Some of the tension in my shoulders eased. Even though I didn’t know her, there was something about Lady Ockson that reminded me of Birnee from back home, even though my village friend had wings so delicate it was a miracle they could carry her. Meegana’s wings looked strong and sturdy despite her small form.
I shrugged. “Maybe, but I’m nothing like the rest of you, Lady Ockson.” I waved sheepishly toward the training room, where shouts of fun and peals of laughter were still coming from the others.
She took a step closer to me, and a waft of either her perfume or her natural scent hit me. She smelled citrusy. It was a scent that reminded me of my mother.
Smiling, she said, “Please, call me Meegana. I always feel like I should be looking for my mother whenever I hear Lady Ockson.”
“Okay, Meegana.” I smiled tentatively in return. “In that case, please call me Ilara or Lara, whatever you prefer.”
“Lara it is.” Meegana’s lips curved more. “Is it true the prince found you while you were working in a Mervalee field last month?”
“It’s true.”
“And I was told that your affinities only just manifested in the past few weeks, and that with your—” She blushed when she glanced toward my black hair and wingless back. “I’m so sorry. I’m being nosey and curious, but I mean no disrespect. Truly.”
The stiffness that had been creeping between my shoulder blades abated, since her apology sounded sincere, but I still wished that Cailis was waiting with Sandus. Since my sister’s affinity was truth, she’d be able to tell me in a heartbeat if Meegana was being genuine.
“It’s all right,” I finally settled with. “My entire life, everyone’s been curious about me.” I waved toward my hair and bare back. “But I suppose I’d rather have my affinities manifest late than continue having none at all.”
Meegana laid a hand on my arm. “You would have been worthy either way.” She squeezed my arm lightly before giving me another small smile and returning to the training room.
I watched her until she rounded the corner, my brow furrowing, because for the briefest moment, I’d felt that she’d actually meant that statement. That Lady Ockson truly felt all fae, even defectives, were worthy of love.
Sandus and I strolled outside as we walked back to my chambers. Three moons shone in the sky, and the evening air swirled around us. I’d asked him if we could take the long way back to my chambers since I needed a moment to clear my head.
I’d seen and done so much today, but apart from my brief trip to the Harrivee field that morning, I’d been inside all day. Since I typically worked in the fields, staying inside wasn’t something I was used to and definitely wasn’t what I preferred.
“You did well this afternoon,” Sandus said, nudging me.
I inhaled the crisp air and shrugged. “I’m not sure if I agree with you. The other females and the males are all so powerful. I can tell that all of them have more than one affinity.”
“That’s why they’re in the Trial and are being considered as husbands for you all.”
I stopped and faced him. “Wait . . . those males with Nuwin are who the king’s considering we be married off to?”
“They are.”
“How do you know that?”
He gave me a cocky smile, the corner of his mouth lifting, making his beard appear fuzzy. “Royal fae often forget when guards are near. They tend to loosen their tongues and speak freely.”
“What did you hear?”
He cocked his head. “During a break this afternoon, the prince had words with his father. He’s not happy that you’re to also date other males in the Trial.”
My heart rate ticked up. “And? Was he able to put a stop to it? Will I no longer have to marry another if I lose?”
“He was not. You’re to be courted by all of the males in the Trial, and you’re still to marry who the king chooses for you at the end.”
My breaths came faster. “So it’s decided then? There’s no way out of this?”
Sandus’s eyes softened. “I’m sorry, Ilara. The Olirum Accords stand unless the king changes his mind.”
My breath stuttered out of me, puttering and dying until it felt as if all of the air had been ripped from my lungs. Even the crown prince hadn’t been able to stop the will of the king. So it was official. There was no deviation from my fate. I’d have to escape with Cailis unless I wanted to fall prey to an arranged marriage.
Sandus patted my shoulder good-naturedly, oblivious to the cataclysmic response that was taking place inside me. “Look on the bright side, love. You could be Nori’s wife one day.”
“That’s the bright side?”
“Indeed.”
“How is that the bright side? And why do you look so happy at that possibility?”
“Have you learned weapons yet?” Sandus raised an eyebrow, bypassing my question entirely.
I huffed. “Weapons? No. I was warned not to touch the weapons. The prince told me that all of the weapons in that room contain their own magic, and I’m not to hold them without proper instruction. Instead, I learned how to find my magic today. That’s it.”
“Well, have no fear. The prince has instructed me to begin your physical training, and with time, I shall also teach you weapons.”
My jaw dropped. “What?”
“I’m to train you in combat. Prince’s orders.”
My eyebrows rose, and for the first time a flutter of something positive, something tangible, flowed through me. To be able to defend myself without magic meant that I would never be vulnerable again to someone such as Vorl. In all likelihood, it could be the only blessing that came out of the next three months of pain and misery.
“You’ll truly help me learn to fight even if I can’t master my affinities?”
Sandus grinned. “Of course. The prince felt it was only fitting since I’m to be your personal guard for the foreseeable future. And even though Matron Olsander may be the best tutor in the entire continent, when it comes to fighting and weapons, myself, and the prince’s guards are the true masters.”
Cailis and I were sitting on my bed an hour later, several trays of food between the two of us as I told her everything that had happened at training while stuffing my mouth. I was inhaling the food. Roasted duck, citrus-marinated hen, buttered squash with nuts and cranberries, herbed potatoes, sautéed vegetables of every variety, bite-sized cheese and fruit kabobs, and flaky pastries that melted in one’s mouth were only a few of the items. I was starving. And exhausted. But mostly starving after the rigorous mental and physical day I’d had. Matron Olsander hadn’t been kidding. Food was needed to replenish one’s magic quickly—a lot of food.
When I finally finished, ending the meal with a thick slab of chocolate cake covered with berry ganache and whipped cream, I lay back and placed a hand over my belly.
Cailis sighed and did the same, flopping down on the mattress beside me. “You’re right. They really do have far too much sustenance in this castle. I can see why you’ve gained weight.”
I smiled guiltily. “It’s extravagance to the extreme, isn’t it?” Nobody from our village ever got to eat like this.