The past few days, Petra and the two researched and talked to the people late into the night while Drax and the other Guardians helped. In their own little ways. The ginger sipped at her cup of coffee as she read and re-read the different families. The Court Historian and the Healer rubbed their wary eyes.
"I will be honest, Your Highness. I don't know who would be best," The Historian said, leaning back into his chair.
"You know you can call me Petra. I won't be your ruler for long," she commented. "I know there is at least one person I feel would just cause problems."
"Understandable," S'ven said. "Maybe we can hold a trial or tournament."
Petra raised a brow and thought about the idea.
"But wouldn't that just show us who is the strongest? not the smartest or wisest?"
"If we set it up right, then we might be able to find someone," The Historian comment. "I know there should be some books concerning tournaments."
She leaned back into the chair and pondered before folding her hands.
"Why don't we take the night and return to this tomorrow morning after breakfast?" she asked.
"Agreed," both men said.
"Good. I will see you gentlemen tomorrow," she said, dismissing them.
They nodded and stand. Petra watched as they gathered their notes and books before walking out. Her mind wandering as Yondu walked in and carefully sat down.
"Am I doing the right thing?" she asked, looking to her father.
"Depends," he answered, resting his booted feet on the table.
"I know I should not care about this world, but..." she started to say.
"But you do," Yondu continued.
Petra looked at her father and nodded.
"Look, baby girl, your pappa and I might seem cold blooded," he said. "But we didn't raise you to be like us. Plus you got your momma in ya too."
"How do you mean?" she questioned.
"She raised you even when her body was destroying itself. Even when people spat at her and you. She taught you to be good and stand for what is right. She taught you to see the good in people."
Petra looked up at him and smiled.
"You're right."
"Of course, I am. Now, off to bed before I get Muscles to carry you," Yondu ordered, standing up.
"Alright, alright," she said with a smile, gathering her note and meeting him at the doorway.
Yondu escorted her to her chambers before heading off to bed himself. Petra walked into her rooms and slowly pulled off her clothes. In her bed, a muscular man laid there on his back. His arm sprayed out, becking out her. She slid into the bed and curled into the man. The man grunted and his arm curled around her, pulling her in and holding her tight. She smiled and fell asleep.
As the morning sun rose, the handmaiden knocked softly and walked into the Empress' chambers. She gathered the piles of clothes and tossed them into the hamper. The sun filtered into the room, making the couple on the bed groan.
"Turn off that light," Petra grumbled as she tossed over. Her back to the window.
Drax slowly opened his eyes and looked towards the maid. She pulled out the Empress' clothes for the day.
"It is time to wake, Your Highness," she said, laying the clothes at the end of the bed.
She met his eyes. Her own eyes widening as her face flushed red.
"Oh my," the maid said. "I see why you're her mate."
Drax looked confused at the woman. A light breeze ruffled the curtains and danced across his skin. He glanced down and saw the blanket was gone from his legs, showing off his nakedness to the maid. He quickly yanked at the blanket and heard a thud and yelp from the otherside of the bed.
"What the hell," Petra growled. Her backside in pain as she glared at the maid and Drax.
Draz and the maid looked at each other sheeply. Petra got to her feet.
"If you don't mind, could you please have the Guardians meet us in the dining hall for breakfast?" she asked the maid.
"Yes, Your Highness," the maid said, bowing before leaving.
"You alright?" Drax asked as she moved to the bath chambers
"I'm fine. Just a sore ass."
"Doesn't look that sore to me," he commented, sliding from the bed.
"Do you want to join me or not?" Petra threaten as she hovered at the doorway.
His eyes widen and he hurried to her. They walked into the bath chambers. The huge tub built into the floor, was filled with steaming water. Lilac and lavender flowers danced on the surface as Petra slid into the tub. The water warmed and soothed her muscles. Drax carefully joined her. After relaxing for a bit, they washed each other's body and slide out of the tub. Drax grabbed a towel and wrapped her in it before wrapping one around his waist.
They walked back into the bedchambers and noticed and maid did return. A pair of Drax's pants sat next to her clothes. His knives still in their sleaths laid next to them. Petra slid into the pants and top as Drax dressed. As he attached his knives back to him, she quickly braid her hair back. He held his arm out to her and watched as she looped her arm on his. They walked out of the bedroom. Her bodyguards fell behind them as they moved to the dining hall.
The doors open as the guards spotted them. They walked in and found the Guardians surrounding the table. On the other side of them was the Court Historian and the Head Healer. Breakfast ready on the table. As she moved to the head, the Court Historian and Head Healer stood, she rolled her eyes and sat down with Drax on her right side.
"Please eat," Petra said.
She watched as they filled their plates and filled her own. They ate breakfast in silence.
Rocket looked up at her, "Do you have a plan yet, princess?"
"We have an idea," she answered.
"An idea?! That all you three could come up with?"
"Yes, an idea. We are thinking of a tournament."
"That's your idea a tournament? Why not just pick someone?" Rocket argued.
Gamora tried to hush him.
"No. This is getting ridiculous. I want to go home," Rocket commented.
Petra slammed her hands on the table, shaking it. "Damn it, Rocket. I am trying. I am just asking for another week or two. We will be finishing up the details for the toruments and sending the invites. The tournament is going to be a few days. Then once the new ruler is picked, we will leave."
Petra and Rocket stared at each. He huffed and jumped from his step.
"I am going to beat up a couple of the green trainees," he said, walking out of the room.
After the door closed, the ginger turned to Gamora.
"Gamora, can you make sure he doesn't kill any of the trainees please?"
She nodded and excused herself, walking out the doors.
"It would seem, gentlemen, we have a tournament to finish and perpare for," Petra said, looking to her chancellors.
They nodded and excused themselves. She looked towards her father and Drax.
"Drax, why don't you join the others?" she asked, holding his hand. "Rocket might need a better sparring partner anyway."
He nodded and kissed her hand before leaving the dining hall. Petra leaned against the seat and watched the servants start to clean breakfast up.
"If any of the other servants did not have a chance to eat this morning, they are welcome to what was not eaten," she said to a passing servant.
The servant bowed and nodded, taking the platter of bacon to the kitchens. Yondu looked at his daughter.
"How are you healing?" she asked.
"I'll be fine, girlie," Yondu answered. "You think something might happen either during or before the tournament, don't you?"
Petra nodded.
"I have read about a couple of the lines that will come. Some are brutes who believe in strength and will destroy those who are weak. Then there are the intelligence lines who use assassins to take what they want or don't even do anything."
"That's why you want your people training," Yondu said.
She nodded.
"Rocket, while smart, is small enough that he can slip in and out. Gamora knows how to use her charms. And Drax…."
"Can use his brute strength," the Ravager Captain finished.
"Three trials. Three Days," Petra said.
"What lines are coming?" he asked.
She shrugged, "I will be talking with the chancellors about that."
Yondu groaned lightly as he stood up. Petra's eyes shot up to him.
"I'm fine, girlie," he said, grabbing the cane.
"How's the physical therapy going?"
She giggled when he shot her a glare before heading out the door.
"That well, huh?" she muttered.
She looked out one of the many great windows lining the dining hall. She saw the town market filled with vendors selling their wares. The docks filled with ships. A great ocean in the distance. She knew the next week or so will be the most challenging and tiring week. It is a long road that hopefully will end soon.