Before Anthonias approached any closer, Aurora quickly released Tezaro's hand.

"Good morning, Princess Aurora." The Steward gave a deep bow, giving no hint as to whether he had seen them holding hands.

Aurora lowered her eyes and bit her lip, "Please don't call me that."

"Until your coronation, that is exactly what you are, heir to the queen and a princess." The Steward continued unthwarted, "Which is why you should not be out of your room without a guard."

Tezaro's eyes narrowed. "She's with me."

Anthonias quickly retracted his statement. "Oh, I did not intend to dismiss you Tezaro, but seeing as you are leaving us once again, Armindia's heir should not go unguarded. We shall need to reinstate a queensguard. Perhaps you can select the men before you leave."

Aurora held her breath awaiting Tezaro's response. Was he leaving afterall? Was she the same girl in his eyes now that he knew who she was? Would he treat her differently? "I will do as the princess wishes."

His answer did not please her. It was difficult to conceal her disappointment. She did not want him to stay because of a command, but because it was what he wanted.

However, it was a sufficient response for the Consul. "Excellent. Now if you will allow us a few moments of privacy, the princess and I have matters to discuss."

Tezaro ignored the Consul and turned to Aurora for direction. The words were lodged in her throat. Instead, she schooled her features and gave him a curt nod. He placed his fist on his heart and bowed his head, "By your leave, my princess."

Her eyes could not help but to follow his retreating form. "Princess-"

"I told you before not to call me that." She turned away from him.

"Until your coronation, that is what you are." The Consul would not be dissuaded.

"Coronation?" Aurora yelped.

He raised his hand to ease her. "A topic we will discuss shortly. You cannot deny your blood, princess. You are the heir to the throne of Armindia."

She let out her breath, her shoulders drooping. "I do not deny my father, simply my mother." Aurora muttered beneath her breath.

Anthonias' robes rustled softly as he faced her. "Walk with me." He led the way through the massive halls. "You are the future queen." His face was stern. "You must be guarded. Our enemies could wish you harm."

"I thought I was safe within Crown Guard. No one knows who I am." She was exasperated. They walked past servants scurrying off to do who knew what and guards that until now Aurora hadn't noticed were trailing them. Or more precisely, the Steward. This is what he wanted for her? She shook her head.

"Having a guard will only make my appearance suspicious." Not to mention that fact that she'd have to openly deal with who they wanted her to be. She was not willing to give up her freedom.

Anthonias persisted, "Princess, please, you've only just returned to us. Your safety is paramount."

It was best she took control before the Consul shackled her with a barrage of guards. "Fine. But if I am to have a guard, I want to choose."

"I know you've grown an attachment to Tezaro, our Protector, but as you heard he's-"

"I wasn't thinking about him. I want Eri."

"She is not an Armindian guard." His tone was final.

"I don't care. I've seen what she can do. Erianna Rokenar will be my guard or I'll have no guard." He remained silent for several moments with Aurora staring him down. Finally, he nodded his head.

"Agreed."

They had arrived in front of two towering doors with extricate wooden work along the panels. The Steward opened the door allowing her in but excluded the guards from entering. He shut the doors.

In her wanderings throughout the place she had not come upon this room. It was a cavern filled with scrolls, tomes, and books of every size. The room was immaculately cared for. Not a speck of dust in sight. Whoever the caretaker was, they had devoted countless hours to organization and maintenance. "What is this place?"

"I would have thought you'd be familiar with a library." A faint smile ghosted across his face.

"I know what a library is." She retorted.

"Good. This," he walked them through the large standing shelves, row after row after row, "holds Armindia's past. Our histories, traditions, lore, and customs are stored here. I want you to become familiar with them."

"You want me to read an entire library?" It was impossible not to scoff.

"Not entirely. I simply want to prepare you for your role as queen. I have spoken to Pathfinder Master Rokenar about your apprenticeship. He is to instruct you on our histories as well as your magical capabilities."

"Earlier, you mentioned something about a coronation. I haven't said-"

"The coronation will be ...delayed." His lips formed a thin line. Effectively creating a 'H' on his face.

"I like the sound of that." She released a breath she had not known she was holding. "Go on."

"On one condition."

Her face wrinkled like she had just smelled something rotten. "And that is?"

"I've had time to reflect, as have you, and I've come to the conclusion the people will not accept you. At least not yet. You are an outsider. You know nothing of our land, our ways of life, our politics. Here you will learn. Whether you wish to know it or not, war threatens, princess. Not just from Mithoran."

That was news to her.

"Autumn has just begun. Winter will slow trade and travel and the possibility of an attack. For now, your identity will not be revealed to anyone beyond the party that delivered you." That brought her a deep sigh of relief.

"We will hold off on the announcement of your return until spring when the roads are fair. The noble houses will want to pay their respects and assess you. Commoners will flock to the city for an opportunity to see you. They must accept you as one of our own before you are crowned."

"Otherwise?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Otherwise the kingdom will finally splinter. By spring's end, we will be at war. I've done what I can through treaties and diplomacy, but patience has run out. The kingdom to the northwest, Ta-enabii, is ready to annex our northern regions. By force if necessary. They will no longer be swayed through negotiations. But you can put an end to it. You can accept your destiny and ascend the throne. By spring's end, you must have won the people. Or thousands will die."

The weight she felt lifted earlier suddenly dropped deeper. Heavier. Massive. She couldn't breathe. Her chest tightened and constricted. Like a large snake slowly winding and twisting around her, squeezing more and more.

"Excuse me." She rushed past him. "I think I'll go find Eri now." Aurora didn't wait for a response. Desperate to find fresh air, she ran through the halls to the lower levels that promised open spaces and nature.

Finally, she stopped when she came across an open field and a corral. She heard the whining of horses and followed their cries.

She entered a spacious building and saw Eri going in and out of a stall. "I didn't know there were stables here." Aurora wandered closer to Eri who was brushing a deep roan steed. The horse appeared incredibly relaxed with Eri moving about him. "Is this your horse?"

"This is Ronan." Eri patted his neck and continued to brush him down.

"He seems pretty calm."

Eri snorted. "You should have seen him six months ago. It took Hayl a long time to get Ronan to trust him."

"Who's Hayl?"

"The horse master." Eri turned from Ronan and studied Aurora. Her eyes lacked luster, there were bags under her eyes, and a general sense of gloom surrounded her. "Seems like you're looking to escape." She smirked at Aurora.

Aurora shrugged. "You're not far off."

"Want to go for a ride? Clear your head?" Eri offered. "I'm sure no one would mind." She cooed.

Aurora shook her head and stared at her feet. "Maybe some other time. I'm incredibly glad I ran into you. Tony wants me to have a guard. So I picked you. Hope you don't mind."

Eri stepped out of the stall and gave a mock bow deep at the waist with a flourish. "I am honored."

"Just don't call me princess."

"Alright. Now want to tell me what's wrong? I know you are not sleeping and barely eating by the looks of it." Aurora did not deny it. "I'm not Lily, but you can still talk to me."

There was no response.

Eri collected her things from the stall and put them away. "The sun is setting soon." She paused. "We can either do this the hard way ...or the fun way."

"What's the fun way?" That had Aurora piqued.

A mischievous glint sparkled in Eri's eyes. "Grab a cloak and follow me."

A/N: Apologies, this is a first draft. If you found any mistakes, kindly point them out. Thanks. Please comment. It keeps me writing!

Any advice for Aurora?

What do you think Eri is up to?

Does anyone remember Hayl from the sneak peek?

Happy Father's Day to all!