He shrugs. “Maybe. But at least nerves mean you understand the risk. That’s not weakness.”
“And what is?”
“Arrogance,” he answers without hesitation. “Thinking you’re owed something or that wanting something makes you ready for it.”
I turn that over. “You think someone like me—someone who’s only ever poured drinks for people and never asked to be part of something like this—could survive in these trials?”
He half-smiles. “I think we’re going to find out.”
The palace looms larger as we climb the last hill, banners of black and gold snapping in the wind.
“Still time to run. I’ll give you a head start. I know thisisn’t what you wanted,” Torin says casually.
“I have no intention of running.” My voice comes out steady, though my stomach twists. “I didn’t choose this, but I’m not running from it either.”
He nods once, a hint of approval showing in his features. “She won’t make it easy on you.”
“The princess?”
“She’s no girl in silks. She’s endured more than most warriors I’ve known. She won’t marry a man who can’t take scars.”
I stay quiet for a moment. “…I didn’t come to win her.”
The gates finally come into view ahead. Beyond them, the palace rises out of the dark, all pale stone and trailing vines, its spires catching the moonlight. I slow without meaning to. I’ve never been here before, but something about it feels familiar in a strange way.
“Never seen it before?” Torin asks.
“Never left the Hollow,” I murmur.
He smiles faintly. “Then welcome to the place that will change your life.”
Guards bow low as we pass into the courtyard. One takes the horses’ reins from us, and I follow Torin quietly as he leads me through the doors and down several marbled halls. At last, he comes to a stop.
“This is your room. All champions are housed in the north wing, where the royal guard resides when not on duty. You’ll have privacy and protection.”
I nod, walking in and setting my satchel down.
He lingers in the doorway. “Wash up. I’ll return soon toescort you to dinner, where you will meet the princess and the other champions. Then, the trials will begin at dawn.”
Once he is gone, the room is quiet, bathed in silver moonlight. I sit on the edge of the bed, staring at the dark sky. Why does it feel like I’ve been here before? And though I’d never admit it to Calder, why does a part of me feel almost…relieved to be here? As though leaving the Hollow behind was the first step toward something my heart has been searching for all along.
Chapter 3
?---- Kallan (Flashback) ----?
The torchlight flickers along the marbled corridor as we dart between the columns, breathless and quiet. Serenya presses herself against the wall, giggling behind her hand as a pair of guards pass just around the corner.
Standing beside her, I turn and whisper in her ear, "You are the worst sneak in the entire palace."
"I am a princess," she whispers, smirking. "I'm not trained for stealth." I roll my eyes because she actually is, in fact, trained for stealth.Itrained her.
"You’re also wearing bells," I add, nodding toward the silver bells on her sleeves.
"They're charming."
"They're loud."
She nudges me with her shoulder and slips ahead with her lavender gown trailing behind her. I follow, my leather boots silent on the stone, one hand resting on the pommel of the blade—not out of need, but out of habit.
