Princess Estina reached the end of the hall and sighed. There below her was a long winding set of stone stairs. This was going to be difficult in her current state. She didn’t want to rip the stitches in her leg.

The sound of footsteps echoed over stone behind her. She turned slowly to find Menelt striding down the hallway. A smile reached her lips.

“Menelt,” she breathed. “It’s so lovely to see you.”

He stopped and his eyes swept over her.

“It’s good to see you back on your feet,” he said.

She stepped forward into his space. It was not a mountain clan’s custom to embrace, but her overwhelming sense of relief at the sight of him caused her to lean into him. His arm wrapped around her and pulled her close. “You fought admirably. People would mistaken you for a mountain woman.”

Princess Estina squeezed him hard. It was a compliment she had never expected, and it brought a lump to her throat.

“How is Weldlan?” she asked, taking a step back so she could look him in the eyes. Only there would she see the truth.

Menelt’s brow furrowed. “He is much better. The Talekan Assassin helped him in a way that I did not know was possible.”

“How do you mean?”

“He was impaled with a sword and lost a lot of blood. The Talekan Assassin gave him some of her blood and it has made him feel nearly back to normal. He’s up and moving around, although slowly. Only two days ago, I was sure his ancestors were standing over him, waiting.”

“Come on,” he said. “The celebrations are about to get started.”

All of a sudden, Menelt’s arm swept around her hips, and with ease and care, he lifted her up and started down the stairs.

“What are you doing?! Put me down!” she exclaimed. “How humiliating! I’m not a weak fair maiden that needs a man to carry her!”

“I know, but I am hungry and I want to get back to Weldlan, and we’ll be here all night if I didn’t.”

Princess Estina muttered under her breath, but he was right. At the bottom of the stairs, he gently put her down. She stepped back and looked around hoping to ensure no one had seen.

“Never do that again!” She hoped her voice was firm and authoritative, but in truth, he had prevented her from an agonizing descent down the stairs. Princess Estina straightened her clothes and looked towards the open archway several meters away down the hall. “I’m assuming it’s this way?”

“Yes.” Menelt fell into step beside her, and she was happy that he shortened his usual stride to accommodate her slow pace.

They walked out from under the archway and entered a large courtyard that was surrounded by the high defensive walls of Lord Clep’s manor house. It was teeming with life. Princess Estina took in the sights and sounds. Soldiers were guarding the entrance they had just walked out of and they all gave a quick salute as she walked past. Nodding in response, Princess Estina waited for Menelt to guide the way. She hoped it wasn’t too far away. Her leg was already starting to protest from her movement.

Men and woman were preparing a bonfire in the middle of the large courtyard, while others carried chairs into another building on the opposite side through two large double doors. There was much energy in the air, but it stopped as she walked across the courtyard. Instead of continuing with their work, they turned and bowed in her direction.

“This is a little overwhelming,” she murmured under her breath but loud enough for Menelt to hear.

“You are their true leader now,” he said.

Menelt allowed her to enter the opposite building first. She looked around to find herself in an open long hall, its wooden roof lined with blazing torches to lighten the space. The atmosphere was jubilant. A fire roared at the top of the room that had been filled with three rows of tables. Both mountain men and men and women belonging to Lord Clep, Earl Jenric and Lord Rea filled the tables. From a quick glance at their uniforms, Princess Estina could tell they were the commanders from Lord Clep’s army and officials from the city. Their conversations were loud, boisterous and full of merriment.

Her eyes fell onto the food on the tables, the smell of cooked food stirring her appetite. A wide spread of roasted meats and seasoned vegetables had been placed along each table accompanied with pies and platters of fruit. A small space had been left in the middle of the hall where musicians filled the air with music.

Princess Estina’s mouth began to water. Her stomach however, would have to wait. The music stopped, and just like a wave, the chatter cut short and the men and women turned to face her. Chairs scraped over stone as everyone in the hall rose to their feet. Princess Estina bowed slowly in response and started to walk to the head table.

A seat had been left vacant for her at the top of the room. Beside her seat sat Prince Alain. On the other side, sat Lord Clep, followed by Earl Jenric and Lord Rea. Following from her brother was an empty seat she assumed was for Menelt. Beside it, sat Weldlan. Her eyes met with his, and a smile tugged at her lips. He looked paler than usual and sat a little awkwardly in his seat, however, he did not look like a man who had been so close to meeting his ancestors. She could not spy Ladet and assumed that he was still with Jale in his room.

The men and woman who filled the hall remained standing, patiently waiting while she hobbled and limped towards her seat. When she arrived, she stood at the side of her large chair and reached for a cup with her unhurt arm. She faced the men and women and raised her cup towards them.

“To a new beginning!” she said loudly into the hall. She lifted her arm higher and the men and woman cheered in response.

“Before we eat,” she said. “I would like to extend my many thanks to Lord Clep, Earl Jenric and Lord Rea for coming to my aide and supporting us in fighting against Prince Yernal. From this day forward, Lord Clep will be known as Duke Clep and will be honoured with the rightful titles that go with this position. I will provide my support to Lord Clep for however long he requires it. I will not let Prince Yernal’s men cross the bridge into our territory.

“Let it be known throughout the Kingdom that I will fight to the end of my days to ensure Prince Yernal does not sit on the throne of the Keglar Kingdom. I will bring a just and equal kingdom for everyone. No one will go hungry or lose their income to feed an uncouth army or line the pockets of noblemen. Under my reign, every man will reap the benefits of his own kingdom.”

The hall erupted into cheers. It was enthralling to hear so many people who wanted the same thing. There was more to say however, and she waited for the shouts to dissipate.

“I thank you for all of your understanding in the rescue of my cousin, Prince Jale and Teal the Lombock.” The hall instantly stilled. “It has come to my attention that Teal was coerced to carry out the deeds he committed. When he awakes, he will be a free man.” Murmurs of surprise filled the hall, but under her fierce gaze, no one dared to object. “Nothing can compensate or make amends for the death of King Weston, but Teal should not pay for his death. Prince Yernal is responsible for King Weston’s death, and Prince Yernal alone. Teal will be a free man, and he will be given the option to either leave the kingdom or join us in our battle. Together as one army, we will get justice for King Weston’s death.”

Applause sounded throughout the hall, until one man towards the back, lifted his cup high into the air.

“All hail Princess Estina!”

The hall erupted again. Princess Estina smiled politely and then waved her free hand to indicate everyone should sit. Slowly, the mass of people in the hall lowered to their seats.

“Let’s eat and enjoy the evening,” she stated.

More cheers followed, but this time, people turned to their tables and started their drinks and food. Music began to play again and the ambience in the hall returned to that of jubilant celebrations.

“That was a good speech,” Prince Alain stated. “You added much more to what I suggested.”

“Thank you,” she said.

Princess Estina took another large mouthful of drink, allowing the warmth of the alcohol to burn its way down the back of her throat. This evening, she would grant herself the luxury of relaxing. She ate a hearty meal and listened to Earl Jenric as he explained how they had fortified the bridges to ensure any future attacks from Prince Yernal would not succeed.

A short time later, she spied Prince Jale and Ladet enter the hall. Uncertain as to where they should sit, Prince Alain rose to his feet and went to help the serving girl. Princess Estina smiled in their direction as Prince Alain guided them to the head table.

Several hours later, exhaustion started to sweep in. The hall was still full of men and woman enjoying their evening, although most of the mountain men had moved to the outside courtyard where a small bonfire had been lit. Some of Lord Clep’s men and woman had also braved to join them.

Princess Estina leaned heavily on the back of her chair. She wanted to stay and remember this night forever, but she feared she would fall asleep right there on the spot if she did. Rising to her feet, Lord Clep joined her.

“I must sleep unfortunately,” she said. “I am still recovering.”

“Of course,” he said.

She turned to find her brother and Menelt also standing. “I will walk you back to your room,” Menelt stated. Nodding, she took his arm and allowed him to guide her slowly out of the hall.

The bonfire burnt brightly, its flames flickering high into the sky. She stopped for a moment to watch it. From the corner of her eye, she spied Ladet sitting with Prince Jale. Without further hesitation, she walked towards them with Menelt still by her side.

“I’m glad you joined us,” she said to Prince Jale.

He was wrapped in a thick coat that dwarfed his thin frame.

Her eyes fell onto Ladet. “Can I have a word?”

Ladet turned to Prince Jale. “If you will excuse me,” he said.

Princess Estina saw Prince Jale’s open curiosity. “Certainly,” he said.

Princess Estina retrieved her hand from the crook of Menelt’s elbow. Taking the hint, he walked towards Prince Jale where he immediately took a seat beside him. The pair instantly fell into conversation, and Princess Estina couldn’t help but wonder when it had been the last time since they had been in each other’s company.

Ladet fell into step beside her. They walked without talking. The laughter and banter of the celebrations continued around them. It was comforting to know she was surrounded by so many happy people. She wanted privacy however for this conversation.