Human: A Fantasy Romance

was the royalty here, not him. But I knew he would go crying to my parents, telling them how unladylike and rude I had been. The last thing I wanted was for my father to sigh and look at me with pleading eyes while he told me, again, how important it was to be nice to staff.  Frankly, if my mother―the hot head of the two―had to deal with the real Preston for more than five minutes, she would come undone and fire him, but I didn’t have my mother’s authority, and Preston would forever kiss my parent’s asses in hopes of a promotion. They would never see fault in his actions and only believe his accusations against me.

I slid off Poison after I made sure he was perfectly calm again, and then I led him out of the arena and back into the barn. I handed him to the first groom I saw and told him what Poison needed, trying not to sound too dejected. I knew the staff in my barns were the best for miles, but Poison was still my horse who deserves my attention.

“Come now, Adeline! We can’t keep your parents waiting any longer!” Preston called.

I grumbled profanities under my breath and walked behind him.

I supposed to many people I was lucky. I lived in a grand palace with my loving parents. We had acres upon acres of land to ourselves, more than enough luxurious cars, a handful of staff to attend to our needs, and a healthy amount of guards to protect us from every angle. I had clothes from every material in every style hand-sewn by my personal seamstress, and my parents didn’t bat an eye when I said I wanted horses and a big fancy barn.

When I was young, I thought it was all amazing. I had an indoor swimming pool to impress all my friends, a big theater room inside my own house, my room was enormous, and I had personal chefs who would make whatever I was craving at the wave of a hand. But now, things were different. I was completely alienated from my peers; it seemed like my only real friend now was my horse, and my days were filled with lectures about things I hardly cared about: the correct etiquette, how to curtsey, and the history of the waltz. And through it all, there was Preston, tailing me, watching my every move.

I sighed, removing the thoughts from my brain as I moved behind Preston, entering the dining hall.

“Ah, Adeline,” my mother said excitedly, “we were waiting for you. Come sit and eat with us.”

My father’s green eyes glimmered when he took in my state. “How is Poison today?”

I blushed as I looked down at my riding gear. Yes, my riding clothes were the top of the line, but riding clothes were not to be worn at dinner. Dinner was a time for grand gowns, and when I glanced warily at my mother, I felt my heart drop. She was, in fact, wearing a specular dress and one of her prettier crowns. While I had taken after my goofy father, she was a vision of perfect refinement.

“I’m sorry, your Majesties. I tried to get her here earlier, but she refused to get off her horse,” Preston whined.

I nearly rolled my eyes but resisted and instead, sat down at the table.

“It’s fine, Preston,” my mother said. “You are dismissed.”

Preston’s smile gleamed brightly at my mother, then he bowed deeply and scurried away like the dirty little rat he was.

“So?” my father prompted.

“So what?” I said stiffly, ready for an argument about disobeying Preston. Or a harsh comment about my attire.

“How is that horse of yours?”

“Oh,” I diffused quickly, but beamed with happiness as my thoughts progressed. “He’s getting so much better, Dad. He’s incredibly responsive to me; you should’ve seen him today. He listens so well, and I know it’s because he’s starting to trust me more. You should come watch me sometime.”

My dad smiled happily. “Sure. Maybe next week. I’m swamped this week,” he said. “But I’m glad to hear that he’s turning around. I have to admit that I was quite worried when you first got him; he was really wild.”

My mom scoffed. “That horse is just like her. If anyone could tame a wild beast, it would be another wild beast.” I knew she was trying to be the disciplinary parent, but I could see some humor in her eyes.

If you enjoyed this sample, look for

 The Princess and the Alpha

on Amazon.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank all those who helped me publish this book, as well as all the stories that pushed me to write a story for a younger audience.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Thank you so much for reading Human! I can’t express how grateful I am for reading something that was once just a thought inside my head.

Please feel free to send me an email. Just know that my publisher filters these emails. Good news is always welcome.

[email protected]

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book. Please leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads because I just love reading your comments and getting to know you!

Can’t wait to hear from you!

Indigo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Indigo Jewel grew up in a Minnesotan suburb until she moved to Nevada at the age of fourteen. She began to write stories and eventually wrote the book Human which was finished nearly a year and a half later. Indigo continues to live with her family in Southern Nevada as she studies at a local university.