Page 112 of The Kingdom of Flames

Azure’s eyes blazed blue now, his circlet swirling like the skies above.

Chapter 24

The Final Ride

They trotted into the grand fair outside of the Castle Skye.

“I am rarely here. My realm has its own fiefdoms of responsibility. But duty calls me to seat my throne at times.”

“I’d be glad to see your hall,” Celestine said while they rode towards the hundreds of tents. The past two days had been ones of swift travel and lovemaking. She knew the end of her time with him was fast approaching. There was sorrow there. Regret, but she also knew it was as it should be.

“You already have,” Azure said with a shrug. “That is just a stone castle. Though I had the roof removed above my seat, so the sky may look down on all who come to me. My people are like any other. They have problems, issues with neighbors. There are more livestock ranches than crop farms.”

All vendors, stalls, and tents were centered around the jousting arena. If you listened hard over the bright din of this place, you could hear the parry of wood and hammers. Long, bright banners of blue were everywhere, some with his crest, many with their own.

Along the west, near the coastline, markers were being placed for a race.

Celestine glanced behind them. Thinking of his mention of cattle. All grasses they had passed looked full. “You allow grazing here?”

Azure smiled. “The grass grows quickly, I assure you. Come, let us make merry.”

They passed tent after tent. There were vendors of leather, hawks, sellers, and traders of bows and instruments, and food and drink were everywhere. They reared their horses as a proud sortie of knights in arms meandered slowly on horseback, each raising their helm’s face plate with one hand to Lord Azure at her side.

He nodded to them as they passed, their banner displayed proudly.

“More of your lances, sir?”

“Knights of my Second lance, my Mid-House. I have never requested this dance of arms and allegiances, but I become what my people needed. They wandered into this land, and they sought peace among the plains. They are proud, and part of pride is being seen. It is the opposite of shame. Come, you will see.”

They dismounted, a young girl coming to take their horses, and Azure paid her with a single jewel, the girl’s eyes growing wide with amazement.

“I have a gift for you, but first, we should watch the squire’s melee. It begins shortly. Will you take wine?”

“If you will,” Celestine said. She followed her love to the tourney grounds. The crowds parted, shouting Azure’s name. He smiled and waved to many.

They love him. Who cannot?

Inside the tourney grounds, a grand square arena was made. The posts were removed for the joust, and she saw the shields and sigils of many knights and houses among the walls. As Azure entered, the crier said his name and the crowd grew into raucous applause.

“Please, Lord Azure! Take your seat! And Lady Celestine!” the crier turned to the crowd’s delight and beckoned them to a box where other nobles sat, and two seats of honor were.

In the middle of the ring, a young man and woman wore garlands upon their brows. The woman was in a proud dress, with the stitching of the squire’s sigil.

“Did we miss the wedding?” Azure called out to the crier.

“Alas, Lord Azure. They took their vows for all to see.”

“But they have not,” Azure stood straighter, shouting at the quieting crowd. “Taken their proper places.” His face grew stern.

The crowd murmured, looking around, wondering what had offended their lord.

Then Azure pointed slowly to the raised box of honor, where the twin chairs for he and Celestine sat empty. The young couple looked upon where he pointed, as did the whole crowd. “Take your seats!”

The crowd broke into great applause. Some threw flowers on the tourney ground.

Azure sat, smiling. The wind blew within the tourney grounds and seeing him among his people was such a sight. Encarmine had been their beating heart. Tristien was the master of his realm, but Azure… Azure was like the lifeblood itself. Beloved and respected.

“Look at the happy couple.” Azure leaned over. “They will never forget this day.”

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