His Queen

Being Part of the Great Empire (Part II)

Not long after you rested for an hour, you headed straight to the kingdom's training ground, making sure your entrance will create recognition to all that is present. You examined the area and the people that were there, looking for Duke Larth to have a short conversation before the start of the training. Several knights and Royal guards are there to serve as an audience. Not too far from your right side, you spotted Duke Larth preparing his horse, putting on some battle gears for himself too. You headed towards him as he is still busy checking on his horse, ensuring that his pet is ready for the training.

"It is nice to see you, sir. I hope you have rested well after your long travel just yesterday upon the request of my father," you said politely. Duke Larth is the same age as your father but his physique and skills in battle are still incomparable. 

"Its been a year since I last saw you, your highness and still-you look as fantastically breathtaking as ever. That battle gear suits you all right." He uttered sincerely. "Well, since I have travelled long enough to reach the empire palace, I hope I wont be disappointed with this training. I heard you were unbeatable within the gates of your empire, I hope it is the same with outsiders training you." Is it just me thinking or this man really provoking me to a heartful challenge? you thought. You don't want to sound disrespectful so instead of reciprocating the same amount of arrogance he displayed, you chose to take it easily and tried hard to sound more decent. "Well you see sir, I believe that my father have summoned you to see what I need to learn more, he expected me to acquire your fighting skills and tactics because he believes you are an incredible warrior. My respect is yours. So I think whatever the result of this training will glorify the empire."

He looked surprised with the amount of respect he received from your response. Maybe he expected that you will reply his mockery with sarcasm since you are the daughter of the Emperor. He did not see it coming, you said at the back of your head, your lips ready to form a grin-but told yourself to keep it calm and don't let your opponent see what you are thinking. You made your way to the stable and picked your favorite horse-a pitch black stallion with a physique and stamina fit for the training. You led the horse out the stable and carefully jumped to his back. You extended your right arm to the knight standing beside the horse and he handed you a sword and a shield. You put on your iron helmet for added protection. Your  long black hair was braided down your back, it's end reaching down your spine. Duke Larth and his horse were positioned at the opposite side of the training pit, ready for the signal to attack. The mechanics of your training battle-take down your opponent out of his horse and the one who stays on his/her horse's back will be declared the winner. At the moment, both of you are waiting for the empire guards to raise the flag that will signify the start of your duel. Examining the stance of Duke Larth, you put down the front cover of your helmet and gripped your sword and shield tight. The guards then raised the white flag.

In strike of a second, you led your horse in a fierce run, lowering your upper body, extending your sword horizontally in front of your body- a picturesque of fearless knight. Duke Larth also made his move forward to counter your attack. The blades of your swords rattled within the battle pit, both of you smashing your swords with all your might and at the same time balancing yourself on top of your horses-both preventing  to fall. You circled around for another attack, this time you will use a trick that you learned from your father. You allowed Duke Larth to directly attack his sword on your upper body. Before his sword touches you, you bend your upper body backwards and passed him in a short distance. This allowed you to buy your time to quickly pivot your horse around together with your body to attack his back. You used your shield to dodge in first, then your sword to slice behind his back armor, giving a powerful force smashing his upper body which created a loud tin noise. He seemed impressed and startled but he managed to escape his supposed early defeat. Few more rounds of sword clatters are heard around the training pit. Both of you went far side the center, calculating each others' movement before heading on to another attack. You noticed Duke Larth panthing already, must be the age that he bears making him vulnerable at the moment. You led your horse sideways while thinking of a tactic to finally end this training. You let out a deep sigh, focused your strength at the sword and the shield you hold, you gave a signal to your horse to run as fast as he could to attack Duke Larth in an all out battle. Duke Larth became more attentive as you come closer to his presence-not knowing the trick you are about to show. 

Within a few feet of distance, you put enormous force on your feet, allowing you to jump high atop Duke Larth like an athlete extending your legs apart to allow your body to move in circle up in the air, passing through the head of the shocked opponent. Extending your right arm holding the sword, you smashed Duke Larth's head, targeting his head and succeeding to take out his helmet. Your horse passed through him not too far and able to catch you right in time and landed back perfectly, circling your way around even faster and giving multiple attacks in front and back side of Duke Larth-not giving him a chance to lay down his sword on you. For your final attack, you gave him a forceful kick on the upper side of his body creating an outbalanced form. You led your horse bump into his horse that led to his fall. Again, you extended your sword right in front of his uncovered face and gave him a smize.

The Royal guards and knights gave you standing ovation for a great duel performance. Duke Larth still laying down gave you a short salute to honor your victory. You quickly jumped down her horse and offered him your help to stand up. Both of you shake hands and congratulate each other for the duel. 

" I wasn't expecting you to be that merciless!" he said almost short of breathe. A Royal guard quickly came to give a glass of water to Duke Larth and to yourself. "Well, when in actual battle, I believe we all need to be merciless to determine our fate and victory. That is what I learned from the Empire Academy and of course-my father," you replied before drinking your water.

Note: Another first time writing a scene like this. I wanted to create a female character that will embody will and strength, especially when she is a member of royalty. I hope you guys enjoyed it. Tell me your thoughts about it in the comments. Thanks!

Love: Red