Page 20 of Kingdom of Flames & Flowers
“Follow,” Vession intoned. The prima walked just behind his right shoulder. We fell in line behind her and ascended back up the steps, down the halls, and then finally through the ornate iron doors that opened to the throne room. I’m sure normally we’d be gawking at the walls and finery once more, but there was a tightness to our group that hadn’t been present before.
In some way, most of the girls had been innocent when they’d first arrived, only to leave it all behind on that cold, dungeon floor. I smoothed down the rough fabric of my robe, which stuck out awkwardly where the other robes didn’t, but I’d definitely take an ugly robe over being examined. My hands shook through it all, belying just how unnerved I was with my narrow escape from assault. I didn’t deserve anything less or more than the other girls, but I would take what precious, lucky breaks I could.
Just breathe. You’re fine.
I just hoped the queen forgot about it.
We filed into the throne room, every eye turning to us. The gazes weren’t kind.
I stared, open mouthed, at the high ceiling, the marble pillars, and the sheer amount of color. The ceiling was open to the sky, the dome acting as the only roof. It must be thinner here, though, because it wasn’t as dim as it was in the mud quarter.
The floor shined so much I could see my reflection. Everything about this palace was socleanthat it only made me feel dirtier. Then again, the dirt was safe, wasn’t it? All of this polished marble and spotless possessions made me feel like it was a cover up for the true filth that lay hidden underneath it all.
Nobles lined the side of the hall, and a large purple velvet rug ran down the center and up to the thrones.
Thethrones.
They were solid gold or looked to be. They were currently vacant. The king stood on the steps, most likely awaiting his son. With his black hair and beard peppered with gray, he looked old enough to be the queen’s father. The queen seemed slightly out of breath, tucking a few errant strands of hair behind her ears. Her youthful face was flushed with pleasure.
The trumpets blared a majestic call, startling all of us. We all turned as one as the heavy iron doors parted to reveal the man who would choose one of us to be his wife.
A familiar man walked out first, and I smiled as I recognized Zariah. He was out of his fireguard uniform today, instead dressed like the king himself in a matching tunic of purple with gold embroidered at the edges. Velvet breeches were tucked into soft black boots, and they had pinned a silver sash to his shoulders.
They really go all out for their guards,I thought.
I watched vaguely as Zariah mounted the platform and walked toward the royal family. I hadn’t realized he was so well connected. Was he a captain or his son? That would explain why he got away with being able to help us. I glanced back at the door, craning my neck to see where the prince was. He’d be just behind his guard, wouldn’t he?
There was no one else coming. In fact, the fireguards closed the door, and it shut with a heavy bang.
I snapped my gaze back to Zariah, the fireguard who’d tormented me the entire way here, yet had tried to save as many of us as he could. He was also the man who’d kissed me senseless and grazed his fingertips where no one had ever touched me before.
He endured a firm handshake and bear hug from the king, then allowed the queen to kiss him on each cheek.
My breathing hitched, finally putting it all together. Why would they lower themselves to kiss a lowly fireguard?
Because he wasn’t a fireguard. The queen was his mother, and the king was his father.
And he was the prince.
ChapterSeven
“Prince Zion has returned with perfect timing, as usual.” The queen addressed the assembled nobles, a wide, self-satisfied smile on her face. With one sweeping gesture, she showed the seven of us standing below her.
I couldn’t stop staring at Zariah—no, Zion—trying to catch his eye. And for what purpose? He’dliedto me to take advantage of me! He’d even given me a fake fucking name!
My throat felt tight as I viciously fought back tears. I had to toughen up, or I wouldn’t survive. I wouldn’t fall for it next time. This was what happened when you let your guard down; this was what had happened to my mother. I was only lucky I’d been firm enough to push him away before he’d gotten what he’d truly wanted.
“This year’s crop of flowers had their first inspection. As we celebrate the festival of the flames this week, our first ball will kick off their trial. Tomorrow night, they will show their talents for you. On the third and final night, they will be free to walk among you.” She paused, smirking. “Well, those left, of course. The festival will culminate where we celebrate the new marriages and unions made from the games.”
I elbowed Oleria next to me. “This is a freaking holiday?” I grumbled underneath my breath.
She nodded dully. “Marriage season. It begins with the Festival of the Flames. All the matches and marriages happen then. It ends in a month after all the new wives are confirmed to be with child.”
My stomach rolled.
The nobles smiled along with the queen like they were all in on her little jest. Except we were the joke, not her.
“But before all of that, the prince’s arrival interrupted something very important.”
