A Flower for Guy #Wattys2021

Chapter XIV

[My heartfelt thanks to @JeannieGisborne for her invaluable help in correcting this story; pls check her lovely stories about Guy and the Robin Hood BBC fandom, I highly recommend them]

Chapter XIV

Chetwood, June 30th, 1194

It was afternoon and Rebelle was in the armoury when the noise of hooves in the courtyard drew her to the barred window. As soon as she caught sight of Drastan's brawny shape, she quickly turned to Harry, her deputy.

"You can finish checking the crossbows", she told him, "and make sure of the number of bolts available. If there's need, we'll place an order to the armourer of Calverton... I don't recall his name."

"Fenton", Harry offered. "But why don't we apply to George, in Nottingham? He's much nearer, and he's even cheaper."

"I like Fenton's craft much better", Rebelle cut short the topic, eager to join Drastan. "And anyway, I gladly pay more for a better product."

"About this you're perfectly right, my lady", Harry admitted, nodding.

Two minutes later, Rebelle personally opened the door for Drastan who, after entrusting Mjolnir to Emeric, was ascending the steps to the entrance.

"Welcome", she said beaming. He returned her smile and, as soon as he joined her on the threshold, he pulled her into his embrace.

"Thank you, my love", he said in a low voice, before lowering his head in order to place a quick kiss on her lips, very chaste as he didn't know who could be watching them. "Is your uncle at home?"

"Sure", Rebelle answered, withdrawing from his arms. She didn't ask him the reason of his visit, as she already knew it. "Come."

Her heart pounded as she led Drastan to the small parlour where William had retired to rest after a nice ride on Silvermist, his new courser. She knocked on the door and, hearing the elderly knight's invitation, she entered.

"Uncle? Drastan is here, he wants to talk to you", she said. William raised his gaze from the book he was reading and smiled at the younger man.

"Of course! Please, come and have a seat, Sir Drastan", he invited him with a nod.

Drastan turned toward Rebelle and, seeing how anxious she was, he smiled at her reassuringly.

"See you later", he said softly, "As soon as I'm done speaking with your uncle."

"You'll find me in Violet's workroom", the maiden informed him, taking her leave. She needed to keep her mind off the upcoming talk between the two men, and there was nothing better than chatting freely with her cousin because, after pronouncing the promise of marriage, she had no intention to wait any longer to be fully with Drastan.

Drastan took his seat on the padded chair William was showing him. Though he was sure he would receive a positive answer – there was no reason to think otherwise – he felt on pins and needles. The older man noticed it.

"Well, my dear lad", he said kindly, trying to make him feel comfortable. "Speak freely."

Drastan cleared his throat before formulating his request.

"Sir William, I'm here to formally ask you the hand of your niece Lady Isabelle of Rivendale. I love her sincerely, and I can offer her a decent, if not a good life..."

William raised his hand and Drastan paused.

"I have no objections", William declared. "As you know, I was almost resigned to the idea I would never be able to find her a husband, therefore I'm particularly happy that you offered. What really matters is that she has accepted you, otherwise I could do nothing to make her change her mind, nor would I have wanted to force her, because too many young women are forced to wed someone they don't want and then live an unhappy life. I didn't force Violet, and I wouldn't do it with Rebelle. Thus, Sir Drastan, I give you my blessing", he concluded smiling.