(Completed) Seraphina [The Lost Queen Series: Book #1]

Chapter 6

"Falling from grace, your biggest mistake."
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I kept my distance from the men standing in front of me as we slowly walked up the stairs. They murmured back and forth as the torch flickered across the walls. Snape wasn't going to be an easy opponent... His skills didn't just come from training as a knight but going on expeditions as well. If he truly was a captain then underestimating him would cost me far more than I'd rather bargain.

I've never seen him fight but his broad shoulders aren't just for looks. They hold a lot of strength just like his arms and legs. Judging from his fast reflexes earlier I might be able to dodge some attacks without a problem but backing down won't get me far... I've never held an actual sword so my strength will be very limited if it's a long sword.

Speed and evasiveness will be my key to victory as long as- "What are you thinking about, my dear Seraphina?" Quincy smirked as I focused back on the men who had stopped at the top of the stairs. "It's too late to back down now my dear so let's see if you can stand in a man's world." He smirked as Snape glanced at me with pure hatred in his eyes. They continued to walk as I stayed silent with a smirk on my face.

Just you wait... I'll show you how unlady like I truly am... A man's world is nothing compared to mine! Quincy chose to kill my father in cold blood because he could... What a foolish tyrant... Unfortunately time will not be on his side for much longer as long as I have a say in it...

As we walked down a long corridor sounds of swords clashing could be heard faintly as we turned down another corridor. Open windows filled the air with a fresh breeze as Snape pushed open a giant door. It wasn't yet dawn but the sky wasn't as dark as night anymore. As we entered the courtyard full of men stopped and stared at Quincy before bowing. "Your majesty!!!"

Quincy nodded before raising his hand. "At ease! Captain Ellis!" A ginger headed man stepped forward with a guarded expression as his tall figure loomed over all the men. "Take her-" Quincy pointed at me "and get her changed into a tunic and trousers. Everyone else go stand around the edge of the courtyard!"

"Yes sir!" Ellis simply nodded for me to follow him as we went to the building near the castle. Inside the walls were lined with weapons and armor but we went further inside to an area with clean clothes. "This should do for your small frame." He held up a cotton tunic and cloth pants. "I'll be waiting outside for you to finish. Oh and you might find a pair of boots by the fireplace."

I waited for the door to shut before I changed out of my filthy dress. I gagged at the smell before throwing it into the fireplace. No point in keeping now... I grabbed the smallest pair of boots with thick leather. The tunic felt snug and comfortable compared to the dress though my breast felt pressed tightly against me. The trousers hugged me tightly as well despite them looking far too big for me. I could still move like before which surprised me as I walked around in the boots.

I thought these things made moving a lot harder but it doesn't seem to be the case. As I walked outside the sun began to rise as Ellis looked at me in shock. "Oh... Umm..." His cheeks flushed red as he quickly walked back towards the court yard as I quickly followed behind. A few men stepped aside with shocked expressions as we arrived. "Go to the king..." Ellis motioned me forward as everyone gazed at me, including Snape, in shock.

"Well well... You do look exactly like your mother!!! I've missed that figure..." Quincy stared at me for longer than necessary before clapping his hands together. "Well let's commence with the challenge! Now I want both of you to choose a weapon." The weapon racks had many swords and long range weapons that I'd never seen before. Snape immediately grabbed a long sword and swung it around a few times. "Excellent weapon Snape! Now go choose your Seraphina."