Chapter 10
I schooled my features, presenting the happy princess everyone had come to know and love while I stood on display for the Court. This mask portrayed my reserved and complacent demeanor, always worn with the hint of a smile upon my face.
My mind protested the act we were portraying to the world as anxious energy crackled inside of me. A delicate smile, and a small wave of my hands to the subjects of our kingdom was all they would see. While inside, I so desperately craved to be anywhere but here.
It had been five days since my father told me the marriage trials would be taking place.
Five days.
It was all the time it took for Fae to gather from across our entire kingdom to attend this evening’s ball to witness which men came forth to try to win my hand.
From where I stood on the royal dais, I studied those gathered, chatting, and mingling together. To them, it would appear as though I enjoyed seeing the crowd tonight.
Inhaling, I bit back a sob at how happy everyone seemed to be. At my expense. Any tear escaping would be mistaken for one of eternal gratitude and joy at the offering the king made in my honor. All it would take was a hand on my heart to make the act complete.
Kalliah had outdone herself preparing me this evening. My tiara glistened, a solid purple sapphire, surrounded by diamonds and other purple and violet gems. She had twisted my hair up in a braided crown, aware I hated my long hair flowing down my back when I had to dance the night away.
I caught her attention across the room as she motioned how perfect she thought she did.
The only way to keep from laughing aloud was to avert my gaze and try not to glance her way again.
I knew I looked beautiful. Like a trophy on display. Her intent hadn’t been to make anyone else awestruck, but for me to feel battle ready in a different kind of armor. For me to know my power may be lacking in magic, but I could command a room with, not only my title, but my poise and grace.
The doors swung open with a breeze as the king and queen glided into the room, every Fae bowing, including myself. They strode slowly down the gold and purple velvet runner lining the middle of the white marble throne room, their subjects staring at the pair with admiration.
I kept my gaze cast downward, focused on the way my navy-blue dress pooled around my feet. The small, clear crystals along the top layer of tulle shimmered in the soft lights. The lights were a show of power, cast using the king’s magic throughout the massive throne room.
The glass-domed ceiling made it appear as if we were not inside a stuffy throne room, but outdoors beneath the twinkling stars. The soft magical lights made it seem as if the stars themselves had descended from the sky. Beautiful vines cascaded over the pillars at the edges of the room, the sprouting wildflowers of our kingdom interwoven throughout.
The throne room, with flowers and illuminations, reminded me of my personal garden at night, a nod from the king to ensure I would feel comfortable tonight, regardless of my disdain for the event.
Despite wanting to be anywhere but here, surrounded by the overindulgent, powerful Fae of our world, the events were always magnificent, capturing the beauty of the land like our own tribute of thanks to nature.
A breeze across my bare neck signaled the king and queen’s arrival in front of me. My father offered me his hand and I rose, placing my own in his.
His gaze searched mine briefly, as though he sought forgiveness despite our fight. Noting the love reflecting in his eyes, made it hard to remain angry. In his own way, he believed these trials protected me. He’d always do what he thought would be best for me, and more importantly, our kingdom.
They trusted in a prophecy of love somehow protecting me, even when I had long since decided our Seer, Vivienne, could only be described as “crazy,” but in an eccentric sort of way. I wondered, not for the first time, if perhaps her visions could provide answers about the trouble spreading throughout the lands if she put a bit of effort into it.
Nevertheless, tying myself to a man when I worked so hard to be strong on my own ignited rage , not love as the prophecy claimed.
I offered Mother and Father a smile and rose to join them at the front of the dais.
The weight of the stares from across the room were heavy. Quickly scanning the area, I searched for Ian. I hadn’t seen him beforehand, in fact, I hadn’t set eyes upon him except for a few moments this morning. Surveying the festivities, I noticed him at the back. He avoided my gaze, unlike others in the audience. I couldn't help but feel just a small pang of disappointment. Perhaps I relied too heavily on Ian and Kalliah to get me through moments like this.
I tried not to frown as I focused my attention on the king, who had just signaled for one of the staff to get the crowd’s attention. Hardly a job, given everyone waited with bated breath for his announcement, anyway. A small tinkle of bells chimed as a prelude, before the king spoke.
“Friends, from far and wide, welcome to the palace at Ellevail.” His voice boomed. The way the room curved allowed his voice to be heard without amplification. “When Queen Roxana and I sent our messengers all over our beloved kingdom, we hardly expected this truly joyous level of excitement. We may be biased about how wonderful Princess Illianna is.” He laughed, joined immediately by the guests. “But it is clear the people of Brookmere feel the same.”
What a show. The whole thing. People desired his approval, his goodwill. I kept my perfect princess fa?ade in place, staring at him as though I agreed with his every word, exactly as I had always been instructed.
“Tonight’s ball is a unique occasion. As you are aware by now, we are enacting the marriage trials. This ancient tradition brings Fae from all over the Kingdom of Brookmere together as we strive to join the people of our land by finding, not the most royal or richest bloodline, but the strongest. The bloodline who will prove themselves in trials, testing strength, loyalty, intelligence, understanding, and justice.”
He reached for my hand, and I stepped forward to stand beside him. “It is the winner of the trials who will be deemed worthy of Princess Illiana’s hand in marriage, and who will become the future King of Brookmere.”
Murmurs spread throughout the crowd.
“Tonight,” he continued proudly, “is when those believing themselves deserving enough of my Illiana and our kingdom make their intentions known. Those who come forth will supply your sealed letters of approval and recommendation to my Royal Adviser.”
I wondered what such letters would contain. At least it ensured someone vouched for whomever stepped forward to become King.
My father offered me one last loving look before facing the crowd, dropping my hand, and sealing this fate with one sentence.
“May any who wish to be a contender in the marriage trials, come forward and make your bid,” he said.
I held my breath, wondering who might be brave enough to step up first. Perhaps no one would want to compete, and it would save me this entire ridiculous display. I tried not to snicker at my thoughts.
A shuffle went through the crowd, and the first person approached.
My mouth grew dry, and I had to catch myself as it attempted to drop open.
“Captain Ian Stronholm,” the king said, his voice seeming amused as he smiled down upon my friend.
My gaze shifted to Kalliah in the back, who only gave me a shrug, as if she had no idea what Ian had planned.
“Your Majesty.” Ian knelt before my father, placing his hat in his hands. He donned his finest Royal Guard uniform, the one meant for special occasions, not a wrinkle in the stiff, black- and purple-lined fabric. His medals gleamed on his chest. “I’d be honored to compete for the hand of Princess Illiana, if you'd be inclined to allow it,” Ian said, his gaze cast to the floor, unmoving, until the king answered.
“Captain Stronholm, please rise.” Ian gathered himself and stood at attention. “You are our fiercest warrior and a loyal friend to not only myself, but to Illiana as well. As the first official contender, you will have the first dance.”
Andras moved immediately, scowling as he escorted Ian off to the right of me, beginning the line of contenders yet to come. I nearly missed the subtle roll of his eyes in Ian’s direction as he shuffled him along.
I attempted to keep my expression neutral, but inside, my anger flared. I could scarcely keep my trembling hands at bay.
Murder seemed like a suitable consequence. How could he throw his life away for this? My hand clenched into a fist before I reminded myself of my placement in the hall. Here, my reactions would be analyzed by an entire kingdom.
Ian entering the trials without speaking to me first had me reeling. No wonder he’d avoided me today.
The next two Fae were Lords from houses to the north and west of Ellevail. They were announced one by one.
“Lord Levi Thatcher.” An average-looking man stood before my father, with no discernible features. His short black hair lay slicked back and his pale skin seemed to glow against the darkness of his suit.
“Lord Casimir West.” His short red hair and green eyes complemented each other. Not so bad to look at, his body clearly toned under his clothing. He stood with his chin held high, slightly looking down upon those around him. He clearly thought himself superior to the others already standing in line.
I bowed my head at each contender as they approached, keeping my smile as relaxed as I possibly could.
“Hale Bardot, Your Majesty.” My smile became genuine as I met the familiar pair of deep brown eyes, immediately recognizing him. I didn’t dare look at Ian, already aware how he felt about Hale.
We had both known Hale for the past decade. He bored Ian to tears, but for me, whenever there were formal functions, we often used one another’s company as an escape from our parents. Sometimes through a dance in a ball, others with a walk around the gardens, but there were a few occasions where it had been more.
While the kissing and exploring each other had hardly left me pining for more, it at least meant a friendly face amongst the crowd of strangers.
Hale brushed my hand ever so slightly as he walked by, moving on toward the back of the line.
“Frederich Hansley.” A stout-looking, middle-aged man approached. His mustache was as large as his head. Fates, no. Perhaps I could issue a royal decree about body hair as my first act as Queen.
Two more names were announced as official candidates, but I lost track of who they were or what they looked like. Ryland Lockbane and Edmund Fairweather. How much longer would this take, and how many more would be allowed to participate in these ridiculous trials? Fates , I wanted to be anywhere but here.
“A fine group,” the king announced proudly. I looked up, thankful the end drew nearer. “I call for one final chance to enter before the trials officially commence. Are there any other contenders brave enough to vie for my daughter's hand in marriage?”
“Here, Your Majesty.” A deep voice thundered throughout the ballroom, reverberating in my chest.
Pushing forward through the crowd from the back of the room, a hulking man, taller than most by a head, pressed toward the front where we stood. My breath lodged in my throat as I tried to force it out. Power radiated throughout the room.
Thick strands of black hair fell loosely across his tanned face as he strode forward, knowing exactly how he commanded the room. All eyes were on him, and the half-smile he wore as he approached the dais. My face warmed at the sight of him, and if I could have pinched myself right there to pull myself together, I would have.
I refused to acknowledge the familiarity of the sensations taking over my body when this prick was nearby. But he appeared before me. The damned mysterious, cocky, rude Fae himself.
Kade.
After speaking about the king so horridly, he wanted to marry his daughter?
I’d only observed him without his hood for incredibly brief periods of time. But the gleam in his damned eyes couldn’t be forgotten. He’s not that attractive, I tried to persuade myself. The number of muscular men with broad shoulders storming around the palace were adequate, a few standing in the contender's line before me. What was one more?
I didn’t even bother hiding my eyes narrowing on him.
He bowed at the waist, not kneeling like the others, and rose before being acknowledged. “Blackthorn, Your Highness. Kade Blackthorn.”
I noticed more than one of the women in the sea of faces pushing their way toward the front of the room, attempting to catch a glimpse. Men, too, seemed unable to look away, their stares likely from the power radiating from Kade.
My father stiffened, narrowing his eyes in response to that very power filling the space before him. “And where exactly are you from, Lord?—”
“Just Kade, Your Grace.” He’d interrupted my father, the king, something no one generally dared to do.
The king inhaled sharply, clearly taken aback by Kade’s lack of manners. He regained his composure before proceeding. “Where are you from, Kade?”
“I’ve lived in many villages here in Brookmere,” he answered. “I’d be remiss to call any of them home at the risk of claiming any one village holds more of my heart over another.”
I studied him carefully, not only because I couldn’t look away. His storm-grey eyes were so uniquely full of arrogance as his gaze held the king’s. I scowled, not bothering to hide my reaction. His sexiness infuriated me.
I wish he wore his stupid hood, so I didn’t have to notice more about him.
“Kade Blackthorn.”
The king announced Kade as an official contender and waved his hand for him to get into line. He strode past me, meeting my gaze and immediately winking. A whisper of warmth slithered over my body as he passed. He smelled of a summer storm. The kind of peaceful, saturated heaven nature left behind once thunder and rain moved on.
His scent drew me closer. Everything about him read like a trap, unless you knew better. Like I did.
There had been no hint of recognition in his gaze. The wink he’d offered me, merely a mastered act, one he surely used on everyone and anyone.
I should be grateful he didn’t recognize me. If he learned my true identity, we’d be in trouble. He would have an edge in the trials from knowing my secrets.
Arrogant man.
He’d be trouble. I smoothed my dress, lifting my chin and observing the crowd in an attempt to pretend I didn’t notice him as he strode to the end of the line of the contenders.
He wore all black, with grey embellishments swirling along the lapels of his jacket. The only hint of color located on a strip of dark blue outlining his tunic. When he pivoted to take his place in line, he caught me watching, and the devilish grin he sent my way had me snapping my head immediately back toward the king. Damn it.
Arrogant indeed , I told myself. I shook thoughts of that cocky Fae from my mind. Even if the giggling reverberating from quite a few women in the crowd made him hard to ignore. He almost garnered as much of a reaction from the Fae of Brookmere as Ian did.
They could have Kade Blackthorn for all I cared.
“There you have it. Eight of our kingdom’s finest will compete, beginning in two days’ time, during the first trial for Princess Illiana’s hand.” The king started clapping, followed by the queen and the others in the room joining together.
“Now, let the dancing begin. Celebrate! May nature guide you!” The king chuckled as he took my mother’s hand and placed it on his arm, returning them to their thrones. They shared a warm look of affection, which made my heart sink further.
“Your Highness.” Ian’s husky voice at my side quickly reminded me of my anger toward him. I took his hand and planted a fake smile on my face as he led me to the dance floor.
As his hand settled on my waist, I attempted to calm my voice. Instead, it came out as a hiss. “What were you thinking? You cannot compete. This is insane!”
To his credit, he didn’t falter in his steps, or stiffen. He knew I’d put up a fight. He kept the pace of the waltz played by the quartet.
“I can compete, Lana. And I am.”
I gripped his arm. “You’re throwing away your entire life, Ian. Everything. For what?”
He stared down at me as if my anger was surprising. “Do you think it would be better for a power-hungry nobody to have your hand? Some arrogant prick who would believe you should be kept away from friendships with lesser Fae, from your extra activities? From me?”
I swallowed in an attempt to stop my lips from trembling.
“Or, even better, someone who would exploit the fact you have no magical abilities?”
He led us, dancing all around the room, as though we didn’t have a care at all.
“You do this, and you lose your chance at finding your own happiness. You’re handsome, and wonderful, and eligible. Every woman in the entire kingdom vies for your affections daily. You could find love,” I whispered. “Please don’t throw all of it away for me. I can’t live with it.”
He spun me outward before pulling me in, closer this time so his lips were at my ear. His breath, hot and needy, caught me by surprise. “I can think of much worse fates than being tethered to you forever, Lan.”
We moved the next few paces of the dance, my mind reeling as my heart broke at his words.
“Besides,” he said, chuckling, “we already spend all our time together, anyway. A ring and a title will not change us. Now put a smile on your beautiful face. The kingdom is watching.”
“Adding fuel to the fire of the rumors already swirling around us,” I grumbled.
“Perhaps we shall make the rumors true then. Our children would be absolutely breathtaking.” He winked, before spinning me out once more.
He bowed as the song drew to a close, placing a delicate kiss on my cheek before turning away. He knew this conversation would continue, but not here, not now. Even if I could reluctantly admit he had a point. There were worse men than him to marry. Frederich being one of them.
We weren’t in love, and our relationship had never been intimate. I refused to let him give up his freedom for me.
As soon as Ian left my side, Lord Levi Thatcher stepped forward. His brash kiss on my hand had me wanting to wipe it on the skirt of my dress.
“Aren’t you a delight, Princess?” he murmured, aggressively yanking my body toward him.
Pressed against a stranger like this couldn’t be any more inappropriate, marriage trials or not. I drew back a step, locking my arms, so he couldn’t draw me close again. “How charming.”
With less of a smile and more of a lip curl, I remained focused, nodding and adding a short “mmhmm” here and there. His rambling made it impossible to know if Lord Thatcher even cared that I heard his prattling.
And on it went.
One by one, the contenders took their time, showering me with insincere compliments. Hale stammered a few times, telling me he’d never beheld such beauty. It was difficult to reconcile the grown Fae before me with the teenage boy, who kissed me behind the rose bushes in my parents’ garden.
Before the next contender approached, I scanned the room, hoping to spot Kade. He didn’t seem to be in the ballroom anymore, at least I couldn’t find him with my sweeping gaze each time I turned. Off with one of his admirers, no doubt. I shuddered.
Was I jealous?
No, simply disgusted at the nerve of him sneaking off somewhere instead of dancing as a contender should.
Ryland gracefully bowed, and as we moved across the floor, he tried to make me laugh during the quick pleasantries. He succeeded a few times, too, and made casual, but pleasant, conversation. He kissed my hand before flitting off after his turn, seeming perfectly content to give me time with the other contenders, as if it mattered little to him.
Edmund stepped in next, and the way he confidently took me in his arms, and with his hands in appropriate places, I almost thought it wouldn’t be so bad. But that’s where all hope ended. He answered questions with one word, not inquiring anything about me.
The mediocre dance with Edmund seemed longer than it should have. An average-looking man, with average dancing abilities, and average conversational skills, Edmund was the least likely person I assumed would care to be King. Let alone enter a competition for my hand. If he won, the most boring life known to Fae kind flashed before my eyes.
I scanned the crowd, looking for something to save me from the boredom when I noticed Kalliah no longer stood alone in the corner.
Leif propped his arm against the wall, leaning in to say something to her. How on earth did he get away from the kitchen already? I wanted Kalliah to look this way so I could try to get a better glimpse at the expression on her face as Leif smiled and laughed next to her.
She pressed a hand to his chest, and I gasped, Edmund stammering an apology, asking if he stepped on my toes.
“No, I’m so sorry,” I said. “Only overtaken with excitement from dancing.” He bowed and offered me a reprieve, the Fates finally in my favor.
By the time I turned to look back at Kalliah, she stood alone again. I grasped the hem of my dress, about to make my way toward her, when Lord Casimir West stopped me in my tracks.
Damn it all. This night would never end.
Lord West remained quiet as he spun me around, leaving me to play courtier and lead the conversation. I'd take this over listening to another man droning on about his wealth and knowledge, or expertise of some kind, though.
“Have you been to Ellevail before, Lord West?” I asked.
His eyes raked over me, glancing low at my bodice. I wanted to throw a hand over my chest. It wasn’t the most modest dress. The corset backing made my chest full and put my assets on display. The short dip hadn’t seemed so bad before, but with this man’s gaze lingering, I suddenly felt extremely exposed.
“I haven’t. But I intend on exploring all it has to offer, my future wife.”
A chill crawled up my back as his hand slid lower. I could knee him in the balls right this instant and feign an accident. Perhaps it would teach him to keep his hands, and eyes, to himself. However, an accidental step on his toes would have to do.
“My apologies, my lord,” I attempted to say with a straight face.
Kalliah’s giggling in the corner indicated she witnessed my “supposed” mishap.
I quickly curtsied and turned to try and find something to drink. However, the large body of a man blocked my path.
I swallowed, tilting my head back to look at the face the muscular figure belonged to. Last time we were close, he had his sword against my neck. My heart betrayed me and skipped a beat. A small gasp escaped, as a delicious chill skittered across my arms. He smiled as if he expected women to be so affected in his presence.
The defiant part of me won, shifting out of the way, but Kade Blackthorn softly grasped my arm. “The next song is about to begin, Princess. I’m sure you weren’t leaving before giving all the contenders fair time with you,” he said. “Besides, you have saved the best for last.” A smirk splayed on his face.
He turned me back to the dance floor and led me toward my final waltz, bowing low as he offered me his hand.
I bowed my head and accepted his hand. “Lord…”
“As I said earlier, not lord. Kade. Just Kade.” His grey eyes swirled with mystery as he held my gaze.
I ran my tongue over my teeth, biting back sharp responses as best I could. “It’s nice to meet you, just Kade. I am Princess Illiana.”
His hand wrapped around my body as he held me in a relaxed, yet sturdy posture. He had clearly done this before, and his unwavering composure, even as the crowds of Fae watched his every move, unnerved me.
The king paid especially close attention to this dance. His gaze followed us around the dance floor.
“It’s nice to meet you, Princess Illiana,” he said, spinning me once. “So, tell me—are all of your wildest dreams coming true? So many strong, capable, men competing for your hand. Hard to imagine there could be anything more enticing for you,” Kade teased.
“Oh, yes,” I said, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. I steeled my smile as I added, “Being auctioned off to the man with the most strength, while I have no say in the matter is definitely every woman’s wildest dream. After all, what more to life could there possibly be beyond being desired by a strong man?”
Without saying a word, Kade stared at me long enough that I averted my gaze, idly surveying the room instead.
I could not do this. It only served to ignite my nerves further, knowing everyone stared. Even those dancing were looking away from their partners and shifting their gazes our way.
Kade commanded the whole damn room, even while dancing with me.
Danger lurked in his immense power. A danger that meant he’d surely cast a woman aside once he had the crown.
“Eyes on me, Princess,” he purred, “They’ll disappear into the background, and you can calm your fluttering heart.” This time, when he led me in the steps away and back together, he pulled me closer. My chest pressed against his, the lack of space between us distracting me from everything else. He angled his head toward my ear. “Unless your heartbeat is because of me, in which case, I can hardly help it.”
“Arrogance isn’t charming, Kade.” Even with the candid words, goose bumps rose along my skin. My shiver had nothing to do with the temperature, and everything to do with him.
I inhaled slowly through my nose, desperate to calm my racing heart. Stupid Fae hearing and senses noticing my body. The inhale scarcely helped as the scent of rainstorms washed over me. Damn it all, he smelled incredible.
“Have we met somewhere before?” he asked, his voice so low I nearly thought I’d misheard.
My gaze snapped to meet his. He couldn’t recognize me. We were far too careful with my disguise, and it had never slipped in his presence. “Does that line often work with your numerous admirers?”
Kade chuckled softly.
I pulled myself together, needing to change the direction of this conversation. “Anything interesting I should know about you, Kade? With your heart spread across the kingdom, shall I expect a rush of angry women at our gates soon?”
His mischievous smile grew as he licked his bottom lip.
Fates help me.
“Thinking about me in compromising positions already, Princess? How forward.”
“It’s not what I?—”
He brought a finger to my lips. “No sense in denying it.”
My eyes flared as I attempted to yank myself away from his stupidly intoxicating touch. He didn’t release me. Instead, he forced our bodies closer, so I pressed against his strong frame. He twirled us, spinning and gliding across the dance floor as if we’d been dancing together for years instead of only just meeting.
His fingers brushed against my exposed back, and I tensed, heat flooding between my legs. I needed to take the edge off, before these trials began. Somehow. I’d never been able to rely on any of the men in this Court to handle those needs.
If he weren’t so cocky and I didn’t have so many questions about his intentions, I may have enjoyed myself, the freedom of spinning around the dance floor with him. My chest heaved, my breathing faster and heavier than I wanted it to be in front of him. As we stood chest-to-chest, Kade’s gaze flicked to my lips. Something under my skin built, rumbling through my body. I’d officially gone mad. My lips parted as I stared at him, meeting his grey gaze.
His brow furrowed, only for a moment, before he blinked a few times.
The spell broke, and only then did I notice the music had stopped.
Everyone stared.
The trance Kade held me in during our dance left every single Fae surrounding us riveted.
A spectacle.
And the man before me dazzled them all by shaking off the electricity between us, ignoring their stares and flashing me a heart-clenching, blinding grin.