The music ended in a cacophony of notes. The dancers stopped midstep, momentarily blinded by the light. Gasps, screams and shock ran rampant through the crowd. I clocked Lord Garrison's men at each entrance reach for weaponry.
When the light faded a woman with dark hair and striking green eyes stood in the middle of the floor robbed in white.
Quite a power play to wear white to the engagement party. Even a country bumpkin such as myself knows that the bride reserves the right to wear white.I suppose it was a tournament ball as well.
The glow to her eyes told me this entrance was not simply theatrical, but magical. The Norads had arrived. At least one of them had.
Before I could signal the archers hidden in the upper floors, Lord Garrison already had. Arrows aimed right at the woman's heart notched in bow stings.
"I come in peace seeking an audience with the queen with a message from my mistress!" The woman boomed into the stunned silence of the hall.
Such a public display of power unsettled me. It could be a fear tactic to let us know that our walls do not offer security. I rushed forward and stepped between Princess Alina and the uninvited party guest.
Gella stayed on my heels. Good. It would be easier to protect them both.
"How can we be so sure you come in peace?" Lord Carrion scoffed. The insight into my personal life seemed to be the only thing noticed by the man. It was not appropriate for him to speak.
Queen Valerie did not take her eyes off the Norad, but the twitch at the corner of her eye told me she did not like Carrion speaking for her.
"Is not white the color of peace in your country?" The woman motioned to her dress. Not exactly the best defense, but I suppose I would believe nothing the woman said no matter her proof.
"It is not appropriate…" Lord Carrion began, but was cut off.
"It is the color of surrender, good messenger. Is your message for all of my people?" Queen Valerie did not want someone else to speak for her again. She cut her eyes to the young Swordsman in warning.
"It would be better in private, Queen Valerie." The woman's head bowed ever so slightly.
"Perchance it should have been a note or done on a different day if you did not want the attention of my people!" The feisty monarch reprimanded before fully taking in the woman a moment more.
The royal crown tilted on the lush locks of my monarch as she looked closer at the woman before her. "Do I know you?"
Before she could respond, Lord Jacobson answered for her. "Perhaps our guest would be more comfortable in rooms she knows. If I am not mistaken, she used to work in the royal laundry."
Audible gasps were heard among the courtiers. Carrion mumbled something sounding like "He got to speak."
"Hmm," The queen mulled over the thought for a moment before she began to speak to those closest to her. "Swordsmen and Sir John, please accompany me to the laundry. Remaining Champions, please look after the safety of our guests."
In a booming voice she addressed her people, "People of Ensis, please remain where you are. The castle doors will be locked for your safety until this matter is resolved."
The uninvited visitor openly mocked the queen with a laugh. She did appear out of nowhere so a locked door would mean little. "You think so little of the women of your court that you do not invite any to join us?"
The queen took in the visitor once more. This felt like a trap. I could feel it and I am sure the queen did too.
"You're quite right." The queen looked around and her eyes fell on Calista with a smirk. I followed her eyes and I noticed Cali had her sword half sheathed, already ready for a fight.
In my glance, I also noticed that Princess Alina had a hold of Gella's hand. My heart swelled. Solidarity in the face of adversity. I was not the only one to see the action.
"Lady Calista, Lady Maria, Lady Evalyn, and Lady Gella, please attend to me. Sir Alejo and Sir Finley, please escort Princess Alina to her room. I think she might have some reading she needs to do while we meet." Queen Valerie eloquently just gave titles to everyone she mentioned, even if they did not possess them a moment earlier.
My mother stood to her full height and strutted toward the queen. Bold and willing to throw a punch, I would choose my mother too.
The announcement of Gella's name confused me slightly. I looked at Gella's face to see a look of determination, albeit pale. Her father was going to love this development, but that is tomorrow's problem.
A woman I did not know stepped forward between two men I had seen guarding the queen on less stressful visits to the capital. I assumed her to be Lady Maria. Her finery suggested that she liked to blend into the background with a slimmer skirt than seemed fashionable at such an event.
The two men flanked Princess Alina and she nodded for them to lead on. This did not sit well with our uninvited guest.
"You so easily dismiss your daughter? I would be wary, young princess. Knowledge is power and it seems your mother does not want you to have any."
"Then you, good messenger, must be powerless." Alina quipped before walking away.
In my humble opinion, that was playing with fire. Obviously this messenger desired to provoke the princess. Alina should have been smart enough to not take the bait.
"Lord Garrison, would you please lead our guest down to the laundry. The rest of us will follow behind. " Queen Valerie motioned for our uninvited guest to follow behind the Swordsman already in motion.