Lienna.
After the Shifter Kings’ announcement, the castle transformed into a whirlwind of activity. Preparations began in earnest, with servants scurrying about, ensuring everything was ready for the soldiers’ campaign.
From sunup till sundown, the courtyard bustled with maids, squires, and servants, their arms laden with supplies as they moved around in hurried steps, their chatter filling the fortress. Carriages filled the courtyard, their wooden wheels creaking under the weight of provisions, weapons and other supplies.
I had spent the last few days in intense training with Caspian, focusing on honing my physical strength and durability. We minimized my use of the moon goddess powers to conserve my energy while I worked on my physical strength and endurance. Caspian’s guidance proved invaluable, as he pushed me to my limits and beyond.
Hermes, too, made remarkable progress. After days of bed rest, he now walked unaided, his strength returning. He even joined me for my last training session with Caspian, though his presence proved more distracting than helpful.
His teasing remarks and playful jabs made me laugh, disrupting my concentration. Caspian had to, make him leave since he was causing so much fuss.
Mara had also been helping me pack as well, ensuring I had everything necessary for the journey. Together, we carefully selected essential items: sturdy clothes, supple gloves, waterproof boots, and travel-sized products. Before the week ended, my suitcase was filled, ready for the campaign ahead.
As I surveyed my packed belongings, a mix of emotions swirled within me. Excitement. Apprehension. Determination. It was starting to feel real to me and whether I liked it or not, I had to be prepared.
On the night we were supposed to leave, Mara was in my room once more, her presence a comforting familiarity. I had just finished my bath and was brushing out my hair when she offered to help.
“That won’t be necessary, Mara,” I said with a smile. “I’m doing just fine.”
I know, but I insist.” She said, walking towards me, gentle determination shining in her eyes. Giving up, I handed her the brush, watching as she expertly ran it through my hair, her gaze soft and focused.
I listened, mesmerized, as she hummed a soothing tune while she brushed my hair, the strokes gentle and calming till my hair was all laid back and had a healthy sheen to it. She helped me into a neat braid, tying the ends with a ribbon before letting out a sigh of satisfaction.
“There, all done,” she announced, glancing at me through the mirror. I smiled brightly at her, and she grinned.
“Thank you so much, but I’m sure I would have managed fine,” I said, turning to look at her.
Mara shrugged, her eyes sparkling. “I knew that. I just wanted to help.”
Her expression turned serious, and she asked, “How do you feel going on this campaign with the shifter kings? You do realize you’re going to war, right?”
I let out a breath, turning back to the mirror. For a moment, I didn’t speak, collecting my thoughts.
“Yes, I know I’m going to war,” I began slowly. “But to be honest, I don’t quite know just how I feel.” I paused, searching for the right words. “On one hand, I should be terrified, and maybe I am. But I also feel like… this is what I was born to do.”
I felt a shiver run down my spine. “Like my entire life has led to this moment.” Mara’s gaze softened, her hands settling on my shoulders.
I raised my head, meeting her gaze through the mirror. Her eyes shone with conviction. “Well…” she began, her voice filled with certainty. “I couldn’t agree more.” A warm smile spread across her face. “I’m glad you feel this way, lienna. It would go a long way.”
I nodded, reaching out to hold her hand on my shoulders. “Thank you for everything, Mara. You’re like the mother I never had,” I said, my voice sincere, stiffening in surprise when I saw her eyes water, but she smiled, her face radiant.
“That is the most beautiful thing anyone has said to me in a while,” she whispered, blinking away tears.. chuckled, feeling my own eyes tear up.
“Well, it’s true,” I said, looking up at her. “You are like a mother to me.” Mara’s gaze softened, her eyes heavy with unspoken emotions. She touched my cheeks gently, her fingers warm. It looked like she wanted to say something but she held herself back just in time. Finally, she let out a sigh, pulling her hands away.
“You should get some rest,” she muttered, her voice husky. “You have a big day ahead of you.” I jerkily nodded, feeling a pang of separation.
“True. Have a good night, Mara,” I said.
“You too, Lienna,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. I watched her leave, the door closing softly behind her. I let out a breath, my gaze returning to the mirror.
My reflection stared back, a mix of emotions etched on my face. After a moment of motionless staring, I stood, my legs heavy. I trudged to my bed, laying down, but sleep eluded me.
Nerves consumed me, thoughts of the uncertain future swirling. Hours ticked by, but my mind refused to quiet. Exhaustion eventually won, and I drifted off in the wee hours of the morning. Only to wake up just before dawn. Too excited and nervous to feel sleepy, I jumped out of bed.
I quickly freshened up, changing into my lined-up clothes and boots. I pulled my hair into a ponytail, the familiar routine calming my nerves. As I finished, a knock at the door broke the silence.
The door opened and a soldier stepped into the room, his huge frame immediately making the room feel small. “You have been summoned by the shifter kings. It’s time to leave.” He said, his voice resounding in the small room.
“Oh…” I trailed off, my heart skipping a beat.
“Is there anything you’d like to bring with you?” He asked and I nodded pointing at the suitcase that lay on the bed. He nodded curtly, going ahead to carry it like it weighed nothing before walking out of the room. I followed after him, looking out the windows in the hallways to the courtyard below.
It was already brimming with soldiers , their horses and thousands of carriages filled with supply. My finger tips grew cold and I could hear the pounding of my heart in my ears. I took in a deep breath, squared my soldiers and continued to walk ahead.
We arrived at the courtyard, and I slowed to a stop, my eyes widening in awe and fear. The sheer scale of the gathering took my breath away. Everyone looked so intimidating, their armor glinting in the morning light. It felt like they could squish me to dust with their sheer size.
Slightly panicking, I scanned the crowd for the shifter kings. Relief washed over me when I spotted them, standing out like beacons amidst the sea of soldiers. Hermes was the first to notice me.
He gestured for me to come closer, and I rushed towards him, weaving through the crowd. “Good morning, your majesty,” I called out once I was within earshot. l
Hermes smiled, leaning forward on his horse.”You too, Lienna,” he replied. “I trust that you’re ready for the campaign, are you not?” he asked, guiding his horse closer.
I steeled myself, trying to sound confident. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I answered, my voice grave.
Hermes nodded, his expression serious. “Good.” He glanced around, spotting my luggage. “Where are your things?” he asked.
Before I could respond, the soldier who had helped me carry my suitcase spoke up. “These are her things, Your Majesty.” Hermes nodded.
“Put it with ours,” he instructed the soldier. The soldier saluted and hurried off to carry out the order. Hermes turned back to me.
“You’ll be riding in a carriage and not a horse,” he announced. I stiffened in surprise.
“Why?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
Hermes’ expression turned thoughtful. “Well, first you’re a terrible horse rider.” He announced and I felt my cheeks burn in embarrassment. They must have noticed it during the hunt when I accompanied them.
“Plus, we don’t want you wasting all your energy trying to survive on a horse when you can use it to practice the breathing techniques that I taught you.” Caspian cut in, appearing beside Hermes as his eyes scanned the courtyard.
I nodding, understanding. That made sense. “Almost ready,” Caspian muttered, his gaze narrowingnarrowing as he scanned the courtyard once more.
Hermes nodded. “I guess that’s everything.”
“You should go into the carriage,” Caspian instructed, pointing at a nearby soldier to guide me. “You’ll ride with other attendants.”
“Thank you, your majesties!” I called out, delivering a quick bow before following the soldier. As I walked away, I spotted Mara and Daisy standing together, scanning the crowd for me.
Their faces lit up when they saw me, and they began waving their hands vigorously. I waved back, smiling at them before rushing ahead.
Taking a deep breath, I climbed into the carriage, spotting several attendants already seated and waiting. Quickly finding a corner, I settled down, rubbing my hands together to warm them up.
Though the carriage was packed, it was surprisingly comfortable, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. The attendants nodded at me in greeting, but their conversations continued, a gentle hum of background noise.
It took a while for everything to be mobilized, but by mid-morning, we were finally ready to depart. The blast of the horn rang out, and Caspian’s voice boomed across the courtyard.
“It’s time to go!”
The carriage lurched forward, and I looked back at the fortress, watching as it grew smaller and smaller. A melancholic feeling settled in my heart, and I let out a shuddering breath.
The building where I spent the most exciting part of my life was fading into the distance. A new phase of my life had begun. And there was nothing left to do but to keep going.
Keep going forward.