Dwyn's POV

The next morning, I awoke early, I had resolved to get my daily duties finished early so that I could have all day to prepare.

Typical Queens asked servers to pack for them, but I had always preferred packing myself, just as I preferred riding my horse to being carted about in a carriage. I rolled out of bed and walked barefoor past my roaring fire to the doors that led to my private balcony. I pushed them open, immediately chilled by the slight wind that could only be a sign of coming snow.

Standing out on this balcony always helped me to think, to see my kingdom spread out below me, the normal people working. All of them had goals, all of them had families. Eventually, on this balcony, I always felt alone.

Everyone thought that I just didn't want to get married at all. Truly, it was what I wanted more than anything. To find someone who loved me, and who I loved back. To have children, and be more than just a Queen. More than one woman who has only her kingdom to live for. There had to be something more.

The grey light of dawn washed over the villages below, and I came back from my solitary thoughts. Turning, I went back into my room and closed the doors behind me. Walking to my bed, I found that my lady's maid had lain out a gown for the morning ceremonies, things I did every day. It was a dark green with lighter streaks going down the arms and a light velvet belt that sat on my hips. I slipped it on, thankful it was one of the more comfortable ones.

I put on my green slippers, the flat soled ones, and piakced my crown up from its pedestal in the corner, placing it in the center of my head. This was another thing everyone thought was wonderful, the crowns, all they did was fall off. I quickly brushed out my curls, trying to look like I cared, and left my room to go to my desk where all the affairs of the kingdom were controlled.

Hopefully, this wouldn't take too long...

All I wanted to do was leave.

Caeli's POV

I awoke the next morning around 10:00AM, normal for me. As I dressed, once again in pants and a tunic, I thought 'Dwyn must be well into her morning duties by now...wonder how long that will take?'

Once I was dressed, I headed down to the kitchens to 1.) get the food I'd need for the journey tomorrow, and 2.) to get a little something for my late breakfast. I got an apple to eat and the food and water I needed and then returned to my room to stow the food and water in my saddle bag.

Around 12:30, I ate lunch, then headed down to the archery field again.

Dwyn's POV

At around mid-day, I finally emerged from the chamber where my business took place eachj day. I know what you're thinking, and I don't know why they're called "morning" ceremonies either. In reality, they usually last ppast mid-day, so I'd actually made excellent time.

Returning to my room, I practically ripped my dress off and changed into a pair of dark brown leggings and a royal blue tunic, also pinning my hair back as I left (after throwing the crown back onto its cushion).

Don't get me wrong, I loved being Queen, being in charge, because I really did think that I knew what was best for Kosak, having been strategically gifted with common sense as well as great intelligence. But I would be lying if I said that it didn't get stressful at times. Everyone needs a break.

At least that was how I justified leaving...

I quickly made my way down to the kitchen, knowing that Caeli had most likely forgotten to supervise the packing of food for the lady's maids and small cavalry platoon that were accompanying us. She often complained of boredom, when really there was plenty for her to do to help. Oh well.

After I'd gotten the kitchens started preparing two day's worth of rations, I sent a messanger bearing a warning of our arrival in two day's time. By then, it was almost suppertime, but I still lacked my own packing, so I had the cook send up a small meal for myself to eat as I packed.

It did not take me long, i threw in plenty of leggings and tunics, as well as two dresses to wear for ceremonies that might take place while we were there. The crown needn't be brought, so it sat silently on its cushion, watching me and reminding me of the queenly things I needed to pack. Whether I wanted to or not.

After I had all the clothing I would need safely folded in a light trunk, I got out my saddle bag so it would be ready for the final preparations the next morning. Usually, I would have packed it then, but I was so tired, and I had to rise early the next morning.

Yawning, I took the pins out of my hair and shook it loose before changing into my nightdress.

The fire burned bright, warming me as I climbed into bed. I also felt a hot colebed at the foot of my bed. Tessla, my lady's maid must have put it there when I wasn't paying attention. They had such a way with silence.

As I lay down, my small calico cat jumped up with me and curled into a small ball on my pillow next to me.

"Hello Morri..." I whispered. She had been the smallest in a litter of one of the villagers, and given to me as a thank you gift for food one bad winter. She'd become a dear friend and good source of entertainment on rainy days. Her name meant "little queen," and she was about the size of two hands. A runt, she'd never by any bigger than she was. But that was all right, I loved tiny animals...

She purred softly as I stroked her head. And I finally fell asleep to her rhythmic breathing in my ear.

Caeli's POV

The rest of the day passed much like the one before. I went to bed that night early, for we planned to leave early the next morning.