The Queen of the North

A Step Forward

*Claressa's POV*

   It's been three months since my coronation. Those three months had been calm. No important arraignments and no that important conflicts. Just a few squabbling old men, whose stags have been killed by wolves. I was thinking that when I rule, I will face far more serious problems. Even though I had started to think it is easy to rule, I still had a feeling that I will face something big soon. And so happened. One day Kara came to my chambers:

   "My queen, sorry for the interruption, but we must speak." - Kara said, having a worried look on her face.

   "Please, you're interrupting nothing. Tell me, what is it?" - I told her with a smile, trying not to worry.

   "A raven came. The Queens' meeting will be held earlier this year." - She said afraid, fearing my reaction.

   The Queens' meeting, the thing I feared most. I knew that someday I'll have to face the other three queens, and discuss Compoundia matters, but I didn't want this day to come.

   "H-How earlier?" - I asked Kara, trying to remain calm but couldn't keep it together.

   "In two days." - She said quietly, looking at her feet.

   "No, no, no. This can't be happening." - I started to panic.

   "Be calm, my queen. It will be alright. I will come with you, if it will help." - Kara said in attempt to help.

   "Do the other queens bring their Hands?" - I asked her, as I panicked more.

   "No, actually. But I will come if you will feel more confident." - She said as she grabbed my hand trying to calm me down.

   "No. If I bring you, they won't take me seriously. I will try to go through this alone. I have to." - I said as I took a deep breath and calmed down.

   "If you wish so, my queen." - Kara smiled at me, leaving my chambers.

   The day of the meeting came. As I was preparing alone in my room, one of my handmaidens came:

   "The carriage awaits you, my queen." - She spoke and left the room.

   I walked down to the hall, and went out only to gasp:

   "What a beautiful horse! - I awed when I saw an all white horse, with an ice blue saddle on.

   "Do you like it, my queen?" - Kara asked with a smile.

   "Of course I do. Can I ride it myself?" - I asked as I patted the horse on its neck.

   "It isn't appropriate for a queen to ride, your grace. You'll have to get inside the carriage and leave the riding to the horseman." - Kara said, as she giggled.

   "Well than, I suppose I have to go. Wish me luck." - I said as I was getting inside.

   "Good luck, my queen." - Kara said smiling, as I was leaving the castle.

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'A Step Forward' contains 483 words.

This chapter shows that it's finally time for Claressa to meet the other queens, but she is really afraid of that fact. I was thinking to include the meeting in this chapter, but it will become so long, so I'm leaving it for the next chapter.

Thank you for reading!

Another chapter will be added next Tuesday.