The Princess: The Fayhaven Trilogy, #2

By Megan Grooms

The Bladesmith is now a Princess.

After learning of her mother's lineage Lena dares to hope that she may get everything she has ever wanted.

When tragedy strikes, and she is forced from her homeland into the strange world of her mother's childhood, everything starts falling apart.

Lena fears she may lose everything, Zander, bladesmithing, even herself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Megan Grooms
• Release date: Feb 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393492030

Book preview

Chapter 1

What the hell are you saying? Zander’s honey-colored eyes looked at Roland, unable to grasp what he just heard. Lena was missing, and Roland said Lena was...he shook his head, leaning on his father’s desk for support.

Sir Roland sighed and stood up. I’m saying that Helena is heir to the Fayhaven throne. That her mother was heir before her and ran away to marry Lena’s father. That her grandparents, the king and queen of Fayhaven, have been looking for their daughter, and any children their daughter had, for twenty years. I’m saying that my investigation into her family history lead them right to her. I haven’t spoken to the king and queen, but my questions must have gotten back to them. He stopped pacing and sat down heavily. She is the heir, the large man dropped his head into his hands, his deep voice growing quiet. Her being taken now is a direct result of me trying to find out who she is.

The king closed his dark brown eyes, taking a deep breath. You don’t know that, Roland, don’t be so hard on yourself. They have been sending in scouts for a long time. We just didn’t know why. Now we do. Sending Lena to the outpost was my decision. She is obviously not from around here and if the king and Queen knew her father’s trade, finding a girl that looks like one of them, and is a bladesmith, is kind of telling. They may have just gotten lucky in finding her. He ran a hand through his short black and graying hair.

Zander slammed his fist onto the table, startling everyone, I don’t care who was the cause of her being taken. I care about getting her back. The messenger said it has been two days since she was taken. Our guards would have been watching for her along the border of Ewhya, if they are going to Fayhaven, they have got to be in our country still. I will go out there to help search for her. He turned to Gareth, Go get our horses ready. Enid, go to the kitchen and order some food prepared for travel, then have the maids pack our bags. We are going light. Zander moved swiftly to the door.

The king stood. You cannot run after her, Alexzander. You are the prince. There are guests coming to see you, so you can choose a wife.

Zander stopped at the door to look back at his father. If she is the daughter of the heir to Fayhaven, then she is a princess, and I will marry her. He walked out, not looking back or letting his father respond.

A short time later, he was walking to the stables. His tall, lean frame moving quickly, with purpose. As people watched him pass, he wondered if he had the ‘scary angry’ look on his face that Lena hated. Everyone was quick to get out of his way. He was too focused and concerned for Lena to bother trying to change his expression, however, and ignored those he passed in the hall.

He found his father waiting for him when he arrived at the stable. You must be back in one week, if you find her, or not. Just because she might be a princess does not mean you get to marry her. There are many things to think about. If she is the heir to another country, they are not going to give up on her so easily. As soon as they are sure that she is their grandchild, and find out we have her, they will send men to come get her. There is a lot that we must discuss regarding this situation.

Zander took a deep breath before mounting his horse. I won’t be able to do anything until I know she is safe, he responded, looking down at his father his voice giving away how afraid for her he was.

I know, but as a future king you must. Our country always comes first. There could be some serious consequences to finding out who she really is. I need you here. Just as you are worried about her, I will worry about you while you are gone. One week. His father’s expression told him not to argue.

Zander reached out his hand, clasping his father’s. One week, he agreed.

Not much was said as they rode. Zander was too lost in his thoughts to keep up any kind of conversation, though he heard the other two talking quietly in front of him every so often. It had been late in the afternoon by the time they had gotten the message and been able to leave. When they stopped that night, because it was too dark to continue, Zander didn’t feel like they had traveled very far at all.

Gareth got firewood as Enid set up camp. He watched his friend, and guard, as she took out blankets and food. The woman was a little more than a year older than himself. Her dark brown hair was pulled into a high ponytail to be out of her way in a fight. She wore men’s pants and shirts, which was probably why she and Lena got along so well. Neither of them enjoyed wearing dresses. She was just slightly taller than Lena, and Zander supposed she was good looking, though he never noticed or thought about it before.

As if feeling his eyes on her, she looked at him. Her dark eyes were tight, giving away how worried she was for her friend. What is the plan? Enid asked.

Gareth came back and started a fire as Zander thought about their next moves. Enid passed out food as they waited for him to organize his thoughts. We will have to get to the outpost and start from there. I don’t want to stay here long, just a few hours of sleep, then we are off again. Try as he might, he couldn’t fall asleep. The other two took turns on watch, getting a few hours of sleep each.

They got up at first light, packed everything, and rode hard again until they found a stream. There, they let the horses rest and get a drink while they had lunch. That evening, Enid had to force him to rest. The horses were exhausted, and so was Zander. He kept nodding off on the horse and jerking awake. The two guards were worried he would fall off and break his neck.

Alexzander, you need to get some sleep, Enid said, taking first watch and noticing that the prince wasn’t sleeping yet.

There is no point in trying, he muttered, laying back and closing his eyes. Almost immediately, he pictured Lena being dragged along behind a horse, beaten, with tears streaming down her face. He sat upright so quickly it startled Enid. Rain, he said, looking toward the sky.

What are you talking about? It’s not raining, she whispered.

He shook his head, We have to look for rain. We can find Lena. She looked at him like she thought he had lost it from sleep deprivation.

We can’t find rain in the dark unless it starts raining on us, Enid said carefully.

Zander nodded and lay back down. Now that he had a plan, a way to find Lena, he was more at ease. If she affected the weather like he believed, there would be one hell of a storm where ever she was being held, and they could go toward it. Letting out a heavy sigh Zander closed his eyes, sure that they would find her soon.

When he felt the first hint of daylight, his eyes popped open again. Gareth was sitting up, stoking a fire. Looking around the campfire, he didn’t see his other guard. Where is Enid?

Gareth pointed behind him, Getting the horses ready. What was she saying about you wanting to look for rain?

Zander smiled and jumped up. He moved to the trees looking for a good one to climb. When he reached as far up as he could go, he moved branches aside. He could see a town off in the distance to the right. Even farther, he could barely make out the outpost. There were no clouds in sight. Feeling a little defeated, he climbed down again. Both of his friends were at the base looking at him expectantly. He couldn’t tell them without giving away Lena’s secret, so instead, he said, The town isn’t too far away. We will ride there and hope that someone there will have seen something or heard something. 

They stopped briefly for lunch though Zander hadn’t wanted to. Once again, the guards put their foot down, reminding him the horses needed breaks. They were doing all the work.

By late afternoon they arrived in the small town, the three split up to ask the locals questions. Zander went to the church first and climbed up the small steps to the steeple where the bell was. There were still no clouds in the sky. Frustrated, he climbed back down again.

When the three met in the center square a short time later, Zander noticed they both looked as disappointed as he felt.

I spoke to one of the men in town. They said that some men were asking about a particular bladesmith showing a symbol around, asking if anyone knew where to find the bladesmith that used that insignia, Garth said.  I explained what Lena’s looks like, and the man said she sounded like the one the strangers were looking for, though shorter.

That sounds like they are still looking for Lena’s mother then, not her, Enid responded, a little hopeful.

The man I spoke to, said that the stranger came to town every day for a week, but stopped soon after the captain arrived with Lena.  

Besides coming through the first day no one I spoke to had seen Lena, even then she had her hood up when they came through, the villagers only knew she was a woman because the soldiers talked about her in town. The stranger must have heard about the female bladesmith and figured he would try his luck. I don’t think they know for sure she is who the king and queen are looking for. Sir Roland said there is a long-standing bounty for Lena’s mother and any children she may have. I’d bet the stranger is hoping that Lena is who they want. If not, he probably plans on selling her to someone.

Anyone say anything about rain, or odd weather, the last few days? Zander asked expectantly.

There was a lightning storm a few days ago, I think they said the day after she was taken, Gareth said slowly, clearly still unsure as to why Zander wanted to know about the weather.

Zander smiled, Where was it?

Gareth pointed, To the north, in the middle of the woods. The people thought of it as a bad omen for Lena being taken. There was some rain a little further out the next day. Everyone has been staying away from that area.

Nodding, Zander mounted his horse. Let’s go up to the outpost, see what is going on, and get some men to ride north with us.

It was growing dark when they arrived at the outpost. It took a moment for them to be allowed in. The captain ran out of the building to meet them. Your Highness, we didn’t expect you. I’m so sorry.

Zander held up a hand, cutting the older man off. You couldn’t have known, or stopped it. We just need to get her back.

The captain nodded; Zander was surprised to find the large man seemed to truly be concerned for Lena’s wellbeing. She’s changed your opinion of her I see. He chuckled.

The captain smiled a little. She did, he answered simply.

A soldier took the horses, and they headed inside. Zander was not prepared to see the tall man wrapped almost head to toe in bandages. His hair was cut much shorter than it had been. Zander could see where stitches had been sewn in to keep some wounds closed. As soon as Lance saw Zander, he tried to get up. Stay there, Zander said, walking to him. I heard you were left for dead.

Lance shook his head, though he stopped immediately wincing in pain. I wasn’t left for dead; they just didn’t finish the job. It was like they wanted to make sure we wouldn’t follow, but didn’t want to kill us. I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect her. Lance closed his eyes, pain etched across his features. Zander thought it was less from his wounds and more from not being able to protect Lena. He opened his deep brown eyes; they were filled with tears. I’ve gone over it a hundred times in my mind. They must have been watching for us to leave. They were prepared, and outnumbered us five to one. They spooked Gal’s horse, knocking Lena off it. Before I could get to her, I had two men attacking me. Gal was shot in the arm with an arrow, then they descended on him, beating him before he could get his feet under him. The guy that took her said ‘I’ve been looking for you’ before he picked her up. I don’t understand why he would have been looking for her.

Zander sighed, We know why she was targeted, but don’t want to share it right now for her safety. Lance looked like he was about to protest, then nodded his head. Rest here. When you are well enough, go back to the castle. I’ll find her and bring her home. He patted the other man on the shoulder.

They moved to Galahad’s bed. The man wasn’t as bandaged as Lance, but Zander could barely make out any recognizable features, he was beaten so badly. He didn’t move. Only his chest rising and falling gave away that he was still alive.

The doctor said they beat his head so badly he’s afraid they damaged his brain, and that is why he’s not waking up. We are able to get him to drink broth, but we have the doctor’s assistant come to do that. She knows how to care for him. She’s gone for the day now, the captain said, standing on the other side of the bed. I don’t know how this happened. We hadn’t had any reports of bandits in the area.

I would like to take some men out. I have information that she, and the men that took her, are going north.

The captain narrowed his eyes, How did you find that out? Our scouts said it looked like they went south.

Zander thought a moment as they moved away from the injured men and to the stairs. They may be laying a false trail. You can keep looking south if you like, but I need some men to come with me to search north. The captain looked like he thought the prince was crazy, though he held his tongue and nodded. They stayed in the captain’s office for hours, discussing the search and having dinner before going to bed. Before leaving, the captain told him that he would have five men accompany him north, while others continued to go south, just in case

The captain offered Zander his private room, but he declined. Deciding it wouldn’t matter where he was, he wouldn’t get much sleep. When Zander woke from his light sleep, he felt more depressed than ever. Lena had been missing for five days. They had to hope the men that had her were moving slowly. He dressed quickly and went to have breakfast. Enid and Gareth were already eating when he walked in. Why didn’t you wake me when you got up? he asked angrily.  

You haven’t been sleeping. You needed as much rest as we could give you. The horses are ready and supplied. We will leave right after breakfast, Gareth answered for both of them.

Zander sat down at the nearly full table and nodded to the men. This is Kay, Hector, and Yvain. They came with Lena and the shipment. Once we find her, they will come back here and wait while Gal and Lance get better, and bring them home with the weapons that Lena decided couldn’t be used anymore, Enid explained, pointing out three men. They were all large, burly men. Hector and Yvain looked like they could be brothers.

This is Sagramore and Andred. They helped Lena clean out the weapons storage and built the shelving and things she needed. Gareth pointed out the last two men.

Thank you for coming along. They ate in silence after that.

When they were walking to the stable, Zander heard Sagramore ask Kay, So why is the prince searching for the Bladesmith?

Kay had chuckled quietly, They are friends. His tone clearly implied more.

Really? Andred whispered next.

Really, Zander responded, not looking back at them. They didn’t say anything else after that.

The eight rode hard all day, Zander, Gareth, and Enid used horses from the stables to give their horses more rest. They stopped at lunch to rest the horses and climb a tree, looking for a storm. They all thought he was insane, Zander was sure, but he couldn’t tell them the reason.

The sun was almost down when they stopped for a last look at the sky. Hector climbed this time. Zander hated having to wait for an answer. Dropping from the tree directly in front of Zander, he sighed. I see some nasty rain clouds, but it’s really far off. It’s more North West than we’ve been going.

Let’s ride a little while longer, then we’ll stop until first light, Zander said, moving back to his horse.

I bet they didn’t kill Gal and Lance because they thought we would let them go after searching for a little while. I’d imagine that they think we would hunt them down if they had killed our men but wouldn’t bother coming after them for one woman, Andred said as they sat around a fire eating that night.

Enid scoffed, They picked the wrong woman. A lot of the men chuckled.

The next day was just as hard as the last. They saw a storm in the morning, but nothing after that. Right before sundown, they saw it again. It was clear, according to Kay, who had looked, that they were gaining on them. Zander just kept counting the days. They had her six days now. They continued riding well after sundown.  

Prince, you promised her you would listen to us and not do anything stupid, remember, Enid said quietly, having her horse keep pace with his. The others were starting to lag behind, feeling the long days ride. It is not safe to ride at night and the horses need rest. If they fall because we ran them too hard, we will never reach her.

Zander slowed down. She didn’t know that she would be taken when she made me promise that, he responded, taking a deep breath. All right, find a place for us to stop for tonight.

The next two days were the same. Zander pushing them harder than they should go, Enid having to decide when to stop at night. Zander, always wanting to ride a little longer.

Someone check, Zander said wearily, swinging down from his horse. Maybe we are close enough to see a campfire. He passed a hand over his face. Eight days, she had been gone eight days now. He had no idea what they were doing to her, or how bad off she was.

Sagramore dropped down lightly next to the prince at the base of the tree. I see them, too far away to raid tonight, but if we get up early in the morning, we should be able to ambush them before they wake up.

Zander grinned and clapped him on the back. I want everyone quiet tonight, no fires. We attack in the morning. Hector, Kay, I want you two to go scout out the area and find the best route there.

The men settled down for a long night. None of them wanted to wait to get her, but they knew it would be better to attack while the enemy was sleeping. You know we should have headed back to the castle already, Gareth said quietly while they waited for the scouting party. We are going to be late.

Zander nodded. I’ll deal with that when we get there. We’ve been going west, hopefully, it will be a straight shot down to the castle and cut off a few days.

First town we come to, we’ll have to trade out the horses. They won’t make it if we ride them hard home, Enid said, nodding to the horses now resting.

Kay came back hours later alone. We were able to get really close to their camp. There is one tent, we think she’s in there. Sounds like they have been giving her something to keep her knocked out most of the time, especially at night. They seemed a little frightened of her. Hector decided to stay there. If he feels she’s in danger, he’ll attack and try to send a signal. They are all wide awake, and there are too many of them for us to take right now.

Zander nodded. For some reason, he felt a lot of pride when Kay said that they seemed frightened of her. He wondered if she had used her water power, or if they noticed that she had caused the lightning storm when they first grabbed her, so they were now keeping her out of it so she couldn’t do it again. He would get her in the morning, and they would never have to be apart again.

Chapter 2

Lena opened her eyes a little. Every time they noticed she was awake, they would make her drink more of that nasty water. She was sure that was why she couldn’t seem to clear her mind. They always seemed to know when she was awake too. She thought the medicine in the water must last a particular amount of time. She had managed to spill most of it last night, so she was hoping that they wouldn’t expect her to be awake yet. If she could figure out how to release her hands, she thought she could run away. The arm she had fallen on was hurting so bad she couldn’t move it without wanting to cry out in pain. Unable to free her hands, she tried to sit up instead. She was in a tent that had nothing in it. Her clothes were disgusting. They had shoved her into the river days ago, but quickly pulled her out when she started trying to control the water. She didn’t know enough about her power, and her mind was constantly fuzzy, so she couldn’t focus enough to do anything very damaging. They seemed to not want to take the chance, however.

Sitting up, she closed her eyes, trying to feel for water. It felt like the power was right at the edge, but just out of reach. She dropped her head, feeling exhausted. She had cried so much she was surprised she still had tears left. She couldn’t understand why, why they would be looking for her, why would they drug her, and why they seemed to know about her power.

Commotion outside made her scoot back against the far end of the tent opposite where they usually came in. It sounded like fighting. The tent flap ripped up, and the leader strode in, a large man with large muscles, and a scar across his face. I knew it, how the hell are you awake? he cried, stalking toward her. All this damn rain. We’d be there by now if it wasn’t for you! He smacked her across the face. Now we’ve got to fight these men. He muttered to himself, looking back toward the noise. It was growing closer. He grabbed her by the hair, hauling her up off her knees, but unable to get her feet under her, Lena hung by her hair in his grasp. She tried not to yell, or cry, not wanting to give him the satisfaction. You better be worth it. He started to drag her, and she couldn’t hold back. A scream ripped from her throat. He stopped short and twisted around, yanking her hair harder. She could feel some of it being pulled out of her scalp. Shut up! His fist pulled back to punch her.

Lena squeezed her eyes shut tight, preparing for pain. Instead, she felt her connection to water. Moments passed, and the large man never struck her. She peeked out through half-closed eyes, and found the man wasn’t moving. She opened her eyes all the way. He seemed frozen. His eyes were open, but unmoving. She screamed, horrified by what she had done. She knew that she had one it, the connection she had felt to water had been him, the blood in him, and she had stopped it from flowing.

She screamed again, trying to pull away, ripping at her hair still clenched in his frozen fist. Lena? The voice stopped her screaming. I’m here Lena. Lena’s breath caught. Zander, her amazing handsome, loving Zander, had come for her. He moved slowly around the man, Release her! His voice was cold as steel. He pointed his sword as he moved around the two locked together, waiting for a reaction from the frozen man. The man didn’t move, and Zander moved quicker around them to her side. Oh my... he trailed off and looked at Lena. Did you... he trailed off again.

She pinched her eyes shut tight, not wanting to see the horror on his face. She flinched when he touched her. It’s all right, Lena. I’ve got you. he whispered as he cut the rope holding her arms behind her back. She screamed when the hurt arm swung free. Damn it. He hissed, touching her shoulder gently.

Next, she felt her hair moving. I’ll have to cut this.

Lena just nodded, not opening her eyes yet. She felt as each chunk was cut away. Zander had an arm around her, supporting her as her hair loosened. He was the only thing that stopped her from falling face-first in the dirt. He pulled her tight against him. I’ve got you now. Your safe now.

She twisted in his arms and put her good arm around him, and balled, unable to stop the tears from flowing. The relief of having him there, the comfort he was giving her after such a horrific time with her captors. It overwhelmed her, and she couldn’t control herself enough to stop crying for some time. He picked her up in his arms and moved out of the tent. The rain hitting her quieted her crying.

Lena! Enid was there grabbing her hand. Gareth was next, then Kay. The rain lessened as she saw her friends and knew the nightmare was over. Suddenly exhausted, she turned to face Zander’s chest and closed her eyes.

Chapter 3

Lena jerked awake. She had heard something. Shh...it’s all right, Zander’s voice came to her in a whisper.

Zander? she whispered, worried that she was still dreaming, that if she spoke too loudly, she’d wake up and her rescue was all a dream.

A hand touched her arm. Yes, it’s me. The hand moved to hers and held it. We are headed home. Kay came with us; the rest went back to the outpost.

It was pitch black out. She shifted and saw a low fire burning. As her eyes adjusted, she saw Enid and Gareth sitting on the ground opposite her. Kay was just walking back into camp. Zander sat next to her, and she tried to sit up. Gal, Lance? she asked, giving up on sitting up and just looked up at him from the ground. The pain and a pounding headache had her feeling exhausted again.

They are alive, Zander answered, still speaking quietly. They are in no condition to travel, however. They’ll stay at the outpost until they can come home.

Lena took a deep breath. Thank goodness. How did you find me?

Zander smiled a little. The rain.

She winced. Did I really... she trailed off, not wanting to admit what she had done.

Don’t worry about that, Zander responded quickly, running his fingers through her short hair. You were protecting yourself, that’s all.

She peeked at the others again, then back to Zander. Did they see? Do they know? she whispered, even quieter than before.

I had to tell them after they took care of... He shook his head. It’s fine. Only these three know.

Again, she tried to look at them covertly. They were all talking to each other, trying to give the two privacy. You sure they are okay with it? she asked.

He smiled. I’m sure. Do you think they would let me be this close to you if they were worried? Here let me help you sit up. He gently moved her so that she could sit up, but lean on him. Her arm was bandaged to her tightly, lessening the pain a little.

Lena, how are you feeling? Enid asked as Zander helped her move.

All right, she answered a little shyly. She wasn’t quite convinced they were fine with her being a freak.

Here, Gareth stood and brought her a little bottle. It will help with the pain.

She looked at it a little leery, They gave me something that kept me out of it most of the time. Gareth raised an eyebrow as if asking her if she thought he would give her something like that. Lena’s face grew a little red, realizing what she was implying, and she quickly opened it, drinking down the liquid in one gulp. She coughed and made a face. That was disgusting.

They talked for a little while, but Lena got the impression they were not telling her something. What’s wrong? she finally demanded, looking at Gareth, not Zander, knowing the guard would give her the truth.

"We are late getting back to the castle. The king told Zander, one week. We have been gone eight days already.