Book 2 of the Prince & the Girl Excerpt

Avellana

Walking down the pebbled path, I pulled the hood of my cloak low over my head.

 As I got to the palace entrance, I hesitated. I did not know where I was going. I did not have a plan. All I knew was that I had to leave this place as far away as possible.

“Young miss, where are you going?” I heard a voice say from behind me.

 I immediately recognized it as one of the palace guards who took particular care of the front garden.

 I opened my mouth and then closed it. Think, Ava, think.

 I bent my head low, “I apologize, I was sent by the head-kitchen mistress to retrieve an ointment from the main village.”

“At this hour of the night?” I could hear his footsteps getting closer. I did not dare look up or step back for fear that he would recognize me or have an incentive to be suspicious of me.

 I mentally calculated how difficult it would be to take him down.

 Peering down at his scuffed boots, I realized that he was of the three highest ranks. I gritted my teeth; I could not attack him without making a scene.

 Not only that, but there were guards posted a dozen feet away in each direction. The ones at the gate would be even more numerous.

 Even so, my fingers tightened at the dagger sheathed at my waist.

“Miss?”

 I curtsied low, pretending to be nothing but the lowest commoner.

 Purposefully stuttering, I spoke softly, “I- I apologize. She was not feeling w-well.”

 I could feel his thoughts churning as to whether my story was true.

“She asked me to retrieve this.” I held out one of the pieces of parchment that had Ashton’s script over it for the knight to see.

 The cover of darkness hid the contents of the parchment.

“Very well,” the knight gave a low but sharp whistle and immediately the guards posted at the gate opened the tall and wide gateway.

“I thank you.” I curtsied low and then attempted to walk slightly slouched.

 As I slipped past the guards and into the main road, I heard the clear voice of my betrothed yelling, “Find her!”

 My stomach tightened in anxiety but determination; he could not find me.

 I should have never left him the letter.

 I did not think he would have found it so soon.

“Have you seen a young maiden walk in this direction?”

 As soon as I heard the guard’s inquiry, I bolted in a swift run.

“Your Highness, we suspect we know of her whereabouts!”

“Argh!” I muttered under my breath.

 I quickly ran into the trees that led into the Forest of Desolation; they surrounded the main road. It would be more difficult to find me then.

 Finding a large oak tree, I hiked my skirts, revealing the long black trousers I kept underneath for travel, and climbed my way up the tree. The pouch at my waist caught into a branch and jerked me down.

 I could not prevent the yelp that slipped out as I hung from the tree, one arm grasping the branch above.

“Look into the trees. She cannot have gone far.”

 I expelled a breath, and then in took it, as I hoisted myself up. I carefully stepped onto a lower branch and then pulled myself up into a stronger branch.

 Lifting my leg onto the other side, I observed as the knights with torches scoured the forest. I was thankful for the cover of darkness and the height of the massive tree. The large leaves of the tree aided in concealing myself from the knights.

 As I settled my back against the trunk of the tree, I released a tentative breath.

 It was then that I saw the prince’s figure come into view.

“Any signs of her?” He inquired to the knight.

 I recognized the knight to be Sir Dhruv, his tall and fierce stature dared for anyone to impede his way.

“My apologies, Your Highness, but there are no signs of her. We have scoured the forest a mile into each direction.”

“Call the men to retreat.”

 As Sir Dhruv started to initiate the whistle, Sir Stephen interrupted, “But Your Highness-”

 The prince intercepted, “If she does not wish to be found, she will not be found. I have no intention of holding her in the palace against her will.”

“But Your Highness, it was very clear you were both in love.”

 I nearly scoffed. Love? Not any longer.

“Even more so, love is a choice of freedom, not of imprisonment. Retreat the men back.”

 The sharp and loud whistle caused my ears to ring.

 I could hear the footsteps of the men retreating to the palace.

 I breathed a sigh of relief.

 When I heard no more footsteps, I carefully made my way down the tree. The action made a familiar feeling wash over me, as if I had done this before.

 Once, I was at the foot of the tree, I realized why this situation was entirely too familiar. I had climbed a tree during one of my earliest meetings with the prince.

 His voice still rung familiar as he had looked at me intently and whispered, But then, you are something else.”

 I could clearly picture how my heart had been awakened and fluttered at the longing in his voice.

 I shook my head, refusing to engage in the memory any longer. I would not care for him any longer. What would happen to him was no concern of mine.

 I refastened my pouch and made a quick check of my weapons, relieved that I had not misplaced them.

 The sound of a twig snapping alerted my senses.

 I suddenly found myself in a strong grip. Two large hands held me against a strong tall body.

 I sucked in a breath as I made my move to retrieve my dagger. His hands were quicker than mine. I used the strength of my elbow to knock his rib cage, in the same motion, slamming my heel into his boots. He did not budge an inch but loosened his grip on me.

 I used the opportunity to free my arms from his grip. Just as I reached for my captor’s dagger, which I knew was placed by his waist, I was whirled around. My face slammed into the stranger’s chest. The impact startled me, and I felt a rush of anger propel me to slam my knee against the stranger.

 He anticipated the move.

 As I lifted my leg with force, in the same motion, he swept my legs off my feet. Gasping for breath, I lifted my eyes to my captor’s face, but it was half-hidden by his hood. I could only outline the side of his strong jaw.

 I felt his hesitation as he started to set me down. I used that exact moment to sheath my dagger and aim for his neck. His reflexes had his strong forearms blocking the blade.

 I grunted as he twisted my arm against my back. The pain that shot up my arm caused my hands to release the dagger. Using the force of his strength, I kicked my body upwards and slammed my heel into his chest.

 He stumbled back, but it was not enough to knock him down.

“Who are you?” I asked harshly, gasping for breath. His skill was beyond any I had ever encountered.

 His only response was that of reaching for me. I evaded his hold, but then stumbled against the tree.

 He was quicker than I anticipated, gripping my arms in a gentle but firm grip.

 His hold was familiar.

 Gasping, I froze, “No!” It could not be.

 I raised my hands, reaching for his hood, but the stranger gripped my hands.

 I rammed my shoulder into his chest, causing him to flinch.

 Reaching for his hood, I slipped it off his head, but had no time to see his revealed face because he suddenly had his arms wrapped around my waist in a strong grip. My arms were trapped against my sides leaving me no choice but to surrender to my captor.

 My plaited hair was now loose and coming out of its twist, tumbling around my shoulders. I could not see a thing and strained to get a glimpse of the face of the man holding me captive.

“Ava, do not fight me.” His whispered plea confirmed my fear.

 I lifted my face, resting my head against my betrothed’s chest. It was then that he finally let me obtain a glimpse of his face.

“Ashton, let me go.” I demanded harshly, even though I knew I had no right to ask for my freedom.

“No, Love, I cannot.”

 The answer was like a slap to my face. Love? I had planned on murdering him how could he speak to me with such an endearment?

“I am not your love.” I whispered angrily.

“You will always be my love. Nothing and no one can change that.”

“Ashton, I made it abundantly clear that I do not wish to be your bride any longer.”

“What has caused you to change your heart?”

 I bitterly laughed, “You do not wish to be engaged to a woman such as myself.”

“Because you attempted to kill me?” His low voice commanded authority but gentleness.

 The back of my neck pricked with discomfort at the plainness in which He spoke.

“Yes.”

“Then you must know that I was not unaware of your devices.”

 My eyes flew wide open.

“Wh-what?”

“I was aware of your intentions since the day you arrived.” He bent his head, pressing his lips to my ear.

“N-no.” I stuttered, too stunned to speak coherently.

“Yes, Love, I was aware of your intentions from the very beginning.”

 Suspicion blinded my mind as I tried to free myself from his grasp.

“You were using me!” I accused, hurt for the girl that I had once been, filled my chest.

“Ava.” He spun me around, pinning me against the trunk of the tree.

 My breaths came in short bursts as I tried processing the information He was giving me.

 I stared at his dark tunic refusing to meet his eyes. He had only been manipulating me. Using me as a pawn to find information about His enemy. Betrayal tasted bitter in my tongue as I finally lifted my face and pinned Him with a glare.

 The moonlight illuminated his features as he cupped my cheek with his right hand. His eyes were not guilt-ridden. Pure love and gentleness shone in His eyes as He met my gaze unflinching.

“Ava, look at me.”

 Oh, I was looking alright.

“I have never once used you to obtain information. I love you beyond what words can express. Remember.” His hands gently stroked the tendrils of hair out of my face, “Remember, all of our meetings, all of our late nights and early mornings conversing, all of our dances. I never once asked you for information. I made The Unspoken Vow knowing that I wanted to pledge myself completely to you without asking for anything in return. You are the one that I love. You are the one who I long to spend the rest of my life because you are you. You are not your father’s daughter, the Traitor’s pawn, or your sister’s servant. You are my beloved and a woman who is stronger than any other I know.”

 His fervent declaration made a knot build in my throat. I could feel the beginning of tears sting the back of my eyes.

 I slid my eyes closed, my hand fisting around my satchel.

 What will you do with His love? You are only going to break Him. He will eventually learn to hate you. And what of your father? He will kill you as soon as he learns of the failed mission.

 The thoughts plagued my mind, and my resolution became stronger to run.

 Run and never return.

His grip had completely loosened which gave me the perfect opportunity to break from his grasp and hurt him in the cruelest way I could think of.

 “I. Do. Not. Love. You.” I hardened my voice.

 A flinch wracked his entire body.

 He froze in his attempt to draw me back into his embrace.

“Return to the palace. I am sure you will find someone who will love you.” I whispered, wrapping my arms around my waist.

 Not bothering to glance back at him, I walked further into the forest, my desolation escalating.

 Minutes later, I felt the hair at my neck stand on edge.

 A blade was suddenly at my throat, “Who do we have here?”