Cassandra studied her reflection in the polished silver mirror. Her large blonde wig was neatly curled and adorned with a gold tiara encrusted with sparkling crystals, as well as strands of pearls and a silk ribbon on the back of her neck, keeping the longer strands of the wig neatly tied together as they rested against her back. She wore her teal gown today with the cream colored ruffle underskirt. Her torso had a large matching bow. Around her neck rested the Necklace of Amelia, some of the largest diamonds from the royal collection.
She knew she had to look her part for the luncheon at Calypso Hall. The von Harrens hosted the most elite always, it was every family's dream to be considered high enough in the Kingdom to attend. And Cassandra knew she was the main show. She would be queen when her father by law passed. Her deep blue eyes and pale milk skin made her one of the fairest of Princess' before her.
Princess Cassandra adjusted the cushion under her as she spoke with her maids that accompanied her. The country roads were quite bumpy, unlike the Capital's cobble roads. She parted the Velour curtain covering the small cross window of her carriage, watching the sprouting fields they passed, and the tree's above thick brambles that lined the properties. Fondly she recalled playing with her daughter Anne at the family's eastern castle by the sea. Desperately did she wish to go see her instead, yet her husband, Alex had ordered her to attend this instead, the least he could have done was accompany her.
As the carriage passed the farmlands and entered the old grove of spruce woods, Cassandra's maids sang a song, much to the Princess' enjoyment. An old passionate tune about a Minotaur & The Huntress. She knew it was likely a legend, as the old creatures hadn't been seen around Alynthi in over a century, killed by the brave knights. She so envied the Huntress still, having tamed such a wild beast, if only she could do the same with her husband. The singing was interrupted when one of the old tall spruce trees crackled, and fell atop the mounted knights ahead of the carriage.
The soldiers' horses were spooked, becoming nervous, partly added by the screams coming from the carriage. The knights behind were quick to ride aside the halted carriage, with the remaining from the front before a second spruce wood collapsed behind the carriage... The knights drew their swords quickly as they galloped slowly between each other watching the tree lines. Cassandra bared a stern face as she moved the curtains with haste, her maids looking over her shoulder when it happened. A roaring boom of war cries came from the woods as men in dark armors rushed towards the direction of the carriage.
The Alynthi Knight-Captain Sedrick shouted commands to his men as they rode through the forests to rush the hordes. Sedrick pulled back four of his knights to guard the carriage with him. He quickly got off his steed, thrusting the carriage door open with haste. "Your Highness! Quickly we must move quickly, they've us surrounded!" The Captain shouted.
The Princess rose, looking to her fear struck maids as she ushered them to follow her, attempting to conceal her own fear. Through the small door behind Captain Sedrick. They all saw the knights being swamped, barely able to hold them off as some were slowly ripped from their saddles, screaming as they were stabbed. Sedrik mounted his steed with haste. "Princess- come, hurry!"
He shouted before offering his hand to her, bringing her atop his horse without waiting for response. The Knights with him pulled her three maids atop their horses before Sedrick rode into the woods, quickly turning away from the battle as the party rode off back on the road. Sedrick's eyes went wide as he saw more soldiers, this time mounted heading towards them. The Knights lead their horses off the road, back into the woods as they hoped to escape the attack. Sir Alistair's horse was shot down, the maid with him screaming as they both fell to the ground, quickly grouped over by the foot soldiers.
Cassandra looked behind her as she felt her heavy wig pull free from her hair as it fell behind them, horses stomping over it as they rushed, getting closer before cutting through the lone riding Knight's back. They continued to ride together with the enemies closer to them, The knights suddenly split in separate directions as they approached hills. Cassandra tightened her hold around Sir Sedrick's waist as they galloped straight down the hill, jumping down from a steep slope, feeling herself lift from the horse in horror before landing back down safely. The horsemen followed, fewer now than before as others chased the remaining knights. Sedrick made a sharp turn as they approached the river, riding along the banks, giving the horsemen an advantage of getting closer to them.
Sedrick knew they'd cut him off soon, deciding to ride into the chilling waters now. His efforts were in vain, as the bearded black haired man leading the horsemen brought his sword down against the horse's back right leg. The horse began whining as it stopped, jerking Sedrick and the Princess forward, crashing into the riptides as the horse fell. Sedrick was quick to rise as he unsheathed his sword. Cassandra screamed as the shock of the cold water wore from her, she began trudging to the other side of the river bank in her heavy gown.
The Horsemen knocked away the battered Knights sword, while riding around him and grabbing the Princess by the arm. The Horsemen smiled in victory as they dragged the screaming princess back to the banks, Sedrick with her. The horsemen laughed before tossing Cassandra to the feet of the bearded man's horse, her natural brown hair darkened by the water as she knelt in the muddy banks, looking to Sedrick as the other horsemen who'd dismounted began beating him to the ground, kicking without resistance.