Crowned & Claimed Collection - Betty Shreffler Page 0,1

I’m ready.”

Through the rover craft windows, I view all of Anauka territory below. It’s widespread with forests, fields, and homes with the royal city at the center, all under a fortified shield dome. It’s the home I was born into and the only place I’ve ever known. As the Anaukin Princess, traveling isn’t an option for me until I’m crowned as the new monarch. It’s Matheas’s duty to travel for me and learn everything there is about the politics, geography, and topography of other territories so he can be my most trusted counsel.

It isn’t safe for a Princess to travel without a crown. Outside of Anauka, I’m valuable to other territories who would want to sell me to the highest bidder or use me for ransom against my father. Until I’m crowned, Anauka is where I must stay, but it won’t be long. A few weeks from now, on the last day of my twenty-fifth year, I’ll be crowned the new monarch of Anauka—whether I’m ready for it or not.

“This is why you have the trials. They help prepare you. Word has spread your talent exceeds the Royal Faction’s expectations.”

The Royal Faction, a group of men and women collected from each royal family in Anauka, represents the people during meetings with the King and Queen.

Penetrating the shield, the palace grows closer in my view, and I grimace.

“I feel like my tasks are for their amusement.”

“Some are,” he agrees.

The rover craft comes to a stop, landing on the grassy plain outside of the palace, parked parallel to the others. The automatic door raises, and I step out, taking in the thicker air of the palace grounds. Scents of outdoor food vendors and store shops create a smoky cloud above the tents.

“The festival is well on its way, I see. All in preparation of the main attraction.”

“You’ll do fine, Fi. I’ll always be within view.”

That knowledge settles the nerves tumbling in my belly. Side by side, we enter the palace. With high ceilings, the exquisite chandeliers are able to hang low. Along the walls are paintings from our most talented painters in Anauka and some from my family’s travels to other territories. With our advanced technology, I appreciate the paintings even more. It’s a talent I’m fond of, one that is simple and relaxing—just brushes, a canvas, and beautiful colors used to make anything the imagination can think of.

Barely through the door, I’m greeted by palace staff. My headmistress, trainer of the arts, bows, her tightly woven hair-do not moving atop her head. In a pretty, knee-length dress, she looks over my attire. I’m wearing my usual go-to brown leather riding boots, brown riding pants, and my favorite red shirt with cut-out shoulders and sleeves to my elbows. A frown etches her mouth into shape.

“You need cleaned up. You look like you’ve been riding a horse all morning.”

“For part of it, I have,” I smile unashamed. “I needed to relax this morning before I begin my trials.”

One of my favorite people pushes through the horde of palace staff surrounding Matheas and me. Slightly shorter than me and with a long, light gray braid over her shoulder, my Grand Nina waves her hands at everyone.

“Give my granddaughter space. She’ll be crowded enough today.”

With a wide smile, I open my arms for my Grand Nina. Enclosing me in her arms, her hug is warm and comforting. With a hand still on my shoulder, she motions to the nearest two members of our staff.

“Have a warm bath prepared. Fill it with lavender and vanilla.”

“It’s not needed.” I release a heavy sigh. “I can run my own bath just fine like any other day.”

Nina pats my shoulder. “Today is not like any other day nor will tomorrow or the next day. You’re in your trials. You’ll do nothing yourself for the next few days. Best to deal with it, darling.”

Attention turned away from me, she looks to Matheas. “Wait for her upstairs. I need to speak with my granddaughter alone.”

Everyone disperses, including Matheas, moving onto their jobs as Nina takes my hand, walking me slowly up the stairs.

“I had a prophetic dream last night,” she whispers.

“Should I be worried?”

Raising my hand, she kisses the back of it.

“Every new monarch has dangers lurking ahead of them, but this dream felt like a warning. Something is coming, Fiora, but whatever it is, I know for certain you’ll survive it.”

My skin tingles with worry. Nibbling my lip, I look ahead to the top of the stairs, seeing the back