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Suppressing my anxiety, I allowed my anger to propel me, fueling my determination as I stood and strode out the door. This time, I opted for black slippers, disregarding the maids' protests that heels were preferred. With Aoife trailing behind, I made my way to Jesri's door.

Act the part.

Maintain control.

Just a little while longer.

As I pushed open the door, Levon's anxious worry was palpable in his bright eyes, perhaps realizing the insanity of his idea. I forced my expression to remain neutral and held my head high while Jesri was brimming with pride. His only remark was a slick smile as he led our entourage to the steps of the king's balcony.

Arriving last, I found all the contestants looking equally stunning. Some wore bright feathers and extravagant hats, while others were adorned with gems from head to toe. Each outfit was uniquely different, ranging from fluffy ball gowns to tweed suits.

The boy from Kleads donned a dark green suit embellished with silver buttons and trimmings. His almond eyes, lined with dark charcoal, added a hint of intimidation to his otherwise gentle smile that welcomed me. The king's gaze lingered on me and the black necklace I wore, his lips lifting in a smirk.

Clad in pure gold, he shone like the sun itself, accompanied by his dazzling queen. With a raised hand, he silenced the growing murmurs among us.

"One by one, I'll introduce you to my court, so stand tall. Please wait for my dismissal before leaving," he commanded. His gaze lingered on me. "And don't forget to smile." A smile crept over his cleanly bearded face, tied with a simple blue ribbon.

I met his stare, feeling a tremor run through me, but I brushed it off as Levon's hand skimmed against mine. Stepping away from his touch, I refused to let myself feel anything until it was all over.

"Lady Beth, you are first," announced a guard beside the king, who swung open the balcony doors to a resounding wave of cheers echoing in the distance. My stomach churned, heavy with dread, threatening to bring bile up my throat.

Levon leaned in, "You're radiant in crimson." His breath tickled my neck, but I leaned away again, holding my breath.

Lady Beth wore a velvety emerald green that complemented her golden skin and blonde hair, holding herself with regal poise. The anticipation hung heavy in the air, each of us preparing ourselves for what was to come—whether relishing in the spotlight or dreading it.

The king nodded to us before he and his wife stepped onto the balcony. A kaleidoscope of colors danced on the ground below, casting shadows of their figures on the wide doors behind them. The cheers grew louder and more fervent as the king emerged.

He raised his hands, bowing in several directions before gesturing for the crowd to quiet.

"Welcome to my annual tournament!" His applause was met with thunderous cheers from the crowd. "This year marks a special occasion—a Match. We have gathered skilled contestants representing each region from across our glorious kingdom."

Shouts drowned out his last words as the anticipation grew deeper within me, grateful I hadn't eaten since after I willed myself out of bed.

The king signed for silence again, "I extend my deepest gratitude to all of these brave contestants for enlisting in this courageous quest with sheer determination."

Enlisting?

His words faded into the background as wrath pulsed in my ears, stealing my breath.

They…enlisted for this?

Lady Beth stepped forward with her sponsor, twirling in front of the crowd—twirling.They all wanted to be here. They allaskedto participate.

I tried to breathe again but lost my footing, and Levon quickly caught me as I leaned into him, hoping to dispel the aloofness. He held sturdy, helping me stand.

I looked up at each contestant, their faces bright with excitement and a vicious pride to be introduced to the King's CourtbyKing Thealor himself. My breath stuttered out in a fiery wave.

The second contestant, dressed in a dark indigo suit adorned with silver, stepped forward. His fiery red hair seemed to mirror the blazing fury within me, urging me to scream and flee.

I gritted my teeth, clenching my hands into fists as the fear that had once consumed me now ignited into a fiery rage. It was the same fear I had succumbed to since I first understood the meaning of being an orphan, realizing that my parents were never coming back to rescue me from Jesri's clutches.

And no one was here to save me now.

As the third and fourth contestants took their turn, followed by the fifth, each raising their hands in joyous pride, I felt a surge of disgust welling up inside me.

Jesri grabbed my arm, yanking me back to face him. "Whatever you're thinking about doing, stop it," he hissed, barely audible above the roaring crowd.

I tore my arm away, my heart pounding with anger, the air crackling with tension around me.