Chapter One

The heavy thud of books being thrown and sharp clang of metal pieces striking the stone floor could be heard all through out the castle, but even louder and more despairing sound could be heard above it: the sound of the prince’s tears of agony.

            “Brother!” The younger prince, Skylar, shouted as he slammed open the door to the library to see the chaos his brother had brought upon the once peaceful place. “What are you doing?”

            Prince Skylar walked farther into the destruction as he deftly avoided flying metal cups and plates. “This will not bring our father back!”

            “I am well aware of this.” Prince Talen yelled. “It sure does help though.”

            “Our father’s death wasn’t your fault and neither were the deaths of that family!”

            “You can say what you want but I know it is true!”

            “There is still one girl who is alive thanks to you!” Prince Skylar shouted back. “You are leading our country now; our king can’t be in this condition.”  He swiftly dodged yet another flying metal cup. “That girl will be here in two hours time. We are supposed to protect her; how can we when you are having an emotional breakdown?”

            “I watched my father die, not to mention the girl’s family that I also had to watch die and there was absolutely nothing I could do to stop it! I think I deserve to have an emotional breakdown.” Prince Talen turned his tear streaked face to his younger brother.

            “Come on brother. At least we have each other, that girl has no one. We need to be strong for her and you need a bath before she gets here.” Prince Skylar took his brother’s arm and gently pulled his broken brother from the destructed room.

            Two hours later the princes stood side by side in the courtyard bathed with the setting sun rays. Prince Talen stood rigid with his hands clasped tightly behind his back. Servant and foot men milled around, keeping their distance from the princes, ready to spring to action at a moments notice. “I thought you said she would be here in two hours.” Talen said to his younger brother.

            “I said she would be here in two hours time, yes, but I can give no exact time.” Skylar chuckled. “You actually seem anxious to see her.”

            “I owe her. I owe her my life. Her family is dead because of me. I am going to protect her Skylar, I have to.”  Talen’s voice came out gruffer than usual, hinting at the tears that could possible start coming down.

            “Right on time.” Skylar said as an ornate carriage pulled by two dark brown horses came rolling into the courtyard. All movement and noise was effectively silenced. “Put on a smile dear bother, it’s not everyday we have a fair, young maiden come to us.” Skylar stepped forward as the carriage came to a stop in front of them. Upon seeing the girl exited the carriage he offered his hand for assistance.

            The girl had beautiful, fine moonlight colored hair woven into a thick, long braid. Her complexion was flawless and otherwise pale, save the rosey pink of her cheeks. Her eyes were a bright, brilliant green hidden behind long eyelashes. Her confidence made up for her rather short body length. “Crown Prince Talen, Crown Prince Skylar; I am Calah.” She spoke in light, whispering voice as she curtsied to the princes.

            Calah took in both princes’ looks with curiosity. Skylar stood tall and broad, his sleek black hair slightly curling around his ears, his shirt held the hint of the muscles to be found underneath, his tanned face possessed a look of peace and serenity, and his eyes held the dark blue hue of the ocean calming after a storm. Talen, on the other hand, stood tall and lean, his clothing hinting at more muscle than his brother, his light brown hair was tousled and covered his ear effectively, his lightly tanned face held an impassive strength that Calah had never seen before, and his light gray eyes that reflected the color of the sky after a storm at sea nearly took her breath away. 

            Skylar took her hand and lightly brushed his lips across her knuckles, “I am Prince Skylar and this rogue over here is my brother, King Talen.” 

            “I am not a king yet.” Talen glared at his brother with such fervor that Calah almost flinched.

            Choosing to ignore his older brother Skylar continued, “I am sure you are completely exhausted, you can retire to your room and we will send someone for you at dinner. King Talen will show you to your room and give you a tour of the grounds tomorrow morning.”

            Calah caught the look of astonishment Prince Talen shot his younger brother as he continued, “As for me my dear, I am needed elsewhere and we will reunite at dinner.” With a final light kiss to the back of her hand, Prince Skylar took off in the direction of the armory.

            “Shall we go?” Calah asked, when it became apparent that Prince Talen was too astonished to break the silence. Prince Talen turned mutely to her and shook his head in consent. He held his arm out to escort her. Calah laid her hand lightly on top of his and attempted to hide the fact that a shock of electricity had ran up her arm to her heart causing it to seem to beat out her chest.

            After they had walked for several minutes in silence, up stairs and down corridors, Prince Talen stopped in front of an oak door. Calah turned to her escort, “You were there that night.” she whispered.

            Prince Talen’s eyes instantly clouded with regret, he gently shook his head. “I am so sorry.” He gave a haggard sigh. “If there was anything I could’ve done, I would have.”  Talen hung his head in remorse, unable to meet Calah’s eyes.

            Surprised at her own forwardness, Calah placed her hand on his cheek and raised his head to look at her directly. His gorgeous gray eyes were shinning with unshed tears. A piece of hazelnut hair fell into his eyes and she gently brushed it away. “It is not your fault. It was never your fault. Please do not blame yourself.”

            Calah turned and closed the door to her room behind her before Prince Talen could see her tears. She leaned against the inside of oak door and let out a slow, shallow breath as big, fat tears started to roll down her face. No matter how she tried, she couldn’t erase the face of Prince Talen; the unshed tears that had pooled in his gray eyes and the complete and utter feeling of regret that had been revealed there.

            On the other side of the door, Prince Talen stood, unmoving, staring at the door. “No matter what happens I will protect her, even if it costs me my life.”