UNFIT Royal (Short Story)

18(18)

Unedited*

I was composed on the outside, but inside my head I was a mess. I was still reeling from what happened.

Although very little was said, what happened spoke volumes, and I truly needed space from Daniel. Which I know that Jason was going to make happened.

I just hoped that Theodore hadn't awoken Athena yet, as I know we were definitely in the line of sight for the carriage. However I am glad, everyone was busy getting in formation so nobody really  paid attention to what happened between us.

As all the soldiers were now in formation, it was finally time for me and the others to take the middle formation.

As queen, I am always to be in the middle of every army formation line so that it very hard to get to me and I can make a quick get away if needed.

Jason has not let my side since we have arrived outside the castle walls which for that I am grateful, however I have not spotted Athena since we arrived around 20 minutes ago.

"Ebonie, can we talk?" Daniel asked coming from the left side of me.

I looked forward as Jason shifted me from his left to right side, "Ebonie does not wish to speak to you at the moment. Please respect her wishes at this time." Jason states formally, but I know he wanted to do more.

I reached behind me and grabbed his hand pulling him back into position, as another hand claimed my other free hand.

It was Athena.

She gave me a sad smile, then-looked behind me giving who I assume was Daniel the meanest side eye I had ever seen her give to someone.

She knew.

I squeezed her hand, gaining her attention giving her my biggest smile to let her know I'm okay.

The trumpets sounded from the front lines.

It was time to enter the walls of Enon, where Queen Maya resides.

The walk to Maya's Castle was not long at all, maybe 10 to 12 minutes but the heat and many clothes I had on were making me very uncomfortable.

I could tell I was not the only one as Athena had threatened to take off her dress multiple times, because it was so hot.

I just laughed her off, until she started the motion of actually trying and I scolded her.

It was an unfamiliar feeling, I felt as if I were my mother.

I looked to my right and Jason was shifting around in clothes a lot. He tugged at his collar a lot and continuously wiped the sweat off his forehead.

As I looked around I couldn't help, but notice the city's architecture.

It was amazing.

Something, I had never really seen before.

Their structures are very ...angular, indeed.

In the heat, it was as if almost perfect symmetrical, the houses were all more so rectangular.

Most homes were made of the mud bricks that they famously known for using as trade with other countries, I would love to more closely inspect their fascinating homes but the heat, this dress, and the head of my security detail would have my head.

"Yes, you when you are a well traveled lad gentlemen such as myself that when traveling nothing is like home. The cultures, languages, tradition, values, people and cities are very different all around." Jason bragged as he tried to state very nonchalantly, while failing miserably.

I laughed rather loudly at this comment gaining the attention of Gaia and the others around me.

"What is so funny, Ebonie that has you laughing so loudly in my ear." Gaia asked slightly stepping away from me.

I rolled my eyes, "It is Jason. He is bragging about being a well traveled gentleman, yet here he is sweating like cube of ice left in the sun."

Gaia laughed whole heartedly, while Jason muttered something under his breath.

"If he was so well traveled he would have warned us all about the weather, as a gentleman would have. So, I guess he is neither, eh? That is why he has no maiden yet." Gaia teased, and I again let out another roar of laughter.

"Well, I would have you know that I am very well traveled but it's just that I have not traveled here before." He sulked, "You are one to talk about partners, as you are lovesick puppy with Max." He teased her back.

I looked at her, as her cheeks flushed a bit. Did she really think no one noticed how in love she was with Max, and from how he followed her as well I could tell the feeling was mutual.

Just when Athena opened her mouth to rebuttal, the brigade stopped.

Slowly, I heard the boots of my men shuffle. I began to straighten my posture a bit, as did Gaia and Jason.

My men shuffling finished now off to the side, with a clear walkway to who I assumed was Maya and her guards.

Jason coughed, which told me it was time to advance toward her, as with each step I took I grew closer to a potential friend or foe.

I grew anxious, however my feet unwavering nor the eye contact that we shared. It was a stare down between the two of us, neither one of us conceding as I grew only became more intense.

Alas, we were face to face.

Friend.

I smiled first, to which she expectantly returned.

"It is nice to finally meet you, Queen Ebonie." Maya warmly greeted, as she bowed.

"The honor is mine, my queen. Thank you for so graciously, giving my men as well as myself the opportunity to see your home." I responded, as I bowed.

I looked back motioning Athena to come forth, "This Princess Athena, my sister."

Athena bowed, "Hello, my queen. Your country is beautiful."

"Oh, thank you so much for saying that. But, come with me." Maya held out her hands for both Athena and I.

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Weird place to leave off, yes I know.

*SC