Chapter 1
Adelia spat blood out of her mouth, wiping her face with the back of her hand. She grabbed her sword, her fingers relishing the familiar grip of the handle.
“Again!”
Lunging forward, she swung her sword down, only to be knocked away. “Argh!” she screamed, charging forward.
Quinn dodged sideways, pushing on her back and bringing her to the ground.
Adelia looked up at him, “I could have had you.”
Quinn smiled. “Your head was not here today milady. Otherwise you could have.” He held out his hand, pulling her to her feet.
“You are right Quinn, as usual.” Slapping her thighs, she attempted to get the dust and grime from her clothes. ‘Elsie is going to be mad,’ she thought.Quinn placed their training swords on the rack.
“Tell me princess, what troubles you today?”
Adelia looked up at Quinn. He was tall, easily a foot taller than her. He was only a few years older, but always seemed so much wiser. He had been made second in command to the royal guard at a young age; being the first born son of knight Bernhardt, it was to be expected.
Adelia knew the real answer; Quinn was an old soul. And he was taught by the best. She knew she couldn’t keep anything from him.
“It’s the Harbinger’s.” She sat down on the bench, grabbing her flask and taking a long drink. “They released new documents that my parents are set to approve.” Lowering her voice she said, “Quinn, I have a horrible feeling about it. Something bad is going to happen. I just know it.”
Quinn took a seat next to her, whispering back, “Princess, you are not the only one. But there are spies everywhere. Please be careful what you say.”
Adelia nodded. “If only I was a man. I might be able to make a difference.”
“No Princess,” Quinn shook his head. “Being a man doesn’t mean you can do anything to make a difference. Take me for example. I am a knight. I cannot make a difference. I am simply trained to defend the royal family. Specifically, you. What difference can I make?”
Sighing, Adelia replied, “At least some men will listen to you. No one listens to me. I am the youngest child and a girl. Nothing I say or do matters.”
“More people will listen to you than you think,” Quinn said. “You are still a member of the royal family. They will eventually listen to reason.”
Adelia sat and thought about what Quinn had said. Since the Vizier had arrived with his small band of followers a year ago, the kingdom had started to fall. Citizens left by the dozens; crime was out of hand; and the King and Queen had all but vanished. The Harbingers would be the death of the kingdom, and Adelia could do nothing to stop it.
“Careful, Princess. The weasel is coming.” Quinn stood and moved behind Adelia.
Looking at the far side of the training yard, Adelia watched as the Arrow Leader, the Vizier Bodhi, headed their way. He was a short, balding man whose honeyed voice made Adelia cringe. He strutted towards them, nose pointed up in disgust. He glared at both Adelia and Quinn as they relaxed after their training.
Adelia straightened her back, squaring her shoulders. The Vizier was not her friend. He had single handedly brainwashed her entire family, turning them into pawns for whatever game he was playing.
“Princess Adelia,” his voice sending shivers down her spine. “You do realize that the early morning activities you like to partake in are not fitting for your status.” He looked at Quinn, disgust apparent on his face. “And the company you keep is unbecoming of you.”
Adelia could feel her anger rising. Quinn put a calming hand on her shoulder. “I know exactly what my status means, and of the company I keep. The activities I partake in are of my choosing, I don’t need your approval or anyone else’s.”
The Vizier bristled at her response, anger visible on his face. “Very well Princess. I will discuss this with the King and Queen. We will see what they have to say about it.” Huffing, he turned his nose and stomped off towards the main hall.
Quinn spun Adelia around when the Vizier was no longer in earshot. “What do you think you are doing?” he demanded. “You cannot challenge him. He is looking for any excuse to be rid of me, and you are giving it to him!”
Adelia could feel the anger rolling off of Quinn.
“Quinn,” she started as he backed away. “I am sorry. I didn’t realize…”
“I know, Princess,” he interrupted. “You have to remember that you are a member of the royal family. He cannot control you. You cannot let him get to you.” Turning, he made his way across the training grounds.
Adelia watched as he left, feeling foolish. Quinn was right. She needed to be stronger than the Vizier, physically and mentally. Sighing, she headed towards the keep to get ready for the day. She knew the Vizier would keep his promise. It would only be a matter of time before she was summoned to her father.
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As she walked to her suite, she could feel all eyes on her. There were always whispers around her after the Vizier had arrived. Adelia swore that he caused the rumors.
Rounding the corner, lost in thought, she ran into her ladies maid, Elsie.
“Oh my goodness miss, I am so sorry,” Elsie stammered, bending down to pick up the linens she dropped. “I was just coming to look for you.”
“Why?” Adelia asked, knowing but feigning innocence.
“Your presence is requested in the throne room. You have to get ready and quickly.” Elsie grabbed Adelia’s hand and pulled her down the hallway.
Adelia followed her through her room and into the en suite plunge bath.
“The water was warm, Princess. But it has cooled. I would call for more, but we don’t have the time. I am sorry,” Elsie rattled on while helping Adelia remove her clothing.
Adelia gasped as she dipped her toe in the water. “You are right,” she shivered as she lowered herself into the water.
“Again, I am sorry,” Elsie muttered, dumping water over her head. “It is going to take me some time to get all this dust and hay out of your hair. I swear, Princess, it’s like you rolled around in the stables.”
Adelia let her mind wander as Elsie worked on getting her hair clean and tidied. Grabbing the bar of jasmine soap, she began washing herself, preferring her touch to others.
Elsie sighed as she stood. “All done Princess. Now, up you get. The Vizier will have my head if we don’t get you there soon.” Elsie handed her a towel and stepped in the other room.
“We should make a statement,” she called loudly. “Make him remember who it is he is talking to. You are the Princess.”
Adelia thought back to her conversation with Quinn earlier. They were both right.
“What are you thinking Elsie?” Adelia asked as she walked to the chair by the fire. It was just embers, but she hoped it would put off enough heat for her auburn hair to dry faster.
“The pale blue one, your majesty. The one with the lovely lace and pearls? That one always makes a statement. And it will go beautifully with your hair.”
Adelia thought about it for a moment. “What else is there in there?” she asked. Her hair made certain colors a bad choice, so she knew that she was limited.
“We could go with the white one with daisies. It would show your youth and innocence,” Elsie suggested.
“No,” Adelia said. Standing, she joined Elsie at her wardrobe.
“What about this one?” Elsie pulled out one of the dresses in the back.
Smiling Adelia replied, “It’s perfect.”
“Alright. Let’s get to work.” Elsie threw the gown over the wardrobe door and found the rest of the outfit.
“Elsie, do you have an idea of what jewelry to pair with it?” Adelia asked, picking through the box on her vanity.
“Sapphires, miss. They show wisdom and virtue.”
“Agreed.”
Elsie moved swiftly around the room, ordering her about as she helped her get dressed. Adelia felt like she was preparing for war; war against the Vizier and his followers.
