Elenna was awoken, the day before the jousting was due to begin, by her handmaid, Louisa.

"My Lady?" The call woke her from a pleasant slumber, which she reluctantly surfaced from, wishing she could remain asleep. Pushing her tangled auburn hair away from her sleepy face, she stifled an unlady-like yawn.

"Good morning, Louisa." She smiled as the friendly features swam into focus. "What is scheduled for today?”

“Well, my Lady, your Lord Father requests your presence at breakfast and then he wishes for you to accompany him to the Great Hall."

Elenna rolled her eyes. "But  I sat there all through yesterday's meetings..." she groaned, splashing her face with cold water from the basin in front of her as Louisa attempted to comb the knots out of her long, thick hair.

"He still insists upon your presence, my Lady." Louisa finished her mistress' hair as she spoke. Elenna examined her reflection in the dresser mirror, smile widening as she saw intricate braiding and delicate beads all combined into a beautiful style.

"Thank you, Louisa." Elenna rose and walked behind the maid to pick up the dress she was to wear. "This isn't one from my wardrobe." She frowned at her handmaid.

"No, Lady. Your Lord Father has purchased many fabulous garments for you to wear this week.

Elenna rolled her eyes again. "I have quite enough for any occasion without Father buying me more."

Louisa curtsied. "Your Lord Father, again, insists, my Lady."

Elenna sighed and shed her nightdress, stepping into the undergarments and corset with practiced ease. As Louisa tied the ribbons at the back of the dress, she spoke again. "Your Lord Father mentioned that you would be meeting some well-favoured knights in the Great Hall today."

Elenna groaned. "Well, I suppose it is better for me that I choose, as opposed to Father arranging my marriage like Peter's."

Peter, her twin brother, was betrothed to the Princess of England, Catherine. Their father had a lot of influence at  the King's court, and so had secured this betrothal with many arduous journeys to London and Windsor, long conversations and a couple of favours being laid out. Peter had been spending time in the South with his betrothed and her family, getting used to life at court. He had, of course, been invited to her birthday celebration, as it was rightly his as well. But he was not expected, as there had been no reply to confirm his arrival.

With small adjustments completed, Louisa deemed her fit to descend to breakfast, and Elenna walked in slow trepidation of what lay ahead. She reached the dining hall faster than she had anticipated, but it was obvious that her family had awaited her arrival, as her father, mother and younger sister Lucy sat calmly, hands in their laps, discussing what seemed to be the day’s court issues, as her father had a bored look about his face, which was mirrored on her mother, Lady Catelyn’s, and her sister’s. All looked toward the entrance as the butler opened the doors for her, and the herald announced her presence.

“Lady Elenna.”

Elenna fixed her eyes straight ahead so as not to roll them again, instead seating herself opposite Lucy, with Peter’s empty seat on her left, as usual. A frown flitted across her face momentarily as she realised  that her family hadn’t been waiting for her alone. Another place was laid at the table, and as the doors opened again, she turned and widened her eyes in shock.

A/N. Dun dun duuuun! Sorry not sorry for the cliffhanger. Anyway, here's chapter two, dedication of this chapter to anyone who can guess who the extra place is laid for, and let me tell you, it's a big table. So, keep pestering me and chapter three should be up soon! Enjoy! FS xxx