Chapter 8

Anwen’s time in Quinlan was a very mixed experience. There were many people that she enjoyed being around. She liked walking and speaking with Elias. She enjoyed getting to know Roxanna better and spending time with Brennan. Prince Rillian proved an interesting diversion. She was very careful to keep their conversations and walks friendly and nothing more. He seemed fine with this arrangement, though at times he bordered on being a little too forward for her taste. She thought it might just be his personality.

She even enjoyed her meals and teas with Lady Alys and Lady Lona. She found Lady Alys sweet and quiet. She was also very clever. Lady Lona had a quick wit and tongue but was not altogether unkind. It was odd at first, getting to know them both together, but the ladies appeared to get along fine. It seemed in Quinlan it was quite normal for two ladies to be courted by a great lord at the same time. At first, Anwen didn’t know what to do with the two women as she tried to decide what to tell Elias. She finally had an idea, and she was eager to see what would happen.

There were also some annoyances during her time at the Winter Festival. Prince Korben was finding more and more ways to seek out her company. He tried to be charming with her, but there was always something behind his actions that Anwen did not like. He tried repeatedly to get her alone, but she was always very good at diverting him. She noticed that if Maddoc was not close by her, she would see Matthias somewhere within her eyesight. She had no doubts he had orders from his king to watch over her.

She was glad for it, because as pushy as the prince was, he was nothing compared to Lachlan. He tried over and over to get her alone to explain himself. She had no wish to hear anything he had to say, and she certainly didn’t want to be alone with him. Luckily her cousin was often with Lachlan, and it gave him little opportunity to pursue her.

Her cousin, Princess Meira, and a few other ladies were another annoyance though it was one she paid little mind to. She had dealt with women like them her whole life. She could easily deflect their unkind words and subtle put-downs. Their gossip did not bother her as she was very secure in her place in the king’s life

Maddoc was what made every annoyance around her fade away. Her nights with him were quickly becoming her favorite times. She believed she might be becoming a little obsessed with their more intimate actions. His kiss made her feel wanted and loved in a way she had never experienced. She longed for his touch. She didn’t know such pleasure was possible as that which she experienced when he loved her. It was beyond wonderful. Their times together had started spilling over to more than the nights. She would be walking along a hall and a hand would pull her into a deserted room where she would find herself in her king’s arms being passionately kissed.

They spent time in pleasure together a couple more times in the gallery and once in the library. She found she could not get enough of him, and he seemed very eager to be with her whenever it was possible. They did spend their time together in other ways as well. They stayed up late talking about problems in his kingdom and what their future could look like. They found a few times to stroll together in the hedge maze at the back of the palace grounds. One early morning, she went for a ride, and he met her out in the field. They spent the morning just riding side by side, not saying much.

She knew more than anything, she had to spend her life with him. She wanted to give him time to smooth the way a bit, and she had been doing what she could on her own. She had begun talking with her mother and trying to make her see there was no other way. Anwen had given the king her promise, and she would not take it back unless he asked her to.

She looked in the mirror as Mrs. Owens adjusted her hair that the woman had pulled up. She was dressed to go riding as the hunt would be held that day. She had managed to convince Maddoc to let her go to her room early so Mrs. Owens could see her dressed properly. He had not been eager to let her go, but she had convinced him after telling him she would find a way for them to have a little alone time during their hunt.

Mrs. Owens stepped back as Anwen turned to look at herself from a different angle. “I guess that will have to do. Thank you, Mrs. Owens, for making me look as presentable as possible so I will not look too shabby next to the other ladies.”

“Oh hush, your highness, you are well aware of how lovely you are. I love this color on you.” Mrs. Owens smoothed out Anwen’s marron skirt.

“It is a lovely outfit for riding. I have been looking forward to this hunt. I have been forced too long to stay indoors. As mild as it has been for this time of year, I long for some fresh air.”

“You will be careful, won’t you, princess? I would not like for something to happen to you whether it is due to a misstep of your horse or some young man thinking he can treat you however he wishes.”

“I will be very careful, Mrs. Owens. I am a very good horsewoman, and I know how to take care of myself. I doubt I shall be alone very much. I need to speak with Lord Elias, and I will spend much of day by Brennan as his betrothed does not hunt.”

“Mind some of the young ladies as well. I would hate to think that any of them would stoop to such egregious behavior as to hurt you, but when the hand of a king is involved, it could get ugly.”

Anwen smiled at the old woman. “You seem to imply I will have something to say about who marries King Maddoc.”

“You do not need to be coy with me, Princess Anwen. I know how the king feels about you. I don’t believe he will have anyone but you, and I think he has made a good choice. I only hope it will be official soon.”

“I hope so as well, Mrs. Owen.” Anwen picked up her gloves and walked towards the door. “I hope you have a pleasant day and manage to get some rest since so many of us will be out of your hair. I know how hard you have been working along with seeing to me.”

“I am used to working hard, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to serve you, princess. Now, go enjoy your day and see that our king does as well.”

Anwen nodded before walking out the door. She ate breakfast with her mother and was surprised to find out her mother would not be joining the hunt.

“But you love to ride, and the grounds and forest around Quinlan are very lovely. I can’t believe you would choose a whole day indoors. It is not very cold outside,” said Anwen.

Her mother put down her teacup. “Usually I would agree with you, but I am not feeling up to it today. I find that I am a bit tired. I am not sure why.

“You do not feel well?” Anwen grew concerned. “Perhaps I should stay in with you, and we should call for a healer. I am sure King Maddoc would see to one coming as soon as possible.”

Her mother laughed a little. “No, my darling, I do not require a healer, or you giving up your day of pleasure. I just wish to rest a bit. We have had non-stop activities since we got here, and I am not as young as I used to be. I plan to find a good book in the palace library and spend my day quietly getting lost in a story. I am sure by supper I will be much refreshed.”

“Are you sure, mother? I do not mind staying with you.”

Her mother glanced over to her left causing Anwen to do the same. She was surprised to see Maddoc eating with Prince Rillian, and they were both looking towards her.

“I know of at least two young men who would very much hate it if you did not ride out with them.” Her mother picked up her teacup and took a sip.

Anwen lowered her voice. “Maddoc would understand, and Prince Rillian can find some other pretty face to flatter. I have no interest in him as I have told you.”

“I just want you to understand that you do have options, Anwen,” whispered her mother. “I am not belittling your love for the king. I only want you to know what you are getting into. You are used to the drama our court has in Lucidala, but I believe you will have to endure much more here in Calumbria. You will also have an upset princess and king of a rather powerful kingdom to deal with.”

“It will be worth it. If Maddoc truly wants me and believes he can withstand all it will take to be with me, who am I to throw that away? I do love him, mother.”

Her mother smiled a little. “I know you do. Just take a little more time to make sure. We have a few weeks yet of this festival.” Her smile widened. “I am sure it is not as if you are not finding time to spend with your king.”

Anwen blushed a little and looked down. “I find it impossible to stay completely away from him.” She looked at her mother. “I am afraid I am disappointing you.”

“Not at all. You forget that I know what it is like to be in love. Your father insisted for months he would have no other, but I wasn’t sure he could handle being a consort and giving up his title and lands back in his home. He was a very important lord and while he became a king, he really did give up so much to support me. He said it was all worth it.”

“I know it truly was. I believe I only know what real love is because I saw it in you and father.” Anwen took her mother’s hand.

“I believe it was worth it seeing the woman you have become, my dear. Your father was very proud of you, and he would be even more so now. You are a strong, wonderful woman, Anwen, and you owe it to yourself to make sure you want to give up some of your power. Even if your king says he will find a way to let your rule Lucidala someday, you will still be putting your future in his hands. Make sure he is truly worth it.”

“I believe I already know my answer, but I will consider your words a while longer,” said Anwen. “I just hope you will not distance yourself from me when I do make my decision. I hope you will grow to love him as well.”

Her mother looked over at Maddoc. “I already like him very much. If he does right by you, I will become very fond of him, dearest.”

Anwen walked out to the stables with Brennan to find much activity. Many horses were outside waiting. She found Allinar over close to King Maddoc’s stallion. Maddoc was close to his horse checking him over.

“Good morning, your majesty,” said Anwen as she greeted her horse.

“Good morning, princess,” replied Maddoc as he stepped away and walked over to her. “Are you still finding that Allinar suits you well?”

“Yes. She is an excellent animal. I could not ask for a better one.”

He moved a little closer to her. “You look very lovely today. Are you actually going to ride side saddle?”

“I will have to with so many people about. It wouldn’t be proper for me to ride astride. Do not worry, my king, I can ride side-saddle very well, I just do not prefer it.”

“I do not prefer for you either,” said Maddoc with a small laugh. “When you are my queen, you shall ride as you wish.”

“I suppose I could ride as I wish now. I am a princess and future queen, but I will not shock your guests this morning. Perhaps when I am hosting this festival with you, I will be bolder.”

“Boldness suits you, my princess. I particularly like how bold you were last night.” He looked down at her as he put his hand on her horse.

“You should be careful. Someone could overhear you.”

“I don’t care if they do, Anwen. I have told you how tired I am growing of hiding my feeling for you in public. I should kiss you now and get it over with.”

Anwen looked up at him. “If you did, I can’t say I would mind. I did promise my mother just a few more days, though.” She smiled. “She told me this morning she likes you. I knew she did, but she actually said it at breakfast.”

“I suppose it will be worth it if I can gain the approval of your mother. She might be able to help with my own.”

“Your majesty, would you mind helping me onto my horse?” Princess Meira came up, leading her horse close to Maddoc and Anwen causing them to jump apart.

He looked at Anwen. “I was just about to help Princess Anwen up on her mount, and then I can help you.”

“I can do it,” said Brennan as he walked over with his horse. “You should see to Princess Meira, your majesty.”

Maddoc looked like he would much rather help Anwen, but she gave him an encouraging smile and a nod as Brennan came close to her. Maddoc walked away as Brennan put his hands on Anwen’s hips and lifted her up.

“You two aren’t doing a very good job of hiding anything, you know,” said Brennan as he helped adjust her feet.

“Perhaps we don’t wish to hide much longer.”

Brennan sighed. “I just worry, Anwen. You don’t know how much Princess Meira speaks about marrying King Maddoc. I worry what she would do if she knew you stood in her way.”

Anwen looked over at the princess as Maddoc lifted her in her saddle and walked away to help Gwendolyn. “I can handle Princess Meira, Brennan. You don’t need to worry for me.”

“I will worry though,” said Brennan as he walked away to his horse.

She looked behind her to see her bow and quiver of arrows were attached. Her sword was at her side. Feeling well equipped for the hunt she rode along with Brennan through the palace gates to the edge of the forest where a large group of riders had gathered. Elias, who had been speaking with Maddoc, left his king to bring his horse next to Anwen’s.

“Good morning, my lord,” said Anwen in greeting.

“Good morning to you as well, your highness,” replied Elias. “I tried to find you at breakfast, but you seemed engaged with your mother, and I didn’t want to interrupt.”

“You could have. I would like my mother to get to know you better. I think you would like her.”

“I have no doubt I would. My mother likes her very much.”

“I wish your aunt was at the festival. I think Lady Phaedra and my mother would be great friends. I would like to speak with her as well,” said Anwen.

“She is at my country manor for the winter. A healer recommended it for her son. He has had some trouble with his lungs, and there is hope some time away from the crowded homes of Quinlan will help.”

“I hope that is the case. I can’t imagine how worried your aunt must be about her son.”

Elias nodded, and they sat in silence for a few moments

Elias turned towards Anwen and smiled. “I hope you have some things to tell me, princess.”

“I do, my lord. Ride with me until we are deep in the forest. There I will want nothing but quiet so you will have to leave my side, but by then I will let you know what I have found.”

“You think I cannot be quiet for a hunt?”

“I have never heard you keep quiet for more than thirty seconds, so no, I do not trust you to be quiet enough for me to sneak up on a stag. I will ride with you for a bit though.”

Maddoc rode ahead with his uncle and Princess Meira at his side. They were all three quiet for a moment before Maddoc rode forward, signaling the start of the hunt. Elias and Brennan stayed by Anwen’s side as the group moved forward. As they entered the woods, Prince Rillian also fell back to join her small group.

“I felt as though I haven’t seen you in a while, princess,” he said in greeting as he looked over Elias at Anwen.

“I believe we have both been busy visiting with others. I am sure you were well entertained, and I have been at a task Lord Elias has given me”

“I am not sure how entertained I have been,” said the prince. “No one here is as fascinating as you.”

Elias laughed a little. “I understand wanting to flatter the princess, your highness. She is worthy of flirtation, but you have gone too far with your opening gambit. Where will you go from here?”

“Perhaps the prince is just telling the truth,” said Brennan. “Princess Anwen is a fascinating person. I know of barely any other I would rather converse with.”

“Indeed, I was telling the truth, Lord Elias.” The prince looked over at Anwen. “You must agree with me because I see you at the princess’s side constantly.”

Anwen shook her head. “None of this will do for a hunt. I appreciate your words, Prince Rillian, but you do not need to spend time flattering me. I like you much better when you are amusing.”

“Very well. How can I amuse you today?” asked Prince Rillian.

“It shall be I with the amusing story, I believe. Though I hope it is a useful tale as well. At least for Lord Elias’s sake.” Princess Anwen gave a sly smile to Elias.

“So, you do have news for me. Let me have it, princess,” said Elias.

“First, I believe I need to catch up these two men on what has happened so they may share in my amusement. I do so wish to be amused today, and a good story is better when shared.”

“Feel free to tell them then. I could never deny you anything, and you know it,” said Elias. “I am sure I will come out looking like a fool, but if it is in pursuit of your happiness, I shall allow it.”

“There is a chance you could look like a fool, but I have great hopes you will make the right decision, in the end, my lord.” Anwen laughed causing Brennan and the prince to join in. Elias even chuckled.

“You sound like a merry party,” said Maddoc as he rode up with Princess Meria and Gwendolyn at his side. Lachlan rode behind them. “Elias, I wondered where you had ridden off to. I thought you agreed to hunt with me today.”

“I will eventually, my king. I would never lie to you, but I had some business to take care of before the hunt grew serious. As you know the princess has been on a task for me, and she is about to let me know how it has been going.”

Anwen turned and smiled at Maddoc. “Yes, if you and your charming partners wish to ride with us, you will have to listen to my tale.”

“Perhaps we should move on,” said Princess Meira. “We will miss our chances at snagging the largest kill if we don’t look for a stag.”

“There are plenty of stag in these woods, and I believe Princess Anwen’s story could be amusing. It could also affect the life of one of my dearest friends. I am sure it shall not take long. Princess Meira, if you and Princess Gwendolyn wish to ride ahead, feel free to do so, but I shall stay and listen to this story.” Maddoc looked at Anwen.

Anwen turned to Elias. “Lord Elias has an interesting problem. He has two very worthy women he has been courting. He wishes to have a happy marriage but has been unable to get to know either of the women. He believes they are too guarded around him. He does not wish to fall into the trap of other men. His greatest fear is to marry a woman he does not know and find himself unable to abide by his wife. I think it is wise he wishes to be cautious.”

“Thank you, princess,” said Elias giving her a grin.

“Of course, it is a little ridiculous that such a charming and intelligent lord cannot draw either lady out. Whether it is due to his lack of skill, his laziness, or the women’s determination, I will let each of you decide on your own.”

Many around her laughed. Maddoc shook his head a little as Elias rolled his eyes.

“Whatever the reason, our lord found himself at a loss of what to do next. He decided to ask me, his dear friend, who is much more intelligent than him.”

“No argument here, my sweet princess,” said Elias with a small bow in his saddle.

“As I was saying, he asked me to see if I could speak with the two young ladies and find out more about them. He deferred to my superior knowledge to see which one would make him the best wife.”

“And what have you found out, princess?” asked Maddoc as he rode up a little between her and Brennan.

“Let me first go over my process.” Anwen turned as she heard Princess Meira sigh. “I won’t drag this out, your highness, but I believe Lord Elias deserves to know how I came to my conclusion.”

“My cousin enjoys telling stories. I believe she likes the attention,” said Gwendolyn sounding annoyed.

“I do, dear Gwendolyn. Perhaps it is vain of me, but we all have our faults. You will all have to indulge mine if you wish to ride in this party.”

“Go on, princess. I am desperate to know,” said Elias.

“Well, I sat with your two ladies at every meal I could and took tea with them every day the past week. I find that I like them both. Lady Alys is quiet, but she is also very intelligent and sweet. Lady Lona is a bit louder, but she is witty and bright. She does like to gossip, but that is a fault of many women and men of the court. It does not disqualify her for the eventual prize of your hand. At least not to me.

“The more I got to know them, the more I realized something. They do not deserve to be caught up in this game of trying to win your hand and heart. Indeed, it should have been you, Elias, trying to win them. They are both extremely lovely, good women. They deserve to be courted correctly.”

“I am guessing you told them this,” said King Maddoc with a laugh and glance at his friend.

“Of course, I did. The ladies needed to hear their worth. It is ridiculous that they should throw themselves at a man who would not give them the effort they deserve.” Anwen looked at Elias. “I like you very much, my lord. Dare I say I have even begun to love you as my friend, but you have done wrong by these two women. I will not have it so any longer.”

Elias groaned. “What did they say to your words?”

“They were both quiet for a bit. They argued a little that it was the way the court worked, but I said what of it. It does not matter what society expects. What matters is what will make the ladies happy. I told them if they knew of better men they could be happy with and who would put forth the effort, they should move on from you.”

“Good for you, Anwen,” said Brennan. “I have longed been convinced that your sex is worth more than my own. If these ladies can find happiness with a man who will show they understand their worth, then they should do it.”

Elias huffed. “So, now they have turned on me, have they? I have lost them both.”

“If you have, how does it make you feel?” asked Anwen.

Elias was quiet for a moment. He finally said softly. “Lady Alys is very lovely, and I think she enjoys many of the same things I do. She gets along with my mother well, and when she does smile on occasion, I find I quite like it.”

Anwen laughed. “I have good news for you then, my lord. While Lady Lona agreed and immediately went to speak with Lord Thomas of Bellican, Lady Alys would not hear of giving you up. I think she is more than just a little fond of you, Elias. You may have done nothing to earn her affection, but you have it all the same.”

Elias eyed Anwen with suspicion. “You knew exactly what you were doing, didn’t you? You didn’t expect Lady Alys to give up at all. You knew Lady Lona wasn’t fond of me.”

“Oh, she likes you fine, but she has been making eyes at Lord Thomas since the start of the festival. I also see how her aunt treats her. I think leaving the kingdom and getting far away from that woman has much to do with it.”

“So, why not just tell me this days ago, Anwen?” asked Elias sounding annoyed.

“Because I wanted you to admit to yourself that you had feelings for Lady Alys. You do like her very much, Elias, and you should. She is a wonderful woman who will make you a very good wife. If you have any sense, you will immediately start showing her the attention she deserves. You may have already won her heart, but it will do you good to try to please her. I imagine a spring wedding between the two of you will be scheduled soon.”

Maddoc laughed and smiled at Anwen. “I believe you owe the princess your thanks, Elias. She completed your task and then some. At your wedding, you will have to be sure to toast her.”

“I am a little annoyed at her, your majesty. I am sure soon, I will understand the service she rendered me, but not today.”

“Then ride off from me, and go find your lady, Elias. Tomorrow after you have basked in her smiles and hopefully stollen a kiss you can come bow before me and give me your thanks and apologies,” said Anwen.

Elias gave her a begrudging smile. “You really can be insufferable. I hope you know it.”

“I have been told so before. Brennan can tell you he has said it many times,” said Anwen as she looked at her old friend who nodded. “You will still love me as your friend though, and I doubt this will be the last task you will have me do for you.”

“I would tell you, you are right, but I do not want to today. I am off to find one who is much sweeter than you, princess. I wish you a good day.”

Anwen laughed as he winked at her and turned his horse to ride away.

“I hope you are finished with your story, Princess Anwen. I hope to begin hunting now. Perhaps we should split up into smaller groups,” said Princess Meria as she rode forward towards Maddoc.

“I dare say you imposed too much on Lord Elias’s life. You should be thinking of your own future and leave others to theirs,” spat Gwendolyn.

Anwen shrugged. “Elias asked for my help, and I dare say he will enjoy the results. As for my future. I feel rather secure in it. I shall be the Queen of Lucidala if you remember, cousin. I hope to be well settled with someone suited for me at some point.” Anwen glanced at Maddoc.

“You shouldn’t be so sure of things until they come to pass,” said Gwendolyn. “I have seen to the furtherment of our family by betrothing myself to an acceptable man. When Lachlan and I are married in the spring, there may be some who are more comfortable knowing the crown would one day be in my hands.”

“I doubt it,” mumbled Brennan loud enough so everyone could hear.

Anwen grinned at him before turning back to her cousin. “Whatever happens, Gwendolyn, I just hope you get to live the life you deserve.” She gave what she knew was a mocking bowing in her saddle. “Now, I agree with Princess Meira that we should split up. I shall take Prince Rillian and Brennan if they have no objections.”

“Brennan could stay here, and I could go with you, Anwen,” said Lachlan causing Maddoc to turn and look at the man. “If Gwendolyn is serious about hunting, I may prove too much of a distraction.”

Anwen rolled her eyes, but then decided she had to find a way to coexist with Lachlan as he would marry Gwendolyn. She also did not want to show weakness to the man. She peeked at Prince Rillian. She wouldn’t be alone with him, after all.

“I have no objections if it works for everyone else,” said Anwen as Maddoc turned to her. She tried to give him a reassuring smile, but he looked annoyed and worried.

“Surely this is not necessary, Lachlan,” said Gwendolyn.

“I believe it is, my love. How can I be on the lookout for game if I am distracted by your beauty? Have a pleasant day with your friend, and we can speak of all it later tonight,” he said soothingly.

“Anwen, what are you doing?” asked Brennan quietly.

“I will have to find a way to get along with your brother, and I want you to spend time with the king. It means a lot to me that you two should be friendly.”

“I don’t know how I will concentrate on any conversation as I worry about you. You don’t know how Lachlan has been speaking of you. I’m afraid he might be a little obsessed,” said Brennan.

“I shall not be alone. I will have Prince Rillian. Once I spend the day ignoring your brother and enjoying the conversation of the prince, perhaps Lachlan will get the point.”

Brennan gave a very loud sigh. “Just be careful, please.”

She nodded as he rode towards Gwendolyn, and Lachlan came forward.

“Good luck in your hunt, your majesty. I hope to bring home a large prize for the banquet later in the week in an effort to impress you.” Anwen rode over close to Prince Rillian.

“I am always impressed by you, princess. Perhaps we shall see each other again today out in the woods.” Maddoc gave her a meaningful look.

“You never know,” said Anwen before she started her horse forward, Prince Rillian and Lachlan falling beside her. They rode away from the group and deeper into the forest.

“You continue to impress me, princess,” said Prince Rillian as they moved through the trees. “You handled that situation with Lord Elias rather well.”

“It was easy once I realized the problem. I just hope he will be very happy, or I will never hear the end of it,” replied Anwen.

“You believe you will see the lord much in the future?” asked Lachlan.

She turned and looked at him. “I hope and plan to be good friends with Elias throughout my whole life. He is a bit snobbish and arrogant, but I believe he has a good heart. He is also very amusing.”

“You didn’t think of yourself for his bride?” asked Prince Rillian.

Anwen laughed. “Glorious Heavens, no. It took me five minutes of meeting Elias to know we would not suit at all. He is a good friend, though, and I care about him.”

“Do you often make judgments so hastily about people?” asked the prince.

“I usually make judgments, but they do not always stick. I knew I was very right about Elias and still have no doubts. Others have changed my mind upon knowing them better, both good and bad.”

“And what is your judgment of me, princess?” asked the prince.

“Well, when I first met you, I have to admit I noticed how handsome you are. My opinion on that hasn’t changed.”

Prince Rillian laughed. “My first impression of you was how intimidating you are. Of course, a second later, I noticed your loveliness.”

“I suppose being upon my good horse helped with my stature. Had you seen me on the ground, you would only have noticed how little I was,” observed Anwen.

“I disagree, princess. You may be small in stature, but even on your feet, something is intimidating and captivating about you. I think you could order me to do almost anything, and I would obey without question.”

Anwen laughed again. “Perhaps, I shall have to test that someday.” She was being a little too flirty, but it made Lachlan scowl which pleased her.

“I thought we were hunting. Perhaps we should cease our chatter,” said Lachlan with a huff.

“Of course,” said Anwen as she turned to Prince Rillian. “I hope you will sit by me at supper, so we can continue our conversation. I would like to hear more of your views on first impressions, and perhaps let you flatter me a bit.”

The prince chuckled. “There is no other way I would rather spend my evening, my princess.”

Anwen gave him a large smile. She would feel guilty later, leading him on a little, but if Lachlan got it in his head that he would not win her back, it would be worth it. They rode on into the forest in relative silence. They would make observations occasionally about their surroundings. Eventually, Anwen thought she saw something move up ahead in the dense part of the woods.

She slowed her horse. “We should split up for a bit. I believe there is movement in the thick group of the trees up ahead. Lachlan, you should go and circle around to the left. Prince Rillian, you go to the right. Make sure you leave plenty of space and look before you shoot an arrow. I would hate for anyone to get hurt.”

Prince Rillian gave her a nod and took off to the right. Lachlan stalled and stared at Anwen. She looked at him with a frown. “Will you not do as I ask?”

“I would rather take this moment to speak with you as I have been trying to do for days. I want to explain myself.”

“There is nothing I want to hear from you. Certainly not here in the woods where anyone could be lurking about. Go to the left and look for a stag. I will not listen to anything you have to say.” She lightly kicked her horse to get her to gallop forward, leaving Lachlan behind.

She slowed her horse as she entered a dense area of trees. Moving as quietly as she could, she looked ahead carefully. She pulled her bow from her side, as she stopped her horse. Grabbing an arrow, she carefully put it on the string of her bow and pulled it back. She could see the large stag just ahead. She was as still and quiet as she could be. Just before she let her arrow go, she heard a horse come up to her left. She let her arrow fly, and it was a bit off its mark, hitting the animal in the back flank instead of the chest.

She looked over and quicker than she could blink, Maddoc had pulled out his own bow and positioned an arrow. Letting it fly, it found its mark on the chest of the large stag. The animal stumbled and fell on its side. It tried to get up but stumbled again. Anwen jumped off her horse and pulled out her sword. She heard Maddoc following her.

“Let me, princess,” said Maddoc as he pulled out his own sword. He bent down and carefully killed the animal, putting it out of its misery.

“I suppose that will count as yours even though I would have made a clean shot had you not distracted me,” said Anwen with a little frustration.

Maddoc turned to look at her after putting his sword away. “We could just call it a shared kill. You did slow it down even with your shot being a little off the mark.”

She nodded. “I have no qualms sharing the glory with you, my king.”

“I will say it is all yours if you wish, princess. I will do anything to make you happy.” He took her hand and pulled her to him.

“It will please me to share with you.” She pulled a way a little. “We shouldn’t be seen like this, Maddoc.”

“Then hurry up and give me one kiss to last until later tonight, princess.” He leaned forward, and Anwen moved towards him. He took her into his arms as their lips met. Her arms went around his neck. It had probably been a little too long when they finally broke apart. Maddoc kissed her neck and then her cheek before resting his forehead against hers.

“We should get back to the palace while most people are out here. There are plenty of places we could find ourselves alone.”

She smiled a little. “But we will have to find a way to get this stag back. You will have to be patient, my king. I know it is not one of your virtues.”

She pulled away from him as they heard horses approaching. Anwen looked down at the dead stag while Maddoc walked away a bit, turning away from those approaching.

“Well done, my king,” said Princess Meira as she stopped her horse. She carefully slid down and walked up to the stag.

Maddoc took another moment before he turned around. “It is actually mostly Princess Anwen’s kill. She wounded it first. I just finished it off.”

“It's quite massive,” said Brennan as he too hopped down off his horse. “I’m not sure I’ve seen one that big.”

“It is large even for the woods around Quinlan,” said Maddoc. “We shall have to see if it will fit on my or your horse, Brennan. If not, I will have to ride ahead and call for a wagon.”

Anwen listened to their conversation while looking at Princess Meira who was staring at her suspiciously. Anwen wondered how much the woman had seen as she had ridden up. There was nothing to do for it now. She turned to look at the stag on the ground when she heard a noise not too far from them. She looked up to see another stag by a large tree. She was about to alert the others when she heard something else.

She turned to Princess Meira who was in direct line of the stag and the noise she had heard. Anwen had no time. She called out, “Princess Meira,” before launching herself at the princess. She collided with the princess as she felt an arrow sink into her lower leg. They both hit the ground and rolled. Anwen’s head hit something hard, and all went dark.