Her black, heeled boots made no sound on the grass. She paced back and forth, a path worn under her feet. Her eyes darted back and forth. Unable to cease their rapid activity, just as she couldn’t sit still. Not when her men have yet to return. She hated this part. The waiting game. She preferred the fronts where she could go in too. Which seemed to be less and less as time went on. She had a target on her head. Hanging back in camp was now normal. It was her plan. She wanted to see it through to the end.<br/><br/>The sound of thundering hooves jolted the queen forward. She streaked out to meet the rider. He jumped off the horse before properly stopping, his breaths coming out in heavy pants.<br/><br/>“My queen, they surrendered. We have the princess.”<br/><br/>A cool, pleased smile crossed Nyra’s sharp features. She knew they would. With their dear child in her grasp. It was all down to how well her plan worked. Whether she was actually able to subdue the magical princess. Nyra didn’t have much room for error. She had been planning this particular take over for months.<br/><br/>“Go get some water, for the horse--” Nyra glanced at the tired animal. “And I suppose for yourself.”<br/><br/>Nyra dismissed the rider and took stance in front of her men. Camp was packed up. Tents rolled, horses saddled, and supplies tucked away. They couldn’t stay here. Not sitting like ducks. They would travel until nightfall. Stop when they had the advantage. When the probability of safety was higher.<br/><br/>The carriage was placed behind her. Ready to leave as soon as her cargo arrived. The Queen planned on greeting her newest prisoner, then mounting her own horse. She preferred to lead her men proactively.<br/><br/>Nyra stilled as her men approached. She watched them proudly. As a mother hen would her chicks. Their formation was just how she taught them. They were obviously tired, but they were victorious. Not that they were used to losing. Nyra had her moments. Generally, she won. Obliterated those in her way.<br/><br/>The men slowed and halted in front of her. The queen stood before them, hands folded behind her. She rocked forward, zeroing in on the princess. Dressed in all black, swords strapped to her back, and hair wound tightly into a neat bun-- the queen didn’t even look the part.<br/><br/>“It’s a pleasure for you to join us Princess Arden. I’ve saved you a seat in my carriage. Where you’ll stay until we make camp,” the queen’s icy smile and cool greeting extended to the princess. Then she turned to her knights. She gave them coded details about their travel plans, and sent the majority of them off. Leaving her and two guards with the princess.<br/><br/>“I’d ask if you have any questions, but what you want isn’t of any matter right now.” The queen gave the princess one last look before motioning over her horse. She swung onto his broad back, stroking his silky mane.