Queen Susan was standing in the courtyard of Cair Paravel. She was wearing a violet dress with a deep purple cloak. Both the edges of the cloak as well as the neckline, waist and sleeves of the dress were embroidered with silver and tiny amethysts. She wore a delicate twisted silver circlet with three amethysts in the center along with matching earrings. The dark purple and violet colors seemed to make her beautiful blue eyes even more spectacular.
Her brother the High King had been married for three months and Susan was very fond of her new sister. Neverless, Susan desired to be known as Narnia's most beautiful queen. She knew that vanity was not a trait that would please either Aslan or her brothers but she couldn't help wanting to be admired.
Queen Melina and Queen Lucy left the castle together. Susan noticed that they were both wearing new dresses. They were giggling and talking as they walked towards Susan. Lucy was wearing a gold circlet and her blond hair was braided with strands of small pearls. She looked lovely wearing a rose colored dress with a matching cloak and several strands of pearls around her neck. Her smile was merry and her blue eyes were sparkling. Melina was beautiful with high cheek bones and green eyes with long dark lashes. She wore her curly auburn hair pulled back into some braids and then falling free to her waist. A gold circlet set with small emeralds helped hold her hair in place. She wore a matching necklace and earrings. Her dress was dark green with wide bands of gold embroidery at the waist and wrists. As the three queens met in the courtyard, they complimented each other on lovely outfits and began to walk together towards the tournament yard.
This tournament was in honor of the visit of the King of the Seven Isles. King Connor was paying a courtesy visit to Narnia.
Melina asked Susan "Did His Majesty request the honor of carrying thy favor dear Susan?"
Susan smiled and replied "No sister, I thought the High King was going to carry thy favor." All three queens laughed.
Queen Melina retorted "Madam, you know that I was referring to King Connor not to your brothers."
Susan smiled and said "He did request my favor and I granted the request. I was tempted to say no but he was insistent and I did not want to be rude."
Lucy said "He clearly is smitten by you dear sister. Shall we assume you do not feel the same?"
Susan said "He is handsome but something makes me uneasy. I am not sure why. Besides I don't want to live on the Seven Isles. I never want to leave Narnia."
Melina said "It is always difficult to leave thy homeland but many royal ladies do it as did I."
Susan replied "I hope I will find true love someday dear Mel as thou have found with our royal brother. However, I do not think I will be finding it with King Connor."
Cheers broke out in the crowd, as the three queens appeared on the balcony to take their seats. The three royal beauties smiled and waved to the crowd. Other members of the court joined them including their wise advisor Master Tumnus, the faun. Prince Corin of Archenland was also seated with them much to his dismay. The twelve-year old prince wanted to be down on the tournament grounds.
The Tournament today was a series of arms contests that would primarily feature swordplay although several other contests would also occur. High King Peter along with King Edmund, King Lune of Archenland and King Connor of the Seven Isles would be participating. Prince Galen and his brother Prince Gearalt, Lord Peridan and his brother Lord Donal and Lord Brendon would be among the knights representing Narnia. Lord Shar, Lord Tran, Lord Col and Lord Colin were among the Archenland knights.
Five ovals were marked on the tournament ground. If a man forced his opponent outside of the oval twice he would win. He would also win if he was able to get his swordpoint on his opponent's throat. Three centaurs and two talking bears were serving as marshals at the ovals while Master Ravenstorm served as the Grand Marshal. Lots were drawn for fight order and partners. Five fights occurred at the same time providing the spectators with a variety of action to follow. All four kings won their first round and second round of fights.
The humans had a short break while an impressive archery contest took place which was dominated by dwarves. When she was younger, Queen Susan had usually competed and often won archery contests but she had not competed for several years. Queen Lucy usually did compete but she was still recovering from a strained wrist and had to be content with awarded the prize today. Queen Lucy gave the grand prize to Master Logan, a red dwarf and then the human kings and knights prepared for a third round of swordfights. Lord Peridan defeated King Lune while Prince Galen defeated a knight from the Seven Isles. In the next series, King Edmund drew King Connor.
Queen Melina leaned over with a smile and said "Susan, shall you be cheering for good King Connor who is still wearing thy favor?"
Queen Susan replied "It would be courteous of me and I am sure that you and Queen Lucy will cheer on King Edmund with much enthusiasm."
Susan did not really enjoy tournaments. It was always nice to sit in the balcony and give prizes to handsome knights. However, Susan worried about all the things that might go wrong and bring harm to her brothers and other dear friends. Most of all she worried about her brothers. Peter rarely lost or even got injured in a tourney. Edmund's skill grew each year but still Susan worried.
As the two kings faced each other, she noticed both were tired. Master Cloudstorm, son of Ravenstorm, was serving as marshal. He lowered his flag and the kings saluted each other. Nearby Prince Gearalt prepared to battle Lord Shar of Archenland. King Edmund and King Connor battled for almost ten minutes. Edmund appeared to fall back a few steps and then lunged forward twisting his sword. King Connor's sword flew out of his hand and Edmund's sword point was at his throat in a heartbeat. Susan smiled in relief and forced herself to keep her smile small. Lucy showed no such restraint jumping to her feet and cheering her brother loudly. Nearby Lord Shar defeated Prince Gearalt. The High King battled Lord Cole of Archenland and won his battle. The humans had another break while satyrs and fauns fought with spears. Queen Susan awarded the prize to Master Nealus, the winner.
In the next round between humans, King Edmund was to battle Lord Shar while Prince Galen drew the High King. In this round, Edmund was not victorious although he fought well. Susan was relieved when the battle was over and Edmund was unharmed. The battle between Prince Galen and King Peter was one of the longest and most intense of the tourney. Each forced the other out of the oval once. They were frequent practice partners and were aware of each other's techniques. The other four battles had all ended and still they fought on. Finally Peter forced Galen out of the oval for the second time and was awarded victory.
The High King was then matched with Lord Shar for the final round of the tourney. Both men were tired but determined. It was a lively battle but Lord Shar stumbled and the High King claimed victory. Queen Melina was delighted to give her husband the grand prize while Queen Susan awarded Lord Shar the second prize. Both King Edmund and King Lune loudly applauded both the High King and Lord Shar. King Connor watched and politely applauded. His disappointment was clear to see. He still held Queen Susan's scarf in his hands.