Page 6 of The Dragon King's Bride
The sweet taste of his lips seems to last forever. Yet it’s over far too quickly at the same time. He pulls away with a quiet sigh, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
“Good night, little firefly.”
I collapse on the floor as soon as he leaves. My face is hot as I reach up to brush my hand against my damp lips. My god, that was an incredible first kiss.
I am insomuch trouble.
Chapter four
Ava
Contrary to my expectations, I sleep like a baby soon after Kaiser leaves. I thought my racing heart would keep me up, but it seems like the stress of the day was too overpowering.
None of the other girls got anywhere near my room last night. I assume Christine must have told them what happened, then. Good. I doubt they’ve given up, but at least for now I won’t have to worry about them attacking me whenever I’m alone.
A bright light hitting my face makes me aware that the sun has risen. But it’s a knock at my door that startles me awake. With bleary eyes, I take in the luxurious room surrounding me. Now that it’s light enough for me to properly see it, I realize how tastefully decorated it truly is. The bed and curtains are embroidered with silk flowers, the wooden furniture is perfectly stained and polished, the doorknob, bedposts, and chandelier are all molded out of gold. Every item in this room could be sold for a small fortune. My thrift-focused brain can’t help but consider it a waste.
Another knock at my door shakes me back to reality. “Come in,” I shout, not knowing what else to do.
A middle-aged woman with strict eyes and a professional posture enters when I call. It’s funny. I would have assumed I’d be assigned a younger, more inexperienced maid. I wonder if Kaiser had anything to do with this.
“Good morning,” she greets with a short bow. “My name is Mallory, I’m one of the head maids. I trust you had a good night’s sleep, miss. You’re going to need it. The second part of the tournament begins in an hour. I’ve come to help you get washed up and dressed.”
She doesn’t treat me any different because of my status, I notice. There is a remarkable difference in how I’m being treated now compared to last night. News that I received the amulet must’ve already reached the servants’ ears. At least there are some benefits to the gift that don’t include extra attention from Kaiser. After last night, I’m not sure how I feel about the man.
Despite my nerves regarding the first official round of the competition, I make sure to appreciate the little things as I’m helped to get ready. The luxurious scent of the soap I’m bathed in, the warmth of the water, how good it feels to be completely clean. It’s a little awkward to be aided, but part of me is also comforted by it. It reminds me of my childhood.
The gown Mallory dresses me in is not overly fancy. The fabric is obviously expensive, but the design is light and breathable. It is a dress that you’re meant to be able to move around in, perfect for the competition. Though I’m sure it’s improper, I make sure to thank Mallory as soon as she’s finished helping me put it on.
She gives another bow at my thanks and tells me to follow her. I do as she says, and I follow her downstairs. We pass by other maids and their charges on the way down to the entrance hall. Most of them are dressed similarly to myself, but I notice a few girls in more expensive gowns. The maids accompanying them look cross, and I assume their charges must have thrown a fitand insisted they get to wear their own clothes. Vanity will be their downfall, I am sure.
Mallory leads me outside, and I wince at the bright light. I can tell it’s going to be an especially sunny day. Suddenly, I am even more grateful for the lack of layers to my gown. If it is already this hot in the morning, the heat will likely become unbearable by midday.
We continue walking until we reach what I can only assume is the training grounds. There are targets and wooden practice swords scattered around the clearing. A small crowd of people sits in the nearby stands. I can tell they are all nobles based on their clothing. There are also a few knights scattered around the place.
Kaiser is present as well. He is sitting on an ornate throne at the center of the stands. His eyes flick over to me as I take my place in the arena. I make sure to keep my eyes trained to the ground. The last thing I need is to glow in front of all these people. Just because Kaiser doesn’t appear to know the glow is a mark of the Fae, doesn’t mean no one else will.
I continue to feel his eyes on me from time to time as I wait for the rest of the girls to arrive. To distract myself, I survey my surroundings, trying to guess what we’ll be doing today. There is a line drawn before us, and a scattering of targets resting on the other side of it. They are placed with an increasing distance between them, the farthest of which is several yards away. Clearly, we’re going to be aiming at these targets, but with what, I do not know.
My first assumption would be arrows, but the distance of the last target makes me think that isn’t the case. None of us should be able to shoot an arrow that far. Besides, it doesn’t make sense to test us on something like that. Not even the noble girls should have any combat experience. Magic is the only thing a proper woman should be fighting with. Or at least that’s what I’vealways been told. I think it would be interesting to learn how to wield a sword.
I’m still pondering the possibilities when a loud bell rings out. Kaiser stands, directing everyone’s attention towards him. He surveys the crowd, making sure he has their full attention before he speaks.
“Welcome, everyone, to the royal bride competition. I’m sure you’re all eager to learn what the first official contest will be, but before I tell you, let us all give a round of applause for our competitors.”
The crowd gives us a standing ovation at these words. Most of the girls surrounding me start beaming at the attention, but a nauseous feeling worms its way into my gut. I can’t help but remember the ruined carriage from the day earlier. How many women had already died for these people’s entertainment?
Kaiser gives the crowd a few moments to get their excitement out of their system. He cuts them off with a wave of his hand. “Ladies and gentlemen, before you lies a field of targets. The competitors will be competing to see who can breathe fire the furthest. As you all know, the amount of magical power we have fuels the fire in our belly. To produce a powerful heir, both parents should have the largest amount of magical energy possible.”
I see. I’d been wondering why magical power was a necessary quality in a queen. Of course, the answer would have something to do with our wombs. What else could I expect from a competition between women?
“As you can see, there are five targets in total. The women will compete to breathe fire at one target at a time, starting with the closest one. Anyone who fails to hit the target will be eliminated. This will continue until the final target. Every woman who wishes to pass onto the second round must hit all five of thetargets. Now, since we’re all clear on the rules, let the first round begin!”
The audience bursts into another round of applause. I have mixed feelings now that I know the rules. Part of me was still hoping to get eliminated as early as possible, but another part of me is happy that this first round will be a cinch. After the events of last night, I find I’m not all that unwilling to be Kaiser’s bride. If it weren’t for my secret, I’d be genuinely disappointed that his advisors will never allow me to be queen.
While my physical strength and ability to transform are greatly hindered by my half-Fae heritage, my magical strength is only strengthened by it. My fire magic, which uses components of both elements of my heritage, is particularly powerful. Hitting the final target will be a breeze.
I’d already decided yesterday not to try and throw this competition anymore. Clearly, attempting to do so is only going to blow up in my face. Besides, Kaiser is going to pay far more attention to me now that I’m the recipient of the Amulet of Tarragon. I’m certain that he, at least, will notice if I give anything less than one hundred percent of my effort.
