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

Chapter Two: Sam! Run!

"Can I pretend I'm sick and miraculously heal tomorrow when King Syrus arrives?" I questioned, as my brothers and I finished breakfast. "Or maybe since we are a family you all should join me and support me as I learn this new job," I said. They quickly shook their heads, all smiling a little too much.

"Sorry princess, you're on your own for this one," Alakay grinned.

"I'm not a princess. I'm your queen and if I ordered you to accompany me then you will," I said glaring at him.

"But you won't," Alakay smirked.

Benedict shook his head. "Sam, it can't be that bad. Sure it may not be what you thought you would be doing, however, from what we have heard you are taking it in stride and picking up much quicker then some expected," he encouraged.

"Really?" I asked. They all nodded. Sighing a little I let myself relax. "So what are you all doing while I prepare for the royal visit?" I asked.

"I'll be heading to the castle library. I've been informed a handful of new reading materials have arrived and I'd like to take a look. Do you want to head to the castle together after breakfast?" Louis asked.

"Sure, at least I'll know you're in the castle if I need to be rescued," I grinned.

"Benedict and I are heading to The Lion's Den to practice our darts," Alakay said grinning. "Last time he beat me and so I need some redemption," he glared at Benedict who held up his hands. Alakay turned to Shepherd. "You want to join us so I can have a witness in my victory?" he asked.
Shepherd's mouth opened slightly and he didn't look like he knew how to respond. "Actually... I already have plans," he said quietly. The four of us raised our eyebrows waiting for more. "I may have met a family that recently moved to Jarrow from Merah and I promised their daughter I'd show her around today," he said.

"What?" we all exclaimed. Shepherd had a girlfriend?

"How did this happen? How in the world did the quietest of our group get himself a girlfriend before any of us?" Alakay asked. Shepherd pointed to me arguing I had a boyfriend. "She doesn't count, she's the queen," he said, waving his hand to dismiss me. "Now answer us!" he said leaning in.

Shepherd rubbed his neck as he looked at us. "We aren't in a relationship. I ran into her and her mother when they were trying to find the bakery a few days ago. Since they were new to town I thought it'd be nice to show her around so she's more comfortable here," he explained.

"Next time I have free time with you all, you're introducing us!" I grinned. I glanced to where most of the other Dragon's had already cleaned up and left. "I would love to stay and hear more, but I need to get to the castle," I said standing up. "I'll meet you at the stable in five minutes," I said to Louis before heading to my room to grab what I would need for the day at the castle.

"Do we really need to go so far?" I questioned Jone as we sat comparing different designs of silverware.

Jone sighed, shaking her head. "Samantha, this is your first time hosting royal members as the queen. We must show that you are well educated and ready for what you are expected to do," she said. "Now, swirls or solid?" she asked, holding up two designs.

"Jone! Who cares what silverware we use? Although this is my first time hosting it's not like it's a matter of state. They are King Philip's family. It's more of a family gathering than anything," I argued.

"That may be true. However, it never hurts to put our best foot forward. Also, since they are King Philip's family it is the best time to practice as you won't have much to lose," she said. Then pushed the silverware in front of me.