Grinding and clunking reverberate loudly as the opening gates come to life. They are enormous, more so than the palace gates. A second gate opens forty yards away, adding to the loud chorus of stone and iron. Troops march in formation inside the tunnel leading inside. As the carriage reaches the other side, I see how tall the fortress is. Unlike the castle palace, the walls are uniform and efficient.
One thing I notice is the moat separating the stronghold from the city. The object is well hidden, and it would be easy to miss if not careful. There is a canal-like design along the edges of the palace. Likewise, a wall separates the Citadel from the city, almost hiding it from view. Finally, the carriage pulls away from the troops marching and parks in front of the grand steps leading inside. A group of older men is waiting. Once stopped, the soldiers inside get up and help me out.
"Princess Aria De La Ysidro! Welcome to Knight's Hold, Your Majesty! I'm General Creed, this here is General Raven, and this is General Asher," the man says.
All three men are old but look seasoned. Their uniforms show their high rank, with half-plate armor adorned with medals. Each has grayed-white hair and visible scars that tell countless stories. For their ages, they are hearty and well-built. After the introductions, they lead me inside the enormous structure. Inside is a gaping grand hall filled with at least a thousand men and women. They take me to the head of the awaiting soldiers at a podium. They motion for me to wait while one steps onto the stage.
"Attention, our glorious Queen has come here to Knights Hold to choose her Royal Knight. One of many that she will do. The one granted this honor will serve as her bodyguard and the head of all Royal Knights and her personal Knights, the Fated Knights. May the best man or woman prevail in this choice!" General Creed announces, stepping down as another step up.
"Our Queen will also choose the next Commander of our combined armies. Many of you here have vast experience in leadership and command functions. Unfortunately, this position hasn't been filled in three hundred years. It's about time that is remedied!" General Asher says.
"The last order of business that our Queen will attend to is assigning her military advisors to herself, the Royal Queen, and the Crown Queen. These are important roles, and may those chosen serve well!" General Raven states.
Once the announcements are made, they lead me to a nearby conference room. It is more like a strategic war room for planning. There is an enormous table in the middle of the room with a giant map. More giant maps are on the walls on either side. They point me to an oversized marble chair at the head of the stone table. It is uncomfortable, but I try not to show my discomfort.
"Your Majesty, you will interview eligible candidates from here until you find a worthy candidate. The list of potentials is large, but I believe we can be done by this evening. Leaving plenty of time for your evening meetings," General Raven says.
"How do I choose?" I ask.
"As you see fit, my Queen!" he says, bowing.
"I guess that is okay; when should we start?"
"As soon as you desire," General Creed says.
"Well, let's begin," I say.
---
Over a dozen potential candidates come before me, and I haven't been able to decide on a single one. They are qualified for the job, no doubt. It's just that none of them click with me. I can't put my finger on it. I feel like I am looking for traits that Barrios had in these candidates. My attention changes the moment the next candidate walks in. I immediately focus on this person standing before me, and a tingle stirs between my legs. I shift my position slightly to combat the arousal growing as the Knight stands tall in front of the round table. She awaits my decision, which could transform her life from this point onward. She is an amazingly gorgeous young woman. This woman's hair radiates around her body like fire. The room's light reflects the orange-red hue. As she stares at me, I watch her hair flow in an unseen air. My thighs quiver from the intoxicating sight of this fearsome warrior.
This intimidating but ladylike Knight has an oval face with moderately smooth cheekbones. Her razor-thin upward eyebrows flank her eyes, and her expression is that of a distinguished Knight. My heart stops as I gaze into her prominent but deep-set eyes that are a cerulean blue. I feel a rush of intense heat wash over my entire body, and my palms are sweaty. I clench my hands into fists as she gazes at me with such fierce conviction that I feel moisture build up between my legs. If I wore panties, they would no doubt become soaking wet from her gaze. I notice her slender, refined nose with lush but delicate heart-shaped lips. The woman is tall with a robust feminine physique but visibly curvaceous. She possesses the figure of a ballerina but with the mildly muscular build of a well-trained soldier. She maintains a long, slender midsection shaped like a gourd, giving her the perfect hourglass shape. Her belly is tight and toned, like a volleyball player.
The Knight is not a heavyset woman even with her height, but compared to the other female Knights I have seen, she is the most petite of the lot. However, that does not detract from her radiating spirit that seems to pour off her body like a burning sun. There is no doubt that she is the female version of David, and no Goliath would best her in combat. I become flustered with butterflies in my stomach as I take in the delight of her body. 'Look at this woman; how can I not pick her.
Just looking at her has my vagina throbbing for her mouth to dine on it. I can barely hold back an orgasm in a room full of people. I can only imagine how I look to everyone else. Look at the way she is eyeing me. 'Does she know what a frenzy she is sending me into?' I just want to let her ravage me like she was a man. Yes… that is what I want. Now I have to figure out how to get her into my bed. 'Damn, I am thinking like a man again.' As I deliberate, I rub my hands on my thighs.
Aureliana's curvaceous figure gives the lustful image of a Goddess-like woman as her heavenly skin shimmers in the room's light. The milky white color of her fair skin is astronomical. Her skin is blemish-free and has the silky consistency of whole milk. I draw my eyes back to her succulent, slender, long legs and wide hips that curve to ample hearty feminine thighs. Even with her full armor plate, I notice her big breasts are substantial and voluptuous for such a petite stature.
No armor would deny the size of her bountiful bosom, and she stands proud of it as she pushes her chest out. The woman has an aura that draws you in, and I cannot help but picture her nude. I rest my hands in my lap to temper the growing throbbing between my thighs. My clenched fist would not be enough to resist the wetness in my womb. Yes, my panties would be drenched if I wore them. My concern is for the thin dress I wear; would my wetness leak onto my dress. She is a beautiful and competitive warrior, contributing to my aroused condition.
The rest of her body is hard to see, but I would bet a million dollars she has a beautifully round buttock and well-rounded thighs. Her legs are slender with a petite feminine thickness that makes my legs look childish. The curve of her body affirms a distinctly noticeable and defined dominance against her proportionate slim hourglass figure, showcasing her bounteous bust. I do not have to guess about her charitable rump, as I know it complements her overall sexual, seductive image. She carries herself with such confidence and authority that picking anyone else would be foolish on my part. 'Yet, I have to have her! She is the one I want by my side.'
"Your Majesty, it is an honor to stand before you! I am honored to introduce myself as Aureliana Fausta Stratiotica, a noble Royal Knight of the Kingdom of Sidra. As a member of the noble family of Stratiotica, I am proud of my heritage. During my childhood, I learned the art of war from my father and uncles. Therefore, I offer my services to you as your personal protector. My sword and shield are yours to command!" she says stoically.
"Y-Yes…," I mumble.
"Your Majesty, do you accept me as your personal protector?" she says.
"Absolutely, without a doubt!" I blurt loudly.
"Thank you, Majesty! I will serve you to the best of my abilities! My life is yours to command!" she says.
"Very well, Lady Aureliana Fausta Stratiotica, take your place at your Queen's side!" General Creed says.
"Now that we have decided this matter, we will move on to choosing the Commander of Sidra's armed forces," General Asher says.
"Very well," I say, trying to sound confident.
Another round of candidates comes in. The group consists of five men and two women, all older with a lot of experience. One immediately catches my attention. A woman with an eye patch over her left eye. She has an aura about her, a commanding presence. Her grayed white hair is in a braided ponytail that reaches her mid-back. The one eye I can see is amber like a fire burns inside her. She has a round face with a small nose and soft lips. Like Stratiotica, her armor conceals most of her body. She has an ample bust and is beautiful. I point to her, signaling for her to speak.
"I am honored and delighted to offer my services to you and the Kingdom of Sidra, Your Majesty. I am Eudoxia Euphrasia Acropolite, a colonel in Sidra's Royal Army. I have served my entire life and wish to serve until the day I draw my last breath!" she says with conviction.
"I accept your offer, Supreme Commander, Eudoxia Euphrasia Acropolite!" I say firmly.
"Thank you, Your Majesty! I will begin my duties at once!" she responds.
"A very excellent choice, Your Majesty. Now all that remains is to choose your military advisor. The list is short. I will summon them at once," General Creed says.
"I hoped you could fill that role…," I say.
"If that is what you wish, I shall do so!" he replies.
"Would General Asher and General Raven advise my sisters as well?"
"It would be our pleasure to serve in that capacity, Your Majesty!" General Raven says, bowing with General Asher.
"Lady Aureliana, please escort Her Majesty back to the palace so she has time to rest before this evening's meeting. I will join you later to discuss security matters," General Creed says.
"Thank you, General."
"It is my pleasure!"
"This way, Your Majesty," Aureliana says, waiting for me.