Chapter 33
Cillian
Istood in the throne room, dressed in my black trousers and a white silk shirt with ivory buttons that Ceri had made for me.
I’d been on the mend for three weeks now, and I was feeling immensely better, but still not sure I was ready for this.
For trial number four, which apparently was happening in the throne room.
I’d been resting in bed, and then suddenly I was here, standing on the dais, dressed to the nines.
People began appearing in the throne room with a pop.
It wasn’t just the contestants appearing, though.
It seemed to be the entire city of Fairwitch Isle, everyone dressed in gowns and evening wear.
The moon shone through the gold stained-glass windows that lined both sides of the magnificent space.
Trays of drinks and food floated around, and our local musicians appeared, instruments in hand.
What in the godwitches’ name was going on?
“Ah, you’re here!”
I jumped and looked at the little pink bookwyrm who’d appeared next to me. “Morton, could you stop sneaking up on me like that?”
He bristled. “I can’t help where and when Castle makes me appear. Besides, I do have a job to do, you know.”
I raised a brow. “So you’re here as the trials master?” I gestured to the room full of people staring at me in shock as murmurs rippled throughout the space.
“Yes, this is indeed the fourth trial.”
“Perfect.” I looked up at Castle. “Some warning would’ve been since I almost, you know, died three weeks ago.”
Morton’s teeth flashed. “Luckily I think this is one trial you’ll actually approve of. A ball.”
My brows furrowed as the remaining contestants pushed their way to the front of the room, and my gaze immediately locked on Ceri.
She wore a stunning golden sequined gown with straps hanging around her shoulders.
The dress cut low, revealing her pale, creamy collarbone and chest. The bottom skirt was ruched and flowed around sparkling golden heels.
“Are you listening?” Morton asked.
“No,” I said, never taking my eyes from Ceri. “Not a bit.”
Morton sighed. “Ladies and gentlemen—” he started.
“Actually, wait.” I held out a hand and came to a stand, feeling stronger than I had in days. All that food, medicine, and water Mother and Enid had been forcing into me had done wonders.
My hand automatically went to my pocket, where my vial would normally be. I clenched it closed and straightened my arm. “I have something to say before Morton explains this evening.”
Everyone quieted, waiting to hear what I had to say.
I took a deep breath as my gaze roamed over the sea of faces.
“I’m sure you’ve all heard the rumors now.
And it’s true. I have been taking heartstopper for years.
I thought it was harmless, and for many years it was.
When we moved to Kiln Mountain, I lost access and forced my adviser to portal me out of Fairwitch Isle so I could get the tonic I now realize I was completely addicted to. ”
A few gasps and murmurs erupted at my confession. Some residents shook their heads while others glared.
“I’ve let you all down. My actions were selfish, and they put us at risk, and for that I’m so sorry.
” I swallowed thickly. “I thought that to do this job well, I needed to numb myself.” I met Ceri’s gaze briefly before looking back out over the crowd.
“I thought to be an effective leader, the one you all deserved, I had to be the one who didn’t get emotional, who could keep a calm, straight head when we were being attacked and losing rooms in our castle.
But the truth is I haven’t cared enough.
But that’s going to change. I am working with our healer and others to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.
I don’t expect your forgiveness, so I won’t ask for it.
All I ask is that you give me another chance to prove that I can be the leader you all deserve. ”
Silence met my words, everyone staring at me while I fidgeted, and I realized I never would’ve made an announcement like this, been this honest, if I’d been taking heartstopper.
I would’ve been too numb to care what everyone thought.
Now I only felt free, motivated to be better for my people. For Ceri.
I met her gaze, and she gave me a small smile as Morton pushed me back into my throne with his tail.
“Thank you, Prince Cillian. Now, let’s move onto tonight’s main purpose: our fourth marriage trial.”
I swallowed thickly, wondering how a ball could possibly connect to a trial.
“What do the contestants have to do?” I mumbled. “Have a dance-off?”
Marsten raised his hand. “I’d definitely win.”
Morton sighed. “Well, good to know you haven’t lost your sarcasm.”
“Oh, you caught that?” I asked. “You normally don’t pick up on the sarcasm. I’m proud of you.”
He huffed, puffs of smoke coming from his nostrils.
“Anyway, if I could explain the trials for tonight, that would be wonderful. Yes, it is a ball. Castle thought everyone might enjoy a night of dancing and music.” He turned his head toward Ceri, Marsten, Meera, and Lila.
“But for our contestants, it won’t just be a night to dance.
It will be an audition. Everyone knows a good queen must find the heart of the people.
Tonight, that will be your goal. The contestant who accomplishes that will get another date with the high prince, and one of the remaining contestants will be eliminated. ”
My gaze flicked to Ceri again, my pulse spiking as a chill ran down my spine. This was the part of heartstopper that made me reach for my pocket: the fear, the anxiety, the sadness.
“Well, good to know we have another trial where absolutely nothing is clear.” Marsten raised his flute in the air. “Cheers, everyone!”
He threw back his drink, and Morton nodded at the musicians, who struck up a tune. Slowly the crowd began pairing off, dancing and chattering, the tension bleeding from the room.
I stood, walking down the steps of the dais toward Ceri as everyone else in the room melted away. She didn’t move. Instead, just took me in like I was taking her in.
I stopped in front of her and held out my hand. “May I have this dance?”