Work in progress: Chapter undergoing editing 

"Realize that everything connects to everything else."

-Leonardo Da Vinci

–

Before the sun could set, half of the participants made it back with a black ribbon in their possession.

More than half went home.

As soon as Ysabel arrived with Prince Hinrik following closely behind, a rumour whispered among the gathered monarchs in the courtyard. 

Part of it was about the two of them arriving at the same time.

But Ysabel ignored the ogling gazes. She was more alarmed by the other whispers she briefly caught on while her horse walked slowly, approaching her father and the hostler standing agitatedly beside him.

Ysabel found Reis waiting for her as well, her eyes briefly glancing at Prince Hinrik.

The princess paid no heed to it. Reis had stayed at Bezmun for a while; the familiarity was to be expected.

Pulling at the reins, Ysabel halted her horse and hopped off.

She greeted her father and the hostler.