Chapter 4: The Queen's Test

A week after the festival, Elliana received a message from the palace. She was summoned by the queen herself. Anxiety swirled in her chest as she made her way to the royal court, where the queen awaited her with a composed expression.

“I have heard of your training,” the queen began, her tone cool but curious. “And while I admire your determination, I must see it for myself.”

Elliana blinked. “See it, Your Majesty?”

“You will duel one of my knights,” the queen said. “Consider it a test—not just of skill but of resilience.”

The courtyard was silent as Elliana faced her opponent, a seasoned knight named Sir Cedric. The other knights watched with skepticism, some whispering among themselves.

“Are you ready?” Sir Cedric asked, lowering his visor.

Elliana nodded, gripping her sword tightly. “Always.”

The duel began, and Sir Cedric moved swiftly, his strikes powerful and unrelenting. Elliana dodged and parried, her smaller frame giving her an advantage in agility. Yohan’s lessons echoed in her mind: Anticipate, adapt, endure.

As the fight progressed, Elliana began to hold her ground. She countered his attacks with precision, earning murmurs of surprise from the onlookers. With one final move, she disarmed Sir Cedric, her blade pointed at his chest.

The courtyard erupted in stunned silence before applause broke out.

“Well done,” the queen said, stepping forward. “You have proven yourself, Elliana. But remember, strength is not just about combat. It’s about knowing when to fight—and when to walk away.”

Elliana bowed, her heart racing. “I will remember that, Your Majesty.”

...-A Kingdom Divided-...

The queen’s approval brought Elliana a new sense of confidence, but it also attracted attention—both welcome and unwelcome. Word of her duel with Sir Cedric spread quickly, and soon, nobles and commoners alike were speaking of the young woman who dared to break tradition.

While some admired her courage, others viewed her as a threat to the kingdom’s longstanding customs. Among those who opposed her was Lord Darius, a powerful noble who had always been vocal about maintaining the social order.

“This is dangerous,” he declared during a royal council meeting. “If we allow her to continue, others may follow. Chaos will ensue.”

Yohan, seated at the far end of the table, clenched his fists. “Elliana is no threat to the kingdom. She represents strength and change—qualities we should embrace, not fear.”

“And what role do you play in this, Your Highness?” Lord Darius asked, his tone laced with suspicion.

Yohan met his gaze without flinching. “I support her, as any true leader would support someone fighting for what they believe in.”

The tension in the room was palpable, but the queen raised a hand, silencing the debate. “Elliana’s actions are bold, but they have merit,” she said. “However, Lord Darius is correct—her influence must be guided carefully. Yohan, you will oversee her training and ensure she does not lose sight of her purpose.”

Yohan nodded, though his jaw tightened. He knew this was the queen’s way of protecting Elliana while placating her critics, but it also meant more scrutiny and challenges ahead.

...-To be continue-...

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