The falconer stands awkwardly holding the bird for my inspection with his eyes on the floor. “Would you like to hold him, Light of the Sun?”
I wave my hand dismissively. “No. Thank you. You may take him to the falconry and leave him with the other birds.”
He bows, and the bird flaps its wings out as it adjusts to his movement. It twists its head and snaps its sharp beak, letting out another high-pitched call.
“He is still a bit wild, Light of the Sun, but we will train him.”
Poor bird. Has he been captured and caged just for me. I’m tempted to tell him to set it free, but that would be rude when the gift has been given to me only today.
“Will you dress me?” I ask my maid.
She hurries to my wardrobe and begins preparing an outfit. The falconer and the second servant leave and close the door behind them.
As my maid dresses me, I go over my short speech in my head. I’m going to tell the princes there will be a competition. If they agree, they will take part in challenges of my choosing until I have decided who is the winner and who will be my solharan.
I do not know how either of them will take this news. Noreth is unreadable. I cannot tell what he will say. A few days ago I would have said Aurelion would be angry, but I have seen a different side to him recently. I suspect he might relish a challenge. I’m certain he will be confident he will win.
This morning breakfast is set in the formal dining hall. The room is enormous and ridiculous for three people, but I wanted to set the tone for my announcement. Aurelion and Noreth are already seated when I arrive. They stand and give me a nod of acknowledgment as I enter. I sit and accept some sliced fruit, which Aurelion passes to me. “What a privilege to breakfast with you, Solha. What have you got planned for us today?”
“Yes, such a privilege,” Noreth adds quickly. “Did you like your gift?”
“So thoughtful of you.” I pass him the fruit and gesture to the servant waiting on us to pour my coffee.
He takes the plate. “He is a very rare falcon. Much bigger than any of the ones you have already.”
This irritates me, but I keep my smile in place. Aurelion is watching the exchange with a calculating look.
“Yes. He is a beautiful bird. Thank you.”
The dragon prince snorts. “But not what the princess truly wanted, I think. Too bad, Noreth.”
Noreth glares at Aurelion across the table, and for a moment I’m worried the tension will escalate. It is a little exciting to have the two males competing to win my favor already. I’m suddenly keen to begin the true challenge.
I clear my throat. “Well, I asked you both to break your fast with me because I have made a decision.”
They both pause and turn to watch me intently.
“I have decided how I will choose my solharan. Since I have two such noble suitors, the fairest thing to do is to allow you to compete in a series of challenges to allow me to see who will make me the best husband.”
Aurelion grins. “A wise plan, Light of the Sun, because, naturally, I shall win. I will make you the best husband.”
Noreth looks shaken for a moment, but he quickly recovers, mirroring Aurelion’s grin. “We’ll see about that. When do we start?”
So far so good. “We shall start today.”
“Perfect. Just say the word, and I’m ready to demonstrate any skill you wish to see.” Aurelion looks like he’s ready to leap up and duel Noreth right here in the dining hall.
“So am I!”
“What are we to demonstrate today? I hope for Noreth’s sake it isn’t gift giving.” Aurelion laughs.
Noreth’s face colors, but he says nothing.
“Your first challenge is to demonstrate that you know something about me,” I say.
Aurelion laughs—a genuine belly laugh—leaning back in his chair. “Perfect. I already know how to win commiserations, Noreth.”
Noreth scowls. “What do you mean demonstrate?”
