The King and His Queen Warrior

Goodbyes

I take my duffle bag on my shoulders, getting ready to be shipped off. My servants offered to carry my things but the thought that this would be the beginning of my newly pampered life was sickening. I carry my own weight, always have and always will. Kairon taught me that, he was ruthless, kind, and wise. As if on cue, the moment I exited my tent, he was coming towards mine. Kairon gestured me to follow him, a gesture so familiar that it stabs my heart to think I wouldn't be able to see it again.

We were quiet for a few minutes walking through the tents to an open field. I watched his back as we were walking, noticing patches of grey hair lurking beneath his brown hair. We stopped on a higher land overseeing the soldiers that are lining up to greet the Tallies, just in case. Kairon sigh again, fourth-time now. He turned towards me, brown eyes filled with emotions that I can't comprehend all at once, and at this moment, he looked older than he usually is. His brown hair laid back in a tousled manner, skin pale and not full of vigor, and the wrinkles on his face seem to look more visible now.

"Val, you will be living in enemy territory and many will want you dead. I know you'll survive, you have to, you are my legacy. I've taught you everything that I know to keep you alive. Taking you under my wing was the greatest decision that I have ever made. And a part of me is glad sending you off because you will be safe behind the front line" he sigh. He looks tired and...... sad. I've never seen him like this before. It pains me to see him like this.

"I won't be there to protect you" he paused "This is goodbye" Kairon put his hands on my shoulder and tuck my hair back "I've always thought of you as my daughter and I've always regretted that I was not able to give you the lov...."

Before he could finish, I jump and hugged him really tight catching him by surprise as we never show a daughter-father affection. I held back my overflowing emotions as I will probably never see Kairon ever again.

"I know," I said, trying hard not to control my voice from trembling.

"I never need a father and I never want a father. You are the only one who was there for me, a father, a mother, a teacher, a friend. You are my only family and that will never change Kairon. I am eternally grateful for everything that you did for me. I love you and I'll miss you, take care" I pulled back my hug and turned my back. I didn't dare to look him in the eye afraid my tears would fall out and I don't want Kairon to see my weak side, I didn't want him to think that he's sending a weak girl to the enemy. I don't want to worry him. I walked away feeling Kairon's gaze on my back understanding everything. I straightened my back taking deep breaths as I walked to the open field, readying myself.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two armies are facing each other as they waited whether it will be war or not. The exchanges between the two envoys of both armies happened faster than I predicted. As the King calls on me, I walked proudly to the front lines, nodding at the soldiers on my way through. They opened up a path for me to walk by. The generals have already lined themselves beside the King all looking back at me, displeased. I stopped in front of the King, waiting for his instructions. He looked at me in disbelief and annoyance, probably because I looked ready for a war and not a marriage. Well, I was never his favorite anyway.

"Go and remember where your loyalty lies," he said in a commanding tone probably scared I'll turn my back and attack this country and ignoring our agreement. I simply nodded giving him my stern look. I walked to the middle of the field with my head held up high and one arm on my sword, my spear tucked behind my back. I could feel hundreds of eyes watching my every move but I can't help to notice an intense glare coming at me, making the hairs on my neck stand, it was intent and animalistic. I couldn't pinpoint where it came from. This was the same one as before. Irking.

Shrugging it off I kept walking until I meet the Tallies. There were 3 men, all ready for anything. They were big and muscular but nothing I can't handle. They are probably slow due to their build and in one strike from my spear, I could take all of them out. They bowed their head in unison. A sign of respect, they're well mannered that's for sure.

"General Valeryie, we're gonna have to ask you to remove your weapons and come peacefully," the man on the center said.

"No, I'd like to keep my head attached for a bit longer, thank you," I said darkly

The men was taken aback and clear his throat not backing down "I assure you General, we mean no harm, we are all clearly instructed not to touch even a strand of your hair or we would face deathly consequences"

"No, as much as I trust you and your men. I prefer trusting myself over my own safety" I clutched my spear behind my back and that caused them to step back.

They were looking around at each other deciding what to do then the right man talked.

"General, I believe we shouldn't be making a scene as it endangers both our parties but we could not allow you to meet our King armed with weapons"

I knew it was not going to be easy but I need to save my neck first. I would be crazy if I make a scene that's why I won't be making the first move if there is indeed a scene, I was just stating that I am serious. I put my hand away and stand there unmoving with my arms crossed. And we're stuck in a game 'you can't win but you can't lose'.

They watched me intently before giving up and raising their hands. "You will be allowed to take your weapons until you get to your quarters but if you harm any of our people then we will consider the treaty void and we will attack the capital city, now please come with us" he gestured his hand to follow him and the other two men slightly behind me, sandwiching me as I walked towards the enemy.