Page 20 of Chosen By the Fae King

“Wouldn't it be better to show who we truly are? I would think King Nox would rather see our true natures. And hers,” I nodded to Sofiya, “is one of mercy and kindness.”

I could tell he was annoyed, but he waited patiently for Sofiya to continue.

“It was self-defense,” she said. “The only reason Mirrelle killed Dori was because Dori attacked first. First with taunts, then with threats. She told Mirrelle she'd be dead by morning then she began attacking with both claws and magic. The spell that brought Dori to the ground was her own.”

A feminine snort came from behind us.

“It's true,” Sofiya insisted. “That's what happened. You saw the end of it and know Mirrelle didn't throw that spell. Blood fae don't have that kind of magic. I don't know how, but it bounced off of her and went back to Dori. Dori had meant to kill Mirrelle from the start. I don't think it was an empty threat.”

Lorne lifted his head and looked around, settling on Raina. “Is that what you saw, as well? Did Dori threaten Mirrelle then attack her?”

She blinked. “Yes, my lord.”

Lorne pursed his lips, presumably thinking. I could have told him to ask Nox, but the king hadn't wanted the contestants to see him in here. It wasn't something for their ears.

“The king has set the rules, and they will be enforced,” he pronounced. “But I'll make sure my brother hears all the facts.”

My teeth bit down on my tongue. Nox already had an opinion on the so-called facts and didn’t care.

“Thank you, Sire,” Sofiya said, but Lorne acted like he didn't hear.

When two servants entered with cleaning supplies he stepped in front of them. “Leave this until they retire for the evening. Let it be a reminder of what happens when one doesn't follow the rules,” he said without sympathy.

“Everyone shall remain here until I've notified the king,” Lorne stated before leaving the room.

The heavy silence that filled the common area felt suffocating. The scent of copper made it worse. I didn't want to think about Dori on the ground, about her family getting word of her death.

My thoughts turned to Nox, of his unexpected appearance, our exchanges, and the undeniable tension that lingered between us. I couldn't help but wonder if I'd be able to handle him in the future, or if my weakness would put Sofiya and myself in even greater danger.

“Are you okay?” Sofiya asked quietly.

I forced a smile for her sake. But inside, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was playing with fire, and it would only be a matter of time before I got burned.

“Seems like the little farmer doesn't understand the concept of competition,” Zoriyah taunted from nearby, her voice dripping with false concern. “It's a shame, really.”

“Indeed,” one of her companions chimed in. Jade, I thought her name was.

“But what does a farmer really know about anything except how to lace her dirty boots?” Jade glanced down at my feet, smirking at the sight of the well-worn leather.

I fought the urge to snap back at them. Their ally had just been killed and they weren’t affected by it in the least. It was reprehensible.

“Quiet,” Liam barked, silencing the snide comments. “Sit down and shut up. We'll wait for Lorne to return after he speaks to the king.”

The unpleasant gaggle went back to their corner. The room fell quiet, tension thick as everyone took seats.

I sat down beside Sofiya, who offered me a reassuring smile. But it did little to ease the disquiet that churned within me.

As we waited, my mind wandered back to my thoughts of Nox. The way his lips had pressed gently against mine, only to leave me cold and alone moments later. The kiss had been tender, but his dismissal had cut deep.

Why was I obsessing? Or even care? He'd kissed practically every contestant, yet my body still betrayed me with its reaction to him. I was just one of many.

He was cruel. He'd have me fighting for my life soon enough. No way was I going to fight for his affections.

I shook my head, trying to clear it of thoughts of Nox. It didn't matter. I needed to focus on the trials and protect Sofiya. But doubt gnawed at the edges of my resolve, whispering unpleasant reminders of my shortcomings.

“What are you thinking?” Sofiya whispered, her concern evident.

“Things I shouldn't be.”

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