The cough that pierced the arena's murmur of silence helped me regain my composure. The Princess's gaze remained serious, yet there was an intriguing sparkle in her eyes.
"You continue to surprise us, boy, but if you have no more tricks up your sleeve, let's end this tournament. I'm starting to get bored here," said the Dragon Queen.
"I have nothing more worth saying, Your Excellency," I replied humbly.
The Dragon Queen turned to her daughter for one last look, grabbed her by the cheeks, and pulled her closer. "I'm leaving, my little mouse, but give your mother a kiss before I go."
Clearly embarrassed by her mother's words in front of the entire crowd, the Princess, realizing there was no escape, kissed her mother's cheek. Then she stepped back a bit, holding onto my arm as she did. The Princess took me out of the field with her.
