Princess of Fire and Smoke (Forbidden Court Book 1)

by Stephanie Bell

  “Yes, everything is fine.” I turn to him and offer my most confident smile. “Thank you for helping me. But I think we need to be on our way. This detour took longer than we expected.”

  He frowns at me, studying my face again. “Will you stay at the hotel in town? I can walk you over there. This isn’t a great night to be wandering through the dark.” He nods back towards the noise coming from the tavern.

  Aileen snorts with laughter and I try to ignore her.

  “We’ll be okay. Thank you though for your offer.”

  His mouth opens, no doubt to form an argument when a group of young men fall through the open door of the tavern. Some are bleeding, but they look altogether unharmed.

  I recognize one of the men instantly and my hand tightens slightly on the danger I'm holding.

  He's one of the soldiers from the cliff.

  He mumbles something under his breath before turns to throw up in a nearby bucket.

  “General!” One of the men shouts.

  Everything inside me freezes.

  General? The general that’s hunting me?

  My breath lodges in my throat and I prepare to run, or fight, or both.

  “What Captain?" The gray-eyed man asks from beside me.

  The man that has been sent to capture me for my murderous uncle, turns and smiles down at me.

  Chapter Nine

  “A couple of the men are still in there. I got everyone else out.” I hear one of the men say, but I can’t look away from the General next to me.

  “I need to go help them.” He says as his steady gaze watches me. “You won’t wait for me, will you?”

  “I’m sorry, we really need to go,” I mutter under my breath.

  I take a step back and then remember the dagger wedged into my waistband. I reach for it, but he catches my hand before I can pull it out.

  Magic floods me at his touch and I can feel the heat coursing through me. He takes a step closer and glances down at our joined hands.

  Lowering his voice, he leans in so only I can hear him. “Keep it. At least I’ll know you have something to use for protection.” His lips tip up in a crooked smile that has my stomach leaping. “Although, I’m not sure you need it.”

  Aileen grabs my hand as the general turns back to the tavern. We walk as fast as we can to get away from the soldiers. Instead of leading me South towards Aith, we take the Northbound road to the outskirts of town.

  I pull on her hand as we near the stables. “Aileen don’t even think about it. We don’t own any horses.”

  She raises a delicate arch of her eyebrow and flashes me a smug smile. “Of course, we do. Our family rightfully owns lots of horses, including the royal horses that are being kept in these stables.”

  My stomach tightens as anxiety washes over me. “We can’t steal the soldier's horses!”

  “Why not? They’d only use them to track us.” She chuckles as she pulls out of my grasp and walks to the stables.

  And I follow her, of course. Because what else am I supposed to do?

  As quiet as a mouse, she slips through the doors. I enter just behind her and regret every minute of it.

  Aileen walks proudly with her head held high past all the horses, stopping only at the second to last stall. She stands before a beautiful thoroughbred mare.

  “Hello, handsome,” She whispers as she gently scratches his head. She must be a natural with horses because he takes to her instantly. She nods her head to another stall. “That one's yours.”

  Curiosity gets the better of me, I walk over to the stall and see a huge black stallion. “Woah, hello there.”

  “His name is Storm,” She says as she lets herself into the other stall.

  “Hello, Storm. That sounds like the perfect name for you doesn’t it?”

  The horse nods his head, seeming to understand me just fine. I grab an apple out of a nearby basket and feed it to him. He sniffs at me and seems to take to me well enough, so I let myself into his stall. He is so powerful; he is definitely a special horse. His owner is going to be furious. I push that thought away as I gently put a saddle on him, murmuring soothingly to him the whole time.

  “Whose horse is this anyway?” I ask as I lead him out of his stall.

  “Your new best friend’s horse, of course.”

  It takes me a moment to understand who she's implying. “Do you mean I’m stealing the General’s horse?”

  “Think of it as stealing if you’d like, or maybe borrowing until after we get to Aith.”

  I’m starting to get the impression that my sweet innocent sister has changed quite a bit over the years…

  I hear the sound at the same time Storm's ears flatten down against his head. It comes from a dark corner of the barn.

  I quietly pull the dagger from my waistband and act like I am going to lead the horse out of the stables.

  “Well, we better get going then,” I say casually to my sister.

  The frown on her face shows me that she heard it too. Someone is in the shadows listening to us. “If you lead them out, I’ll get some apples for the road.”

  She nods hesitantly and takes the horses outside.

  I might be better with a bow, but I’m great with a dagger too.

  I walk over to the bucket of apples and grab a few, tossing them into a satchel and hang it over my shoulder. On my way back, I casually walk close to the shadowy area. I can just make out a body hiding in the shadows.

  I reach out and strike them in the stomach. I hear a masculine gasp of pain as he clutches his stomach. Using his surprise from the strike, I tackle him to the ground.

  I press the general’s dagger to his throat. “Who are you?”

  “Do we have to keep meeting like this, Feisty?"

  Chapter Ten

  I groan loudly as the ridiculous nickname echoes through the stable.

  Of course, it would be him.

  “Emerson. What are you doing here?”

  “I’ve been looking for you since we were separated.” He hesitates as he glances down at the dagger still pressed against his throat. "Would you mind?”

  I put the dagger away and take a few deep breaths, trying to clear my head. I watch as he gets off the ground and walks into a stall.

  He gives me a sheepish grin as he leads out a horse that is partially saddled. “I was about to leave when you showed up.”

  I leave him to finish saddling his horse and go find Aileen to let her know what's happened.

  “You don’t think it’s odd that he happened to show up here?” She whispers to me. We climb into the saddles of our borrowed horses and wait on Emerson to emerge.

  “We were separated while traveling together, Aileen. He was trying to find me, and this is the most logical spot to look.”

  “I don’t trust him.” She says frowning at the doors. “And if he doesn’t hurry, we’ll be caught.”

  “I have a feeling you don’t trust anyone, sister.”

  She glares at me and I scowl back at her.

  Emerson chooses that moment to join us and I quickly make the introductions.

  He directs his horse next to mine and smirks down at me. I stick my tongue out at him and try to hide my smile.

  “I suppose you’ll be traveling with us, then?” Aileen says with a growl.

  “As long as Addy is okay with it.”

  "He was just telling me that he'll be happy to escort us to Aith and he feels so bad about forgetting to give me my bow back, he's going to give it to me now. Aren't you, Emerson?" I grin up at him and hold out my hand expectantly.

  Reluctantly, he takes my bow and quiver off and hands them over to me. I slide them over my shoulder and feel a small part of normality return to me.

  When Aileen was talking to the soldiers at the tavern, they told her about a large group of soldiers camped west of the town. They were patrolling the only southbound road out of town. So, we decide to ride east before cutting south again. If we're lucky, we can get there before the soldiers,
and it would be a fairly quick trip to Aith.

  We stay in the woods until we are out of town, then we ride through the farmlands. Miles of flatland lay in front of us and I let Storm set the speed. He's quick, agile, and a force to be reckoned with.

  We tear through the land with such speed, the landscape blurs around us. It takes Aileen’s call for me to realize that we'd left her and Emerson behind. As impressive as their horses are, they are no match for Storm.

  We make camp as the sun sets, covering the long stretch of grass surrounding us in shades of yellow and orange. Not risking a fire in the flatland, we eat apples and bread that Emerson has brought with him. We sleep for a few hours and we’re up and riding again before the sun rises.

  At some point throughout the night, we'd crossed the border into Aith. Now, it’s just a matter of getting to the capital, Brisla, before the soldiers catch up to us.

  We arrive in the capital as the sun is setting, washing the stunning city in a golden light.

  Different colored buildings surround us as we ride towards the castle. Pale yellow, lime green, bright blue... It looks like the city was created for festivals and parties.

  But, the cheerfulness of the city doesn’t match the attitude of the citizens wandering through the streets.

  It's clear that the capital is in mourning. Everywhere you look the usually bright city has dark cloths hanging from every window, doorway, and archway. There are women with black veils covering their faces, and men with drinks in their hands yelling at each other.

  They’re mourning mother and father.

  The realization is like a fist squeezing my heart.

  One man sees us riding past and starts shouting at us to show some respect.

  Emerson moves his horse in front of me, shielding me from the man. The snarl that comes from him is terrifying. I glance at him in surprise and slowly reach my hand out and rest it on his arm, dragging his attention to me.

  Looking down at the man in front of us, I speak with tears running down my face. “We are very sorry for your loss, Sir.” I pull a coin out of my pocket and hand it to him. “Please, allow me to pay for your next drink, in their honor.”

  The man stares at my hand and sorrowfully takes the coin.

  “In their honor.” He repeats loudly, lifting his drink in a toast as he turns to walk into a tavern behind him.

  “What was that about?” Emerson asks, walking his stallion next to Storm.

  “The people are mourning the death of their beloved King and Queen,” Aileen says from the other side of me, sadness exuding from her voice.

  “Aren't you two mourning them also?” He asks, his brows wrinkling in confusion.

  “Yes, but that's what being a good ruler is all about. Putting your people's needs before your own.” Is my only response, as I encourage Storm to gallop towards the castle gates.

  Soldiers jump to attention as we approach and archers ready their bows from the rooftops. There are at least twenty guards with their weapons aimed at us.

  “Addy…” Emerson warns me.

  “I see them.” I draw Storm to a halt and dismount while looking sternly at my companions, “Wait here.”

  “No way in hell…” Aileen starts before I interrupt her.

  “Aileen, that’s an order.” I accentuate the last word as she glares furiously at me.

  As High Princess Elect of Centralia, I am technically her superior. I hate to do it, but I can’t follow through with my plan if she comes with me.

  Glancing over to Emerson, I see his frustration as he glares down at me from his horse. But he slowly nods his head in acceptance.

  I turn and slowly walk towards the guards, holding my palms out, in a gesture of surrender.

  “I wish to speak with whomever is in charge.” My words echo with confidence throughout the quiet courtyard. “I have a message for the Princess Elect Charis.”

  The man that walks forward looks at me suspiciously. “You’re a dirty peasant. What kind of message could you possibly have for our princess elect?”

  I pear at the insignia pinned to his uniform. He's a Captain. He is the one that needs to believe me.

  I lowered my voice so only he could hear me. “Captain, please tell Charis her best friend is here to see her.”

  Understanding dawns in his watchful eyes as he studies my face.

  Drawing his sword, he presses the blade to my neck. “You! Why shouldn’t I run you through here, and be done with it?”

  “Because Charis will have you executed in an instant when she finds out.” I see the doubt that flashes across his features. “She’s waiting for my arrival.”

  That’s an assumption, not a lie.

  He growls in frustration as he sheaths his sword and spins me around, tying my hands behind my back.

  “I’ll only be gone a moment.” He says to a nearby soldier. “If she tries anything, kill her.”

  The captain walks away as the soldier watching me draws his sword.

  “Corporal, I promise you that if you don’t move that sword, I won’t move either.” I smile and try to ease the tension radiating off the recruit.

  I guess I made things worse because he glares at me and raises his blade higher.

  I wait here with bated breath, praying the Captain relays my message to Charis. And that she doesn’t hate me as much as everyone else.

  The Corporal jumps as the gate is thrown open. Instinctively, his blade flashes out towards me, plunging into my side. I yank the Iron ring off my finger and flames lash out from me. The rope around my hands burns off in an instant.

  The archers let their arrows fly, directing them straight for me.

  I think one word to my magic.

  Shield.

  Flames circle around me, billowing into the sky. The arrows burn as they touch my flames, turning them to ash instantly.

  Cheers erupt behind me and I glance back to see Aileen, Emerson, and the horses surrounded by a similar ring of fire. Aileen has her fists in the air cheering while Emerson's eyes widen, and shock floods his face.

  “Cease Fire!” A female voice commands.

  I turn to see a tall figure with long blue hair running towards me. Water swirls around her and lashes out at the archers. Not actually striking them but coming close enough to get their attention.

  “I said stop shooting those arrows at her!” She stands in front of me, facing the soldiers. Water roars around her as she looks at each archer, daring them to lose another arrow.

  As one, the archers place their bows on the ground.

  Charis turns to me, her ocean blue eyes sparkling as she takes in the flames surrounding me. “I knew when your power finally manifested, it would be impressive. But I think I underestimated you, Your Highness.”

  Her water swirls around her as she bows to me.

  Recognition passes through the guards. There is only one person alive who outranks their Princess Elect.

  The guards fall on their knees, bowing to me, the Reigning High Princess.

  Chapter Eleven

  I place the ring back on my finger and feel the fire yanking itself back into my core. My magic doesn’t want to be contained; it sears my fingers as it's shoved violently back inside of me and I cry out as the fire vanishes.

  “Thank the Ancient, Addy! I’ve been worried sick!” Charis rushes at me and throws her arms around me, knocking us both to the ground.

  A sob escapes me. Charis is loud, opinionated, and tough. But, she’s also fiercely loyal, and my closest friend. I knew if anyone would believe me, it would be her.

  “Charis, I need to talk to you.”

  As soon as the words are out of my mouth, she jumps to her feet and reaches out a hand, pulling me up.

  “Of course, you do. Let’s get you inside.” She nods her head towards Aileen and Emerson. “Friends of yours?”

  “Yes. I couldn’t have made it here without them.”

  “Let them all pass, immediately.”She orders the guards.

  Eme
rson leads the horses over to us. His warm brown eyes are lit with humor. “Well Feisty, are there any more secrets you're keeping from me?”

  “Many. You'll never learn all of my secrets, Emerson.” I reply, trying to hide my smile.

  He leans closer to me and whispers in my ear. "I love a good challenge."

  “This sounds like it’s going to be highly entertaining, but you can continue this conversation once we’re in private.” Charis interrupts as she links my arm through hers and leads us inside the gates.

  “Char?” I say before the stablehand can take the horses away. “This horse is especially important. I’ll explain shortly, but he must be very well taken care of.”

  Intrigue flitters across her face as she raises an eyebrow. “Very well.” She turns to one of the stable boys, “Wake the main stable hand. Tell him I said this horse is his top priority.”

  The inside of the castle is striking. The halls are lined with white sandstone and each one has an intricate mural painted on it.

  Aileen pauses briefly at a painting of a marvelous sea creature, but she is soon encouraged to keep walking.

  As we pass room after room, there were some that I remember from my childhood visits, but the room my cousin leads us into is more magnificent than anything I can remember.

  There is a sitting area on one side with a large stone fireplace and a dining area opposite it. The fire reflects beautifully against the white floors and walls, giving the room a warm glow. But, the focus in the room is the floor to ceiling window along the far wall.

  The water calls to me and I walk over to look out the window.

  I can barely make out the setting sun across the vast ocean in front of us. From my previous visits, I remember the Royal Harbor is below us, but it's too dark to see much of it.

  “I’ve never seen so much water before.” Emerson's voice is full of awe as he stands beside me.

  “I was here a few times as a child. Wait until it’s daylight, it’s a splendid sight.” I turn to take in his profile in the dwindling light.

  He stands staring out at the abyss with his arms crossed in front of him.

  “Emerson, about my magic... It's just recently decided to make an appearance. Before the fire in the woods, I had no idea I could even do that.”