Chapter 2 The WARRIOR PRINCESS

CHAPTER TWO

The WARRIOR PRINCESS

When I was done dressing, I made my way to the backyard of the castle. It was a training ground for guards so I knew General Declan would be there. Getting there, I found him sitting under a shade while watching the guards train. I approached him and when he noticed me, he stood up immediately putting the glass of wine in his hand on the table in front of him.

"Your Highness'', he bowed with his hand resting on his abdomen.

"Have your seat general'', I smiled.

He pulled out a chair opposite him at the other end of the table for me to sit in and he also went to sit in his chair. If there was one thing I liked about him, it was the fact that, unlike most generals or lords who beam with arrogance in the presence of a princess, because they are more powerful and influential, General Declan was exactly the opposite.

"So, how are preparations for the war going?'', I asked after we sat.

"Preparations are going smoothly so far. But we need a powerful ally that is willing to help us with this war against the kingdom of Maracath'', he replied.

"I'm sure his majesty is working on that. Besides we have many allies and I'm certain kingdoms are willing to support us'', I pointed out.

"Yes, many kingdoms are willing to support us. But, as the most powerful kingdom in the North, we do not require manpower. We need an ally powerful and wealthy enough to provide us supplies as well as aid us financially for the whole duration of the war'', he also pointed out.

"Do you have any such kingdom in mind?'', he shook his head slightly as he took a sip of his wine.

"Even if there was, it will be difficult to negotiate and come to agreeing terms'', he said.

I nodded knowing he was right. Such a powerful ally probably has everything so striking a deal will be next to impossible.

"I hope we find one as soon as possible before the war starts'', I said optimistically.

"I hope so too. I heard you are participating in the war'', he said in a way that sounded more like a question.

''Yes, I am. However, his majesty doesn't like that very much. But it's been months since I completed my training with no real experience. Also, there is no fun in sitting locked up in here, being on the battlefield on the other sounds fun'', I replied. He nodded, smiling slightly. "The thing is, I've decided to actively participate in the army'', and he looked over at me trying not to be surprised but I could see he was. "And I consider my participation in this war a first step to it'', I added.

"Why would you want that? Are you sure about this?'', he asked curiously.

I smiled understanding what he meant. Why would a princess who has a life of luxury want such hardship for herself?

"As I said earlier, being a princess is so depriving. But as a soldier, I'll have my freedom and also fulfill my royal duties by participating in warfare'', I clarified. "Hopefully, I'll gain power worthy of my ambitions'', I added.

"Power? Ambition?'', he narrowed his eyes.

"Am I not allowed to have any if not both?", I asked calmly but the irritation was clear in my voice. Because people, especially men, think of women as tools to gain more power or wealth or containers to breed children. Women were always treated as insignificant and their opinions and feelings didn't always matter.

"Beg your pardon, your highness, I didn't mean..."

"It doesn't matter, I just have to prove myself, isn't it, general?", I asked, cutting him off politely. "I am counting on your support. Shall we duel?'', I challenged him.

He wrinkled his forehead looking puzzled. "With all respect Your Highness, I don't th....''

"I have to train to prepare for the war and since you're here, a duel with you is better, don't you think?'', I said, but the truth was I wanted to prove myself, that I wasn't weak and I had what it took to join the ranks of the royal army because I had been training for it since I was thirteen.

He knew I wasn't asking so he put down the glass of wine in his hand and stood up. "Besides, I get to train with the best''.

"I can't assure you won't get hurt so try not to'', he warned.

"I won't be wearing armor otherwise''.

"Alright then, if you insist'', he sighed.

We went to the training ground and every guard halted whatever it was they were doing and cleared the area. General Declan and I stood opposite each other and were given a sword each. Suddenly without warning, he attacked. I blocked the attack swiftly but I was no match for his strength. Knowing that, he relaxed and took a few steps back. I gripped my sword tightly and launched at him. He stood still anticipating but I caught him unaware by removing a dagger from my boot and throwing it at him. However, he was fast to knock it away and despite the distraction, he was still able to dodge my sword that aimed at his neck. He anticipated, blocked and dodged every of my moves and attacks and after a while, I bent, resting my hands on my knees while panting. I knew he wasn't attacking me on purpose.

''What? Are you mocking me?'', I questioned, pretending to be upset.

With this, he swung his sword at me and I bent over moving behind him. He turned back at me and swung his sword again, I rolled forward and kicked him in the stomach and he fell hard on the ground. I stood up quickly and attacked with my sword but he was quick to roll sideways. He stood up with an amused expression. I sprinted towards him, he swerved to the side and put a leg in my way causing me to trip and fall hard on my stomach. I rolled over with a groan and found his sword pointing at me with a smirk on his face, but luckily for him, I was not the type to give up. I kicked his thigh to the side and he fell to his knee. I took my chance and stood up immediately, I drew my sword at him and he knocked it off my hand with a force that sent pain through my arm. I reached for the sword but he kicked my heels and I fell on my back. He rose and pointed the tip of his sword at my neck. I tried to reach for the other dagger in my second boot,

''Tsk! Tsk! tsk!'', general Declan shook his head in warning. It was then I realized that any slight movement could cut my throat. I had no choice, so I gave up. General Declan dropped his sword and pulled me up.

"That was excellent'', he remarked.

"But I lost'', I replied disappointed.

"I don't think any of my men ever lasted that long against me. I know now why you're called the warrior princess'', he laughed.

"Then I guess my skills and reputation will take me far in the royal army'', I said more like a question, running my hands through my messy hair to straighten it.

"There is no doubt about that, your highness. You have my full support'', he pledged.

Hearing this, I felt so happy that I wanted to scream. "Very well then I guess we will see to it and have further discussion after the war'', I smiled and he nodded.

"Thank you very much for your time, General Declan'', I bowed with appreciation instead of curtsying since I wasn't wearing a dress.

"It's an honor your highness'', he bowed deeply.

I left and went back to my quarters joyfully. However, little did I know that the happiness would last only for a while as my nemesis and misery had already been set in motion by my uncle, King Harald of Talamhth.