Lady In Red

30

I was waiting for Regina in my study while writing down some things I had to get done when the doors opened and Andrew announced himself.

He looked like he was in a hurry. Bowing slightly before hurrying towards my table with long strides.

Fred stood up from his desk walking to stand before me as I frowned.

"Forgive me for intruding my Queen. There a question I have to ask."

I nodded looking up at him.

"Did Clark Vincent visit you within this week? "

"Yes-"

"What were the contents of your talk to him? "

I gulp glancing at Fred.

"Nothing specific. He had come to greet Her Majesty. We assumed he needed assistance settling his soldiers at the fort. Yet he never brought it up."

Andrew clenched his jaw staring at Fred as he explained.

"Was this sudden greeting planned? "

"No. It was not. I questioned the messenger however he said he had no authority to stop the General. "

Andrew nodded as Fredrick spoke for me. I licked my lip and gave a sigh looking away. I look back at Andrew as he seems occupied scrunching his eyebrows and looking down.

"Is this about how I broke the Royal protocol and gave him an audience? I heard I am not supposed to talk with any military personnel... Since. I am" I stopped right there.

"No-" Andrew immediately shuts me down.

"No, your Majesty. It is General Vincent who has no authority to ask for your audience. Forgive me for this sudden questioning. Have a good day. "

I frown as he bows and glances at Fred one more time before leaving.

I sigh leaning back on my chair.

"Well... What do we make out of this? "

Fred said nothing.

~

"Fred"

"Yes, Madam." I halt staring down at the training ground of the inner castle, The men fighting with such fierce force made me curious.

"Anything about Regina?"

"I have yet to confirm some things," I nodded slowly walking towards the training grounds as I saw a few of the soldiers who accompanied me here by carriage.

"The Blue Hall is this way," Fred states holding his hand out the opposite way and I nod. But stepped towards the training ground instead.

I was heading towards the hall when I saw the merchants. They had been called to present some of the new furniture designs. I had no desire to change much, but when I saw the north tower I felt the need to do something. It wasn't used for ages.

I heard from Maya, that it used to be a study room of Queen Persia. The King's grandmother.

I wished to refurbish it in her memory. I heard the King was close to his grandmother, I hoped this who help them understand my intentions of embracing their past.

"Madam, those the soldier's training grounds-"

"I am just curious..." I whispered looking at the open ground and stepping down. They didn't notice me yet.

Fred looked around and before he could see me I had entered the ground looking around at the huge men. They were scary.

"Watch out!"

Before I knew it I saw a spear flying towards me. I didn't gasp, froze to the ground as my heart stopped. The spear stopped mere inches from my head.

I gulp looking beside me.

Fred grounds the spear on the grass before moving away from me.

The ground suddenly turned silent and I realized how stupid I was. I had stopped their training and now they had to let go of their swords and weapons to bow to me.

"It was me. May your Majesty show me mercy. We never expected your visit and I was reckless."

A young soldier stepped ahead from the crowd and got on his knees making me gulp and press my back to the cold wall behind me. He hung his head low waiting for my decision as if I would do something.

Fred stood silent as I judged myself and them. Where are they making fun of me?

Could they believe I was able to do anything to them? Me before these hundred beasts.

"For-"

The Queen never apologizes to her servant Ruby...She can only acknowledge.

"No fret, I came here to see the training grounds," I replied taking back the previous words.

He nodded I could suddenly see his body tremble as he kept his eyes on the ground. Sweat dripping down his temple and I frown.

"You can go back to your training," I said looking at everyone. Fear in my stomach but confidence in my voice. They bowed once more before stepping back but never picked up their swords. He on the other hand stayed as he was.

"It was addressed to you too ... what's your name?" I asked

"Oliver your Majesty. I await my punishment." He says.

I blink at him and glance at Fred. Fred stood with no expression on his face.

"There is no need to wait for it. I asked you to go back to your training.-"I pause as he gulps, I learn just a little seeing his hands tremble.

"Believe me, this isn't the first time I have had a weapon come at me." I softly said before turning around and smirking slightly.

"Punishment is necessary for them."

Chills filled my spine as I heard Clark Vincent's voice. I see Fred look behind me and bow. I looked back to see the soldiers at guard and Oliver on the ground still. As Vincent strides towards him from the very back. My teeth clenched and my hands turn to fists.

Why was he here? I thought he left for his fort.

His voice was nothing compared to the fear he gave me with his presence. Not like Xerxes. This fear of doing something evil to others. He looked like a diabolic man. This fear was like anger. Just settling at the pit of my stomach as I anticipated for him to do something bad.

"General Vincent. I was told you left for the fort-"

He cut me off, daring me to speak over him. His presence was shocking, and it turned my fear into anger when he cut me off.

"I was dealing with a few crooks and cranes back here. I didn't think I would have the pleasure of seeing your majesty. At a training ground full of our men.."

That was a suspicious comment that I kept at the back of my mind.

"And a man who committed such an unlawful act should be punished."

I clenched my jaw glancing at the soldier. My body filled with anger as he took his sword and put it over Oliver's neck.

"He deserves death for attempting to harm the Queen."

I could see his body tremble but he stayed quiet.

I take a deep breath before turning to the general, "You plan on killing him ?"

He looked at me and smiled, "This is what we do here. No mercy is shown to traitors."

"I applude your pusinhmenst general Vincent. Mercy only shows weakness. But, this particular traitor has been under my wing for quite a while now, and I do not like others taking my stuff from me. "

I was trembling underneath. I didn't even know if I was allowed to take a soldier serving the King under my wing. But this man had to know I do not give up without a fight.

"Which is exactly why I have to make an example of him. No one shall harm you then-"

"I command you to withdraw your sword from my soldier, Clark Vincent," I command as he suddenly freezes.