I strapped another knife to my leg and made sure other weapons were hidden away.

I didn’t know why I was so nervous. Not nervous, just apprehensive.

I had taken over many kingdoms only to replace the monarch with a better and create alliances that kept peace.

But as I looked at my brother, I felt guilty for attacking.

Don’t get me wrong, this kingdom was incredibly chaotic. But it was also Jacob’s moms kingdom.

A coup had been staged only years before. My father, also Jacob’s, had rescued her from chaos only to have her die of disease months later.

My father then married my mother and we lived together in peace.

That was until attempted takeover of my kingdom forced our harmonious society to rise up as an army.

Me and Jacob led it and together our kingdom won.

I suppose now would be an okay time to mention a few things.

1) My father is the king of the kingdom of Silvaria.

2) Jacob refused the crown which makes me the future queen.

3) Jacob’s mother is my excuse for being reluctant to take over the kingdom of Vegenalli. The truth is I have a secret relationship with the prince of Vegenalli. Only Jacob knows about and my plan to take him to safety.

So when he walks over and gives me that look, I take a deep breath.

“Be careful out there.”

Mounting my horse and unsheathing my sword, I give him one last look.

This could either turn out fine or I could have all sorts of consequences barreling back at me.