Trumpets trilled and the crowd bowed.
Jade whispered to Nova, keeping her eyes on the crowd. “I hope this goes better than the last time I addressed the kingdom.” Jade’s breaths were quick. It was the first time Nova realized Jade was nervous. “The last time everyone was running. They were all trying to get away from me. And I—”
Jade trailed off, but she didn’t need to finish her sentence. She’d told Nova about when she’d panicked. How she’d lost control of her magic, overturned boats, ripped trees from the ground, killed innocent people.
“But this time they see you differently,” Nova offered, wanting to calm Jade before anxiety took over and sparked her magic. Right now, uncontrollable magic was the last thing they needed. “Yesterday you released all the prisoners. You set them free. You sent them back to their loved ones. You showed Sterling what kind of queen you are, that you are much different than the last.”
Jade glanced at Nova, her eyes unsure. Before Nova could think of something else to ease Jade’s nerves, Orion and Vaughn approached, snatching their attention. The two men were dressed in similar, stiff uniforms— dark burgundy with gold piping. Orion, the girls’ father, stopped in front of Nova and Jade. Vaughn, their uncle, gave out orders to surrounding guards.
Orion’s face was crimped with worry. “Do not turn your back on any of these men.” He spoke to both Nova and Jade. “They are coming here for a queen. They don’t know a thing about either of you. You must constantly question their intensions.”
When Nova and Jade had told Orion about the suitor trials, he was not on board. He didn’t see how a weeklong suitor trial could determine a capable, lifelong partner for Jade. And he didn’t like the idea of either of his daughters spending time with men he knew nothing about.
“We already talked about this,” Nova replied, giving her dad a sharp look. He was being protective, but his warnings were not helping Jade to relax.
“I want to do this,” Jade said. She hadn’t wavered on her decision.
Orion gave a somber nod. “Then I will watch these men like a hawk.” He retreated to Nova’s side.
“Jade wants to do this,” Nova reiterated under her breath.
Orion placed a hand on her arm. His opposite arm was wrapped in a sling. He was still healing from the fight that ensued in Gelida, where one of Mortuus’ ghost soldiers had lanced him through his back and shoulder.
“Then we shall support her.” Orion’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. Nova knew guilt was what allowed him to concede. Guilt over the secrets he’d kept. Guilt over keeping one daughter and abandoning the other, even though Katrina hadn’t allowed him a choice in the matter. He let go of her arm. Nova wanted to reassure him that everything would be fine. She’d play along with the trials, help Jade navigate them, and ultimately strengthen Sterling’s position within Fractus. Nova chewed her bottom lip, hoping it was as simple as that.
“You both look ravishing,” Vaughn trilled to Nova and Jade, breaking Nova from her thoughts. Vaughn’s tone was opposite Orion’s. In fact, Vaughn seemed exhilarated by today’s events. “All suitors have arrived. Are you ready for introductions to begin?”
Both Nova and Jade nodded. Vaughn shot out a command and guards marched out from the castle. They descended the stairs, marched across the bridge and navigated the streets of Sterling, dispersing the crowd and making space for the suitors to enter.
“The suitors arrived overnight. They have been on our boat since their arrival,” Vaughn explained, looking beyond the cobblestone streets of Sterling to a large sailboat that swayed in the river. “They each came alone. No guards, army, or attendants allowed. Only the men. I worked with Solis to research each of the men and their kingdoms, making sure they have the potential to make an appropriate king and alliance.”
Vaughn’s slick black hair glistened in the sun. Nova hoped he knew what he was doing. “Each suitor will present themselves today. They are to show you a sample of their power. Hopefully something impressive. Then tonight you will have dinner with them all. Afterward, you will decide which men to keep for the next portion of the trial. You can keep fifteen.”
“After just meeting them?” Jade asked, and Nova understood her concern. The men were emerging from the ship, walking across the dock and parading through the streets of Sterling. There were thirty in total. Their numbers would be cut in half tonight.
“It’s best to go on instinct,” Vaughn replied. “We don’t want to draw out the trials. A week is plenty long to have strangers in our castle— no matter how royal they are. Besides, you will know quickly who you are drawn to.”
Solis piped up from behind. “Remember, you’re looking for your true love. You must follow your heart.”
“Yes, yes. True love and such,” Vaughn noted, seeming perturbed by the concept. “But it’s just as important to choose men who have the ability to lead and defend our kingdom.”
The suitors stopped on the bridge and made a line, waiting to approach the castle. “My queens, I am honored to present your suitors.” Vaughn waved a hand through the air and shouted at the kingdom, “Let the Suitor Trials begin!”
A roar of applause came from the people. Nova jerked at the sudden enthusiasm. Vaughn and Orion retreated to two thrones which were off to the side. Nova followed Jade to the edge of the grand staircase, where they stood on display for the entire world to see.
Everyone was staring, and Nova felt their expectant gazes. The suitors had traveled far and wide, leaving the safety of their own kingdoms for the promise of a wife and queen. The people of Sterling were relying on Nova and Jade, hoping for a strengthened monarchy that would protect their future. Nova had no idea if these trials would provide that, but it was too late to have doubts. The trials were starting and Nova was here to support Jade, to be her accomplice.
“Let’s get this started,” Nova said, hoping she was radiating confidence instead of doubt.
“Let it begin,” Jade agreed quietly.
The row of guards retreated from the front of the bridge, allowing the first suitor to appear. The familiar face made Nova’s pulse snap. Chael was at the front of the line, staring at her all sullen and broody. Nova tried to keep any hint of heat from reaching her face. She was to pretend she was meeting Chael for the first time, so that he would have the same chance everyone else did to win her heart.
Chael took a step forward. His body blurred as he used his magical speed to race toward the castle. In a matter of seconds, he’d left the bridge, sped up the stairs, and took a knee directly before Nova and Jade.
The kingdom gasped, and then applauded loudly at Chael’s show of magic.
Chael reached for Nova’s hand. “King Chael Allard,” he introduced himself, assessing Nova with his storm-cloud eyes. “I’m honored to partake in your trial.” He kissed the back of her hand, allowing his lips to linger a little longer than he should have.
“We are honored to have you,” Nova replied, trying hard to keep a straight face even as she gave his hand a tender squeeze.
Chael reluctantly released her hand and, still kneeling, reached for Jade’s. “I look forward to competing for your favor.” He kissed Jade’s hand as well.