Warrior Princess
Author's Note: This is a fanfic that happens two years after Emperor Mage in the Immortal Series by Tamora Pierce. Princess Kathryn's family is the royal family of a small island (although I can't think of a name for it. Any suggestions? Anyone?) And they are always at war with another tiny island, Graspir. It's not directly connected to the Immortal Series, but it made a good background. I took ideas from the Immortal Series and the movie Ever After, so if something seems familiar, that's probably it.
Warrior Princess Chapter 1: The Ball
Princess Kathryn sighed as she groomed her Arabian mare, Shadowdancer. Unlike most princesses, she wasn't excited about the "big ball", and she would much rather be out with the animals. As she brushed to and talked to the small mare, her loyal shadow, Harlem, trotted behind her happily. She had raised him from a pup and he was always at her heels, tongue lolling and tail wagging. After awhile of stalling, the family maid came out to call the 15-year-old princess inside. "Princess Kathryn! You must come in to get ready for the Ball!" she scolded. "Look at this, grooming the horse when we could be doing your hair!" She hurried back up to the castle. With a tiny grin on her face, Princess Kathryn put the mare away. "Score one for me," she grinned, giving the mare a last sugar lump and hurrying off to the castle. Harlem loped after her lazily. As she reached her room, the maids locked Harlem out and ripped Kathryn's clothes off and threw her into the bathtub, scrubbing her vigorously. "I can do it myself," she scowled, grabbing the sponge out of the nearest maid's hand. When she finished, they helped her out and dried her off. They forced her into her underclothes, and then into her complicated, silky red dress. She frowned as they tightened the corset quickly. "Could you be more gentle? Or slow it down, at least?" she asked, sucking in her breath as it became harder for her to breathe. "We could've if you had been up here earlier," the head maid said wisely, giving a last tug to the corset (Kathryn suspected it was some form of punishment). "You have achieved what you were going for," Princess Kathryn said sarcastically. "I can't breathe," The maid laughed and plopped her down into the chair, running a brush quickly through her long, tangled hair. She tugged hurriedly through the tangled knots. "Goddess!" Kathryn cursed without thinking. The maid gave her a long look. "I'd be watching my mouth tonight, if I were you," she said sternly. Kathryn made a face and mimicked the maid when she wasn't looking. Finally, when her hair was controlled and piled into a tasteful knot on top of her head, she was ready. Impatiently she jumped out of the chair, flung open the door and bounded down the stairway. Harlem barked happily at her as they went. Kathryn personally didn't see why her family had invited the King of Graspir and his family to a Ball- they were mortal enemies. Her father, King Elijah, had explained that it was a peace offering, but Kathryn had countered that when Tortall had tried to make peace with Carthak, it has backfired miserably. A royal member of every city was attending the Ball- except from Tortall. Kathryn was fortunate enough to be too young to host anyone from Graspir. Her older sister, Kira, was "lucky" enough to be just the age of the Graspiran warrior prince, Brock. Her little brother, Dimitri, was too young to really be interested in anything, so he would stay with Kathryn. When she reached the dining room, she was fortunate enough to see only her family. "Mother," she said, kissing her mother on the cheek. "Father." She did the same. Kira smiled at her, and Dimitri wrapped his arms around her legs (as he couldn't reach much higher then that) and grinned up at her. "Kat," he said happily as she hoisted him to her hip. "Where is everyone?" she asked her mother, who smiled warmly at her middle child. "They haven't arrived yet. You look beautiful, dear," Queen Faith answered. Kathryn smiled. "As do you, mother. And Kira, you look wonderful!" Kira smiled. "Thank you." She said. Kira had always been quiet, smart, and beautiful- a perfect princess. At the moment, she was arranged to marry Emperor Kaddar of Carthak although they had never met or even seen eachother. King Elijah made a noise of annoyance. "Yes, well, all my girls are beautiful tonight, but have you all forgotten Dimitri and I?" he huffed with a lighthearted smile on his face. Kira smiled at her father. "Of course you look very handsome tonight," she said. Kathryn hugged her little brother. "And so do you!" she said and he giggled. A servant entered the room tentatively, bowed to the King and Queen and said, "Your Majesties, Emperor Kaddar of Carthak has arrived." Queen Faith looked at her daughter. "Kathryn, why don't you escort him in?" she asked. Kathryn rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "But mother, why must I put up with him when Kira will be marrying him in 7 months?" Kathryn loved to tease her sister about this any chance she got. She hurried to the entrance, Harlem tailing behind her until a servant grabbed his collar and put him in a separate room. When she arrived, the Emperor was standing by himself with only one of Kathryn's family maids to accompany him. (The maid looked extremely flustered, and as Kathryn entered the room, she gave her a grateful smile.) "Welcome, Emperor Kaddar," she said gracefully, curtsying. He smiled stiffly at her and held out his arm for her to take. "Good evening, Princess Kathryn." 'Goddess,' she thought. 'If he's like this all the time, Kira might want to re-think this marriage!' "I expect your trip went well?" she asked. Emperor Kaddar nodded and smiled at her. "The weather is beautiful today- perfect for riding." He commented. Kathryn was mildly surprised. "You enjoy riding?" she asked. He nodded. "Do you?" he asked. Kathryn nodded, trying not to seem to excited. "So you're arranged to marry my sister?" she asked, desperate to keep the conversation flowing. "Yes, but unfortunately, I've never had the pleasure of meeting her," the Emperor said with a look of slight disappointment on his face. "You'll have to point her out to me when you see her," he added with the hints of a real grin. Kathryn nodded. "Of course," she said. When they arrived to the dining room, it was filled with many guests she didn't recognize. The king of Graspir and his family sat at the far table with her mother and father; Kira sat next to Brock (with a decidedly forced smile on her face), and Kathryn and Emperor Kaddar were seated at the very last table, which was empty. They sat down, the food was brought to the tables, and they all began eating. Kathryn and the Emperor made small talk about the latest news in Carthak as they ate. In the middle of one of their conversations, Dimitri snuck up behind the Emperor and climbed into his lap, giving him a hug. The Emperor sat in shock as Kathryn blushed and pulled her little brother off his lap. "Forgive him, Emperor, he is only a child." she began, but he held up his hand to silence her. He held out his hand for the boy to take. Dimitri climbed into the young emperor's lap once again. "What is your name, little one?" he asked. Dimitri grinned. "'Mitri," he responded, and then, embarrassed, moved to his sister's lap and buried his face in her shoulder. To her surprise, Emperor Kaddar laughed. "Hello, Dimitri. My name is Kaddar. Can you say Kaddar?" he asked, completely losing his Emperor-ly air. Dimitri peeked from Kathryn's dress. "'Dar," he said, hiding his face again when the Emperor clapped appreciatively. Kathryn grinned at the Emperor. "I would have never imagined that you would do so well with children," she said. The Emperor blushed slightly. He then looked at Kathryn's left side. " I don't seem to do as well at making friends as you," he commented. Kathryn turned to see Harlem sitting, wagging his tail as she looked at him. "Where did you come from?" she demanded of the Great Dane as he came over to sniff Emperor Kaddar. "What a beautiful Dane," the Emperor commented, as he ran his hand over the dog's sleek coat. "I've never seen one of this coloring," Kathryn smiled. "It's rare to get one so dark. Do you have any dogs back in Carthak?" she asked. The Emperor shook his head. Just as he was about to speak, a man looking like he had run the entire way came over to the Emperor. "Emperor Kaddar, it is urgent that you get back to Carthak," he panted. The Emperor's face filled with worry. "Why? What is wrong?" he asked. The man shook his head. "No idea. But I suggest you get home as soon as you possibly can," he said. The Emperor nodded and stood. "Princess Kathryn, it was a pleasure meeting you. Thank you for greeting me so warmly. I must go now." Kathryn stood and bowed, and he kissed her politely on the cheek. She blushed, but luckily he didn't see her because he was leaning to pat Dimitri on the head. Kathryn was surprised to see that he was blushing slightly too. He hurried after the message boy and out of the dinner hall. She watched him go. When she could no longer see him, she turned to the boy. "Well, Dimitri, I think I'll go freshen up. Care to join me?" she took her little brother's hand and stood up, heading for the bathroom. As the Princess, the Prince, and the Great Dane headed back to the dining room, loud, raucous noises became clearer and clearer. "What in the Goddess' name?" Kathryn began, but shut her mouth and threw her brother and dog behind a wall when she saw what was happening. It seemed that Graspir had decided to take advantage of the situation- they had snuck soldiers into the castle before hand, and they were attacking every noble in the room- except the Graspirans. As she surveyed the scene with shock and horror, hidden behind a drapery, she felt sick. Her father, her wonderful, caring father, King Elijah, lay dead on the floor, an arrow through his heart. Hot, angry tears filled her eyes as she tried to find the rest of her family- but everyone was dead. After a few minutes, the soldiers, King of Graspir, and his family left the room, planning to take all of the valuables the castle held. Warning her brother to stay where he was, she ran into the room. Kira lay on the ground, an arrow in her stomach. She groaned, and then realized her sister was there. "Kathryn!" she whispered. Kathryn grabbed tightly to her sister's hand as tears spilled and mixed with Kira's blood. Harlem whined and licked the older girl's wounds. "I love you, Kira," Kathryn sobbed quietly. Kira smiled weakly. "I love you too, Kat. Listen to me; get out of here. while you can. If you survive, you can take back the crown someday. It's what mother and father would want. Get out of here." Kira groaned softly. Kathryn began to cry harder. "No, I can't leave, I have to help you. and b-bury everybody." "I think I'm a little past help. If you stay to bury mother and father, they'll kill you for sure. You're the only living heir to the throne, now, Kathryn. Run, and find a way to take back what's ours. Where's Dimitri?" Kira asked. Kathryn stopped sobbing, but tears streamed down her face silently. "He's back behind the wall." She said. Kira nodded, smiled, and hugged her sister lightly. "Take care of him. Promise me you'll run now and take it back later." She said, quite forcefully for someone in her condition. Kathryn let out a choked sob. "I will. I promise." She said. "Go now." Kira said. Kathryn nodded and kissed her sister's forehead. "And Goddess bless." Kira added as Kathryn ran out of the room. She grabbed her brother in her arms and ran down the secret back way of the castle, heading for the stables. Just as she hit the fresh grass, an unseen soldier grabbed her from behind. In her surprise, she dropped her brother and tried to fight her way away from the soldier. Harlem attacked, biting the man's bare arm. He cried out in pain and let go of Kathryn. As soon as she was free of his arms, she turned to glare at him. He froze, and without second thought Kathryn scooped up her brother and sprinted to the stable. When she got there, she threw open Shadowdancer's stall, flinging on the soft leather bridle and flinging herself onto the fiery mare's back after her brother. They galloped off, barely hanging on, Harlem at the mare's heels, and rode into the sunset before any Graspiran soldier saw her leave.
Author's Note: This is a fanfic that happens two years after Emperor Mage in the Immortal Series by Tamora Pierce. Princess Kathryn's family is the royal family of a small island (although I can't think of a name for it. Any suggestions? Anyone?) And they are always at war with another tiny island, Graspir. It's not directly connected to the Immortal Series, but it made a good background. I took ideas from the Immortal Series and the movie Ever After, so if something seems familiar, that's probably it.
Warrior Princess Chapter 1: The Ball
Princess Kathryn sighed as she groomed her Arabian mare, Shadowdancer. Unlike most princesses, she wasn't excited about the "big ball", and she would much rather be out with the animals. As she brushed to and talked to the small mare, her loyal shadow, Harlem, trotted behind her happily. She had raised him from a pup and he was always at her heels, tongue lolling and tail wagging. After awhile of stalling, the family maid came out to call the 15-year-old princess inside. "Princess Kathryn! You must come in to get ready for the Ball!" she scolded. "Look at this, grooming the horse when we could be doing your hair!" She hurried back up to the castle. With a tiny grin on her face, Princess Kathryn put the mare away. "Score one for me," she grinned, giving the mare a last sugar lump and hurrying off to the castle. Harlem loped after her lazily. As she reached her room, the maids locked Harlem out and ripped Kathryn's clothes off and threw her into the bathtub, scrubbing her vigorously. "I can do it myself," she scowled, grabbing the sponge out of the nearest maid's hand. When she finished, they helped her out and dried her off. They forced her into her underclothes, and then into her complicated, silky red dress. She frowned as they tightened the corset quickly. "Could you be more gentle? Or slow it down, at least?" she asked, sucking in her breath as it became harder for her to breathe. "We could've if you had been up here earlier," the head maid said wisely, giving a last tug to the corset (Kathryn suspected it was some form of punishment). "You have achieved what you were going for," Princess Kathryn said sarcastically. "I can't breathe," The maid laughed and plopped her down into the chair, running a brush quickly through her long, tangled hair. She tugged hurriedly through the tangled knots. "Goddess!" Kathryn cursed without thinking. The maid gave her a long look. "I'd be watching my mouth tonight, if I were you," she said sternly. Kathryn made a face and mimicked the maid when she wasn't looking. Finally, when her hair was controlled and piled into a tasteful knot on top of her head, she was ready. Impatiently she jumped out of the chair, flung open the door and bounded down the stairway. Harlem barked happily at her as they went. Kathryn personally didn't see why her family had invited the King of Graspir and his family to a Ball- they were mortal enemies. Her father, King Elijah, had explained that it was a peace offering, but Kathryn had countered that when Tortall had tried to make peace with Carthak, it has backfired miserably. A royal member of every city was attending the Ball- except from Tortall. Kathryn was fortunate enough to be too young to host anyone from Graspir. Her older sister, Kira, was "lucky" enough to be just the age of the Graspiran warrior prince, Brock. Her little brother, Dimitri, was too young to really be interested in anything, so he would stay with Kathryn. When she reached the dining room, she was fortunate enough to see only her family. "Mother," she said, kissing her mother on the cheek. "Father." She did the same. Kira smiled at her, and Dimitri wrapped his arms around her legs (as he couldn't reach much higher then that) and grinned up at her. "Kat," he said happily as she hoisted him to her hip. "Where is everyone?" she asked her mother, who smiled warmly at her middle child. "They haven't arrived yet. You look beautiful, dear," Queen Faith answered. Kathryn smiled. "As do you, mother. And Kira, you look wonderful!" Kira smiled. "Thank you." She said. Kira had always been quiet, smart, and beautiful- a perfect princess. At the moment, she was arranged to marry Emperor Kaddar of Carthak although they had never met or even seen eachother. King Elijah made a noise of annoyance. "Yes, well, all my girls are beautiful tonight, but have you all forgotten Dimitri and I?" he huffed with a lighthearted smile on his face. Kira smiled at her father. "Of course you look very handsome tonight," she said. Kathryn hugged her little brother. "And so do you!" she said and he giggled. A servant entered the room tentatively, bowed to the King and Queen and said, "Your Majesties, Emperor Kaddar of Carthak has arrived." Queen Faith looked at her daughter. "Kathryn, why don't you escort him in?" she asked. Kathryn rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "But mother, why must I put up with him when Kira will be marrying him in 7 months?" Kathryn loved to tease her sister about this any chance she got. She hurried to the entrance, Harlem tailing behind her until a servant grabbed his collar and put him in a separate room. When she arrived, the Emperor was standing by himself with only one of Kathryn's family maids to accompany him. (The maid looked extremely flustered, and as Kathryn entered the room, she gave her a grateful smile.) "Welcome, Emperor Kaddar," she said gracefully, curtsying. He smiled stiffly at her and held out his arm for her to take. "Good evening, Princess Kathryn." 'Goddess,' she thought. 'If he's like this all the time, Kira might want to re-think this marriage!' "I expect your trip went well?" she asked. Emperor Kaddar nodded and smiled at her. "The weather is beautiful today- perfect for riding." He commented. Kathryn was mildly surprised. "You enjoy riding?" she asked. He nodded. "Do you?" he asked. Kathryn nodded, trying not to seem to excited. "So you're arranged to marry my sister?" she asked, desperate to keep the conversation flowing. "Yes, but unfortunately, I've never had the pleasure of meeting her," the Emperor said with a look of slight disappointment on his face. "You'll have to point her out to me when you see her," he added with the hints of a real grin. Kathryn nodded. "Of course," she said. When they arrived to the dining room, it was filled with many guests she didn't recognize. The king of Graspir and his family sat at the far table with her mother and father; Kira sat next to Brock (with a decidedly forced smile on her face), and Kathryn and Emperor Kaddar were seated at the very last table, which was empty. They sat down, the food was brought to the tables, and they all began eating. Kathryn and the Emperor made small talk about the latest news in Carthak as they ate. In the middle of one of their conversations, Dimitri snuck up behind the Emperor and climbed into his lap, giving him a hug. The Emperor sat in shock as Kathryn blushed and pulled her little brother off his lap. "Forgive him, Emperor, he is only a child." she began, but he held up his hand to silence her. He held out his hand for the boy to take. Dimitri climbed into the young emperor's lap once again. "What is your name, little one?" he asked. Dimitri grinned. "'Mitri," he responded, and then, embarrassed, moved to his sister's lap and buried his face in her shoulder. To her surprise, Emperor Kaddar laughed. "Hello, Dimitri. My name is Kaddar. Can you say Kaddar?" he asked, completely losing his Emperor-ly air. Dimitri peeked from Kathryn's dress. "'Dar," he said, hiding his face again when the Emperor clapped appreciatively. Kathryn grinned at the Emperor. "I would have never imagined that you would do so well with children," she said. The Emperor blushed slightly. He then looked at Kathryn's left side. " I don't seem to do as well at making friends as you," he commented. Kathryn turned to see Harlem sitting, wagging his tail as she looked at him. "Where did you come from?" she demanded of the Great Dane as he came over to sniff Emperor Kaddar. "What a beautiful Dane," the Emperor commented, as he ran his hand over the dog's sleek coat. "I've never seen one of this coloring," Kathryn smiled. "It's rare to get one so dark. Do you have any dogs back in Carthak?" she asked. The Emperor shook his head. Just as he was about to speak, a man looking like he had run the entire way came over to the Emperor. "Emperor Kaddar, it is urgent that you get back to Carthak," he panted. The Emperor's face filled with worry. "Why? What is wrong?" he asked. The man shook his head. "No idea. But I suggest you get home as soon as you possibly can," he said. The Emperor nodded and stood. "Princess Kathryn, it was a pleasure meeting you. Thank you for greeting me so warmly. I must go now." Kathryn stood and bowed, and he kissed her politely on the cheek. She blushed, but luckily he didn't see her because he was leaning to pat Dimitri on the head. Kathryn was surprised to see that he was blushing slightly too. He hurried after the message boy and out of the dinner hall. She watched him go. When she could no longer see him, she turned to the boy. "Well, Dimitri, I think I'll go freshen up. Care to join me?" she took her little brother's hand and stood up, heading for the bathroom. As the Princess, the Prince, and the Great Dane headed back to the dining room, loud, raucous noises became clearer and clearer. "What in the Goddess' name?" Kathryn began, but shut her mouth and threw her brother and dog behind a wall when she saw what was happening. It seemed that Graspir had decided to take advantage of the situation- they had snuck soldiers into the castle before hand, and they were attacking every noble in the room- except the Graspirans. As she surveyed the scene with shock and horror, hidden behind a drapery, she felt sick. Her father, her wonderful, caring father, King Elijah, lay dead on the floor, an arrow through his heart. Hot, angry tears filled her eyes as she tried to find the rest of her family- but everyone was dead. After a few minutes, the soldiers, King of Graspir, and his family left the room, planning to take all of the valuables the castle held. Warning her brother to stay where he was, she ran into the room. Kira lay on the ground, an arrow in her stomach. She groaned, and then realized her sister was there. "Kathryn!" she whispered. Kathryn grabbed tightly to her sister's hand as tears spilled and mixed with Kira's blood. Harlem whined and licked the older girl's wounds. "I love you, Kira," Kathryn sobbed quietly. Kira smiled weakly. "I love you too, Kat. Listen to me; get out of here. while you can. If you survive, you can take back the crown someday. It's what mother and father would want. Get out of here." Kira groaned softly. Kathryn began to cry harder. "No, I can't leave, I have to help you. and b-bury everybody." "I think I'm a little past help. If you stay to bury mother and father, they'll kill you for sure. You're the only living heir to the throne, now, Kathryn. Run, and find a way to take back what's ours. Where's Dimitri?" Kira asked. Kathryn stopped sobbing, but tears streamed down her face silently. "He's back behind the wall." She said. Kira nodded, smiled, and hugged her sister lightly. "Take care of him. Promise me you'll run now and take it back later." She said, quite forcefully for someone in her condition. Kathryn let out a choked sob. "I will. I promise." She said. "Go now." Kira said. Kathryn nodded and kissed her sister's forehead. "And Goddess bless." Kira added as Kathryn ran out of the room. She grabbed her brother in her arms and ran down the secret back way of the castle, heading for the stables. Just as she hit the fresh grass, an unseen soldier grabbed her from behind. In her surprise, she dropped her brother and tried to fight her way away from the soldier. Harlem attacked, biting the man's bare arm. He cried out in pain and let go of Kathryn. As soon as she was free of his arms, she turned to glare at him. He froze, and without second thought Kathryn scooped up her brother and sprinted to the stable. When she got there, she threw open Shadowdancer's stall, flinging on the soft leather bridle and flinging herself onto the fiery mare's back after her brother. They galloped off, barely hanging on, Harlem at the mare's heels, and rode into the sunset before any Graspiran soldier saw her leave.