No, She Can't

She couldn’t do it. She was angry at herself, all those things she told herself whilst walking through the woods, all meant nothing when it came to actually walking through a field full of people.

She tried again. Standing, up, taking a deep breath, holding her head up high she almost walked out of the trees into the camp site, but without thinking she ducked and hid behind a tree.

She retreated further into the trees, away from the sounds and smells of her army, and rushed nervously from tree to tree, trying to remain hidden.

She had made it almost half way to the Command Tent when she suddenly became aware of somebody behind her.

‘Fuck, not again,’ she thought to herself. She turned slowly, holding her sword up, but with her other hand over her crotch.

‘My Queen, let me help you.’ It was Gerwald. She could cry with relief. She ran to him, pressing herself against his huge chest. He awkwardly wrapped his big arms around her. Neither of them said anything for a long time, then he released her and unclipped his armour, then pulled his tunic off over his head and handed it to her. She quickly dressed in this massive garment, her whole body would easily fit through the neck, and it reached well past her knees.

‘Come,’ he said, and led her into the camp.

As soon as she emerged word spread quickly through her army. They all knew their queen had been captured by the Holy Order and defeat in the remaining battles was certain. But now, miraculously, she was back. People rushed to see their leader return to them, excitedly chattering and speculating about how she had escaped the clutches of their enemy. Had she fought her way out? Had Gerwald saved her? They just didn’t know, but every member of her army could feel morale lifting at this most welcome news.

She walked to the Command Tent, Gerwald just behind her, and was overjoyed to see Onyx and Amber at the entrance. They rushed over as she approached, putting their arms around her waist and walked with her.

As the four of them entered the large black tent Negana heard her camp site spring into life. The spirits of all her troops were lifted, she heard them singing, dancing, celebrating. Music was turned up loud all across the clearing and they toasted their queen with their beer cans.