Page 45 of The Heartless Archer

Kekoa scoffed. “She deserves not even a merciful death.”

Noora put the vial she picked up back down and rounded the corner.

Kekoa widened his legs, waiting for an attack but the only thing she did was trail toward him.

She kept her steps light and elegant, making sure that she walked in a rhythm different from her own. She knew Sosye could pick up on someone’s steps and mock their walk. An advantage he could draw on later in the tournament if he needed it.

She stopped at a safe distance. “Are you that afraid of a few liquids? If I do not deserve being here, I should not be a threat to you.” She paused, tilting her head slightly, taking in the small tick in his jaw, “Then why do you feel so threatened, Kekoa?”

“I do not feel threatened.” He puffed out his chest further, only reinforcing her point with his defensive behavior.

She dared to step even closer, even though it went against all her instincts, which were currently screaming at her to turn and run. From the corner of her eye, she could see the guard twitching as if thinking of interfering but he thought better of it.

“Believe me,” she was talking so quietly that no one could hear, she was so close she could smell the sweat pouring off his skin, “when I kill you, I will make sure it will be with my bare hands and not some small, little vial.”

He crowded her chest growling, “You filthy little—”

“Enough.” The guard interrupted him.

Satisfied with what she said, Noora took a few steps back, the guard coming up quickly in front of her.

“It is time for dinner, I would advise everyone to not encourage any animosity outside the tournament. The royal crown does not condone discrimination of any kind and quarreling outside the tasks.” His voice was hard as he made his point.

Noora did not feel encouraged by his words. She felt like she had the situation under control, no one needed to step up for her, especially not some royal guard who did not even bother to tell her his name.

Kekoa stared up at the guard for a few moments but the latter did not budge until the three other contestants started to scramble out of the room.

The guard turned to look at Noora.

“I am not hungry,” she said before breezing past him.

Chapter 19

Noora

Noora was glad when he didn’t follow her and thanked her brain for memorising the way back up to the second floor and into her chamber.

She had already decided to go to bed without any meal when a knock echoed against the wooden doors and a moment later a girl stuck her head through the small opening of the door.

When the princess’s gaze found Noora sitting on her bed, she opened the door fully, revealing a tray in her hands.

She changed out of the emerald dress and to black slacks sitting perfectly at her narrow waist, a cream-coloured chemise tucked neatly inside it. Her raven hair was brushed neatly and woven into a braid, dangling against her hip with every step she took.

“I hope, I do not interrupt?” Her voice was gravelly, deep for a woman’s voice. Noora liked it.

“Ihope, that is not a serious question,” she said rudely, only wanting the girl to leave. Though she was much more sympathetic than her brother, Noora did not care for any company at the moment.

“Right, who could ever deny a princess.” Princess Tyra rolled her eyes, fully stepping into the room, the door fell shut behind her.

“Though, it is probably the first time ever that a princess is bringing you your meal.” Her lips turned into a smug smile.

“I am not hungry.”

Tyra nodded and placed the tray onto the desk, making the scent of boiled potatoes, red cabbage, and meatballs in marinated sauce waft over to her. Her treacherous stomach growled at the scent. Noora could not remember the last time she ate meat fordinner. The grayish sludge served with beans and carrots in the orphanage was one of the many things she did not miss.

Tyra threw her a look but proceeded to stalk the room, her hands shoved into the pockets of her slacks.

“You know, I saw you in the crowd.” The princess stopped in front of her window, staring outside, the grayish clouds obscuring the landscape in depressing colours. “How could I not with that striking hair of yours.” She threw a small smile over her shoulder.

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