Villainess Loves

Part 48

We gathered everyone who was going to participate in the competition and the servants who were going to practice attending to people.

"Hi everyone. We'll be starting the mock horse riding competition shortly. All competitors must choose a horse and apply for a race. You can apply for all of the races, but you can't compete in differing skill levels." I informed everyone.

"You can practice in the practice fields next to the competition area, but to make everything fair, no one can practice on the actual competition track. The first race will be the individual speed race. The blue track is for beginners, red for intermediate, and green for skilled. Please get into position based on the number you received." I directed the competitors to their places. We're going to do the individual speed race first, then the couple's race last.

"Alright, in the real competition there will be more competitors than the racetrack can hold, so there will be multiple rounds of the same race. So we need to quickly move the competitors out and into the resting area so the next round of competitors can enter." I instructed the servants. They nodded.

"Okay, let's start then!" I clap my hands together to signal the start of the mock competition.

There were only a couple of guests that arrived early that joined in on the mock competition, so most of the competitors were random servants so the skill level was a little skewed with most of them doing the beginner or intermediate level courses and only a few did the skilled level. Still, it was enjoyable seeing the different races. The intensity was much more muted for the beginners, but it was still enjoyable rooting for the winner because everyone had the same skill set so the winner wasn't predetermined.

Bella smoked everyone in the skilled category, with Prince Orion tagging in second, and one of the guests getting third. It was incredible how graceful she sped past all of the other competitors. She was on another level. Her heroine halo is no joke.

"Wooo!" "Yeah!" " Gooooo!" "Wahhhhh!" Cheers echoed throughout the field. It was exhilarating to see all of the racers and horses streak past us at breakneck speeds. All of us were greatly entertained. I was pleasantly surprised at how exciting everything was and how passionate I became when it got really close.

"Did you see how close Sabrina got to Trevor? Her horse was only a few inches away from the finish line!" A servant discussed this with her friend.

Both the competitors and the viewers were invested in the competition. We were all getting really excited for the actual competition, where more people would be attending, and thus more intense races would happen.

Even though the competition was quite last minute, there were still large amounts of gossip and anticipation for the competition between Prince Orion, Prince Caelum, and the Vendia Prince Astric. The fan favorite to win of course is Prince Caelum. Many rumors were spread about the incredible skills that he displayed during the war.

"Here, my lady." Mary hands me a glass of iced tea. We were sitting in one of the viewing boxes so that I could view the entire area at any time. Everything seems to be running fairly smoothly despite this being the first time this kind of event has happened.

"Thanks." The cool drink moistens my dry throat. I've been talking and directing people for the last few hours. Is this how singers feel after a long concert? Luckily tomorrow's event will be able to run without my constant attention as Queen Solana volunteered to help partly.

"Good work." Henry praised me. He's been hanging out with me and Mary for the entire mock competition. I asked him to join but he refused. He said he rather be observing with me and Mary than participate. Henry's suppose to be very skilled in horse riding. He even taught Prince Orion and Bella for a bit before tagging along with me. I wonder who would win, Bella or Henry?

"Thanks." I smiled.

This whole competition planning was really stressful and tiring but ultimately I'm enjoying this and I think Prince Orion is also having a blast competing with his servants and Bella. He didn't really help in the actual structure of the competition, but he helped communicate and train all of the servants participating.

With this event, I've really come to appreciate the Bella and Prince Orion combo. They work really well together, covering a different aspect of the other, Bella being more analytic and intellectual and Prince Orion being the spirit and compassion. She creates the ideas, and Prince Orion implements them. He may not be the perfect leader, but he knows how to use and find people that can cover his weaknesses. I hope King Drayden can see the hard work we have all put into this competition.

"This is just the beginning. We have to make sure that all parts of this competition run smoothly!" I proclaim. I hope all of the guests enjoy it, especially those who are participating in the couple's race. I've never heard of something like this being held. It will be a whole new experience for everyone!

"I believe it will be." Henry smiles.

"No doubt.' Mary quips.

"Are we ready for the next race, Lady Annelise?" A servant walks up to us.

"Yes, please notify everyone and set up for the couple's race," I ordered.

"I'll go and help," Mary says, heading down with the servant.

"Let's go and check on everything," I told Henry. We head down to visit each race course.

Right now, we're hosting all three skill levels at the same time, but I'm thinking to separate the races so that only the intermediate and beginner races are held together and the skilled races after. This way the skilled races can be like the main event, everyone can view the best of the best at the same time. 

It would allow us to not have to spread our resources so thin. Hopefully, the overall competition won't take too long. It shouldn't be unless we get a lot of guests wanting to compete. Each race only lasts a few minutes and we're giving a thirty-minute grace period between each race to allow people time to practice rest, and our staff to organize the information and set up for the next races.

I estimate the competition being around a few hours- max 6- if anything happens. Afterward, everyone will head to the main garden for the dancing and then, I guess, major announcements (the engagement and upcoming wedding). The attack might happen during the competition, but I think it will get delayed since the Vendia guests may want to participate.