The Scarlet Lillie

Fine.

Chapter 25
We left the family to embrace their now-healthy daughter. We stepped out onto the porch, and my guards turned to me.
"Your Highness, we absolutely must return to the castle. Your father needs to know of these events, and instruct us on what to do." Logan insisted.
I took a deep breath. "No, thank you." I stated, defiantly.
"Your Highness, please." He replied. "You have no remaining energy and we have done all that we set out to do."
I gazed through the window into the house and witnessed Jenna standing up for the first time in weeks. I felt the joy building in my chest, and a smile tugged at my lips. I wasn't done. Unfortunately, while my authority outweighed them all, I was outnumbered on this decision. But, I could wave my authority here.
"Very well. But we will travel through the town." They started to protest, insisting I was too worn out, there were too many risks there, etc, but I wouldn't have it. "Either we go through the town or we don't go at all. Those are your options."
Defeated, they agreed. As Logan stepped inside to bid the family goodbye, I went with the others to mount the horses. As soon as we were all together, we headed off.
Logan sat on in his saddle, sulking. The other guards were also silent, keeping their eyes peeled on their surroundings. I wondered if they ever relaxed, or if they were even capable of doing so.
After a few minutes, they really went on edge. Logan held up a hand, signaling us all to stop. We all pulled our reins, then Logan moved in front of me, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
"What is it?" I asked, my heart thumping in my ears. He didn't reply. We sat there, and for a moment I thought they'd all lost it, until I saw two figures atop horses galloping our way. At there speed, they would arrive within the minute. I pulled my cloak closer to me. I knew my job in this situation: stay with my guards, stay calm, and do what I'm told.
The figures approached and I could make out the build and shape: they were male, and they each had weapons with them.
When they were about forty feet away, and I could make out their faces, I released a breath of relief. My guards each allowed their shoulders to relax, and Logan sighed.
The two men halted before us, and bowed their heads to me.
"Phillip. Jake. What did you find?" Logan asked.
"I don't believe it would be wise for Her Majesty to travel through the village." Phillip reported. "The people are fairly simple, but they didn't receive us well."
"They were suspicious of us and did everything we asked so we could leave as soon as we could. And that was just in the market place.
"When we strolled through the rest of the town, we encountered three street brawls. I hope I need not argue with you, Milady, but we both agree that we should not go through this town." Jake finished.
I thought about it for a moment, mulling their observations through my head.
"Alright. I trust you two, and know that you would not falsify your findings to get me to comply. In light of your reports, we will not travel through the town."
A sense of relief washed over my men. I knew they each would have celebrated had they not been in my presence.
I would not go through the town today, but I swore to myself that I would. When I had more energy, more experience, and my guards had more faith in my abilities. Whenever that may be.