Page 40 of The Heartless Archer

Noora scoffed. “My heritage? You mean the fact that I am half witch?”

Or the fact that they indeed did not accept someone like Noora. As good as the act Queen Euphemia put on, witches were barely tolerated in Oy Frossen.

The queen seemed to flinch at the words. She straightened her shoulders.

“Throwing the name into the vessel created a contract with the crown, you will partake in the tournament, no discussion allowed.”

Noora shook her head. She could not participate. Lulva would not survive at the orphanage without her, the matron would torture her to no ends.

But if you win, you could leave with Lulvaforever.

The small voice of hope whispered inside her heart.

Queen Euphemia straightened up, her face set. “You will participate in the tournament, you are under a contract with the crown, if you want it or not. The king will surely agree with me.”

As if on cue the doors to the throne room opened and it seemed like everyone was holding their breath.

“Nikolai, how wonderful of you to join us.”

Noora turned, even though her insides were burning like acid. Turning around did not further calm her, it was like fire mixing with spirit.

When she fully turned and faced the king, her insides exploded.“You.”

Chapter 17

Nikolai

She was angry. Her dark gaze was flaring with such a deep, burning rage that Nikolai had to admit he was impressed.

Except, he did not realise how angry Noora was as she started charging him. The guards were there in seconds but he quickly raised his hand, telling them to stay away.

“How lovely to see you again.”

“You filthy bastard tricked me.” She started to hit his chest but he was solid as a rock, not moving an inch as fury dripped from her every pore.

“Are you mad to insult the king—“

“Leave it, mother,” Nikolai said as he quickly got ahold of Noora’s wrists and drove her arms behind her back, twisting them painfully.

“I want everyone to leave the room.”

“But—“

“Now.” His voice boomed across the vast chamber. The contestants scrambled to leave, the royal guards right behind them. Only his mother hesitated, throwing him a worried look. Nikolai nodded, still holding the cursing Noora in front of him.

His mother left the room, the sound of the closing doors echoing around him. He suddenly let go of Noora, making her stumble a few feet forward until she turned dramatically.

Her eyes were narrowed, so dark he could not decipher her pupil from her iris.

“You told me you were a royal guard!” she growled.

Nikolai arched his brow. “I don’t remember telling you anything like that.”

She hesitated then, her eyes growing distant as if going over their encounter and coming up with the only result. He never confirmed her suspicions.

Her eyes met his again and he could not stop himself from tilting the corners of his lips up. “You were saying?”

“You told me your name was Kai.”

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