Thunderous applause with cheers of joy swept through the crowd. When that was not enough, they stomped their feet. The stands rumbled, shaking to a point that almost seemed unsafe.
The court opened its doors to commoners, but a life with an income based on work did not leave much time for many to attend. Few would have been present for any royal engagement. Their enthusiasm knew no bounds.
Sir John ran towards the royal box. Although no steps lead down into the arena from the platform on that side, he found a foothold and scaled the wall.
Barely reaching the railing of the box, he reached for Queen Valerie's hand. Impetuously kissing her fingers with abandon. The audience exploded anew.
I surveyed the box, wondering if the people of court would welcome this union as much as the people in the stands.
Princess Alina looked thrilled. I could not help but wonder if she thought this might delay her own engagement. She did not seem too keen on the idea of walking an aisle with just anyone.
Lady Calista held a question behind her eyes, even as she stood and smiled warmly. I, too, wondered how many signs I missed in this blossoming romance. Quickly it came to mind that Sir John walked Queen Valerie down to the city gates this morning. Maybe John planned more of this than it seemed.
Lord Jacobson glowed with excitement. His genuine affection for his uncle overpowered any criticism he might have about the time or place.
Sir Chalmers slowly adjusted himself to sit closer to Lord Jacobson. Power attracts that kind of man. My disdain for the man and his son only grew the longer I knew them.
Captain Darius looked pleasantly shocked. I do not think he had any objections to the man who might soon become his sovereign.
Sergeant Agnar glanced my way for guidance. He wanted to see my own reaction before he fully settled into his own opinion. I smiled and nodded. Not even the slightest hesitation crossed my mind about Sir John being an honorable leader.
Benate leaned toward Gella, whispering something in her ear. I could not overhear it, but Gella's flushed face and stifled giggle made me wish I could. Jealousy flooded my mind momentarily. My brother should have shared his joke with me.
The solution of Benate keeping his adoring public at bay by being seen with a suitor only worked if he kept the lady on his arm close. I sighed and gave up hope of ever knowing what was said.
"I agree, Lord Holden!" Sir Gavin interrupted my thoughts.
"Forgive me. What do you agree with, Sir Gavin?" I could not remember the last thing I said to the man. Possibly he was agreeing with something said long ago.
"Oh. I thought you were sighing at the sight of the Queen finding someone worthy of her. Maybe I can one day be worthy of a lady of magnificent caliber." Sir Gavin backpedaled.
The sweetness of the sentiment made me want to throw up in my mouth a little. Although not completely wrong in his sentiment, his motivations missed the mark.
"Better yourself for everyone's benefit. Not just one person. Even if that person is yourself, Sir Gavin." I remarked back.
Gavin recoiled for a moment like I struck him with the back of my hand instead of with a new idea. Perhaps it was an old idea. Sir Gavin straightened as he composed himself.
"Wise advice. No matter who says it or how it is said," Gavin added cryptically before his eyes cut to his father.
Lord Garrison smirked while pretending not to hear the conversation happening right next to him. I guess the golden child did not learn that lesson quickly.
Sir John jumped back down into the arena after a few hushed words to his soon to be bride. The banners of the clan of Stag were raised around the arena. Mixed in with the blue were flags of purple. Queen Valerie would also be honored today.
Lord Carrion kicked at a barrel of water absentmindedly before turning to leave the arena. Something did not seem right about that. I knew the man to be haphazard lately in how he displayed displeasure and that sent off alarms in my head.
I looked toward Lord Garrison. I caught his eye and motioned toward the quickly fleeing Lord Carrion. Garrison halved the distance between us, taking up a position that could defend the royal family in its entirety.
"Go," my counterpart mouthed. If the cheering of the crowd was any indication, the tournament throngs would not easily disperse. I would not be surprised if the queen declared a holiday.
I raced down the stairs. Seeing the fading figure heading back towards Bleddyn's home, I darted to close the distance.
"Lord Carrion!" I called. If he heard me, he did not turn his head. His pace hastened slightly. I should have known his haughty demeanor would not allow him to be overtaken.
"Halt!" I threw all of my authority into my voice. That struck a nerve.
Lord Carrion turned on his heel with rage filled eyes.
"You are mistaken, Lord Holden, if you think any man from the clan of Wolves takes orders from a bear!" Lord Carrion rushed toward me with an accusing finger punctuating my chest at the end of his speech.
Only small men have to prove how lofty they are.
"I simply wanted to check on your wellbeing." I did not address the offense against myself knowing the fruitlessness of such an endeavor.
Carrion's finger fell at my softened words. A blazing fire of emotions diffused momentarily.
"What do you mean?" Lord Carrion's tone mirrored a familiar one I was starting to grow accustomed to with Calista. Suspicion. I need a new day job.
"Second place is not a failure," I began before Carrion interrupted.
"You do not understand. I cannot…"
"Carrion? Is that you?" I heard from inside the house whose front door was at our feet.