A/N:  Everything belongs to Tamora Pierce except for Aerin and some of the knights

"means speaking(duh)"

'means thinking'

Aerin's POV:

"NO! That cant have happened! NO!!!!!!" I sobbed.

"Im sorry your Highness." The messenger said.

"What are you apologizing for? Its not your fault." I answered as I gave him the money. I had a lot to think about. I have just heard, The volcano on my Island has erupted covering all of my country and killing everyone including my parents, my little darling sister, and my bigger brother. Right when I heard that messenger, I felt like a sword has been stabbed through my heart but I knew I couldn't cry, I couldn't and wouldn't. As the only living Royal of Sivinly Islands, I had business to do. I was a queen. Oh what am I thinking!? What is a queen without her country!?

2 years later

            Well here I am. Tortall. My mother and Queen Thayet have known eachother a long time and have been like sisters. So I always felt welcome here, but not now. Somehow I felt this cold sensation in the air. I am now 16 and haven't seen the Queen in 8 years. I was nervous, wait that cant describe it, I was actually terrified.

"Your highness, we have reached our destination." Said Sir Raoul

"Thank you Sir Raoul" I replied. Once the queen had heard what happened, she sent some of the most trusted knights to escort me back. Sir Raoul being one of them.

I glanced down at the capital city of Tortall, Corus. "Wow that is Corus?" I asked

"The one and only, Majesty." Said a knight called Sir Ivan.

"It's changed so much!" I said wistfully.

"Well let us get going." Another knight said. The knights mounted on their horses and I stepped into the carriage. In an hour we entered the City. I could feel the citizen's eyes on me and I ignored them.

"HALT who goes there!" Barked the guards.

"It is I, Sir Raoul, escorting Her Highness Princess Aerin to the Royal Palace." He replied calmly as he showed his shield.

"You may enter" The guard said and moved out of the way.

            In 5 minutes the carriage came to a stop. The door opened and sunlight filtered through. Sir Raoul helped me out.

"Thankyou, and it was a pleasure traveling with you and your knights Sir Raoul"

"No Problem Your Highness" He winked. I smiled back at him.

"Aerin! Aerin is that you?" Someone shouted and I turned around.

"Aunt Thayet!" I shouted as I ran towards her. She embraced me. Even though she isn't my real Aunt, I was used to calling her that.

"You poor girl. Let's get you to your rooms" She smiled, trying to hold back tears.

"Thankyou." I sobbed.