Chapter 3~ Perilous Times

PRINCESS DACIANA

I reached for his mask but he pulled away in a swift motion escaping through the door leaving as abruptly as he came.

If he thought I was letting him go easily he had another thing coming.

Swiftly, I crossed the room, pulling open a hidden compartment in the wall. My fingers grazed the cool metal of a bow, beside it, a quiver of arrows, I donned a dark cloak, pulling the hood low to shield my identity. No one would know it was me.

No one but him.

Princesses shouldn't run!

The voice within taunted but I banished it letting my instincts take over. With each step I gained more momentum it was intoxicating, I felt alive feeling adrenaline pumping through my veins.

Finally! Something fun within these walls.

I reached the end of the hall and paused, my breath catching in my throat. There he stood, his back to me, his movements slow but deliberate, as if he knew I would come. I drew the bow taut, the string quivering against my fingers as I aimed for his heart.

"Do not move," I warned. "I will not miss."

He stiffened, just for a heartbeat, before turning with the grace of a predator. The emerald fire in his eyes met mine, and I felt a shiver run through my veins. His lips quirked in a knowing smile, a challenge in that gaze.

He didn’t stop. He didn’t listen.

And before I could release the string, he dashed away.

A curse escaped me as I let the arrow fly. The sharp sound of its flight echoed through the hall before a sickening thud resonated against the stone wall.

I had hit him just like I knew I would.

I watched as the arrow sank deep into his arm but he didn’t falter. The masked figure simply kept running, his gait unaffected by the wound.

I ran after him, stepping into the room he ran through but when I got there he was gone.

How was that possible?

He couldn't possibly vanish.

On the floor, there was a trail of blood I followed the path leading to the open window hanging on the ledge was his mask.

Dear reader looks like you'll have to stick around.

I picked up the mask a smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

For eight years I had kept this part of me buried under the pretense of the perfect princess.

I had a feeling he was a prince or so I hoped.

Maybe I judged the men rather harshly maybe we were all hiding our true nature under the responsibilities expected from us.

Maybe he was just like me, trapped, but one thing was for sure,

One way or another I was going to find him.

The door behind me swung open with a sudden rush, the hinges creaked and quickly I spun around, with my bow still poised, ready to attack. But it wasn't him instead, the stern form of my aunt stood in the doorway.

Lady Blaire’

“What is this ridiculous display, Daciana?” she shrieked her voice dripped with disdain. "Must you persist with these childish antics? Put that weapon away before it becomes the subject of palace gossip.”

I lowered the bow slowly, my hands trembling, though I tried to mask it with a quick bow of my own. “My apologies, Aunt Blaire,” I murmured. “I thought—”

“You thought?” She scoffed, cutting me off. “A princess thinking is a rare enough occasion, but one should hope it would be about matters of state, not prancing about the castle like some unruly boy.” Her sharp gaze roved over my cloak. “And what, pray tell, are you doing in this room?”

Swallowing the urge to roll my eyes, I straightened my posture. “I sought... a reprieve, Lady Blaire. The air here—”

“Spare me your excuses,” she snapped, her voice a cold hiss. “This is exactly why I have been sent to ensure you do not ruin everything our family has worked so hard for. Your wild antics will not be the downfall of this empire, not under my watch.” She gestured sharply toward the bow. “Toss it away. I never wish to see you wielding such dreadful instruments again.”

Reluctantly, I picked up the bow. “As you command, Aunt.”

Her eyes narrowed, scrutinizing my every move. “And rid yourself of that ghastly cloak. A princess in rags, what a sight to behold! Now, off to your chambers,” she ordered with a dismissive wave of her hand. “You require your rest. A haggard princess does the kingdom no favors.”

Biting my lower lip to contain the retort bubbling within, I curtsied, brushing past her to leave. But before I could step away, her voice cut through the air like a whip.

“And remember, Daciana, a princess does not rush like a commoner. Walk with the grace that befits your title.”

I slowed my pace but as soon as I was beyond her sight, I hastened to my chambers, a sigh of relief escaping my lips as the heavy door clicked shut behind me.

“Daciana” a feminine voice shrieked startling me for a minute. It was then I realized I had company.

“You still haven’t abandoned your old habits, have you?” she teased, rising to embrace me. It was my cousin Princess Avery. "I thought you were done skulking around the castle with that... contraption.”

“It’s a long story,” I replied, shaking my head with a rueful grin. “But enough about that, Avery. I’ve missed you.”

“I’m afraid this isn’t a friendly visit” She sighed theatrically.

“I heard your mother briefed me earlier but there is nothing to worry about”

“Oh my don’t say that, rumors are spreading like wildfire, dear cousin. It’s said you are losing your wits. Only ten princes selected? The oligarchy is appalled! And rejecting the illustrious Prince Harrison of Loria in favor of those Ashborne twins? Truly scandalous.”

I rolled my eyes, turning away to drop the bow and toss away the cloak. “The oligarchy’s opinions are hardly my concern.”

“Daciana” Avery called out holding my hand in hers forcing me to stare into her deep blue eyes. “The oligarchy are plotting to take away your throne, sister your life is in danger if you choose the wrong man at the end of the selection they will take your crown slander your name and you will be banished from Whitespire or worse assassinated”