My hands slowly clap at the mockery. Even if I can understand the reasoning behind the decision, I cannot fully support it. I will not undermine my queen by openly opposing the outco.
My hands might clap, but I cannot muster more of a smile than a forced thin line. Lord Carrion waves to the crowd soaking in all the praise. I wish Agnar had challenged his win yesterday. Maybe this could have been prevented. Soone should warn Sir John.
Sir Gavin congratulated his opponent with a hand shake. Lord Carrion took full advantage of the situation yet again. He pulled Gavin into an embrace and patted him on the back for good asure. To most it could have looked like brotherly affection.
Gavin winced but kept from crying out. It looked like words might’ve been exchanged. I wish I knew what was said, but would not trust either man’s recall of the subject. Lord Carrion’s pride consus him too much to be honest, whereas Gavin lies at the complete opposite end of the spectrum. He might lie by omission to not speak negatively about anyone.
How I longed to be among my clansn! They are not perfect, but ambition rarely extends beyond planning to plow too much of a field in one day. Honor ans that you stick to your word, not kill yourself attempting to find the best in everyone. Court problems! Ugh!
Tomorrow I would be forced to watch a man who cheated his way into the final match face an honorable opponent. Sches and shenanigans might yet again win the day. At the thought I ended my attempt at polite applause and let my nostrils flare.
"Your Majesty," Lord Garrison said behind clenched teeth. "Might I be dismissed from duty to tend to my son? I have so pressing questions for him."
The father’s tone, unmistakably angry but controlled, conveyed his aning without enurating his questions.
"I have a few of my own for the next Swordsman of the clan of Falcon. Let us both go." Queen Valerie motioned for the crowds to start dispersing.
"May I join you?" Princess Alina questioned her mother.
Everyone in the royal box froze. It made sense for Lord Garrison and Queen Valerie to want to question Sir Gavin about his behavior when he would one day be in charge of the royal guard. I could not think of a reason why the princess needed to be party to that conversation.
It looked like everyone in the box had the sa question. Lady Calista contorted her face in a way that looked like a foul odor wafted through the box. Lord Jacobson let his jaw hang slack. Queen Valerie seed the most composed as her expression of confusion flashed montarily on her face but never reached her eyes.
"It is just that I know Lord Holden would do better away from Lord Carrion at the mont. I know that Carrion will seek out Calista and myself as he did yesterday. I thought checking on Sir Gavin might be an easy way out of the situation." Alina’s words raced from her mouth as if all vying for first place.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I can mind my manners. Silently." I added the last word as an afterthought. I could be polite as long as I did not have to interact with the man.
"I think you bring up a good point, my dear," Queen Valerie gave a sideways glance. I guess I do not have the best track record today of holding my tongue.
"I would also like to ask Lord Carrion so questions as well. Lord Garrison, might we delay seeing your son for a mont?" Queen Valerie flashed a smile in Lord Garrison’s direction.
The man straightened ever so slightly. Good posture must co naturally in that family.
"As you wish, Your Majesty." Lord Garrison’s tone was pleasant but clearly veiled his own feelings on the matter.
Queen Valerie motioned for us all to descend from the box. As expected, Lord Carrion waited for the princess and his sister at the bottom.
"Your Majesty," Lord Carrion bowed pleasantly. "Your Highness and all esteed guests of the royal family! Thank you for honoring with your presence at my match."
What happened to the moody child I had grown accustod to interacting with, no one seed to know. I guess deceiving the entire populace into thinking that you won a match fairly might boost your mood.
"Congratulations, Lord Carrion." Queen Valerie offered. "How unfortunate for your favor from the princess to almost be lost in the arena."
Carrion looked taken aback at the ntion of the favor. For a mont his eyes shifted to the entourage gathered, attempting to discern what each of us might know.
"Yes. It was unfortunate. I am glad to have recovered such a treasure." The item flourished in his hand before being brought to his chest in almost mocking adoration.
"I find it interesting that the arena keeps finding ways to take the spotlight off of your skill with a blade. How tragic since that was one of the main reasons you convinced to host such a tournant!" Queen Valerie surprised the newest Swordsman with her bluntness.
"I am sorry, Your Majesty. I do not understand your aning. How has the arena detracted from my skills?" Lord Carrion’s jovial tone disappeared as quickly as it had appeared leaving him guarded but not accusatory.
Queen Valerie halved the distance between herself and Lord Carrion while the rest of us froze not knowing what might happen next.
"Do not think that dust and favors have gone unnoticed by those who question your honor. Do not give anyone cause to challenge your position. Including myself." Queen Valerie spit out the words barely above a whisper. Even I stood straighter as the words sent shivers down my spine.
Lord Carrion opened his mouth to refute her claims before instead letting out a frustrated sigh.
"Thank you for your words of wisdom, Your Majesty." Carrion muttered through a clenched jaw.
"I hope you take them to heart. I will not tolerate anything less. Now we all must be off. It was suggested that Princess Alina host tomorrow’s match and she and Lady Calista must go work on what she will say. I must check on the wounded and you must rest for tomorrow. Good day, Lord Carrion."
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