Lord Otto spoke loudly, “Everyone back in line. Save your words for later.”
The women scurried back to their places on either side of me.
I cleared my throat and stood tall—or as tall as I could.
It was my turn.My throneto win.My peopleto lead as I saw fit.
Oh, and the good I could do for them.
I would protect them with every ounce of intelligence and power I had.
Lord Belshazzar turned his attention to me, his eyes never leaving mine. “Gwynnore, what say you? Do you wish to be the candidate?” That gaze gleamed, already anticipating my answer.
“I do, Lord Belshazzar.” My chin rose, my voice steady. “I wish to be Queen Novitiate.”
Next to me, Hortensia sucked in a sharp breath. Disappointment radiated off her in waves. The woman had wanted the spot…and wanted it bad if the reek of her aggression told the truth.
I didn’t bother looking in her direction. My eyes were for the overlords.
They decided now if they wanted me.
And, so far, I don’t believe I had impressed them.
The eldest lord’s lips twisted into a crooked grin. “The overlords respect your choice.” He dipped his head to me, peeking up under his lashes. “And the overlords accept you.”
My eyes widened in shock—it couldn’t be held back.
They hadn’t even convened to talk about it…
Unless they already had. Cunning bastards.
I swallowed down my shriek of joy, barely managing to stay in place. With an unruffled tone, I murmured, “Thank you, overlords. You humble me with your acceptance.”
And…they did. It wasn’t just Adelie or myself who thought I would be an excellent queen. It was the most influential and powerful individuals in our race who thought so too.
As far as I knew, none of them knew Cato was my father. I kept that private.
This was all me. It was my time to shine.
Lord Belshazzar gestured for me to come forward. “Your first Challenge happens now. Please, come stand next to me.”
I yanked my hands from behind my back and attempted to walk with forced calm. I hoped I was pulling it off. My excitement was barely contained. I would need to get my act together soon, hopefully when the adrenaline left my system.
I stopped next to him and peered up, waiting patiently.
He opened a slot inside the stone dais. Small and functional, it opened easily.
An ancient tomb lay inside. Brown leather flaked off it despite the magic that sizzled around the massive book. The pages had yellowed with time, and the spine was breaking.
With careful fingers, the lord lifted the book from his hidden spot.
He flipped through a few pages until he stopped. His eyes met mine.
“Queen Novitiate, your first Challenge is to agree to these trials listed.” Lord Belshazzar maneuvered to stand directly next to me again so I could see the text. “It is spelled so you’ll be able to read the ancient language.”
I leaned closer to him and stood on tiptoe to fully view the page.
Surprised, he grunted and bent his knees, lowering the book to my short height.
