Isabella strolled through the bustling town, flanked by Judith and Robert. The warm sun cast a gentle glow over the streets, and the sound of merchants calling out their goods filled the air.
Isabella's eyes darted from one place to another as she took in the vibrant colours of the place. It was a beautiful town.
However, despite the lively atmosphere, Isabella couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being watched.
As they walked, she caught glimpses of the townspeople throwing awkward glances her way. Some of them looked away quickly, while others were bold enough to stare a bit longer, their expressions a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
The underlying hostility of the atmosphere was undeniable, and it made her increasingly uncomfortable.
"I should have stayed at the manor," she thought. But it was lonely without Leofric. Her blasted husband had vanished the very day a letter arrived from the King, demanding Leofric's presence. She didn't know whether to admire his loyalty to the throne or curse it. It seemed he would always choose duty over her. She could only hope there was no war brewing again.
She'd expected to be thrilled when he announced his sudden need to depart. Instead, she felt the opposite, a reaction that baffled her.
Why did she despise his absence? She'd been the one craving time away from him. Now that she had it, why did she feel so empty?
Robert assumed his sister-in-law's unease had something to do with the unwelcoming looks of the people, and said, "Don't mind them, Milady," he said with a warm smile. "They're simply not accustomed to seeing you out here. This is your third time out here?"
Isabella nodded, "No, it's actually my fourth time. I took a walk yesterday."
Robert's paused for a moment, "Who did you take with you?" He asked, tone serious.
Isabella rolled her eyes, not surprised at all. It wasn't unknown to her that Leofric had put Robert in charge as her guard. "I wasn't trying to run away if that's what you are thinking." She said, half jokingly.
Seeing Robert's blank face, she added, "I couldn't take you with me because, for some reason, you were nowhere to be found."
Robert asked, face turning serious. "And Judith? Did you take her with you?"
"No, she was trying to stop the cook from poisoning us all with his latest…creation. I'm starting to think 'concussion' is his secret ingredient. Shouldn't we find someone who can actually cook without causing bodily harm, dear brother-in-law?"
Judith interjected, "My Lady, you should have just told me about the walk, I would have left the task in another's care."
"Judith, it's fine. I don't need the two of you hovering around me all the time like my shadow. Besides, with you in that kitchen it gave me a break from Old Sir Simon's assault on my taste buds."
"I don't see anything wrong with the man's food." Robert defended,
Isabella raised an eyebrow at Robert. "Of course you don't. I bet your taste buds are quite damaged."
Robert chuckled, but suddenly stopped, "I see what you are trying to do, Milady. You are trying to change the topic."
"Did it work?" Isabella asked, eyes glistening with amusement as she stared at Robert. Their relationship had remarkably improved over the past few weeks, and she found herself enjoying his company. "None of you was available at that time. I needed to clear my head." She stated firmly.
Face still serious, he said. "I will let this slide this time, but please, in case of next time, make sure you have someone tag along with you. It's not exactly safe out here."
"What do you mean by it's not safe out here?" Isabella asked as she waved at a little girl walking with her mother. "Is a rogue on the loose?"
When Robert's brows drew together Isabella couldn't help but notice how he resembled Leofric at that moment. They are brothers after all, she thought to herself.
"Words got to us that some of the townspeople don't exactly take to their new Lord who happens to be my brother and your husband," Leofric explained, eyes scanning the environment as if expecting someone to attack them.
A bit taken aback by the revelation, she stopped in her track, and so did Robert and Judith. "That's totally absurd, Robert." She exclaimed. "What's their reason for such treacherous thinking?"
Robert shrugged, relaxing a little bit. "As you already know, before now we were all mercenaries. According to them, your husband has no noble blood in him, therefore, he doesn't qualify to be their lord."
Upon hearing Robert's words, Isabella felt a surge of anger course through her body. "That's definitely one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard. How dare they think about him like that? If anything, their ungrateful behinds are the ones not qualified to be led by my husband! They don't deserve a man like him."
"My lady, you are in the public, please watch your language." Judith tried to caution her mistress,
She shot Judith a fierce look, silencing the handmaid mid-sentence. "No," she stated firmly, "I will not watch my language. If anyone needs to watch something, it's their own narrow-mindedness. Leofric is resourceful, fiercely loyal, intelligent, strong, and fair. Trust me, those are the qualities you won't find in other lords. What more could they possibly want from Sir Leofric?"
Robert cleared his throat, "Milady, please calm down, it's only a rumour."
Isabella shook her head in disbelief, "Robert, there is no smoke without fire, and I am going to quench that fire today." She stepped a few inches away from them, eyes burning fiercely.
"To whom it may concern," Isabella said, her voice an octave higher.
"What are you doing, My lady?" Judith and Robert exchanged a look of concern.
Isabella continued, her voice clear and strong. "I am Lady Isabella Edward, wife to Lord Leofric." At the mention of her name and status, many people stopped and moved closer, curious to know what the Lady had to say. Isabella's eyes glazed with determination as she gazed at the townspeople.
Just stop this foolishness and go home, a small voice urged. Yes, that would have been the sensible thing to do. But how could she live with herself, knowing that the very people Leofric was prepared to sacrifice everything for didn't even appreciate his efforts?
Instead, she stood firm. "I have heard the doubts and rumours. Some of you think my husband, Lord Leofric, is not worthy to be your Lord. You say he lacks noble blood and he's not qualified to lead you." She watched the crowd, daring anyone to contradict her. Some of them exchanged looks, not a word was said.
"Sir Leofric, my husband, earned his lordship when others couldn't," she declared. "And let me tell you how. He fought bravely in a war. His strength, loyalty, and dedication securing victory while your so-called noble lords, along with your sons and husbands, remained safe and cosy at home. I know your former lord and his family fled, tails between their legs—something Lord Leofric would never do.
"My husband has proven himself worthy of respect and admiration. Therefore, I demand you acknowledge and respect him as your lord. And if I hear a single whisper against him again, that person will have me to contend with. Believe me," she added, her voice hardening, "that is not something anyone would want. I will show no mercy in delivering justice."
Isabella's eyes flashed with warning, her posture and presence radiating an aura of quiet power. She said, "If any of you have anything to say, I advise you to say it now. It all ends today."
The crowd shifted, eyes darting nervously. They were murmurs but no one dared to step forward.
Robert's lips slowly split into a wide grin as he started clapping, slowly at first. Judith joined in, smiling at Isabella like a proud mother. Then, to Isabella's surprise, the clap began to spread through the crowd. Cheers and applause also erupted.
Isabella surprised herself. Public speaking was never her thing She'd always found a way to avoid her father's requests to address an audience. Yet, there she was, delivering a passionate speech about her infuriating husband.
What had come over her? Why did she defend the man so fiercely when she was supposed to be going against him? But something had sparked in her when Robert had delivered that information to her.
Maybe it was just a sense of responsibility and obligation to defend the man she was temporarily tied to.
Besides, an insult to Leofric was an insult to her too! Right? She internally groaned, scared that she was losing her mind.
She rejoined Judith and Robert, who were looking at her like proud parents.
"That was an impressive speech, My lady," Judith said, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.
"I think I passed the message." Isabella stated proudly.
Grinning broadly, Robert revealed a set of perfect teeth. "My brother's going to have a stroke when he hears this."
Isabella's smile dropped as quickly as it came."Robert…."
Excited, Robert said, "I can't wait to tell him about this iconic event."
"Robert!" Isabella whisper-yelled. "Do not say a word about this to Sir Leofric."
"But," Robert began but was cut short by Isabella's index finger on his lips.
"Robert, if you want to live to see another day then you will listen to me and keep your mouth shut about this. Are we clear?" She flashed him what he thought was a demented smile. "And the same goes for you, Judith. I don't feel like walking anymore. Let's go back to the manor."
Robert and Judith nodded together, Robert's grin returning. He knew the news would find its way to his brother, even without his help.