“Are you alright, your highness? Is the prince—” Marcus’s voice broke as he spoke.
I couldn’t answer him. I only stared into nothing. If Norok died I would — I didn’t want to think about it. He may be my
annoying older brother but he was my big brother. Our crowned Prince and next in line to the throne. If he died, that would
mean I would be made heir, and that was the last thing I wanted.
He was going to be fine. He had to be fine.
Slumping down on the ground, I wrapped my arms tightly around my knees as silent tears fell from my eyes. Out of all the
nobles to be hurt, why did it have to be Norok? The more I replayed it in my mind, the more I saw Lord Cole looking as if he
were smiling while he rode away.
“Marcus, find Lord Cole,” I managed through gritted teeth. “He will answer to the crown for what he has done.”
Nodding and bowing to me, Marcus did as I asked. I watched him round up a few guards before they left the arena. Many of
our court were still waiting to hear about Norok, including all the knights. What was meant to be a fantastic, happy, and
exciting day had quickly taken a sad and dark turn.
“NOROK!” Mother’s voice shouted through the air.
Within seconds I was back in the tent as she cried over Norok’s body. He didn’t move as she sobbed. The seer stepped
towards me and placed both her hands on my shoulders. I could feel as her magic radiated from them.
“He is alive, but he will not be as he once was. His mind may still be there, but his body is broken.”
She kissed me lightly on the forehead. Before she went to leave, she paused and bowed towards Father who pulled her into
a hug. The act shocked me despite understanding the reason for his embrace
“He’s alive and I thank you for that,” he said as he let go of her. “Please, come to me tomorrow and I will see you
rewarded.”
“The reward of seeing our prince awake is enough, my king.”
She curtsied and left the tent as Father rushed to Norok’s side. I couldn't move, I was still frozen, standing there like a fool.
The tournament was meant to be good fun. It didn't matter that everyone knew the risks. What mattered was that Lord Cole
harmed our crowned prince before leaving in a way that made me believe it was in a vicious manner. It was something I
considered unforgivable. I would find Lord Cole and make him pay for what he'd done.
W e each took turns to sit at Norok’s bedside for the next few days. Never knowing if he was going to wake up or even move
a finger. He had around the clock healers taking great care of him. Father sent out many seekers to search for the greatest
mage healers known to our world. None of which returned with any success.
Lord Cole had disappeared into the night. The place he was staying at had been ransacked and emptied out by the time
Marcus and his men reached it. I felt a hole within my heart. Had I really misjudged him so much?