A Princess Torn (Alys Book #2)

Chapter 13

She woke from her sleep the next morning feeling different than she had during the previous weeks she had been back in her home palace.  It was almost as if she had gone to sleep "Alys" and woken up "Endolynn".  She still had Alys' memories, hopes, and feelings, but she felt as if for the first time, she was finally, at least partially, back to who she had been before. She was hopeful it would last.

As she pulled on the light blue pants-dress that Krea had laid out for her and watched an older woman untangle her dark curls in the reflection of her mirror, she made the decision that she had been debating for weeks; she would try to truly embrace her identity as "Endolynn" and push "Alys" to the back of the stove so to speak, for now.

The maid secured the sapphire necklace and chose royal blue glass beads to add into her hair to match.

Alys- no, Endolynn, stood form her chair and thanked the maid before leaving to meet her father for breakfast.

Prince Jatova arrived later that day around mid-afternoon.  With the fuss that was made to announce his arrival, Endolynn was most thankful that he had not arrived during the night.  Tens of trumpets pierced the peaceful quiet of the courtyard, reaching the ears of everyone in and out of the palace.

"Announcing: Prince Jatova of Arkala, third son of King Chalon the Great."

Endolynn slowly stretched on the daybed she currently occupied in a nearby garden, soaking up the strong spring sunshine.

I best get out there; don't want father to think I'm being rude.

Gracelessly, she rolled off the day bed and stood.

Time to add one more piece to the puzzle.

By the time that Endolynn had made it out into the main courtyard, which only took a minute or so, all of her family members were already greeting the prince.  Endolynn approached, forcing herself to have the grace and confidence of a princess and not allowing any of "Alys'" insecurities to plague her.  She intentionally ignored the almost smug look on her aunt's face at her barely late arrival.

"Princess Endolynn," A tall and handsome man stepped towards her as she came up beside her father. His voice sounded like an exotic instrument and his black skin made his dark blue eyes impossible to ignore.

"Prince Jatova," Endolynn said breathlessly, lost in his eyes that were bringing back a thousand memories all at once. He took her hand in his and brought it up to his lips, pressing a gentle but firm kiss against the skin,

"It is wonderful to see you back safely where you belong," he said, releasing her had. Despite knowing full well that him kissing her hand was a normal custom in his kingdom, Endolynn felt her a slight blush spread across her cheeks.

"Thank you for coming such a great distance to visit," She replied back, almost too quickly. She added a smile to fain the appearance of being at ease.

"I would have travelled all the way to Tarkam myself if I had known you were there." The prince never took his eyes off of Endolynn's face, and the seriousness of his tone made her uncomfortable for just a second.

Travel all the way from the Marniac northern coast to Tarkam just to pay her a visit? Just the notion was preposterous.

Clearly father has yet another country vying for his favor.

"Yes, well," Endolynn turned to her father, seeking someone to switch her gaze and focus to, "As you can see, I am already found and home. No need for such... gallantry."

King Caldor gave her a strange look, but did not have the chance to add anything to his daughter's words before Princess Royce piped up.

"You must be tired from your journey," she stepped towards the prince and placed an elegant hand on his arm, "Come join us for a bite to eat before we show you to the guest chambers."