'The easy part is done,' Khan thought while soldiers dealt with the auction's conclusion.
Troops entered the arena's floor, escorting Alice inside one of its openings. A doctor was already waiting, and the same went for a representative from Khan's family. Alice had to receive the tournament's rewards before being handed to the Virrai family.
The arena's cameras followed Alice for a while before focusing on the terrace again. Prince Catlee and Princess Virrai had returned to their seats, leaving the stage to Princess Montares and Prince Rassec, and that combination didn't bode well for Khan.
Ideally, Khan had to avoid creating enemy factions among the noble families. His position among the Nognes was still complicated, so stirring displeasure could easily add leverage to an eventual ploy from his opposing distant relatives.
