Jeanna laughed. “Valerie, you can be a lady and a knight, you know.” She fiddled with a lock of Valerie’s hair that had escaped what must be hundreds of pins.
“Jeanna, you are the queen of Mor. You can do whatever you want to do.” Valerie fiddled with the gems at her throat. “I’m a knight, or I will be. I don’t have time to be a lady. And, even if I did, I wouldn’t know how to be a lady.”
Jeanna hugged her fiercely. “You would be surprised how much of a lady you are.”
Jeanna took Valerie’s hand and, together, they walked to the doors of the Great Hall, followed by Jeanna’s four lady’s maids and two guards. Outside the door waiting for them, were Edmond, Valerie’s father Henry, and a maid who was holding Edmond and Jeanna’s son, Daniel. Edmond and her father both smiled warmly at Valerie and Jeanna. Henry nodded to Valerie and she knew he was proud of her. Valerie could hear music coming from the other side of the door.
“You both look beautiful,” Edmond said, kissing Jeanna on the cheek.
“Where are the other council members?” Valerie asked.
“This entrance is family only.” Her father smiled, putting an arm around her shoulders. She put her head on his chest, the headache of the hundred pins already beginning.
Edmond nodded to the guard at the door and Jeanna took baby Daniel from his nurse. The guard knocked on the door and a few moments later the music stopped and the doors were pulled open from inside.
Heat wafted out and Valerie regretted the long sleeves on her dress, but at least the neckline was not horribly high. Behind the herald and guards, Valerie saw the hall decked out in more decorations that she had ever seen, even for Edmond and Jeanna’s wedding. The chandeliers burnt bright and garlands of flowers hung from them and the columns. Valerie could see the tops of people’s heads. Tiaras and hairpieces winked in the candlelight.
“Are you ready?” Henry asked Edmond. He nodded, suddenly sombre.
Henry nodded in return and took his place at the doorway. Valerie stood beside him. Jeanna and Edmond stood behind them. Henry took his daughter’s hand and squeezed it gently before placing it around his arm. Valerie felt very self-conscious and smoothed her skirts unnecessarily. Her father patted her hand and kissed her head.
The herald looked to them and, seeing they were ready, turned to the gathered crowd.
“Announcing Prince Henry Redford, Duke of Merrimont, and his daughter, the Princess Valerie.”
Valerie cringed inwardly, but allowed her father to guide her through the doors. There was a polite smattering of applause and Valerie desperately searched for Jonathan’s friendly face. As she searched, she passed over the faces of her fellow trainee knights. Stupid Lord Dermot deWynstryngham was looking smug and talking to Lord Albert Danvers and Lord Peter Fewler. Valerie was not sure that his entire lack of interest in her entrance was a good thing and she found herself wishing he would look at her.
As she concentrated on walking down the stairs to the hall floor, she finally found Jonathan. He was, of course, sitting with the musicians. His master was the lead musician, playing the lute. Another one was playing the flute and another was dressed as a singer. Valerie wondered what Jonathan’s role would be other than supporting his master, but then she knew very little of the life of a minstrel. Jonathan had never talked a lot about his training, but would only play her songs as he learned them.
She smiled as she watched him. He was dressed in the typical colours of his profession. His leggings were blue as the summer sky, his red shoes were pointed, his bloomers had big blue and red stripes, his shirt was the palest blue Valerie had seen, and his doublet was a deep crimson. His blue hat sat askew on his head, the red feather looking slightly ruffled. But a smile played on his lips and he looked carefree and where he belonged.
Valerie and her father, now at the bottom of the stairs, stood for a moment to let those gathered look at them a bit longer, then stepped to the side to await Edmond and Jeanna’s descent.
“Announcing his royal highness the Crown Prince Edmond Redford, his wife the Princess Jeanna, and their son Prince Daniel,” the herald called. Valerie was always impressed how loud he was and how far his voice carried. Then again, that was why he had the position.
There was another, slightly more enthusiastic, round of applause for her cousins and Valerie could hear whispers proclaiming Jeanna’s beauty and admiring her dress. Valerie felt a twinge of jealousy, knowing that very few people would have been proclaiming her beauty and fashion sense. At most, they would have been acknowledging she looked nicer than usual. Valerie squared her shoulders, promising herself to shake off her uncertainties and enjoy herself, if only for Edmond’s sake. He had lost his father only recently and was to be crowned on the morrow; this night was about him and not her self-consciousness.
Edmond, Jeanna and Daniel stopped at the bottom of the stairs. Jeanna beamed widely. Valerie had no trouble seeing why she was so beloved by the people, she exuded warmth and kindness, and Valerie knew that there was no falseness in her demeanour.
Edmond raised a hand and Jeanna passed Daniel to his nanny. There was quiet, except for the soft background music.
“My lords and ladies, my family and I would like to welcome you and thank you for being here tonight, especially on such short notice.” Edmond looked around the room, smiling. Valerie knew he was trying to make eye contact with as many of his guests as was possible. “Tomorrow is for formalities, but tonight is for celebration and enjoyment. Please eat, drink, dance and be merry. Remember my father this night, his generosity in life and his sacrifice for his people. Look forward to the health of our country and her people. And start putting together your questions and complaints,” there was polite laughter here and there, “as I will have my first sitting tomorrow afternoon.” He nodded to show he was finished and the crowd burst into applause once more then began dispersing.
Couples broke off and began to dance as the music grew louder. Edmond strode purposefully through the crowd, greeting this noble and that. Jeanna and Henry did the same, moving off in different directions. Her family was like a well-oiled contraption, moving in synchronicity, all doing their duty and being the gracious hosts. Valerie felt at a loss; Jonathan was working, and she was nowhere near important or well-known enough to welcome guests. Her father did it as much out of habit as much as being Edmond’s father-figure and the eldest in their line now. And Jeanna? Well she had always seemed born to the life of a queen.
Valerie shuffled over to the side of the room, trying not to get her dress stepped on or caught on the decorations. With her back firmly against the wall, Valerie took another look around the room. She sighed with frustration at seeing the food table was directly in front of her against the opposite wall, with scores of people between her and it. She felt her stomach rumble and knew it was only doing it because the food was so far away.
People passed Valerie and smiled politely. Everyone obviously knew who she was, but only four people in this room actually knew her, and they were all busy. The other trainee knights went past her often. They always acknowledged her, but not one asked her for a dance. Valerie was used to this and part of her was glad. She was not convinced that she could manoeuvre herself in her skirts as well as not step all over her partner’s feet. Still, she wondered if anyone would ever think of her as anything but the tomboy knight-in-training. Once again, she squared her shoulders, resolving to stop pitying herself. She only had herself to blame and, if she was honest with herself, she did not relish the idea of anyone wanting to court her. She knew it was expected of her one day, to get married and have children and a small part of her was starting to wish for it. But there was plenty of time and she would not give up her dreams of becoming a knight.
Her stomach rumbled again and she decided to edge her way to the food table after all. She skirted around the walls of the hall, excusing herself as she went and trying to maintain some control over the swish of her skirts. She silently cursed Jeanna an
d her enthusiasm for clothes, wishing she had just let Valerie have the simple dress she had wanted.
Valerie was looking behind her, trying to unhook her skirts from the clutches of a trail of ivy when she bumped into someone. She felt the blood rush to her face as she turned to face them.
“Lady Valerie.” Of course it was stupid deWynstryngham.
“Lord Dermot.” She curtsied awkwardly as he bowed gracefully. Valerie noted it was a much more station-appropriate bow than his usual ones.
“Apologies, my lady. I will watch where I step in future.” He bowed his head.
Valerie felt a sudden rush of annoyance that she should be treated differently in this room than on the training ground. She sighed. “Dermot, you know it was entirely my fault. Drop this…deference act.” Dermot actually smiled, a proper genuine smile that Valerie had not seen aimed towards her before.
“I understand dresses are more cumbersome than pants. But Princess Jeanna seems to have no problems with her clothes.”
Valerie rolled her eyes. “Unlike me, Jeanna is a proper lady,” she muttered without thinking.
Dermot laughed. “That as may be, but I doubt she would be as useful with a weapon.” He looked past her. “Excuse me.” And he was gone.
Valerie was at a loss for words. She had just been insulted and complimented in one sentence, and she found she was pleased with neither coming from stupid deWynstryngham’s mouth. She scowled and resumed her shuffling to the food table.
Once she was in front of it, she stared at the selection, not knowing what to eat first. It all looked so delicious. She wondered how long the cooking staff had needed to create such a spread. She hoped – and expected – there would be plenty left over for their supper.
“You look somewhat awkward,” a voice breathed in her ear.
She jumped and turned around to find Jonathan standing behind her. His brown eyes sparkled as he looked at her and he was smiling broadly. This made a wonderful change to his features and Valerie regretted she saw him like this so rarely. Though an attractive young man, when he was like this Valerie could see why all the village girls trailed after him like lost puppies.
“Thank you, that’s very kind. You look lovely as well.” Valerie scowled, hands on her hips until someone bumped into her elbow and she put her arms awkwardly by her sides.
He laughed one of his rare, pure laughs. “Do not misunderstand me, Val. You look amazingly beautiful. You merely look uncomfortable.”
He put his hand on her arm and she wanted to hug him, but knew that was slightly inappropriate for the occasion. Growing up was hard. You were no longer allowed to do the innocent things you did as a child because it could be misconstrued. Why everything had to be about romantic entanglements with adults, she would never understand.
“Have you danced with anyone yet? I noticed Count Wilmont’s son has been staring at you since the big doors opened.”
“Count who with the what now?”
Jonathan smiled and shook his head. “Just a count, with a son who seems to think you’re something worth watching.”
“I am not just some object,” Valerie huffed.
He took both her arms in his hands and leant down to look her in the eyes. “Val, I know. I was merely saying it looks like he’s attracted to you.”
“He’d be the only one,” she grumbled.
Jonathan’s face fell and his eyes lost their sparkle. He looked at her very seriously, the grip on her arms tightening slightly.
“Val, don’t you believe that. You are beautiful and I have no doubts that many people here would say the same.”
“Out of propriety maybe. But everyone knows me well enough to know I look foolish like this.” She gestured to her dress with its stupid giant skirt.
He shook his head and straightened. “That is simply not true. A man can think you look beautiful like this and still know you to be beautiful with a sword in your hand and dirt all over your face.”
“Then why does no one ask me to dance?”
Jonathan looked at a loss for words. Another rarity. “You know I would if I could.”
Valerie laughed. “Yes, you are always there to save me from embarrassment. And I do thank you for that.” She touched his arm gently.
Jonathan smiled, but the sparkle still had not returned. “Of course, Val. I must always save you from yourself.” The current song finished and Jonathan turned around. “I must get back to Hugh. He will want a break and I’ll need to take over.”
“You’re playing tonight?” Valerie smiled.
“Yes. Hugh thinks I’m ready, though I’m very nervous.”
“Not surprising, it’s your first proper performance. But I know you’ll do great!” She decided to throw away propriety and hugged him, kissing his cheek quickly and hoping no one noticed.
She could have sworn his face went a few shades pinker than usual and he smiled. “Thank you. I will see you later.” He touched her shoulder and rushed off.
“Good luck!” she called, then felt another body at her side.
“Less informed men might think he is your sweetheart, Princess.” The man bowed.
He looked to be in his mid-twenties, quite handsome in a serious sort of way. He had black hair and brown eyes, and dressed in the manner Jeanna said was all the rage in other countries – though she constantly bemoaned the fact she could not persuade Edmond to dress as such. He smiled at Valerie, and looked very sure of himself. He looked at her in a way that she did not think anyone had ever looked at her before. His eyes glinted, but she saw no warmth in them as she did in Jonathan’s. Instead he looked more like a wolf trying to reassure a sheep he would not eat it.
She curtsied. “I was not aware any man wanted to be more or less informed,” she replied.
“Lord Carlisle Wilmont, eldest son of the Earl of Monshire.” He bowed again.
“La–”
“Yes, I know who you are, Princess. I have been speaking to Prince Edmond and your father.”
Valerie was taken aback. Not only did she hate being called princess, but she did not think she liked strangers discussing her with her family.
“I see. And what did you speak about.”
“Nothing of import. But enough was said that I know you are not being courted.”
Valerie almost snorted with surprise, but turned it into a well-timed cough. “God, no.”
Lord Wilmont looked surprised for a moment, then smiled. He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted as Edmond came squeezing through the crowd.
“Wilmont, have you got a moment.” He sounded almost bawdy to Valerie, then he saw her and visibly sobered. “Val, I see you have met Lord Wilmont.” Edmond smiled between them.
“Yes. He seems nice, but I won’t keep you.” She curtsied and turned, hoping not to bump into anyone else that night.
Finally alone, she reached out for a bun.
“Val, dear. Why don’t we have a dance now Jon’s playing?” Her dad appeared at her shoulder.
She swung her outstretched hand – so close to that bun! – into her father’s and he swirled her into the crowd.
Dancing with her father gave Valerie time to listen to Jonathan’s performance. It was a nice song, not too slow or solemn but not too upbeat and improper for the audience. Valerie wished there would be more songs with lyrics at these festivities, for she loved to hear Jonathan sing. She seemed to remember his voice had sounded like a strangled cat when they were younger, but in recent years his voice had softened and was a true pleasure to hear.
Henry was not one to talk while dancing and, of that, Valerie was glad. It gave her more time to focus on her steps. Dancing with her father had always been easy because he was the one who taught her. She knew how he moved far better than she knew herself – probably more because she was so hopeless than anything else – and he knew how to accommodate her clumsiness.
As they danced, Valerie watched her father. Sometimes, he woul
d close his eyes and she knew he was thinking of her mother. He often told Valerie how much she looked like her mother. Valerie had always doubted it – everyone who talked about the Lady Anne raved about her beauty, her sophistication and her accomplishments. Valerie had none of those things, no matter what Jonathan said.
Valerie danced with her father for almost three full songs, plenty long in her book and her feet had started to ache. She excused herself as gracefully as she was able. He smiled, kissed her forehead and bowed. She curtsied and hobbled to the edge of the room once more. A few minutes later, she saw him spin past with a duchess in his arms and she smiled to see him finally with a decent partner – he was a fantastic dancer when not saddled with her.
Valerie stood for a while, all hope of buns dissolving, along with her will to squash through the crowd to get to them. Jeanna eventually found her, and she brought presents.
“You look tired.” Jeanna smiled, handing Valerie a small parcel of longed-for buns in Jeanna’s beautiful handkerchief.
She smiled gratefully and devoured one. “Thank you. You, on the other hand, look much the same you did when we left your rooms.”
Jeanna laughed. “Just wait until I get back to them. I shall crumple like a piece of paper.”
“I doubt that.” Valerie doubted Jeanna had ever come close to crumpling like a piece of paper. In fact, she was sure that if Jeanna ever got tired she would merely glide gracefully to a bed or chair and recline in a slow, graceful, elegant motion.
“You would be surprised what goes on behind closed doors, Val.” Jeanna smiled as she watched the crowd. Valerie chose not to answer that, but Jeanna spoke anyway. “I am surprised how many of the neighbouring nobles were able to make it on such short notice.”
“Why was there such short notice?” Valerie asked, stuffing another bun into her mouth.
Jeanna looked guilty for a moment, as though she knew a secret Valerie did not. “We thought it best to get it over and done with. With the war only so recently ended, Edmond and Henry were worried the kingdom might be in thrown into chaos if the coronation was held off too long.”
Valiant Valerie (Ballad of Valerie of Mor #1) Page 2