When Gwen’s contact in Lapanteria had told her where Princess Sallene was, the Alavari had done a bit of a double take. Still, she’d made her way to a large pub in the city of Salapantir, in her least expensive outfit and accessories. While Alavaria was not interested in conflict, they still maintained a pretty substantial network of reliable informants.

  It was still somewhat unbelievable as she watched as a bloodied princess Sallene stood in the middle of a hexagonal ring pit, arms up, facing off against another woman. Both were wearing form-fitting shorts, jerseys and knuckle-length gloves.

  Sallene was the slightly smaller young woman, but she was dominating the fight. She’d already thrown the woman several times and had backed her enemy up against the wooden pit’s walls. Dodging punches, or using her shoulder to block them, she thundered blow after blow until the bell rang.

  “The winner the Royal fool!” Bellowed the announcer.

  Gwen clapped politely and waited for Salene to leave the ring. With long practised observation skills she soon found the fight announcer and paid him handsomely to set up a private meeting with the Royal Fool.

  “You are the last person I expected to see,” said Salene as she entered the small room the owner had showed them.

  “No, I think you’re expecting me,” said Gwen. She handed Salena drink she’d ordered. “What’s a princess doing in a fighting ring?”

  The princess smirked. “What? Can a princess not have a hobby?”

  Gwen didn’t reflect the mirth in Salene’s expression. Her gaze was flat, without humor. “A princess can certainly have a hobby, but I question why one would indulge it when her country is about to fight a war.”

  She noticed Celine‘s eyes narrow as she took a sip from her cup with her bandaged hands. “You don’t know anything about Lapanteria.”

  Gwen leaned back and crossed her arms. “Then enlightened me why one of Lapanteria’s princesses and the second in line is hiding in a pub hitting people instead of trying to fight her brother.”

  “What if I support Alastor’s policies?” Salene asked.

  “Then you wouldn’t be here. You would be by his side backing him up during the negotiations,” said Gwen.

  Sallene closed her eyes and drank deep. “What does Princess Rowena want?”

  Gwen leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “To stop the war that’s coming, which is something I would very much like too. That’s why I’m here on her behalf.”

  Salene rolled her eyes. “I cannot stop the war that’s coming no more than she can.”

  “He’s not the king he’s Prince Regent,” said Gwen.

  “And right now, nobody wants to remove Alastor and those in power are not able to,” Salene said.

  “Surely your father and mother can remove him,” said Gwen.

  Salene snorted. “Sure shows what you know. No he can’t. Alastor has gotten the support of too many nobles. Unless there is a major reversal that deprived him a support, it is highly unlikely that father or mother can remove him.”

  As Gwen digested the statement, she felt her mouth go dry. “You’re saying the nobles of Lapanteria want war with Erisdale?”

  Salene shook her head. “Not necessarily war. But that’s what I mean by you don’t know our kingdom.”

  “Then explain it to me,” said Gwen.

  Salene pursed her lips. “When Alavaria lost the Great War, you kept your territory. Oh there was a number of concessions. There was the indemnity you had to pay. But let’s be honest you got off easy.”

  Gwen’s jaw tightened. “My late father and the thousands of Alavari dead would beg to differ.”

  The Alavari’s low tone made Salene blink, and she inclined her head. “My apologies. My point is that you had the opportunity to rebuild and to grow. Erisdale has an opportunity to grow and rebuild. We thought that they lost out on the peace when they gave up their claims and decided to just take the money and trade agreements. Erisdale contributed and funded the wars greatest heroes and heroines, and they didn’t ask for much, at least that’s what we thought. A decade later and they are flowing with gold. The roads, the envy of the world. Their researchers, their academies, their industry, booming. Everybody’s happy everybody’s united.”

  Salene took another drink from her cup and slammed the cup down, hard. “Martin and Ginger took the money they got from the Great War, and used it to mobilize the natural resources buried in Erisdale’s mountains. Coal, marble, copper, tin gold, silver, streams, and rivers for dams all funnelled into funding an Erisdalian revival.”

  Gwen drummed her fingers on the table. “Yes, Erisdale is undergoing a revival, but Lapanteria walked away with the most territorial gains. You cannot mean to say that you lost the peace.”

  “That’s precisely what I’m arguing! Lapanteria’s greatest resources have always been our land, our population, our people and the unity that connects them, but with the war finished we lost so much of our wealth and unity, we haven’t been able to advance as a kingdom. We don’t have the vast expanse of Alavaria, we don’t have Erisdale’s resources. Life in the kingdom, my kingdom, is in decline,” growled Sallene.

  “The many factories built in the city seem to differ,” said Gwen, but she couldn’t help but let het doubt creep in her voice.

  Salene laughed. It was not one of mirth. “Factories built by nobles who don’t care about the people. People who are growing unhappier and unhappier, whilst the nobles keep trying to scrounge out every last ounce of wealth from the land. Excepts as they do so the land and the people get squeezed further and further. We are burning our communities and what little resources we have just to try to keep up with Erisdale.”

  “So you attack Roranoak,” said Gwen.

  “So Alastor sponsors the attacks on Roranoak. Why should they squander valuable resources in a civil war? Why should those traitors who abandoned us in the Great War keep their land?” Salene asked.

  Gwen tried to keep her anger in check, she really did, but the image of her father’s granite headstone continued to flash into the forefront of her mind.

  “Because your country is killing people and taking their homes! Because no war is without casualties and you will kill your subjects as you order them into battle!”

  “Lapanteria is heading into decline if we don’t expand,” said Sallene.

  Gwen shook her head so violently, her hair nearly escaped the ribbon she’d used to tie it up. “No. Everybody has a choice not to fight and to compromise! Lapanteria is heading into decline because your nobles hoard their wealth and your monarchy isn’t implementing reforms to distribute wealth back to the people!”

  Sallene flinched, but couldn’t meet Gwena’s glare. “And Alavaria is much better?”

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  “We’re not talking about Alavaria. We’re talking about you and how you are justifying your inaction!”

  The princess swallowed and her shoulders seemed to sag. “Even if I tried, I can’t do anything! Killing him isn’t an option. The nobles aren’t ever going to support the little sister. And any change in the regent must come at the direction of my parents, who won’t risk a rebellion!” She met Gwen’s eyes again. They were not filled with despair, but they were desperate, a plea reflected within them. “Either way, people are going to die!”

  Gwen took a breath, thinking what her mother… and father, might do. “Maybe you and I can’t do anything, but at least I’m trying. I will never let another family suffer what mine has.”

  Sallene blinked, her lips pressed together. “What happened?”

  Gwen refilled her cup from the pitcher as she collected her thoughts. General Helias was a deeply controversial figure in Alavaria and the wider continent. He’d perpetrated a war crime at Erlenberg when he executed prisoners. He’d faked his own death and perjured a ceasefire agreement to allow the Alavari army to withdraw from that battle. He’d supported King Thorgoth for most of the war and even went so far to manipulate a young Hattie to let him into Athelda-Aoun.

  However, at the final battle at Kairon-Aoun, he’d not only surrendered the Alavari army when it was defeated, saving thousands of lives, he’d fought King Thorgoth and helped Frances and her friends finally kill him.

  Those complex feelings extended into how Gwen and her mother, Countess Sara Sparrowpeak remembered the tauroll. On one hand, Sara’s mother had been murdered by Thorgoth. She had then been forced to marry Helias and they had Gwen as a result of an arrangement that while mutual, was done under the threat of Thorgoth.

  And yet, Sara remembered him as a devoted and protective husband with a strangely cold side, but who cared deeply for her and she him.

  And Gwen could never forget what her father had left her. A peaceful Alavaria, a living mother who carried his memory, and a single letter he’d penned before the last battle.

  A letter she’d committed to memory and whose words rang in her mind as she met Sallene’s gaze.

  “King Thorgoth had my grandmother murdered when she dared to stand up to him. He forced my mother to wed my father. When they did fall in love, and my father decided to rebel against him, he was also killed.”

  The princess winced. “I’m sorry.”

  “Thank you, but my point stands. Every war has casualties and that means there will be broken families. Alastor doesn’t care, but are you willing to bear the cost? The guilt? The empty nights and rooms from dead parents and their offpsring?”

  Sallene froze. Her eyes wide and fixed on the table. Her jaw was locked as Gwen’s words seemed to creep up on her and she slowly realized.

  “Do you know how much your kingdom is betting on losing?” Gwen asked, pushing the offensive.

  “I’d like to think I do,” said Sallene, slowly, not at all sounding sure of herself.

  Gwen leaned in closer, not to touch the princess, but enough that the distance was almost intimate.

  “Your brother doesn’t seem to act like it. He seems to forget that his counterpart, my friend, Rowena, has only been a princess for three years and she’s caught herself up to speed on court etiquette, politics and how to conduct herself and represent her kingdom. She is a fighter and I have never met anybody so determined to do what’s right. So even if by some happenstance, King Martin and Queen Ginger are struck dead, the Lost Princess will take up their swords and she has no former friendship with your father and mother.”

  Sallene frowned, her mind clearly racing as Gwen continued, her voice rising higher and higher as she ranted:

  “Your brother, has seemingly forgotten that when the last war with Erisdale happened, Edana Firehand torched an entire forest and killed so many people they call her the Firehand, the Dragon of Erisdale. Now not only is Edana still alive, but Archmage Frances Windwhistler, the Stormcaller and Bane of King Thorgoth is best friends with King Martin and Queen Ginger. Do you not think she will not come to her friends’ aid? Do you not think that she would bring an entire thunderstorm down on your heads? You remember the stories of her pouring down lightning bolt after lightning bolt on Thorgoth during the final battle, don’t you?

  “And if that’s not all, you are up against King Martin and Queen Ginger, two of the most renowned commanders of the Great War and they have had sixteen years to build their country for the possibility of conflict. Your brother is leading your kingdom to face them, their capable heir, and the greatest mage on the continent, all for a contested claim that’s more closely held by my other friend, Jessalise, who is devoted to Rowena.”

  The Alavari fixed the frozen Sallene with an almost-sneer. “And you want to do nothing?”

  Sallene swallowed. “I’ll talk to my parents.”

  “You better get going then. Erisdale is already responding with Level 2 mobilization,” said Gwen.

  Sallene nodded stiffly and placed a few coins on the table before sprinting by out of the tavern.

  ***

  Rowena awoke the next morning to feel Jess’s arms around her right arm. They were fully clothed, but had enjoyed a night chatting and sleeping in the same bed, like they had when they were children.

  She smiled at the snoring Jess, her wavy blonde hair spread all over her face, pillow and shoulders.

  Tristelle floated up beside Rowena. “That was a nice date.”

  “It was. I hope it didn’t bore you, Tristelle,” said Rowena.

  The sword chuckled. “Oh no worries. I very much enjoy watching you two.”

  Pausing in her attempts to extricate her arm from her girlfriend, Rowena arched an eyebrow at her sword. “You love people watching way too much.”

  “It’s fun! You humans are so interesting.”

  The princess gently managed to pull her arm from Jess’s grasp without waking her up. “I suppose so. I guess that is why you chose me as your wielder.” Rowena made her way to her bathroom, but before she could draw some water into the sink, Tristelle nudged her.

  “Speaking of, your mirror rang late last night. Morgan and Hattie said they wanted to talk to you the moment you woke up.”

  Rowena blinked. “That must be important.” She pulled over a shawl to look a bit more decent before picking up her mirror and going into the manor’s sitting room.

  Taking a breath, she focused her magic and slowly Morgan and Hattie’s faces filled the glass.

  “Good morning Master Morgan, Master Hattie. I’m sorry for the late call.”

  Morgan and Hattie were clearly outside amidst forests, eating lunch given the time difference across the continent. She could hear people around them in a camp, but that was probably going to be explained in a moment.

  “No worries, Rowena. We have some rather interesting news for you,” said Morgan.

  Hattie grinned. “We’ve raided the castle, arrested a number of Forlana’s conspirators and uncovered some documents proving Alastor and Forlana have been working together for years to use these criminals along with their forces to undermine Roranoak.”

  “That’s fantastic! Gives me a few bargaining chips to use against Forlana,” said Rowena.

  Morgan’s visage darkened. “That’s not all. Forlana and Alastor were not picky with their recruitment. We’ve managed to recapture several criminals wanted by Alavaria, including Imperla the Disembowler.”

  Rowena straightened, eyes wide as she remembered the fiasco that was Teutobal’s visit to Erisdale. She, Jess, and Gwen had run themselves ragged trying to safeguard the prince as a human serial killer mage had tried to take his life.

  “What in the shit parade is she doing in Lapanteria? She’s been at large since her attempt on Prince Teutobal’s life two years—” Rowena’s eyes widened. “Oh shit. She fled to Lapanteria and Forlana, and Alastor sheltered her in exchange for her skills, didn’t they?”

  Morgan nodded. “Yes. You understand how this changes things?”

  Rowena nodded slowly, her eyes wide. “Did you alert Queen Titania?”

  “She’s been informed and she is furious,” said Hattie.

  “Thank you, this does help a lot. I hope it’s enough to make Alastor see reason.” Rowena pursed her lips. “Did your raiding force take any casualties?”

  Morgan shook her head. “A few, but not many, none fatal thankfully. They were not expecting us.”

  “I know the White Order is independent, but still, Erisdale owes them a great debt and we will ensure they are assisted in their recovery and compensation,” said Rowena.

  Hattie and Morgan blinked, exchanged a glance and smiled at their student.

  “You have grown up far too fast on us,” said Morgan, wiping her eyes with her finger.

  “I had very good teachers,” said Rowena, smiling at the two women who had saved her so long ago.

  Hattie giggled. “Our next student, if we ever take one, is going to have a lot of trouble living in your shadow. Take care, Rowena.”

  As they disappeared in the mirror, waving goodbye, Rowena heard footsteps. Turning, she found Jess in her nightgown, combing her hair.

  “I just heard a bit. Something about Imperla?” Jess asked

  “Documents of Forlana working with Alastor for years, arrested a number of her conspirators, and they captured Imperla, who was working for Alastor and Forlana. Alavaria’s been informed.” Rowena rubbed at her eyes. “It may not be enough to convince Alavaria to declare war on Erisdale’s side.”

  Sidling up to Rowena, Jess leaned against her arm as the princess filled the sink with warm water. “But at the very least, we can expect more pressure on Lapanteria and maybe other forms of assistance for our cause.” She looked up at Rowena, batting her lashes at her. “Did you know? That there might be something valuable at the castle?”

  “I was grasping at straws, but I can’t say I’m surprised. If Forlana tolerated a child kidnapper and a slaver, then it’d make sense she’d allow a serial killer into her ranks,” said Rowena.

  Jess nodded. “True, though I find it’s a bit odd that she would.”

  Rowena passed Jess her towel. “What do you mean?”

  “Lady Sylva and Benjamin are criminals, but they were enlisted into Forlana’s cause prior to her birth. If she’s trying to claim the throne of Erisdale from two popular monarchs, recruiting the aid of a serial killer mage is not the wisest choice,” said Jess.

  Rowena paused in wiping her face. “Hmm, you’re right. I wonder why Imperla was found there.”

  Author's note: As a bonus, here's an excerpt of the current version of book 4's opening!

  Chapter 1: Starting Complications