Page 114 of Pippa of Lauramore
His eyes crinkle with his sad smile. “I thought you hated him.”
“That does not mean I wish this.”
He wraps his arm around me, squeezing my shoulders like he hasn’t done since I was young. He sighs, and it’s a weary sound. I will not be surprised if he steps down so Percival may take the throne soon. “There are consequences to every choice we make. Lionel paid for his choice. That is not your fault.”
I lay my head against his shoulder. “I feel so guilty.Because no matter how terrible I feel…I’m so relieved.”
“Pippa,” he says, bumping my shoulder so I will look at him. “I am fiercely proud of you and what you did.”
“Are you?” There are stupid tears in my eyes. I’m so tired of crying; all I’ve done the last few days is weep.
Father chuckles. “I would never have allowed you to sacrifice yourself, but I am proud of you all the same.”
I give in to a few tears and hug him tight. “Does that mean I may marry Archer?”
“No, Pippa. He’s not eligible.” He squeezes me and then gently pushes me back.
I wish the dragon had eaten me.
“Galinor?” I ask.
Father frowns, and I know from the look in his eyes it won’t be Galinor either. “Galinor has been disqualified. Rigel is the winner.”
The announcement isto be made in the great hall. Nobles sit toward the front, while villagers stand in the back. The sun is just beginning to set. Yesterday at this time, I was to be promised to Lionel.
There are no celebrations today.
Father stands, and a hush falls over the already subdued audience. “Though we have all been shaken by the tragedy that has befallen Prince Lionel, it is necessary we announce our champion. As the tournament tests the competitors on strength, resourcefulness, and tenacity, it is imperative each man completes the events himself.”
Galinor lowers his eyes, studying the floor.
“For that reason,” Father continues, “Lord Rigel of Errinton is our champion.”
Polite applause follows Rigel up the stairs. He kneels in front of me, taking my hands in his, and he lowers his forehead to my knuckles.
“I am not the one you want,” he says when he looks up.
“I—”
He smiles, and the expression reaches his dark eyes. “I sent my page on an errand, and he returned early this morning. It was not in time for your promising ceremony yesterday, and for that I am sorry.”
I don’t understand. “Lord Rigel?”
He stands and turns to my father. Loud enough for all in the hall to hear, he says, “I cannot accept the win, King Ewan.”
I gape at him, stunned. Father looks surprised, but he allows him to continue.
“There is one who has bested me.” Rigel looks behind me. When I follow his eyes, I find Archer standing with Father’s elite. My heart leaps in my chest.
He can’t be.
Father sighs, and I know he doesn’t want to repeat the conversation from my room.
Rigel continues, “I knew Archer’s maternal grandfather. Lord Greymond Archer passed away several years ago. He had no sons, no brothers, and no living male relatives. My page has returned to Errinton to speak with my king to verify this information.”
My head is reeling. What’s he saying? He sent his page to find out what exactly?
“Archer is the legal heir to his grandfather’s lands andtitle,” Rigel says. “He is as much a lord of Errinton as I am.”
