Keepsake

As the princess of the kingdom, it was my job to learn as much as I could. I spent my days learning of my kingdoms people, of the markets and the culture. However, being a princess was tiring. I enjoyed sneaking out and into town where I would meet with my friends. Of course they didn't know that I was a princess. It would change their view of me.

I spared no glance to the guards as I easily snuck past them, my hood hiding my face. I had the facial features that most of my family had. Lush black hair, pale skin and warm honey colored eyes. According to my Granny, if I ever used my powers, my eyes would change. She wouldn't go into depth, as it was a taboo topic.

I had been sneaking out of the palace for years now. And at the age of 19 I felt trapped almost. I couldn't go anywhere without guards. It would seem ideal but I knew I could handle a few thugs. The good thing about being part of the royal family is that we learn to fight, as not only a tradition but a means of self worth.

The cobblestone road was easy to navigate, just as it was when I was 13. The same shops and stands still stood.

Near the edge of the city was a tavern, tucked in between two large shops. It's paint was peeling and the sign was tilting more and more everyday.

A hand clapped down on my shoulder, startling me. I quickly turned around and ducked under the arm before shooting up, fist out.

"Woah! Wait!" Tireus squealed and ducked down before my first could cave in his face.

"What the hell!? Why would you do that!" I growled at my friend and playfully punched his shoulder.

"It wasn't my idea!" Tireus squeaked out.

"Sorry Maven, it was mine." A slick voice called out from the entrance of the tavern.

There stood Nixie. The taverns new owner as of today. She had just inherited it from her Father. She had olive colored skin and black curly hair that framed her face. She too was my best friend. I had meet her and Tireus the first time I ventured out of the palace on my own.

"Well then, where's my apology?" I crossed my arms before waking up the steps and past Nixie.

"Check the bar. It should be at your seat." She snickered and high fived Tireus.

I grumbled and made my way over to "my seat". The place in which I always sat when I was here. There at my seat was a pint of cerasus cervisia, cherry beer. It was my favorite. I had first had it when I was 17, and it was legal for me to drink. Only good memories came from it.

"You look like a bum." Nixie commented from behind the bar.

"Takes one to know one." Tireus snickered next to me. A towel was thrown at him.

"But yeah, Maven there's much we need to talk about." Nixie pointed her painted nail at me.

"Like?" I swatted her hand away and sipped on my drink. The room had gotten dark. I could tell something was off.

"Tireus and I... well I'm sure you've heard of the recent assassination attempts on our allied kingdom?"

Sh*t.

That wasn't supposed to be public information yet. Is there a rat in the palace?

"Nope, first I've heard of it!" I turned towards her, acting attentive.

She sighed, slapped her hand over her face and sighed once more.

"We know who you are. We always have." Tireus spoke up for her. His hands were on the bar and he watched us both.

"Yeah, I'm Maven." I gulped.

"Princess Maven... We have known because we were trained to be your protectors... Your grandmother knew you had been sneaking out all along..." Nixie whispered.

I didn't know what to feel exactly. I just knew that if I did feel anything it would probably hurt.

I slammed my pint down and stood up.

Anger didn't hurt.

"Please understand, we are still your friend's. We know first hand you can take care of yourself. We are just-" Tireus began

"No, I don't understand. You could have told me from the beginning. I wouldn't have to act..." I rubbed at my eyes.

"But you haven't been acting. You've been you!" Nixie came out from behind the bar.

She was right. I was able to be me. I didn't have to be proper around them. I could give bad jokes and not expect any criticism. I was happy. So why... Why was I so angry!?

"I... I need some time to... think." I brushed them off. My emotions felt like they were all coming out at once. Anger. Fear. Love. Adoration. All of it was there.

But then it wasn't. The door to the tavern blasted open, cloaked figures pouring in. Was this a set up?

"Well sh*t..." Tireus mumbled before vaulting over the bar and grabbing the twin swords off the wall.

"We have come for Princess Maven... under the orders of our king." The man growled, and for a split second, his pupils were slit and he's teeth were sharp.