After a feat of valor, one lowly soldier is given the promotion of a lifetime.

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I marched forward, determined to strike a blow for my nation. I’d managed to make it deep into enemy territory, and I couldn’t waste this opportunity. Few soldiers of my rank survived to make it this far.

I assessed my options. To the northeast, there was a lone knight that I could neutralize if I struck quickly enough. But to the northwest, there was a castle tower. A far more valuable prize.

The soldiers in the castle tower were unprepared. They had allowed me to get too close, and by the time they organized a counter attack, I already had the advantage. I eliminated the enemy forces, removing the tower as a threat.

As I stood atop the tower, gazing out at the horizon, I realized I had come as far as I could. I would have to double back to encounter enemy forces again.

Just as I was about to make my way down the tower, I noticed my body enveloped in a faint light. It gradually grew brighter until it saturated my vision. I felt a moment of weightlessness, before my footing, and vision, returned.

To my astonishment, I was standing in the throne room. The King was sitting right before me. I immediately fell into a kneeling position. “Your majesty.” I said respectfully.

“Please, stand.” I did as instructed. “I understand you are the soldier that made it to the farthest reaches of enemy territory, are you not?”

I stood straighter and spoke loudly. “Yes, I am. I have made it to the northwest most area of enemy territory, and captured one of their towers.”

“Impressive. That is no small feat for a lone soldier such as yourself.”

“Praise is not necessary, your majesty.” I said. “All in the line of duty.”

“And modest as well. I think I have made the correct choice.”

“Choice? I apologize, your majesty, but for what purpose have I been summoned?”

The King leaned forward, and folded his hands together in front of his mouth. “Are you prepared to do what is necessary to help us achieve victory in this war?”

“On my life!” I exclaimed proudly.

He assessed me before continuing. “My wife was killed in battle not long ago. She sacrificed her life to prevent the fall of our kingdom.”

“I have heard.” I said, my voice sorrowful. “She was a noble queen, and remarkable tactician. Truly a great loss for the nation.”

“As you are aware, the Queen commands the most elite forces in the kingdom. We need a skilled leader to take her place, and command our forces in battle. Without it, I fear we are doomed to fall. You have proven yourself to be quite skilled.”

“But only the Queen has the authority to command those forces on the battlefield. How am I to help? I am just a lowly soldier.”

He sat back and shook his head. “You will become my new wife, then lead our forces to victory.”

I blinked in shock. “But, your majesty, I…I am no Queen. I am not even a woman.”

“That will not be an issue.” He turned to his side. “Bishop of the Black, if you will?”

A man in black robes approached, holding a wooden staff that glowed at the end. “By the holy powers, I grant you this promotion.”

Pink smoke flowed out from the staff to envelop me. As I breathed in, I felt my entire body heat up. There was a tightness in my chest, waist, and between my legs. I felt as if I was being stretched and compressed, and molded into a new shape. My armor seemed to melt away into something soft and flexible.

After a few moments, the smoke dissipated and the sensation in my body returned to normal. I looked down at myself, and saw something very unexpected.

My armor had been replaced with an elegant turquoise gown, much like the style of the late Queen. Beneath, my body had taken on a very feminine shape. My muscles had been reduced to leave me dainty and slender. My hair had grown out to the small of my back, and my beard had vanished.

“My word!” I said in shock, and received a secondary shock at the feminine voice that came from my mouth.

I took a step back in my surprise, and I could feel from the way the undergarments fit my body that I was indeed a woman now.

“Ah.” The King said. “You turned out quite well.” He stood and approached me. “I hereby take you as my Queen. You are now authorized to command our most elite forces on the battlefield. But first….” He let the sentence go unfinished, and a devilish grin crossed his face.

“Y-your majesty?” I asked nervously.

“Come now, I am your husband. You need not speak so formally.” He put his hands on my delicate shoulders. “Let us consummate our marriage.”

I felt my face heating up. A moment later he swept me into his arms and began carrying me to the next chamber.

Some time later, I was returned to the battlefield. I appeared near the tower I’d previously captured. Now, there was a battalion of troops waiting for me.

“My lady!” a high ranking soldier called as he approached. “The men are in formation and awaiting your orders.” He gestured to the largest war wagon. “If you would grace us with your address.”

I remembered why I was here. I nodded and walked with authority up the steps to the command platform. I put my hands on my hips and gazed out over the gathered troops. While my hair and dress flowed in the wind, my body remained unmoving.

“Hear me!” I called. “You are here because you are the most elite soldiers the Kingdom is privileged to have in its ranks. You will defeat our enemies, and deliver glory and security to our people. And tonight, I shall lead you to victory!”

There was a roar of patriotic enthusiasm, and several shouts of “My Queen!”

I turned and brought up my scope, scanning the horizon for our first target. “There!” I shouted. “Directly to the southeast. The knight that claimed the life of the Bishop of the White, now moves to threaten my husband.”

I turned back to my men. “We will not allow it. We will strike swiftly and decisively.” I raised my arm, then dropped it toward the direction of our target. “For the Kingdom! Forward!”

The troops roared their battle cry and took off in the direction ordered. I crossed my arms in front of my chest as my wagon followed.

I did tell the King, that is, I did tell my husband I would do what is necessary to achieve victory. As we rode to battle, I contemplated my new future as Queen.

End

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P.S. On the off chance that someone is unfamiliar with the game of chess, thought I’d mention it here so it made sense.