July 21st of 1312, the day prior to the ball, Lena arrives in Camilla, the capital of the Kingdom of Alyssum. Lena sleepily climbs out of the carriage as the maids and manservants proudly greet her. Lena politely greets the family employees of the manor as Holly carefully herds Lena towards the bedroom. Still rather tired from the trip, Lena willingly complies as she falls sound asleep on the bed. Fore ere tomorrow the trumpets of war will sound.

The next evening, Lena is awoken by Holly to begin the preparations for tonight’s ball. Lena groggily leans over the edge of the bed, rubbing her toes on the soft carpet. Without a word, Holly drags Lena to the washroom, where a steaming warm bath is waiting for her. Still rather drowsy, Lena submerges herself in the lavender scented bath water as Holly washes her hair. The maids and Holly chatter lulling Lena back to sleep. Before Lena can fall asleep, Holly accidentally yanks Lena’s hair.

Wide awake Lena winces in pain as Holly not very convincingly apologies, “I’m so sorry, Milady. But it’s time for you to get out.” Lena rubs her sore head as she climbs out shivering with cold. Holly holds out a fluffy robe that Lena but all dives into. Like herding an unruly sheep, the maids make sure Lena sits at a table to eat, while they fix her hair.

Holly and some of the other maids begin the vicious battle of deciding which dress should be chosen. An hour later after Lena’s hair and makeup are done, the dress has yet to be chosen. Left with no other choice, Lena sternly says, “I want to wear the black gown with the plunging V-neck, that is open at the back and has small blue flowers sewn on the skirt.”

The maids all protest at her words. “But it’s Black!” “Black is only for funerals or formal robes!” “Milady, please reconsider this an engagement party, what will people say?”

Lena raises an eyebrow at their comments. “Let them whisper, it’s not as though my reputation can be worsened. Besides Ladies, black is slimming and rather sexy,” Lena confidently stated.

The maids nervously glance each other for a moment, before reluctantly helping Lena into her chosen dress. The maid’s eyes widen in admiration as Holly reluctantly praises Lena by saying, “Milady was correct, but don’t think that black is good for every occasion, Milady!” Lena in reply leans down to rub her face against the soft, golden strawberry colored hair. Holly glares up at Lena and accidentally steps on Lena’s foot causing her to let out a whimper. Holly snorts under her breath and marches over to the door to allow Sebastian to enter.

Sebastian flawlessly says, “Milady, the carriage is ready, shall we depart?” Lena follows Sebastian out as the maids tear up as they curtsy goodbye as the manservants proudly bow to their young lady, who had grown into a proper lady. With the aid of Sebastian, Lena climbs into the carriage as Holly and the rest of the family’s servants gather at the entrance to wish her good luck.

And with a crack of the whip, the carriage swiftly sets off towards the palace. The pace is steady as most of the guests have arrived leaving Lena slightly late. The carriage rolls to a stop at the grand royal palace as footman helps Lena out of the carriage. Lena climbs up the white marble footsteps leading to the palace, before heading down the beautifully decorated, violet carpeted floor that leads towards the ballroom. Lena takes a moment to breathe deeply, before motioning for the palace servants to open the ballroom doors. The ballroom doors clatter open loudly and rudely interrupts the ending of the King’s speech.

Slightly unease Lena watches as the entire court turns to glance at Lena as she glides down the golden marble, grand staircase. Lena smiles politely and says, “My sincerest apologies your Majesty, but I had a bit of trouble making my way to the palace.”

Lena’s words echo as everyone turns towards his majesty for his reaction. His majesty, King Julius Sorrell nods his head in accepting the apology. King Julius claps his hands together, before taking Queen Florence by the hand and saying, “Let the ball commence.” The courtiers clap at the king’s words as everyone moves to the side to allow their majesties the first dance. Lena glides towards her parents, who smile proudly at her from afar. As Lena makes her way towards her mother, women and men’s eyes alike follow Lena’s path along with a torrent of whispers.

“So that’s the scorned women of the crown prince.”

“Well, if he doesn’t want her, I wouldn’t mind having her.”

“Fool, just because she is beautiful does not mean all that much!”

“One day she’s smiling and the next day she will easily stab you in the heart.”

“Did you see the tramp?”

“Did you see what she’s wearing? The nerve!”

“Maybe, she thinks she can recapture his majesties affection that way!”

Lena easily ignores the jabbed whispers as she warmly smiles at her parents and greets them. Her mother reaches over and gently takes Lena’s hand giving a small squeeze of love and comfort, before letting go. Her father from across the ballroom flashes a tender smile, before returning to his duties in greeting the ambassadors.

Lena impatiently waits for the dance to end, before making her way to her father. Sadly, she fails to notice the gathering of individuals surrounding the cute and charming heroine, Delilah Elm. Before Lena could reach her father, a familiar young knight stands in her way.

Flint Alcott glares at the brazen woman and says, “You are not wanted here, Lady Bartholomew.”

Before Lena can respond a sweet voice chimed in, “It’s alright Flint, there is nothing to worry about.” At the charming voice words, Flint relents and allows Lena to pass.

Lena grunts unhappily, but protocol must be followed. Lena politely curtsies to the crown prince and Delilah. “Congratulations your majesty and Lady Elm on your upcoming nuptials,” Lena honestly stated. As Lena rises to feet to her grand dismay, she sees her father drifting even further away. Without bothering to excuse herself, Lena rushes past the startled love target members towards her father. But all too soon, her father is surrounded by courtiers.

Lena sighs with frustration and makes her way to an open alcove to wait for the crowd to thin. She merely wished to live in peace, but perhaps that was her greatest flaw. And now, the time was nigh at hand. In the distance, the clattering of a horse neighing loudly is heard. Lena’s eyes fly open as she remembers her objective. The war had just begun and that was what she knew best.

Lena marches purposefully towards his majesty. Despite the throng of people, Lena notices that the cute heroine is missing along with the rest of her love candidate entourage. A few meters from his majesty, the door slams open booming loudly across the hall. His majesty frowns as a dirty, injured soldier rudely shoves his way past the nobility, before coming to a kneeling halt in front of his majesty.

His majesty frowns at the soldier and waits for the soldier to speak. The soldier holds out a blood-stained letter to his Majesty and says, “Your Majesty, urgent news from Captain Lark for your eyes only.” Without hesitation, a trusted advisor rushes forward and takes the letter from the soldier’s hand. Before his Majesty can react, the trusted advisor reads the letter out loud.

“To his Majesty,

I, Captain Lark write to you for the last time; I, having been severely wounded in the defense of the fort, do not have much time left. Upon my passing, Lieutenant Darrell will assume command of Fort Terra.

By the time this letter reaches you, your majesty I sincerely pray that the fort has yet to fall into the hands of our enemies. We are vastly outnumbered and under-armed to sustain a prolonged siege.

We are currently holding the fort against a large number of soldiers from the Kingdom of Cypress as the Kingdom of Cypress has officially declared war against us.

May the gods bless the Kingdom of Alyssum and his majesty. And if the gods willing may they hear our desperate prayers and allow for reinforcements to reach us in time.

Yours Truly,

Captain Lark.”

The advisor turns pale upon realizing the grand and possibly career deadly mistake, he just committed. The ball is suddenly full of fearful clamors and indignant voices. Lena smirks to see her father sigh in annoyance at the advisor’s actions. Her father had repeatedly warned his majesty that promoting that man to the position of advisor was an error, but his Majesty steadfastly ignored her father’s counsel.

Before the advisor can apologize, his Majesty silences the advisor with a single glare that promises to deal with him later. His Majesty turns towards the crowd and firmly says, “Silence,” before turning back to the soldier and in a heartfelt manner saying, “Young man, go and rest. You have served your country this day and your sacrifice will not be forgotten.” The soldier almost collapses with relief as some servants rush over and help the tired, wounded soldier to his feet. The servants lead the weary soldier out of the ballroom to receive urgent medical attention.

General Tiberius Kingley proudly steps out from the stunned crowd and approaches his majesty. General Tiberius bows to his majesty and raising his head, General Tiberius says, “Your majesty, it is critical, we immediately have a war counsel. We must send immediate word and gather all the generals.”

Prime Minster Bartholomew frowns and coldly retorts, “And what of Fort Terra? By the time the counsel is gathered the fort will have fallen into enemy hands.”

General Tiberius glares hatefully at his old foe the prime minster who coldly glares back. Before the two men can begin to argue, his Majesty holds out a hand to stop them. “If we send urgent reinforcements, can the fort still be saved? For if the Cypress Army manages to push through the Azalea mountain pass, the defenseless city of Clover waits below in the valley.”

General Tiberius without hesitation responds, “General Percy Byron, who is in attendance as well can testify to my following words. Once a fort is too badly damaged, it is impossible to successfully defend. If we send reinforcements to the fort of Terra, we are only sending our men to their deaths.”

His Majesty gazes questioningly at General Byron, who steps forth from the crowd and greets his Majesty with a kneel. “General Tiberius speaks the truth, your majesty, it is not possible for, Fort Terra to be saved in those damaged conditions,” General Byron respectfully declared.

His Majesty thoughtfully mutters, “I see.” Prime Minster Bartholomew frowns in frustration unable to say anything that may contradict the King’s will. Stepping forth from the crowd without hesitation Lena approaches his Majesty. The prime minster gazes with confusion and wariness at his daughter’s actions as she curtsies to his Majesty.

“I beg to differ your majesty. Not only will I stake my very life that Fort Terra can be saved. But with added reinforcements the fort can not only repel the army from the north but repel the Cypress army,” Lena confidently said as she raised her gaze to meet his majesty’s. The ballroom is suddenly filled with guffaws and incredulous voices.

His Majesty seriously studies the young lady before him. Rudolph would often brag about the strength and cleverness of his daughter and would often lament that she had not been born a son with her fighting prowess. According to Rudolph and Knights of Fallujah, who were among the best in the Kingdom could not stand against Lena Bartholomew. The Knights of the household of Fallujah were experienced, powerful veterans who were no pushovers and would not take kindly to babysitting a girl. Their pride would have never permitted to lose even to the child, daughter of their lord. Besides, it was said, that in every generation a portion of the God of War was reborn. Perhaps, this child was that reincarnation?

The crowd is full of disbelief that his Majesty is not instantly dismissing the strumpet’s words. “But how do I know you are capable of such a feat, Lady Bartholomew?” His majesty objectively said as he searches for proof that this was the child blessed with a portion of Mars, the God of War’s talent.

“Test me here and now, your Majesty. For if I am capable of defeating General Tiberius without a weapon, I am more than capable of protecting Fort Terra. But if I am not incapable of defeating General Tiberius, then I am willing to accept whatever punishment his Majesty deems appropriate given my impertinence,” Lena firmly retorted.

General Tiberius scornfully says, “Surely you are jesting child.” General Tiberius glares at the Prime Minster, certain that he is the culprit behind the little chit’s actions.

The room is filled with voices again that hastily vanish at the upraised hand of his majesty. King Julius nods with satisfaction as he studies the young woman. Everything about the child’s demeanor confirmed his suspicions, this was the child born with a portion of Mar’s spirit. The red hair and that bold courage in the face of danger. Yes, if it was this child, then maybe it was possible to still save Fort Terra. “General Tiberius choose your weapon,” King Julius gravely ordered.

Duchess Bartholomew gasps as she faints in the background as some of her Medici family members catch her. Prime Minster Bartholomew nods confidently at his daughter, Lena. Sebastian had kept him informed of his daughter’s capabilities as had his knights, who blatantly refused to continue spar with his daughter. Lena always crushed the duchies knights in practice bouts. As knights of the realm, they had their own pride and being defeated by a female noble was crushing for their ego’s.

Prime Minster Bartholomew hides a grin as fully understands that his daughter is more than ample match for Tiberius even with such a handicap. It would do Tiberius good to be brought down a peg or two. But it would bring a new change, which the Kingdom desperately needed.

The crowd disperses to form a large circle as servants bring forth weapons for General Tiberius to choose from. General Tiberius waits for the King to change his mind, but after a firm glare from his Majesty, General Tiberius reluctantly is forced to choose a weapon.

Lena casually walks over to the pile of weapons and takes a knife. Before anyone can do or say anything, she tears off the lower part of her gown up to her knees. Lena carefully returns the knife to the servant and mutters, “Thank you so much for your assistance.” Lena returns to her previous spot as some of the crowd gazes lustfully her legs, while others are aghast, and some are blushing brightly at the skin-ship.

General Tiberius glares at the shameless chit as he decides on a deadly looking flail. General Tiberius was a famous general whose specialty was the flail. He was infamous for being able to crush the heads of men with one swing and as such was a legend in the military. General Tiberius crudely sneers at the brazen chit. “Lady Bartholomew, you are a hot-blooded young noble woman,” General Tiberius said as the room fills with laughter. “Please, Lady Bartholomew, I am giving you a chance to retract your words and beg for forgiveness,” General Tiberius arrogantly stated.

Lena merely spreads her feet out and motioned with her hand for Tiberius to come at her. General Tiberius expression darkens as he roars, “I’ll kill you wench.” General Tiberius charges at Lena as he swings the flail over his head.

Lena lightly bounces on her toes as she waits for Tiberius to be within an arm’s length. The crowd becomes tense as the last second General Tiberius lowers his arm to crush the chit under the flail. Lena takes a step forward and twists her body to the right. Using a less than a third of her strength accompanied by her momentum, Lena swings her right leg and kicks Tiberius in the solar plexus.

A loud, sickly cracking noise can be heard as her foot connects with his ribs as General Tiberius goes flying backward over the crowd’s head and crashes into the wall and ever so slightly cracking the wall, before slumping onto the floor. Lena frowns at the dent in the wall as she returns to a standing position. She hadn’t meant to use so much strength. But if it served to convince the king it wouldn’t matter.

His Majesty as well as everyone in the room gapes at Lena. After a second, his Majesty regains his composure. Hiding a smile, King Julius ponders on how to do this. Despite being confident this was the child blessed by Mars, the nobles would not believe such a story. The nobles would surely argue that the child had strength, but that strength is meaningless on the battlefield without experience.

Lena worried that her actions may not have been enough to convince the king, kneels on the floor and says, “Your majesty, a boon was granted to me as a child. I plead to use that boon this day in the defense of the kingdom.”

King Julius hides his delight at the simple solution being presented before him. What cleverness and what audacity, King Julius silently praises in his mind. It only served to confirm his belief, that Lena Bartholomew was blessed by Mars. Even better, with this his nobles could not argue back, knowing that King Julius could not back down from the request without the masses protesting.

“Lady Bartholomew, I bestow upon you the rank of captain in the army of the Kingdom of Alyssum. You are to depart on the morrow with 1,000 soldiers towards the Fort of Terra. And should you, successfully defeat the invading Cypress army from the north, you will be rewarded with the rank of general,” King Julius confidently declared.

“Thank your majesty it will be an honor to serve my fellow countrymen,” Lena gratefully said as she rose to her feet. The silent crowd parts allowing Lena to pass through. Lena eagerly walks out of the palace despite receiving plenty of strange looks from the palace guards and her own attendants. But her enthusiasm slightly dampens at the thought and reaction of Holly. Hopefully, it won’t be an hour’s lecture.

* Chapter 2.2 ~ POV of Duke Randolph Bartholomew of Fallujah (Lena’s Father) ~

King Julius instantly ends the ball and dismisses the nobles. King Julius gathers Randolph along with several others present at the ball for a brief meeting. After discussing what needed to be down, his majesty dismissed everyone but Randolph.

Randolph had known his Majesty since they were young boys, but he had never seen him so reluctant to speak. After some time, his Majesty bows deeply to Randolph. Panicking Randolph loudly says, “Your Majesty, have I done something wrong for you act in such a way towards me?”

His Majesty sighs and takes a sip of wine from his jeweled wine cup. “Prime Minister Bartholomew, I wish to apologize for all that has transpired because of my and my idiot son’s actions against your daughter. You see, your daughter was not behind the kidnapping incident of my son’s fiancé because I was the mastermind behind that incident.”

Randolph sputters a bit in surprise but wisely remained silent. “I merely wished to test the depth of my son’s affections. But I underestimated my son’s affections too much and your innocent daughter paid the price,” His majesty tiredly said as he turned to gaze at his oldest friend.

“But I will say this, I vastly underestimated your daughter. She certainly knew how to use all that was given to her,” His majesty pointedly said before continuing, “But to be perfectly frank, I do not know if Fort of Terra can be saved. But even if it cannot, she will have given the kingdom invaluable time to prepare,” This majesty truthfully said as he gazed into empty space. (However, his Majesty’s eyes are unable to hide their anticipation at wondering, just what will the blessed child of Mars do?)

Randolph silently accepts his majesty’s apologies as King Julius sighs in relief. Randolph takes a sip from his own wine cup. Randolph can only hope his daughter proves them all wrong.