Author's Note: Yes, the story drifted in strange directions as I wrote. Sorry about that. Thank you Tim413413 for editing.
*****
It was all I could do to not send apple spraying across the table. My mother's and father's faces went white, which Angelica ignored. "You are correct father, this is truly an honorable family you have matched me to." I painfully gulped down my mouthful, and looked between my panicked parents and Angelica's calm face. She played naive well and had tricked my mother, surprised me and sealed her decision with a political lock.
My mother was trying desperately to think of a way out of her offer. She looked to my father whose shocked shrug of his shoulders said it all. They could not retract without a good reason. The real reason would have shamed the family. In the end, Mother silently acquiesced with a nod. There was a brief moment when my eyes connected with hers. I wasn't sure if I saw sorrow or anger, mixed with motherly concern.
"What did you do?" I whispered sharply when the conversation shifted and we were ignored. I felt her hand beneath the table pat my leg.
"I did what I could." Angelica's answer held no room for condemnation. "We will talk later." It was not the discussion with her I was worried about. How this would play with my parents was in the forefront of my mind. They would try to undo it later, and it would be painful for more than just me. It was the first time I questioned Angelica's judgment. She was making life-altering decisions without me. 'A woman's idea of equal differs from a man's.'
True to my thoughts, my parents waylaid me after dinner. We met privately in the counting office, away from the main paths of most residents.
"This is intolerable," my father grumbled, "it must be undone afore the princess detects the obvious."
"She already knows," I stated humbly. Their shock was evident.
"She maneuvered me." My mother's ire gathered. "Is she trying to undo all. She plays with our honor as if it is some kind of child's toy."
"No!" I shouted. It was louder than I intended. "No," I repeated, more in control, "she does this for me, though I think it is misguided."
"What gain is there?" my father grumbled, "this has no sense to it."
"I think she preserves my love," I said quietly. The more I thought of it, the more it touched me. "Her parents know none of this. To fight it now would only endanger the alliance."
"Your bride is saving your love?" my father asked incredulously.
"Yes, I believe it to be true," I answered, "she was against this union, but is resolved to make it work. I believe she thinks it necessary. Her mind works quickly. Too quickly. I have begun to admire it."
"Why would Alia agree?" my mother asked, "she has done everything to preserve your honor, but now risks this."
"I do not know," I answered honestly, "I intend to find out, quietly."
"You know the stakes now," my father said, reminding me of the strategy meetings, "I leave it to you to keep the alliance intact. The princess may have some other agenda, so be weary."
"She has an agenda, of that I agree. I do not think it is meant to harm me or the alliance," I stated. My mother hugged me in sympathy. Deep inside, she had wished a loving marriage for me. She knew it would be one of state, but wished it to be loving anyway. Alia and now this was making her more of a mother than a queen. I felt her worry. For the first time in a long time, I hugged her in hopes of making her feel better.
I was unable to talk with Angelica alone that night, She had strategically stayed with her parents, rendering conversation impossible. When I said my goodnight, Alia was there, laughing happily with the princess. The king and queen bade me goodnight and Angelica rose to kiss my cheek.
"All will be well, my Prince," Angelica whispered too low for others to hear. I did not hold with her confidence, but I did not let it show on my face. Alia smiled, driving love through my soul, and bowed her head slightly. A shiver went through me. She was looking at me without reservations, her eyes locking on mine with others about. It was both intoxicating and frightening. I had no control of this, plans were in motion between my love and my bride. I prayed it would not fester into our house's downfall.
*****
I attended drill the next morning. My mood was lost between confusion and anger. I fear the soldiers caught the brunt of my frustration. In title, I was commander of my lord's forces. In reality I deferred to commander Boris Kancraft, a crusty old goat of a man with years of experience. He was a brilliant tactician, a strict, but fair, leader and my friend. His interests coincided with mine and he had personally taken control of my training since I was a child. I was the swordsman I am due to him, and I was a good one.
"Shall we work on cavalry today, my Lord?" Kancraft asked. He only put forth the question to maintain the illusion of my command to the others. Normally, I would dig ditches had he so ordered it. Today, I needed to release the frustration that had built up since last night.
"Aye, Commander. Then I would like to 'climb the mountain,'" I answered strongly. Boris was taken aback by my addition.
"As my Lord commands," Boris said. Then I saw a smile on his lips. "It is a good morning to test one's mettle." He turned to the men gathered, "What say you Lions!" A series of three loud coordinated grunts, followed by a cheer of "Strength in blood," sounded loudly across the practice field. It always cheered me to have so many of the same mind. All armies could be beaten, but when we came together we felt indestructible. Camaraderie is a powerful force, and Boris nurtured it well.
Storm was in a feisty mood this morning. I could sense he wished for real combat as we drilled, holding our lines. We spent much time executing tactical turns, pace changes and coordinated retreats to allow bowmen and infantry their strength. It was hard work and a few new recruits sorely needed the training. One horse can falter half the line if it chose to not react in cohort. It was obvious more training would be necessary. Boris made that abundantly clear as we headed off sweating to stable the horses. He had curses that curdled the ear.
'Climb the mountain' was a contest created by men to test themselves. Though many a woman would say it was developed by boys. We gathered in the main bailey and those who would participate drew lots. The commander and I drew as well. There was no rank on the mountain and no shame in losing, although there was pride in the winning. We paired off, as luck dictated, and fought with swords fated to the contest. They were dull and contained many notches where the metal had collided with metal. Honor dictated the winner of a match. If you were struck in a debilitating way, had the swords been real, you bowed out and congratulated the victor.
It was an exhausting contest. As the field of contestants lessened, the bouts become more frequent. It was truly akin to climbing a mountain. I had first drawn a new recruit, Hanson, and dispatched him quickly. I showed him how he failed, and he was the better for it. Some day his sword may save his life, and mine.
After six matches, I drew against Paddi Scoreson, a large red haired man who had muscles that supported his muscles. I had fought him before and did not fare well. His strength wore me down hard the last time and I faltered, becoming sloppy. This day I had drive behind me. I wished to expend my pent up frustration on Paddi. I lifted my sword with sore, tired arms, and smiled at his bearded face.
"I apologize aforehand, my Lord," Paddi announced loudly.
"You will do so from defeat," I responded in kind. Our swords met, mine countering his two-handed swing. I would swear it was an anvil as my hands felt the brunt of the strike. I ignored the blow as best I could, and countered weakly to his left side. He deflected it easily and laughed at the feeble attempt. It was feeble because my hands were still stressed from the earlier blow. I took a step back and realigned myself to battle. I was breathing hard when he came at me again.
The blows were fast and strong. Each time I countered, my hands stung more, and I felt myself quickly weakening. I was also being forced backward under his onslaught. I gambled then, knowing he would make short work of me if I allowed it to continue. I feigned complete exhaustion and he swung hard with a finishing blow. I prayed the blow missed as I ducked below it. Flat of the blade or not, his strength might take my head off. He had overextended, expecting me to counter, and swung past, unable to return to guard. I swung low and the flat of my blade smacked hard into his leg, just below the knee. The look on his face was most pleasurable.
"You tricked me, my Lord," Paddi said with surprise in his voice.
"Aye, I find a fair fight with you impossible," I said with humor. Paddi smiled and bowed to my guile. There was laughter from the crowd as we clasped our wrists. He crushed mine to remind me we would meet again. I did the same though I doubt he noticed. I had only ever made it to the final bout once before. As before, Boris stood smiling in the center of the bailey, waiting for me. I was already beaten mentally. Beating him would be a wonderful feat, but years of being his student had trained my mind to his superiority. I was also at the peak of exhaustion and he looked none the worse for wear.
