[ IP ] Guard

A horse stood nearby nibbling on grass. 
 “ It could happen to anybody! ” The queen said to it, attempting to muster feelings of self worth. “ But I ’ m not just anybody, am I. ” She kicked the ground and cleared her throat. The horse looked up and let out a quiet whinny and the queen gave it a pat on the side. “ No, I think I ’ ll walk if it ’ s all right with you. ” She hung her head and let out a deep sigh. Her steps were like lead, and while the birds chirped and the sun shone around her they could not pierce the dark cloud over her head. 
 
 The yelling could be heard long before she reached the courtyard. The queen paused at the door and swallowed hard. Her hands clenched as she tried to prevent herself from shaking. On either side of the door stood a guard waiting for a signal to open it. At last the queen waved her hand. 
 
 The yelling hit her now like a physical blow and she took a small step backwards to steady herself. Her eyes flicked to each guard in turn before she focused them straight ahead. As honorable as her intentions had been, as much as she had tried to protect her people, it had not been enough to save them from being slaughtered at the hands of their enemy. Their enemy had been out for blood, and they got it. Now her people were out for blood, and they wanted hers. She must speak to them, try to give them hope, and assure them that their loved ones did not die in vain. 
 
 The queen walked the last few steps to the door, but just as she was about to go through the guard on her left stepped up beside her. Her heart beat quicker in her chest as he lifted his arm. She was sure he was going to strike her down right there, but instead he lifted his shield. 
 
 “ It would not be good to go out there unprotected. ” He said quietly. She studied him for a minute, but his armor prevented her from getting a reading on him. She gave him a slight nod. She couldn ’ t speak, her throat was far too dry for that. 
 
 The guard held the shield high and wrapped his cape around her then together they stepped into the courtyard. People yelled obscenities and began throwing things at her as they passed. A tear fell down the queens cheek and she blinked furiously trying to keep any more from slipping out. She was scared, but having the guard at her side gave her huge comfort. She placed a hand on his arm and drew from his strength. 
 
 When at last they made it to the stairs which led to the balcony she paused and cleared her throat. “ Thank you. ” She whispered, and kissed the side of his helmet. The words didn ’ t seem like enough, but they were all she had at the moment. As she ascended the stairs to the balcony she heard the clanging of the guards armor behind her and she smiled. She would address her people and be strong. She was not alone. He was right there with her.
