Chapter 27 – Respect
MARCIA’S PERSPECTIVE
At first, it was background noise. Whispers that passed like wind between tents and trenches.
“She’s only where she is because of her family,” someone muttered while tightening the laces on his armour.
“She was handed that command. Xendales always get handed everything,” another said by the fire.
I ignored it.
They were just words, after all. They couldn’t cause damage unless I let them.
But the murmurs didn’t fade. They evolved, turning uglier day by day.
“Dravic’s favour is the only reason she’s general.”
“She probably shares more than just strategy in his tent.”
I was handing out training schedules when I heard that one.
Abigail froze mid–step, turning toward the voice. Her fists were
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Chapter 27 – Respect
already clenched. “Say that again. I dare you.”
Quin and Hailey looked ready to rip someone’s throat out.
“Don’t,” I said flatly.
“Marcia–”
“I said, don’t.”
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I kept my gaze on the schedule in my hand. My voice didn’t waver. “They’ll keep talking. But words don’t mean anything if we outwork them. Let the soldiers see the truth.”
“Then let them choke on it,” Laura muttered, her jaw clenched.
By the next day, my witch allies had figured out the source of the
rumours.
I wasn’t surprised when I learned it.
Eunice’s cousin—Ardin Hale. He was sent along with the elite guard from Prim. Just like Eunice, he was well–connected, arrogant, and snobbish.
And clearly, also a liar with a loud mouth.
“Did you hear what he said last night?” Marcus asked me during morning drills. “He said you got promoted because you looked good in leather and Dravic’s too busy drooling to notice anything
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else.”
“At least he thinks I look good,” I said with a shrug,
“This isn’t good for your reputation, Marcia,” Laura said.
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“Want me to shut him up?” Abigail asked. “Just say the word.”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “We aren’t here to fight against our own soldiers. They will see the truth themselves, okay? Unless any of them have the guts to say it to my face, I will ignore it.”
They didn’t argue further.
But eventually, word reached Dravic. He found me in my tent, commanding the others to leave us. As soon as they did, he shot me a glare.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked.
I stood up from my makeshift bed. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Yes, it does,” he snapped. “It’s no longer about you, Marcia. It’s about command. Respect. And discipline. Do you not understand that?”
I pursed my lips. “You’re… right,” I said softly. “I’m sorry, I should have acted. It’s just that—I don’t want to fight my own soldiers.”
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Chapter 27 Respect
“And you don’t have to,” he replied. “Because I’m going to handle it.”
Without giving me a chance to argue, he stormed out.
I followed him quickly, afraid of what he was about to do.
Ardin was yanked out of the officers‘ tent by two guards while he was still eating.
Dravic stood outside, arms folded. “Eunice Hale’s cousin. That right?”
Ardin hesitated, looking around for someone to back him up. “Your Highness, I think there’s been a misunderstanding.”
“There is no misunderstanding,” Dravic said. “You accused a commanding officer of sleeping her way into a position appointed by the Prime King. That is defamation. And insubordination. And stupidity.”
Ardin’s face blanched. “I… I didn’t mean–”
“Fifty lashes,” Dravic ordered. “Stripped of rank. Sent to Borderhold’s outer post until further notice. If I hear your name again, I’ll rip your tongue out myself.”
There was no ceremony. No final plea. Just his screams echoing into the night.
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Chapter 27 – Respect
“Well deserved,” Abigail, Laura and Quin rejoiced. Marcus wolf–whistled.
I stayed silent.
I knew this wouldn’t quell the doubts, only amplify them.
Except, no one would dare to voice them now.
The tension in the camps thickened, because after what happened, people were waiting.
Watching.
Hoping I’d fail.
So I doubled the drills.
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The King’s elite guard was mine now. And I was going to carve the laziness out of them.
By the third morning, I had them running obstacle courses through the ravine. By the fifth, we did four hours of sword work before breakfast.
They hated me.
But they obeyed me.
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And then, Dravic made it official.
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It was after the morning briefings, before the midday heat had settled. Soldiers, officers, runners—everyone gathered in the clearing. His voice cut through the air like a blade.
“Anyone who questions General Xendale’s merit may challenge her. Under supervision. First blood or yield. I command it.”
The camp went silent.
I looked around, watching the faces shift. Some looked surprised. Some afraid. Others intrigued.
He’d given them exactly what they wanted: a chance to test me.
And later that afternoon, it came.
A horn sounded near the central ring.
I was already heading toward the sparring field when one of the lieutenants jogged up.
“Challenge has been issued,” he said. “From Commander Jareth. He’s requested a formal match.”
Jareth.
I knew the name. A veteran. Southern campaigns. Scar across his eyebrow from a Rum ambush. Loyal to the old command
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Chapter 27 – Respect
and no fan of mine.
I stepped into the ring and found him already waiting fe had a broad stance and a heavier sword than most used fe expression was neutral, but I could see the doubt in his gave The distrust. And the underestimation.
I didn’t completely blame him.
The world had made men like him believe titles were earned only by brute force and age. Not tactics. Not lineage. And certainly not women.
Jareth stepped forward and gave a tight, respectful nod.
“General,” he said. “No offence intended. But I’d like to challenge your command.”
All eyes turned to me.
The camp, the trainees, my old comrades.
Waiting to see if the rumours were true. If I’d back down from the fight.
But I didn’t.
I stepped forward, eyes locked on his. “Very well.”
Then I drew my blade.
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“Let’s begin.”
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