Queen

Chapter Two

The last day of the tournament finally comes and I'm too worn out to be grateful. Richard was a pest for all of the tournament trying to catch me every time I was alone or even making sly comments while I was with others. I started going everywhere with at least one person and avoided all dark corners that Richard had always been so fond of. But once again I had to go in front of my people and watch sweaty men beat on each other. The final match was between the one and only Richard and Sir George.
"I honestly don't want to watch this," I sighed to Abigail.
"You're the Queen! You have to; it's your job," Abigail said keeping me in line as usually.
"I don't want it to be my job!" I complained.
"Is this because it's Richard in the final?" Abigail asked right on target as usual.
"No!"
"I think it is."
"Fine! I'm coming, I'm coming!" I yelled getting up from my head and heading over to my closet of beautiful dresses. I picked out a silky feeling blue one that had dragon patterns on the chest and as the belt.
"Are you trying to impress Richard?" Abigail asked as I slipped on the dress.
"No! I'm trying to irritate him," I smirked.
"And how is a pretty blue dress going to do that?"
"I've had this dress for a long time. Since I was fifteen in fact," I smiled at Abigail in my mirror as she fixed my hair back.
"Oh, I understand now," she smiled at me as she finished and I applied my make-up before heading out to the arena. As I took my place my people cheered making me hate my job even more.
"Settle down! Settle down!" I call out to my people making them quiet, "today we are here to witness the end of this tournament and find out who wins the money prize and the glory. This grand finale to our tournament will be one round of vicious battle between Sir George and one of our upcoming knights Richard!" I spoke proudly to my people. They all cheered some chanting the names of Sir George and Richard. I lifted my hand and they quieted down. "Now welcome back to the arena our two fierce competitors!" I called and my people cheered again until I quieted them down again and yelled, "Let the battle... Begin!"
Immediately Richard swung at Sir George. Sir George easily blocked it away with his shield and began his counterattack which Richard also easily blocked. This continued on until Sir George came on harder; he attacked Richard fiercely slicing through Richard trousers exposing now bleeding skin. Despite everything in my being I gasped and flew forward barely stopping myself from jumping out of my seat. Now Richard was on his back Sir George slashing down and Richard barely rolled out of the way in time forcing the sword to slice the dirt.
"Dammit Richard you're better than this!" I mumbled to myself distraught in my seat.
"Uh... Your Majesty you should quiet down a little. I can hear you and I think many others can as well," Abigail leaned over and whispered in my ear.
"Oh really?" I said in shock my eyes not leaving Richard and Sir George in the arena, "Thank you for telling me," I whispered back. I focused my attention on the battle again trying not to react too much, but despite those efforts I did let out a small cheer and sigh of relief when Richard managed to get back on his feet. Soon enough Richard had the upper hand and he managed to knock Sir George to the ground and slash his sword out of his hand and out of reach. Richard held the tip of his sword to Sir George's neck. I forgot that the winner had the option of killing the loser. I never realized how barbaric the rules were for this competition. So, I prayed Richard would not choose to end my Knight's life since that would be quite displeasurable and mean Richard had changed for the worse after he disappeared. But to my relief Richard pulled his sword away and sheathed it before pulling Sir George to his feet. I smiled and stood up ready to make the official announcement that Richard was the winner of the competition.
"Congratulations!" I boomed making everyone quiet down, "Our upcoming knight Richard is our victor! Don't forget that tonight we feast with Richard as our guest of honor!" I smiled and everyone erupted in cheers. I smiled down at Richard as he shook hands with sir George and bowed around to the crowd. When he turned to bow to me he stopped and a look of confusion crossed his face. At that my smile faltered but I kept it up as Richard regained his confidence and bowed to me with a grin.
Richard eventually left the arena as the crowd gave him one last cheer. He slipped into his tent and everyone started to disperse. Only some were invited to the feast so some bustled home to get ready while others sauntered to the taverns to drink as usual. Once they were gone I shooed away the lords and ladies that clung to me and walked with Abigail back to my chambers. Once I was inside I dismissed Abigail so she could prepare herself for the feast before she had to join me again in my room.
"Someone kill me now," I sighed as I sat down on my bed. I was honestly already sick and tired of being queen and it was only the first week.
"I'd be very good at doing that but I'd hate to see you die," a voice said from behind my dressing curtain. I immediately recognized it as Richard's.
"Get out!" I hissed.
"That's not a very warm welcome," he pouted as he came out from behind the curtain.
"You're not allowed to be in here! Just leave, please. If you want to talk we can talk tonight at the feast. After all, you are the guest of honor and that means you sit next to me," I said trying to be kind.
"In front of everyone? Honestly, you know better than anyone that it is near impossible to have a private conversation up there," Richard replied edging closer to me.
"If you want to have a private conversation we can make arrangements for that. But that private conversation will not be taking place right now in my room!" I said standing up with a stern look.
"Alright, but before I go I have one request..."Richard smirked.
"What is this request?" I knew I'd regret asking.
"Don't get mad," he smiled. Before I could even question him his lips were on mine and I was melting. What's wrong with me! It's Richard here I promised myself I wouldn't fall back into his trap. As I was thinking Richard pulled away, bowed, and without another word swept out of my room. I stood there in shock unable to comprehend what had just happened.
"Uh... Your Majesty?"
"Hm? What? Yes...uh... Abigail. Wait, Abigail what did I say about calling me Rowena?"
"That if we're in private it's perfectly allowed."
"That's right. So please follow that rule."
"Of course, Rowena. You need to start getting ready for the feast. Have you picked out a dress?" Abigail asked still a little hesitant.
"Oh, I've decided on my dress."