Prologue

Lady Dorian is in the yard with Jarvis her best friend teaching her the way of the sword.

Jarvis is lady Dorian's handmaiden. Jarvis mother died a year ago leaving her to look after her two young siblings while their father left them five years ago after their mother gave birth to the youngest. Jarvis is seventeen, the same age as Dorian so they can connect.

"Clasp the sword with whichever hand you are comfortable with" Lady Dorian urged and Jarvis did so.

" Think of the sword as an extension of your arm," Dorian said as she strikes her sword against Jarvis sword which made Jarvis sword drop to the ground.

"It fell. Your arm can't just fall off"

"I told you your sword is an extension of your arm so believe the sword is your arm. Now tighten your grip" 

"I'm hopeless in the swords can we do something else?" Jarvis confessed with boredom in her tone.

" But we just started practice," Dorian said as she sat upon the ground looking at Jarvis with dissatisfaction.

"What are you giving the Queen for her birthday?"Jarvis asked

" I made a dress for her."

" You made a dress for her" Jarvis said in shock surprised that Dorian made a dress for the queen because Dorian hates sewing.

"I would like to go prepare for the Queen's birthday feast"

"Let's go," Dorian said and they both went to her chambers. Jarvis bathed her and dressed her up in a silky smooth gown. After putting on the gown, she sat on the seat in her room and Jarvis combed her hair until it shone like black diamonds. Dorian had beautiful black hair which she got from her mother.

Dorian and Jarvis went to the dining room where the feast was taking place. The room was filled with food, music, and enough wine for everyone.

As they arrived, Dorian greeted the Queen and King.

"My King, My Queen," she said as Jarvis never stopped bowing her head.

"Come forward child," Queen Aries said

"You look beautiful Darling come sit next to me"

Dorian did so and Jarvis stood next to her.

"Your gift My Queen" Dorian said as Jarvis gave her the dress and she gave it to the Queen.

The Queen smiled caressing the dress feeling the softness of the fabric.

"I made it myself. Every thread on the dress I pulled myself just for you" Dorian said smiling brightly being proud of herself for the fabulous work she had done on the dress.

Adrian had just entered the dining room and he is walking towards the King and Queen.

"Your highnesses," he said proudly 

"Happy Birthday My Queen. I wish you good fortune in your new age"

"Thank you, Adrian" 

"My King I went on a hunt and killed a very large bear. I would love to give it to you if it pleases my king"

"You honor me, Adrian. I was quite the hunter when I was your age"

"I'd like to go hunting with you"

"I would be honored to do so your grace," Adrian said smiling and bowing. 

"My Queen" Adrian said as he walked over to her and gave her a beautiful necklace.

" I had the greatest jews man in the whole city make it for you," he said

"It looks, beautiful child. I love it and I will wear it with pride" Queen Aries said with a smile on her face.

The feast was huge and many lords and ladies from different cities came to visit. And the Queen had a lot of gifts.

Dorian and Adrian the two siblings argued about who gave the best gift and the Queen had told them that she loved each of their gifts equally. 

Soon after the Queen and Lady Dorian walked around the castle in the moonlight.

"You've always had beautiful black hair" Queen Aries complimented Lady Dorian

"Thank you, my Queen"

"You got it from your mother. Would you like to know more about her?"

"Of course," Dorian said excitedly

"Your mother Jarret is the nicest person I have ever met and she is gorgeous too. I was always jealous of how her hair shined in the sunlight" 

"Were you close to my mother?"

"Oh yes. We were like sisters even. She was my best friend and she probably still is" the Queen said sadly.

"How could she abandon my brother and I like that," Dorian said nearly crying"

"She didn't abandon you, little one. She will be back. She is on a very important mission and when she is done she will come back to you and your brother.

The Lord Commander of the King's guard Dyrk Bolton was walking towards the Queen. As he arrived at where the Queen was he greeted her and the Lady Dorian.

"May I talk to you in private my Queen" he requested and Lady Dorian walked away to her chambers.

"What is it that you want to talk about Dyrk?" The Queen asked 

"Alwyn's army is upon us. They would reach our borders within two days.

The Queen looked shocked. 

"We need to prepare ourselves. Have you informed the king about this?" She asked and Sir Dyrk nodded.

Queen Aries hurriedly walked to the King's chambers and she rushed into the room.

"Your uncle is riding with an army. He wants to dethrone you. We need a plan."

"Alwyn had some of our Allies on his side now and he has a lot of men. I suggest we surrender" the queen said sadly 

"Nonsense, I would not be known as the cowardly King." He yelled angrily.

"You are a king and you must protect your people. Will going to war and causing unnecessary bloodshed be protecting your people?" the Queen yelled equally as loud 

"They are my people are they should be ready to die for their king," the king said

"As you say My king but I beg of you don't put your pride above the lives of others

The Queen angrily walked to her chambers and asked Dian, her handmaiden to summon Dorian and Adrian, her wards to her chambers.

Dorian and Adrian came to the Queen's chambers with Dian as asked.

"Leave us," The Queen told Dian and she took a bow then left.

"I have something to tell you two," the queen said seriously.

"The king's uncle Alywn is going to attack the palace within two days. I want you two to leave before this happens because it is likely Alywn will claim the throne for himself. I would like you to go to the town of whitstone, there you would find your mother and father. And my daughter"

Dorian gasped in shock that Princess Anderson was still alive.

"Yes she's alive and your mother has been protecting her from those who want to steal the throne. That's the mission I told you your mother is on" the Queen said and lady Dorian began to cry probably because she was relieved to hear her mother didn't abandon her.

"Dorian child, I was going to give you this dagger on your eighteenth birthday but I'm giving it to you now. Please keep it by you at every moment.

Dorian collected the dagger from the queen.

" Adrian I think of you as a son and you know that. Please look after your sister and my daughter. I may be dead soon so I might never see you again please lead my daughter to the throne" the Queen said.

"Please don't say such things. You will be alive and well" Adrian said hugging her tight

"I would have a rest of mind if you leave the capital at first light. Just to be safe"

"But before you do, come to my chambers," the Queen said.

" As you wish," Adrian said.

Dorian and Adrian left for their chambers.

As lady Dorian entered her chambers, she went to her bed and began to cry. She probably did not know how to feel. The mother she thought had abandoned her when she was one year old was taking care of another child.

"Milady. Are you alright?" Jarvis asked concerned.

"She's alive. My mother is alive and she's taking care of another child" Dorian said crying.

" My brother and I are fleeing the capital in the morning, will you follow us? I would plead with the Queen to allow you to come with us.

"I can't possibly come with you. I have two siblings to take care of" Jarvis said disapproving and Dorian was angry.

"If you don't come with me, you and your siblings will die. There's an army coming so you can come with me or die. Make up your mind we leave at first light" Dorian said and went to bed.

"Can I bring my siblings along?"

"Yes," Dorian took time to say.

" where are we going?" Jarvis asked Dorian

"Whitstone. We are going to see my mother" Dorian responded

"Okay. I would come to your chambers later in the morning. I have to go home and pack my things and explain them to my siblings.