I started writing The Hawk Princess some time ago, but after reading over my ideas for the story, I decided an update was needed. The ideas were not very developed, and since only the first chapter had been loaded, I thought I would be able to change around a few things without much upset. I'm open to suggestions and constructive criticism as long as they are respectful. I hope you like it. But if you don't, don't read it. James Patterson owns the characters, the plot is mine.

P.S. I don't know why this was all in code when I resubmitted it. It's all better now!

Prologue: Propositions and Proposals

"Sir, I bring news from the Western border. Entrainian men have massed themselves up and down the coast. We have mobilized men to the same coordinates. Unfortunately, our message was intercepted and nine of our companies were ambushed before they ever reached the frontlines. Sir, we're facing slaughter."

The King of Verlaine closed his eyes in exhaustion. He let his anxieties take hold of his body for only a moment. His country was so close to all out war. Entrain would stop at nothing until his crown was off his head and his head off his shoulders.

As he opened his eyes, he surveyed the dark room. The courts had been drawn tight around the windows, shrouding the room in almost complete darkness. His eyes circled the room, travelling from the faces of each nobleman that stood loyally in front of him to the wilting flowers around the throne room, finally landing on the Queen's throne to the left. The barren throne. Entrain waited two days after the death of Elise to attack. After two days of grieving, he had to defend against a nation.

"Could you all please give me a moment with Lords Daniels and Michael?" Everyone slowly shuffled out of the room as the guards closed the large doors behind them. The King looked upon his most trusted advisors, his friends in this time of need. "I need you to send a message to move four companies from each border to assist the West. Go Daniels, quickly! And Michael, please send a letter to King Philip of Artois. I must pack my things; it's time I visited the Artesian court once more."

Michael looked at his King, confusion written clearly on his face. "I will sir, but may I ask why the rush and for what cause?"

King Henry smiled without humor, "It's time to plan a wedding, don't you think?"

The road to Artois was not a particularly long one, however, tonight it seemed to stretch on for eternity. The carriage jostled about as King Henry glanced down at the child on his lap. He didn't bother worrying about waking her. He knew that she was awake, and her attempt at feigning rest was valiant but ultimately unsuccessful. Since her mother passed, she had been overcome with nothingness. She ate nothing. She spoke nothing. She barely slept. They had raised a strong daughter, he and Elise. One day she would be a strong queen. One day she would most likely resent him for his decision to marry her off. Elise had often spoken to their daughter about her love for him, and how when they were young, they fell deeply in love. The country was strong, needed no ally. He could marry for love and not for power. His daughter, however, would not be so lucky.

No, lucky she would never be. Married to a man she may never love was one thing, but to the Dauphin of Artois was another. The Artesian people had amassed a power only rivaled by Entrain. King Philip and King Henry had been close as children, but Philip was hungry for power, almost obsessed until it consumed him. He knew an alliance with Artois was Verlaine's best option, however, this did not quell his concerns about the life at court his daughter would experience. Court, after all, can be just as dangerous as, if not more than, a battlefield.

"Your Majesty, we have arrived."

He sighed, reluctant to get out of the carriage. Henry gently shook his daughter's shoulder, knowing full well that she had heard the page. "Wake up mon ange, we are here."

The head of blonde hair slowly rose from its place on the King's lap. Drooped, emotionless eyes stared back at his grey ones. His heart broke knowing that they had once been so lively mere days ago. He gave her a small smile. She did the same, returning a smile though it did not quite reach her eyes. He kissed his daughter on the forehead before scooping her up in his arms and carrying her out of the carriage.

As his feet touched Artesian soil, the King noticed the audience that had been gathered to greet him and the young girl despite the night that had recently fallen. Their shadowed faces were not all inviting, especially with the sharp contrast of fire light that hugged every line of their bone structures. Maybe it was his own self – crafted reservations that made him wary, but King Henry was acutely aware of the feeling he felt in that moment. That Artesian Court was not safe, at least not for the faint hearted.

A man approached, placing an arm around the King, "My old friend, how great it is to see you again though I had hoped under different circumstances." King Henry smiled at the Artesian King, his demons temporarily subsiding. "Come. We have a lot to discuss. I will arrange for someone to bring your daughter to her room. And before you ask, the room is next to yours."

"Thank you," King Henry breathed out as he handed the young girl to a woman. Kissing her on her forehead for the second time that night, he whispered a quick 'good night' before following Philip to his meeting chambers.

Taking a seat at a rounded table near the center of the small room, Philip directed his attention to the King of Verlaine. "I heard about your wife, I'm so sorry about Elise."

Henry controlled his breathing, "Thank you for your kindness and for taking me and my daughter in on such short notice. If you've heard of my wife's passing then you also must have heard of the mobilization of Entrainian soldiers."

"I have. You're letter explained your situation to me, how can I be of assistance to you?"

"I have a proposition for you, more of a proposal really," Henry chuckled at his choice of words. "A union of our countries through vows, marital vows. My daughter and your son when they are of age."

"They would marry. You would receive my soldiers and protection. I can see how this would benefit your country, but you know I have to ask, Henry. How will this marriage help mine?"

"Your economy is strong but not as strong as it could be. You are spending far too much money on materials to make textiles. I can provide you those materials cheaper than your current partner; your economy will flourish."

Philip sat in silence, pondering with a serious look on his face. He understood the large risk involved if this alliance were to be made. A gamble on either side, for better or for worse. The silence seemed to drag on as Philip continued his mental deliberations. Henry's heart all but stopped when Philip finally opened his mouth. Smirking, Philip uttered the words that would forever change the course of history.

"I do."

I hope you all liked it! This was a lot of set up for what will be coming in the story, so please be patient. I can't assure that I will update weekly or that it will even be the same day weekly, but I do want to keep this story alive. Please review, tell me how you think!

- St. Silver Wings