Chapter 1
"Evangaline! Wake up! There is much to do today." The overly cheerful voice interrupted my peaceful dreaming. Groaning I slowly opened my eyes and glared at the woman who woke me.
"Mia, let me rest." I said sleepily, pushing my face deeper into the warm embrace of my pillow. I felt a hand tear away my heavy blankets, exposing my body to the chilling air. Sighing in disdain I rose to a sitting position. My room was just coming alive to the morning rays. The heavy wooden door lay open, sending gusts of cold air into my stone palace chambers. The stained glass windows that stood elegantly behind my bed threw assorted colors around the chambers. I lifted my arms gently and stretched the sleep out of my muscles. Mia snapped her fingers at my face, drawing my wayward attention to her. Mia's hands were resting gently on her hips while she tapped her foot angrily at me.
"Well don't you look lovely today." I said with a smile. My friend definitely enjoyed her fashion. Today she wore an all green gown. The deep forest green brought to light her fair complexion. I noticed her corset was cinched tighter than usual, bringing attention to her curves. The folds of her skirt fell loosely around her, swishing as she tapped her foot. I brought my attention to her hair and felt jealousy rear it's ugly head in the pit of my stomach. Every time I saw her, I envied her rich black hair that shined like a raven's wings. Today Mia had her hair in curls. Some strands braided and pined back with jewels. Again I cursed silently her beauty. Black and brown hair was always considered beautiful. My golden locks seemed like a curse. I stood out like a sore thumb, lacking in beauty but making up for it in my status and warrior abilities.
"Evangaline! Focus! It's jousting day and you're far from ready. I have so much work to do with your golden hair and you leave me a mere 3 hours to do it." Mia complained. I giggled at her pouting expression, ignoring the anger I felt at her mention of my curse. I pulled a pillow out from behind me, sitting cross legged on the bed and put the pillow on my lap.
"Oh Mia, why you love jousting day so much I will never understand." I sighed. Secretly I knew exactly why. Mia was constantly asked for her favor. She always gave it away no matter who it was. As long as the knight requesting it was handsome and muscular. It aggravated me at how frivolous handing out a favor had become.
"Evangaline, you should enjoy it too. Plenty of knights ask for your favor. You're the one that keeps it hidden and out of reach. Will you tell me why?" Mia asked as she sat on the edge of the bed to listen.
"Well that's quite simple actually." I grinned and got comfortable to tell my tale. "For years a woman's favor is sought for. When a knight asks for your favor, it is not just a piece of cloth to toss around like a child's toy. It's a symbol of your honor and a symbol of luck. In granting a favor you are saying I wish you luck and hope that this token of myself brings you victory. You give them permission to fight for your honor. You see, jousting used to be such a noble sport for the most honorable of knights. It used to be a way for knights to show their strength and ability to the king and his people. Now it has become a contest for battle hungry men, looking for their next fight and the gold for being the victor. Where is the honor in that? When an honorable knight asks for my favor I will gladly give it to him. For a knight without honor is just a man in armor." I sighed in sorrow at the lost symbol of the sport.
"Let's get you ready so you can find you knight in shining honor." Mia giggled as she pulled me into my dressing room to perform her miracles.
After a shocking two hours, I was allowed to see what my friend worked so hard on. My attention was first drawn to the flowing gown Mia had placed on me. I found myself wearing a black leather corset with swirling golden embroidery. The gold thread was stitched in beautiful and elegant vines that meandered around my torso. The way it swirled brought out curves that I didn't have. I noticed Mia seamlessly attached sleeves of black lace that clung to my arm. At my wrist it dropped elegantly towards the floor but stopped at my knee when my hands were at my side. The skirt was similar to Mia's only was a rich maroon with the same golden embroidery that reached up from the bottom hem, stopping just above my knee. I drew my attention to my hair. The blonde locks that cursed my body was pulled mostly back into a bun with the exception of two long curls that framed my face. The curls reached down to the top of my corset. The rest of my hair was decorated with onyx and golden jewels.
Grinning I turned and faced Mia. "I have to hand it to you, you're a fashion genius! When did you get the tailor to make this for me?"
"Oh I know, you could call me a fashion goddess," Mia said arrogantly. "I put in the order a few months back after the last jousting tournament. Oh I almost forgot. I got a new favor made for you. It gold with maroon embroidery of your family crest. I added black borders to it so there wasn't too much gold. I also stitched your name in black. You know, I'm always jealous of your family's colors. The go so well together. No matter, I have a feeling everyone will see your favor in a knight's hand today. They'll just gasp at its beauty." Mia jumped up and down, absolutely giddy with her statement. She handed me the gold cloth and i tucked it away in the bottom of my corset. I choked back laughter as I watched her.
"I think they'll gasp merely at the fact someone actually received it." Mia gasped in mock horror and held a hand to her chest. I laughed and pulled her out the door. "Come on, let's ride to the arena ourselves. I haven't ridden my Friesian Dusk in such a long while."
Hand in hand we walked through my father's simple and humble palace to the royal stables. I thought about my father's death and my promise to him. The vague promise that i would find an honorable knight to marry flitted across my mind and circled around the thoughts of my upcoming 18th birthday. I'm becoming too old to be a maiden. I only half listened as Mia babbled about her newest crush on Sir Henry. If there is a knight of honor, let him find me this day, I prayed silently.
The ride to the arena was a peaceful one. I rode alone on my trusted horse. Mia begged to use my carriage. She claimed it would ruin her hair to ride in the open air. I had rolled my eyes at her and took off on Dusk after agreeing to let her use my carriage.
"Good afternoon Princess!" A villager said brightly as I passed through. I stopped Dusk and grabbed their hand in greeting.
"Why hello Farmer John." I said politely. "How are you this wonderful day?"
"Oh I'm just putting together my market cart. The best sales happen one joust day." He said with a grin. Some of his teeth were missing and he had a gruff appearance but he was the kindest gentleman I've ever met. His soul was pure with made him more beautiful than Lady Mia.
"Oh yes I bet. Everyone loves something to eat while watching horses charge and men beat their chest in defiance."
Farmer John chuckled. "Speaking of horses, who is this fine fellow you're riding here today." He asked while patting Dusk's neck.
"This is Dusk. He's the swiftest horse in all the land and I've yet to meet a horse more loyal than he." I said proudly. Dusk nickered his approval and gently tossed his head.
"I bet you've been offered a pretty price for him many times." Farmer John said kindly.
"Yes, indeed I have. I would never sell my dear horse. He's the last thing I have of my father and there is not greater horse than Dusk here. No jewel in all the land could buy this horse from me."
Farmer John smiled so large I thought his lips would split. "I would dare say you're as loyal to him as you are to your people. We've never had a better princess. You even know all our names."
"That is very kind of you to say. I do what should always be done. I am know better than you. The kingdom is only as strong at it's people. Now i do apologize for leaving so abruptly but I must be off. I am to be at the Tournament before the Dukes and Ladies arrive. I do hate to keep them waiting. Only the knights are allowed entrance until I arrive." I waved politely to the Farmer and urged Dusk into a swift gallop. Dusk charged all the way to the arena at a blinding speed. Luckily only one Duke had arrived before me. I entered quickly and put Dusk in his personal stall. Once he was taken care of I left to the stands. Quickly i found my seat designated to me and made sure Mia and other Ladies had a place near me.
The smell of sawdust and manure wafted around as knights warmed up their horses. They trotted and used dummies to practice their lance thrusts. The atmosphere was comforting and soothing. I closed my eyes and listened to the sounds of joust day. People began to trickle in but i kept my eyes closed, listening intently to the scrape of dirt under the horses hooves. I sighed and smiled. If nothing else, this was the reason I went with Mia to watch the jousting tournament. A gentle cough broke through my trance. I opened my eyes to find a tall man in black armor standing in front of me. He took his helmet off and I could see his shaggy black hair sweeping across his forehead. Cobalt blue eyes pierced into mine. His skin was tan as if gently kissed by the sun. He had a strong jaw but other than that had soft, gentle features. He smiled gently and gestured to the seat beside me.
"May I sit for a moment?" His voice was like blood and chocolate. Dreamy and smooth with a sense of danger hidden within.
"Yes of course." I tried to keep my head clear but there was something about him that takes me off guard. Come on Evangaline! He's just a knight, get over yourself! why are you acting like this? I scolded myself. Just within earshot i heard knights snicker and say that the black knight would never get my favor.
"I am Sir Hunter, the black knight of old." Of old? He looked like he was merely 20, I thought to myself. Staring into his blue eyes i found myself trapped in their depth. I mentally shook myself and found my voice.
"That is quite a strange name kind Sir."
"Yes well, my father treasured this name so I wear it proudly. What may I call you my fair lady?"
"I am Princess Evangaline, Sir Hunter."
"Well Evangaline, I am sure you know what I really came here to talk to you about. If you don't mind, I prefer to ask in the old fashioned way. It is...well... more honorable to request a lady's favor in the ways of old." He grinned and my breath caught. I'd never seen a more perfect smile.
Before I could stop myself, I spoke my mind. "Sir Hunter, you should know I've never given my favor to any knight before. The mere fact being that there is no meaning behind it. It has lost the symbol and men come here requesting it just because it's what's done. Why do you believe you are different?"
"It is truly sad that this has lost meaning. I haven't come here just because it's what's done. I come here because I truly wish to fight in honor of you. I want your favor for luck and your blessing that you hope for my victory. This isn't a piece of cloth to me. It is so much more as it always should be." Hunter moved and knelt before me on one knee. He gently grasped my right hand and pressed it to his forehead. "Dear Evangaline, Lady of gold and black, I request your favor to fight with honor. Not only for myself but for yours as well. Do you grant me such a gift?" I smiled as i listened to his request. Was this an honorable man sitting before me? Do I give him my favor and hope that this is true? Have the gods answered my prayer to find a knight of honor? Or is this too good to be true? I warred silently with myself as the knight knelled before me. My father had asked for my mother's favor the very same way. Finally coming to a decision i answered the waiting man.
"Yes Sir Hunter, I do grant an honorable knight such as you mine favor." With my free hand I pulled out the gold cloth, kissed the center, and placed it in his right hand. He looked up at me and kissed the hand he still held.
"Thank you fair maiden. I shall fight in honor of you."
"Go with my favor and blessing of luck." Sir Hunter rose to his feet and bowed to me. He then walked back to the battlefield clutching my favor to his heart before tucking it away in his chest plate. I looked around at the few people that had arrived. Everyone was gaping openly at the black knight. He was the first knight to ever gain my favor. People cast him glances like he was a god among us.
Just then Mia ran up to me in a rush of pleasure. "Thank God above! Sir Henry asked for my favor! my heart is going to leap out of my chest." She squealed in delight. I giggled at her but my wayward mind remained on Sir Hunter, my knight of honor.
I know that look. You're distracted. What's on your mind Eva?" The use of my nickname brought my full attention to my friend.
"It could be because that new hunk of a knight, Sir Hunter, has gained little Eva's favor." Allison's sassy voice carried to us as she strode up in her sky blue corset and pure white skirted gown.
"Allie, it's been ages. We must go jumping again, I do miss out field days." I tried unsuccessfully to change the subject.
"Oh my! You're smitten! Looks like you found your knight in shining honor." Mia whispered excitedly.
"Come now. It is merely a favor, nothing more." Mia glared at me. She remembered my little speech from this morning. I turned to my thoughts for I knew I was stricken, I just didn't want to admit it. Was there such a thing as love at first sight? Was I just deluding myself? I'd have to get to know this mysterious black knight.
"No, it's not merely anything. Your father made you swear to him that you would not marry until you are 18 years old. You've nearly completed that because your birthday is in a few months. He also made you swear to use your judgement and hand out your favor only to honorable knights. Only the men who gained your favor can ask for your hand. This Sir Hunter just became your only suitor." Allison said. She was always direct and serious. I only admitted to myself that the thought of Sir Hunter made my stomach flutter.
"No more discussion ladies. The tournament is about to begin." A squire announced as he walked past.
Today's competing knights trotted out to the center of the arena. There were only six who would battle today making this an unusually short tournament. The knights wore colors of green, blue, white, red, gold, and of course black. I went through the list in my mind of who each knight was. The green knight is Sir Henry, the blue knight is Sir Jacob, the white knight is Sir Gabriel, the red knight is Sir Mark, and the gold knight is Sir Seth. These men had been competing for several years. I could only hope that Sir Hunter would be able to best these great men.
The knights held out their lances which momentarily had favors tied to the ends. It was a salute to the women who would be fought for. Those who didn't already know, gaped in shock at the sight of my distinct favor in the possession of Sir Hunter. The golden cloth billowed gently in the slight, gentle wind. I blushed and turned my face away when several spectators went from gaping at the black knight to gaping at me.
Sir hunter opened his face guard and grinned at me. i smiled shyly in return. My attention was drawn to the announcer as his voice rang out into the crowd. He stood in front of the knights holding a scroll out. He was a short stout man with a loud booming voice.
"Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen. With a special greeting to our Princess who watches in behalf of her Uncle our King." There was a loud applause at his statement. "Yes, our princess is lovely isn't she. Can't say much about our king though." Laughter swept through the crowd. I smiled at his gentle teasing. My uncle ruled with an iron fist and had so many battle scars it made his countenance a terrifying sight to be seen.
"On to the the favors and order of fighting shall we? The green and white knights will battle first today on this fine afternoon. Sir Henry has been gifted the favor of Lady Mia so he fights for her honor. Sir Gabriel has earned Lady Emily's favor and thus fights for her." The knights lifted their lances and tapped them against their shield in another salute to their women. "The prize for either victory will be granted at the end of all this afternoons jousts have taken place. the prize will remain unknown until granted. Let the joust begin!" the announcer rand off to safety while the knights proceeded with routine.
The knights of blue, red, gold, and black trotted of on their steeds to wait for their chance with a lance. Sir Henry and Sir Gabriel took position on the fence. Patiently they waited for the signal to charge. A sword struck the shield with my family's crest. The ringing of metal stretched out and signaled for the start of the battle. The horses reared and leaped into action, carrying their load at a descent speed. Charging to the center line the knights prepared. The suspension of whats to happen gripped the crowd and it seemed as though time stopped. None knew what was doing to happen and was forced to watch in anticipation. The knights lowered their battle weapon just in time to strike. Only one struck true. The green knight was thrown off of his horse in a perfectly placed blow from Sir Gabriel, an instant win. Mia pouted prettily but remained optimistic in the coming fights. Sir Gabriel got off his horse and helped Sir Henry off the ground. When Sir Henry was standing, they crossed their arm over their chest and bowed to each other in respect.
Sir Jacob and Sir Mark returned to their original positions and held up their lances with the favors still tied. Behind them squires worked quickly to clean the field so there would be no injury to the horses. The announcer's voice pulled the crowd back to attention and silence. "Sir Jacob will be fighting for Lady Allison, as he earned this lovely lady's favor. Sir Mark has gained Lady Christi's honor and so fights for her. It is a wonder how these knights can perform so perfectly with the pressure of doing it for a woman." The announcer moved off and the knights saluted before tucking away the favors and getting in position. Just you wait announcer. One knight has more pressure than them all. You're in for quite the show. I thought smugly to myself.
The sword rang out once more and action resumed. It was quite beautiful watching the horses race fluidly, wearing their masters garments like a curtain. Lances broke and splintered unevenly. Sir Jacob won with three solid hits to the chest plate of Sir Mark. The red knight rode off proudly, for he remained atop his valiant steed.
"Next is the fight of the day! The greatest jouster ever to grace this field Sir Seth is fighting for his wife Lady Isabelle. Just as any husband should. His opponent is the new kid in town. This 20 year old is from the long line of noble black knights. His family led kings into battle and offered their lives so the king could live on. He may be new but he has a lady's favor already. The black knight will be fighting for..." The announcer broke off. "Is this right?" I heard him ask a squire. The squire nodded quickly with certainty. The announcer straightened and spoke once more. "Well this knight proves to be most shocking. He will be fighting for our lovely Princess, Lady Evangaline." the announcer paused and the crowd broke out into applause.
"This new mysterious man has been the only one successful in gaining her favor. Let us hope he can ride and knows how to joust." the crowd laughed and waited for the sword. The intensity of anticipation made it almost impossible to breathe.
The signal was given. Horses charged, dirt flew in all directions, and the intensity only increased. My breath caught in my throat as I watched the scene unfold. It was as if time stopped and the horses seemed to move slower. The lances came down and struck. Sir Hunter broke his lance on Sir Seth, earning his first point. Squaring up again, their lanced were replaced. They nodded to each other and charged yet again. The barreled down beside the separator fence, each intent on winning. The only sound you could hear was the heavy breath of the horses and their rhythmic footfalls. My black knight struck true once more, knocking Sir Seth off his horse. I breathed a sigh of relief and had a moment of joy. The black knight stood victorious before helping the gold knight. they saluted each other and bowed. That joy quickly turned to fear and regret as i realized what winning meant. Sir Hunter could ask for my hand, he could ask me to be his bride.