Book 4: Chapter 17

Maia

Arriving in Wellmore village, Sir Hugo drapes his enormous cape over me, hiding my hands in the iron cuffs.

I’m grateful for his cape, I haven’t got my olive-green cloak, and I’m freezing.

Villagers stop in their tracks and stare at me with wonder and amazement.

“Her eyes!” Someone shouts.

“It’s the forest princess!” Others exclaim.

“Such beauty!” Someone else adds.

The crowd forms around us, and Sir Hugo’s blocking our passage.

“Move! Out of my way!” Sir Hugo demands.

The crowd doesn’t move, and more people gather.

“Maia?” Vivian shouts, and I watch her push her way through the gathering.

“Vivian!” I yell, in obvious distress. Many people look at Vivian and wonder how we know each other.

“Are you okay?” She asks.

“I’ve been kidnap-,” I say. A sharp blade pokes my back in a warning to not speak.

“I have the forest princess!” Sir Hugo announces, and the crowd cheers. “Her powers will prote