The cavernous ceiling of the throne room seemed to open up to the night sky, and only the missing stars showed that it was still in place. The glistening golden fittings and the jewels draped over the nobility twinkled away in place of the missing heavens, though the discussions were of topics much closer to the earth.

  The Knight strode into the throne room, his outfit so stiff it might as well have been armor. The murmurs of the crowd only increased as he made his way down the elaborately decorated room. Upon reaching the queen’s dias, he dropped into a perfect kneel, arm across his chest, his cape elegantly draped behind him.

  The queen's eyes saw none of this. They were fixed firmly on his downturned face, reading the signs of weariness on his marshalled features. She judged he could stand a little more before breaking, and made a sign to her lady in waiting to proceed.

  Queen Rosaline the Young, not so young anymore, was the kingdom’s foremost expert in interpreting Leonard’s condition. He had served her and her family all his life, and she had seen him at his best and worst. She had always been gifted at reading people through the shroud of their words. That gift had kept her alive and in power all these years.

  “You kept me waiting, Leonard”

  Silence rippled through the crowd.

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  “My apologies, your highness” Leonard said, not moving in the slightest. “I rushed back as quickly as I could”

  “Is your mount so slow then, that it takes you months to reach the outskirts just rout some bandits? Am I mistreating you Leonard? Have I not been providing you with the best horses and equipment? Tell me where I am lacking Leonard, so I may remedy my deficiencies.”

  The silence only grew.

  “Your Majesty is perfection itself. Tell me who would dare slander you such and I would strike them down myself.”

  “Well then, if it isn’t your equipment or steed, then the issue must lay with you.” Her Majesty, Queen Rosaline smirked. The sight chilled the hearts of everyone in attendance.

  “Indeed your Majesty, I am the very culprit you seek. My traitorous arm grew slow after beheading my forty seventh bandit. I clearly have been slack in my training, as it took me another fifteen days to hunt down and kill the remainder after they fled.”

  The murmuring started up again. A bandit group over 50 strong? And so close to the capital? What were the army doing? Why were they being so brazen?

  The queen’s eyes narrowed. “I trust you were thorough at least”.

  “Yes, Majesty. My men and I ensured every last one of the criminals was brought to justice. We also cleared their camp of any ill gotten goods. The treasurer should have the full report.”

  “Well, thats good at least” The queen’s tone grew bored, then she motioned to one of the women standing around her. The lady stepped forward, the rustle of her skirts the only sound in the room, and presented a roll of paper on a silver tray to the still kneeling knight. He made no move towards it.

  “Your next assignment” The queen motioned to the tray. “Try not to take too long with this one. You’re beginning to get a reputation.”

  The knight didn’t move. Didn’t speak. He showed no outward sign that anything had taken place at all.

  The queen waved a hand at him, her eyes already on the next courtier in line. “You’re dismissed”

  Fluidly, the knight stood and bowed. Then, in one movement, he grabbed the paper and turned, walking out of the room.