“That was the first time I’ve ever cared about the outcome of a joust,” Scarlet said, tilting her face toward the sun. It was unimaginably pleasant when the wind slowed. “Etan was so good today.”

“You led me to believe that he wasn’t that talented.” I nibbled away at my food.

She playfully slapped my arm as Aunt Jovana pretended to be offended. “I just didn’t know how much he’d improved,” Scarlet said defensively.

“I still can’t believe he won.” I was perfectly aware it was all Etan’s skill, but the whole crowd saw him take my handkerchief, and, vain as it might be, that meant something to me.

“It’s his first, as far as I know,” Uncle Reid admitted. “I suppose if the Eastoffes and Northcotts were going to step back into the center of court, that was the way to do it. King Quinten was probably unamused by the win, but it speaks well to . . . others.”

“What do you know?” Scarlet asked.

He let out a long sigh. “We have not been forgotten. In light of recent events, some have even said they’d act without proof, that this is enough to warrant an arrest at the very least. If the king is now actively killing off family members, what’s to protect anyone else? They fear that their best behavior and loyalty won’t save them now. It hasn’t for you; it barely has for us.

“But, even if we could remove Quinten without evidence, it sets a very questionable standard. If we don’t follow the laws that outline how to legally remove a king, then whoever gets the throne next could be tossed out easily. Let’s say it’s Scarlet.”

“Let’s not,” she shot back.

“If the laws weren’t followed this time, they won’t be followed the next. So, in all ways, we will show we are fit to rule. Properly.”

Uncle Reid’s words reminded me of that silly rhyme we used back in Coroa, the one for when we were taught all the laws that we, as citizens, might need to know. Undo one, and you undo them all.

I supposed there was truth to that, that stealing was as bad as lying was as bad as killing. However we went about dethroning Quinten, it was rebellion. Uncle Reid was proving that there was room to undo evil without being evil. If nothing else, I admired that.

“Ah! There he is!” Mother said, pointing at the approaching figure in armor.

We all gave Etan a fresh round of applause, and he waved in mock arrogance, tipping his head in exaggerated ways, teasing us as he took in our praise.

“Congratulations, son!” Uncle Reid said as Etan bent down on one knee beside us.

“Thank you, sir. Good day for the Northcotts.” He flipped his prize over in his palms. It was a golden feather, made in such a way that there were spaces between the barbs where light could shine through. It was a fine trophy for a job well done, and it was easily the most beautiful piece of craftsmanship I’d seen in Isolte.