Chapter 4

Anwen stood at the edge of a large field not far from the palace. She watched her mother ride her horse, Allinar, across the field. The mare was an impressive animal, and Anwen had quickly grown to love her. She had lost her first horse during her journey with Maddoc. Her mare had been stabbed in the chest, and then had fallen into a raging river. She missed her old horse. It had been a gift from her father. The last thing he had ever given her.

Maddoc gave Anwen a new mare. She was reluctant to accept at first. It was an impressive and precious gift, but he had been adamant that Anwen take Allinar. She was glad she had. Now she had something with her that reminded her of the love of her king. The animal was also an excellent horse. Her mother seemed to agree as she rode quickly across the field, jumping a fallen tree at one point.

She eventually rode over to Anwen and dismounted. “What a lovely creature she is,” said the queen as she patted the horse. “I am fond of my own dear Galena, but I must admit that yours is more enjoyable to ride.”

“She is very wonderful. She responds to my lightest touch, and her footing is so sure. I am beyond happy with her.”

Her mother looked at her. “It was generous of the king to give her to you. A horse such of this would not come at a low cost.”

“He said he wanted to show his appreciation of my service towards him.” Anwen stroked her horse’s nose.”

“I imagine there was more to it than that. You do not have to be coy with me, daughter. I know full well how you feel about the king. I am aware of his love for you as well. I wish you would talk more about it with me.”

Anwen shrugged a little. “What is there to say. I do love him, mother. I have not hidden it from you, but I know what stands in our way. I know there may not be a chance we can be together, but I cannot give up, not yet.”

“When I spoke with him before we left Quinlan, I was impressed with his words about you. I do believe he feels deeply for you, but I am not sure how aware he is of the difficulty that lies ahead for any relationship between the two of you.”

“He is a king and used to getting what he wants,” said Anwen.

Her mother smiled. “And he definitely wants you.”

Anwen colored a little. “He has not been shy in letting me know.”

“Be careful, Anwen. If you do choose him, it will not be easy. You need to be very sure about what you really want. If there were any other you could choose to spend your life with that could be an easier fit, you should do it”

“I am going to do as you ask, mother. I am sure Maddoc will as well. I will make sure this is right, not just for me, but for him too. I love him too much to hurt him or his kingdom, but as of now I can’t imagine being with anyone else.” Anwen looked down for a moment. “If I have to let him go, I am not sure I could ever love another.”

Her mother took her hand. “You are young. You would heal in time and find one who makes you smile.”

“You never did,” said Anwen. “You were still young with father died. You are not an old woman now, yet you have remained alone.”

“I am not alone. I have you.”

“Mother…”

“It is not the same, Anwen. I had a life with your father. We shared so many things. We had you. After experiencing all of it, I cannot begin to imagine sharing such things with any other man.”

Anwen hesitated. She did not like hiding anything from her mother. “I have shared things with Maddoc as well. I have had experiences with him I can’t imagine doing with any other man. I am afraid it might be too late for me to choose another.”

Her mother stared at her for a moment. “I hope you did not feel pressured to do anything. I know you already feel ruined in some way by your time with Lachlan, but that is nonsense.”

“I only did as I wanted and felt like doing. No matter what happens I will not regret one moment I spent with Maddoc. I cherish them now and always.”

Her mother sighed. “You are a grown woman.” She gave Anwen a small grin. “You will be even more grown in a few weeks. We will have to celebrate your birthday in Quinlan. I can’t believe my little daughter is going to be twenty-one. It seems only yesterday you were just learning to run around these fields.”

Anwen squeezed her mother’s hand. “I am grown, mother. I will make my own decisions, and I will try to make the right ones. I need you to support me no matter what I decide. I could not take losing you.”

“You will never lose me, Anwen. If you choose the king, I will support you in the end, even if it means giving up your future crown here.”

“Maddoc does not want me to give up anything. He wishes for us to rule our two kingdoms together.”

Her mother laughed a little. “Your king does have lofty plans. If it is what you truly want, then I hope it works out somehow. Please do think about it, my dear. I want you to be happy in the worst way.”

“I know, mother.”

A few days later Anwen was on the road towards Quinlan. It would take almost five days riding along with the carriages that came with them. She happily rode her horse for most of the trip, not liking the idea of being trapped in the royal carriage with her aunt and Gwendolyn. She was joined occasionally by her mother who also grew tired of riding in an enclosed space. Lachlan tried to ride by her a few times but was eventually shooed away by his brother, Brennan, who constantly rode by Anwen’s side. His own betrothed joined them at times, and Anwen was happy to spend her journey talking to them both.

On the second day of travel, Anwen managed to gain her mother’s approval to ride ahead of the group a bit with Brennan, Lady Roxanna. She was happy to give her horse some speed and spend time alone with her friends. They rode together very happily towards the next village where they would wait at an inn for the rest of their party.

They had been on the road for two hours after stopping for lunch when Brennan drew up his horse.

“Anwen, Roxanna, wait for a moment. Something is happening up ahead.”

Anwen stopped Allinar and peered in the distance. There looked to be two men on horseback surrounded by a group of others. She could hear faint shouting as one of them in the middle drew out a sword.

“I think those men are accosting those two in the middle,” said Anwen. “We must help them.”

“Anwen, wait,” said Brennan loudly, but she had already taken off.

She came upon the men, unafraid. She had much better control over her Gift, and if someone was truly in trouble, she knew she could help them. As she rode up, one of the men on the outside pulled out a sword and moved towards the two in the middle. Both men in the middle had now drawn their swords. As she came close to them, they all paused and looked at her.

“What is going on here?” she asked authoritatively.

The man on the outside who had drawn a sword looked her over. He had a tan wrinkled face and a large scar over his left eye. “Nothing you should have worried with, but now that you are here, I don’t think we will let you be leaving. I should like having a pretty thing like you after I’m done with these two.”

“Watch what you say,” said Brennan as he rode up to Anwen’s side. “Now, answer her question. What do you think you are doing?”

“They are trying to rob me,” said the young man closest to Anwen in the circle. She noticed he was well dressed and very handsome.

“I take it they don’t know who you are,” said Brennan causing Anwen to turn to him.

“I am not sure. You would think if they did, they wouldn’t bother, knowing the punishment they will face if they are caught.”

“We don’t care who you are. Now give us what coins you have on you and your horses. Even with these two, you are outnumbered.”

“I don’t know,” said the handsome young man. “I am a fair fighter and so is my guard here. I know Lord Brennan over there is well trained. Perhaps you should move along.”

The man with the large scar moved closer to Anwen. “And what about the lady. I would hate to see her hurt because you wouldn’t cooperate.”

Brennan laughed. “Trust me when I say you shouldn’t try to lay a finger on her. I think she might be more skilled than anyone here.”

“You talk too much, Luncey, let’s just get this over with,” said another man in the group. He pulled out a large sword and moved towards the young man in the middle of the circle.

The guard next to him went to block his sword, but he didn’t have to do anything. Anwen held up her hand and pushed. A faint light came from her and the man who had attacked was thrown off his horse to the ground. He moaned a little and lay still.

“What in the black hell?” said the man with the scar.

Anwen raised both of her hands as the wind picked up. “You should ride away now. I am fairly good at controlling my Gift, but sometimes it has a mind of its own.”

The man with the scar looked uncertain as another man in his group rode towards Anwen with a spear in his hand. Brennan moved up a little closer to her as Anwen pushed one hand out. The man with the spear’s horse reared up throwing him off before running away. The rest of the men in the attacking group looked at each other before turning their horses to run. Anwen pushed both her hands out, and the horses stopped obeying their riders’ commands. One bucked their rider off. Another lay down on the ground and rolled over. The last two reared up and their riders slid off onto the ground.

Anwen pushed down and all the men flipped over where they lay. They struggled but couldn’t get up. Once they stopped struggling, Anwen put her hands down and slumped in her saddle, exhausted by her efforts.

“Anwen, are you well?” asked Brennan with concern.

“I am,” she said with her eyes closed. “The lord of this land’s manor is about one mile through these woods to the left. Someone should ride and tell the lord to send some men to apprehend these thieves. He is their responsibility since they are on his roads.”

“Warren, ride quickly and go see this lord. Tell him to send men as soon as he can. I would like to continue my journey, and I believe the young lady may be unwell.”

Warren nodded and took off where Anwen had directed. “I am not unwell,” said Anwen. “I just need a moment to rest.”

“Prince Rillian, can you see to Princess Anwen for a moment while I go collect my betrothed down the road. I made her wait until I told her it was safe.”

Anwen opened her eyes and looked at Brennan and the man he called Prince Rillian.

“I will be happy to wait with the princess, my lord.” Prince Rillian hopped down from his horse and walked towards Anwen.

“Anwen, rest here a moment, and I will be right back.” Brennan took off back towards Roxanna.

“Princess, you should dismount,” said Prince Rillian. “I am sure you could use a moment off of your horse.”

Anwen nodded and slipped down from her saddle. The prince caught her and steadied her on her feet. She looked up at him to find him grinning at her. He was even more handsome than she realized earlier. He had tan skin and deep brown eyes. His dark brown hair had an auburn tint to it that shone in the sunlight. Anwen pushed away gently and stood up straight.

“Are you sure you are well?”

“I am, though I would like to be properly introduced,” said Anwen.

The prince bowed. “I am Prince Rillian, the youngest son of King Gareth of Bellican.”

“I see why Brennan knows you now. I suppose you spent time together while he courted Lady Roxanna.”

“Indeed,” smiled the prince. “I also got to know your mother. She is a charming woman. They both talked of you very often. I am very pleased to meet you, Princess Anwen. I had heard stories of your gift, but to see it in person was something else.”

“I am still learning much about it as I just recently unlocked its full potential.” Anwen stretched her back and walked a bit. She stumbled over a large rock in the road. The prince caught her hand and steadied her.

“Careful, princess, I would hate for you to fall. Do you need to sit for a moment?”

She shook her head. “No, I am well, truly. Where are you headed by yourself and with just one guard?”

“I was on my way to Quinlan to meet my family for the Winter Festival. I had to leave a little later than my father and his court. I took a shortcut through your woods. I didn’t expect to come across any troubles on your roads.”

“No, and you shouldn’t have,” said Anwen as she looked down at the men who all lay still with their eyes closed. “I do not know many reports of thievery in this area. I am not sure even if these men are from our kingdom.”

“It is no matter since you were here to see me safe,” said the prince with a grin. He looked behind Anwen, causing her to turn. She saw that Brennan and Lady Roxanna were riding up to them.

“Prince Rillian,” said Roxanna as she pulled up her horse. “This is a surprise.”

“Yes, my lady, and a good one for me. I am of course pleased to see you and Lord Brennan, but if not for the princess, I would have been in a very bad situation.”

“She is getting quite good at saving wayward travelers,” laughed Brennan as he climbed down from his horse. He walked over to help Roxanna dismount as well.

“That she is, my love,” said Roxanna as she moved towards Anwen. “You are well, aren’t you, Anwen?”

“I am. I feel much better after resting for a moment.” She turned to the prince. “You should ride with us when your man returns. We are staying up ahead in a village inn where we will meet my mother and court. Then we will ride on to Quinlan. I am sure it would be safer if you would join our party.”

“I will be very happy to join you, princess, if you will have me. I look forward to seeing the queen again and getting to know you.” He laughed a little. “It might have been worth a little fear and trouble to be able to get to travel with such a pretty partner.”

Lady Roxanna shook her head a little. “You should know the prince is known as a bit of a flirt, Anwen.”

Anwen fixed her skirt a little and grinned at the prince. “I have been called the same, I am afraid, so he will not offend me. I am not opposed to being flattered a bit.”

The prince laughed again. “Then I shall not hold back, princess.”

The prince did prove to be an entertaining companion. Once the men were taken care of, they rode on. Anwen rode next to the prince as Brennan and Roxanna followed them. He made her laugh often, and she seemed to amuse him as well. He flattered her at times, but she saw no harm in it. His intentions seemed only friendly to her, and she was sure to keep her own conversation light.

As they got close to the village where they would sleep, Brennan rode up to her side as Roxanna rode up to speak with the prince. Brennan and Anwen fell back a little.

“You seem to be getting on well with Prince Rillian,” said Brennan quietly.

“He is an amusing man. I find that I enjoy his company.”

“He seems to enjoy yours as well. It should make the next few weeks very interesting for you. As if they weren’t interesting enough,” said Brennan.

“What do you mean?”

“Anwen, he is the youngest son of a king. He has no responsibilities except to find a good match. What could be better than a princess who will require a king someday?” Brennan gave her a meaningful look.

She waved him away. “That is nonsense, Brennan. I just met the man.” She dropped her voice even lower. “You also know my heart is already taken.”

Brennan took a deep breath. “You did promise to speak with other men and really think if you want to try to make it work with the king. The prince is a good man whom you do not seem opposed to. Perhaps you should spend plenty of time in his company the next few weeks before you decide if everything is settled.”

Anwen looked at the prince ahead of them. He was talking comfortably with Lady Roxanna. He was very handsome, and his eyes were kind. Still, he didn’t cause the feelings in her that Maddoc did. Even when she first met the king, she knew she felt something towards him. She appreciated the prince’s looks like any young woman would, but that was it.

“I still think you are getting ahead of yourself, Brennan. Who says this prince would even find me attractive in any way? There will be many beautiful, eligible women at the festival, and the prince might find more than one he wishes to spend his time with.”

Brennan sighed. “Anwen, how can you still not see yourself? You capture the heart of the most powerful man in our land, and you still cannot see how very alluring you are. Do not discount just how charming and lovely you really are. If you wish to attract the prince, I have no doubt you can do it. You might do it without even trying.”

Anwen found getting to know the prince was very easy. At the inn, the queen was happy to see him, immediately agreeing he should join their party. He sat next to Anwen at supper in the lower room. He told her about Bellican and his duties for his kingdom. Even though he was a younger son, he did much to see to Bellican’s prosperity, and Anwen was impressed. He asked her about her own duties and her Gift. They talked well into the evening after many in their party had gone to bed.

The next day they rode side by side ahead of the carriages. Once they were somewhat alone Prince Rillian turned to Anwen. “Princess, can I ask you something that may be a little personal? You do not have to answer.”

“You may ask, your highness. If I cannot answer, I will tell you why,” answered Anwen, curious at what he would have to say.

“Your cousin’s intended is Lord Brennan’s older brother, is he not?”

“He is,” said Anwen.

“I am sorry if this is a sore subject, but was he not promised to you at some point? I thought your mother mentioned it to my father.”

“There were never any official promises made by Lachlan or me, but it was very widely thought we would eventually marry. Why would my mother talk to your father of it?”

The prince gave a sideways grin. “Can you not guess, princess? He has a younger son in need of a position.”

She chuckled a little. “It was good timing for you that my mother did not know of Lachlan’s change of heart. It might have saved you from being married to a very difficult woman.”

“I doubt you are difficult, princess. I am sure I could do much worse than uniting myself with one such as you.”

“I can be very difficult, Prince Rillian. Brennan will tell you just how stubborn I am if you ask him.”

“You think I am against powerful women who know what they want?” The prince leaned a little towards her. “You should know that I rather like intimidating women.”

“I doubt anyone would call me intimidating.”

“I would, Princess Anwen. I find that you’re extremely intimidating.” He gave her one large smile before moving his horse ahead.

Anwen slowed her horse a bit. Surely, he wasn’t being serious. He was only flirting with her harmlessly as he had since the beginning. Still, she would need to watch the situation. The last thing she needed was to inadvertently attach herself to a prince from a kingdom Lucidala depended on.