Scarlett's Secret

6.2 The Joust

Alone in my chambers the next morning, Maria prepares me for my bath. She undresses me near the basin with fresh warm water from the fire and begins to bathe me. She starts to wash my face, and then begins down my neck, "Not there," I stop her. "I don't feel dirty today," I admit, sitting down in front of my mirrored vanity. I want to keep Tyson's touch on my chest for as long as I could.

"But my lady, the King's big Joust is today. He would want you to be as polished and prepared for his victory that will follow."

"I understand Maria," I mumbled, standing back up. Fortunately, nobody could wash away the memories of Tyson and me, rolling around like two free souls on the fields of a faraway place.

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I am not one that enjoys dangerous sports, particularly not jousting. Although, I can't help but admire the King, seeing him stride around on his horse was quite the site from my window. My he was charming, kissing babies in the crowd and handing roses to the single and widowed.

Queen Katherine sat boldly on her throne next to his, showing face as if it were in her contract of marriage. Katherine loved him, I knew that. But she could not effectively provide the kingdom with an heir - leaving England vulnerable.

Before I was to join the crowd, the King wanted to meet me beforehand. So I wait by the stables, in my crimson frock, looking over to the wooden structure that used to be my home. Finally, the King interrupts my wondering thoughts.

"Oh, my," Henry begins, as I courtesy. He holds out his hand and raises me to my feet. "You are the light in my dark, dark world."

Soon my cheeks resemble my gown. "You are too kind your grace." I hear the crowd roar in the distance.

"They're ready for me." Henry boasts. "I can't wait to win for you."

"My King, the kindest action you could do is return to me safely," I say, bowing my head to mask my fear.

"Scarlett," Henry places his thumb below my chin, "do not waste your fear on me. To see your face in the crowd, and to kiss those lips for luck is all I ask."

"I will support you from afar my Lord, but I will not encourage this violent sport," I admitted, pacing quickly to my seat.

The King returns to his throne, frustrated I can see. But that soon changes when he meets his contender - Tyson.

"Your Highness, I challenge you to a joust."

Henry's smirk grows. "I accept."

My eyes frantically look between them, as Tyson turns and sends a wink in my direction, before heading off to armour up.

The screams and cheers of the crowd echo in my mind. How could they do this to me? What if one gets injured? Oh, I hope Tyson does not get speared, the King is known for his great jousting ability. Oh no, what if Tyson injures the King? There would be maham, he may lose his head!

My heart beats hard against my ribcage, I felt the weight of my head roll back. I couldn't bear to watch the outcome. I quickly stood to hurry back to my room, and then a hand grabbed my arm and forced me back down.

"The King ordered you to be here today. He held this joust in your honour, you be best to stay seated." Sir Thomas grumbled.

And then I heard a shotgun roar - the joust had begun.

The Kings suit was licked in pure silver, head to toe. Whereas Tysons was as black as the night sky. My heart sunk in my chest, as they raced towards each other.

First-round Tyson falls to the ground and the King struts around his win. I go to stand up, but Sir Thomas grips tighten. "Why do you fret dear Scarlett? The King has won."

Tears welled up in my eyes. Get up Tyson, I pleaded in my mind. Soon enough, Tyson stumbles to his feet.  The King rides towards him and says, "You are a strong contender Tyson, I best to keep my eye on you."

"Again!" Tyson shouts. The crowd roars in agreeance.

"You must enjoy losing." The King boasted. "You may have your next round." 

Round- two, they set themselves up again. The gunshot fires again, and everything slows down. Tyson aims his jousting lance lower, striking Henry in the chest. He falls off his horse, the crowd turns silent.

My mind erratic, my heart frantic. Queen Katherine stands, her hand hovering over her mouth. I urge to stand up again, this time there is no hand pulling me down. I race over towards the King, as do the guards.

"My King, my King!" I fumble to my knees, sliding off his helmet. The King let out a thunderous laugh.

"My King, are you not hurt?" I tremble.

"That Tyson boy has a good aim, got me right in the chest... but only you can hurt my heart." He caressed my salt-stained cheeks.

"Save your words my Lord until after they inspect you," I said as they helped the King to his feet, holding him up under his pits.

"I'm fine sweet Scarlett, maybe if you'd given me that good luck kiss this wouldn't have happened." He jested.

"Tonight," I whispered against his cheek, as I laid a kiss and hurried back to my seat.

Tyson hurried towards the King, "My King I am sorry." He knelt before him.

"It is the game, Tyson." The King reached down his hand to shake Tysons. Still not letting go, the King pulled Tyson towards him, "You may have won this one, but if we were playing for hearts I'd still wear the crown."

Was it the hearts of the people that he was referring to, or the one that beats inside my chest?

An icy cold shiver run down Tyson's spine as he nodded and bowed before limping towards the changing tent.