"Charles."
"Your majesty."
"What has caught your eye?"
"Her. Who is she?"
"Oh Brianna Brice. She just arrived from Ireland."
"Is she here to be one of the Queens ladies?"
"Lady Brice doesn't take orders well."
"Your majesty?"
"She was sent here for her safety but I have heard of Lady Brice, I doubt it was for her safety."
"How so?"
"Come I will show you."
"Henry what is going on?"
"Come I will show you." Henry led his friend toward Brianna.
"Lady Brice."
"Your majesty." She said turning and bowing.
"Charles Brandon the Duke of Suffolk."
"Your grace."
"I wish a challenge."
"What would that be your majesty?"
"A duel of sorts. Show his grace your sword skills."
"If that is what you wish. I do not suggest in such a small space."
"No. Come outside." Henry said leading them to the doors. Many had heard their talking and followed behind the king and the Duke. Once they were outside Charles took off his coat and lay it aside and pulled his sword as Henry handed one to Brianna. Charles raised his sword and bowed to her.
"At the ready my lady." He said to her. Brianna did the same
They moved swinging the swords with each other, almost a dance as they moved around. Brianna moved her wrist and her sword cut Charles' cheek. Charles reached up and felt the blood and bowed to her.
"I yield my lady." Charles said lowering his sword. Brianna raised her sword and bowed as well.
"You did well your grace."
"Do you believe me now Charles?"
"Yes. You are amazing Lady Brice."
"Thank you your grace. Was there anything else you would be needing your majesty?"
"No, unless you would like to take her for a ride Charles?"
"Your majesty?"
"Any question."
"I believe I would enjoy that. Would you like to accompany me on a ride Lady Brice?"
"If his majesty wishes I will even join the next jousting tournament where no man would no who I was. Am I a joke your majesty?"
"It was not meant to be. Charles has been without anyone since his wife died, I felt you would give him good company."
"Then if it is company you wish I can do that." Brianna said.
"Then please come with me." Charles said holding his arm out to her. Brianna placed her hand on his arm and allowed him to lead her away.
"You dislike being told what to do?"
"Very much so. Did not like it at home do not like it here."
"Why are you here?"
"If I recall what I was told was for my safety. Not sure why, as you could see I can defend myself just fine. I am a warrior in my own right and men do not take kindly to women that can use a sword or a bow better than a man or ride better than they can. I am not a woman that needs to be saved."
"I can see that, but you must understand that there has to be a reason they felt you would be safer here than your home."
"None that I know. I have already told the king I can not be a lady in waiting to any woman, I have a great respect for Queen Catherine but I do not take orders well."
"What is he going to have you do instead?"
"I am just a lady of the court that is all. I thought you wanted to ride your grace."
"This walk is nice as well my lady. But if you wish to ride I can fetch us a few horses."
"No, it is nice to speak to someone that does not speak to me as a stupid woman."
"You are far from stupid, it is nice to find someone who is strong in both mind and body."
"Thank you."
"Come let me return you to the court."
"Not yet, we shall talk more." She told him. Charles nodded and continued their walk.
"It grows dark."
"I suppose we should return to the palace." She told him. Charles led her back to the palace and walked up to her chambers door.
"Be well my lady."
"You as well your grace."
Brianna bowed slightly and walked into her chambers and closed the door.