Page 48 of Blooms of Darkness

“You may best me more than I best you, Father, but you’ll have to try harder.” I smirked. “A mighty Queen I shall be when the time comes, but until then, maynatureguide you, my King.”

Our eyes stayed connected as his smile widened. A slight nod of his head. “A mighty Queen you shall be my daughter.”

Father -65, Lana -4.

Swiveling on my seat, quite pleased with myself, my attention returned to the trials below. Ian scribbled his answer on the scroll, and as he set down the quill, it floated upon a gust of wind to my father’s hand.

A small nod is all he gave before one of the aides whisked Ian away. They strode toward an empty holding area on the outer curve of the arena.

Edmund rubbed his neck, putting his head in his hands for a moment, and I wondered if he still worked on overcoming the potion he’d consumed.

Frederich wrote his answer next, and similarly to Ian, took his place in a holding area after an acknowledgment from my father.

How could that man have finished second? I shivered.

Another movement of my father’s head, and I noticed Kade on the receiving end. My pulse quickened, surprised at the flutter of knowing he came in third. I quashed it as quickly as Icould and forced myself to not even pay attention to his entry to the holding area.

While the top three were now accounted for, the remaining five contenders were still furiously working to not come in last place. Nobody wanted to be eliminated during the first trial.

Lord West, Hale, and Ryland all completed the final task and were led to the same holding area with the others.

Edmund stumbled toward the holding area last, not led by anyone after getting the nod he answered correctly.

The first trial was complete.

“Lord Levi Thatcher is recuperating in the hospital wing from the poison ingested. While his efforts were valiant, it is not enough to secure my daughter's hand in marriage and be the future king of these lands. He will return to his town with honor and the kingdom’s thanks for his loyalty and devotion to the crown.” The king touched his heart as he bowed his head. “May nature guide him and bless his lands in his future endeavors.”

The seven remaining contenders filed back into the main area and stood proudly before the pavilion. Edmund swayed, still sweating slightly, but at least he remained on his feet.

The king held his arms out wide. “Gentlemen! Congratulations on completing the first of three contests. You have proven your mind and fortitude are strong. Tonight, we shall celebrate your victories and movement forward in the marriage trials.”

Addressing the crowd below us, the king grinned. “We thank all of you for supporting these victorious contenders. We look forward to seeing everyone again in a fortnight for trial number two.”

Clapping and cheering sounded in a wave across the arena. The people of this kingdom were excited for more. The king raised his hand, and his loyal subjects began exiting their seats and the stands.

The king, queen, and I walked to the edge of the pavilion. The king now spoke solely for the contenders to hear.

“Tonight, each of you shall dine in my private dining room, with some of my most loyal advisers,” he said. “After our dinner together, our top three, Captain Ian Stronholm, Frederich Hanslet, and Kade Blackthorn, will have dessert and drinks with Princess Illiana on the royal garden terrace. We shall see you at seven.”

I caught Ian’s eye before I left the pavilion and flashed him a smile. I still hated that he had entered, but I could be proud of him, nevertheless.

Frederich’s eyes narrowed on me, but I refused to give him a lingering moment.

After all, now came the part where I actually had to interact with each of these men instead of watching from afar.

This dinner wouldn’t be over soon enough. Unless, of course, I had the opportunity to hear more of what mysteries were evolving within the kingdom.

Suddenly, it seemed as though life breathed into me again. If I were to be forced into these trials, at least I could use them to my advantage. Learning the truth about the kingdom I thought I knew would be worth sitting through a few uncomfortable dinners.

And more.

Chapter 15

Outside my open window, the loud screech of a hawk cried in three short clips.

I dropped the brush in my hand, rushing onto the balcony, my hair flying behind me, since I hadn’t yet had a chance to braid it into a crown atop my head for this evening’s festivities.

Down the stone steps, I kept my feet light so as to not make any noise and draw unnecessary attention from passing guards. Once my path was clear, I disappeared behind the hedges of safety in my private garden for the second time today.

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