The Queen’s Faithful Sword is a Woman

On a cool fall evening a healthy baby girl was born, Alice Goldengem, only daughter and youngest of the Goldengem family.

The oldest is 28 year old Axel Goldengem, who followed in the Duke's footsteps as a magnificent knight.

He is strong, smart, quick witted, and an excellent persuader.

Next is the second son of the Duke, 26 year old Hugo Goldengem, who takes after his mother with his love for books.

He is smart, patient, kind, and straightforward. He follows in his uncle's footsteps as the next bank owner.

While the youngest son of the Duke, 24 year old Frederick Goldengem follows his own path as the owner of the greatest merchant group of all time "The Outlaws".

He is smart, wild, easygoing, and loud.

Lastly is the youngest of all the Duke's children, and his only daughter Alice Goldengem.

I am 17 years old and take after my father with my love for swordsmanship, and after my mother with her love for books.

This is the story of how I, the daughter of the Duke, became the Queen's faithful sword.

"My lady it's time for you to wake up, the Duke has requested that the whole family eat breakfast together this morning" a voice said from beside me.

I opened my eyes slowly so that they may adjust to the light before I got out of bed.

"Abigail, could you bring me my clothes for this morning?"

"Of course Lady Alice" She replied as she brought me a light green dress with a white bow in the middle.

Abigail helped me get dressed and ready for breakfast, I wore my light green dress while my curly long blonde hair draped over my shoulders.

I walked slowly into the dinning hall and greeted my family.

"Good morning Mother, Father, and my amazing brothers."

I smiled before taking a seat next to my mother.

"Did you sleep well my daughter?" my father asked.

"Yes, I slept wonderfully."

"That's good, Axel, how is training?" my father asked as he took a bite of his breakfast.

"Training is good, I wish there was a little more of a challenge sometimes. But I can't complain when the other men treat me so well" Axel responded casually.

"How's Lady Catherine, is your relationship with her good?" My father continued.

"Lady Catherine? Axel, have you been seeing Lady Catherine?" I asked.

I was surprised, why didn't he tell me he was seeing Lady Catherine?

"Me and Lady Catherine are to be engaged. Her family owns the weaponry business which will benefit our family since we train the best knights in the kingdom." He said in a serious tone.

"Wait, you guys didn't tell Alice!? Well you just lost Alice's favorite brother spot. It's okay I'll fill in that spot well, at least I won't keep stuff from her" Frederick teased.

"Enough, obviously it's me. Who would want a liar and a loud mouth as their favorite brother?" Hugo scoffed. I stood up from my chair and excused myself.

I did not want to be in that dining hall any longer.

I knew Axel would get married someday, it's just hard accepting the fact I have to give my big brother away.

I took a deep breath and made my way to our small garden.

"My lady! What are you doing out here!?" Abigail yelled as she ran towards me.

"I was just out for a walk, no need to panic."

"My Lady, would you like me to bring your shawl?" She asked.

I nodded.

Abigail left and I was alone once again.

"The leaves have begun to fall from the trees, soon it'll be your birthday" A voice said from behind me.

I turned around to see my mother standing there.

"Mother, why are you out here it's cold?"

"I could say the same to you, my sweet Alice, you're going to be 18 this year. I can't believe my baby is all grown up" my mother said as she hugged me tight.

I hugged her back, but after a while I broke free.

"We have a party all set up for you once you turn 18, is there anyone specific you want to invite?" my mother asked curiously.

"I wish to invite lord Derek, we've been friends since we were young, it's only right to invite him" I smiled.

"My lady, I've brought your shawl," Abigail said as she handed me my soft cotton shawl.

"I'll make sure to send Lord Derek an invitation" my mother said as she gave me one last hug before she walked back inside.

"Thank you for getting my shawl Abigail."

"Of course my lady, is there anything else you might need?" she asked.

"No, I think I'm going to head inside now."

I got up and walked into the mansion.

I walked into the library and looked around at the books until I found one that caught my eye.

I picked up a book with a golden spine, the cover read "The History of the Great Seas".

I enjoy history books, learning makes me feel productive.

I'd rather learn than worry about what necklace I'm going to wear with my dress.

"You know Axel didn't mean to keep it a secret" a voice came from behind.

I jumped, and turned around quickly.

Hugo was standing in front of me with an open book in his hands.

"He's a grown man, he can do what he wants, I don't mind at all. Besides who am I to say anything? I'm only his younger sibling, I have no place in the matter."

"I just wanted to reassure you that he was going to tell you, he just couldn't find the right words to say" Hugo replied.

I nodded.

It doesn't matter anyways, all of my brothers will get married someday and I'll be all alone until I get married off.

But I don't wanna get married, I don't wanna be forced to marry a man I don't love.

"You should go talk to Axel, I heard he's not going easy on the knights because he feels bad" Hugo commented as he walked out of the library.

I made my way to the training grounds, when I got there all the knights were exhausted.

The expressions on their faces as I entered screamed "Help Us."

"Axel, how about you give these poor men a break and spar with me?"

"Alice I'm sorry for not telling you sooner, I promise I was going to tell you I just-" he rambled on but I cut him off.

"Spar with me and I'll forgive you."

Axel nodded.

One of the knights came up to me and handed me my sword.

I had a sword specifically made for me of the finest steel.

Axel always beat me before but today I will be victorious.

Axel lunged forward but I dodged his attack and went for his side.

But Axel is quick and our swords clank together.

The match lasted a while until Axel got distracted by the sudden arrival of our father, and I used that to my advantage by knocking the sword out of his hand and onto the ground.

I placed my sword a couple of inches away from his face and Axel laughed.

"I surrender, I surrender. You sure play dirty, you cheated" he teased.

My father walked towards the two of us and laughed.

"I'm glad you two made up, I didn't mean to bring up the matter. I assumed you had already told her that's my mistake."

"No worries father, I should have told her already instead of being a coward" Axel said as he picked up his sword.

"Why don't all of us go into town today?"

"I can't today. I have been asked to meet with the King, however if you and your brothers wish to go into town then go ahead." My father said as kissed the top of my head and gave me a quick hug before walking off.

"Shall we go and see how the town is preparing for the upcoming festival?" Axel asked.

"I'd love to sneak a peek and see what the theme is this year for the summer festival."

"Well then I'll go tell Hugo and Frederick that we'll be taking a trip into town." Axel said as he walked to the mansion.

I quickly followed him into the house, and got dressed.

I decided to wear comfortable clothing because it's easy to move around in.

I wonder what the theme is this year?