ARIELLE

The royal gourds at the castle gate were immediately alerted by the clip-clop sound of horse hooves striking the deep earth on the mountain trail. Everyone held their breath as the rider pushed the final steps up the hill in the silence of the cold night filled with unease.

"A message from the North Border!"

*****
"Yes. There are a couple of things you should be aware of when it comes to her. I'm more concerned about her picking you as her bride. I hope she didn't imprint on you six years ago on that day." I was horrified about the uncertain future that awaited me.