Lady Jenet's Arc

Chapter 1 of 1

Lady Jenet broke the wax seal with her thumb and read the summons twice. The court demanded she accept a suitor by month's end or lose her estate. She set the scroll on the table and pressed her palms flat beside it. Outside, the tournament banners snapped in the wind. Somewhere in that field rode men who would fight for her hand, and one who only watched. She would not be hurried into a cruel match. But the month had begun, and the cost of waiting had a price now written in ink. She walked out to the stone arch at the edge of her family's grounds. Moss clung to the weathered stones. Her family's crest stared down at her, carved deep and steady. She rested her hand on the cool rock. This was the price the court named. This ground, these stones, the home her mother had loved. Jenet drew a slow breath and made her choice. She would keep the estate or lose it, but she would not trade it for cruelty. The month would run its course. She turned back toward the house to write her reply. At her writing table, she pressed fresh wax and stamped it firm. Her reply was short. She would not name a husband under threat. She would watch the tournament to its end and judge each man by his own conduct. She sent the letter by rider before her hand could shake. Before sundown, she walked to the wooden notice board near the gate. A page was already nailing her summons there for every guest and knight to read. The ink showed her name, her deadline, and the stakes. Her private trouble was now public sport. Jenet stood very still and watched the small hammer fall.