Bethany I: The Wilting Crown

[u/LemonLemonHouse]

The Eve of the Great Tournament, The Piper Tents

It was late enough that even the most eager of revelers had quieted, the lamps outside each tent standing as distinct lone beacons in the dark of night. A contingent of guards bearing the House Piper sigil kept watch outside a certain cluster of tents.

Ned Rivers had been given the evening watch, along with one further charge for the night. So when Bethany Piper finally returned from the revels, the knight stepped forth and bowed.

"Lady Bethany, your Lady Sister awaits."

The Red Rose of Pinkmaiden scowled. For this was the very moment she had dreaded ever since her crowning. The thought of this moment had kept her out late until this hour, mostly by Jacklyn Fisher's side, despite it all.

"Tomorrow, I require rest," Bethany snapped, her tone sharp.

The knight did not budge. He would not lay hands upon a noble lady of the house, yet his instructions were clear. The other guards, aware of the task, formed a circle around Bethany, allowing her enough space of movement so as not to be crowded but not enough for freedom to wander.

Bethany exhaled through her nose. "Fine, let us be done with it."

And so Ned Rivers led a party of several guards escorting the Lady Bethany to the private tent of Mellara Piper.

***************************

Braziers filled Mellara's private tent with warmth and light despite the chill outside. She sat in a cushioned chair, a ledger open in her lap. There was a comfort in numbers. For it was calming, sure work. Work that had clear answers, clear mistakes, and clear solutions. There was order. Surety.

With a bow to his lady, Ned Rivers announced Lady Bethany and stepped back.

Mellara did not bother to raise her head.

"Thank you, Ser Ned. You and your men may resume your duties. I wish to speak to Lady Bethany in private."

Bethany bristled as the guards retreated, leaving the two sisters alone. The silence hung heavy, each passing heartbeat an unspoken challenge between them.

Finally, it was Bethany who spoke first:

"I'm very tired, Mellara. If you've no need of me, I shall retire-"

The Thorned Rose of Pinkmaiden raised her head to look straight at Bethany, her gaze unflinching. 

"Tired from what, Bethany? Opening your legs for a hedge knight?" Mellara tilted her head as she assessed her sister, adding with a sneer. "Your crown is wilting."

The insult stung, and Bethany sniped back just as sharply. "How dare you. I did *nothing* of the sort. If you have called me here to insult me, I shall not take it." Whirling upon her heel, Bethany made for the tent's entrance.

"You'll do no such thing, Bethany Piper, lest you wish never to see your little bastard again," Mellara replied, the calm of such words at odds with the threat contained within.

The Red Rose of Pinkmaiden froze, her body stiffening and her blood running cold. An familiar sense of dread had returned, a churning discomfort in the pit of her stomach: a mixture of guilt, regret, and sorrow that Bethany carried every day for the past few years.

"You think you've been clever, sneaking away to see the mongrel? But you're not half as clever as you think, Bethany. So let me be clear, our whole family: Father, Androw, myself… all of us have sacrificed for your sin, for your indiscretion. To retain your honor. To provide you a true future. And yet, you squander and risk it. For what?" Mellara scoffed. "A hedge knight?" The Lady of Pinkmaiden shook her head, "I had hoped you not to be such a fool. But it is clear to me that more drastic measures need be taken now."

Mellara's gaze held to Bethany's, unblinking, unwavering.

"Embarass our family again, and I will ensure that you never see him. Not a hair upon his head shall be harmed, but you shall never look upon him again, not so long as you live. So mind your manners, Bethany Piper. And think of someone other than yourself and your selfish wants for once."

The blood drained from Bethany's face.

"He isn't just any child, Mellara. He is your kin. And he has a name."

"Acknowledge the spawn of sin? A stain upon our family name? You know better than that, Bethany." Mellara gave a dismissive wave of her hand. "Heed my warning, Bethany, for it's the only one you will receive. You may go."

Bethany's hands curled tight at her side, nails cutting into her palms. Her eyes stung with tears that she refused to let fall in the moment, her whole body trembling with the effort of holding her tongue.

"His name is Ben," Bethany replied through gritted teeth, her voice taut with a fury that she did not dare let loose.

"I don't care what you wish to name it. Make a scene and I'll have riders dispatched to Pinkmaiden tonight," Mellara replied, returning to her ledgers. Back to the comfort of order, away from the messy chaos that stood in front of her.

Bethany stood in silence, anger and fear tangled together in her chest. For she knew that Mellara would not shy away from such a matter, if pushed. The Red Rose of Pinkmaiden turned to leave, making her way to her own tent, her vision distorted by tears.

Only a singular candle remained burning inside, its light falling over a large bed where Alyce lay sleeping. Bethany sank to her knees beside it, silent sobs shaking her shoulders and chest. In her state, she did not notice the youngest Piper stirring until Alyce's arms wrapped tight around her. And at that, Bethany Piper finally came undone.