26. Chapter 26
26
T he castle stood before me, a grandeur beyond my wildest dreams. Its size alone was enough to take my breath away, dwarfing even the towering Creaic Gap. Several spires reached towards the heavens, their peaks disappearing into the clouds. As we approached, I marveled at the walls constructed of cream granite adorned with intricate accents of blue and gold that would glitter in the sun. These same hues matched the guards' attire at the entrance, their breastplates, gloves, and belts gleaming in the sunlight.
Stepping through the imposing golden doors, I was in a vast entrance hall that seemed to stretch endlessly. My eyes widened in awe as I took in the opulent surroundings, feeling speechless in the presence of such splendor. Servants bustled about, their movements graceful as they welcomed us into the castle.
Every detail within the castle exuded an opulence and luxury Jesri would kill for. The high, dark-stained walls were meticulously polished and adorned with banners of rich gold, blues, and greens that hung with regal grace. Well-kept rugs, woven with a lustrous gray-blue hue, lined the outer walls, and the entire room was filled with hundreds of delicate jewels, crystals, and fancies that sparkled in the ambient light.
Levon's gentle touch on my shoulder pulled me back from my daze, grounding me into the present moment. I straightened myself, anticipation coursing through my veins as a servant guided us toward my private quarters. As we stepped into my room, I was awestruck by its grandeur, surpassing even the splendor of the castle entrance.
The lounging room greeted us with elegance, boasting a towering bookcase filled with literary treasures, a regal gold-painted table, plush cushioned chairs, and a magnificent blue and gold rug that beckoned one to sink into its depths. Moving into the bedroom, I marveled at its pristine beauty, where royal hues filled every corner, and the carpet felt luxurious beneath my feet, inviting me to sink my toes into its softness. A towering hand-painted partition sat by the large billowing windows, complemented by a large vanity and armoire, both painted with exquisite gold accents.
The bathing room mirrored the opulence of the rest of the quarters, featuring a plush rug that would cost a fortune alone, a porcelain clawfoot tub that promised indulgent relaxation, washing sinks for convenience, and a chamber pot discreetly tucked away. Overwhelmed by the sheer magnificence of my surroundings, I couldn't contain the bubbling amazement that surfaced. A wide grin spread across my blushing cheeks. This was more than I could have ever imagined: a haven of luxury.
"Did you live here, in the castle, I mean?" I asked, my fingers trailing along the soft pastel curtains that adorned the large crystal windows, which offered a breathtaking view of the surroundings.
"I stayed in the barracks under the castle, not as glorious, but still grand," Levon replied with a smile, his tone carrying a hint of nostalgia.
"Do you miss this?" I inquired, pondering whether I would feel a similar longing after the uncertainties ahead.
"No, not at all." I couldn't hide my surprise at his swift response, but before I could dwell on it, he gently took my hands in his own. "It's nothing compared to what I have now, but I would still trade it all to find you," he said, squeezing my hand and increasing my turmoil of feelings. Our moment was quickly interrupted as a maid entered the room. Levon dropped my hand and stepped back several paces.
"Welcome, Lady Eliah Archenon," the maid greeted, her voice trembling with nervousness. I nearly retorted, but Levon's warning, playful eyes stopped me, and I managed a strained smile. "And Sir Alder," she continued, regaining control over her voice. "The rest of the contestants won't arrive until tomorrow, so make yourselves comfortable until then. Explore and eat as much as you'd like. We are grateful for your presence and abilities to participate in the King's Match, Lady Eliah."
Several other maids entered the room, carrying baskets filled with fruits, pastries, trinkets, and oddities I didn't recognize. The head maid cleared her throat again. "King Thealor gives his gratitude." With a final curtsy, they all left the room, their footsteps making no sound on the polished floors.
I raised my brow to Levon, feeling disdain for the king, knowing he very well did not give his gratitude.
I let out a breath. "What now?"
"We wait until tomorrow. The king will want to meet you all personally at his feast and make you a spectacle at his Court."
"A spectacle? Meaning showing me off like a prize," I growled, biting down on my anger at the memories of Jesri doing the same to get what he wanted.
"Yes," Levon rasped, sadness lacing his voice. He opened his mouth, then shut it again but continued. "I…got word that Jesri and Calum will be attending. They should also be arriving tomorrow."
My heart sank into the depths of my emotions, burning within me like flames.
"I expected as much. I hope Jesri doesn't expect me to play his pet still and act as he desires. I'm no longer afraid to bite," I promised, letting my defiance color my words.
"I wouldn't expect you to," Levon replied, his smile widening as he backed away again as if refraining from further physical contact. He walked over to the basket of goods on the large table next to a vase filled with sweet-smelling summer flowers. "In agreeing to them attending, I requested that Aoife join."
I couldn't contain my smile, remembering how much I missed her. "Thank you," I said, watching him dip his head and continue aimlessly glancing through the basket of goodies. The air between us intensified as I felt a palpable sense of anticipation to be near him, feeling rather confused at such an emotion.
I swallowed, feeling those butterflies return and fluttering my heart to open—to let him in despite my past. Despite my brokenness. Despite his past and brokenness.
I had watched Levon; his smile was always genuine, and his actions were thoughtful and caring to those around him. Even though his past was as complicated as mine, he was still trying all the same. Trying to be a better man. Trying to help me gain my freedom though they were through completely idiotic paths.
I looked up at him and took a deep breath, unsure if I should step into this unknown territory.
But he had helped me to believe that I was more than a pathetic orphan; he desired my safety and wishes, and now he was ensuring Aoife would be by my side.
My thoughts were a chaotic swirl of confusion and longing. I had spent so long hiding my feelings; now, they felt impossible to ignore in this enormous room that felt all too small with him in it. The warmth in his eyes and the tenderness in his touch chipped away at my stubborn resolve, and the more I fought against it, the more my heart betrayed me, leaving me breathless and…yearning. Perhaps I didn't have to follow through with my promise not to let anyone in. And perhaps I was worthy of such admiration and that most men were not like Jesri and Calum. I saw the good in Levon; he was gentle, affectionate, and truly cared about my well-being, whereas Jesri never did.
I took in a long breath, feeling my fears fight back that this would all end like all my dreams ended, forgotten and non-existent.
My thoughts drifted back to our almost kiss at the estate. Grateful Kaizen broke it off because I was unsure if I would have been able to do it myself and unsure if these feelings were infatuation or real.
You'll end up being the one to kill her before the others get a chance. Kaizen's voice drifted into my mind, souring my mood as much as it did the first time he said it.
You'll end up being the one to kill her. What did that mean? Was it the Match? Or something else?
I cleared my throat as I watched him rifle through the basket. The butterflies in my stomach swirled into a frenzy, and I knew I was somehow falling for him despite everything. Despite Jesri, despite the Match, despite my fears. I was falling for him because he showed genuine concern and kindness, but I had to know.
"What did Kaizen mean when he said you'll be the one to end up killing me before the others do?" I muttered, not wanting to turn the air around us somber.
Levon turned back to me, his eyes meeting mine with a softness that made my heart skip a beat. His brows furrowed in confusion as he leaned up against the gold table.
He took a deep breath as he rubbed the back of his neck. "He was…referring to this," he said, gesturing to the room. "To the Match," he muttered, his voice going quieter.
I knitted my brows together, feeling indifferent to his answer but accepting it nonetheless, knowing he was trying to help me obtain freedom.
He slowly approached, closing the distance between us and pulsating my heart into a frenzy. "I'm sorry, Eliah. You know how I feel," he stated, his expression saddened. He looked up into my eyes as his hand reached out, gently cupping my cheek, his touch melting me, and his other hand took my own. "If there was any other way, I would take it. You know that, and I—"
"I know," I said, interrupting him. I knew his pain. I knew that he wanted my freedom as much as my own.
We stood there for a moment longer before he dropped his hands, yet there was an unspoken question in his bright emerald-blue eyes, a silent plea for permission that sent my heart racing with anticipation and fear of the unknown.
A warmth spread through me that was as terrifying as it was beautiful.
"You should blush more. It suits you," he remarked softly, his voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to break the fragile tension between us. I let out a small chuckle, feeling the turmoil within me fizzle out as he took a step, taking my hand again.
Inhale.
I closed the gap between us without thinking twice, pressing my lips into his. A rush of sensations swept away all my worries, leaving only the crackling embers of desire in their wake and feeling a sense of freedom and control for the first time.
His soft lips sent a thrill of fire deep within my stomach as he took my face in his strong hands. I clenched his tunic, pulling him closer to me and feeling my legs weaken. Convincing myself that this was good and hearing Aoife's voice in my head that these feelings should be explored.
Our kisses deepened as if trying to capture every ounce of this before the inevitable separation of the Match. His lips parted and pressed into mine with more passion than the last as his hands moved down to my neck, just below my jaw. He abruptly paused, his breath warm against my lips.
"We won't be able to do this again until after everything is over," he murmured, his voice laced with longing and sadness before claiming my lips once more in a kiss filled with unspoken promises.
"I know," I breathed against his lips, mirroring his sadness, knowing that worse things might happen if we were seen together. Or if Jesri, Calum, or Kaizen found out.
With a tender, sad smile, he cupped my face in his hands again before his lips found mine with a fervor that left him intoxicated. As if he were waiting for this moment for a long, long time. I forced myself to melt into his embrace as much as he was melting into mine, holding tightly to the belief that this was good—that I wanted to embrace these feelings, and that I was worthy of love. That he really did care and that he wouldn't kill me as Kaizen had said. He had a dark past, but he was kind and trying to be better. He stated over and over again how he vowed to protect me, that I was his Regina —because he wanted me in ways that no one has ever wanted me before. He desired me as much as I desired to be loved.
As our kisses slowed and the world around us seemed to return, questions began to crowd my thoughts, each one heavier than the last and filled with nagging doubts, growing and twisting in the corners of my mind. Still, I clung to the idea that this was something to savor—a fragile, fleeting good—before the inevitable doom of the Match and the darkness beyond that could swallow everything whole.
We spent the remainder of our day leisurely wandering through the impeccably groomed garden filled with fragrant flowers. Despite the looming dread of the upcoming tournament and concerns about Jesri, Calum, and the king, we maintained a light-hearted atmosphere with continuous jokes.
Levon mentioned that Kaizen was staying with a friend and would join us after everything was done. We discussed plans for the king's dinner, including how to present ourselves, practiced dance steps, and considered potential strategies for the Match.
"Have you heard anything more?" I whispered, referring not only to updates on the animals but also to any news about those searching for me.
"No, nothing on either front," Levon responded, his voice trailing sadly.
"When you first arrived at Jesri's, you knew I would face some type of animal in the tournament. That's why you tested me with those beasts, to see if I was capable," I remarked, more as an observation than a question.
He nodded. "I couldn't bear the thought of subjecting you to something so dreadful without truly knowing you could do it."
"So little faith in me?" I teased, allowing myself to lean into his side as we watched the sky transform into an aurora of swirling purples, blues, and pinks.
"It's not about faith in you," he reassured. "It's about my lack of faith in Jesri. I knew you had the strength, I just didn't want to expose you to more suffering."
Resting my head on his shoulder, I watched as lights flickered on, illuminating the garden grounds and allowing the symphony of chirping bugs and birds to continue their summer serenade. I inhaled his comforting scent, feeling it soothe my heart. I realized I could face whatever lay ahead, and for the first time, I knew I didn't have to face it alone.
We wandered back into the castle, where the king graciously arranged for us to dine in my quarters that evening. A lavish feast awaited us and threatened to overload my belly.
Sharing this intimate meal with Levon was a rare pleasure, and our bond was blossoming unexpectedly. We laughed throughout the evening, thoroughly enjoying each other's company for the first time, until we were practically doubled over.
When we finished, Levon began stuffing leftover food into the basket we had been given earlier. He asked me to do the same with my bag, stating that although he had made mistakes during his regiment, he would always try to help and be better with what little food he had. So with the basket and bag brimming with food, we ventured out into the streets, letting the ambience of lamp lights guide our way, distributing the food to those in need—the poor, the orphaned children, the widowed, the sick, and the homeless.
Beneath the canopy of twinkling stars, we turned a corner and encountered a red-haired woman, her anguished sobs echoing in the quiet night. Tears streaked down her dirt-stained cheeks as she clung to her two children, a small child nestled in her arms while another baby cried out in hunger. My heart twisted at the sight of their difficulty, and I felt a pang of empathy for their suffering. I approached her, my footsteps soft against the cobblestones, and knelt before her, offering the entirety of my bag.
Her gaze, a captivating blend of chocolate brown with flecks of green, met mine briefly before dropping to the bag in disbelief. She wiped away her tears with trembling hands, her expression a mix of gratitude. Beside her, the blond-haired boy clung to her side, his weary eyes filled with longing for sustenance. Unable to contain my emotions, tears welled in my eyes as the mother reached out and touched my arm, her voice choked with emotion.
"Thank you," she whispered with a heartfelt expression of pure gratitude. "Thank you."
I wished I had brought a blanket, a coat, or even a pillow—something more substantial to offer. Levon's touch on my shoulder pulled me from my thoughts, urging me to rise. The courageous mother and I held each other's gaze until I turned a corner and stumbled, overcome with emotion, collapsing into a puddle of tears.
Throughout my life, I had resented the path of fate that was laid out for me, yet I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude at that moment. Despite my struggles, I was given warmth, sustenance, and shelter. I had never known hunger or homelessness, even if it was just a simple meal or a cold bed.
"Why? Why are there so many of them?" I cried out, wiping tears from my ruby cheeks, their warmth contrasting with the chill of the night air.
"Many have sought refuge here, finding it safer within the King's Court than outside," Levon replied gently.
He crouched down, enfolding me in his arms and lifting me again as a random foreboding feeling of fear began to worm its way back into my consciousness. Kaizen's warning echoed in my mind: Control it.
"How can a king bask in such luxury while his people suffer?" I hissed, a sour taste of indignation rising in my throat as I struggled to reconcile with the lavishness of my current rooms of his castle and the stark realities faced by his subjects here.
Levon held me close as tears streamed down my cheeks once more, the image of that tender mother's face and her struggling child etched in my mind. The other frail figures were too weak to lift the food to their lips, too feeble to offer a word of thanks or even steady themselves amidst their trembling.
"That's why I couldn't live here any longer. The first time I witnessed it myself, I was haunted by the knowledge of the suffering I was causing. I couldn't bear it any longer. I had to break free, help, and become a beacon of hope in this darkened world. And once I began, I couldn't stop until I had comforted every person I encountered," Levon confessed, brushing away a tear.
Elise's story echoed in my mind, knowing that he had seen her plight and welcomed her into a home. My heart ached with a mix of sorrow and remorse for harboring such deep-seated resentment towards his past.
"I'm sorry," I sobbed, my voice choked with emotion. "I'm so sorry you had to endure that alone." Remembering his own tale after losing his mother and joining the Royal Guard to find purpose, a family, and a belonging, until it wasn't. This kind hearted man had lived amidst horrors.
Levon simply kissed my brow and guided me back through the streets and into the glowing castle that held my fate and that of a haughty king sitting on his throne.