Prologue
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I have been riding day and night. I could feel my stomach as it clenched into tight knots. ‘Just a little further’. I could feel the ground rumble. I could hear the sticks snap under the weight of pressure, beneath my horses feet. We’re almost to the river. I just have to make it to Extia Kingdom, he can’t follow me once I’m past the border; I just have to make it to the water. I could hear the rumble of horses' feet behind me; I glanced back ‘dark knights’. I nicked my horse to go a little faster. Please Hera were almost there. I could feel the wind as it rushed through my hair, I could hear the rush of the water. Anxiety started to rush through me. Almost there, so close to the border. If I don't make it, then it was all for nothing. He’ll have me, and he won't be happy that I ran, only ‘Nebe’ knows what he will do to me. I looked down at my hands. The tips of them were starting to turn blue, ‘Raynaud’; I remember learning about this in school. It's when you're so anxious that your body starts shutting off. It always starts in the fingers and lips. I tried to take a deep breath. I can make it; I know a can. The river is right in sight.
“Your Majesty, please stop running” one of the dark knights shouted, as he picked up speed towards me.
“I can’t go back” I yelled back, I nipped at Hera to go faster.
“He won't ever give up,” the knight shouted back. Hera picked up speed before crashing into the water. Relief. I watched as the dark knights rode off on their horses. I knew that they were going to return to him, and I knew I didn't have much time until he would come looking again. I hopped off of Hera and let her rest for a bit before heading out again. At least now the dark knights can't cross over. Not until he gets permission from the King and Queen of Extia. I took off my cloak and hung it up on a tree to dry. Then I walked over to the water and looked at my reflection. My wild rose red hair stood out like a sore thumb.
Every royal family has a blood trait that is unique to them. Noland kingdom, black hair, red eyes, they lived up in the snowy mountains. They were the only ones that could shapeshift into wolves. The King never took on a wife, all three of his sons were born from different women. Their skin was thick and durable. I remember when they came to the palace for my 13th birthday. That was the day I stepped into the rules of princess officially. Which meant that I could go to parties. And events held by aristocrats and nobles. And I could hold them myself too. None of them really spoke that much, and they were a bit older than me at the time. Crown prince Greg was 20, Phillip was 18, and Zen was 16.
Extia kingdom, hair as white as snow, eyes that change based on their mood, they could create any illusion they wanted. Unlike Noland, the Extia kingdoms, King loves his wife very much. Together they had 4 kids, Chester 19, Thomas 17, Edmund 14, Catherine 10. They lived on the green plains. Their country had powerful mages. They too were at my party. That was the first time I met Chester. I still remember racing horses with him. And playing chess. He was always so sweet to his siblings. And Edmund and Thomas were the ones to pull pranks, Catherine was always chasing after her older brothers.
Cicia Kingdom, my Kingdom, we lived near the water, and we had the ‘dark knights’ , a powerful force that cannot be killed unless they cross off their soil, without permission. My family could show anyone our memories, but one issue was red hair and green eyes. Which just so happens to stick out. So I have to find a way to hide my hair. I started with pulling it back into a braid. Then I hid it with a long cloak. This should do until I get there.
I climbed back onto Hera and rode straight towards the King and Queen's castle. I knew that I had to get there before any messenger could. I already knew that William and my uncle were itching to get me back in his clutches. I rode fast, once my father fell from the throne my family's head butler and maid. Mary and George were banished by my uncle. When they crossed the border I thought our connection was severed. Until I got a secret letter from them. They had taken refuge in the Istiland kingdom. Maybe they would offer me the same.
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Almost to the outer wall's gates. I took Hera over to a nearby stream and let her get some water, I then removed the braid letting my long hair flow. After letting Hera rest for a bit I climbed back on her and rode. I knew that she was exhausted but I had to continue. Once we made it she could rest and eat as many apples as she wants. But the ride to the outer wall was still far out.
“Halt you may go no further” one of the guards said.
“Identification,” another one said.
I lifted my clock to show my hair “I’m princesses Veronica of Cicia Kingdom” I paused for a moment as the weight of my words sunk in. Within seconds they were on their knees.
“Please your royal majesty we had no idea”
“You're pardoned, but please send word at once to the King and Queen… I have news that will shock the Empire” I shouted.
“OPEN THE GATES” the guards yelled “ And get me a messenger hawk”
I rode straight through the gates, I could see the guards all fall on one knee.
“Autumn of Cicia, word has been sent to the King and Queen of Extia” A mage said to me, “A carriage awaits you this way… if fine by you we have stables to let your horse rest at and we will have someone transport her when she gain strength”
“Thank you for your concern, but I would like her to come with me” I stated firmly.
“Yes, your Majesty” the mage said back. “Your escort team is over there… Are you ready to ride out?” I shook my head yes.
We rode fast. The Kingdom of Extia had a wall, protecting the people of the kingdom.
“Princess please forgive us but we have to check you” one of the guards stated as I got to the gates of the king and queens castle.
“I understand” I hopped down from Hera and two guards approached one male and one female. The male searched Hera. Well the female one searched me. I understood that they only wanted what was best for the kingdom. What was safest for their people.
“All clear” they both shouted. One after the other.
I then climbed back onto Hera, and rode. You could see as all the people gathered around in the streets to see what the commotion was. The thing I loved the most about the Extia Kingdom was that they looked after their people, far better then any kingdom in the three lands. My uncle always said that's what makes their kingdom weak, you're people should hide in fear of what you might do to them if they don't obey. My uncle always was crazed for power. And if you weren't willing to give in, then he would trample you. Like a three horned rhinoceros, just the same as my father. I still remember the day when I got the news of his passing, it haunts me, sometimes I lay awake at night thinking about him. He was all I had after my mother died giving birth to me. He never once cursed me for it, like all the noble families did. And my uncle was the main source. Although I never knew at the time. I was too young to tell, too naive. No longer will I allow someone to push me around. My father wanted me to live a free life, one with no restrictions.
A free life.
YOU ARE READING
Fated Bonds
FantasyWhen my father fell from throne I thought that all was lost, and that there was no hope left. I only had one choice and that was to break free of the bonds of the past, and take back my Kingdom at any cost.
