Mysterious Warriors: Alone by T. N. Hayden Page A

Margaret explained and looked at the man.
                  He was tall with dark hair and eyes. He looked strong, and he looked like he could handle a woman like Tara.
                  “Mom.” Tara gestured between them. “You remember Baron Stefan Graem.”
                  “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Your Highness.” Stefan bowed and kissed the queen’s hand.
                  He was chivalrous too. Queen Margaret smiled. “The pleasure is mine. It’s a rare day indeed when my daughter is willing to court someone.”
                  “Mother.” Tara was red, and the queen was surprised. She didn’t know Tara could be embarrassed.
     
                  Tara knocked on Terena’s door. She let out a slow breath, and she needed to think, somewhere to escape the men in her life.
                  “Tara.” Terena opened the door and let the princess in. “What brings you here?”
                  “Did you hear the news about Stefan and me?”
                  “I’m the one who told your mother.” Terena shook her head as she closed the door. “She’s suddenly feeling a lot better, and she thinks she might actually be able to venture out of bed now because of the good news.”
                  Tara groaned. “Of course Mother would feel better now.”
                  “Are you second-guessing your choice to court the baron?”
                  “No.” Tara had to be completely honest. “It’s just that I didn’t realize how it would make Alex feel, and I’m not sure what to do now.”
                  “Alex Markin, your guard?”
                  Tara nodded. What in Erde was she talking about? She knew Alex was fond of her, and they were friends, but what feelings did Terena believe he had for her?
                  “You don’t know he loves you?” Terena was always blunt. “Are you that blind?”
                  “I don’t want to be.” Tara paused. She had never been good at deciphering feelings. She’d always thought she was, but then she’d thought Blake was playing hard-to-get, not don’t-like-me-because-I’m-female. “Do you really think Alex loves me?”
                  “He’s loved you for quite a while my dear.” Terena sat in a wooden chair. “But it doesn’t matter what Alex feels about you, how do you feel about Sir Markin?”
                  “Alex is a friend.” Tara closed her eyes and sat beside her mother figure. “I haven’t given it much thought as to him being anything else. I wanted to love Thomas, his best friend, but I never realized Alex loved me.” She stood. “Why is this so complicated?”
                  “Love always is.”

 
    ~ Chapter 12 ~
     
                  Cabaya strode with Galdut through the streets of Lower City. Kitnan and Sacrifice moved on the roofs. Sarasa flew above them. Cabaya wondered if she and Sacrifice would ever get along as she did with the other three.
                  Cabaya stopped as Black Hood strode out of one of the alleyways. Beside her stood a woman with long blonde hair tied in two braids. The blonde held a sword, and Black Hood smiled. “Well hello my Mysterious Warriors.”
                  “Your Mysterious Warriors?” Cabaya set an arrow to her bow, and she looked at Black Hood, wondering if the woman would use her powers against her again.
                  Black Hood looked from Cabaya and up to Sarasa. “We meet again.” She frowned. “Where is she?”
                  “Maybe she’s around; maybe she’s in Upper City.” Sarasa answered as she landed beside Cabaya. “I wouldn’t be able to tell you.” Her hands moved so fast Cabaya didn’t see the stream of water until it smacked Black Hood in the