Queen of a Kingdom

By Chloe Davis

A Young Adult Fantasy fiction that follows the story of Kassadina, first female heir to one of the four Kingdoms in the past two-hundred years. Sent to the Academy to prepare for the upcoming war, Kassadina must balance hiding her title from those closest to her whilst avoiding unnecessary attention from the King. As threats draw closer, Kassadi

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chloe Angela Davis
• Release date: Sep 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781739605711

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

‘I t’s a lot of stone.’ Kassadina cocked her head to the side, looking up at the Academy in front of her, before returning her attention to her companion. In a similar state of disbelief, Cordell kept his hands clasped behind his back, nodding along.

‘Nothing like the Citadel.’ He was correct, as usual. The Academy was one of the oldest buildings in Adessna, as was the Citadel, although it had been rebuilt in glass and metal recently.

‘You’ve got a meeting with the Council, Your Grace.’ Cordell added, while Kassadina darted around sharply.

‘Do try to keep that a secret, Cordell.’ She rolled her eyes at him, ignoring the way his lips tugged up at the corner, a habit that often came when they were around each other.

The two of them set off in step, already exhausted from the two-mile journey they’d made from the carriages. It was moving-in day, and while she didn’t think people would notice that their steeds were slightly higher-status than expected, hiding was her main objective. The courtyard was bustling, people flocking towards the building that stretched across the open space. Nobody paid attention to the two of them, even though the sight must have been strange.

Cordell, despite her pleading, was dressed in the traditional Adessnan leathers worn by military people. At a little over six foot four, he easily towered over most of the students brushing past them. If none of that was enough to gain attention, his skin was. Like hers, he was a darker shade than usual for most of Adessna.

‘You could have picked slightly nicer clothing, my lady.’ Cordell struggled with titles, which she could understand. They’d known each other since she was a girl, and he was part of her father’s Guard.

But this all relied on Kassadina not being recognised. Her father had told her it didn’t matter, that she could attend the Academy as her title, but she had no intention of doing so. She may not ever have attended a school, but she knew that gossip would spread quickly.

‘My clothing is perfectly suitable,’ she shot back, adjusting the satchel on her shoulder. Just a normal tunic and a binder around her stomach to keep it fitted. Given the late August sunshine, she was thankful for her choice.

‘You look like one of them.’ Cordell stayed by her side as they entered the building, avoiding a group of first years looking around in confusion.

‘That’s the idea.’ The hallways, while not familiar, were recognisable. She’d studied Adessna’s Academy, had dreamed about attending as a child. She and Korrine had planned on being the first of Adessna’s Royals to attend. Excluding Mother, if she counted as Adessnan.

‘I know this was your dream, my lady, but…’

She wasn’t a child anymore, though. She was eighteen, old enough to be sent here to prepare for the war that was coming. This may not have been her dream, as Cordell pointed out, but she would have followed her brother to the Academy regardless.

‘Hurry up, we can’t make a bad impression.’ Her interruption indicated the end of the discussion as she took the stairs towards the office.

If she’d thought the outside was different from her home, then the interior was completely foreign, with cracked stone and long winding passages she tried to recall from the map she’d studied. Clearly, the royal coin was being spent closer to the King, as opposed to the Academy.

‘You’re Heir to the throne,’ Cordell replied bluntly but ascended the stairs two at a time in acceptance of her need to be punctual.

She wasn’t supposed to be the heir.

‘This way.’ She reached the door, knocking twice in quick succession and waiting for permission to enter.

The inside, much like the rest of the Academy, was furnished in the old oak and mahogany themes, with wooden furniture that was both clumpy and unmoveable. But Kassadina was more intrigued by the people inside.

The first was a middle-aged woman, with greying flecks in her dark hair but a genuine smile. Her navy dress almost hit the floor, the colour suiting her magic, which Kassadina had sensed the moment they reached the Academy grounds.

‘Princess Kassadina, we didn’t hear your carriage arrive.’

The door clicked shut behind her, Cordell taking his position as her guard, a constant that she could appreciate.

‘I am aware that Father informed you of my arrival.’ She lingered, briefly looking at the other three in the room, before staring back at the Professor, ‘But I would prefer if my title was kept within this room.’

Professor Zambe was, without a doubt, one of the greatest scholars of her time. A strategist with expert knowledge on both herbology and magic. Even those with magic, and it was a rarity, did not have the control that she was rumoured to possess. She was born outside of Adessna, as her skin tone suggested; they were lucky enough to have the woman in their Kingdom. A relief, considering she would be a dangerous enemy.

Kass knew the others, of course. The oldest of the group was Mr Dyvern, the history expert and one of the Council. The other woman was Ms. Elva, a Dorma-born mathematician who moved to Adessna’s Academy a decade ago. Lastly, the youngest of the Council, the newly-appointed Michael Baxter. He had been a soldier from her father’s own Guard, although he’d been raised in the Academy. Despite being the youngest, in his forties, he was no less of a warrior.

‘We’ll do whatever we can to make your stay at the Academy as comfortable as possible,’ the Professor replied with a quick glance to her colleagues. Unsure, perhaps, of why Kassadina wouldn’t want the Academy to know who she was.

‘I thought I would go by Kass while I am here.’ She’d thought about a different name entirely, but couldn’t risk slipping up by not responding. Kass was close enough that she would remember, but none should make the leap.

After all, she didn’t look like a royal at the moment.

‘I presume the enchantment you’ve weaved’ — Zambe flicked a hand, clearly able to see the magic that surrounded her appearance — ‘is of your own making?’

Kassadina was impressed. She’d spent months perfecting the spell, changing her obvious silver hair to a subdued blonde, placing a contact in her right eye to ensure nobody noticed the heterochromia.

‘It is,’ she said, concern lacing her voice. Her brother had been far more advanced with magic, and while she’d tried to pick up as best as she could…

‘It’s impressive.’ Zambe reassured, like she had the ability to read Kass’s mind.

Of course, she was a teacher. She’d have experience with students practicing complicated arts, would learn to respond and compliment when needed. The praise faded as quickly as it had taken hold, she knew that the woman was just attempting to help her settle.

‘I should be here no more than a term, if my grades are up to your approval.’ Kassadina straightened her spine, clasped her hands behind her back and tried to remind herself she was not in Court. She did not need to hold herself like she would in the Citadel.

‘Your timetable is much the same as the others, although we put you in a more advanced defence class.’

Dyvern offered out a piece of paper, Cordell tensing up behind her. Ignoring the silent warning, she stepped forward to accept, glancing down at the sheet.

It was only a piece of paper.

‘Thank you.’ She’d never been to school, but her tutor had taught both her and Korrine strict lessons fixed to a schedule. This was no different, she told herself.

‘You could stay for the year, Kass. The Academy would be happy to have you.’

She thought of the Council, which her father had appointed to rule over the Academy. It would do wonders for their reputation, to have a princess at the Academy, but that would be inside knowledge. What did they gain from her staying?

‘I must return as soon as Father sees fit. I’m sure you’re aware of the war that the Kingdoms are facing.’ She narrowed her gaze at the Professor, before tucking her timetable into the pocket of her breeches.

‘A unity between the Kingdoms has not been seen in two-hundred years,’ Zambe agreed, with a tone that suggested she knew why Kassadina had been sent here in the first place.

The Princess met her gaze, never one to shy from a challenge. The woman might think she understood what was going on in the King’s mind when he sent Kass here, but she knew nothing. How could she? The woman did not know what it was like to be the heir to one of the Kingdoms.

Let alone a female heir.

‘Then let us hope they stick to the treaty,’ Kassadina remarked, tilting her head before turning to the door. She had things to unpack, roommates to find.

‘Kass.’ A simple word, stated hesitantly, and the Princess looked back at Zambe.

‘You remind me of your mother.’

She studied the woman for a moment, understanding now why her father had sent her here. She was trusted and knew more than most, and Kass was tempted to ask for more information.

Kassadina smiled tightly before exiting the room, Cordell in step behind her.

***

Kass hesitated in the doorway, watching the trio of women currently shuffling around the room. With no choice but to abandon Cordell, seeing as he couldn’t exactly follow her into an all-women complex, she felt rather isolated as she watched the group.

‘Oh, you must be our final member!’ A bright smile greeted her, a girl with braids and a piercing on her lip which Kassadina instantly decided she adored. She’d seen piercings before, mostly on soldiers who used them as proof of status, but it suited her.

‘Kass. My name, I mean.’ She shifted awkwardly, fighting the urge to rub at the back of her neck or apologise. Luckily, the girl didn’t seem deterred by her complete lack of social ability and grinned.

‘Aoife. This is Kara and Riana.’ The other two stopped unpacking to smile, and Kass took stock of the room. It had a living area, with couches and a table in the centre, and a small kitchen in the far corner. There was also a back room, the doors open, and the four beds beyond that.

‘Nice to meet you, Kass. I hope you don’t mind, but we gave you the window bed.’ She followed Riana through to the sleeping quarters and looked at the boxes that were piled up on the other beds.

Riana hovered nervously as Kass looked over the room, lingering on her roommates. Aoife had an air of confidence about her, perched on her bed and talking to Kara like she’d known her for years. Kara was tall, they both were, with blonde hair and brown eyes. Adessnan, without a doubt. Riana, who was still watching Kass, was the shortest of the four of them. Dark hair framed a freckled face, a purple oversized sweater reaching down to her upper thighs.

Turning her attention away from the three women, Kass looked at her bed.

She hadn’t brought that much. A couple of changes of clothes, some coin to go to the local town and buy new items. A book, her weapons, and some stationary. No decorations or niceties, which the others seemed to pick up on when she placed down her satchel and rucksack on her back.

Kass unstrapped her belt and the dagger attached to it. While the Academy was fine with weaponry being carried, especially for students in defence classes, her new roommates might not be so accepting.

‘This is perfect. Thank you.’ Outside the window, the gardens stretched out towards the back of the Academy. Beyond that, the forest that surrounded most of Adessna bordered the line between sky and earth. It was a stark contrast to the rising buildings in the citadel and the growing population.

‘So, are you from Adessna?’ Kara asked as she took a seat on her bed, the one closest to Kass. Aoife left her bed to join Riana, who had positioned herself on the nearest table.

‘From the Capital. What about you lot?’

‘I’m from Dorma. Got accepted with a scholarship,’ Aoife explained. Kass took note of it; scholarships from the Academy were rare, especially to those from other Kingdoms.

‘I’m from the South, by the docks,’ Kara said, looking briefly at the dagger on Kass’s bed. Being from the south explained the little figurine of a fish that Kass had spotted, seated on the bedside table.

‘The North of Adessna, just outside Allerne.’

They came from a mix of places, although Riana and Kara resided in her Kingdom. She wanted to ask more, to learn of their families, but she knew the questions would only come back to her.

‘I must admit, my ma’ was hesitant to let me attend, with the Academy preparing for war.’ Riana piped up. She looked uncomfortable, perhaps even scared, at the thought of war. Kass wondered if it was something she should be fearful of as well.

A murmur spread through the room, Kassadina glancing at each one of them. If they trained in defence, they might be called forth to serve the King. If any of them possessed the slightest shred of magic, then they would have no choice but train to fight. Very rarely were those with magic allowed to skip enlistment, since it was a rare gift.

‘I don’t possess magic, nor do I have any intention of learning defence,’ Aoife joked, nudging Kass’s shoulder in a gesture of affection that made her smile back.

‘You’re taking maths, then?’ It was the other option. In the Academy, one either trained to be a soldier or a strategist. Other roles would come later, ones when talent for a specific skill was spotted, like healing.

‘I am,’ Aoife agreed. ‘I want to be a strategist in the Dorman army once I’ve graduated.’

Kara beamed. ‘I’m also taking maths. Although I doubt I’ll end up as a strategist.’

‘I’m in maths, but I think I might have a little magic.’ Riana told the three of them. Kass blinked, frustrated with herself for not noticing the energy that the girl had before Riana told them.

They spoke so casually to each other, a group of women that had only just met, in perfect understanding as to how to respond. Kass was more shocked than anything else and found herself responding along to the conversation, laughing as they did. Maybe it would not be so difficult to blend into the Academy, to have the last few months of peace before she had to return to the threat of war.

‘And you, Kass?’

A hand settled over hers, which were clasped in her lap. She was unsure when Aoife had come to her side, sitting on the bed beside her like they had known each other for a while, rather than just meeting.

‘I have magic, and I’m training with the defence students.’

‘You want to be a soldier?’ Kara asked.

Kass shrugged.

‘I have a talent.’

‘Lucky.’ Just like that, Kass had found herself a group of friends.

***

‘It is rather grand, is it not?’ Kass remarked, looking across the stretched cafeteria, then back to the people at her side.

‘You speak like a noble,’ Aoife teased, an arm linked through Kara’s, while Kass risked a glance over to Cordell. He’d settled in well enough, talking with some of the older-looking students. It made sense that he would stand out amongst first years.

He was probably still upset that she had asked him to give up his title, if only for the moment. Going undercover meant that he could no longer be one of the King’s Guard. Instead, he would be a mature student, aiming to be enrolled in the war at the end of the year. A perfect cover that nobody would suspect, considering that most of the Kingdom was too busy panicking to notice a singular student. Or, in this case, two students that appeared from nowhere.

‘Maybe she just has more class than you.’ Riana stood at her other side, surveying the room as it filled with more and more people. It was only turning dinner time, but already the room was packed, seats occupied and friendships being formed.

‘We should get some food, before the introduction in the Observatory.’ Kara guided the way, leaving Kass to send another look across the room. Cordell had been right; it would be difficult to hide how she’d been raised, unless she made a bigger effort to speak like her new companions.

***

‘As you are no doubt aware, Adessna is facing one of the greatest threats in its two-hundred-year history.’ Silence remained throughout the hall; the students crammed shoulder to shoulder as they sat on the benches.

Zambe moved out from behind the podium, but she smiled warmly at the room.

‘But we are not alone in this threat. All the Kingdoms of Eldertree are united, and in that, we take the lesson for this year’s study.’

The whole room was captured by the way she moved forward, by the glow that encased her fingertips as she rose a hand in front of her, clenching her fist like a promise. A promise, Kassadina thought, that echoed the agreement struck between the four Kings. Such a thing had not been seen in recent history.

‘Together, at the Academy, we will prepare for this war. We will be ready.’

A cheer took up by the older students, clapping that echoed out as the first years finally caught on, swept up in the wave of enthusiasm.

Kassadina looked to Zambe, catching the Professor’s eye, and watched the nod that the woman sent her way.

She’d thought Adessna’s Academy would be a cold place, away from the comfort that she’d always known.

Perhaps that was not the case.

She dressed for bed, watching as Riana brushed her teeth while leaning against the doorframe. Kara tried to take her sock off without having to bend down to do so. Aoife was reading, a book in her hand as she scanned the lines. Mundane tasks that made Kass feel settled, despite the distance from her home.

All of them were thrilled by the meeting in the Observatory, with a hope about them that had not been present earlier. She could only hope she’d inspire such confidence in her subjects, when she finally came to be Adessna’s King.

Slipping beneath the sheets, she took a moment to appreciate the Academy. Her first day, one of an entire term, and nothing had gone wrong. With a busy schedule tomorrow, she needed sleep, yet she found herself propping up on an elbow, watching as Aoife showed Riana how to braid her hair, a unity having already formed.

Kara was the last to bed, walking across the room to flick the light off and whispering goodnight to the three of them.

Sleep didn’t come easy. It was nothing to do with the bed, nor the company, but the fact she could not help but question why she had been sent here. With the upcoming war, she needed to be by her father’s side, learning how to rule the Kingdom.

‘You were never meant to be King, Kassadina.’

The words of her father echoed in her mind, repeating over and over as she rolled to face the wall, ignoring the light snoring that came from one of the other beds.

In all her ideas, in all her fantasies of Adessna’s Academy, she’d never anticipated the fact that she would not be attending with her brother by her side.

CHAPTER 2

‘H ow did you find your first evening?’ Cordell huffed out, breath misting in the cold morning air as they jogged together. The Academy’s gardens were nothing like the Citadel, but she supposed it would take a while for her to get used to the scenery. Having been raised entirely within the walled-city, with very few excursions outside, Kassadina wondered if the rest of Adessna was as peaceful as the Academy appeared.

Terrifying,’ she joked, picking up the pace as they rounded the edge of the lake, heading towards the herb gardens. The sun was only just rising, stretching out over the Academy and painting the building in a golden hue. It highlighted the wooden beams that supported the towers on either side, looming over them as they continued their run.

‘What classes do you have?’ One thing that frustrated her about Cordell, was his ability to run and hold a conversation, without ever sounding majorly out of breath. Like now, she was pretty sure her cheeks were flushed, and her lungs were gasping in air like a fish out of water.

Then again, he had eight years on her.

‘History, politics, herbology, and advanced defence with the final-years.’ She reached the pathway, slowing down and bending to place her hands on her knees, sucking in the chilled air hungrily.

‘You’re out of shape, Your Grace.’ He was only teasing, nudging at her shoulder as she scowled up at him and stretched out her muscles.

‘Don’t think I won’t fight you.’ She supposed the threat was amusing, considering the age-gap between them. While she’d been running around in a halter and training strings, Cordell had been rising through the ranks of the Young Guard. It was probably why he was the first one she had spoken to, after the incident.

‘You could certainly try, Princess.’ Now, with her at eighteen, and Cordell at twenty-six, she suspected he was glad to have an adult to talk to. Mind you, she was lucky that Cordell had been in her service for so long. Most of the Guard had been sworn to her brother.

‘Go, shower off. You don’t want to miss breakfast.’ He tried to act nonchalant, like he wasn’t mothering her, but Kass knew better than to point it out.

Leaving Cordell to vanish back to his own rooms, she made her way to the female dormitories and into the apartment she shared. It was still relatively quiet, save for Riana’s snuffling sounds, so she headed to the showers and cranked the water on.

***

‘Health nut.’ Aoife flicked a gaze to Kass’s plate, before returning to her own pancakes, which were lathered in the thickest syrup Kass had ever seen.

‘Heart-attack on a plate,’ she shot back, pleased when Riana and Kara chuckled.

‘I can’t believe you went out running. It’s freezing!’

Kass took another bite of the fruit, shrugging her shoulders.

‘I’m about to get kicked to the floor by the defence students. I might as well try to keep up.’ The cafeteria was filling quickly, even the lecturers were present, up at the head table.

‘If it makes you feel better, I’ll forget how to add numbers,’ Riana cheerfully exclaimed, finishing off her bacon and glancing around to see if they were done.

Exiting the room was a lot harder than entering, considering the steady flow of people trying to come in. Kass stayed between Aoife and Kara, almost tripping over her feet when she spotted Cordell in a group of final-year looking students. The typical outfit of leather and buckles indicated they were the defence students, the ones she’d have to meet after breakfast.

He was no doubt checking them out, making sure none would pose a threat. She rolled her eyes and sneakily stuck her tongue out at him, revelling in the fact he narrowly avoided colliding with the person in front. She’d be lectured for that later.

‘Kass, you coming?’ Aoife called over her shoulder. Right, she was standing in the doorway.

Kassadina shot one last look to her Guard then jogged to catch up with her roommates.

***

‘It’s a girl.’

‘Shocking observation, Ryar. You’d think you’d never seen one before.’ The boy that spoke didn’t bother to hold her gaze, too busy soaking in the laughter of the other defence students as Kass approached the group.

She looked out of place in her breeches and blouse, binder around her stomach. They were in uniform which was tight fitting with their arms exposed, strange considering they would be fighting with weapons that could do damage. At least the chill in the morning air would give her a reason to warm up quickly.

Despite the comment from one of them, she was not the only girl in the group. She counted three others that were studying her as she put her bag down on the side. These training grounds were for the final year students only. To the end of the gardens, eight separate rings were spread out. A large mat was placed in the centre, where the students were currently waiting. Behind them were the weapon racks. Kass tried not to get distracted by the shining metal, moving to the benches with her head held high. Abandoning her water, Kass tried her best not to feel intimidated by those in front of her.

She had been trained in the Citadel since she was a child, and although she believed herself to keep up with their attacks, what if her tutors had been kind? What if she couldn’t keep up with them? Her father would never let her take the Crown if she couldn’t keep up with the army, especially not during the biggest war Adessna had faced in a very long time.

‘Ignore them. I’m Ryar’s sister, Jillian.’ A hand was offered out, smooth skin and sharp eyes that watched as Kass accepted, shaking firmly.

What was it with everyone being taller than her? Kass mentally thanked Elder for Riana, studying the woman in front of her. Short, cropped hair and green eyes that didn’t leave her own.

‘Kass.’

‘First year?’ Jillian asked.

‘Advanced,’ she retorted, needing nobody to doubt that she belonged here.

‘Must be pretty good,’ Jillian mused, more talking to the others, than to her.

Kass didn’t say anything and instead turned to the approaching figure, relaxing when she recognised their teacher. Michael Baxter seemed at home in the open fields of the training ground, a sword slung at his side as he came to a stop in front of them.

The others formed a line, standing square in a position Kass copied. Unlike her time at the Citadel, there was no bowing or formalities exchanged, just a quick smile from Michael as he nodded to them.

‘Welcome back, guys. I’m sure I don’t need to mention the necessity of training harder this term.’ He paused, letting the words take effect, before continuing, ‘But you may have noticed we have a new member.’

Kass swallowed down her fear, trying her best to reveal a confident smile.

‘Kass, I’ll be pairing you up with Arcane today. He’ll take you through our routines.’

Arcane, the brunet that had spoken up against Ryar, didn’t look too pleased to be paired with her. Kass followed him to one of the training mats, copying his lead as he gestured to the weapons rack.

Cordell had told her she did not need to prove herself so early. If she truly wanted to hide her upbringing, letting them think she was slightly less skilled than she was might have been a good idea.

Kass considered this as she tested the balance of the sword she picked up before deciding against it.

If she was to become a Queen, then she had to be quicker, smarter, more ruthless than any of her other comrades. She should prove that she deserved to be here, amongst people that would one day be soldiers for the Crown.

Then, just before she readied herself, she caught Michael watching. A frown set onto his face, studying her almost as if he wanted to warn against her pushing too hard.

Arcane had none of the hesitance that she felt, swinging his sword down sharply as if testing that she truly was awake. Blocking it was easy, if slightly startling, to know that she had to make her decision.

Around them, the others were sparring, but she could feel eyes on the back of her neck as she defended against Arcane’s swings. He was well-practiced, right-handed in his attacks, with feet that seemed to skip over the mat as he continued his offensive strategy. Kass found herself relaxing, the sword in her hand melding into her skin as she side-stepped a blow, covering her side as she moved back to her side of the mat.

‘Why are you holding back?’

The question was accompanied by Arcane throwing his weight at her, and Kass was too surprised to stop the full-force of the impact. Her sword was rigid in her hand, the shock going straight up her wrist and to her shoulder, feet stumbling as she straightened her back.

‘I have no idea what you mean,’ she said, rolling her wrist and swapping her sword to the other hand.

Arcane looked surprised, before testing her new hand with a simple swing.

‘Ambidextrous?’

Trained, she wanted to say, to wield a weapon with both hands. Trained with a hand tied behind her back, or a blindfold over her eyes, or both hands restrained.

‘Skilled.’ She wasn’t sure why she was teasing him, challenging him to fight, but the briefest of smiles flicked across his face.

‘Enough!’ Michael called from somewhere at the edge of the ring, swapping partners for except the two of them.

By the time the class had ended, Kass was exhausted. Her arms ached, shoulders protesting as she lowered her sword. Arcane didn’t look much better, sweat sticking his hair to his forehead, shirt clinging against his skin.

She wondered if Korrine would have found that attractive.

‘Kass, Arcane, a word after class.’

Water was her first stop as she watched the others pack, stretch and return in the direction of the Academy. It was probably close to lunch, and Kass wondered if she should find her roommates.

Michael patiently waited for the