Not Giving Into Fate

19- The Hunting Tournament

I didn't want to go, I dreaded the tournament. It was never fun for me. I sat with the ladies yes, but I was alone and didn't join in the conversation. No one spoke to me and I was always ignored or people spoke behind my back while I sat a few feet away from them. I stayed in the still, hot heat and it was never fun to watch the spoils being passed out.

However, Father forced me to go. It was our duty as a family and I had to cheer on my brother and now my fiancé. The ride wasn't far, it was a brief hour on the carriage, but it was manageable since I was the only one in it. My father and brother rode horseback which left me alone. On the journey I finished the handkerchief that I would give to Ivan.

It wasn't good. Hell, I was starting it on the journey there. I grew too busy with the trial, housework and my own job. I don't have time to sit around and embroider a piece of cloth- with a schedule like mine who did? But, I remembered his highness's words and decided to do a simple flower.

My skills weren't good. I could have used magic to do it, but I haven't made something with my own hands in years. I recall my mother singing songs as she embroidered while I played next to her. So, I stitched away and silently sung the songs she sang.

The stitching was... decent and there may have been times when the lines didn't match and it looked splotchy, but it was the thought that counts plus I made it myself while I remembered my mother. By the time we got to the tournament, I finished the flower. I was rather proud of it, liking the colors I chose. Looking at one of my favorite flowers embroidered... it makes me happy because my mother shared the same love for it.

We arrived to the tent that was already set up for the Solon family. We were one of the last families to arrive. We passed by people who stared at us as we walked past. I kept my head up high, hearing them talk about the trial and my name kept leaving everyone's lips. I held Elric's arm. From the corner of my eye, I saw him stare down everyone who looked at us. It was a warning of sorts, and that made me braver.

We got to our tents. I sat down and fanned myself, insufferable in the heat and wishing I could be anywhere but here. Father didn't stay for long. He dropped off some items and left, stating that he needed to speak with someone. Elric stayed with me. He sharpened his sword and entertained me with a story he heard at a bar.

"So the man came and he shouted-"

The curtains open and I look to see who intruded our closed tent. I freeze when I see Prince Ivan walk in. He looks between the two of us. Elric stands and I follow him, both of us bowing to our future King.

"Solon, please leave the tent so that I may speak with Lady Solon." Ivan orders. I look at Elric and see him hesitating. I can tell he doesn't want to leave me alone with him- it isn't proper to do so but the belief is old school. However, Elric is old school. "Now." Ivan urges before Elric can say no.

Elric looks at me. "I will be walking around, come and find me if you need anything before the tournament." I nod my head and watch him leave the tent, leaving me alone with my horrible fiancé.

Ivan walks to the table where our food sits. He grabs an apple and starts eating it. I stay silent, not wanting to start a conversation with him. I'd rather him leave. He turns around and looks at me. I look at him.

He has his armor on. I can see the Imperial Knights crest on his chest. I can't remember if he got the crest because he's a good swordsman or if he just bought the title. I remember him being good at the sword, but not like my brother.

"How's the Tower after the trial?" Ivan asks.

"Good, we appointed a new Master of Battle Magic and there are more regulations emplaced to make sure magical weapons are sent to where they are needed." I simplify the tiring process that is still being worked out.