Page 10 of A Kingdom so Crimson

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"There you are!" Jesri greeted, his smile twitching as I approached the pergola. Levon sat across from him, leisurely enjoying a blueberry-drizzled biscuit. I scanned the bustling courtyard, where servants were making final preparations for tonight's festivities, hoping to catch sight of Calum for some answers.

"Come, eat while it's still fresh," Jesri invited, patting the chair beside him. I raised my eyebrows in irritated disbelief, barely suppressing a scoff. Jesri's eyes hardened, silently demanding that I play along. I clenched my jaw in disgust but reluctantly took my seat.

"And a happy day of founding to you, Eliah," Jesri toasted, raising his glass, with Levon following suit.

"Happy Birthday, my lady," Levon added with a smile.

It was no surprise that Jesri had divulged all the details of my life to Sir Alder, making Levon's casual mention of my birthday all the more infuriating. Jesri never acknowledged this day, especially since it marked the moment his life took a turn for the worse.

Jesri's foot kicked mine under his immaculate white-metal wired table he paid a handsome sum for.

"Thank you, Sir Alder," I said quickly. Indulging in a warm lemon croissant oozing with a creamy raspberry filling, I resisted the urge to let out a delighted moan.

Jesri kicked my foot again, prompting me to sit straight and shut my mouth.

"Please, it's only Levon," he said, noting Jesri's fake smile and my indulgence in more food. I nodded, sipping the peach lemonade that danced like fireworks on my tastebuds.

"Eliah, dear," Jesri began, clearing his throat. "Tomorrow, you'll be participating in a new evaluation for Sir Alder. He has some exciting things planned that I believe you'll enjoy, especially since you've expressed a desire for real weapons in the past." A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "You'll have an hour to complete it, and this will be your only test," his dark eyes bore into mine, silently conveying the consequence of failure. "So make it count."

He cleared his throat again, stuffing a piece of lemon croissant into his mouth. "Afterward, I'll need you to assist in dismantling the evaluation setup."

"Dismantle it?" I asked, almost choking on my drink.

"Yes, we've fenced off a designated area for it," he replied, his smile widening, exposing his white teeth, which shined like sharp daggers.

"But—"

"No questions, Eliah," he snapped, cutting me off.

I rolled my eyes and took another bite, my attention drifting to the distance where the remaining servants busied themselves with party preparations. They lined the tables with empty plates soon to be filled with pastries and mouth-watering dishes, arranged flower pots brimming with sweet fragrances, and meticulously trimmed the garden to perfection.

I sighed, looking down at my plate, only to find Levon's emerald-blue eyes fixed on me, an unsettling mix of intensity and sadness in his gaze. I swallowed the last of my food, shifting uncomfortably in my seat under his lingering stare.

I cleared my throat. "If I am to be accepted," I said, with a hint of vinegar. "What comes next?"

Jesri looked ready to dismiss my question, but Levon interjected. "You will come to my estate for further training," he stated, pausing to collect his thoughts and maintain the air of secrecy. "And achieve noble deeds."

"Noble? And how is any ofthisconsidered noble?" I shot back, my voice edged with frustration. Jesri's eyes flashed with anger.

"They are noble because only a select few have the courage to face such challenges," Levon replied, a trace of satisfaction in his tone as though my defiance intrigued him.

"I didn't know thatenforcementcounts as courage," I retorted sharply, fully aware of the fury building in Jesri as his jaw tightened. Ignoring the tension, I took another bite of food, savoring its rich flavor.

Levon's smile faltered at my response. He opened his mouth to speak, but for once, no words came out.

"So what challenges will require suchcourage?" I asked, sarcasm dripping from my voice as I took another bite. "If I had to guess, it must involve the King's Court; otherwise, Jesri would have gotten rid of—"

"How dare you!"Jesri's sudden roar silenced everything in the courtyard as he loomed over me. His face twisted with rage, his eyes drilling into mine with a fury that made my heart skip, almost certain he'd strike me right there. "Do not defy me, girl," he seethed, his voice low and venomous. He sat back down, slowly reclaiming his composure, though the anger still simmered beneath the surface.

"Apologies, Sir Alder," he said smoothly, turning to Levon with a calm demeanor that felt like a mask. "I've tried to teach her proper manners, but it seems the wildness within her insists on tarnishing my reputation."

I dropped my fork, my hands balling into fists as anger surged through me, electrifying every nerve. The air grew heavy, thick with a metallic tension. For a moment, I saw a flicker of sadness in Levon's eyes, but it quickly faded into a dark, unsettling smile.

"Most should aspire to serve alongside King Thealor and be a part of his land, my lady. Jesri is simply doing his duty." Levon's words fanned the flames of Jesri's arrogance, and I saw him smirk with satisfaction.

My anger boiled over, and I shot up from my chair, sending it crashing to the ground. Levon quickly stood as well, his eyes filled with a silent plea that almost stopped me in my tracks.

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