As the guests settled into their seats, the training ground buzzed with excitement. The princes stood at the center of the grounds, their eyes fixed intently on Sophia. The training ground was a large, open area surrounded by tiered seating, similar to a grand amphitheater. The crowd had grown significantly since the introduction ceremony in the hall, with more people arriving to witness the competition.
King Herod sat on a raised dais, Queen Isabella by his side, with Sophia seated next to them. The queen nodded to one of the maids, who curtsied and hurried off to fetch the rest of the royal children.
A few moments later, four young princesses, Sophia's sisters, emerged from the castle, accompanied by their guards. Princess Emma, the 19-year-old second daughter, walked with confidence, her long blonde hair shining in the sunlight. Behind her came Princess Olivia, 15 years old, with a mischievous glint in her eye. Next was Princess Ava, 13 years old, who looked a bit awestruck by the crowd. Finally, there was little Princess Lily, 11 years old, who skipped along beside her sisters, her curly brown hair bouncing with each step.
The princesses took their seats beside Sophia, who smiled warmly at her sisters. The crowd welcomed them with applause, and the princes bowed respectfully in their direction.
With the royal family in place, King Herod raised his hands for silence. "The time has come for the true competition to begin," he declared, his voice ringing out across the training ground. "The princes will demonstrate their skills in combat, strategy, and bravery. The princess will observe and choose the prince who proves himself worthy of her hand."
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, and the princes nodded, their faces set with determination. Sophia's heart pounded with anticipation, knowing that the fate of her future hung in the balance.
The six princes stood at the center of the training ground, their feet shoulder-width apart, their eyes fixed intently on the referee. The air was thick with anticipation as the referee, a tall, imposing figure with a stern expression, stepped forward. He was dressed in a formal black and gold uniform, with a silver badge on his chest that read "Tournament Marshal."
The Tournament Marshal unrolled a long parchment, revealing the list of challenges that the princes would face. The crowd leaned forward, eager to catch a glimpse of the trials that lay ahead.
As the Tournament Marshal cleared his throat, the princes stood up straight, their faces set with determination. "Your Royal Highnesses, esteemed guests, and noble princes," the Tournament Marshal began, his voice booming across the training ground. "The time has come to begin the tournament. Before we start, I must outline the three general rules that will govern this competition."
"Firstly, the games are meant to be fair, and it is against the rules to cheat. If any prince is caught cheating, he will be disqualified permanently and will forfeit his right to marry Princess Sophia."
"Secondly, each prince must compete in every challenge. If a prince is injured or unable to continue, he may withdraw from the competition, but he will not be eligible to return."
"Thirdly, the decisions of the Tournament Marshal are final and binding. Any disputes or appeals must be made in a respectful and orderly manner."
As the Tournament Marshal finished outlining the rules, he turned to face King Herod and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, with your permission, the tournament may begin."
King Herod nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Let the games begin," he declared, his voice ringing out across the training ground.
The crowd erupted into cheers, and the princes nodded, their faces set with determination. The Tournament Marshal raised his hands, and the crowd fell silent once more. "The first challenge is... the Jousting Tournament!" he declared, his voice booming across the training ground.