Chapter 9: Turn of events.

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.

The princes nodded, their faces set with determination. They mounted their horses, adjusting their armor and lances. Prince Henry, from the Kingdom of Everwood, sat tall in his saddle, his piercing blue eyes fixed intently on his opponent. His broad shoulders and muscular arms spoke of his lineage of brave warriors, who had fought in countless battles.

Prince Alexander, from the Kingdom of Stormwind, grinned confidently as he adjusted his lance. He had fought in numerous battles, and his bravery was renowned throughout the land. However, his tendency to talk excessively had already made an impression on Sophia and the other guests.

The crowd erupted into cheers as the two princes rode to the center of the training ground. They faced each other, their lances at the ready. The Tournament Marshal raised his flag, and the two princes charged at each other.

Prince Henry's horse, a majestic black stallion, thundered across the ground, its mane flowing in the wind. Prince Alexander's horse, a proud white charger, galloped forward with equal ferocity.

The two princes clashed in a flurry of steel and horseflesh. Their lances shattered, and the crowd gasped in unison. Prince Henry stumbled, but managed to stay on his horse, his armor dented but unbroken.

Prince Alexander, however, lost his balance and tumbled to the ground, his lance flying out of his hand. He quickly scrambled to his feet, grinning from ear to ear. "Well, that was a good hit!" he exclaimed, dusting himself off. "I'll be back, and next time, I won't be so easy to knock off!"

The crowd cheered, and Prince Henry rode back to the starting line, his chest heaving with exertion. The Tournament Marshal nodded, making a note on his parchment. "Prince Henry wins the first round!"

The next pair of princes, Prince Ryder of the Kingdom of Nightshade and Prince Julian of the Kingdom of Dawnshire, rode to the center of the training ground. Prince Ryder's dark eyes gleamed with intensity as he fixed his gaze on Prince Julian. He was a man of few words, and his silence only added to his enigmatic presence.

Prince Julian, on the other hand, flashed a charming smile as he nodded at Prince Ryder. "Ah, Prince Ryder, I've heard so much about your... unique skills," he said, his voice dripping with diplomacy. "Tell me, have you ever considered a career in... gardening? I hear it's a wonderful way to relax and connect with nature."

The crowd chuckled at Prince Julian's attempt at humor, but Prince Ryder's expression remained unreadable. He didn't take the bait, instead using the momentary distraction to his advantage. With a swift and deadly motion, he charged at Prince Julian, his lance aimed straight at his opponent's chest.

Prince Julian's eyes widened in surprise as he tried to react, but Prince Ryder was too fast. He struck Prince Julian's lance with a loud crack, sending it flying out of his hand. Prince Julian stumbled, and Prince Ryder took advantage of the momentary lapse to knock him off his horse.

The crowd gasped in awe, and Prince Ryder rode back to the starting line, his face still expressionless. The Tournament Marshal nodded, making a note on his parchment. "Prince Ryder wins the second round!"

Prince Julian picked himself up, dusting himself off with a wry smile. "Well, I suppose I underestimated Prince Ryder's... sense of humor," he said, chuckling. "Or lack thereof."