Page 12 of A Kingdom so Crimson

I lifted my head higher, walking tall into the bustling crowd as my focus shifted to Sir Alder, seated by the gardens in a deep conversation with Lord Winslow while several ladies nearby tried to catch his eye. I couldn't suppress my laugh at the view. And despite the split lip I had given him earlier, he still looked dashing in his cream-colored suit, which contrasted beautifully against his hazelnut skin.

Perhaps it was Sir Alder who would be my oracle of information for this tournament, considering he so willingly gave me the most significant secret Jesri kept hidden for years.

"Sir Alder," I said, interjecting his conversation with the rakish Lord Winslow, who eyed me up and down with pleasure as he did with any young girl who gave him any notice beyond his wealth. I held back my discomfort, looking solely at Sir Alder's emerald-blue eyes.

"Would you do me the honor and accompany me for the opening?" I asked, smoothly laying on the flattery. I was determined to coax any information from him.

Sir Alder uncrossed his legs and flashed me a grin, revealing his pearly smile.

"Of course, my lady," he replied, rising from his seat. "It was a pleasure conversing with you, my Lord," he added to Lord Winslow, who gave me a disgusting sensual smile.

Sir Alder extended his arm, and I took it, noticing the sour expressions on the faces of the ladies nearby. Suppressing my grin, I leaned into his side, barely containing my satisfaction.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Sir Alder?" I felt his arm muscles tense beneath my hand.

"Please, only Levon," he said, adjusting his suit with a slight smile. "And yes, Jesri's estate is quite something. The people here are certainly lively."

We both glanced around at the numerous ladies, each trying to capture attention with practiced grace. I couldn't help but let out an airy laugh.

"You're the new face here, Levon. Consider yourself fortunate I stepped in when I did. Otherwise, you'd be swamped with questions and unwelcome touches, making it impossible to enjoy the excellent food Jesri is known for."

Levon's lips curled into a teasing smirk. "And it seems my swollen lip only adds to the entertainment, doesn't it?"

"You deserved it," I added, looking down my nose. "But I suppose you've redeemed yourself with that information this morning."

His brows raised, barely glancing at me. A slight smirk played at the corner of his lips as we made our way toward the front podium, crafted from fine cedar wood and painted a pristine white. Surrounding the podium were rows upon rows of flowers, mirroring the vibrant blooms that flourished in the courtyard. Pastel ribbons and delicate laces were strung at each end, softly billowing in the gentle breeze, adding a whimsical touch to the already enchanting scene.

Jesri walked up the podium with several servants following closely behind with their cartons full of butterflies. The sun dipped lower towards the horizon, casting a warm glow and painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. It was warmer than usual, and I relished the thought of summer's hot air, grateful for the warmth to train in rather than the biting cold. Jesri waited for the other party guests to fill the space around us, smiling brightly.

"Welcome, my dear friends!" Jesri boomed, lifting his hands into the air. Cheers and clapping followed. I glanced around, hoping to catch sight of Calum, realizing that this would be among the first without our customary dance at the release. A twinge of sadness settled in my chest, hoping our odd encounter earlier wasn't the cause of his disappearance.

Levon noticed the shift in my sunken shoulders and smiled gently.

"Today heralds the dawn of another chapter, a chance for fresh beginnings," Jesri proclaimed, his voice carrying across the crowd. "It is a day to honor the Creator and seek the blessings for another year abundant with growth. Growth as lush as the blooming flowers and resilient as the towering trees, bearing fruit as plentiful as the ripest berries. It's a day we cherish for new friendships," he paused for dramatics. "And for new lovers." People in the crowd whistled and hollered.

Levon looked down at me with raised brows and then out to the ladies, snickering and pointing. I couldn't stop a dramatic eye roll and felt good, for once, to be seen with a handsome bachelor among all these shallow people who had detested me for being unconventional. And now, with the new bachelor in town, I felt…different with him at my side. Somehow, I found myself grateful for all those grueling days of training, pushing my body to its limits and growing stronger. Despite the circumstances not being what I had hoped for, it was a welcome change to feel something other than self-pity.

"Today is a day for us all to embrace a clean slate and harvest our past selves by taking this new year to flourish into something greater!" Jesri continued.

He cast a glance at the servants, signaling to them. "Let the festivities commence!" With a sweep of his raised hands, thousands of golden butterflies spilled from the large cartons, filling the orange sky with specks of glittering gold and sparkling stars. A chorus of cheers and laughter erupted as the musicians struck up their festive tunes.

Levon released my arm and extended his hand toward the sky, captivated by the mesmerizing dance of the butterfly wings. A delighted sigh escaped my lips as I reached up to touch the fluttering creatures and twirl amidst the golden magic of their shimmer. His hand clasped mine, and together, we spun in joyful ease, our laughter blending with the cheers of the crowd, enchanted with delight, and I hoped this mask was enough to coax information out of him.

We cheered on, immersed in the shimmering spectacle, until most of the butterflies drifted off toward the horizon, leaving only a few lingering to keep us company. I felt utterly alive and connected to who I was meant to be and allowed myself to let go of the weight of the inevitable for the moment.

"That was the most thrilling thing I have yet to experience," Levon said, excitement evident in his voice. I snapped back to pretending and chuckled, giving him a tight smile before taking his arm once again.

"Just wait until you taste the pastries."

I don't believe my stomach ever hurt from laughing as hard as I did after a little too much wine that tasted like peaches and seeing Levon's face after each bite of confections, thinking perhaps he wasn't as bad as I thought.

These pastries were undoubtedly the finest yet: tarts drizzled with a rogue spice that pricked the tongue, exotic berry-filled bonbons with the creamiest chocolate that melted like butter, candied fruit with a syrupy sweetness, and orange mille-feuille that moved our bodies into an alluring trance.

I settled into the wired chair, savoring the moment. It had been a while since I felt this happy and unburdened, finally liberated from Jesri's threatening gaze for the night. Reflecting on my life, I wasn't sure why I had allowed myself to be manipulated by him for so long.

What was I so afraid of?

Encouraged by the graceful dance of the butterflies and Jesri's speech, a newfound resolve began to swell within me. I vowed not to let my past continue to dominate me. It was time to reclaim control of my life, starting with this upcoming match.

---