Sorry if the last chapter ending oddly. I have a vague idea on where I want the story to go, but since I'm writing this on the fly, I struggle to know where the chapters should start and end. I enjoy writing character interactions the most and oh-boy did I love writing this chapter! I hope you like it too!
Again, my medieval knowledge is fed to me by Google.
As Jane approached the kitchen she noted several servants exiting the area. They held baskets that were empty, which indicated to Jane they most likely had dropped of supplies for the extravagant meals needed for the ball. Jane worried her friend may be too busy to chat with her, but knew she might as well try. Opening the door to the kitchen, Jane was met with exactly what she feared: Chiefs, undercooks, and servants were all running around like there was a fire under their arse. Which, considering how hot it was in the room, there might as well have been. Jane loitered by the door and weighed her options. It wasn't going to get any calmer for the cooks until after the ball was finished. However, she wanted at least some idea on who her mother planned to marry her off to. "Especially if things don't go according to plan," a little voice taunted her. Shaking her head from the vile thought, she set her mind on finding Pepper. She caught a glimpse of her by the fireplace, glancing into a pot hanging over the fire. Jane rushed to cut her off before she could get back to work. In the process she nearly caused two undercooks to drop the sacks they were holding, but, luckily, nothing tragic happened besides some curses from the cooks.
"Pepper! I need to speak with you!" Jane practically yelled over the commotion.
Pepper jumped out of her skin and slapped her hand to her heart, "Goodness, Jane! What is it?"
"It's about the ball. Can we talk somewhere more private?" Jane motioned toward the door leading to the outside.
"Oh, um..." Pepper trailed off as she frantically glanced around, trying to assess the situation. "I think so, yes, yes, but I can't be kept away for long." She answered. Jane smiled and grabbed Pepper's hand before leading her out of the kitchen. Once away from the crowd Jane reluctantly released Pepper's hand as the cook took a deep breath, "It's good to take a break and be out of there." She said, wiping off sweat from her face with her apron. "Now, what was it you wanted to talk about?"
Jane knew she had to be careful talking to Pepper. Although she was her closest female friend, Pepper had a bad habit of gossiping and letting her mind wander. If she even got the hint that Jane could possibly be getting married soon, she would be far too excited to be of legitimate help. "Sir Theodor mentioned there were people of power coming for this ball. I was wondering if you knew of who exactly. It's important for a knight to be prepared in case anything should happen." Jane hoped her story sounded believable.
However, the facial expression Pepper wore informed her it was not, "Jane, there are important people every year and the event is always heavily protected. I am unsure what exactly you're looking for."
Jane galped as she felt her own sweat forming, "Are you sure there is no one in particular coming this year?"
Pepper stared off into the distance for a few moments, obviously thinking hard, "Just the usual, I'm afraid. Dukes, Margraves, Earls, and Barons are always present for this particular ball. Of course there are also all sorts of other wealthy and noble individuals as well..."
Jane sighed dejectedly, "That's alright. Thank you for your time Pepper," she said as made to walk away. However, Pepper stopped her by standing in the way, "Is there something you're not telling me, Jane?" hands on her hips. Jane awkwardly tried to step around her but Pepper kept moving back in front, "No, it's alright, really." Jane tried to defuse the situation. Eventually, Pepper grabbed Jane by the wrists and looked her dead in the eyes, "Jane, please. I can tell something is upsetting you. Are you in danger?"
Jane felt guilty at this point. Pepper's wide, beautiful eyes, portrayed genuine fear and love for her. Jane could feel tears prick the edges of her eyes. She didn't realize how afraid she was by the prospect of marrying a stranger until now. The tears were dangerously close to falling. The safety and warmth brought by her friend broke her walls down, "Oh Pepper, I wish I could just marry you and not have to worry about all this-" Her admission was enough for Pepper to understand the situation. She took her friend into her arms and hugged her tightly. Shock quickly melted into calm as she allowed the tears to flow. She returned the hug in earnest and Pepper combed her fingers through her hair. Jane wasn't sure how long the two of them stood there in an embrace. When they finally parted they both had tear streaks down their faces. After her atypical amount of silence, Pepper spoke, "Oh Petal, you should know I am always here for you. No matter what," She gripped Jane's hands as if she were about to slip away.
Smiling, Jane wiped the tears from her face, "Thank you Pepper. I'll figure this out, somehow..."
"You always do, Jane. There is nothing to fear," Pepper looked as if she wanted to say more but a call came from the kitchen for her. She muttered a short apology to Jane as she left to continue her work. Jane took a deep breath to help refresh herself from the interaction. She still had one more thing she needed to do in order to be as prepared as possible.
The last step in her plan was the most important, and that was talking to her father. Ideally, she wanted to talk him out of siding with her mother to marry her off. Considering her age and status, she knew it was a long shot. However, her father had a hard time saying "no" to her. Although she usually tried not to take advantage of this fact, today was an exception. Tracking him down was a little difficult, since he tended to float around where ever he was needed. Being a Chamberlain, he was needed by many. Today she found him by the back gate taking inventory of shipments coming inside and seeing that everyone was paid appropriately. There were a few merchants present, including Magus Breech. Jane groaned, knowing that meant Gunther was probably not far away. She suspected this was the thing he mentioned earlier he had to help his father with. As Jane approached her own father, she was able to identify that Gunther was luckily on the other side of the courtyard unloading crates from a wagon. "Thank goodness, he isn't in ear-shot." Jane came to stand near her father. Close enough to be noticed but far enough away to not bother his counting. She didn't understand how he could do this job everyday. Jane needed excitement in her life and being a knight helped to fulfil that desire. Flying on Dragon's back, patrolling around the countryside, sparing with squires like Gunther... "Can I get that weasel out of my head?" Jane scolded herself.
It had felt like ages before the Chamberlain was finally able to take notice of his daughter. She had given up standing a while ago and was sitting on a nearby barrel. "Jane dear, let's not sit on the merchandise," was the first thing he said to her as he approached. "Oh, sorry," she mumbled as she hoped off. Her father simply smiled and asked, "What is it you need, my child?"
"I was hoping to talk to you..." she paused, "about the ball." She put emphasis on the word in hopes he understood her meaning.
"Oh..." he turned away from her, as if he was too ashamed to look her in the eyes. "Of course my dear, you can talk to me about anything," He said this as he picked his log book up and waved the men on the nearest wagon to continue unloading.
jane knew by his actions he desperately did not want to talk about this but felt unable to dismiss her. Nevertheless, his attempt to ignore the brunt of the awkwardness pissed her off. Jane had also hoped he would speak to her in private but it seemed she would be out of luck. Letting out an auditable groan to signal her displeasure, she continued, "Father, I refuse to go through with it. How could you do this to me?" She avoided the actual subject but did not hide her anger.
Still refusing to look at her, "I am sorry Jane but my hands are tied. This is what is best for you." She doubted he truly felt that way.
"You know I will most likely be striped of my knighthood! Especially if whatever old man you pick wants children!" She bit her tongue and glanced back toward the direction of where she last saw Gunther. "Shit, I need to keep calm." She took a breath and continued in a softer tone, "What I'm trying to say, is that I am not a lady-in-waiting anymore. I am a knight, and most knights marry much later."
She waited for a response before she realized none was coming. This could only mean that what he wanted to say he felt he could not. Her shoulders slumped as she came to the conclusion this wasn't going her way. "Father, please reconsider-"
He finally turned to look her in the eyes. There was a sadness in them but they were firm. "I am sorry, Jane. This is something that I have little say in. Trust me when I say, I vouched for you. However, maybe... it's time to grow up." These words completely floored Jane. Was that what her father really thought about her knighthood? A child-like phase? She was speechless as she begun to back away from him. He reached out to her but she pulled away. She turned sharply around and attempted to look normal as she left despite an earth-shattering revelation just being dropped on her. Before she could make it out of the courtyard, the worst possible thing happened: Gunther Breech blocked her path. "Ooo, someone's pissed." He teased, giving her shoulder a poke. He must have recovered from whatever mood he was in earlier.
"Not now, Gunther." she seethed.
"Trouble frog-rider? I guess things can't always be perfect for you," he dismissed her warning with a wave of his hand.
That was the final straw, "This is none of your business!" she practically yelled, shoving his shoulder as she passed by.
"Actually, it is," He yelled after her, causing her to pause in her retreat. "First, you blaze through all the chores, leaving none for me. Now, you've been ignoring them, and me, all day! Are you aware you missed guard duty by the west gate today? I bet not!"
Jane wiped around, "Are you series?!"
Gunther no longer wore his iconic smirk, "What's going on, Jane?"
Part of her yearned to say something. She tried to convince herself she could trust him with this matter. He had proven himself multiple times that although he was hard on her, he always had her back if the occasion arose. "I-" she faltered, remembering all the times he invalidated her role as a knight. She knew he would never understand the plight she was in now. "I need you to leave me alone."