The Hunted - Book 1 of the Lost Royals Series

"I shall never tell," the Queen replied.

Without another word the man thrust the dagger into her and Adrastea let out an involuntary scream, quickly covering her mouth. But it was too late. The Human snapped his head around and looked at the door. His face was square and dirty, with a scruffy blond beard and a long scar across his forehead, nose, and cheek. Adrastea stared with wide eyes at the horrid thing, still covering her mouth. The man leaped for the door and the Princess jumped back as it swung open, running as fast as her legs would carry her back down the hall.

"GUARDS!" she screamed hoarsely, dashing up the stairs.

She could hear the man's footsteps right behind her but did not dare look back.

"GUARDS!" Adrastea yelled again.

Reaching the top of the stairs the young Princess halted, looking down the empty hall.

The guards were gone.