Penny tried to explain it to her again, "Look we've decided that, you should half your allowance until the repairs on the castle are done" she said it in a calm manner which was quite an accomplishment considering this was the 5th time she'd said it.
"You're abusing me, you wicked little wench, you want me to live in poverty while you and your husband take all the money for yourself, before you came along Leon understood that it was his duty to care for me in my old age."
Penny shook her head and tried again "We are giving you a fair sum for you to live off especially considering we provide all your meals"
"So you want to starve me as well, do you? Oh what have I done to deserve this?"
"Plenty" thought Penny but she knew she'd never have any peace if she said it out loud.
"It's a temporary measure and we've given you enough money so that you can buy 2 dresses and several items of jewellery every month"
"The money you've given me, wouldn't even begin to cover the cost of 1 dress let alone 2"
"Maybe if you looked at cheaper alternatives, you could make your money go further."
"Impossible, you would have me live as a peasant and wear rags."
"You won't be living as a peasant, the money we're giving you is 5 times what a peasant earns in a year and your allowance is monthly."
"I will not debase myself, when my husband was alive and before my stepson married a harpy, I wore the finest dresses, had the finest jewellery and the prettiest shoes."
It was true that both Leon and his father had let her have what she wanted so both of them could have an easier life but Penelope was determined to stand up to her, if they cut down on the money then they could finish the repairs so much quicker and invest in new mining equipment for the new tunnel she was proposing. So she decided to take on a new tack clearly appealing to her sense of compassion and logic wasn't going to work.
"You know, Leon and I have been discussing that while the castle repairs are done that you should stay with my sister in Alddell."
"Why would I want to stay anywhere with someone related to you"
Penelope bit her tongue and said "My sister is the princess of Alddell and I'm sure she'd be happy to take you to all the balls and parties and the Alddellian markets are famous worldwide"
"Do you think I'm stupid? I'm not going somewhere that openly practices magic, I don't care how many bachelors there are or fancy dresses." She then flounced of, presumably to tell Leon that his wife was trying to convince her to become a human sacrifice for some savage magic users. She didn't understand why the hatred of magic was so strong here. Several witches and wizards had passed through her town over the years, and they'd caused little harm and they also brought a great deal of joy when they arrived especially during samhain where they let magical lights into the sky and an invisible band played all night long.
She didn't understand why here magic was treated with such suspicion and paranoia, magic was like any tool like a pick axe or a sword. They could be a useful tool but dangerous at the same time. Leon had explained to her that magic had killed Uther's wife but she didn't understand why this incident led to his hatred of all magic. Leon said he didn't know either but he had seen the horror magic could inflict on people and it seemed a wise manoeuvre to stop magic from harming people. The fact that her sister was Princess of Alddell had caused some trouble for her, many people were suspicious of her manly because Alddell was one of the few kingdoms left that allowed the open practice of magic. Penny had tried to explain to her husband that if you properly police magic, it was no more dangerous than having a sword. Leon didn't know what to say to that and it was something they disagreed on.
However it was the only major disagreement after 6 months which was something, he appreciated her business sense and she was practically running the mine by herself which allowed Leon to take on more knightly duties. She quite liked being in charge of the mine and the castle registrations as long as she consulted Leon first and made sure it wouldn't cost that much. He was a bit disappointed that the castle repairs were going to cost twice as much as he wanted but she managed to convince him that if you want something to last, you have to use the best. She was enjoying being in charge for the first time in her life.
She also liked her husband to, he was more than just handsome, he was kind, courteous and quite intelligent. They had spoken of many topics in the last 6 months, the mine, art, music and politics. She was enjoying having a husband who could satisfy her need for debate and conversation. He also now satisfied her in other ways to. Admittedly their first time had been less than gratifying, it was painful and he was just so nervous it was amazing he managed to perform at all. According to her sisters, it takes time to know how to please one another so at first they concentrated on that and it was quite an experience for both of them figuring out how to push each other's buttons. It made her sad that he spent so much of his time at Camelot being a knight. She definitely missed him when he wasn't there but she wasn't sure if it was love. But she didn't even know what love was?
She went to her husband who was in the training ground, there was a great tournament in the prince's honour and he was determined to become second. This attitude annoyed her, why should he not try and come first but he explained that it was the prince's tournament and it was meant to be his day. Penny wasn't entirely sure of the prince deserved a whole day dedicated to him, he seemed to be the most arrogant pig she'd ever met admittedly she'd only met him once. Leon insisted that she needed to get to know him and that was another thing she liked about her husband his endless patience regarding the flaws of others.
Leon saw his wife and immediately broke into a goofy smile. He'd never felt more happy being married had given him so much more than he expected. He felt like he could talk with her about everything, she ran the house brilliantly; she even stood up to his stepmother, a trait he hoped one day to duplicate. He got off from his horse and kissed her; she was surprised and then started kissing him back with such force he ended up propped against one of the fence post.
"So, you're not mad at me." She said happily
"No"
"I made things, a lot worse between your stepmother and me." She admitted sadly, "she'd just not being reasonable, I give her money, I try to advise her on how best to use it and what do I get insults" She marched up and down in a way she always did when she was cross.
Leon found it quite cute, how her bottom wiggled slightly as she went to and fro. "Focus" he thought quickly, "Look she's being unreasonable, I completely agree but that's just her way"
"So you're not mad I tried to send her away."
"Were they actually going to sacrifice her?"
"Human sacrifice in Alddell has been banned for more than 500 years"
"Well that's good but I think we're going to have to live with her for the time being"
"But she's impossible"
"I tell you what, I've been looking into things and I've got an idea."
"Does it involve casting her into a fiery pit?" Penny said eagerly.
"No it involves you coming with me to Camelot, we can add the fiery pit if you want"
"Seriously you're taking me to Camelot" she smiled and then sighed "I can't go I have way too much work to do here, I have to organise the builders, oversee works on the new mines and I have to see to the town's need."
"They can live without you for a week, besides you have been working so hard since I've married you and I've decided you deserve a holiday"
"Are you going to order me to take a holiday?"
"No, I'd much rather convince you" he kissed her again.
"That might take a lot of work; do you think you're up to it?"
"I think I might be" he said trying to kiss her again but she stopped him and started to walk away.
"Where are you going" he shouted after her.
"To pack"
Leon laughed "I love you." He wondered if she heard him and then he realised, he'd said it and it wasn't a lie. He was in love with this amazing girl. She annoyed him, teased him but she made him happier then he'd ever been before. But she hadn't answered back. "It doesn't matter" he thought "She probably hadn't heard."
He then decided to track down his stepmother; it wasn't hard because she was at this point shouting at Bessie their youngest maid. It was hardly fair to pick on her, but she was the only one who was suitably terrified of her. Patsy was too old to care what his stepmother said Barbara had a great ability of not rising to her bait and staying calm in her presence, all his life he'd tried to master that ability. He still hadn't quite managed it so here she was picking on Bessie because her linen wasn't sufficiently clean.
Leon stepped in "The linen is fine Bessie; Please could you help my wife pack." Bessie grateful for the chance to escape went at once.
"Have you finally come to your senses and sent that witch away?" She said with complete disdain.
"No she's coming with me to Camelot for the tournament."
"Am I welcome on this trip?"
The honest answer was no but whoever said honesty was the best policy had clearly never met his stepmother so instead he said "Of course I wouldn't want you in this dirty old castle all by yourself"
"That would be utterly barbaric, uncivil and just plain wrong."
"Yes, I've decided that I am going to go to extra expense to make up for all the things you've had to put up with."
"I have had to put up with so much, but I've always had a saint's disposition."
"Yes" he said trying to sound sincere "I've acquired the royal guest room for you with all the luxuries you deserve."
"Oh that's wonderful, but where are you sleeping?" She said suspiciously
"Well I obviously can't afford to rent two royal apartments so I'm afraid me and Penny will have to share my Spartan accommodation in the barracks." He said with mock regret. He could almost see the cogs in her head working, on the one hand she wanted to be in the royal room but on the other she didn't trust Leon not to conspire against her when she was out of sight. Her paranoia and snobbery battled it out for a while but in the end her snobbery won. "I'll pack straight away" she squealed excitedly "Where's that blasted servant?" she shouted.
Leon sent Barbarta to deal with her which he knew would annoy her but he didn't care an as he got to his room he smiled.
She was in her nightgown; her hair was loose as it cascaded down her back. She looked at him "You didn't tell me you were bringing her."
She looked annoyed but it was so cute, he couldn't help but laugh and this caused her to look very unimpressed. "Look I've arranged it so that she'll be very far away from us"
"Well that's something, I guess" she smiled "You know you only convinced me to come with you, I never agreed to her coming, you're going to have to convince me."
"I would have been disappointed if I got you to come without convincing you"
/
Penny sat down in the stands watching the tournament. She was quite close to the royal box. She saw the Lady Morgan in a fine purple dress. She looked down at her own humbler dress and for a moment felt a ping of vanity. Uther was sitting next to his Ward and he certainly looked imposing. He was dressed in red royal robes and his crown glistened in the afternoon sun. Then there was a third person who according to Barbara was the head Witchfinder. The man responsible for maintaining Camelot's outlawing of magic. By all accounts, he was brutal. Apparently he had once ordered an orphanage should be burnt down because he thought it was being used a hideout by magic users. It turned out that it wasn't and many were disheartened that he'd never been punished. He didn't look evil, if anything he looked slightly average. He had auburn hair, brown eyes and a medium build. The only thing that stood out about him was his clothes. They were all black despite the hot day. They were clearly well made and he'd embellished them with red jewels around the nape of his neck. It was an odd combination but it certainly looked imposing.
Barbara was sitting next to her and she was glad of the company. She seemed excited and was telling her about all the knights. Who was on good form? Where they all came from? What family they came from? Penny was glad of the distraction but as the day dragged on. She didn't see the appeal of this sport and at first she was worried about her husband's safety. But as the day wore on. She saw how unnecessary it was. Her husband was at perfect ease in this world and he seemingly won every match without much of an effort. Barbara explained they face the weaker knights against the strong knights first to create more of a grand finale when the champion is crowned. She didn't really understand this tournament but her husband seemed to be enjoying himself and that was the main thing. She began to feel a bit queasy and decided to go to her room. Barbara looked disappointed at the prospect of leaving the tournament but Penny insisted she stayed and that she could make it back to the room unaided.
As she made her way back to the room. She wondered on the cause of her queasiness but put it to the back of her mind sure that all she needed was a good lie down and maybe some food, she had been sick earlier in the day. On the way she ran into the witch finder.
"Hello my lord" she said politely. She curtsied and then tried to leave but he stopped her.
"I don't believe we've been introduced" he said with a courtesy that didn't suit him.
"I am Lady Lambert, wife of Sir Leon" she said nervously.
"Lady Lambert" he said slowly. "Have you been to Camelot before?"
"No" she said struggling to keep a tremble out of her voice, it felt as if he took up the whole corridor and it made her feel really ill.
"It must be hard" he said gently whilst walking towards her "to be alone for so much of the time."
"I'm sorry my lord, I am feeling quite ill and I wish to leave."
He examined her and wondered whether he should take offence. She did look quite pale and he could see beads of sweat on her forehead. But that was a fairly normal reaction to someone has feared as him. He decided it wasn't worth pursuing her at this point in time but he did make a mental note of her. Her marriage was problematic but it posed no real obstacle to him. He was loved by the king and Leon was just one of the prince's knights and his word could easily beat the young knight but he didn't want it to come to that. If she capitulated, it would be better for the both of them.
She walked past him not daring to look back. She could feel him staring at her and had to fight the urge to gag. She made it to her room just in time. All of a sudden a tiredness came over her and as she lay down on her bed, she fell asleep.
"Wake up, sleepy head." Barbara nudged Penny gently. Penny stirred slightly and managed to direct her hand towards the noise.
"She might as well be a kitten" Barbara thought. She was tempted to let her sleep but her lord had ordered her to bring her.
"I'll be up in a minute; I just need to lie down for a sec." Penny said sleepily. Barbara smiled at her and decided to leave her to it. The lady Penny wasn't needed immediately and besides she'd had a long day. Barbara indulged herself with a yawn of her own. She wished she could sleep but she had her duties to do. She had to clean her master's armour, put out her mistress's clothes and sorts out her mistress's hair and cleans this room. She sighed and set out one of the dresses from the suitcase. It looked beautiful. Penny had spent 2 weeks making this dress. She laid it on the table and took a bottle out of her pocket.
"I wonder" Barbara said out loud.
"Wonder what?" Penny asked.
"I'm sorry I thought you'd still be asleep"
"I wouldn't miss the feast for the world besides I need to know who won don't I"
"This is only the first day, my lady. The whole tournament will take place over three days." Brabara said smiling
"I see, so my husband will spend most of the four days here training or being with his fellow knights."
"That's normally the way my lady. The ladies live on one world and the men the other. Until the sun sets and the feast begins and then he belongs to his love who has the power to offer him the thing all men want
"Oh, What's that" she said confused.
"Your favour" she smiled "Could you sit down so I can prepare your hair?"
"Yes, Barbara."
She sat down at the table. Barbara had already arranged neatly various hair appliances that she's bought normally Penny would do her own hair but she knew she'd needed to impress tonight, to show that she was not only capable of being a good wife but a respectable one as well. This was her presentation to the nobility of Camelot and although she was so minor that the attention would not be on her. She still felt scared.
"Don't worry" Barbara said conspiratorially "You'll be fine"
"How do you know that?"
"Because I know a little about nobility in all my years as a servant and the moment you mention that baby, they'll be putty in your hands." She said candidly.
"What baby?"
"The baby inside of you, of course" Barbara laughed but stopped when she saw the look on her face.
"I'm sorry, I thought you knew, I thought you were keeping at a surprise" the look of confusion on her face confirmed that she didn't. "You've been feeling ill for a couple of weeks now and you haven't bled in 2 moons."
Penny was stunned, Barbara was right of course and she'd known the symptoms of pregnancy, she didn't know how she didn't twig. She guessed because she hadn't thought to be pregnant be this soon. It took her eldest sister's a year for her to conceive. She'd only be a wife for four months and now she was pregnant.
"I have some medicine from Gaius. It should help the two of you get through this feast. Anyway your hair's done now"
"Thanks for everything" Penny said sincerely
"It's what I do, my lady" she curtsied and smiled. She looked at her mistress who was so young and soon to be a mother. She felt anxious for her mistress; she was still a child herself in quite a lot of ways. She pushed those thoughts aside. There are times to worry and there are times to celebrate and as she escorted her mistress to her husband and watched as they embraced. She realised that for the moment. Tomorrow didn't matter all that mattered was love and the look of happiness on their faces as they realised they were going to be parents. The rest of their lives ahead of them.
A/n Sorry for the delays guys. I am going to finish this but it's taking a while. Anyway hope you like this chapter and please review.