Test of the Sword
"Absolutely not!" Laura growled, slapping her hand down on the table loudly, her long black hair swirling around her face. The dress she wore flowed around her slim body, the blood red cloth highlighting her tanned skin.
"It's a good match," her father frowned back. Gregory Moore, the Earl of Hawksmoore, was a big man, nearly six foot tall, and his arms showed the muscles granted by years of using a sword. His own black hair was streaked with silver, but it only gave him a faintly dignified look.
"You must be kidding," Laura crossed her arms as she sniffed in disgust. "You know Matthew's reputation.. he's a letch and a cad!"
"I'm confident you could handle him," Gregory sounded amused. His expression becoming more serious he said, "Daughter, you've spurned the advances of too many gentlemen... soon I fear you will not be marriageable at all."
Laura opened up her mouth to say something then paused, considering her words. "Far too many of those who came calling were after the fortune grandmother left me," she said, "not for any traits of mine. And Matthew is the worst of the lot.. I could practically see him dreaming of how he would spend the money."
"He is not so bad as that," Gregory offered.
Laura firmed her voice as she chose her words carefully, "I intend to marry in my own time, father, not now."
Gregory narrowed his eyes as he frowned at his daughter, "And I must insist.. and as your father I have that right."
Laura pressed her lips together, her eyes narrowing. "We will see," she said grimly, turning and striding out of the crowded study.
"Don't you dare walk away from me, child.." Gregory started to protest but she cut him off by slamming the door.
'Damn him,' Laura thought, striding the halls of the great keep.
Laura's plan had been going so well, too... if she could reach eighteen before marrying her inheritance would be hers, unbound by any restrictions from a father or spouse. With that in mind Laura had discouraged suitor after suitor, determined to live free, and she had almost succeeded. But by law her father could marry her off...
"Wait a moment," Laura murmured aloud, a fragmented memory nudging at her mind. Turning from her walk back to her suites she headed to the library instead, and specifically to the section with the books on law.
The next afternoon her father's main hall was filled with guests, men and women from their allied families along with important individuals in the kingdom. And of course Matthew Brown was there, standing with his crowd of cronies, all of them seemingly cut from the same mold, the red to their cheeks and dull eyes of a hard drinker. The royal guests gave Matthew and his friends some distance, their contempt cutting to the still merrily drinking band.
'Oh father,' Laura thought from where she stood to one side, sipping at a glass of water, 'did you have to invite them all?' A soft rose gown swirled around her slim body, chosen as much for ease of movement as for it's beauty.
"I have a joyous announcement to make," Gregory's voice boomed out, his deep rumble cutting off conversation.
'And here we go,' Laura took a steadying breath.
"As you know my lovely daughter Laura Moore has remained unwed," Gregory said, "despite her beauty and charm. Now, however, I am happy to say that she had been engaged to the noble house of Brown..."
"I object!" the voice cut him off.
"Laura!" Gregory's voice sounded choked.
Giving her father a mildly sympathetic glance Laura continued, "Matthew is a drink and a cad, and by the old laws I challenge this betrothal." There was a stir as she continued, "I demand the test of blades to determine his worthiness."
"You can't!" Matthew huffed out in dismay, his dirty blonde falling into blue eyes that were wild with anger and dismay.
"Yes I can, actually," Laura said calmly, "the law is quite explicit." She looked up at a certain nobleman and nodded to the silver haired man, "M'lord?"
Eddings was a old man, but his back was straight and his bearing regal as he felt gazes fall on him. The Count was the king's expert on law, and his being here wasn't a coincidence.. Laura had invited him as soon as she decided on embarking on this strategy. Studying her warily he agreed, "Anyone can challenge a betrothal by the old laws.. and there have even been instances of brides doing so in the past, as well." He dropped his voice as he said to Laura directly, "Well played, child."
"Thank you," Laura half smiled.
"Do you seriously intend to face Matthew with a sword in your hand?!" Gregory demanded. "It's madness!"
"I will if I must," Laura answered. She turned to look where a shocked Matthew stood nearby and said, "It won't be necessary if you choose to withdrawal your proposal, sir."
A muscle in Matthew's jaw jumped as he clenched it in anger, gazing at her with an expression of mixed rage and dismay. "After you have publicly shamed me like this?" he demanded. Shaking his head furiously he said, "I'll happily draw your blood with my blade till you withdrawal your foolish challenge, bitch."
"So be it," Laura kept her voice even, despite the insult, "when do you want to do this?"
Feeling the eyes of the crowd on them both Matthew said boldly, "In the morrow, then. Let's settle this as soon as possible, my future bride."
"You'd best arrange for a second," Laura replied in barbed tones as she turned to go, "to tend to your wounds once you yield."
"Hoyden..." Matthew growled.
Laura fought back a smile at being called a undisciplined woman, leaving the busy hall silently. She returned to her quarters, walking the cool stone halls until she reached the rooms, unlocking the door with the large, ornate key.
"Are you sure about this?" the woman asked.
"I am, Sala," Laura nodded to the foreign noblewoman respectfully.
Sala D'artanian rose from where she sat on the side of the bed, her dusky arms circling Laura with easy familiarity. The brown haired woman searched the taller Laura's eyes a moment then kissed her lingeringly. "I don't want you to be hurt..." she sighed after they drew apart, her white dress swirling around her long legs.
"I'll be all right," Laura reassured her, reaching out to stroke the silky hair.
"Is there no other way?" Sala asked softly.
Laura gave her a wry smile. "If we were in your homeland I could just challenge my father, but here... no. So instead I'll stop the lecher, not necessarily the lesser of two evils," she explained with a little grin.
"What is your father thinking, wedding you to that wastrel?" Sala shook her head, leaning up against Laura's body.
"He needs me married to control my title," Laura admitted, "and fortune. He likely thinks he can keep a tight reign on Matthew and through him me."
"Gregory doesn't know you very well," Sala looked up at her with gentle adoration.
A grim smile tugged on Laura's lips, "He'll learn."
The morning sun shone down the courtyard as the figures emerged from the building, gathering on the dusty grounds. A crowd of observers had already gathered, eager to see the show and to witness what would likely become local history.
"Lord Eddings," Gregory nodded reluctantly, "thank you for agreeing to oversee the duel." A pause, "But I was wondering why you chose to do so, sir?"
Lord Eddings smiled slightly, her lined face softly lit by the morning sun, "I was there when it started, I'd like to be here for the end." A sudden smile, "And I'm always glad to see someone who plays the game well."
"You approve of what Laura's doing?" Gregory sounded disbelieving.
"She is daring, capable and strong willed," Eddings flashed a smile, "she'd make a better lord than that fop Matthew would."
There was a long moment of silence then Gregory reluctantly nodded, "Point."
To be continued....