Caeli's POV

"My Lady?" I heard my maid, Allesa, call me out of my peaceful sleep.

I yawned and rolled over. "Yes?"

"Tis nearly dawn, Lady Caelia."

"Oh, thank you." I said, and reluctantly climbed out of bed and walked to my wardrobe. Slowly, I put on a deep green tunic and dark brown pants. I was NOT a morning person. Last, I threw my forest green cloak around my shoulders and gathered up my things for the journey, then headed for the stables.

Ashen seemed to know we were going to travel today, not just ride. He was restless as I saddled him and draped the saddlebags over his back.

"Easy boy, we'll be leaving soon." I said, stroking his neck.

A few moments later, Dwyn entered the stables and saddled her own horse.

"Good morning." I said to her, as we lead the horses out of the stable.

"Morning, I'm amazed you're even up." She replied.

I yawned, then said, "As am I."

We lead the horses to the front of the castle, the small guard and our ladies in waiting were already there and on their horses' backs. I rolled my eyes when I saw Allesa sitting sidesaddle, my eyes then fell on Dwyn's maid, who was seated likewise.

"How, on God's green earth, can they stand to ride in that manner?" I whispered to Dwyn as I climbed into Ashen's saddle.

"God only knows cousin, God only knows." Came Dwyn's whispered reply as she too climbed into the saddle of her own horse.

We both rolled our shoulders back and sat up straight, a riding habit we'd had since childhood.

Dwyn's POV

It took the caravan a while to get moving, but once it began, things progressed nicely. There seemed to be plenty of food for everyone (no thanks to Caeli) and the first days' ride passed rather uneventfully.

Caeli seemed to be in a quiet mood, so the only company I had was the soft sound of Morri's purring, as she slept in my saddlebag. She always came with me on all my journeys, tucked snugly in with my provision s and sleeping pad.

My sword, Trellicus, hung from my saddle as well, a bright warning to any who attacked that this Queen intended to fight back. A small dagger also hung at my waist, and a bow and quiver were within reach to my right on my horse's side.

Maldwyn, or brave friend, was my horse. He was a palomino, a rare color for a war horse, but he and I had been through much together, and not only did I refuse to ride any other, but he refused to let any other ride him.

And so, we reached the halfway point, a small hollow in which we set up camp.

Strange that I slept more peacefully that night than any I'd spent in my feather bed.

The next morning, I hurried the packing along, I wanted to arrive as soon as possible, so as not to impose upon an already prepared dinner for less than were coming.

The only downside to arriving as that I would once again be forced in to a dress, no matter how much I whished to stay in my comfortable leggings and tunic (violet today).

Caeli was riding a few paces ahead of me, and I urged Maldwyn forward with a light click of my heels, he brought me up beside her, I smiled brightly.

"Good morning, cousin."

"good morning to you." She answered with a weak nod of her head. She'd never been much of a morning person.

"So, what do you think this Marius will be like?" I asked, curious to know what she thought.

"Well, if he wished access to our Kingdom at any time, he had better be a good man." She said in a final tone.

"…too true." I answered softly, then turned my attention back to the road.

Morri mewed from my bag and I reached a hand into get her out, placing her on my shoulder. I'd trained her to sit there, and she seemed to like it so long as I reached up to rub her head every now and again.

Caeli looked up at the sun overhead, almost in mid-day position. "How much longer, do you suppose?" She asked.

I looked up as well. "Three hours, at most." I answered.

"Three hours…" She repeated.

Three hours, my friend.

Three hours until the day that would begin the days that changed our lives forever.

Three hours until that fateful moment when I greeted Marius Annorius.