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

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Your Majesty They Are Ready

"I am not the same girl you fought last time," I said, being the first to land a blow. His face twisted in pain and rage as my blade cut deep into his arm.

"You will always be the same, pathetic, useless, halfbreed," he spat. He took a step back collecting himself before lunging at me.

I leaned back as his sword whisked through the air. The blade close enough to send a rush of wind across my face. Our swords connected again. Using my right hand I pulled my knife from its sheath and stabbed it into his upper leg.

His scream of pain sent shudders down my spine as he stumbled back. The rage was the only thing now left in his eyes as he roared towards me. "Your parents died a swift death! But not you! You will feel the pain of death!" he growled. His next strike found home on my left shoulder.

"Ah!" I cried out as I stumbled back. My sword fell from my left hand. I fumbled to grab it with my right. But La Fray was too quick. He kicked it out of my reach. Then with his foot he shoved me to the ground. As his foot hit my ribs, I grabbed it and yanked him down. His body sent mud splattering. I quickly lept on top of him. Grabbing his sword and twisting it free I threw it to the side. Drawing his knife I held it to his throat, but he managed to flip me. He held me down for a moment, but then he slipped in the mud. Using the momentum, I shoved him further and he started sliding down the hill. I scrambled to my feet, the hours of practice on the obstacle course in the rain finally paying off. Grabbing my sword, I lunged towards La Fray as he tried to get his footing. Once again he fell and I held my sword to his throat.

His eyes bore into mine. "Do it. End me like I ended your father. I promise I won't cry out like your mother," he spat.

My body shook at his words. I would not let the rage take me as it had taken him. "I am not the same as you," I said.

He chuckled. "But you are. We are blood. You will not give up the power you have now, I promise you that," he said.

"I will not use it to my own advantage as you have. I can not allow you to hurt anyone else," I said. With a deep breath I went to end La Fray. However, before I could my body was shoved to the side and a new sword held La Fray down.

"Hello, nephew," La Fray said.

At the same time I called out, "Nate."

Nate did not respond. He stared down at his uncle. His body was shaking. "You promised to give me the world when I was younger, little did I know at what cost you spoke," he said, hardly above a whisper.

"I will give you the world. You are my family. Let me live and I will show you," La Fray urged.

Nate slowly shook his head. "In the three years I have called Sam my family she, and many others, have shown me what true family is," he said, with a smile crossing his face for a brief moment. "I do recall one lesson," he said, reaching down and grabbing his uncle's armor hauling him to his feet. "A lesson that has haunted my mind for years," he said, sliding his sword into La Fray's chest. "One I hoped I would never have to use," he whispered, shoving him to the ground. He dropped his sword and turned away from his uncle. His eyes landed on me. "It's over," he choked.

The tears on his face showing how hard the actions he just had to do really were. Racing forward, I embraced him as we both stood on the hill, rain pelting our bodies as sobs wracked both of us.

I stood on the battlement of my castle a week later watching as people ran around preparing for the victory parade. "Are all battles that hard?" I asked as King Philip took up the empty position beside me.

"No battle is easy. Your first battle is always the hardest. Yours, was that much more because it was family you were fighting," he said after thinking about his response for a moment. "It should never be easy to take the life of another. As a ruler your job is deciding when it is necessary, as it was this time," he said, putting an arm around my shoulders and pulling me close. "I know this is something you have heard often, but I say it again, your actions would make your parents proud. I know that I am only family through marriage, but know that I am proud of you as well," he said.

Nodding, I didn't respond right away. With a deep sigh I turned to look up at him. "When do you leave?" I asked.

"The day after tomorrow. Esklay is in need of comfort as well. Helen needs support," he said, sadness entering his eyes as our thoughts turned to King Syrus. "Remember, although I will be across a border, Vivian and I are always here for you," he said, placing a kiss upon my head.

"Your majesty, they are ready," a page said from the top of the stairs.

I nodded and turned to follow. Making my way to my horse, I mounted and looked to my side where Nikolai rode. Behind us rode Erik, the Dragon Lieutenants, Sir Gregory, King Philip, and General Howe. Behind them the rest of the dragons and soldiers were lined. Looking forward I closed my eyes for a moment as the tears returned. In front of us stood two hundred and sixty saddled horses. Nodding my head, the handlers took the horses reins and guided them forward. Each horse stood for one fallen soldier. As we exited the castle the noise of the crowd waiting could be heard. However, as the riderless horses were led past, the village fell into a silence of remembrance. In that silence we rode the length of the city. When we returned to the front of the castle two hundred and sixty people stood waiting. If the fallen soldier was a foreign friend one of the Aurojian soldiers stood waiting to take the reins. If the soldier was one of ours a family member stood waiting. Tears stung my eyes as I looked to the front two horses. Brooks' horse's handler handed the reins to Kole,who nimbly swung into the saddle and uttered a few soothing words to the horse. My eyes then went to King Syrus' horse. The reins were handed to Isabella who just as nimbly mounted her uncle's horse. After each horse was mounted we started the ride around the city once more. Except this time the roar of the city rose up. The cries of honor for the fallen and celebration for the victory echoed off the walls.

When we returned to the castle, I quickly dismounted and ran up the stairs to the battlement where I could address the crowd. "People of Auroja! Today I stand before you in reverence and celebration," I said, smiling at the people before me. "As I have been reminded daily, battles are never easy. This battle was no different. I lost many friends, many of you lost friends and family, but it was not in vain!" I said, pausing as the cheers rose. "The man who has taken so much from us will never again inflict pain upon this earth," I said, smiling as the cheers doubled. "It was because of the braverory of thousands that I can stand before you and say that the fate of Auroja is bright! Not only have we won a battle, but we have forged new friendships," I said, turning to where the majority of our foreign friends stood. "Today we celebrate new beginnings! Join with us as we spend the next few days in celebration," I said, holding up my hand in victory.

I was barely finished speaking when I was spun around. Laughing, I threw my arms around Nikolai. "We did it," I said, leaning in and kissing him.

"Yucky!" Scarlett cried from her fathers arms.

I grinned at my niece and smiled at my family and friends that stood nearby. "I once thought that too. I promise someday you will find a boy who changes your mind," I said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Someday, as in forty, fifty years from now," Alexander mumbled, bringing more laughter.

"Enough standing around! We have a ball to get to," Alakay said, pulling me away from my husband. "And we all know how much our dear queen likes dances and dresses."