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When she spoke up she was the cold hunter again, knowing that she was the only one who would strike her prey right in the heart.

“Get Lulva here and I will win this tournament.”

Chapter 18

Noora

They assigned Noora a chamber on the second floor, the two windows encased in the left wall of the room offering a view of the snowy landscape. She was glad she could not see the village from this point, she felt like she would not be able to escape it then, even from a distance it still had control over her and her life.

She did not bother to cosy up in the chamber they assigned her either, it consisted of a queen-sized bed, a polished desk that offered a pot of ink and parchment, and a wardrobe so big she wondered if a whole human or maybe multiple would fit inside it.

Looking at the well-preserved furniture made her sick, the price of this room alone would be more than she had ever had in her life. And ever would possess in her life.

The way that some people had to suffer, especially now due to the loss of fruitful ground and harvest, while the king and his family were bathing in riches, was ridiculous.

But from what she came to know of Nikolai in the short time she had met him, including the time he pretended to be someone he wasn’t, she did understand why the village was remaining under these circumstances.

Noora scoffed.

Nikolai called himself a kind king, how kind could he be, without being generous to the people who admired and worshiped his whole being? He was a stupid young boy, arrogant and pretentious in his actions.

Noora was not blind, she could see the case his narcissistic soul inhabited. The prince had a tall figure, more defined than strong,his hair a golden mess atop his head and those eyes. He inherited the eyes of Queen Euphemia without a doubt.

Though as beautiful as a ripe apple can be, once you cut it open and dissect its inner flesh, you can see that it was spoiled, rot spreading inside like a curse.

Maybe it was good to take part in the tournament, someone like Nikolai would always have something in his life. People like Noora were the ones who had to work for everything and she would work for it.

She would feel satisfied in taking from someone like him, though she was being cautious.

Why did he want her to participate in the tournament? What were his motives?

She could not tell, as she did not know him enough to see behind the mask he was so carefully wearing. It was strange, when telling her his name was Kai it felt like the king was more himself than he was when meeting her in the throne room.

Noora’s spinning thoughts were quickly interrupted by a curious knock against her chamber door.

A second later it opened and in stepped the royal guard that dragged her towards the throne room, merely a few hours ago.

Noora remained quiet, waiting for him to speak up, which he did rather quickly. “I am here to take you to the royal training rooms. The other contestants are on their way as well, afterwards, you will have dinner as a group to get to know each other.”

“Why would I want to get to know any of these bastards?” she countered.

“Because it is better to know your enemy than to fear it.”

She perked up at that. “What is your name?”

“My name is of no relevance. There are a few dresses provided in the wardrobe, you will change and then follow me out.”

Annoyed by his brutish commands she stepped over to him, straightening her shoulders, even though she did not reach his level in any case. Did the royal family require to only be surrounded by giants?

“I am ready to go as I am.”

The guard gave her a once over, probably taking in her battered clothes but she did not dare think of changing.

Parading around the castle in a dress was the worst message she could give the other contestants and she would participate as she was. An Orphan. And she would show them that that was exactly what made her special. There was nothing sweeter than beating an enemy with her bare hands, there was no need for the shiny mask the royal family had maintained so carefully. If Noora was going to win this tournament, she would do it by being herself.

The guard turned without another remark and she followed him out into the hall. They walked in silence, Noora assessing the armour that surrounded his tall body, the sword dangling at the right side of his hip. Left-handed.

She cataloged the information in her brain,following him down the stairs leading three floors down into the dungeons. The air turned colder there, a thin layer of goosebumps covering her arms as she took in the slightly crisp air.