Shielded

Chapter One 

Even though my throat was as dry as the stone walls of the castle, a silvery ray of hope kept me anchored in the center of the crowded dining hall. Courtiers pressed in all around me, a sea of golden hair and sharp smiles. But not one of them was my brother. And not one of them was his best friend. 

Princess Jennesara! a shrill voice rang out. 

The conversations around me quieted. I ducked my head and pretended to fiddle with the delicate chain lacing the front of my too-tight bodice. A couple moved in front of me, and I took my chance to sidle away from the girl heading my way. 

I d endured Lady Isarr s poorly veiled interest in my brother through all four courses of dinner. I almost told her where she could corner Ren so she d let me eat in peace. If he d truly left me to fend for myself, maybe I still would. 

I rose on tiptoe, my hand clenched in the soft wool skirt of my dress, dismissing one blond head after another. 

Pardon me, I murmured as I brushed by a lord and lady whose names I d forgotten. 

My seventeenth birthday was tomorrow, and most of my father s court had come into Hálenborg when they d learned we d still be celebrating despite the attacks at our northern border that we couldn t seem to quell. Most people had thought the fighting would be over in a month. It d already been seven. 

The spectacle was not what I wanted. But the kingdom needed it, or so my father had told me. He d said the celebration would be worth the resources it required, that Hálenborg could use a boost in morale. 

Dwindling resources aside, I d rather be manning the upper battlements of the castle in a blizzard than chatting or dancing with courtiers. Because even if the white streak in my fair hair was hidden--and I made sure it was always hidden--their discerning scrutiny always left me feeling exposed. But maybe it wouldn t be so bad

KayLynn Flanders is a graduate of Brigham Young University, with a degree in English Language and a minor in editing. When she's not writing, she spends her time playing volleyball, reading, and traveling. She lives in Utah with her family, and is the author of Shielded and Untethered. To learn more about KayLynn, go to kaylynnflanders.com or follow @kaylynnflanders on Twitter.

A Whitney Award Nominee

A gorgeous fantasy that captivates from beginning to end, and a fierce heroine every reader will root for. KATHRYN PURDIE, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Burning Glass and Bone Crier s Moon

Beautiful writing, wondrous world building, and enchanting characters. This is YA fantasy at its most fun. DANA SWIFT, author of Cast in Firelight
 
Intrigue, betrayal, and magical battles follow as . . . Flanders injects humor and a touch of
romance into this suspenseful debut novel packed with twists, turns, joy, and sorrow, and the first-person narrative runs the gamut of human emotion. The ending promises a sequel to an
excellent start. Booklist

[Shielded has] affable characters and moves at a solid clip that will keep readers entertained . . . with its mix of magic and political intrigue. Kirkus Reviews

Weaving action, intrigue, and romance into a fast-paced tale . . . there s plenty to enjoy in this series opener. Publishers Weekly