Confrontation

He hit the ground hard.

Nnenna "..."

The crowd "..."

Silence.

And then

Laughter.

It started small.

But then it grew.

The crowd erupted in whispers and quiet chuckles, some outright bursting into mocking laughter.

Minjun, the prince of Dixan

Had fallen!

Had humiliated himself!

His face burned as he struggled to his feet, clutching his arm. His brother was looking at him with a stunned expression, his embarrassment obvious.

His father's lips pressed into a tight line.

His mother looked away.

Even Nnenna, still seated on her horse, had turned to look at him with a raised brow.

But the worst

The worst was Arthur.

Minjun turned his head slowly

And Arthur was watching.

Calm. Silent. Expression unreadable.

But his eyes

His eyes told Minjun everything.

Arthur had known.

Arthur had planned this.