Chapter 2: The Herald
Twelve years later...
Gabriella cursed her skirt as she tried to maneuver her way out of the tent without dropping the royal blue silk into the mud. She skillfully made her way across the tournament grounds, avoiding the puddles that had been created from the previous day's rainstorm.
"Gabby!"
She turned quickly to see Abigail approaching, her long silky brown hair blowing in the light breeze.
"Your mother is looking for you," Abbi said as she came up beside her friend.
Gabby groaned, none to thrilled at the idea of joining her mother with the nobles. "Would you care to switch places for the day?"
Abbi let out a slight chuckle and replied with a hint of sarcasm. "Come on my lady, the court awaits."
She dragged a reluctant Gabby toward the lists, amused by her friend's discomfort.
The two soon linked arms as they walked along the fence, watching as the jousting began. Gabby stopped, leaning against the fence. One of the knights caught her attention, his method surprisingly crisp and effective. As the daughter of a knight, she knew to appreciate the hard work that went into a joust. "Look at that form."
"Yes," Abbi agreed, studying the knight. "Quite fit."
Gabby turned toward her friend, laughing. "I was speaking of his jousting."
"I was not," Abbi replied, raising an eyebrow.
Both girls broke into peals of laughter as the knight tilted once more. Gabby scanned the area, finding a young man wearing the knight's colors standing not far off. She quickly called him over.
"Yes, my lady?" he asked, bowing.
Gabby rolled her eyes, frustrated by the formality. "Who is that knight?"
"Sir Anton of Kent, lady," he replied.
Gabby glanced beside her at Abbi, who was all but staring at the young man.
"And you are, good sir?" Gabby asked with a mischievous grin on her face, causing Abbi to stare at her in shock.
He looked between the two girls for a moment, his green eyes dancing. "Christian, my lady. I am Sir Anton's herald."
"Well," Gabby said, prying Abigail away, "It was good to meet you herald."
They were only a few feet down the fence when he called after them "Whom shall I tell my lord inquired?"
Gabby turned, smiling. "Tell your lord that if he is curious, he must find out for himself."
When the girls were at a safe distance, Gabby turned to her friend. "Need I ask what you think of his form?"
Abbi scoffed, but the color rising in her cheeks gave her away all too quickly. She laughed in spite of herself. "Your mother is waiting."