“Lizzie! You have to focus,” Saria shouts, getting
exasperated. “I know you hate adventure. You hate fghting, you hate all of this, but you have to learn! You never know where life will take you, and you must be prepared for when you get there.”
I sigh, looking away. “Why do we have to train today? It’s my eighteenth birthday tomorrow. Can’t I just spend the day with Teddy?”
Saria crosses her arms and shakes her head. “No Lizzie. Teddy trains just like you do. And he doesn’t even have his wolf form, so it should be easier for you. You can go once you’re done for the day.”
“But it’s not as if I don’t know how to fght!” I exclaim, throwing my hands in the air and lashing my tail angrily. “I just don’t like to! You’ve been training me since I was fve. Don’t I know enough yet?”
“You’re never done learning!” Saria growls, and I can tell that she’s getting mad by her bared teeth and thrashing tail. “And if you know what you’re doing, then prove it! All you do is walk around with your head in the clouds, hugging that stuffed dragon! You’re almost an adult for pity’s sake! You should leave your toys in your room where they belong!”
I look over at where Solar is sitting by the side of the training feld. “She’s been with me everywhere I’ve gone since the day you gave her to me Mom. I’m not going to stop carrying her around now just because you think it’s childish!”
Snorting angrily Saria snarls, “It’s not just the fact that it’s childish. You pay more attention to that stuffed animal than you do to the world around you. You turn eighteen tomorrow, and yet you’re still scared of your own shadow, even more so without Solar. What would you do if you were ever kidnapped? It happened to your father. It could happen to you too. I just want you to be prepared.” She sighs, coming closer to rest her hands on my shoulders. “I won’t always be around to look out for you Lizzie. Neither will your brother. You have to start taking care of yourself.”
“I do know how to take care of myself,” I grumble, looking away from her yellow eyes.
Taking a few steps back and leaning into her battle position, Queen Saria growls, “Then prove it.”
Snarling, I turn my anger into the drive that I need to fght. With a yell, I leap at her, spinning in the air to bring my foot down in a heavy kick. With a surprised yelp, Saria reaches up her hands to block my kick and toss me back. Without hesitating, I throw myself back at her, punching and clawing fercely. She blocks all my moves, but she’s panting heavily at the effort. No matter how strong of a fghter she is, I know she won’t use her secret powers against me. And she’s not as young as she used to be, so I know that without her powers, I can outlast her.
I keep swiping at a steady pace, slowly pushing her back. Finally, when she can’t respond as swiftly anymore, I lunge forward with a snarl, throwing her back against the wall. She crashes into the wooden bench and it smashes from her impact.
I pant heavily, my nostrils faring in anger. But when Saria doesn’t get up right away, my anger quickly melts into concern. I run forward crouching by her side. “Mom! Are you okay? I’m sorry, you said to prove it!”
Saria sits up, laughing. “I’m fne Lizzie. You certainly did prove it. You’re done for today.”
“Not bad little sister,” I hear a voice call from behind me, and turning around, I see Teddy walking towards us with one hand on the sword sheathed at his side. “But you still have a lot to learn before you compare to me.”
“First of all Teddy,” I say, helping Saria to her feet. “You’re only a few minutes older. And secondly, I don’t like fghting.”
“It’s Theodore, not Teddy,” he sighs, shaking his head. “Teddy is a kid’s name. It’s much more manly to be known as Prince Theodore instead of Prince Teddy. How many times do I have to tell you?”
“A million times more,” I say, punching him lightly on the arm. “You’ll always be Teddy to me.”
“Well alright little sis, just so long as you don’t say it around anyone else,” he concedes, crossing his arms.
“I keep telling you—” I start, but he cuts me off.
Resting his elbow on my head, he says, “I don’t call you little sis just cuz I’m older. It’s also because you’re so tiny .”
Growling I say, “It’s not my fault you grew into a monster!”
Saria steps forward with a small laugh. “Now, now, you two, be nice. Go have some fun in town.”
“I’ll go get changed and meet you out in front of the castle Teddy,” I say, walking over to pick up Solar and dust her off.
“See ya there Lizzie,” he replies, heading out the door.
“Lightshower!” I call, turning to look at where the draqois is crouching on top of the roofs that cover the halls around the training feld. “Can you please fy me to my room?”
With a trill, she leaps down to land in front of me. As I climb up onto her back, Saria calls, “Please be home in time for dinner!”
“I will,” I promise as Lightshower lifts into the sky. When she hovers by my balcony, I slide off her back and stroke her muzzle. “Thanks Light. See ya later.” With a farewell meow, she swoops away.
Walking into my room, I sigh, pausing to look in the mirror. My blond hair falls in gentle waves past my shoulders, contrasting sharply with my black fur. Covered in dust, I look like a strange warrior, but I don’t feel like one. Saria was right. I am still scared of everything.
Changing back into my human form, I pause briefy to study my eyes. Before I changed, they had been gold like King William’s, but since that night, they’re a rich pink colour. The only time my eyes are actually red is on the night of the full moon. Other than that, they stay pink. It’s weird, but I don’t mind. The red eyes always scared me.
Turning away from my refection, I change from my dusty battle garb into a clean pink dress. I only ever wear this dress when I’m going into Castle Town. It’s the nicest dress I have and it matches my eyes perfectly. I may be a coward, and I might hate adventure, but I love being a princess. I always make sure to treat my subjects kindly, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love it when they bow to me in respect. Surrounded by a city full of people who adore me, I feel safe from the outside world. At least here in my home I don’t need to be afraid of everything.
Once, a few years ago, Saria brought Teddy and I into the forest. Teddy loved every minute of it, looking behind every tree and bush for adventure, but I had started at every little sound, even though I had both my parents and a troop of guards to protect me. I’m just not suited for adventure, and I don’t think I ever will be. I enjoy the safe life I lead here.
Sometimes, Will and Saria take Teddy with them when they go to visit the dwarves and elves, but I’ve never gone. I always stay here, ruling the city in their place with the help of Grandma Abigale. Sometimes they’re even gone for weeks at a time, and I worry every moment they’re away. But not much trouble ever befalls them so my worries are for naught.
Casting aside my thoughts, I pick up Solar and hurry though the castle to meet up with Teddy. He’s waiting in the courtyard, his foot tapping impatiently. He had changed into a nice set of clothes, but his sword still hangs at his hip. I can’t remember him ever not having that sword on him since he got it for his fourteenth birthday. I think he even sleeps with it. He says it’s for safety purposes, but in a safe place like this, defended by knights, griffns and a draqois, I can’t imagine what danger there could possibly be. I hadn’t even ever heard of or seen pirates in Castle Town, despite the warnings of my Grandpa Garth.
When Teddy spots me, he calls out, “There you are Lizzie! Seriously, I don’t know how it could possibly take so long to change a pair of clothes. I mean, look at me! I’m already dressed and ready to go for ten minutes now!”
“Be quiet Teddy,” I scoff, slugging him lightly in the arm as I reach him. “You’re a guy, it takes you much less time to get changed than it takes me because I have to put on a dress, and you just pull on some trousers and a shirt.”
He glances over at the little pink bow I had tied carefully around Solar’s neck. “It would probably take less time if you didn’t worry about what your dragon looked like. Why don’t you just leave her here? One of us is going to have to rule Lilliath one day. What if it’s you? Do you really think the people would trust a leader who carries around a stuffed animal all the time?” He sighs, crossing his arms. “You really need to grow up Lizzie.”
Walking past him angrily, I say, “Well what are you worried about? You’re older. You’ll probably end up ruling the country. So what does it matter if I’m childish and a coward?”
Catching up to me with his easy stride, he laughs, “Yea you’re probably right. I’ll most likely end up getting married frst. Maybe I’ll fnd some maiden in a tower to rescue somewhere. You never leave the city. Finding the right guy to marry in this place will most likely be next to impossible.”
I walk slower with a sigh. “You know just as well as I do that even if I did fall in love someday, no man will ever fall in love with me.”
“Lizzie.” Teddy stops walking and makes me do the same by putting a frm hand on my shoulder. “Don’t be like that. You know I was only joking with you. Besides, Will fell in love with Saria, and at the time they both thought that she was a werewolf, not a wolf descendant. I’m sure that there’s someone out there just like Dad who will be able to look past the fur and see the real you inside. I see it.”
“Yes, Teddy, but you’re my brother. You’ve known me all your life.” Looking away I add, “And even if you didn’t see it, you’re kinda stuck with me so you’d learn to put up with me anyhow. Besides, Saria and Will rescued each other. Intense situations like that can bring even worst enemies together. Like you said, I never leave the city. I’m a coward. No man could ever love all that.”
Teddy doesn’t respond, he just stares seriously into my eyes. His eyes are the gold that mine used to be, and I can’t help but be envious of their light. “Lizzie, no one knows what the future holds. You can’t be sure that you’ll never have love, just as I can’t be sure that I will.” When I don’t say anything, he sighs and continues, “Come on then. Maybe some shopping will cheer you up. Tomorrow’s our birthday after all, and you know that if we see anything we want today Mum and Dad will buy it for us tomorrow.”
Taking a deep breath, I try to push away the dark cloud that seems to be hanging above my head. “Yea, some birthday shopping will do me good I think.”
As we walk into the market, the busy life of the townspeople does cheer me up. I smile at the people who stop to bow at me. Browsing along the stalls, I search for something that catches my eye. I’m so focused on looking at the wares that I don’t notice a young boy running in my direction until he crashes into me.
As I stumble back a step, Teddy grips his sword and growls, “Watch it!”
The boy looks up at us with wide, scared eyes. Getting to his knees, he bows low, whimpering, “I’m sorry your Highness! I didn’t look where I was going. Please forgive me!”
I rest my hand gently on Teddy’s arm that’s still gripping his sword. When he loosens his hold, I crouch down in front of the boy. Putting a fnger under his chin, I turn his face so that he sits up and looks me in the eye. “It’s okay, boy. Accidents happen. But what were you running from anyway?” As I speak, I pull him up so that he’s standing again.
Dusting off his ripped and dirty trousers, he casts a glance behind him. “A creepy black cat was following me! At frst I thought it was just going the same way I was, but then when I started running, it started chasing me! I was so desperate to get away that I didn’t look where I was going.” The boy opens his hand and looks down at a shiny silver coin in his palm. “My father gave me this coin as a birthday gift, so I came to the market to see what I could buy. I was looking at the coin when I passed the cat in an alley, and that’s when it started following me. Maybe it likes shiny things and it wanted my coin?”
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
“Well I don’t see the cat now,” I assure him, glancing around the busy street. “Just be more careful with your money next time, alright? Cats aren’t the only ones who like coins, and I would hate for some thug to rob you of your birthday gift.”
The boy looks up at me with wide eyes, gripping the coin tightly and holding it against his chest. “I’ll be much more careful from now on your Highness! I promise!”
With a smile, I dismiss him. “Off you go. Buy yourself something nice!”
With a rushed but grateful nod, the boy runs off through the market again.
Teddy sighs. “You know Lizzie, you can be way too nice sometimes.”
I turn to look at him, slightly shocked. “What would you have me do? Throw him in the dungeons? He’s just a boy. He wasn’t watching where he was going, that’s all.”
“At least that’s his story,” he huffs, as we begin walking through the busy market again. “What if he was really trying to rob you? You’re only lucky that Solar is all you have with you today.”
“I don’t believe there’s any such thing as being too nice,” I respond indignantly. “If anything, you’re too suspicious. Like I keep telling you, there’s hardly reason enough to carry around a sword in this city, let alone suspect little boys of being thieves.”
Giving me a sly look out of the corner of his eye, Teddy replies in a quiet tone, “Why shouldn’t little boys be thieves? When our mother was fve, she was a thief. He looked like a poor peasant like she was. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if that coin was actually stolen and not a gift at all.”
I stop walking to turn and look at him angrily. “Teddy that’s enough! Stop always looking for the bad in the world. There’s a lot of good out there too!”
Crossing his arms, he shoots back, “You only think that because you never leave the city. Why are you afraid of everything if most things are good and not bad?”
I open my mouth for a heated retort, but before I can speak, the merchant in the stall that we’re standing beside pipes up.
“I’m sorry for interrupting your Highnesses, but I can’t help but noticing that your dragon friend there looks in need of a new ribbon, Princess Elizabeth.”
I turn to look at him, jarred from our personal argument by his voice. Then I look down at Solar’s pink ribbon, examining it closely. The edges are a little frayed. I had tied this ribbon around the little dragon’s neck for as long as I can remember.
With a broad smile, the merchant gestures to a multitude of ribbons that are laid out on his table. “Would you like to take a quick look at my wares? They’re all hand woven by my wife.”
As I step closer for a better look, the merchant adds, “Or if you’re not in the market for ribbons today, could I interest you in one of my hand stitched satchels?”
“No satchels today thank you,” I reply kindly with a smile. “However, I will take a look at your ribbons.”
As I examine his fne wares, he picks up his best ribbon and shows it to me. “What do you think of this one? It’s woven with a fne gold silk that we get imported from overseas. It is a very rare piece, and not only would it make your small companion there shine, but it would look lovely in your hair too.”
Taking the gold ribbon, I hold it against Solar’s neck. It does certainly seem to make her shine... “It’s beautiful,” I breathe, admiring the wonderful piece of work.
“Since you like it so much,” the merchant begins with a wide smile, “I’ll give it to you for free.”
“Oh would you?” I ask, looking up at him gratefully. “Thank you so much!”
Placing his hands on his hips and uttering a quick, hearty laugh, he exclaims, “It’s no trouble! Enjoy!” Leaning closer as if to whisper a secret, he adds, “And maybe come back tomorrow to see if anything else catches your eye.”
“I’ll be sure to do that,” I tell him with a smile. As I wave to him and continue to walk down the market with Teddy, I catch my brother rolling his eyes at me. “What? Solar needs a gift too.”
“All that piece of cloth needs is a nice shelf in your room,” he grumbles.
Before I have a chance to reply to him, he suddenly points at another table of wares. “Now look at that sword! That’s a real gift.”
Teddy hurries over to the table, but I follow more slowly, tying the gold ribbon around Solar’s neck. Even though I know she’s nothing more than a stuffed animal, I can’t help but think that she looks like she likes her new ribbon. Stuffng my old pink ribbon into a pocket hidden in the folds of my dress, I stroke her head softly.
“There you go Solar,” I whisper to her. “Now you’re all prettied up.”
When I reach the table where Teddy is ogling over the weapons for sale, I examine the sword that had caught his eye. The blade is polished to shine and the handle is inlaid with gold fecks. While I admit to myself that it is a beautiful sword, I can’t help but thinking that I would never want it. Owning a sword means that you realize there’s a possibility you may have to use it.
When Teddy is done looking at the sword, we continue once more down the market. I turn my head this way and that to try and see everything that’s being sold. As I’m looking, I end up glancing down a dirty alley. Stopping dead in the middle of the busy fow of people, I stare in shock at a black cat sitting on a crate. The cat stares right back at me, its blue eyes gleaming.
When Teddy notices that I’m not walking beside him anymore, he pushes his way back through the crowd to my side. “Lizzie, what are you doing?”
Without looking away from the cat, I point at it. “Look Teddy! That must be the cat that boy was talking about.”
Getting frustrated, Teddy throws his hands in the air. “Come on Lizzie! Maybe it’s just a regular black cat. They’re not that uncommon. I still think that boy is nothing more than a common thief.”
I don’t reply because I’m locked in a staring contest with the cat. Suddenly, it gets to its paws, sticks its tongue out at me with a catty smirk and turns to streak down the alley .
With a gasp I grab Teddy’s arm, pulling him into the alley with me. “Let’s go Teddy! I need to catch that cat!”
“Lizzie! Stop this nonsense!” Teddy yells as he’s pulled along behind me. “It’s just a stupid cat! And you must be even more stupid if you would follow it into a dark alley!”
“Shut up Teddy!” I growl at him without breaking my stride. “Didn’t you see that look it gave me? There’s no way that was an ordinary cat! Besides, how many stray cats can you think of that would follow a boy down the street just for a coin? It’s very unusual!”
“You know, for someone who hates adventure, you sure are curious about some dumb cat,” I hear him grumble. “Now will you please let go of me? You’re starting to bruise my arm.”
Without breaking my stride, I let him go so he can run beside me. “Sorry,” I mutter. Sometimes I forget that I’m much stronger than a regular human.
I don’t take my eyes off the shape of the cat streaking ahead of me, but when it rounds a corner, I trip on my dress and slam into the ground.
“Lizzie, are you okay?” Teddy asks, helping me to my feet. “See, this cat is no good. Let’s just forget about it and go home okay?”
Ignoring the scrapes on my hands and knees, I run towards the corner the cat had disappeared behind. “No Teddy, I’m going to catch that cat!”
But when I round the corner, all I see is yet another dark and dusty alleyway. Stomping my foot in frustration, I growl, “Darnnit! If I didn’t trip, I wouldn’t have lost it!” With a sigh, I look down at Solar to see that she’s dirty from falling on the ground. Dusting her off, I check to make sure that her new ribbon isn’t ruined. Thankfully, the ribbon is still fne, and when I turn it around in the sunlight, it sparkles in a dazzling way.
Suddenly, a black streak fashes in front of my vision, snatching Solar from my hands. With a gasp, I realize that the black cat had stolen her and was streaking away down another alley with Solar dragging along behind it.
“Hey!” I shout. “Get back here with my dragon!”
As I pursue the little furry thief, I hear Teddy yell, “Just leave it Lizzie! It’s not worth getting lost over!”
But I don’t respond because I’m too focused on the cat. I won’t just let Solar go! I’ve had her since I was a baby and I’ve never gone anywhere without her. I hear footsteps behind me and I realize that Teddy had caught up. He doesn’t say anything, but I can almost feel the anger rolling off of him in waves. He’s furious with me. But there’s no way I’m letting some cat steal Solar.
I keep my eyes fxed on the sleek form of the cat, being careful not to trip this time. I run a little faster, and start to catch up to the creature. Reaching out, I grab desperately for the cat’s tail, but just as I’m about to grasp it, the cat leaps up.
Startled, I try to stop, but it’s too late. I crash headlong into a stack of crates, giving myself a bloody nose. Snarling in anger, I look up to see the cat disappearing over the side of a large ship. Looking around I realize that we’re in the harbor.
Holding my bloody nose, I duck down behind the pile of crates. I don’t want to be seen.
Huffng, Teddy crouches down beside me. “Now that it’s a lost cause, do you want to go home?” he gasps as he tries to catch his breath.
I turn to glare at him, my eyes burning. “I am not going anywhere without Solar. So if you want me to come home at all then I suggest you help me sneak onto this ship.”
Staring at me with his mouth hanging open, Teddy stutters, “You’re going to sneak onto a ship? Are you crazy? Stop being ridiculous Lizzie! I’m the one who likes adventure, and even I’m not stupid enough to do something like that!”
I don’t reply with words but I see Teddy finch at the intensity of my gaze.
He looks at me for a second, obviously thinking. Finally, with a heavy sigh, he concedes. “Well if you’re going to do something totally stupid, I guess your big brother should come along to make sure you don’t get yourself killed.”
I feel like throwing my arms around him in gratitude, but instead, I just turn to study the ship and the towering pile of crates.
The ship is a large wooden brute, but it’s somehow different from the industrious models that we use to ship goods across the sea. The sails are yellowed and tattered at the edges, the wood looks rough and splintery, and there are several parts where it looks like holes had been patched up. I can’t help but wonder if the captain of this ship is just a reckless captain that rams into rocks a lot, or whether they often had tussles with pirates. In any case, it’s not somewhere I’m thrilled to be, but I have to get Solar back.
The towering stack of crates rests very near the ship, reaching up to the side railing. The crates seem to block the view of the ship from most other parts of the harbor. Looking around, I realize that this is one of the oldest docks in the harbor and is hardly used anymore. The ships we use to trade goods always dock in the newer ports, and only visiting ships use the old ports like this one.
Studying the towering mountain of wooden crates, I trace a way up in my mind. If I keep myself in a low position, I should be able to cross over into the ship without being seen. I plan to get on that ship, fnd Solar, and get off as quickly as possible. I need to make sure I get off before the ship leaves port. There’s no telling how long it will stay.
“Come on Teddy,” I whisper over my shoulder. “Follow me up. And make sure no one sees us.”
Instead of giving me one of his usual remarks, he just nods, obviously in the state of mind he gets in whenever he’s taking on an important mission.
Keeping myself low, and moving more like a wolf than a human, I creep steadily up the pile of crates, keeping my eyes fxed on the ship’s railing. I’m tempted to just switch into my half wolf form to get aboard easier, but that will cause even more trouble for me if I’m seen. This way, if I’m caught, I’ll just tell whoever owns the ship that a cat stole something of mine and fed here. If they know I’m Princess Elizabeth, there shouldn’t be any problem.
However, since I don’t recognize the ship, and I don’t know what sort of person the captain is, it would probably be best if I refrained from being seen, to avoid any possible trouble.
When I fnally reach the top of the crates, I can peer onto the ship. It seems to be deserted. Most of the crewmembers must be in town, perhaps stocking up on supplies or eating a meal before they head out to sea again. Perfect. Less chance of us being seen.
Turning to whisper to Teddy, who is just behind me, I tell him, “The coast is clear. The crew doesn’t appear to be on the ship.”
“Good,” Teddy mutters, his face serious. “Now let’s get this over with.”
“There’s a short jump to get onto the ship, but you should be able to make it. Just try not to make too much noise,” I order. For once the prospect of danger doesn’t seem as bad to me. This time, I have a mission and a goal, and I’m not leaving until I have completed my objective.
Sizing up the distance, I bunch my muscles, vaulting myself onto the ship. I land in a silent roll, whipping my head around to make sure I still haven’t been seen. When I still don’t see anyone, I wave for Teddy to follow. His leap is much less graceful, and he lands with a heavy thud.
“Shhh!” I hiss at him. “We can’t have anyone know we’re here!”
He scowls at me. “Sorry, but I’m not a wolf. I can’t move as quietly as you can.”
Ignoring his comment, I look around the deck for any sign of the cat. I don’t see it, but I do see a door that’s left slightly ajar. Sneaking quickly over to it, I keep my body low. As I get closer to the door, I notice a strand of golden cloth caught on the rough wood of the doorframe. I bear my teeth in a silent snarl. That cat is going to pay. I just got that ribbon for Solar!
“The cat went this way,” I whisper. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Teddy gripping his sword tightly.
I peer past the door to look into the dark room beyond. Torches are lit on the walls, and I can see another doorway and a staircase leading deeper into the ship. After I’m sure there’s no one beyond the door, I creep into the room, sniffng the air. My nose may not be as sharp in my human form, but in the enclosed space of the small room, I can still pick up the faint trace of cat scent. The scent leads to the stairs, and making sure that Teddy is right behind me, I follow it down.
The underbelly of the ship is dark, the only light coming from the small cracks of the closed cannon holes and a few lanterns. To my right is another staircase, but the scent leads me farther into the room, weaving between wooden crates that smell of food and gunpowder.
I follow the scent of the black cat all the way to the back of the ship. There’s another door here, this one slightly ajar as well. Pushing the door open a little wider, I wince as it creaks, afraid that someone would hear me. But when no one comes running, I creep inside with Teddy at my heels.
This room isn’t very big, but most of it is flled to the brim with treasure chests. Some are locked tight, but a few are left open, spilling with gold coins and treasure. The foor is littered with gems and coins and I widen my eyes in silent disbelief. Behind me I hear Teddy breathe in sharply.
But then my eye catches something sitting atop one of the piles of gold. It’s the black cat, with Solar still dangling from its mouth.
I lunge for it, trying to snag my precious friend, but the cat leaps away, across a desk in the middle of the room. It disappears into shadow on the other side of the desk, but before I can follow it, a soft, cold chuckle echoes around the room. A sinister voice follows the laugh, and I feel a chill of dread run down my spine.
“That’s my girl, Ice.”