Throughout the day I handled the mundane activities required of me, disputes among soldiers, organizing the breakdown and transportation of all camp materials, and of course daily training exercises. I spoke with important officials and informed the necessary members of the coming change. The day flew by in a wave of discussions and paperwork, and before I knew it, it was time for evening formation, dinner, and dismissal.
The men were formed up and excited to complete their trek home. They had wives, children, and probably a few unsightly places awaiting them. I stood at the front of my formation and it hit me that this would be the last time I may see many of these men for quite some time. I’d always had to work twice as hard to accomplish what I wanted, and even though I knew I was a commander, I often questioned my legitimacy to the role. Knowing this, I pushed each of these men to their limits and expected them to perform at the highest level attainable, but now I was handing them over.
I was about to address the soldiers when I noticed a man approaching to my right. He was about my height and had a muscular build. His brown hair was pulled back in a long ponytail and he walked as if he was a king. The smug look on his rather unattractive face really wasn’t doing him any favors. It didn’t take me longer than a moment to recognize him. Apparently, he was excited to leave his current posting as quickly as possible, either that or the captain had been considering this for some time.
“Commander Rex,” I said in the most respectful voice I could muster through my disdain.
His lip twitched at the sight of me and I got the sense his feelings had not changed since the last time we had the misfortune of interacting. I ignored the obvious reaction and returned my attention to the men in front of me.
“Soldiers!” I asserted as much strength in my voice as I could. “It has been an honor serving with you! You are the grittiest bunch of men I have had the pleasure to work with, however, it is my duty to inform you, there will be a change in command effective immediately. I will be completing another assignment in the service of our nation. Commander Rex will be taking over during my absence..”
Not a single soldier spoke. They knew better than to break formation, however, I could see the sadness in the eyes of these men. I had been in their service for the past five years and in their Command for the past two. These men were the ones who had shed blood alongside me on numerous battlefields. We had enjoyed the past year of peace together and I could see I was not alone in the sadness I felt at leaving them, especially in the hands of such a man.
“Commander Rex, I leave them to you.”
I walked to the side and I caught the glare of Rex as he passed. He did not waste time in beginning his address. No homage was paid in my direction, not that I expected it from him. He immediately began to inform the men of their lack of strength and that they would be expected to perform as a more perfect unit than what was acceptable previously. Before I was able to hear the remainder of the speech I noticed the Captain awaiting me by the commander's tent. I quickly followed him inside.
“Commander Alaya, have you decided?” He began without hesitation. “Who is to be your accompanying party?”
He must have known my choice before I spoke. It was not as though he had not been there through every step of my journey so far. It was not a secret that there was only one man I trusted with my life, other than the Captain. His eyes fell on me and I saw a look of understanding.
“Ah. I will send for him then.” Captain said as he motioned for a member of his staff to come closer. He whispered in his ear and the man exited the room.
“Captain” I began, but before I could say much else I noticed the shadow in the corner of the room move into the light.
“As sharp as ever I see.” the Captain said. “Eák, there is no point in remaining shrouded. Please come forward.”
The man who had been residing in the corner stepped forward into the light. His broad frame and muscular shoulders filled the uniform, which he donned quite well. He had deep black hair and the brightest green eyes. As he looked at me, I was being pulled into his gaze. The shirt hugged his pectorals quite flatteringly, though I was sure it could not have been up to code. Casually he leaned against the table, a satisfied smirk on his face, seemingly quite pleased with himself.
“Commander, are you enjoying your gawking?” His question caught me off guard. The smirk, still extremely present on his face.
“Excuse me?” Taken back and just a little embarrassed.
I put a great deal of focus into calming my nerves and reducing the heat I could feel rising in my cheeks. “I was simply contemplating how on earth you were able to convince the supply to give you a uniform clearly too small for your frame.”
“So you WERE looking at my body.” Eák's smirk spread into a full grin.
“Eák, Alaya, please. We have important matters to attend too. Now, where is he?”
At that moment I noticed Liam was standing in the entry to the tent. His arms were folded and he was in a rather sour mood. Was Rex's address that bad?
“I am here sir,” Liam said as he stepped in through the threshold.
“Perfect, then we may begin... Commander Alaya, this is Eák, he will be in your service during this mission. Liam, Commander Alaya has selected you as her second on this assignment and I will expect you to retain the utmost level of respect.” He began. “For this assignment, it is imperative that nothing said within these walls ever leave them. The Sins are attempting to mobilize on our outer regions, which is expected within the month. However, there have been additional reports that the Blood King seeks to cut off our head, so to speak. The Royal Crown may be in danger. Your assignment is rather simple in nature. Commander, you will be infiltrating the Capital as Lady Nol. You will represent your family and should plan to blend in with the other Ladies of the houses. Eák and Liam, you are to serve as her guards and servants. While in this station, you are to learn and uphold the expectations set forth for the Lords and Ladies of our country. It is important that no one know your true intentions. If, or, when the attack is initiated you are to take charge of the capital's defenses and protect the Crown at all cost.”
“Captain Sir, I will conduct myself in any way needed in order to ensure the safety of our country. I am just curious. Why not simply assign a member of the Royal Guard for this role?” My questions were building up.
His face became etched with lines of concern. “I believe we may have traitors among the capital. This is the only way to ensure the safety of Her Majesty and the Crown. You will leave tonight. Lady Alaya, you will be there under the pretense of seeking an appropriate suitor. We will remain in contact, though it may be minimal. Do not send any information regarding this assignment by means of letter. I will be in attendance at the capital periodically throughout this time. We may only speak in person. Commander, if you please, I need you to begin preparations for your departure while I address the remedial details for these two soldiers.”
“Of course sir.” I could not help but feel a bit uneasy. I had never been very good at being the Lady I was supposed to be. My father was a lord and my mother was a lady, however, it was never in me to hold that kind of station, despite my true title being that of Lady Alaya Nol. My father never fought my requests to join the army’s ranks, though I know he had always hoped I would eventually find a suitable man and settle down. I would hate for this farce to give him the expectation of that reality.
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