The King & The Prince

Yield

Evelyn

   I lay in my bed starring at the ceiling, how would the meeting go? Has my father already told him about me? Would he tell my father I had lied to him? So many questions were running through my mind I didn’t fall asleep until almost morning. I woke to Mary shaking me violently ugh I had barely slept at all.

“Evelyn Harlow get up now! You have a meeting with the prince and your father in an hour’s time!” she was still mad about me waking her past midnight. The events with Prince Kane probably made her anger worse.

“I’m up Mary I think I can manage from here. I am truly sorry about last night I don’t know what came over me.” I really was sorry for dragging her into it, but at the time I was angry that the prince called me a w***e and needed to put him in his place.

“Evy, darling you should not have done that last night. Prince Kane could have your head for that little stunt.” Her motherly voice full of concern for me I knew that but if she knew why I did it she might act differently.

“Mary he accused me of being one of Sam’s w****s!” the words flew out of my mouth and Mary’s eyes shot open.

“Evelyn! Watch your tone young lady and besides it is over, now go and dress for your meeting. I think it’s best for you to wear another gown until your father speaks with the prince about your… situation.”   She had laid another one of Carissa’s gowns on the bed for me this one was a light blue.

“Yes Mary. Thank you.” I knew better than to disrespect the head maiden more than once in a day’s time. I took the bloody dress into the washroom and started to ready myself for what may very well be the best or worst day of my life.

Prince Kane

  I made my way down to Lord Harlow’s study, it was still early and only a few maids walked the halls. James sat alone behind his desk I expected Evelyn to be in here waiting for my arrival but she was nowhere to be seen.

“Good morning your grace, please take a seat.” Harlow was the first to speak he still seemed a bit nervous.

“James where is Lady Evelyn? I asked for her to be at this meeting this morning.” He had to sense my annoyance, hell I was ready to check on my men I needed to meet the man Sam had chosen and begin his training into the new commander.

“Evelyn should be here in a moment, would you like some tea while we wait Prince Kane?” James made his way over to the tray of tea and pastries and filled two cups.

“Yes I would thank you; hopefully she won’t keep us waiting…..” Before I could finish my sentence in walked the redheaded beauty. s**t this was going to be hard for me to sit in the same room with her, the tight blue dress she had on showed off every curve she had. It was so tight almost as if it was painted on. Her long hair was braided to the side, her eyes locked with mine when she caught me staring at her.

“I am sorry I am late your grace.” There was a hint of annoyance in her voice whether it was from my staring or her struggle to breathe in that ridiculous dress, I didn’t know so I gave her a smirk and nodded.

“Lady Evelyn please take a seat so we can discuss General Sam’s final days and who he has named as his successor.” I gestured towards the sofa to the side of Harlow’s desk. To my amusement she sat down slowly trying not to rip her dress at the seams, I took a seat next to her she was nervous now. We just stared at each other her green eyes locked onto my hazel ones.

“Your grace the general didn’t speak in his final days, he was in a coma state. Evelyn stayed with him day in and day out never leaving his side in hopes that he would wake, but he never did.” It was James who broke the trance.

“Lord Harlow before his accident did he mention who he was training to become the new commander? Did he have an apprentice or should I appoint someone from the royal army? I have a few good men who would be more than qualified.” I was trying to get to the bottom of who in the hell I needed to finish training, but he was holding something back.

“It is me your grace, I am General Samuel’s apprentice, and he has been training me for the past ten years.” Evelyn’s words took a few seconds to register in my head. This had to be a sick joke.

“Do you take me for an i***t? You want me to believe that Samuel chose this girl to be his successor? A bloody woman?” I yelled this was ridiculous I have never in my life heard something more absurd.

“It is true your grace, he has been training her since she was a child! She is as skilled as any man, I was against it at first a girl fighting with swords and lances but Sam convinced me she was something special and he was right. Evelyn is who he chose I swear to you.” Lord Harlow’s eyes never left mine the man was proud of his daughter. I glanced at Evelyn she was watching me carefully, how could Sam have chosen this beautiful woman to fight and lead men into bloodshed? I turned back towards James; I couldn’t continue looking at her when horrible images of her bloody corpse flashed in my mind.

“Have you lost all of your senses James? She is a woman! A woman cannot lead an army or train soldiers!” there was no way I could allow this to happen, I would have to appoint one of my men before word got out to the surrounding kingdoms and we became a target.

“I CAN PROVE IT IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR GRACE!!” Evelyn yelled she was pissed.

“Prove it? How will you prove it to me Lady Evelyn? Are you challenging me?” this little redheaded woman was getting to me.

“Yes.” She answered quickly. I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped my throat.

“Very well what is your preferred fighting method? Do you prefer hand to hand combat, long or short sword? I must warn you knitting needles aren’t exactly acceptable in short sword I’m afraid.” I saw anger rise up in red upon her face but she did not let it be heard in her voice when she answered me.

“I prefer the short sword, and I am afraid the only thing I know how to knit is chainmail. When would you like to spar your grace?” how did such a fierce voice come out of this pretty little thing standing in front of me.

“How about today m’ lady? Say an hour or so… would that be enough time for you to prepare yourself?” I was hoping this would be too short of a notice for her but my little redhead was full of surprises today. I glanced at James who stood shocked now in the corner of his study.

“Of course your grace I shall meet you in the barracks within an hour.” She made her way to leave and prepare for our sparring match but I caught her attention and she turned to face me I leaned down to whisper in her ear.

“I also prefer the short sword Lady Evelyn… good luck.” I walked past her down the hall and out towards the barracks to find Adam.

Evelyn

  One hour, I had one hour until I sparred with the bloody Prince!! s**t! I waited until Kane made his way out of the mansion before I ran as fast as I could in this damned dress to the stables to find Paul. If anyone could help me it would be Paul. The stable looked empty none of the young boys were around so I yelled.

“Paul? Paul where are you?” no one answered.

Where in the hell could he be this early? He should be here feeding the horses. I walked to the farthest stall, the moans told me I shouldn’t have looked but I needed to find Paul so of course I looked. I wasn’t shocked when I saw Carissa and a soldier I had never seen in a compromising position. The man hurried to pull up his trousers and run out of the barn while Carissa fixed her dress. She smiled like a child who just got caught sticking her hand in an apple pie.

“Have you no shame Carissa? In the damn stables really?” I wanted to be disappointed but I was far too used to her being a w***e than I liked to admit. Did I truly think she would behave just because prince Kane was here? No.

“Never mind I don’t care right now. I need to find Paul, I challenged Prince Kane to a spar for my position as commander, and I really need my swords and breastplate.” I rushed out the words while looking around for Paul.

“He is in the paddock tending to the prince’s stallion stay here!” Carissa ran out of barn and came back a minute later with a panting Paul in tow.

“What…what’s going on Ev?” he was out of breath just from that short run.

“I challenged the prince Paul, I need my armor and my swords I don’t have much time. I need to get out of this bloody dress as well!”

“Come this way EV.” I followed them to the very last stall on the left where my trunk was.

 Paul handed me everything I would need and stepped out so that I could change into my trousers and shirt. Carissa made short work of the dress like only she could and I changed quickly placing only my thin breastplate on my chest to give me more movement. I had to win and I couldn’t win if I could barely move.

“Ev, are you ready? I see a lot of people gathering at the barracks.” Paul was glancing out of the stable door, I stepped behind him.

 s**t he was right there were tons of people gathering around I could hear them talking about the Prince fighting someone but no mention of whom.

“Paul, I’ve never fought in front of a crowd before…what if I lose?” I wasn’t this nervous before but now I could feel myself sweat even in the cold air of the stables I was sweating like a sinner.

“Evelyn listen to me. You are just as good as any soldier, hell you are better if you ask me. And no I am not just saying that because you’re my best friend. So just go out there and remember everything Samuel taught you and use it. Show Prince Kane you are more than a pretty face okay?” he had my face in his hands and kissed my forehead like a big brother would.

“Thank you Paul I will do my best I promise. Where’s Carissa?” I hadn’t seen my sister leave but when I glanced outside again there she was standing by the prince himself.

He was in his shiny golden armor Carissa had her hand on his arm giggling about something… bloody w***e. I didn’t miss it when she headed off towards her handmaidens he gave her a wink. So he liked Carissa, if only he knew! Hell he had accused me of being a w***e and looked at me with such hatred it turned my stomach but here he is winking at the biggest w***e in Northwood!

“Over there being Carissa, don’t worry about her Ev, just focus and outsmart him. He is much taller than you and a lot stronger but he doesn’t know the little spitfire he is up against.” Paul laughed and we made our way towards the crowd.

Everyone stared at me like they had never seen a woman in armor before, maybe they hadn’t I had limited sparing partners that knew about me being Sam’s apprentice over the years and they were sworn to secrecy. Paul walked in front of me towards two of my supporters, in the corner stood Liam and Porter, Mary’s nephews. They had helped me over the years to master some of my skills Liam with the lance and Porter with hand to hand combat. The twins both had jet black hair and caramel skin and were around my height. They were two years older than I was but neither had married yet. Porter was a ladies’ man while Liam was obsessed with sweet Daphne the baker’s daughter. 

“You will be fine little dove, just breathe.”Liam tried to calm my nerves with Sam’s pet name for me as he rubbed my shoulders. Porter leaned down so only I could hear him.

“Kick his ass Evy!” Porter loved watching fights and being in fights if truth be told.

“I intend to.” I let my thoughts go to last night in the cottage when he called me a w***e that was going to fuel my fire today. I would walk out of this as commander of the royal army no matter what I had to do.

Prince Kane

  I watched her jump around like a jack rabbit she looked different in her trousers and shirt; I noticed she only had her breastplate on. She had thought this through, she knows she will have to be able to move freely in order to have a chance to beat me. I was at least a foot taller than her and could easily overpower her but I am going to see just how long the little redhead can last.  The horn sounded and Adam handed me my knives as I walked into the center of the crowd. Evelyn was already there waiting but I saw she only had a single knife, this would be easier than I thought. Even dressed in a soldiers garment she was still breathtaking, I had to shake the fact that she was a woman out of my head there is no way she can be the new commander. I would just have to fight her like any other opponent.

“Lady Evelyn has challenged Prince Kane for the right to become commander of the Northwood Army.” Adam was announcing to the crowd. Gasp and whispers were coming from every direction the people of Northwood were shocked they obviously didn’t know about Evelyn’s training.

“SILENCE!!” Adam yelled and they began to quiet down.

    Evelyn and I shook hands and took our stances; she had that down pat crouching like a tiger her eyes locked on me. I made the first move jabbing at her stomach she was quick to dodge it and get back into her position. I tried to take her by surprise and fake left but she read it and knocked my elbow with her knife. s**t I’m glad these are sparring knives she has a hell of a hit. I turn and our knives clash against each other. Over and over all you heard was steel on steel. Even surrounded by snow our bodies glistened with sweat, her loose hairs had curled up and stuck to her face.

   We were minutes into the fight, neither of us able to get the upper hand. Knives were still clashing as we danced in the middle of the crowd. She reacted like a true soldier dodging and dancing around so I couldn’t rush her. I took my leg and kicked the back of her knee forcing her to the ground but she had already gripped onto me pulling me down on top of her. Our knives were wedged between us I glanced down at her bloody nose and I attempted to get up but before I could move Evelyn had another knife at my throat. We stayed in that position neither of us looking away until she broke the silence.

“Yield…” she demanded. How in the bloody hell had this woman just beaten me! I just looked at her in shock.

“Yield your grace.” She spoke again her teeth were clenched, the blood from her nose was trickling into her mouth as she pressed the knife harder against my throat.

“I yield.” It was low but the crowd had heard it the sounds of shock had erupted around us.

   She removed the knife and I stood up, I turned to help her up but she had already stood her hand outstretched to me. I shook her hand without a word spoken between us we both turned to leave. The crowd was cheering loudly for Evelyn as she walked towards the man who had escorted her to the fight. Lord Harlow was standing at the back of the crowd with a smirk on his face, he was proud. Adam ran up from behind me, I was heading in the direction of his chamber to get cleaned up. I couldn’t go back in the mansion to get a change of clothes not with my ego bruised like this. I waited for him to point the way and we made our way through the door. It was messy just like Adam, he had clothes everywhere and books he had acquired from somewhere thrown on his bed.

“Damn Adam you could of at least had the maids put your clothes away.” This boy had a lot of growing up to do before we went back to the capitol.

“I am sorry your grace, I wasn’t expecting anyone to come in here.” He said as he started cleaning up tossing his clothes into a pile. I tore off my armor and sweaty shirt and took a seat by the fireplace. His face was pained like he was having an inner battle with himself.

“Speak your mind Adam, what is it that is bothering you?” sometimes he was just like a child.

“Hmmm… well your grace Lady… Lady Carissa approached me and asked for you to meet her in the library after General Sam’s burial this evening.” He stuttered out.

“In the library? She doesn’t seem like the type who enjoys reading but we shall both meet her in the library, I don’t want her to get the wrong idea if I go alone. From what I have witnessed Lady Carissa is not who she seems Adam, and I don’t want you to get involved in her web of lies. ” it was true she would eat him alive, poor little Adam wouldn’t stand a chance against the sultry woman that was betrothed to the King.

“Of course not your grace, I was just relaying the message for her. What do you mean she is not who she seems?” Adam was terrified now.

“Not a word leaves this room Adam but I believe Lady Carissa has been seeking the attention of other men and not saving herself for the King.” I believed it whole heartedly but I would need proof before I could approach my brother with my accusations. Roland knew I would be the only one to speak the truth of what Carissa was really like.

“That is treason Prince Kane!” he whisper yelled. I only nodded my head in response.

“Speak of it to no one Adam! I don’t need two scandals going on at the moment. I already don’t know how to approach Roland about Lady Evelyn being Sam’s successor, a woman as an army commander is unheard of even if she did prove herself today.” The memory of her bloody face flashed before me she was a force to be reckoned with of that I was sure, but I had no idea if Roland would accept a woman.

“Adam head to the mansion and get me a change of clothes find Mary she will show you to my chambers.” I needed a bath but I wasn’t about to head to the mansion yet.

“Yes your grace.” Adam hurried out the door to grab my things as I sat there wondering how in the seven hells had Evelyn beat me and how I would tell Roland I lost to a bloody woman.

I sat there letting my thoughts of the beautiful redhead consume me the way she bounced around matching me step for step. The way her hair stuck to her glistening face, even dressed in a man’s clothing I couldn’t deny the attraction I felt towards her. Not just her beauty but her determination as well, Sam had been correct Evelyn was special. A knock on the door interrupted my daydream, who in the hell was knocking on Adam’s door? I moved to open it and there stood Lady Evelyn, she had cleaned the blood from her face and had fresh clothes on.

“Lady Evelyn have you come to rub your victory in? Was it not enough you beat the crowned Prince?” I asked in anger this woman had some nerve coming to Adam’s chambers to insult me more.

“Of course not your grace, I just came to speak with you a moment. May I please come in?” her voice was strong but her face held a look of disbelief like I had accused her of killing a puppy.

I opened the door fully and motioned for her to enter before closing it though I had a look outside to see if she had anyone with her but she was all alone. I closed the door and turned to her, she must have only just noticed I was shirtless and she cast her gaze to the floor. I went back to my seat by the fire and motioned for her to sit across from me.

“To what do I owe the pleasure Lady Evelyn? Have you already made your way through the mansion boasting of your victory?” the words flew out of my mouth as I sipped on the ale Adam had left by my chair.

“Look, I know that you and I did not have the best first impressions of each other your grace and for that I am truly sorry. I should not have lied to you and acted like a child, it is not an excuse but I was angry. Sam used to say I needed to learn to tame my flames…” She let out a soft chuckle. I nodded for her to continue with what she came here to say.

“I want to thank you for giving me an opportunity today to prove myself to you. Most men would not take me seriously because I am a woman. There have been several who refused to spar with me because of it or hold back when they did. Thank you for sparring with me your grace.” The words she spoke were so genuine all I could do was stare at her letting them sink in.

She could be out there bragging to anyone who would listen that she had just beaten the Prince of Bellicus in a match, but she was in here thanking me for sparring with her. Sam was wrong special wasn’t the word to describe this woman sitting in front of me, she was so much more. God she was magnificent!

“You could be out there bragging to all of those recruits yet you are in here thanking me?”I asked I didn’t know what else to say to her everything she did surprised me.

“You are the only one whose opinion of me matters your grace, well you and the King himself. If King Roland allows me to become commander I will be under your command as you are the Royal Army General.” Evelyn’s voice trembled a bit as she spoke but I knew the reason, she had doubts of my brother’s acceptance of her.

“Roland is not my father Evelyn, he is a good king. He is stern when needed but not brutal, I will speak to him about you earning the right to the commander position though I would like to train with you more before his arrival to Northwood.” It was true even if it had been anyone else I would still have to train with them before they could be named commander. For the first time in my life I was looking forward to training. A small smile crept onto her face making all of her tiny freckles dance.

“It would be an honor your grace! When would you like to begin?”Evelyn asked her excitement evident.

“Training will begin tomorrow morning at dawn, we have time now as it is still early in the day but we must ready ourselves for Samuel’s burial this afternoon and to be honest I have had enough embarrassment for one day.” I couldn’t help the small chuckle that left my mouth.

The door burst open and Adam’s eyes widened and jaw dropped at the sight of Evelyn in his chambers. The lad never expected a woman to be seated in his room the look on his face was quite comical. I went and grabbed my shirt from him. Evelyn stood and bowed her head to leave she must not of wanted the young squire to get the wrong idea of why she was seated in his chambers with me.

“Thank you your grace I will be ready tomorrow morning. See you this evening in the grand hall.” She announced before walking out of the room. Adam never took his eyes off of her even after she was long gone. I snapped my fingers in front of his eyes.

“Adam snap out of it. She is just a woman you know.” I was not only lying to him but myself as well, Evelyn was no ordinary woman.

“Sorry your grace she’s just… just really pretty up close.” The squire blushed at his own confession.

“Yes she is.” I whispered.