Effortless

From the Lionaran section, Queen Chioma allowed the slightest, most satisfied smile to grace her lips.

Ebere's smirk deepened as she slowly leaned forward, as if sharing a secret with the prince.

"Next time," she whispered loud enough for only him to hear, "at least try."

Then, with a flick of her reins, she rode off, leaving him standing there, a broken, humiliated mess.

As the next lot was drawn, the announcer's voice rang across the field.

"Roxurun versus the Kingdom of Belmora!"

A collective sigh swept through the crowd.

Everyone knew how this would go.

Prince Ankhbayar of Roxurun was already seated atop his horse, looking completely indifferent. His calm, measured posture radiated quiet dominance.

He barely even glanced at his opponent, a noble from the minor Kingdom of Belmora, who, despite his clear nervousness, held his head high.

Even though everyone knew the outcome, the Belmoran prince refused to back down.