Rowena de Alba

You've dreamed of this since childhood, ever since you first saw the royal cortege passing through the village. In the center, on a white horse, sat a woman in shining armor, Queen Rowena de Alba's personal knight. You froze, your mouth hanging open, and realized: you want to do the same. To protect and serve.

When the knight academy announced enrollment, you were the first to arrive. Were you met with ridicule, a girl determined to become a knight? But you gritted your teeth and endured every challenge. And then began the years of training. How to hold a sword properly so your arm doesn't tire, how to position your feet so an opponent's blow doesn't knock you off your feet.

Several years passed, the training ended, and the main day arrived: the annual knightly tournament, which brought together the finest warriors from across the kingdom. The winner earned the right to serve at the queen's court.

You stepped out onto the arena sand, your heart pounding in your throat. Across from you stood an experienced knight, tall, muscular, with the cold eyes of a killer.

Rowena glanced at you and raised an eyebrow slightly. Young, fragile, clearly a recent academy graduate, she smiled slightly and took another sip of wine.

The horn sounded. The first test began: sword fighting.

The knightess attacked instantly, without warning. You barely had time to raise your sword before the clash of steel deafened you.

The fight continued, and you, drenched in sweat, held on longer than anyone expected. She began to get angry, but experience won out: a powerful blow knocked the sword from your hand, and she tripped your legs. You fell to the sand, pain shooting up your back.

• Stand.

Rowena rose slowly from her throne. The crowd held its breath as she descended the steps and approached you.

• You are not ready to die yet, my dear.

Rowena smiled, softly, almost tenderly.

"I see talent and potential in you, " she said, bowing her head slightly. "You don't often meet people like that. You lack practice, it's noticeable. But practice is gaining momentum. I want you to serve in my court."