Chapter 11 #2
“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 with two 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 fear if my memory serves me right. Please tell me you’ve become braver in your older years?”
Oak laughs, “Sure haven’t.”
As children, Oak and his father visited every summer.
I looked forward to their return each year, and when the cold spring days turned hot, I knew they would be arriving soon.
They would visit Daramveer for a month, giving Oak and me plenty of time to run around the castle grounds.
He was close to a second brother those summers.
It’s weird now. When his father stopped returning each summer and the warm days turned cold, so did my heart.
The silence returns once more as he leans in closer, playfully nudging me, “I’ve missed you.”
I can’t help but smile around him. It’s like the years between us have never changed anything. He’s still the annoying little boy I ran around with every summer like a wild animal.
“I know you don’t want this to happen—marrying someone you don’t know or love, I get it. But we all have something to prove here. And I think we all have something to lose. These trials are going to change a lot for our kingdoms, so I thank you for going through with this.”
I ponder his words for a second. “You all have a lot more to lose than you think, Oak. Your life isn’t worth fighting for me. You don’t have to fight for me.”
“Believe me, Briar. I know that. I’m not here to win. I’m here to have fun.” He winks.
"This is not a game, Oak.”
His smile fades, “I’m aware of that, Princess, but if entering these trials helps you in any way, I’ll fight to the end. I hope you know that. My father is here to help, too. We know something greater is going on in Daramveer. We could feel the shift in Brinkym.”
I trust Oak, and he’s going to be of use in the coming weeks. I know it.
“I’m sorry about your brother. It had been years since we spoke, but his death was hard,” he lowers his voice. “When you find out what’s going on, let me help. Please.”
Oak is brilliant and always has been. He feels the shift. I know it, but I can’t risk his safety until I know more. “I don’t know what you are talking about, Oak.” I glance at the ground and back up. “And thank you for saying that about my brother. He cared for you as well.”
The conversation dies once more, and Oak pats my shoulder. “See you soon?”
I turn, my long hair whipping his face with a huff. “See you soon, Oak. These types of things aren’t really my style, but you know that. It’s really good to see you.”
He bows without another word, accepting my leave. I won’t be missed at this party. Even when all eyes are upon me, I’m still invisible.