Page 4

Chapter

Three

I stood in the light of my room, clutching the letter that had been my obsession for weeks, my heart a chaotic mess of fear and determination.

Every night after I'd read to my father and seen him to bed, Flora would sit by his side, giving Kadian and me precious moments to study for Azmeer. Our stolen hours were filled with scraps of information, fragments of past Courting trials we could glean.

“It says here that typically one thousand to twelve hundred citizens are invited annually to participate in the Courting,” I pointed to a line on the page, “and that number is whittled down to approximately two hundred to two hundred and fifty after the first challenge. We must get past the first task.” But the first trials varied so wildly—sometimes purely physical, sometimes a brutal mix of mental games and strength that I couldn't find any pattern.

“I likely won’t get through if it's entirely physical,” I murmured to Kadian one evening, the weight of doubt pressing down on me.

“ I'll drag you through it if I have to, ” he winked, his voice light but his eyes serious. And I knew he would, but my gut told me this would be a solitary endeavor. Even if we were close, we'd still be apart.

After many late nights, when he’d fallen asleep, I pored over every detail of the original invitation. The flourishes of the cursive, the texture of the parchment, the subtle nuances of the ink—I'd memorized them all. My hands ached from hours of practice, trying to mimic the elegant script just right. Between my check-ins on Dad, lessons with Kadian, and running—something I'd started doing since I'd found out about Dad's illness—I scoured every store in town and spoke to librarians at the university until I found parchment nearly identical to the original. After countless attempts, I finally succeeded in forging a convincing copy. I’d done my best. There was no guarantee of my success, but I knew I had to try.

Rumors circulated throughout Escalia that, in addition to Kadian and me, one other Escalian had been invited. Talia, the baker’s daughter, had always left me alone despite others often wishing to drive me from the area. The decision to forge the invitation instead of stealing one had come easily; I couldn’t bear the thought of jeopardizing someone else’s chance at the Courting. So, I made my own, hoping no one would notice the difference. Yet, even as I held the forged letter in my hands, a tightness in my chest wove a web of anxiety through me.

Despite my best efforts, the worry never left me. I felt hollow as I stood in the center of my room, staring at the place that had once been mine. Memories flooded me. Reading before bed, sitting at my desk cramming for an exam, crying when I learned about Mom, staring at the cracks on my walls, imagining what worlds possibly lived inside them. As I took one final look around my room, a pang of doubt struck me. Would all my careful planning be in vain? The thought of being caught filled me with dread, but there was no turning back now.

I made my way into my father’s room to see he was awake and dressed. I wasn’t sure if it was the herbs or his constitution, but he had seemed marginally better these last few days. It had been a relief to know that if I was leaving, potentially for an unforeseen amount of time, that at least he was faring better.

“I’m ready.” My father said as he reached for his sweater.

My brows furrowed together as a slight smirk pulled at my lips, “Come again?”

“There will be no argument about this, Brida. It’s not every day your kid gets invited to the Courting.”

Gods. I’d hated lying to him these past weeks. Dad had been incredibly supportive and excited when I told him the news. The initial shock and panic on his face eased when I told him that Kadian would be going as well. Well, Kadian was the only one technically going. But I’d kept that part to myself. My father and I had always had an open relationship. He’d played the role of both parents for a time, and as much as the darkness had tried to consume him, consume us, we hadn’t let it win.

“Dad, I’m not just going into town. Lesalia is the meeting spot, and no one will be with you to bring you back.”

“Flora has already agreed to meet us there. I won’t argue with you about this.” He smiled, “Do you have everything you need?”

I knew this was an argument I wasn’t going to win, especially if Flo had already given her clearance. Nodding, I gestured to the small bags I’d packed if I somehow managed to get away with this and, beyond that, make it past the first task.

Taking a few steps toward me, Dad rested his hand on my cheek, “Let’s go.”

The sun was shining as we stepped outside, but the air remained crisp. Reaching the street, I turned back, gazing at the house that had been my home for the past twenty-five years. I looked at my father; the sadness etched on his face deepened the lines around his mouth and eyes, revealing the weight of years and unspoken worries.

His purplish-blue eyes met mine. I never knew where my father got his eyes from, never having known his family, and in that moment, the unspoken bond between us felt more palpable than ever, a silent understanding of the shared burdens we both carried.

Dad reached for my hand, tethering me. “This will always be your home.”

“I’m supposed to be the one comforting you right now,” I managed to croak out, my voice thick with emotion.

With a playful wink, he replied, “You don’t have to be strong for me, my beautiful girl. Not today.”

I nodded, letting his words settle into my heart. I resigned myself to the belief that someday—hopefully not too soon—I would be back here. The same house, filled with love and laughter and a father who was healed.

“I’m ready.”

Not wanting our last moments to be spent in silence, he filled our walk with conversation. “How was it last night?”

“The bar was busier than ever. Everyone preparing for Azmeer was there. I’ve never seen the staff more disgruntled,” I laughed, remembering the chaos. Kadian had insisted we go for a final drink, in order to send us off. What had remained one drink for me turned into several for Kadian and resulted in him singing the Escalian anthem. I wasn’t sure how many towns had anthems, but Kadian wanted to ensure everyone knew we did.

Many of those invited from the West had chosen to spend the night in Escalia before making their way to Lesalia in the morning. Our prices were far more reasonable, and besides, Lesalia was only a forty-five-minute walk away.

As I recounted the night’s events, the weight of our impending goodbye felt a little lighter, the warmth of our connection wrapping around us like a comforting embrace.

“How’s Kadian feeling about things?” Dad asked, his limp noticeable as he leaned slightly against the wall for support. I couldn’t help but watch him, the way his face tightened with each step, a faint sheen of sweat glistening on his brow. It was painful to see, like a knife twisting in my chest.

How much longer could he push himself like this? I felt the familiar knot of worry tighten in my stomach. I tried to shake it off, to focus on the moment instead of the inevitable. But the truth was lurking just beneath the surface—he was unwell, and no amount of bravado could change that.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked, my voice softer than I intended, almost a whisper.

He flashed me a reassuring smile, but I saw the flicker of pain behind it. “Just a little tired, that’s all. Nothing I can’t handle,” he said, but the tremor in his voice betrayed him. I wanted to believe him, to hold onto that hope, but each time he pushed himself, I couldn’t help but wonder what price he would pay later.

As we moved forward, I held onto his hand a little tighter, anchoring both of us. I wished I could take his burdens, to lighten the load he carried, even just a little. But for now, all I could do was be here with him, even as the shadows of uncertainty loomed larger with each labored step.

“To answer your question, Kadian is eager.” I sighed. “Arguably more eager than me.” In the few weeks since the invitation had arrived, Kadian hadn’t been able to talk about anything else. “Have you read that only members from the Court of Whispers can access the peaks of the Tactras Mountains?” Or “Did you know that the Court of Shadows has shadow and fire magic? Weird, it has both!” It was the most Kadian had read in his life. It’d been a nice change to have a study partner.

“It’s good that you’ll have him there,” Dad said as if he was reassuring himself rather than me. “Will he be meeting you in line?”

“No, his parents hired their own transportation. I’ll find him once I get there.” They’d offered to take me with them, but I didn’t want to risk it. I didn’t want to risk Kadian seeing my lie crumble.

The remainder of our walk was filled with chatter about what Flora had been reading to Dad and him pretending to complain about the “concoction” I’d been giving him. “The color really is hideous, but I will say, it doesn’t taste too shabby.”

As we approached Lesalia’s weathered stone gate, we saw Flora making her way toward us. I sighed in relief.

“This is where I leave you,” he said as he held my gaze.

He took a step, wrapping his arms around me so tightly that I could barely breathe. “I love you, kiddo,” he whispered. Tears streaked down my cheeks as guilt for leaving him washed over me. We’d never been apart for more than a couple of weeks, and now I didn’t know when I would see him again. He cupped my face. “You look so much like her.”

I’d heard it for years—the comments about how I looked just like her. After we lost Mom, it felt like a curse, a constant reminder of the love that had been torn from us. But now, I understood it as the truest form of admiration Dad could offer.

Placing my hands over his, I smiled, “I promise I’ll write when I can.”

He nodded. Before I could move, he pulled me in for one final embrace, “I love you so much. Gods, I remember the day you were born, such a feisty thing. You couldn’t wait to get into the world,” he laughed. “We always knew you would go on to do something incredible, Bri, and you will.”

I was on the verge of becoming a blubbering mess. This was the speech I’d anticipated him giving me at graduation, not when I was hoping to bluff my way into the Courting. “Remember, Brida, you’re allowed to have some fun.” He winked as he turned, making his way with Flora, who waved back.

Don’t follow him. I tried not to succumb to every nerve in my body telling me to go back home with him and make him breakfast.

I have to do this .

Watching my father and Flora fade into the distance, I was reminded of my resolve. This is what I can offer him . Forcing myself to pick up my bags, I made my way to the line.

Shopkeepers emerged from their stores, everyone was curious as to what was happening at the inn. It was still early, but already a line had formed on the porch and wrapped around the veranda, down the stairs, and onto the street.

I knew I wouldn’t see any familiar faces, Talia claiming her family had opted for their own transportation. I was the sole Escalian here, standing amidst a sea of strangers. The crowd around me was a vibrant tapestry of diversity, each person exuding an aura of mystery and uniqueness. It was clear that some were Fae; their elongated, delicate ears marked them. Their otherworldly beauty and grace set them apart, moving through the crowd with effortless elegance.

Among them were those who were a mix, nymphs. Their features blending the ethereal qualities of the Fae with the solid earthiness of humans. These individuals possessed a unique charm, their hybrid nature evident in the slight point of their ears or the unusual hue of their eyes. They carried an air of both worlds, straddling the line between the mystical and the mundane.

As I looked around, the sense of isolation grew, yet it was tempered by a burgeoning curiosity about these new faces and the stories they carried. The anticipation of meeting Kadian in Azmeer and the uncertainty of what lay ahead filled me with excitement and trepidation as I took in the sight of the gathered assembly, each person a potential ally or adversary in the unfolding journey.

Not paying attention to my feet as I’d been consumed with watching those around me, I tripped, falling flat on my face. Off to a great start, Brida. Definitely going to make an impression.

“Here,” a soft voice said.

Looking up, I saw one of the most beautiful people I’d ever seen. She stood taller than me, which wasn’t difficult, had shiny blond hair and aquamarine eyes that shone with curiosity and delight. I grabbed the hand she’d extended and dusted off my pants.

“Are you okay?” She studied me.

Nodding and sighing, I said, “I’m fine. Nothing is hurt, save for my pride!”

She smiled as she waved at two figures in the distance. “Told them I’d be fine on my own, but they insisted on tagging along.” Her laugh was sultry, inviting, warmer than most. “Your folks hanging around here somewhere?”

“My father left already.” I pushed my hair behind my ears, wondering if she’d notice the shape.

“Hopefully not too far of a trip home!” She smiled, ignoring them. “Where are you from?” We took a few steps forward as the line continued to move.

“Escalia,” I said with a faint smile.

“Oh,” she said. “Your hair is unusual for these parts. I would’ve guessed somewhere further east. The red in it is lovely.”

“Thank you,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. Compliments about my hair usually came from Kadian or family, so hearing it from someone else felt unsettling. My mother’s hair had been a brilliant, fiery red that lit up a room. In contrast, mine was nearly black, with just the faintest hints of red threaded through it like her fire had dimmed when it reached me. It felt like I was living in her shadow, a ghost of what she had been.

Suddenly, the air felt thick, and my heart raced. I hated how quickly my thoughts spiraled back to her. Stop thinking about Mom. You’re stressed enough as it is. I forced a smile, but it felt brittle, like glass about to shatter. “Where are you from?” I blurted out, desperate to steer the conversation away from the weight of her memory pressing down on me.

“Here,” she smiled. “You sure you’re okay?” the girl asked. It was no doubt easier to appear calm when you had actually been invited to the Courting. While Kadian had spent the last few weeks anticipating all the things we would see and experience, my studies had also included breathing techniques—an attempt to manage my anxiety. Thus far, I was failing miserably.

“Yes, sorry.” I smiled.

“What’s your name?” A smirk graced her lips, “I’m Lil, well Lilianna technically, but I’m loath to have anyone call me that.”

“Name and place of origin,” came a stern voice. I looked up, locking eyes with a figure clad in a red and black formal uniform, his posture radiating authority. The king's insignia gleamed ominously on his chest, a stark reminder of the gravity of my deception. “Have your invitation out and ready.

”

My fingers fumbled with the forged letter, the paper feeling foreign and heavy in my grasp.

A cold sweat broke out along my spine, and my heart pounded so hard it felt like it might leap out of my chest. My breath hitched, the world narrowing to the space between my trembling hands and the guard's expectant gaze. Every instinct screamed at me to run, to abandon this reckless plan before it consumed me. What had I been thinking? How had I convinced myself that I could pull this off?

I drew a shaky breath, forcing myself to remain still, to face the consequences of my choices head-on. My father’s illness plagued me, and the unspoken bond we shared remained my motivator. This wasn't about me; it was for him.

“Brida Larrow, Escalia,” I managed to say, my voice barely more than a whisper, quivering with the weight of the lie.

I handed over the letter, my hands shaking visibly.

The guard's eyes bore into me, scrutinizing the parchment with a meticulousness that made my stomach twist into tighter knots. Every second felt like an eternity as he looked me up and down, his gaze lingering just long enough to stir the cold dread pooling in my gut.

“This looks…” he began, his brow furrowing as he examined the letter more closely. My pulse quickened, a rush of panic threatening to overtake me. I was on the brink of being exposed, of being cast out as a fraud. My vision blurred, and I struggled to keep my expression neutral, to hide the fear threatening to consume me.

Before the guard could finish, a figure stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate respect. “Is there a problem here?” he asked, his voice smooth yet authoritative, cutting through the tension like a knife. The newcomer exuded a quiet power, his hair nearly white with delicate hints of violet shimmering in the light. His eyes, a striking shade of amethyst, met mine with a piercing intensity that left me feeling exposed, yet there was no judgment in his gaze, only a calm, unreadable assessment.

The guard straightened. “Just verifying the authenticity of this letter,” he replied, his tone now more deferential. My heart skipped a beat, and I bit down hard on the inside of my cheek to keep from trembling.

The man cast a brief glance at the letter, then looked back at me, his expression inscrutable. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. “I'm sure it's all in order,” he said firmly, his voice carrying a quiet assurance that left no room for doubt.

The guard hesitated, his uncertainty palpable, then reluctantly nodded. “Very well. Proceed,” he said, handing the letter back to me. I held my composure, giving a curt nod of thanks. My legs felt like they might give out beneath me, but I forced myself to move forward, each step feeling like a victory against the rising tide of fear and anxiety.

Relief washed over me, but I couldn't shake the unease.

The man turned to me, his expression softening slightly.

“Brida Larrow, was it? Come with me.”

I turned back and smiled at Lil, who mouthed “good luck” as we walked away from the guard.

The man spoke in a lower voice.

“Every year, people try to sneak in. The guards are cautious. You handled that well.”

“Thank you,” I managed to say, my voice still shaky.

“I didn’t expect… I mean, I thought…”

He smiled slightly.

“It’s alright. Just stay close to me.”

Standing at least six feet tall with broad shoulders, he had slicked-back hair that brushed just above his ears, smooth enough to run your fingers through if you felt inclined.

His handsome features were only enhanced when he smiled, sending a warm flush to my cheeks.

He continued walking with me, leading me to a quiet spot away from the crowd.

“I’m your escort to Azmeer,” he said, his tone more relaxed.

“Have you ever traveled with a Walker before?”

Placing my bags down, I shook my head, dreading it already.

“Well, it can be…disorienting for those who aren’t used to it. So, for my sake and yours, I hope you didn’t have a full breakfast this morning.” He chuckled.

My stomach churned. “Should I grab my bags?”

“No, they will be waiting for you in Azmeer, in the inductees' quarters. No need to worry.”

“Okay,” I fidgeted with my hands, fear creeping in.

“Now, Brida, wrap your hands around my waist here.” He lifted my arms and wrapped them around him. “And if it’s alright with you, I’m going to place my arms around you here,” he adjusted our stances. “This will be over in seconds. And remember, if you feel unwell, please hold it in until we arrive. This is a new jacket.” He winked.

Before I could respond, we were gone. It felt like being torn apart and thrown through space while simultaneously standing still. I closed my eyes, trying to block out the sensation, pressing myself further into him. I heard a low rumble coming from his chest. He’s laughing. Just breathe and relax. I’d only just met this man, and here I was, pressed against him. It felt intimate. My mind wandered, taking in the feel of his muscles under the suit. Who wears a suit for this? Bet he’d look good without it… Get it together, Brida. This isn’t what we’re going to Azmeer for.

“You can open your eyes now,” he whispered. I held tight, unsure if I wanted to let go.

Warm air caressed my face like a summer breeze. Opening one eye at a time, I was delighted to see we stood on solid ground. The palace, built from limestone, revealed hues of blush and tan marbled together. As I moved, the colors shifted and danced, creating a living tapestry.

“Everything you expected?” he asked with a grin.

“It’s nothing like I expected,” I marveled.

“You can take a few moments. Afterward, go straight here,” he pointed. “Then, take a right at the olive trees. You’ll see an entryway.”

“Thank you,” I whispered. “The trip wasn’t terrible." I attempted a smile.

“Anytime, Brida,” he said, his smirk widening as he slid his hands into his pockets. “You know, I don’t recall there being a Larrow on the list. Must be my mistake.” With a final enigmatic glance, he vanished. A shiver rippled through me, my heart thudding in my ears.

I stood frozen, the grandeur of the palace towering above me, its cold beauty contrasting with the sweat pooling at my back. The weight of my forged invitation pressed heavily against my chest, each breath a struggle. For my father, I had to move forward, even as doubt gnawed at the edges of my resolve.