Disclaimer: Neither Tortall nor it's inhabitants belong to me, but the country of Aruba, it's fiefs and university DOES, as well as Queen Saea and Sir Justine, among other Arubans.


Kalasin of Conte sighed. She was waiting for the great knight-her soon to be husband-of the small coastal country of Aruba. She was stuck with her best dress on as she rode her horse sidesaddle.

The calvary of riders rode up. She could spot the knight immediately, in his shining silver mail. Her father put his arm on her shoulder. "Arranging a marriage with Aruba is something we must do. Prince Sae wil be pleased to have such a strong woman as a Queen. They have been our quiet neighbors for years."

"I know father," Kally sighed. The knight approached.

"You must be King Jonathan. I think you for coming to meet me, instead of us riding through Corus alone. You did not bring your child that I am betrothed to?"

Flustered, Jonathan pointed to Kalasin. "She is right there, Kalasin of Conte."

"A female?" The knight pulled of his helmet. Long black hair and copper eyes peered back. "Some in my country prefer that combination, but not when I mst produce an heir."

Jonathan almost fell off his horse. "By the Goddess, a woman knight?" One of the other female knights in the Aruban deligation smicked.

"What about Lady Alanna and Squire Kelandry? Next thing you will tell us is that women can't hold titles or have status." The look in Jonathan's eye gave away. "I am going home," she turned to leave.

"Not so fast, Justine of DarkPeak. I can't let my second-in-command leave me in such a strange place."

Kalasin stood, thrilled by Saea. "Are you a knight too, little one?" Saea asked.

Kalasin made a face. "I WANTED to, but he said no, no one would want a queen that was a knight."

Saea stopped her horse in the middle of Palace Way. "Are you saying a noblewomen who is not a knight is better than one who is? Women must be able to defend their fiefs as well. A man is not always home," she added.

Saea found Tortall a strang place indeed.

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That night at Court did not begin very well for Saea. "Her Most Royal Majesty, Queen Saea of Aruba, Duchess of Fief Seastone, Lady of Fief Greenhill, a knight of her realm, gradute of the Aruban Mage University, Master status," the herald announced, as he had done for her fellow ambassadors. The men and women gasped in awe and envy at the tall Knight-Queen.

Her dress, the latest fashion in Aruba was thin strapped and went down to her knees with about a three inch slit on the sides. It was very from fitting, and a lovely shade of copper. Apparently, the ladies of Court were used to very hot and oversized dresses.

The music was slow, the men were overly staring, and the ladies ignored her. The only one paying any attemtion was a young knight, barely out of his Ordeal. He reminded her of herself. He waled over. "Hello, Your Royal Highness, I am Faleron of King's Reach." He kissed her hand.

She smiled at him. "Court is quite unfriendly," she commented. He laughed.

"I am beginning to be like the Lioness and Lord Raoul about social functions. They annoy me so." He offered her a seat beside him.

A young man came up, about squire age she guessed. They were on duty tonight, serving drinks. "Wow, Fal, you are talking to the Queen of Aruba! She is quite lovely, and defiately has a nice body. Oh, excuse me you Highness," he exclaimed at his outburst. Faleron sighed.

"This is Own of Jesslaw, my squire. He has no idea how to keep his tounge in check," he explained. Seas smiled at him.

"Do not worry, I'm not offended," she held out her hand, took his, and kissed it. Own turned about twenty shades of red as Faleron laughed. "I had best not keep you from your duties."

Owen ambled off, while the other men looked at him jealously.
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The evening ended and Saea took for her rooms. Her second-in-command of the Knights, Justine, was waiting. "Handsome young man," she commented. "Maybe there will be a royal wedding after all."

Saea stuck out her tongue, a very un-queen-like gesture. "Faleron of King's Reach is very handsome and the second born son. In this realm, that would leave him never being a Lord unless his brother died."

"I wasn't talking about him. I was speaking of Prince Liam. the King implied to he that he intended on requesting you two to marry."

"Prince Liam? he is three years younger than me!" Saea exclaimed.

Justine shrugged. "I just report the news, my Queen."

Saea went to bed thinking.
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Saea awoke the next morning to practice in the courts. King Jonathan assigned a few especially to the delegation. A few knights were already out practicing: Raoul of Goldenlake, Geoffrey of Meron, Faleron of King's Reach and his very exhausted squire.

"Hullo," she called. A few of her fellow delagates giggled but she ignored them. "May I challange you to a duel?" she asked, eyes dancing.

The Tortall knights murmered around her, Faleron obviously very nervous. "Umm...of course," he replied.

Saea stripped off her tunic to the leather tank she wore for duels. Her association with centaurs had taught her that, the less she wears, the better. She heard the gasps around her as she took up a wooden sword.

The duel was quick and without her being injured. Faleron of King's Reach was not quite so lucky. She disarmed him, and with a few swift kicks and punches, he was down for the count. She helped him up, grinning. "Men just have no staying power," she commented to the shocked gasps of the others around her.

~~Next Chapter~~