Exile

Exile by Anne Osterlund, 2011 Speak

     After she's survived the attempts on her life and realized the palace can no longer be her home, Aurelia, Crown Princess of Tyralt, goes on an expedition to meet her subjects. She brings her closest friend and protector Robert but their recent trials have put up a wall between the friends. Guilt on both sides makes them pick at each other and their camaraderie crumples into grouching.
     When Melony's reach nearly ends both Aurelia and Robert's lives they flee with only each other to depend on. The Princess's breakdown immediately following the latest attempt on her life drives home to her that even far from her home and renouncing everything that ties her to the throne Aurelia is a threat to her sister Melony.
     Robert leads the headlong race from their pursuers and the pair stumble upon the kingdom's best-kept secret: Aurelia's mother. The princess attempts to form a relationship with her mother, but it is the former queen's distance that finally pushes her back into some semblance of a life and onto the road where she and Robert can continue her mission to know her people.
     A stop with Robert's parents shows her what she has lost as a result of her family's position, and allows her to love her lifelong friend a little more. Aurelia has always known she needs Robert by her side, but fleeing from his family's homestead brings home just how much. They flee to the desert where they discover Melony's plot was much more extensive than anyone gave her credit for.
     On the run with only one person in the world she can trust, Aurelia must find the presence of spirit to conquer the fears that chase her. Depending on and caring for her friends bolsters her strength as her story pushes ever toward a confrontation with her manipulative sister. Violence abounds as Aurelia's life is in danger, but there are softened moments of passion. Teens and older readers will enjoy her feisty spirit.