Joan had no idea why she'd put the armour on. Some thought of finally making it clear she didn't need the Baron or any man to run her estate, or perhaps a desire to hide her face from them. In the metal shell and helmet, no one could see her weakness.

Except her. This is ridiculous. Joan took a deep breath and tried to push the fluttering in her stomach away. Since her face was covered, the King had allowed her to be in the hall to watch the proceedings. He thought it a great joke. ...