Princess Erin knew she shouldnt be here, riding through the forest on the way north to the Spur. She should be back at the castle, being fitted for a dress for her older sisters wedding, but just the thought of it was enough to make her wince.

It brought too many thoughts of what might be waiting for her next, and why shed left. At the very least, she would rather be riding here in tunic, doublet, and breeches than standing there playing dress-up while Rodry made fun of her with his friends, and Greave moped about, and Vars… Erin shuddered. No, better to be out here, doing something useful, something that would prove she was more than just some daughter to marry off.

She rode through the forest, taking in the plants along the side of the path as she passed, even though those were more Nerras fascination than hers. She rode past broad oak and silver birch, seeing the shadows they cast and trying not to think about all the spaces those shadows gave for someone to hide.

Her father would probably be angry with her for coming out without an escort. Princesses needed to be protected, he would tell her. They didnt wander off alone into places like this, places where the trees seemed to close in and the path was little more than a suggestion. He would be angry at her for more than that, of course. He probably thought she hadnt heard the conversation with her mother, the one that had sent her off practically running for the stables.

We need to find a husband for Erin, her mother had said.

A husband? Shes as likely to ask for more sword lessons, her father had replied.

And thats the point. A girl shouldnt be doing such things, putting herself in that kind of danger. We need to find a husband for her.

After the wedding, her father had said. There will be plenty of nobles there for the feasting and the hunting. Maybe we can find a young man who will make a suitable husband for her.

We might need to offer a dowry for her.

Then we will. Gold, a dukedom, whatever is most suitable for my daughter.

The betrayal had been instant, and absolute. Erin had strode to her room to gather her things: her staff and her clothes, a pack full of supplies. She had sworn to herself then that she wouldnt be coming back.

Besides, she said to her horse, Im old enough to do what I want.

She might be the youngest of all her siblings, but she was still sixteen. She might not be everything her mother wantedtoo boyish with her dark hair cut at shoulder level where it wouldnt get in the way, never inclined to sew or curtsey or play the harpbut she was still more than capable of looking after herself.

At least, she thought she was.