To Protect a Princess

Chapter

1

Kaitlyn reveled in the fine spring day. Sunlight fell softly through the canopy of the old growth forest, illumining individual leaves with an otherworldly glow and dappling the soft soil of the trail their horses trod. Hoofbeats were muffled by dirt and duff, allowing distant birdsong and the scurrying of small animals to be heard. She breathed deeply, savoring the smell of growing things: shade-loving flowers, wild herbs, and the fresh young leaves of deciduous trees. Even the strong odor of horseflesh was pleasant, reminding her of other rides in happier times .

For this was not a journey that pleased Kaitlyn, nor, she imagined, was it a happy time for her charge, the Princess Melisande.

Turning her attention from the fine weather, Kaitlyn observed her princess. King Lorien’s eldest daughter was regal and self-possessed, everything a king’s daughter should be. She sat her horse with confidence. Eschewing the side-saddle so popular among the women of the court, she sat astride her bay mare straight-backed, the rough leather reins held lightly in her gloved hands. Though her riding habit was plain, a drab brown split skirt, slightly darker brown corset laced over an unbleached linen shirt, the weave of the fabric was finer than anything the rest of the party could afford. With the possible exception of Kaitlyn herself.

As King’s Wizard, Kaitlyn had access to the best of everything Breoria, King Lorien’s realm, could provide. The heroine of the Wizard Wars and savior of her people, Kaitlyn was both honored and feared. Known throughout the kingdom as the Solitary Sorceress, Kaitlyn’s fame isolated her from all but a few close companions, and the Firestone held her apart from even

those

few

.

Kaitlyn had paid a terrible price to save her kingdom and the people she loved.

In her youthful arrogance — she had lived all of fourteen summers when the fateful events took place — she had called forth a powerful magical artifact, the Firestone, and in desperation to save her beloved brother, had