The arena was quite possibly, one of the nicest she had ever encountered, although she had only ever seen the one at Longstead, and never while in use. Still she was sure it had to be the nicest in all of the land.
And the largest too. It stretched as far as the eye could see, and was just as long in width. Of course, it had to be large enough to accommodate visiting royals, as well as local people, invited by his majesty himself.
Arriving late, she briskly scurried as Nora's laughter followed behind her. She was not particularly enthused about getting up this morning, not when she received very little sleep due to thoughts plaguing her mind. It felt like a war zone inside of her head the entire night, no wonder her head was pulsating.
Mustering up as much joie de vivre as she could, she plastered a smile on her face. People, all wearing large, smiling faces, occupied already half the seats in the stand. Apparently they had no quarrels with rising at such an ungodly hour.
The jovial mood made Charlie smile to herself, biting the inside of her cheek as she climbed the stairs, searching for her seat before the festivities began.
She offered a small smile bowing lightly to everyone she passed. She tried her best to remember every visiting royal families name, but decided that was much too tiresome. They all spoke to her for a few moments, congratulating her on the upcoming nuptials, asking about her time at Malgrave, and before they could ask any further questions, she feigned as if she was in a hurry. Introductions were never something she relished, and the last thing she wanted was to discuss was politics at a joyous event. All conversations tended to wind up about politics.
Instead she took her place, which just so happened to be between Connor and Bass. Her father was on the other side of Bass, playfully rolling his eyes as something Bass said. Her mother seemed to be in better spirits, she smiled warmly towards her, then scolded Danny when he stuck his tongue at Charlie.
Taking in her surroundings, she could see a great deal of effort went into preparing the arena for this event.
Flags of the most beautiful colors flooded Charlie's vision, the same colors matching the multiple tents set up beyond the perimeter of the arena. The jousters as well were decorated in a lavish fashion, mostly for show.
The horses were what Charlie really enjoyed, and all of these horses were nothing, if not impeccable. Horses in general were majestic creatures, but these were the cream of the crop, all ornately adorned with bright colors in efforts to complement their riders.
After she had finished examining the arena, she turned back to the people positioned across from her. Some she could tell were by far peasants, they were more in the emergent middle class, or whatever Aaron called it.
The parents gently shook the hands of their children, muttering to them, before meeting Charlie's gaze. Charlie could hear some of the mothers yelling, "wave to the princess," and as soon as the children did, Charlie responded without missing a beat. She always adored children.
"You're very good at pleasing."
Startled, Charlie whipped her head around, coming face to face with none other than Duncan Paige, still just as smug looking as before.
"Pleasing the crowd I mean," Duncan's mouth formed her ever-notorious smirk as she clarified, though her tone indicated she didn't mean that at all.
Clearing his throat, Bass spoke addressed her for the first time since arriving this morning, "Charlie this is Duncan Paige. Duncan, this is Princess Charlotte Matheson, Miles' daughter."
Not batting an eyelash or removing her eyes from Charlie, she smiled, "I know who she is Sebastian, I had the pleasure of making her acquaintance not too long ago. I will have to say, the rumors around town do not do you justice, you're much more ravishing in person."
Gleam in her eye, she casually turned to Bass, "wouldn't you agree Sebastian?"
Trying to forcibly swallow the lump in his throat, growing larger since the minute Duncan confirmed his fears, he was never more thankful for Charlie intervening.
"Are you staying up here the entire time Duncan?"
It was a sickeningly sweet way of asking, and of course Duncan picked up on it, "no, that would be improper, and we wouldn't want to behave in an improper fashion would we Charlie?"
Paling, she dared not look at Bass. Even though she knew without a shadow of a doubt Duncan couldn't possibly know about the kiss, it didn't alleviate the worry any less.
Chuckling, Duncan moved past her, "don't fret kitten, I was just paying a visit to an old friend."
If Charlie hadn't been wrapped up in herself, she would've been blown out of the water when Duncan slightly bowed before her father. Not up to par, but more acknowledgement than she had given Charlie upon learning she was a princess, and soon to be Queen of Kairos.
That was of little concern to Charlie. The sinking pit in her stomach grew deeper as she looked over at Bass' face.
"How do you know Duncan?"
Coldly thrown at her with no feelings or emotions behind his eyes, Charlie gave him the same courtesy, "I believe she already said how we know one another."
"Damnit Charlie, I asked you a direct question, and I expect the same kind of answer as your King. Not some childish nonsense," he bitterly spat at her.
Shrinking back in her seat for a second, the fire returned to Charlie's eyes, "You know, one day I'm going to marry Connor."
Obviously not what Bass expected, he all but tumbled backwards in his seat as she continued.
"And then I'll be the Queen, and you won't get to demand things of me. Or speak to me in that tone of voice, like I'm some child you can scold and force into submission."
Sadly though, that day wasn't today, and while she didn't necessarily have to explain herself to him and answer his inquisition, she complied anyway.
She laughed humorlessly, lowering her voice so only he could hear, "I ran into Duncan in the hallway the other night after your little romp. She's a colorful person I'll give you that."
"But?"
The silent 'but' went without saying, Bass could hear it the minute she snapped her mouth shut. It almost sounded, like a hint of jealousy. That couldn't be it.
She shrugged her shoulders lackadaisically, "but nothing, just doesn't seem like your type that's all. Seems a bit too mouthy, too opinionated. You just come across as a person who wants everyone to bow down and do as you say."
Chuckling, Bass looked over at her curiously, now definitely hearing the jealousy behind her words and for some reason, he found that comical.
Deciding to test the waters, he leaned in closer, dropping his voice to a husky whisper, "she is very mouthy, as you say, but I'll let you in on a little secret. She does a lot more with her mouth than just talk."
Tossing a wink, he howled in laughter when her face scrunched up in disgust and she shrank back.
Not saying anything further to him, she engaged herself in conversation with Connor, listening as he talked about each of the jousters. He knew quite a bit about the sport and seemed very interested, finally something they both had in common.
As soon as the trumpet sounded both halted their conversation in favor of watching the sporting event.
Jousting was much more exhilarating now that she could see it live, instead of hearing Aaron describe the semantics to her. Plus Aaron lacked emotion or interest when talking about physical activity or sports.
Charging at such velocities towards one another, it was a wonder the horses didn't incite a fire every time their hooves struck the ground. Galloping mixed with the vibrant chants and cheers had Charlie literally on the edge of her seat each time a match began. Although, she always ended up almost glued to the back of her seat, cringing as the lance made firm contact with the rider.
Because they were made out of pine, the lances were capable of shattering easily, Charlie saw that happen a few times as the event progressed. Luckily she had yet to see anyone fatally hurt, don't mistake though, falling off a horse barreling down the path was painful enough to watch.
Still she couldn't help the surge of adrenaline she felt as each victor emerged.
Dragging on for some time, she occasionally glanced around her to get a look at others' faces, wanting to ensure they were enjoying this as much as she was. Her father and Bass were engrossed in their own conversation, making bets on who would win each round. Her mother looked interest, but more worrisome every time a man fell off his horse. Danny looked as though this was a punishment, and for him, it probably was. Even Connor was in good spirits, shifting his gaze momentarily to smile warmly at Charlie.
Finally she could hear the sound, alerting all of the final match to begin shortly. It was tradition to save the best for last. Any other time, the kings would be the last, but in this instance, it wasn't customary for kings to participate. Their lives were of more value, and the risk thought to be too dangerous.
But nothing about Miles or Bass was customary.
It came as little surprise when her father stood up, lightly tapping her arm, "would you like to help me? I can never get that damn armor on by myself, that's a difficult task in itself."
Confused, Charlie remained seated, "but I thought kings didn't joust? Aaron said it was unsafe and that people could die."
From her side, Bass, also standing to join Miles, snorted, "Aaron probably thinks anything requiring bodily exertion could kill you. He's not much on physical activity."
She scowled at him, but chose to ignore the jab at Aaron.
Rising from her seat, she trailed along behind her father as he descended the stairs, heading towards the main floor of the arena.
Peering up, she could spot a lot of perplexed eyes and hushed whispers as both King Sebastian and King Miles prepared to suit up.
Charlie had seen it done before, many times, it came with no difficult to assist her father in putting on the chain mail.
Holding the rather large, heavy metal helmet at his side, he heartily chuckled as Bass continued to struggle, "think you can help him out too kid?"
Reluctantly, Charlie agreed going over to Bass, careful not to make eye contact or touch him. There need be no repeat of the last time they were together, not in public especially, and not when Charlie hadn't even had a chance to speak to him about it yet.
Silent and swiftly, her fingers moved with incredibly haste, enough to rival even the fastest horse. She could not break away from his hold fast enough.
His fingertips lingered on the soft skin of her wrist, "thank you Charlotte."
Recoiling slowly, she briskly nodded towards him. Playing hot and cold was a very tiring game. She never knew if he was going to curtly dismiss her, or constantly find reasons to touch her, if not with his hands then with his persistent gazing at every opportune moment.
"It's not problem, I suspect I'll be needing help as well when my turn comes."
"Uh," Miles scratched his head, "your turn for what?"
Ever clueless Miles just looked at her, while Bass started shaking his head immediately, "forget it Charlie. You're going out there. It's not allowed and it's not the place for you."
"Where in the rules does it specify, no lady can partake in today's festivities," confidently, she crossed her arms over her chest. She anticipated his answer before he even uttered the first syllable. Obviously they spent too much time together, both could tell what the other was thinking, while Miles still looked lost.
Plus she asked the question already knowing the answer. There was no rule strictly forbidding it, however that didn't mean the king couldn't make up a new one right then and there to stop her. And knowing Bass, he would.
Pinching the bridge of his nose, he exhaled, "Charlotte you know as well as I do there's no rule per say, but it's been this way for many of years. It's an unspoken rule if you will, and those must be upheld with the same respect."
The glimmer is his eye, and the way his gaze caught hers briefly made her heart soar out of her chest. It wasn't enough to distract her from the current predicament.
"Unspoken means not written in stone. Just because something has been going on the same way for hundreds of years, doesn't mean it can't be changed, and now seems like a good time."
Desperately seeking help, relief flooded Bass as Miles jumped in, "Charlie it's dangerous enough for people who've been practicing. Jousting isn't just something you can throw yourself into, you need the proper equipment and training."
Defeated, her shoulders slumped, but a smile formed in one corner of her mouth when Miles spoke again, "but…I'm confident after you and Connor are wed, and the next jousting tournament is held, you'll be able to enter if you wish to. I don't see why not if you're properly trained, right Bass?"
Throwing herself into her father's arms, she couldn't see the disappointed look on Bass' face when the wedding was mentioned. She could however, hear it in the apathetic tone in his voice, "of course, if you wish to learn, I'm sure Connor is quite capable of teaching you."
Releasing Miles, she finally pivoted around to meet Bass' eyes, but instead she found him to be looking anywhere but at her. It stung a bit, he was already casting her away as though the thought of her repulsed him.
Disheartened, she quickly brushed those feelings aside and turned back to Miles, "if it's so dangerous though, shouldn't two kings, I don't know, refrain from such unnecessary risks?"
Miles chuckled, as did Bass, "Charlie, we've been knocking each other around since we were kids. We haven't gotten seriously injured yet, unless you count Bass' pride and ego."
"Hey," he exclaimed in mock outrage, "that's not fair, you cheated and you know it."
Miles rolled his eyes.
"Well you're in luck, princess," he teasingly mocked him, "because we'll have a watchful audience this time."
Bass smiled in victory, "so you're admitting you cheated then?"
"Not a chance."