As we reach the back hall that opens up to the training grounds, I see the army of knights and members of the Force practicing on the grassy field. Some of the courtiers from the royal village are seated along with the nobles in the risers, privileged to watch the tourney training.
I’ve never been permitted to attend the training week before the tournament. Not that I had ever wanted to. It’s overwhelming as I take in the sight. The ground is sectioned off, marked with white chalk on the grass.
In one area, a group of knights dressed in silver armor thrust swords at each other, while in the next section they battle on horseback. In the center of it all, a long railing stretches across the diameter of the field, where the joust is taking place. Two knights atop horses charge toward each other, their lances outstretched. They smack into one another, and one is unhorsed.
At the sound of a lance breaking and the rider hitting the ground, I cringe. I glance over my shoulder to Devlan. “You’re not disappointed you’re stuck with me instead of out there with your knights?”
His gaze drifts over the training grounds, then his eyes find and linger on my face. “It’s not nearly as entertaining as watching a princess learn to ride.” He grins. “How’s your head, by the way?’
My face flushes. “Fine.” I step down to the lower level and then onto the ground, seeking Sebastian, and nearly stumble right onto a dead bird. Devlan’s hand catches my arm, holding me back.
“I’ll have it taken care of.” He releases me and reaches for his communicator.
The dead bird is forgotten as my gaze lands on Sebastian and Cecily, their heads close together as they talk. Moving behind the risers, I work my way across the field toward them as Devlan trails me. I hope the first knight’s lofty height won’t give us away. I’d like to hear some of their conversation, though guilt at eavesdropping sits heavily in my stomach.
Still, this is the man I’m betrothed to. I want to know more about him and his relationships outside of our own.
As I hunch behind the makeshift riser, Devlan clears his throat. I wave my hand behind my back to quiet him. I know the expression he probably now wears is a mocking one, but I’ll deal with his scolding later. Right now, Sebastian is reaching up toward Cecily’s face.
“That was then, Cecily,” Sebastian says softly, cupping her cheek. “I have a kingdom to rule, and I’ve told you, my father has voiced his opinion. Though we shared…special moments, I’m afraid it has to stop.” He bows his head, then meets her eyes again. “Please understand.”
I can’t see Cecily’s face as her back is to me, but I can make out the tremble of her shoulders. My heart aches for her. Again, why did he not choose her? There is no logic that can explain away why someone as beautiful and regal as she shouldn’t be betrothed to the prince. Especially if they’ve already been intimate. However, maybe the king ended their affair for that very reason, and I was an alternative to Sebastian’s buried desire for her.
I’ll never know unless Sebastian chooses to tell me the truth of their relationship.
He turns away from her and heads toward his knights in the center of the field. His walk is steady and determined as he leaves her behind, and after seeing his close moment with her, I feel as though Sebastian has many layers—ones I may never touch upon fully.
Cecily guardedly wipes her eyes and glances around, as if wary over witnesses. I turn and dip behind the tall bleachers, but not quickly enough.
“Princess Zara?”
My eyes close and my frame stiffens. I hope she doesn’t realize I’ve overheard. When I open my eyes, Devlan is staring at me, his face drawn in a curious expression.
I relent and pivot to greet her with a smile. “Miss Cecily.” I remember not to curtsy this time. “I didn’t know you were interested in the tourneys.”
Her smile brightens, though forced, and she approaches me while holding up the hem of her olive gown. “Please, just Cecily. I do hate my friends using my name so formally. And you’re so comical, Princess Zara.” She mock-laughs, her blonde ringlets bouncing as she turns her attention to the knights. “The tourneys are hardly what I’m interested in.” I follow her gaze over the field to where Sebastian is suiting up in armor. “I just love a good game.”
I bite my tongue, refraining from telling her that I was never a player in the pursuit for the prince. Instead, I force my own smile wider. If I could find a way to trade places with her, I’d gladly do so.
Cecily spins toward the small crowd gathered in the spectators’ area along the sidelines. A number of folding chairs are spread out, and the noblewomen and their ladies-in-waiting are seated there. She turns toward me again. “Sir Devlan,” she says, looking past me. “Escort a lady to her seat?”
Devlan remains quiet, but steps forward and angles his arm out to her. I can’t help but wonder if the first knight has taken Sebastian’s place on the “most eligible bachelors” list.
We enter the spectator’s area, and Cecily thanks Devlan as she runs her hand along his arm, complimenting his strong physique. I plop down in one of the seats. Two other girls I met at the ceremony smile and congratulate me on my engagement to Sebastian.
“You have to admit,” one of them—Sabina—says, “there’s no better way one scopes out her future husband than by watching him perform the joust.” She nods her head toward the knights preparing to mount their horses.
“Agreed,” the girl sitting next to her says. She leans forward, sweeps her long dark hair aside, and looks at me. “Have you ever seen Prince Sebastian joust, Princess Zara?”
I can’t recall her name, so I smile. “Nay. I’m afraid I’ve not had the privilege yet.” I look at each in turn and say, “And please, call me Zara.” I turn toward Cecily to include her in this request. I at least appreciate her deviance from formalities.
“Oh,” the dark-haired girl says. “Then you’re in for a treat.” She points to one of the knights. “Prince Sebastian is mounting now.”
Cecily leans closer to us, dropping her voice. “And look at him mount.”
I spot Hawken first and squint, trying to see the rider better. I can tell that underneath the armor it’s Sebastian. He has an air about him, as if he’s aware all eyes are on him. He mounts Hawken with confidence, then lifts his hand toward the crowd. Cheers sound from the risers and the girls next to me fan themselves in mock-swoon.