Building Blocks of writing short story! (Yellow)

Now that all the polls have officially ended and project is near complete, it's time for the reason all of you participated! Here the short story I put together based on the choices made by all of you! Enjoy!

The flowers of the royal garden had begun to wilt. Even though they were just in full bloom several days prior, the colorful petals had already begun to brown. A young woman in light armor watched the dying blooms in curiosity. But the heavy sound of marching boots snapped her from her daze. The platoon of soldiers began to exit the garden as she silently slid in her spot among them.

She was the only female knight among the royal court. The weight on her shoulders was that of many. No other woman had ed the test before. None had even come close. But her? She ed with flying colors. With a sword almost as tall as she and skills that matched any man. But her fellow guard did not harbor the same thoughts.

"Hey there Selene. You want to help me polish my sword?" A gruff soldier bellowed as other swordsmen jeered in response.

She turned her head from the armored men as she tried to ignore their gestures. Ever since she had been knighted, days had been like this. Whistles and overly sensual compliments where always directed at her.

She hated it.

As a trainee, things were no different. Others had made fun of her looks before. Saying she was beautiful and how lucky the one she'd marry would be.

"You have such beautiful golden hair!"

"I'd love to look into those lavender eyes every morning."

"You should wear more armor. You don't want to damage that pretty skin of yours."

She hated them all.

But she knew she wasn't really. Selene knew it was all a ploy to lower her guard. But that's not something she'd easily fall for. She had her own mission to accomplish. She only wanted to do the right thing and save people from the fairies that ravaged the land, slowly turning the kingdom into an plant-less waste land. The people would starve if she did not fight. And as an orphan once herself, she knew the horrors of starvation. She repressed those harsh childhood memories and pressed on with the others. She knew she was making the correct choice.

Right?

As the sun began rise higher, the soldiers lined up waiting to be commanded in the courtyard. The general emerged from the castle doors in front of them with an aura of pride surrounding him. His golden armor almost blinded in the sun, but his stature and gruff appearance demanded his knights respect.

"Attention!" He yelled. All soldiers saluted with their swords in hand, showing respect to their leader.

"Presenting her royal highness, Queen Cornelia!"

The queen followed suit behind the general as her two bodyguards observed carefully at her side. Her red gown billowed as she walked down the stone steps, regality radiating from her movements.

"Your majesty," The general bowed to her. "My men- and lady are ready to hear your address."

"Thank you Bryce." She chimed. Her voice was so delicate and tiny like a small bell. Soft, but at just the right pitch to revive attention. "You've done a fine job of training these soldiers."

"Y-yes your majesty... I mean- my greatest thanks! You are far to kind to us- we simply do not deserve you." The general stammered as his face began to turn pink.

Selene fought back all temptations to laugh at the display. It was clear he was smitten.

The queen then proceeded to begin her address to her guard by taking of a necklace she had around her neck with a polished blue crystal.

"As you all know. The Blue witch has made her fairies ravage the countryside. She's getting desperate to take over the kingdom but the magic of the fairest will protect us. As the last of the fairest of them all, I posses this boon to aid our victory. The cerulean bead. My magic alone may not be able to defeat her, but this should help us control the fairies she has unleashed. No one can control them. Not even her. But that can be used to our advantage. At sunset they will surely arrive. But once they get close enough, I should be able to cast a spell to put them under my control. I need you all to protect me until the spell is complete. Understood?"

"Yes your majesty!" The knights sounded off.

As the knights began to assemble their posts, Selene was approached by the red headed monarch. She couldn't help but notice that the queens tiara looked slightly to big for her. It was easy for Selene to tell it wasn't her size.

"Selene was it?" The queen asked.

"Yes your majesty." Selene responded softly.

"There is no need to be so nervous around me! I you've just earned your place here and I wished to meet you!" Queen Cornelia's smile was bright and inviting. Even more so, all of the knights who had a chance to sneak a glance at the monarch raised brows and gave looks indicating less than appropriate thoughts. Selene could clearly she how this woman was a descendant of the fairest in the land.

"You seem troubled." The queen raised a brow.

Selene felt her chest ache. She looked away from the queen and then back again before speaking in a quieter tone. "I... your majesty.... I feel as though lately I've been uncertain if I'm doing the right thing. On one hand, I want to be a knight and protect the people! But on the other hand, the people here... say I'm better suited to be a wife. I'm not as beautiful as you, but-

"Oh nonsense! You truly are beautiful! Not a lie, I assure you. Your skills are unsured and you should never be afraid of what others think." The queen looked at Selene with her bright green eyes. It felt like her words were truly sincere.

"You truly mean that?" Selene asked hopefully.

"Indeed."

"You're right your majesty. I've been contemplating with myself ever since I became a trainee if what I was doing was truly right. I see now...

that I was very wrong."

In one swift motion, selene had stabbed the queen through their chest with her sword. Yells surrounded the court yard as the once browned flowers of the garden were once agin red by royal blood. As the monarch fell, Selene ripped the cerulean bead from the queens neck.

"I was feeling guilty honestly." The traitor began. "I wanted to atone for my wrongs. Save your disrespectful people. Even these perverted excuses for men you call knights. But you've taught me such a valuable lesson Cornelia. I was never in the wrong. And what's more, the most beautiful of flowers, do wilt the fastest. And you are indeed fairer than I."

Swords came at her from all sides, ready to slice through her murderous flesh. But as their onslaught grew nearer, a blue flash of light surrounded her, as a flurry of butterfly winged creatures leapt upon her attackers. Savagely being latched onto and drained dry until they crumbled to dust, just like the plants of the kingdom.

The remaining soldiers dropped their weapons and backed away fearfully.

Captain Bryce ran to the now dead queens body, holding her close with tears in his eyes.

"You evil witch! Why?! Why would you do this?" He demanded.

Selene simply grabbed the queens fallen tiara and placed it on her head.

It was a perfect fit.

"This kingdom is now ruled by its true heir." Selene gingerly lifted her hand as one of her fairies landed on top. "Now bow to your Blue Queen."

Thank you for everyone who participated in polls! If you liked this type of project, let me know in the comments below and I'll plan more in the future! Also be sure to check out the fantasy committee if you're interested! Have a nice day!

#fantasycommittee