Hey! Sorry about the late late update. Firstly, I have hit a small wall with this story. I want to finish it, but I´m probably not going to update it as quickly as I want to. I´m sorry about that. Secondly, I´ve started at a new job at the hospital, in the maternity ward. It is connected to finishing my studies. It´s tiring and even now at times like this with the Covid-19. In my country it´s not even as crazy as it is in other countries, I live in Denmark, but it´s still a bit frightening and defintely not a joke.
Remember to keep your distance and to take care of yourselves and your families.
Hope you enjoy this chapter and even though I´ve read it a thousand times, there will probably still be some errors, sorry about that. :)
Quinn licked her lips, still tasting the blood. She had forgotten about her busted lip, and she could now feel the small sting from the split. She looked at Rachel who was just looking at her. Rachel felt very confused, well that couldn't even describe how she really felt. Things had happened so fast and what had happened was still unbelievable for the small brunette. She thought she knew her friends, but apparently Tina and Santana had kept secrets from her. She caught a movement and saw that Quinn had finally stepped away from the door. She can't even explain how she felt about the blonde.
"Rachel" She started. "I want to tell you something and I want you to keep an open mind. Can you do that?" She asked Rachel and looked into confused brown eyes. Rachel blinked and looked away briefly to look at the others. The strange blonde girl, who she had figured out was named Brittany, was fascinated by the smallest things in the room. Kurt was sitting on the bed with Santana. Tina met her eyes and smiled softly. Funnily enough, Rachel had always felt calm around the Asian girl. She had always been in her life; Rachel couldn't remember a time when she wasn't.
"It´s alright, Rach. Listen to her" Rachel nodded and looked at the blonde in front of her.
"Okay, I´m listening" Quinn smiled briefly and sat down in front of her. Quinn began to tell a story about a Queen from a far away land and Rachel felt lost. Again. What did this fairy tale story had to do with anything? She glanced at the others who was listening intensely beside Tina and Brittany who was whispering to each other. Weirdly enough, Rachel couldn't hear a sound, beside from Quinn´s voice. She had never figured out that Quinn was living in this small motel room, or that Quinn had been lying about that aunt of hers, but that only meant that whatever Quinn had been telling her, probably was a lie.
"Rachel? Are you even listening?" Quinn asked a bit annoyed.
"Yes" Rachel sighed and then looked at the blonde. "Not exactly" Quinn sighed annoyed.
"Rachel! This is important!" Rachel crossed her arms as she stood up, looking down at the blonde.
"I don't understand why you´re telling me this! Why is it so important to you?"
"It´s important for you too!" Quinn raised her voice as she stood up and faced Rachel.
"Quinn, lower your voice. There´s no reason to yell" Tina said calmly.
Quinn took a deep breath to collect herself. "I know. Sorry about that. Rach, what did you hear?" Quinn asked to know if Rachel had heard anything at all.
"I heard something about a Queen of some kosmic land" Rachel rolled her eyes. Quinn chuckled before the smile fell again.
"Is not kosmic, but Kosmia and I´m telling you this because it´s about your mother. Queen Shelby of Kosmia was your mother" Rachel stopped breathing as she stared at the woman in front of her. This couldn't be true.
"It´s another lie, isn't it? Why are you lying to me?" Rachel whispered. Quinn took a step towards her, but Rachel raised her hands to stop her. "Why are you doing this to me? Is this a joke?" She looked around the room, but no one was smiling or indicating that it wasn't true, well beside Kurt whose eyes were widened.
"It´s not a lie. I- We" Quinn pointed at Brittany and Tina "Are not from this world. We are from a Kingdom called Everdale. Rachel looked at Tina, her best friend, who was smiling sheepishly. "I was brought here to find you and bring you back to Everdale. I know it sounds crazy-"
"Damn right" Kurt muttered but was silenced by Santana.
"But you saw what happened today. You saw Tina using magic to keep those men out. Those men were after you and us. They won't stop until they have you"
"But why?" Rachel asked.
"Because you are Crown-Princess Rachel of Kosmia. You were brought to this world by Tina, your guardian, eighteen years ago, and to safety from Shadun" Quinn said seriously. Rachel looked at Tina before looking at Quinn again.
"I can´t believe this" She muttered. "It´s not true! I´m not some kind of Princess of a non-existing world!" She said while raising her voice. "I can´t believe you guys! I thought you were my friends! And you?" She looked at Tina. "A guardian? What the hell?" She stared at them all. "I can´t stay here" She walked towards the door, but Quinn grabbed her arm. She violently pulled her arm back. "Don't touch me" She said coolly, and Quinn took a step back. The brunette opened the door and closed it with a bang.
"Go after her. Make sure she´s alright" Quinn said a bit hurt to Santana and Kurt who followed the smaller brunette out. Quinn´s shoulder fell a soon as the door closed after them. She sighed as she sat down on her bed with her head in her hands. She felt the bed dip next to her.
"She´s going to be alright. It´s just a lot to swallow" Tina said reassuringly.
"I know" Quinn answered as she looked up. "So, how do we get back?"
Rachel was fuming as she walked her way towards the lobby. Even though she was furious, she knew that if three men was chasing her, the safest choice was to stay close to Quinn. Sweet, beautiful Quinn, who apparently had been lying to her all along and was a knight in some fairy tale land. She stomped her way inside where she caught the eye of a grumpy man. She smiled awkwardly at him before sitting down in a chair close to her. He growled and turned his back to her. She rolled her eyes at him as she crossed her arms.
"Rach" Santana said as she kneeled in front of her. Rachel looked away. "Rachel, I know it sounds ridiculous, but it´s all true. Those guys weren't from around here and you know it" Rachel looked at Santana. Kurt was standing next to her with his arms crossed. "She didn't want to hurt you or lie to you, think about it. What if it was you who had a secret like this, wouldn't you had done the same?" Rachel didn't answer. She knew Santana was probably right, even though she couldn't put herself in Quinn´s shoes, she knew it was a very difficult thing to tell another person, well absurd thing to tell but either way. She felt conflicted about what she should do about it.
"What should I do?" Rachel asked.
Santana shrugged slightly. "I can´t make that decision for you, Rach" She stood up and smiled softly down at her friend. "I just want you to give Quinn a chance. Come back and let's figure this out" Rachel nodded and stood up. "I didn't quite believe it at first when I found out yesterday"
"Yesterday?" Rachel asked. Santana nodded.
"Yeah, I actually wanted to talk to you, but you had left and then hell broke loose. I saw some portal open and those three guys came out. Quinn fought them and then she got hurt. I wanted to help her, but I was stunned. Then Tina came out and did some of her voodoo and then they disappeared into the forest behind the school. I followed them and of course Tina knew I was there and then they were forced to tell me, since I have heard it all and it was a bit difficult not to believe it, you know"
"I knew she didn't fell down some stupid stairs" Rachel muttered. Santana chuckled.
"Yeah, told her you wouldn't believe that shit" Rachel bit her lip. Santana wouldn't lie to her about this, that would mean that it was true. She stopped the other girl.
"How did she got hurt then?"
"She took an arrow to her shoulder. It looked sick" Rachel ran a hand through her hair. Quinn got hurt because of her. She did all of this to protect her. No one had gotten hurt but her. Even though she didn't even know the others very well or disliked Finn, she made sure that they wouldn't get harmed.
"I-I need to go back to Quinn" Rachel said and walked back towards the motel room. Santana smiled and followed her along with Kurt. She quietly opened the door to the room and saw Quinn sitting on her bed with Tina. Brittany was standing in front of them showing them a candle. Quinn looked at her and her eyes brightened as she smiled. Rachel tentatively took a step forward. "I´m sorry about my reaction before. I-I-"Quinn stood up.
"It´s okay, Rach. I know it´s a mouthful" Quinn smiled softly at the girl. Rachel nodded and wrapped her arms protectively around herself. Quinn saw it and her smile faded shortly. She hated seeing the girl so guarded, but she understood.
"Quinn, as I said before. We have to go, it´s time" Brittany interrupted.
"Of course" Quinn nodded. "Rachel, I want you to come with me"
"Quinn, she needs to-"
"Stop" Quinn interrupted her friend. "I know what the risks are, but in no circumstances do I want to force this on her. If she doesn't want to go, I don't want to make her" Quinn looked away from Brittany to Rachel.
"I don't even know why you want me to go with you" Rachel said as she looked between them. Brittany sighed and sat down on the chair. Quinn gave her a look and Brittany shrugged.
"It´s difficult to explain and I know it´s bizarre but just listen to me" Quinn said and told Rachel the whole story. Rachel listened closely, but while it was unbelievable, the way Quinn told her, made it seems so real. The small brunettes arm crossed and uncrossed several times while Quinn spoke, and Rachel shifted on her feet. She frowned when Quinn finished her story.
"So, what you´re saying is that, I´m a Princess, not just any princess but a crown Princess of Kosmia, a Kingdom in your land, and now some evil man has taken over several kingdoms and is threatening to take yours, Everdale, you tell me?" Quinn nodded "And I´m the only one who can stop him?"
"Yes!" Quinn answered. "I know, it sounds crazy, but it´s true"
"This war has been going on for several years?" Rachel asked as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Eighteen and a half, precisely" Tina said from the bed.
"Basically, my whole life then" Rachel said a bit sarcastic. She sat down next to Tina and massaged her own temple, feeling a slight headache coming.
"I´m sorry" Tina said and wrapped an arm around the brunette. Rachel shifted a bit but accepted the comfort. "It´s a hard decision you have to make" Rachel nodded and closed her eyes briefly before opening them again.
"I need to go to the bathroom" The brunette said and stood up. Quinn watched as she walked into the room and turned to Brittany with a stern look.
"I know you´re frustrated, but this is a girl who had no clue about our world or any idea about who she really is before now! All she knows is this life in Lima with her parents and friends. She has dreams and I know they are not about saving our home! So, don't force this on her. If she doesn't want to do it, we´ll go back and make it work without her. And should we fail, then so be it" Quinn stared down at her friend who had kept her mouth shut while the blonde had spoken. Brittany stood up.
"We have responsibilities! Are you willing to sacrifice several lives because of- "
"No, I´m not" Quinn interrupted. "I have seen many deaths, as has you. But you got to agree with me on this, Britt. What do you think we achieve by forcing her to go with us?" Brittany looked away. "Exactly. You know that it would do nothing. I am willing to take the chance, are you?" Brittany took a deep breath.
"Yes, I am" She said, and Quinn nodded. She hadn't heard the bathroom door open so as she turned around, she found Rachel looking at her. Santana and Kurt had been quite the whole time, deciding that they shouldn't interfere with this. Even though Kurt was just as lost as Rachel.
"I´ll go with you" Rachel said quietly. Quinn´s eyes widened,
"What?" Kurt yelped.
"Are you sure?" Tina asked worriedly. Santana knew that Rachel would agree to do it. That was just the kind of person, Rachel was.
"Yes. I want to help you, I don't know how, but I´m want to" Quinn smiled brightly and wrapped the smaller girl in a tight hug. Rachel wrapped her arms around the blonde.
"Thank you!" Quinn said into Rachel´s ear and Rachel smiled. Quinn released the girl and took a step back. "Alright, the plan is that I go with Rachel, so she can pack a few things. Tina, I suggest you do the same. I´m guessing you´re going to stay?" Tina nodded. Quinn turned to Santana and was about to say something when the Latina interrupted her.
"No, I´m going with you. I´m not leaving Rachel"
"San…" Rachel started.
"No, Rach. End of discussion. I´ll go back and pack some things too" Quinn knew there wasn't anything she could do. Brittany looked at her, but she only shrugged, and the other blonde rolled her eyes.
"Kurt-"
"Yeah, I´m going too"
"For God's sake…" Brittany muttered.
"Alright. Everybody goes back, pack lightly and meet up back here in an hour. Brittany, I want you to stay here, just make everything ready to when we get back. I want it to go as smoothly as we can" Brittany nodded even though she really didn't agree with all of this. "Let´s go" Quinn said, and they walked out. Since they didn't have any cars, they were forced to walk, much to Kurt and Santana´s dismay. They split up as they lived in different directions. Quinn walked closely to Rachel as she walked down the street. She kept a close eye on everything, making sure St. James wasn't nearby. Twenty minutes later, they were standing inside Rachels bedroom. Fortunately, her fathers weren't home, it would be quite an explanation to why she had to pack and leave her home. She wouldn't even think about the thoughts they may have when they figure out their daughter is gone. She didn't want to hurt them, but something inside her told her she needed to do this. It's like a strong pull she can't deny, she must go with Quinn. Rachel found a backpack and began to find some clothes. She knew it had to be practical, so she skipped her skirts to find the few pants she owned. Quinn was standing in the middle of the room, waiting on Rachel to be done. They didn't talk. Quinn figured that Rachel had to process everything. It was a lot of pressure to put one girl´s shoulder. She was put out of her thoughts when Rachel suddenly turned towards her. The girls stare at each other for a second, then to, Quinn´s surprise, Rachel grabs the hem of her shirt and pulls the blonde closer. The brunette's arms rapidly make their around Quinn´s waist and she holds on tightly, resting her chin on Quinn´s shoulder. They fit perfectly together. The blonde´s confusion fades and she hug the smaller girl back as tight a possible with a bad shoulder. Quinn feel Rachel nuzzling her cheek with her nose, and the Knight releases an involuntary sigh.
"Thank you, for protecting me" Rachel murmured, and Quinn felt a wave of tranquillity washing through her.
"Always" Quinn whispered. The closeness was such that Quinn was able to count the number of breaths Rachel lets out in a minute. As soothing as it might be the blonde, however, knew that you had to leave now. As creepy as it was, Quinn breathed some of the brunette´s beautiful scent before releasing her. She untangled her arms from her waist and smiled softly at the Princess. "We have to go, Rach. Are you finished packing?" Rachel blinked a couple of times. She had wanted to kiss the blonde, but she knew now was not the right time. She just wanted to show her appreciation to the Knight for her rescue mission. She cleared her throat and nodded.
"Yes, I think I am. I´m not really familiar with what attires one brings to a journey into fairy tale land"
"It´s not a fairy tale land, Rachel. It´s my home and there´s absolutely nothing fairy tale about it, just a regular world"
"I´m sorry, I didn't mean it like that. It´s just hard to relate to, from my world I mean. I have only heard about knights, Queens and princesses from books. So, when it´s suddenly real, it´s just surreal. I didn't mean to offend you" Rachel said apologetically. Quinn smiled, and picked up the backpack.
"I know you didn't. Come on. Let's go" She said and motioned for them to leave.
"I can carry the bag myself" Rachel said.
"I know, but let me do it either way"
"Very chivalrous of you" Rachel smirked and walked down the stairs followed closely by the blonde. As they neared the front door, Rachel stopped. "I should write a note to my fathers. I don't want to make them worry"
"Sorry to tell you, but since we don't know how long you´ll be gone, I think they´ll get worried either way" Quinn told her, and the brunette looked sad. "But if it comforts you, then do it" Rachel nodded quickly and quickly scribbled down a note. She sighed heavily and then nodded for them to leave. She closed the door to her childhood home, not knowing if she would come back again. "Are you alright with all of this?" Quinn asked as they walked down the sidewalk towards the motel. Rachel shrugged slightly.
"I don't know. It´s terrifying to just jump into something where I don't even know what´s really going on"
"I know, but I´m here for you. We´re here for you" Quinn said and smiled reassuringly to her. "I´ll never let anything happen to you" Rachel felt a warm tingling in her body by the knight's word. Referring Quinn to a knight felt so surreal, but Rachel could see it. Quinn dressed in her armour, protecting the world. "Rach?" Rachel shook her head.
"Yes, sorry. I just got a bit lost in my thoughts"
Quinn chuckled lightly. "It´s alright" She could see the motel and picked up her speed. "Come on, lets get inside" Rachel hurried after the blonde. They stepped into the motel room where Brittany, Tina and Santana were scattered around the small room. "Where´s Kurt?"
"On his way. Just got a text that he was prevented from leaving by Finnept" Santana rolled her eyes. "Kept talking about that crazy blonde who stole his girlfriend" She smirked at Quinn who just rolled her eyes.
"I didn't steal her from him"
"He didn't steal me from him" Quinn and Rachel spoke at the same time, which made Santana smirk even more.
"If you say so" She shrugged and crossed her arms. Kurt came walking into the room with a big sigh.
"Sorry I´m late, but Finn was a jerk" He let his bag fall the floor. "I´m certain he tried to follow me, but I think I shook him off"
"Alright. I think we´re ready to leave" Tina said and stood up from the bed. "Brittany and I talked while you were gone, and Brittany showed me the way to get back. It´s not a very comfortable way, but it´s the most effective" Brittany took out a small candle. Rachel frowned.
"Is that the way to Everdale?" She asked sceptically.
"Yes, I know it don't look like much, but it´s efficient" Tina explained. "Pick up your bags. Quinn, we used the time to pack up your things" She said and handed Quinn her satchel. The blonde took it and stepped back. She gently grabbed Rachel´s hand and made her stand next to her. Santana and Kurt stood next to each other behind the others. "Brittany" Tina said and Brittany lighted up the candle and stood next to Tina. They chanted in some native tongue as the others watched them. Quinn knew what was happening and squeezed the brunette´s hand. Rachel looked at her nervously and took a closer step to her. What seemed like a portal appeared in front of them and everyone, but Brittany, Tina and Quinn gasped, mouth agape. The sound was loud as they watched the portal.
"We need to leave now, before the portal closes!" Brittany yelled over Tina´s chanting and the loudness from the wind. Rachel stared at it, not believing her eyes. A banging on the door interrupted them.
"Rachel! I know you´re in there!" A voice, Rachel recognized as Finn´s. "Let me in! What´s going on in there?" He yelled and banged the door once more.
"Are you ready?" Quinn asked the small girl. Rachel looked at the door once more before taking at deep breath and nodding to the girl. Quinn smiled shortly and clasped their hands together once more. "I´ll protect you. Don't let go of my hands!" Rachel nodded again and Quinn walked directly into the portal and immediately felt the unpleasant feeling of being pulled in several different directions. She could faintly hear Rachel scream over the loud noises inside the portal, but she kept holding on to her. Suddenly it was all over, and Quinn landed quite unceremoniously on the hard ground. She opened her eyes only to close them again as a small figure landed roughly on top of her. "Ugh!" The blonde felt all air leaving her body once more at the impact and groaned.
Rachel shook her head and moaned. She opened her eyes and noticed what or who she had landed on. "Oh! I´m so sorry, Quinn!" Are you alright?" She said, still lying on top of the blonde.
"Yeah, sure. Just give me a minute to get my breath back" She answered breathlessly. Rachel then noticed that she was still lying on the blonde. Not quite under the circumstances she wished for. The small girl scrambled on her feet.
"Sorry" She muttered as she looked down at the blonde whose eyes were still closed.
"It´s fine, Rach" Quinn replied and finally looked up at the girl. Rachel offered her a hand, which she took. Quinn carefully got back on her feet and dusted of her clothes before looking around. "Where are the others?" She asked just as they all landed on the ground around them. Of course, Tina landed gracefully on her feet.
"Fucking hell! What kind of shit was that?!" Santana said growling as she stood up. "Never again!" Kurt groaned. "I felt like my body was going to fucking split!" Santana complained.
"Yes, it´s not a very comfortable journey" Brittan said as she helped the boy up.
"Not a very comfortable journey?! Did we not experience the same thing?!" Rachel rolled her eyes at her friend.
"San, stop being so dramatic. You´re even worse than me" Santana shut her mouth as she glared at her. The Latina picked up her bag instead. Meanwhile, Quinn was looking around, she smiled as she took a deep breath of the familiar air and let it out again. She was home. "Kurt, what are you doing?" Rachel asked, which made Quinn turn around to see what was up. She watched as the boy walked around in circles with his cell phone up in the air, looking frustrated.
"I´m trying to get service" He complained. Santana rolled her eyes and snatched the phone out of his hands. "Hey!" He protested and tried to grab the phone again. Santana held him back with her hand.
"We´re in another world! Do you really believe that your phone works here? They probably use doves to text each other here" Brittany frowned and looked at Quinn who just waved her off. It would be too complicated to explain that system and not even Quinn could do it properly. Santana handed him the phone back and he sulked away to pick up his bag and put the phone away. Rachel looked around and was immediately captured by the beauty of the nature. The tall trees, the almost too green grass and the beautiful multi-coloured flowers scattered around. The sky was blue and the wind felt warm on her skin.
"It´s beautiful here" She said quietly, but Quinn heard her and smiled softly at her.
"It is. I love to use my time out here" Quinn grabbed her satchel. "That's why I prefer to live out in the forest and not in the town. It´s quiet and a great place to relax and think"
"You live out here?" Rachel asked.
Quinn nodded. "Yes, my hut lies not far away from here, right in the middle of the forest. I would love to show you, if you want to?"
"I would love to" Rachel replied softly. They smiled to each other.
"Quinn! We should go, if we want to be there before night" Quinn sighed and turned around to walk towards her blonde friend.
"I know this area. We´re only a few hours of walking away from Everdale" Quinn said and looked to the sun. "I believe we should be there well before night"
"A few hours?" Kurt asked. Quinn nodded.
"Yes. I hope you brought good shoes" She chuckled when she heard the boy grumble to himself. "Come on. Let´s get moving" Quinn said and motioned for them to begin walking. Brittany took the lead with Tina. Santana and Kurt followed, while Quinn stood back, waiting for Rachel who smiled to her. "We should stay away from the path. We´re very vulnerable out in the open. Britt, stay in the front, Tina, keep an eye out on Santana and Kurt. I´ll make sure nothing will happen to Rachel and keep an eye out for any movements"
"Yes, Captain" Brittany said and picked up her speed a bit.
"Captain?" Rachel smirked at Quinn. Quinn chuckled as she nodded.
"Yes, that´s what I´m called. Officially, I´m a Lady, you know, being the Queens knight, but I hate being called that by my men, so it´s Captain around them"
"Lady Quinn Fabray" Rachel said softly. Quinn felt herself blush and a tingling in her stomach. She had never thought she would like to be called Lady Quinn by anyone and now Rachel, that was different. "I like it. It sounds very noble" Quinn chuckled.
"It´s not. Well, it is, but it´s not for me. I was just lucky to be in the right place"
"I think it´s more than just luck. I have seen you in action and even then, you were hurt and I´m impressed by you" Quinn dipped her head briefly before looking at the brunette walking beside her.
"Thank you" Rachel smiled to her and looked towards her friends. Kurt was still moaning about his phone while Santana bitched him out for being a wuss. They had been walking for almost two hours when they made it out of the forest. Even though it was the safest choice, it had been a rough walk and it wasn't over yet. As Rachel made it out along with Quinn, she was in complete awe. Right in the horizon, she could see a white castle and a town surrounding it. It was like right out of a fairy tale book.
"Oh my god" She whispered and then looked at Quinn. "Is that Everdale?" Quinn smiled and nodded.
"Yes" She grabbed the brunette's hand to turn her a little towards west. "I know you can't quite see it, but right there" Quinn pointed towards the forest where there was a small clearing in the middle. "is my home" Rachel looked to where Quinn was pointing and could faintly see the clearing. Brittany called for them to move. Quinn and Rachel picked up their pace to follow the rest of the group.
"I thought knights lived on the castle with the Queen?" Rachel asked as they made it up to the rest.
"Some of them do, but most of us lives scattered around town. It´s mainly those who don't have families"
"Why did you choose to not live there? Sorry, if I´m asking too much. I just want to know everything about you" Rachel said while blushing. Quinn chuckled.
"It´s not too much" Quinn said and then sighed. "I´m not an interesting person, Rach"
"Well, that´s up for me to decide" Rachel interrupted.
"Yeah, I guess. I didn't want to live there, because I wanted my own place" Quinn looked at the others in front of her. "To be honest, I never wanted to be a knight"
"What did you want instead?" Rachel asked.
"I don't know, not this. But that was what the past brought to me and I have done everything to fight my way up to where I am now" Quinn said solemnly. Rachel wanted to ask about what in her past had made her take that extreme decision, but she was interrupted when they heard someone coming. "Spread out!" Quinn yelled and grabbed the brunette. They landed on the ground behind some bushes and Rachel let out a small sound by the impact. Quinn was still holding her, almost lying on top of her. "Shh" The blonde whispered and clamped a hand over Rachel´s mouth. Rachel frowned but decided not to protest. Quinn looked up and saw Brittany hiding next to them a bit further away.
"Where are the others?" Quinn mouthed to her friend. Brittany pointed towards the other side. Quinn gave her a quick nod as they could hear hooves from horses getting closer. Rachel could feel her heart beating faster as they got closer. Quinn tried to get a peek through the bushes and several soldiers passing them. They were not the Queen´s soldiers. She turned to Brittany. "Shadun" Brittany nodded and lay a bit lower down on the ground. Quinn did the same to Rachel. She could feel how tense the girl was and held her a bit tighter. She hoped that the others were alright. The sound of footsteps and hooves lessened, and Quinn motioned for Brittany to see if they were in the clear. Brittany nodded and they carefully stood up again. She saw Tina, Santana and Kurt coming out from bushes on the other side as she helped Rachel up. "Are you okay?" She asked them. Kurt and Santana looked at bit shaken but nodded. Quinn turned to Rachel who looked equally as shaken. "What about you?"
"I-I´m okay. Shaken, but okay. Who were those people?"
"They were Shadun´s soldier. Him I told you about" She turned to Brittany. "What are they doing here?" She asked her friend.
"I never told you because I didn't want to put more on your shoulders but, before I left, Shadun´s men had put up a camp right outside of town. Anderson and his men destroyed the camp, but they just moved their camp a bit north. The Queen is keeping an eye on them, but she knows that the more she attacks, the less defended the town would be on the south side. She couldn't take that risk" Brittany explained. Quinn ran a hand through her hair.
"Alright, I understand the decision. I would have done the same"
"She said that. That's why she did it" Brittany smiled. "We should get off the path again. I thought it would be safer, since they shouldn't have been through this area. Let's get moving" She added on a more serious note. Quinn nodded and took Rachels hand.
"We´re close. Less than an hour" Quinn said to the girl. Rachel nodded. It had scared her. Now when she was in the middle of it, it seemed so much more real than only hearing about it, but she knew that this wouldn't be the last time she would get close to those soldiers. Quinn squeezed her hand and Rachel looked at her. "I´ll protect you. I swear" It was like the blonde had read her mind. Rachel tried to smile but failed. They walked in silence as both Quinn and Brittany was aware of their surroundings, not wanting to bump into those soldiers. Quinn kept looking behind them, making Rachel nervous, but the brunette knew she was just doing it to make sure they were safe. Rachel was tired from all the walking and she could feel her feet drag as her legs felt heavy. As she let out a sigh, she felt an arm around her. "I know you´re tired, sweetie, but we´re almost there" Quinn said to her and moved her a little closer to herself. Rachel blushed and looked away from the woman next to her.
"We´re here!" Brittany said happily. Rachel let out a huge breath of relief and smiled widely as she saw several houses as they reached the town line. Santana and Kurt sighed in relief. Santana looked back at the smaller brunette and smiled at her. Rachel returned the smile and Santana looked forward again. Tina haven't set foot in this town in several years and was now looking around with equally as much curiosity as they newcomers.
"Stop!" A guard yelled from behind them. They all stopped immediately and turned around to face two guards standing with their spears in hand. "What are-Oh" His eyes widened, and he lowered his spear before he stood straight in front of Quinn. The other frowned before realizing why. "My apologies. I wasn't aware it was you, Captain Fabray" Quinn liked hearing that again. She felt in charge for once and it was nice. Rachel noticed how the blonde stood a bit straighter, a bit taller than before and she smiled proudly at the blonde.
"No worries" Quinn said. The guards greeted Brittany too before walking back to their places. "Alright, lets get to the Queen"
"The Queen?" Rachel and Santana asked.
"Yes. That's where we are going for now and I think it´s going to be your home for the time now"
"We´re going to live in a freaking castle?" Santana asked incredulous. Quinn nodded and the Latina was impressed. They walked down the small streets which was filled with the towns people. They all stared at the newcomers with interest. Most of them recognized the two blondes and ducked their heads quickly before moving on. The town was a maze of narrow winding streets. The sound of the smiths, beating swords and breastplates into shape, was the consistent and dull pounding that let you know the town was alive. Rachel was amazed. It was like right out of textbook of their history classes. She had never in a lifetime, believed that she would experience this. It was almost too surreal to believe it. Quinn smiled at the brunette as they rounded a corner and they could look right into where a blacksmith was working. Kurt covered his ears as the noise was loud. Santana stared at all the weapons and shields on display. The brute man inside was hammering on what appeared to be a new sword. Quinn chuckled and put her arm around the smaller girl to guide her away. The walked up the street and soon they hit a clearing. Kurt, Santana and Rachel stopped immediately.
"Wow…" Rachel whispered as the Queen´s castle was now right in front of them and it was enormous. The white castle was very... Rachel couldn't even describe it. The castle was bold on the blue beyond. It stood there as if conjured from the storybook of a child. It was perfect. Every stone was even and square, as if those who built were set on perfection, as if they really loved what they made. They were walls made to protect a community, to echo with laughter and be the shelter they needed for the millennia to come. The was river going around the castle and there was build a wide stone bridge, that connected the castle to the town. "It´s even more beautiful from down here" Rachel said and looked at Quinn.
"Yes, it´s certainly is" They were interrupted as a group of men came towards them. Quinn recognized one of them. "Anderson! It´s good to see you again" The man smiled widely.
"Captain Fabray, Brittany. I thought it was you. When did you come back?" Quinn smiled as the man stopped in front of them.
"Earlier today. We walked through the woods to get here" Blaine´s smile faded.
"Did you meet Shadun´s soldiers? My scouts have just messaged me that a group of them was seen passing by the north side"
"We met them. A large group" Quinn answered, and Blaine nodded. He looked to her side and saw Rachel. "Yes, sorry. This is Rachel" His eyes widened.
"You mean- "Quinn nodded.
"Yes. Crown Princess Rachel of Kosmia" Blaine bowed to her immediately. "Rachel, this is Sir Blaine Anderson. He´s my second in command next to Brittany"
"Your highness. It´s a pleasure to meet you" Rachel blushed and looked down as Blaine bowed.
"Thank you?" Rachel replied unsure of herself. She looked at her friends. Santana was smirking at her, while Kurt was looking at Blaine. She rolled her eyes at him.
"I believe the Queen is waiting?" Quinn said. Blaine nodded and moved for them to go on. The other guards waited as the group passed them before following them. Rachel looked behind and felt a bit unease by all the weapons. "I see you grew a beard" Quinn chuckled at Blain who just nodded and smiled. Soon they were standing in front of the front doors to the castle.
"The Queen know you´re coming. She is waiting inside" Blaine said and motioned for them to go inside. The doors opened and the group stepped inside. The hall was as big as Rachel had imagined. Six pillars were placed around, keeping the ceiling at bay, big paintings were hanging on the walls, while a few empty amours were standing at every pillar. In the middle was a big staircase, where a graceful woman was standing with a small smile on her lips. Rachel should have known immediately who it was, but it still took her by surprise then Quinn spoke while bowing.
"Your Majesty" Rachel was finally meeting the Queen of Everdale.
