Princess Elaine bounced in the carriage as the small caravan of knights and her made their way toward the border of Garenat and Fresia. Fresia is a medium sized agricultural kingdom with one large port town on the Sea of Horus. The mountains to the royals right and loomed largely overhead. Rumor had it that recently the king of that land was overthrown by a mercenary that now laid claim to the throne. However, all attempts to make contact with said being failed. Leaning back Elaine brushed a small stray chest-nut brown hair out of her face and fixed in back in her loose bun. She wore a brown silken outfit lined with beads and precious jewels. It was the easiest thing that would blend into a forest surrounding. On the top of her head was a small golden crown that was more of a headband that twisted and had a small point in the middle.<br/><br/>King Leotus, her late father, died suddenly two months ago. Right before that the nobles had become restless demanding that they expand their territories and secure more recourses for the kingdom. Her father was a kind man and had lead their people in a time of piece and tranquility. Unfortunately, for some peace throughout the kingdom was not enough and she suspected a coo would occur right before or right after she is crowned queen of Fresia. Being the only child of a beloved king was both blessed and difficult. The princess was raised in the political sphere and spent a large part of her time at court. The rest was spent in study of military and the languages and internal structures of the surrounding kingdoms; as well as her own. Further, she was forced to learn how to sew, paint, play instruments, dance and other abilities that are deemed appropriate for a woman of her stature. Although, she was a thin woman at 5’4 she had a huge heart but lacked the courage to show it at court. Putting forward her authority had always been difficult for the young woman. At 22 one would think she would have more of a backbone but being raised by a headstrong and stern father negated that.<br/><br/>A knock came on the door of the carriage “My lady we will reach the destination shortly. I see the signal of fallen rose branches ahead.”  Sir Tiberius was the head of her fathers personal guard and now was in charge of her safety. The other eight knights traveling with them surrounded the carriage as a small group of loyalists appeared out of the brush. Tiberius jumped off his stead and unhelmet himself revealing his handsome face. He had bright red hair with five-a-clock shadow red stubble on his face. With green eyes, he was indeed handsome. His silver and blue armor was shadowed by the over casted clouds. On his shield was a willow tree with a dragon encircling it. This was the emblem of the king and now queen. Nodding to his similarly dressed men they got off their horses and surrounded the group. “Is this everyone…?” He asked the leader who stood wearing a green cape “Yes good sir there is only about ten of us but we hope to gather more as soon as we have our new rulers blessing.” The man smiled weakly tired from tilling the fields. Tiberius nodded and one of the knights walked to the carriage, opening the door for the princess.<br/><br/>Taking the hand of the knight Elaine stepped out of the carriage and walked gracefully towards the group of loyal citizens “My thanks for you continued loyalty to my family and I”. Tiberius put a hand on the princesses left shoulder and smiled “Yes we are all happy for your continued loyalty to our beloved royal family.” With a nod to the others Tiberius put his sword to the princess’s throat and the other knights began slaughtering the loyalist. Within mere minutes they lay covered in their own blood.  Elaine struggled ordering them to stop the slaughter. The heir to the throne’s pleas went unobeyed. Tiberius laughed and let go of her letting her fall in the blood of the dead “No one can hear you this far out. No one will save you. And no one will miss you.” He held up his sword and readied himself for the final blow. Elaine’s hands went up as she waited for her eminent death.<br/>