The clapping crowd continues as each of the men stands unwavering.
“Some may perish, but that will only show who is the strongest. The mentors and I have discussed it, and we all agree to the terms. From this moment forward, if you choose not tocompete in these trials now that you have committed yourself, death will immediately follow your decision.”
The crowd grows quiet, and the men remain unfazed.
I cut my eyes toward Silas to find him still looking at me. My cheeks flush, but I harshly mouth,“What?”
My father’s booming voice peels my gaze away.
“Now, please celebrate tonight, for the tasks shall begin tomorrow.”
The crowd continues to applaud. The King of Daramveer steps down from the throne, turns toward me, and gestures for me to follow him to the competitors. Annoyance bubbles in my chest as I smooth out my dress and stride toward my father. He stands among the mentors and men; a laugh escapes from his throat, causing the hair on my neck to stand on end. I didn’t know he was capable of laughter at all.
“Competitors, meet my daughter, Briar, the Princess of Daramveer.” A smile forms on my face that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. “And Briar, please wish our guests a warm greeting.”
“Welcome to our wonderful kingdom. I’m so happy you are all willing to die for my father’s gain.”
Silas booms a laugh, my attention snapping to his once more as he winks. The others show no sign of amusement.
My father interrupts with a cough, “I believe she means Daramveer’s gain. We are very lucky to have you all here.”
“Now, the mentors and I have many things to discuss for the upcoming weeks and trials. Please, Briar, stick around and get to know these men, as you will be married to one soon enough.”
He turns without another word, the mentors following suit as I’m left standing before the seven men, their focus fixated on me.
I turn on my heels and bump into Calia Thornfield. “I just wanted to thank you, Princess. An arranged marriage isn’t something that most girls dream of. I know this from experience since my marriage was arranged—but it also blessed me withtwo beautiful children. Not everything that comes from it is bad. Your father has been helping me make plans to rebuild my kingdom, Cammon. Offering my sons is the least I could do to show my gratitude. He is a good man, and our families together could become very powerful.”
“You obviously don’t know him very well if you think he is a good man.”
“Yes, he does have his flaws, doesn’t he? I know him well, if you would believe me. We’ve known each other for many years.” She breaks eye contact. “I knew your mother through him as well.” Calia smiles, “She was a wonderful person. You favor her looks.”
“Yes, I know. I’m very lucky I had a mother like her.”
She bows in my presence. “I hope we can grow closer over the coming weeks of the trials. I will be spending a lot of time with your father, and I would love to get to know you more, Princess.” She bows once more and continues through the back doors of the room, following my father—likely to his study. Outside a handful of times, I’ve never entered that room, nor have I been asked to.
Thatcher steps forward, inches from my face. “No need to stick around getting to know you, Princess. I know all I need to know. Isn’t that right?” he says with a wink before continuing through the crowd. Cromwell laughs, trailing behind him, desperate for his attention, as they disappear into a sea of people.
Ignoring Thatcher’s arrogance, I return my gaze to the remaining men before me. Silas watches Thatcher move through the crowd, a piercing stare showing no kind feelings toward him.
“I suppose we will get to know each other better in the coming weeks, gentlemen,” I say, breaking the silence.
The Thornfield twins continue talking amongst themselves with no regard for me speaking. Rohhit bows before striding off, likely to find Nolan, his mentor.
For longer than many can recall, Eddris and Andorwood have been rivals, disgust with each other’s kingdoms that dates back close to the Great Battle. Eddris holds the lightest of Lumor Wielders, whereas Andorwood holds the darkest, most foreign of Wielders—the differences too strong to ever forge a peaceful connection.
Andorwood is a far eastern kingdom that houses many outcasts, criminals, and fallen noblemen from both wielding magics. The only way to reach this lone kingdom is by ship, and it’s been said that once you make it there, you don’t leave. Creatures dwell on this land that could haunt your darkest nightmares, and supposedly, the people who lived there aren’t any better. Only talks of death and devastation travel from Andorwood.
Silas continues to watch me with his piercing green eyes that hold something dark before turning to stalk through the crowd, paying no regard to Rohhit, whose stare from nearby could crack the thickest stone.
My shoulders slack, thinking everyone has left my side, and I sigh with relief.
“It’s nice to see you again, Princess.” The lingering voice startles me. Oak Hombern remains, a sly grin across his face.
“Hello, Oak,” I reply. “It’s nice to see you and your father again. It’s been a while.”
He smiles. “Indeed it has, and you certainly have grown up. It’s been years, hasn’t it? Remember that time we almost died on one of your crazy adventures you demanded I partake in?”
I lower my head with a soft laugh. “And you are not the annoying boy I remember either. You almost died from fearif my memory serves me right. Please tell me you’ve become braver in your older years?”
