Page 32 of Blooms of Darkness

The glass-domed ceiling made it appear as if we were not inside a stuffy throne room, but outdoors beneath the twinkling stars. The soft magical lights made it seem as if the stars themselves had descended from the sky. Beautiful vines cascaded over the pillars at the edges of the room, the sprouting wildflowers of our kingdom interwoven throughout.

The throne room, with flowers and illuminations, reminded me of my personal garden at night, a nod from the king to ensure I would feel comfortable tonight, regardless of my disdain for the event.

Despite wanting to be anywhere but here, surrounded by the overindulgent, powerful Fae of our world, the events were always magnificent, capturing the beauty of the land like our own tribute of thanks to nature.

A breeze across my bare neck signaled the king and queen’s arrival in front of me. My father offered me his hand and I rose, placing my own in his.

His gaze searched mine briefly, as though he sought forgiveness despite our fight. Noting the love reflecting in his eyes, made it hard to remain angry. In his own way, he believed these trials protected me. He’d always do what he thought would be best for me, and more importantly, our kingdom.

They trusted in a prophecy of love somehow protecting me, even when I had long since decided our Seer, Vivienne, could only be described as “crazy,” but in an eccentric sort of way. I wondered, not for the first time, if perhaps her visions could provide answers about the trouble spreading throughout the lands if she put a bit of effort into it.

Nevertheless, tying myself to a man when I worked so hard to be strong on my own ignitedrage, not love as the prophecy claimed.

I offered Mother and Father a smile and rose to join them at the front of the dais.

The weight of the stares from across the room were heavy. Quickly scanning the area, I searched for Ian. I hadn’t seen him beforehand, in fact, I hadn’t set eyes upon him except for a few moments this morning. Surveying the festivities, I noticed him at the back. He avoided my gaze, unlike others in the audience. I couldn't help but feel just a small pang of disappointment.Perhaps I relied too heavily on Ian and Kalliah to get me through moments like this.

I tried not to frown as I focused my attention on the king, who had just signaled for one of the staff to get the crowd’s attention. Hardly a job, given everyone waited with bated breath for his announcement, anyway. A small tinkle of bells chimed as a prelude, before the king spoke.

“Friends, from far and wide, welcome to the palace at Ellevail.” His voice boomed. The way the room curved allowed his voice to be heard without amplification. “When Queen Roxana and I sent our messengers all over our beloved kingdom, we hardly expected this truly joyous level of excitement. We may be biased about how wonderful Princess Illianna is.” He laughed, joined immediately by the guests. “But it is clear the people of Brookmere feel the same.”

What a show. The whole thing. People desired his approval, his goodwill. I kept my perfect princess façade in place, staring at him as though I agreed with his every word, exactly as I had always been instructed.

“Tonight’s ball is a unique occasion. As you are aware by now, we are enacting the marriage trials. This ancient tradition brings Fae from all over the Kingdom of Brookmere together as we strive to join the people of our land by finding, not the most royal or richest bloodline, but the strongest. The bloodline who will prove themselves in trials, testing strength, loyalty, intelligence, understanding, and justice.”

He reached for my hand, and I stepped forward to stand beside him. “It is the winner of the trials who will be deemed worthy of Princess Illiana’s hand in marriage, and who will become the future King of Brookmere.”

Murmurs spread throughout the crowd.

“Tonight,” he continued proudly, “is when those believing themselves deserving enough of my Illiana and our kingdommake their intentions known. Those who come forth will supply your sealed letters of approval and recommendation to my Royal Adviser.”

I wondered what such letters would contain. At least it ensured someone vouched for whomever stepped forward to become King.

My father offered me one last loving look before facing the crowd, dropping my hand, and sealing this fate with one sentence.

“May any who wish to be a contender in the marriage trials, come forward and make your bid,” he said.

I held my breath, wondering who might be brave enough to step up first. Perhaps no one would want to compete, and it would save me this entire ridiculous display. I tried not to snicker at my thoughts.

A shuffle went through the crowd, and the first person approached.

My mouth grew dry, and I had to catch myself as it attempted to drop open.

“Captain Ian Stronholm,” the king said, his voice seeming amused as he smiled down upon my friend.

My gaze shifted to Kalliah in the back, who only gave me a shrug, as if she had no idea what Ian had planned.

“Your Majesty.” Ian knelt before my father, placing his hat in his hands. He donned his finest Royal Guard uniform, the one meant for special occasions, not a wrinkle in the stiff, black- and purple-lined fabric. His medals gleamed on his chest. “I’d be honored to compete for the hand of Princess Illiana, if you'd be inclined to allow it,” Ian said, his gaze cast to the floor, unmoving, until the king answered.

“Captain Stronholm, please rise.” Ian gathered himself and stood at attention. “You are our fiercest warrior and a loyalfriend to not only myself, but to Illiana as well. As the first official contender, you will have the first dance.”

Andras moved immediately, scowling as he escorted Ian off to the right of me, beginning the line of contenders yet to come. I nearly missed the subtle roll of his eyes in Ian’s direction as he shuffled him along.

I attempted to keep my expression neutral, but inside, my anger flared. I could scarcely keep my trembling hands at bay.

Murder seemed like a suitable consequence. How could he throw his life away for this? My hand clenched into a fist before I reminded myself of my placement in the hall. Here, my reactions would be analyzed by an entire kingdom.

Ian entering the trials without speaking to me first had me reeling. No wonder he’d avoided me today.

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