Vishendor's unlikely Queen

My sword danced through the air, singing with each precise swing. The morning breeze stirred the ends of my coat, brushing across my skin like a whisper of the storm I knew was coming. I kept my focus sharp, letting the rhythm of training anchor me, let it quiet the thoughts that refused to leave my mind.

Then I heard it—

A voice I knew too well.

"Theron."

It wasn't a question. It was a call.

I turned toward it, already knowing who I'd see.

Coren was jogging toward me, his brown curls bouncing slightly, eyes narrowed in that way he always wore when something serious was on his mind.

"What do you want from me, Coren?" I muttered gruffly.

He rolled his eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. I'd never want to talk to you."

We both burst into laughter, the sound echoing across the empty grounds before we pulled each other into a familiar embrace.

Then Coren pulled back, more serious this time. "The general requested your presence. Immediately."

"Of course he did," I replied with a sarcastic smile. "He always does."

Coren smirked. "He arrived not long ago. You should go now."

I nodded, adjusting my grip on the hilt at my side. "Right. By the way, you're staying over for practice today, aren't you?"

"Obviously. But why the sudden question?"

I glanced toward the path that led to the palace. "The general and I have much to discuss. I'll be with him for a while… Ariel should be arriving for practice any moment now."

Coren's eyebrows lifted. "So you want me to help her train."

"She's been improving fast. But today, I need you to step in for me."

Coren sighed, shaking his head with a grin. "Fine. But if she bullies me, it's on your head."

I chuckled, already turning away. "You'll live."

With that, I headed toward the general's wing—my steps growing heavier with each breath. There were things he needed to say, and I needed to hear them.

I pushed the door open and stepped into the general's quarters. He sat alone at the center table, posture still but gaze distant—lost in thought. The stiffness in his shoulders told me he had been waiting a while.

I cleared my throat, keeping my tone respectful.

"General," I began. 'You sent for me?"

His eyes flicked to mine, steady and unreadable. 'I didn't expect you to come after such a delay."

"My apologies," I said. "I wasn't informed on time."

He nodded once, slow and deliberate, then leaned back in his chair. "Do you know why I summoned you?"

I stiffened. "The list. I've nearly completed the preparations, sir."

"Good," he said. 'But that wasn't the reason."

I straightened, brows drawn in confusion.

"Then… why did you call for me?"

He folded his arms, his voice firm. "I leave for the western borders. The king gave his seal. I depart at first light with the remaining soldiers for inspection."

My mouth parted slightly, but I caught myself.

"I see. That's… good news. I pray for your safety—and a swift return."

He nodded once. "And when I return, I expect that list ready. No delays."

"You have my word," I assured him.

There was a beat of silence, and then he rose, his voice softer now. "You may return to your training. We'll speak again when I'm back."

I bowed slightly, then turned to leave. The pressure that had built over the past days had finally eased.

For now.

....

I was practicing steadily with my bow and arrow. By now, everyone knew me as the best archer in Velmira—I never missed.

I'd just released another perfect shot when a familiar voice called out behind me.

"Coren!"

The voice was light and clear, echoing with excitement.

I turned just in time to see Ariel running toward me, her ocean-blue eyes glowing like stars and her golden hair fluttering wildly in the wind.

"And where have you been, little damsel?" I asked, raising a brow as she came closer.

"I don't see how two best friends can be so different," she replied with mock sarcasm, hands on her hips. "Speaking of friends—where's my brother?"

I folded my arms, feigning innocence. "Hmm… may I know the name of this mysterious brother of yours?"

She scoffed. "He's tall, has excellent eyesight… and a terrible sense of humor," she said with dramatic flair.

"Ah. No, I'm afraid I haven't seen that poor soul," I replied, keeping a straight face.

Ariel rolled her eyes before suddenly drawing her sword, swinging it at me without warning.

"Hey!" I shouted, laughing as I dodged her strike. "What are you doing?!"

But before she could attack again, another voice cut through the air.

"Ariel."

She paused mid-swing, already recognizing the voice.

She turned her head sharply, her tone instantly shifting from warrior to mother hen.

"Theron! Where have you been?" she demanded, like a mother scolding her mischievous child.

"The crown jewel" he said with a warm smile.

"Enough with the flattery. What took you so long?" Ariel asked, folding her arms.

"You came just in time—you saved your best friend from being slayed by this little damsel," I said, acting like the poor victim I absolutely was.

"Shut up, Coren," she snapped, sending me a fierce glance.

"What kept you?" she turned back to Theron, clearly demanding an answer.

"Well, if Coren hasn't told you already, the general requested my presence," Theron replied.

'And what did he say?" she asked, her tone softening slightly.

"He's heading to the western border. He's going there to inspect it himself."

"For what exactly?"

"You already know the western border was breached. He wants to see the damage for himself—how bad it is."

'And why didn't you go with him?" I cut in curiously.

"I was instructed to stay back and prepare the list before he returns from the West."

A brief silence fell between us. Then Ariel spoke again, her voice softer now.

"May I ask… who breached the western border?"

"We don't actually know," Theron admitted. "That's why the general is going—to search for clues."

"Oh…" she murmured, visibly worried.

'Alright, enough of this western border talk," I said, stretching my arms. "It's getting late. We should be heading home."

And so, the three of us walked off together, shadows lengthening at our feet—each of us quietly wondering what danger might be waiting beyond the western cliffs

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Hey lovelies 💙

I'll be taking a short break to focus on my exams (wish me luck!) but don't worry — I'll be back soon with even more drama, love, and twists.

If you enjoyed this chapter, don't forget to vote, comment, or share your thoughts! It means the world to me 🌙

See you soon,

— Sussex ✨