Arthur stood, surrounded by knights and advisers, as Queen Hunith of Drago and her finest soldiers rode proudly into the courtyard. The queen was an impressive sight to see. Dressed in her traditional armour and crown with her jewel encrusted sword strapped to her side and her long red hair streaming down her back, she was both beautiful and terrifying; a perfect representative of her Kingdom. Her horse was dappled grey, with a flowing mane and tail, and sharp black eyes. She rode bare back, as was the Drago custom, with her bags strapped to a strip of leather just behind her. Her knights rode likewise, five of them in strict formation behind her. Beside her cantered a seventh horse. This one was as black as coal, a stallion with striking blue eyes and a powerful stride. It bore no rider, just the strip of leather, and a simple bridle. There did not seem to be any rope or lead connecting it to the Queen's horse, but it stayed with them regardless.
They slowed as they neared the King's men, and stopped in front of them. The Queen dismounted first, followed by her knights, and they stepped forward to face the Arthur. Close up, they were a truly imposing group. Their armour was etched with graceful swirls and markings, and their deep blue cloaks bearing the symbol of Drago- a silver oak tree surrounded by golden flames- were made of the finest material. The Queen especially was a sight to behold. She stood tall – as tall as Arthur- with one hand resting upon her sword. Her skin was pale, in contrast with her bright red hair and bold blue eyes which now studied the King with wary interest. Her crown was a work of art. Almost white in the sunlight, it held more riches than anything Camelot had ever seen. Gold and silver, inlaid with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires, with more carved etchings between the jewels. .
Silence fell as she stepped forward. She nodded towards Arthur.
" Sire." Her voice was clear, with barely a trace of an accent. Arthur inclined his head.
"Your Highness." There was a slight pause. "It is a pleasure to meet you, but I cannot deny that I am surprised to see you in Camelot. We received no foreword of your coming." His eyes hardened as he gestured to her armour and sword, then to the knights at her back. "I hope you are here in peace." He let it hang. The queen lifted her chin.
"We mean you no harm, but I am afraid that our reason for being here is anything but peaceful. Even as we speak, my eldest daughter leads my people to war." The king did not flinch.
"May I ask who you are fighting and why?" Queen Hunith set her jaw.
"We march to war against King Onar of Spiran." Her lip curled. "As for why, three nights ago, my youngest daughter, Princess Lena, was taken by force while asleep in her bed. By the time anyone noticed, both she and the sorcerer who took her were no-where to be seen." This time, there were several intakes of breath, and Arthur's eyes softened slightly in sympathy.
"Do you have any proof that it was Onar?" The queen bared her teeth in a blood-thirsty smile.
"My children are neither weak nor defenceless. Leena managed to slay nine of the enemy before she was taken. After searching through the blood and innards, we managed to find six cloaks bearing the crest of Onar." Her smile widened. "The other three are probably still in there somewhere." Arthur did not move, but his face turned slightly green. He coughed.
"Why do you think they took her?"
"Of all my children, Leena is the only one not to possess any trace of magic. The others vary in power, with my eldest son being the strongest." Now Arthur's eyes grew cold.
