41: Forward

The day we'll move the knights forward had arrived. We are currently standing on of the walls of Holland Kingdom, the squadrons are now marching towards the boarder of the territory that Holland wishes to reclaim.

"They're crossing the borders as of now, your majesty." The knight assigned to monitor the knights reported

"How is the other side responding?" King Skylark asked

"We haven't observed any response, your majesty." He answered

"Back to your position," King Skylark said and he bowed before leaving

The cold wind of Sagittarian blew; it was rather refreshing that freezing.

"Are you not cold, your majesty?" Dame Maia asked

"I am alright," I replied and looked through the telescope

I watched as the chariots positioned behind the phalanx formation of the knights, there are also two catapults behind the chariots, ready to throw hot boulders that are still being heated by the troops to the opponent's knights.

"Did you already foresee this, your majesty?" King Skylark asked and the side of my lip rose in amusement as I continue watching the knights

"I did, it wasn't surprising." I answered and put the telescope down

"Taking the history of war outcomes into account, they most likely would underestimate you." I said and turned to him

"I do see your point, but that will be their greatest mistake." He said and I chuckled

"Of course," I said and looked back at watching the knights who are already small from where we are standing

"Your majesties, breakfast is ready." A knight arrived to inform us

We went to one of the towers on the side of the walls and descended the stairs. There's a carriage waiting for us by the time we reached the entrance to the tower, the knights opened the door for us and Dame Therese and King Skylark's knight bowed as we enter the carriage.

"Expect to win the war within a week or two," I said

"Aren't you underestimating the opponents to expect to win within a week, Queen of Astrae?" he asked and I smirked

"I am overestimating them, King of Holland, I know my kingdom and its current rulers more than anyone." I said meaningfully

"Aren't you worried that this could get you illegible to claim the throne?" he asked

"Our law states that the legal Astrae must not have any issues prior to his appointment, did it not?" I said with a sly smile

"I am a biological, full-blood Astrae, not a legal Astrae. It may apply to me as well, however, I had already been appointed as queen." I continued and he shook his head

"And the young prince?" he asked and I looked at him seriously

"His existence is as threatening to your position as the other child is to Ezra's." He said and I shook my head

"As I have said before, he is not and will not be a liability neither wills he be an obstacle to my goal. I won't let that happen." I said seriously

Upon arriving back at the Holland's Palace, I no longer am wondering whenever I'd notice the confused and malicious gazes I receive from the servants as we walk pass them. My hair is currently dyed in brown, merely hiding the streaks in my brown hair, and is braided and flows down on my back freely.

"Good morning, your majesties," he bowed before us

I wasn't any little bit surprised when Baron Tariq appeared and started walking alongside us.

"Good morning, Baron Tariq." I greeted him back

"Good morning, cousin," King Skylark greeted him before asking, "What information did you bring for us today?"

"Everything is going on according to her majesties orders, they seem to have played exactly into your palms, your majesties." He answered

"It seems, you say?" I asked and smirked before continuing, "Don't get fooled, they're not a bunch of idiots, keep your guard up."

"Of course, we must not make the same mistake, we mustn't be complacent." King Skylark said

"Baron Tariq, when will you return to collect information?" I asked him

"I'll be departing from Holland in two days," he answered and slightly bowed his head before asking, "Why, your majesty, do you have a plan to go there?"

"I have something to uncover in the place I call home." I smirked

"Well then, Baron Tariq, see to it the she is to arrive safely." King Skylark said

"Of course, your majesty, I shall ensure her majesty's safe arrival." Baron Tariq replied while bowing his head

"I'll be heading back home now, your majesties." He said

"Have a safe trip home, cousin." The King of Holland said and he bowed again before leaving

"You should take rest for now, your majesty, I'll inform you if there's anything new." King Skylark said and I nodded

"I will, you should rest as well." I said and went to the direction of the Silk Palace

"Your majesty," I looked at Dame Maia who called me as I'm walking

"What is it?" I asked

"Shall we accompany you on your return to Astrae?" she asked and I turned to her and shook my head

"There would be no need for that as this will be a separate mission." I said and she looked up quite surprised

"But, your majesty," she seem reluctant

I expect so, after all, I am still her queen and it's improper for the knights to question their monarch or those of higher position than them.

"As you please, your majesty," she replied and I smiled

I continued on my way to the Silk Palace. I stopped my lips from forming an amused smirk when I saw the servants lining up and bowing their heads as I enter.

"Welcome back, lady Vielle." They greeted with their head bowed

"She'll be resting, please prepare a warm bath for her." Dame Maia told the servants and I looked at her amusingly

I noticed how she averted her eyes from my gaze, after she noticed me looking at her, the servants immediately heed to her orders.

"I'd like to take a walk in the garden first." I said and she bowed her head and I walked ahead

The garden close to where my assigned room is really beautiful even during the fall season, the leaves and plants have all withered away upon the arrival of the first week of Shadow. It's already the fifth day of the month of Shadow, the cold breeze of the upcoming fall of snow can already be felt, it's seeping through my skin, embracing me.

Perhaps, I am playing my cards correctly, after all, my gift is at an advantage now that the first fall of snow is approaching. I looked around and pursed my lips when I felt the mist of dawn touching my ankle under my gown, I felt refreshed and recharged.

I stopped walking and turned to Dame Maia, she stopped walking and averted her eyes from my gaze once again which made me notice something.

"Is there a problem, your majesty?" she asked while bowing her head

"Why do you seem tense?" I asked and she looked up at me quite surprised before bowing her head again

"I apologize, your majesty, I won't make the same mistake again." She said and immediately bowed down on her knees

"Stand up, Dame," I ordered and she immediately stood up

"I am merely asking. Is there a problem?" I said and I saw how she hid her trembling hands behind her

"I am alright, your majesty, thank you for asking." She answered and I lifted my gaze from her and diverted it to somewhere else

"Well then, I'd like to rest now." I said and walked pass her to go to where my assigned room is

I don't know but I feel something different with Dame Maia, I just can't pinpoint what it is exactly but it doesn't feel like an underlying threat at the very least, just to be certain I'll keep my eyes on her.

Upon arriving at my assigned room, she opened the door for me, I entered it and there are two maids who assisted me in removing my gown then I went to the bathroom and the two of them washed my hair and lathed my skin. The water felt warmer than usual in my slightly cold skin.