Work Text:
The day had finally arrived. Lord John II of Liechtenstein was coming to meet his bride, Milada of Kolín, to whom he’d been promised since he was no older than 10. Accompanied by his assistant and closest friend Samuel of Kuttenberg, the two men devised a scheme to test the lady’s character. They’d switch their identities, with Sam posing as the lady’s betrothed and John as his assistant. Little did they know, the lady in mind and her best friend Ivanka thought of the same idea.
“Stop fidgeting so much, you must look convincing.” Lada mutters, smacking at Ivanka’s hand that ran over the soft fabric of the dress. “I’m sorry, milady.” The brunette sighs. “Don’t worry, I’m sure the lord won’t notice. Men are too enveloped in themselves.” The blonde chuckles, straightening out Ivanka’s dress.
Suddenly, the page at the door speaks. “Madam, they have arrived. May I send them in?” Lada nods, the page being unaware of the two women’s scheme. The doors into the hall open and two well-dressed men walk in. “My lady,” Sam bows, smiling, “It brings me great pleasure to meet my betrothed after so many years.”
Ivanka and Lada curtsy in return, before the brunette speaks. “Greetings, Lord Liechtenstein. I am content we share similar feelings about our meeting.” She smiles at Sam, the thought that they had the same idea never occuring in her head.
“Some refreshment, perhaps, gentlemen?” Lada asks, smiling at them. “Surely you must be tired after your journey.” Sam and John nod gratefully, Sam speaking up, “Thank you, miss. However I would like to stretch my legs in the gardens after the long ride. Will you give me a tour, milady?” He stares at Ivanka, a soft smile on his face.
Lada moves to the nearby table, pouring two cups of wine for the gentlemen. She offers the two goblets, a spark twitching through her fingers as her hand meets John’s. “Oh, my apologies.” She smiles awkwardly, moving to shadow Ivanka again, who seems to ponder for a moment. “I would gladly show you the gardens,” she speaks. “Ivanka, make sure our other guest is taken care of.” Lada nods, smiling at John again.
Sam and Ivanka depart with interlinked arms, Lada watching them in amusement. “Goodness, I haven’t seen her ladyship smile so much in forever. The last time was when she’d been gifted a beautiful gray stallion.” She chuckles.
John smiles, nodding in agreement. “My lord is a most gentle and kind man. Though, he does not smile as often as one should, I suppose.” Lada glances at him, “Would you like a tour of the castle perhaps? I shall show you your rooms and our chapel.”
The two leave the great hall, moving about the castle and chatting, a good humour settling over the pair. “You are very well learned, miss Ivanka.” John smiles. “Oh, thank you,” she smiles bashfully. “My father was her ladyship’s tutor, so he taught me sometimes too.” Their eyes meet, a moment of understanding passing between them. “He has taught you well, then.”
The two gaze outside the window, seeing Sam and Ivanka down in the gardens. “Let us be friends, yes?” Lada asks, glancing at John. He nods, humming thoughtfully. “That would please me greatly. After all, I- I mean, my lord John is to stay here at lady Ivanka’s castle, after the marriage. His older brother took over their family estate after their father passed. God rest his soul.” Lada crosses herself, smiling fondly. “I know the feeling. My father passed and left me these lands- I... I mean the school building. That is where I live, yes.” She clears her throat awkwardly, trying to avoid John’s curious gaze.
He grins, amused, but decides to drop it. “Shall we go accompany them in the garden? Perhaps shadow them from a distance, just so no… improprieties happen.”
“I think that is most reasonable.” She clears her throat, smoothing down her dress and the two head off into the gardens.
Meanwhile, in the castle gardens.
“Tell me about yourself, milady.” Sam speaks, absent-mindedly kicking the gravel under his feet as they walk. Ivanka smiles with a soft blush, no man had ever wanted to listen to her talk about herself. “I… well... what is there to say? I am a lady, raised to be a good wife… Educated in both matters of domesticity and of femininity. I quite like a good embroidery.” He nods, a pleased smile on his face. “Ah, of course, embroidery.. a truly artistic pass time. But I want to know what you’d tell to your dearest friend. We are- ehm... to be married, after all.” A chuckle of disbelief leaves Ivanka before she collects herself. “I suppose I like to read books... those of science, history… Miss Ivanka sometimes paints with me, too.” She smiles fondly. Sam nods, grnning. “A woman after my own heart, my lady.”
The two continue strolling through the gardens, the birds chirping and the sun shines down on them. “And what about you, my lord? Any.. favorite pass times you’d tell only to a close friend?” Ivanka asks as they sit down on a bench. “I humbly admit, I am a good swordsman and I enjoy staying outdoors on horseback. But science has always been one of my areas of interest too.” He says. “I see. A most interesting combination, I would say.” She smiles, a pleasant silence enveloping the pair.
After a while, Sam chuckles, looking up at the sky, then at Ivanka. “Lady Lada, you have utterly enchanted me. But I must come clean before I confess!” He kneels before her, “I have been dishonest with you, my lady, I am not the lord. My master and I devised a scheme to test your ladyship’s character. I plead your forgiveness for this deception!” he bows his head in shame. “But what ails me most is that I, a simple gentry man, had been most taken by your beauty and radiance. And it tortures my heart most ardently that this love shall never be fulfilled, lest I dishonor your grace.”
Ivanka stares down at him, flabbergasted. “So… who are you then? The man with my maid is the young lord?” Sam nods. “I am Samuel of Kuttenberg. And I wish to offer my most profound apologies for this insult.” She waves him off. “There is no insult. You are a man of good character, Samuel.”
Letting out a sigh, Ivanka continues. “There is also no insult… because I am not the lady your lord is betrothed to.” Sam can’t hide the shock on his face, now standing up. “So... then who is?” Ivanka chuckles. “Does that matter? You have… piqued my interest, Sam. And I must say your confession surprised me, but also pleased me greatly.” She stands up, smiling at him. He reaches to take her hand, unable to hide his joy. “Truly? So… do you feel the same?”
The brunette nods, squeezing his hand. “Yes, a thousand times yes. It feels like a story you’d only read about in a book. I am most happy.” He timidly leans over, pressing a chaste kiss to her lips. After they pull away, their garden stroll continues. This time, with their hands intertwined.
Lada and John walked through the castle, raving on about the various tapestries and murals strewn about the interior. “My lord and your lady are to have dinner tonight privately, yes? Would you like to join me for dinner since you won’t need to attend to either of them.” John glances down at her, noting her suddenly tense expression. “I… It would not be appropriate, I’m afraid. I usually dine with the other servants or in my room.” His eyes glint with amusement. “Is that so? Quite a shame. Perhaps I shall see you tomorrow then.” Lada nods. “Of course. My- I mean… The gamekeeper was instructed to lead a hunt for your lord tomorrow. Me and milady will gladly accompany. Spending time outdoors is a most pleasant way to pass the time.” John nods. “Perhaps I may offer a better idea. You are her ladyship’s closest friend, yes? And I am my lord’s. Let us have a shared dinner together tonight, the four of us.”
Lada startles, then clears her throat. “Why are you so insistent on dining with me?” She stares at him oddly.”Perhaps because I have been deceiving you these past few hours.” John admits. “Your charm and grace is most enticing, miss Ivanka. And I cannot not admit it pains my soul to say that I am John, lord of Liechtenstein. The man who is in the gardens with her ladyship is my friend, Sam.”
She freezes up, looking up at him in shock. “You.. you switched places?” John nods. “And I have done a most foolish thing, miss. I have fallen in love with you. Like in the novels you speak so fondly of.”
“What?” she is still tense, trying to process this confession. “But… it is just a few hours. How could you…” John gently grasps her hand. “It does not matter. You have shown me yourself, your character. And I can only hope her ladyship is as pleasing to me as you are. I am a most unfortunate man to fall for you, not my betrothed.” He sighs.
“So you… to you…” she coughs awkwardly, “It matters where one comes from, yes? A dowry, lands…” he smiles down at her. “It is an unfortunate reality. But my heart yearns for you, miss Ivanka. Your soul, your person… that is what is most important to me. I hope you do not presume me an idealist fool.”
Lada shakes her head, “Not at all. I… I refuse to be your mistress, however.” She pulls away. “My lady is my dearest friend and I would betray her so harshly should I encourage this…” gesturing between them, she sighs. “At least tell me, miss, do you feel… anything for me?”
“I…” the blonde sighs, pretending to be dejected to keep up the facade. “You are unlike any man who I have ever spoken to. But I must speak with my lady to see how to proceed.” John nods, looking down at her with an amused glint in his eyes. “Of course. I’m sure her ladyship will… understand.”
Lada curtsies, “Good day to you then, lord John. We shall speak at supper.” She walks past him, leaving him alone in the corridor. She rushes to the garden, looking around for Ivanka.
“Milady! Milady?!” The two overhear her and stop, seeing Lada’s rapid approach. “Milady... I must speak with you…” she pants, looking between them. “What is going on here?” Glancing down at their intertwined hands.
Ivanka sighs. “It’s okay, Lada. He knows.” Sam pauses, looking at Lada. “Wait, Lada? Lady Lada?” She straightens up, nodding. “Yes, I’m your lord’s betrothed. And I presume you are Sam then, yes?” He curtsies. “My lady.”
Glancing at the two’s faces, clearly showing joy, Lada pipes up after a moment of silence. “Let me guess… you two are absolutely taken with each other.” They nod, smiles on their faces. “Sam and lord John had the same plan as we did. Switch places… guess it didn’t work out so well, huh?” Ivanka laughs. “Good for you,” Lada sighs. “I do not know how to tell his lordship. He confessed he is enamored with me from first glance.”
Sam smiles, “Milady, I can attest to his character. And not just as his servant, but most trusted friend. He is stubborn and enjoys good wine, but he is of most noble character. Give him a chance in this marriage.” Lada ponders for a moment, her gaze distant. “Yes, the marriage will go through. However, I am at a loss on telling him that I am his betrothed. He has revealed himself to me but I did not.”
Ivanka speaks up, a mischievous grin on her face. “What about at the dinner? You could walk in all pretty, befitting of your station.” On Lada’s face, it is visible that cogs are turning in her head. “Yes… perhaps that would work. Or I shall agree to his proposal of dining with me alone, since that is what was planned. And perhaps hope he gets the hint.”
Evening arrives and Lada and Ivanka are seemingly late. “Perhaps I should go check on her ladyship.” John mumbles, standing up. He eyes Sam, who offers no protest. “Good idea, sir.” He walks off, leaving Sam alone in the dining room and heads to the lady of the castle’s room. He knocks, “Lady Lada? Are you well?”
It’s Lada’s voice that rings out. “Yes, enter.”
John steps into the room, and is met with the sight of Ivanka helping adjust a necklace on Lada, who is now wearing a blue dress of similar blue to John’s gambeson. “What…?” He stares meekly, confused. The blonde turns towards him, an amused smile on her face. Ivanka walks past the two, closing the door but staying nearby just in case.
“My lord John,” Lada begins, “it seems we have tricked each other equally, only for it to fall apart as we had the same idea to begin with.” She smiles, smoothing her dress, then curtsies. “Allow me to introduce myself, this time properly, I am Milada of Kolín and I am your betrothed.”
John collects himself, realising their schemes had backfired on all of them. “So… I’ve been talking to you, the entire day.. my actual betrothed.” He smiles, “Thank God. I was worried I had the misfortune of falling for someone below my station who I could never be with and live in misery for the rest of my life.”
She chuckles. “No, good sir, it seems fate had a proper meeting in store for us regardless. Your confession pleased me greatly. As I know I am now sure I wish to marry you, contract or no contract.” John waves her off. “Forget the contract, milady,” he steps closer, gently taking her hands into his, “Will you make me the happiest man in Bohemia and marry me?”
Lada grins, squeezing his hands softly. “Yes,” she whispers, “yes I’ll marry you!” The two embrace and not long after, John presses a soft kiss to her lips. “I offer you a promise of devotion, adoration and undying loyalty from this day until death do us part.” They kiss again, incapable of hiding the smiles on their faces.
After pulling away and staring at each other, Lada’s stomach grumbles. “Ah.. I feel quite hungry.” She sighs. John smiles, holding her hand as he guides her out of the room and towards the hall where Sam, now joined by Ivanka is waiting.
The two couples sit down, a pleasant atmosphere envelopping them. As they laugh and chat over the food, none of them can hold off thoughts of the future, and how bright it is looking for each one of them.
THE END.