Two Years Ago.
Ember's Sixteenth Birthday.
I only have one shot.
One shot to get this right.
If not, I'll be stuck here forever and that isn't what I want.
It's never been what I want.
Allowing my tailor to complete the finishing touches of my outfit, I smiled and completed a twirl.
My final twirl. I hate these stupid outfits. I hate this ridiculous night. I hate my life. I hate being a Princess. The late nights. The early mornings. The constant need to impress. The constant fear of failure. This is not the life that I want for myself.
I'm built for bigger and better things. Being the Princess of Laryndale has its perks but there are more cons than there are pros.
My father, King Edmond Vanderbilt, is very set in his ways and I can wholeheartedly confirm that if it were not for my mother being the Queen, she would be cooking him dinner and doing anything he pleases.
My father is a mysoginistic mansplaining asshole who expects women to bow down to him. He believes that our sole priority is to serve men. My mother, Queen Emerald Vanderbilt, is a strong woman with a mind of her own and if my father didn't love her as much as he does, she wouldn't survive a day with him.
They would tear eachother apart.
"Sweetheart, our guests are waiting for you. Please arrive promptly. We wouldn't want to give King and Queen Thorn another reason to think they're above us." My mothers soft yet commanding voice called from outside my doors.
Sighing as I hear her footsteps fade away. I headed to my window.
Time to escape.
Watching the red beam shine right through my window to the far wall, I took a deep breath.
Its show time.
Grabbing my bag, I pushed my window open and slowly climbed down the palace wall which I know is never guarded.
My fingers clung to the bricks for life, dirt buried itself in my nails as I shimmied across the walls before dropping and landing on my two feet.
Sprinting across the grass, I didn't bother turning back, I don't want to see what potential threats are following me.
I just want out.
Hearing a low whistle, I turned to my left.
By the Oak tree. Just as promised.
Sliding down the hill, I gasp as I fall into the grasp of the woman I will forever call my saviour.
Arianna Blackwell.
"Quickly. Here." She handed me a black wig and a set of brown contacts. "Now this. Hurry Ember." She urged. "I can hear them coming."
Tearing my dress off, I changed into a pair of black pants and a black crop top. She tossed me a leather jacket before nodding her head at my appearance and latching onto my hand.
Screaming can be heard from afar. I hear my fathers warriors getting closer, demanding blood.
"Ready?" I gave a firm nod. "Lets go."
-------
Two Years Later...
EMBER.
Charging through the streets, I held my breath as I danced through the market stalls.
This guy is quick. I'll give him that.
Unfortunately for him, he isn't as quick as me.
Diving across one of the cars, I latched onto his collar and threw him backwards.
"Hello Nigel." I grinned as I stood up and held him against me. "It's been a long time."
"Not long enough." He growled and I slammed his body against the car thats nearest to me.
"Shut up. Now come on. Its been a while. I want a coffee and you will want a good damn lawyer." I smiled as I cuffed him and handed him to Lyle.
Lyle!
I haven't seen him in so long!
Arianna never let's us work together.
"Lets go!" I ushered Kyle as we see Arianna pull up in her ever so discreet van.
It looks like the freaking Mystery Machine from Scooby Doo. Just less green and extra yellow.
Climbing into the van, I turned to Arianna who is grinning like a Cheshire cat.
Turning the radio on, I rolled my eyes as once again, its talking about the disappearance of the Vanderbilt Princess and how yet again, Prince Alec Thorn is left to pick up the pieces.
He is an ass. His mother is an ass. His father is an ass.
The whole family is evil. At least thats what my parents brought me up to believe.
The Thorn family have never had a scandal.
"What are you grinning at?" I asked Arianna as I slightly adjusted my black wig.
"Nothing. Just how lucky I am to have two of the best Protectors on my team."
My head snapped in her direction, my eyes glaring at her as I see Lyle doing the same thing.
She wants something.
Thats the only time she let's me and Lyle work together.
Oh damn I've not even cleared things up for you guys have I?
Okay so... remember two years ago? My Sixteenth Birthday when I ran away and left the palace?
So, it turns out that Arianna Blackwell is the Chief Officer of our Kingdoms Protectors. I have been trained in every combat you can think of and I'm a natural if I do say so myself.
Arianna took me in, created me a brand new identity. Our whole team knows who I really am but we took an oath, an oath that protects all of us.
Since that day, I have been known as Amelia Blackwell. Adopted daughter to Arianna Blackwell. I'm the most demanded protector in the entire country.
My village erupted into chaos. My parents look like they have drowned into depression.
It is their own fault.
As much as I hate the Gold Monarchy. They treat each other with loyalty and respect.
Thats unheard of in the Dale Monarchy.
Jumping out of the Misery Machine, we made our way the holding cells.
Arianna threw Nigel into the custody of two big burley officers who don't look impressed.
After, she gestured for us to follow her into one of the rooms. Walking through the corridor, I smirked ss I see Nigel thrashing around like an idiot.
"So, what do you want?" Lyle started as he sat down snd crossed his legs. "You hate us working together."
"I need you two to lead a mission. But its not just any mission..." Arianna leaned forward.
I sense her wolf coming to the surface, I sighed before leaning back, my own wolf matching her energy.
As I am a royal, she can't ignore my presence, I very rarely use it. Especially with Arianna who has helped me so much.
"So, as you may know, golden boy Prince Alec has been granted admission into university..." I turned to Lyle who shrugged, his own wolf as unbothered as my own about that idiot Prince. "We have been selected to guard him."
A laugh escaped my lips as I stood up, shaking my head.
"You told them no right!?" I folded arms. "RIGHT?"
"Erm....no." she smiled sheepishly. "I actually told them that you two would be more than happy to guard the prince."
Oh well thats just fantastic.
"Are you kidding me?" I snapped and Lyle moved back. "What if he recognises me? What if he is a dick? Oh my- what if- what if he is nice to me?" I gagged and Lyle stifled a laugh earning a glare. "Are you crazy!? Our families have been at war, for centuries! You can't expect me to do this- I won't-"
"You have no choice." Arianna stated blankly and I scoffed. "You can't use your command out of this one Vanders."
Ugh I hate that nickname she has for me.
"Just do what you need to do, then go home."
"And where is that? I presume if I'm his guard I have to live near by?"
"Next door."
"To what?" Lyle asked and Arianna held back a smirk.
"His room in the castle."
"Fuck. This. No. I'm not doing it." I shook my head. "Where do I write my resignation?"
"Oh no- are we coming in at a wrong time?"
Oh you have got to be taking the Royal mick?
Alpha King Thomas and Queen Yvonne are standing by the door. Cautious looks on their devious evil faces.
"No no." Arianna stepped forward. "Its a pleasure your Highnesses. Amelia, Lyle, please come forward." Arianna shot us a glare and I rolled my eyes.
'Better to do as she says. They'll grow angry and suspicious otherwise.'
Listening to Lily, my wolf. I stepped forward, my face as blank as a stone. Bowing, I gritted my teeth before looking up at my lomg time enemies.
"Miss Amelia." The Queen stepped forward to take my hand. "We have heard incredible things about you. It's an honour to have you as his main guard."
"His what now?" I turned to Arianna who pursed her lips.
"Yes. You will be his main guard. Lyle will follow as back up." I can see her grin from here.
I will wipe that off.
"Is there a problem?" The King asked and my head spun to him, my face straight before shaking a head.
"No. I only found out as you walked through the door. Usually, we're asked to do missions, not forced into it." I gave him my politest smile before turning to Arianna. "You are coming with us too?"
"Yeah. I'll be the new security guard for the university, so I'll always be in there." She nodded and I sighed before nodding my head.
"Okay well then its settled. We will have a dinner tonight, where you can properly meet Alec, his Beta and Gamma as they'll be with you too. Do you have any allergies?" The Queen asked.
"I'm allergic to citrus and shellfish." I answered and her eyes widened before she regained her composure.
Let me guess, the only other person she knew with those allergies was the Dale Princess?
"Okay! Well thats great. We will be expecting you around 6pm. Is that okay?"
"Yes Your Highness. Thank you." Arianna smiled before walking them both out.
I turned to Lyle who shook his head, his disappointment in Arianna clear.
She usually asks us. This is betrayal at its finest.
Now I have to sit with that spoiled brat of a prince who thinks he knows better than everybody.
Ugh. What the hell have we agreed to!?