The Queen’s Huntsmen
Issylte was heartbroken when King Donnchadh sent word that he wouldn’t be returning for at least two more weeks. She needed to speak to him, to beg him to bring Gigi back. She struggled to maintain hope, but it was so hard, for her stepmother’s haunting black eyes followed her everywhere. Issylte was tense and frightened all the time. The queen was a coiled serpent, ready to strike.
The only highlight in her life was horseback riding. The Master of Horse, Lord Liam, certainly played a large role in her enthusiasm for all things equestrian. Not only was he attractive—tall and muscular, with long blond hair that he wore pulled back in a leather cord—but his gentleness with Luna melted her heart.
His eager smile lit up his handsome face. Issylte was thrilled whenever he flashed her a friendly grin. She loved the way Liam handled the horses, the kindness and patience he showed her in their daily equestrian lessons. He’d taught her to care for Luna herself, and Issylte treasured the time they spent together—whether riding through the forest, galloping across the plains, or mucking out the stalls. Lord Liam was the only one who didn’t seem to mind herunprincesslikebehavior.
Liam arranged riding lessons for Issylte each day, always accompanied by at least six of her royal guards. As they rode through the verdant forest, the wind whipping her hair, the fragrance of pine needles filling the air, Issylte was gloriouslyfree, far from the menacing eyes of her wicked stepmother, the handsome Liam at her side.
Today, Issylte’s handmaidens had accompanied her to the stables, where the royal guards were already mounted and prepared for her daily ride. Yet, Issylte did not recognize any of the faces of her knights. A surge of panic washed through her.
Perhaps they are in training,thought Issylte, trying to calm her racing pulse.
Liam helped her into the saddle. He stroked Luna’s mane and crooned into the mare’s ear.
“Good girl, Luna. Good girl.”
Liam’s horse was not saddled.Where was Golnar, his stallion?
“Lord Liam, aren’t you riding with me today?”
She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. The leather reins shook in her wet hands.
The Master of Horse seemed troubled, preoccupied.
“Not today, Your Highness. I’ve been informed that Lords Cian and Bolduc will accompany you in my stead.” Lord Liam gestured to two of the six royal guards already mounted in their saddles.
Upon these words, the dark-haired Lord Cian addressed her. With his grisly beard, brooding eyes, and gruff voice, he seemed like a bear. Issylte did not want to go riding with him.
“Yes, Your Highness. Queen Morag suggested that perhaps you tire of the monotony of the same trail each day.”
He nodded to the clean-shaven huntsman beside him. “Lord Bolduc and I shall show you a different route—one that leads to the sea.”
The two huntsmen exchanged glances. Issylte didn’t like the menace in their eyes. Something was very wrong. She could feel a thrum from the forest. A warning.
“Indeed, Your Highness, it is most beautiful. I have no doubt you will enjoy it immensely. And now, Princess Issylte, we shall proceed. Lord Bolduc and I—and these fine royal guards—are all at your service.”
Lord Cian bowed his head, tugged his horse’s reins, and headed towards the forest. Lord Bolduc and several of the royal guards followed his lead. Issylte glanced back at Lord Liam. He was standing there, watching her go. She had the sudden urge to race back to him.
“This way, Your Highness. To the sea.” Lord Cian kicked his horse and led her into the dense woods. The remaining wo knights filed in behind her. Preventing her retreat. Issylte’s mouth went dry, and her hands shook as she clutched the reins tightly.
They rode deep into the foreboding forest, where the earthy scent of rich loam mingled with the rot of decaying leaves from ancient oaks. The woodland trail was unfamiliar, the gnarled branches and roots making the journey increasingly treacherous.
She struggled to keep up with Lords Cian and Bolduc.
The two huntsmen were quickening their pace, turning this way and that, along the sinuous path that required her constant attention, for Luna could easily be injured. The thick canopy of oak and beech trees blocked nearly all the sunlight. It was becoming nearly impossible to follow the dangerous serpentine trail.
Urging their horses to quicken their speed, the huntsmen delved deeper and deeper into the forest with Issylte desperate to keep up. She didn’t know these woods and would never be able to return to the castle on her own.
Her hands trembled so much, she could hardly ride. Her pulse pounded; her stomach clenched in a knot.
Flustered and frightened, she realized with dread that the other guards were no longer behind her and that she was alone with two strange men. The forest itself was warning her of imminent danger.
Cian halted abruptly.
Bolduc stopped his horse in front of Luna, blocking Issylte’s path.
Cian flew out of his saddle and yanked Luna’s reins out of her hand. Issylte couldn’t breathe.
