The Four Swords-Chapter 155: Unwelcomed

Princess Alina and Lady Calista rushed into the medical tent with Alejo's frustrated expression peaking in behind them. Upon taking in the sight before them, neither progressed more than the few steps they had taken inside.

Lady Calista paled in response to the seeping wound. Her eyes frantically searched past Sir Gavin to look for who she really came to see. Lord Jacobson smiled at the lady when their eyes finally locked.

I cannot say that I fully understand their friendship, since one of the people closest to me in the world did not have the same reaction when I entered the tent.

Smiles alluded Princess Alina. Her eyes did not make it past Sir Gavin's shirtless form. Her cheeks began to redden and her lips pinched. She could be trying to hold in her last meal. I do not know how many injuries Her Highness has had the opportunity to see up close.

It hit me that her color could stem from another source. My confidence in my own intelligence disappeared. I do not think shirtless men fall within the realm of royal modesty.

I saw Alina grab at Cali's hand, looking to withdraw from the awkwardness. I have seen beats with a duller complexion.

Sir Gavin froze for an instant before scrambling to pull back on his bloodied shirt, much to the doctor's dismay.

"Forgive me..." Sir Gavin began before being cut off by the physician.

"Ladies! You cannot simply barge in here! Lord Holden, escort the Princess and her friend to a more appropriate setting and I will let you know when and if they may return." The doctor exclaimed. In the medical tent, he outranked the queen.

"Of course, Doctor," I responded and shuffled my charges outside of the tent.

Both would not meet my gaze on the other side of the flap. Alejo simply snorted his own frustration.

"I hope in the future that the two of you will trust my judgement. There was no need for you to barge past Alejo. It undermined me, as you did not trust me to even check on Lord Jacobson. It undermined Alejo in his position to keep those in the tent in vulnerable states safe." I tore into the girls.

I knew I did not outrank a princess, but those in power need to be held accountable in matters of disrespect. If I had to take a tongue lashing from the Queen about this speech, I would endure it proudly.

Cali looked into my eyes defiantly. Something told me that she still felt she did the right thing. I guess a moment to check on Jacobson meant more to her than my somewhat hollow words.

Princess Alina did not look up. Her face was still flush. Her embarrassment ran deep.

"Please forgive us, Alejo. You serve our wounded well." Alina began.

"It is forgotten, Your Highness." Alejo responded with a click of his heels into attention. He was a better soldier than I was.

"My apologies, Lord Holden. You have been trusted with larger tasks than this and have never failed. We ask forgiveness for our impatience." Alina meekly voiced for the pair.

Princess lessons must have an entire course on diplomatically apologizing. It certainly ranked high in eloquence.

"Thank you. I accept your apology." I responded before the silence settled in between us.

The group outside the tent did not bother with small talk, which suited me most of the time. This was the exception. Without the distraction of chatter, every groan and pained inhale could be heard from inside the tent.

Sir Gavin took the pain from however the doctor was treating him well enough. Even the strongest among us still express discomfort.

"There you are. I did not mean to worry you both, my Princess and my dear sister. I was not injured in the match." Lord Carrion oozed in a sickeningly sweet tone. Finally a distraction!

The newest swordsman led a squinting Sergeant Agnar by the hand. Upon closer examination, I have no idea how my clansman saw anything to continue his match.

"I am simply bringing Sergeant Agnar to get cleared for duty by the doctor." Carrion continued, even though no one asked.

Something rubbed me the wrong way about another clans Swordsman trying to 'clear' my men for duty. I almost opened my mouth before thinking better of it. Carrion did not exactly have the best record of taking kindly to advice lately.

"The doctor is only receiving the injured at this time." Alejo offered.

The injured and my mother, I corrected in my head. At least Benate was not hearing Sir Gavin's moans. Part of me wanted to see the doctor and my mother fight a battle of wills. Perhaps I could add that to tomorrow's tournament bracket.

Agnar stepped forward and I opened the tent flap for him.

"Thank you, Lord Holden."

"Well fought, Sergeant. You made me proud." I responded as the man passed me in the tent.

Carrion got a chance to take in the sight of Sir Gavin through the open flap. When I looked back in his direction, his eyes were as large as saucers with his mouth hanging open. Glad I did not take a look.

Carrion cleared his throat and the girls shared a look. I hope this time it does not get me in trouble.

"Since we have now found each other, would you ladies like to celebrate my victory today in the town market? I can not think if a better way to spend the day!" Carrion offered.

Lord Carrion seemed carefree and content. Surely this was not the same brooding child I had come to tolerate.

"Congratulations on your victory, Lord Carrion." Alina trailed off, unable to find the right words to decline the offer.

"Indeed, congratulations, Brother! As appealing as your offer is, Queen Valerie sent Alina a+nd myself to lift the spirits of the injured. We do not want to take away from your celebration and I cannot say how long we might be. Please do not let us keep you." Lady Calista lied.

"Oh. Perhaps I should lift their spirits too." Carrion attempted to yet again to join his sister and her best friend.

"You deserve a celebration and you also need your rest for tomorrow's match. I do not think there is time for both." Princess Alina added.

Surely he will take the hint. His face fell, accepting his fate.

"I suppose you're right. Enjoy the day, ladies" Carrion walked away without a spring in his step.

A moment of peace fell upon us before the tent flap opened again.