Prologue

Clarissa's POV

I moved through the woods, my eyes scanning my surroundings; I heard the distant sound of the bells knowing that someone had found out that I had run away. I know why they need me but what he is doing to innocent people is just wrong. I can't do it anymore. He trained me to be the best there ever is. The best at everything; especially fighting. But I don't, no can't, do this. So, in the middle of the night, I ran. Away from the horrors and deaths that my family did. Well what him and my brother did. I guess by now you asking who him is, right? Well he happens to be my father. I haven't called him that in a long time. My mother escaped from him; she took me with her but I was too slow and got caught. That was eleven years ago. I'm sixteen now. But enough talking for now, they've almost caught up with me. Hopefully, Jonathan isn't with the hunters, he was the only one who could catch me.

I ran faster than I had ever before with a burst of adrenalin; I heard pounding footsteps as the men crashed through the woods, trying their best to get caught up with me. The vibrant greens of the forest provided more than enough coverage but they had the wolves. Then I heard his voice,

"Come on, hurry before she gets away" Valentine shouts, his voice echoing off the trees. You might ask how sound can echo off of trees; let me tell you something. This world isn't anything like you've seen before. This is the Forbidden Forest; where the Morgenstern's bandit's fortress lay hidden. There are also creatures hidden here; monsters beyond your wildest dreams.

"Do not worry Father, she couldn't have gotten far. Not on her little legs" Jonathan said, "Besides, if I caught her before, I think I can catch her again."

"Do not underestimate her abilities, Jonathan" Valentine replied icily, "Remember I am the one who trained her all these years. She's stronger and smarter than she was eleven years ago." He was right. I had gained more knowledge of what he does and how he does it and other things. Most of them is useful, but the rest leave me with horrifying nightmares.

I just wish my mother was here with me. I guess I should tell you about the land here. My country is called Pyxis; it's ruled by three separate kingdoms. The first kingdom is to the North: it's ruled by King Robert and Queen Maryse, they have three children. The second kingdom lies in the middle: ruled by Queen Fairchild, it was said that she had a daughter who gave birth to one child that was a full blooded royal and one child who was born of a commoner. Finally there is the kingdom in the South; ruled by King Stephen and Queen Celine they have one son.

Anyway, I burst out of the foliage, running down a dirt path; there was a wooden sign up ahead that had arrows pointing which direction to go. I turn sharply left and slowed down to of breath. I paused for a second, breathing through my nose, listening to the sounds around me; it's silent. I can't even hear the footsteps anymore. I continue walking down the road pulling my cloak tighter around me as a chilly breeze picked up, ruffling my green tunic. Suddenly the sound of horses clomping on the road came to my ears. I looked behind me and started running again not wanting to be seen by anyone. Then the horses stopped. I turned back around to gaze at the black and gold carriage behind me. There was a symbol of a dragon wrapped around an 'S' on the side of it. By instinct, I reached for a dagger, hidden inside of the cloak .It was King Stephen. He was fairly handsome with light brown hair and eyes to match, a strong jaw and defined cheekbones and he was well muscled with a sword hanging off the side of him. I got down on my knees in front of him, my hand still on the large knife. It's not that I don't trust royals; it's just that knowing Jonathan he was probably hiding along with a couple other guards. The King walked towards me.

"Dear girl what are you doing out here?" He said in a smooth voice. Twist the truth, a voice inside my head said.

"I was captured, my King, and I escaped the clutches of the captors," I said, my eyes still towards the ground.

"Did you not know that there are bandits around here?" He asked, curiosity coloring his voice.

"My dear King, to no offense, but who do you think took me hostage?" I replied. He laughed.

"Stand my dear girl. Now, you said that you were taken by them?" I nodded my head, "What's your name?"

"Clarissa Fray, Your Grace," And with that I lifted my face to meet his eyes.

"Well, Clarissa Fray, seeing as I am responsible for my people, I simply cannot leave you out here. Come you shall ride back to the palace with m..." He was cut off by the sound of a man yelling. I looked behind him, my eyes widening as I pushed him down, pulling out the blade from its sheath and throwing it. The dagger flew with precision and hit him in the chest sinking down to the hilt, hitting his heart. I looked at the King; he looked back awestruck that I had just saved his life.

"Are you alright, King Stephen?" I asked, bowing formally at the waist, not meeting his eyes.

"Quite alright, thank you," He stood up and brushed himself off, "Now as I was saying before, I wish to invite you to stay at the palace with my wife and me." I thought about it for a moment and then said,

"I humbly accept your offer, sire." I replied, bowing once again at the waist.

"Well, come on then." King Stephan said, ushering me into the carriage.

Today was the start of a whole new journey.

I hope you guys liked it. Peace and I'll see you on the flip side

~Maia