We arrived at the border earlier than expected. The sun is still high in the sky yet the clouds are covering it. As we are nearing the border, I can see the British troops. Thousands of forces, armed with mighty shields made of steel and clashing swords out from copper and iron. Several battalions, unmasked and simple wearing a shirt and pants made for combat. Another batch of battalions, donning a full body armour. Equipped with a knight's suit that is as hard as several rocks.
I held my breath as they came nearer to us. I watched them intently as Fergus got ready on his stance. The queen slowly retreated at the back, probably to help facilitate immediate medical attention and the King looked all mighty while being alone in the front, standing up for us.
They equalled our distance. The whole battalion was led by none other than Edward and his mother—the Baroness. With them are some high ranking officials as well, such as the regent, several lords and some people that are far along in the lineage of the British monarchy.
I touched the hilt of my sword that is resting in the scabbard tightly tied on the right of my waist. I was looking at them seriously, eyeing them intensely. They stopped their tracks but the clattering of steel swords and shields never stopped. Instead, it grew louder by the moment. All thousands of them shouted for victory. Celebrating the early taste of their success.
Edward smirked for a while before his lifted lips turned into a curved smile. He mockingly looked at me, then to Fergus, and to the king, then back at me. He bursted into laughter. Laughing maniacally like there is no tomorrow.
"Oh mother, I think we celebrated our victory too early," he said while toning down his laughter, but the hint of mockery was still there. "But you know what, nevermind the early celebration. It is extremely obvious who will win this battle. Just a matter of time before we can drop the orders to attack and defeat your little forces."
I almost rolled my eyes in his overbearing arrogance. How preposterous for him to think that they will easily succeed in this battle. They only have seen a few of our armies because we intentionally left some behind. They are just stationed in the woods, near us so they could provide an immediate backup together with some extra forces from other kingdoms that are set to arrive today.
"What are your terms?" King Malcolm asked. "Our kingdoms have long been in a feud. Yet, surely this call for war does not call for nothing. I am sure there is a heavy grounds for this, state your terms and we shall see."
The Baroness let out a bark of laughter. "Surely as wise as you are. Dear King of Scotland, if only you knew," the Baroness spat. She then halted her laughs and looked me in the eye. Giving out murderous looks, trying to intimidate me. I did not back down, I equalled the intensity of her gaze, more intense I may say.
She pointed at me. "You! It's because of you! If only you had accepted the proposal of marriage presented to you by your father, none of this would have ever happened. We gave you multiple chances, persuaded you several times to give your hand to my son in marriage, yet you are so keen on turning us down! The future of Scotland is in your hands yet you have let it reach this far."
"Surely this was not just the mere reason. You are extremely driven into keeping me under your control. You have given me marriage yet it was nothing but a trap. You offered me chances yet it was taunting me to choose between freedom or prison. You say the future of Scotland is in my hands yet I can already see you planning for my motherland's demise."
Now it is my turn to scoff. I continued what I am saying, "Surely there is a price to pay if I accept your marriage. Grandiose opportunities were given, but surely all of those are satire. Tell me, what else is there that you are willing to do all of this?"
This time, the Baroness went ballistic. "How can you not understand?!" She said hysterically. "There's so much more than marriage. More than a life in the lowlands! There's something Duncan can offer more than what you think. You think that we do not know? Even if you hide it, we all know that you are the only one in line to the throne of Scotland! A mere duchess like you, a daughter of a supposed to be princess royal but accepted the title of duchess. Nonetheless, the power you title holds could give us enormous power! Influence and connection is in your hands!"
All of us gasped in shock. I saw Fergus being frozen on the spot. All of us are shocked for different reasons. Fergus knew that I am the niece of the king, but he was probably shocked by the revelation that I am the next in line to the throne. While I and the rest of us in the royal family, be it high officials and the low ranks are shocked by such revelation.
So all along this while, they knew that national secret. It was a decision made by the late King, my mother and the present King's father to protect my identity as the current King and Queen would not be able to have children because of some reasons. Yet they knew the secret. All this while, they have been investigating, trying to break the national code and breach the most confidential national secret.
I began to panic. "Father! Where have you taken my father? I know that it is you who sent it to him. It was you all along trying to manipulate him and threatening him to force my hand in marriage. You have been writing letters to him, giving a kind and considerable front yet insinuating that something bad would happen to me."
She clapped her hand slowly. "Good, good! You are not as dumb as your father. Well, thank you mother for that. He was easy to manipulate, he was easy to kill, he was easy to deceive. He believed in the front act that we are offering you a marriage to amend our feud. When he realised it, everything was late. He already commited treason, but don't worry. He is doing fine, we are making sure he lives a healthy life up to the day this war ends. He shall see with the both of his eyes, who won this battle."
The Baroness then raised her right arm extendedly as if making a wait signal for all the troops beside her. Everyone on their side moved swiftly preparing for a go signal. The high royals with them are slowly backing away, letting the battalions be the front line of defence.
King Malcolm looked back at us. He nodded at me and Fergus. He then looked at everyoke behind us. "Position yourseleves. Anytime now, we will head for a battle. Once she drops her hand, it will be a nightmare for us. Prepare mentally, just remember, Alba gu bràth!"
After that, the Baroness dropped her hand and shouted, "Attack!"
All of us also run for a fast pace with the lead of the king while shouting.
"Alba gu bràth!"