The Last Warrior Queen

Chapter 4

The journey was long and relatively uneventful. Sir Felix had explained early on in the journey that we would need to push hard in order to arrive in time for my wedding. I chuckled to myself thinking what would they do, have the wedding without me?

I assured Sir Felix that I was stronger than I looked and that he could set a grueling pace if needed. Initially he seemed uncertain, however whenever he would ask if I was tired or needed rest I vehemently denied it. Eventually he realized that we could push hard during the day and only rest at night. We only took small breaks for the animals or for bad weather.

Luckily we were able to make the journey in ten days, giving us four days to spare. That unfortunately also meant that no one was ready for our arrival. As our party drew up to the estate I could see several servants rushing around in panic.

The carriage pulled up to the main entrance and I could see what looked like the head butler and other servants waiting patiently to greet me. I was somewhat surprised given my father’s attitude towards me that anyone would be greeting me.

Sir Felix came around to open the carriage door for me. As I stepped out he offered me his hand to help me. I gracefully exited the carriage and took a few steps towards the head butler. Immediately his face fell upon seeing me.

“Oh, it’s just you. We thought you were Lord Regan.” With that he turned and motioned for all the other servants to get back to their duties. Now that was the welcome I was expecting.

I glanced up at Sir Felix who had appeared by my side. He gave me an apologetic look and I gave him a weak smile in return.

“I’ll have someone go fetch a maid who can show you to your room.” I nodded and thanked him.

Soon a maid appeared who couldn’t have been older than eight. She looked absolutely terrified and was probably forced to come help me since no one else would. She curtsied awkwardly and squeaked out “Please follow me my Lady.”

I gave her a warm smile and nodded. She seemed to relax a little as she turned and led me into the estate.

Sir Felix and another knight followed behind with my trunk. We walked through the main hall towards the back of the estate to some small back stairs. The maid turned back to me with a sheepish look on her face.

“I’m sorry my Lady, but I was told I had to take you up the back way.”

I smiled and nodded. “It’s alright, I understand.”

She looked relieved once more and we continued our journey to my room. We arrived at a large door and the maid quickly opened it for me. I was surprised at how large it was, especially compared to my room at the nunnery.

There was a large bed, a desk, a wardrobe and a small table with two chairs. Best of all there was a large fireplace with a small fire already lit. I walked inside and took stock of my surroundings while the knights placed my trunk at the foot of my bed. I thanked them and the maid, and all three quickly left me to unpack.

Since I had no idea when my father would call for me I quickly washed and changed out of my traveling clothes. I took out one of my finer dresses and tried to make myself as presentable as possible. However, I knew full well that even my finest dress wouldn’t be good enough for my father. But growing up in a nunnery I didn’t exactly have access to fine gowns or jewelry.

Suddenly there was a knock at my door. “Come in” I called.

The door opened and a maid around my age entered holding a gown. I furrowed my brow in confusion. Before I could even ask what she was doing here, the maid smirked and said “I can see that it’s a good thing I was sent to make you presentable. Lucky for you Lady Talia allowed you to borrow one of her old gowns. It’s style is old and Lady Talia has no more use for it, so it will do for you.”

Lady Talia was Lord Regans biological daughter. She was my age and had clearly grown up in wealth and luxury. Lord Regan had doted on his daughter if I remembered correctly. I think that’s why he agreed to take me in, because he knew he could use me to form an advantageous alliance, even if the man was less than desirable. He could use me to spare his daughter from a terrible marriage and still gain power and wealth.

Lord Regan also had two sons, and I gathered from listening to the knights during my journey that neither of them was particularly bright. However the oldest son could be quite brutal, similar to his father.

The maid quickly set to the task of making me presentable by quickly putting my hair up and placing a small decorative comb at the back. She also helped me into the gown. It was a lovely light green color and the fabric was so soft, like wearing a dream. It was the nicest gown I had ever worn and I was slightly sad that I couldn’t keep it.

The maid stepped back to admire her handy work. She set her mouth in a line and sighed. “This will have to do. I’m sure Lord Regan will understand that I did my best.”

I quickly walked over to a small mirror by the wardrobe. I thought I actually looked quite decent, and my hair had never looked so regal. I nodded at the maid and thanked her.

She turned to leave, and then suddenly turned back as if remembering something.

“Oh, you’re expected down at the main dining hall at seven for supper.” Before she could leave I called out to her.

“Wait!”

The maid turned around with an annoyed look on her face.

“Could you please show me down to the dining hall.”

The maid sighed and rolled her eyes. “Well, come on then.” And she stormed out of my room. I quickly ran to catch up with her, being careful to lift my dress so as not to trip on it. She took the back stairs like the maid before, but made no apology to me.

Soon I was in front of the main dining hall, unsure of exactly what to do with myself.