*Grey Crakewood*
Sir Lyonel rushed passed the two boys that were standing before Grey. The day was cold, as it always was, especially now since he lay on the soft snow that covered the courtyard. "I'll have you know, this is the Prince heir to The Land of Eternal Winter" Lyonel gripped his blade. Stupid Lyonel, I don't need his help. I'll figure it out on my own. The two young men of House Godfrey and Frost no older than seventeen years snickered, "We apologise, on behalf of our Lord father's. It was not", they looked to eachother, still smiling, "our intention to harm the young prince. We simply wished for a sparring session."
"I'll give you a sparring session, if you wish" Jane's cold stern expression turned the boy's heads, as she appeared sauntering down the steps. "Uhh am, my, my Queen, we were only joking", the boy of house Godfrey had gone sheepishly pale. "Seems you were bullying my younger brother, the prince". Her eyes shifted to Grey. Grey nodded and looked for Lyonel to help him up. I'm so weak. I just want one chance to be strong. I hate it. I hate it so much. And I hate Jane too, I just want her to piss off.
"How shall I deal with you boys", Jane said with her hand placed on the head of one of her hatchets. Something caught Grey's eye, a commotion on the far side of the court, a large burly man was pushing his way through the guards, followed by a shorter slimmer man. "Lord Godfrey, you can't barge your way through us, this is a Royal matter, you are not permitted to enter" the two guards shifted their spears into the Lord's path. Dolmar laughed, "These won't hault me", he grabbed the head of a spear and snapped it off. The slimmer man chuckled "easy Dolmar, you don't need to scare the boys". He tossed a coin to the guard with the broken spear, "there, buy yourself a new one, on me". The guards stood back, abashed.
Lord Dolmar Godfrey, 'The Dog', more like a bear. Six foot five inches tall of pure muscle and unrelenting strength. Dark brown hair and a voice that demanded respect. It's said he could carry two fully grown men in each hand. And Lord Edmur Frost, 'Lord of the Peak', sly and calculating, a very charming man but also not much of a fighter. Cool white hair, similar to Jane, representing how many times our houses have inter-married. His sister was mother.
"I must say, my niece you look well. But do you mind not threatening my son." Edmur placed a hand on his son's shoulder and proceeded to slap him with the back of his hand across his cheek, leaving an angry red welt, "Aric apologise to your cousin". Aric rubbed his sore cheek, nodded and turned to Grey, "I humbly state that I am sorry, for the pain I caused you by knocking you off your feet, Prince Grey". He's forced to do this, he doesn't want to. But he's more frightened of his own father than he is of Jane. Surprisingly enough.
Sir Lyonel smiled and helped Grey up, "My Queen, will I take your brother inside now". But I want to stay and wait for Jane. I want to see what they will talk about. Jane raised her hand, "Wait, we must hear the apology from Lord Dolmar's son". Cold and emotionless as per usual. Lord Dolmar, will not stand for it.
Lord Dolmar stood before Jane, tall and proud. "There will be no apology from my son, Queen. We will not apologise, for the ignorance of a boy, he is not fit to be a prince. Let alone be alive". Lyonel drew his blade, "I'll have you know it is not just the Queen that fights for her brother, I do too". "There is no need for a dual Sir Lyonel, lower your blade, and escort my brother inside". How dare he speak to Jane like that, how dare he, how dare he. He shall pay, he should know his place as a Lord. He should know.
"Lord Dolmar, please explain why you believe it so". Jane wore a pale blue silk robe, that fluttered around her ankles, with a brown belt and her hatchets at her side. Making her all the more breathtaking than she normally was. "As you wish. Grey is feeble and fragile. Weak for his age, hollowed boned and can barely lift a blade. Men would see it as a weakness. But you glorify it, as if he is some precious metal waiting to be sculpted into a beautiful necklace. You spend more time trying to keep your brother safe, than you do searching for a husband, ruling your kingdom and asking for help when in dire need. Without any return".
"You, perceive my gratitude for my brother as weakness. Yes some may call it that and let them say what they wish to say but I know, if I am to succeed. I must assist my brother at every turn. And you won't deny that, will you. See Lord Dolmar, many men have tried to cross me and none succeed". She stepped closer to him tilting her head up.
"But none of those men, were Southron, were day". He said smirking. "They were not, as you are not. But are we not the hardiest of people's. No soft Celan, Arvorian or Marvorian. Would dare cross the Norssan. We were the first to defy the Riage nearly two and a half centuries ago. Led by my forefather, King Barbury Crakewood I". She looked at him defiant and eager for a response. "Apologise, Now", she demanded. "I have heard you out. But I do not see why I should apologise now", he scoughed. "So it is treason then". Would Jane really do it, threaten him with treason. Would people agree to it. He's a well respected warrior and Lord. "No need to rush into things, my niece. You and Lord Dolmar, could settle this in a dual", he smiled, his silver tooth glistened slightly. "I would not wish to embarrass you infront of your son Lord Dolmar, so I will change into something more acceptable for a dual, as should you". Her gaze was icy cold as it met his. She is really going to have a fight over me. Jane is always such a divisive person. I mean she won't lose. But still, I do not wish for her to be hurt.