Chapter 1

  Far from her beloved home, Princess Adira Breckenridge sat on the balcony of an old barracks. Behind her, a maid was watering the white roses in vases upon small tables, along each side of the dark hall leading to the balcony.The warm breeze blew her curly brown hair softly from her face. The trees of the vast green woodland before her, swayed with the gentle wind. Bright sun rays came up over the horizon. Blue sky met the morning sun with beautiful pink and orange hues, while birds sang new-day songs.
  Adira listened to the birds, chirping as they flew over the nearby oaks. She sighed, thinking about the situation her and her older brother, Duke, were in. Kemp, their father's brother, had murdered their parent's, the rulers of Quercia. Kemp had harbored a grudge against them and no one knew exactly how it started. Many speculations were made that something had happened between him and King Andrew, many years ago when they were still princes. Kemp had grown so hateful toward his brother that he ambushed him and Queen Elvina. 
   Adira was 8, while Duke was 12 when they heard of the devastating ordeal that took their parents' lives. Now, 11 years later, she worked as a housekeeper in the barracks. Duke continued his training to become a knight. He occasionally went to hunt for an evening meal. Adira was thankful for the barracks. It served as their home.
   Suddenly, Adira heard the familiar clinking of Duke's armor. She turned to see him walking toward her. He came to stand by her. His expression held a sense of serenity, yet his posture was tense. He gave her a pat on the shoulder. Adira knew something was on his mind. He gazed out over the lush trees. 
  "Duke, what is it?"
  He sat down in the wooden chair beside her. His short brown hair, slightly untidy complimented his masculine features. Duke turned to her and leaned forward. Adira took note of his weary eyes. He said, "I received word that Kemp is sending out spies in search of us."