The Queen's Guard

Chapter 6

In the first weeks of training, Maya continued to reside at home, eagerly sharing every nuance of her experiences with Andy, who hung on to her every word. Maya also shared that she had discovered a comforting familiarity within the castle walls, spotting multiple tapestries adorning various spaces, including her own chamber. The intricate threads and vibrant colors of Andy's tapestries added a personal touch, making it feel more like an extension of Maya's home.

As Maya's skills and dedication quickly exceeded expectations, her time at the castle increased exponentially. The demands of her training led her to spend more hours within the grand halls and training grounds, immersing herself in being the commander of the queen's guard. Eventually, the castle became more than just a training ground; it became a second home. Despite her increasing presence at the castle, Maya's interactions with the queen were fewer than she anticipated. However, now that her training was completed, she was sure she would see her more.

Then, one day, the queen came to observe one of her training sessions. Though Maya now officially held her position, she continued her training regime. Carina observed from a distance as Maya engaged in an intricate dance with her sword, the hay sacks offering little resistance to her precise strikes. The queen watched in silence, her eyes following every calculated movement. She couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.

Maya was lost in the rhythm of her practice, her movements fluid and controlled. She thrust and parried with a grace that belied the strength behind each strike. The sun cast a warm glow through the narrow windows, creating a play of shadows as Maya moved with unwavering focus.

Eventually, Maya sensed a subtle shift in the air, a feeling that she was no longer alone. She turned and caught a glimpse of the queen observing her from a distance. Immediately, Maya's focus shifted from the hay sacks to her sovereign. She bowed respectfully, a hint of shyness and embarrassment coloring her expression.

"Your Majesty," Maya greeted, her voice carrying a mix of humility and eagerness to please. Carina stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. "Impressive," the queen spoke.

"Oh, it's nothing," Maya responded humbly, her warm smile betraying a hint of shyness.

"Well, I could never do it like that," Carina admitted. Though she was rather familiar with the sword after secretly learning from her brother when she was younger, she was nowhere near Maya's level, and it had been surprisingly long since she had actually held it in her hands.

"Sure you can," Maya said, quickly adding "Your highness" as she realized she had forgotten to address her properly. "I can show you?" she offered, hoping she wasn't overstepping. The queen, intrigued, agreed to the idea.

Maya guided Carina through the intricacies of swordplay, demonstrating each move with precision. As they practiced, Maya's hands gently corrected Carina's grip, her body close behind the queen's, creating an unexpected intimacy. Maya's guidance was patient, her voice soothing as she explained the nuances of each movement.

The queen, though initially tentative, soon found herself mesmerized by the feeling of Maya's closeness. Before either of them could discover just what that feeling was, they were abruptly interrupted by someone asking for the queen. The moment shattered, leaving both Maya and Carina momentarily disoriented.

Carina composed herself quickly, acknowledging the interruption with a regal nod. "Duty calls," she said with a slight smile, though a flicker of disappointment passed through her eyes. Maya stepped back, the professional facade returning.

"Of course, Your Majesty," Maya replied, her tone respectful. The unexpected interruption left a lingering tension in the air, an unspoken acknowledgment of the moment they had briefly shared.