The Princess and the Handmaid

By Lucy Winton

Princess Adele is nervous about her forthcoming marriage. She doesn't know anything about her fiancé, only that their union will ease tension between their rival kingdoms. But that is the least of her problems.

When her escort is attacked, Adele flees into the woods with her handmaid and closest friend, Olivia. In a desperate attempt to fool the assassins, Olivia switches clothes with Adele. But when the oath they swear goes terribly wrong, they find themselves trapped in their disguises and unable to tell anyone who they truly are.

While Adele tends geese in the palace fields, Olivia maintains her royal charade in the Askarr court. But one mistake could prove fatal and the real danger is closer than they think.

'The Princess and the Handmaid' is a fairytale novella.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lucy Winton
• Release date: Mar 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393027492

Book preview

Chapter One

K eep running, Adele !

Adele couldn’t breathe. She clung desperately to Olivia’s hand as the other girl pulled her through the trees. Her mind was in a whirl. How could this have happened? They were so close to the borders of Askarr – how had everything gone so wrong?

Olivia darted behind a bush, partially shielding Adele from view as she peered through the leaves. I can’t see anyone, she panted.

Adele shrank against the leaves. Her white gown stood out sharply in the murk, its long sleeves trailing on the ground.

Her mother had warned her not to wear pale gowns on the journey.

Only a few minutes ago, she and Olivia had been resting close to the forest edge along with the rest of their party. Adele had just been reaching out to take her golden cup from Olivia when an arrow had thudded into the back of the guard in front of her.

He dropped to the ground like a felled tree.

Adele had sat there, frozen, until another arrow shot right past her, narrowly missing her head. The next second, Olivia had grabbed her wrist and tugged her into the forest.

Looking back, Adele supposed she should have expected this. There had been tensions between her kingdom, Evaria, and the neighbouring country of Askarr for some time – not enough for outright war, but just enough to create mistrust and unease. Then six months ago, Queen Mathilde had summoned her daughter and told her that she was engaged to Prince Stefan of Askarr, son of King Tristan and Queen Corinna.

Adele accepted the decision without resentment. The marriage would bring stability and prosperity to both kingdoms, and she was determined to do her duty as consort to Prince Stefan. Yet, at the same time, she couldn’t help but hope she would find contentment in her marriage. Maybe she and her husband would even learn to love each other.

Now she and her handmaid were separated from their party. They were completely vulnerable – and alone in the forest. That was dangerous for any woman.

Something moved in the trees. Adele tensed and grabbed Olivia’s arm, but it was only a brown dress tumbling in the wind. It looked like it could have blown away from someone’s washing-line. It came to rest on the ground, just a short way away from Adele and Olivia.

Adele held her breath. Had the movement attracted the archer’s attention?

The minutes went by. Olivia continued to look through the gaps in the leaves.

I don’t think anyone’s there, she whispered.

What are we going to do? Adele’s voice sounded far too small and scared. There was no sign of the shooter, but she couldn’t see any of her guards either.

Olivia’s hazel eyes darted towards the dress. I have an idea.