Chapter 1

I sat by the window, looking up at the sky. These last few years things have been quiet across the western empire. The times were good. I would be lying if part of me did not yearn for the old days. When war was always impending, lurking around every corner. However, my people deserve a safe place to live in a place where war was not. I sighed going over to my desk, continuing to sign papers. There was a knock at my study door.

"Enter."

The door slid open. Jaken came rushing in nearly tripping over his feet, paper in hand.

"Milord! I am sorry to disturb you in your study, but I have a letter for you. The messenger said it was of the utmost importance that you read this."

I did not look up from my documents.

"Put it on the pile with the rest of them."

"Milord... the messenger was human... he came from the Kiyano Kingdom."

My eyes quickly snapped up.

"The Kiyano Kingdom? Bring it to me."

He ran over to hand me the letter. The golden royal seal from the Kiyano kingdom. I ran my thumb over it. I hadn't seen this seal in over twenty years. I cracked the seal open, unfolding the letter. A token falling into my lap. I began to read the letter and my eyes widened.

"Jaken, take care of my affairs. I will be gone for a few days."

I sat at my vanity, back straight, palms flat against my thighs. I looked myself over in the mirror. I had to look perfect; always. Not a hair out of place. Every nail was perfectly manicured; my clothes were neat; stylish yet humble. I looked down at the portrait of my mother, tracing over it with my finger. The knights would come for me soon. To transport me to the council. Where I am to be questioned about the disappearance of the king… my father. Seeing as I was the last person to speak to him before his disappearance. Their suspicion was warranted, but I would force them to believe my innocence. I would not falter in front of them, especially not in front of her. I would not give my father's mistress any reason to suspect that I had any hand in his disappearance. If. No, once I make it past the knights, next would be the council. They would have an audience present. I will use that to my advantage. The moment I step into the room, the real battle begins. This meeting is not an outright trial. They want to see how I react and what I will say. Why would they suspect me of all people? Some knew the truth. The truth of how I was treated by them, by my supposed family. If I were in their shoes, I would suspect myself as well. Still, I have survived this hellish place for this long. Failure is not an option. I must escape. That is what my mother would have wanted for me, I am sure. I will not die here.

I stared at myself in the mirror. "My father was kind and loving. I plead with the kidnappers to return him safely," I rehearsed.

I needed to get the facial expressions just right. I needed to play the part of a distraught daughter to a tee. The council might know my true feelings for my father, but the citizens of this kingdom wouldn't. Here, the court of public opinion is more important than anything. I sat up straight, smoothing out my dress. I wiped the single stray tear that rolled down my cheek.

"My father is," I corrected myself. "No more slip-ups Himiko. This must be the greatest

performance. Your life depends on it."

There was a knock at my door.

"Come."

The doors opened and in they came. Their golden armor was spotless and shining. Their eyes were on me the moment the doors opened. These were not fools who were simply here to protect us and the city. They were so much more than that. They were the eyes and the ears of this entire kingdom. A seamless network that reported to the king and the council.

"Himiko," she'd said.

Only she was capable of calling my name with such disdain while having a smile on her face.

"Princess." I corrected her.

"Princess," she repeated through clenched teeth. "The knights are here to escort you."

She had a sly smile on her lips. I was the crown princess. So, she had to keep appearances, despite her true feelings. Castles had many eyes and ears; this one especially. She could not risk work reaching the outside. That their princess was being mistreated. She came in to fetch me with the knights. It was not her job. She just wanted to poke at me one last time. No doubt she thought that this would be it for me. She liked this. The fact that some suspected me of having a hand in my father's disappearance.

I rose from my seat.

"Yes, Misaki?" I said emotionless.

I've never once called her mother. She hated the fact that I hadn't bent to her will. I never have, even as a child. She did not care how I acted behind closed doors but in front of others. We were to be a picture-perfect family. I refused to let her have her way. She set her hand on my shoulder, leaning close to my ear.

"I know that you had something to do with this. Your father and I could not wait to marry you off to that beast. Perhaps if you return your father now and safely, we may take some slight mercy on you."

I smiled at the knights. "Please give me a moment, I will be out shortly."

"Yes princess," they said, leaving, closing the door behind them.

They would go far, and they would be listening in on our conversation; I wanted them to hear.

I turned to her. "Misaki, for quite some time now, you have not known your place. You are nothing more than a mistress. That so happened to come along at the right time. To take advantage of a lonely man in mourning. You are a name that will never be added to our registry. Nor the history books. No one in court takes you seriously. My father deemed you enough to bed, but not to marry. That alone has afforded you a very comfortable life, even though you have gotten to where you are on your back. Yet, you constantly try to step out of bounds. You have gotten greedy and bit off more than you can chew. I thwart your little plans at every turn. All of that for a man who will never love you because my mother was his one true love. A man, who has chosen to make your children bastards, will never ascend the throne. It matters not if I am gone. I am his one and only heir; his legitimate heir. You are just an afterthought. As well as your children who you have raised to hate me. I am the crown princess, I am and always will be ranked above you. No matter where I am or who I marry. I will always be better than you. So please do know your place, because you and I both know in his heart there has only ever been room for one woman."

I smiled seeing her shocked expression, pushing past her. I exited the room and followed the knights outside getting in the carriage they had prepared for me. I would not have this go wrong.

The carriage ride gave me time to clear my head. I should not have let Misaki get to me. I needed to stay focused. I could feel the carriage coming to a slow halt. I could hear the footsteps of the coachman getting closer.

It's time.