The Swordswoman of Arden

Denial

Morgana's pov:

My fingers thrummed rhythmically against the solid arm of my throne.

Day one of the trials was upon us, and Lex had just entered the battle arena. I had some time to wish her luck beforehand, even though I had avoided her like the plague for the past few days. I just couldn't let these feelings I had develop. 

They were forbidden. 

She seemed grateful when we bumped into each other this afternoon, I was walking with my father to the arena's throne stands, and she had almost collided with him when she turned a corner in front of us. She apologised profusely, and my father forgave her immediately. Her vision travelled to me, and her smile stretched from ear to ear. I followed my father as he walked away, and risked glancing at her face as I passed her. She was looking directly at me, her chin pointed slightly downwards to meet my eyes. She had a knowing look on her face as I struggled to keep calm when I was so close to her.

"Good luck Lex," I mumbled between ourselves, and she nodded very slowly, as if she was trying to work me out. 

I shifted in my throne a little, bringing myself away from this morning's altercation and back to the present. I regarded Lex as she bowed graciously before us. The very slight smirk playing upon her lips as she looked up at me in the stands was similar to the one she threw me earlier, and an odd mix of emotion immersed me. I'd never felt attraction and annoyance at the same time, ever. The annoyance was of course at my own self for allowing my feelings to control me so outwardly.

The first trial was archery, Sir Biron had done excellently as expected, Sir Percival did well, but not as well as he could have done, and now it was Lex's turn. My father waved his hand to allow her to rise from one knee, and she flicked her eyes towards me once more before turning towards the target, almost in a cocky way as if to say, 'watch this.'

She was stood side on to the stand, her perfect side-profile striking fascination through me. Her usual leather armour had been switched to a cool silver, and her arm guard glinted in the warm afternoon rays as she lifted the bow. Her knees bent slightly as she drew back her firing arm with immense power, the feathers in her arrow levelling with her cat-like eyes.

She let loose, and the arrow sliced through the air and thumped into the target centre. Even if it was very slightly to the right, her skill still impressed me because she was nearly as good as Sir Biron, and this was supposed to be his forte. She seemed satisfied, and re-drew another arrow to fire her second shot. This one landed slightly to the left, but was still so central her fault could easily go unnoticed. 

"She's much better than I anticipated," father whispered to me under his breath, and I nodded in response, my eyes fixed on her as she fired her third and final arrow. 

Bullseye. That meant she came second in today's rankings against Biron and Percival. Biron had fired three bullseye's, and Percival had fired all three at the same standard as Lex's first shot, he would for sure have better luck in tomorrow's trial, which was jousting. I had been absentmindedly applauding along with rows and rows of Pâllais' townsfolk, who were today's audience. The news about my father allowing a female knight to compete again had been greatly welcomed by them. The kingdom were bitter about what happened to my mother, but they were unhappy when father abolished female knights altogether.

My father announced the winner, and Sir Biron bowed in front of him. Lex and Percival were stood nearby with king Maudred, clapping along for Biron in good spirits. Today's trial had ended, and currently Sir Biron was in the lead, but Lex looked calm, her hands resting behind her back as she smiled at Biron. I suppose she was accustomed to her own strengths, she would have to win the next 2 trials or she wouldn't be considered as my personal protector.

I couldn't quite believe that being my guard was something that she strived for. She seemed the type to want to live freely, but as my protector she was well aware that she would have constant responsibilities and duties. 

My father had announced another feast tonight, to mark the first day of trials. Tonight Pat was cooking venison, I helped her prepare some of it this morning. She truly was an excellent cook, I was excited for tonight's meal.

Father escorted me to my chambers where my servants were waiting to dress me. I had two, they were lovely, and they always enjoyed getting me ready for banquets. 

"Hilda pass me the comb!" Ada snapped, rolling her eyes at her friend in irritation. I giggled, and sat upon my dressing room stall as the comedic pair ran busy circles round me.

"Honestly my Lady, I'm surprised she hasn't been beheaded yet!" Ada joked, and Hilda mocked jousting her with the comb before placing it on the dressing table and running off to my armoire. 

"Purple or blue tonight Princess?" She asked, rifling through my mountain of beautiful dresses. I had every colour under the sun, but these were two new dresses made kindly by the dressmaker, and I was excited to try them both.

"I think blue tonight Hilda, Ada has picked a blue ribbon for my hair so it should match beautifully."

She siphoned the dress out and admired the intricate stitching. 

"My, that dressmaker just gets better and better doesn't she? Come on Lady Morgana, let me help you into it."

I stood up, stepping into the heavy skirt and Hilda lifted it above my shoulders. Ada yelped at her to 'steer clear of my hair', and they fastened it securely for me. I turned around to face my polished silver mirror and grinned, swishing my new dress around.

"You look as bonny as ever my Lady, sit down so I can tie the ribbon in your hair."

She gathered the front strands of my silky blonde locks that usually fell into my eyes and pulled them back loosely, securing with a bow. I liked this hairstyle she did, it meant the length of my hair was still visible, I had been proudly growing it for a while now and it almost reached my waist. 

"I think our work here tonight is done Ada," Hilda piped, and they both looked very smug with their handiwork.

"Thank you both, you never fail to make me look lovely," I smiled, as I followed them down to the great hall.

"You make our job easy Morgana," Hilda smiled back, and Ada nodded quickly in agreement.

"Both of you stop flattering me and take the rest of the night off," I stated, and they stopped in the middle of the corridor looking excited.

"Are you sure Princess?"

"Yes!" I replied laughing. "Go and enjoy yourselves in the tavern."

"Morgana, you truly are a blessing," Ada said happily, and I laughed once again as they ran off together after delivering me to my father. He watched them run away, shaking his head and chuckling.

"Did you give them the rest of the night off, Morgana?" He questioned, definitely knowing the answer. 

"Of course," I cooed, and his hearty laughter filled the room. Maudred and Mattheus arrived shortly after, and we were ready to enter the dining hall together. Mattheus stood by my side and held my hand, placing his other behind his back, giving me a friendly smile. We followed our fathers as the doors were opened for us. Mattheus walked me to my seat, and I looked across from my  chair, where Lex's post was at the last feast. 

Sure enough, she was there with her helmet on like last time. I could tell her eyes were on me even if I couldn't see them. You can't hide everything under a helmet, I'm bound to notice something. I'd picked up that when she was around me, she tilted her chin slightly downward to look at me properly. She never did that with anyone else, her head was always held high with pride. I watched the bottom of her helmet touch her chest, and smirked as my theory rang true, she was definitely staring. 

"Be seated!" My father barked suddenly, and we all sat down, chattering as the first course was served.