Page 1 of Untamed

Chapter 1

Beatriz

Three months had slippedby since I’d last seen my beloved Prince Zichri of Himzo. Each week when I received his correspondence, I escaped to the palace beach under the palm trees to read his words. I did the same today. The smell of salty air mingled with my tears. When would we see each other again?

I hopped onto boulders that jutted out into a peninsula surrounded by the turquoise waters and found a spot to sit. A breeze tousled my dark hair into my eyes. I tucked the strands behind my ears, eager for good news. My only companions would be Zichri’s inky words and the seagulls fishing for their lunch. I dug through a pocket sewn into the crease of my puffy sleeve. The parchment inside crinkled and greeted me with an “H” stamped in wax at the center. I tore through the golden seal and read the letter with the eagerness of a beggar at a banquet.

Beloved Princess Beatriz of Giddel from your Zichri of Himzo,

Your letter has been my joy this past week. I was required to retreat to an undisclosed location for the time being. The Himzo Palace has become too difficult to travel in and out of because of my eldest brother, Prince Agustín’s, soldiers.

It pains me to be separated from Papá during his illness. Even so, nothing will change in Himzo if I don’t continue my investigation. My sister and Milo continue to watch after Papá’s welfare while I am away. They keep me informed about my two brothers as well.

Though I am no closer to getting Prince Agustín to sign a treaty between our kingdoms, I am certain he will acquiesce soon enough. I am following a lead for the group called the New Alliance. I wish I could say more about it, but if this letter should end up in any hand but yours, it might destroy our chances of uniting Giddel and Himzo.

I trust the Ancient One is with us to administer justice and upturn the truth about who is conspiring against our kingdoms. Until your next letter, I will be remembering our campfires in Valle de los Fantasmas, where we sat side by side in the most dangerous lands in all the Agata Sea region and were truly happy. We’ll be there again.

Sincerely,

Your Zichri

I read the short epistle over and over, wishing I could hold Zichri’s strong hand and gaze into his dark, soulful eyes. Alonging to hear his words instead of reading them washed over me. There had to be a way for him to return to Giddel sooner, but Papá wouldn’t allow it unless he brought a treaty with him.

Crunching sand sounded behind me. I folded the parchment and stuffed it into my sleeve pocket. When I twisted around, I flinched at the sight.

Princess Monserrat waited on the white sand shore in a golden dress better fit for an evening ball than a daytime walk. Not to mention the elaborate updo reached to the clear skies with wispy lace woven into her honey-brown curls. The lady-in-waiting beside her had an air too royal for her station.

“Would you care to join me for a walk?” Monserrat shouted over the roaring surge.

My stomach clenched. If I could have answered truthfully, I would have declined her request. My brother’s betrothed had arrived a few days ago to settle a wedding date, and I had dodged her and her mother’s company so far.

“Sure.” I kept my facial muscles in a firm smile while I hopped across boulders and slipped down the side of a shorter rock. My green overdress appeared too simple for Monserrat’s company, but such was our relationship.

Monserrat turned to her lady-in-waiting. “Would you have a bath prepared for me?”

The lady hesitated but bowed her head. “As you wish, Princess.” She fled up the stairs toward the servants’ doorway, leaving my future sister-in-law and me alone.

A tingle of untamed magic trickled along my arms, reminding me that I could absorb the emotions of those around me and reshape them into a physical entity that kills. Having no control over my gifting, I clenched my fists to stop the unbidden power from gathering information. My fingernails bit into my palms. The feeling subsided, allowing me to tackle the awkwardness of being alone with Monserrat.

Her mound of styled curls and the stern set to her jaw made her look severe. The princess strode toward me and kissed my cheek in greeting. “We need to talk.”

“Of course.” I took a giant step backward. A wave of water rushed to my boots and soaked into my stockings. I flinched.

Monserrat grabbed my arm, crinkling Zichri’s hidden letter, and tugged me along the shore. “I haven’t been able to get a moment alone with you, and I’m not sure we will get another chance with my mamá being ever vigilant.”

My feet squished with every step. I maintained the expected posture, but it was almost too much with my feet slipping within their leather cages. She dragged me along the beach for the span of the palace grounds without further explanation. We arrived at the rockier shores near the cliffs. Roaring waters echoed within the chasm. She loosened her grip, and I tore my arm from hers.

Keeping my facial muscles as still as possible, I asked, “Is something wrong?”

Monserrat pursed her lips but kept her hands folded in front of her. “What’s in your sleeve?”

“Prince Zichri’s letter.” The words came out more forceful than intended.

“Hmm … I heard. It’s a shame your papá won’t allow you to see him.”

I clamped my mouth shut, annoyed by her knowledge of my situation since it meant rumors had spread among the Agata Sea kingdoms.

Monserrat kicked up seaweed. “I’m sure you’ll find a way to convince your parents to ease restrictions.”

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