“Can you tell me about your confrontation with Lady Zumra in detail?” he asked, his eyes unblinking as he watched me.
I sighed, launching into a retelling of what had occurred. I watched as he took notes, nodding in parts, before he flipped to another piece of parchment, likely to compare my story to whatever Zumra reported.
When I was done, he nodded thoughtfully before smiling slightly at me. “It sounds like no harm was truly done. I can certainly understand your frustration with her antics, Lady Jacinth, and I apologize if you felt threatened while under High King Azurill’s protection.”
I couldn’t help the slight smile that snuck out, “I truly don’t blame the king for Lady Zumra’s vendetta.”
“I’m happy to hear it,” he responded gruffly, nodding quickly. “I think we’re all set here. You can return to Fiala, if Prince Ruri hasn’t run off with her, of course.” He chuckled.
I chuckled, unable to imagine the suspicious prince running around after a child. Then again, there was no reason for him to showmehis softer side.
I made my way back to the gardens, entering them through the giant archway made of gems. The sun warmed my skin as I walked by the colorful plants and gems growing all around me. The winding paths split off into several different routes, and I went to turn right toward the playground when I spotted Sania heading my way, along with the child she was watching over.
“Lady Jacinth.” She greeted coolly, looking me over.
“Lady Sania.” I nearly stuttered, unsure how to handle the interaction. No matter how many times I’d thought about speaking to my cousin, I hadn’t dared to. Now, I had little choice in the matter.
“I heard you had a bit of a scuffle with Lady Zumra.” She raised her orange brow, brushing her long curls over her shoulder as she watched me steadily.
“Oh, nothing so dramatic.” I forced a chuckle. “Just her being dramatic, in fact.”
Sania smiled, but it looked forced, and there was certainly no humor in it. “I’m sure.”
She moved to go around me, not even saying farewell, but stopped as she came level with me. She turned her head to the side to face me directly, and her orange gem-eyes glinted as they narrowed.
“You should be careful,” she advised in a carefully neutral tone. “You never know what someone is willing to do to win.”
With that, she walked away without another word, the child following obediently after her. The entire interaction left me feeling unsettled. Her cool demeanor could easily be attributed to several factors, but it was so at odds with her warning.
Unless she was talking about herself and trying to threaten me. But then why would she warn me at all? It didn’t make any sense, and I hated not knowing what game she was playing.
Zumra and Safira’s games were easy to figure out, but Sania was clearly smarter than them both. She was more subtle about whatever machinations she was up to, if she was indeed up to any.
I hadn’t spent enough time around the other ladies in the competition to know their agendas either. Faiza and Amatista were friends enough for me. Except now I couldn’t help but wonder if I did myself a disservice by not getting to know the others better.
Maybe it was time I found out more.
Abouteverything.
Chapter Twenty-eight
Jacinth
After a few days with Fiala, I was almost loath to give her back. We’d had fun together, making it feel less like a challenge and more like a break from the competition than anything else.
Now it was time to find out who would be eliminated and who would go on to the next round. I was anxious, hoping that what had happened between Azurill and me would outweigh whatever poison Zumra had certainly tried to spill. Perhaps literally, if the way she handled an upset child was any indication.
Amatista and I made our way to the throne room, our guards following us dutifully. Alfrikr hadn’t stopped laughing about my “fight” with Zumra, though he’d initially seemed quite upset that the only time I’d needed assistance so far was when he’d been called away to speak with Azurill. Frankly, I thought it was probably for the better.
It prevented the situation from escalating any further, at least.
Aside from the fact that he was now practically glued to my side, ever watchful for any retaliation.
We lined up in front of Azurill’s throne and waited for the High King to make his appearance. I hadn’t seen him much since the night in my room. I knew he had to make time for the other competitors, but it left me with a sick feeling in my stomach I’d never experienced before.
When Azurill walked in, the eyes of the court followed him hungrily, several of my fellow competitors, most of all. My stomach sank as Sania watched him with the intensity of a woman who was willing to do whatever it took to win.
And maybe she would be the best choice for him, in the end. If he lived long enough…
