Page 87 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 2

"That's a dangerous game, Bea."

I shrug. "If Lord Vermatchi believes we're the ones responsible for raising his House's status, then we'll have his support as an ally. We're unlikely to sway many of the bigger Houses to support us, not if they have something against House Rothorne, but the smaller ones? They could have power when added together."

"What about Marcus?" he asks.

"What about him? We're on the same side."

"I can see what you're saying," he says. "Do you think Lord Fallmartin will approve?"

"He had no problem inviting Luca to my birthday ball when I said he was a good dancer, so perhaps." Though I have to admit that it's a risk. "Perhaps I should also invite his sister to join my ladies-in-waiting?"

Linc chuckles. "Just one day into being a princess and you're already planning social upheaval."

"Weren't we planning that before we got married?"

He smiles at me in response. "Then you should make Luca your champion." He waves towards the front of the pavilion.

"What do I do?"

"Announce it now that everyone has lined up, then say that the tournament begins."

"And I have to do that?"

He chuckles. "The announcer will relay it."

He stands up and holds out his arm to me. I follow, taking it and allowing him to lead me to the spot at the front. One of the royal announcers waits for the two of us, creating a flutter of nerves within me. I'm not entirely sure how this is my life.

Linc clears his throat. "My champion will be Prince Marcus of House Soveguine."

Trumpets play, the firelight from the torches glinting off the metal of the instrument. The announcer calls out, repeating Linc's selection of champion.

I swallow hard, realising that it's my turn. "I choose Lord Luca of House Vermatchi."

Whispers sound from the assembled nobles behind us, likely because of how unexpected my choice is.

"Princess Beatrice's champion is Lord Luca of House Vermatchi," the announcer calls.

I'm almost too surprised by hearing myself called princess to think about the reaction to my choice.

I search for the green shield of House Vermatchi with its golden antlers splayed across it. Between the distance and the darkness, it's impossible to work out Luca's reaction. He might be surprised, but he also might not be. We have proclaimed ourselves to be friends on multiple occasions, and share an understanding on what it means to love a prince, even if he and Marcus have never said the words.

"Let the tournament begin," I say, looking at Linc for confirmation.

He nods and allows the announcer to call out as much.

We return to our seats, and watch as the tournament starts. The torchlight is enough to illuminate the jousters, along with some of the crowds, but there's an eeriness about the whole thing due to the shadows the flames cause. I suppose this is why I thought that court might not have events like this. The lighting makes it difficult to see what's happening.

I wince as two competitors ride into one another, their lances crumpling against shields. A loud cry comes from the assembled crowd, but I have no idea what the response actually means.

"Have you ever considered taking part?" I ask him.

"I'm not trained to," he responds. "Father has always encouraged me to take the lessons needed, but I never agreed to."

"That's not a no," I observe.

"I suppose it isn't."

Another set of riders head towards one another, leading to a crunch and one of them being thrown from their saddle. I wince, trying not to think of what it would be like to sit here and watch Linc take part in an event like this. I'm not sure my heart would be able to take it, even if it would make choosing a champion easier.