The Last Warrior Queen

Chapter 3

The messenger was waiting in the main hall with the Head Mother, two other nuns and a knight. I knew that the messenger did not come to this desolate piece of land alone, however only he was permitted to enter the main hall. The nuns were very secretive and did not want any outsiders knowing what ladies were housed here.

The messenger looked pissed, probably not prepared to be forced to leave his party in the entry way of the castle. He glared at me as I walked across the large hall to meet him.

I curtsied and gave a polite greeting. The messenger snorted and quipped “You definitely fit the description all right. Thin, plain coloring and a mocking face.”

I gave him a tight smile. I was often told that the shape of my mouth made it look like I was smiling slightly, but that the coldness in my eyes made it look like I had a sarcastic look on my face.

“Did you have a message for me, or shall I return to my duties?” Normally Head Mother would scold me for such rudeness, but in this case he was technically my subordinate and he needed to be reminded of his place. I caught Head Mother’s eye and she gave me an almost imperceptible nod in approval.

The messenger awkwardly cleared his throat and began his message. “You are hereby ordered to return to House Regan by your father, Lord Regan, for the purpose of marriage. We are to leave here as soon as possible as your wedding will take place in two weeks.”

Two weeks? We would barely make the journey within that time.

I curtsied again and replied “Understood. I shall gather my things immediately.”

Head Mother instructed the two nuns with her to help me pack. As we walked back to my room I decided that it would be best this way. No time to dwell on anything or become melancholy with memories of my time here.

I paused as I entered my room and took one last look around at the small tidy room. Right. Time to pack. I opened my trunk at the foot of my bed and began placing my belongings inside. I left out my warmest gown and heaviest cloak to change into. We were far north and the first part of the journey would be cold.

One of the nuns went and fetched me some food to have along the journey. I thanked her and the other nun, implying that they could leave. I quickly changed once they were gone, and took my small daggers out from my trunk. I strapped one around my thigh and the other I hid in my boot. Once I was ready I opened the door Sir Roderick and Sir Nolan were standing outside. My eyes widened in surprise.

“We are here to take your trunk my lady” Sir Roderick explained as he bowed. I nodded and gave a cautious glance to Sir Nolan. He cleared his throat and said “It would be an honor to see you off my Lady.”

I frowned but nodded to him and moved aside so they could grab my trunk. We moved through the halls without a word and quickly made it to the entry hall.

There were a large group of knights from House Regan waiting for me, as well as Head Mother. I stopped a few feet away from them and curtsied. One of the knights stepped forward and introduced himself.

“I’m Sir Felix, one of the head knights of House Regan. It’s an honor to escort you for your marriage ceremony” he said with a bow.

I nodded and Sir Felix gestured towards the door. I began to move towards the open door of the castle, but at the last moment turned to Head Mother and curtsied deeply in front of her. Head Mother was a stern, but caring woman. However she had little time for public displays of affection.

As I rose I looked up into her face. She smiled down at me and I could swear I saw her eyes brim with tears. Her voice, however, was strong as she said “Go with the grace of God child. And know that we will always be your family should you need us.”

I smiled back at her and nodded. I turned and saw Sir Felix waiting for me. The other knights had already exited along with Sir Roderick and Sir Nolan. By the time I walked outside into the bright light of day, my trunk had already been loaded onto the carriage.

Even though it was sunny, it was indeed cold and I could see my breath. I walked up to the carriage and Sir Roderick offered me his hand. I took it with a smile and even though no words were exchanged between us, I knew that he felt the same way as Head Mother. I would always have a family here should I need them.

I was thankful that the carriage had been outfitted with several heavy blankets. I quickly situated myself and pulled a large blanket onto my lap. As the knights mounted their horses and prepared to depart, I looked out the window at the castle one last time.

I spotted Ann standing on the wall above the front gate. I smiled up at her and gave a little wave. She smiled at me through her tears and waved back. And with that the carriage began to move and soon the castle was nothing but a spot in the distance.