Page 13 of Iris of the Crowned Flame

“Prince Spencer of Vondalon is currently my first choice. It is a slightly biased choice because of my time spent in Vondalon years ago. I know and trust him the most of all the suitors present last night. However, I think that the other two men have significant potential. I just don’t know them well enough to know their intentions at this stage. I’d like to get to know them in a variety of situations so that I can understand who they are and feel more confident in my choice for the Kingdom’s future.”

Lord Luther scowled. He didn’t seem to want to approve this plan, but it was hard to argue against such a reasoning. “And who are the other two men?”

“Prince Egan of Scoria Bay and Prince Frederick of Crystalford. They each held my attention in curious ways and showed unique elements of leadership. I would like to explore them further over the next few months.”

The look on Lord Luther’s face told me I just won. Since his choice was on the list, he would be remiss to stand against this. Also, since he was a leader among the more conservative council members, his vote would influence the others. Lord Denenbaum suggested the other suitor. While we still didn’t understand the choice, I knew that Lord Denenbaum represented the moderate group in the Council, so that meant their vote would be to support this, and with those six men voting in favor of this plan, it was as good as done.

“Any further questions?” I glanced down at the table on each side. I didn’t expect any.

Lady Mallard cleared her throat. “I have one, Princess, if you will allow.”

I didn’t expect her to have questions and worked to keep my face neutral as I nodded towards her, allowing her to continue to speak.

“While I support this proposal, and find it to be wise in this process of choosing a king, I must ask, how will we pay for this tournament? Will there be spectators at this event? How will we know how these men perform throughout the events?”

Internally, I felt giddy at learning that she supported my plan, but I kept my voice calm and measured.

“Thank you, Lady Mallard. These questions are very important. I must admit, budget planning is not something that I am strong with. I’d like to have the opportunity to work with Father, Ethan, and the accountants to come up with a plan for this. Including spectators would be vital to cover some portion of costs; their tourism dollars would benefit our city’s vendors.

Lady Mallard smiled. “You will be a wise ruler, Princess. May your era bring prosperity and peace.”

As I returned her smile, Father stood up and cleared his throat. “Council, I think it is time to call for a vote. Lord Luther, are you ready?”

Lord Luther nodded and led the voting process. The quick vote showed the Tournament was approved. Despite my pleasure at winning this, my stomach flipped. I just moved one step closer to choosing a husband, and one step farther from living authentically. My eyes blinked rapidly, fighting back tears. I didn’t know if I was strong enough to see this through.

CHAPTER 10

As soon as I could, I excused myself to allow for a moment for my feelings. I had little time before we presented this information to the dining hall, where most of our guests gathered to take their lunch. I couldn’t be sad or crying when I announced this. Into a side room I dodged, closing the door and leaning against it. Ivy and Amyra would be great right now to help me through this moment. But they were both waiting in the dining hall for me, so I just needed to find my strength again.

I allowed a few mostly quiet sobs to escape and then pushed off the door in search of the mirror in this room. As I finally looked around, I realized I had just entered one of our guest suites and it’s occupied. Before I could recognize the person who was staring at me, I hid my face with my handkerchief and started apologizing. “Oh goodness, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude. I wasn’t even sure what room this was. Please forgive me.”

“Lyla, it’s ok, I don’t mind. I’m bewildered and concerned for you, but I am not offended by your presence.” His voice was familiar. I lowered my handkerchief just enough to see it was Spencer. Oh gods, of all the people! He was going to want to know why I was crying. I watched him share a disarmingsmile. Why did that make me want to tell him? I couldn’t tell him, can I?

“Spencer, goodness, I truly am sorry. I will get out of your room.”

I tried to turn and walk away before he asked?—

“Lyla, you can stay, I promise. Stay until your tears are dry. Use my sink to freshen your face even. And you don’t even have to share why you are crying. Every future queen deserves to keep her secrets.”

Oh, this man. He was too kind. His kindness could be dangerous if trusted too deeply. I nodded, using my handkerchief to dry my cheeks. He rested his hand on the small of my back and showed me to a seat.

“We have a few minutes before the announcement happens. Please sit here, if you’d like.”

I followed his lead, but my mouth wouldn’t form any words. My thoughts ran so quickly, I couldn’t keep up with them all. I couldn’t have him knowing that Amyra was my love. What if I chose him as a king and he turned around and banished her? I couldn’t live with that. I needed to protect her, to keep her with me for as long as she will stay.

I glanced at him, watching him pour a glass of water. He placed it in front of me, and I sipped from it. As soon as the glass left my lips, my mouth found itself again.

“I just never wanted to marry, and now the decision is official and I’m one step closer to a marriage and I don’t know if I have the strength to do this.”

Damnit! I turned myself away again. That was too much. He must be criticizing me now. He probably was already planning ways to subjugate me, to use this weakness as a sign that I didn’t know what’s best for the kingdom.

I slowly turned back to see how much judgment he showed. The panic must have reflected in my eyes, as his eyes softened from surprise to compassion.

“Lyla, my sweet friend, you have always been strong, and your strength has only multiplied since you were last inVondalon. If I could see anyone negotiating a marriage to allow oneself the freedoms they crave, it would be you. I know that the suitors you have chosen would honor your strength and courage as much as you honor them by trusting them enough to consider them to rule by your side in your own kingdom.”

“You would?” The question again left my lips before I could stop it. His eyes reflected a glimmer of satisfaction for just a moment.

“Should you select me as one of your suitors, I would be most honored to provide you with anything you need to feel free within our union. I want your happiness to be authentic in private and public.”

---