"Men!" General Dane walked back and forth in front of his 20 finest men, looking at each and every one of them.

"Soldiers," He specified. "We have been awaiting this day for three years. Our Queen has returned!" He announced gladly with his usual smile; Nonexistent.

"Queen Yridessa has requested a performance at her feast tonight. A performance where her best soldiers shall joust and fight in the ring, to show her and her Court what we have accomplished in her absence!" He paused and sent them a deadly glare, "I have chosen you men, who stand before me today, to represent her army. My best men to impress the Queen!" He folded his hands behind his back. "It is your job to show your best skills and make me look good. I will remind you that many Counts, Lords and Noblemen will attend. There will be great opportunity to make your name stand out," He paused and narrowed his eyes at them, "Any mistakes you make tonight will smudge my name, and so God help you, if you do!" He roared at them. All of the men stopped breathing for a second, knowing exactly how General Dane liked to punish his men.

"The joust will start in a few hours, followed by a combat in the ring. Soldiers Dismissed!" Dane finished and stalked away. The group of soldiers that remained was as stunned as Caydrick.

"We are to perform to the Queen," Derric then said, breaking the silence. The men eased up and they started walking towards armory.

"So it is true," a soldier named Dalton said. "I received a letter yesterday, inviting me to Court, but I did not fathom its meaning."

"You got one too?" Caydrick broke in. So it was just an invite sent to all soldiers?

"I too," Derric announced. More of the men declared as well. "What do ye' reckon that means?"

They entered the armory and started taking off their weaponry.

"I do not know," Caydrick muttered and frowned thoughtfully, "Why invite soldiers to this sort of occasion? And why only us?"

"I do not think I actually care," Derric said and laughed smugly, as he thrusted his sword in the holster. "There is going to be beautiful maids and damsells, looking for a fit man with a large cock to suck!" He chuckled and deliberately flexed his muscles. "Who am I to deny a woman her desire?"

"Aye, I agree, we should introduce them to Caydrick," A soldier named Pyros exclaimed and threw a helmet at Caydrick.

He caught it with ease and glared at him. "I cannot be bothered with women only seeking the pleasure of my cock," Caydrick flatly replied. "If I wanted a cock-sucking woman, I would be seeking out Ronan's sister for company."

Loud howls of laughter broke out in the armory, as the soldiers turned to look at Ronan who turned into a furious red shade.

"Watch your fucking mouth, Caydrick," He growled, "Or the only thing your cock will be used as, is a chew toy for the hounds."

"Remind me again, how many times I beat your sorry arse in the ring today?" Caydrick reminded him with a smirk.

"And remind me; How many times have a woman sucked your cock?" Ronan retorted with a mocking grin.

Another eruption of laughter broke out in the armory, as Ronan and Caydrick stared at each other.

"Relax men," Derric laughed, walking up to Caydrick and placing his hand on his shoulder, "We must not mock Sir Caydrick. After all, virgins are so sensitive."

Caydrick ripped his hand away from his shoulder and stared at Derric. "Aye, let us see how sensitive I will be in the ring later," He growled and stared him down, before he strode out of the armory. They might be mocking him now, but just who would be laughing at the end of the night...

-*-

The characteristic sound of the tournament horn sounded from afar and signaled the beginning of the joust.

With his horse prepared and himself armored in steel, Caydrick mounted his horse and got seated in his saddle. A servant pulled his horse to the jousting area, and slowly the cheers of people became noticeable. He heard people chat and clap their hands as he approached.

The wind was sparse and the sun was burning hot. The horn sounded yet again, and the presenter spoke, "On a black destrier, representing the Royal Army; Sir Caydrick!"

People cheered again, as Caydrick stopped by the end of the joust fence. He glanced up towards the throne where Her Majesty sat. Her servants was holding a knitted palm leave to shade her from the sun, as she watched him. She wore her signature red dress, with her gold crown and ruby jewels. Her long black hair and pale skin stood out in the sharp light. She gave Caydrick an amused smile, then nodded for him to approach.

Caydrick sat the horse in motion, and stopped when he was placed in front of her throne.

"My Lady," He greeted and bowed to her on his horse. It was custom to greet the Queen, before the joust begun.

"Sir Caydrick," She acknowledged his bow and nodded for him to begin.

He turned the horse and rode to the beginning of the fence. His opponent then appeared in the other end, riding on his horse. "On a warmblood chargers, also representing The Royal Army; Sir Pyros!" The presenter announced.

Pyros waved to the crowd and sent a cocky smile towards Caydrick. He then approached the Queen and greeted her like Caydrick. After that, he rode back to opposite site of the fence and faced Caydrick.

"Helmets on!" A horn played while both Caydrick and Pyros place their helmets and received their lance.

"Lance up!"

They both held up their lance and then the silence fell.

"JOUST!"

Caydrick kicked his horse in motion, and in the blink of an eye, the horse was moving. He galloped towards Pyros, who also were heading towards Caydricks.

When the time was right, Caydrick lowered his lance, just as Pyros did. With an earpiercing crash, Caydrick's lance clattered into Pyros' armor, while Pyros' lance only grazed Caydrick's arm. Pyros was thrown off his saddle, and painfully dragged off by his horse, as his foot stuck in the stirrup.

People cheered, as Caydrick turned the corner of the end of the fence.

"Sir Caydrick is victorious!" The presenter announced.

Caydrick groaned under his breath. Maybe the lance had done a little more than just graze him. His upper arm was throbbing painfully.

The servant took his lance, as Caydrick dismounted his horse, and took of his helmet.

The crowd and nobels men were still cheering, as Caydrick approached the Queen once again. He painfully held on to his upper arm, and bowed before her. "My Lady."

The Queen stood up and walked to the front. "Arise, Sir Caydrick." Her voice was the same mischivous voice, he recognized from years ago, when she first recruited him.

Caydrick shot to his feet and looked at his Queen. A playful smile was spread across her lips, and she licked them before answering, "You fought with honor. I applaud you."

"Thank you, your Highness." Caydrick bowed once again, as the Queen slowly moved back to her throne.

But as Caydrick walked back to his horse to retreat to his tent, he could feel the Queens stare burning into his neck.

-*-

Caydrick was exhausted. After 3 fights in the ring, plus the joust tournament earlier, he was practically sleep-walking. With a groan, Caydrick tied the last thread of his jacket, then let his throbbing arm fall to his side. His body was bruised blue and purple from the fight in the ring, and scrapes and cuts decorated his arms and chest. The feast was upon them and Caydrick was putting on the finest piece of material he owned: His uniform. With a tired yawn, he walked out of the barracks and made his way to the Palace. He brought his invitation, and showed it to the door watch, that let him in, after a quick scan for weapons. It was illigal to bear arms at Court.

When Caydrick entered the great ballroom, he was caught of guard: The hall was filled with people in the most beautiful dresses and robes the land could produce. Large banners and festive flowers were decorated on the walls and tables. The room was lit up by a gold chandelier, that gave a regal look to everything.

"Cay!" Derric approached him and grinned widely. "Have you ever seen so many fair ladies in your lifetime? All of them, begging to be fucked properly."

Derric always had a filthy mouth and seemed to not care about the fact that they were in higher circles today.

"Yes, I suppose you are right." Caydrick agreed, without scanning the room. "So how does this work?" He wondered and looked around to all the other nicely dressed people. "Are we suppose to stand here and look pretty?"

"Well," Derric started with a grin, "The Queen will make her entrance shortly, from that balcony," He pointed up towards a large marble balcony, "And then hold a short speech, before she sits in her throne, and then the feast will begin."

"I see," Caydrick nodded and admired the throne dressed in red, her signature color. "And what are we suppose to do, until then?"

"Drink as much as you can," He grinned and grabbed two goblets of wine, as a servant passed by. He gave Caydrick the one, before downing his own, in one large drag.

Caydrick rolled his eyes and decided to walk away. He sipped his bitter wine and placed himself next to a pillar, just as the regal horn played.

The room fell silent, as the Queen appeared on the balcony.

She wore a breathtaking red dress, with gold stitching and broidery, along with a beautiful ruby necklace and her custom designed gold tiara. Her ebony hair was hanging loose on her back, and decorated with a few braids with gold strings inwoven. She looked absolutely breathtaking. But her lips played her ever mischievous smile, as she looked out upon them all.

"My friends!" She begun, "Family and trusted people! I thank you all, for your warm welcome and bid you welcome to my celebration!" She paused and smiled. "During my time in foreign countries I discovered many new allies. Spain and Portugal have both signed a truce, ensuring us their allegiance! It is my great pleasure to announce that our traiding rutes and roads are being expanded as well! The Marquisate of Verona as well as Venice City, will become new famous traiding marks on the international map of Europe!" People started a cheer in the room, but piped down, as she continued, "I am also happy to inform that the Emperor of China has agreed to supply us with new oriental weaponry!"

Caydrick thought about the mysterious looking shades and wondered how they were going to help in battle.

"So today we celebrate, not only your loyal Queen's return, but the international bargoningships I have accomplished," She smiled. A servant walked up to her and handed her a goblet. She raised it above her head and cheered, "To a new future!"

"To a new future!" The entire room echoed and raised their glasses. After that, the entire room applauded her, as she gracefully walked down the stairs and sat in her throne. The feast continued their chattering and music started playing.

"Oy! Cay!"

Caydrick turned around to find Derric, Ronan and a few other soldiers standing in a group, near the throne. Caydrick approached them and found that they were in fact standing around a gambling table.

"Are you joining us in a cardgame, Sir Caydrick?" Ronan teasingly said, already halfdrunk. He held a goblet of wine in his hand and a handful of cards in his other. A few other soldiers were sitting around the table, placing their gold.

"And why would I want to do that?" Caydrick dryly replied and drank from his goblet.

Ronan laughed out loud and leaned up against him. "Listen to him!" He said to the others. Caydrick scrunched his nose from the stink of wine, seeping from Ronan's mouth. "He does not empty his wine, does not give his cock to the ladies and does not want to play cards!" The men started laughing along with Ronan, as he mockingly patted Caydrick's back, "Look at his pretty face, all innocent. So devoted to our Queen!"

"Does your arse ever get jealous from all crap that comes out of your mouth?" Caydrick asked sarcastically and looked at Ronan who looked smashed in the face. "It seems to me you are forgetting one very important thing."

Ronan leaned back to his own feet and looked arrogant at Caydrick. "Oh, yeah? And what should that be, Sir Caydrick?" He snorted.

"You are forgetting the fact..." Caydrick smirked and sipped his wine, "That there are many drunk men in this room and your sister is a maid."

- And with that, he drank from his goblet and left a very angry Derric, with a laughing group of excited soldiers.

Caydrick found his good old friend, the pillar, and once again leaned up against it, neglecting the party a bit. He was getting sick and tired of the soldiers immature behavior and bullying, regarding his relationship with women. They needed to get kicked off their high horses, for thinking they were better, having fucked a hundred women. So instead of participating the party, he decided to observe the crowd from his lonesome spot by the pillar.

Suddenly his eyes caught sight of the Queen who was sitting in her throne. She had a smug smile on her lips and was looking at Caydrick.

Caydrick raised a curious brow. There it was again. She was looking at him in that way.

He slowly sipped his wine, as he looked puzzled back at her. She kept staring at him and this time he was absolutely sure she was staring at him. And only him.

The Queens smile grew wider, into something he couldn't decifer. It was a look he couldn't describe as anything else but seductive.

- But of course, that could not be right; She was the Queen and she did not smile seductively at her soldiers.

After a while, she broke contact and shortly after announced she would be retiring for the evening.

After she had left, Caydrick decided it was time to retire as well, since the party was dead to him, and so he silently slipped out of the ballroom.

However, before he reached the Palace doors, a servant stopped him.

"Sir Caydrick!" The servant said, "I have orders to take you to an audience."

"With whom?" Caydrick asked confused.

"I am not at liberty to say." The servant said nervously.

Caydrick nodded and hesitantly followed the servant, who lead him down different hallsways, hallways he had never been before, not even as a slave. Caydrick could feel his heart thumping in his chest and his pulse increasing.

Where was he going? And more importantly, who had requested an audience with him?

- His gut told him one thing, but his sense told him otherwise.

Suddenly the servant stopped infront of a wooden door and told him to go inside. Caydrick did as told and stepped in.

The doors were closed silently behind him, but Caydrick did not hear. He had frozen solid.

The walls were draped with beautiful banners, and the stone walls in this room were much finer than the rest of the Palace. The windows were draped with thick curtains, that blocked out any remaining sunlight. Black marble floor shined in the dim light from the candles placed here and there. There were beautifully cut furniture, such as a wooden table, a well cushioned couch and large bookshelves with thick leather bindings.

But it was the big wooden bed, with the expensive bedsheet material that revealed where he was.

- He was in the Queens chambers.