There was not a worse prisoner than a six year old with insolence. Princess Lavinia had broken free and had half the women there chasing after her. Within minutes being in this new kingdom's grounds, Lavinia had gained her voice back and put it to work by shrieking as she ran. She ran toward the double wooden doors and stopped, gazing up on a woman in a lavender and gold gown who blocked her. The lady had a regal appearance. One with a strength and boldness that did not compare with her mother. But most of all, this woman's icy stare would have immediately destroyed Queen Gwendolyn's warmth in a heartbeat.
Queen Julia looked down upon her young hostage. "You will not go anywhere, child."
Princess Lavinia placed her hands on her hips. "I", pointing to herself, "Am a princess and you will do as I say. Or daddy will get Sir Ivon and have him decapitate-o his foe and lay waste on you all." The young girl proudly smirked, thinking this was yet another of many games.
The Queen eyed her knights in the room who in turn stood obediently with their head slightly bowed toward her, awaiting orders. She set her eyes back on Lavinia. "You are far off from home and do not have an idea of what is to become of you, do you? You have no title here, child. You are simply a little girl who I shall name my heir after we…" She paused to think of the right word. "Mend…you. You will come to respect me in due time."
Lavinia tilted her head to side as if to think about it. Then it was time to stomp right on the Queen's feet and run off, calling out for Jane.
Two of Julia's Ladies in Waiting rushed to their royalty's side while the guards pursued the girl. The captain of the guard, a young blonde woman in black dragon scale armor named Octavia, came forward. "Shall we move forward with the second invasion?"
"The girl calls for her therefore you may. Take two of the men and six of your women."
"With respect my lady, I think it would be wise to leave the men behind. We have already lost Marcus and we can not afford to risk not having a strong collective that would allow new life brought to the castle."
"I suppose you could take the other squire that the old man and his buffoon are training. What other young men serve the grounds?
"A gardener, a blacksmith and a jester. The jester is well instructed; the blacksmith is of a strong stature and appears very loyal. The gardener doesn't meet our qualifications and is not worth drifting his heart from the kitchen maid."
"Just take the squires for now. We need not greed to ruin us."
"Yes, my lady."
"And Octavia?"
The young leader stopped in her tracks and turned to her Queen.
"If you should see the merchant from Kippernia, give him his payment."