#terrabelle

Prologue

There was value in staying in the shadows. Seth knew this. Gleaning information and untangling motives was much easier when your subject didn’t notice you.

Rain slipped off his itchy coat as the city’s walls slowly solidified in the distance.

People always asked why he didn’t challenge his sister for the heir title. What a dumb question. First off, he loved his sister. Second of all, why would he ever want to relinquish his freedom and spend his life languishing in castle walls?

As it turns out, his languishing in a castle was about to happen anyway.

Meters away from the gates, the horses ground to a stop.

Moonlight glinted off his sister’s golden diadem as she removed her hood, letting raindrops seep into her hair. Seth surveyed the castle walls barring their entry. A lone sentry peeked through the gate tower.

The sentry had to shout over the thunder of the storm. “Who goes there?”

“Princess Kendra Sorenson, heir apparent of Fablehaven. Four of my associates join me.” Unlike the shouty sentry, her voice commanded the heavens without straining. “I request an audience with your king.”

Silence mingled with thunder as the sentry ducked out of view. Raindrops slipped off Seth’s hood as his horse shuffled in its step. “Steady, Noble.”

The sentry reappeared. “Where is King Stanley, Princess?”

“My grandfather’s whereabouts are not the concern of a sentry. Send for your king. It is urgent.”

“One moment, your grace.” With a flash of lighting, the sentry disappeared behind the tower.

Despite the disappearance of the guard, eyes were still watching. Seth could spot two peasants behind the gate, in the shadows of the lower town, spying on the royal court. He pulled his hood lower.

“Are you alright, Seth?” His valet shouted from behind him.

“Yes, thank you, Patton.”

The gates scraped against the muddy floor and revealed three men on horses. One lowered his hood, revealing a young man around Kendra’s age with a crown on his head. “Greetings, Princess Kendra. My name is Prince Garreth. I will escort you to the stables to leave your horses.”

“And then to your father, I presume?” Kendra pulled her hood back up, shielding the golden diadem from sight.

Lightning lit up the night—almost as bright as Prince Garreth’s smile. “Of course, my lady.”

The journey to the stables was fraught with security risks. He trusted Patton to always protect him of course, but the narrow road had forced the eight horses into a line. Rain and a weak crescent moon obscured the path. Thunder and the gossiping commotion of the common people peeking out their houses muffled any warning signal. Terrabelle was the most fortified destination, but it most certainly wasn’t the safest on the inside. Especially for certain people in their party.

As soon as the lanterns of the stable were in view, servants rushed forward to untack the horses. Seth leaned down to Noble’s ear. “Be a good horse.”

Mud sprayed from his boots’ impact to the ground. Patton joined him.

Sloshing, they made their way over to Kendra. Warren and Vanessa were already at her side.

Though their official titles don’t say it, the Head Chancellor and Kendra’s Lady-in-waiting all had trained as knights. Although Patton hadn’t, his time as an adventurer more than made up for it.

Garreth was already speaking by the time Seth took his spot next to Kendra. “—he’ll meet with you, Kendra, and our servants can lead your court to a common room for the night.”

“Actually, we’d all like to meet with King Dalgorel,” thunder paused Kendra. “We’re all seeking safe refuge.”

Garreth’s smile froze. “Of course. Anything for a lady as beautiful as you.” Seth almost snorted. “This way.”

The prince led them through the stables to a door that entered into the main castle. The walls were polished up to the high ceiling and decorated with flags and animal heads. There was no doubt in Seth’s mind that there was a shorter path to the throne room, but Garreth just wanted to lead them through the most impressive halls.

Water dripped from their wool coats onto the stone. Everyone’s hood was off now, revealing a silver crown upon Seth’s unruly hair.

“I admire your kingdom’s many conquests,” Kendra spoke to Garreth.

“Our kingdom is very powerful,” Garreth agreed. “You’ll be very lucky if the King grants you amnesty.”

The group stopped at an ornate door a mile high. Flickering firelight cast an ever-changing shadow over the door’s jewels and carved adornments.

Venom coated Kendra’s smile. “If?”

Garreth didn’t spare her a glance and pushed the door, splitting it in two. “Oh, look, we’re here.”

They had finally made it into the throne room.

Now, it was only a test of if they’d be allowed to stay.