Chapter Twelve
Analleia
Iventured down tothe lobby to fill out the forms for the second ball, theskillsball as some called it—my favorite ball from the last time I attended.I had been too young to participate, but I had cheered for my sister Tatanna as she won the knife-throwing contest and rooted for my brother Josef when he competed in the horse race.The skills ball was designed to be fun, but it was also a time for other kingdoms to see what you had to offer and a chance for the bigger kingdoms to prove their strength.To prove they had the best weapons, or the most formidable military.The fastest breed of horses to race, the most skilled swordsmen.Eligible bachelors and maidens watched the competitions to scope out the best choice for marriage based off the skills the participants displayed, which often reflected the larger alliances their country could offer in the partnership as well.
I read over the entry forms carefully, filling out one for the archery competition.Many of the other competitions looked fun, but they offered me no advantage and wouldn’t aid in our mission.My fingers stilled over the music competitions, my soul gazing longingly at the categories.
Pianoforte.
Once my greatest source of comfort, the mention of the instrument pulled at me like waves to the shore.As a child, I had spent hours with my fingers dancing over the keys, playing my favorite pieces from memory, becoming lost in the music.My teacher had said I possessed a rare natural talent.A prodigy, he had predicted.
I hadn’t touched a pianoforte since the destruction of our kingdom.Since I had lost my family.The Dark Walkers tower had no need nor place for such things.They trained us in the art of killing.There was no time to explore the art of music.The sing of a blade was all I would ever hear again.
Desmond was asleep when I returned to our suite.Nadiyah lounged on the sofa, conditioning the dry leather of her black boots.
She didn’t look up as she asked, “Archery?”
“It’s the only useful thing to compete in,” I said.“I needed to participate in at least one competition but be able to move about the ball freely.”
“Desmond says he’s not participating,” she mused.“I’m debating on whether or not to enter the knife-throwing contest.Wouldn’t want to cheat one of Their Highnesses from a pretty ribbon or trophy.”
I smiled.Nadiyah held the title of deadliest shot in the tower, but she’d been throwing knives long before she began her training there.
Multiple sets of footsteps came from the hallway, sounding as if an entire army were tramping up the stairs.
“Sounds like His Royal Highness doesn’t take no for an answer.”Nadiyah grew suspicious as she concealed several knives beneath her skirt and kicked her boots and conditioner to the side.
The dreaded knock came at the door, but it was lighter this time—friendlier.A drastic difference from the maniacal pounding on the door at sunrise.
I nodded toward Desmond’s room, and Nadiyah moved silently to slip in and wake him.The floor creaked as I crossed it, and I took my dagger in my hand, concealing it behind me as I looked through the peep hole and saw nothing but green.With a frown, I opened it.
A massive vase of flowers pushed into me, and I stepped back as a servant carried it into the room.
“Sir—” I cut off.
He ignored me and another servant followed him in with a second vase.Then another and another until twelve assortments of flowers ranging from roses to moon flowers to massive multicolored plants in gray pots crowded the room.My jaw slackened, and I found myself at a loss for words at the foliage’s sudden presence.The smell of them overwhelmed me in the most wonderful way.I had never seen so many pretty plants in my life.
“I hope we brought enough.”The cheery voice held a slight lilt to its tone.
