"What?" I couldn't have heard him right. He remained silent. "You can't be serious?"

"I am quite serious."

"How though?" I asked, confused with the connection.

"My mother was Queen Lilianna. Queen Ezailia was yours."

I laughed again.

"I think you are mistaken. My mother was Lady Dazaron."

He shook his head. What was he implying?

"How? That wouldn't make any sense. What else aren't you telling me?"

"As you know, Queen Lilianna died in childbirth when she had me. For the longest time my father swore he would never be happy again. That was, until he met Ezailia. The King fell madly in love with her. She was the kindest woman I ever met. Though I still honor Queen Lilianna, I truly looked to Queen Ezailia as my mother. Due to some unexpected problem, they found they could not produce a child together. Still wanting to birth heirs for our throne the King begged his friend to sacrifice some of his fertile, yet unroyal seed. So secretly the King made our mother make love to a man she had never met nor loved. Eventually the Queen became pregnant. As you began to change inside her belly, the Queen did too. She grew to love this other man, Lord Dazaron, your real father. But the King found out. Near the time of your birth he hired assassins to kill Queen Ezailia, as well as the baby she carried. They succeeded. News soon spread of the treachery. The King accused the Assassins as the ones that killed Galasia's Queen and heir. Many believe this story, yet I know it is not true."

"Are you certain of this?" These were some serious accusations.

"After the King announced the murder of Queen Ezailia I went out to seek justice. It was then when I discovered the truth from Abernan that it was the King who sought his own wife's demise. The King did succeed in killing the Queen, but he failed at killing the heir. Somehow they did not kill you. Lord Dazaron hid you well for many years. I thank the Gods that I got to you before the King."

"But that would means-"

"You are the Queen's daughter, thought to be dead."

I replayed what he said in my head, over and over. Every time I did, it sounded crazier and crazier. Then again, Lord Dazaron never treated me the same as his other children. Was this why? He wanted to hide me away. He never wanted me to be a soldier or to leave the village. Was it all because of this? To protect me? Did everyone know this? Akyto? Yestin? Dalani? Dalani had told me I was different from them. She had tried to tell me then, in her own weird way. I wanted to be grateful to her for trying to warn me, but all I felt was frustration at the fact that they had all lied to me. In the end, it didn't protect me. It just made me feel like a stranger to my own family. But then, perhaps I was. Perhaps that is all they saw me as, a stranger. Were they trying to protect me or themselves?

"By marriage you are a princess and my step sister." Andrion explained.

I took a deep breath then let it out.

"Why hide all of this from me?"

"Emilea, you must understand, this information is safer kept a secret. Your father knew that. If rumor got out who you were, my father would surely try to have you and your family killed, as he is doing now. Not only did you steal something of his, ironically, but you're unfinished business."

"So does that mean he will go after my family?"

"Interesting enough, your brother Akyto joining the King's royal guards will keep them safe for now. I believe the King is just focusing on you and his- your sword."

I massaged my temples. All of this was giving me a migraine.

"How did you know who I was?"

"When Lord Dazaron sent word you had run away." He shrugged. "I am sure he meant it to stay quiet, but unfortunately news such as that travels fast."

"Then Carther must have known who I was when we met at the slave traders camp."

The Prince scratched his head.

"Yes. He would have told you but I gave him a direct order to not speak a word."

So that is why Carther apologized.

"Why didn't you return me to Lord Dazaron?"

"I believed that you would be safer here with us."

"I almost got killed."

"Carther made sure that you didn't."

"Others died so that I could escape. Which could have been prevented if I wasn't in that situation, to begin with!"

"Is that true? You are wanted by the King now. Anyone that helps you or is even associated with you, will be endangering themselves." He said sternly.

"If Carther had just told me then perhaps we could of left earlier, before everything had happened!"

"Emilea." He said sternly. "Please lower your voice." He sighed. "Everything was done for your protection. Even hiding the truth from you. I figured you would be at least somewhat thrilled by the news. You are royalty."

I scoffed at his attitude. Typical of a Prince. I cared nothing for money and status.

"I know you are acting like my personal guard but I have never seen you as such. I have always seen you as my sister."

Had Carther and Andrion only helped me because I was the Queen's lost daughter? To think I got here because I was a good fighter. Was everything I once believed about myself a lie? Had I earned any of it by myself? Or was everything just handed to me on a golden platter?

"Who else knows?" I finally asked.

"Just myself, your family, and my men."

I guess it made sense that they all knew.

I felt Andrion's eyes on me as we continued through the woods to Tith. The idea that he was my step brother was just odd. What did that mean for me? Did that mean I had obligations to uphold because of my title?

"I know it is a lot to take in. I apologize that I hid it from you. I just- I just don't want to lose another family member to my father."

I took a heavy exhale. He sounded sincere.

"It is a lot to take in." I looked at Andrion. "But it is nice to know I have more family."

He smiled lightly.

"So why did we have to return so suddenly?" I decided to change the subject for the time being.

"KuRath and his serf are coming to discuss some things,"Andrion explained.

"Such as?"

"I don't know." The Prince and I exchanged a glance. "I wish I could say to join our side, but he's the King's dog. He'd bare his teeth way before he'd roll over. My guess is he plans to threaten us. It is quite unfortunate. I wanted to give him a chance before going to war with the King."

"If he thinks he can start a fight with us, he better think again," Ziggs shouted. The rest concurred. I would have joined in but my mind was still replaying everything that had happened in the last two days. The sword that could go forward in time, laid against my hip, held tightly in my hand. Now that this weapon had shown its true power, I felt much more protective of it. If we were to turn against the King, Debynn's sword would most likely be the winning factor.

A shallow stream came into view, which we had passed on our way to the mountains.

"Let us stop quickly."

We dismounted and let our horses drink. As they did the twins, Ziggs and Nibbs began to spar. They both had long swords in their hands which they swung around like clubs. I had to hold back my laughter.

"They aren't used to big swords." Eyels approached me. "They usually use their small daggers or whatever torture devices they keep in their pockets. So when they decide to fight with swords, it is always good for some entertainment."

Owin and Waryn walled with laughter as Ziggs and Nibbs continued to flail about. My eyes drifted to the two swords behind Eyels back. They were shorter than mine but wider.

"Is it hard to dual wield?"

"I have heard it is when you start." He looked at my confused face then chuckled. "It comes naturally to some. If you are ever interested I would gladly teach you some tricks."

"Oh yes, I would enjoy that."

He nodded then went back to watching the twins. I went back to my horse and grabbed my satchel and bent down into the water. The sun beat down on my face, however, this time it felt nice. It was like a warm oven that met with a soft breeze. I watched as the gentle stream slowly filled my canister.

"Hello again."

My mind froze at the voice. It was ever so familiar. I spun around. There the familiar figure stood, dressed in a black attire from head to foot. Why was there an Assassin here? My mind warned me to be afraid but my heart told me otherwise.

"Vermilion." The Prince announced loudly enough for everyone to hear.

Vermilion? My mind wandered deep into my memories. How could I have forgotten about Vermilion, the leader of Assassins? He has helped me countless times. I rubbed my forehead. Perhaps I needed more sleep.

"Emilea, get away from him!" Eyels shouted. Owin drew his bow. Nibbs and Ziggs had dropped their swords and were crouched, ready to pounce. Carther, Nathanael, and Andrion walked forward.

Vermilion grabbed me and threw his sword up to my neck.

"Stop right there, Prince."

"If you haven't noticed, there are eight of us. Seven of which are among the best fighters in all Galasia." Andrion bragged and warned simultaneously.

"Perhaps, but you are forgetting that I am holding your trump card." His blade pressed against my throat. I held my breath, afraid that any movement on my part would become rather painful.

"It is up to you. I can kill her so none of us have her, or you can leave now." No one moved. "I will not hesitate to slit her throat. So make your choice!"

Fists clenched, Carther began to walk towards us, but Prince Andrion stopped him. He glared at Vermilion.

"It's fine," I spoke softly. Andrion looked at me. I nodded ever so slightly. If Vermilion dared to get this close to the Prince then he must have a good reason.

After a second, Andrion turned and mounted his horse. The others remained in place.

"We are going." The Prince called to the others, though still staring at me.

"But-"

"Now!" Andrion interrupted Carther' objection. "Meet us back in Tith, Emilea." He eyed Vermilion for a second before he spurred his horse forward. Slowly the others followed until they all withdrew into the woods beyond the river. I felt the cold metal leave my throat once they were gone. I looked up at him. I was not afraid.

"I can't believe I finally found you." He pushed me back, now grasping my shoulders. "Why are you still hanging around with people like them?"

"Vermilion, you might think they are your enemy, but they are not. They want to bring the end of King Lavro's reign."

"Only so they can take it for themselves."

"That is not true."

"Emilea-"

"No, you listen to me." I stopped him. "This is Galasia's chance to break free of this tyrant. If you really want what is best for Galasia then you better consider joining the Prince and his army." Vermilion's eyes sunk into mine. I looked away, slightly uncomfortable.

"Ok. I will discuss it with him." He sighed.

"Really?"

"Yes," He chuckled. "I trust your word, Emilea."

"Well, then you should probably also know that Illyana was the one to sell me to the slave traders." I blurted my suspicions about her.

"I know." He paced around me.

"You do?" I watched him. "So you had nothing to do with it?"

"Oh goodness no. You could never be my enemy Emilea. I should have realized what she was planning. Her brother Bazel told me about it after you disappeared. Apparently, she felt threatened by you. I do apologize for her behavior. She is like a sister to me."

"I think she wants to be more than that to you."

A snicker escaped his lips.

"Back then she did, yes, but I made sure to make my intentions clearer for her."

What were his intentions?

"Are you sure? Because the last time we came across each other, she tried to kill me. Not only that, but she killed my friend."

"She didn't tell me that part."

"I can't imagine why." I threw my hands up in the air and shook my head. "Look if you guys join up with Prince Andrion, she has to know that she can not go around killing the people that annoy her."

"Ok, ok." Vermilion chuckled. "Take a breath."

"Sorry." I exhaled. "I've just had a long couple of days." I sat down on a boulder nearby.

"Are you ok?" He squatted next to me. His black attire stood out in the bright rayed sun. His eyes, though shaded from his headgear, gazed brightly in my direction. I watched as they drifted down towards my hand which rested on the rock. His hand slightly twitched on his leg, as if it was hesitating to take my own. What delusions I had when he was around.

"Sometimes," I tried to draw his attention away from whatever he was about to try. "Sometimes I wonder if maybe I shouldn't have-" I left my words unsaid. A big sigh escaped my lips. My mind wandered, thinking what my life would be like if I hadn't met Debynn on that one summer day. Who would I be if I didn't start lessons with him? Would the King ever found out about me if I had stayed hidden in Lord Dazaron's castle? Would that honestly be better? I wouldn't have found out about my true self that way. I would still be the disappointing daughter of Lord Dazaron.

"I know." Vermilion sat beside me. Our eyes met. They were wild like a tiger's, yet soft like my brothers. Why were they always so soft when they looked at me? What assassin had soft eyes? I felt tempted. I wanted to rip away the cloth. Who really was this Vermilion? Why did I feel so captivated?

"It is my fault really." Vermillion spoke.

"How?" My eyebrows raised. He took a deep breath before responding.

"Ever since my parents died and left me as the new leader of the assassins, I wished for a simpler life. Then I met you and I was jealous of the life you lived. It was simple and it was safe. So, when I found out what you were doing I tried to talk Debynn out of it."

"What?" I shook my head. His words were confusing.

"I got upset when Debynn said he wanted to continue training you, so I decided to tell Lord Dazaron about it." His voice changed. It no longer was deep and rough; rather soft and gentle, like his eyes. "I was afraid of who might find out. I only wanted to protect you."

My feet acted on their own and I found myself up. Vermilion stood as well.

"I don't understand. I thought- I thought someone else had told my father. But it was you?"

"Well-" He gave me a good look before he began to unwrap the cloth that hid his face. I couldn't move. "If I had known you would run away I would have just confronted you myself." His wrap fell to the ground.

"You?" My mouth dropped.