10. Accepted
Accepted
Scarlet
I have been gone longer than expected, and upon my return home, I know something is off as soon as I step foot in the doorway. Stepmother stands with her back to me, holding a letter in her hand. She whirls around to face me, her expression dark and unreadable.
“You’ve been accepted,” she says in a flat voice, handing me a piece of parchment.
Miss Scarlet Marheart,
You’ve been accepted as one of the participants in the King’s tournament. Room and board will be provided, as will the uniform required for participants to wear during their trials. You will be expected to report in two days’ time. If you fail to arrive, your spot will be forfeited.
Excitement and apprehension courses through me. But my stepmother’s expression tells me she is far from happy about this news.
“Yes,” I say hesitantly. “It appears that I’ve been accepted.”
“And who will take care of the household while you’re away, gallivanting around the palace with all those other lords and ladies?” Her voice is heavy with accusation.
I gulp, taken aback by her reaction. “I… I hadn’t thought of that.”
Why hadn’t I thought this through? Had a plan in place already about how to handle stepmother while I was away?
“You never do,” she spits.
“I’m sorry,” I say quietly. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
My stepmother sighs, her eyes narrowing with disdain. “It’s not about you upsetting me, Scarlet. It’s about your irresponsibility. Who will take care of the household while you’re off gallivanting at the palace? Do you think your duties here will magically disappear?” she snaps, her voice dripping with accusation. “You never think of anyone but yourself. You’re a grown woman, not a child. When will you learn to put others before your own selfish desires?” she continues, shaking her head in disbelief.
Her gaze turns even colder. “And what if you embarrass us? Do you think prancing around with lords and ladies will improve our situation? You’ve always been a burden, and now you’re abandoning your responsibilities for some foolish dream,” she spits, her words cutting deep.
Her anger is palpable, and I can see there’s no point in arguing with her. She’s only thinking of herself, as always.
“I will try to do better,” I say. “I will ensure I come home in time to care for the household.”
My stepmother smiles. “I know you will. You have my blessing as long as you fulfill your promise.”
I smile back, relieved that she isn’t refusing my opportunity entirely. “Thank you,” I say.
With the letter from the palace in my hand, I leave my stepmother to head toward the kitchen to begin dinner. My mind races with everything that needs to be done before I can leave and figuring out how to work out my duties here and in the tournament. If I can win, everything will be different.
A knock at the window catches my attention as I enter the kitchen. A familiar dark-haired face appears in the window, his eyes twinkling with mischief. I scurry to the kitchen door and let him in.
“Congratulations!” Lucius says, a broad smile on his face. “I heard you were accepted into the tournament!”
“Thank you! How did you know?” I ask eagerly.
He shrugs as if it’s no big deal. “You know me. I have connections everywhere, even at court. Word travels quickly when something like this happens. Anyway, I’m here on Fairy Godmother’s behalf. She wanted me to deliver this message to you directly.”
I wait for him to hand me a letter or really anything, but he doesn’t. Arms crossed, I huff, “Where is it?”
He laughs and shakes his head, “You’re too easy.” He leans forward and whispers in my ear, “You’re not the only GGG member competing for the crown. She sent in another girl too.”
“What?!” I yell before remembering I don’t want to draw my family’s attention to the kitchen. “What do you mean, another girl?” I mutter angrily.
“To be fair, you’ve missed your opportunity twice. Perhaps you can work together and accomplish the job.”
“I can’t do that! You know I need the full payment for this job. Who is she sending?”
With a twinkle in his eye, he shakes his head no, “You know I don’t have those details. Even if I did, do you really think I would tell you?”
I kick the toe of my shoe into the stone floor, frustrated. “That does sound like something you would do.”
“One more thing,” he adds as he reaches into his pocket. “Fairy Godmother asked me to give you these.” He goes into another pocket and pulls out a small pouch containing two items—a silver needle to test for poisons and a small throwing dart.
A smile spreads across my face. If she is sending these to me, she expects this to turn deadly.
“Anything else?” I ask.
“She is offering help.”
“What kind of help?”
“Someone to fill in your role here while you are busy elsewhere.”
I don’t know quite how to react to that. On the one hand, it would make things much easier. I could focus entirely on the trial. On the other, would stepmother allow it?
“In exchange for what?”
“I don’t know. She didn’t say.”
“Fine, I accept.”
“Don’t act so pleased.”
I roll my eyes. “You have no idea what that will mean for whoever she hires.”
“Who said anything about hiring? I heard it’s an inside job.”
Eyes wide, I stare at him, not entirely sure what he means. “An inside job? You mean someone already in the guild?”
Lucius nods. “That’s what I heard. But don’t ask me for details. I don’t know who it is.”
I can’t help but feel a little uneasy about this. Who could Fairy Godmother have possibly found to fill in for me? And what did they want in exchange for their help? But with the tournament looming, I don’t have time to dwell on it. I have to focus on winning, no matter what it takes.
“Thank you for passing on the message,” I say, trying to keep my voice calm. “And for the gifts. I’ll be sure to use them well”
Lucius grins. “I have no doubt you will. Good luck, Scarlet.”
With that, he slips out the kitchen door and disappears into the night. I turn back to the kitchen, my head buzzing with everything that has just transpired.
Deep breaths, Scarlet. Dinner first. Plotting can be saved for later. I need to focus on the immediate tasks at hand despite feeling uneasy about Fairy Godmother finding someone to fill in for me
***
I fold my simple dresses, leathers, and a few odds and ends that I feel may help me in the tournament and place them in my worn traveling chest. My stomach flutters with nerves as I think about what lies ahead. Will I be able to pass the tournament tests and win the crown? And who is this other girl Fairy Godmother sent? Is she a competitor, or could she actually be of help?
My grim thoughts are interrupted by the bell for the main door ringing. I hurry down the stairs, trying to get to the door before Stepmother arrives. My slippers skid slightly as I stop and pull open one of the heavy wooden doors.
Fairy Godmother stands on the steps. Her eyes hold a knowing glint.
"You needed some assistance. I’m here to help," she says softly.
Grabbing her arm, I pull her in and whisper, “You can’t be serious.”
“Am I known for my delightful humor?” she replies with a raised eyebrow.
I turn away. "I'll be fine. You’ve already given me items to assist while I’m there."
She gives me a sad smile. "Let me help while you're away."
"You don't need to lower yourself," I say stiffly. "The last thing I want is you serving my cruel family."
Fairy Godmother chuckles. "I'm not lowering myself, child. I have things to do here."
I turn to face her. "Things to ensure I succeed, no doubt. But what could be so important that you'd serve that witch!"
She reaches out, cupping my cheek. "All will become clear in time."
I sigh. "Fine, do as you wish. But I won't allow them to mistreat you."
She grins. "Oh Scarlet, don't worry about me. Have you ever known anyone to get past me?"
Before I can respond, my stepmother strides in. Her eyes narrow as she sees Fairy Godmother.
"Who are you?" Her tone holds thinly veiled disgust.
Fairy Godmother gives a slight bow. "I'm a friend of Scarlet’s. I've come to help while she's at the tournament."
I look up in surprise, unable to hide my astonishment.
My stepmother frowns. "I wasn't aware Scarlet had any friends." She studies Fairy Godmother skeptically.
Fairy Godmother meets her gaze calmly. "There are many things you don't know about Scarlet."
Anger flashes in my stepmother's eyes at the slight challenge in Fairy Godmother's tone.
I hold my breath, hoping Fairy Godmother's words haven't caused irreparable offense.
My stepmother sighs. "Very well. An extra set of hands will be useful." Her dismissive tone makes it clear she sees Fairy Godmother as little more than a servant.
Fairy Godmother's eyes lock with mine, a shared understanding passing between us. I force myself to give a slight nod to show my acceptance.
My stepmother turns to leave but pauses at the doorway. "See that you do not displease me," she warns curtly before sweeping from the room.
Once she is gone, I let out the breath I've been holding. "Fairy Godmother, you shouldn't have—"
She holds up a hand, cutting me off. "I know what I'm doing, child. Now finish packing."
I stare at her, wondering if I'll ever truly understand this woman who feels more like a parent to me than my own stepmother. I return to my room with Fairy Godmother following. Silently, I finish packing my meager belongings.
Fairy Godmother places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You have a rare gift, Scarlet. Don't doubt yourself. This is your last chance before the deadline is up. The shadow patron is becoming impatient."
I look up at her, feeling tears prick my eyes. "Thank you," I murmur. "For everything."
She smiles softly. "Go now. Make me proud."
I hug her tightly, feeling like a small child seeking comfort from a parent.
Lifting my small, worn trunk, I make my way downstairs. My stepmother and stepsisters stand by the door, watching me with equal parts disdain and curiosity.
I hold my head high as I look at them, refusing to show any weakness or doubt. Then I turn and walk out the door without a second glance, my boots crunching confidently against the gravel path.
As I glance back at the imposing manor one last time, I see Fairy Godmother standing in an upstairs window, her face alight with pride and encouragement. A smile spreads across my face and I face forward once more, walking determinedly toward my future and whatever challenges it may hold.
With Fairy Godmother watching over my home and my stepfamily in my absence, I am now free to focus solely on the tournament ahead—and on finding a way to finally free myself from the bindings of the past once and for all.