Pirate Princess

1

I stood on the main deck outside of the Captain’s quarters waiting for him come out. The ship swayed gently beneath my feet, but I barely noticed it. The sound of the ship moving through the water did not calm me as usual. My long blonde hair was braided, the thick braid hung over my shoulder so that I could play with the hair at the end, a nervous habit I had been unable to break.

Captain Rocco, my father and the King of Pirates, had instructed me on the previous night to meet him at first light. The crew was starting to wake up and move about the ship to start their day, but most were still sleeping in their hammocks below deck. I felt like a stretched rope; nervous and impatiently waiting for my father to tell me what he wanted. What felt like hours later, but was probably minutes, he opened his door and stepped out. Some of the crew had gathered nearby and I felt even more agitated and unsure. I wished he had asked to speak to me in private instead of on the main deck.

Good morning, Tilia, my father said with a wide smile. He was well over six feet tall, built like a mountain, and one of the fastest swordsmen I had ever seen in my life. He had black hair that he kept tied back with a leather thong. His dark eyes which made most men freeze in fear only looked at me with warmth and love even when I misbehaved. His crew was undeniably loyal to him and he did everything he could to make their lives blissful. That was a big reason why he had wanted to become King of Pirates, since it gave them the most security.

Morning, Captain, I said with a forced smile. I wrung the bottom of my shirt nervously and held my tongue from saying anything more. He would tell me what he had to say when he was ready and not a moment earlier. He sat in the wooden chair that the carpenter had made for him, which was bolted to the deck to keep it from falling overboard during storms. It had started off a dark brown and after years in the sun had turned almost white. When I sat in the chair it looked large, but when the Captain sat in the chair it looked like a toddler’s chair. More of the crew gathered, interested to hear what was going on.

I know you are wondering why I brought you here and what I want to talk to you about. I want you to remember that everything I do for you is to help you and to make the best decisions for your life. I just want what is best for you.

My heart hammered against my chest in fear. When the captain made speeches like this things usually went poorly for whomever he was talking to.

I was the person he was talking to.

Oh no.

I considered this long and hard and I talked it over with the Quartermaster as well to get his opinion. He paused and smiled at me, the sweet smile that was reserved for his daughter. We are going to take you to live with your aunt in the Capitol of Crilan. You are a royal and it is time that you had a proper education and learned to be a lady instead of a pirate.

He was sending me away! To live in a dusty castle! I don’t want to live in a castle! I said nervously. I don’t want to be a lady. I want to be a pirate. A few of the men laughed softly and talked to each other about me. I’ll behave more ladylike if you want me to. I’ll stop cursing—

I don’t think she can talk without cursing, Timothy, the boatswain said with a laugh.

Shut up, you filthy mongrel! I yelled at him. I bit my lip and turned back to my father. I’ll curse less. I am getting better with my training and I can hit the center target with my dagger every time now. I’ll swab the deck every day and help cook. I’ll learn more about medicine from Doc to help lighten his load when I’m able to, I offered everything that I could think of that might entice him to keep me on board.

This is what your mother wanted. I have already notified your aunt and she is expecting you. We set sail in an hour. I know you may not understand it now, but this is what is best for you, Tilia.

Arguing with him was useless so I stormed down to my barracks, locked the door, and cried the rest of the day. Some of the crew stopped by, trying to console me, but I ignored all of them and refused to let any of them in. He was sending me away. He was sending me to live in a castle with people I didn’t know, where I would have to learn to be a proper lady and wouldn’t be able to fight or have any kind of real fun. It wasn’t fair. I wanted to be a pirate. I was a good pirate. I was already really good with the sword, I could throw a dagger on target, and I was decent at hand to hand fighting. I wasn’t going to fit in at this royal place with daughters who were taught to curtsy and speak pleasantly. Dad was one of the smartest men I knew and he was very educated so I was taught to speak properly, but I didn’t know the first thing about how to talk to a royal or talk like one.

I stared at the water out a port hole as they took me to be dropped off and realized that I wasn’t going to be able to sail anymore either! I didn’t want to be on land where I couldn’t even see the ocean! I needed the cool air in my hair, the constant sway of the boat beneath my feet, the smell of salt so thick in the air. I didn’t want to be on the land! It wasn’t fair! I hadn’t done anything wrong to deserve this.

Sometime later that night my father came by. I opened the door for him and sat facing the port hole. I had never turned my back to him before, but my heart was heavy with the fact that my father was abandoning me.

I have a few things to tell you before we get there, he said. So face me and pay attention. I turned around and faced him despite really not wanting to and tried to hide the scowl on my face. You can’t let anyone know who I really am. You are going to have to lie and say I’m a royal from a far off land. I already started the lie with your aunt so you just have to continue it.

Why can’t I tell them who you really are? I asked. I was proud of my dad. He was the King of Pirates! He kept order and ensured every pirate stuck to the Pirate’s Code and was a kind and good captain to his crew.

They might try to use you against me if they found out that I am your father. The kingdoms have been trying to bring me in for years now and I don’t want you to be hurt on account of me. Do you understand? This is very important.

Yes, sir.

Good. I want monthly written reports from you. You will need to pass them along in secret, not letting anyone see you hand the letters off or who you handed them off to.

How am I going to find someone to give them to in secret? I asked. I doubted a young royal lady was given much freedom.

Sedgwick is going to help us with that. Father turned to face my door and called, Sedgwick!

Sedgwick was the ship’s doctor, a young man by doctor standards with wild black hair and gentle hands. He walked in with tools I rarely saw used. He smiled at me and said, I’m quick so it won’t hurt too much, but it is still going to hurt some.

You’re giving me a tattoo? I asked in shock.

I’m giving you my mark so that you can find one of mine and pass your reports along. Also, if the royals do figure out who you are, try to escape and find someone loyal to me. They will hide you and help you escape. I’ll come blow up the Capitol if I need to, but let’s hope it does not come to that. The only person you can trust fully is yourself, Tilia, remember that.

I swallowed nervously. I had seen the others get my father’s symbol tattooed on them a few times. I knew it was going to hurt and yet I was so overjoyed at getting his symbol tattooed on me that I didn’t care. I had wanted his symbol as long as I could remember; only the best were given his mark and knowing I would finally get it filled me with pride and excitement. Alright, I said with a nod.

Sedgwick patted a chair and said, Sit here, please. I sat down as instructed, pulled my shirt down so he could tattoo my shoulder, and held as still as possible as he tattooed me. It stung, but as soon as the spot he was working on began to hurt a bit much he would move on to another part. All done, he said after a couple of minutes.

I stood in front of the mirror, looked over my shoulder, and inspected my very first tattoo. My father’s symbol was the boat symbol our ancestors had used, one curved line to make the boat shape, a straight line to represent the deck, and three straight lines to symbolize the masts. It’s perfect, I whispered.

Use this medicine on it once a day, don’t pick at it and keep it out of the sun for a month, Sedgwick ordered and handed me a small jar of white paste.

Now, I want you to pack your things and get ready to go, dad said. You can say goodbye to everyone when we get to port. He left the room quickly and didn’t look back.

He’s having a hard time dealing with this, Sedgwick whispered. He doesn’t want to be separated from you, but he knows this is the best thing for you. He gave me a soft smile and said, I’m going to miss you, kid.

I’m going to miss you as well, I said with a smile for him. He left and I grudgingly started packing. It didn’t take as long as I thought it would since I didn’t have very many things in my possession but then again I didn’t think many ten and a half year olds had a bunch of possessions. I turned and looked out my port hole and saw land. This bites, I muttered as I looked at the only room I had ever lived in for the final time. I carried my bag up the stairs to the main deck and tried to memorize everything about the ship I had lived on and would miss. I stepped up and looked at the land in front of me. The port was full of ships of varying kinds and people milled about. I looked at the main mast and was shocked to see that our flag with my father’s symbol had been taken down. He must not have wanted to cause panic amongst the people if they saw Captain Rocco was here. Beyond the port was an area of houses and passed that were fields of crops and then off in the distance was a large castle. It gleamed white in the sun and looked majestic. I said I didn’t want to live there, but I could see how girls wished to live in that place. It was stunning.

Give this letter to a guard and they will take you to see the queen. It was written by your mother and has your mother’s seal on it so they should accept it and take you to the queen without question. The queen has promised to raise you as her own and will ensure you are educated in every way, even magical arts, my father explained.

They teach magic here? I asked and was a little excited at that prospect.

Yes. Remember to write me and hide that tattoo until you need it to find my people. Do you understand? he asked me.

I looked up at my father, the toughest man I knew and asked, Will I see you again?

I saw a shimmer of tears in his eyes and he squatted down so that he was eye level with me. I definitely hope so, my girl. It may not be for a very long time though. I am going to miss you more than you know.

I wrapped my arms around his massive neck and squeezed him as I fought back tears. I love you, Dad.

I love you, too. Go say your goodbyes to the crew and then Rockwell will take you to land. I backed away from him and he got a strange gleam in his eye. Wait, I have a gift for you. He pulled out a purple satin pouch from his pocket and set it in my hands. I untied the strings securing it and stretched the top open to find a gorgeous diamond and amethyst necklace. It was one of his greatest treasures. He loved to tell the story about how he had stolen it from a queen who had turned him down for a dance at her ball and how the look of terror on her face when she realized the necklace was missing was almost greater than keeping the necklace. Keep this and remember that no treasure is greater than you, he whispered.

I tied the bag shut and smiled at him. Thank you.

The crew said goodbye to me and I was surprised to find more than a few of them with tears in their eyes. I climbed into the dinghy that we used when we had to take a small amount of people to shore and Rockwell started rowing. I waved to the pirates I considered my family, having been raised by them since I was three years old and my mother had died, and felt a hole inside of me forming.

Keep your wits about you and remember to defend yourself. Let them know that you aren’t to be trifled with and that you know how to use those daggers and sword you have on your sides. Even if they tell you that you can’t wear a weapon you find a way to keep at least one dagger on you at all times, Rockwell instructed me.

I will, I promised.

We reached the closest dock and he held the dinghy steady while I climbed onto the creaky wood. Good luck and I hope to see you soon, he said with a sad smile.

I waved to him and then walked down the dock towards land. I couldn’t turn around to watch them sail off or I would cry and make a scene. I had to be strong. To stay strong, I had to keep facing the land and avoid looking back at the ship that had been my home. I stood at the edge of the dock where it met the land and stared at the dirt in front of me. One more step and I would be on land and off the sea for the first time since I could remember. I had visited islands with my dad, but we only had short visits and spent most of our time on the ship. Now I wouldn’t be able to sleep on a ship in a hammock or stand at the bow with my arms out as the wind pressed against me.

Men watched me curiously, but no one said anything. People walked around me going about their days. Dock workers, fishermen, and guards milled about. I felt small and unimportant. The fish market was in full swing with people bartering prices for the fresh caught fish in loud voices. The scent of the market was almost too strong for me to handle so I hurried away, heading for guards I saw in the distance. I passed various vendors with brightly colored tents and items ranging from jewelry, to bait, to clothes for sale and moved farther inland. Finally, I found a guard with the Crilan symbol on his shirt standing with his hand on his sword’s hilt watching the people around the docks.

Sir? I need to see the Queen, I said in my best voice.

Really? he asked, looking down at me with a smirk. I held up the letter and he stared at the seal in shock and then looked at my face for a moment. Follow me, he instructed, the smirk gone and replaced by shocked seriousness.

He led me to a small building which had more guards and a man behind a desk, writing notes down and instructing the other guards on their tasks for the day. He was most likely the Commander. Sir, The guard said. You need to see this. He handed the man at the desk the letter I had and stepped back next to me.

Holy Mother of All, the man at the desk whispered. He looked up at me and swallowed. She definitely looks like her. You escort her straight to the castle! he told the guard who had led me to the building.

The guard nodded his head, took back the letter, and led me outside. Put that note away somewhere safe until we get to the castle, miss.

Yes, sir, I said and tucked it into my pants pocket.

Can you ride a horse? he asked me.

I shook my head. I’ve never even seen one in person, I admitted.

Alright, we will take a cart. Wait here a moment. He motioned at another guard across the way and spoke to him quietly a bit away from where I was standing so I couldn’t hear what he said. Quickly a cart with horses already attached to it was brought round to us and they helped me climb up into the back. Hold on, he told me. It gets bumpy.

A whip cracked and the cart lurched forward. I gripped the wooden side of the cart and watched as the sea grew farther and farther away. The land was lush and green here with many people working in the fields, including some kids my age. What did people do for fun here? Did they just frolic through the grass like the crew always teased the land lovers about? They were close to the ocean so surely they sailed. Hopefully. Soon we were entering the castle’s main grounds. I found it odd that there was no wall around the castle. Didn’t they worry about invaders?

The guards helped me down and motioned me towards the main doors. I started forward, fear making my stomach turn over in swirling undercurrents. The castle was even larger up close and loomed over me like a mountain.

I’m going to turn you into a toad! a woman yelled from my right side.

I spun around and watched in shock as a beautiful woman with the same golden hair as me chased a horse around the corner of the castle. She held up her hands and blue light began to glow around her. The horse stopped, one hoof raised and held perfectly still. The woman walked up to the horse, grabbed its reins, and then released the spell to let it put its hoof down. That will teach you to run away from me, she grumbled at it.

Queen Esmeralda, the guard said to get her attention.

My mouth dropped open in shock. This woman, in breeches, boots, and a billowing white shirt, that yelled at a horse, and used magic, was the queen?

She walked over to us and asked politely, Who is this girl?

I curtsied to her and said, My name is Tilia Jasmine Swanson and I am your niece.

The guard motioned towards me and I held out the letter to her. She didn’t even look at the letter. Her eyes widened and she dropped her horse’s reins to grab me in a tight hug. Tilia, I have been waiting so long to meet you! You look exactly like your mother. She crushed me against her chest and kissed my cheek. Come, we have much to discuss.

Tilia, Esmeralda called, pulling me out of my daydreaming about how I first came here six years ago. She was wearing a beautiful emerald ball gown and was by far the most beautiful woman in the kingdom. Even as similar as we looked I wasn’t as beautiful as her. My nose was too short, my eyes shaped more like my father’s than hers, and as much as I wanted to believe I was beautiful, I could see the flaws in myself more often than my beauty. What are you thinking about? she asked as she stood beside me on the edge of the ballroom. People swirled around us in a vortex of rainbow colored silk and jewels.

Just remembering the day I came here, I explained.

I know life is so boring here, she said with a dramatic sigh.

I laughed and hugged her. I love it here. I just miss my dad.

So I really came over here to see if you wanted to sneak off with me and spar? This ball is really boring, she whispered in my ear.

I looked at the Queen, a fierce woman who was one of the best mages in all of the kingdoms, one of the only two Arch Mages, an exceptional sword fighter, and married to a man who won every tournament he entered. This country was unlike any I could have imagined. Instead of the Queen sitting in the castle and the King letting his military fight his battles from the safety of his castle, both of them set off into battle at the head of their military and bled right along with them. Women were allowed to join the military and it was even encouraged! I thought I would be stuck in a dusty castle, but instead I had been instructed in magic, reading, politics, and every fighting style available. I was already a Journeyman, but my hope was to become an Arch Mage, like my aunt, although I wasn’t sure it would happen since I seemed to have very little magic. It seemed more likely that I would progress in the King’s Steel, the men and women who preferred hand to hand combat to magic, instead of the Queen’s Fire, the men and women who possessed magic.

Let’s go, I said to her with a wide smile. I looped my arm through hers and we walked through the ballroom as though strolling through it and then ran to our rooms to change. I walked out of my room, closed my door, and found that she was already waiting for me. Did anyone see you? I asked her.

She shook her head. We better hurry before Jared—

Before Jared what? asked King Jared from the main floor below us. He had dark brown hair, piercing blue eyes, and a chiseled jaw. Everywhere he went women stopped breathing for a moment as they took in his appearance. His good looks paired with his fighting honed physique made him a heart stopper. He also stopped the hearts of men when he approached because he was the most feared fighter in all of the kingdoms. He had obtained the highest rank in the King’s Steel before becoming King and was the one and only Dragon of Crilan.

We’ve been found! Esmeralda hissed. Retreat! She grabbed my hand and we both ran down the stairs and towards the door that led to the training grounds at the back of the castle.

Halt! Jared yelled.

I stopped, but Esmeralda pulled on my arm. Your Queen commands you to ignore the King!

I giggled and kept running with her. She reached for the doorknob and opened it to find Jared on the other side.

Curse your swiftness! she yelled with mock anger.

He smirked at us, blocked the doorway with his wide shoulders, and asked, Aren’t you supposed to be at a ball? A ball that I am forced to attend as well?

It’s so boring! Esmeralda whined, transforming into a spoiled child as she pouted at her husband.

So you and Tilia were sneaking off to go have fun while your poor husband and King was left to endure the boringness alone? he asked as though we had betrayed him.

You could come with us? I suggested with a smile and bounced on the balls of my feet.

He looked at me a moment and said, She is definitely from your bloodline, Esmeralda.

She beamed proudly and said, I know. It’s glorious, isn’t it?

People will notice that you are gone, he scolded Esmeralda.

She stuck out her bottom lip in a pout and said, Please.

He sighed and placed his hand on her face. Alright. Go have fun. I will be the responsible adult for tonight.

She kissed his cheek and said, Next boring event I will let you sneak out.

He let us pass by him and we ran into the building closest to us, the trainees’ living quarters. We hurried through their door and into the large indoor sand arena. I had spent a lot of time in this arena since my father had sent me here and it felt like home more than anywhere else.

How is your magic training coming? Esmeralda asked me as she drew her sword.

I cringed. Not good. I can do simple spells, but that’s about it. I don’t know what to do. I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong. I want to keep progressing in the Queen’s Fire and get above the Minor Mage ranks to the Senior Mage ranks, but that doesn’t seem likely.

She shrugged. Some people aren’t magical adepts. Jared has no magic, which is why he focuses so much on his fighting skill, much like you do. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. You could be very successful in the King’s Steel. Or you could be one of the few who doesn’t develop their magic level until they are older.

I just don’t understand why you and my mother would be such strong mages and I have very little magic, I said, letting her in on the frustration I had been feeling recently. Many people told me that my mother was the only one who had rivaled Esmeralda in magic power and abilities when they were growing up. Why had I not developed the same magic? Why did it not pass on to me? I wanted to be at least a Master Mage, the title my mother had obtained prior to leaving Crilan.

Everyone is different. Try not to compare yourself to anyone, she said. It could be worse, she reminded me. You could have no magic.

We weren’t sure why some people had magic while others had none. There was no conclusive reasoning behind who obtained magic and who didn’t. Lineage had nothing to do with it and you couldn’t curse someone with magic or take their magic away. It seemed completely random.

Let’s fight! she yelled happily.

I drew my sword and took a ready stance. She attacked and I blocked. I attacked and she blocked. Soon our faces were split with smiles of pure joy. This was something I was good at and something I enjoyed. We sparred until sweat drenched my hair and back.

She put her sword back in its sheath on her hip and smiled at me as she caught her breath. You have definitely improved. Soon I think you are going to have to start sparring with Jared.

Really? I asked excitedly.

She nodded her head. I fear your youthful energy has surpassed my old body.

I laughed at her. She was only in her mid thirties and I had seen her in battle, she was incredible. Is it your bedtime, granny? I asked with a smirk.

She glared at me. Watch it. I can still use magic and turn you into a toad.

Like you threatened that poor horse when I first arrived here, I teased.

I should have turned that rotten horse into a toad, she muttered.

I laughed and linked arms with her as we walked back to the castle.

2

The day dawned overcast and cold. After dressing in a white long sleeved shirt with a black corset over it, tan breeches and a black coat with black bear fur around the collar, I went to the stables to get my horse, Duke. It had taken me a while to learn how to ride and once I was able to ride alone, Jared had given me Duke for my birthday. The gelding was well over sixteen hands high, thick, and a palomino with a mane and tail the same color as my own hair. He was a gentle horse who didn’t spook over anything. Jared said he had seen him walk right up to a bear without a trace of fear. He explained that he was a type of draft horse, normally used for pulling carts, but some were also used as war horses. He was perfect for me.

I climbed into the saddle and clucked my tongue to signal him to move forward. He trotted forward, his long strides eating up the distance from the castle to the docks. I enjoyed the short ride, smelling the crops as we passed them, watching birds flying overhead and the wind blowing my hair back. People waved to me from their fields, used to seeing me going down this road once a month, and I waved back with a smile. I was royalty after all and the royalty here interacted with the people, no matter their stature. It was definitely pleasing to be part of a royal group who didn’t act pretentious just because of their bloodline or because of who they were married to. It was a nice break for me too since I had been forced to have guards for several years, but recently I had been able to get out without taking some with me.

A few guards waved to me, but none stopped me. I stopped at the market, dismounted and lead Duke behind me as I perused the stalls for anything I might want to buy. Esmeralda and Jared had been very generous with the allowance I was given and I had been able to save a lot since I didn’t need or want for much.

I purchased a small bracelet with a satin pouch and then made my way to the bar near the docks. I tethered Duke to the building next to the bar, put on my mask and used a spell to change the color of my hair. Once my appearance was safely altered, I walked around to the back of the bar and knocked on the door three times. I had to wear a mask so that if one of them saw me in public they wouldn’t ruin my double identity. I had no idea what Jared and Esmeralda would do if they found out that I was really Captain Rocco’s daughter, but I didn’t want to find out. Dad had had the mask made for me so that I could keep my face secret from the pirates and had it delivered to me a month after I had arrived in the Kingdom of Crilan. It had taken the pirate he had sent two days to find a moment where I was alone for a brief second in the market to give it to me. I had barely been able to hide it before Griffin looked at me to see what I was doing and thankfully I had played it off. The mask felt like lace, but somehow maintained it’s shape and from far away looked like it was solid white, but when you looked at it close up you could see the swirling, lacy designs all across it. It had taken me a full month to learn how to change my hair color, but it was a very handy spell.

The door swung open and a middle aged man with a thick scar running down the right side of his face looked down at me. I turned, pulled the top of my shirt down and showed him my tattoo despite the fact that he saw me each month and I was the only one with this mask it was still protocol. He opened the door all the way, and stepped back so that I could enter. I walked in, held my head up high, and acted like I was the baddest, most ruthless person in existence. I learned that for these type of people you made it farther if you acted like you were incredibly tough, even if you weren’t. It helped a lot that I had Captain Rocco’s mark on me, and most pirates feared him. I walked down the stairs and found the room full of rough looking men as usual and a few scantily clad women who poured their drinks and flirted shamelessly with them.

Who’s sailing tomorrow? I asked them in my loudest and most stern voice, cutting through their chatter.

Hey, who let the child in? one of them asked angrily.

I came there once a month and there were always new people who had to give me crap. I turned and showed them my tattoo. Now, who’s going out tomorrow? I asked, raising my voice as I turned back around to face them. The room quieted until the only sound was the man playing on the piano in the back corner.

A thin man with glasses stood up from his seat at one of the low tables where they played card games for money. I’m heading out to the islands tonight, he said.

I walked down and set my envelope in his hand, it had my personal seal and ensured that if anyone opened it, my father would know. Deliver this to Captain Rocco. If you can’t make it to him, find someone who can.

To Captain Rocco? he asked nervously.

He’s expecting it and you better not even think about opening that letter. If it is open he will be the one to deal with you, I said quietly to him in my best threatening tone with relaxed posture to show I wasn’t scared of him.

He nodded his head and put the envelope in his bag. I’ll be sure to get it to him as soon as possible.

Be sure that you do. I turned and started up the stairs again.

How did a young girl like that get Captain Rocco’s mark? I heard he refused to take on women? someone asked as I walked away.

Rumor is that she proved so brave as a child that he took her on and she served with him for years, until she suddenly decided to leave piracy behind, someone answered.

I heard she was involved in the Mackely Massacre and killed over twenty men herself, someone else added.

I heard that she wears that mask because she was horribly disfigured after battling with Captain Rocco himself and that he was so impressed with her fighting ability he granted her full admission to his pirate crew. She sailed on his ship with him for years, a man said with a quivering voice.

I hesitated at the top of the stairs, turned to face the room which had gone silent again and then hurried out of the building and back to Duke. He was dozing with one back hoof cocked in relaxation. I was glad that more rumors were spreading since it meant that fewer men would be likely to try anything with me when I came to give my reports to be delivered. I took the mask off, hid it in my bag, and went back to the castle with my blonde hair shining brightly in the sun again.

Esmeralda stood on the steps in a pair of breeches and a plain shirt with her hands on her hips as I approached. Uh oh. I couldn’t think of anything I had done to be in trouble, but that didn’t mean I hadn’t done something or not done something. I trotted up to her with a smile on my face. Hey, what’s going on?

Where have you been? she asked angrily. I searched all over the castle grounds for you.

I pulled out the pouch with the bracelet I had purchased and tossed it to her. I wanted to get you something for all that you’ve done for me, I told her. It was true. I was very thankful for everything she had done for me.

She opened the pouch and looked at the silver bracelet etched with leaves and amethysts placed to look like flower buds. Her face softened and she said, Thank you, Tilia. Next time could you just let us know where you are going?

I nodded my head. Okay. Sorry to have worried you. I’m going to take Duke to the stables and then I will come inside.

Hurry, we waited to eat until you could get here, she informed me with a smile.

I nodded and squeezed my legs around Duke to get him to walk. He headed towards the stable and I dismounted, taking his saddle off and putting him inside his stall. One of the stable boys would take him out to a pasture later in the day so he could roam with the herd of other horses and be able to stretch his long legs instead of sitting in a small stall all day. I jogged into the castle, hid my bag with my mask under a loose board in my floor and then jogged to the dining room.

The dining room was on the first floor of the castle, closest to the main doors with a lower ceiling painted to look like the sky with clouds, and one very heavy and thick rectangle dining table that had six chairs around it. When I walked in I found Jared and Esmeralda whispering to each other, but they stopped as soon as I walked towards them.

Griffin, the Chief of the King’s Steel and spymaster, sat across from them and arched an eyebrow when I entered. Off on another suspicious trip early in the morning? he asked me. He was an older man with grey and black hair and always wore his military breeches, boots, and then a simple shirt, which was grey today. He was notorious for his viciousness in battle and only Jared surpassed him in fighting prowess. He was in charge of the King’s Steel and advised Jared on all military matters.

It wasn’t a suspicious trip, I told him defensively. I wanted to surprise my aunt with a present.

One of the guards reported that you were seen riding all the way to the docks, Griffin said and sat back to watch me. He was incredibly intuitive and could read body language better than anyone.

How had he received a report so quickly from the guards at the docks? I had just returned!

I stayed relaxed as I continued to hold his gaze and said, The women who sell items down there have very nice jewelry and they don’t overcharge me when I come. Some of the merchants in the main part of the city will charge me double because they know that I’m royalty. I would rather spend my money with people who don’t try to rip me off. I wasn’t in any danger and besides, there were guards nearby so if I needed help they could have come to my aid quickly. Not that I would need their aid if I was in a fight.

He smirked and looked at Jared. She’s full of fire. I thought it might change as she aged and lived here longer, but it’s still there.

Griffin stood up from his chair, pulled out my chair and waved me forward.

I sat as he scooted my chair in and said, Thank you. As defensive as I got with him, he was still like an uncle to me.

Jared had been watching the entire exchange and finally addressed me. I’ve made a decision, he said. Regarding your magic training.

I held still as I waited for his decision and only moved my eyes as I glanced from Jared to Esmeralda. What could it be? Was he angry that I wasn’t progressing? Esmeralda had said not to worry. Maybe she had just said that to pacify me.

I’m going to assign you a tutor, he said finally.

I groaned and slumped forward in my seat. Jared, I’m not slacking off. I am really trying. I practice often. I practice every night.

He smiled. I know that you are trying and I am not accusing you of putting your magic learning off or slacking on it, but I think you might benefit from a tutor who can focus on you individually instead of being in a classroom where their attention is divided. It’s not a punishment.

Could have fooled me, I muttered under my breath and folded my arms across my chest.

Esmeralda smiled, but then hid her face behind her glass as she took a drink.

Who is going to torture, I mean tutor me? I asked grumpily.

I am, a deep voice said from behind me.

I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. I had seen him every day since I had arrived and no matter how many times I was around him, I couldn’t stop the strange feeling in my stomach whenever I was near him. He was the only person I knew of that had silver hair and yet it made him no less handsome. Those words were the first he had ever spoken to me despite my daily meals with him for the past six years. Faxon was the other Arch Mage, the strongest mage next to Esmeralda, and a Seer. A Seer could look at someone’s aura to see how much magic they had and see straight into their soul, or at least that’s what people said. I hadn’t asked about it because I didn’t really want to know what he could See.

Jared nodded, oblivious to my nervousness. Faxon will be tutoring you. I feel that he is the most capable to help you.

I didn’t really want to know how much magic I had. I didn’t want to know how little I had. I’m sure Faxon has much more important matters to attend to than tutoring me, I said through a cotton filled mouth, or what felt like one anyways. Surely the Arch Mage has things to do aside from tutoring a Journeyman.

Faxon sat down in the chair across from me and smiled at me, his perfectly shaped lips arching perfectly. I’m glad to help you, Tilia and besides, with the current peace in our country I have a bit more time on my hands.

He’s been pestering me all month, Esmeralda said. He keeps trying to use me for experiments.

So you thought it would be a good idea to unleash his boredom on me? I asked her incredulously. Your young, sweet, innocent niece?

Griffin started coughing, but it sounded suspiciously close to a laugh. Jared arched an eyebrow, but said nothing. Esmeralda leaned forward and whispered, You’re young and you can handle it.

I leaned back in my chair and glared at her. You always act like you’re old when it suits you, but then as soon as a battle or something happens you convince Jared that you are as spry as a teenager. You can’t have it both ways.

She sat back, took her folded napkin from the table, shook it out, and then placed it on her lap with a regal look on her face and said, I’m the Queen, I can have it any way I want.

Well now that that is settled, when do you want to start? Faxon asked me.

I put my hands on the table, pretended to open a book, ran my finger from left to right as though reading, and said, Hmm, I’m sorry, but my schedule is full until I turn eighteen. I acted like I was shutting