His Other Woman

Chapter 5:The Royal Guard trials

Many of the men that were entering were so big, strong and intimidating looking. I was sure I felt my heart stop beating for a moment, was I sure about this? I was doing this for some free food and accommodation and possibly a job as a knight but would I survive this? Was it worth it? My mind began to race as debated whether I should get into the wagon or not? I had It was then that I felt myself get shoved over.

Momentarily losing my balance I almost fell over but managed to pick myself back up. Looking up I saw a two men in front of me that had most likely bumped into me.

The man stopped walking and looked back at me ."Sorry didn't see you there." He apologized in mocking tone. "Could have sworn I almost turned you to dust when I walked past you. What's a little thing like you doing here?" His companion burst out laughing at his remark.

A scowl formed on my face I wanted to smack that smile of his face but I had to control myself. I had to be careful when I chose to speak or my voice would give away.

"Now don't look at me like that." he sneered, " I did apologize." As he and his friend turned to walk away.

"Honestly some of the people that think they have a chance to be an imperial knight." He laughed as he and his friend walked away to get onto the wagon.

I looked down at my body which was smaller in comparison to many of the men that were present. I wouldn't say it was very feminine looking considering it was slightly muscular from my training. My breasts were probably the only thing that would makke me look somewhat feminine, but I had tucked them away. My body was also not as big and maculine as a mans body.

At first I though it would be a giveaway since I had a smaller body then most men. However, there were also men who were short, on the skinnier side, smaller build. So I could blend in amongst those men. I got into one of the many wagons and we soon set off.

The journey to the military base would take about half a day from the town we came from, others could be travelling for over a day as they were coming from all depending on how far away you lived from the bases location. The ride was long and exhausting but I tried to stay alert, making sure to keep to myself not interacting with anyone else.

We arrived late into the afternoon. So many other wagons arrived simultaneously as well. There so many people that I guess everyone was so excited for a chance to serve the Crown Prince. I got out of the wagon waited amongst the trainees for further instructions taking a look at the military base as I did so. It was beyond massive. Acres upon of land that seemed to go and on from where I stood with military buildings and not to mention the tall flags with the knights insignia on them. I could see dozens knights that were training.

'I really made it here.' I thought to myself overwhelmed by what I saw. Lets hope I will survive. After a little while all the trainnees were lead to an arena on the grounds. It was more like a stadium we were made to sit on the stands that surrounded the open field in the middle. I guessed that perhaps fights took place on the fields with onlookers sitting on the stands.

A middle aged man who wore the imperial knights uniform walked to the center of the field. "Welcome Recruits! I am Genral Matthews" He yelled his voice reverberating around the stadium and echoing. "Welcome to the annual knight trials where we look for young strong and brave men to defend and protect the kingdom. However this years edition is a little special as not only will knights be selected but among some you the Crown Princes royal guard will be chosen.

"The crown prince will be coming in a months time after some screening has taken place. Unsurprisingly, when this time comes more applicants than usual apply for this so we have to sow out the weak before the prince can select hi people. The training won't be easy and many of you will give up. In fact even if you want to leave right now you can go right ahead. We only We only keep the best and the strongest. The number one important a true knight is one who doesn't give uo no matter how difficult a situation can get."

When the General Matthews finished his introductory speech I wasn't sure whether I was supposed to be inspired or scared by it.

After the introduction to the trials all the trainees were divided and split up into smaller groups. To make it easier to organize us and we were all divided into groups of 50 men. For the following weeks we would be train, eat and sleep together. After we were divided up we were sent to tents to rest up for the knights after our various journeys.

The tent was large enough for all 50 of us to sleep in. We were going to be sleeping on multiple wooden bunk beds that had been set up side by side. I chose a random bed like everyone else as we waited for next instruction.

"What is this?" some of the trainees asked commenting on our living situation. I can't sleep like this. I looked at the people that were complaining. They seemed like they came from affluent families. I had forgotten every person regardless of what class be it noble or commoner had to live the same here. I imagine it was hard for them to live in less than luxurious accomadtion.

And just like that some of them decided to leave the trials altogether.

We were all given basic training clothing. Dinner was in a large dinning halls and much to delight it was a warm meal. Some meaty stew and bread. It was the first warm meal I'd had in ages I relished and it enjoyed it as I was seated by myself in the hall. Afterwards we were then allowed to take take a bath. There were multiple large outdoor baths for everyone to bathin in. I of course waited until the baths were empty before which required waiting a couple of hours. Going back to the tent to sleep long after everyone was alseep. When I lay down on my bed and closed my eyes I dwelled on the fact that I had survived my first day so far I wondered what awaited me the next day.

The next morning we were made to wake up before dawn and go for a morning run as a group up and down the mountains close to the base. It was torturous and I could barely keep up with all the other men. Lagging at the back of the group. The trials were going to start off with intense stamina training for the first week before we began any sword fighting.

From constant running to weight-lifting to running whilst carrying heavy objects, I was already starting to look feel I had no chance of surviving.

If a candidate wanted to forfeit they were allowed to leave however if