Reflections Beyond (Book 1) now published so sample only

Chapter 12

We approached the edge of my barrier finally after painstaking creeping along and constantly checking behind us. Caden told me to pull it down as gently as I could, which I tried to do.

It was then I noticed another barrier subtly on top of ours. I tested my strength against it but Caden quickly stopped me so as not to attract Ben or my Dads interest.

I wasn’t disappointed for long, as Caden told me it was time to throw some fireballs. He gave me a brief description of how to make one even though he had only ever heard about it. I concentrated thinking fire, heat, flame and forced the thoughts to join into a ball. It was brilliant fun; I held a ball of flame in my bare hand without any pain and then hurled it into the air.

“That was awesome!” I said with glee as I watched fire run up the rim of Ben’s barrier and then it broke away and shattered

“Okay lets ride.” Caden called to me

I dug my heels into Lissa’s sides and her response was lightning fast and before I knew it we were flying along at break neck speed. All I could think was do horses really go this fast?

A few hours of hard riding later we finally started to slow down as we approached a small but well-fortified castle. We rode into the expansive courtyard and strangers rushed out to greet us.

I felt like my while body had gone completely numb as I finally clambered down off Lissa’s back. She pranced around like she wanted to keep going. I petted her neck and told her firmly that I had enough riding for one day.

A small lanky young man came over and gently pulled her reins from my fingers and led her away. I stood trembling as feeling began returning, then before I knew it I was collapsing as my body refused to support itself. Thankfully Caden caught me before I hit the ground.

“That was graceful.” I heard Dalia say as if from a distance.

“She hasn’t ridden for a long while, give her a chance.” Caden answered back.

“Oh dear Goddess, Prince Caden you’ve finally returned to me!” I heard a high pitched squealing voice say.

That snapped me right out of my daze. I looked up to see an incredibly beautiful girl. Her blonde curls lay smoothly against her striking face; her vibrant blue eyes were dazzling and staring endearingly at Caden. She was wearing a luxurious red velvet dress that showed all her assets to their full advantage. I suddenly felt very insignificant and grubby.

I forced myself to stand trying to keep as much dignity intact as I could. There was no way some hussy was going to talk to Caden like that, especially if she made me feel like crap. I forced myself not to scowl at her.

“Are you all right?” Caden asked concerned as he supported me upright.

“I’ll be fine.” I said through gritted teeth as I turned to face the entourage that were standing on the grand front stairs.

“Hello Dalia,” I said politely and she smiled genuinely at me “I heard that comment you know.” Her smile deepened, then I noticed the hussy fawning all over Caden and I let the full force of my stare at her, not that it seemed to affect her.

“Would you like to introduce me?” I managed to say with forced politeness.

“Charlie this is Candice and Candice this is Charlie.” Dalia gestured between us. Candice looked down her nose at me but I stuck my hand out to shake to which she looked at me weird.

“What girl takes a boy’s name?” She said in her whiny voice as her blue eyes turned icy.

“What girl is named after a lolly?” I snapped back taking an instant dislike to her. Both Caden and Dalia laughed like crazy. Round 1 too me!