They may be taken by storm, or by surprise - but often only a protracted siege will gain you access.
Hmm... interesting.
Unfortunately she has already returned to her own lands, far to the north. Our only communication at present is through written missives.
I suppose I could take a force and camp with my allies in that region, but unfortunately I imagine their lands are too far from her stronghold to make for an effective staging ground.
I suppose, were I truly desperate, I could form an alliance with certain estranged members of my dynasty in order to launch my siege from their lands, but that would mean swallowing my pride, and it would be an unpleasant meal indeed. And then, of course, I would be dragged back into their petty squabbles and politicking with various other members of the empire, something I feel I am well rid off since washing my hands of it.
Perhaps I should first try and gain an audience with the queen in question, to try and gauge just how effective such a siege would even be.
I could hardly claim to have taken her measure from the couple of brief skirmishes we've had thus far. Of course, whatever course of action I take I must first ensure things in my own kingdom are in order, lest it fall apart during my lengthy absence whilst campaigning in foreign lands.
I dread to think of all the satisfying battles I would miss out on down here in the meantime, also- there is much glory to be had on the frontier for an able commander.