Chapter 209 TEIGEN XXXIII
ELARA
As they approached, they aim their lances at each other's shield, the flame of determination and guile. The impact was great, the sound of metal clashing, armour against armour. The cries of the horses chimed through the air, the gasps and anticipation from the crowd settling in the air, one question on everyone's mind.
Who would be the victor?
Like it was not already predetermined. But to my surprise the jouster remained on his horse, riding to the end of the line while Lord Sawyer rolled on the ground.
Defeated. My jaw slacked, the crowds surprised gasps and shouts echo. I hiss, knowing this would not end well for the jouster. Panic skittered down my spine as the guards and the stable men rushed to Lord Sawyer's side. The crowd stood from their seats, almost falling off the edge, watching the scene.
As the tournament reached its climax, and the final jouster stood tall the crowd's applause, a thunderous ovation, shook the very walls.
"I cannot believe the jouster bested the Lord Sawyer. As the Lord of the tournament, is the not a big shame?" Winnie said, her eyes glued to the commotion.
Philippa was quick to defend Lord Sawyer, like she always did. She scoffed, "Nonsense Winnie, of course Lord Sawyer would allow the jouster to win. His valour is not put into question by such little defeat"
"A nobleman's valor is the very thing on the line here Philippa" Camilla countered. "But of course you could never fault Lord Sawyer, as his biggest fan"
I tuned out their banter as white noise, glancing at Ryker as he watched the situation with an amused expression. I knew Ryker did not like Lord Sawyer, but the slight tilt at the corner of his mouth brought a smile to my lips. Hopefully nobody caught me shamelessly smiling when my alleged betrothed was just knocked off his horse. Ryker's eyes flickered towards me, meeting my gaze. I stared at him, taking in how devastatingly handsome it was it made my heart ache. I could not have him, maybe he was right, our stations were much too different. But it did not stop me from imagining a life where it did not matter. Maybe to me it was nothing, but to him I was a conquest he could not afford to embark on. He had much more than reputation to loose, and I was apparently not worth it. I inhaled a painful breath, turning away as I felt the sting of tears behind my eyes.
After that night at the ball I remained quiet throughout the carriage ride home, my head lost in a cloud of thoughts and feelings, lost feelings. Fried drowned me and I tried not to choke up my sons, I bit down on my lip to control myself from trembling, blood soaking my tongue.
Maybe I was not being reasonable or considerate, I was selfish about my desires but could I be blamed?
Probably.
I could feel his hot gaze, licking across my neck but I ignored it. The Orator came forth to announce the situation, the crowd quitting down.
"The Lord Sawyer is unharmed, he is honored to crown the jouster Sir Tamlin the victor of the jousting tournament!"
The crowd erupted
"Sir Tamlin will be bestowed the laurel wreath by the lady of the tournament, Lady Elara"
I stood, waving slowly, elegantly with a smile on my face.
Lifting my dress I carefully made my way down from my seat, taking the steps to the arena's stage. Sir Tamlin stood, fully decked in his armor. My ladies held an umbrella over my head, shielding my from the scorching sun. The orator brings the laurel wreath on a red velvet pillow, the gold catching the rays of the sun and twinkling. The arena was dead silent as I lifted it in my hands and raised it above head, high so everyone could see. The crowd cheered in approval. I brought my hand down to Sir Tamlin's head, gently placing it atop his brown tendrils. Bellows of joy, pride and passion poured into the arena. I genuflect as Sir Tamlin bows to me. Turning around I begin my journey back to my seat when Philippa comes to stand beside me, holding onto my hand.
She whispers in a low tone, "Should you not go to visit the Lord Sawyer in his private tent? He received quite a blow, it will show courtesy if you go as the lady of the tournament"
"Should I really? Would it not be inappropriate?" I asked.
Winnie came forward as well, "There isn't a need, my lady. You heard the orator, he is alright and without injury. The physician must be tending to him"
I pursed my lips. The last thing I wanted was to be in a close space with him, not after he grabbed onto me so tightly before. His hands on me felt like acid against my skin, but somehow he always managed to breach my personal space. It made me horribly uncomfortable.
As if Philippa sensed my waning mind, "If you do not go, it would look bad. Think about what the people will say, or what you would tell the Grand Duke when he asks of his associate?"
At the mention of my father I stilled, the thought of displeasing him tugged painfully at my heart. Philippa might be right, just a short visit until the horse riding tournament started.
I inhaled a breath, turning towards the direction of Lord Sawyer's tent.
"I will go see him, just out of courtesy"
"But my lady, you would be further proving the rumors of your engagement" Camilla speaks up, bringing the knowledge of the talk of the dukedom back to mind.
Philippa was quick to answer, "The people will always find gossip to entertain themselves, but this is a matter of representing the Grand Duke. Nothing romantic or personal, everyone is well aware of the business relationship between the Marquese Lord Sawyer and the Grand Duke"
I pinched my lips into a thin line, thinking, weighing my options but at the end of my silent pondering I chose the option that proved me to be the daughter I always was. The one thing that rung at the back of my mind, never go again father, always obey, never complain. So I swallowed my reservations and went on my way to the tent.
It was not a long walk from the tournament, just outside the arena's entrance, the one the nobles followed. At the opening of the tent, two guards were perched there. I parted my lips to speak but before I could get a word out the guards bowed, stepped aside and parted the curtains for me to enter.
I frowned, exchanging glances between them.
Was I already expected?