The Silent Fight

AYLETH

That afternoon they returned to the arena for the sports. The young Lords and Heirs strutted and played at being soldiers. Ayleth was immensely bored, especially knowing that Etan wouldn't fight again that day unless he was challenged—which was far more likely to happen in the tournament at the end of the Festival, now that everyone had seen how skilled he was.

She found herself wilting in the sun, and despite the tent that had been erected over their box, by mid-afternoon, she was nudging Trayn and whispering a suggestion that they go for a walk and a cool drink.

Her friend's eyes brightened—a slight sheen of sweat on her forehead—and she stood. When the other ladies looked at them, Ayleth just kept walking, but Trayn murmured something about the Princess needing care.

Assuming she was just visiting the bathing room, the others turned back to the battle in the arena, where Vitren was fighting a minor Lord from Northe.