I uncomfortably shift in my armor, pulling the collar of my shirt away from my neck. It may be freezing out, but I’m still sweating. The sun was getting higher in the sky, and Fennix and I were still a good mile away from the city. Most of our walk has been silent, broken with an occasional joke or one of us asking the other for our secret shared flask.

Tensions were high in Keneveras today. The new Queen was making her way to the castle. People from all over rode to the city of Adaina, commonly called ‘the city of drunken bastards.’ to catch a look at her. Fennix and I couldn’t hate the ordeal more.

“Commander Ulric is going to make us do a thousand push ups after he smells the alcohol on our breath.” I say flatly. I push the flask further into my boot, attempting to hide it, albeit rather poorly.

“The best way to talk to women is drunkenly.” Fennix smirked back at me, “The new Queen won’t be able to resist.”

I laugh, “Right, like she's going to get out of her luxurious carriage to speak to Fennix Orinn.” I punch his shoulder lightly. “A nearly 5 foot 8 half faerie male covered in horse shit and last weeks meal.”

Fennix shook his head with a smile. He then ran a hand through his sweat covered hair and flashed his teeth at me. “You just don’t understand what women truly want, which is allllll this 5 foot 8 half faerie male covered in horse shit and stew.” He gestured to himself and turned back around forward.

“Yeah, right.” I chuckle.

We now neared the main city gate, and Fennix and I made quick work to put our helmets on and straighten out ourselves. We both painted our faces with a stern look and stood up straight in front of the two men outside the gate.

“Names.” One knight barked at us and put a hand on the hilt of his sword.

“Fennix Orinn.” Fennix barked right back, already seeming annoyed.

We much prefer the boring jobs we get with each other. It’s nice to be able to let our guard down, even when its the exact thing we’re trained for years not to do. We enjoy each others company, and I wouldn’t get piss drunk with anyone else other than Fennix.

“You, female.” His words dripped with venom and disgust.

“Marion Aiken.” I give the male knight a harsh look.

The man stands for a moment, and then steps aside. “Commander Ulric will be notified of your most awaited return.”

Fennix walks right past him and inside the city walls, and I follow. After we are out of ears reach, Fennix leans closer to me, “Remind me next time to rip that guys guts out.”

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I chuckle and nod, and we head towards the main road. We’re meant to stand shoulder to shoulder on the side of the road, blocking the commoners from getting to her carriage when it passes through. She is expected to arrive within the hour. I look up, trying to spot the clock tower.

“We’re late, if that's what you’re wondering.” He points behind me to the clock tower. “About 15 minutes past.”

I give Fennix a look of horror and begin to book it to the main road, nearly tripping over my own feet in the process. I hear his armor clank behind me as he picks up his own speed. Fennix may not care if we’re late, but my entire life is at stake. I’d rather be cold in the ground than go back home to my vexatious sister and my overbearing father on the coast.

I push through the crowd of people packed near the road, ordering them to move. My eyes dart around, attempting to find the spot we were supposed to stand. “Marion! Wait!” Fennix shouts behind me as I continue to shove through blindly. I push a heavy set man out of my way with all my might and I stumble forward, sprawling out onto the main road like a dead animal.

“Marion!” Fennix screams, and I push myself off the ground, now on my hands and knees while the world spins around me. “Move! Marion, move!” I cock my head to the side as the clopping of horse shoes cuts off his voice.

Before I can even think, I’m shoved back onto the ground and crushed under the weight of a horse. One of them neighs loudly and the sound rings in my helmet. I can only lay on the stone path, not able to even lift my head. I groan, slipping in and out of unconsciousness.

One of the footmen jump down beside me as the carriage comes to a halt. I stare at the giant carriage wheel, my head and body pounding. I begin to taste copper in my mouth, and I shut my eyes.

“Marion!” I can hardly make out the voice. “Fuck off! Move!”

Someone drags me by my feet from underneath the horse, and I groan again, my pain now worse. I spit out blood.

Two hands rip off my helmet while people push me on my back. I feel something warm run down the side of my face. I try to spit out the blood that fills my mouth again, but I can’t tell if I was successful in my effort. Through my blurry vision I can see Fennix who is now cupping my face in his hands. “If you die from a fucking horse I swear-” He’s pulled away from me, and I can see him fight to get back down beside me.

The world then goes entirely silent. For a moment I believe myself to have died, but as I stare at the sky a head peeks into my line of sight. Long hair dangles down over me, and I can’t make out the face. I hear the clicking of heels and nothing else. “Put her in the carriage. Now.” A female voice orders.

Before I can protest, I am lifted up and laid back down onto the carriage floor. They slam the door shut and I wince as the carriage begins moving, shaking on the rocky path and causing me to rattle around. “Gods…” I groan, some blood spat with the word.

“Hush now.” The same female voice barks. “You’ll live.” She sounds annoyed, as if its just another day for her.

I shut my eyes and try to focus on my breathing, my ribs throbbing with each intake. My whole body trembles in pain.

“You’re going to get blood on my dress, quit moving.” I feel a light tap on my side and I wince.

I look up, trying to see what this woman looks like. I can only see a cobalt blue dress with frills, and black heels. Her feet are crossed, as well as her arms. I can’t make out much more than that, but its obvious this lady is rich, far richer than I ever dream of being.

“Whats your name?” She asks as she uncrosses her feet and leans down a bit. I can now see her a bit better. She's a woman with pale skin and dark raven colored hair. Her eyes are cat-like, and mossy green.

“Mari…on” I manage to groan out. “Marion Aiken.”

She says nothing as she crosses her legs again. And I begin to wonder if I even managed to say anything through all my wincing and groaning.

The carriage then comes to a halt, and the door is opened. “Have her seen at once.” That same stern tone barked.

A man replied to her order, but I wasn’t able to hear him as my head throbbed harder as they lifted me back out of the carriage. The sun blinds me as I’m carried. An incredibly tall ceiling is now overhead with a gorgeous mural painted on it. I can do nothing but gaze up at it. The gaze is short lived as I’m laid back down, now on a much softer surface.

Quick hands take off my armor, and I nearly scream out in pain as they bend my limbs to take off the metal. I’m left for a moment, and then cold hands press on my ribs, and I give a blood curdling scream as I feel a sharp pop. My head hits the pillow below me, and my vision goes black, all my pain fading.

My last thought is of the raven haired lady, and then everything goes dark.