***

  “Wena, what’s the matter?” Jerome asked.

  Rowena continued to paste her perfectly practiced princess smile on her face as she hissed to her side. “I’m not sure I should be taking all of this!”

  The modern Erisdalian brigade was an approximately one thousand two hundred and fifty-strong unit composed of two one-hundred-fifty strong cavalry battalions, two infantry regiments of three hundred a mobile artillery battery of a hundred manning five artillery pieces, two hundred support and command staff cooks, quartermasters, and fifty commissioned officers and mages.

  When lined up outside Erisdale City, the formation was daunting. The columns of soldiers created a field of golden flags bearing the number 5 that coiled around a red lightning device, along with other regimental standards. Beside the troops, were the soldiers horses, as all of the members of the fifth brigade had horses to ride on, even if they were not strictly cavalry troopers.

  “You are the crown princess, Wena,” said Jerome.

  “I thought that mom would assign me a cavalry regiment, not an entire mounted brigade with artillery! This is overkill. How am I supposed to negotiate with Lapanteria if I am taking this with me?” Rowena stammered.

  “Pray tell, sister, what happens if you need to get out of Lapanteria and they wish to stop you?” Jerome asked.

  Rowena turned to her brother, eyes widening at the humorless look he was directing at her. The pair were walking to the coach waiting for them at the brigade headquarters, Lycia and Georgia shadowing the pair closely with some castle staff carrying Rowena’s limited luggage.

  “Sorry, after all this time, it’s still hard for me to believe mom and dad are this worried on my behalf,” she said, under her breath.

  Jerome’s expression softened and the understanding, sympathetic expression she was more used to seeing her younger brother wear returned.

  “I don’t blame you. Just… try to think more of yourself, Wena. And don’t worry too much.”

  “Because I’ll be fine?” Rowena asked.

  “Oh, yes! But also because worrying too much about what may happen can lead to just as many mistakes as being careless. It’s something Prince Timur and Frances taught me,” said Jerome.

  “It’s a good lesson.” Rowena pursed her lips. “I should talk to Frances. I’ll give her a call once I get some spare time.”

  “You better make some time,” said Jerome. He gestured to the person approaching them. “Colonel Sun. Good to see you. How are your children?”

  The colonel smiled. “Missing me already, Your Highness.”

  He—she—Rowena blinked. She couldn’t tell the officer’s gender. They had a bosom and wore their blonde hair long, but had a curled, well-groomed moustache that fit rather well wih their uniform.

  “Colonel Sun, thank you, and your brigade for escorting me on this journey,” said Rowena, extending her hand. She took a breath. “And how do I address you?”

  “It’ll be our pleasure, Your Highness. As to your second question, they or them will be fine,” said Sun. They kissed Rowena’s hand politely before flashing a professional smile.

  “With so many soldiers, do you think Lapanteria will let us through?” Rowena asked as they made their way to the carriage.

  “The commander—that is, your mother Ginger sent word ahead and made it a condition of your attendance. They’ll have a quarters for us and supplies. Most of us will likely be just outside of the city, but you will have guards with you attending the wedding and keeping a close watch,” said the colonel.

  “Huh, they wanted us to attend?” Rowena asked.

  “Gives their crown prince legitimacy,” chimed in Jerome.

  “Of course,” said Rowena, reaching the carriage. She turned to her brother and quickly embraced hm. “Take care of mom and dad.”

  Her brother squeezed back fiercely. “I will. You stay out of trouble, as best you can anyway,” said Jerome.

  The siblings parted, Rowena patting Jerome’s shoulder instead of ruffling his head before she stepped up onto the foot step of the royal carriage.

  “Colonel, would you like me to address your brigade?” Rowena asked.

  “Would do wonders for morale,” said Sun.

  Rowena nodded and touched Tristelle, murmuring an amplifying spell. From where she stood, she could see the soldiers look up to her, standing ready to move out.

  “I am Princess Rowena of Erisdale. I am honored to have you troopers of the Red Fifth protecting me, just like you protected my mother after she was crowned. Thank you for taking care of her and thank you for taking care of me!” Rowena dipped her head, not quite a bow for that wouldn’t be proper but a definitive nod of respect.

  In response, the brigade stomped their feet, their standard-poles pounded the ground in salute. The sound deafened Rowena, even as she entered the carriage with Lycia and Georgia, waving her hand.

  “Good speech, nice and short. Just like your parents,” said Colonel Sun, winking before they closed the door.

  Letting out a breath, Rowena ended the spell. “Well, to Lapanteria we go,” she said.

  ***

  As part of Rowena’s training, her mother and father had ensured she was familiar with Erisdale’s current armies and defensive arrangements. While they loathed the mere thought that another war might break out, both monarchs were former military commanders and were determined not to neglect military matters.

  To that end, the Erisdale army had been reformed after the Great War. It had been a slow process taking many years, but the result was a leaner and arguably meaner army.

  The nobility had been removed from the role of recruiting and training troops. Instead, an independent army and navy had been set up under the command of the crown. Training was done according to a strict program and officers had to attend a war college. Mages interested in joining the military had to attend a military academy and were commissioned as specialist officers.

  Further reforms had led to the Erisdalian army’s raw troop numbers being reduced, and an increase of personnel in logistics. Some units of pikemen still existed, but the most modernised units like the Fifth Brigade were made up entirely of musket or carbine armed soldiers with saber or sword-bayonet sidearms.

  Riding hard, the Fifth and Rowena were soon racing towards the Lapanterian border, over the highways that connected Erisdalian towns and cities. These snaked over the mountains, through forests and through the fields that made up of the kingdom’s various biomes.

  Rowena never got tired of watching the scenery shift. The kingdom—her kingdom, was mostly mountainous valleys, but had gentle coastal plains filled with birch and oak forests or farmland.

  This was why on the fifth day of travel, just before they reached the Pike River, one of the major border markers between Lapanteria and Erisdale, Rowena spotted a rider galloping down towards their convoy from a road that connected to them, just ahead.

  As she’d seen quite a few times, a number of cavalry rode to intercept. Unlike the other times they’d intercepted a passer-by, though, the cavalry spoke to the rider briefly before letting her through.

  Rowena knew it was a her for the flying red hair that escaped from the cloak the woman wore. The identity of the woman was further confirmed as she rode right for the still moving Royal Carriage.

  Rowena opened the window, looking out as the rider turned her horse around to canter next to her.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

  “Jess!”

  Jess, despite the road-dust that colord her cheeks, beamed. “Wena!” She made a circle with a finger. “Is all this your doing or your parents?”

  “Parents, but I can’t deny, I do feel incredibly safe,” said Rowena.

  Jess snorted. “I bet! May I come in?”

  “Of course! Stop the—”

  “No need, just open the door,” said Jess.

  Rowena wasn’t sure why she did it, but she opened the door to the moving carriage.

  It wasn’t moving particularly fast but it was fast enough that to fall off would hurt. What was Jess—

  Her best friend tapped her heels to her horse to pick up some speed before expertly pulling her leg over the saddle until she was hanging onto one side of her stallion. Still holding the reins with one hand, she kept the horse cantering forward to match the speed of the carriage, before elegantly stepping off.

  Rowena caught her friend and pulled her in. Only then did Jess let the reins go and blew a whistle. “Can someone—ah, thank you Lycia!”

  Rowena’s guard had chosen to ride her horse today and she’d grabbed the reins of Jess’s mount. Smirking at Rowena, she waved at the princess before falling back.

  Leaving Rowena to with Jess, both of them alone, in the carriage. Rowena’s right hand was still holding onto Jess’s hand from when she’d pulled her friend in. Her left hand was on Jess’s waist.

  Jess wiped her eyes, blinking out the dust with her long lashes. “Oof, that was a ride. Where’s your other guard, Georgia?”

  “She’s riding on top of the carriage today. Said she wanted to get some sun after being cooped up,” said Rowena. She swallowed and smiled before pulling Jess into a hug, not caring about the dust and smell of horse musk on her friend. “Thank you, for joining me Jess.”

  Jess stiffened for a moment before she squeezed Rowena back, her nose brushing by her neck.

  “Hey, I’m always happy to help.”

  The pair parted to opposite sides of the carriage where Jess pulled off her cloak to reveal a worn riding vest and leather-patched riding trousers.

  “Your luggage is with the rest of the train. Your mother was quiet insistent on exactly what to bring,” said Rowena.

  “The perks of nobility,” said Jess. She almost pulled off her vest before she paused. “Um, Rowena, do you mind if I—”

  “Oh, not at all! Would you like some cordial?” Rowena asked.

  “Please! Do you have a towel?”

  “Yes! I even have a damp one,” said Rowena, opening a compartment in the carriage to reveal some cool towlettes prepared for the staff.

  Soon the pair were sitting pretty, sipping the fizzy fruity drink as the scenery rolled past them. Jess continued to dab at her forehead with her towl, sighing contentedly.

  “So how are you and your family, Wena?” Jess asked.

  Rowena glanced at her cup. “Busy…and happy too,” she said. That was the truth. Living, being with and just knowing who her family was a great balm on her heart. “I think mom and dad are relaxing a bit now that I’m around to help out. Jerome and Tiamara have been hard at work on their steam engine. I think they might have the design soon finalized.”

  “That would be sight. But what about you?” Jess asked, leaning forward, her cup in hand.

  Rowena swallowed, suddenly acutely aware of her crush’s loose collar and the angle that it was presenting itself to her. She didn’t think Jess was doing it consciously. Her friend had always been a bit flirty, just like how Rowena liked it.

  “I’m a little worried. Not about the wedding. That’s just, normal worry. I’ve been feeling a little nervous about that old problem,” said Rowena.

  “The ‘who am I problem?’” Jess asked, smile gone, cup immediately sat back into it’s holder on the seat.

  Rowena nodded. “Yes. I’ve been sorting out some very strong feelings. Feelings that I’m not sure I’m supposed to have.”

  The princess would have said more but the utter insanity of telling her crush that she had feelings for her, indirectly, without actually saying who, punched her like a torrent of cold water to the face. She pressed her lips shut as Jess frowned.

  “You don’t want to hurt yourself, do you, Wena?” Jess asked.

  “Oh no! Nothing like that. I…” Rowena swallowed.

  Jess knew everything about her. They’d shared so much. They’d saved each other’s lives. They’d shared a tent at camp. She knew her friend’s darkest secrets and her friend knew all about her struggles with her identity.

  It was dawning to Rowena that if she couldn’t honestly tell Jess her feelings for her, then they’d continue to sit between them, an everlasting lump in her throat.

  “They’re romantic, Jess, and they’re to someone I’m…I’m not sure if she could reciprocate.”

  The words tumbled out of Rowena’s throat before she could take them back. She wasn’t sure why, or even how she’d managed to form the sounds with her stuttering lips, but she did.

  Jess sat ramrod straight, hands clasped atop of her thighs. “Why…why can’t she reciprocate? No—It’s not Gwen is it?”

  Rowena flinched, shaking her head. “Oh, Gods no. I don’t feel for her that way. Besides, I don’t mean she can’t, I’m not sure if she would, and I’m afraid to tell her,” said Rowena.

  Jess nodded. She wiped her eyes and smiled. It was strained, but the princess appreciated that her friend was trying to make her feel at ease.

  “You can tell me, Rowena. You know no matter who you have feelings for, I’ll have your back. I promised after all,” said Jess. She blinked back more tears. “Ugh, sorry. Feelings. I’m ready. Truly.”

  Rowena swallowed. She wasn’t sure if she should believe Jess when her friend seemed so stricken.

  “Jess… This might surprise you, though,” said Rowena, taking hold of her friend’s hand. Jess gripped it tightly, reassuringly.

  “Can’t be more surprising then when I found out you were the Lost Princess!” Jess exclaimed.

  “No, but I think it’ll still be a shock.” Rowena took a breath. “Jess, I have a crush on you.”

  Jess blinked once, and then her eyes went so wide that Rowena wondered if they were going to swallow up her face. Her mouth fell open and her shoulders went slack. She didn’t make a sound. When Rowena moved her hand, she found Jess’s fingers wrapped tightly around her wrist.

  “Jess? I’m sorry—”

  Jess’s free hand slapped against her forehead. “Are you fucking kidding me? Since when?”

  Rowena shut her eyes, tears running down her cheeks. “Since when we were fourteen, though, I didn’t realize what they were until after camp.”

  Jess let go of Rowena and when the princess opened her eyes she found her friends head in her hands. She was shaking—with glee?

  The princess blinked as she watched Jess stamp her feet and pump her fists in the air, before grabbing onto Rowena’s knees. She was grinning so widely Rowena was wondering why her friend’s lips hadn’t split.

  “Rowena, you don’t have to apologize. Well, you only have to apologize for not telling me sooner!”

  “Not telling you soon—?” Rowena blinked. “Jess, I don’t understand.”

  “Oh Wena, let me make it absolutely clear for you, you silly princess.” Jess took a breath and leaned in. Rowena froze, her heart pounding as her best friend and crush leaned in so close that their noses were about to touch.

  “Wena, I’m in love with you. I have been, for a very very long time.”

  Rowena’s mind went utterly blank. She realized it belatedly but her hands had went to hold onto Jess’s. They were knocking knees together, so close that if the carriage bumped, they would be pushed together.

  “Wait, how long?”

  “At least since we were thirteen, before when you first told me that you were in love with me,” said Jess.

  Rowena spluttered. “I—What? I confessed? When?”

  Jess pulled back, still holding onto Rowena’s hands. “Right after you had the vision that made you realize you were the Lost Princess you dummy! You ran out of my chambers, telling me that you loved me but you couldn’t tell me about the vision!” she whined.

  Rowena sat up straight, feeling her cheeks flush with searing hot embarrassment as the memory, long buried, came flooding back into the forefront of her mind.

  “Oh Gods I did say that. Why didn’t you—Oh nooooo I forgot! I completely forgot!”

  Jess could barely speak, she was guffawing so hard. “Yes you did! So I could only hold out hope that you’ll remember someday! Except you didn’t despite all the hints I kept dropping and all the times I kept trying to get your attention! To get you to look at me!”

  Rowena shook her head as another realization clonked her over. “Wait, you mean, the touches, the clothing, the hugging—that was all to get my attention? To show me that you were interested? I thought you were just being flirty!”

  “AAAAhh, Rowena, I’m only ever flirty with you!” Jess wailed.

  Rowena groaned, for how could she not? Bowing her head, she kissed her friend, no—her crush’s hands. “Oh Gods, I’m so sorry, Jess! I made you wait for so long!”

  She heard a gigle before those same hands lifted her up by a touch on her chin. “Well, at least I’m not waiting any longer.”

  Rowena met Jess’s pale grey eyes and her beaming, slightly manic, but overjoyed smile.

  “Rowena, I would like to court you. Are you interested in courting me?” Jess asked.

  The princess froze for a moment but instinctively smiled and lifted her hand. Jess took it and planted a gentle kiss her on the knuckles with soft full lips that sparked Rowena’s wildest imaginations.

  “Yes, Jess. It would be my pleasure,” said Rowena. She pursed her lips. “Though, um, I have a really stupid sounding question.”

  “Ask away,” said Jess.

  “We’re best friends, but now we’re girlfriends? What…what do we do now?” Rowena asked.

  Jess opened her mouth, paused and pursed her lips. “That… that is actually a pretty good question.”

  ***

  Thankfully, the two girls had nothing but time on their hands as they rode to the next stopping spot. Due to their lack of experience in other partners, Rowena and Jess just ended up talking about their parents relationships’ and what they wanted to do.

  Both of them decided that they didn’t want to sleep in the same tent. They were going to be spending time in the carriage anyway so sleeping together would be a bit much. They were both aware they were sixteen and perhaps far too interested in each other for appropriate decision-making.

  “I agree. Best not to tempt it, even if there are no lasting physical consequences,” said Jess.

  “Mmhm, no matter how this turns out, I want you to still be my best friend,” said Rowena.

  Jess nodded. “How about hand-holding? We probably won’t have time to go on a date in Lapanteria, but we will have time to ourselves,” she said.

  Rowena took a breath, stood up and shuffled over so she was sat next to Jess, her arm pressed up against her. Their fingers were interlacing before they realized.

  “Definitely, though, we’ll have to be careful. We’ll be in Lapanteria after all,” said Rowena.

  Jess frowned. “What do you mean?”

  Rowena arched an eyebrow. “Jess, Lapanteria, has banned gay marraige.”

  “Oh, right, but we’re foreign nobility. They wouldn’t enforce that on us, would they?” Jess asked.

  “Probably not, but they also have proposed rewriting the Treaty of Athelda-Aoun,” said Rowena

  “Good point. We… we might have to be discrete I guess,” said Jess. She met Rowena’s eye again, smiling. “I’m so glad you told me, though.”

  Rowena held onto her friend—no, her girlfriend’s arm and allowed herself to lean in against Jess. “Me too, even if Tristelle’s going to have a laugh at my expense.”

  Jess rolled her eyes. “I bet that sword knew what I felt about it and just didn’t tell you.”

  Rowena blinked, and let out a low groan. “Probably!”

  The pair giggled to one another as the carriage travelled onward.