The sound of horses’ hooves beating against packed earth, cheers from the crowded stands, and the jarring clang of wood on metal were all drowned out by the sound of Princess Katrinetta’s heart beating out of her chest as she stared down from the riser. Gripping the wooden barrier that separated her from a fifteen foot fall to the arena floor beneath her, Kit’s knuckles were white, and despite the cool temperatures, a fine line of perspiration beaded her forehead.

The princess loved a good jousting tournament.

This one was different, however. These weren’t random noblemen or royalty from another realm visiting the queen. No, the contestants in this particular...