Chereads / Aqew / Chapter 16 - 16

Chapter 16 - 16

You decide not to intercede.

Varys charges forward using the shepherd's crook as a spear. Hannah dodges it, but it makes a small tear in her clothing. She isn't wearing the best outfit for fighting. Varys continues to stab and push forward. Hannah holds the shepherd's crook like a longsword, blocking each of his blows. Varys continues to use the range of the crook to press her backwards. He stabs suddenly, and rather than jumping back, Hannah parries it and jumps forward, lowering her hand halfway down the shepherd's crook. When she gets close to Varys, she pokes him in the chest with it. Varys frowns as he recognizes the move.

"I win," announces Hannah.

Varys looks puzzled. "That move you just did, it looked a lot like something Sir Robert taught Dorn and I."

Hannah grins. "Should be; he's the one that taught it to me."

Varys looks completely confused. "I thought you said you worked in the court or something like that?"

Before Varys can enquire further, Sir Robert walks in, clapping his hands, "Excellent move, Hannah. I was afraid that you'd forgotten our little fencing lessons."

Hannah smiles. "Of course not, I still practice here and there when Father isn't watching."

Sir Robert nods, then frowns when he sees the tear in Hannah's clothing. "How much is that outfit you're wearing?"

Hannah shrugs. "Oh, I don't know, fifty, maybe a hundred Gold Pieces?" Before Sir Robert can say anything, Hannah raises her hand. "Don't worry, I have dozens. I can easily get a tailor to mend it, too." Sir Robert nods.

"Have a fun conversation with my aunt?" Sir Robert rubs his chin. "I guess you could say it was productive. She wasn't too happy to hear I would be attending tournaments for the next three months."

"Did you see my cousin Robin?" asks Hannah.

Sir Robert nods. "Yes, he's grown up quite a bit since I last saw him."

Varys interrupts the conversation. "Umm…can someone fill me in here?"

"Gladly," you say. "That girl you've been sparring with is Princess Hannah."

Varys looks shocked and immediately gets on his knees. Hannah rolls her eyes.

"Get up, Varys," says Sir Robert. "The Princess doesn't like people prostrating themselves in front of her. You didn't do anything wrong…and I'm sure she started it." Sir Robert gives her a stern look. Hannah smiles back innocently. Sir Robert orders you and Varys to go outside, as he needs to have a few private words with the Princess. The Princess gives you a wink and waves goodbye.

As you and Varys leave, you hear Hannah say, "If you ever want a rematch, you know where to find me!"

Varys is still in shock. "You should have…you should have told me she's royalty."

"I tried," you reply.

"If I'd struck her…do you think they would have chopped off my head?"

"Probably," you reply, trying to maintain a straight face. "Either that, or taken off a few fingers at the very least."

Varys looks worried. You start to laugh.

"What's so funny?" he mutters.

"You have nothing to worry about," you reply.

Sir Robert emerges. "I have a few duties I need to take care of. Will you two try your best to stay out of trouble?"