Ashborne (The Ashborne Trilogy: Book 1) Read Free Page B

my father's wrath.
    “ Yes, Majesty. I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to offend. Please, accept my apologies. I will take
my leave.” Alexander stood up from the table and bowed before
leaving. “Father, Majesty, Princess Amber.”
    I just sat there silently, playing
with my food. I've never seen my father like that. He was usually
indifferent. I've never seen his eyes filled with so much hatred,
not even when looking at me. The three of us sat there for what
seemed like an eternity, eating quietly.
    “ Still get to you that
much, eh?” Gillien said, finally breaking the silence.
    “ What did you need,
Gillien?” Father was clearly still flustered by the mention of
druids.
    “ Weapons and armor.
Swords, mail, shields...all kinds of stuff. Those damned raiders
stole a whole shipment last month.”
    Father responded immediately, waving
his hand in annoyance. “Fine. Leave a list with Gentry before you
retire. Amber will leave at first light and deliver whatever you
need to your captain.”
    Upon hearing my name volunteered for
this mission, I quickly looked up from the plate of food I wasn't
eating. “But Father, I-”
    Father shot a icy glare in my
direction, stopping my protests cold.
    Gillien looked uncomfortable at the
unspoken discipline my father was warning me with, should I defy
him. “Now, Darius. Those roads ain't no place for a lady. My son
and I will take the supplies back ourselves.”
    My father continued
staring at me for a moment, taking a drink of his wine before
turning back to Gillien. “Nonsense. You and your son will be my
guests for the week. I want to make it up to your son for my
outburst. I'll hear no refusals. Gentry and a small squad of White
Torch knights will accompany Amber, but she will deliver those
supplies.”
    Gillien looked over at me without
saying a word. His sympathetic eyes told me all I needed to know.
It wasn't his wish that I go on this journey, but he wasn't about
to continue arguing with my father. I gave him an understanding
smile and nod, trying to let him know that it was all right, that
this is just how things were here, that this was the burden I bear
as the Princess of Ashborne and sole heir to the throne.
    Having had enough for one evening, I
stood up from the table. “Well, Your Majesties, if you'll excuse
me, I guess I have an early morning tomorrow. Good
night.”
     

Chapter Three
The Road to Benethil
     
    I woke early the following morning. I
laid there for a moment, looking out the window. It was still dark
out, the sun hadn't come up yet. I stretched my legs as I rolled
over. Penelope was there, sleeping in the chair near my bed. Gentry
must have sent word that I was to leave this morning.
    Normally, I would bring her along on
my trips, but not this time. This was too dangerous for her. I got
out of bed and took Penelope's hand.
    “ Penelope… Penelope,” I
whispered.
    “ Hmm?” she groaned, her
eyes still closed.
    I started to gently pull her up from
the chair. “Get in my bed and go to sleep.”
    “ All right,” she said
agreeably as I helped her stumble her way to my bed.
    She was clearly still asleep. Had she
been coherent, she would have protested against such a request and
been looking to go with me to Benethil. A servant would be punished
if they were caught sleeping in an Ashborne's bed, but I knew, with
Gentry and I leaving, that no one would come in here and she could
rest undisturbed.
    I quietly got dressed, putting on my
leather pants, boots and vest. I knew we would want to stay light
for this trip, so we wouldn't be bringing any plate armor. I
grabbed my sword and my chainmail vest. I quickly brushed my hair a
few times, put it in a tight pony-tail and headed out the
door.
    Once outside, I began walking toward
the stables. I could see the sky was preparing to greet the morning
sun, although the chirping crickets didn't seem to notice. I
enjoyed a deep breath of the cool, crisp morning air before I
reached the stables. I knew that fresh scent