Wildly Yours

Isabella bustled through the manor, her skirts rustling as she hurried from room to room. She checked the great hall, ensuring the fire was lit and the tables were set with fine linens and silverware. The aroma of roasting meats wafted from the kitchen, and she nodded in approval.

"Good, good," she muttered to herself. "Father will be pleased with me."

She climbed the stairs to the guest chambers, where Sir Leofric and his men would stay. She fluffed the pillows and smoothened the bedcovers, ensuring everything was perfect.

As she worked, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement. She had heard stories of Sir Leofric's bravery and achievements and couldn't wait to meet him. The man probably looked like an ogre with scars all over his face and body. Each mark was evidence of many wars and victories.

Just then, a maid appeared at the door. "Milady, the cook wants to know if you want the venison or the beef served first at dinner?"

Isabella thought for a moment before responding, "Both, please. We must make a feast fit for heroes." She grinned at her response, knowing it was a bit too dramatic.

The maid curtsied and scurried off, leaving Isabella to finish her preparations. She took a deep breath, surveying the room one last time. Everything was in order. They were ready to welcome the knights.

With a sense of satisfaction, she descended to the great hall, where her father awaited her. "Well done, Isabella," he said, his eyes scanning the room. "You have outdone yourself. I must say, I am surprised. I was expecting you to bail out as usual."

Isabella smiled, feeling a sense of pride. She had promised her father she would ensure everything was perfect for Sir Leofric's arrival, and she had kept that promise. "I am a lady after all."

"It took you forever to realise that, eh?"

Isabella let out an indifferent shrug, "Believe it or not, it is quite boring to be a lady."

"With time I am sure you will start loving it, maybe when you marry and have your own children."

Colour drained from Isabella's face. She didn't have the heart to tell her father that marriage was the last thing on her mind. She flashed her father a forced smile, "If you will excuse me, Father, I am needed in the kitchen."

"Sure, sure." She disappeared, making her way to the kitchen to ensure everything was in order. The kitchen was her favourite place in the manor.

Isabella didn't know the exact time Sir Leofric and his men would arrive, she retired to her bedroom to get a moment of quietness from the chaos. Just when she was about to fall asleep, her door was abruptly opened by Lady Sarah.

"Get your bottom off that bed right now! They have been spotted."

Isabella couldn't help but send a subtle glare at her stepmother. "This is my room, not some sort of storage room you can barge in and out as it pleases you."

"I will remember that next time, dear. Now get ready to welcome Sir Leofric and his men."

"I am ready," Isabella smoothened the wrinkles that had formed on her dress.

"What exactly are you ready for dressed like that, young lady?"

Confused, Isabella asked, "What else is there to be ready for, Lady Sarah?"

"Over my dead body will I allow you to wear that rag to welcome our visitors. What exactly is your aim in life, Bella?"

"Isabella," She corrected.

"Whatever your name is, I simply don't care." Lady Sarah bellowed. "Now, you are going to open that wardrobe and look for a befitting dress to wear for the occasion."

"I don't want to," Isabella stated firmly, her chin raised in defiance.

"When are you going to realize you are a noble lady with noble blood flowing through your veins? You are your father's first daughter whom he cares so much for, the least you can do for him is to make him proud for once. You can't go out there looking like a servant."

"There is nothing wrong with my dress."

Lady Sarah took deep breaths. The girl was incorrigible just like her father. She forced out a smile. She decided to approach the matter with a different pattern. "Yes, there is nothing wrong with your dress, it's just not appropriate for the occasion."

"It's just for welcoming them, nothing serious." Isabella countered,

"But you have to look more presentable."

Isabella eyed the woman suspiciously, wondering why she was suddenly sounding calm. "I like this one."

Lady Sarah's hands clenched by her side. "I will make a deal with you. If you behave yourself in these two days and do as I say, I will never mention sending you off to the nunnery again to your father."

Eyes narrowed into slits, Isabella asked, "How is that a good deal?"

"Because all it will take is one word to have your father send you off."

"Go ahead, do whatever it is you can do."

"Don't think I don't know how much you love your freedom. In the nunnery, you won't be allowed to sneak out at night dressed like a man. There won't be drinking in a pub like a fool. There won't be gambling or racing."

One look into the woman's eyes told Isabella that the woman was serious about her threat.

"Let it be known to you that whatever it is I am doing is for my father, and not because of your empty threat. I would like to be alone."

Lady Sarah's smile almost made Isabella go blind at how bright it was. "I knew you had some sense left in that pretty little head of yours. I will send Judith in to help you get ready on my way out."

Some minutes later, the Griswold family were gathered outside the manor, their finery gleaming in the fading light. Lord Griswold, a stout man with a bushy beard, stood tall, flanked by his wife, Lady Sarah, and their children.

Isabella, resplendent in a gown of sapphire blue, smiled warmly beside her younger brother, Henry, who couldn't stop staring at her. Leaning closer to Isabella, Henry said, "I could barely recognise you when I came out, Bella. I was half expecting to see you dressed in my coat and pants. Did you hit your head somewhere?"

Isabella laughed softly, "Oh, don't be silly, Henry. This is only temporary, enjoy it while it lasts."

"Oh, you have no idea how much I am enjoying it already." Henry turned to his left and saw his step-sister fidgeting with her fingers. "Christ, Emily, relax. We are not being stoned to death. We are only welcoming a bunch of men."

Emily looked at him, her soft brown eyes shining with nervousness. "Mother said I must create a good impression."

"Of course, she did." Isabella rolled her eyes upon hearing the younger girl's words. "You don't have to create any impression. Just be yourself and enjoy the day." She straightened her back as the men got too close.

As Leofric and his men approached, Lord Griswold stepped forward, a confident smile gracing his lips. "Sir Leofric! Welcome to Ashwood. Trust your journey was uneventful." Lord Griswold bellowed.

Leofric didn't bother to return the smile as he dismounted his horse, his imposing figure marched towards Lord Griswold whose hands were outstretched for a handshake. "Lord Griswold." He acknowledged his host. "Yes, the journey was uneventful. Thank you for having us," he replied.

Lord Griswold offered a firm nod before gesturing to his family. "Allow me to introduce my family. My wife, Lady Sarah; My daughter, Emily; my son, Henry; and my eldest, Isabella."

"Welcome, Sir Leofric, we are glad to have you and your men honour our invitation." Isabella's gaze settled upon Sir Leofric's, and her expectations shattered. She had envisioned a battle-hardened warrior, scarred and rough, with a face as rugged as mountains.

Instead, her eyes met a man of chiselled perfection. The man's strong jawline, sharp cheekbones, and piercing blue eyes left her breathless. His shoulder-length dark hair was held back with a band, but a few stubborn strands lingered on his face. The small scar above his brow only added to his rugged allure. If she wasn't under so many eyes, she would have fanned herself to reduce the heat that was rising in her body. She couldn't remember the last time she saw a man that blessed with earthly beauty.

Realizing she might have stared too much, she tilted her lips into what she hoped was a gracious smile. She finally got to meet the infamous knight, who she had gone through stress and threats. She curtsied, her smile deepening. She could only hope she didn't look like a demented lady.

Sir Leofric's eyes locked onto hers, his expression softening just a little. He surprised everyone by taking her hand and kissing it. "The pleasure is ours, Milady."

A little nervous by the attention, Isabella said, "We have prepared a feast in your honour, Sir Leofric. I do hope you are hungry." Her voice was surprisingly calm.

"Yes, I am." His gaze lingered on hers, his face relaxing the more. He turned to his men, signalling them to follow.

As the group made their way into the manor, Leofric found himself between Lady Sarah and Isabella.

Inside the hall, Sir Eric let out a whistle of wonderment. "I must say," His eyes roamed the hall. He began, "The beauty of Ashwood manor is only rivalled by its inhabitants." His eyes lingered on Isabella, who quickly caught on the meaning of his words, and flushed.

Leofric's brows drew together in a frown. It was obvious he wasn't the only one drawn to the lord's eldest daughter.

"Ah, the credit for this magnificent look goes to my lovely wife and daughter." Lord Griswold's eyes twinkled proudly.

Leofric's eyes flew to Isabella. The girl was a radiant beauty. Her short dark hair framed her heart-shaped face, accentuating her delicate features. Her eyes were warm honey brown, shining like a polished amber in the fading light and fringed with thick curly lashes. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence and mischievousness. Her elegant shoulders squared with quiet confidence. Her beauty and poise commanded attention without effort.

Leofric's eyes shifted from Isabella to Lady Sarah who spoke. "I believe you are all tired from the journey and would like a warm shower to wash away the stress. Rooms have been prepared for you all, gentlemen. After washing up, do well to join us in the dining room." She turned her attention to Isabella, "Isabella, dear, will you be kind enough to escort Sir Leofric to his room?"

Isabella's eyes flashed with intensity, her protest ready to surge, but with one look at her father, she nodded rather stiffly and led the way to Leofric's room upstairs.