Page 48 of Chosen By the Fae King

“Thank you, but I’ll be okay, Sofe. Truly.”

I heard her soft sigh but she didn’t argue. “Alright. I’ll see you at dinner.”

Sinking lower into the water, I blew bubbles across the surface. At least no one today had pestered me about last night’s incident. Not even Zoriyah had muttered a sly comment the entire day, too focused on her own performance.

By the time I finished bathing, calm had settled over my frayed nerves. I wouldn’t let Zoriyah or Nox unsettle me so easily again.

I dressed and made my way to the dining space in the common area, hunger overriding any remaining anxiety. The trials would be difficult enough without distractions from careless words that only hurt if I let them.

My stomach growled and I picked up my pace toward the smell of something delicious.

The tables bustled with activity, the other contestants chattering away as they ate. Sofiya waved me over to where she sat with Raina, Mirrelle and Astrid. I slid into the empty seat beside Raina, who gave me a small smile.

“How was your bath?” Sofiya asked, pushing a bowl of stew towards me.

“Relaxing,” I said, curling my hands around the warmth. “Yours?”

“The same.” Sofiya tucked a stray curl behind her ear, a faint blush staining her cheeks.

My eyes narrowed, wondering what had her blushing like a maiden.

Before I could ask, Lorne strode into the hall, scanning the room until his gaze landed on our table. My stomach knotted at the sight of Nox’s brother, half expecting the king himself to stroll through the doors behind him.

Lorne made his way over, ignoring the females who'd tried to catch his attention or flirt. “You've been given one hour of free time, which begins now. You may explore the castle or the grounds as you please, but do not wander far. Be back in your rooms for the night when the hour is up.”

With that, he pivoted on his heel and left the hall. Excitement rippled through the room.

“Shall we explore?” Raina asked, eyes bright. “I’ve heard the eastern wing holds many magical artifacts. I would like to see them before ... well, I may not have another opportunity to do so.”

“That sounds lovely,” Sofiya said, “but I really just want to lie down.”

Astrid and Mirrelle made noises of agreement, wanting to relax and meditate before bed. We all pushed away from the table.

I hesitated, glancing around the room. As much as I wanted to see more of the castle, anxiety niggled at the back of my mind. The last thing I needed was to stumble across Nox in some dark corridor.

Raina touched my arm, drawing my gaze. “Are you coming, Aeryn?”

Steeling myself, I nodded.

Raina would be going alone if I didn't tag along. Also, did I really want the chance to learn more about this place slip through my fingers? I'd never been in a castle and would never be in one again. It was now or never, as they said.

“Lead the way,” I said.

Raina grinned and we headed out, trailing behind the line of females who chose to wander. I walked slowly, hoping the other contestants would simply disappear into the bowels of the fortress. I had neither the patience nor the will to bother with any nonsense tonight.

As Raina and I entered the main foyer, we realized no one had chosen to venture into the eastern corridor. Perhaps I actually would make it through this night without incident.

I struggled not to gape at my surroundings. Intricate tapestries lined stone walls, depicting fantastical scenes of fae and creatures locked in epic battles or dancing under starlight. Ornate sconces held magical flames that flickered and danced, casting a warm glow over the corridors.

“This is nothing,” Raina said. “You should see the throne room.”

“Did you spend much time here? Before … things changed?”

“Some.” Raina's expression darkened. “Only because they wished to parade their prized daughter before the court and brag on my betrothal. And you know how that ended up.” She spat the words, bitterness lining each syllable. “They care not for my happiness, only for how I may advance their station.”

“I'm sorry,” I said softly.

While my own parents had been somewhat distant in their efforts to make me independent, they'd never used me as a pawn in political games. I couldn't imagine the pain such a thing would bring.

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