21. Interviews
Interviews
Scarlet
T he solarium's warm, golden light filters through the large windows, casting intricate patterns on the tiled floor. Despite the tranquil atmosphere, tension hangs thick in the air. I trace the carved patterns on the table, seeking solace in the intricate details as Rose's self-assured smile burns into me from across the table. Darius sits beside me, his smile plastered on. It’s clear his goal is to charm everyone here.
A petite journalist with kind eyes and her hair piled high on her head with a spare quill stuck in it takes a seat, her quill poised over her parchment. "How are you all feeling about the tournament so far?"
Before I can respond, Rose leans forward, exuding an almost smug confidence. "Challenging, but certainly not anything I can't handle." Her eyes glimmer with a hint of challenge as they meet mine. "Some of us thrive under pressure, don't we, Scarlet?"
The dig doesn't go unnoticed. I square my shoulders, refusing to be baited. "Indeed, some of us do," I reply evenly, holding her gaze. "Though others seem to simply enjoy hearing themselves speak."
Rose's smirk falters momentarily before she masks it with a sip of tea. Darius, seated beside me, grins mischievously. "You know, if this were a contest of who can make the most enemies, I think we'd all be champions by now," he says with an amused laugh.
I smile at his teasing remark, the tension easing slightly. Darius has a way of lightening even the most charged situations. My gaze falls on the tray of refreshments, the sight of the cranberry-orange scones offering a small comfort. I take one, savoring the burst of tart sweetness as it melts on my tongue.
The petite journalist leans forward, her gaze inquisitive. "Could you elaborate on the artifacts you uncovered in the catacombs? What significance might they hold?"
I glance nervously at Rose and Darius before answering. "The ancient wooden staff I found seems important, but I'm unsure of its true purpose yet," I admit haltingly.
Rose doesn't miss a beat, her confidence unwavering. "The golden scarab symbolizes power and transformation—quite fitting for an artifact from these trials, wouldn't you say?" She shoots me a pointed look, almost daring me to contradict her. A flash of annoyance runs through me, but I bite my tongue, refusing to rise to the bait.
Darius chimes in, holding up the intricately carved lute with a lopsided grin. "I think mine is just telling me I need to pick up a new hobby."
The journalist quirks an eyebrow. "Can you play the lute?"
Darius smirks, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I mean, technically anyone can play a lute. The question is if they could play it well. Personally, no. Not at all."
A surprised laugh escapes my lips before I can stop it. Trust Darius to lighten the mood with his dry wit. Rose shoots him an exasperated look, but I can see the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
The journalist scribbles furiously in her notepad. "And what do you believe these artifacts represent in relation to the upcoming challenges?"
I exchange a glance with Rose and Darius, considering my words carefully. "From what King Remme explained, the artifacts will be used to sort us into teams for the next phase of the trials," I say, recalling the king's words before we entered the catacombs.
Rose nods in affirmation. "Forming effective teams will be crucial for success moving forward. The artifacts are likely symbolic of the strengths and roles we'll need to complement each other."
"An intriguing prospect," Darius muses, his fingers absently tracing the intricate carvings on the lute. "It will be interesting to see how the teams are divided and the dynamics that emerge." A wry smile tugs at his lips as he glances between Rose and me. "Though with personalities like ours, I imagine it could get...lively."
I chuckle at the understatement, my earlier nerves easing.
The journalist seems satisfied with our responses, her pen still dancing across the page. "There have been rumors of an arranged engagement for you, scarlet. One to a rather well off nobleman. Care to comment?"
A hush falls over the room.
My heart sinks, frustration burning hot within me. I meet the journalist's gaze, my voice steady and resolute. "I have agreed to no such engagement. The outdated notion that a parent can dictate someone's future spouse is not only antiquated but harmful. Besides, both of my parents are dead." The weight of my declaration hangs in the air, the room falling silent save for the frantic scratching of pens against notepads.
Rose regards me with a mixture of surprise and begrudging respect, no doubt taken aback by my candor. "Well, Scarlet has never been one to shy away from defying expectations," she remarks.