Thorns of a Princess

Kassidy Kameron Thorns of a Princess Tales of Esper Sea Book 2 Copyright © 2022 by Kassidy Kameron All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission. This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental. Kassidy Kameron asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work. First edition This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy Find out more at reedsy.com For my sister…You are my person. You will always be my person. Contents Opening Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-One Chapter Twenty-Two Chapter Twenty-Three Chapter Twenty-Four Chapter Twenty-Five Chapter Twenty-Six Chapter Twenty-Seven Chapter Twenty-Eight Chapter Twenty-Nine Chapter Thirty Chapter Thirty-One Epilogue Acknowledgment Note from the Author About the Author Also by Kassidy Kameron Opening Thorns. I can feel them. Vibrating. Crawling just beneath the surface of my skin. Itching to get out. But they do not cause me pain. If I’m distracted, I can even forget about them for a moment; pretend they aren’t there—that I’m not cursed. Although that also holds its dangers. Because forgetting means they can get out—they can hurt someone. Inside me, they are powerless. Oh, but how I yearn to set them free. A hug from my mother; the feeling of security that comes from her warm embrace. A kiss on the forehead from my father; assurance of his love through that small act of affection. It can’t happen. I know that. But the emptiness of being here without their touch—without anyone’s touch—is too much to bear. A picture forms in my mind: a tall tower with no door; a prison and—a sanctuary. Chapter One Finnan “I love you, Finnan Reuel. I truly do. You are the only man for me,” Cara says. Her arms encircle my neck, one hand playfully twirling my dark brown, shoulder-length hair. I knew her speech would end with these words. They always do. I had really hoped I could avoid it this time; I thought Cara was wiser than the others. Alas, they never seem to understand that I just don’t do relationships. A couple of walks, a picnic lunch, a few innocent kisses, and all of a sudden, they think I am going to pledge my undying love. “Well, aren’t you going to say something?” Cara prods when I don’t respond, hope still evident in her light gray eyes. We’re in the alleyway behind her parents’ pastry shop and the smell of freshly baked bread permeates the air. What can I say? I pull her hands from my neck and hold them gently between us. “My apologies, Cara. I didn’t intend to give you the impression that I was courting you. I just do not feel that way about you. But I hope we can still be friends.” I give her my best grin. The one that usually gets me whatever I want. Yet, as expected, she does not take the words well. They never do. Most cry. Some shout at me. Others have even doused me with apple cider, water, or any other liquid near at hand. Once, I had to dodge flying porcelain projectiles. Not exactly pleasant. At least Cara’s family deals in soft food—the worst I could get is perhaps a stale piece of rye to the head. Cara tugs her hands free, her eyes narrowing in a fierce scowl. “Why, you filthy knave! Rogue! How dare you?” All right, so Cara’s a shouter. I will try to talk her down for a moment, but then I’m out of here. I hold my palms up in a placating gesture. “Sweet, beautiful Cara. Pray, do not be angry with me. Is it my fault that I am cursed with devilishly handsome features and endless charm?” I reach out to touch her again, hoping to soften the blow my words deal. The attempt serves only to increase her ire. She swats my hand away and swings for my face. I duck under her arm, easily avoiding the strike. She redirects her aim to my body. Her arms flail, hitting and punching me. It tickles a little and I try hard to hold in my laughter. I doubt it would help the situation. But I’ll be in even worse trouble if her dad or brother hear her screams and come out, so I bolt. I dash out of the alley and enter the main street, slipping between some of the strolling townsfolk. I easily hide myself in the crowd and lose her almost instantly. Once I’m certain she’s not giving chase, I slow to a leisurely pace and meander my way through the vendor shops. Eldora, the capital city of the kingdom of Aelia, is bustling at midday. I walk along next to the stalls set up and down the street, taking in their wares. Cloth, spices, jewelry… My mother and father have one of their own selling wool. The thought of seeing my parents brings a sudden clarity, and knowing I will surely get an earful if they spot me in town, I scurry down a side street and leave the city, heading for home. I’m supposed to be helping my brothers herd the sheep; but really, how many shepherds does a group of sheep need? That won’t stop the three of them from complaining, though. I sneak up to the outskirts of where I expect them to be, hoping to pretend