lady hanna has an idea and it involves her handmaiden, henrietta...
"Are you sure about this?"
Hanna rolled her eyes, trying to concentrate on the poor attempt at a haircut she was giving her handmaiden, Henrietta. She tucked her flowing blonde hair behind her ear as she leaned forwards, tilting Henrietta's chin to get a better angle.
"Have you a better idea of preventing my stupid, fucking uncle from presenting me as a tourney prize like some...whore?" Whilst Henrietta tried to think of something less risky, Hanna continued, "if you win the tourney in disguise, I won't have to worry about being groped by some sweaty stranger. I've seen you fight, you'll knock any man flat on his arse."
"I'm not worried about that!" Henrietta sighed, watching her hair fall away under Hanna's delicate strokes with the sharp shears she'd 'borrowed', "what about when I have to change or...receive treatment from the bathmaids?"
"Hmm," Hanna paused, smirking as she met Henrietta's striking blue eyes, "I would've thought that a bonus," her answering glare was enough for the noblewoman to chuckle, playfully smacking her, "don't worry, I'll take care of it. No one will know."
Henrietta watched as Hanna stepped away, admiring her work; the handmaiden tentatively lifted a hand to her hair, running her fingers through the shorter strands. She breathed out.
"The things I do for you, my lady."
"And you shall be handsomely rewarded," Lady Hanna smiled, winking at her handmaiden gratefully. Little did she know, that smile was already reward for Henrietta.
Whilst she had no regrets about agreeing to help Lady Hanna, Henrietta would be lying if she said she wasn't feeling just a little apprehensive. Keeping her distance, she glanced around the tents at her opponents; all of them were much bigger than her, pushing each other around, laughing loudly and drinking. If anything, it made her more determined to impress Lady Hanna.
Her turn finally came and she stepped into the arena, squinting through her houndskull bascinet at the noble's tent; Hanush was deep in conversation with a fellow member of his household whilst Hanna appeared bored yet her nervous glances to the arena gave away her fears. Spotting Henrietta, she gave a discreet wave and a confident nod which was all the motivation Henrietta needed. She stood straighter and what she hoped was more menacing, leaning forwards into a fighting stance.
Her opponent foolishly rushed her, underestimating her speed and agility; Henrietta dodged with ease yet his strength was still greater and she struggled to shove him to the ground. They engaged in a frenzied duel with their swords with Henrietta barely managing to parry. Soon, though, the brute grew tired and Henrietta finally managed to gain the upper hand, throwing him aside in victory.
Hanna had leapt out of her seat, cheering and clapping. Hanush eyed her curiously, following her gaze to the rather small victorious knight. The next bouts were a heart pounding watch for Hanna; Henrietta was put through her paces, thrown around like a doll, kicked, beaten, slashed at. But she remained on her feet, fighting as though her life depended on it.
She parried like a professional knight rather than a peasant girl who had secret training sessions every now and again under the cover of darkness with Captain Bernard. Her footwork was impressive and quick. Her swordsmanship would put any man to shame and it showed in her duels. It was hard work but she beat every opponent before her until she was named the tourney victor.
Hanna wanted nothing more than to race down to the arena and jump into her gallant handmaiden's arms but she couldn't. Henrietta, who had staggered backwards into the dirt at the final blow, heaved herself to stand and sheepishly took in the wildly applauding crowd. Hanush beckoned her forwards, presenting her with the shiny new set of gauntlets as a prize.
"That was an impressive display, lad," Hanush said proudly, clapping the exhausted faux knight on the shoulder, failing to notice her knees buckle at the force, "I offer you my heartiest congratulations, Sir..."
"Uh, Henry," Henrietta uttered quickly, clearing her throat and faking a deeper register, "Sir Henry, my lord."
"Well, Sir Henry," Hanush turned and beckoned forwards his niece, gesturing at her as if offering her, "may I present my niece, Lady Hanna of Pirkstein," dutifully, Hanna curtsied and held out her hand which Henrietta took, bowing low and respectfully. Hanush looked between them, leaning closer to the knight, "well, lad, take off your helmet! Let the lady look upon her victor."
"There's no need, uncle," Hanna quickly interrupted, ushering her uncle away, "I'm sure the young man is quite tired and in need of attention from the bathmaids," Hanush tried to protest but his niece was rather insistent, seeing him off towards the castle, "I shall make sure Sir Henry has everything he needs. With a chaperone, of course."
Hanush narrowed his eyes but knew better than to argue. It wouldn't make a difference anyway. He nodded at his niece before heading off inside. Hanna breathed a sigh of relief and quickly hurried back to Henrietta.
"You were amazing," she'd barely come to a stop before her tired handmaiden before the words were out of her mouth.
Henrietta nodded, removing her helmet; Hanna noted the bruises already forming on her face from the blows she'd received. Not a moment later, Henrietta quite unceremoniously collapsed against her ladyship who quickly wound an arm around her.
"I can't feel my legs," Henrietta said with a light chuckle. Hanna gently shushed her, already moving them quickly and discreetly through the tent and past the crowds, heading towards her chambers.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of you."
Henrietta glanced at Hanna, smiling cheekily, "does that mean I've earned a kiss, my lady?"
"After that performance?" Hanna scoffed, her pace quickening the nearer they got to her quarters, "just try and stop me."
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