Champion of Fire & Ice - Megan Derr Page 0,35

in an enormous field a few minutes' ride from the royal castle, where once drills and tournaments and more had taken place, all focused on honing soldiers for war. Thankfully, such measures were not as required, and the soldiers had long since moved elsewhere, to a place far more suited to their reduced needs.

The weather was absolutely perfect: snow falling gently, but not so heavily that it would cause significant interference. It was cold, of course, but not unbearably so, and already the hot beer and mulled wine were flowing, along with all manner of street food that set Davrin's stomach to rumbling. As hungry as he was, though, food would have to wait until after the opening ceremonies.

As he reached the area where they would take place, he wasn't surprised to see one of Korena's private servants waiting for him. The woman greeted him and bid him follow her to the royal box.

That was significantly more a statement than requesting he join her for dinner. Something must be wrong, that she would show such flagrant favoritism—or she expected something was going to go wrong.

He bowed low to King Rorlen, who dismissed him with a grunt and barely a glance. Moving on, Davrin bowed to Korena, making certain this one was just a touch deeper, a touch longer. She smiled softly and offered her hand, letting it linger when he kissed the back of it. "Good morning, Lord Dweller-by-the-Sea."

"Good morning, Your Highness. You are looking more beautiful than ever. Lady Aliara, an honor, as ever."

"Lord Dweller-by-the-Sea," she greeted. "I wish you and your champion victory on the field today."

"Thank you."

He sat as Korena motioned him to the chair on her left, where he would sit as prince consort. "You're making interesting decisions this morning."

"My father had another fit last night."

"I see."

"We are carrying on, but I'm increasingly worried."

"Whatever you need or want, I will serve, my queen."

She smiled, genuine and open. "Thank you, my lord. Truly I do look forward to calling you my husband."

"It will be the greatest honor of my life."

Her smile turned mischievous. "From what I'm hearing about where Sir Cimar slept last night, I think he might take issue with being second place."

Davrin burst out laughing, drawing a few looks from several nearby individuals. More quietly, so the words wouldn't carry, he replied, "Sir Cimar knows full well where he stands with me."

"I'm glad."

A servant came up requiring Korena's attention, and Davrin left her to her duties, content to watch the milling crowd slowly filling the seats surrounding the field. He would have loved to be able to walk in with Cimar, noble and champion together, friends and now lovers. As the next part of the challenge was to take place right after the opening ceremonies, though, Cimar had preparations to make.

Nearly another hour or so passed before the king signaled the waiting trumpeters, who immediately played the signal to start. An excited hush rippled through the crowd, and as King Rorlen stood, Davrin rose with everyone else, offering his arm as he escorted Korena to the edge of the royal box. She waved to everyone as her father started speaking, causing a brief disruption as everyone cheered for her.

King Rorlen gave roughly the same speech every year, modified in small ways to remain relevant. It was not hard to tell that everyone knew the speech by heart, had no interest in the perfunctory changes.

The crowd did not stir until the trumpets sounded again, this time heralding the arrival of knights. Grayne and Cimar entered the ring from a wide archway. As always, Cimar was resplendent, the very image of a knight, like he could have stepped from a painting or a tapestry. Next to him, Grayne had finally made some effort, but he was still a pale, pathetic shadow of Cimar.

They knelt several paces away from the royal box, one hand splayed for balance, the other across their chests, heads bowed.

"Knights, good morning and welcome to the second part of your challenge. Today will be a test of endurance. You are to report to the south side of Queen Tane Lake, where you will be expected to swim all the way across to us here at the north side."

Cimar's face gave nothing away, but Grayne radiated smugness. It was not hard to see how it would all play out. King Rorlen might be going insane, but that didn't equate to stupid.

Dismissing the knights, King Rorlen called for the festivities to begin, and the crowds erupted