CHAPTER 40 #3
“I’d like to have a dance with my soon-to-be husband.” Lykia grips Koen’s shoulder, pulling us out of the lingering trance we are in. A space where just the two of us exist.
Her braids are elegantly styled into a high ponytail, showcasing the golden designs on her head and temple.
Golden seashells are interwoven through her braids, along with glimmering sparkles that reflect the room's light beautifully.
Her teal gown encircles her neck and flares out at the waist. A high slit reveals the muscles along her legs, and silver heels with gold fabric wrap around her legs.
We both pull away, clearing our throats as Lykia takes Koen’s hand. “Thanks for warming him up.” Her brows lift, glaring up and down my body.
“Yeah, no problem.” I dust off my dress, straightening my back as I weave through the people of the dance floor, never glancing back towards them.
I need a damn drink.
I BELIEVE I HAVE SIPPED on the same drink I poured myself for hours at this point. My knee bounces, my eyes staring at Lykia gripping onto Koen’s arm for dear life as she chats with the other Royals around the room.
“If eyes could kill…” Theon mutters out, leaning against the table I stand beside.
“Who the hell is she even talking to?” My eyes never linger from her.
He lifts his glass, pointing to the man that hovers over her, chains wrapping around his chest. “That is the King of Ekane.” Theon shifts over. “Kaine’s father.”
I lean my head back, allowing myself to sip down the rest of the drink. “I already hate him.”
Theon lets out a chuckle. “Yeah, we all do.”
“Has Kaine seen him?”
“He’s avoiding him.” Theon sips on his drink. “It’s for the best.”
“Is his mother here?”
“No, she has stayed back to help the Realm. Supposedly, a few darklings somehow managed to enter, and they are cleaning up the damage.”
“Seems as if the light from the Realm is dimming faster than we all expected.” I set my glass down. “Are any of the other Kings here?”
“All of them.” Our eyes meet. “Just stay away from them, they are not happy with the Queen for allowing you to enter the games. And the rumors about you have just heightened their anger towards you.”
My eyes roll upward, catching the light that trickles from the chandelier. “Shouldn’t be hard to stay away from them.”
“It’s time for the flame to confirm the chosen this year!” Queen Antivianna opens her arms out, her golden gown shimmering in the light as she walks up the stairs that lead to the flame. The Royal guards are still in formation in front. “The chosen, please make your way up here!”
My heart drops to my feet.
“I can’t do this.”
Theon’s expression shifts with annoyance. “Just stand next to Koen while you're on stage, that’ll help you calm down.”
My lip drops, shoving his shoulder. “That is quite the opposite, actually. I swear, you and Kaine, you two will never let this go.”
He turns on his heels, walking backwards. “It’s so fun watching you get worked up over it.”
My eyes roll, but I pick up my dress to follow him.
Death leads the way, forming a line behind the flame.
Each man is dressed in an onyx suit, with a golden chain draping from their collar to their pocket, adorned with the dragon symbol of the eight.
The two unfamiliar men enter next, with Dryden trailing them.
He briefly meets my gaze before stepping onto the stage.
Theon comes next, followed by Kaine, then Koen… and finally, I make my entrance.
The flame dances in front of us, flickering and popping, echoing in the now-quiet room.
“Thank you all for traveling to Eekatia.” The Queen smiles, her white hair braided half up. “For the next eight, the flame and myself must choose them to continue to be a part of the Pyre. To fight for the year, to eventually break the curses for good.”
Everyone lifts their glasses, cheering with their neighbors in a quiet celebration.
“Death.” The queen extends her hand, inviting him to approach, with the flame between them.
Her heels click on the cobblestone floor as she circles the flame and places her hands on the back of his head.
Her gaze shimmers as Death remains motionless, permitting her to peer into his thoughts before she releases him.
“Please, place your hand over the flame,” she instructs.
He grasps the golden dagger, its handle adorned with scales, and cuts his palm, allowing his blood to drip into the fire. In moments, the crimson flame transforms into a vibrant blue. The fire crackles loudly, and those who watch applaud in celebration.
He returns to the line, making way for the next person to step forward.
I wait patiently, though my fingers incessantly pick at my nails and my teeth press into my lips.
All the men before me are greeted by the flames, accepting them as the chosen, even Koen. He approaches me, nodding, and I step forward. My gaze is fixed on the fire, observing its transition from blue to red hues. I move around it, positioning the Queen behind me.
“How are you going to touch me?” I whisper softly to her.
She smiles, gesturing to a guard who hands her a pair of gloves. “Everything will be just fine,” she assures, putting them on while I watch, my heart racing. I turn away from her, glancing between the fire and Koen.
Her fingers press firmly against my head, my eyes shutting, trying to allow her to see me. To view the life I have lived. But she presses harder.
My cheeks rise by the discomfort, feeling a burning fire coursing through my skin.
“Interesting,” she whispers.
My eyes open, catching the sight of Koen’s head tilted towards me, observing us.
“Please, take the dagger and place your hand over the fire,” the Queen states, walking around the flame to stand on the other side. Her hands twist in front of her, raising her chin high and watching me.
I slowly remove the gloves and open my hands, gazing at my palms with healed wounds before grabbing the dagger, slicing my skin without hesitation.
My lips part, a subtle wince escapes my lips from my skin slicing open.
My fingers curl, gripping tightly, and I hover my hand over the fire.
I watch as my blood drops down my wrist before falling into the fire.
The flame bursts to life, glowing like a star before it flickers with shades of blue.
Then, the colors change dramatically, flashing like lightning.
Orange, green, yellow, then back to blue and red.
The brightness makes me squint, yet I can't pull my hand away from the fire.
It captures me, keeping me firmly in place.
No matter how much I try and yank away, I am frozen in place.
Until I notice Koen leaving the formation, rushing towards me and grabbing my hand from the scorching flames, freeing me from its grasp. He quickly releases my hand, eyes wide with fear before he steps back, and returns to the line.
I hear muttering in the crowd, whispers that make my skin crawl.
He didn’t burn when he touched me.
“Now, what does this mean!” I hear a roar erupt from the crowd, and in walks the Ice King. “We have never seen those colors before.”
The Queen’s lips pull into a worried smile. “We shall go to the book of Azure and read about it.” She nods towards the guards, allowing one to take her hand to step down.
“You and that damn book!” the King bellows from the pit of his stomach, his face turning red. “How about you tell us! You are the one that threw her into the games knowing no woman is ever supposed to compete!”
“Are you challenging me?” She pauses mid-step, violently raising her brows as she meets the King’s glare. “You should be careful what you say.”
“I am a King!” he screams, walking fiercely up towards the guards. “You are a Queen, remember that!”
“I am the Queen of Azure, which means I reign over you.” Her chin tilts forward. “Don’t you forget that.”
“My son will rule this Realm better than you ever have.” He spits at the ground, making a few bystanders gasp at his action before he turns to leave. The doors slam at his exit.
Her hand gestures in the air for the music to continue. “Please carry on.”
The violins begin to play, and people dance in the middle once again as if nothing happened. Queen Antivianna looks over her shoulder towards me, nodding gently before the guards take her away.
“May I have this dance?” Florian holds out his hand, startling me as my eyes are locked onto Koen, who walks to grab another drink with Theon and Kaine. “It’s important. We need to talk.”