Page 14 of Under the Lion Star

Descending the stairs, I focused on trying to erase the annoyance on my face. While I hated to be woken so early, it’s not like my sisters had done anything wrong by being sentient at breakfast time.

Lina, Yunia, and Mera were fighting over a piece of cardstock. Holding it out of reach of one another, there was more focus on who got to have the parchment as opposed to what it said.

Zara and Nima were helping Mom and Dad in the kitchen. While we had staff prepare meals for lunch and dinner, my parents usually prepared breakfast. For those who were awake, anyway.

Mornings were always chaotic, and since I usually missed them, I was somewhat taken aback by the sight of my sisters continuing to fight over the mail.

“You’re up early,” Nima smiled, setting a cup of tea in front of where I slumped into a chair.

I grunted in response.

“You’ve read the thing front to back. Let me see it!” Yunia laughed, pulling the cardstock away from Lina.

“Why is it eighteen and older?” Mera pouted with a huff. Her arms crossed over her chest as her brows furrowed further. “That’s ageist!”

“You think it would be appropriate for the king to select a child bride? Gods above,” Lina sighed, handing the deep burgundy paper to Yunia.

“Just because I couldn’t be chosen as wife doesn’t mean I can’t attend. Dad’s going. I doubt King Leor is going to ask him to be wed.”

“The king should be so lucky,” my dad scoffed.

“What is going on?” I pulled my head from my hands and took a sip of tea to clear the gruff of sleep that clung to my voice.

“There is going to be a gathering at the castle!” Yunia said, shoving the scrap of paper in my face.

I ran my finger over the gold embossed lettering.

“He’s meant to meet with eligible women and choose a queen,” Nima clarified.

“Like a livestock auction?” I grimaced.

“More or less,” Nima shrugged. “But from what I hear, these things usually have great food.”

“In that case, I’m in,” I said, passing the notice back to the twins.

Dad laughed and shook his head.

“You, Nima, and the twins will all attend, given you meet the age requirements,” he explained. “However, don’t be offended when I’m not parading you in front of the young king. Plenty of families will be vying for his attention. Frankly, there’s no way he’s good enough for any of you.”

“Zialda and I will be at the banquet table. If the king happens to walk by and be so taken aback by how much food I can eat, who am I to turn down the chance to be queen?” Nima shrugged.

“I could eat you under the table!” Zara declared, taking her seat.

“If the tales of how handsome the king is are true, Leor can eat me under the table,” Yunia winked.

“No one,” my dad growled. “Will be eating anyone under any tables. We show up because it is expected, and then we leave.”

I finished my tea, listening intently as Yunia and Lina discussed what they planned to wear to the event. In all honesty, I was excited. I had never attended an event at the castle, as very few were held during the war.

My sisters were still embedded in their conversations when I hugged my parents and said my goodbyes before heading to Aunt Stella’s.

“Sorry again that I can’t come,” Nima said as I laced my boots.

“No worries,” I smiled. “Meeting the parents, then?”

“Yeah,” she sighed. “I’m nervous.”

“You’ll be fine.”

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