As the glasses lower, the crowd moves in closer, discussing the trials from each of their houses and how eager they are to have me complete them. Each Royal house takes every opportunity they can to include their sons in conversation, sharing their skills, their political training, and their views. Soon, the names and information blur together. Just when I’m ready to excuse myself, my father announces dinner.
Taking my seat, I’m relieved to have Matheas next to me. Touching his leg, he slides his hand under mine and caresses it with his thumb. Withdrawing my hand, I smile at him. Leaning over, I whisper.
“All I want is to be alone with you.”
“Soon.”
Riorrick, son of Royal House Tuller, with a round face and medium-length red hair, looks across the table at us.
“Fiora, would you like to go riding with me sometime? I hear you’re a skilled rider and enjoy riding often.”
“I do. I enjoy simple pleasures, riding being one of them.”
“We’ll make plans then. Dinner and riding.”
“Of course.”
Matheas raises his wine glass and takes several gulps, finishing it off. I’m realizing now how difficult being by my side must have been for him—always wanting, but never expressing it. And now the monarch trials and suitor phase are only going to make things more difficult. I hate seeing him in any discomfort. Tonight, I hope to show him how much it’s him I want.
The dinner continues with more efforts by the suitors and their families to lock in dates with me. Each wants to ensure their time with me, in hopes I’ll fall for one of them or even like them enough to choose them to reign alongside me. If only I could announce to them all that their efforts are futile, I’ll never choose any of them. Unfortunately, it’s customary for me to give them all their time. It’s expected of me, and I’d be shamed for not choosing a suitor. I’ll hold off on my decision until I’m crowned. After that, no one can challenge my choice.
Dinner comes to an end, and everyone is relaxed, full of wine, and satisfied with food and good company. I excuse myself, letting everyone know I need to rest for tomorrow’s trials. Before I can slip away, Malark—son of House Levore, dark-haired with a strong jaw and handsome features—takes my hand, stopping me.
“Princess, will you take a walk with me?”
Inside, I’m screaming no, but on the outside, I smile pleasantly. “Of course.”
Keeping my hand in his, he guides me out of the tent. Glancing behind me, I expect Matheas to join us. He sees us leaving and moves to follow. My father places a hand on his chest, stopping him.
“She’ll be all right with him.”
Matheas’s jaw clenches as he watches, an expression of frustration revealed on his face as Malark takes me away.
Casually, we walk hand in hand. For being as tall as he is, Malark’s stride is easy, relaxed. He doesn’t seem nervous, and I’m glad. It’ll make the time with the suitors more enjoyable if they’re relaxed.
“I’ve been told you’re a talented painter.”
“You can at least tell what I intended to paint.”
“And you’re humble.”
“Sometimes.”
Mouth tilted in a half-smile, he looks over at me, staring at me as we come to a stop in front of a vendor booth.
“And very beautiful.”
“I’m beautiful because I’m the unattainable. There are many beautiful Anaukin women.”
“None that have the beauty, strength, skills, and charm you possess.”
“Don’t spend all your time flattering me.”
“I won’t. I also want to buy you a gift.”
Motioning toward the vendor booth behind me, I see it’s a jewelry shop from in town. The dark-haired woman who owns the shop smiles pleasantly at me.
“As a gift from myself and my Royal family, I offer you anything you see before you.”
Looking over the jewelry, I do my best to find something moderate. Too inexpensive and I’ll insult Malark and his family. Too expensive and I’ll appear vain. Lifting a bracelet of pretty blue beads from the table, I admire the swirls in the beads.
“This piece is lovely. Crafted very nicely as well.”
The shop owner’s eyes crease as she smiles. “The beads are urealean stone. They’re a symbol of courage.”
“It’s a nice fit for you, Princess,” Malark says behind me.
“It is, isn’t it?”
Placing it on my wrist, I touch the beads, running my fingers over the smooth stones as Malark touches his soul band and brings up a digital screen. After selecting the options he wants, he touches his band to the shop owner’s soul band, and the payment is made.
“Thank you, Malark. It’s a beautiful gift.”
Taking my hand, he rubs his thumb over my skin.
“If you choose me to reign with you, I’d ensure you’re always happy and taken care of. I mean it, Fiora, I’d want us to have a loving relationship.”
“I’d want the same from the man I choose to be King. I’m not looking for a man whose desire is to sit on the throne. I want a man whose desire is to love me and be by my side.”
“Spend more time with me and I’ll prove to you that’s the kind of man I am. We can truly get to know one another and see if we’d be a match.”
“We’ll spend more time together, I promise you.”
“That’s all I ask. Well, I admit, there’s one more request.”
“What is it?”
“Come with me and I’ll share it.”
With my hand in his, he leads me through vendor alley, taking me in the direction of the palace.
“Tomorrow, when you complete the horse race for my house, you’ll be against our best riders. The black horse, he’ll push your horse hard and try to break him. On the turn, the riders will close in on you and try to intimidate you, don’t let them.”
Malark’s kindness has taken me by surprise.
“Thank you for the advice.”
“I want to see you succeed. Today, you were impressive. My eyes were glued to you the entire time. I imagine tomorrow will be the same.”
Reaching the palace, he guides me around the outside balcony until we reach the backside, facing the gardens behind it. Every so many feet, a lantern sits atop the metal wall, adding to the romantic ambiance the moon and garden already set. The breeze of the night brushes over my skin and I shiver. Malark notices and comes closer. Placing his hand at my cheek, he brushes a few strands of stray hair the breeze has caught away from my face.
“My request is for a kiss. Every suitor is allowed one request for a kiss. I might be a fool, but I’m making my request early. I want you to remember me through your time spent with the other suitors.”
Taking a breath, I have no choice but to agree.
“A kiss it is.”
Looking down at me, he places his hand at my neck, tilts his head, and leans in. When his lips touch mine, I notice how soft and full they are. The kiss is sweet, enjoyable until he darts his tongue into my mouth rapidly and repeatedly as if sucking on candy. Alarmed at the strange sensation, I pull back, and he moves with me, keeping our kiss going, tongue slipping in and out between my lips so quickly and awkwardly, I silently beg for it to be over. When he pulls back, he caresses my face, a giant grin swelling his cheeks.