Chapter 3

My new outfit I had clothed myself in was far more comfortable than the last. The bodice was a leather corset with metal bracing and plated designs. I wore also a pleated, short, leather skirt studded with small spikes. My footwear was knee-high boots with a similar plated design as the bodice. It was very easy to move in Yet protected me from most harm should I happen to get hit. The way I was taught was to attack swiftly but don't stay put. Move constantly so that there is never an opportunity to by attacked in return. My favorite sword was strapped to my back in a special scabbard I had created. On my belt were my whip, dagger, and a chakram. In holders on my boots were throwing knives. My arms were bear except for forearm protectors and the only things on my shoulders were the leather straps holding up the corset and my scabbard strap. The golden hair I despised was in a ponytail and out of my face. I was ready for my fight.

I took a step outside my door and ran into my knight. He caught my and held me at arms distance, taking in my new look. Hunter smiled approvingly and dropped his arms to his side.

"What's this for?" Hunter asked.

"I'll let you figure it out all on your own. It shouldn't be all that difficult for you." I smiled sarcastically at him.

"Do you need all of this?" He asked as we walked.

"If I left without them I know I would."

We found a guard and had him lead us out to the battle arena to meet my impatient crowd. The councilmen wore leather battle gear used for practice and waited in a circle with their weapons. They watched disapprovingly as I approached. Glancing quickly around it wasn't hard to take notice that the citizens gathered around and sat in the stands to watch. News obviously spread like wild fire. It was scary how people had a thirst for violence. They reminded me of stories that my trainers used to tell me. The tales of Rome and Gladiators.

"Alright, gentlemen." I said as I approached. Their gaze followed me me as I made my way to the center of their circle. The looks they sent my way turned from disapproving to confused yet admiring.

"Sir Jonathon, I'm sure you've figured out that this is a one on one battle. What are your stakes?" I asked calmly.

"Assuming you are to watch me fight an appropriate opponent, It will be to the death princess." His cockiness was sickening.

"As you wish. You cannot ask for mercy once the battle has begun. Do you still wish it to be to the death?"

"Yes princess. Now will my opponent be your knight or one of the councilmen?" Jonathon sneered.

"Your opponent is of the council. You will be fighting me." I said loudly. Sir Hunter gasped and was about to protest when I held up my hand to silence him. I smiled coyly while Jonathon flushed a bright red. "A word of advice, to assume is to make a mistake."

"But you're a girl!" he shouted.

"Yes, very good observation. Now everyone but Jonathon, please move a safe distance away and do not interfere. There will be consequences to those who ignore my single warning. Now, Sir Jonathon, get ready." I felt way calmer than I should have felt. I pulled my sword free from its' sheath and stood in a battle stance. Jonathon held up his sword and shield, mimicking my position.

"What about your shield?" He asked.

I smiled and said nothing. Slowly he took calming breaths and tossed away his shield before he nodded to me that he was ready. The dance with death began. We sized each other up, looked for weaknesses. I guarded my strengths while he guarded his weaknesses. A very fatal move for a soldier. I brought my sword against his and let the vibrations from the metal flood through my body. Adrenaline kicked up through my veins, heightening my senses and making me itch for the kill. I struck again while he blocked. I now knew his strength in his swing. I became like the wind, striking high and low as fast as my body could talk me. I spun out of the way of his retaliation every time my blade sliced lightly through his skin. Blood poured out onto his skin and slowly making its way to mix with the dirt. Jonathon was no match for my onslaught. His right knee became open to me and I made no hesitation as I sliced behind it. The heavy wound caused blood to splatter the earth in large gushes. Jonathon cried in pain. He knelt in the dirt and I kicked hard against his chest plate. The air escaped his lungs as he lay there, flat on his back.

Quickly, I place a knee on his heaving chest and held my sword against his throat. He cowered and begged for his life.

"A man of honor does not beg!" I spat. "You chose the stakes! I gave you a chance to back down! You have sealed your fate! I am a woman of honor and mercy. I have already shown you mercy before we begun. A woman of honor keeps her word. Now stop blubbering and meet your decision with dignity!" I allowed Jonathon to say one last prayer before slicing his throat open and watching his life blood spill onto the arena floor. Adrenaline still coursed through my body. I was still itching to fight. I took a deep breath, trying to stow away the need for blood. Anger that had built up for years just beneath the surface.

I rose to my feet and faced the on looking crowd. Blood pounded in my ears and I gripped my sword until my knuckled were white. I raise my hands, still holding my sword. "Anyone else?" I asked. Everyone, including my black knight, stared in shock and shook their heads. they took a step back in fear outright fear of what i was capable of.

"Alright then, Let this be a lesson to you all. Never judge by what or who someone is. It will be your undoing. Always expect the worst until they've proven what they are. One last thing, once you've chosen a path, follow through with honor. He.." I said pointing at Jonathon's silently still body. "He was a coward. Do not let yourself become like him. Should you ever, you will be asked to resign from your position. Am I clear?" The councilmen nodded.

"Excellent. I will meet you back in the council room." I put my sword back in its scabbard and walked away, never looking back. The men trailed after me on the silent walk back to the round table. I had earned their fear, if not their respect. It was at least, somewhere to start.

The council room was silent. No one made eye contact with me for very long and when they did, they looked at me like I would burst into flames and turn into a dragon. Apparently, they have never met a strong, skilled, and independent woman in this day and age.

"I know all of you have things to say. This silence does no one any good." Still everyone stayed silent. I sighed, "Sir Jonathon's mistake was assuming I knew nothing of war and running a kingdom. Since I could walk I was trained in combat. When I could read, write, and talk I was trained in the political aspect. His second mistake was insulting me. Now since none of you have done so, speak now or risk making me cross."

A gentleman with kind grey eyes spoke up immediately. "I apologize my lady. You shocked us out of words."

'Yes, I understand that! There is important business to attend to and you all are childishly taking a vow of silence. We have no time." Already these men exhausted me. How did the king do it? I thought.

A younger man, one who looked to barely have reached his 30's, spoke. "Well, I think we should go to war. Kill their King and Queen, trash their city, and put their kingdom in turmoil." I stared in shock as these men began to argue about what should happen next. They were so battle hungry and blood thirsty. Then I thought of myself whenever a battle has begun. I couldn't stop until I was finished so how could I possibly judge them so harshly. The room was thrown into chaos as the men stood up shouting at each other.

"Enough!" I commanded. They were suddenly silent and sat back down obediently. "How does war fix anything? How does it help us? How does that make us any better than them? You men are so focused outside the city walls that you can't even see the destruction in your own backyard. Revenge is an ugly thing that makes monsters out of men. What are your plans for restoring the city?"

"The people do that themselves. They need no help from us." An older man said.

I was about to harshly reply when my black knight spoke up for the first time in the meeting. "On the contrary, the princess herself spent hours helping those in need before she even arrived at the castle. She started rebuilding and helped children find purpose. She started cleaning up the streets and spoke nothing but kind words to lift the people's spirits. Eva then organized soldiers to help and replace her presence. This was a test to see what kind of people you are and what you would do to make your kingdom great. You all failed miserably. A kingdom is only a great as its people, As the princess always says. A strong kingdom can not only be built by its battles and conquers." Hunter smiled at me when he turned and caught me staring at him with wide eyes. He captured what I would have said perfectly. Mentally shaking myself I turned back to the men at the round table. They shifted uncomfortably under my gaze.

I cleared my throat. "I expect that before we discuss war again that every one of you has contributed to the rebuild of the city. Do not just send your personal guard to do it for you. 3 hours. Spend at least 3 hours helping those poor people. Helping your people. I also want you to create food and clothing stands to hand out of no charge. They have suffered enough; they don't need us emptying their purses as well. This is nothing I myself wouldn't do. This meeting is now completed, let us start fresh in the morning. There will be no further meetings until the city is finished. Good day gentlemen."

I exited the room gracefully with my knight. We walked alone for a long time silently. When I started to struggle to remember which way I was headed, I started a conversation. My hope was that if i turn my mind away from what i struggled with, it would return naturally to me.

"I want to thank you for accompanying me to the castle. We barely know each other and yet, I have no doubt you'd protect me at any cost. Why is that? Why would you leave everything and give your life to a stranger?"

"Since I was a boy I dreamed of being a knight and protecting the king. My father taught me everything it means to be a knight and then handed over his armor to me. I was trained in every way imaginable and I guess I just wanted to find my own way. I started with jousting, to put my skills to the test. Then I saw you walk into the field on my tenth tournament. I just had to fight, well joust, for you. I felt like I knew you already. Then the opportunity came to be your knight and I couldn't hold my excitement down. It was what I dreamed of. I couldn't be happier. The fact that the royalty I serve is you just makes this experience all the better."

"Well," I laughed. "I was going to say your promise to me was fulfilled. If you wished to go you could but I think the only way you'd leave is on a dead cart."

Hunter chuckled. "Yes I believe you are right on that assumption. I do still have business, so to speak, that I need to take care of. I'm sure you'll still have need of me."

"One quick question." I said hesitantly.

"And that it?" He prompted.

"Why did you say because I was the royalty you served, it made it all the better? What is the reasoning behind that?"

"Kings and Queens have always been known for looking down on their people, for giving more to themselves than the kingdom. You, well you act as though you're the servant rather than the Queen. You are one of the people. I know Kings and Queens say that often but for you it's true. You're not afraid to be the one running through the fire to save a child or to get down on your knees and scrub away stagnant and filthy water. That is how it should be. You are one that all should look up to."

I nodded at his words and the conviction behind them. I turned back to the halls that confused me.

"Would you accompany me on a walk through the city Sir Hunter?"

"I would be honored Evangaline." He replied.

Hunter walked with me through the confusing hallways until we finally found the exit. "Those hallways are going to take forever to get used to." I muttered as we stepped onto the outer stairway. Hunter laughed as we looked down at the city. Even destroyed, it was a beautiful sight. It was nestled at the bottom of a mountain range. The frees reached up into the sky, their leaves filtering the light they touch. The castle stood barely above the rooftops. It was a statement my uncle made. He wanted the people to look up to him, but not be so far away he was unapproachable. HE also positioned his castle to accept the fullness of nature wherever you were. A waterfall ran not far away from the castle walls. In the setting sun it looked like liquid gold as it meandered its way through the city. It was enchanting, filling the air with a soothing sound that echoed of the mountains. Fireflies began to make an appearance, looking like glowing embers climbing from the scorched ground.

I sighed in wonder. "My uncle had an incredible vision. It just takes my breath away." Hunter grunted in agreement but otherwise stayed silent. We descended the staircase quickly and walked through the streets. It looked significantly better in the past couple hours since I was there last. Everywhere we walked there was at least one soldier offering a helping hand. Some handed out food and clothing, Others cleaned and helped rebuild.

I pulled one aside and asked "Did anyone give you orders to do this? I'm just curious as to how things are run here."

The soldier looked confused. "Well, no one princess…I just saw some of my brothers offering help so I added my hands to the mix. It was the right thing to do."

I grinned at the man. "Good, keep your good heart. I will have need of it. Next time soldier, I expect that you start the change. The right thing has to be started by someone and who better than a soldier?"

He smiled back and replied "Yes princess, of course." He walked away and continued helping. I looked over my shoulder to talk to Hunter but he had gone to help while I was talking. Currently he was unloading fresh fruit from a cart and putting it on a stand to give away.

I turned around again and saw Hope walking down the street. I called out to her and she came running over laughing. "Do you see how pretty it is now? I can't believe it! It looks nicer than when the king was in rule!"

I smiled though her words were like a punch to my gut. Was what my uncle taught me a lie? No, that can't be it. My uncle was a good man, wasn't he? At least I thought he was. His teachings proved true yet did he use them himself? I thought he took care of the people. My thoughts went wild. I was told he was the greatest king to ever rule and he cared for his people. Maybe what I was told was a lie so that I could make the kingdom greater when my time came. "Would you like to take a ride with me? See all the work that's been done?" I asked. Hope's eyes lit up and she nodded excitedly. I laughed and grabbed her hand. We walked happily together to the stables. We talked about how pretty the streets looked and was becoming a better home than she ever knew. I would make sure that this would always be a place for Hope to be secure and run happily through the street. For all the children and people of the city.

We reached the stables after much walking. I opened the doors while she spun in a circle and I gasped in horror. The stables were a lot larger than I thought it was. I guess it made sense with all the Calvary men we had but still, how was I supposed to find my horse in the thousand stalls? Hope squealed with delight and ran up to the first stall which held a grey mare. The mare poked her head through the door and brought her muzzle to Hope's face. She laughed and stroked the horse's face. She kissed the mare's muzzle before running back over to me when I called.

I blew out a long low whistle and listened. A familiar black head poked out of a door about 40 stalls down. Dusk whinnied and I walked down to him. I put my hand on his nose and gently massaged his velvet fur.

"Hope, this is my very special horse. You will be the only one other than myself to ever ride him."

"Oh really? I feel honored princess! What's his name?" Her voice was small but there was no denying that there was wonder and bravery hidden inside. Dusk bent down and lipped her long blonde hair. She had the curse like I did, yet, I knew that she could be the only one to turn the curse into a blessing; she would be the most beautiful girl in the city.

"This is Dusk. There are no others like him in this land. They can only be found on a land far away from here. Over the oceans and through treacherous mountains and valleys lays their sacred grounds of roaming. My father knew where it was but his secret died with him." I opened the stall door and clicked my tongue. He walked out at the signal to exit and waited patiently in the hallway.

"Oh wow! He's got hair on his feet like a draft horse but he's normal sized. He's so unique." Hope exclaimed.

I smiled at Hope's knowledge of horses. I grabbed his bridal from the stall and said "Yes, He's very special."

"Dusk, come put your bridal on." I commanded. Dusk walked over a few steps and took the bit in his mouth. I calmly slid the straps over his face and secured them in the buckles. Using a nearby stool I leaped up onto my Friesian's back.

"Reins please." I said. Dusk took hold of the dangling leather and tossed his head so it went over his ears and into my hands. I patted his neck gently before leaning down and grasping Hope's arm. I tugged her up gently and sat her in front of me. I haven't ridden bareback in a long time. It already felt liberating.

Dusk walked to the entrance when I gave the signal. I could feel his muscles bunch and release with every step. A quiver of anticipation coursed through his body. After closing the barn door, I lead my horse on a trot through the city. The people greeted me as i rode by overseeing the work being completed. The garbage was mostly gone and things were being cleaned up with all the help from the soldiers. I smiled at the hard work everyone was putting in. Hope pointed out her favorite places to play. There were areas by the river and church houses where she claimed the angels came to play with her. We laughed together and inspired the people as we rode through. Suddenly a soldier came running through the streets. he looked wildly around before spotting me With a burst of speed he charged up to Dusk's side. I pulled my beast to a halt.

"My lady! Near the square. There is a huge commotion and fighting taking place there. You are needed there." He panted urgently.

"Thank you, take rest and inspire the people." I urged Dusk into a trot again before commanding him.

"Hope hold on! Dusk, to the center quickly!" Hope twined her tiny hands in Dusk's mane just as he took off. Hearing heavy hooves thundering, the people moved out of the way to let us through. After a few turns the square started to come into view. My horse plowed forward, pounding his hooves heavily into the ground. Dusk burst into the center of the square and I was shocked at what I saw.

"What is going on here?" I shouted as my Friesian skidded to a halt. Everyone stopped and turned from their brawls. Hope's mother walked up and gently removed her from my horse, carrying her daughter to safety. The crowd was utterly silent; I could have heard a pin drop.

"Will someone tell me what happened?" I shouted again. If there was one thing I hated, it was when I asked a question and no one answered. Finally an older gentlemen pulled me out of my growing anger. He bowed deeply before speaking.

"Princess, your soldiers were caught stealing from us." He said, his voice shaking slightly.

"And how were they stealing when I've offered anything you've needed for no cost?"

"They were knocking people down and stealing all the gold from people's purses. We thought your guards would be different than the kings. We had hope but your men have shaken it." His eyes were heartbroken.

"Bring me those men. If they were honorable than they would only help, not hinder. Those men who stole from my people no longer work for me or this kingdom."

Several large peasant men brought four soldiers dressed in my uncle's maroon garbs. They were pushed to the feet of my horse. The sun was almost gone but their faces were unmistakable.

"So, the two men who brought me into the city and the two guards that were posted outside my council meetings." Connecting the dots quickly in my mind, I spoke again. "Who are you really working for?"

"What do you mean? We work for you," The guard's voice was strong but he wouldn't hold my gaze. I was right.

"No, you don't. So who do you work for?" The guard held my gaze fully this time. His eyes were filled with complete hatred. When he spoke, a Viking accent came out from hiding.

"We are the Viking spies that let our allies into this wretched city. My men and I drove a knife into your uncle's heart and decapitated his wife. We bathed in their blood. We would have had your blood too but you princess, are too clever for your own good. My brothers guarded your meeting to discover your plans and when we could strike. You were focused on the rebuild and gave no information, not even to your knight." He grinned cruelly. "Do you not trust the man who protects you? Or are you falling for him and don't want to get hurt? Well I guess it doesn't matter. You'll die anyway."

I slid off of Dusk and clucked at him to stay put. In one smooth motion I removed the sword from my sheath and beheaded the traitor. The other three took off running. Quickly I yanked the chakram off my belt and threw it. The circular blade slit the throats of the soldiers and circled back to me, The peasants ducked out of it's path so it harmed no others. The crowd cheered at the deaths but it made me deeply sad. Death is always a tragedy no matter whose blood is spilled. The crowd went back to their business and Sir Hunter found me again. I climbed onto Dusk's back and held my arm out to him. He grasped my hand and leaped up to sit behind me.

"About what he said the part about me? Is any of it true?" Hunter asked as I led Dusk down the streets.

"I trust you with my life." I said bluntly.

Hunter put his hands on my waist. "You know that's not what I meant."

I stayed silent and just focused on the road and the citizens. "Okay, how about something easier for you to answer. How did you know? That these men were traitors." Hunter pressed.

"I have a sense of who's honorable or not remember?" I joked.

He chuckled. "I'm serious, how did you know?"

"His eyes. I just looked into his eyes and saw hatred burning in its depths. I saw the man who was so unafraid of killing that he would face death to get one final kill. Then I just knew he would kill me and everyone around me. He was far from honorable."

He laughed again. "I guess you do have a way of tell if a man is honorable. Ah yes, I remember now. Your favor is a fine example." He pulled it out of his inner shirt pocket over his heart. He placed it on my lap.

"You kept it?" I asked. He fully and successfully turned my attention from the horror and death I just saw.

"Of course, my lady. I keep it as a golden reminder of what to fight for."

I told Dusk to take us to the castle. I dropped the reins as Dusk took the path that would lead to the castle. The rhythmic walking of Dusk made us sway in the evening night. I relaxed the tension in my shoulders and rubbed my hands over my face. In one day my world had turned upside down. In one day I went from a princess with no suitors to an acting queen with a suitor that would die for me. My what can happen in a day. I was even fearful for tomorrow.