Snippet #1485400

Adelaide had followed the men carrying Kervall, her head low, her eyes staring blankly at the ground. Her brother was a monster. There was nothing else to be said. He was a pure monster. And their father was no better. He would not scold Lionel for the humilation he had caused the family, because he would now go on to win the tourney and beat another Winsler. That would make their father extremely proud and any past mistakes would be forgotten. Her mistakes, on the other hand, would no doubt be brought to light after the meal that evening. Fully prepared for it as she was, she was in no mood to get into a screaming match with her brother. No, instead she was going to sit in full silence, without speaking a word, unless a question was directed towards her. It may had seemed somewhat childish, but she had long discovered that no-one listened even if she did speak. Actually, her mother would listen on occasion, but she doubted that she would today, after all she'd just publicly assisted a Winsler. In her mother's eyes, she probably should have left him to rot. So, no-one was going to listen to her today.

Except the eldest Winsler of course. At which she was staring. Some men were fussing around him, tending his wounds and such, but she paid them no heed. Stood at the back of the tent, she chewed her bottom lip, watching Kervall. If he died because of her brother, then she would never find it in her heart to forgive him. Kervall was not the typical Winsler and she knew deep in her heart that if peace was to made with the Winslers at any point, it would be through him and not his father nor brother, who were too caught up with war and the hating of the Damian House.

Word came that the Winslers were on their way to see Kervall. Adelaide needed to leave almost immediately, for they would not wish her to be there with him. Bending down, she planted a brief kiss on his forehead, avoiding the cuts and bruises. "I promise I'll be back. But your family are here." She whispered, not even sure he could hear her. "And I need to deal with mine as well." She rested a pale, warm hand on his cheek, before she turned and left, escaping out of the back door and away towards her home.

---

Running a comb through her hair, Adelaide barely had time to change he dress. The last one was stained with blood and dirt and not nearly presentable enough for the meal. Not that she really cared anyway. It would simply be to glorify Lionel anyway. Mary had informed her with gleeful eyes that he had won the tourney. She had grunted her response, uncaring for her brother's ghastly win. No doubt he cheated... She thought bitterly to herself, as Mary laced her dress. ...Or beat Jamie Winsler until he almost died. It seemed that Lionel didn't care how far he went, as long as he won the tourney. And he had. Which meant that their father would be so proud. Of a son that cheats and has to beat his victims to a pulp. Nice thing to be proud of.

Sweeping down to the hall, she was already late. Well, she was in enough trouble, why not add more? Striding to the doors that led into the hall, she didn't pause outside, she pushed them open and entered. Just as Lionel handed the crown to Lady Leliana. Surprise flickered across Adelaide's face before it faded. That was no surprise to her. None whatsoever. And now darling Lionel had put himself in a stupid position. He was jeopardising the alliance with the Greyhardts. This would displease their father intensely. For once again, Lionel was bringing humilation to them. Adelaide wanted to slap him hard across the face. He was acting like a child. A mere, pathetic child who had everything he wanted, but when he was told he couldn't have something, well he behaved like this. Perhaps their parents would be having stern words with Lionel after all. It was her hope that she was forgotten about.

The whole hall was silent. Not a single person clapped or cheered. Until Adelaide drew her hands together slowly, sarcastically. It echoed around the hall and many turned to look at her. "Well done brother," She said, though her eyes had a dangerous glint in them, one she shared with her mother. "We're all so proud of you." Her words were cold and without meaning as she took her seat. She didn't care anymore. The more she could do to shame Lionel, the better it was.

---

Mary entered Kervall's chamber silently. In her arms were a bunch of the crimson blooms that Adelaide had handed him before. She had instructed her maid on where to find them and to place them in his chamber. Leaving them on the table where they could be seen, the young maid smiled to herself. Slipping from the room, she disappeared down the hall...