The Hidden Princess: Kingdom's Fate (book three)

Chapter Eleven: They Dragged Me In!

"You survived!" Alakay said as we walked into the inn where we were staying for the night. Tomorrow we would be given chambers at the castle.

I fell to the ground beside Sparrow, pulling her onto my lap. "Just barely. I would much rather have been here playing jacks with you," I said.

Rowen laughed, pulling a chair up and taking a seat upon it. "You act like it was pure torture. From what King Syrus said you handled yourself well and made much progress," he said.

Shaking my head, I pulled the hair ties from my hair and shook it out. "Sure, we made progress, but it ended in an invitation to a ball!" I exclaimed.

Sparrow squealed. "A ball? Do I get to go?" she asked with wide eyes.

Alakay smirked. "A ball is it?" he asked.

"And not just a normal ball. This one is being held in honor of her majesty, Queen Scarlett," Rowen said, laughing as I glared at him.

"I think this trip has been bad for you. You're more confident and using my pain for your enjoyment," I said.

Rowen slid down beside me. "It won't be that bad. I mean, sure you'll have to wear a dress and have your hair done, but you won't have to be fighting off suitors or anything as the men here wouldn't think of a relationship with an Aurjoian," he said.

"Oh yes, that is quite comforting. Phew, I was afraid that men would be falling at my feet," I mocked. I glanced around the room realizing that Emree and Nate weren't around. "Where are Nate and Emree?" I asked, hoping to change the subject.

Alakay grinned while Sparrow sighed. "Those two just can't get along! They were arguing nonstop about every little thing! I tried to make them knock it off and shape up but they just wouldn't!" Sparrow exclaimed. "Finally they got so mad at each other that they just stormed out and we had peace at last," she said, falling back against my chest.

"Oh sure, now you act the gentlemen!" we heard Emree's voice call out as the door was opened and she came walking in. "I can open the door for myself!"

"I was trying to earlier, but you kept taking it as insults like you are now!" Nate said, following close behind.

Sparrow sighed waving her hand in the air. "See what I had to put up with while you were gone," she said.

Smiling I shook my head, wrapping my arms around her. "Have you two been fighting since the moment we left?" I questioned.

"I wouldn't call it fighting as much as being verbally assaulted again and again," Nate said, putting down the bag he was carrying.

Emree went to respond, but Rowen was up and had a hand over her mouth. "I think the two of you need a time out from each other," he said, earning an approving nod from his little sister. "How about we discuss tomorrow's schedule," he said, turning to look between Benedict and me.

"I have tea in the morning with the queen. After that we were given the day to enjoy the city," I said, bringing everyone up to speed.

"Then the night after tomorrow there's a ball!" Sparrow exclaimed from her spot curled up on my lap.

I glared at my brothers, daring anyone of them to make some remark. "We'll come to that later. Now, we need to figure out what tomorrow looks like," I said, trying to avoid the ball as long as possible.

"If you're having tea with the queen, you will need your guards as customary and then your brothers could go as well. It's not necessary, however it may be good to show that you are not alone and not just a woman to be taken lightly," Rowen said.