1 ~Chapter 1~

"So you wish to send me away?" Willow's voice rang out shrilly as she screeched at her parents. Her body shook with anger at the perceived betrayal.

"Daughter, it is not like that," her mother said soothingly, "we have no choice."

"War is nearly upon us, girl!" Her father interrupted, "We cannot have you in danger. You are our only daughter, and the future of this kingdom."

Willow looked pleadingly at her mother, but she cast her eyes downward.

"There is another reason we must send you to the land of Hoenford, my princess," her father continued, "you are of age now and King Harold has three sons suitable for marriage."

A shockwave went through Willow's body and she stood in disbelief for a moment before she spoke.

"Am I to choose my husband of these three sons, father?"

Her father, the king, had a large gut such as royalty often does and it shook mightily as he laughed at her question.

"No, no, dear girl," he said through the laughter, "your husband is to choose you."

Willow sighed in defeat, "I suppose this is the life of a princess, isn't it mother? Never getting to make choices for yourself."

The queen, who's eyes had been glued to the floor, looked into her daughters eyes knowingly.

"Yes, I suppose it is" she responded softly.

"Sweet child, that is the life of every woman," the king interjected, "Women are far too emotional and weak to make decisions in life. It would simply be too difficult for them."

Anger boiled beneath Willow's skin but she said nothing. She didn't want to appear too emotional. Was she nothing more than an object to bare a man's child? Her head was filled with questions such as this as she contemplated why women were treated in this manner.

The silent tension in the room was broken as a soldier suddenly burst through the doors. He bowed deeply to the King.

"Please pardon this interruption, your Majesty. The enemy is on the move, they will be here by morning!"

A deep grimace formed on the King's face. "Willow, it's time to leave. The maids will help you pack what you need and you will be on your way within the hour."

In her room, a thousand thoughts flew through Willow's head. She combed her long blonde hair as the maids packed her belongings. She wondered if her mother and father would be okay. They had a powerful army and the castle had strong defenses, but worry still remained in her mind. Her worries drifted to this distant land that she was to be sent to, and the three sons. Would the people be kind? Would the sons?

Soon, her things were gathered and after a few short goodbyes were said, Willow was loaded into a carriage. As the horses drew her farther and farther away, the princess stared at her former home through the window for as long as she could. She had never known anywhere else. There were only a few occasions she had even left the castle grounds.

The carriage traveled through the night and Willow fell asleep after a short while. Her sleep was restless. Nightmares of war and evil men filled her mind. She imagined her home stormed by shadowy figures armed with spears and swords. They were after the king and they broke through his soldiers defenses ruthlessly. As they reached the king's chambers, one especially large figure knocked the door down with ease. Inside, the king and queen lay in bed. They awoke and began to scream as the shadows drew their weapons.

"Princess," a voice woke Willow from her restless slumber. It was morning now and soft light poured in through the open door of the carriage. She yawned and rubbed her eyes, still dazed from the awful dream. "Good morning, Princess Willow," the voice said again. It was a man standing outside her carriage. He smiled at her. "Welcome to Hoenford."