Serious, dark green eyes lock onto mine with unrelenting intensity. Camden takes a deep breath, and reveals he’d been listening to my and Frederick’s conversation when he says, “You are my favorite to win.”
18
“Contestants. Front and center.” Zander’s booming voice reverberates against the barrack’s walls. I sit up and look toward the source of the sound. I see the arrogant sentry spin on his tall leather boots and step out into the daylight without another word. He expects our total and complete compliance.
I wish I had it in me to disobey. So many of these Fae could use a kick to their massive egos.
Jordan jumps down from her top bunk, landing softly in front of me. She pulls her hair into a high ponytail. “Well, this is it.”
I nod, copying her by tying my hair back with the measly string Fae use as hair ties. I’d lost the one normally wrapped around my wrist during my training session with Frederick.
“This is it,” I parrot back. It’s day one of the contest. Breakfast had been a solemn and anxious affair. None of us knew what to expect. Were we immediately going to be sent to the ominous Dark Forrest? Or was there going to be some kind of briefing to clue us in on details of the things we should expect on our journey?
When Prince Camden had entered the cafeteria, I didn’t know whether to feel relieved or uncomfortable. I’d walked away from him shortly after he shared his admission.
I hadn’t known what to say back.
Camden selecting me as a favorite is a little flattering, but also terrifying. Winning would mean I’d become his wife. I have absolutely no interest in that. It doesn’t matter if he has a killer smile or green eyes that make me catch my breath when they lock onto me. I’m nineteen, and I have a family to get back to. I can’t stay in Seelie.
I won’t stay in Seelie.
Camden had walked to the center of the room with Frederick positioned behind his right shoulder. Both Fae looked out onto the sea of contestants, but neither made eye contact with me. I’d known the avoidance was intentional. Frederick was probably still irritated with me for my temper during our training session, and Camden… I can’t even begin to know what he’d made of my quick departure after his declaration. I’m sure I offended him.
“Ladies,” the prince had begun. His voice was warm and kind, soothing some of the anxiety lingering in the air. “The contest begins today with a parade through the streets of our nearest village. It is a celebration, and local citizens will be honoring your bravery and willingness to partake in the contest.”
I’d glanced around, eager to see who else objected to the lie that we were willing participants. We weren’t given a choice!
But all the other contestants had kept their faces blank. If Camden’s phrasing angered them, I couldn’t tell.
“You have one hour until the sentries will gather you to begin the parade. I may not get the chance to speak of my appreciation again, so let me say it now. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for your effort in every training session and for competing in this contest.” Camden had dipped into a humble bow, but he kept his head up. His eyes had locked onto mine, and I sucked in a breath as familiar heat flashed in his eyes. “The least I can do is honor the winner by offering her my hand. I look forward to the end of the contest and retrieving my future bride.”
Several swooning sighs had filled the cafeteria. I’d wondered which of us had succumbed to the prince’s charms, but I remained trapped under his attention, unable to look away. And, if I was being honest, unwilling to look away.
Relief had flowed over me. Camden wasn’t angry with me. On the contrary, he looked at me with a level of affection I don’t believe I deserved. I mean, I’d practically run away from a guy after he sort-of told me he liked me…
But that seemed not to matter.
We hardly know one another, but Prince Camden’s stare had spoken of undeniable regard. His emotion inspired a similar feeling in me, and my heart had felt lighter as I left the cafeteria to prepare for the contest.
Shaking away the feeling, I push off my straw mattress and walk with Jordan to the courtyard, following the crowd of contestants. Zander stands with a smug grin, looking at us like we are worth less than the dirt underneath his boots. A beautiful white stallion is at his side. He mounts the beast in one swift movement.
He grabs the leather reigns and guides the horse to the left. “This way.”
We follow wordlessly.
Our group is led through the castle grounds. Castle servants peer at us through rectangular windows. The stable boys, whom I’ve come to know decently well stop shoveling the corral as we pass. Pat and James wave when they see me looking their way. I manage a small smile and lift my hand for a moment, before it quickly falls by my side and I face forward.
Sentries watch us from their posts above the massive gates as we are escorted off of castle grounds. Their gold armor gleams from being freshly polished. Jordan and I hover near the back of the group. Up ahead, dozens of sentries line the cobblestone path which leads to the village. I ponder their number.
Do the Fae think we will try to escape? It seems a little late for that, but I suppose desperation can be a formidable force.
Zander’s head bounces in and out of sight. Two more sentries ride behind us. Their steeds’ trots, revealing their presence. I look over my shoulder. Morty is one of the sentries, and I see his attention rests solely on Jordan. The other sentry is unfamiliar. I turn back around.
Zander veers around a bend and I lose sight of him behind the trees. The first few women, also, disappear from sight.
A roar of shouts and cheers travel around the bend, reaching the rest of us. Jordan and I both jump and look at each other with wide eyes. The women in front of us share equally surprised glances, but they keep moving. Having no choice, I latch onto Jordan’s arm for support and pick up my pace to keep up.
Of all the things I expect to see, lines of cheering Fae and humans are not what I expected.
My mouth falls open as I take in the enthusiastic crowd surrounding the road to the village. Sticks with ribbons are waved in the air. Several Fae call out several of the contestants’ names, shouting well wishes and encouragement, expressing their desire for us to be the victor and the future princess.
My shock increases tenfold when I hear my name pass several of the Fae’s lips.
“We’re with you, Sera!”
“Victory for Sera!”
“You’re our favorite, Sera!”
“Princess Sera!”
Jordan nudges me. “Looks like you’re not just the prince’s favorite.”
I hazard a glance, and I’m relieved to see she doesn’t look angry. “I don’t understand,” I admit, shaking my head. “I’m the weakest one.”
Jordan shrugs. “People like the underdog.”
“Hm.” I look at the crowd again. Signs are held above their heads. My name is on several, but so is Jordan’s. I continue to search through the signs and see several more contestants’ names: Hannah, Brittany, Trish, and Nadia are the most common after me and Jordan. I wonder how these people have determined a favorite. We never even visited the village, and they weren’t at the banquet.
The town center appears ahead. A mahogany platform has been erected in the middle of the space. Queen Aria and Prince Camden stand on top, their bodies close to the gilded railing, watching our procession. I stare at the prince. I still don’t know what to make of him. I believe he’s a good guy, but he’s also standing by while we’re parading to our likely deaths with an impassive face. If Camden is really against the contest, shouldn’t he at least look angry?
Or would that be bad for his image?
Does he care about that sort of thing?
There is so much I don’t know about the Seelie prince.
A flash of dark hair grabs my attention. King Sebastian, also, stands on the platform. I don’t know how I missed him. His presence is nothing if not eye-catching. A pair of his guards flank hi
m, and several Seelie sentries are also nearby, eyeing the king with obvious apprehension. He pretends not to notice.
The Unseelie King wears a deep violet tunic and black trousers tucked into black boots. A dark metal crown with blue and purple stones adorns his head. He looks positively regal, aside from the mischievous tilt of his lips. That’s when I realize he’s looking at me. Immediately, I lower my chin and focus on the back of the head in front of me. Like me, her hair is pulled into a ponytail. Honestly, all of the contestants look identical from the back. Some are slightly taller or shorter, but we’re all slender from hours upon hours of training and, of course, we’re all redheads.
Zander leads us closer to the platform, lifting a staying hand once the first women are within ten feet of the royals. Morty and his companion split up, guiding their horses to position themselves on the left and right of our group.
Queen Aria waits for each of us to stop moving before raising her enchanting voice. “Citizens of Seelie, thank you for joining me and my nephew as we send off these charming and brave young women to face the competition for the prince’s hand.”
I scowl. Is that what she’s calling this now? Not a hunt for the diadem, but a contest to see who gets to marry Camden?
As if…
The surrounding crowd doesn’t share my opinion. Hoots and cheers emanate from the village Fae and the human servants who live among them. I hear several shout my name.
The queen gives a small wave, and the crowd instantly falls silent. “These young women will be taken to the border of the Dark Forest. There, they will traverse through the woods until they reach the base of the Cursed Mountains. The first young woman to reach the summit, discover the hidden cavern, and retrieve the diadem which once belonged to the great and merciful Queen Lani shall be deemed the victor, and claim the hand of our dear Prince Camden.”
Female Fae clap loudly for the prince, and the males murmur respectful appreciation. I see several eyeing us with unveiled attraction. I fight the urge to reach down and throw dirt in their leering eyes.
Queen Aria elevates her voice with faux enthusiasm, “Let us wish them luck!”
The crowd roars, and their chants resume. Queen Aria descends the platform, followed by King Sebastian and Prince Camden. Sentries surround them as they walk away from the center of town. Zander, Morty and the unknown horseman usher us to follow. The crowd of Fae stay behind. I see the royals mount their own steeds as a caravan of carriages appear in front of us. We are motioned into the carriages in groups of four. Jordan and I are the last to climb in. Nadia, another crowd favorite, and Fiona are already seated. I barely take my seat before the carriage lurches forward. Jordan grabs onto my arm to help me from flying into the other girls.
I don’t know how long we ride in the carriage. It might be an hour. It might be two. My head is spinning with the possibilities of what I’m about to face, and also the incredulous reception the contestants received from the village. I stare out at the passing scenery, unable to register its beauty. Luscious trees, bright flowers, and bright green fields… this realm is nothing but beautiful curse, and I’m determined to escape the moment the contests ends.
The three girls with me are just as lost in their thoughts. Jordan stares out her window, while Nadia focuses on her lap. Fiona is leaning back with her eyes closed. I should follow her lead and rest during the journey. I’m going to need all of my energy for what lies ahead, but when I pull my eyelids closed, my imagination conjures horrible images of monsters with jagged teeth and rough scales, clawing at me, longing to snag me between the hinges of their strong jaws.
My eyes fly open as I picture one imagined monster running its filthy, sharp claws down my arm, drawing bright streaks of blood.
Nope. No resting for me.
The carriage finally stops at the edge of a forest, but it’s nothing like the Royal Forest surrounding the Seelie Castle. The trees are gnarled and bare of leaves. Their trunks have a sickly gray pallor, and the ground is littered with rocks and black mud. I’m so taken aback by the bleak and unnatural appearance, I stumble and almost fall from the footstep. A pair of firm hands manage to grab my arm and keep me from landing face first in the rancid mud.
“Careful.” King Sebastian guides me to the side, tucked between two carriages. I don’t know why I let him. Perhaps it’s because I’m confused. What is the Unseelie King doing right by my carriage? A quick glance confirms his horse is several feet away, eating oats from a feeding sack wrapped around his neck. The prince and queen are also there, speaking with one another. Based on their rigid postures, I’d guess their discussion is a heated one.
The king draws me back another step, removing the royals from sight, then drops his hold.
I spin around and lift a questioning brow. “Your Majesty?” I haven’t spoken to the male since the queen’s grand reveal at the banquet. I can’t imagine what he’s doing wasting his time by talking to me now.
I try my best to not reveal how affected I am by his proximity. He really is enthralling. Everything about him oozes intrigue. I want to dive in an learn everything about him, but I know my feelings aren’t real. My attraction to the Unseelie king is obviously a side effect of some magical spell—some powerful characteristic of the royal Fae. I need to be strong. I can’t fall for Fae tricks.
The king scans our surroundings, confirming we are alone. He lifts a hand and waves it in the air. A shimmering barrier of violet light forms around us, fading into an almost transparent hue.
I reach out and lightly brush my fingers against the shimmering surface. A tingle races up my arm. It’s not painful, but I pull back anyway, unnerved by the enticing sensation caused by the barrier. “What is this?”
“A means to ensure we are not overheard.”
My eyes fly up to his. “Why don’t you want us to be heard?”
Stunning irises mesmerize me as he says, “Because I am about to offer you a way out of this competition.
19
I stare at the handsome king in disbelief. No way did I hear him correctly. My brain is playing tricks on me, making me believe I might have a way out of this mess.
I shake my head, forcing the hopeful thoughts away, and clear my throat. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
King Sebastian’s stare is unrelenting. “I am offering you a way out of this competition.”
Okay... so I didn’t mishear him.
I gape at the king in silence. I hear the chatter of the other contestants as they gather outside the carriages, waiting for our next instruction. It’s nothing short of a miracle no one has noticed my absence yet. I wonder if the king has something to do with that.
Gathering my senses, I finally manage to ask, “Why…” I lick my lips, cursing myself for the breathless hope I hear in my own voice. I try again, “Why would you help me? What’s in it for you?”
His eyes flare with an unnamable emotion. “Your safety.”
I stumble into the magical barrier behind me, taken aback by the passion in the two words. The gentle, yet firm, power bounces me forward. I try to lean back on my heels, but it’s the king’s hands which, once again, keep me from falling on my face. I quickly jerk away from his touch, ignoring their pleasurable warmth, and stare at him incredulously.
King Sebastian’s expression is sincere, adorned with a worried frown. He chews on his bottom lip, and a flash of a memory crosses my mind.
I see a guitar and a crowded room facing a stage. It’s not in the Fae Realm. Humans surround me, bumping into me with their sweaty bodies. A girl with a pink bob bounces up and down in front of me, enjoying the rock band’s music. My eyes are drawn toward the stage, and I see a young man with stark black hair hanging over his eyes. He wears a grungy t-shirt and black jeans. And he’s looking at me… and biting his lip.
I gasp, and my hands fly out to grab onto the king’s arms.
“Sera?” His concern is genuine. “What is it?” He scans me from head to toe, looking for a clue as to what ails me.
That voice.
My skull tingles with pseudo-recognition. I swear, I’ve heard his voice before. And I don’t mean at the Seelie banquet.
Despite knowing we’re surrounded by a magical sound barrier, I pitch my voice low. There’s no harm in taking extra precautions. “King Sebastian. Do I… know you?”
His head tilts to the left. A strand of hair falls over his eye, and I swear I’m not crazy. The likeness between the king and the man in my memory is too great to be a coincidence. “Of course, you know me.”
I inhale sharply, believing I may have a connection to my previous life and the memories taken from me.
“We met during Queen Aria’s banquet. Don’t you remember?”
My hope deflates like a punctured balloon. I look at the ground, my thoughts racing.
Am I going crazy? Is my imagination playing tricks on me?
“Sera?” The king inches closer. He tucks a finger under my chin and forces my head up.
The comforting calm in his eyes has me blurting, “Are you absolutely sure we’ve never met before?”
A sad gleam enters his violet eyes. It disappears as quickly as it appeared. “No, Sera. You have never been introduced to the Unseelie king before.”
My shoulders roll forward, and my eyes dip down to look at his throat. I see him swallow and mimic the action myself.
“I see.”
The king drops his hand. “Listen, Sera, I know you’ve been briefly informed of what awaits you in the contest. I do not make my offer to help you lightly. If you wish, I can get out of this contest.”
I frown. “But how? And, again, why?”
“The how doesn’t matter unless you say yes,” he tells me. “And as for the why, consider it my good deed for this decade. I’ve heard the terrible fates of the queen’s chosen contestants. I know of a way to get you out of it, but you must say you agree to my terms.” My instinct gnaws at me, telling me he isn’t being totally honest. Helping me isn’t just a good deed for him, but I can’t think of what else it could be.
Shadows and Sorcery: A Collection of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Novels Page 149