After a deep talk with my father, I went to the barracks where the horses are and ordered a servant to bring Storm to me. I have missed her, with all of the things that have happened, we never really bonded that much anymore. Last time we saw each other was when we went to war with each other.
I was delighted when the servant gave her ropes to me. I touched her mane and closed my eyes as I felt the softness of it. "I missed you," I whispered near her ear. I stood there, mesmerising her beauty once again. The magnificent height, the long mane, and her as white as snow colour.
I let myself get lost in mesmerising her beauty again. It has been ages since I last wondered about her majestic beauty. "Open the gates!" I commanded as I mounted Storm. As much as I want to appreciate Storm's beauty all day long, I still have a lot of matters in my hand that need to be fixed. One of which is to bring down the Dankworths'.
I started my journey during lunch and the moon was already up in the middle of the sky when I reached the palace where the English Queen resides. I do not know any particular places in their land, not that I have to, they are our clan's sworn enemies.
As expected, I was not immediately allowed within the vicinity. As soon as the royal guards who were assigned as watchers saw me, several trumpets sounded and the fire that was kept to illuminate the dark glowed into a much stronger orange and red flame.
The gates of the palace opened wide, signalling for me to come in. Yet, as soon as I entered, the gates closed and several knights lined along my way. With the front defence pointing their swords at me as if an intruder has come to attack them.
A smile curved in my lips as I raised my hand in an attempt to surrender. "I am no enemy! I came here to see the Queen," I spoke as both of my arms were still suspended in the air. One of the knights came forward and checked me all around while encircling Storm. He walked in circles checking every angle, even my bag that has been with me from the start of my journey has been thoroughly checked. When they found out that it was only food, they collected the only sword I have that is tied in my waist. Knowing that I do not have any hidden object that may harm the Queen aside from my obvious sword, they assisted me to unmount Storm as one of the knights commanded to take me to the Queen.
We walked past several dark alleys of the palace until we reached a double oak door that is only illuminated by two torches on each of its sides. Two knights were walking with me and one of them knocked on the door. No one answered but still, he opened and pushed me inside. I could even hear the cackling of their metal suits on the floor as they were leaving.
A small cough caught my attention and made me turn around. "It is a surprise for a high official of the opposing kingdom to visit me at this hour," the Queen said with her thick British accent. "To whom shall I honour this visit, Lady Victoria?"
"It is not a matter of whom, but a matter of what." The Queen took down her glasses as she stared at me. "Alas, forgive my lack of manners. Could you please take a seat? We will discuss the matter of what brings you here over a cup of tea."
I did what I was told and sat over an empty chair in front of her table as she poured tea in front of me. The smell of Earl Grey tea enveloped the surrounding as the smoke coming from the cup and the porcelain kettle emerged. "I hope you like that Earl Grey tea. That is my favourite tea," the Queen said.
"So, let us focus on the matters at hand, shall we?" She said and sipped on her tea, pointing at mine so I would drink as well. I smiled a little and nodded indicating that I would drink it later on. "I am not here to plan for a vacation nor stay for a bit longer, I want your Baroness and his son captured. It is not a secret for both kingdoms about what they did, isn't it?" The Queen looked startled at my direct words.
"Also, if this helps..." I brought out the letters, papers, signed documents, as well as written testimonies that I have ordered for Fergus' subordinates to make before coming here to back up my claims and to add as a solid evidence in front of the Queen.
"...Your Baroness, unfortunately, has acquired illegal stuff throughout her duty in your royal hierarchy. From illegal manpower to come to destroy and threaten us to illegal firearms, which I am deeply sure that is an act of treason in any kingdom. Other than that, she has communicated and worked with a duke of some small kingdom to commemorate her evil plans and for someone to work with her behind the shadows."
The queen took everything in my hand and read everything carefully. I saw her eyes widened in shock and a blaze of fury passed in it. She looked at the papers one by one, making a quick skim, seeing that she had read everything and guaranteed that whatever I said was true.
She looked solemn for a moment and looked at me with pity. "Duchess Victoria of Duncan, I deeply beg your pardon on behalf of my Baroness. Sure, we have heard of her deeds, her plans, and her sky rocketed ambition to acquire more power. However, we have not heard that her scheming is as serious as this. As the ruler of this kingdom, any sort of these things are not allowed nor do I give provision to make this happen. Although we had a feud, this backdoor attack is not of our kind. For the sake of truce, kindly stay for the night. Rest assured that tomorrow, as soon as the day breaks, I will give an order to capture her and her son as well as charge them with treason together with their whole clan."
I stood up and offered my hand to her which she gladly took as she also stood up. "For the sake of truce, I will stay. I believe in your power, your majesty. And I will believe that you will do the end of the bargain. As per mine, rest assured that once you have captured the ones who attacked us, we can offer you help or some sort. My kingdom will be indebted to you so please do accept an offer of help from us to repay the debt. Just tell us what help you want and we will do our best to fulfil it."