28. Chapter 28
28
T he shock of freezing water splashing against my face startled me awake. My head bobbed to the side before I jolted upright. My limbs tingled intensely as I regained consciousness. I coughed up the water, hissing in discomfort as I tried to steady myself, feeling solid hands gripping my arm to support me.
Brushing my wet hair out of my eyes, I saw Calum standing before me, his features etched with worry. Beside him was Aoife, her face mirroring Calum's concern. As the fog of confusion lifted, I realized I was back in my room, fully clothed in the clawfoot tub, soaked with freezing water and black blood that smeared the entire front of my body.
Cal's golden eyes frantically scanned mine before he pulled me into a tight embrace, soiling his cream tunic and blue vest.
"You idiot. Stay put, that's all you had to do," Calum cried into my hair before placing a gentle kiss on my hairline.
"I'm…fine," I lied, pulling away before Aoife tightly embraced me. The two of them were now dampened with the black blood.
"Sir Alder said you fell into mud as you passed out! Are you still having those episodes?" Aoife's voice trembled with fear, and my heart ached with love at the sight of her concern. Tears slid down my cheeks, cleaning my face as they fell. She cupped my cheek, and Calum's eyes bore into me, knowing it was all a lie.
"Calum, tell your uncle she is awake. We need to hurry," Aoife urged, shooing Cal out of the bathing room and closing the door behind him.
I couldn't stop the tears as they continued to fall harder and more profoundly, remembering all of it.
I embraced Aoife again with every fiber of my being, her gentle hand caressing my wet hair as she wept with me.
"I missed you, my dear," Aoife said, pulling me back and looking deep into my eyes. She cocked her head as a wave of confusion washed over her eyes. "Your…eyes," she muttered but quickly shook it off as she helped me out of the tub and turned on the water.
"We must hurry now; the feast is less than an hour. Take off your clothes and wash quickly," she pleaded, pausing to look at me with endearment in her brown eyes. "And wash twice, Eliah, you smell," she teased, opening the door. "I need to let the team know you're okay; I'll be back in a moment." She gave me a final smile before closing the door, her footsteps fading over the plush carpet.
I quickly peeled off my clothes and threw them into a pile in the porcelain sink. Sliding into the warm water, I let it melt away the cold and began scrubbing every inch of my body vigorously. I soaped my hair and body three times, still feeling the sticky blood coating me, still seeing the rank flesh of the Breva being slit in two.
Inhaling deeply, I begged the fear to drain from me but couldn't push away the oily feeling of the mindscraping, unsure how it paralyzed me.
I splashed my face, palming my eyes to calm my breathing.
I'm okay.
Because of Kaizen.
I exhaled as I stepped out of the tub and wrapped myself in a clean towel, beginning to dry my hair. Aoife's soft knock came at the door, and she opened it, exposing her smiling face. She took me over to the partition, allowing me to change into my underthings before pulling out the gorgeous gown Jesri had bought me for Spring Harvest.
"He demanded you wear it in front of the king," Aoife said with sad eyes.
"No," I snapped more harshly than I intended. "I'll wear my own gown."
Aoife's eyes gleamed with understanding as she helped me into a stunning, silky gold gown Levon had bought me. It hung low on my back, supported only by thin straps at my shoulders. The fabric cascaded down in a creamy, shimmering waterfall, making me feel beautiful despite the lingering phantom stickiness of the Breva's blood on my skin.
Aoife gave me a heartfelt smile. "You look different. Free," she remarked, squeezing my shoulders before leading me to the vanity.
"I'm so happy you're here. Life has been…different and dull without you," I lamented, genuinely grateful she was with me.
"I don't know if 'dull' is the right word," she teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Seems like you've been on quite an adventure."
She brushed my wet hair, skillfully pulling it back into a loose plait. With practiced hands, she artfully tugged at sections to add volume, giving the braid a soft, romantic feel. Delicate flowers were woven into the braid, their petals peeking out as she pulled out several wisps of hair to frame my face, carefully finger-curling each strand to create soft, cascading waves.
"I don't know if adventure is the right word for it either," I replied, smiling as I watched her in the large crystal mirror as she worked.
Several other ladies' maids entered the room, chatting as they arranged a cosmetics tray on the vanity table. Aoife greeted them and graciously moved out of the way so they could begin working on my face.
They patted my skin with powder, added a rosey shade tint to my lips, darkened my lashes with charcoal, and replaced the flowers in my hair with sparkling gems.
"I liked the flowers," I stated.
"You're meeting the king, sweetheart, not a commoner," one of the ladies retorted, finishing gluing the gems in place before motioning the others out. Venom coiled in my veins as my anger pulsed, but Aoife's soft hand on my shoulder grounded me. Her familiar motherliness straining the anger out.
"Thank you," Aoife said to the departing ladies, her tone polite.
Aoife hurriedly helped me into my heels, and we rushed out into the hallway. Levon stood waiting, resplendent in a royal blue overcoat adorned with gold buttons that shimmered in the light. I wondered how regal he would have looked in the Royal Gaurd. His eyes sparkled as they met mine, causing my powdered cheeks to blush.
He extended his arm, bowing slightly to Aoife. I squeezed her hand in silent thanks before I let Levon escort me to my moment of dread.
"What were you thinking going out alone?" he whispered with worry.
"I wanted to help," I replied in defiance.
"Don't , " he spat, his tone sharp and cutting. "At least not without me," he quickly added, his eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and concern. The memory of the energy I had unleashed to tear open the cavity for control surged through me as familiar as Aoife's comforting touch, yet it only fueled my anger.
"Do not patronize me. I didn't ask for this," I shot back, my frustration bubbling.
"Nor did I," he retorted, his expression tight with emotion as the air around us went taut.
We walked the rest of the grand hallway and silently descended the stairs, approaching the four guards clad in uniform by the large ornate doors. My anxiety flared like a roaring fire, but I forced my anger into silence. Levon squeezed my hand, giving me a subtle nod before leaning in to whisper into my ear.
"We are fourth in line for introductions. Jesri and Calum will already be there. I told Jesri to keep his mouth shut if he wants you to have a chance," he paused, looking deep into my eyes, and lifted my chin. "Hold your head up, Eliah. You're worthy of every eye."
My face heated under his solemn gaze, feeling he wanted to close the gap between us. Just then, the doors opened, flooding the room with light. We snapped back to attention before anyone could notice, and I held my head high, determined to face whatever lay ahead.
I am more than all this.
The grand dining room stretched out before us, glittering with opulence. Chandeliers hung from the high ceiling speckled with gold and hung like bouquets, casting a golden glow over the assembled guests. Navy and gold flowers were hung around the exterior, with similar banners of the royal crest billowing against a slight breeze. Various plants and expensive ornaments glittered on the dining table, making everything sparkle. The sound of murmured conversations and soft music filled the air but quickly subsided as they turned their attention to us.
King Thealor sat at the head of the large rectangle table in a deep blue overcoat also clad with golden buttons, ribbons, and star-shaped medals. His brown hair, woven with silver, was tied back with a black ribbon, while a peppered beard hung to the base of his neck. His queen sat beside him in a white flowing gown that was simple against her olive skin and long black hair that had no trace of silver for several years. She was an image of pure beauty.
Levon guided me forward, his grip firm yet comforting. Each step felt like a test, but I focused on Levon's words and the sense of purpose they gave me.
"Lady Eliah Archenon from Fernwen. Sponsored by Sir Levon Alder, previously of the King's Royal Guard," boomed a guard beside the door. The king's smile widened at Levon's name, and he bowed his head in welcome.
I gulped, determined not to let my gaze linger on anyone in particular as we crossed the ornate, polished floors. However, when Jesri's dark eyes came into view, a surge of fury ignited within me. I held his stare with an intensity fueled by malice, disregarding the attention it might attract, as Levon guided me to the spot across from him.
Jesri's eyes landed on my dress and his expression twisted into rage, teeth clenched, but he managed to compose himself. Beside him sat Calum, his usually tousled hair slicked back, exuding an air of regality, too similar to his beloved uncle. Despite his proximity, Calum refused to meet my eye.
Four other contestants were called, each emerging from a different door, escorted by their sponsors, who had ensured they were polished to perfection. Among them were three other females and five males, spanning a range of ages. I appeared the youngest among them, followed by a dark-haired boy named Astor Flemming from Kleads. His dark almond eyes conveyed a palpable sense of anxiety. I felt a surge of empathy, a desire to reach out and reassure him that he was not alone in his apprehension as he sat beside me.
The king rose from his seat, his imposing figure commanding attention. "Welcome," he began, his voice surprisingly soft as it carried over the length of the table. "I appreciate not only those participating but also those mentoring and preparing our contestants for this adventure." His smile widened but did little to ease the knot of unease that had formed in my stomach and left my mouth dry.
"This year is very different from previous tournaments," the king began, his voice carrying a note of excitement. "It will be the first of many for the entire Kingdom to enjoy. In the past, we kept the contestants within my court's lands. But this year," he motioned to the lot of us, "we have selected an individual from each of the regions who has shown the most courage, the best abilities, the strongest will, and accompanied by the most well-loved sponsors with a dedication to succeed."
His excitement radiated like fireworks lit on Yulemas, causing a stir among us all. My stomach turned leaden as he continued. "Tomorrow night, each of you will be celebrated and presented to my court, marking the commencement of the tournament festivities. So, enjoy yourselves while you can tonight and tomorrow, and then the real entertainment begins. But now—let's eat! Fill yourselves fully, drink deep, and accept my deepest gratitude, my dear contestants."
Clapping followed as the king's words hung in the air, amplifying the anticipation and anxiety rippling through the room. All the doors opened, revealing a procession of servants carrying platters of food. They set them on the table before us, presenting a feast beyond my wildest dreams. Platters overflowed with crisp roasted meats, their savory aroma mingling with the scent of freshly baked bread. Bowls of spiced vegetables, buttered potatoes, and mouth-watering soups were placed before me. But the dizzying array of desserts was staggering—delicate pastries dusted with confectionary sugar, towering cakes embellished with fresh berries, and decadent, flavorful chocolates that glistened under the warm chandeliers.
The food was piled so high that it obscured Jesri's wicked face from view, a small mercy amid the overwhelming display. As I looked around at the other contestants, I saw similar reactions of awe and disbelief. The sheer abundance of the feast seemed surreal.
The tantalizing smells made my stomach growl, but despite the feast laid out, my appetite had vanished, replaced by a knot of tension, of anger, knowing that so much food would be going to waste when people outside these opulent castle walls were starving.
It made me want to scream, grab every pastry and stomp on them, overturn the table and walk out cursing them all, throw each buttered turkey leg at the king and dirty his perfect face, his perfect castle, and his perfect sadistic life.
Anger shot through me like a rocket, firing up every ounce of blood until it was boiling, making me shake. Levon grasped my knee under the table, squeezing hard, trying to anchor me as that metallic tang of rage pulsated in the air, energizing my fury even more. He clutched harder, glaring at me to stop, to calm down. Calum's usually calming, golden eyes darted up to mine, silently pleading while Jesri entertained himself, chatting about his pompous life.
"Eliah, stop this now ," Levon whispered urgently into my ear, letting go of my knee and clutching my trembling hands. " Stop or else you won't see any ounce of that freedom ."
Calum's eyes darted between Levon and me as he pretended to eat the delicate meat served.
" Eliah ," Levon hissed through a forced smile, reaching for a pitcher of red liquid and pouring me a glass.
The others around us didn't notice us and were too busy stuffing themselves full. Their laughter and chatter filled the air with static, coiling my stomach into more knots. I gritted my teeth as I took the glass, raising it to my lips without letting the sweetness touch my tongue. I set the cup back down and sat straighter as Jesri's black eyes pierced mine.
Eat, his eyes commanded, glaring at me and then at my empty plate.
Instead, I held my head high, defiantly turning away and placing my hands in my lap, pretending to care about the conversation from one of the female contestants who talked about a festival she attended a year ago where she first picked up a sword.
Act the part.
Levon brushed his hand against mine as someone called over to him, drawing the king's eyes to us. His gaze weighed heavily on me and remained fixed as he finished his plate, then another. Even long after everyone's stomachs were full and the savory air had dissipated into thin wisps of memory, his eyes never left me, and all I could do was try to remind myself to breathe.
The king stood, silencing the spacious room. "With the festivities tomorrow, I hope that tonight you sleep well, for we shall enjoy ourselves more tomorrow." He took one last sip of his wine and held his goblet up in a cheer. "To my contestants," he said as his eyes locked onto mine once more. "May Tarragon bestow upon you the honor of passage!"
I glanced to Levon in question at the king's words as crystal glasses clinked, signaling the end of the meal. The king swiftly rose from his seat, his wife at his side, escorted by a dozen guards. We all waited for their departure to be excused and disperse to our respective rooms.
May Tarragon bestow upon you the honor of passage. Why did that name sound so familiar?
I shook the thought away as Levon helped me up, leaving my untouched plate, preparing to face Jesri's wrath. His dark eyes beckoned us to follow him out. With Calum in tow, we made our way towards our main quarters with only the click of our shoes and the tension between us all palpable.
We all reached inside the large foyer, but before the door shut, Jesri was shouting.
" Make me a fool one last time, Eliah, and I'll end you myself ! " Jesri's hiss reverberated through the open room, his anger filling the air like a suffocating fog.
Levon stepped forward to intervene, but I pushed him aside, bracing for the full force of Jesri's wrath.
" I am no longer your puppet, and a fter this, I am not coming back, " I fumed, trembling with suppressed rage.
" You will ," he ordered, his eyes blazing with fury. Calum stepped before me, shielding me like he had done many times before.
"Uncle, please. You've always been hard on her. She has come of age, and you have no right to her ," Calum interjected.
"No right to her?" Jesri scoffed, running a hand through his slicked-back raven hair. "I'd say otherwise." An evil smirk twisted his lips, sending a chill down my spine and igniting a fierce bitterness that drowned out even the pangs of hunger.
"What did you do?" Levon growled, advancing toward Jesri like a predator closing in on its prey.
"You have no place here, Levon, besides making sure she wins this wretched thing—" Jesri began, but Calum interrupted, his anger radiating off him like sparks.
" What did you do ?" Calum spat, his voice low and dangerous, every word dripping with fury.
"Tyran, please . What any guardian would," Jesri said dismissively, waving his hand as he strode toward the lavish spread of food on his table, flanked by an array of wines. "I've made an arrangement for her to wed a noble Lord with substantial wealth. And one who will introduce her into society."
Levon and Calum's expressions drained of color, mirroring the deep despair that flooded through me, crushing me like a boulder.
Marriage.
The word hung heavy in the air, suffocating me with its implications as I faltered to the ground. I would forever be tied to Jesri. All my dreams of freedom vanished in an instant, replaced by a seething rage that burned like wildfire in my chest, dragging my heart down into a pit of hopelessness.
"You self-righteous wretch !" Calum cursed, his voice thick with fury, his fists clenched at his sides.
"He'll be here to congratulate you on your winnings, my ward," Jesri spat, his tone dripping with malice. " So win it. "
"Who?" I breathed, my voice sharp with anger as Levon stooped to help me to my feet. My nails dug into my palms as I shook with rage.
A twisted smile curled Jesri's lips. "Lord Winslow of Bricol."
The slimy wastrel, known for his old, touchy, wrinkled hands, was old enough to be my grandfather.
Acid lined my throat as the air vanished from me, remembering the last time I encountered Lord Winslow at the Spring Harvest, conversing with Levon before I intervened.
"No," I spat, my voice dripping with defiance.
"No?" Jesri cooed, his tone sickeningly sweet. "It has already been arranged, dear; he will be the one to take you home."
" Burn in hell! " I yelled, the words bursting forth like flames from a raging inferno. I spat in his face, the disgust and anger bubbling up from the deepest parts of my core.
His fury burned to the surface like dead fish in a boiling sea, and his features contorted with rage.
I stormed out, with Levon at my heels, before Jesri could retort. Behind me, I heard Calum's shouts echoing through the long hallway as my head felt submerged, muffling all sounds except my pounding heart. I stumbled over my own feet in these cursed heels, the skirts of my dress clinging to my legs like shackles, dragging me down with each step. It felt as though every thread of fabric was woven with the desire to see me fail, to drag me down into the depths with that monster.
Everything had a price, and now I was forced to pay it.
My rage drowned out Levon's desperate pleadings until he grasped my hand, forcing me to stop. I tried to twist out of his hold, but tears fell, blurring my vision as he pulled me into his warm embrace, only causing the tears to fall harder.
All that hope, all those dreams—I realized would never come true. That wretched tree was nothing more than a cruel bad luck charm, always cursing me with never-ending punishment.
"We'll find a way," Levon whispered through his own despair. "We have to."
"How? There is nothing we can do. I will always be under his chains," I replied, my voice choked with despair.
He pushed me away only enough to hold my tear-stained face in his calloused hands. " I won't let this happen. "
"It already did," I voiced, sliding out of his embrace and heading to my door. My feet feeling so heavy.
" I promise you, " he cried out, his tone turning to anger. I could only shake my head as the tears fell to the carpet as I forced myself to keep moving. "I won't let it happen."
All I could hear was the rage pounding in my ears as I closed the door behind me and fell to the floor in a heap of tears, wallowing in a darkness that crept over me with a threatening vengeance.