Page 47 of Their Trials

As I slid in beside him, he wrapped his arm around me. “Gentlemen, please let me introduce you to my Chosen, Rhowyn Hunt. Rhowyn, this is George, Frederick, and Duncan. They're all members of the Summer Court and grew up with me.”

“It's nice to meet you all,” I said politely, somehow remembering my manners before smiling mischievously. “I'm willing to bet that y'all have some pretty good stories about what it was like to know young Arryn. I'm sure he wasn't always the responsible and boring Captain.” I winked to indicate that I was teasing him.

He laughed, his friends following suit. George spoke up first. “Honestly, I can't ever remember a time where he wasn't the voice of reason. Usually, it was Duncan or Fred coming up with all sorts of ideas, me tagging along, and Arryn trying desperately to talk some sense into us. Mostly he was unsuccessful, but he was always there to help us get out of trouble as well.”

I laughed. “Surely, there's one story of him being responsible for some sort of mischief.”

“If there was, I can't recall,” said Duncan with a smile. It was obvious that his friends were all fond of him still, if not a little too fond of themselves as well.

“Even now, he's always checking in on us to ensure we aren't up to our old ways,” Fred said, clapping Arryn on the back jovially.

I started to inquire further, but the knocking of a staff on the ground announced the arrival of the Queen. Butterflies erupted in my gut, and I downed the rest of my drink, handing my empty glass to Callum, who took it dutifully, Baer coming to join us.

My palms began to sweat again as the Queen entered, graceful and stunningly beautiful as always, her Consorts right behind her. Each of them were imposing and intimidating, although they were all eclipsed by the fear that the Queen struck in the heart of each of her subjects.

I was beginning to see the signs of her tyrannical rule, not that I hadn’t known she was a sadist before, but now it was undeniable. How had I not noticed before how each and every one of the courtiers present walked on eggshells in terror that she would focus her ire on them? I wasn't the only one suffering from nerves in this moment. That thought appeased me somewhat, although not enough to keep me from shaking.

A warm hand landed on mine, which was still wrapped in Arryn's elbow. I glanced up at him to find him facing forward, providing silent support just like he'd promised, not giving anything away.

Baer's fingers intertwined with my other hand, bringing it behind my back as if he was trying to lean into me lovingly. My heart swelled at the actions of both men. I seriously couldn't have found two better men for me if I’d been the one trying to pick them out. They both had done nothing but support me every step of the way and would continue to do so as long as I let them.

I couldn't imagine beyond the trials, not really. I didn't know what normal life in Avalon was like, so I couldn't say what the future would bring, but I found myself wanting to discover that future with them both. My heart twinged in pain at the thought of the girls that I’d left behind, wishing I could have everyone around me. I hated that I had to choose. Either I’d have to return to the girls, or I’d have to pick the men that were slowly claiming my heart and affections. Neither choice seemed sufficient. Each one lacking something that was so very dear to me.

The Queen began her speech, drawing my attention back to the front of the room. “Thank you all for being here tonight in celebration of the completion of the first trial.” Everyone clapped in congratulations, no one cheering or daring to speak. It was as if someone had turned on an applause sign in a recording studio, prompting everyone to partake only because it was required.

“It was without a doubt a grueling and trying time for our Chosen and their Consorts as they navigated the maze and obstacles as presented by Avalonia. Sadly, not all Chosen made it out, or they failed the trial, leaving us with eleven competitors remaining.

“While we grieve the loss of those Chosen, the trials must continue. We must also celebrate the fact that we are one step closer to crowning a new Queen.” She paused as the crowd applauded again, cutting off at the prescribed amount of time, allowing the Queen to continue her speech.

“That being said, Rhowyn Hunt, please approach the dais.” My eyes widened as she called me forth. Not me and my consorts. Just me.

I glanced to Arryn, who nodded at me subtly, releasing my arm. Baer's fingers pulled from mine as I began walking toward her, my hands held tightly to my sides to hide their shaking. My knees threatened to buckle as I approached the site of my abuse.

Growing lightheaded, I forced myself to take a deep, steadying breath, keeping my steady pace forward. My stomach knotted as I drew nearer, and instead of succumbing to the terror, I held my head high, determined not to show my fear to the Queen. Flashbacks threatened to assault me the closer I got, and I desperately shoved them away, walling off my memories as best as I could.

Once at the dais, I curtsied the way Lennox had taught me earlier during one of our training sessions, holding the position, before the Queen prompted me to rise.

“We are here tonight not only to celebrate the completion of the trials, but also to honor the Chosen who completed the course and arrived at the center first. After facing down the plants, shifting walls, a Cú Síth, a Loathly Worm, an Ankou, a Chitterling, quicksand, and finally escaping the claws of the Matogots, she arrived safe and sound as the first competitor to finish. She not only saved another Chosen and her Consorts, but she diverted the attention of the Cú Síth from a fleeing group who unfortunately did not make it out.” She rattled off my accomplishments almost as if they were painful for her to put voice to. While her smile remained plastered on her face, her eyes were seething in anger that she had to now boast on my behalf.

“It is these actions that have earned the reward that I promised at the start of the trial.” She gestured to Jensen, who approached her on the dais, holding a white embroidered pillow that sparkled in the glaring lights of the room. A gold necklace shone under the glaring lights, dainty and elegant in design with a three-sided Celtic knot for a charm. “It is my honor to present this necklace to you, Rhowyn Hunt, Chosen of Avalon.” She picked up the necklace and held it out, indicating I should bow so she could place it on my neck.

I did so as she continued to speak. “This necklace is more than just a pretty bauble. It has spells of protection woven into the precious metals which are meant to aid you in future trials. The gems which have been carefully selected will also speed healing should you somehow become injured.” She clasped the necklace in place and then indicated that I should stand and turn to face the crowd.

When I did, the crowd erupted in a deafening applause, causing a blush to heat my cheeks. This was more than I had ever wanted. I hated being the center of attention, preferring the shadows where I would remain safe and sound, out of sight. Now, I was being thrust into the spotlight, where danger lurked in every corner.

When the applause died down, I turned back to the Queen and curtseyed again. “Thank you, Your Majesty,” I said, doing my best to project my voice and keep my disdain far away from my tone.

I stood there in that position, the silence deafening as I waited for her to excuse me, my panic flaring as memories flashed through my mind, escaping the walled fortress in my head as I froze in place. Ringing in my ears whistled loudly as blood rushed from my racing heart. A hand on my shoulder brought me back, causing me to flinch at the contact. Not enough for others to notice, but I knew she had caught the reaction the moment I stood. Her eyes glittered in delight as she said, “You may go.”

I stood there for a few seconds, filled with anger and terror at the same time. I was livid that I'd allowed her that satisfaction and yet too terrified to do anything more.

Finally, I found the strength to turn my back on her, my instincts screaming at me that I would regret that reaction to her and walked back to my guys.

Chapter Nineteen: Arryn

After Rhowyn left me to speak with Charity, I began mingling with the other courtiers. I watched as Callum followed behind her silently, his eyes scanning the crowd for any threats as Rhowyn remained oblivious to the full scope of the peril that she was now embroiled in. It seemed as if he was taking on the role of protector over not only Rhowyn but the group.

In the maze, he'd put himself between us and whatever danger we’d been facing, prepared to defend us all. While he hadn't quite warmed up to any of us, he was trying, and that was all I could ask of him.

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