The Four Swords Chapter 162: Who Really Won?

"Well? Can the doctor confirm that Lord Carrion was in the dical tent with Sir Gavin?" The Queen queried again.

"He did not enter the tent, but t Princess Alina and her friends at the door. I believe he saw through the tent flap." I admitted.

"Did anyone else see Lord Carrion look inside the dical tent?" Queen Valerie asked.

"Lord Carrion stayed outside with us. He asked Cali and myself to go celebrate his victory with him. I do not know what he saw." Princess Alina offered.

"I did not see him inside, Your Majesty. However I was not near the entrance. I think it is possible he could have seen everything that happened in the tent." Lord Jacobson spoke the truth.

As he finished his statent, he gave Lady Calista an apologetic look. I can see how Cali would not want her brother’s honor questioned.

Queen Valerie followed Lord Jacobson’s eyes. Landing on Cali, the queen motioned for any further information from the sister of the accused.

"I have no knowledge of my brother plotting against his opponent. I cannot say that the notion is outside of the realm of his own ambition. I have no solid evidence for his exoneration or conviction." Calista looked toward the floor.

"I will point out that if he is publicly shad, I do not know how my clan will respond to his leadership. Bonds of loyalty there already seem tense. If not for his perceived closeness with Princess Alina through , I think a challenge might have already been cast."

Her words hung in the air. I craved justice, but it might be at the cost of stability in leadership during a war. If this domino falls, it could lead to more travesties in the future.

Most of the challenges for Canidae, the sword of the clan of Wolves, ended in a battle to the death. Speaking openly of a challenge equated to a death threat in the eyes of that clan. I sighed in relief that my own people embraced a semblance of respect for my life.

"Your Majesty, please also consider that if my son is declared the winner of this match, he will most likely be unable to take on Sir John in the final match tomorrow. If his injury is as severe as I am led to believe, it might be best that this is his final match." Lord Garrison reasoned.

My head and my heart warred. Logically these argunts made sense, but delayed justice is injustice. I would not stand for such atrocities. The fire in my belly overwheld the logic in my head.

"Your Majesty, surely a fair fight is needed even if the jab was not intentional.."

"Lord Holden!" The queen cut off with a bit of bite in her voice. No longer was she speaking through her teeth. Clearly I struck a nerve.

"If you cannot produce evidence of guilt, my hands are tied." Queen Valerie responded.

"Will you announce the winner as the judges have decided?" I pushed my luck.

The queen did not respond, but motioned for to turn toward the entrance. A herald was waiting with the results. Across his face ran shock and confusion. Of course I picked the wrong mont to openly challenge my sovereign.

My heart raced and my blood nearly boiled at the thought of sharing the sa title as a dishonest man. I knew my first statent alone could be taken out of context by this herald to sow seeds of doubt in the monarchy. Afterall, I did not know the man. I could not let Lord Carrion’s actions further divide the country I love.

I cleared my throat, while also clearing my head.

"Forgive , Your Majesty. That might be misunderstood. Perhaps Princess Alina might announce the tournant victor tomorrow." I offered in the most casual tone I could muster whilst taking the results from the man.

The initial shock of the man dissipated into an approving smile. Maybe deceiving people made just as bad as Carrion. At least my victim could walk away from our encounter without need of a doctor.

"Thank you for your insight, Lord Holden." Queen Valerie softened the tone she used with . I knew that statent had layers I did not want to fully unpack. My expertise fell outside of the realm of decoding the motives behind Carrion’s actions.

She took the judges’ decision from my hand, making sure to cover whatever na might be scrawled across it. For a mont, she used her free hand to tap the back of my hand twice. My heart sank in my chest.

My mother’s favorite pieces of Ensisite history revolved around life in court. Under the reign of a particularly reserved king, it beca common for him to answer questions posed to him by courtiers by striking his cane on the floor. One strike ant his answer was yes. Two strikes ant his answer was no.

On what felt like carefree sumr days growing up where my mother was particularly playful, she would adopt the sa thod of communicating. The only exception being that instead of striking the ground with a cane, she rang the dinner chi. Loudly.

Queen Valerie told no. She was not planning on strictly adhering to the judges decision. She already had her mind made up with who today’s victor would be.

I returned to my post with my best impression of a neutral expression. Determined to look forward and not react to the announcent, I steeled myself. That is until I felt the pull of a questioning gaze.

Gella, I suppose, had beco accustod to sharing glances with her between matches. The concern found in her expression told that no matter how I acted at least one person knew I was discontent with the match’s outco.

"Well fought, Sir Gavin and Lord Carrion!" Queen Valerie began.

Sir Gavin bowed his head toward the royal box, no doubt unable or unwilling to risk a deeper bow. Lord Carrion raised Princess Alina’s favor to his chest as if it were the dearest thing to him.

"Please join in congratulating Lord Carrion on his victory."