The Romantic Trials Of A Transmigrated Empress
Chapter 45: A victorious return.

Chapter 45: A victorious return.

Roland and his knights arrived at the edge of Doria in the middle of the night, they did not make their way into the city however. This was because they had returned victorious and it was a tradition that when soldiers returned from war they be seen by the people, whether they had won or lost.

It was because of this tradition that they slept outside the city gates, restlessly waiting for morning to come.

As the sun rose above the horizon, casting its golden glow over the city the following day, the soldiers and knights rode into the city on the backs of their horses. The ones that were not on horseback marched on foot, waving flags or swords as triumphant echoes resonated through the cobblestone streets.

Celestial trumpets were blown from the top of the wall around the city, they were so powerful that they could be heard all the way in Eldertwead.

When the watchers on the wall of Eldertwead heard the trumpets, they blew celestial trumpets as well, which alerted the next city and the next one. Within an hour, every city, town and village in Eldoria had received news of the army’s triumphant return.

Windows and doors swung open in Doria, nobles and commoners came together, lining up in the streets, throwing out flowers or handing out refreshments to the weary yet jubilant knights and soldiers.

They marched valiantly in a clear organized procession, grouped according to their classes and uniforms. The knights led the way, their polished white and red armor shining radiantly under the sun’s glow as if it had just been polished.

Their cloaks trailed behind lending them a majestic look that made them the envy and admiration of so many. The sword mages were even more dashing but they wore helmets over their heads to hide their identities.

Behind the knights were soldiers marching in their black and red uniforms adorned with enchanted protective sigils of the royal family which shimmered faintly.

At the forefront of the procession was Roland, their leader and commander on his fierce black horse. It’s hooves hardly touched the ground, leaving a trail of red sparkles, a testament to its magical affiliated wild origins.

On Roland’s back was his sword, it was partially hidden within his white cloak but the part that could be seen emitted a dark pulsating red light, telling the story of how much blood it had tasted.

On the left and right side of Roland were Benjamin and Rudbeck, both of them were roaring, entertaining the crowd, particularly the ladies. They humored them by accepting their flowers and handkerchiefs, on some was actual written information on the maiden or lady that was handing it over.

The entire city was abuzz and awake with excitement, expectant of a feast, even the beggars and homeless danced, tonight there would be meat, bread and rice for all, provided by the royal castle.

One odd thing that stood out to many was Roland’s royal carriage for a window was open and a blonde haired beauty was peeking outside. She had a soft smile on her face and she waving like a queen as she looked upon the people.

"Who is that?" Many asked, but nobody really had an answer.

Still, it was odd enough to arouse the suspicion of many nobles, after all Rina had stealthily made her way into the royal castle in the king’s carriage. Who knew if prince Roland had done the same and returned with more than just the usual trophies from the war.

They looked on as the procession made its way to the grounds of the royal castle and the gates were firmly closed.

All the noble lords and ladies rushed to bathe and change, soon they would be summoned by the king to partake in a celebration.

******

Lanai rushed into Sigrid’s bedroom like a storm, waking her up as her excited voice shared the news of Roland’s return. The maid was befuddled, of all the people in Eldoria to be most excited about the victorious return of the crown prince, it should have been the crown princess and yet, despite the loud blowing of the celestial trumpets which would have woken up the dead, she was dead asleep.

"Crown princess, your highness, the crown prince is back, you must make haste and go to the royal castle." she called out with desperation in her voice.

Sigrid mumbled. "I don’t wanna."

Lanai’s eyes moved around for a moment, processing Sigrid’s words which sometimes made sense but still sounded awkward to the ears.

"Crown princess, if you are late then you will be met with frowns. You must be in attendance before the lords and ladies of the titled families arrive at the royal castle.

When the crown prince hands in the banner that symbolizes the triumph of the royal army you should be there to receive it along with the king and queen." Lanai shook Sigrid even more.

"It’s just a flag with some fancy patterns, images of trumpets and the sigil of the royal family. I don’t think even the king and queen are awake." Sigrid’s eyes fluttered open as she responded.

Lanai clapped her hands, ignoring the fake look of distress on the face of her lady. Other maids rushed into the room and they started attending to Sigrid. Within thirty minutes, she was bathed, dressed and made-up, ready to be carried off to the royal castle.

The speed with which all these things were done never ceased to amaze Sigrid.

She was pushed out of the bedchamber by Lanai and escorted down the stairs. The vale was abuzz with life, more that usual, servants were running around cleaning and wiping every surface.

Fresh flowers were replacing old ones in vases, the cooks were ordering for Roland’s preferred foods that were not in stock.

There was a lot of noise, orders were being called out from every direction of the castle, so many at the same time that Sigrid wondered if the servants were not confused.

"Polish all the crown prince’s boots and iron a new military suit for him to be delivered to the royal castle within an hour." The butler ordered.

"Wipe the windows, there should be no spiders, the prince doesn’t like spiders." The head maid shouted.

"Someone remove those dogs from the castle, they are muddying the floors. Why is their white fur dirty? Give them a bath and check them for fleas."

Sigrid twirled, escaping Lanai’s hands that were shoving her gently towards the main entrance leading in and out of the castle. Instead, she made her way to the dining room, walking slowly as if she had all the time in the world.

"I am hungry Lanai bring me my breakfast, there is no need to rush to the castle. Their is someone there that is eager to make a presentation. I must allow her to step on the grand stage before kicking her off."