The Four Swords

Chapter 147 - The Favorite Chapter

Lord Carrion approached the royal stands on horseback. The royal box was too high to receive a favor by hand and throwing it to each champion would be undignified. There was always a chance that the favor could hit the ground and that would dishonor everyone involved.

A stable boy handed him a ceremonial lance. Even though this tournament did not involve a joust, the lance was needed for the ceremonial hand off.

"Lord Carrion, may your skills shine today!" Princess Alina said as the champion reached the box.

"I will honor my name and my clan. Although it could have been your name I had honored by being crowned the victor. Alas, the royal family will not know the pleasure of having a betrothed name supreme champion." Lord Carrion remarked as though he was just commenting on the weather.

Alina tied the handkerchief to the end of the lance with a forceful tug. Although the other champions were too far away to hear the banter, the entirety of the box could hear it.

"Dear brother, you discount Lord Jacobson too quickly. His betrothal to the Princess ended only because of the high honor of becoming Swordsman." Calista's words cut her brother's remarks off beautifully.

I did not hold in the chuckle that escaped my lips.

The way Lady Calista redirected the comment away from his own failed proposal and implications that he would win the tournament was masterful. There is no better way to put a man in his place than to point out someone else who has done far greater than his own deferred dreams.

"I was not speaking to you, dear sister." Carrion punctuated the last endearment. "Enjoy the tournament, Queen Valerie and Princess Alina."

Carrion retrieved the favor before handing the lance back to the stable boy. He bowed his head in reverence to the royal family before moving back to the lineup of champions.

"I cannot remember. Who made Lord Carrion's favor?" Princess Alina whispered to Lady Calista before the next champion approached.

"I did. And it was definitely the messiest one of the bunch. You are welcome." Cali swelled with pride.

Each champion took their turn approaching the royal box, but the rest of the Champions did not have any rude remarks for the princess.

Lord Jacobson reiterated his nervousness. He thanked Princess Alina for the favor if it was only to be used for just one round.

Sir John held the favor to his heart before looking toward the queen. I guess he finally had something tangible to remind him of all the hard work he put in for this tournament.

As Agnar held the lance toward the royal box, the point shook back and forth. I know from facing him in one-on-one combat that his fear was different from Jacobson's. He did not fear the fight, simply the crowd.

Benate soaked up the applause. He was the only one among the champions to speak to me while in front of the royal box.

"Hey Holden! If I have a favor from the Princess, I guess that makes me the favorite brother."

I laughed but kept my thoughts to myself. Favorite. In his dreams.

After my brother returned to the line of champions, Princess Alina turned toward me.

"Don't worry. You are currently my favorite of the two, but we will see how today goes." She beamed.

I am perfectly content if Benate is her favorite. He needs employment right now anyway and I think babysitting might just suit him perfectly.

Luckily, Sir Chalmers approached the box before I had a chance to respond. I am sure that anything I could have added to the conversation would have been used against me in some way or another.

Finally Sir Gavin approached for his favor. He smiled toward the stands taking in the splendor as he approached the box. One overly excitable maiden in the stands pretended to swoon at the sight of his dimpled grin. I rolled my eyes.

In the man's defense, his cheeks did hint towards scarlet after he saw that. His beaming expression also seemed more forced. Who knew that the unshakable lad could in fact be shaken.

His flushed appearance did not improve as he raised the lance to the royal box with his head bowed respectfully.

"Sir Gavin, may your exceptional swordsmanship make you feel like a victor no matter the outcome and bring honor to your clan," Princess Alina said as she tied his favor.

"The greatest honor is being able to serve the country of Ensis in whatever way my Queen sees fit." Sir Gavin bowed his head again toward Queen Valerie.

Queen Valerie nodded back in recognition of the praise.

"Thank you for your generous favors to all the champions, Princess Alina. I cannot imagine how long it takes to prepare such things. A most magnanimous gesture if I have ever seen one!" Sir Gavin gushed with another smile, but it rang true.

It was Alina's turn to blush. As she turned to share a glance with Lady Calista, I could not mistake it. I could not tell if her hue was because she was embarrassed for having split the task with her friend, or if we should inspect Sir Gavin's smile for magical properties.

"You are too kind, Sir Gavin. Be safe and I hope the favor helps you win your matches." Alina said as a dismissal.

Sir Gavin bowed once more and turned to leave, not noticing the silent reprimand that was happening behind him.

It was improper for the royal family to directly wish for one champion to win. It was seen as favoritism to a clan. Queen Valerie shot a look at her daughter. Princess Alina's head hung low, knowing her faux pas the moment it left her mouth.

Cali shot Alina a look of disgust. I was befuddled for a moment until I remembered who Sir Gavin was up against first. Alina just wished for Lord Jacobson to lose his first match out loud.

Even without the first sword fight, there was already a match forming in the royal box.