The Throne of the Lost

Chapter 1

A cool breeze brushed my long, snow fallen hair gently into my eyes. I swept the hair behind my ear and reached up, behind my shoulder. My warm fingertips grazed a feather as I pulled a long arrow from its quiver.

The arrow found its place as I pulled the string tightly back. Every tense muscle in my arms screamed for me to stop. The three-hour long therapy session began to take its toll. I ignored the strain; this is the only time I felt alive.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Release.

The widest grin graced my lips as I peered down thirty yards at the circular target. A split arrow. Finally, I did it.

A creek of a window drew me out of my astonishment. I quickly glanced up at the elevated ledge before throwing the bow around my back. Beaming, I turned and ran for the stables on the bottom of the hill.

"Princess Ashlyn! Your father-" a servant began to yell for me, but it was too late. I was already too far gone to hear what father wanted of me today.

I pushed open the new wooden stable door, nodding my head at the farm boy. He bowed, halting his tending of the foal and her mother. I strode directly to my girl, my twin. Born on the same day with similar abnormal amethyst eyes. Only her hair was a deep onyx.

"Good afternoon Noire," I spoke softly to my horse as I grabbed the saddle off the back wall. "Ready to ride?" I threw a leather clad leg over Noire's back. Then we were gone, set out for the surrounding forest.

I grinned as the cold burned my cheeks. Racing across the bright rolling fields, I looked back at the looming castle. Shining in the sun, surrounded by roses and hedges. I turned to watch Noire race towards the small familiar opening in the forest. The fields bent towards the deeper and darker forest, urging me forward. The village on the left appeared so small, so far away but its hold on me was suffocating.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I had a lesson to prepare for, my father to answer to and my birthday to plan, but I left it all behind me with my exhale. When I opened my eyes, I was just Ashlyn. 

We slowed our pace to enjoy the little time alone we had. Sure, being a princess has its perks, but my heart pulls me towards another path. I pulled my cloak tighter around me, protecting myself from the cold and my bitter future.