War Of Hearts

Chapter 2

Taliya wielded her sword against the sword of her uncle Whels, her very own Master of Arms. Who taught her the Art of War and Magic. Even though it wasn’t an appropriate task for a highborn Roseglander Lady and neither for a Princess.

But Taliya Starlight isn’t a Princess anymore, is she? The moment her father had lost not just his crown but his head too. Taliya was merely just an orphan under the protection of her Uncle Whels, the brother of her mother. For the past 5 years the only purpose she has was to avenge her family even if it means risking her own life in the process, but her uncle has something else in his mind. It was taking back the throne of her father. It was the only reason why a lot of notable families are supporting her all this time for one purpose and it's to get rid of the Silverite from power. There was steadiness to her, as if all the storms in the world were a whispering cold breeze. She was kind, clever, ruthless and beautiful. She’s tall for most girls her age.

She swings to her left and the tie that’s keeping her hair from sprawling loosened free. Her golden hair falls freely to her waist. Whels’ eyes went alarmed and glanced at their surroundings if there was someone else watching them.

“Tie your hair back,” He told her niece.

Taliya obliged and scooped the tie from the ground in her hand. She twists her hair into a knot and puts her helmet back. She was wearing a man’s fighting armor and she has been wearing these kinds of clothing for 5 years already. Everyone calls her in their village as Ser Four, the only son of a humble farmer. They have to switch location every year to prevent people from knowing what she really is, and her real identity.

“I am sick of hiding, uncle,” She said underneath her breath.

“Well you must accept the reality that we must do it in order to survive, Taliya.” Her uncle said.

“So, what next? What if the neighbors find out that I am not a knight they thought I am?” She said, and grabbed her sword from the ground. “Where in the seven hells are we going to live again?”

Whels fell silent. His eyes softened as the tears fell on her eyes. His fists were tightened on his side. He couldn’t help but feel guilty towards his niece. Who lost her family at a very young age and was forced into hiding, and changed her identity and gender in order to survive.

“I am tired of hiding. I thought the council told us that we will avenge my family, and what we’re doing right now is a waste of time. All of this stupid training that I’ve endured.” She sighs in

frustration.

“I received a letter from court,” He said. Her head was still down. “There’s a rebellion that is happening and this group is against the rule of this Usurper Boy King and his absurd List.”

At the mention of his existence something clicked in her that made her look at her uncle. All her life she longs to kill that usurper, for stealing her brother’s throne and for the murder of her entire family.

“What of him?” She inquires,

“The member of this rebel group is growing every day. I thought you are the only person who has a strong hatred towards this boy King, I guess I was wrong.” Whels jokes.

“The more people hate him, the better.” She added with a smirk. There were still tears in her eyes, despite the wicked smile on her lips. There’s nothing that could lift her spirits up more than the thought of the Boy King’s head a spike. She still remembers the beautiful patterns in his face. How prominent his cheekbones were. He has the Starlight signature of a pair of green eyes with spectacles brown that he got from his mother.

“This group proves their purpose by sending the heads of the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and one of the King’s knights. And, now the King is in need of a knight who shall serve him.”

Taliya’s smile grows wider and her hazel eyes lights up in delight.

“I shall go,” She said and she was half expecting her Uncle’s disapproval. But, nevertheless, she would go to the court and apply for the said position without his approval. She has waited too long, and she couldn’t bear to make it longer. She must have her vengeance no matter what happen.

“Yes, that is why I told you. And, I also receive a raven from the leader of this notorious group.” He said, “Though he haven’t given his name, nor his training camps.”

“What did the letter said?”

“He wishes to join forces with us,” He said and thrusts his sword back to its scabbard. “He gain an enemy, and we a friend.”

Taliya wanted to laugh as she remembers the tactics he taught her when it comes to war.

The Enemy of your enemy is your friend.

Whoever taught her uncle that phrase is a fool. How could someone be friends with people they don’t know?

“Uncle Whels, whoever that leader maybe. He could never be our friend just because we have a common enemy.” She said. “He knows who you are and perhaps, he knows that I’m still alive. Why would he even send you a letter asking you to fight with him, if he doesn’t know that we have the same enemy?”

He flashed a triumphant smile at her. As if he was proud because all the lessons he has taught her were finally sinking into her. “That’s what makes him clever, and for us to know who is this man behind this powerful group who are brave enough to provoke the King.”

“He knows that I’m alive,” Taliya said in a certain voice. It wasn’t a question. It was an answer.

He let out a deep heavy breath. “You’re not safe here.” He said, “You have to ride North tonight before the witching hour. Lord Mountbane will meet you at the Fae bridge and escort you to Court, where you shall meet the King as one of his new Kingsguards.”

Taliya broke into a huge smile with a heavy breath as she realizes that she’s coming back to the place where it all started.

“I’m going home,” She said with a smile.