Medieval Microfiction - Part One

"Flirtation"

by Alia Hewitt

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Sir Aldric pressed his clammy palms into the stone banister. His thumping heart drowned out the merriment of the grand hall as he tracked one of many making their way in the throng below. His sister leaned against him , lips pursed with mischief.

“That’s him, isn’t it?” she whispered, half-teasing.

Aldric nodded. It was Sir Geoffrey. New to the castle, but not to Aldric. Equal in age, honor, and good looks, but in charm? Geoffrey was unmatched. Wherever he went, ladies and lords melted under his golden smile. Aldric was no exception.

“Introduce me, please!”

“No, not a chance.”

Amid laughter and courtiers, Geoffrey’s eyes found Aldric’s and he winked. As if he heard them, as if he knew the way Aldric’s mouth went dry. His sister clicked her tongue and jabbed his ribs, merciless in her insistence. She alone knew the secret of his stirring heart.

“Look at you! We must,” she said, tugging at his elbow. “Onward!”

But Geoffrey was quicker. He slipped from his merry circle and made straight for the stairwell. His sister bit her lip in giddy triumph as the knight appeared before them. Aldric’s name was the first sound off his lips when he swept his caplet wide in a gallant bow. 

“Sir Aldric, my sworn brother, reunited at last,” said Geoffrey. “Dodging the festivities… or me?”

“I– No,” stammered Aldric. “I’m my sister’s chaperone.”

She threw out her hand. Geoffrey took it with a smirk and said; “Your ladyship, of course, it’s an honor. I’ve heard all about you.”

“Likewise,” she grinned, glancing delightedly at Aldric’s clenched jaw. “We’re looking for potential dance partners.”

“For two roses,” said Geoffrey. “It should be no task at all.”

“Are you here to oblige?” said Aldric, stiffly.

There was a beat. A moment caught in the air between the two knights. His sister felt the weight of her intrusion.

“I… just recalled,” she said. “My first dance is promised… excuse me.”

And then, they were alone.