Page 88 of A Kingdom so Crimson

She brushed my wet hair, skillfully pulling it back into a loose plait. With practiced hands, she artfully tugged at sections to add volume, giving the braid a soft, romantic feel. Delicate flowers were woven into the braid, their petals peeking out as she pulled out several wisps of hair to frame my face, carefully finger-curling each strand to create soft, cascading waves.

"I don't know ifadventureis the right word for it either," I replied, smiling as I watched her in the large crystal mirror as she worked.

Several other ladies' maids entered the room, chatting as they arranged a cosmetics tray on the vanity table. Aoife greeted them and graciously moved out of the way so they could begin working on my face.

They patted my skin with powder, added a rosey shade tint to my lips, darkened my lashes with charcoal, and replaced the flowers in my hair with sparkling gems.

"I liked the flowers," I stated.

"You're meeting the king, sweetheart, not a commoner," one of the ladies retorted, finishing gluing the gems in place before motioning the others out. Venom coiled in my veins as my anger pulsed, but Aoife's soft hand on my shoulder grounded me. Her familiar motherliness straining the anger out.

"Thank you," Aoife said to the departing ladies, her tone polite.

Aoife hurriedly helped me into my heels, and we rushed out into the hallway. Levon stood waiting, resplendent in a royal blue overcoat adorned with gold buttons that shimmered in the light. I wondered how regal he would have looked in the Royal Gaurd. His eyes sparkled as they met mine, causing my powdered cheeks to blush.

He extended his arm, bowing slightly to Aoife. I squeezed her hand in silent thanks before I let Levon escort me to my moment of dread.

"What were you thinking going out alone?" he whispered with worry.

"I wanted to help," I replied in defiance.

"Don't," he spat, his tone sharp and cutting. "At least not without me," he quickly added, his eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and concern. The memory of the energy I had unleashed to tear open the cavity for control surged through meas familiar as Aoife's comforting touch, yet it only fueled my anger.

"Do not patronize me. I didn't ask for this," I shot back, my frustration bubbling.

"Nor did I," he retorted, his expression tight with emotion as the air around us went taut.

We walked the rest of the grand hallway and silently descended the stairs, approaching the four guards clad in uniform by the large ornate doors. My anxiety flared like a roaring fire, but I forced my anger into silence. Levon squeezed my hand, giving me a subtle nod before leaning in to whisper into my ear.

"We are fourth in line for introductions. Jesri and Calum will already be there. I told Jesri to keep his mouth shut if he wants you to have a chance," he paused, looking deep into my eyes, and lifted my chin. "Hold your head up, Eliah. You're worthy of every eye."

My face heated under his solemn gaze, feeling he wanted to close the gap between us. Just then, the doors opened, flooding the room with light. We snapped back to attention before anyone could notice, and I held my head high, determined to face whatever lay ahead.

I am more than all this.

The grand dining room stretched out before us, glittering with opulence. Chandeliers hung from the high ceiling speckled with gold and hung like bouquets, casting a golden glow over the assembled guests. Navy and gold flowers were hung around the exterior, with similar banners of the royal crest billowing against a slight breeze. Various plants and expensive ornaments glittered on the dining table, making everything sparkle. The sound of murmured conversations and soft music filled the air but quickly subsided as they turned their attention to us.

King Thealor sat at the head of the large rectangle table in a deep blue overcoat also clad with golden buttons, ribbons, and star-shaped medals. His brown hair, woven with silver, was tied back with a black ribbon, while a peppered beard hung to the base of his neck. His queen sat beside him in a white flowing gown that was simple against her olive skin and long black hair that had no trace of silver for several years. She was an image of pure beauty.

Levon guided me forward, his grip firm yet comforting. Each step felt like a test, but I focused on Levon's words and the sense of purpose they gave me.

"Lady Eliah Archenon from Fernwen. Sponsored by Sir Levon Alder, previously of the King's Royal Guard," boomed a guard beside the door. The king's smile widened at Levon's name, and he bowed his head in welcome.

I gulped, determined not to let my gaze linger on anyone in particular as we crossed the ornate, polished floors. However, when Jesri's dark eyes came into view, a surge of fury ignited within me. I held his stare with an intensity fueled by malice, disregarding the attention it might attract, as Levon guided me to the spot across from him.

Jesri's eyes landed on my dress and his expression twisted into rage, teeth clenched, but he managed to compose himself. Beside him sat Calum, his usually tousled hair slicked back, exuding an air of regality, too similar to hisbeloveduncle. Despite his proximity, Calum refused to meet my eye.

Four other contestants were called, each emerging from a different door, escorted by their sponsors, who had ensured they were polished to perfection. Among them were three other females and five males, spanning a range of ages. I appeared the youngest among them, followed by a dark-haired boy named Astor Flemming from Kleads. His dark almond eyes conveyed a palpable sense of anxiety. I felt a surge of empathy, a desireto reach out and reassure him that he was not alone in his apprehension as he sat beside me.

The king rose from his seat, his imposing figure commanding attention. "Welcome," he began, his voice surprisingly soft as it carried over the length of the table. "I appreciate not only those participating but also those mentoring and preparing our contestants for this adventure." His smile widened but did little to ease the knot of unease that had formed in my stomach and left my mouth dry.

"This year is very different from previous tournaments," the king began, his voice carrying a note of excitement. "It will be the first of many for the entire Kingdom to enjoy. In the past, we kept the contestants within my court's lands. But this year," he motioned to the lot of us, "we have selected an individual from each of the regions who has shown the most courage, the best abilities, the strongest will, and accompanied by the most well-loved sponsors with a dedication to succeed."

His excitement radiated like fireworks lit on Yulemas, causing a stir among us all. My stomach turned leaden as he continued. "Tomorrow night, each of you will be celebrated and presented to my court, marking the commencement of the tournament festivities. So, enjoy yourselves while you can tonight and tomorrow, and then the real entertainment begins. But now—let's eat! Fill yourselves fully, drink deep, and accept my deepest gratitude, my dear contestants."

Clapping followed as the king's words hung in the air, amplifying the anticipation and anxiety rippling through the room. All the doors opened, revealing a procession of servants carrying platters of food. They set them on the table before us, presenting a feast beyond my wildest dreams. Platters overflowed with crisp roasted meats, their savory aroma mingling with the scent of freshly baked bread. Bowls of spiced vegetables, buttered potatoes, and mouth-watering soupswere placed before me. But the dizzying array of desserts was staggering—delicate pastries dusted with confectionary sugar, towering cakes embellished with fresh berries, and decadent, flavorful chocolates that glistened under the warm chandeliers.

The food was piled so high that it obscured Jesri's wicked face from view, a small mercy amid the overwhelming display. As I looked around at the other contestants, I saw similar reactions of awe and disbelief. The sheer abundance of the feast seemed surreal.

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