The Emperor and the Knightess

This meant that Poliana’s work hour coincided with that of Lucius the First. The emperor was very careful with his health, but he was also a workaholic. When he was loaded with work, with the kind of work he deemed important, he overworked himself until it was done. And when he worked, Poliana worked as well.

But there were also many times when the emperor took nice long breaks, which meant that Poliana became used to the same thing.

Currently, the problem for her wasn’t the fact that she was on a forced vacation. It was the location where she had to spend her time. If she was at an inn or even the overcrowded guesthouse where the other knights were residing, she would have felt comfortable. She would have taken naps and eat whenever she wanted, but…

She was stuck in the lady’s quarters.

A lady’s quarters of all places!

She felt incredibly awkward here. Poliana sat down the book she was reading and left the room. The one-piece gown she wore was provided for her and it was made of such a soft expensive material that it felt like she was wearing feathers.

Her meals were amazing as expected. Except for Poliana, everyone else in the house was busy, so she made sure to stay as a quiet obedient guest. Poliana was slowly getting used to the atmosphere of this noble household. Everyone was kind to her. Sir Rabi’s wife, Lady Bika, was especially thoughtful.

Lady Bika was only 7 years older than Poliana, but she was already the mother of two fully-grown daughters and the mistress of one of the most powerful families in Acreia.

Sir Rabi used to be Poliana’s direct superior at one point, so Poliana made sure to treat Lady Bika with the utmost respect. In fact, she treated Lady Bika even more politely than how she treated the emperor.

Poliana also acted very respectful to Vaxi and Vanessa. They were 10 years younger than Poliana, but they were very mature. They were calmer and more graceful than the men 10 years older than them. It was obvious that their mother made sure that they were educated properly.

Lady Bika explained that the wife of a knight had to be able to carry on and maintain the entire household in her husband’s absence. Vaxi and Vanessa’s education was extensive to satisfy Lady Bika’s very high standards.

Poliana wasn’t sure why, but she felt more comfortable around the twins than their mother. She became closer to the girls much faster. Perhaps it was because Poliana was unmarried and therefore she could relate more to the young ladies. Or maybe, it was because Lady Bika treated Poliana almost like her own daughters.

Poliana and the twins became friendly acquaintances. They were curious about each other. For Poliana, she was interested in the girls because she knew that they might become the wives of Sirs Howe and Donau. The twins were curious about Poliana because she was the infamous knightess.

One thing Poliana enjoyed in Sir Rabi’s house was the library. Because Sir Rabi’s family had generations of knights, his library was filled with many military-related books. Poliana was a very well-read soldier especially regarding the art of war. In Sir Rabi’s household, the women were allowed in the library, so the twins seemed very comfortable with books. They even recommended a few books to Poliana.

Poliana was reading one of those books when she decided to take a break. She had been stuck inside for a long time, and she felt stiff and bored. Poliana needed to exercise, but so far, she had been feeling uncomfortable about asking where she could go to do it.

But now, she needed to find a way. Poliana went to talk to Lady Bika. There was a small gym next to the guest house, but there was a strict rule regarding this place. Only men were allowed inside and even as a guest, Poliana wasn’t allowed to enter the gym either.

‘It makes sense.’

Poliana understood the reason for this. Sir Rabi had two young daughters and this strict and well-known rule provided protection for their reputations.

‘I guess as the mother of two young ladies, Lady Bika feels strongly about this rule.’

Lady Bika asked Poliana, “Exercise? But you are on a vacation, so you should be resting, Sir Poliana.”

“Well, I am used to exercising every day, so my body feels too stiff without it.”

“Hmm… There is an empty lot in the inner garden. You can use that area if you wish. I will order the servants to get you some of the practice weapons.”

Poliana bowed respectfully to Lady Bika.

***

One of the maids brought Poliana a more comfortable outfit. Poliana didn’t ask for it, which meant that the lady of the house ordered it. Poliana was impressed with how efficient and meticulous Lady Bika was. As the lady of a large household, Lady Bika must have a lot of things to take care of, and she did a great job of it. She made sure that all the guests were always comfortable and well-fed.

‘Some women were just born to be great ladies.’

While Poliana was changing into her exercise outfit, Vaxi and Vanessa appeared. They heard how Poliana was going to exercise, and they wanted to tag along.

“We won’t be in your way.”

“We just want to watch.”

Poliana asked the twins, “My Ladies, haven’t you ever seen knights training before?”

“Yes, but not a knightess.”

‘That’s right. We’ve never seen a female knight train.”

The sisters asked her with their pretty smiles. Poliana had no reason to say no, so she nodded.

When they reached the empty lot, Poliana realized what the twins really wanted.

“Sir Poliana, can we touch the sword just once?”

“Please, Sir Poliana! Just once!”

Poliana became confused. This was a knight’s house, which meant the place must be filled with various weapons. So why would they beg her to touch a sword?

There could be only one explanation for this. It was obvious that Lady Bika forbade her daughters from dealing with any weapons. The young ladies continued to beg prettily, “Please, Sir Poliana!”

“We will just try holding it for a second. We won’t swing it or anything.”

Only

Poliana asked, “It sounds like you aren’t allowed to handle a weapon. I assume this is your mother’s rule?”

“Oh please! The daughters of other knights are usually allowed to train with small daggers, but our mother won’t let us.”

“Please! If our mother finds out, we will just tell her we made you do it, Sir Poliana.”

“No. Sorry ladies, but I cannot go against the lady of the house. I am only a guest here.”

Poliana was firm in her decision. It was only a practice sword and therefore, it wasn’t sharp, but it was still a weapon. Poliana could never let untrained ladies handle such a dangerous thing.

To Poliana’s surprise, the twins gave up easily. And just as they promised, they didn’t get in her way. Vaxi and Vanessa sat on the garden chair and watched her quietly.

Just then, a pretty deer appeared in the garden towards them.