Edwin Payne and Charles Rowland (A Knight's Tale AU)
Lady Green Gown pulls at the sleeve of her companion, and Charles stutters and almost loses the thread of the melody. The man at Lady Green Gown's side is the loveliest thing Charles has ever seen. Lovelier than a bed after a hard day's travel or cold water from a spring after a day's training. Lovelier than a gold prize on a velvet cushion.
How could Charles have missed this man until now? He is even more richly dressed than his companion — a deep blue surcoat chased with silver thread and his cloak pulled back from his shoulders, allowing Charles to appreciate their broadness. On the breast of his surcoat, three silver lions are embroidered on a field of red silk. They likely mark him as the third son of some noble family.
Lord Third Son's clean-shaven face is more interesting than his dress. He has expressive eyebrows and a mouth that would be sensual if it weren't pressed into a thin line. His assessing gaze and high nose remind Charles of the hawks the nobility train for hunting. Owned perhaps, but still free under the skin, never tame. He does not wear a hat or hood, and his dark brown hair has a wave to it.
Lord Third Son does not laugh or clap his hands in glee like Lady Green Gown when Charles finishes his song. But he nods in acknowledgement, and his lips are quirked into what could be the beginnings of a smile. He turns away and begins to walk. Lady Green Gown waves at Charles and dashes to catch up.
Charles is overcome with the certainty that he would very much like to kiss Lord Third Son's rosy-lipped mouth and feel the corners turn up into a wider smile.
"Wait!" Charles cries out.
-dearheartdont, opening doors and pulling some strings
For my twenty-first big bang moodboard, we have this absolute GLORIOUSLY fun A Knight's Tale AU by @dearheartdont! A Knight's Tale has such a sweet spot in my heart (it was not only one of my family's favorite movies as a kid, but as a historian, its anachronistic fun is just so delicious) and this fic embraces its offbeat medieval/chivalrous delight with everything it has! Charles and his merry band of misfits are kind of the perfect William & friends and every character choice has been delightful!
