Collection

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BY

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TERESA A. BEELER

ACABAR SERIES BOOKS 1-3

The Princess Collection

Published by Breckenridge Crossing

Copyright © 2020 by Teresa A. Beeler

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof

may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever

without the express written permission of the publisher

except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Published in the Unites States of America

First Printing, 2020

Breckenridge Crossing

255 N County Road 1200

Sutter, IL 62373

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www.teresabeeler.com

Click below for updates on new releases:

https://www.subscribepage.com/b1i1b7

Disclaimer

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Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Names, characters, and places are products of the author’s imagination.

Table of Contents

Acabar Map

Family Tree

About the Author

Other Books by Author

Acabar Series: Amma’s Liberation

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 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Terilyn’s Fire

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 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Vanessa’s Rule

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 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Acabar Map

Acabar Series: Amma’s Liberation

Chapter 1

April 1149

Hiss. BOOM!

Hiss. BOOM!

Amma groaned and rolled over to look out the window. What in the world is all that racket? She remembered she was supposed to meet Teriliyn at daybreak to help train her dragon. Ugh. Amma pushed out of bed and raced to get dressed.

A few minutes later, she flew out her bedroom door, skating on the stone floors as she rounded the corner to reach the stairs. Taking two at a time, Amma tore down the five flights of stairs in a matter of minutes, hoping she wasn’t too late to help with the training. As she rounded the last corner before heading outside, a bone-squeezing grip on her upper arm suddenly yanked her to a stop.

Ow! What the heck? Amma turned and glared at the offending body attached to the hand. Her gaze rose to the queen’s angry face—lips pursed, cheeks flushed, and eyes narrowed on Amma.

What do you think you are doing running in the castle like some hooligan? the queen hissed through clenched teeth. You’re lucky you are still allowed to live here! You are an embarrassment to this kingdom!

Having learned from past engagements with the queen, Amma calmly replied, I’m late. I’m on my way to help Teriliyn on the training grounds. She yanked her arm out of the queen’s clutches and escaped through the front door. At the last minute, she turned her head back to look at the queen through the closing door. The black look in the woman’s eyes frightened her, just a little.

Chapter 2

Amma slowed her pace to a fast walk as she passed through the courtyard. She started running again once she cleared the gate, but when she arrived at the field where she was to meet Teriliyn, she couldn’t see her friend anywhere.

Hiss. BOOM!

Amma jumped and looked up. There in the sky, just above the tree line, Amma found the source of the noise, a large black and blue dragon—Malandra. The dragon let loose a stream of fire, and at the same time, Teriliyn, who sat on his back, flung a round disc in front of him. The fire and the disc met; there was a loud BOOM, and the disc broke into small pieces and fell to the ground.

Way to go, Malandra! Teriliyn yelled.

Amma cupped her mouth with her hands and hollered, Teriliyn!

Teriliyn glanced down and spotted Amma. Recognition dawned in her eyes. Malandra’s head dipped, his wings folded back towards his body, and he coasted down to the ground right in front of Amma. To Amma, watching Malandra maneuver through the currents was like watching the waves in the ocean crest and roll.

Teriliyn slid off the side of her dragon and plopped onto the grass below.

Amma looked at Teriliyn’s flushed cheeks, windblown hair, and wide smile, and said, You really love it up there, don’t you?

Teriliyn practically bounced on her toes. You can’t believe what it feels like. Imagine floating in the pond and having a breeze flow through and around you. It’s the most amazing feeling of freedom, and you can see for miles.

Teriliyn slowed and took a closer look at Amma’s furrowed brows and downturned lips. What’s wrong, and why are you late?

With a big sigh, Amma replied, I overslept.

Teriliyn stared into Amma’s downcast face. It was Mother, wasn’t it?

Amma clicked her tongue. First of all, she is NOT my mother. Secondly, I don’t want to cause problems; let’s just forget it. She continued under her breath, Besides, it isn’t like it’s something new.

Amma noticed a steel glint enter Teriliyn’s eyes. Unfortunately, it seemed she’d heard the comment. Amma hoped she’d let it go. What’s the training schedule for today?

I need to make sure Malandra will respond to my directions even if I’m not on him, Teriliyn replied. I need you to ride him, so I can give directions from the ground.

Amma’s eyes widened, her mouth opened up into an O, and the warmth drained from her face. She shook her head back and forth. No. No. No! she said. I am not leaving this ground for anything.

Teriliyn looked as if she couldn’t believe what she saw. But you’re supposed to be the one in touch with nature. Isn’t the air and the sky a part of nature? Her face turned red and steam came out of her mouth.

Amma tried to calm Teriliyn before fire followed. Can we go inside and discuss this with Vanessa? Maybe she can fly on Malandra for you.

Teriliyn turned and gave Malandra the order to return to the castle. The dragon took to the sky, and Teriliyn stomped toward the castle, mumbling the whole time about scaredy cats and not having enough patience for such things.

Amma followed behind at a much slower pace, hoping Teriliyn’s temper would have calmed by the time they reached the castle.

Chapter 3

King Alim wandered outside to consult Zander, the royal wizard. As he approached, he heard Zander bellowing at someone.

No one is allowed in the Talon Woods!

Well, no one told me that, the other voice said calmly, and I’ve been and am back!

The king wondered who was brave enough to question Zander, let alone venture into the woods and survive. He stepped around the corner of the Dawn Stone Academy to see for himself. The sight nearly blinded him. There stood a man not more than five-and-a-half feet tall with hair the color of the sun. A glow shimmered around his body, and behind him, at the edge of the woods, animals stood bowing to him.

What kind of person is this? the king thought. I must meet him.

He approached the stranger. Sir, allow me to introduce myself. I am King Alim of Acabar, and who might you be?

The stranger showed no recognition of the king or his title. He performed no bow and made no greeting, only raised his eyebrows. The king thought it very strange. He furrowed his brow and prompted the stranger to introduce himself.

The stranger said, I am known as the guardian of spirits throughout the forest and woodlands. I guard the woods and exact revenge on those who would harm their inhabitants. My name is Nippal.

The king walked around Nippal, gauging his height, strength, and poise. He thought this man would make a good and strong ally. Better yet, Nippal would make a good spouse for Princess Amma. Rubbing his chin, the king asked, Nippal, would you like to stay and visit at my castle for a few weeks?

Nippal rubbed his eyes while he thought about the king’s offer, and after a moment he nodded. King Alim and Nippal turned towards the castle, but before they had taken two steps, the king looked back at Zander with a look of glee, showing all of his teeth through a face-splitting grin. This was a good start to his plan.

Zander frowned and narrowed his eyes at his king and the disrespectful foreigner.

*****

On the way back to the castle, Nippal took note of the large, four-story, reddish-brown brick castle with its three Princess towers located on different sides forming a man-made barrier to attacks. He turned and looked back over his shoulder. The forbidden forest formed a barrier to the fourth side of the castle.

Nippal entered the castle, and a shiver ran down his back. He’d assumed it would be bright and airy inside, not a long, narrow hall with walls lined in dark and foreboding paintings. What’s the deal with all the paintings on the walls? he asked.

King Alim turned and saw to what Nippal referred. Those are stories of our history. They’re painted all through the castle and show everything from weddings to wars to play. They’re meant to remind us of where we’ve come from and what we’ve achieved and learned. For instance, this painting shows the great fire during the Great War. See the flames engulfing the trees. He pointed to a section of the painting. Here you can see the wide-eyed animals fleeing the safety of the trees for open ground and the blue skies turning black with smoke.

With narrowed eyes and a tilted head, Nippal made his way down the wall, looking at the various paintings. Three fourths of the way down, he stopped, reached out, and traced the body of an eagle with his finger. What is the meaning of the eagle to your people?

Queen Amara has a fancy for the mystical and magical, the king replied. Her favorite is the eagle. She believes that, though not a magical nor mystical animal, it portrays leadership, power, and wisdom. She believes it’s an appropriate representation of the royal family.

The king’s scrunched eyebrows and tight jaw made Nippal wonder what the king believed about the magical and mystical, but he moved on without asking.

Chapter 4

Pounding feet accompanied by a yelling female voice wrenched Nippal’s attention from the paintings. He spun around to see what had caused the racket just in time to see two girls come to a halt in the doorway. They wore what looked like highest quality silk and a miniature version of the king’s crown—presumably royals of some sort.

The girls took a moment to straighten themselves. Nippal noted that the girl with the severe frown and disapproving brows wore her crown woven into her short, red hair. Odd for a royal to have short hair, he thought. In addition to that, what looked like steam came out of her flared nostrils and ears. Am I seeing that right?

With a shrug, he turned to look at the next girl. Her deep-brown hair flowed, more typically, past her shoulders. Were they sisters? he wondered. More tanned and with darker features, she appeared to be more passive than the red-haired girl. She was also tinier, though neither was overweight.

Just as he finished his observations, another girl, wearing silk and a crown, appeared in the doorway at the opposite end of the hallway. Though similar in build to the second girl, her long hair fell in blond waves, not brown.

Nippal turned back to the king in time to catch him rolling his eyes skyward and sighing deeply. His smile had become a slight frown.

King Alim adjusted his frown into what Nippal assumed was supposed to be a grin, but it looked more like a grimace. Let me introduce my daughters, he said, then pointed to the smoke-breathing girl. This is Teriliyn, and beside her is Amma. At the other end of the room is my third daughter, Vanessa.

Nippal bowed to each as they were introduced, noticing their hesitancy to return the courtesy. Since they didn’t know who he was, they would be unsure of proper protocol.

When the king had finished the introductions, Teriliyn growled through gritted teeth, Father, I need help training Malandra, and Amma is too afraid to ride him.

Amma’s gaze fell to the ground and her cheeks turned red with embarrassment. Do you really need to discuss this in front of guests? she snarled at her sister.

Teriliyn turned her head a little towards her sister and smirked. Why, yes, Sister, I do. As you were late for practice to begin with and wouldn’t tell me why! In addition, you looked upset and were holding your left arm.

Amma’s eyes grew wide and filled with tears. Nippal wasn’t sure what was going on, but decided he didn’t need to be part of the rift. I think I’ll take a closer look at the paintings further down the hallway while you handle this, he said to the king, hoping his absence would relieve some of Amma’s distress.

*****

While Nippal took his leave, the king took a closer look at his children. As Vanessa made her way across the room, his thoughts turned to the remaining seven years of his reign, and he bemoaned the fact that he had no sons to whom to pass the crown. His only recourse was to marry off his stubborn daughters. Based on this current display of manners and, he feared, likely soon to be an outright argument, the crown may fall to another line—though that wasn’t quite true, since he did secretly have an agreement with King Brir of Beudriv for Vanessa. He only had to wait another two years for Bevan to reach the age of twenty-five before he could announce the engagement.

Girls, what seems to be the problem that makes you think it necessary to interrupt? he asked sternly.

Amma said she would help and then chickened out, Teriliyn said, still gritting her teeth. And she is withholding something.

King Alim placed his hand on Amma’s lower back and gestured for her to walk a few steps away from the others. Amma, what has happened? he asked quietly.

She shook her head back and forth in denial, refusing to speak.

To gauge the truth of Teriliyn’s words, King Alim touched Amma’s upper arm. She flinched. The king frowned and gently rolled up her sleeve. Bruises in the shape of five fingers marred her smooth skin. Grief-stricken, he rolled the sleeve back down.

Amma looked into his face with fear in her eyes. Please, just let it go, she whispered.

King Alim responded just as quietly, I am afraid I cannot.

It will only make it worse, Amma said, then she fled from the room.

The king turned back to his other two daughters. They studied him closely as he approached. Vanessa, will you please go and help Teriliyn with her dragon?

Teriliyn opened her mouth as if to question, but Vanessa nodded, took hold of her sister’s arm, and dragged her out of the room.

Chapter 5

Nippal observed the scene from the corner of his eyes and was surprised when the king took Amma aside. It looked as if he’d grabbed her forcefully, and the sight of the bruises made him feel ill. How could the king stay so calm? Had Amma been his daughter, someone would’ve been thrown in the dungeon by now.

The king’s approach pulled Nippal from his thoughts. In order to distract the king, he asked, I noticed another large building as we were walking to the castle. What is it used for?

King Alim thought for a minute. You’re probably referring to the Dawn Stone Academy. It has four stories of classrooms, and all children are required to attend. After graduation, they’re tested to see what area of interests they have, and once determined, we encourage them to obtain an apprenticeship for one year and then to work thereafter. For instance, if you’re deemed a math wiz, you’ll work in the gold rooms. If you’re a gifted baker, you’ll be sent to work at the bakery with the chefs.

Intrigued, Nippal asked, In which areas are your daughters trained?

King Alim’s eyebrows shot up, and his eyes widened, as if surprised that Nippal would ask such a pertinent question. Well, Teriliyn showed fortitude in the art of war and swordsmanship. Amma showed affinity towards nature and botany, and Vanessa, well, we’re still working on discovering her area of expertise as she shies away and refuses to speak for some unknown reason. Was there a particular reason why you asked?

Nippal, feeling his cheeks heating, scrambled to think of a plausible reason for asking. As I told you earlier, I trained to be a guardian of spirits, and I noticed as the princesses entered that Amma had an unusual flower pinned to her dress. I was wondering from where it came.

King Alim squinted at him with a thoughtful gleam in his eye. It seemed the king hadn’t missed his blush. What, Nippal wondered, was he planning?

Chapter 6

Teriliyn, Vanessa scolded telepathically as she grabbed onto Malandra’s scales and climbed up his side for her first flying session. What were you thinking bringing up anything personal in front of Father’s guest?

Teriliyn pretended not to hear.

I know you can hear me in your head, Vanessa shouted mentally. Just because I don’t speak out loud doesn’t mean you aren’t hearing me right now!

Teriliyn slowly raised her eyes and narrowed them onto Vanessa. The sheer malice in her sister’s gaze shocked Vanessa.

I wasn’t sure what had actually happened to Amma, Teriliyn said. I just knew the only way to make her talk about it was to force her hand in front of Father. She has been hiding this kind of stuff for years.

Vanessa sighed, her shoulders slumping. I’ve noticed bruises on her before and just thought she’d knocked against something. I’ve never noticed hand prints before!

I can’t imagine who would have the nerve to touch one of us like that. It must have been a guard or a very angry man. Teriliyn lifted her chin in determination and her eyes flashed. That is why I’m never marrying. I’ll not be bossed around.

I agree with you, Teriliyn, but you know Father will not go along with our plans very easily. You can’t just state something like that to him. We must come up with a way to make him think it’s his idea. Maybe we should pray on how to proceed with our plans. Vanessa could tell Teriliyn was getting upset. She had to figure out how to calm her before something lit on fire. Her fingers fluttered nervously on Malandra’s reins, and she avoided meeting her sister’s eyes.

Teriliyn’s expression hardened, and she gave a slight flick of her wrist. At the signal, her dragon soared up into the sky.

Aaahhhh! Only Teriliyn heard Vanessa’s high-pitched scream as the dragon rose higher.

That will teach you to try to manage me, Teriliyn yelled. I’ll go along with your plan but only as long as you don’t try to pull that control stuff on me anymore.

Vanessa pushed a thought into Teriliyn head. Okay, okay, just make Malandra slow down before I tumble to the ground.

After an hour of swooping and dipping on the back of Malandra, Vanessa complained, I need to take a break. My back hurts, as well as other parts! It’s about time for the evening meal, and we will definitely need to clean up before Mother sees us.

Teriliyn sighed but gave Malandra another hand signal. The dragon immediately changed course and floated back to the ground a mere six feet in front of her. Teriliyn approached him with outstretched hands. Good boy. We’ll continue to work on target practice tomorrow.

Malandra raised his snout to the sky and puffed out a small flame in agreement.

Chapter 7

Amma stared out her bedroom window at the gardens below, remembering her first days at Acabar when she was just five years old. She recalled Teriliyn peering up at her mother and asking, Mother, why do Vanessa and I get new dresses but Amma doesn’t?

Queen Amara’s expression had hardened. I am sure Amma does not want one, she’d said so tersely it were as if she’d spat the words.

Amma had turned her eyes up from the floor, looking at the cold, black stare in the queen’s eyes, realizing for the first time how much her stepmother hated her. Amma had vowed from that day forward to avoid her stepmother as much as possible.

The bedroom door slammed, drawing Amma out of the past. She spun around and saw her two sisters glaring at her. Amma faltered; she hadn’t seen that look for some time.

Are you done pouting now? Teriliyn said.

If you would learn some manners, Amma protested, I wouldn’t have gotten upset and stormed off.

If you would learn to toughen up and speak up for yourself more, I wouldn’t have to butt in! Teriliyn roared with a stream of fire.

Vanessa leaped forward and, just in time, pushed Amma out of the line of fire. Stop it right now! her demanding tone sounded in her sisters’ minds.

Both girls froze, slowly turning to gaze at Vanessa in shock. Her eyes were shut, lips pursed, cheeks flushed, and her hands balled into fists. Vanessa never got mad.

Amma, Vanessa said mentally, "you should’ve told us what was happening, and we could have helped. If a guard is bothering you, they need to be disciplined. Teriliyn, you should’ve had more tact than to bring up such a sensitive matter in front of a stranger."

Amma tilted her head and drew her eyebrows together. What are you talking about? I haven’t had any altercations with a guard.

Vanessa frowned. But we saw the bruises when Father lifted your sleeve. How else could you have gotten handprints on your arms?

I believe it’s time for supper, Amma said and raced from the room.

Teriliyn turned to Vanessa with a smirk upon her face. Ha, I was right; if we don’t push her we’ll never find out anything!

Vanessa shook her head and, with slumped shoulders, followed her sisters out of the room.

Chapter 8

Vanessa arrived last in the dining hall. This looks more like a celebration. Why do we need three kinds of meat for just us? The twelve-foot-long table was laden with three kinds of meat, three kinds of vegetables, and three kinds of potatoes. There was hardly any room for the table service. When she realized that Nippal had joined them for the meal, however, she skipped to her seat. Her father was talking to him, comparing Amma’s affinity to nature to Nippal’s.

Vanessa sat and looked at the king, her head slightly tilted, trying to understand what he was playing at. She glanced at Amma. Her sister’s brow furrowed, mirroring the confusion Vanessa felt. Her mother, however, wore a smirk on her face and appeared happy with the discussion. What was going on?

Amma has always loved the outdoors, the king said. She seems to speak to the trees, plants, and animals. She has a way of looking at a bird as if she’s talking to it, and the next thing you know it’s sitting on her outstretched hand singing to her. It’s the most amazing thing to observe.

Vanessa noticed Amma flinch at the telling of her skills.

Amma, have you always been a nature guardian? Nippal asked.

Amma blinked as if startled at the title, then merely shrugged and nodded. Vanessa knew her sister had never considered her gift terribly useful. Amma glanced at the queen, then dropped her gaze to her plate.

The queen’s gaze hardened, and the more King Alim praised Amma, the darker grew the queen’s expression.

Nippal glanced between Amma and the queen. King Alim, he said, can you tell me more about your kingdom?

It seemed to Vanessa an attempt to redirect the conversation.

With a small smile on his lips, King Alim replied, Princess Amma, why don’t you take Nippal out to the gardens and show him how you can interact with the birds.

But I thought it was my turn to help in the kitchen tonight, Amma stuttered, clearly trying to get out of the task.

King Alim turned to his other two daughters with a stern look. Teriliyn and Vanessa, you will take your sister’s turn in the kitchen tonight, and I will hear no complaints.

Vanessa frowned, but followed Teriliyn to the kitchen as directed. She knew Teriliyn would be as mad as her, but if they gave even a hint of protest, they wouldn’t get their new dresses next week.

Chapter 9

Fifteen minutes after entering the kitchen, Princess Teriliyn noticed Vanessa’s eyes losing focus. Her sister froze and stared at the empty wall.

What is it? Teriliyn asked.

The king unknowingly projected a thought. He’s encouraging Nippal to court Amma. This will never do. Come on, we must put a stop to this!

The two princesses abandoned the kitchen to develop a plan for a little discouragement and intimidation. They found Amma and Nippal walking in the garden and heard them speaking as they drew near.

I’ve been traveling for years, Nippal said. I’m trying to locate my brother and sister. When I was sent off to train, we lost track of each other. I need to find them to figure out what happened to our kingdom and where we go from here. When I landed on your east bank, all I could see were trees. I decided that my shortest route was to go through them. Albeit, it still took me several hours. I couldn’t believe all the friendly wildlife that appeared once I stepped between the first rows of oak trees.

Amma gasped. Are you telling me that you went through the forbidden forest?

We don’t believe you, Teriliyn shouted, coming up behind the pair.

Nippal spun around. So? What do I care! he said in a haughty manner.

Teriliyn couldn’t abide such blatant disregard for her status. She felt herself warming; her nostrils flared, and a few wafts of smoke escaped. Vanessa intervened before anything could catch on fire and blow up.

Nippal, what we meant was that no one has dared to enter the forbidden forest ever since the Great Fire. I suggest that we ask the Acadine Fountain to determine the truth.

Nippal spun around, frowning. Who said that?

Vanessa smiled and pointed to herself. "It’s how I talk, into people’s minds."

He stared at her for a moment and then nodded. I see. That is most unusual. I don’t know what this fountain is, but I’m happy to follow you there.

The Acadine Fountain has been in the kingdom for as long as anyone can remember, Amma said, leading the way. It’s been used to settle many disputes. It isn’t very large, only two feet deep with a thirty-six-foot diameter, but it has magical powers that will tell you right from wrong.

Nippal followed Amma around the shrubbery, and Vanessa and Teriliyn wandered along behind him.

When he first glimpsed the fountain, Nippal stopped and stared in amazement. An ancient tree, designed so that each limb intertwined with the next, stood in the center. Water dripped gently off each leaf and into the pool below, making an array of rainbow colors burst forth.

The foursome approached the fountain, and Nippal leaned forward for a closer look. The detail is so fine it must have been done by a master.

All you have to do is write down what you want to know is true or not and throw it in, Amma explained. If the paper floats, it’s true, and if it sinks to the bottom, it’s a falsehood.

Vanessa withdrew a small pad and pencil from her pocket and handed it to Nippal.

With a shrug, he wrote down his story, then tore off the page and threw it in the fountain. The paper dipped below the water and then bobbed onto the surface and began to float.

The three princesses gasped.

It can’t be, Teriliyn said.

Nippal grinned. Since all three of you accused me of lying, there must be a reward for me.

The girls looked at him with blank expressions.

No, Teriliyn said cautiously after a moment. We are princesses, and we do not get punished or give rewards. Of course, we shouldn’t be expected to help in the kitchens either.

Nippal ignored her declaration. I claim one request of each of your powers over the next year.

Powers? Teriliyn said, feigning ignorance. What powers?

Nippal snorted. It’s obvious. He pointed to each of the girls in turn. Mind reader, nature guardian, and a dragon guardian.

Teriliyn’s voice dropped. Oh.

Each princess must promise to submit to whatever request I make without hesitation, Nippal continued. If you refuse, then Princess Amma must take the forfeit herself and agree to a betrothal immediately, and I will apprise the king of your accusations, upon which I will require a punishment for being falsely accused.

What do you mean a betrothal? To whom? Amma whispered.

Nippal smiled. Why, me, of course.

Amma’s face grew pale as if her worst fear had been confirmed.

Teriliyn exploded, and sparks flew towards Nippal, burning a small hole in his shirt sleeve. Of all the nerve, she yelled. We are not getting married. None of us! We are going to share the rule of Acabar without the need to have men boss us around.

Nippal calmly brushed the spark off the burnt cloth. Does your father know of your plan not to marry?

Teriliyn pressed her lips together. She knew from Vanessa that the king had secretly been scheming to marry them off before his reign came to an end, but he didn’t know of their opposition. Yet.

Please give us twenty-four hours to think on this before giving our answer, Vanessa begged.

Nippal nodded. Tomorrow at five in the afternoon, an answer must be given. The meeting place will be the spot where such accusation occurred, the Acadine Fountain. He turned and strode back the way they had come.

Chapter 10

Steam billowed out of Princess Teriliyn’s nostrils, and her hands waved in the air. Oh, how do we get ourselves into these things?

Amma rushed to Teriliyn and urged her to calm down, as fire was beginning to shoot out of Teriliyn’s mouth with every word she spoke. Her eyes developed a reddish tint, the exact same color as Malandra, her dragon.

Teriliyn, when you get mad you take on the color of Malandra’s eyes and his tendency to blow smoke or fire, Amma said, trying to distract her sister. When you acquire a dragon, do you bond with more than just your mind?

Teriliyn took two loud and lengthy breaths to stop the fire. Once sufficiently calmed, she replied, I was told by Vladimir that, on rare occasions, it has been known that the dragon guardian could partially transform into their dragon.

Amma’s eyes widened. So, you could turn into a dragon? Why have you not told us this before?

Teriliyn raised her palm to halt Amma’s questions. "I didn’t say I could turn into a dragon. I said I could potentially utilize some of Malandra’s traits. And did you just handle me?"

Amma shrugged. Well, it was that or put a tranquil spell on you!

Don’t you dare, Teriliyn hissed. It will take too long to wear off, and who knows when I might need to light someone on fire.

I hope it isn’t me, Amma mumbled.

*****

Later that evening, Princess Vanessa entered Amma’s bedroom, noting how the curtains were on the shabby side and the bedding was frayed around the edges, and found her sitting on her canopy bed brushing her hair and talking to Teriliyn. She stopped in front of Amma and asked, "Do you find Nippal handsome or charming?"

Teriliyn sprang to her feet, letting loose a growl that caught the bed on fire. What can you be thinking? she yelled. She is not going to marry that man. We’re staying together and fighting for our country and the right to make our own choices.

Amma grabbed the water pitcher off the bedside stand and threw its contents on the bed, extinguishing the fire before it did much damage. My choice is for you to not to get me into trouble by ruining my bed!

Vanessa sighed. Being prone to read her father’s mind now and again, she knew Teriliyn’s plan was not to be, but she felt it best not to relay everything to her hot-tempered sister. We only have twenty-four hours, she thought into her sisters’ minds. I thought to consider all the avenues. One look at Amma, who was white as a ghost, gave Vanessa her answer.

Amma sank back onto the bed, avoiding the wet patch. I find him to be full of himself. He needs to find some humility. He thinks he’s more important than Father.

Teriliyn leaned against the wall, her arms crossed over her chest. I think we have no other choice than to agree to Nippal’s terms, unless you let me singe his hair for him.

No! both princesses replied in unison.

Then we should sleep on it and see what tomorrow brings, Teriliyn declared. Even if we do agree to the terms, nothing says that we can’t alter them in the future or put stipulations on them.

Vanessa wasn’t so sure about that.

Chapter 11

The night did not pass peacefully for any of the princesses, Nippal, or the king.

Princess Vanessa’s ability to read minds from any distance enabled her to do a little eavesdropping that night. First, she started with her father, the king. She discovered that he was very concerned with his upcoming term expiration and fretting over who would assume the responsibilities of the kingdom. His focus was on finding his daughters husbands. Not wanting to think about what that meant for them, Vanessa moved on.

Her two sisters thought they didn’t need to worry because they were princesses and could do whatever they wanted. How foolish!

Nippal knew that the sisters would agree to his terms as he felt Amma wasn’t interested in him. He didn’t want anyone to know that he’d been watching Amma for the last five years in hopes that she would notice him. He was hoping that no matter which terms the sisters agreed upon, that he would get to spend time with Amma so he could show her how much he cared. This interested Vanessa because she didn’t like the idea of not being in control of her gift. It also gave her some peace of mind to know that Nippal wasn’t so bad after all.

Vanessa lay in her bed on the verge of sleep when her father projected a thought about some sort of pact and betrothal for her. Vanessa suddenly found herself wide awake and wondering what it could be. She’d never picked up any kind of thought regarding herself from her father before. This is going to take some studying. I have to figure out what he has planned.

Vanessa drifted off