The guards nod in understanding, although you can sense a hint of disappointment. As you look up from the group you spot another small knot of guardsmen coming into the hall including Sir Jorwyin looking as handsome as ever.

Epineh blushed and quickly got to her feet.

"Sir Jorwyin, I need to speak with you!"

"Your highness?" Jorwyin replied in a slightly confused tone "Of course" he glanced about noticing the interest that the other guards were taking in the conversation. "Let's step outside then"

"Right! Yes! Outside is good!" Epineh said heading outside.

Once outside and blushing heavily, Epineh leaned into Sir Jorwyin and whispered the plan, but to keep it quiet until the announcement.

Jorwyin looks shocked and then resolute "I'd be honored to fight for you Princess" he eventually replied.

"T-thank you, Sir Jorwyin," Epineh said, the colour of a fresh tomato and unable to look him in the eyes.

"I promise that I will be worthy of your favour" Sir Jorwyin said dropping to one knee "I swear to you that I will win"

This was getting to be too much.

"I-I-I'm sure you will."

HD stands and bows "I'd better join the others or they'll wonder where I am highness" he said and headed back into the hall.

"S-see you later," Epineh said, waving to him.

After you had breakfast Lady Alisha found you "It's almost time your highness" she said formally "The King has requested your presence in the throne room for an announcement"

"Very well," Dei said, following her.

You are escorted to the throne room and take your seat at one side of the Dias.

The members of the court and invited dignitaries slowly file in including Duke Hagel. They take their positions before the King stands.

"My fine Lords and Ladies I have gathered you all here today for an important announcement. As you all know my beloved daughter will soon reach the age of majority and thus it is time to find her a husband.

I though long and hard how to do this, and with the advice of my esteemed council I have decided to restore one of our great traditions the Grand Tournament" the hall errupted in a sudden hubbub, which eventually quieted down.

"It shall be held 1 month hence on the Spring Equinox, at the collision in the old city" he declared.

Epineh did her best to smile and look confident.

The king waits again for the noise to die down.

But before he can speak Duke Aston interrupts "Your majesty, this is truly a momentous occasion. If you are following tradtion then anyone may enter or their designated champion?" He asked in a reedy sort of voice.

The king glares for a moment and the nods "Yes we will be following the traditional rules" he said finally and then sighed.

"My Daughter, would you speak a few words?" He said gesturing for you to join him at the front of the dias.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:01, Tue 22 Mar 2022.

Epineh joined her father.

"It is once again time for one of our country's longest traditions. I am intensely proud to be a part of it and I want to wish everyone here the best of luck when it becomes time for the games. Please do your best for our nation."

As you finish the speech the assembled nobles and the court cheer and applaud, as you return to your seat you notice Duke Aston watching you with a victorious smirk on his face.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:01, Tue 22 Mar 2022.

Epineh smiled politely back at him.

The dukes smile become somewhat fixed and he glares at you for a moment before he breaks the eye contact and turns to the nobles around him.

The court resumes normal business, but eventually you are able to escape, but as you do, your mother stops you "I'm sorry Epineh I couldn't stop your father, not with the whole council pressuring him. You should know that within the week the court will move to the old capital to get ready for the tournament"

Epineh nodded.

"And you should know that I have chosen my champion."

The Queens eyebrow raises slightly at the pronouncement and then smiles "I hope they serve you well" she said "You'll have to introduce us when you can"

"You have met him before," Epineh said with a smile.

"Oh that young Guardsmen you've been mooning over?" Your mother answered with a knowing smile.

"Ah, you knew...," Epineh said.

"Or I was just fishing and you told me" the Queen replied giving you a hug "I'd love to talk more but I have to make some presentations before we head to the old capital "