Hostage Most Royal — Margaret Hope

"I'll never manage to hit a target!" Princess Anya was reluctant to take Zaro's pistol. She was a poor shot, and besides, even the murderous brigands surrounding their carriage were not enough to induce her to kill another person. But this was not what Zaro had in mind. "You will hit this target, never fear," he said. "For if I am killed and you are left to the mercies of these savages..." Then, putting her trembling hand around the pistol, he guided it to her mouth.