Welcome back, owlnerds. I am currently seeking alpha readers for a story I have been working on and off the past few years. Here is the excerpt of the first chapter. Enjoy!!! Comment down if you like to be part of my street team where you can help me promote it and even help me chose a cover.

Chapter 1

Ever since Odessa lost her mother, Odessa became accustomed to reading books and finding a way to pass the time. Many a day Odessa would hide in the throne room, disappearing from any thoughts of reality.

It was nearly noon and Odessa leaned forward once again in her golden throne. Trying to find the perfect place to read her book. She flicked her long black hair back. At times she despised her long locks, wishing they would leave her alone once in a while or she would never be able to finish her book. She knew that in due time, someone would notice her and all feelings of happiness would end. She parted her hair to the side and stretched her arms forward in her chair, covering her face from sight with her large leather book.

Feeling someone’s presence, she adjusted herself as she straightened her blue dress embroidered with golden spirals She also pulled her scarlet butterfly sleeves back into place. Making sure she looked proper enough. Her head turned as her cheeks reddened as a fire sparked inside of her.

The other person looked at her with a coy smile. She lifted her eyebrows up and stared at the young man. Her close friend, William stood before her. She noticed that William had recently shaved himself since there were fresh cuts on his chin and the side of his cheeks. One had to look closely to see it.

She noticed that his tunic had been recently washed for it didn’t smell of wet dog. Her eyes flicked as she noticed the scabbard that hung over his polished chain mail.

William smiled as well as he patted his scabbard which held carvings that Odessa made as a devotion of her love to him.  With him looking down at her, her own falsehood crashed down on her before she knew it. “So what were you doing?” he said.

Lowering her head as she sagged the book over her stomach as she “Me? I was doing nothing.” Her eyes lifted upward slightly as William had raised an eyebrow. She grunted.“Fine, I was hiding.”

“Hiding, what? Who were you hiding from?” He smiled with his dimples showing despite his disliking of them.

“People.”

He jerked his head back and cracked his neck.“People? No there has to be someone. Who is it?”

She sighed. “Sir Irwin.”

He gasped and covered his mouth as if he was surprised by her answer. “Him, why him?”

She frowned as she rubbed her hands together. “He is a bit creepy.”

“Creepy, how is he creepy?” He tilted his head to the side.

“He is so serious and he makes me nervous.”

He blinked his eyes. “Well.”

She stood up and turned around to place the book on the chair. She opened up her hands and he allowed her to come near. He held her and kissed her on the head. “Odessa, I love you.”

“ I love you too, William.” She kissed him back.

“So, if you had to choose to marry anyone, who would you marry?”

 

What a silly question to ask? She steepled her fingers. She didn’t say anything except that she kissed him on the cheek.

He raised his eyebrows. “So, do you want to go horseback riding?”

“Sure, if I can ride with you.” She smiled and placed her hand in his.

He squeezed her hand with a firm grasp. “Front or back?”

She tilted her head for a second and looked at him wide-eyed. “Hmm. I think I will try back.”

His eyes narrowed as his lips lowered in an inexpressive matter.

Her legs began to shake. Did I say something wrong? Why are you staring at me like that?

He laughed out loud and twirled her around. “Hope you don’t tickle me. Since you made me fall a few days ago.”

She stared at him intensely. “I promise I want.”

He grabbed her by the hand and began to pull her close. “William.No, don’t…”

He looked at her with a puppy face. “Please.”

She looked around the throne room. Checking to see if anyone was looking or had entered the room without her noticing it. “No one is around. If father comes, he would never trust me again. We must think of what we are doing. We shouldn’t be doing whatever we want to do. It will only make this silly matter between us worse.”

“Me, no?” He placed his hand to his chest with guilt in his eyes. “And besides, everyone knows except your father. Just calm down.”

Her eyes narrowed as she clenched into fists.“Father could have entered the room and you didn’t even think about it.”

“Stop worrying. Come on.” He clasped her hand in his and they walked out of the castle together.

Entering the royal garden, Odessa bumped into Clover. Clover was a short servant girl with wavy blonde hair. “Clover, what are you doing?

Odessa and William released their hands from each other and moved them to their back They grinned as if they were guiltless.

She curtsied and stared at William and Odessa with suspicion. “I was getting some flowers for your room. May I ask, princess, what were you deciding to do?”

“Horseback riding.” Odessa raised her eyebrows and tried not to look strange in any way.

Clover shook her head. “No, miss. Horseback riding is not on the to-do list today. You have sewing to catch up on, and we must discuss the coronation. It is only a few days away.”

“About that. Can we reschedule?” She smirked.

“No, miss. The king wants you to be educated.” Clover shook her head and squinted her eyes and stared at William.

Odessa placed her hand on her heart and smirked with pride.“Me, educated. I have books.”

Clover shook her head looking disgusted. “Books don’t teach everything.”

“Hey, take that back.” Odessa pointed a finger at her and then turned in it into a fist.

Clover thought otherwise. “No, women are to be at home instead of sticking their noses in a book.”

Odessa launched herself toward Clover with hands in a choking position.

To be continued…… If you enjoyed that much. Join my street team by comment down below. 🙂