Page 50 of Blooms of Darkness

“Princess Illiana,” my father said from his head table. He rose with everyone else, arms opened wide. “Welcome.”

I walked down the length of the long, classically draped table, filled with contenders, and made my way toward my father. Candles flickered amongst the vases of wildflowers lining the center of the table. He stood at the end of a slightly raised platform holding the king’s head table, consisting of my mother, Andras, Vivienne, and a few other trusted royal advisers.

Normally, I stood alongside them, which made me uncomfortable on the best of days. The elevated head table gave the perception that those on the dais watched a show, or on some of the worst days, it seemed as if the crowds were observing us as if we were fancy animals on display. It put my honed acting skills of being a powerful princess to good use, I supposed.

Regardless, a part of me burst with happiness to sit amongst the crowd itself tonight. A small reprieve from the necessities ofroyal advisers and protocol, even if it meant being surrounded by contenders for the crown.

The king made his way around the table and met me at the edge, leaning down to press a kiss to my cheek. Standing straight once more, he returned to his throne behind the table. I shifted on my feet, standing idly before the group of contenders, Lord Thatcher noticeably missing from the table.

Hopefully, he recovered quickly.

A loud cough drew my attention to the king. “Tonight, we dine and celebrate the completion of the first trial.” His gaze shifted to me. “My dear, this is a chance for you to interact with these fine contenders. Please move between the open seats at the table throughout the meal to meet once more with those vying for your hand.”

I inclined my head and immediately proceeded to the open seat next to Ian, near the end of the table. My father let out an amused hum, as if he knew where I would sit first.

Staff were already assembled around the table, ready to place our first course the moment I sat. Aware the room’s eyes were still on me, I bowed my head. “Captain Stronholm, gentlemen, congratulations on your advancement to the second task,” I said genuinely.

Hale sat to my right with Ryland across from me. Both immediately began to eat their vegetable soup, a personal favorite of mine, the moment their food lay before them. I nodded to my father once in appreciation for including my comfort food, which he returned with a quick wink.

I politely took small bites and engaged in conversation with Ryland. He asked me about my hobbies, and I explained how Ian taught me how to spar. Future husband or not, I would continue my training in the future. I refused to let these trials, or any of these men dictate all aspects of my life. Marriage would not take away my autonomy. However, not to seem overeager,I quickly changed the topic and asked him about his family origins. He didn't have any trouble rattling on about his sisters and family back home in Broham, and their annual trips to the cliffs amongst the islands. I took note of it positively as I sipped the rich broth. The carrots were still slightly crunchy, just how I liked it.

Ian despised vegetable soup. He took a few bites before setting his spoon on the soup saucer, indicating his completion.

“Princess Illiana, how is your soup tonight? I know how much you enjoy this rabbit food,” Ian joked.

“Perfect as always. If you were smarter, you would eat your daily allotment of vegetables like the rest of us,” I quipped in retort.

“I seem to recall you eating all the vegetable soup before one of the adviser appointment balls,” Hale chimed in with a small laugh.

My anxiety soothed slightly at the ease in which he joined the conversation. It reminded me why he’d been a comfortable companion all the years I needed a friend amongst the nobility.

“I regret nothing. My actions merely taught everyone to double the order from then on. I did the kingdom a favor.” I grinned at Hale.

Gratefulness settled over my heart at the easy conversation. I’d have to carry it with me as a way to ease into the dreaded interactions coming sooner than I’d hope. It wouldn’t be long before I would have to move.

“Your Majesty,” a deep, furious-sounding voice down the table startled me and I dropped my spoon into the bowl of soup. Broth splashed on my hands. Hale grabbed his napkin instantly and passed it to me.

Frederich had risen from his place beside Lord West, in the middle of the long table. His face beet red and though he’d calledfor the king’s attention, his ire remained aimed at our end of the table.

I frowned.

“Frederich?” my father asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I find the current situation before me highly inappropriate,” he said.

He still glared our way despite addressing the king. Inappropriate? This Fae had lost his mind.

“You will have to elaborate on the concern you’re bringing forth,” the king said.

Frederich lifted his chin. “Captain Stronholm is the princess’s personal guard and closepersonalfriend. Come to think of it, Hale Bardot is as well. They have known each other for years.”

The way he sneered the words “personal friend” made Ian’s entire body stiffen, and Hale’s face dropped. Seemed as if the court rumors flew far and wide over the years.

The king raised his hand, his eyes flaring, and jaw clenched. “If you wish to continue your point, I’d remind you whatever you choose to bring up has to do with mydaughter. Choose your words wisely if you wish to be heard at all.”

Frederich seemed to get the hint. “I mean no disrespect, Your Majesty. My point is merely that both men are already so close to the princess. She is more acquainted with Captain Stronholm particularly than any of us. What chance do we have of winning her hand against those whom she has known for years?”

The king arched an eyebrow.

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