Shadow of Hope

By Molly Crowe

In the enchanting realm of Valanche, whispers of the Sol Defenders swirl as mere legend, yet Princess Kalista senses their serene presence within the borders of Avalyn, her cherished kingdom. Amidst the tranquility, Kalista grapples with the looming prospect of a predetermined fate: a union with renownedCaptain Luke Ramsey. As she struggles with her conflicted feelings, Kalista’s thoughts drift to a boy with emerald eyes whose hero is matched an indelible mark on her childhood. Meanwhile, the malevolent Lord Mahan, ruler of the Krasiv Isles, harbors sinister ambitions, with Kalista unwittingly holding the key. His lethal enforcer, the enigmatic Shadow knownas Raine, recognizes Kalista as the same girl he once rescued, concealing his identity as theShadow as he assumes the role of her protector.Together, they unravel Mahan’s cryptic schemes, navigating a delicate dance of trust and deception.As their bond deepens, Kalista grapples with conflicting loyalties, torn between duty anddesire. With revelations unfolding and Mahan’s nefarious intentions laid bare, Kalista unearths an ancient prophecy of the Sol Defenders,realizing her pivotal role in safeguarding her realm. With the fate of her people hanging in the balance, Kalista must heed the call of destiny, summoning the courage to defy convention and forge her own path, guided by the echoes of the past and the yearnings of her heart. Will she unravel the mysteries ofher heritage and harness the power of the SolDefenders to vanquish darkness and secure a future of hope and love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Yorkshire Publishing
• Release date: Apr 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9781960810687

Molly Crowe

Molly Crowe is a young adult fantasy author who grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As a child, she was rarely herself, always pretending and playing out the stories she created in her mind. As a teenager, she spent her time filling up journals and day dreaming, and now sneaks her writing in during the early mornings before her husband and two boys wake up and take over her world. Molly loves a hot cup of coffee any time of day, both teaching and practicing yoga, and spending time in the mountains.You can find her on Instagram @mollycrowewrites or atmollycrowewrites.com.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Raine, Age 13

This had to be heaven. It had to be. It was the complete opposite of where I’d just come from. In my home, darkness and dread billowed down every street, so thick and foreboding it was hard to take in a full breath without a pang of fear. Here, the air was light. Comforting. Completely foreign and completely ... serene.

The peace that surrounded me almost felt like a shock to my system. It was unnatural, at least it seemed to be, but I considered for a moment if maybe my home was the anomaly. I’d never traveled anywhere before today. How would I know what the rest of the world was like?

I turned to watch the boat inch away from the shore, the swish of the water my only farewell as I locked on Bridley’s cool stare. He was leaving me to my fate, and the sinister smile on his face said he wouldn’t care if he never saw me again. When I stepped into the boat, I felt he was taking me to my death, but the beach seemed to dispel my fears, and I stood, unafraid, on the brilliant shore.

I’ve chosen you, Raine, Lord Mahan had said. Everyone can see you’re ready. I have high hopes for you.

He called it chosen. I called it a curse. Not something I ever would have asked for or wanted in a million years. But Mahan had been assembling a hoard of assassins since he took power on the Krasiv Isles, and he had noticed me early. I’d been nearly a head taller than the other boys my age, strong and fast, and I had shown it off. Being the competitive child I was, I looked forward to the daily races the children held on the streets in front of the orphanage where I spent my early years. Had I known it would have gotten me a ticket to this moment, I would never have run a step in my life.

Mahan first spotted me on a day like any other, my dark brown hair stuck to my face after beating every child who’d lined up for a shot. Glancing for a new opponent, I caught sight of Mahan across the street in the shadows between two buildings. When I noticed him staring, I knew. I knew that even if he removed his dark hood, his eyes would look the same shade of black, a stark contrast to his white skin. My blood chilled as he lifted one of his long, pale fingers, motioning me to him.

No one questioned the leader of the Krasiv Isles if they wanted to stay in his good graces. Even I’d seen him angry. I’d watched one cloudy afternoon as a fisherman spat on the hem of Mahan’s cloak, and Mahan’s steps halted. I wasn’t sure why the fisherman had done it, and it was clear from the looks on the bystander’s faces that they were just as baffled as I was. Their cries of shock reflected in my eyes as we watched Mahan perform a move so quickly that we almost missed it. But we couldn’t ignore the fresh spray of blood on Mahan’s face as the man in front of him fell to the ground.

I had every intention of staying on Mahan’s good side, so from the day Mahan had summoned me from the street, I trained with the rest of the hoard. They trained me to be silent. To be unseen. To find and dispose of those who hid in the darkest corners. He turned me into something I never wanted to be, but I had no choice if I wanted to live.

Bridley let out a crusty laugh and shook his head, turning his back on me at last. His boat sailed off, and when his features blurred, I turned to face my fate. My final test. Mahan had sent me to the unfamiliar shore with two orders: Find my way back to the Krasiv Isles and kill anyone I encountered.

At the end of this week, I’d face one of three fates. One, I would find a way back to the Krasiv Isles and become an official assassin. One of Mahan’s dispensible lackeys, who he’d end up sending to kill whatever enemies he saw fit. Two, the Shadow would kill me. He’d come for me if I failed to return and take me out because there could be no weak links in the chain. The third option seemed impossible. The third option was what I dreaded the most. If the Shadow came after me and I somehow defeated him. I shivered at the prospect. To kill the Shadow was to become the Shadow. To submit to a life of death. Death and darkness. The top assassin, feared by all in such a way that left him isolated. The Shadow had no one, besides Mahan, of course. Mahan had him on a short leash.

I turned around to assess the beach. Common enough: a long stretch of rock and sand lined the coast, and beyond it, a forest of oak trees, strings of moss blowing from their branches. I was utterly alone, but I’d never felt more alive. I turned my face to the sun, relishing in the warm rays, and stripped my heavy cloak. I had only seen the sun through thin breaks in the dense clouds on the isles before today, and its light was invigorating. Krasiv had to be the unnatural one, I decided, as I let my cloak drop to the sand and stood there in complete contentment for long minutes.

It had to be the Rogue Spirits that brought the darkness to my home. The butcher’s wife said it wasn’t always the lifeless island it was now. As a girl, she grew up with the sun and stars, but when Mahan took over, everything changed. The people couldn’t hear what I heard, and no matter how many times I wished for ignorance, I could hear the Rogue Spirits around me. I heard their lies. I heard their tormenting whispers and felt their icy breath on my neck. They followed Mahan around like he was their savior, and I suppose he was. Somehow, he allowed them on the island, and their tormenting words left the people darker and more fearful every day. Still, the Rogue Spirits didn’t seem to break through my walls like they did the others. Something was guarding my spirit, and gave me the invaluable advantage of a clear head, and for that, I was thankful.

As I continued to enjoy the beach, I listened. There were no Rogue Spirits here. All I heard and felt was peaceful, joyful, and I took a deep breath and let myself enjoy the moment. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d enjoyed something. The thought made me smile. I had all week here, and I was going to drag it out. There was no point in returning after the first day. I would spend as much time on this beach as I could.

I explored first, finding fresh water in the forest beyond the beach and gathering wood. I found a blackberry bush and even managed to catch a fish, and the first night, I ate like a king by the fire. The sky was more spectacular than I’d dreamed, and as I gazed at the stars, I felt safe and secure, so unlike the nights spent listening for danger outside my locked door. The word home flashed through my mind, but I quickly dismissed it, accustomed to shoving the longing down without dwelling on the pain.

I had never known my parents. No one knew anything about them. I didn’t even know my birthday, but the butcher’s wife told me I must be about 13 years old. We couldn’t be exactly sure. I closed my eyes and could almost feel the light from the stars on my skin. Warmth and goodness seeped in, and I let the feeling wrap around my heart. That first night, I slept little. I basked in the peace I felt until the moon was well overhead, praying I’d never forget this when I went back to the darkness of the isles.

For the next two days, I searched for a way back to the island. I knew the way back didn’t involve a 20-mile swim back to the isles, but what it did involve was a mystery so far. I wondered if I should make a raft, but that didn’t seem possible. I had no way to cut the wood and needed a fair amount of rope. I wondered if the trick was to find civilization and steal a boat. I spent the third day searching through the forest, hoping to find a town. When I turned up nothing but trees, I decided the next day I’d walk up the beach until I had no choice but to turn back. Then, I’d use the next day to go in the other direction. If there was civilization within walking distance, I’d find it. When walking north turned up nothing, I began to worry. I had only two days left before the Shadow would come for me. I only wanted to find a way back and fade into the hoard. I wanted to be a nobody on the isles and avoid Mahan and the Shadow as much as I could.

I woke up on the fifth day and headed south. The day was as perfect as the ones before, and I wondered more about this place. It was unnaturally calm, but then again, I’d come from somewhere unnaturally horrid. Maybe this was simply what the rest of the world was like.

I walked for a few miles until I rounded a corner into a small cove. I considered swimming to the other side but decided against it, not wanting to soak my boots. Instead, I kicked them off and walked in the water around the bend of the cove, letting my feet enjoy the water and sticky sand as it sank between my toes. The water was surprisingly cold for such a warm day, but I welcomed its relief. I walked like that all the way around the cove, pausing on the other side. I was about to wash off my feet and return my boots to my feet when a voice so clear and bright rang through my mind that I jumped back in response, dropping my boots to the sand.

Raine, run! the voice said, and for a moment, I stood there, shocked. Run! Now! it said again, and the urgency in the voice propelled me forward. I felt a rush of wind around me, and I went with it. There had been no breeze before this moment, and I knew the wind was taking me where the voice wanted me to go. Then, I was flying. I ran faster than I’d ever run down the beach, my feet kicking up sand behind me, my heart racing, until the wind turned and began to take me to the water. I hesitated, but the voice shouted, Go! Find her!

Find her? Who? I knew I didn’t have time to wonder. The wind pushed hard into my back like hands, shoving me forward. I continued to run, then braced myself as I dove headfirst into the frigid water. I swam hard, and the water rushed as a current seemed to guide me forward. I couldn’t see anything in the darkness of the sea. Blind, I swam harder than I ever had before, my lungs burning, and just before I reached her, I knew she’d be there at the next stretch of my arm.

I grasped her wrist, pulled her to my side, and kicked off the ocean floor. When I surfaced, I gasped for air and looked at the unconscious girl. Fear took hold as I gripped her in one arm and swam hard back to shore, the current helping me as I went. I felt more alive and aware at that moment than any other in my life. I pulled the girl onto the shore and pressed my mouth to hers, pushing air into her lungs. I pushed on her chest, then in a moment of desperation, turned her on her side and hit her back hard. She coughed, water spraying from her, and I sighed with relief. She coughed until she caught her breath, and I reached for her shoulders and helped her sit up. Her hair was a dark brown mess stuck to most of her face, and she used her sand-covered hands to brush it away as she brought her eyes to mine.

My entire body responded to her eyes with a warm sweep of emotion. I couldn’t speak. They were the blue of the sky, and she stared at me with the same wonder I had to be staring at her with. I had never seen anything so pure. So completely good. Where I came from, no one was good. Seeing her was a shock to my lifeless heart, and I felt it beat with purpose for the first time in my life.

She was only a few years younger than me. Maybe ten? Her eyes were wide with wonder, or perhaps it was shock. I didn’t want to drag my eyes from hers, but I glanced around, suddenly wondering where she had come from. I looked back at her. Are you alright?

She didn’t speak right away. Shock, then. Did she have parents? Was she alone? I glanced around the beach again, expecting someone to come looking for her.

Yes, she said, and her voice brought my eyes back to hers. It took me a moment to remember what I’d asked her, but then the realization came, and I gave her a faint smile. The whale, she said, and I narrowed my eyes. Did you see it?

No, I said. I wondered if she was delirious. She was looking at me as if she had questions now. How would I explain what happened? I hadn’t seen or heard anything but the wind and the voice in my head, and I knew hearing The Spirits was uncommon. I’d sound like a fool if I explained it to her, but there wasn’t time to consider my reply.

A voice called from down the beach, around another bend in the cove. Kalista! The man’s voice was loud and frightened, and a wave of panic ran through me. I couldn’t let him see me. I had to go. I didn’t know much about the other kingdoms, but I knew that anyone I found on this beach was no ally of the Krasiv Isles. Mahan had given orders to take out anyone I saw, and I knew I had to get away.

I looked at the girl, who hadn’t taken her eyes off me. Kalista? I asked, and she nodded. Her name suited her perfectly.

What’s your name? she asked sweetly. My heart tugged, and I opened my mouth to answer her as her name sounded again, this time much closer than before.

Kalista! The same booming voice echoed from around the curve, and with one last glance into her eyes, I stood and ran. I ran and ran until the shadows of the trees were thick around me, then I ducked behind a large trunk and turned. Kalista was looking in the direction I’d disappeared, her eyes wide and wild, as if panicked to see me go, just as an enormous man with wild red hair turned the corner and spotted her.

Kalista! he said, this time relief ripe in his tone. She didn’t look at him. She was still gazing longingly into the shadows, but he didn’t seem to notice. He ran for her and fell into the sand beside her. They were too far away for me to hear what they said, but she pointed in my direction. I ducked further behind the tree as my heart sped. The man only gave a quick glance to the woods, then returned his attention back to Kalista. He smoothed some hair from her face, then lifted her from the ground, cradling her in his arms. She seemed to protest as she craned her neck, continuing to look at the spot where I’d disappeared. The man didn’t care, seeming to ignore her as he walked further down the beach.

I didn’t want to let her out of my sight. Propelled by the gentle breeze, the same Spirits who’d ushered me to save her guided me now. I walked from shadow to shadow in the trees, following them out of sight until I spotted a small cottage. I hung back and watched as the man turned toward the forest and walked up the path to the home. Kalista didn’t see me as she shot one last glance into the woods before they closed themselves inside.

When she was out of sight, an ache went through me. I stood there, motionless, waiting to see if they’d emerge. I looked up at the sky. If I wanted to get back to camp before nightfall, I needed to turn back soon. I only had one day left before the Shadow came, and I needed to use it well. But I didn’t want to leave. Leaving her felt wrong, somehow. What happened to me? I put my hand on my chest and felt my heart beating stronger than I had ever remembered. Her eyes put a spark of something inside me. A promise. Like the world could be better, like I could be better. If there was a goodness like hers in the world, I wanted to find it. Hope blossomed inside me for the first time in my life.

I decided to stay in the woods tonight and head back the next day. Walking back to the beach, I washed the sand from my feet and put my boots on. I found water, ate nearly all the blackberries from another bush, and returned to the house. It was getting dark as the sun’s last light disappeared behind the forest. When I looked toward the beach, I spotted two girls lying on a large blanket, looking up at the sky that was just beginning to prick with stars.

Kalista lay next to a little girl with blonde hair. Kalista’s arms were gesturing wildly to the sky as the blonde girl giggled. I walked closer to the beach, careful to stay hidden in the shadow of the trees. I could hear her sweet voice say, And the whale just pushed me in! I was caught near his side, and I couldn’t escape. I tried to swim back, but after trying as hard as I could, everything just went black. I was so scared, Georgia.

And then the boy came? the blonde girl sounded wistful.

Kalista sighed. The next thing I knew, I was breathing, and when I opened my eyes, he was there. The sound of a crashing wave echoed around us. Georgia, his eyes were so green. I don’t think I’ll ever forget them.

My heart tugged again.

Where do you think he came from? Georgia asked.

Kalista was quiet. Maybe he was a Spirit sent to save me? I don’t know. I just wish he hadn’t run away.

My shoulders tensed. She thought I was a Spirit? Well, that couldn’t be further from the truth. I was no Spirit. At least not a good one. If anything, Mahan was turning me into something much more evil than good. I took a cautious step back. Whatever she thought was wrong. I wasn’t good. She was good. She was pure light, but I knew what I was.

I couldn’t stay here. What was I doing here, anyway? If I talked to her, what could I say? We could never be friends. We were from two different worlds. One good, one evil, and I didn’t want to corrupt her with any part of mine.

I gave her one last glance. This girl who put a spark of hope inside me. At least I knew she existed. Her goodness was out there, whether or not I had any of it inside me. I knew I didn’t. But her existence was comforting. Secure. I turned and walked slowly back through the forest until I could no longer see the house, and then I heard it. A tongue clicking with a disappointed edge.

I turned, and there he was. The Shadow stood ten feet away in the darkness between trees, his arms crossed over his chest. He had his hood drawn over his bald head, where I knew the wing of his hawk tattoo stretched. His assassin’s mark. The mark I’d prayed I’d never wear. My heart leapt, fear gripping me. He was too close to their house. Had he seen me go there? Was he watching me the whole time? Dawning and dread came before he spoke, and I knew what he would say.

You failed, he said, his words a hard blow to my chest. You had specific instructions, Raine. Do you think that family is your friend?

I was silent. Was this the plan all along? He saw the questions in my eyes and smiled, but it was full of malice.

They are your enemies. Anyone we find here is an enemy. Mahan made that clear before he sent you. He gave you strict orders to kill anyone you see on this beach, you just saved a little girl, and now she’s safe at home. He glared at me with annoyance. I never had a problem with you, Raine. You’re strong and quick. You could have been a great assassin. Some think you could be the next Shadow, even. I don’t know about that, but I will say I’m in a good mood today. He uncrossed his arms and stepped toward me, his eyes boring into mine. It would be such a waste to kill you. Especially after all the work Mahan has put into you. I’m willing to give you one final chance. Go back there and finish them. He smiled again. Or you can watch me do it, and you’ll be next.

Heat rushed through me, and the tug that had been pulling at my heart since I saw Kalista drew into a hard line. If he thought he was going to lay a finger on her, he was mistaken. A whirlwind of thoughts swept through my mind. I had to protect her, even if it meant becoming the one thing I never wanted to be. Resolve came hard and fast because there was no time for anything else. I had to take him down. I had to at least try. I had to do this for her, and right now, that was enough. I felt a rush around me for the third time today. This time, I recognized the Spirit for what it was. Courage. I knew what I had to do. I knew my purpose now. I steeled my heart and reached for my knife.

Chapter 2

Kalista, 7 years later

It wasn’t that I didn’t want to sleep. Sleep tonight, of all nights, would be a welcome distraction from the anticipation of the day ahead. It had been coming for months, years in fact, and when the sun came up and the kingdom began bustling with life, I’d have to face my future. The future that had been planned for me the day I was born that I couldn’t control, couldn’t stop, even if I wanted to.

I focused on the soft glow that pierced the darkness from a lone candle in the corner of my room, the wax nearly completely melted inside the tin plate. Even though the sun was still hiding beyond the sea outside my window, I could feel it threatening to betray my plans.

Deciding I’d been lying here long enough, I silently slid from the comfort of my satin sheets and rested my feet on the ground. I expertly sidestepped the creaky floorboard and tiptoed with practiced patience through my room, thankful for the plush white rug that softened my footfalls. I knew every trick to avoid waking the king, who slept just a few doors down. My father was a light sleeper, but I had snuck out dozens of times undetected by now, and today would be no different.

I slipped on my riding clothes and pulled my long chestnut hair back in a strip of leather. I stilled, listening, and when I was convinced the rest of the castle still slept, I lifted the rug to reveal the loose floorboard near the hearth. I dug my fingernail under the widest gap, lifted the board, and reached inside, grasping the cool steel with a smile. I carefully slid my most prized possession out and watched as the candlelight reflected off the blade. After I slid it into its sheath and secured it to my waist, I crept to the window I’d left open the night before when I planned my excursion.

The salty air that blew in made me pause. Peaceful Spirits flowed in, wrapping me in a comforting embrace. I never knew my mother, but my father said The Spirits who lingered here had known her well, and I always listened for a word or two from them in case they wanted to repeat her last words to me. They were the words she’d whispered as she held me to her chest when she said her final goodbye. I wasn’t old enough to remember that day, but The Spirits reminded me now and then. I let the air swirl around me, and I heard their words clearly as I closed my eyes.

Your life is precious, Kalista. You are stronger than you think. Whatever you do, whatever you hear, listen to your heart above all else.

The words rang in my heart, and I breathed in, sensing The Spirits wrapping me in a warm embrace as she would have. I expected the message to be over, but when I was about to move on with my task, I heard a new piece of the message as it floated into my heart.

Today is a special day. Don’t be afraid to open your heart.

My eyes shot open, and dread pooled in my chest. This was what she wanted to say today? Of all days? I shook my head with frustration and climbed out the window, my hands finding the crevices and my feet meeting every foothold in the vine-strewn stone wall with ease. I could scale this wall in my sleep, so the darkness of the early morning was no deterrent as I silently crept until my feet met the soft grass. I slipped through the darkness, down the length of the castle, and peered into the courtyard at the castle’s front. Only a cool breeze lingered, the guards surely sleeping in this morning with the anticipation of the celebration that would keep everyone up late tonight.

I darted to the stables, then ducked inside the warm barn and let myself breathe a sigh of relief. Now that I’d made it this far, I was sure I could get to the harbor undetected if I could keep Eclipse quiet. I hurried to retrieve the apple slices I’d saved in my cinch and offered them to my horse as he lowered his muzzle to my hand while I stroked his dark coat. Good morning, friend, I whispered.

Eclipse happily took the treat. Then, as if he could sense my nerves, he lowered his nose to my hand, and I gave him a few swift scratches. I supposed my mother’s words were right. Today was meant to be special. It was the day my people had been waiting for since I was born. The inevitable loomed over me, but I shook my nerves away and led Eclipse out of the stable through the back gate.

As soon as we passed through, a strange feeling settled over me. I wasn’t alone. I looked around, thinking I’d find someone standing outside the gate, already planning what story I’d give to the stable boy or soldier who might linger there, but I saw no one. I waited, listening to the wind rustling through the oak trees across the path until I was sure I had only been imagining it. A memory from long ago made me pause another moment as hope rose in me, but I quickly shook my head. I’d let that hope distract me for years. There was no point in giving in to it now.

The ride to the harbor took me down the long stretch of Avalyn’s beach, but I barely noticed the crash of the waves over my racing heart. When Avalyn was a mere speck behind me, I turned the corner into the abandoned harbor and found a group of soldiers waiting for me, as promised. The new recruits stood with Sebastian at their side, the smirk on his face a clear sign that he would enjoy this as much as he always did. He quickly wiped it away so the men wouldn’t see, making him look more like his brother. My stomach pinched at the thought of seeing Luke today after so long, but I shook it off as I slipped from Eclipse and met the sand.

Sebastian sauntered to me, his arms crossed over his chest, and the smirk returned when he was sure we weren’t being watched. I was thankful Sebastian had agreed to arrange this because I needed it today more than ever. Sebastian had always been a good friend, and I didn’t know if it was the promise we’d be family someday that made him put up with me as a child or I was his future queen, but I got the feeling none of that mattered to him. He cared for me and my sister as if we were already family, and we felt the same about him.

I wouldn’t be a good brother if I didn’t at least ask, Sebastian said, pointing his nose down at me. You’re not actually trying to kill Luke, are you? You’ve really increased your training the last few months.

I rolled my eyes. Of course not. I lowered my voice slightly to ensure only Sebastian could hear. That would be frowned upon, I’m sure. I walked around him and squared my shoulders to the line of soldiers, who looked shocked at my presence. Sebastian had done well to keep up with the element of surprise, which added to the fun we were about to have.

Good morning. Welcome to the Avalyn army. I understand you were recently sworn into service? My hair caught a gust of wind, but I didn’t falter as the soldiers nodded.

I paced the length of them, looking each in the eye. I recognized many of them as boys I’d grown up with. Since I had recently come of age, these boys had as well, and their entrance into the army made me more aware of the expectations on us all. We were the front lines of Avalyn now, though in large, I still felt like we were children.

I locked eyes with Gibson Trott, and he gave me a knowing smile, surely remembering the time he tried to steal a kiss at the Winter Festival three years ago. Indignation rose at the memory, and I thought of Luke, an unusual feeling of protectiveness swelling inside me. Gibson’s smug grin made me pause before him, and I glared at him, determined to wipe it from his face.

Today is an initiation of sorts. You may have passed your training, but someday my father’s army will pass to me, and I want to see just what you’re capable of. I took a step back, taking in the rest of the group, then pulled my sword from my sheath as the men stiffened, unsure. I was used to this reaction and fought the urge to smile. This morning, I’ll be sparring with each of you, and if you prove capable by my standards, you can keep your place in the army. Should you lose, you must swear your silence that this event ever occurred. No mention to the general, the captain, or the king. The men stared back at me with wide eyes, surely ready to surrender. They never liked the idea of hurting the princess, but the last piece always got them to agree. Should you win, you will be immediately promoted to my personal guard.

Their eyes widened, and Gibson smiled. Unable to avoid my eye roll, I turned so he wouldn’t see me and walked to a wide patch of sand. My father had been pushing me to hire a personal guard for months, but the idea of someone following me around when I was more than capable of defending myself was unsettling. I couldn’t tell my father that. He couldn’t know the extent of my training. I had simply put the task off. If someone was going to take that post, he needed to earn it. I turned back to the others and motioned Gibson forward.

You seem eager for a chance, Gibson. Why don’t we start with you?

Gibson didn’t move toward me but shot a glance at my sword, then at Sebastian, as if unsure.

We aren’t using blunts, Your Highness? he asked me, and I smiled.

Don’t worry, Gibson. I promise I won’t draw blood, I said sweetly.

He laughed nervously. I’m not worried about that, Your Highness. I was thinking about your safety.

Sebastian tried to stifle a laugh into his fist as I glared at Gibson. "I don’t have much time, soldier. Take