Hidden Crowns: A Royal Romance

Chapter 4

Amara's POV:

Well that wasn't exactly how I envisioned things going, I think, as we walk a few feet into the forest.

I wasn't planning on almost being taken by guys that work for Ruben Of Night, but thanks to my training from Dominic, taking them down was a piece of cake. I can't wait to tell him about it when I get back.

Now I have another slight problem.

This guy, Alex, saw me fight and I know he heard the conversation I had briefly with Ruben's men. He knows I'm going after someone, and I can't have it getting back to my kingdom that a girl tied up two burley men of his. My father would know it was me and I might not get the chance to take out Ruben Of Night.

"Who are you going after?" He asks. "Maybe I can help you."

I turn and give him a questioning look. "I don't even know who you are. For all I know, you could be a spy." I say.

He actually snorts. "Yeah, I wish that's what I was." He says and chuckles.

"Why would you help me? What benefit would you get out of it anyways?" I ask and cross my arms over my chest.

He shrugs, leaning against a tree. "I don't know, I thought maybe we could help each other." He pauses for a moment and looks at me with a fire in his eyes that wasn't there before. "I'm going after someone too. He has to pay for what he's done, and I won't quit until his blood is on my hands."

I think for a moment. It would be nice to know someone has my back if I were to get caught.

"How do I know I can trust you?" I ask.

He smiles. "I did save you from that boot beer back there didn't I? That deserves some credit." He chuckles.

I study him for a second, making up my mind.

"Alright Alex," I say, sticking my hand out for him to shake. "You've got yourself a deal, but we go after my guy first. He's a threat to my home and I won't stand for it." I explain as he takes my hand in his.

I'm surprised at how strong his handshake is, yet at the same time is soft and almost, caring?

He looks down at our hands. "My guy is a threat to my family and has been for years. You have my word that I won't stop until both are killed." He says letting my hand go.

It surprises me at the lack of warmth I now have from the action.

I nod, turning again to continue walking further into the trees.

"Hey Ara, I forgot to mention that I have a companion with me as well." Alex says and turns back towards the direction of the tavern.

I look at him skeptically before I follow him and we come up on a beautiful black horse with one white marking on its face. It reminds me of the birthmark I have on my left side, just above my hip bone.

"His name is Atlas. He's the fastest horse my family has." He says as I walk up to the horse.

I place my hand over his nose and lightly pet him. "He's got a beautiful coat." I say. "Easy to blend in at night."

Alex nods and motions towards the saddle. "Have you ever ridden?"

I give him a small smile. "It's been a while, but yes. I used to ride everyday." I explain.

"Used to?" He asks and runs his fingers through the horse's mane.

I nod. "My father says I need to focus more on training and studying. Riding horses isn't a number one priority for him." I say sighing.

He laughs a bit and says, "Ha, are you sure we don't have the same dad? Mine only cares about the future of our family and not what's happening now. Instead of solving simple problems right away, he wants to wait until there's a disaster to have a solution."

I furrow my eyebrows and look at him. "That does sound like we have the same dad."

We both shake our heads with little smiles on our faces.

"Speaking of solving problems, do you know where your guy is located? You know, so we can kill him?" I ask taking my sword out to inspect it.

Alex reaches for the strap of his saddle and begins tightening it against Atlas.

"People from my city say he's down by the river, not far from here. I've been after him for years and could never get an exact location on his whereabouts, so I hope this time is different."

My breath catches in my throat.

Alex turns to me after he's done with his saddle.

"What about your guy? Where's he at?" He asks motioning for me to hand him my bag.

I take it off my shoulder, giving it to him to tie onto his saddle.

"He's also by the river." I say and gauge his reaction.

He turns to look at me, a few moments passing between us before either of us spoke.

"What's your guy's name?" He asks looking into my eyes.

I stare back at him. "I think we both know what it is." I say.

"Ruben Of Night." We say in unison.