The Secret Defense

For the love of a father... Esalda drifted through life, a life already plotted and set for her. As a Princess, she had to be pretty, walk prettily, even eat prettily. As an ultimate goal in life, she had few options open to her – marry a Prince from a neighboring land, or one of the Lord-Holders or Lord-Holders sons, and have a male Heir. Limited options, indeed. She dreamed of a perfect love, but had no real expectations of finding him. Such was the life of a Princess of Valendi. Simple. Immutable. Inescapable. She accepted it, and just enjoyed the free time she had until then. Likewise, her father, the King, needed a male Heir, and would remarry to have one. Neither of them could marry for love, and that was the way of it. Until the politics of the Kingdom tried to take everything she cherished away from her. Now she must become more than she ever thought she would be. Now she must learn the dance of words and swords, and she must do so quickly, and in secret. For when the silken veneer of naiveté is ripped away, only knowledge and a ready blade can stand between her death. And her own mind is her only defense. The Secret Defense