Ch 33: Little sparring match

The morning sun bathed the large sparring arena in soft, golden light. The stone walls surrounding the open-air battlefield seemed to absorb the warmth of the day, casting long shadows that stretched across the empty seats. Only a few were occupied: the Queen and Princess Maria sat side by side, their regal postures contrasting with the bubbling anticipation in their eyes. To their right sat the Blue-Helmeted Knight and the Princess' retainer, both tense and watchful.