A Princess in Disguise

By Anna del C. Dye

To save her love she must remain hidden...to save her kingdom she must reveal herself.

Oleah has learned from books since infancy and swears she has a library instead of a brain. Why a farmer’s daughter needs all this learning escapes her, until fate sets her on a collision course with Anitolia’s plan to obtain absolute power.

Anitolia is ruthless, so Oleah fears for the ones she loves, especially Stephan who loves her unconditionally. Stephan has suffered much under Anitolia’s obsession. However, it will be Oleah who breaks his heart if she is forced to marry Anitolia’s son.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anna del C. Dye
• Release date: Feb 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9780463844700

Anna del C. Dye

Anna was born in the extreme South along some famous beaches. She grew up with four other siblings being placed in the middle. Her mother died when she was six and she found a new mother in her husband’s mother and loves her dearly. She accredits her mother-in-law with teaching her many things in life.The green eyed, brown haired author moved north to marry her husband Rodney and has resided in Utah since then. Her husband, a native of Idaho, met her in her hometown. They fell in love and she came to Utah on Christmas Eve to be married two weeks later. They are the parents of three princes and a princess.Early on in her life she showed an affinity for sewing and took classes that rewarded her with the opportunities of doing costuming for the cast of four musicals, which she enjoyed immensely. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and understands some Portuguese.Some of Anna’s writing recognitions:She received the Editor’s Choice Award from the International Library of Poetry and had her article entitled A New American Mother published by Desert Saints Magazine. Her short story entitled Amerine—Fairy Princess wan an award in the Oquirrh chapter contest and was published by Kalkion Magazine. Other articles about family and relationship have been published frequently in the MOMS CLUB® of Salt Lake Valley-West.

Book preview

Prologue

The day started with an orange sun peeking from behind the mountain, bathing Oleah’s yellow gown in radiance. She thought herself alone, for she had seen no one on her morning walk about her father’s home. No one but a few deer, ducks, and squirrels moved about in the early morning. She hiked over some rocks in her path and lay on the tallest one to bask in the yellow sunrise and dream of a future she knew not.

At seventeen, Oleah did have a lot to mull about since her whole future awaited her.

After a long while and in between castles and lords dancing in her mind, Miss…are you…?

Who are you?

In a single jump, she stood and backed away from the tall, lean man who had scared her half to death. In her solitude she had failed to hear him approach. Now he stood on the same rock where she had lain just a moment before. Her heart in her throat, she kicked herself for letting her guard down. Her father had told her to stay alert and she had placed herself in a dangerous situation by not heeding his words.

I’m Stephan. Please forgive my intrusion, you were so still I thought you were dea…

As you can see, I’m fine. He thought her dead? She guessed she couldn’t blame him for coming to find out.

A most fortunate truth, My Lady…

My Lady it was, wasn’t it? She’d play his game, for now, and see where it took her. She looked at the stranger’s face and found it shaved at this early hour, that must have meant he wasn’t a beggar. Besides, they wore tattered clothes and his were well kept.

Oleah, is my name and you are trespassing.

Farmer’s fields usually belong to the crown, do they not?

A farmer? I should send him away for that insult. That is right, my clothes are too peasant-like. I should think more the next time I take a walk before helping mother with preserves.

My father is Lord Spinel, and this land belongs to him.

A thousand pardons, My Lady, for my mistake. You shouldn’t be alone this far from your kin.

And you shouldn’t be on our lands uninvited. Isn’t a bit early? To be up and about, I mean?

Not for me.

You are a farmer, then? Shouldn’t you be working your fields?

I would be if I were a farmer, but I’m not. I like to see the kingdom at the first hour each morning, it’s peaceful, even cleansed from the heartaches of the day.

This stranger shared her thoughts of beauty in their kingdom and she stared a bit too long at his figure. Quickly, she moved her eyes to the distance. However, her mind replayed the image of his chocolate hair in a high ponytail cascading to his ample shoulders. His hand went to his waist and his shirt bunched up on his chest. Not hard on the eyes, no, not at all.

It is quite beautiful, isn’t it?

From where she stood she could see the castle in the distance, the city about it, and the lands between her home and the palace. Green patches of fields with the new plants that would supply the kingdom’s food for winter grew in different tones and sizes before her eyes.

Not a morning like the others, and that’s what makes it magical … and finding a beautiful lady to share it with it is breathtakingly so.

Here it was again, now she would have to be the simple girl so he could feel better about himself, just like all those other mindless young men she had been exposed to while growing up.

Where did you say you came from?

About the palace, My Lady, and everywhere. I work wherever it pleases me and sup with whom may need my company or my food.

You mean you don’t have a trade or education to earn a living?

Nope.

She would not play dumb, so his ego wouldn’t get bruised, not today.

Life can give you education and prepare you for all you need in your future, My Lady. As for a formal education and a parchment in your hand that says so, I have not been tutored by anyone with a title as such. However, I know as much as is possible for one my age who is free to move about the kingdom, listen, and practice what one learns.

Men need a job to take care of their loved ones and an education to get a good job.

I can take care of horses, can you?

Mother would be up soon to start their chores for the day and she needed to help her, though this stranger wanted to play and she felt compelled to oblige him…. All right, she would play his game to see who knew more and then send him on his way.

Well, no, but… how does that give you a job?

The king’s garrison needs horse masters and trainers. I can do that if I want to. I know how to use, make, and keep a sword ready to be used.

I see, and you could work as?

Officer for the king, royal guard, a soldier, a smithy.

Yes, I suppose so.

I can take care of animals, help them bring life to this world, and take care of their sickness, too.

You are a healer?

Of a sort, though I just do it for people who can’t afford a real healer.

And are there many such in our kingdom?

Taxes take much from our kinsmen, My Lady, so yes, there are many who can’t afford the luxury of a healer for themselves and their families, let alone their animals.

I am aware of the high taxes. I also know plenty of things.

I see. I can hunt and cook a rabbit or a duck or fish, can you?

I have never hunted before.

I can plant and grow food…. Well, I guess by being daughter of a farmer you…

My father is Lord Spinel, not a farmer. Though we do plant our own food for the winter.

Sorry, I forgot.…. I can command troops … if they let me.

Most interesting. Now tell me, what would you do, if you had a troop to command?

Teach them to love, honor, and respect our kingdom and its citizens, My Lady. Right now, they are drunken fools whose power usually go to their heads.

Most commendable of you. The intelligent man, at least according to his words, took her aback, but how could she know that he spoke truly? Come to think about it, she might have something to test him with.

Do you have something to eat? I skipped breakfast. Do you think you could find something for us to eat?

Will I get in trouble for killing a rabbit on your father’s estate?

Interesting, he hadn’t blinked when he asked her.

Shall we add knowledge of the law to your list?

I know the law and many other things that pertain to the government of our kingdom, and, yes, you can add them to my list.

His eyes penetrated her soul. Government was a serious topic for him, though he was cautious of how he answered.

So, you won’t get us food?

I don’t know My Lady well enough to know if she is trying to get me in trouble for her amusement.

Oh, no. Please, never think that of me. I would never hurt another human being just to make a jest.

No wonder he stared at Oleah. She hoped she hadn’t made a fool of herself. Something told her he was very different from the other chaps she had encountered before. Though in a bad or good way she knew not.

In that case, wait here and I’ll be back in a moment.

How interesting that she didn’t know his intentions, yet, she felt safe with him. She’d better be on her guard, he could be a sweet talker who but waited for her to let her guard down to strike her. Not even her own words made her feel uneasy with the stranger.

She watched him move to a grove of trees in the distance at a quiet run. He had a hidden quality to him and a mystery she wanted to figure out.

Well, she had noticed his strong arms. She glanced about to make sure no one else could hear her. He might not be dressed like a lord, but he filled well his peasant’s clothes. He had a quick mind that also impressed her. There was a lot that he hadn’t said, yet it was there for the one who wanted to find it.

A cold breeze came and went by. Her body craved the warmth of the rocks at mid-day though at six in the morning it wouldn’t get it so, she lay down to wait for her food and hoped for a small fire. It surely would take him a good while to catch something. She was taking a piece of bread from her skirt pocket and preparing to eat it when, Did you get the wood to cook the rabbit?

You’re back…. Wood … right. She was jumping down from the rock when she discovered the rabbit in his hand. How did you catch it so fast?

I already had it when I saw you as still as a dream. I left it with my horse to see if you were all right.

Interesting, he could have lied or boasted, but he had told her what seemed more feasibly the truth.

She bent down to pick up some dead wood. May I know why you didn’t tell me a big story to impress me?

Does My Lady need to be impressed?

Well, not really. Still, other fellows would have tried to impress me and you didn’t. I wondered why?

Never have I been accused of trying to impress anyone. Nobody pays me any attention, which is fine by me. I don’t like crowds.

With all your wisdom, do you prefer to keep it to yourself?

It’s more like no one is impressed with me enough to know I have wisdom.

Then I would have to say it’s their loss, not yours. I’ll shall feel sorry for them.

His cheek reddened, most interesting. He didn’t think much of himself, why? He had the look and words of a caretaker for a lord, if not a lord himself. For some reason, her mind added that it wouldn’t take much to make him one.

You’d better get more wood soon, or we’ll have lunch instead of breakfast.

On my way.

She bent down some three times more before carefully checking on her new acquaintance. His eyes were locked on her, giving her warm cheeks, too. He was truthful, at least for now. It seemed like she would like to see him again and prove it one way or the other.

She set the wood she had gathered next him, while he finished cleaning the rabbit.

Great, I’ll start the fire and we’ll have food in a moment.

Did your father teach you how to hunt?

My father is dead, My Lady. I apprenticed with the forester for three seasons and he taught me all that I need to secure my sustenance. As I told you before, I have experience in many things.

I have gained all my education through books and have no experience, though I would like to believe I can handle whatever is put in front of me.

That is good, though, how do you propose to use your education?

Most interesting that he hadn’t laughed at her or questioned her education. He took it as if were normal for a woman to know her letters without a blink.

No idea. Nevertheless, it is there ready for me to use. My father said that I will know when the moment comes.

Do you know what he means?

Not really. However, he has always been right before.

You trust him?

With my life. Why do you ask?

You are of marrying age, will you take his match for you, without question?

I asked him once what he would do about my marriage. He told me that he’d trust me to make the right choice.

You have proven to him your wisdom. I’m impressed in a good way, My Lady.

His smile touched her eyes and also her soul. She loved to have impressed him, and more so that he hadn’t felt threatened by it.

Chapter One

Arnan’s Huge Blunder

In Edeolan’s castle later that year, an interesting scene played out between three young men in the courtyard. None of them realized at that moment the significance the day would have on their lives.

When will you announce your engagement to the farmer’s daughter, Arnan? The soon-to-be-king of Edeolan’s so-called friend challenged.

Arnan didn’t like him or the other buffoon who hung out with him. They had pulled him into trouble with the lords many times while growing up.

Come, you know I would never take her to the castle, let alone marry her. What would my royal mother say about a farmer’s daughter?

He should have gone the other way around and he would not have been detained by these two. He was set to mount his black steed to go see Oleah Spinel, whom he had met a couple of months before. He should have paid more attention when he hid from his mother to go out. Thoughts of Oleah had popped into his head all day and he couldn’t wait to see her again.

Didn’t you tell the wench that she had you wrapped around her delicate fingers? his fat friend’s mimic of Arnan’s voice sounded more like a cockroach with a cold.

They had followed him one afternoon when he hadn’t noticed and discovered the girl waiting for him. They wasted no time, and had tortured him with threats to tell everyone that he was keeping a girl secret from the castle.

You see her most days of the week and we wonder where this is going. After all, she isn’t one of us.

Luck had played against him this time and those two had intercepted him. He needed to be more careful.

The fatter of the two had Arnan’s horse’s reins secured in his hand, so Arnan considered pushing him and running. It would have made him look bad if he ran, though that is what he desperately wanted to do.

You two are just jealous. Wicked, but it might do the trick, as he mastered it with authority. He pulled the reins to get his horse loose from his tormentor’s grip. All he achieved was the horse’s hoof echoing on the cobblestone patio. The startled animal turned in circles about them and neighed loudly. He moved wildly enough that both had to move out of the way or be hit when it reared on its hind legs and landed where they had stood a moment before.

Let me go, or I’ll have your heads when I am king, Arnan’s threat had merit since his mother had worked hard for him to be crowned the next King of Edeolan. All seemed to be in line with her desire. After all, he was the only full blood heir to the throne.

Come on, his older tormentor said. We’ll let the crown prince get to his errand. We all know where he will be this evening, don’t we?

Morons, both of you. I told you, I am just toying with Oleah. Who cares if you believe me or not? When I am king, no one will dare question me.

The king you are not, the tall guy spat.

And why don’t you prove it to us? His other friend jabbed him in the ribs and the bullies laughed.

What? Why would I? I’m soon to be king, I have to prove nothing.

We will promise never to bother you again.

If they were to leave him alone, he would do it. How can I prove it?

We’ve seen her, not from close up mind you. Why don’t you introduce her to us, and let us entertain her for you?

You are crazy. That is disgusting! How can you even think like that?

Think about it. You said you didn’t care for her … and we want to have some girl fun tonight.

Or we could go and tell her how you really feel about her.

You wouldn’t dare. No, he couldn’t let them ruin it for him. She was the only girl that took him seriously.

Wouldn’t we? The tormentor slapped his other friend on the back and they both chuckled. We promise to leave you alone if you introduce her to us.

We promise not to hurt her, so you can have your fun too, when we finish.

Some distance from the castle just an hour later, another scene took place between a young lady and the one who should have been her best friend.

Oleah, I care for you, I would never fib to you.

As soon as Stephan had overheard Arnan with his friends and their plans for Oleah, he got on his horse and went to tell her about it.

You are lying, Stephan. Arnan would never let his friends hurt me.

Are you willing to let it happen to find out that you were wrong?

She had been sitting in her garden when Stephan found her and spilled his bad news to her. He didn’t consider what might happen; her stubborn disposition didn’t even cross his mind.

Why are you doing this to me?

I… what do you mean? You are the one who can’t stay away from Arnan. He isn’t good for you, yet you can’t see it.

Because it isn’t true.

Why? Because you don’t want it to be true? I have never been untrue to you, nor will I ever. Yet, you chose him, a liar, instead of me. I may not be wealthy like he is, but at least I’m not dishonest to the women in our kingdom like he is.

What do you mean, dishonest?

He has never told you who he really is … why?

As soon as Stephan said it, he regretted it. He needed to calm down and wait for some other day for that story. This was far more important than who that weasel was.

Who is he?

One catastrophe at a time, Oleah. You can’t go see him today. It’s too dangerous.

You have no right to stop me.

I will be forced to tell your father about the situation if you insist on this path. That would stop her for sure.

Perhaps it’s for the best. Go ahead and tell Father and let’s get Arnan out in the open. Let’s see what my father thinks of your lies.

As you wish. His lies. Sometimes Stephan thought she needed a good talking to. The two used to talk a lot, until Arnan came between them. Like always, he had taken her away from him. He should have never let it go this far. It was all his fault. Now, he’d better persuade her father to see that she would be hurt if he didn’t interfere.

Come, let’s get it over with. Father, Father, where are you?

Here, sweetie, what is the matter?

Lord Spinel, I have visited your home now for more than six months and you know who I am.

Of course, Stephan, I do. One of the reasons why I let you come to my home and see Oleah is because I know she is safe with you.

What do you mean, Father?

Stephan is a trustworthy man, and I trust him with your safety, sweetie. In all these many weeks that you have been in his company you haven’t discovered this? I expected better from you, my daughter.

A few months ago, Sir, I was followed, unbeknownst to me, and Oleah met another man.

Really? I wasn’t aware of any other man on my premises. Any particular reason why you wouldn’t have told me?

He convinced me that I shouldn’t tell anyone of his visits, or it would be dangerous for him if it was known he came here.

You didn’t think it unwise, Oleah? You do know better, and I’m sure your mother has prepared you for these situations.

Now that you put it that way, I do see. I could have been wrong in my judgement, Father. However, he is a nice man and would never hurt me.

I never trusted the man nor his intentions with her, Lord Spinel. I have insisted on chaperoning her during said visits.

I see. Thank you for your care for our daughter, Stephan. I see that my faith in you wasn’t wasted.

You are taking his side and haven’t let me tell you about this man.

I trust Stephan’s view of the situation, Oleah, and you should too. If he says there is a problem with this man, you should listen to him.

You are not fair.

Sir, there is a grave situation, most dangerous for Oleah, yet she refuses to listen to reason.

Oleah?

He is wrong, Father. You need to listen to me. I’m your daughter, not him.

Stephan, are you sure of this danger?

She will be hurt by this man and two of his friends, yet she won’t believe me. Her feelings for him have muddied her mind and she isn’t reasonable. I ask of you to appeal to her good judgement and keep her safe here, and never let her see this man again.

I understand your view, Stephan. Oleah, what do you have to say about this dilemma?

Stephan is jealous. That is why he lies about Arnan.

Arnan? As in Arnan who is to be King Arnan?

Yes, Sir. The same and only.

What did you say?

Arnan is a puppet, sweetheart. He plays to the rhythm of other’s drums, never his own.

Your father is right, please listen to him, Oleah.

You said his friends want to hurt her, Stephan?

They have obtained Arnan’s permission to use Oleah for their entertainment.

This is most serious, Oleah. I can’t just let this go and do nothing to prevent it.

It’s all a lie, Father. Arnan would never…

You have been taught how to assess a problem and how to resolve it, child. I am disappointed by your lack of judgement in this.

There, it was finally out. Thank goodness her father saw it like Stephan did. Stephan watched Oleah back away from her father and saw the hurt look in her eyes. It broke his heart somehow.

Lord, Spinel…, perhaps there is a way for her to see it with her own eyes, yet maintain a safe distance from them.

How would this help her learn a lesson, Stephan? Wouldn’t it put her in more danger by being there?

I will be with her to keep her safe. However, they are three to one, so I won’t do it if you don’t agree. Nor will I do it if Oleah doesn’t give her word that she won’t make her presence known to them, which might cause a problem too big for me to handle.

I won’t believe it until I see it with my own two eyes, Father.

All right, against my better judgement, Oleah, I will let you go with Stephan. Oleah, you have to promise me you won’t endanger yourself or Stephan on purpose.

I promise, Father.

She sounded somewhat reasonable right then, perhaps her father’s words had brought her to her senses.

Take this, Stephan.

Lord Spinel grabbed his sword and the scabbard from the armoire and handed it to him. Stephan wasted no time in settling it about his hips.

Let’s go, then. I know you are wrong, Stephan.

Wait, Oleah. First, change your clothes to pants and shirt. Make them dirt brown or green.

Why?

Because we are going to hide in a tree and those colors will conceal you better.

Moments later, and in complete silence, Stephan helped Oleah climb the tree that sat in the middle of a grove not far from her home, yet concealed by a hill.

Chapter Two

Oleah’s Mistake

The beautiful spring day had turned black in Oleah’s heart in one instant. She was set in the middle of two rivals. She believed one of them to be wrong and she had set herself to defend the other. Never had she felt so strong about something as she did right then.

Under the umbrella of a huge chestnut tree, she had spent pleasant moments with Stephan and Arnan before. However, right now the air felt heavy, sad, and cold, the happy moments forgotten in the past.

Go as high as you can, Oleah. That will keep us concealed enough to not be seen by them, no matter where they approach from.

It isn’t necessary. I told you before, Arnan won’t let them hurt me. Why wouldn’t he believe her?

He already told them they could and he can’t take it back.

It’s not true…. It can’t be. I’ll never believe you, Stephan.

If you weren’t so caught up in the false words he murmurs in your ears, you would have seen it long ago.

I’m not caught up in anything.

All you do is think of him, talk of him, to the point he can say any falsehood to you and you believe it.

That isn’t true, and you know it.

There are different kinds of men, Oleah. Those like him don’t have a spine to defend themselves, let alone their loved ones. Things tend to fall apart for them and drag down all around them when they do.

So, you admit he loves me?

I admit nothing. People like him only have one thing on their minds … what they want and how to get it. Love has nothing to do with it.

Stephan had to be wrong, Oleah knew people, she could tell a scam when she saw one, couldn’t she?

Is that right? And what kind of man are you?

There, that should shut him up for a moment. She didn’t like Stephan’s insinuations or him anymore. She had never seen this part of him before. Why was he hurting her like this?

The type that won’t let anyone hurt you, even if I earn your hate for it.

My hate, you would … let me hate you?

Could Stephan be right? His eyes told her he was serious about this. But if he was right about Arnan … she couldn’t bear it. No, how could she look at Stephan again and not feel ashamed. Had she been so foolish as to forget her training and let excitement overrule her? If what he said was true, she would lose Arnan and that hurt, somewhat. However, the thought of losing Stephan’s friendship left her cold.

When did it all go so wrong? Some months ago, it was just Stephan and her. His caring, honey-speckled eyes, a ready smile on a handsome tan face—the one that welcomed her every morning in her mind. When did she let Arnan fill her days with secrets? When did she change the peace in her life for a fickle and non-lasting excitement of a man that meant next to nothing to her? No wonder her father was disappointed in her … she too was disappointed in herself.

She looked at the distance and the fading sun greeted her with bright yellow and orange rays. A shiver crept through her arms to remind her that spring nights are still chilly. However, it was the winter growing in