The Rule
The people already knew, just as the royals did, who the true rivals were upon this field.
From the dais, Queen Inayat’s gaze did not waver. She leaned at times toward the officials or nobles at her side, whispering her sharp remarks, her compliments keen as flint knives. Yet her eyes were alive with fascination, drinking in the vigor of the men below.
At last, the sun bent low and the day’s play was done. The heralds lifted their voices once more, announcing the close of the first trial. The Queen rose, her crown catching the dimming light, and the royals moved in solemn procession back to her private quarters.