Page 43 of Blooms of Darkness

“Apologies, Father,” I said. I would never need the reminder of who bore the responsibility of bringing this prophecy to life.

“Now,” He patted his purple velvet robes to smooth everything down and settle his garment into place, “let’s go meet our loyal subjects and begin.” Despite his illness over the past few months, he had an unmistakable gleam in his eye as he led me by the hand, exiting his study.

Hand in hand, we walked down the halls and out toward the trials, his guards five paces behind us at all times.

We used one of the royal exits to the large backyard gardens before ascending a set of stairs to the back of the royal pavilion. We arrived with moments to spare.

“Darling, you almost missed the starting bells,” my mother said, greeting us.

“As King, am I ever late, dearest?”

She laughed, swatting at his arm before she kissed my cheek.

The large royal pavilion allowed twenty people to mingle and sit comfortably. White-and black-streaked marble covered the floors and pillars. Sweeping curtains of vines and wildflowers formed a canopy above, while additional flowers and vines cascaded downward from the circular ceiling. With a flick of my father’s wrist, the vines parted before us.

I gasped, observing the newly crafted arena. Earth Fae had worked for several days to create a colosseum made entirely of hedges instead of stone. Behind the circular-lined field, rows and rows of seats stacked high, accommodated the hundreds of Fae attending these events.

It was breathtaking. A marvel to have been magically constructed in such a brief time.

The king moved to the front of the pavilion, my mother entering from the side, taking a seat upon her throne. Vivienne stood at the foot of the queen’s throne. The crowd bowed and curtsied as one, a hush falling over them as they witnessed me emerge with the king.

His smile grew as he gazed upon our people. All our kingdom adored the king. The reverence freely given to him was from love, not fear.

My gaze shifted toward the center of the arena where the contenders lined up before the pavilion, each on bended knee. They were dressed to impress, with their finest attire from eachof their villages. Colorful robes, suits, and leathers adorned their bodies. None of them knew what adventures lay ahead. Neither did I, actually.

“Rise, my loyal subjects.” My father commanded the air to amplify his voice throughout the massive arena for all to hear. As one, they all rose. “Welcome to this blessed day. The Fates have allowed us to come and begin the marriage trials for my daughter, the Crown Princess, Illiana Dresden.”

There would be no turning back now. My marriage trials had officially begun.

Chapter 13

Despite the uncomfortable pit growing in my stomach, I moved to stand at my father’s side. I offered a small wave of my hand, with a perfectly practiced smile upon my face to all those in the stands.

“Princess Illiana, before you are a group of eight contenders. Eight Fae, who believe they are up for the challenge to be the future King of Brookmere, and more importantly, your husband.” His voice boomed across the vast arena, echoing even beyond the spectator stands and into the distance. The eye of every subject present homed in on my father, and myself.

“Contenders, you are here to prove yourself worthy of my daughter's hand in marriage, and with that, worthy to hold the title of ‘King.’ You will be required to complete three tasks over the next few weeks. You will not only have to prove the strength and agility of your body, but also the power of your mind, the fierceness of your heart, and the fortitude of your compassion for this land and its people.

“If you should fail any challenge, you will be eliminated from the competition. In each trial, the contender who comes last will also be eliminated. In the third and final trial.” He paused, asmile blooming upon his face. “Princess Illiana will select her future husband from the top three contenders.”

The king cleared his throat, pausing and shifting his head slightly as he stared each competitor in the eye. The silence was deafening as everyone waited for him to continue. Although as Fae we had immensely long lives, there weren’t many remaining in the kingdom who witnessed the last marriage trials.

“The rules of the marriage trials are simple. Complete the tasks at hand and move forward through each level. Outside of the trials in the down time, you will behave like gentlemen and not attempt to thwart any other contender. Should I learn of such behavior, you will be immediately removed from the competition. Additionally, you will make no attempts to woo or detain Princess Illiana against her will. Predetermined times and places will be provided for conversations with the princess. Again, should I find you have sought her out against her wishes—” He stopped, his lip twitching. “Well, you wouldn’t want to know what will happen.” The king’s jovial tone had turned to ice, allowing all of those present to grasp the seriousness of his command before continuing.

“Today’s trial is all about the mind. You will have to complete three tasks to pass this first challenge. The first will test your ability for strategy. The second task will test your knowledge and fortitude. The final task will test your deductive and strategic reasoning. The top three contenders after today’s competition will be given a reward.”

Murmurs sounded throughout the crowd, anticipation and excitement growing with the start of the trials so close. “The reward will be drinks with Princess Illiana this evening, following dinner.”

A cheer rang out through the stands, our people roaring their approval.

At his final comment, my gaze darted in my father’s direction. He had not prepared me for this. I had convinced myself I only needed to be present for the trials themselves. However, after his heartfelt speech, I realized the trials would be ongoing, not just contained to the challenges themselves.

“Contenders, are you ready?” my father shouted.

The men on the field varied their return acknowledgments. Ian bowed his head, the Lords shouted with fists in the air. Kade caught me peering in his direction, and a devious-looking smirk formed on his face as he ran his hand through his black hair.

I wonder if his arrogance keeps his hair perfectly coiffed, or if it takes time to pretend he’s naturally flawless.

Because he was, unfortunately, flawless.

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