Aera watched the matched with a blank face, but her heart was beating and she felt uneasy. As hard as she tried to push Envy's words to the back of her mind so she could focus on the match, it was difficult. If Envy didn't know what it was or what dangers trailed after it..... Envy knew everything. The fact that he had no idea scared her more than his words. 

The sound of Kentaro's second shot brought her forth from her labyrinth of thoughts and she focused on the match. His shot missed the target entirely and his sister groaned beside her. "Who is that elf? Why did we let him join in?"
"He's a guest of the Spymaster." Aera answered unprovoked. Risa glared at her. Of course you would know him, her expression said. 

Taris shot again and ended the match, but Kentaro took his final shot, obviously trying to compose himself and magic the wine from his blood. This wouldn't make an enjoyable evening. Already drunk and angry with the banquet coming up. Aera selfishly hoped that he wouldn't make it to her chambers tonight.

With the third and final shots, Taris defeated Kentaro and the whole crowd was silent. Aera made no move. As glad as she was that her new friend had won, it also meant her husband had lost. 
Slowly the crowd began to applaud, and Aera was the first of the royal women to stand and applaud the victor with kept expression. Beside her her good-mother and good-sister rose and began clapping, their faces just as practiced. The three of them knew Kentaro would be angry. Was, angry, no doubt. 
They sat back down and Aera watched Taris as he drank from a skin from a theif she didn't recognize. The thought made her sad. She really did need to visit them again.

When the herald called that Taris would be up against Kasca, Aera felt free to exhale with relief. Kasca, hardly as drunk as his friend, would make a much better rival to the elf, though there was still no question as to who will win.