Page 85 of Pippa of Lauramore
“How did it happen?”
“He danced with me the night of the scavenger hunt feast, and he was kind—so kind. I felt as if he understood. He didn’t mind that I was quiet or awkward. I didn’t feel awkward with him.”
I give her a wry smile. “Archer danced with you as well. Wasn’t he kind?”
She laughs, but it’s soft. “He’s so obviously in love with you, Pippa. Every story he tells, every anecdote—you’re there. I want to be loved like that.”
I rub my collarbone, trying to relieve the pain that’ssettled there. My shoulder aches as well. The closer to night it becomes, the stiffer I get, and the more the wound from the glasseln’s claws burns.
Father mounts his horse, and the others with him do the same. Alexander turns on the back of his mare and looks up at us. He raises his hand in goodbye, and I do the same. I worry about them as well. My father and brother are dear to me, and I don’t want them near the rock slide.
Trumpets cry through the air. Their metallic song startles me, and I scan what I can see of the road. A lone rider, brilliant on the back of his bay stallion, emerges through the mist.
It’s Galinor. He looks to the parapets, as if sensing my presence, and holds a gleaming, golden shield high for me to see.
He’s returned with dragon treasure.
CHAPTER 21
Beside me, Marigold gasps. I’m not sure if she’s surprised or upset. I don’t wait to find out. I race down the stone stairs, holding up my skirts so I don’t trip on them and fall to my death. Marigold is somewhere behind me, but being more of a lady than I am, she doesn’t run.
Archer did it. He obtained the dragon treasure.
By the time I reach the courtyard, Galinor has joined Father, Alexander, and the knights. Villagers swarm around him. People cheer. Their favorite has returned victorious.
After hearing the chaos, Mother, Percival, Leonora, and most of the competing princes and lords filter out of the palace. Many congratulate Galinor, slapping him on the back the way men do. Others, namely Lionel, do not look as impressed.
Lionel stands near the edge of the crowd, his arms crossed and his eyes hard. Even with Lionel’s six-pointwin, Galinor’s four points for returning with the treasure mean he is in the lead by one point.
Lionel looks murderous.
I rush forward, pushing the crowd out of my way. Somehow, I must ask Galinor if Archer has returned safely as well. Before I reach him, Father calls over the crowds. He’s still on his steed, and in his armor, he looks like the mighty king he is. A hush blankets the courtyard.
“Congratulations to Prince Galinor of Glendon. You are one of three to return with dragon treasure. As you all know, Rigel was the second,” Father says. The crowd claps politely, but it’s nothing like Galinor’s reception. “And Prince Lionel of Vernow is our victor!”
The crowd gives a respectful cheer. Father scowls at me, and I clap as well.
“Tomorrow night, we will have a great festival and feast in Prince Lionel’s honor. Following the feast will be two days of rest, and then we will hold the joust and the hand-to-hand competition.”
The crowd screams, a deafening roar.
Soon, the tournament winner will be declared, and I will know what my future holds.
Lionel suspects something.He’s watching me, his eyes following everywhere I go.
“What is he doing here?” Yuven whispers, leaning close so Lionel doesn’t hear. “We’ve no room for spectators.”
“He’s keeping an eye on me,” I answer. “He has since Galinor returned.”
“Why?”
“You know why.”
He shrugs. “I suspect a few things, but I know nothing.”
“Archer has been helping Galinor win the tournament,” I admit quietly. “For me.”
He nods. “I thought he might be. His disappearance was too coincidental.”
