Triumphant Return

Trumpets flared to announce the coming of her executioner. In the shadow of the imperial palace, the streets below spawned with a crowd beyond counting, to welcome the returning heroes.

It was a magnificent sight. The city was like something from a dream. Colourful bunting hung from every window and marching bands played in front of the grand procession. Everything: The kisses from the girls to the spirit of shared brotherhood that filled the returning troops. All told her this was a joyous occasion yet she felt nothing but dread.

She searched from the palace window, watching the cavalry leading the tide of troops into the city she saw him. The man mounted on a black steed and wore an even grimmer face and rode at the army’s head. The man with a dark handsomeness to him that would entrap you. The man sent far away to die had returned. Richard Cobalt had returned.

He appeared out of place in the midst of celebration, the impression of happiness on him was an enigma as he strode along to main street, the sea of people parted in front of him. He ignored the affections of the women in the crowd, his horse’s hooves unintentionally crushing the flowers that were tossed in front of his path. He ignored the eagerness of the boy on his father’s shoulders who pointed directly at him in excitement. He ignored everything but the imperial palace.

From the safety of the palace she watched him, she watched him raise his head up to look in her direction, she shifted slightly and pulled back. She wasn’t afraid that he could see her from the distance between them but some part of her didn’t want to risk catching his stare.

He moved forwards, always forwards to her, his hand went to the hilt of his blade and he grasped the weapon tightly. He only stopped when one of his companions rode alongside him and patted him on the back. Richard then shook his head and looked at anything but the palace, as he raised a hand to give a wave.

“Philippa prepared me to get changed into a more appropriate attire.” She took herself from the window and addressed her maid.

“It will be done Princess will you be needing your sword?”

In the point of view of the returning victors, the throne room was a mockery. The Emperor was absent and in his place was the Princess.

“So you have returned and alive no less.” The woman on sat on the throne held herself well all credit going to Philippa’s choice of attire and Alexandra’s stunning figure.

“I have your highness.” Dead centre of the room the returning war-hero knelt in front of the princess. She flinched at his voice as he addressed her, she was a **** to fear and hid her face behind the throne's shadow.

“I see… That’s good.” The princess’ blue eyes peered at the man that presented himself as a humble servant. He made her throat dry, as she waited for him to strike her dead.

“Good?” Richard raised his head and a shot of disbelief made its way onto his expression, at what he heard. “I am happy you are pleased, princess. I am sure the men who died would also be pleased.”

“I'm sure they would be more pleased not to have died at all.” She spoke and gave a short sigh trying to give the impression of a saint to not give him any more reason to want her dead, but something about his dull eyes gave her the feeling it was in vain.

“Of course.” His reply could strike her dead right there.

“Right, you must be tired from being away from home for so long. Allow yourself and your men to relax and enjoy the celebrations you’ve earned for them, for surviving the impossible.”

‘Why did I just say that!’

“Of course.” He repeated with the same deathful tone. Richard stood up and walked to her both the court and herself was surprised but no one stopped him. Her instincts screamed for her to reach towards the sword Philippa provided her. The closer he came to her the harder it was to resist pulling the weapon in her defence.

Richard knelt again and rested his hand leisurely on the pommel of his sword and with his free hand took her’s and planted a kiss on the back of it. “I appreciate your concern for my men's well-being but I'd prefer to return to my duties.”

As he looked up to her with that face so easy on the eyes, she easily saw why Alexandra fell in love with him. “... Welcome back.”