41 The Funeral II (2/2)

”The soldiers have been detailed as ordered, Queen,” said the Captain of the Queen's Guard after saluting to her in a clatter of ceremonial armor – his and his comrades' were also lacquered black, but theirs were detailed in gold.

On the other side of the Prince's bier, Lady Ilse's soldiers arrived as well. All eight saluted to the royals, but the four who'd been with Hilde earlier gave her an extra nod of acknowledgment. She returned these with a simple smile.

”Queen Heloise, why are there only four with you?” Lady Ilse asked, seemingly out of nowhere. Until she pointed this detail out, Hilde hadn't noticed.

”I could only provide the best for a visiting royal, Lady,” the Queen answered coolly. She gave Hilde a blank, lingering look before continuing, ”Now that his true identity's out, Prince Leal's protection is even more paramount. There's also the other Lyseans to guard. I'm afraid the Princess and I must do with less to ensure they would not be harmed.”

”But…” Lady Ilse began. From the looks of her, that reasoning did not compute at all – who gives a fig what happens to Lyseans? What then if it was her equally royal nieces who'll be harmed? One of them's just another head-knock away from dying! ”Then take two of my—”

It was then that the Prince's Guards arrived into their midst. Because they'd be the ones taking the brunt of the second part of the funeral rites, they, along with the other armored guards, had been allowed to take their last refreshments in more comfort than the people outside.

Four of these last arrivals, including the Captain who was called Judda, took positions on the four corners of their liege's wheeled bier. When he and the others greeted the women, there was no hint in his eyes that he'd had any interaction with Hilde before then.

'Screw it,' she thought, spurred by a sense of urgency. If, like the Lord General seemed to have done, Captain Judda was thinking there was no use for her now, he might not care enough to intervene in case a ”certain someone” makes use of the incoming opportunity to do her harm. Four guards for the two of them? Hilde scoffed inwardly – more like four guards for the Queen and absolutely none for her. 'This is so not the time to not make assumptions.'

She briefly debated and was about to ask Prick if he can restore her body to full strength. She also saw that Lady Ilse was about to continue her interrupted offer. Before either could act, however, they were both interrupted.

”At your command, Princess.”

Surprised, Hilde turned to find a familiar injured soldier standing before her.