Red Queen

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Its been about 3 months since Mela and her troop stayed in the fields of poisonous plants. Over the three months nobody died under the care of Mela but the plants that they had to learn about sure made them think death was better. Everybody didn't hesitate to test out all the plants because eventually they were going to have to anyway and they would rather do it themselves then wait for the Commander to force it down their throat or harshly spread it on their skin.

Just as the Commander said from day one, they had all grown a resistance to the poisonous plants but that didn't mean they would be tolerant against other unknown plants. About a month ago someone from the General's side found them and Mela told the person to report back that they are going through intense training. But what the man saw were men scattered on the ground pale, shaking, and in pain. He was too scared to speak so he headed back to the General residence and reported what the young miss had said.

"Repeat what you just said!" The General stood up slamming his hands on his desk. It took all the guard's strength to stay standing. "The young miss said she will return in a month's time and said for you not to worry," he said in a louder voice. "You fool not that. What happened to her troop, especially the princess?" The General asked in a worried tone. "Sir, they were all on the ground in pain. From what I saw the princess wasn't there." The General sat back down running his hands down his face. Oh Mela, are you trying to kill your team?

Mela led her troop back to the General's residence, but to get there they had to go through the waste streets again. However, over the three months she didn't just train her soldiers to become resistance towards the plants she thought them how to observe people and by doing that they had to help clean the streets to get closure to the people. These people who were considered wastes could one day be their strongest allies.

When they arrived back at the residence they could see someone frantically rushing towards them. Renee moved in front of the Commander and gripped the tilt of her sword ready to strike the person. Although they were the combat troop they possessed the other qualities too, which were taught by the Commander. When they learned that she had been watching the other troops and studying their movements with the arrows and swords she brought back her knowledge and taught them, although she also didn't know much about how to use arrows and swords. "Miss! Miss! You finally arrived!" The head servant had sweat coming down his face as he stopped in front of the Princess giving him a deadly look. "Whats wrong?" Mela stepped out from behind Renee and Renee loosened her grip on her sword eyeing the man for any concealed weapons. "The General and madam want to see you. Since you didn't give the solider who reported back a specific day that you were going to come back. They assumed you would've been back weeks ago, but now they are getting uneasy. Please go see them quickly," the servant cried in a frantic voice. "Take everyone back. Get a good rest and continue training." "Yes, Commander," Renee had no objections and immediately lead everyone back to their chambers while Mela took her time following the frantic servant.

"Father. Mother." Mela bowed to the two people in the room. The servants on the side swallowed a big lump and eyed the young miss weary. They had never seen the General or his wife yell at the spoiled girl but ever since the visit of the messenger from the Emperor's side they had been impatient and jittery.

"Mela, my dear. Take a seat. There is something we must discuss with you." Slona said to her daughter. She made sure to examine her daughter for any injuries but she let a breath out in relief when she saw nothing. With her sudden change a year ago they didn't know how to approach her but now it was better than her past selfish self, because she wouldn't hide how much she hated them, but now things were quiet and although the current her didn't show much emotion they could see she's been working in the background. Only with her husband's secretly trained guards could they see what she's been up to, but recently they seemed to be losing track of Mela, as if she disappeared with the wind, which got her and her husband worried for her safety.

"While you were gone, the Emperor sent over a messenger over 2 weeks ago. I was hoping you would've been back sooner but at least you are back safely." The General said. He had to calm himself down to not ask about what she's been up to or else it would turn awkward and his beloved will scold him again for ruining the time they were having with their daughter. "There will be a ball next month for the Prince's 20th birthday. It is also a time where unmarried ladies get a chance to dance with him. And it is also a time where security will be tight since princes and princesses from all over the nation will be coming to celebrate this special occasion. Princess Renee and Prince Trystan must head back next week to prepare for the ceremony. While you and you brothers will be getting fitted into your clothing to attend the ceremony." He knew Mela was smart to know what this meant. Although she had proven that she wasn't the same as before they never now what could happen.

It took a while to convince Renee to pack her things and head back to the palace, since she kept saying she had to be at Mela's side, although she knew she was more than capable of taking care of herself and her troop members were just as strong as she was, the real reason was that she didn't want to bother herself with getting all dressed up for a stupid birthday ceremony. Don't get her wrong she loves her brother but she just can't stand all the glamour that the palace comes with. Her little room in the chambers was cozy and warm, while her big empty room back at the palace was cold. But she knew the Commander wouldn't change her mind so here she was sitting in the overly fancy carriage while her brother was riding besides her. She didn't see herself as a man but suddenly acting ladylike didn't match her. She wasn't wearing the dress she brought with her when she first came to the training ground since they didn't fit her muscled body so she donated it to the commoners.

"Sister, are you excited to see father and mother?" Trystan has been trying to start a conversation with her like they used to but she would only give one worded answers making it awkward to continue on. He didn't hear a reply from her so he assumed she was sleeping so he stayed silent the rest of the way.