“For this trial, the ladies had to arrange a date for us at an assigned time and come up with something for us to do that fit into that slot. The ladies did admirably, and I enjoyed getting to know you all a bit better,” he said, turning his eyes to each lady in turn.
The fire in his eyes as he looked at me made me want to melt into the floor. Considering the glare Zumra shot me afterwards, I knew I wasn’t imagining it either.
“Unfortunately, one must be eliminated today, while the other ladies continue to the next trial,” Azurill said, while looking over the lords and ladies in the crowd. I was sure they would all be unhappy if their own candidates were eliminated, and with only one able to be chosen in the end, Azurill would likely have to do a lot of politicking to appease them afterwards.
At least since Diamond’s candidate was eliminated first, they couldn’t claim he was playing favorites.
“Lady Ophira Nephrite,” Azurill looked to the woman in question, “While you’ve performed admirably, and I thank you for competing on behalf of Onyx Court, unfortunately, you won’t be continuing to the next trial.”
Ophira bowed her head sedately, “Thank you for the opportunity, Your Majesty. It’s been an honor.”
I couldn’t make out any discernible emotion on her face, positive or negative. It was completely blank in a way I envied. Though that facade likely hadn’t made her a thrilling date either.
Still, I breathed a slight sigh of relief, at least until my eyes caught Carnelian’s across the floor. His hard gemstone eyes drilled into me, but he nodded slightly, and I returned the gesture. I was safe for another trial.
“Our next challenge will take place tomorrow,” Azurill announced. “Ladies, your guards will lead you to the place where you need to be in the morning. This trial will take several days, and…” he smirked, looking among us. “I suggest wearing something you don’t mind getting dirty.”
That was suitably ominous, and we all looked among one another, curious as to what we’d be doing next.
When court adjourned, Carnelian was quick to find me, giving me a smug smile as he offered his arm.
“Cousin, come walk with me,” he demanded, raising a ruby red eyebrow at me expectantly.
I dipped my head in agreement and took his arm, letting him lead us away from the crowd. He brought us outside to the gardens, where flowers and gems were tended into a beautiful symphony.
A deserted one, with everyone currently inside.
“You’ve done well so far, much better than I’d expected,” Carnelian said, his voice was even, but the words put me on edge immediately.
“Isn’t that a good thing?” I asked, adding a touch of confusion to my tone.
“Of course, of course.” He nodded slowly, but I could practically see the gears spinning in his mind. “But it is curious. After all, you’re not truly a noble.”
I swore my heart came to a stop, or maybe the world did. Everything froze, and I nearly tripped before covering and making the step in time to keep up with him.
“But living on the streets clearly gave you the skills necessary to pull the deception off,” he continued, and my heart resumed beating in my chest.
It was silly. I knew he was unaware, but the words had still left the ground falling out from beneath my feet.
“Yes,” I agreed quickly, “I had to play many roles through the years.”
“Hmm.” Carnelian hummed with a slight nod of acknowledgment. “I suppose that explains the High King, then.” He practically spat the title, and I nearly flinched at the venom in his voice before I caught myself.
I couldn’t let myself slip up in front of him. Ula’s life remained in his hands, and if I was going to save her, I had to make him think I was following his orders exactly.
Which I was,wasn’t I?
“What do you mean?” I probed when he didn’t continue.
“The flirting.” His upper lip curled in distaste. “At least, it seems to be working on Azurill. He seems quite taken with you.”
“That is the goal.” I reminded him, trying to figure out what his issue was.
“It is.” He grunted in recognition before humming slightly again, as he seemed to do when testing people. It was a tell he somehow hadn’t curbed in all his years of ruling. “I’m merely concerned. I don’t want you to lose sight of your purpose here. After all, you’ve never experienced such luxury. I’m sure pretending to be a noble and getting all the benefits of one would lead anyone to want to remain in that situation.”
Ah. This wasn’t about the flirting, not really. He thought a few fancy dresses might turn my head, making me want to remain here instead of fulfilling my mission.
The luxuries here were the least of the temptations I was experiencing, however.
