Chapter 3

 Ana Sofia, taken aback by Wesleynard's forwardness, feels a blush spread across her cheeks. She quickly regains her composure, though, and withdraws her hand from his grasp.

"Indeed, Sir Wesleynard," she says, her voice barely betraying the flustered emotions she is feeling inside.

 She takes a quick step back to face the crowd as Wesleynard rises to his feet, still panting slightly from the exertion of the fight. The announcer declares him the victor of the tournament, and the crowd erupts into cheers once again. Ana Sofia claps politely, her eyes never leaving Wesleynard. Advisor Mallorca, who had been watching the exchange from the sidelines, now approaches the two of them. He looks at Wesleynard with a mixture of respect and caution, nodding his head in acknowledgement of the knight's victory.

"Well fought, Sir Wesleynard," he says.

Wesleynard, still beaming with pride and adrenaline, returns Mallorca's nod.

"Thank you, Advisor Mallorca. It was an honor to compete in this tournament," he replies. Ana Sofia watches the interaction between the two men, her thoughts swirling from the confusing interaction they had. Deciding to distance herself before the chaos erupts into the Field she quickly walks away, from the crowds and the noise, to collect her thoughts. As she walks, she can't help but feel a sense of unease growing in the pit of her stomach. With war looming on the horizon, she knows that she must make a decision about her future and the future of Elynor. She noticed a few respectable choices she could make but, she glanced back to see the crowd swarm towards Wesleynard, eager to congratulate him on his victory. She sees Advisor Mallorca trying to make his way through the crowd to reach her side. Ana Sofia turns back around and continues walking, her mind racing. She knows that she cannot avoid the decision any longer. She must choose a new husband, and soon and most of all she was hoping Wesleynard would loose the next round.

Wesleynard's victory was granted a private dinner with the queen the following evening. Ana Sofia gazes at her attire in the mirror. She decided to opt for a more relaxed dress, it was loose but still defined her curves. The dress is a deep emerald green, the color of the forests surrounding the castle, and it shimmers in the soft candlelight. The neckline is modest, but the fabric is cut in such a way that it highlights the curve of her collarbone and the slope of her shoulders. As Ana Sofia makes her way to the dining hall, she can feel her heart pounding in her chest. She knows that this dinner will be more than just a meal between two people; it will be an opportunity for her to get to know Wesleynard better, and for him to prove his worth as a potential husband. She was hoping she could steer him into a corner so she could see his true character and get rid of the nagging feeling she felt from the day. As she enters her dinning hall she sees Wesleynard standing at the far end of the room, near the large fireplace. He is dressed in a fine doublet of deep blue, the color of the evening sky, and his hair is neatly combed back from his face. Wesleynard turns to face Ana Sofia as she enters the room, his eyes lighting up with recognition. He bows deeply, his hand over his heart.

"Your Majesty," he greets, his voice smooth and warm.

Ana Sofia almost trips as approaches him, his voice seemed to penetrate deep into her bones, her footsteps quiet on the plush carpet.

"Good evening, Sir Wesleynard,"

she says, her own voice steady and calm, concealing the nervousness she feels inside.

"I hope you are well rested from the tournament earlier."

She gestures for him to take a seat at the table, which has been beautifully set with fine china and crystal goblets. Wesleynard takes a seat across from Ana Sofia, his eyes never leaving her face. He can sense her apprehension, but he remains calm and composed.

"I am well, Your Majesty, thank you for asking," he replies.

"And I must say, the tournament was an exhilarating experience."

"Mmm" she hums in response as she takes a sip of her wine, her gaze never leaving Wesleynard's. She can see the excitement and passion in his eyes as he speaks about the tournament, and she finds herself being drawn to him. She sets her glass down and asks,

"What made you decide to compete in the tournament, Sir Wesleynard?"

 Wesleynard leans back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips as he recalls the events that led him to the tournament.

"I have always had a love for competition, Your Majesty," he begins.

"Ever since I was a young boy, I was drawn to the thrill of competition, whether it was racing my friends, or practicing my swordplay. When I heard about the tournament in Elynor, I knew I had to participate. It was a chance to prove myself, to show that I am a skilled and capable knight." 

Ana Sofia's eyes narrow slightly as she interrupts Wesleynard. "A tournament to marry me," she repeats, her voice tinged with anger. "That is what you mean, is it not? You saw the tournament as an opportunity to secure a place by my side, to become the king of Elynor." 

 Wesleynard's smile falters for a moment, but he quickly recovers, his expression becoming serious.

"I understand your concerns, Your Majesty," he says. "

But I assure you, my intentions were not driven solely by the prospect of marrying you." Wesleynard takes a deep breath before continuing.

"I entered the tournament to prove my worth as a knight, but I will not deny that the thought of becoming your husband also appealed to me. I have come to admire you greatly, Ana Sofia."

"Do not speak so casually to me" Ana Sofia interjects, her voice stern.

"You will address me as 'Your Majesty' or 'Queen Ana Sofia.' I will not tolerate any disrespect or familiarity."

Wesleynard nods, looking slightly chastised.

"Of course, Your Majesty."

Feeling disappointed by his responses she continued to press.

"What will you do if you win?"

Wesleynard takes a moment to consider the question before answering.

"If I win, then I would be honored to become your husband and help you rule Elynor," he says, his voice steady and sincere.

"I believe that together, we could lead this kingdom to greatness and prosperity."

A surge of anger rolls through her as the weeks of fear and exhaustion ripple through her at his simple response.

"You fool. Do you not realize there is a war brewing outside my boarders!"

Ana Sofia's eyes widen with disbelief and frustration as she hears Wesleynard's words. tears threaten to spill from her eyes.

"A war that I must face alone," she says, her voice rising with emotion.

"I do not have the luxury of time to train a new husband or to teach him the ways of ruling a kingdom." Wesleynard listens attentively as Ana Sofia speaks, her words heavy with frustration and fear. He can see the weight of the crown upon her shoulders, and he can understand her apprehension. But he also knows that he has something to offer her, something that could help her in her time of need.

"Your Majesty."

Wesleynard begins, choosing his words carefully. "I understand your concerns, and I do not take them lightly. But I assure you, I am not a man to be underestimated. I have faced many challenges in my life, and I have always emerged victorious. I am a skilled fighter, a strategic thinker, and a leader of men."

"It was a mistake to let you In this tournament" Ana Sofia says, her voice filled with regret.

"I should have never allowed such a competition to take place. It has only served to complicate matters further and to bring false hope to those who seek to marry me."