Author's Note: This story makes me think of epic adventures and romance. It's set in the medieval era and Bella will disguise herself as a male in order to enter the King's tournament. She is determined to win the prize money for her family. I would love to hear any ideas you may have, be it for the competition, interactions between characters, etc.
Let the story begin...
There will be a tournament in three days.
Pausing, I turn my head towards the voices. Percy nudges my hand with his snout, eager for the carrot that I'm holding. I give him his treat and run a brush through his mane, straining to overhear more of the conversation. With Percy munching so enthusiastically, I can hardly hear what is being said.
After glancing around, I remove my boots and creep to the barn window. My feet are silent upon the hay floor. Peeking outside, I see an old man holding a piece of parchment.
"Imagine what I could do with that gold," he says wistfully. "Surely then I could buy my own land."
I watch as another man snatches the sheet. Rubbing his chin, he squints at the writing. After a moment, he flings it to the ground with a scoff.
"Have you been partaking in our lord's cellar? It says that you must possess strength and skill. Only a fool would mistakenly think that you qualify."
Shaking his head, he grabs two nearby shovels and hands one to his companion.
"This would have been a golden opportunity in our prime, but how could we compete now with men so much younger?"
"You're right," the other sighs, "some days I feel that I'm no match for this manure."
They begin to walk away and I wait for them to round the corner. Hoisting myself onto a crate, I leap through the window. I retrieve the discarded parchment, shaking off a bit of dirt, and hurry back into the stable.
The royal insignia has been inked on the document. It says that the King will be hosting a tournament. Participants will challenge each other during combat. My eyes widen at the sum listed for reward. Surely there must be some mistake. One thousand gold pieces could support my parents for life. Excited, I scan the rest of the document. My focus narrows in on a word.
Men.
Why are they to be the only competitors? Gritting my teeth, I crumple the proclamation and fling it down. Percy takes a sniff then makes a grab for it. I snatch it back before it becomes his next meal and he makes a disgruntled snort. I hesitate a moment before finally unfurling it.
Suddenly the barn door opens. I shove the paper into my pocket. Slipping back into my boots, I give Percy a pat and move to the next stall. As I am laying out my tools, I hear the rattling of keys approaching. The smell of stale whisky permeates the air. I crinkle my nose at the odor.
Laurent enters the stall and saunters towards me. Sweat gathers at the nap of my neck. The horse pick is in my fist and I grip it tighter.
"You're looking delectable, Isabella," he leers. Licking his lips he adds, "as always."
His gaze begins at the hem of my dress and I can feel it slithering up my waist. It lingers on my breasts and my lips curl. I'm ready to storm away when his words stop me.
"Have you already cleaned the hooves on this horse?" he asks lightly. "I could have sworn you just got to this stall."
Shooting Laurent a glare, I continue working, but my eyes kept flicking to him. It's disgusting the way he lurks here, watching me when no one else is around. Choosing the hoof furthest away from him, I carefully examine it. I make sure to dislodge every stone and pebble I encounter. When Laurent grunts impatiently, I smirk, continuing to clean each hoof at this pace.
Finally only a single hoof remains and it's the one closest to Laurent. I attempt to squeeze my way past his body but his protruding stomach makes that impossible.
"Excuse me, sir," I grit out.
He lifts an eyebrow as though ignorant of what I am asking.
"Can you step aside? I need to clean that last hoof."
"Go ahead," he replies, gesturing to the horse yet making no attempt to move away.
I glance at the minuscule space that remains between the horse and his body. Laurent is already leering in anticipation. Grabbing the reins, I walk the horse in a tight circle. I hold in my snicker as Laurent yelps, having experienced horse rump in his face.
I hum pleasantly while cleaning the last hoof.
"My father will be retiring soon," Laurent sneers, wiping his chin with a cloth. "You'd be wise to secure your place before then."
"What are you talking about?" I demand.
He steps closer and has the audacity to reach for my cheek. I slap his hand away before he can do so. The glare that I receive from him is unnerving.
"Do you think you can prance around here as you like?" Laurent spits out. "My father only hired you out of pity. Once I take over, you'll get none of that from me."
"Who's to say that I'll still be here when that happens?"
Laurent laughs coldly.
"Where else would you go? Your father is ill and your mother is a laundry woman. There is no one else who would have you."
It is in moments like these that I loathe him. Raising my chin, I leave without another word. Laurent can shout for me to return all he wants, but he cannot force me.
I lift the skirts of my dress and start to run.
Author's Note: Review please!