The Weapons Master smiled at everyone. "I will award 5 points to Nathaniel and Daniel, for their skill.Keen receives 8 points. Sticking to one's strategy can often have great rewards. Raina receives…" before he could finish an elder man sitting beside the Empress rose to his feet. There was a fire in his eyes.
"Princess Raina receives a full 15 marks for her masterful control of her body and knowing how to use her smaller stature against a larger, stronger opponent. My son is a good Weapons Master, and well versed in many styles, however, there are some he has never encountered. Among those are the Knights of Shadow Vale. Subtle changes in their fight style is what makes a Shadow Vale knight so dangerous. I award 9 points to her accurate defense against those tactics." The Elder spoke clearly, he was once the Weapons Master and War Hero of the Great Wars. The man was well into his eighth decade of life and seen many warriors come and go. Only he could overrule the current master.
"At least one has brains." Ritrel mumbled and Mordakai chuckled.
"No, he fought against us, and just so happens to be very good at reading lips." Mordakai replied, well aware why the man had stepped in. One never forgets the battle hardened instincts to watch one's enemies. He was fairly sure the old man had seen their annoyance and read it for himself.
"The final scores shall now be tallied. Prince Keen has achieved 27 points, Prince Daniel achieved 25 points, Prince Nathaniel achieved 34 points, Princess Raina rises like a Phoenix, proving herself a well rounded Princess with 36 points. According to tradition, Princess Drynala is only graded on the arts portion of this game. She has achieved 3 points out of a possible 5. Beautifully done." The Former Emperor Emperor finalized the scores. The crowd cheered and clapped for the children, most of whom glowed with Pride.
Raina reached for Nathaiel's hand, and looked at Daniel who smiled understanding, he turned to Lalia beside him. "May I borrow Dryn, Please Aunt?" He asked and Lalia set the child on the ground, he took her hand while the curious faces watched. The Emperor went to say something but Vivian raised her hand to stop him. Raina turned to Keen and offered her his hand. He scoffed at her and Raina frowned.
"Please? We want to do this as a unified front." Raina whispered trying not to be heard, unaware of the enchantment on the stage. Her voice, though soft carried further than she was aware.
"We are not unified. Get over yourself, your like your new mother a cheating witch." He growled and refused her hand. Raina's expression was heart broken as she turned away.
Raina looked at Kyera who smiled and took Melania's hand. Without a second thought Melania grabbed Lalia's hand and Kyera captured Feya's hand. Though she was not happy about Kyera's sudden movement, there was no refusing it at this point. The children lead the adults in a group bow to the people. Only Keen was left standing.
"Thank You." Raina addressed the people and then the judges before the crowd began clapping and cheering. The Royal children seemed to be oddly friendly… something no one had expected.
Kyera and the other Princesses smiled as they escorted their children off stage and discussed the banquet to come. Clovis smiled and hugged Kyera close to him, her body still felt a little weak as she held him back. Her grip wasn't what he expected and her skin was pale.
"Love, I think you need to rest." Clovis whispered into her ear. "The people are talking about your little stunt at the end there. Unifying the 4 Prince families." He praised softly and Kyera smiled.
"That wasn't me. Not me at all." Kyera replied as she looked to Raina who was talking animatedly with her cousins about the Performances. It was clear the children were impressed and happy despite Keen refusing to join in.
"She is going to be an Amazing Lady." Clovis whispered and Kyera nodded.
"She already is." Kyera purred, letting her body rest against his.