A Battle of Pride and Desire

Chapter Six

Brigette followed the man, her hands making sure the needles were still in her pocket. The man was in the gold and black uniform of security who worked here. He led her up the winding staircase that lasted about five minutes. Her breath contracted in her chest as she climbed up, grateful her legs were mended. The man walked with purpose and she knew whoever he was ranked high in the castle's staff because of the armband around his arm that read 'Cinnire'. The carpet of the staircase was plush beneath her feet with artwork that would cost hundreds, if not thousands of coins. Finally they reached the top of the staircase and he led her to a large wooden door that had two guards standing outside. They were armed to the teeth with swords and daggers in hilts. Whoever was behind that door was important. The queen, if this man was to believed.

"Her Majesty is in there," the man gestured to the door with his shoulder. "She will be expecting you, I will introduce you."

His tone held authority and she knew this man was someone she did not want to cross. He was not dissimilar to the warriors of Erinea. Brigette gulped and nodded. He was about to knock on the door when-

"Wait," Brigette held out a hand. "Do I... bow?"

She felt rather ridiculous asking such a ridiculous question but she did not know what was custom in this strange land. She needed to return home safely to her mother and sister. Her chest constricted at the thought of them. She needed to get through this, appease the queen and go home as quickly as possible.

"Do what you see fit, the Crown is not too fussed with formalities. People will respect them regardless," he said and knocked on the door.

Well that was helpful.

"Come in," a voice sounded from behind the door.

The man opened the door and nodded to the two guards posted outside who inclined their heads in recognition. Brigette stood behind him timidly and waited for him to walk in. She could not see much behind him apart from a large desk made of mahogany with stacks of paper strewn across it. She assumed the queen would be seated behind it. The man bowed, but not as deeply as Brigette might have expected.

"Your Majesty, this is Brigette Nic Dara, as requested," he stood aside for Brigette to step forward.

But Brigette did not move. She just took in the woman who sat before her. The queen had long, red hair adorned with emerald jewellery. She wore a green dress made of crushed velvet and her arms and hands were decorated with an inordinate amount of jewellery. Along her face were markings, tattoos of sorts that Brigette could not recognise. They were not unfamiliar to her but she could not place where she had seen them before. Standing by her chair was Taran, dressed more formally than when she had last seen him. He wore a tunic and she noticed now that he also had markings running up his arms because his sleeves were rolled up to the elbows. Taran had a smirk on his face but the queen's face remained neutral. Brigette tried to understand the dynamic between the two but Taran was much younger than her, young enough to be her son. Her son, Brigette realised. The guard coughed, making Brigette come to her senses. She lowered her eyes to the ground and inclined her head slightly. They may be this land's royalty, but they were not hers.

"Hello," was all she said and she kept her eyes on the ground.

The floor was fascinating if she really thought about it. Nice rug.

"Brigette, come forward," the queen said.

Brigette raised her eyes and met those of the queen's The queen's eyes were green, emerald green. A running trend, clearly. Brigette stepped forward to the desk and waited for her next order.

"Won't you ask why I have called you here?" the queen asked, raising an eyebrow.

Brigette didn't say anything, if she did not speak she could say nothing wrong.