The Knight Queen

Chapitre Huit: L'attaque

  "Ẅ̤Ë̤'R̤̈Ë̤ Ḧ̤Ë̤R̤̈Ë̤," said Estelle, reining in her horse to a stop and Rafael was soon to follow.

   Stepping down, she looked at all the people assembled, and the large building at the centre of the town, just newly constructed. Reginald came to stand behind her, silent.

   "The Queen is here," one said.

   "Along with the Duke," said another one.

   "Wait, is she wearing breeches?" questioned another. To that, Estelle threw the man who asked that a chilling gaze that made him shut up.

   "But . . . who is that person standing next to the Queen? He looks like a foreigner," another asked, and everyone's attention centred on Rafael, seeming to notice him for the first time.

   "Didn't you hear? He's the Queen's betrothed; our future King. Rumor has it that he is the Crown Prince of Zejardo," whispered another one.

   "I think introductions are necessary, isn't it?" asked Rafael, falling into step with her as she made her way to the raised platform in front of the building. Wordlessly, Estelle nodded her head as she stepped onto the platform and cleared her throat.

   "Greetings, my fellow citizens," she started as Reginald joined her, standing to her left and Rafael to her right, "for that is what you are: fellow inhabitants of this wonderful land. No matter my rank, or yours, or the difference between it, we are all citizens of Troyes and nothing will ever change that.

   "'Tis my pleasure to introduce Crown Prince Rafael Hernando of Zejardo, my betrothed," said she, motioning towards Rafael who made a humble bow and flashed his signature smile that enraptured everyone.

   "Plenty of you have seen the rise of this building and have no doubt asked yourself what it is. This building in front of you, is the foundation of the future Troyes. 'Tis meant not only for the children and the future generation, but, for adults as well, if they may wish to join. However, for the children aged sixteen and below, it is manadatory to attend.

   "Now, as to what this building is. This, this right here," she stepped aside and motioned to the building behind her, "is the new Clervaux Learning Room. Such institutions have been erected everywhere across the Queendom, for we have understood that not only aristocrats should be educated, but, our people as well; our fellows.

   "For you—yes, you—are the foundation of this country. You are the ones who toil the land, sow it, reap your harvests and feed the entire country. Some of you design weapons that aid the country in protecting itself and hundreds of other things that makes Troyes the strong country it is. We can't just ignore your efforts.

   "Therefore, in contribution to all your hard work, their will be no pay demanded for the learning. The teachers, and all the learning supplies will be provided by the Crown. People of all ages can attend, and there will be taught the Three Rs: Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. This will hopefully modernize our dear Troyes and help the children become more knowledgeable in matters concerning the business world and adult life," said she, a smile slowly making its way across her face; an earnest, beautiful smile that Rafael adored and one that moved all the villagers. She raised her right fist and held it above her heart before raising it skyward, her head raised to the skies and a determined look in her eyes.

   "Pour Troyes!" she chanted and the rest of the villagers mimicked her gesture.

   "Pour Troyes!" everyone chanted, even Reginald beside Estelle. Rafael just stood in front of the crowd—moved by their Queen's speech, eyes showing nothing but unadulterated adoration for her—dumbstruck, unsure of what to do. However, he had to hand it to Estelle, she had a way with her people, making them united and feel so . . . loved.