Gyla rode with Queen Farida in the carriage. A private carriage for the two of them. Their ladies rode in a second one just behind them and the guards kept a protective circle at all times. Ajax rode to Gyla’s right and Captain Colt rode to her left, a trusted guard of the queen’s. 

Captain Colt minimized pleasantries, very eager to uphold their schedule. Gyla could see little of his face with the helmet on. Shadows cast on his eyes and the helmet’s metal hid the bridge of his nose. All she could see happened to be his clean shavened chin. 

Duke Dominis promised to meet them as they arrived at Godec. A small village with a few farms and livestock. It would be the first village along the road in his territory and situated between the border of the duchy and the beginning of the thick forests. 

The town came into view early in the morning. The duke and his men waiting, chatting with the locals about some concerns in the village. 

“I’m afraid not much pomp for our meeting.” Queen Farida smiled as Gyla squirmed in her seat. “We will most likely carry on until sunset and then have a chance to greet the duke properly.”

“I understand.”

The carriage slowed for a few moments as the duke joined their guard and then, they were off once more. 

Gyla peeked out the curtain to see the duke’s men in gray and yellow riding alongside them. The duke himself, out of sight. 

“This side, my dove.” Farida grabbed Gyla’s hand. 

Duke Dominis took a position next to Captain Colt. They spoke quietly to one another for a few moments. 

“Colt is not very talkative,” Farida teased. 

“I think he is in good company, then,” Gyla giggled behind a hand.

Queen Farida shushed her, forcing the curtain shut as Colt turned his head towards them. They burst into polite giggles. 

Captain Colt and Duke Dominis agreed on a stopping point. The sun would not set for another hour or so, but it left plenty of time for the camp to be set up. From here, they would be several days away from the manor rumors stated Dominis stayed at. Another week’s ride to the castle. Plenty of time to catch the duke for meaningful conversation. 

The ladies walked and stretched their legs. The horses appreciated the love and attention they got as the guards began to set up the tents. The duke included. He did not dress down like some of the men as they sweated under the sun. 

“A pity,” the queen whispered. “But, I am sure your imagination is as good as mine.” 

Gyla would have been naughty with Naomi or any of her maids at home, but she ducked her head to avoid the queen’s gaze. She did imagine how the burn mark trailed down his neck and to his chest. He wore a high collar despite the warmth of the air, surely more scars hidden beneath. 

Nevertheless, he demonstrated his strength by bashing stakes into the ground and elevating the tents with ropes.  

Naomi got quite the eyeful of several guards working their muscles. She’d been just as red as Gyla and squealed in her lady’s ear as soon they were alone by the horses. 

“I wish the men at home would strip more often,” Naomi naughtily whispered. 

“We have the threat of frostbite all year around,” Gyla pinched at her maid’s sides. “And a discus might catch them bare.” 

“Oh, their shirts aren’t able to stop the tusks so might as well enjoy the frostbite and attention.” Naomi laughed loud and sidestepped Gyla’s attempts to silence her. 

Queen Farida suddenly appeared behind Gyla, ducking under one of the horses to reach them. 

“I must agree with your maid, Gyla. We, women, must have something to gossip about.” And they entered into more peels of laughter, the other ladies rejoining them and causing confusion for the poor men. 

“I am glad to see you in such high spirits, Your Majesty, my ladies,” Duke Dominis approached at last. 

The tents rose high from the ground, each with plenty of room for the men and women of the company. Two bonfires burned bright, for each sex. A smaller one for the cooking pot that currently had wild hare and fresh vegetables bought from the last town. 

He gave a sweeping bow, face as serious as stone. 

“We are having such fun traveling.” Queen Farida grabbed Gyla by her arm and pulled her close. “Baron Rooke’s daughter, Gyla, has brought me nothing but joy and I am so happy to bring her to your castle for the festivities.” 

“I am delighted to host you,” he nodded to his queen before turning to Gyla and dipping his head low, “it is a pleasure to see you again, Lady Gyla.”

“And you, Your Grace.” Gyla might have dipped into a low curtsey but the queen’s grip on her arm stopped her. 

“I shall leave you ladies to enjoy your night. The stew should be ready shortly.” With that, he backed away and returned to Captain Colt. 

“Did you see that?” The queen spun Gyla around to face their ladies. “He smiled at you.” 

“How did you see that, Your Majesty?” Lady Cur looked wide-eyed at her queen. “I could discern nothing but seriousness across his face.” 

“Watch his eyes, Lady Cur. He cannot hide his emotions there.” 

Gyla blushed hotly, unsure of what the queen saw. She saw no smile. Nothing but the small recognition of her face.

“Shall we trap him for you?” Lady Sylvia whispered to Gyla during supper. 

Queen Farida hushed her. 

“Hardly appropriate over supper,” the queen reprimanded with a glint in her eye. 

“I do not wish to be defeated before we reach the castle.” Gyla ate her soup in little bites. Her eyes strayed to where the duke ate with the men. 

The duke leaned over his bowl, eating with the vigor one would expect of a grown man. He let the chatter of his men whirl around him. 

Ajax caught Gyla’s eye and shook his head in mock disapproval. Phlad elbowed him in revenge for her. 

Gyla giggled at their antics, avoiding the gaze of the ladies around her. Each smiled as they glanced her way. Their eyes constantly shuffled between where the duke sat and herself. 

After supper, the women retired to their shared tents for the night. Queen Farida picked Gyla to be her bedmate and whispered how the duke had watched her with keen interest earlier. 

“Don’t tease me, Your Majesty.” 

“Oh, I would never.” Queen Farida grabbed her arm playfully. “He was surprised and recognized you from the banquet. That is a good sign.” 

“Much better than having to be reintroduced,” she agreed. It would be very awkward otherwise.