The evening's sinister events were unfolding beneath the festive ballroom. Seraphina cried out as Rafael's charming mask slipped away, revealing his cruel intent. Just then, Cedric arrived to rescue her.
"Are you hurt, my lady?" he asked with concern. Seraphina nodded gratefully. But as Cedric escorted her to safety, their shared history with Arabella stirred old insecurities.
"You care far more for the princess than you do for me," Seraphina accused bitterly. Cedric sighed. "That is not true. But come, let us away from here - your wellbeing is my only concern now."
Elsewhere, Sebastian had witnessed Cedric rushing to another's aid, and jealousy took hold. Approaching the prince, he smirked. "It seems you've lost favor with the fair Arabella. I challenge you to best me in the tournament, and she will be mine."
Cedric accepted without hesitation. But could he prove himself worthy of Arabella's love, while also protecting Seraphina from the roots of evil taking hold? Loyalties would be tested, as the rivalry among these royals escalated.
That evening, the royal ball was interrupted by Seraphina's cries. Cedric rushed to her aid, finding Rafael twisting her arm painfully. "Unhand her at once, knave!" Cedric bellowed.
Rafael sneered but released Seraphina, fleeing into the night. As Cedric tended her injuries, old doubts flared in Seraphina's mind. "You still care more for Arabella than me," she spat bitterly.
Cedric sighed. "That's not true. Come, let me take you somewhere safe." Across the hall, Sebastian seethed with jealousy at Cedric's gallantry. He confronted the prince.
"It seems Arabella's favor lies elsewhere. I challenge you - win her hand in the tournament, or she is mine!" Cedric scowled but accepted.
The next day, word of the rivalry spread like wildfire. Arabella was disappointed to learn of it. "Must you two vie for my affection like prized cattle?" At the stables, Cedric readied his steed.
He was determined to prove his love for Arabella, but doubts swirled - could he win the challenge AND keep Seraphina from further harm, with tensions rising all around? The coming events would test all loyalties to their limits.
The bright sun rose over the castle as servants made last minute preparations for the tournament.
In her chamber, Arabella debated wearing her mother's emerald gown when Isabella burst in. "You'll never believe what's happened!"
At the stables, Cedric readied his stallion under Matthias' watchful eye. "The pressure's high, my friend. But I have faith in your skills."
In the garden, Seraphina picked night-blooming jasmine as tensions crept in. "Will he choose me or Arabella?" she wondered.
At the arena's entrance, Sebastian glimpsed Cedric's determination. Doubt needled him - what if he lost?
As the royal family gathered in the stands, King Maximus boomed "Let the tournament begin!" And with a shout, the games were on. Man and beast collided in a flashy dance of steel and sweat. But which royal heart would be won this day? Tension gripped the kingdom like a vice. Only time would tell who love and destiny favored most.