A Chosen Love - Book 1 The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter Thirty

Thousands of excited Frencolians together with enthusiastic knights and eager dignities from neighboring kingdoms gathered expectantly in the great field just outside the city walls of Frencberg.

This was the day —the chosen day —beginning the contest, the winner of which would decide who would become the queen of Frencolia. Who would win the tournament? Who would marry King Leopold? Which of the two ladies would be crowned queen?

More people from around the kingdom came for this day than those who traveled to pay their last respects to the late King Friedrich as he had lain in state in the Frencolian throne room. Predictions were that as the week progressed, numbers would swell to double or treble by the day of the public coronation of King Leopold, which was to be held two days after the end of the tournament.

Elissa stood with Estelle as Lord Shellac approached them. He held his two clenched fists towards the women. The confident Estelle did not hesitate, but pointed decidedly to the man's left hand. Lord Shellac's opening hand revealed a piece of gold ribbon; his right held a small green fragment.

Turning, Lord Shellac made the announcement to the waiting crowd. "Lady Estelle is queen of the Tournament!" Amidst deafening cheers, he took a golden circlet from a page and placed it upon Estelle's proud head. "You are to be called 'Queen Estelle,' for the week of the tournament."

"I'm glad," Elissa said as she kissed Estelle. Cheering, hoots and whistles resounded from the crowds. Ignoring Leopold and Louis, Elissa whispered, "You make a far better queen than I. I'm praying for your knights to win the tournament."

Estelle was escorted to sit on the 'throne' in the spacious royal marquee and Elissa walked contentedly behind. She was to be the 'queen's' lady-in-waiting for the next five days.

The procession of the contestants began.

Feeling shy, Elissa tried to ignore the royal company present in their tent.

King Leopold, Sir Thorbert and the king's knights rode past first.

Deafening cheers again made conversation impossible.

Next, rode Sir Louis and company, and the crowd made almost as much noise as they had for the king.

Sir Dorai and his knights received loud acclaim as did the next three knights who were competing; Sir Keith, Sir Gabel and Sir Otis.

"Now, tell me again; Your Majesty, queen of the joust; whom do these knights represent?" The question came from the lips of King Kelsey of Reideaux who sat behind the ladies, and he added, "I remember that King Leopold's men compete for His Majesty, and Sir Louis for himself."

"Dorai is Elissa's brother, and if he wins, it will be up to Elissa to make the decision." Estelle glanced meaningfully at Elissa. They had discussed this tournament at long lengths and everyone knew that Elissa fervently hoped her brother would not win!

The queen of the joust spoke with assurance, "Sir Keith rides for me and I feel sure that he will win. If, however, Sir Gabel wins, the king will be making the choice, and Queen Catherine will choose the future queen if Sir Otis wins."

"Such a jolly idea! And your King Leopold has two chances. I just wish that the late King Friedrich had requested me to enter my knights and choose one of you fair ladies." He laughed at Elissa's open dismay. "Never fear, I should be unable to make such a decision, you are both too lovely!"

The king of Strasland broke into this conversation, "Who does the Queen of the Tournament choose?" His eyes directed the question to Estelle.

"Our king, His Majesty, King Leopold, of course!" Estelle answered promptly.