For a very long time Yuto had frequently had the same dream for a long time. At first she was very bothered to such an extent that she consulted her mother.
Her mother said to her "Perhaps, one day you can be that woman.But until then...you serve the purpose I have forged for you.Do not forget." Since that day she just let her dreams be.
Yuto's mother was the kind of woman the Palace whispered about. She was a concubine with beauty as sharp as a hunter's arrow and an ambition that is even sharper. Her face held a soft and delicate look however her eyes told a completely different story.
As soon as Yuto woke up she got up and quickly got dressed. As she was putting her sword in place someone knocked on her door.
"I'm coming" she responded. She walked unsteadily due to her healing injuries. Her face flooded with relief as soon as she saw the person who knocked.
"Commander, what brings you to my humble abode" she said mockingly. And the commander responded with a huge smile on his face
"Of course, serving your highness is an honor for which I cannot delay." He then looked at her leg for her posture was indicating that she was hurt
"I see Rhett tried to break a leg there"
Yuto straightened up although it was painful
"I wouldn't say that, he got lucky because I was tired. Day before I had been fasting, you know that. No trained soldier can win a fight on empty stomach."
"Let's just agree to disagree. Anyway I will be travelling with you to Valdoria. Everything is ready, we leave in ten." the commander said.
"I have to go and see his majesty before we depart. You will have to wait for a bit longer."
"That won't be necessary, I have already talked to him and he gave me all the details. I will fill you in along the journey."
Yuto couldn't believe it. The king didn't wish to bid her farewell even when he knew she might not return. She put on a tight smile and
nodded "Alright then, let's go there is no time to waste."
The commander turned and started walking while Yuto followed behind. The commander was quite a huge man. He stood like a wall carved from stone. His arms were thick and powerful, the kind forged by years of surviving battle after battle. Though he was friendly with Yuto usually his jaw was square, always set in a firm, disciplined line, and eyes were sharp, the kind that scanned a room before he even stepped inside. When he moved, it was controlled strength, heavy steps softened by training.
Sunlight streamed through the tall arched windows, casting golden stripes across the polished floors, illuminating a beauty that depicted centuries of his dynasty's victories. Servants and guards bowed automatically as Yuto passed, their whispered greetings lost in the whisper of her cloak brushing the walls.
She barely noticed the gazes of the servants as their eyes flickered with curiosity, admiration, and envy. Her mind was elsewhere, on the mission awaiting her beyond the palace gates, beyond the city, where the wind and uncertainty awaited. A slight tension tightened her jaw as she approached the massive double doors. For a moment, the hall seemed suspended in silence, Yuto then asked the command with heaviness within her voice "What about the route we are using, land or water?"
The commander appeared to be in deep thoughts for a few moments, and he finally responded "It takes 12 days usually to reach Valdoria on fast horses without rest and approximately 5 days by water. Since this is a matter of urgency, sea it is."
Yuto frowned then responded, " But according to Sir Talon a storm might hit the sea real soon."
"That's right but he might be wrong. We are gonna take that chance. We are not quite sure when the northerners might attack so time is essential."
The commander increased his speed as they descended the stairs and Yuto quickly followed suit.
"But commander the risk is too much. You know 1 out of 10 ships survive a sea storm. At the least all ships get wrecked. "The commander passed for a bit and then resumed walking as if nothing happened.
"Then we die in honor"
Yuto couldn't believe the commander's words. She then recalled the moment when she was 10. That day the sun had been shining brightly in the training yard. She was facing a royal guard's fiercest swordsman. A man twice her size whose every swing of blade was precise and deadly. A single misstep had led the guard's sword to nick her side. Pain flared immediately, hot and sharp, and she stumbled backwards, gasping. The wound was very deeper than she had realized, blood soaked through her tunic, and dizziness clouded her vision. A cold, creeping terror filled her , death was what she could sense coming for her.
"Yuko!!!" Someone shouted worriedly.
Yuko then realized she had been in her mind once again. She and the commander had reached their horses and a few more soldiers were waiting along with her mother. The soldiers were very few to what she had anticipated, and the luggage looked like nothing much. 'What gift had they prepared for the King of Valdoria' she wondered.
"You're drifting again. Ground yourself." Her mother whispered only enough for her to hear.Her mother then stepped back and faced the three soldiers who Yuto was to travel with
"Protect your prince with your life. This is your number 1 priority."
The soldiers all replied 'Yes, your highness' at once.
Yuto's mother then turned to Yuto
"Take care, remember you hold the key to two lives. Mine and yours." she said softly caressing her hair gently. Then she turned and returned to the Palace at a very fast pace.
The commander nagged Yuto who had been left in a daze. Gesturing for him to mount his horse. Yuto's horse was just as white as her hair. She rubbed it lightly then she swung herself into the saddle.
"Let's go," Commander said and Yuto spurred his horse forward. She turned her head to take one last look. As the Palace faded behind her, a cold knot of fear twisted in her chest. She had trained her whole life but nothing could prepare her for what might lie ahead.