The Road to Vespera

The journey had stretched long and grueling, the road winding far into the distance beneath the dimming light of day. The sun dipped behind the rolling hills, it cast the landscape in rich hues of amber and gold. I raised my hand, signaling the front of the column to halt. The soldiers obeyed without question, their horses coming to a slow stop, breaths visible in the cooling evening air. James rode up beside me, weariness etched into his features.

“We should set up camp here for the night.”
“The men need rest.”

I nodded, scanning our surroundings. Nestled in a small valley, we were flanked by a dense forest on one side and a babbling brook on the other. The sound of the water soothed me after hours of tense silence on the road. There had been no signs of danger, yet an unsettling feeling gnawed at me, whispering that we were being watched even here in the open countryside.

“Agreed.”
“This place will do.”

I dismounted, the soft thud of my feet hitting the ground grounding me momentarily. James followed, turning to the captain of the guard.

“Set up a perimeter.”
“Double the watch tonight.”
“We cannot take any chances.”

The captain saluted, and within moments, the camp erupted into a flurry of activity. Soldiers unloaded supplies from the wagons, setting up tents and arranging the area for cooking and rest. The horses were led to the brook to drink, their hooves crunching softly on the gravel as stable hands tended to them.

I made my way to the center of the camp, my cloak trailing behind me as I observed the efficient, practiced movements of our troops. Fires were lit, casting flickering warmth against the encroaching darkness. The scent of woodsmoke mingled with the crisp aroma of the forest, creating a comforting atmosphere.

“Your Highness,” a familiar voice called from behind me.

I turned to see Rowan, his weathered face serious yet not unkind.

“Your tent is ready,” he reported.
“We have set it up near the stream, as you requested.”
“Thank you, Rowan.”

“Has the baby been settled?”
“He is with the nursemaid now, resting comfortably,” Rowan replied.
“He is a strong lad.”

Relief washed over me. My son had been surprisingly quiet throughout the journey, and though my heart ached at the thought of putting him through such peril, I knew there was no alternative. Vespera was as much his future as it was mine, and I would do everything in my power to ensure it was a safe place for him to grow up.

Rowan left to attend to the soldiers, and I headed toward the edge of the camp, where James was overseeing the watch setup. The fading light painted the landscape in twilight hues, and the sounds of the camp behind us settled into a soothing background—murmured conversations, the crackle of fire, and the rustling of canvas.

“You are still tense,” James remarked, his gaze steady as I approached.
“I cannot help it.”
“We are so close to Vespera, but I cannot shake the feeling that something is waiting for us.”
“That Alec’s remnants might try to strike.”

James placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, his tone soft but firm.

“Whatever waits for us, we will face it together.”
“You have always been stronger than you realize, Isabella.”
“I have had to be,” I whispered, a bitter smile tugging at my lips.
“Vespera is different.”
“All of this is for our son.”
“For his future.”

I leaned against James for a moment, finding solace in the steady rise and fall of his breath. The firelight danced on his face, illuminating the determination in his eyes. His strength and unwavering support pushed my fears to the back of my mind, if only for now.

“I am going to check on him,” I said, pulling away gently.
“Make sure he is settled before we rest.”
“We need to name him.”

James added with a soft chuckle. James nodded, watching as I moved through the camp. The fires cast long shadows as I approached the nursemaid’s tent. Inside, a soft glow from a lantern illuminated the small space.

I found my son sleeping soundly in his cradle. His tiny fists were curled, and his breathing was even. The sight of him, so innocent and unaware of the world’s dangers, filled me with fierce protectiveness. I crouched beside the cradle, brushing my fingers gently over his forehead.

“I will keep you safe,” I whispered.
“No matter what.”

The nursemaid, sitting nearby, offered a small smile.

“He is a good sleeper, Your Highness.”
“A calm one.”
“He must take after his father.”
“Thank you for watching over him.”
“It is an honor, Your Highness,” the nursemaid replied, dipping her head respectfully.

I stood and stepped back out into the night. The camp had quieted somewhat, soldiers finishing their meals or settling into their tents. The fires had burned down to embers, casting a soft glow over the campsite. James was waiting for me near our tent, a look of quiet contemplation on his face. I joined him. We stood in silence for a moment, gazing at the dark expanse beyond the camp’s borders.

“The stars are bright tonight,” James murmured, his hand finding mine.

I looked up, the night sky sprawling above us in a blanket of glittering lights. It was a rare, peaceful moment amid the uncertainty that lay ahead.

“We will reach Vespera by the end of the week if we keep this pace,” I said softly, my voice barely louder than the rustling trees in the wind.

James nodded.

“When we do, the crown will be yours again.”

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words settle heavily on my shoulders. The real battle would soon begin. A battle for my kingdom, my people, and my family’s legacy. Tonight, as the camp settled into sleep, I allowed myself this brief moment of quiet, standing beside the man who had been with me through it all.