The Four Swords-Chapter 158: Favorable

"Of course Lord Jacobson should join us in the royal box!" Queen Valerie exclaimed to her daughter as I arrived for babysitting duty the next morning. "But I will not dishonor Lord Holden or the clan of Bear by kicking their Swordsman out of such an honored position as he has been assigned."

My heart sank. Yesterday afternoon gave me hope that I might get to just be a spectator of the tournament, free to have reactions to the outcomes without also worrying about who saw my rather readable expressions.

Lord Jacobson knew the people of court much more than I did. The blame for that lies directly on my own shoulders, but in my defense, court is egregiously boring.

It would make more sense for Jacobson to protect Princess Alina from anyone suspicious. Yet I do understand that I have much more experience in fighting outside of the practice arena.

I let out a sizable huff of frustration, resigned to my fate as royal babysitter.

"See. Even Lord Holden is relieved he does not have to leave us." Queen Valerie eyed me in an unmistakable way. She knew I was unhappy with her decision, but I had better put on a happy face and put on a good show for the princess.

"Of course, Your Majesty. I cannot let Benate be the favorite brother." I smirked, using my brother's own words from the day before.

When I returned home from duty yesterday at the end of the day, poor Benate was already in bed. Not by his own choice, but by our mother's. Mother spent the rest of the day after Benate's fight doting on Benate's every need as if he had come home from war with a lost limb, instead of a scratch under his chin.

He was relieved to see me. Benate finally convinced our mother that I would be a suitable nurse maid for the evening. Reluctantly she left.

"I guess an adoring mother is the reward for being Princess Alina's 'favorite brother', is it not?" I jabbed at him before getting a pillow thrown at my face.

The glorious taste of using my brother's own sarcastic comment yet again allowed my feigned joy to turn into actual mirth.

"You are still currently my favorite, but the day is young." Alina joked.

Queen Valerie motioned for everyone in the great hall to follow her. Lord Garrison fell in step right behind her with Princess Alina's friends joining her step by her sides. I took up the rear. At least I was going to get to see more people fight today.

The grand processional through the streets must have started in the lower part of the town. A distant hum of cheers could be heard the moment we stepped outside.

"Sounds like we are running a bit late." Queen Valerie quickened her pace and everyone following in step rushed along with her.

The queen and Lord Garrison were the first to climb the stairs to the royal box. Followed by Lord Jacobson assisting Princess Alina up the stairs. He was closest to her, so it only made sense to escort her.

Calista cut her eyes in my direction, sizing up something about me. Instead of offering me her hand like a lady might do, she gathered up her skirts like the day before and rushed up the steps on her own behind Alina and Jack.

I held my laughter so as not to expose her nonsense. Anyone can say what they want about the twin of the Swordsman from the clan of Wolves, but it is undeniable that she lives life by her own rules.

In the royal box, Lord Jacobson seemed to be at a loss. He stood next to Lord Garrison while eyeing the seats next to his friends. He could take on an official capacity if he stood back and guarded, or he could take on the role of spectator. I am sure he was much more comfortable with the latter.

Queen Valerie could sense the tension as she and Alina took their seats. "Lord Jacobson! Please join us."

A dramatic exhale escaped Lord Jacobson as he took a seat. At least he did not have to make the decision for himself.

I scanned the crowds looking for anything suspicious and my eyes rested yet again on the shining face of Gella. Unmistakably dressed in golden hues, she was still cheering for my brother. Surely having a champion live above your place of business was not hurting sales. No wonder she cheered for Benate.

In her lap I caught a glimpse of a basket filled with pastries, not unlike the pastries that Benate and I found on his front porch this morning. I smiled knowing that the gesture had been correctly credited to Benate's neighbor.

My gaze caught Gella's attention and she froze. I nodded my thanks and she smiled in understanding.

The champions arrived into the arena with more fanfare than yesterday. Somehow a member from each clan was still in the tournament, which was not always the case. Today would end the dream of tournament victor for two clans. I hope Benate makes it to tomorrow.

Valiant mounts brought their riders to stand before the queen for the second day in a row. All favors handed out yesterday were prominently displayed, as was the custom.

Most tournament champions throughout the years tied the handkerchief around the wrist that was not favored in combat. This allowed for the favor to easily wipe sweat from a brow between matches in the joust.

Since this tournament had no jousting, two champions picked more unusual ways to display the princess's handiwork. Carrion tried his favor around his dominant wrist. It would make much more of a showy display in the middle of a match to see the favor almost around his sword's hilt. freёnovelkiss.com

The other champion, however, was ridiculous. I say that lovingly as my brother made a spectacle of himself. His favor draped down his back as it was tied around his shoulders with twine like a cape.

Queen Valerie took in the sight for a moment, missing the first beat after she stood to welcome the crowd. Hopefully such antics somehow help my clan find favor.