Royalty was not meant to play in the tournaments. They were meant to sit regally, watching with mild disinterest as people were launched off their horses and swung to the ground in sword fights.

So, naturally, when Ulan was forced to the ground by her opponent, the crowd had originally cheered. They were cut short soon after realizing who had been beaten, though. The princess’ helm had been knocked off. She wiped a dribble of blood from her mouth, smiling some.

Bleeding. The Princess of Valan was bleeding. Her opponent could be executed for that alone.