:4dawin:

July 21st of 1312, the day prior to the ball Lena arrives in Camilla, the capital of the kingdom. Lena sleepily climb out of the carriage as the maids and manservants proudly greet me.

Lena politely greets back the family employees as Holly carefully herds towards the bedroom. Still rather tired from the trip, Lena complies as she falls sound asleep onto the bed. Fore ere tomorrow the trumpets of war will sound.

The next evening, Lena is awoken by Holly to begin the preparations for tonight’s ball. Lena groggily leans over the edge of the bed, rubbing her toes in the soft carpet. Without a word, Holly drags Lena to the washroom, where a steaming warm bath is waiting for her.

Still rather drowsy, Lena submerges herself in the lavender scented bath water as Holly washes her hair. The maids and Holly chatter lulling Lena back to sleep. Before she falls asleep, Holly accidently yanks Lena’s hair.

Wide awake Lena winces in pain as Holly not very convincingly apologies, “I’m so sorry, Milady. But it’s time for you to get out.”

Lena rubs her sore head as she climbs out shivering with cold. Holly holds out a fluffy robe that Lena but all dives into. Like herding an unruly sheep, the maids make sure Lena sits at a table to eat, while they fix her hair.

Holly and some of the other maids begin the vicious battle of which dress should be chosen. An hour later after her hair and makeup are done, the dress has yet to be chosen. Left with no other choice, Lena sternly says, “I want to wear the black gown with the plunging V-neck, that is open at the back and has small blue flowers sewn on the skirt.”

The maids all protest at her words. “But it’s Black!” “Black is only for funerals or robes!” “Milady, please reconsider this an engagement party, what will people say?”

Lena raises an eyebrow at their comments. “Let them whisper, it’s not as though my reputation can be worsened. Besides Ladies, black is slimming and rather sexy,” Lena confidently said.

The maids glance nervously each other for a moment, before reluctantly helping Lena dress. The maid’s eyes widen in admiration as Holly reluctantly praises her by saying, “Milady was correct, but don’t think that black is good for every occasion, Milady!”

Lena leans down to rub her face against the soft, golden strawberry hair. Holly glares up at Lena and accidentally steps on Lena’s foot causing her to let out a whimper. Holly snorts under her breath and marches over to the door to allow Sebastian to enter.

Sebastian flawlessly says, “Milady, the carriage is ready, shall we depart?”

Lena follows Sebastian out as the maids and manservants tear up and curtsy in the hallway. With the aid of Sebastian, Lena climbs into the carriage as Holly and the rest of the family’s servants gather at the entrance to wish her luck.

The carriage sets off towards the palace. The pace is steady as most of the guests have arrived leaving Lena slightly late. The carriage rolls to a stop at the grand royal palace as footman helps Lena out of the carriage.

Lena climbs up the white marble footsteps leading to the palace, before walking down the beautifully decorated, violet carpeted floor that leads towards the ballroom. Lena takes a moment breathe deeply, before motioning for the palace servants to open the ballroom doors. The ballroom doors open loudly and interrupt the ending of the King’s speech.

Slightly unease Lena watches as the entire crowd turns to glance at her as she glides down the golden marble, grand staircase. Lena smile politely and say, “My sincerest apologies your majesty, but I had a bit of trouble making my way to the palace.”

Lena’s words echo as everyone turns towards his majesty for his reaction. His majesty, King Julius Sorrell slightly nods accepting the apology. King Julius claps his hands together, before taking Queen Florence by the hand and saying, “Let the ball commence.”

The courtiers clap at the king’s words as everyone moves to the side to allow their majesties the first dance. Lena glides towards her mother and father, who smile proudly at her. Women and men’s eyes alike follow Lena’s path along with a torrent of whispers.

“So that’s the scorned women of the crown prince.”

“Well, if he doesn’t want her, I wouldn’t mind having her.”

“Fool, just because she is beautiful does not mean all that much!”

“One day she’s smiling and the next day she will easily stab you in the heart.”

“Did you see the tramp?”

“Did you see what she’s wearing? The nerve!”

“Maybe, she thinks she can recapture his majesties affection that way!”

Lena easily ignores the jabbed whispers as she warmly smiles her parents as she greets her mother. Her mother reaches over and gives her hand a small squeeze before letting go as her father watches from across the ballroom.

Lena impatiently waits for the dance to end, before making her way to her father and fails to notice the gathering of individuals surrounding the cute and charming heroine, Delilah Elm.

Before Lena could reach him, a familiar young knight stands in her way.

Flint Alcott glares at the brazen woman and says, “You are not wanted here, Lady Bartholomew.”

Before Lena can respond a sweet voice chimes in, “It’s alright Flint, there is nothing to worry about.” At the charming voice words, Flint relents and allows Lena to pass.

Lena grunts unhappily, but protocol must be followed. Lena politely curtsies to the crown prince and Delilah. “Congratulations your majesty and Lady Elm on your upcoming nuptials,” Lena honestly said.

As Lena rises to feet to her grand dismay sees her father even further away. Without bothering to excuse herself, Lena rushes past the startled love target members towards her father. But all too well her father is surrounded by courtiers.

Lena sighs with frustration and makes her way to an open balcony to wait for the crowd to thin. She merely wished to live in peace. But perhaps that was her flaw.

In the distance the clattering of a horse neighing loudly is heard. Lena eyes fly open as she remembers her objective. All was not lost, the war had just begun.

Lena marches purposefully back to the ballroom and makes her way towards his majesty. Through the throng of people, Lena notices that the cute heroine is missing along with the rest of her love candidate entourage.

A few meters from his majesty, the door slams open booming loudly across the hall. His majesty frowns as a dirty, injured soldier rudely shoves his away past the nobility before coming to a kneeling halt in front of his majesty.

His majesty frowns at the soldier and waits for the soldier to speak. The soldier holds out a blood stained letter to his majesty and says, “Your majesty it is urgent news from Captain Lark and it is for your eyes only.”

Without hesitation a trusted advisor rushes forward and takes the letter from the soldier. Before his majesty can react the trusted advisor reads the letter out loud.

“To his majesty,

I, Captain Lark write to you for the last time; I having been severely wounded in the defense of the fort and do not have much time left. Upon my passing, Lieutenant Darrell will assume command of the fort.

By the time this letter reaches you, your majesty I sincerely pray that the fort has yet to fall into the hands of our enemies. We are vastly outnumbered and under armed to sustain a prolonged siege.

We are currently holding the fort of Terra against a large number of soldiers from the Kingdom of Cypress as the Kingdom of Cypress has officially declared war against us.

May the gods bless the Kingdom of Alyssum and his majesty. And if the gods willing may they hear our desperate prayers and allow for reinforcements to reach us in time.

Yours Truly,

Captain Lark.”

The advisor turns pale upon realizing the grand and possibly deadly mistake he just committed. The ball is suddenly full with the clamor of fearful and indignant voices. Lena smirks to see her father sigh in annoyance at the advisor’s actions. Her father had repeatedly warned his majesty that promoting that man to the position of advisor was an error, but his majesty steadfastly ignored her father’s counsel.

Before the advisor can apologize, his majesty silences the advisor with a single glare that promises to deal with him later. His majesty turns towards the crowd and firmly says, “Silence.”

His majesty turns to the soldier and heartfelt says, “Young man, go rest. You have served your country this day and your sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

The soldier almost collapses with relief as some servants rush over and help him to his feet. They lead the weary, injured soldier out of the ballroom to receive urgent medical attention.

As the soldier disappears from sight, General Tiberius Kingley, steps out from the stunned crowd. The general approaches his majesty and bows. Raising his head, he firmly says, “Your majesty it is critical, we immediately have a war counsel. We must send immediate word and gather all the generals.”

The prime minster frowns and coldly retorts, “And what of the fort of Terra? By the time the counsel is gathered the fort will have fallen into enemy hands.”

The general glares hatefully at the prime minster who coldly glares back. Before the two men can begin to argue, his majesty holds out a hand to stop them. “If we send reinforcements, can the fort still be saved? If the Cypress Army manages to push through the Azalea mountain pass, the city of Clover waits defenseless below.”

General Tiberius without hesitation responds, “General Percy Byron, who is in attendance as well can testify to my following words. Once a fort is too badly damaged, it is impossible to successfully defend. If we send reinforcements to the fort of Terra, we are only sending those men to their deaths.”

His majesty gazes questioningly at General Byron, who steps forth from the crowd and greets him as usual. “General Tiberius speaks the truth your majesty, it is not possible for the Fort of Terra to be saved,” General Byron respectfully said in his bowed state.

His majesty nods and mutters, “I see.” The prime minster frowns in frustration unable to say or contradict the King.

Stepping forth from the crowd without hesitation Lena approaches his majesty. The prime minster gazes with confusion and wariness at his daughter’s actions as she curtsies to his majesty.

“I beg to differ your majesty. Not only will I stake my very life that the fort be saved. But with added reinforcements the fort can destroy the army from the north,” Lena confidently said as she raised her gaze to meet his majesty’s.

The ballroom is suddenly filled with guffaws and incredulous voices. His majesty seriously studies the girl before him.

Rudolph would often brag about the strength and cleverness of his daughter. He would often lament that she had not been born a boy with her fighting prowess. He would joke that his son should have been born a daughter and vice-a-versa.

The crowd is full of disbelief that his majesty is not instantly dismissing the strumpet’s words.

“But how do I know you are capable of such a feat, Lady Bartholomew?” His majesty objectively said as he eyed the girl.

“Test me here and now. If I am capable of defeating General Tiberius without a weapon, I am more than capable of protecting the Fort of Terra. But if I am not capable of defeating General Tiberius, then I am willing to accept whatever punishment his majesty decides for my impertinence,” Lena firmly retorted.

General Tiberius scornfully says, “Surely you are jesting child,” as he glares at the Prime Minster, certain that he is the culprit behind the chit’s actions.

The room begins to be filled with voices again, but hastily vanish at the upraised hand of his majesty. King Julius studies the girl for a few more seconds, before solemnly saying, “Very well, General Tiberius choose your weapon.”

Duchess Bartholomew gasps as she faints in the background as some of her Medici family members catch her. The prime minster nods firmly at his daughter. Sebastian had kept him informed of his daughter’s capabilities and he understood she was more than ample match for Tiberius even with a handicap.

The crowd disperses in a circle around them as a servant brings weapons for General Tiberius to choose from. General Tiberius waits for the king to change his mind, but after a glare from his majesty, General Tiberius reluctantly is forced to choose a weapon.

Lena casually walks over to the pile of weapons and take a knife. Before anyone can do or say anything, she tears off the lower part of her gown up to her knees. Lena carefully returns the knife to the servant and mutters, “Thank you so much for your assistance.”

Lena returns to her previous spot as some of the crowd gazes lustfully her legs, others are aghast, and some are blushing brightly at the skin-ship.

General Tiberius glares at the shameless chit as he holds a deadly looking flail. General Tiberius was a famous general whose specialty was the flail. He was infamous for being able to crush the heads of men with one swing and as such was a legend in the military.

General Tiberius crudely sneers at the brazen chit. “Because you are a noble woman, Lady Bartholomew, I am giving you a chance to retract your words and beg for forgiveness,” General Tiberius arrogantly stated.

Lena merely spread her feet out and motioned with her hand to come at her. General Tiberius expression darkens as he roars, “I’ll kill you wench.”

General Tiberius charges at Lena as he swings the flail over his head. Lena lightly bounce on her toes as she waits for him to be within arm’s length. The crowd becomes tense as the two have yet to meet.

At last within reach General Tiberius raises his arm to crush the chit under the flail. Lena takes a step forward and twist her body to the right. Using a less than a third of her strength accompanied by her momentum, Lena swings her right leg and kicks him in the solar plexus.

A loud, sickly cracking noise can be heard as her foot connects with his ribs as General Tiberius goes flying backwards over the crowd’s head and crashes into the wall, ever so slightly cracking the wall, before slumping onto the floor.

Lena frowns at the dent in the wall as she returns to a standing position. She hadn’t meant to use so much strength. But if it served to convince the king it wouldn’t matter.

His majesty as well as everyone else gape at Lena. After a second his majesty regains his composure and narrows his eyes at her. The child had impressed him, but it was not enough. She may be strong, but strength is meaningless on the battlefield without experience.

Lena worried that that may not be enough kneels and says, “Your majesty, a boon was granted to me as a child. I plead to use that boon this day in the defense of the kingdom.”

His majesty frowns at the audacity and cleverness of the girl. He could no more turn down her offer without masses protesting. Either way, he could only stand back and let the cards fall.

“Lady Bartholomew, I bestow upon you the rank of captain in the army of the Kingdom of Alyssum.

You are to depart on the morrow with 1,000 soldiers towards the Fort of Terra. And should you, successfully defeat the Cypress invading army from the north, you will be rewarded with the rank of general.”

“Thank your majesty it will be an honor to serve my fellow countrymen,” Lena gratefully said as she rose to her feet. The silent crowd parts to allow her to pass through.

Lena eagerly walks out of the palace despite receive plenty of strange looks from the palace guards and her own attendants. But her enthusiasm slightly dampens at the thought and reaction of Holly. Hopefully, it won’t be an hour lecture.

~ POV of Duke Randolph Bartholomew of Fallujah (Lena’s Father) ~

His majesty instantly ends the ball and dismisses the noblemen after Randolph’s daughter’s feat. He had been aware of his daughter’s strength, but even he found himself surprised. But it should not have come as a surprise she was as fearless as her mother.

King Julian gathers Randolph along with several others present at the ball for a brief meeting. After discussing what needed to be down, his majesty dismissed everyone but Randolph.

Randolph had known his majesty since they were young boys, but he had never seen him so reluctant to speak. After some time, his majesty bows deeply to Randolph. Panicking Randolph loudly says, “Your majesty, have I done something wrong for you act in such a way towards me?”

His majesty sighs and takes a sip of wine from his jeweled wine cup. “Prime Minister Bartholomew, I wish to apologize for all that has transpired because of my and my idiot son’s actions against your daughter.

You see, your daughter was not behind the kidnapping incident of my son’s fiancé, because I was the mastermind behind that incident.”

Randolph sputter a bit in surprise, but wisely remain silent. “I merely wished to test the depth of my son’s affections. But I underestimated my son’s affections too much and your innocent daughter paid the price,” His majesty tiredly said as he turned to gaze at his oldest friend.

“But I will say this, I vastly underestimated your daughter. She certainly knew how to use all that was given to her,” His majesty pointedly said before continuing, “But to be perfectly frank, I do not believe the Fort of Terra can be saved. But she will have given the kingdom invaluable time to prepare,” This majesty truthfully said as he gazed into empty space.

Randolph silently accepts his majesty’s apologies as King Julius sighs in relief. Randolph takes a sip from his own wine cup. He can only hope his daughter proves them wrong.