Page 16 of Iris of the Crowned Flame

The meeting with the event planners proved as fruitful as I had hoped. We decided on a multi-event competition. The first event intended to prove strength and training in fighting. This one was mostly for sport, as a king would rarely find themselves in hand-to-hand combat, but it would be useful in a tie breaking situation. The second challenge would be a primarily mental one, where Father and I intended to devise a scenario to resolve through diplomacy, so that we could see how they would approach issues that would commonly come up. I decided that the last competition would be a three-way team challenge, with each prince leading the team through an obstacle course. The planners intended to work with our military training unit to design an obstacle course, and the military leadership would choose teams from one of the military companies currently training nearby. After getting to know their team and working out their strengths, the princes would then work with that team to retrieve an object on the obstacle course. The team that first completed the obstacle course and returned with the correct object won the competition. The first and final events will have the public invited along to watch, but the diplomatic event is more for evaluation among the Council and me, so we decided to not do it publicly.

Satisfied with this plan, we drafted up what we would need, a rough timeline, and I sent requests to the Council and to father. We scheduled the first event for seven weeks’ time, to coincide with the Autumnal Equinox. This gave the princes time to coordinate retrieving any equipment they may prefer from back home and allowed me time to get to know them personally. At any point, I reserved the right to call an end to the Tournament and declare a winner. Truthfully, knowing how that last competition would boost our economy, since my people were in love with a competition to win the heart of a fair maiden, I didn’t foresee myself calling it unless something drastic occurs.

With the event planning underway, I returned to my wing to attend dinner with the others. This dinner had me intrigued, so I rushed through changing my outfit for the evening, choosing a light pink dress that highlights the red that Mother always said glows within my eyes when my emotions flare up. She had always loved me in this dress when she was trying to introduce me to a suitor, so it felt fitting to choose it.

When I arrived, I was last to join, despite being early for the scheduled time for dinner. It appeared I wasn’t the only one eager for this evening. Since this wasn’t a formal event, there was no announcement of my arrival, for which I’m grateful. Spencer noticed me first and stood so he can provide a proper bow.

“Princess Lyla, we have all been awaiting you. I am glad you are also early!”

The others hastily stood. This room had a round table with seven places set. Only one was unoccupied, left for me. Amyra had taken my right-hand seat, with Ivy next to her, and Ethan occupied my left-hand seat. Spencer chose a seat next to Ethan, with Egan next to him, and Frederick between Egan and Ivy. As I recalled the comments Ivy made about Frederick’s physique, I mused on how this pairing was an interesting choice.

As I sat down, the waiter brought the wine to the table. I started sipping on my glass when a wave of insecurity rushedover me. As I sat down, I glanced around the table, noticing everyone thankfully continued their conversation. I realized they were talking about one play Egan had brought up the night before. I sat back, grateful to not be the center of attention, observing the interaction, hoping to find my confidence. Egan seemed quite confident in this setting. Perhaps his nerves last night were because of the high stakes of the evening. I couldn’t fault him there.

Frederick was also not taking part in the conversation, so I glanced over to him to see if I could figure out why. I caught him studying me. I wondered where his thoughts were taking him. The conversation lulled, giving me an opportunity to direct it at him.

“Frederick, you have been quiet here. I know Egan and I could go on for days and days about theater, but what about you? What hobbies do you have?”

He smiled, gently swirled his wine glass, watching the red liquid dance.

“I’m afraid my interests of late tend to bore mixed company. I have been learning the art of preparing hide after a hunt. Recently, I made leather from a buck.”

He watched me intently, gauging how I took this shift in discussion. It was an interesting choice. I was certain he had other hobbies he could have talked about, so I was curious to see where he was taking this one.

“That’s utterly fascinating. Most in a position like ours would leave such a craft to the men who sell these things at the market. What sparked your interest?”

The look that flashed through his eyes seemed to hold surprise. He must have thought I wouldn’t have taken the bait. He managed his expression as he sipped from his wine before replying. “The elders in Crystalford have been speaking at length about a shift in climate that will change how we trade. I started learning to understand what my people will need. I have since found the art in the craft to be beneficial to my mind. It allows me the ability to mull over important decisions in a way I hadn’t experienced before.Some of my best diplomacy has been after I have tanned a hide.”

“That is truly lovely to hear. If you would like to have these supplies here during this time, please just ask and we will work with our tradespeople to bring the supplies you need and find a work area. I want to ensure you — all of you — are comfortable here.”

Spencer jumped in. “Princess Lyla, we do truly appreciate your hospitality. I must ask, do we have the luxury of learning more about what’s coming up next?”

I nodded, “Yes, of course! I could confirm three events today, designed to test your strength and fighting skills directly, your ability to lead a team, and your diplomacy and problem-solving skills. We will start on the Autumnal Equinox to allow you time to get any equipment you’d like shipped here. The first event will be the strength test. After that test is complete, we will start preparation for the other two tests. The diplomacy test, a more intimate affair, will be second. The third test, a war game, will involve you leading a team, practicing to learn their strengths and weaknesses, so that you can compete to capture and deliver an object to me at the throne.”

The men each nodded once, then shifted their gazes to each other, sizing one another up. I looked at Ivy, and see her biting her lip, and knew she was looking forward to the show. I shifted my gaze to Amyra and meet her longing gaze. Her cheeks flushed, though she didn’t break eye contact. She never does when I catch her in these moments. I looked away towards Ethan, who seemed to watch the men too, sizing up their reactions.

Frederick spoke first. “Three events, and three suitors. What happens if it’s a three-way tie at the end?”

“If that somehow comes to be, I will speak with my council to review each of the events, and I will select someone.”

Egan spoke up this time. “Will you share your reasoning for selecting who wins each event?”

I nodded. “Yes, I intend to be as transparent as possible. I hope that if you don’t win, you will still be willing to workclosely with me over the years and help bring our kingdoms together, so I intend to treat you as fairly as I can. I selected each of you because I have a personal connection with you I believe could develop into a strong relationship; however, this tournament will help me confirm you are also a good choice to lead Elthas alongside me.”

Egan flinched, almost imperceptibly. For a moment, his eyes narrowed, and lips curled in a smear of disgust, before his face relaxed.

Spencer cleared his throat, interrupting my confusion about Egan’s reaction. “Suppose one of us sweeps you off your feet before the last event?”

I could feel heat creep up my neck; he’s getting bold. I made a note to address him about that privately. “You won’t. Because I am not deciding for just who will share my bed, but also who will help me rule my kingdom. I need to evaluate you on more than your charisma, to ensure that I don’t bring ruin to my people out of my lust.”

Ivy clapped, her eyes alight with approval. She was always good at building me up when she thought I gave an especially firm statement. I was glad that one hit for her, even if her clapping caught me off guard. Looking at Amyra, I saw it worked for her too. I checked briefly with Spencer and noticed his emerald eyes twinkling and his dimple betraying his smile. While observing their reactions, I saw the doors open; waiters brought dinner to the table and others refreshed the wine glasses.

Ethan cleared his throat first, commenting on the food. I was glad Ethan was here; his insight would prove invaluable, especially if he could orchestrate some “just the boys” time to get them to talk about things that they wouldn’t dare bring up in front of women, or the one they hope to wed.

Our discussion during dinner focused on what we were eating, sliced roasted duck with a mixture of vegetables in a honey sweet glaze. Frederick talked a bit about how their greatest minds were working on finding ways to better insulate greenhouses to help with colder, longer winters. I must admit, Iwas curious about why his people believed the climate would shift. I tried to ask questions related to this, but he dodged them while giving me a look of concern, as if to ask me to not push more. I made a note to plan some chaperoned time with him so I could see if he’s more forthcoming when there weren’t so many around.

The evening continued mostly the same, with the princes sharing their interests and hobbies, and conversation danced along those topics. Frederick revealed he was a skilled hunter, preferring a bow, while Egan was quite the musician, able to play masterpieces on a piano and a guitar. Spencer’s hobbies were not new to me, but I enjoyed hearing about his mastery in crafting rum that tasted like some of the delectable fruits grown in his country. He also shared some of his stories in learning metalworking to craft his own jewelry and weaponry. I found it all interesting how their hobbies were so varied and mused on how it reflected in their personalities so well.

CHAPTER 13

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