To Tame a Warrior Princess

By M.A. Abraham

Surrounded by a hostile environment, Shemaine has needed to fight for her very existence all of her life. Things are about to change.

Ranolf was only after revenge, not a potential bride. Nor was he about to accept one as a peace offering from a homicidal maniac. Things are not as they first seem, nor are the people who surround his prize who or what he thought.

As secrets unfurl, thoughts change, and so does the playing field. Can either side learn to live with the world that is changing around them? Or will they be forever enemies?

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.A. Abraham
• Release date: Feb 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215701546

M.A. Abraham

I don’t really know what to say about myself.I have been writing books since before I became a teenager. Most are still hidden in the closet. I used to make up my own stories as a child, everyone used to act them out while we were playing outside. As a teenager someone issued me a challenge. I told her that her stories stunk, she told me to do better.My job growing up was to play guardian to my little brother, keep him safe. That meant I ended up getting into more fights than enough – makes sense now that I write about warriors.My family will try to tell you that I’m not innocent, I have a personality that keeps them on their toes. Over my lifetime and theirs I have earn several nicknames – The Godmother, The Evil Christmas Elf (comes from making my nieces wrap their own Christmas presents), Mistress of Ambush. My favorite response to them when they try to get me into trouble is just to look at them with a wide doe eyed expression and say “Moi?????”I have a seal point Siamese cat named Snoop, named after my favorite cartoon character and hobby. I have a “healthy” but small collection of Snoopy memorabilia. He is a character alright; never met a cat who can talk back like he does. He expects daily dosages of adoration on his schedule when he wants it – not when it’s convenient for me and he HATES snow.I come from a very large family (mostly brothers) and I could outrun the whole works of them (I’m the shortest!). It was called survival.This book has been in the making for a long time now. Over a half a year to write it, about the same amount of time to edit it, and probably about the same amount of time to get the art work and website! I have learned you can’t control the timelines of other people – Murphy likes to step in.So for now I am setting up good luck charms everywhere... didn’t know I had that many stuffed Snoopy’s. *Fingers, legs, toes, eyes and anything else I can crossed*

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TO TAME A WARRIOR PRINCESS

TO TAME A WARRIOR PRINCESS

Copyright © 2022 by M.A. ABRAHAM www.maabraham.com

Acknowledgements…

I would like to take this time to thank my editing team, Eniko, Fran, Candice and Tanya for their continued support and efforts in correcting my poor grammar and literary efforts.  Without them my books would be unfit for reading.  A good backup team is priceless and I hope to one day be able to find a way to repay each of you for your support… and Becca… what can we say, you continue to be my foremost reason for being out in the public eye, your talents are endless.  And, last but definitely not least, I would like to thank Cora Graphics for the wonderful job she did on my cover.  A good cover is priceless and you have made this one as masterpiece.  Also, a special thank you to Betty Olsen for going over it, one more time, just to be sure.

TO TAME A WARRIOR PRINCESS

PREFACE

The weather outside the stone fortress was overcast, cold, and gave the promise of worse to come. The atmosphere inside the walls of the massive castle wasn’t much better, especially from King Dayton who was in a foul mood.

Katherine, King Dayton’s queen, had gone into labor earlier in the day, and she was having a difficult time delivering the child. While Katherine’s screams grew weaker, King Dayton railed at anyone who got close enough to catch his attention and paced restlessly next to the room where his queen fought for her life and that of her child.

King Dayton’s temper grew shorter; he remembered the way this had all come to pass. Katherine loved children, and when theirs grew older, she’d decided she wanted one more. King Dayton had known this was a bad idea. The doctor had warned them both against trying to bring another child into the world. Katherine, however, refused to heed the doctor’s warning despite Dayton’s displeasure. Eventually, Katherine wore Dayton’s objection down. Dayton’s queen wanted another little girl to fuss over, so he gave in to her. As Dayton heard the only woman he had ever loved give another cry of pain, he picked up a glass lamp and threw it at the wall. The resulting shatter didn’t do anything to ease the tension.

Katherine had told him about her desire to have another girl, someone she could pamper and spoil as she had with their first daughter when she was small. Katherine missed the closeness of those days, and with Dayton gone as much as he was, she claimed she was lonesome. Dayton didn’t see the need for another child underfoot as they already had three strong, healthy sons, and a daughter. Granted, a man could never have enough sons, but Dayton could hear the doctor’s warning with each plea Katherine made. When Dayton had put his foot down and told Katherine his decision was final, she had pouted. Dayton had thought the matter settled. Katherine, however, did what she could to make sure she got pregnant. Three months after the fight, she told Dayton he was going to become a father again.

When the doctor found out, he yelled at Katherine for not taking better care of herself. He had then gone after Dayton for being so randy that he couldn’t leave his wife alone for a few days of the month. Dayton had taken offense to the doctor’s manners and struck him, which had proved to be an even worse idea. The doctor had turned from the king and left.

In the midst of Dayton’s musing, his attention was caught by the silence surrounding him. Shortly after, the wailing of a child newly come into the world erupted. This was his signal he was waiting for; it was time for him to go to his wife. The child Katherine had wanted so badly had been born, and Dayton wanted to make sure his queen was well. Nothing else mattered to him but Katherine.

Dayton crashed through the door and pushed past the midwife, not sparing a glance for either her or the child she was holding in her arms. All Dayton could see was his queen lying in a pool of blood. Katherine was barely breathing, her skin a sickly gray, staring up at the ceiling, her lips curled into a smile. Katherine gazed into his face and sighed weakly as their children were ushered into the room to crowd around them. She smiled; and then spoke her last.

Thank you for giving me a daughter. She is a beautiful little girl. I have named her Shemaine. She will need you when I am gone. She will need all of you. You must remember your promises to me, Dayton. You said you would care for her, love her as you do our other children. Remember always, a king is subject to his word. She closed her eyes and went limp in his arms.

He stared at the peaceful face of his dead wife in disbelief. She couldn’t be dead, not his beautiful Katherine. Yet, he had seen death too many times not to recognize it now. Slowly, he lowered her onto the bed and then reached for his sword, only he had not thought to wear it, more concerned with the birth, and the well-being of his wife.

Hand closing on an empty spot where his sword should have hung against his hip, he bellowed, Kill it As far as Dayton was concerned the child had just murdered his queen, and he refused to even spare it a glance. This child was dead to him.

The young Crown Prince Allender; and his sister, Princess Helen, stepped between the death scene and their father. Allender had never gone against Dayton before, but his mother had taught him better than to do what the king was ordering. The dead queen had made sure her children had a good education, as well as a more humane outlook on life than their father. Katherine had been determined to make sure that no son of hers would grow up to be like Dayton. She might have grown to love him as the years went by, but this did not mean that she agreed with his practices. So, she had taught her children the differences she believed existed between being a king with honor and one who acknowledged no bounds to his bloodlust.

Prince Allender firmly spoke his position on the subject. Shemaine is ours. We promised we would see to her care if you refused. Our mother doubted you would keep your word to her.

With a snarl, King Dayton searched for a weapon to strike Allender with. There was none to be had. In his grief, he didn’t care who he was about to hit. He was going to kill them all, beginning with that sickly babe that the midwife was holding. Dayton raised a hand to knock the two children before him aside, only to find he couldn’t bring himself to do it, especially when Helen stepped forward and glared at him. His daughter resembled her mother enough that the thought of hitting her went against him. He might not be able to hurt these two, but he could make raising this child impossible. At the same time, he would still be able to keep his word to Katherine Dayton snarled, Take her, then, and see how you make out. But, expect no help from anyone who dwells here. You had also better keep her out of my way because if I get my hands on the murdering witch, she will never get to see another moment.

Helen took another step forward and bit out, You gave Mother your word, Father. Never forget that.

Helen knew she stood the least chance of getting hurt by their father, not only did she share her mother’s features, but she was betrothed to a king that her father dared not cross. She considered herself lucky that her betrothed wasn’t the type of man who liked children in his bed. Her betrothed wanted to wait until she was at least sixteen or, as he said at their betrothal, eighteen. Helen’s betrothed would then send for her when he felt the time was right. Helen was eight now, and the dolls that she had played with all of her life were about to take on a different role. Now Helen had a real baby to play with. Although she was not old enough for this kind of responsibility, she was determined to live up to her mother’s last request from her. Helen was determined to make sure Shemaine got an education so she would have a chance at the type of life she deserved.

It was evident their mother had known her husband well. Katherine had been certain Dayton would never keep the promises he made to her after she died. This was why Katherine had used their children to keep Dayton in place as much as was possible. The physician had told her it was unlikely that she would not survive the birth of the child, and although she wanted to live, she feared this might be impossible. At the very least, she wanted her child to survive. Despite her best wishes, Katherine doubted if it was going to be easy for any of her children to live with Dayton. If Katherine had judged Dayton right, and was scared that she had, her ten-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter would quickly become the parents of a newborn child. She suspected Dayton would do everything he could to trip their children up. The two children were going to need to be wily if they expected to beat him. Katherine was concerned about how they would manage this, while at the same time praying that they would find a way, for their lives, as well as the life of her youngest child could hang in the balance. It was for this reason, Katherine had trained her two oldest children for their upcoming roles, surrounding them with people who would follow her wishes, and then had given her older children a base to establish their future and trusted them to pass on her teachings to their sister.

Princess Helen turned and held out her little arms to take her sister from the midwife. Helen cradled her for a few moments and then gave a smile as she promised, I will treat you as if you were my own.

King Dayton snarled, Get out of here, and you better keep it out of my sight. I refuse to have that in the same room with me. I especially want it out of the room of the mother it killed.

Allender glared at Dayton in disgust. You made our mother promises. I am here to remind you of them. Mother taught us that no man breaks his word to the dead. Things like that come back to haunt you. This was a belief you used to share with us.

Dayton refused to admit his children were right. That belief was your mother’s. Also, keep in mind that as far as that whelp is concerned, I only promised Katherine I would allow the child to live if it survived, no more. Now, get out of my sight, all of you.

With his words ringing in their ears, his children ran from the room, only daring to take a moment to pay their last respects to their dead mother. There would be no soft words of comfort to soothe their sorrows and pain this day, especially from their father. As far as King Dayton was concerned, no one had existed whom he cared for other than his wife, and Katherine was dead. This meant their children had to fare as well as they could on their own. That was the way it was going to be from now on in Dayton’s world.

With a curse, Dayton ordered Katherine buried then stormed into what he used to consider their suite to pack and gather his battle gear. To appease his pain and anger, Dayton was going to raze a castle, and he didn’t care whose. Katherine was no longer there to stop him from doing whatever he pleased, and this was something he enjoyed.

CHAPTER I

17 years later

Shemaine arrived at the front of the castle, dismounted, and tossed the reins of her stallion to the stable boy who ran to take her horse. Walk him till he cools then give him a good rub-down and a double ration of grain.

Yes, Princess Shemaine. The lad led her great warhorse away.

Shemaine frowned at the use of her moniker, and then gave a sigh. As she strode across the yard toward the front door of the castle, her golden spurs rang with every step. Shemaine couldn’t understand why her father insisted on everybody using her title when it warranted her no more status than the lowest of kitchen maids. Not needing to come to a stop to walk through the front door as it opened at her approach, she walked into her home, only taking a moment to address a passing servant. Where is my father, or better yet, Allender?

The servant shrugged a shoulder then scurried off, as if to find a place to hide. Shemaine could understand the inclination. She had done much the same herself many times and felt as if it might not be such a silly thing to do now under the circumstances. She had spent part of the day dodging enemy scouts and had almost come face-to-face with an advancing army. It had given her more than just cause to feel insecure, and she wondered what her father had been up to this time to cause the sort of trouble she had noticed about to arrive at their front door.

Shemaine! Allender called to her from the other end of the room, clearly surprised to see her. What in hell's name are you doing here?

Father sent for me. Now, you can tell me what is going on. Shemaine growled as she stalked across the floor to her brother, I must have spent most of the day dodging an advancing army to get here.

We are under attack, or will be before too long. Did you manage to get an idea of how big their forces are? Allender spoke in concern.

They have a huge force, and you should know their men are very disciplined, Shemaine reported, and she didn’t sound any happier about it than Allender gave the impression of being.

Another voice echoed through the emptiness that surrounded them. About time you got here. Get up to your room and change into the most becoming outfit you own.

Allender and Shemaine exchanged a glance before facing their father. Whatever Dayton had in mind for her, they doubted if it would be anything that would be in her best interest. Dayton had continued to harbor a grudge against his youngest daughter since the day she was born. As far as Dayton was concerned, Katherine had died giving her birth, and for that, Shemaine had to pay, and pay, and pay.

Alicia, the king roared, you will take this person up to her rooms. You will bathe her, dress her hair, and make sure she is attired in a fashion suitable to her position. When this has been done, I want her brought back to me.

Shemaine balked, unwilling to move without knowing what her father was planning. Experience had taught her the folly of questioning her father’s motives. But, if she left now, how was she to find out what was going on, or even what had happened to bring about the events unraveling around them now? Shemaine shot Allender a pleading glance, and he mouthed the word later at her. The gesture won him a cuff from their father, an implied threat meant to intimidate Shemaine.

Allender will remain with me until you return. The tone of their father’s voice made his meaning plain.

Impending battle or not, if she failed to comply with Dayton’s orders, Allender would suffer the consequences. Any indiscretions their sire imagined were heaped on her siblings’ heads. Dayton had found that it hurt Shemaine more to see her brothers and sister abused than to suffer through the beatings he gave her. After she left, Allender turned to address his father.

Why? What are you planning to do with Shemaine? Allender’s voice was tight with suppressed anger. One day, perhaps soon, his father was going to go too far. When that day happened, Allender would kill Dayton himself. It was something he wouldn’t regret doing. The whole family had suffered at their father’s hands for too long.

You will curb your temper, pup, Dayton snarled back. Father and son had been at each other’s throats, ever since Shemaine had taken her first unsteady steps into the world about her, almost seventeen years ago. Shemaine had been almost a full year old at the time, and their father had all but forgotten she existed. As Allender had assumed the task of designated father at Shemaine’s birth, he assumed responsibility for her sudden appearance. His control over the situation even now was very limited, for he was still under his father's rule himself.

Shemaine had been sent up to her rooms she was ushered to; Dayton, Alicia dogged her heels and announced her as they entered the room. The old king rose from his chair, and with a sparkle of satisfaction shining in his eyes, walked around his daughter, subjecting her to inspection.

Dayton spoke with glee, Superb, do you not agree, Allender? Shemaine had managed to outshine her mother. It was something Dayton had never thought possible. Shemaine seemed slimmer, more regal, and if it were at all possible, prouder. Katherine had been the favored daughter of a neighboring king, and while she had not been in complete accord with being handed over as a prize to appease a conquer, she had accepted her fate with all the dignity a princess was reputed to be capable of. Then again, what choice had she been given? It was her duty to submit to her father’s decisions. Dayton had accepted Katherine as his due then within a few short months, he had fallen so in love, he would have laid down his life for her. It had taken Katherine a little more time to surrender her heart, but she had, and he was certain that while Katherine had lived, she had been happy.

Allender shuddered as a cold finger of fear touched him. What did his father have planned for Shemaine? It could not be something good or Dayton wouldn’t be so pleased with himself. Allender had been surprised at how well Shemaine had cleaned up. It had been years since he had seen her without her battle gear or the rags she had been given to wear. Why, as Shemaine was presented at the moment, she was a veritable treat for the eyes, and for the right man she would make a sumptuous banquet.

Along with that thought came another, and his eyes grew wide as he gave a loud bellow. No! I will never allow it. You go too far, Father.

Dayton smirked at Allender’s quick understanding, even as Shemaine frowned in question. She had no inkling about what was going on, nor did she trust Dayton's sudden and apparent good humor. Dayton was pleased about something, and this usually meant things were about to get dicey.

You have no say in the matter, Dayton growled then snapped out a loud order to a nearby servant. Have Paradise brought to the front door. Make sure she is groomed until she shines pure white then saddle her with the best we have. She must appear to be as fancy and fresh as our princess.

Dayton threw his head back and laughed raucously. The servant scurried away. She was about to pay the price for whatever Dayton had in mind. Despite her fear, Shemaine knew better than to say anything.

Why? Allender had an idea what Dayton was planning but intended to make sure he was right before going into full-battle mode.

Dayton explained, Thirty-two years ago, I won the hand of a princess for sparing a kingdom when I rode to lay siege to a fortress. The king had the foresight to see our forces were superior to his. That girl was Katherine, your mother, and she was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. The moment I laid eyes on her, I wanted her. So, I accepted her as a peace offering.

Allender was certain there was more to this story than he was being told. Instead of saying this, he tried to outsmart Dayton. What if they are not interested in your peace offering, Father? Allender sneered, as his anger washed his fear away. Still, Allender pushed his temper into the background. These men might not react the same way you did. What if they are not interested in Shemaine?

With a derisive bark of laughter, Dayton motioned at her. They will take her. How could they not? She is a beauty, a fit consort for a king. No one needs to know what a curse she has been.

Allender noted the firming lips and the fire that shot from Shemaine's eyes, and he tossed her a warning glance. His sister had admirable control, but he was unsure of how much longer she could hold still. I wish to speak to Shemaine alone for a moment, Father. Grant me this?

Dayton gave an indifferent snort. His son could talk to her all he wanted, but it wasn’t going to change anything. As soon as their prize mare was brought to the front door of the castle, he intended to lead her out of the fortress and offer her to the leader of the approaching army. He was certain she would not be returning. Granted, there was always the chance his enemy would reject his peace offering. But, he doubted if the man would be able to resist the temptation to own such a prize.

As soon as Dayton left the room, Allender rushed to Shemaine's side to hiss at her. Why did you come back? You were safe where you were.

Shemaine admitted, "The message I received was a simple one. Return home, Allender needs you. If I would have known what it was all about, I would have never come back."

Shemaine didn’t need to be told what Dayton was planning. He was about to sacrifice her to the leaders of the attacking forces at their front door. She was sure Dayton wouldn’t care what the enemy did with her after they had her. To Dayton, Shemaine was just an end to a means, as she had been all