Warrior Princess

Chapter 1

Emerald's P.O.V.

Twenty Years Later...

"Damn it," I cursed through gritted teeth, wiping sweat from my brow with the back of my hand. The morning sun had climbed high above Castle Sabriya's training grounds, marking nearly six hours since I'd first stepped into the practice ring. My muscles burned with the satisfying ache of intense training, each breath measured and controlled despite my exhaustion.

"You should join me for breakfast, Em!"

The familiar voice of Caleb, my best friend since childhood, rang across the courtyard. He leaned against the ornate iron gates of the training ground, his dark hair tousled by the morning breeze, wearing his usual mischievous grin. Despite being the son of my father's most trusted friend and Prince of Caldaria, Caleb had never adopted the stiff formality of court life. He never wore arrogance. Confidence, yes — the kind that came from knowing exactly who he was and how far he'd go to protect what mattered.

He had the kind of face that could make you lower your guard before you realized you were being studied. His features were sharp yet disarmingly warm — high cheekbones, a clean jawline, and a mouth that seemed perpetually caught between a smirk and a secret. His eyes, a striking shade of amber-brown, held a flicker of mischief beneath their steady calm — as if he found the world amusing, even in its chaos.

His hair, a soft chestnut brown, was effortlessly neat in that infuriating way some people managed without trying.

"Not now, Cal," I called back, my attention fixed on my opponent's stance. "I'm not hungry." My body moved instinctively, reading the subtle shifts in my sparring partner's weight distribution that telegraphed his next attack.

"Come on, Em," Caleb's voice took on that whining quality he knew I hated. "You've been at this since dawn!"

I didn't respond this time, focusing instead on the fight at hand. My opponent – Benjamin, one of our newer guards – was good, but his technique still needed refinement. When he lunged forward, I saw my opportunity. Using his momentum against him, I executed a perfect flip maneuver, sending him crashing onto his back with an impressive thud.

Benjamin groaned, more from wounded pride than pain, I suspected. "That's it for today," I said, extending my hand to help him up. He accepted with a grateful nod, dusting off his training clothes as he regained his feet.

"You've been improving greatly," I offered, noting how far he'd come since first requesting my training. When he'd started, he could barely hold a proper defensive stance. Now he was matching me blow for blow, at least for the first few rounds.

"That's all thanks to your training, Princess," he replied with a formal bow, though his eyes showed genuine appreciation. "You've been most patient with my learning."

Beside us, Caleb let out an exaggerated groan. "Let's go," he insisted, already reaching for my arm. "I'm starving, even if you're not." His fingers wrapped around my wrist, tugging me toward the castle entrance with the determination of a man on a mission.

I allowed myself to be led, hiding my amusement at his dramatics. After all these years, I'd learned it was easier to give in when Caleb was in one of these moods. He could be such a drama queen sometimes, though I'd never say it to his face – his ego was substantial enough already.

"Alright, Cal," I conceded, extracting my arm from his grip. "I'm coming, but I need to shower first." I turned toward the residential wing of the castle, already anticipating the feel of cool water on my overheated skin.

"Only five minutes!" he called after me, his voice carrying the warning of someone who had waited far too long for me before. I could hear his footsteps heading toward the dining hall, no doubt to claim his usual seat next to Mother.

The castle corridors were already bustling with morning activity as I made my way to my chamber. Guards stood at attention as I passed, each offering a respectful bow. I returned their gestures with warm smiles – these men and women were more than just palace guards to me. Many had been my sparring partners, teachers, and confidants over the years.

My private chamber was sanctuary of purple and gold, the colors I'd chosen myself when I was old enough to have an opinion on such matters. The walls were adorned with paintings that told the story of my life thus far – scenes from diplomatic visits to neighboring kingdoms, family portraits that captured moments of joy and unity, and landscapes of places I'd explored during my adventures.

The massive bed dominated the center of the room, its carved headboard depicting the intertwined swords and roses that matched my birthmark. It was a reminder of who I was – not just Princess Emerald, but a warrior in my own right, despite (or perhaps because of) my royal blood.

I had just emerged from my quick shower when a knock sounded at my door. Opening it revealed my twin brother, Ryannor, his handsome features twisted into what could only be described as a royal scowl.

Ryan had the kind of presence that filled a room long before he spoke. There was a quiet command in the way he stood — shoulders squared, head slightly tilted as though weighing every word before he allowed it to pass his lips. His face was carved in sharp, disciplined lines — a strong jaw, high cheekbones, and eyes that carried the weight of a kingdom. They were a striking steel-blue, cold and assessing one moment, and burning with fierce loyalty the next.

His hair, a shade of sunlit brown, fell neatly into place no matter how many sleepless nights he spent in the war chambers of Sabriya.

"Who pissed you off this morning?" I asked, brushing past him and heading toward the dining hall. As expected, he fell into step beside me, his longer legs easily matching my stride.

"Sarah is coming over," he groaned, running a hand through his sun-kissed hair in frustration.

I fought to suppress a laugh, though a small snicker escaped despite my best efforts. Sarah, the daughter of Mother's closest friend, was infamous throughout the castle for her aggressive pursuit of my brother. Her attempts at seduction were as unsubtle as they were unwelcome, and Ryan's obvious disgust only seemed to spur her on.

"Bear with her then," I chuckled as we entered the dining hall, the rich aroma of freshly baked bread and seasonal fruits filling the air. The massive room, with its soaring ceilings and stained-glass windows, was already occupied by our usual breakfast gathering.

At the head of the ornately carved table sat our father, King Steven Lorel. Even at this early hour, he commanded attention, his presence filling the room with an authority that had made him the most powerful ruler in all dimensions. Yet to me, he was simply Father – the man who had taught me to wield my first sword, who still kissed my forehead every morning despite my protests that I was too old for such gestures.

"Good morning, Father," I said, making my way to my designated seat beside him.

He rose immediately, his stern features softening into a warm smile. "Morning, Princess," he replied, placing his customary kiss on my forehead. I might pretend to be embarrassed by this daily ritual, but truthfully, I cherished it. Being a daddy's girl wasn't something I was ashamed of, even at twenty.

Mother sat at Father's other side, her grace and beauty undiminished by the years. Queen Grace Lorel embodied her name – everything about her movements spoke of elegance and kindness. She was deep in conversation with Caleb, who kept shooting me pointed looks about my tardiness while simultaneously devouring a pastry.

Ryan slumped into his chair, still muttering under his breath about Sarah's impending arrival. I caught phrases like "insufferable" and "can't take a hint" among his grumbling.

"Finally," Caleb sighed dramatically, his plate already half-empty, he stole from the kitchen. I shot him a mock glare, which he returned with an exaggerated eye roll. His impatience was legendary within the castle walls.

"We can begin now," Father announced, his eyes sweeping the table to ensure everyone was settled. The servants began presenting dishes: fresh fruits from our southern orchards, warm pastries, savory egg dishes, and my favorite honey-glazed vegetables from the castle gardens.

I filled my plate with a careful selection of chopped fruits, a slice of breakfast pie, and some roasted vegetables, complementing it with a glass of freshly pressed juice. The gentle clink of silverware filled the air, accompanied by soft conversation.

"How was the training, Princess?" Father's voice was low, meant for my ears alone. I glanced at Mother, who was still occupied with Caleb, before responding.

"It was good," I whispered back, noting the familiar glint in Father's eyes that always appeared when he wanted to discuss something important. But Mother's one steadfast rule about the dining table was absolutely no work talk – a rule that even the most powerful king in the realm dared not break.

"I need to talk to you about—" Father began, only to be cut off by Mother's stern voice.

"No work talk at the food table," she admonished, fixing Father with a look that brooked no argument. I ducked my head to hide my smile, focusing intently on my plate.

"Alright, Love," Father conceded with a sheepish smile that few besides Mother could ever elicit from him. Their love was legendary – the kind of deep, unshakeable bond that had helped build Sabriya into the paradise it was today. Sometimes I wondered if I would ever find a love like theirs.

Father caught my eye again, silently communicating that we would talk later. I nodded, understanding the urgency in his gaze. Whatever he needed to discuss, it was important enough to risk Mother's breakfast rule. That alone was enough to make me curious – and perhaps a little worried.

As I finished my meal, I couldn't help but notice the way Father kept glancing between his food and me. Something was brewing in the kingdom of Sabriya, and for better or worse, I had a feeling I was about to be at the center of it.

After breakfast, I made my way to Father's study, my footsteps echoing through the stone corridors. Tapestries depicting Sabriya's history adorned the walls, their rich colors a stark contrast to the grey stone. I paused briefly before a particularly vivid scene – the founding of our kingdom, with my ancestors standing proudly before the newly built Castle Sabriya.

Father's study door loomed before me, its dark wood inlaid with intricate golden designs. I entered without knocking, a privilege reserved only for me. The familiar scent of old parchment and leather-bound books greeted me as I stepped inside.

Father sat behind his massive oak desk, various documents scattered before him. The morning sunlight streaming through the tall windows caught the silver in his hair, a reminder that even the mightiest of kings wasn't immune to the passage of time.

"Ah, Princess," he said, looking up from his work. "Sit. We have important matters to discuss." He gestured to the chair across from him, his expression grave.

I settled into the seat, my curiosity and concern growing with each passing moment. "What is it, Father?"

He folded his hands atop the desk, his piercing green eyes – so like my own – studying me carefully. "We have information regarding William."

My heart leapt into my throat. William, my childhood friend and one of our most skilled young knights, had disappeared a month ago during a diplomatic mission to the Norel Kingdom. The castle had been in a state of quiet panic ever since, with search parties dispatched and alliances called upon for aid.

"Is he alright? Have you found him?" The questions tumbled out before I could stop them, my composure slipping in the face of potentially devastating news.

Father raised a hand, silencing my outburst. "Calm yourself, Princess," he said, his voice steady but tinged with an edge I rarely heard. "He's been located, but..." He paused, and I felt my stomach drop. "He's been captured by Midnight."

The blood in my veins turned to ice. Midnight – our sworn enemy, a kingdom of perpetual darkness ruled by the cruel King Victor and now by his son. The mere mention of their name was enough to strike fear into the hearts of many people.

"We have to rescue him," I said, leaning forward, my mind already racing with potential plans. "We can't leave him in their hands."

"Not 'we,' Princess," Father's voice hardened, his eyes flashing with a familiar stubborn glint. "I am the King. I will handle this matter."

I stood, unable to contain my frustration. "Father, he's my friend. I should be part of this rescue mission. I'm one of the best fighters in the kingdom – you've said so yourself!"

"I said no, Emerald," he rose as well, his imposing figure a reminder of why he was feared throughout the realms. "You are not to be involved in this matter. That's final."

We stood there, locked in a battle of wills, neither willing to back down. Finally, Father's expression softened slightly. He rounded the desk, placing his hands on my shoulders.

"I know you're worried about him," he said, his voice gentler now. "But I promise you, we will bring him home safely. I only told you this to ease your mind, not to involve you in a dangerous rescue operation."

I lowered my head, hiding the determination in my eyes. For the first time in my life, I was resolved to defy my father's direct orders. William needed me, and I wouldn't abandon him to the horrors of Midnight.

"Of course, Father," I murmured, careful to keep my tone neutral.

As I turned to leave, his voice stopped me at the door. "Don't do anything reckless, Emerald."

I met his gaze one last time, hating the lie that was about to pass my lips. "Of course not, Father."

He crossed the room and embraced me, placing a kiss on my forehead. "Everything will be fine, my little warrior."

I returned the hug, breathing in his familiar scent of pine and parchment. "I know it will be," I whispered.

Because I would make it so, no matter the cost.

***

I returned to my chamber, my mind racing with plans and possibilities. The gravity of what I was about to do – defying not just my father, but the most powerful king in the realm – wasn't lost on me. But William's life hung in the balance, and I couldn't stand idly by.

I began gathering supplies, pulling out my most practical fighting attire from the depths of my wardrobe. Black leather pants for stealth and mobility, a sturdy white shirt, my favorite black jacket reinforced with lightweight armor, and knee-high black boots perfect for both riding and combat. Finally, I retrieved my mask – a piece that covered the lower half of my face, leaving only my bright green eyes visible.

As I laid out my gear on the bed, the door burst open. Caleb sauntered in, flopping dramatically onto my bed without a care for the carefully arranged equipment.

"You know, most people knock," I said dryly, though I couldn't summon any real irritation. Caleb had been barging into my room unannounced since we were children.

"Hey, Em," he grinned, completely unrepentant. "That Sarah girl is here. You should have seen your brother's face!" He chuckled, clearly amused by Ryan's discomfort.

I rolled my eyes, continuing my preparations. "You're such a gossip, Cal."

His laughter died abruptly as he finally took in the scene before him – the combat gear, the weapons I was selecting with care. His eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"What are you doing?" he asked, sitting up and studying me intently.

I met his gaze squarely. "I'm going to rescue William."

Caleb's eyes widened in shock. "You do know he's in Midnight, right?" The playfulness had vanished from his voice, replaced by genuine concern. How does he know things before me that still a mystery to me.

I nodded, turning back to my weapons. My favorite sword – a gift from Father on my sixteenth birthday – went into its sheath at my hip. A set of throwing knives found their place in hidden pockets of my jacket.

"Em, this is insane," Caleb said, his voice low and urgent. "Midnight isn't just another kingdom. It's... it's evil. The stories we've heard..."

"They're not just stories," I cut him off, my voice hard. "They have William. Who knows what they're doing to him?"

Caleb was silent for a long moment, and I could almost hear the gears turning in his head. Finally, he sighed heavily. "As I was saying before you so rudely interrupted..." he began, a hint of his usual humor returning. "You should leave before the King finds out."

I paused in my preparations, turning to look at him in surprise. "You're not going to try and stop me?"

He shrugged, a wry smile on his face. "Would it make a difference if I did?"

I grinned, grateful for his understanding. "Not a chance."

"Just... be careful, okay?" Caleb's voice was uncharacteristically serious. "I don't fancy explaining to the King why his daughter vanished on my watch."

I nodded, touched by his concern. "I will. And Cal? Thank you."

He waved off my gratitude with a dramatic flourish. "Oh, go on. Go be the hero. Just try not to get yourself killed, or worse, caught. I hear Midnight's dungeons are absolutely dreadful this time of year."

I rolled my eyes, slight chuckle escaping from my lips despite the gravity of the situation and headed for the bathroom to change. As I closed the door, I heard Caleb call out, "Don't roll your eyes too much. They might get stuck that way!" followed by his familiar laughter.

When I emerged, fully dressed for my covert mission, I found Caleb fast asleep on my bed. The sight was so familiar, so normal, that for a moment I almost reconsidered my plan. But William's face flashed in my mind, and my resolve hardened. I covered Caleb with a quilt before slipping silently out of my chambers.

The corridors were quieter now, most of the castle's inhabitants occupied with their daily duties. I made my way towards the main entrance, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and fear. I was mere steps from freedom when a shrill, all-too-familiar voice stopped me in my tracks.

"And where do you think you're going?"

I suppressed a groan, turning slowly to face the last person I wanted to see right now. Sarah stood there, her perfectly manicured hands on her hips, eyeing me with disdain.

This was going to complicate things.

Sarah stood before me, a vision in red that left little to the imagination. Her dress, if you could call it that, seemed more suited for an evening ball than a morning at the castle. But then again, everything was a performance for her.

"None of your concern, Barbie," I replied with artificial sweetness, name I picked from books I read about Terran, the nickname making her perfectly painted lips twist in annoyance.

"Well, it is my concern," she announced, a triumphant smirk spreading across her face. "Aunt Grace specifically said you're taking me market shopping in the neighboring kingdom."

The irony of her calling my mother 'Aunt Grace' while harboring such obvious disdain for me never ceased to amaze me.

I barely contained a groan. Of course Mother would arrange this – another well-intentioned attempt to make me more "ladylike" through Sarah's influence. If only she knew the real Sarah, the one who spread vicious gossip about anyone who dared overshadow her, particularly me.

Sarah's eyes raked over my combat attire with undisguised disgust. "Change your clothes," she demanded, tapping her foot impatiently. "I refuse to be seen in public with you looking like... that."

I stood there, ready to tell her exactly where she could stick her fashion advice, when an idea struck me. Sarah's vapid personality and obsession with attention might actually work to my advantage. Sometimes the best hiding place was in plain sight, and what better cover than escorting the kingdom's most notorious socialite?

"Sarah," I began, choosing my words carefully, "think about it. If I dress like this, all eyes will be on you." I watched as the concept worked its way through her mind. "No one will even notice the princess when they're too busy admiring you."

She paused, considering my words with an intensity usually reserved for selecting ball gowns. "Well..." she said slowly, "I am the most beautiful girl in the kingdom. It would be selfish of me to deny people the pleasure of admiring me."

I fought to keep my expression neutral, though internally I was rolling my eyes so hard they might actually get stuck, as Caleb had warned. "Exactly. You'd be doing everyone a favor, really."

"I suppose you're right," she conceded, preening slightly. "And black does make an excellent backdrop for true beauty to shine."

"Shall we go then?" I gestured toward the castle gates, eager to be on our way before she could change her mind. "We wouldn't want to keep your adoring public waiting."

As we made our way through the castle courtyard, I couldn't help but marvel at how perfectly this had worked out. Sarah's presence would make our departure seem completely normal – just another shopping trip with the princess indulging her mother's wishes. No one would suspect I was heading toward the most dangerous kingdom in the realm.

The stable master had our horses ready – my sturdy black stallion, Shadow, and a docile white mare for Sarah. I helped her mount, biting back a comment about her inappropriate riding attire. She perched side-saddle, naturally, already practicing her "royal wave" for our journey through town.

As we rode through the castle gates, I spared one last glance at my home. The morning sun caught the crystal spires, making them sparkle like diamonds against the azure sky. For a moment, I allowed myself to feel the weight of what I was about to do – betraying my father's trust, risking not just my life but potentially bringing danger to everyone I loved.

But then I thought of William, trapped in the darkness of Midnight, and my resolve strengthened. He would do the same for me without hesitation.

"Hold on," I whispered, too quietly for Sarah to hear. "I'm coming."

We rode toward the town, Sarah chattering endlessly about the latest court gossip while I nodded at appropriate intervals, my mind already plotting our route. The journey to Midnight would be treacherous, but I had studied the maps in Father's war room countless times. I knew the secret paths, the hidden routes that even our own scouts rarely used.

First, we would need to pass through the Valley of Whispers, then skirt the edges of the Shadow lands. After that... well, after that would come the truly dangerous part. But I was ready. I had trained my entire life for challenges like this, even if I hadn't known it at the time.

As we passed through the town square, villagers bowed and waved, Sarah soaking up the attention like a flower in the sun. Little did they know they were watching the beginning of what might be the most daring rescue mission in Sabriya's history.