The Hidden Princess: Finding Hope (Book One)

Epilogue: The Truth (e)

 "Are you sure this is what you want to do?" Nikolai asked me for the hundredth time in the past week.

I nodded slowly. "Yes, I don't want to lie any longer," I said taking a deep breath looking at the door in front of us.

Nikolai walked over pushing the hair that had fallen into my face behind my ear. "It is going to all workout," he said, taking my hand. "Just as we have understood, so will they. Remember that no matter what happens today, you will always have me by your side," he said, leaning forward, placing a kiss on my forehead.

"Yes, but they didn't have a romantic relationship like you do," Alakay said, walking into the room pushing the prince away from me. "You may be the prince, but Sam is still our sister so watch yourself," he said, earning a glare from myself. "The people are gathered and excited to see you," he said, smiling at me.

I nodded, taking a deep breath. It had been a month since La Fray had entered the castle and I had nearly lost my life. The past month I had spent the majority of my time in bed healing from the wounds he had inflicted. At that point, I had lots of time to ponder the last eleven months. The most intense being the information La Fray had told me, information that I had yet to share with anyone. However, from that came a feeling that I needed to be as honest as possible with the people around me. So today the people of Jarrow had gathered at the castle for the beginning of a week-long celebration and to start it off I would be informing them that I was not a man.

"You will do great," Alakay said, giving me a hug before opening the door behind me and pushing me through.

Walking on to the balcony I saw my brothers, Orion, Erik, the royal family, and Chloe already gathered. Prince Nikolai and Alakay took up positions beside me as I walked forward. The cheers rose as I approached the railing. My brothers had told me how since the attack my name had been the talk of the town. They had given me credit for defeating La Fray and sending him running.

Taking my eyes off of the crowd, I looked to my brothers for the support I needed to make it through what was about to come. Orion stepped forward and directed me to a spot between him and the king. "Today we honor the one who helped bring peace back to Jarrow," King Philip said, raising more cheers from the crowd. "Sam, today we thank you for all you have done. You were the one that brought us information about La Fray having men inside the castle. You were the one that brought the information of who those men were. You were the one that protected my daughter and chased La Fray away," the king said, smiling at me.

I shook my head slowly. "Thank you, my king. However, it was not all on my shoulders. Without Nate we would not have had names of the insiders nor would we have had the knowledge that La Fray was coming for the castle while so many were away. It took us all to protect Jarrow," I said. Nods were given from the balcony.

"And once Nate recovers from his injuries, he too will be thanked. Today is your day," the king said. "I believe Orion has a few words before you speak to the people," he said, taking a step back.

Orion nodded, stepping forward and calling Benedict beside him. "Sam, you have changed the way that we look at apprenticeship. We have come to see that it is not age and rank that defines a person, but the person themselves and how they act. You have proven yourself over and over. I could not have asked for a better Dragon to reopen our apprenticeship training," he said, smiling at me. Ducking, I blushed at his words. "Today we are doing something that has not been done in Dragon history. Typically an apprentice must complete a full twelve-month training with the Dragons and a week-long test at the end to progress to the following stage. However, you have shown that you are ready. Today we would like to present to you your new band," Orion said stepping aside for Benedict to take his place.

Benedict walked over grinning down at me. "Sam, I was terrified when Orion said I would be in charge of the apprentice. I told him no... which as we know doesn't work with Orion. And I am glad. You have been the change that we need. It is with great honor that I present to you your year two band," he said, reaching forward, removing my white band and replacing it with the light gray one. "I hope you're up for another year with us," he said, earning laughter from all. "Now I think it's time you speak to the people," he said pushing me towards the balcony.

Looking over the crowd my heart sped up. The following words would change everything. "People of Jarrow, today is a day that will not be forgotten. Today is the beginning of a celebration of peace. For years we have lived in fear of La Fray, but the last months events have shown that he is not as strong as he'd like us to believe. That when we stand together we can stand against anything," I said. Then waited for the crowd to calm after another round of cheers erupted. "I thank you for the support you have given to myself and the Dragons. I thank you for welcoming me into Jarrow as one of your own. Being in this city is a dream I've had since I was young. Protecting you has been a dream I have had since I was a child. And today I need to be honest with you," I said, feeling myself shaking as I prepared to tell them the truth. "Today is my birthday... on this day a year ago I lost everything. My village was destroyed by La Fray. My life ended or so I thought. However, with the help of a family that became my own, I was able to move forward. They helped me get to Jarrow and join the Dragons... but there is something that we did that I can no longer hide," I said, a hush falling over the crowd as they listened. "I disguised myself... Knowing that apprenticeship was hard to come by for a boy of just fifteen and as a girl... impossible," I said, whispers starting to go through the crowds. "Today I stand in front of you to share the truth that only the Dragons and the royal family have known. I am Samantha of Hillsdale... I am a girl,"

To Be Continued...