The Knight Queen

Chapitre Cinq: La Confiance Est Un Must

A\N: Hey! I changed Celeste's name; Estelle's wild cousin; to Giselle since Celeste is a pretty common French name. That was just something to hold to until I found a more suitable name. Here's another random update for you, enjoy!

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   "Ä̤Ṳ̈ R̤̈Ë̤V̤̈Ö̤Ï̤R̤̈, ma chérie!" Giselle waved excitedly as Estelle mounted her steed. She was still in her navy night gown with a cream-coloured shawl sprawled across her shoulders. The knights that had accompanied the Queen tried their best to look away as a layer of blush spread across their cheeks.

   But no, Estelle knew she couldn't depart for her companion was yet to join her. Most probably he was still tangled in his sheets with no inkling at all that they were to depart at the sun's first ray.

   "I am here!" There it was, the groggy baritone of Rafael as he ran through the gate, his feet heavy and his eyes lidded. Estelle swallowed her reply; it was nowhere near kind. She was torn between kicking her steed's hip and galloping off, or to wait for him to saddle. After some time, she chose the latter for it was more reasonable.

   "Do tell me what took you so long, this time?" she asked, her tone strained, holding in a curse.

  "How were you able to wake up so early? Do you not suffer from veisalgia? My head is pounding and my eyes are red. I probably look frightening at the moment, do I not?" he asked as he slowly climbed atop his mare. Estelle swept him a glance and shook her head. No. I will not waste my time and voice on this idiot, she thought, her jaw ticking unbeknownst to her.

   Rafael had already wasted her time enough. He had delayed her by a whole hour! Estelle, liked, no, was always punctual. She was one who let no one pull her back on her schedule, and if so, the person would face the full brunt of her wrath. However, there was one thing that held her back: the fact that Rafael had tucked her into bed the night before made her swallow her anger and bite her tongue.

   "Cousin, promise me you will visit soon?" Giselle asked, oblivious to the way she made her knights uncomfortable. A pleading look was on her face with just a pinch of sorrow. Estelle sighed and nodded her head.

"Promise me, Estelle," she begged. Estelle had almost forgotten how her cousin always wanted a promise and to hear you utter the words so that she could hold you to your promise. Now that she thought of it, Estelle realized that she had forgotten much about her darling cousin. With a sigh, she vowed to dedicate a little more time for her cherished cousin.

"Je promette, ma cherie," she vowed and in response, Giselle nodded her head with a bright smile on her countenance. Throwing her dear cousin one last glance, Estelle kicked her steed and rode off, with her entourage following suite. After all that transpired the night before, she still had other duties to attend to and duchies to supervise. But, she knew that it wouldnt be the last time seeing her cousin; especially after recalling how precious she was to her.

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Upon their advent at Valliere, all the commoners had gathered at the street pavement as the Queen made her way through, waving a hand with a make-believe smile on her face. The peasants cheered as their monarch passed down their cobbled streets with haste; they finally got a chance to get a glimpse of her features. Some were taken aback at how their Queen wore breeches, rode astride and at the way she rode her horse so roughly; while others on the hand, cared not a wit.

Rafael waved occasionally even though the peasants shot him confused glances, wondering who exactly he was to be riding next to the Queen like so. He paid them no mind as he galloped onwards to catch up to Estelle.