The royal viewing box at the arena was loud and full of cheers and excitement in the aftermath of Grim's match. Chancellor Levenhart's face had grown progressively redder as he watched the events unfold.
"This display is completely unacceptable," he hissed, keeping his voice low enough that only those in the royal box could hear. "Mutilating opponents, marking himself with blood. This isn't a tournament, it's barbarism."
Alexia remained silent. The three vertical lines of blood on Grim's face carried meaning that had been forgotten by most of the imperial court.
"The competitor was poisoned," Archmage Marcus noted quietly. "His movements showed clear signs of poison, particularly in the early stages of the match."
"Speculation," Chancellor Levenhart dismissed. "What isn't speculation is that Lord Van Ambrose has now maimed two opponents in as many matches."
"It's all in the rules Chancellor. We want strong people to come foward."
