The Queen and her Guard

Prologue

Laura shivered as she slipped into the silken white dress. She stared into the mirror as the maids scurried around her, adding the finishing touches to her ensemble. Her honey colored hair was tied back in complicated braids and tied around her head. The dress complimented every curve she had, making it look far too revealing for what it was intended. She finally looked at her eyes, bright blue and brimming with tears. “This can not be happening.” She thought. Mere days ago she had been happy, without a care in the world.

Laura had been in her garden when the King had ridden by. She had an abundance of beautiful flowers surrounding her when she had suddenly heard the clip of a horse passing. Considering she lived on the edge of the forest, which was thought to be haunted, not many people passed by her small cottage. She looked up, curiosity furrowing her brow, and was greeted by the sight of horror. The King, a bald man in his late 50’s was ogling her. He was slouched over on his horse, his crown oversized and garish. His nose hairs hung down to his lips, which were cracked and bleeding, his tongue occasionally darting out to moisten them, showing his rotting teeth behind. She cringed at the sight of him, before remembering herself and bowing down. The troll like creature in front of her grinned, bearing his yellow teeth.

“Dear lady”, he said in a wheedling voice,”what is your name?”

“Laura” she said, after a moment of hesitation.

He grinned even wider as he turned back to the captain of his guard and snapped, “Roran! I think I have found my new bride…”