Page 96 of Picking Up the Gauntlet

She pulled her parents over to the side. Her brother, being nosey, joined them too.

“Father,” she said in a soft voice. “Are you sure you can’t do something so Jonathon and I can be married?”

“Now Raven, you know the rules. The winner of the tournament claims your hand in marriage.”

“But the tournament was forfeited,” said Raven. “It was never really finished, so no one actually won.”

“That’s right,” agreed Devon. “Sir Whitehead was only proclaimed the winner because his competitor pulled out.”

“Thanks to you, Sister,” added Rook.

“I did it to save Jonathon’s life,” said Raven.

“Corbett, do something. This is your only daughter,” said Devon. “Don’t let things end this way.”

“Well, what am I supposed to do?” Corbett crossed his arms over his chest. “It’s not like we can have a rematch now, can we?”

“He’s right, Raven,” said Rook. “Jonathon would have to be a knight or at least a noble to legitimately go up against Whitehead again.”

“Can’t you make him a knight or something?” asked Raven, already knowing the answer, but having to try.

“Not on your life,” said Corbett. “It doesn’t work that way and you know it. He wasn’t even supposed to be out on the field during a tournament. I can’t let him get away with that.”

“Now, Corbett,” said Devon. “We’re the only ones who know Sir Nevar’s true identity, so what does it matter what Jonathon did or didn’t do?”

“And Raven. Don’t forget Raven pretended to be the French knight first,” added Rook. “You’ll have to punish her too,” he said, getting a nasty glare from Raven.

“Well, couldn’t you at least make Jonathon a lord, Father?” Raven kept on trying. “Give him an honorary title mayhap?”

“The only way for a commoner to be titled is if they are married to a noble,” said Corbett.

“Like me?” asked Raven. “Oh please, Father, let us be wed. Then you can give him a title. Please, do it. I don’t want to marry anyone else but Jonathon.”

“You’re not going to leave this alone until I agree, are you?” asked Corbett.

“If you make me marry Lord Whitehead, I will not only keep fighting with my weapons, but I will find every opportunity to run away from him.”

“Don’t threaten me, young lady,” warned Corbett.

“I’m sorry, but I’m trying to tell you how I feel,” said Raven.

“Dear, I don’t think it’s really a threat,” said Devon. “It is just who our daughter is, and I believe she will do just what she said. I think we need to stop trying to change her and just accept her for who she is.”

“Rebellious,” said Rook, adding his opinion to the conversation with one word.

“Are you two really in love?” asked Raven’s father with a sigh.

“Oh, we are,” she answered. “We really are.”

“Will you help them, Corbett?” asked Devon. “Remember, when we fell in love it was rather uncommon and forbidden as well. Still, it all turned out for the best.”

“Yes, I remember, dear,” said Corbett. “And also remember that my parents are living proof that true love can cause a lot of problems, too.”

“It can solve problems as well,” said Raven. “Just give us a chance to show you.”

“I’m not sure what you plan on showing, but I don’t want to see it,” said Rook jokingly.

“Stop it, Brother.” Raven hit Rook on the arm.