They whispered in town about him. They called him a beast. They called him cruel. They called him ugly.
People were repulsed by his face. They treated him like a deadly disease, avoiding him like the plague. They didn't dare talk to or in front of h...
"I hope your father came home unharmed," the King spoke.
"He is alright, Your Majesty. Thank you for being so concerned." Angelica replied.
"Do you like watching fights?" He asked, turning to the arena.
"It is too gruesome for my taste, Your Majesty."
He chuckled. "I am sure William has a different opinion."
"I love it, your Majesty. Thank you for inviting us," her brother spoke.
The King smiled his usual charming smile. There was something about when he smiled that seemed so genuine. It could be why her brother liked him, but Angelica would reserve her final thoughts about him.
From the corner of her eye, she spotted Veronica and Hilde watching her intently from where they sat amongst other noble women. She could also feel the other women watching her, wishing to be in her place. If they only knew that it wasn't the ideal place to be in. If the King tossed her aside after satisfying his curiosity, no other man would take an interest in her.
Angelica wanted to respectfully tell the King that he was ruining her chances of getting married if he had no interest in marrying her. The only thing that was stopping her from doing that was her brother. She had to think about her safety because she was the only one her brother could depend on, and she didn't know if her words would offend the King.
The tournament began with a battle between groups of knights. The fight started between two groups representing their villages. Both groups paraded past the spectators shouting war cries to show off their coats of arms and armour. Then each side lined up and prepared for the charge. At the sound of the bugle, both sides lowered their lances and charged. The remaining knights on their horses would return and trust again, continuing until one side won.
The crowd cheered loudly for the knights from their village or town. When the new groups of knights arrived on the field to fight, the King clapped. Angelica looked closely, wondering why. One group had the Royal symbol on their armour. They were from the King's town.
Angelica noticed how easily they defeated the knights in the opposition. She could tell they had special training.
"What do you think?" the King asked her, nodding toward the field.
"They are very skilled, Your Majesty," Angelica said.
She enjoyed it a little, even though she flinched whenever someone got knocked off their horse. It looked excruciating.
"But not something you wish your brother to do," he added.
How did he know?
"I wouldn't want someone I care for getting hurt for people's amusement," Angelica said.
"Fair enough," he said. "But without pain, there is nothing to gain."
She could see her brother nodding in agreement beside her.
"Your Majesty, is Lord Rayven participating? I can't see him." William said, watching the knights.
Angelica looked for him amongst the knights as well. They wore helmets covering their faces, but none had Lord Rayven's large frame. He would have easily knocked all of them down alone.
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