Becoming Queen: A War of Two Kingdoms

Mirad Outpost, the Beginning of the Rescue

    The guards manning the Mirad Outpost thought nothing of the gate opening up and continued on with their day. Supplies usually came through the gates regularly, so it wasn't anything new or surprising. At least that was until a troop of knights emerged looking ready for battle. The commander of the outpost moved forward from the building he exited.

    "What's this? We weren't notified of any troops or shift changes today." The commander was a gruff man, but widely respected.

    "My apologies, Commander Rowe. The plans for retrieving the princess have been accelerated. We were not able to send word in advance. We have all the supplies we need, we just need an Arcani to open the gate for us into the forest near the castle." Dorian wasn't one to beat around the bush about these things, and he understood the feelings that the commander was having for not being notified.

    Thankfully, Commander Rowe was a very understanding man. It had been too long that the princess was gone.  "Very well, just let me know when you need that gate opened, Captain, and it'll be done." In fact, when news spread across the kingdom that they had confirmation she was actually still alive the entire land's spirits rose drastically.

    "Thank you, Commander. We will need the gate tomorrow evening, if you don't mind housing us for the night. If it imposes too much problem, we can camp outside the outpost." Dorian wanted to make sure that they didn't become a problem for the outpost with their unexpected arrival.

    "You and your knights may stay here this evening. We enough beds and food, our normal supplies will be getting replenished tomorrow anyways." The commander turned and barked a few orders to some of the guards that were standing around, "Get them a space ready, and make sure to inform the cooks of the extra mouths for the next few meals." The guards saluted and quickly got to what they were told to do.

    "I really appreciate your hospitality, Commander." Dorian said as he dismounted his horse. "My men, take care of the horses and secure the wagon. Help out where you can while we are here." A unanimous 'yes, sir' came from the group as they too got to work. "Commander, may I speak with you some more in your office?"

    "Of course."

    Commander Rowe lead Dorian into the main building of the Outpost. Mirad Outpost was one of the oldest outposts in the kingdom, so it had been updated the most. The main building was now built from stone instead of wood, the tall barricade that surrounded it had also been switched to stone. Some of the guards had families that moved with them and made small farms just outside the gates. It was like a small military and farming village. It was because of this and it's people that it survived as long as it has.

    Inside the commander's office, Rowe gestured for Dorian to take a seat while he walked around the desk. He had parchments of orders and supply logs covering it, while on the wall there was a detailed map of the two kingdoms.

    "This isn't going to be quick trip back. We don't know how well the princess will travel, she's been cooped up in the castle for the last seventeen years of her life. I suspect it will take us about two months to get back to the border and another week to reach the outpost with her." Dorian was still standing looking over the map on the wall. The plan for the next night running through his head.

    Rosalina was busy cleaning Prince Marcellus' room along with Sydney, another one of the maids there. It had been a week since that night she had gotten lost in the woods. Her ankle had miraculously healed over night, even the healer couldn't explain it. Little things like this happened to her a lot though honestly. It's why even though she had been hurt before in the kitchens or by cleaning up broken glass, she had never scarred.

    "I'm going to take these linens down to laundry, Rose, I'll be back soon," Sydney said as she grabbed an armload of sheets of and blankets, leaving Rosalina by herself.

    Rose nodded her head, and continued folding the prince's clothes that needed folding. It wasn't long after Sydney left, that the door opened again and in walked Marcellus. Rosalina blushed heavily as he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. She wasn't sure why he had been acting this way towards her, but she didn't mind it too much. He was so much sweeter to her than she ever expected. There were times he even brought her flowers.

    "My sweet, Rose," his voice dropped an octave and took on a sultry tone. "I thought she would never leave your side." Yes, he had to see her like this in private, if word spread around the castle that he close to a servant there would be a huge uproar. He leaned in closer to her ear, "Will you come see me tomorrow night?" It was a question he asked her only once before, but she had refused him. Well, more she was afraid of what would happen if she were caught.

    She blushed even harder, she could feel heat rising in her body at his gentle touches. The sound of his voice gave her goosebumps. "Your Highness, you know I can't. It's inappropriate. Your male attendants will have to see to your needs throughout the night." She didn't try to wriggle free from his grasp, she knew that was a losing battle.

    "My male attendants can't see to the needs I have." He let his lips brush against her ear. A sinister smirk appeared when she jumped and turned to look at him. She looked like a frightened doe.

    "Your Highness!?" Her voice raised in shock, "You really shouldn't talk like that." Her heart was beginning to race as she noticed his face inching closer to hers. "Syd....mmmmf" His lips pressed into hers and any thing she had thought to say was lost.

    His lips moved gently as he tried to coax her mouth open. She was frozen in his arms, so he let his hands explore a little bit around her curves. He hadn't realized just how curvy she was underneath the clothes until the first time he held her in his arms. He wanted her. Slowly he moved and pushed her against the wall, kissing her harder, more hungry for the taste. He pressed his hips into her so she could feel the bulge in his trousers.

    She was weak against him. Her whole body felt like it was going to burst into flames any minute. It seemed like the kiss was going to last forever, but he finally pulled away from her lips. He started kissing along her jawline and down to her neck. "If you don't come see me tomorrow night, I will punish you." Her gasp made him grin. Finally he stepped back her. She seemed flustered enough that she would take him seriously. He would go easy on her, but it was a step forward in his plan.

    She nodded her head solemnly. "Yes, Your Highness. I will come tonight."

    As if the timing couldn't have been more perfect, Sydney had returned. She gave a flirty grin to the prince as he left the room. He had this triumphant look on his face, while Rose looked sullen. "Rose, sweetie, was the prince cross with you?" She had completely misread the room on this one, but Rosalina knew she couldn't tell her the truth.

    She just shook her head no and went back to cleaning. She didn't know if she was going to be able to get out of it this time.

    The next day, Dorian and the knights were getting prepared to go through the Arcani gate. It was nearing dusk now. They would be placed in the middle of the woods, a couple hours ride from the castle. Dorian was going to go up to the castle alone and meet with Lenora and Rosalina, then ride back to join the rest of the group. Once back with the group, they were going to set off along the merchant road and head back towards Veria. They weren't going to stop until the next night, so the men had spent most of this day sleeping as instructed. The further they got away from the castle that first night and day the better.

    The Arcani gate opened, and the men road through. "Wait here until I return with the princess. If we are not back by dawn, travel swiftly back to Veria." The men nodded their heads. Dorian was wearing normal clothes instead of his knights uniform. He needed to make sure that if he was caught, they didn't suspect Veria and bring an all out war between the lands.

    With one last nod to his men, Dorian turned his horse and kicked it into a full gallop. Lenora would be meeting him soon at the secret door, which was a private escape for the royal family. "Just a little longer, Rosie. I'll be there soon, as promised," he whispered into the night air.