The Stolen Prince (Blood for Blood Book 1) Read Free Page B

Forest, where there was no chance of survival. Then, a hundred years later, they reappeared… not to assassinate the king but to steal his only child. It seemed so cruel and twisted. What did it gain the Terra but years of war and slavery? Instinctively, she remembered a lesson drilled into her by the keepers. There is little sense in the Terra’s mind. They are animals and are driven by instinct, not reason.
    Kara pushed these dark thoughts out of her mind. She didn’t want to think about the Terra. She didn’t want to think about her ghost brother. No matter how she wished it, he wasn’t there. And that meant the kingdom’s fate rested solely on Kara’s shoulders.
    Kara sighed. She was always pushing unwanted thoughts out of her mind.
    “Here you are, Highness.” Kara turned around to see Sarita carrying a cream gown lined with silver. “It will bring out your eyes,” Sarita said politely. She helped Kara step out of her layman clothes and into the dress. Before Sarita put the dress over her head, Kara made sure to slip a dagger into a small hidden pocket in her petticoat. “Is that really necessary?” Sarita asked.
    “A habit. My father’s lessons burn deep,” Kara said, making sure she could still access the knife through a small seam at her waist. “After all, we are at war.”
    “I think you’re confused about who your enemies are. Prince Sesto wishes to marry you, not kill you,” Sarita scolded. She tied up Kara’s dress and reached for her cape.
    “How do you know? He hasn’t met me yet.” Kara eyed Sarita’s reflection in the mirror and caught her stifling a laugh. It cheered Kara up.
    Sarita guided Kara to the door. “Careful not to trip,” she said, handing Kara her cape. Kara sighed and tried to pretend she felt comfortable in the stuffy gown. Her forehead itched from the fresh tattoo.
    “I miss trousers,” she mumbled and stepped into the hallway. “And cuff sleeves.” Kara looked up and down the royal hallways. The main citadel was still so unfamiliar to her with its portraits and finery. She was used to taking the secret passageways the servants used. “And I miss the servants’ hallways,” she added. Sarita shushed her. Kara looked down the hallway, this time for Azure. A tall, slim guard with pale blue eyes the color of the sky was already walking toward her.
    “Your Highness.”
    “Azure Neel.” She couldn’t help but smile at the Su boy. Azure was one of the youngest guards but still a few years her senior. The Neel family had long served the king, ever since the Ally Days, when the Su people aligned with the Alem against the Terra. Because of their loyalty, all the Su had been honored with the reward of becoming servants to the Alem. The Neel family, the most loyal among the Su, had been entrusted for generations as guards and servants throughout the palace.
    Kara couldn’t help but like Azure. He was her friend in the days of her secrecy. Although her mother had tried to keep up pretenses, the king had still insisted that Kara practice her sparring, and he only trusted the water guards to keep it secret, since they had no connection to Alem royalty. Although those in the palace had known of her existence, and rumors always circulated, only few knew she could fight. Azure had been one. In fact, he had always seemed to seek out an opportunity to duel with her.
    Azure did not smile back at Kara’s greeting but turned formally away from her, assuming the stance of an escort. She had always thought of Azure as a dear friend. She frowned—maybe she had imagined their friendship. A frightening thought entered her mind: perhaps she didn’t really know him? She laughed at herself for such ridiculous thoughts. He was just performing his place, and she should perform hers.
    She sighed audibly and walked down the great halls, accompanied on either side by her Su companions. It was always cold in the hallways—even in the summer. Since it was still winter in Atmen, the