There had been times when he had alternated between silently cursing them and trying not to call out to them for mercy, as if they could have heard him. He took what little pride he could in his new circumstances, trying to salvage his dignity by performing well in this tournament for Equestria's sake and, well, for his own, to be honest. His head had swum with thoughts about what he'd do once he came back to court, victorious. How he'd ingratiate himself back into high society after his less than dignified ejection from the court. How he'd relate to the princesses after what they did to him, unsure whether he wanted to distance himself from them or just hug Celestia like they used to when he was but a small colt.