Young Duke Jarred's aunt and uncle loved and cared for him after the untimely death of his parents. He grew up to become a fair and kind master of his extensive lands, and everyone loved and respected him. Beautiful yet aloof Princess Anaiya enjoyed a life of luxury and privilege. Until she discovered the secret of her past and that her stepmother was going to kill her. She runs away disguised as a maid. What will happen when she meets Jarred? Will she learn how to love and be kind?

Chapter 1

Loved and Belonging

The sun had not yet made its spectacular appearance on the horizon, as Duke Jarred fer Canniton rose from his bed. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes then made his way to the large windows covering the South-West wall of his room, pausing only to wash his face in the chilling water of the stand. Leaning against the window frame, his tanned nose pressed hard against the foggy glass, Jarred allowed a tear to trickle its way down his cheek. He never cried. Never, that is, except on the anniversary of his parents death – today.

When Duke Rupert and Duchess Riselle (Jarred's parents) were still alive, their son had been loved and coddled, yet also trained in the arts known to all noble youths. Although learning the many bows of court, how to dance, table manners, the art of small talk and other skills required of a gentleman were not hard, there were other occupations that were. Sword fighting, horse riding, archery, hand-to-hand combat were only among a few of the very demanding activities he participated in. Of course, none of that had really changed since his parents died from the White Death epidemic, when Jarred was only thirteen years old. He shuddered at the memories; seven years, and he could still remember that terrible time with perfect clarity; especially in the vivid nightmares that frequented his sleep.

Pushing those disturbing thoughts forcefully from his mind, Jarred reminisced the previous seven years. After the sudden death of his parents, Jarred's aunt and uncle had moved into his manor to take care of him, as they were the only family he had left after the epidemic. He had always been grateful to them for leaving their own home to live with him; they had no children themselves, and he had wondered if they wished to be burdened with a child not their own.

Yet his Uncle Calim and Aunt Breanne seemed to love him as their own, and Jarred had never wanted for a single thing – including love and understanding. He also supposed that moving into his manor and gaining custody of his lands until his coming of age, was a rather large incentive for them to move. Jarred's father had been a duke, and everyone had been astonished when he had married Riselle, the beautiful yet poor daughter of a tailor. The almost-unheard of union had elevated Riselle's family much in the social class, yet they had still been obliged to work very hard to maintain a comfortable and respectable living.

Jarred loved his aunt and uncle deeply, and knew he would be hard-pressed to find better parents anywhere. But that didn't stop him from missing his true parents painfully every day.

Jarred stepped into the stables and breathed deeply to calm himself. His favourite time to visit the stables was when no one was around, and all the horses were asleep. It had become a morning routine of his to come down early and take his horse Darkness for a morning gallop, and today he had to go somewhere special.

He looked around and quickly made his way to Darkness' stall.

"Mornin' master."

Jarred jumped and whirled around. He sighed.

"Good morning Thom. I trust you slept well?"

"Very well, master, thank ye. Shall I prepare yer horse then?"

"No no, I enjoy doing it myself. As you very well know." Jarred stared at Thom carefully, trying to discover why his Master of Stables had asked such a ridiculous question.

Thom grinned, his eyes disappearing beneath the many wrinkles that suddenly deepened on his face. "So I do. So I do. Jest teasin' ye master." Thom realized he was extremely fortunate to have the master that he did; it was almost unheard of for nobles – especially those as powerful as Jarred – to assist their workers in any way. Jarred did so all the time and was loved all the more for it by his servants and tenants.

"I thought so." Jarred smiled back and completed tacking Darkness. "Well I'll see you later. Enjoy your day Thom."

"Will do, master."

Jarred trotted out of the stables and over the cobbled driveway. He urged Darkness into a canter as they approached a paddock fence. Clearing it with feet to spare, the huge, yet elegantly bred horse galloped as fast as he could away from the stifling stables he loathed so much, with a grinning Jarred crouched low on his broad back.

He finally came up to his favourite spot on his entire estate. A large, bare hill located in the centre of his lands. The view from the hill was spectacular; the ragged yet beautifully untamed mountains that formed the border between Jarred's country Renedia, and Kyrrion, a neighbouring nation with which Renedia was long-standing allies. The softly undulating hills that formed the majority of the Canniton lands were shrouded mysteriously in shimmering early-morning mists, and the hint of a storm could be scented on the air.

It also happened to be the last place Jarred had ever seen his parents when the three of them had ridden atop the hill. If he closed his eyes, Jarred could picture the scene in perfect clarity.

It was late autumn, and winter was definitely making her presence known; the sky was consumed with boiling, angry black clouds and the wind was blowing fiercely. Gloomy weather had always been Jarred's favourite, and the windier and darker it was the better. It amazingly had an incredible knack for blowing away his concerns and bad moods, so he was always in the best mood when he was outside amid the wind.

Thirteen-year-old Jarred dismounted awkwardly from his large horse (he was a teenager, and his thin, coltish limbs often rendered him very clumsy). He ran, laughing, to the tip of the hill that was taking the full brunt of the wind, and flung his arms out wide, enjoying the sensations of freedom and euphoria.

His parents laughed at his antics and joined him, their arms about one another.

They stayed still for some time, like statues still and unmoving against the passage of time. Then Duchess Riselle left her husband to walk in front of her son and take his hands.

"Jarred," she said softly. So softly her voice was whipped away in the howling wind, leaving behind only a whisper. "I need you to remember something for me. You will won't you? You'll promise to remember this always, no matter what may happen, no matter what you do?"

He had sensed these questions were spoken for an important reason, and he had merely nodded his head, too overcome with trepidation to answer properly.

"Good, I knew you would." His mother smiled lovingly at him, and reached up a graceful hand to caress his face. "You remember how I can sometimes feel or see into the future?" Young Jarred nodded again, and the feeling of panic and sadness swelling up inside him intensified.

"Well, darling, we've waited a very long time to tell you – until we thought you old enough – but there isn't much time left. Over thirteen years ago, whilst in the climax of the birthing pains I experienced at your birth, I was shown the most vivid and powerful vision and prophesy I've ever had" Here she paused again, and quickly glanced at her husband as if seeking reassurance. He had nodded slightly, his entire body tense. The Duchess rushed on with her tale, anxious, yet also strangely calm.

"Jarred my son, the prophesy was about you. I'll tell it to you, as that will probably make everything easier to understand;

When the land becomes barren,

And the leaders corrupt,

A man shall come to return

All to its former glory.

Of mingled noble and common blood,

He shall know great tragedy,

Yet also love and be loved by

One in great power.

The road shall not be easy,

And often shall his determination waver.

Yet perseverance and strength of will

Shall be his drive,

And kindness of heart, and love for others

Shall bring his ultimate triumph.

"Now I know that doesn't sound like you, but it is. The first moment I held you in my arms and looked at you, I knew…"

With an enormous strength of will, Jarred wrenched himself from his thoughts. He glanced at the exact spot where his mother had told him the prophesy, before turning away. He still didn't fully understand what she'd said, and he had his doubts about his mother's belief that he was the one ordained to save the land. From what he could see, the leaders (most likely the king and his council of nobles) were in no way corrupt.

And love someone in power? Who on earth could that be? Jarred was already on of the most powerful men in Renedia; he had the largest lands after the king, and the fortune his parents had left behind was huge. Not that Jarred really did anything with his power; he preferred to stay at home and manage his lands, and he couldn't stand the savage, greedy world of the court.

Come to think of it, the only person with more power that he could fall in love with was the princess. And there was no way that would ever happen; she was known to be proud and snobbish, and she rarely left the palace at all these days. No, Jarred could never love someone like that.

He sighed, and turned to mount Darkness. It was unlikely that dwelling on the prophesy would make its meaning any clearer; he had thought of it everyday for the past seven years, and he was still confused. Suddenly remembering that he had arranged with one of his farmers to survey his land, Jarred hurriedly urged Darkness on.

As he rode away from the hilltop, the golden sun made its first glowing appearance for the day.

Lady Breanne Terryla stared out of the fer Canniton mansion, and glanced yet again at the letter she held in her hands, a small frown creasing her smooth forehead. Her husband, Lord Calim, sat reading on a comfortable armchair by the fire, yet never failed to chuckle every time his wife looked at the letter. It had arrived over four hours ago and she was desperate to show it to her nephew. Not only was it urgent, but she knew Jarred would find no pleasure in obeying the command issued inside. Especially because it came on such a painful day for him.

Her heart jumped when she saw Jarred striding towards the mansion from the stables. She wanted this over and done with, but that didn't mean she was looking forward to it.

Quarter of an hour later, a clean and refreshed Jarred strode into the mansion's library. He walked over to where his aunt was now sitting on the edge of a chair by the fire, and kissed her cheek.

"Good evening, aunt. I'm sorry I could not see you today, but I had some urgent business with Rigel Pymount. I trust you and uncle enjoyed yourselves?"

"Thankyou Jarred, yes. We took the carriage to town to visit old Maria. You remember how sick she is? Poor thing, I don't think she'll last much longer."

"Yes, I know; I visited her last week and ensured she had every comfort. She has worked wonders in our gardens for most of her life, so I felt it was the least I could do for her."

"How sweet, dear." Breanne nervous glance to her husband turned to a glare when he just grinned at her. He had always been amused how his wife tried to protect their nephew from anything that could hurt him, and this occasion was no different. He too was concerned about the contents of the letter, but his wife was always so funny when Jarred was involved.

He decided to help her out.

"Jarred, what your aunt really wants to discuss with you is a certain letter we received today." The young Duke cast his aunt a confused look as she handed him the letter, and his eyes widened as he noted the royal seal.

"From the King? What on earth is it about?" His strong, slim hands quickly unfolded the thick parchment and his eyes skimmed over the cursive script.

"WHAT!" Lady Breanne and Lord Calim jumped. They had expected this reaction yet they were still caught unawares.

"He wants to go to WAR? With Kyrrion! They've always been our closest allies, what on earth has provoked this stupid move?" He paced backwards and forwards in front of the hearth, hands balled and red faced. "I don't believe it! I don't!"

He stopped suddenly and softened his gaze somewhat as he turned to his mother's sister and her husband.

"I'm sorry. I don't even know all the details and I've already lost my temper. Please forgive me."

"Of course we do, dear." Breanne cried. "We knew how you'd feel – especially because Kyrrion borders your lands. Believe me; we feel the same way as you do."

"Thank you. I still can't believe it, but since I've been summoned to the palace, I intend to find out as much as I can. And stop this ridiculous venture if possible."

"When will you leave, my boy?"

Jarred paused in his pacing. "I think the morning two days hence, uncle. I've a few affairs I must see to first, but everything else I trust you to manage as well as you ever did. I'm so glad I have someone I trust to manage the estate whilst I'm gone." He grimaced. "Not that I plan on staying there long. But still."

"Glad to be of help, lad. I still say you've taken too much on your own shoulders since you've turned eighteen; I'm quite happy to share your workload."

"Well you might just get your wish. If we really do go to war, then I'll have to be in council often – probably because they'll want as many of my men and resources as possible. Ugh! How I hate it! Anyway, I'll deal with that when the time comes," he paused to clear his head." I believe dinner is soon to be served, so shall we make our way to the dining room? I'm starving."

Lord Calim and Lady Breanne stood outside the doors of Canniton Manor, waving goodbye to Jarred. He waved back at them before mounting Darkness and calling to his twenty men and the coachman (who drove Jarred's belongings as well as his manservant). They set off briskly, and were soon no longer within sight of the Manor.

The three-day journey was uneventful, and therefore mind-numbingly boring for Jarred. He rode the entire way wishing something interesting would happen, because as soon as his mind was unoccupied, it returned to the King's summons, and what could possibly be occurring at court. He was certain, however, that whatever the reason, he would remain opposed to the venture; Kyrrion was indeed bordering on his own lands, and if war were to break out, then the Canniton lands would be in a very uncomfortable position. And he was prepared to do almost anything to prevent that from eventuating.

They finally arrived at the gates of Lasador, the capital of Renedia, and Jarred gave his name to the guards. The three men regarded the young Duke with undisguised curiosity; he very rarely ventured to the city, and was widely acknowledged to loath the place entirely. Even more unusual for a young, wealthy and powerful noble, was that he loathed court, and had a reputation for having very little patience with everyone and everything to do with it.

Jarred returned their gaze, and the guards quickly remembered themselves.

"Duke fer Canniton!" said the leader of the three, a Sergeant, as he saluted smartly. "Welcome to Lasador, my lord. The king has given instructions for you to be escorted to the palace as soon as you arrive. Would you permit me to show you the way?"

"No, no. Don't trouble yourself Sergeant. My men and I are quite familiar with the direction to the palace. Thank you all the same."

"You're welcome, My Lord. Enjoy your stay."

"Very likely, that," Jarred muttered under his breath as he remounted Darkness and began to lead the way to the palace.

It appeared that the king had been waiting upon Jarred only, before he began the meetings of the council. Jarred had only enough time to wash, change and have a small (and very quick) bite to eat, before a servant appeared to lead him to the council chamber.

King Lambert was sitting at the head of a long conference table, at which sat the nobles of the council. Upon Jarred's entrance, the king sprang to his feet, rushed over to the astonished young Duke, and shook his hand rigorously.

"Duke Jarred fer Canniton! So glad you could make it! I was afraid for a little that you had not received my summons; and that would have been disastrous indeed."

"Yes, I apologise most profusely for my tardiness, Your Highness, but I had several matters that required addressing at home before I came away. Please do forgive me."

King Lambert opened his mouth to laugh away the apologies, when one of the nobles present – the man seated to the right of the king to be exact – interrupted.

"More important matters than to obey the summons of your king, Duke fer Canniton? Really, I am astonished. Whatever could they have been?"

Jarred had slowly turned to face the man as he heard him speak, and was presently gazing coldly at the man who had addressed him. He recognised him instantly; Duke Radon Sandringham had been his father's most avid political and military rival; both men had excellent minds – ideal for intrigues and double-guessing in court, and the very best when it came to military tactics and winning a battle. The Duke, however, had considered the late Duke Rupertso much of a rival that he had attempted to have him assassinated several times. Obviously he had never been successful, but he had killed several of the Duke's best guards and friends in his attempts. Jarred was well aware of this treacherous past, and did his utmost to avoid the Duke whenever possible.

It looked as though he was now finally unable to avoid the man any longer.

"Issues involving the wellbeing of those living on fer Canniton lands, Duke Sandringham, and therefore involving the King's people. The wellbeing of the people must come first, and I always ensure they receive the best service possible from me. I trust you similarly care for your people?"

The two men continued to glare at each other until King Lambert interrupted them by offering Jarred a seat to his left. Not that this really did solve the staring contest, as they were now facing each other.

"Well, now that we're all here, I suppose the Council meeting can officially begin," said the King, as he grinned at his nobles.

Jarred sat stunned. He couldn't believe what he had just been told. They were going to war because King Emery of Kyrrion had supposedly rejected the offer of a marriage between himself and Princess Anaiya of Renedia. Not that Jarred blamed him; the king was in his forties with three sons between the ages of nine and fifteen. His wife had died giving birth to their last child, yet the king needed not wed again; his crown was secure. It was a most ill-attempted match.

King Lambert seemed rather vague on the details and definitely wasn't taking the situation seriously enough. Jarred didn't know what was wrong with everyone. Why had all this eventuated? And since when did Renedia seek to expand it's lands by attacking it's allies. For Jarred had no doubt that this was the true reason behind the war.

He felt a twinge of sympathy for Princess Anaiya; the poor girl had no say in the offer of her hand, and now a war was being fought because of the rejection of it.

And speaking of the princess, where was she? Dinner had just concluded, and Princess Anaiya had been absent. Not that he wished to make her acquaintance, but his curiosity had ever been great. He had asked a servant just now where she was, and the man had replied that he did not know. Nobody had seen her for weeks. However, the King and Queen supposedly knew where she was, so he guessed that should be good enough for everyone else. Besides, she wasn't sorely missed.

Yet still Jarred hoped to see her before he left in three days time; she was apparently also the most beautiful woman in Renedia (wasn't every princess supposed to be the most beautiful of her land?), and the young Duke couldn't help but wish to see her. He was a man after all.

It turned out that his wish was not to be granted; the three days came and went, and once more Jarred found himself making that incredibly boring journey to the fer Canniton lands. Yet this time he was weighed down with express orders from the king and council to ready his lands and men for war. Jarred was currently far to preoccupied to wonder about the mysterious princess.

So what do you think? I realise nothing much has happened yet, but I'm concentrating on developing the characters etc, before it really begins. Don't worry – the next chappie is about the princess. Hmmm, wonder what's happened to her…

Anyway, I'll update asap but I can't make any promises as to when. Year 11 exams looming in five weeks, you know? Aaaaaaah! I shouldn't even be posting this chapter – but since when do we obey our parents all the time?

Look forward to seeing you all later – and don't forget to R&R. I want to know what your opinions are.

nightsoulxxx