Chapter 20: Friendly Competition

Remembering they were not alone, Alistair straightened his back and turned away from her.

"We'll discuss that later," he said as he turned back, side facing Sierra as he reminded her, "I believe you have an archery contest to partake in? I'll be the judge."

"Would that be alright with you, Princess Agnes?" he turned to her as he asked.

To hear the King speak her name almost made Agnes faint. It was an honor above all honors. It also meant he knew who he was. Perhaps he actively made an effort to find out who she was because she caught his attention.

"It would be our greatest honor to have you judge our little contest, Your Majesty," she exclaimed with glee.

You could almost hear her squeal her words. Sierra suspected she even purposefully spoke louder so that everyone could hear her.

"Tch," Sierra whispered beneath her breath. She could not help but roll her eyes.

In many ways, Agnes reminded her of Princess Felicity. She was sure they would make great friends.

"Did you say something, Princess Sierra?" Alistair turned his attention back to her.

He had heightened hearing and he was quite certain she whispered something beneath her breath. A chill ran down Sierra's spine. How was it possible he could hear her?

Even Myra, who was inches away from her could not hear it. Whether he did or not, it did not matter. She was not about to confess to it either. She already offended the King once, doing so again would be the death sentence.

"No, Your Majesty. It must have been the wind," she brushed it off.

A collective audible gasp sounded throughout the archery grounds. Sierra not only talked back to the King, but she also accused him of lying! Myra was sweating, it trickled down her forehead.

She had to blink a couple of times just to keep it out of her eyes. She carefully looked over to Sierra, hoping she could remain strong. If it was any other princess, perhaps they would have already fainted from shock.

But Myra was surprised. Sierra did not seem to think she did any wrong. In fact, from the look on her face and her furrowed eyebrows, she seemed confused by the audible gasp.

"Did I say something wrong?" she mumbled to herself.

"You truly are a brave soul, princess," Alistair chuckled, amused by Sierra's straightforward attitude.

She truly was unlike any of the other princesses he had met before. He was even beginning to question if she was truly a princess.

"Let us see how well you fare with a bow in your hands," he declared with a smile.

Alistair clapped his hands together and his guards got to work immediately. Everyone else got up on their feet and made way for them as they transformed the archery grounds to include a spectator viewing corner. A carpet and a day bed were brought out for Alistair to lounge in, complete with a side table for snacks and drinks.

Chairs and side tables were also brought out for the other princesses who were viewing. Princess Agnes was over the moon. She basked in all the attention, knowing that the King was going to be watching her compete.

Sierra, on the other hand, did not really mind who was watching. All she wanted was to get some archery practice in and help Myra with skills.

"I'm sorry, Myra, I did not expect things to turn out like this," she sighed as she placed her hand on Myra's shoulder.

Myra turned to look at Sierra with a look of confusion.

"Sierra, what are you talking about? This is great! You successfully got the attention of the King! King Alistair himself! This would surely bode well for you in the selection!"

Sierra was stunned. She had not thought about it that way before. But looking over to Agnes, it made sense now. In fact, she also noticed some of the princesses in the spectator seats looking a little jealous.

"If the contestants are ready, please step forward!" an announcer said.

Sierra and Agnes went forward, standing at the line. Since there were only two of them, it was up to King Alistair to decide who went first.

"Princess Agnes shall go first, then Sierra," he announced without the slightest bit of hesitation.

It was as if he had it all planned out.

"Thank you for the honor, Your Majesty. I will not let you down!" Princess Agnes squealed as she curtsied to him before turning to face the target board.

She glanced over to Sierra with an arrogant grin on her face. Sierra was annoyed. She desperately wanted to wipe that grin off Agnes's face. Perhaps the competition would help her achieve her goal.

Princess Agnes nocked an arrow onto her bow. Some of the princesses and maids cheered for her. It gave her a confidence boost. She released the arrow, sending it through the air.

"7 points for Princess Agnes!" the announcer proclaimed.

Everyone clapped for her, even King Alistair did so too. Sierra's expression remained unchanged, but when she looked over to see Alistair clapping she clenched her jaw. There was an unfamiliar feeling brewing in her heart.

Could it be jealousy?

Sierra shook her head. There was nothing to be jealous about. Alistair noticed she was looking over. The moment he locked eyes with her, Sierra quickly diverted her attention back to Princess Agnes as she released her next arrow.

She hoped he did not see her looking over, but Alistair saw it and he made note of it too. Now it was he who can't seem to take his eyes off her. As his eyes traveled from her face down to her clothes, he was surprised to see her dressed that way.

It reminded him of the first time they met in the forest. While a princess looked beautiful in dresses that reached the floor, he preferred to see Sierra in her current outfit. A simple long-sleeved white blouse with a leather vest and a pair of sensible pants and leather boots.

"Could she be jealous?" he muttered to himself he noticed how hard she tried to keep her gaze away from him.