A Faithful Hope

By DaLeena Taylor

Can one find hope when the only way to become human again means betraying the one you love?

Princess Aderyn has no choice but to marry a prince from the Cariandell Kingdom if she wants to save her own dying kingdom. Happiness has eluded her for too long, and the prospect of marrying fills her with dread. Her only hope is that Prince Sterling can help her find the silver needed to restore Azurluna Kingdom. But when she rejects his younger half-brothers as suitors, the wicked queen ensures that Aderyn is turned into a blue bird until she agrees to marry one of her sons.

The last time Prince Sterling felt loved was at the age of five, before his mother died. His cruel stepmother and half-brothers have made him a silent and broken man, whom the people regard as a simpleton. He longs for someone to love him but no longer believes he is worthy. When he encounters the princess, hope flickers to life. Then his stepmother does the unthinkable to Aderyn, and he vows to do whatever it takes to restore her to human form, even if it means living without her.

Will they ever be together, or will Aderyn be forced to marry one of Sterling's brothers to regain her humanity? Will Sterling survive his stepmother's scheme to kill him?

"A Faithful Hope," a retelling of The Blue Bird, is a standalone novel, complete with tropes like Emotional Scars, He Falls First, and Friends to Lovers. It is part of the "Hope Ever After" series, a collection of twenty hopeful and uplifting fairy tale retellings. Each book is written by a different author so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the O.U.R. (Operation Underground Railroad) to rescue children from exploitation and trafficking.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DaLeena Taylor
• Release date: May 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798987068519

DaLeena Taylor

DaLeena Taylor enjoys weaving enchanting stories of fairy tales and medieval history, blending her love for both genres into unforgettable tales. Readers can always count on DaLeena Taylor's books for clean, sweet romances that promise a happily ever after, inviting them to escape into a world of magic and love.

Book preview

Chapter One

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Aderyn

A deryn, my girl, you must do this if we are to have a chance to live to an old age. Aderyn listened as her father repeated the reasons she must travel to meet her future husband. She mouthed the words as her father ticked off the list again. As the kingdom’s only princess, everyone was counting on her, and they would all be dead soon if she was not successful with her mission to marry a prince of Cariandell Kingdom.

She interrupted the lengthy list. But I do not want to go, Father. And while I know I am our last hope, I cannot think any man would be pleased to marry me. What if I become the shell my mother is? Aderyn’s voice wavered. The sad truth was that her father grew sadder each day as her mother remained a ghost of the vibrant woman she once was.

I would not trade one day I spent with your mother when she knew me. I keep my distance because my presence makes her nervous, not because I am unhappy with her. Any man would be blessed with you as their wife. Her father tilted her chin up and winked at her. Come now, daughter, no tears. Your carriage awaits. You will arrive at Cariandell Castle just after midday if you leave now.

At least he hadn’t mentioned her marrying Prince Liam from Thornkeep Kingdom again. That man struck fear into everyone. Aderyn nodded and gave up on her final argument. No one would accompany her except for her faithful companion, Saffira, the rare blue bird who was never far from her side or shoulder most days. Yes, Father. I will see mother and Evander on my way to the carriage. She leaned into her father’s open embrace and wrapped her arms around his frail frame. She dared not squeeze him too tightly. The once-masculine king was barely recognizable and now walked with the aid of a walking stick.

Prince Sterling is the best choice for you, my dear. Aderyn understood her father’s double meaning with these words. She gently pressed a kiss to his grizzled cheek and hurried to her mother’s chamber.

Entering the quiet, darkened room, Aderyn tiptoed over to the bed to peek inside the curtains. Her mother sat propped against a mound of pillows. Aderyn slowly pulled back one curtain so as not to frighten the frail woman. Her mother’s lifeless eyes turned toward her daughter, and for a moment, confusion clouded her vision. Then, briefly, she seemed to recognize the girl before her. Aderyn held her breath. Frightening her mother took the woman’s minimal energy from her.

I know you, the older woman’s shaking voice croaked out. Aderyn leaned in to sit on the bed.

You do, Mother. I am Aderyn, your daughter. I have come to say goodbye. At her mother’s look of alarm, she hurried on. I am to be married soon. After I am married, I will be able to bring back all our kingdom needs to be well again. You, Father, and Evander mean everything to me, and I will see that you are well again.

Her mother was slipping into oblivion again. She frowned at Aderyn as the moment of recognition passed. Aderyn avoided kissing her mother this time. She hadn’t been quick enough. Kissing her now would send the poor woman into terrors as a stranger tried to touch her.

How she missed the young, playful woman her mother had been. But she wouldn’t waste time reminiscing. She could do that on the carriage ride if it were truly necessary. There was one more stop before leaving her kingdom as a single girl. When next she returned, she would be a married woman.

Aderyn! Evander’s quiet voice rang out with all the strength he could muster. Have you come to play with me today? She tried to spend an hour or two each day with her brother when he was well enough. At ten, his tiny body seemed to vanish before her eyes as the days passed. She put on her bravest face and smiled down at the little boy in his bed.

I cannot play today, dearest. You see, I am going to be married.

I want to see it. The hope in his eyes was hard to turn away.

I am afraid you cannot see me wed. You, mother, and father are too ill to travel the distance. And there is only enough silver for me to get there. She hated mentioning that fact, but they had only spoken truth between them. When the end of one’s life loomed in the near future, one learned to speak truth and quickly. No one was ever promised tomorrow. But I promise to return as soon as I am able and bring everything I can to help you all feel better again. She prayed this wasn’t an empty promise. If she failed…well, she wouldn’t think of the alternative.

Evander’s lip quivered and tears formed in his eyes. Aderyn would sink into her own sadness if she didn’t leave soon. I will leave you with a present today. Will that cheer you up? As Evander nodded and slowly smiled at her, she produced the most vibrant blue feather from behind her back. Saffira dropped this lovely feather today, and I know how you love to collect them. How about you keep it near to help you remember my promise? Again, she silently prayed she would succeed.

Evander took the feather, seemingly forgetting his sadness for the moment. Aderyn hugged her brother and placed a kiss on the top of his head. He waved the feather at her as she exited his chamber.

Aderyn’s heart raced and she choked back tears as she picked up her pace through the corridors. She was almost running by the time she reached the bright blue carriage with the Azurluna Kingdom crest on the door. A footman stood beside the open door, holding Saffira on his forearm. In a most unladylike fashion, Aderyn jumped into the carriage, held her hand out for Saffira to climb on, then moved back inside as the door shut. As the wheels echoed on the cobblestones, she let the tears fall.

If she failed, she and her family were doomed to live in sadness until death welcomed them soon. She tried to imagine how different it would be if she were able to do everything she and her family needed. It was hard to see through the fog in her mind and think of happier days with her loved ones out of bed and walking outside in the gardens once more. Too many years had gone by since laughter rang through the halls of her home. She couldn’t remember the last time she had truly laughed and wasn’t even sure she remembered how to.

As Aderyn thought, she absently stroked Saffira’s shimmering feathers. My beautiful girl, this should be the greatest adventure of our lives and already I want it to be over. Let us hope the rumors are true and this journey will be worth it.

Saffira made low cooing sounds as she preened herself. She was rather accustomed to the princess’s one-sided conversation. Aderyn felt the lack of a maid or companion strongly in these moments. With everyone’s health failing, they could barely spare the footman and the coachman.

Hours later, the gray stone walls of Cariandell Castle came into view. The castle sat some distance away from the wall, but the entrance was elegant and spoke of wealth. The farther away from Azurluna they had gone, the brighter the sky had become. Aderyn often forgot about the hazy fog that permeated her kingdom. The sun shone brighter as they approached the gate, and she felt a pull to step outside in the bright light. Her fidgeting grew worse the closer they got. As they passed through the massive gated entrance, she took in the well-dressed guards standing at attention as her carriage rolled past. Nearby, a group of gardeners worked on endless colorful flowering displays. They hesitated and stood to give her the respect the crest on her carriage door demanded.

Aderyn could wait no longer. She hadn’t felt this way since she was a little girl. The urge to stretch her legs and smell the flowers was stronger than her will to be a stoic proper princess. Besides, she argued with herself, meeting the royal family might be easier if she had already stretched and walked for a moment.

While the royal family suffered the harshest weakness, their servants and all who lived in their kingdom suffered as well. She knew her driver and the footman needed a rest as badly as she did—more so since they were to return to her home tonight.

As Aderyn knocked on the roof, the driver slowed, and after she asked him to stop, the footman jumped off the box to open the door for her. While waiting, she adjusted her veil that had slipped down back up to cover her hair and put the bird on her shoulder again.

Aderyn and Saffira stepped out into weather that could only be described as perfect—not too hot, not too cold, and the sun brought a hint of a smile to her face as she closed her eyes and tipped her head up. It could only last a moment or two. Her too-pale skin would burn quickly, then freckle.

My lady, allow me to offer you a refreshing drink, a male voice spoke near her. Her eyes flew open, and she was met with the most striking green eyes she had ever seen. The dirty face and hands made her hesitate to take the offered waterskin. Then the man smiled, and she was entranced. She was awfully thirsty. Her own refreshments had run out just over an hour ago.

Silver, you are scaring the lady, one of the gardeners lightheartedly teased the young man.

Your name is Silver? Aderyn searched for something else to say, but that is what came out of her mouth. She hadn’t meant to offend him and reached for the waterskin he was slowly lowering back to his side.

That is what I am called. May I be so bold as to ask how we may address you, my lady? There was a hint of mischievous humor in his green eyes, hiding behind layers of dirt and grass stains.

Aderyn. Although, you should probably call me Princess Aderyn. I wouldn’t want the royal family to punish you for a lack of respect by not including the title. Why did she sound so stilted and formal? Did she not possess an ounce of humor at all? But he was merely a servant.

The man in front of her took her empty hand and pressed a kiss there as he bowed low. My lady, Princess Aderyn. We are honored you chose to spend a moment near our gardens.

Aderyn flinched at his touch. The sensation was new, and for a moment she was sad when he let go of her hand. She fought the urge to wipe off the dirt the daring man had left behind. To be so bold to a princess, who was coming here to marry his master, was shocking to say the least. What did he look like without the dirt covering him from head to toe? Why couldn’t she meet a man like this and marry him? He made her want to smile, and that was more than could be said for the prince.

Chapter Two

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Sterling

Sterling couldn’t take his eyes off the princess. She was more lovely than he had imagined. A veil covered her hair, but a slight wisp of a curl had escaped. It looked like a dark shade of red or brown. He couldn’t tell. He had chosen to work in the front gardens in hopes he would catch a glimpse of his intended. Everyone else was glad to be rid of him for the afternoon so they could welcome the princess without him disturbing their company. If the queen had her way, one of her sons would catch Aderyn’s eye instead and she would marry Marius or Milo.

The bird on Aderyn’s shoulder fluttered to the ground to inspect the flowers and check for bugs in the recently upturned earth. He turned his gaze back to Aderyn from her bird. Your bird is beautiful. Does it have a name? Of course it has a name. This will not help convince her later that I am not a simpleton.

She nodded, her tone slightly cool. She is called Saffira, and she is my dearest friend.

As the sun glinted off the feathers, he realized how fitting the name was. It seemed even more fitting that the princess of the kingdom of diamonds and sapphires would have a pet bird of that color.

The princess’s brown eyes were drowning in sadness as her gaze slid back to his. He knew of the illness that had settled over her kingdom but was not aware it had taken such a toll on her. She was too young to be so sad. He wanted to make her smile. No, he needed to.

His boldness in kissing her hand had been a risky move. But from the moment she had stepped from her carriage, he found it hard to believe that Elohim would gift him such a lovely woman. On a whim, he decided to take another chance he shouldn’t.

My lady, would you care to view the flowers for another moment or two while you stretch your legs from your long journey? A gardener had no business addressing the princess who was intended to marry the prince. But how else would he know more about her true person?

I, uh, yes. I would love to see the beautiful flowers. There are many here I have never seen before. May I also have one to carry to the castle with me? Her gaze turned hopeful as she looked from him to the yellow irises growing nearby. These particular gardens were the yellow gardens. Benches, statues, fountains, and color gardens were scattered all over the castle grounds.

Yes, my lady. You may take anything you like. There are some sweet-smelling yellow roses just beyond this bench if you would like those as well. Her eyes flickered with emotion. So she was not entirely cold at heart like he had heard. She nodded eagerly, but still no smile. He had seen the hint of one earlier with her eyes closed while she soaked in the sun. What must it be like to no longer feel the sun on your skin?

To put her at ease, because she still acted a bit put off at speaking and walking with the gardener, he rambled on about the flowers they saw.

Why are you named Silver? She blurted out as he moved on to talk about the tiny yellow flowers they walked past. For a princess, her decorum was lacking. Or maybe she didn’t know how to converse with a servant.

I have been known to tinker around in an old mine near the river. Occasionally I would end up with silver dust all over me, and everyone started calling me Silver.

She stopped walking and whirled to face him in the middle of the path. Her eyes lit up as a becoming shade of pink brightened her unusually pale cheeks. A silver mine? Really?

Yes, really, Sterling slowly answered. Why? Was she just like all the other women?

Our family was told long ago that there was no more silver to be found. A wise old man, named Lorenzo, traveled to our kingdom one day and told my father. She was showing more life now than when she arrived.

Lorenzo. That was a name he hadn’t heard in a long time and would have been happy to never hear again. If he ever caught that old man near Cariandell again, he would make sure Lorenzo regretted stepping a foot back in this kingdom. Sterling schooled his features. He needed to know how she knew Lorenzo and what the man might be up to again.

Aderyn turned away from him and started walking again. Do you know the royal family well?

This would be a tricky answer. I should. I live in this kingdom, after all. Perhaps I can be of more help to you if I know what it is you are asking.

Is Prince Sterling really a simpleton and ugly? the princess blurted out. Sterling choked on an intake of air. She continued. I only mean that we have been told these things and perhaps, as a servant, you have observed things that I might find useful. I can’t think of a reason you should lie to me, but I can think of many reasons the royal family might lie.

Calling the princess blunt would be an understatement. Is that really what she thought of him? I do not think he is a simpleton. Quiet, maybe, especially around his family, but you must discover this for yourself. And as for his looks, I hear the maids say he is insanely handsome. He dared to wink at her. She was taken aback at his boldness again and might be mad at him later, so he decided to tone it down. Honestly, I am not a good judge for his looks. Only you can know if you find him handsome or not. I would offer a piece of advice: beauty outside does not always equal beauty inside.

Her hopeful look fell with his words. He wouldn’t explain it to her. She would know soon enough who that warning was about. They had reached the roses, and he stopped to cut one for her. He chose a large open bloom with a fragrance potent enough to smell from a short distance. After cutting the long stem, he proceeded to remove the thorns. One rather stubborn thorn poked his finger, and blood pooled on the end before dripping onto the toe of his shoe.

Aderyn looked down at the drop of blood, then to his injured finger. Oh, you hurt yourself for me. You shouldn’t have. Let me help. Before he could tell her it wasn’t the first or the last time that day one of the plants would scratch or draw blood, she had withdrawn a small handkerchief from her sleeve and was holding his dirt-covered hand in hers. She gently applied a bit of pressure with the cloth to the bleeding wound. His breath caught. It had been years since he had received this kind of gentle treatment. He wished he’d told her who he really was when she stepped out of the carriage, and he could only pray she wouldn’t be angry later. The feel of her skin touching his warmed him, and he fought the urge to press his lips to her hand again. Sterling was sure she could feel his pulse racing beneath her fingers at his wrist. Her other hand gently wiped the last trickle of blood away.

Sterling cleared his throat. Thank you, my lady. The delicate cloth is ruined. You shouldn’t have worried about me. I am your humble servant. He pushed the rose into her hands so she would let go of his. He needed to put space between them.

I only hope the prince is half as kind as you are. I must return to my carriage and be on my way to the castle. Thank you for the lovely walk, and the flowers are most appreciated. Aderyn had returned to her formal royal self.

Sterling offered her his arm, and she gingerly took it after taking in the dirt on his sleeve. They walked in silence for a moment until her carriage loomed before them. She made a low cooing sound, and Saffira fluttered over and onto her shoulder.

Thank you again, Silver. Perhaps I will see you again during my stay. She hesitated as her soul-searching gaze held his a moment longer.

Perhaps, my lady. Perhaps. Sterling bowed low to her and stepped back as she got into her carriage. She gave a small wave of her fingers as the carriage pulled away. His heart filled with hope for the first time in years. If he had been truly telling this woman goodbye after such a short time, he would have believed that Elohim had a cruel sense of humor. But knowing that, in a few hours, she would meet him as Sterling made his heart lighter.

The other gardeners whooped and laughed as Sterling quickly put away the tools he had been using and prepared to head to the castle. Wishing he’d ridden his horse today, he ignored them as he took off at a run. He knew how cruel his brothers could be, and he would do everything he could to protect her from them.

Chapter Three

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Aderyn

Aderyn’s reluctance to continue her journey to the castle surprised her. Perhaps the gardeners grew some kind of magic flowers here. What else would explain her behavior? The dirty gardener named Silver had mesmerized her. Nothing ever intrigued her anymore. Sadness and anxious moments controlled her most days and nights. But his kind green eyes, along with his gentle kiss on her hand, had pulled her from the perpetual darkness she and her family lived in.

She twisted the thin silver band on her right thumb. It had been her father’s sacrifice for this journey, and it reminded her why she had come. For just a moment she had entertained the thought of choosing her own husband. She might choose someone like Silver, but a cleaner version of him. Aderyn reached over on the seat next to her and picked up the yellow rose among the bouquet he had gathered for her. Pressing her nose into the tip of the bloom, she inhaled deeply. As she did, she closed her eyes and recalled the bold way she had held his hand in hers after he was injured. She’d felt his pulse race under her touch. Opening her eyes, she glanced down at the smudges of dirt on her hand and lightly rubbed her fingers over them. Somehow the dirt on her skin didn’t seem so offensive now. Instead, it was a reminder of the gentleness of a stranger and one she wished to see again.

Aderyn would only allow herself the pleasure of this daydream a few minutes more, then she would lock it away with the rest of her emotions. She needed to focus on the reason she was here. Meet the family, meet Prince Sterling—and hope he wasn’t as everyone said he was—discover the truth about the silver mine, marry, and save her family. It was all easy enough when she knew what was at stake if she failed. She had hoped to marry for love, but marrying to save the lives of herself and her family was more important. Besides, no man wanted to be married to a woman who fought the dark despair of sadness and whose mother had lost her mind to it.

Aderyn pushed the dreams aside and prepared to face reality as they approached the steps leading into the castle. The king and queen of Cariandell met her as she stepped out of the carriage. The king seemed distant, but kind. The queen responded with a haughty air and a look of disgust at Saffira. Aderyn took an immediate dislike to the queen for that response. Saffira was a well-behaved creature and had done nothing to this woman yet to deserve such rejection.

Aderyn stiffly curtsied to them both. Thank you for inviting me, my lord, my lady. I only wish my father could have come.

King Cedric nodded. Yes, he and I are old friends. I would like to see him again, but I understand he is not well.

Aderyn nodded. Yes, my lord. That is correct. She glanced around, anxious to meet the princes. More importantly, Prince Sterling.

The royal couple turned to lead her inside the castle as servants appeared to unload her trunks and deliver them inside.

Upon entering the castle, shouts and stomping footsteps echoed in a most obnoxious manner. The queen pursed her lips as she strode toward the hallway the noise was coming from. The clamoring quieted only slightly. Within a moment, Aderyn could see who had caused the ruckus. Two dark-haired men who appeared to be her age shoved each other as they drew closer to her. They were almost handsome, but their sour expressions disturbed their chiseled features.

The queen cleared her throat, and they stopped shoving each other. Aderyn looked between the two. They almost looked like twins.

The queen patted each of them on their shoulders and turned to Aderyn. Princess, may I present to you my sons. Marius and Milo. Marius had a scar over his right eye while Milo had a dimple in his chin. Aderyn could spot no other way to tell them apart yet. They bowed to her, and each placed a kiss on her outstretched hand. She felt nothing from the gestures, unlike her reaction when the gardener had kissed her hand. When Milo and Marius smiled at her, she was momentarily mesmerized by their charming smiles and blue eyes. But their smiles didn’t light up their eyes the way Silver’s had.

Queen Viola looked at each of her sons adoringly and spoke again to Aderyn. Perhaps you will make a connection with one of my sons. You are here, after all, to marry a prince of Cariandell. Her sickeningly sweet tone grated on Aderyn’s nerves.

What about Prince Sterling? When may I meet him? Aderyn asked, glancing around for a third prince to appear.

The queen’s expression changed to one of irritation. Milo and Marius snorted. The king cleared his throat and spoke for the first time since entering the castle. My son does not enjoy company and often hides. My wife has tried to include him as often as he will join, but he prefers a simpler life.

The king’s statement made Marius and Milo guffaw. That simpleton. He wouldn’t know how to behave with company. He so rarely joins us, Marius said.

Milo nodded. Best stick with us, Princess. We know how to treat a lady, and we can show you a good time. Choosing one of us to wed would be your best decision. Marius nodded in agreement.

Aderyn wanted to get away from these two as quickly as possible. She hoped Prince Sterling was better than they were. For the sake of her family and kingdom, she would go through with the marriage, but the barest thought