Page 114 of The Throne Seeker

It was days before they heard any replies. Every single potential suitor had sent their regrets. Some said their sons had already found a match, or they claimed they couldn’t make the trip. Every letter that reached them was more and more disheartening. The queen had done everything she could to remedy the situation, but it seemed as though the rumors had spread faster than any repair could happen.

Rose kept herself busy by either studying in the library, riding on the beach, or walking through the gardens—anything to keep her from the grand hall.

She woke at the crack of dawn each day to train alone, determined to keep up with her drills and footwork. The only time she felt in control was when the sword Zareb had given her was in her hands. The castle became more and more like a prison with every day that passed.

It’d been a week, and still, no suitor would agree to see her.

“This is ridiculous,” her mother stated one afternoon, throwing yet another rejection letter into the fireplace. “Not asingleoneof them has agreed to even come to the castle. Even with our lack of wealth, the king and queen are willing to pay a hefty sum to any who would marry you. Even so, your beautyshould’ve hadsomeheads turn. I even sent invitations to men old enough to be your father, and still nothing. This is absurd. It’s as if…” Her mother stopped.

Rose could guess what she was thinking. “It’s as if Tristan is abusing his power, commanding any potential suitor to stay away to punish me?”

“Precisely,” her mother huffed, collapsing onto the chair. Her frustrated expression morphed to hopelessness. “Oh, Rose, I don’t know what to do. If we don’t get him to back down… I’m afraid I underestimated him entirely.”

“I could try to speak with him?”

Her mother’s gaze flashed sharply at hers. “What could you possibly say to get him to change his mind?”

Rose rubbed at her temples. “I don’t know.”

“Exactly. We’ll just have to try harder, that’s all. We still have time to find another suitor. Perhaps we can come up with something between the two of us.”

Rose wasn’t holding her breath.

CHAPTER 49

Following Rose’s conversation with her mother, she went to the stables, saddling her horse at lightning speed. She fought her trembling hands as she fastened the clasps, managing to stave off any and all emotion by keeping her hands busy.

It was the fastest she’d ever ridden as she let the wind carry her, wishing it could transport her to another time—hell, maybe another universe. Let it carry her high enough that she wouldn’t have to feel like this. Anything but this.

When she arrived at the small clearing where she and Zareb used to spar, she dismounted her horse and tied the beast by the small stream to let it drink, patting its white mane in thanks.

She uncovered her sword from its hiding spot amongst the leaves. She wielded it like a wild storm, confronting a thick, towering oak tree that had become her new fighting companion. With vigorous strikes, she slashed at it, releasing all the pent-up anger and frustration in a fury of swings while sweat dripped from her bow.

She was so focused, she didn’t hear someone coming up from behind until a twig snapped.

Not missing a beat, she whipped around and poised her sword at her attacker. Roman.

He immediately raised his hands, letting her know he had come in peace. His gaze fell to her sword, then back up to her. They stayed like that for a moment, with only her heavy breathing filling the silence.

Finally, she lowered her sword, ready for his scolding. Surely he’d come here to shame her, to be angry with her for thinking she was capable of wielding such a weapon, to lecture her on how dangerous it was.

Instead, he slowly lifted his arm, reaching for the hilt of the sword strapped to his back, drawing it while keeping his gaze fixed on her. He spread his stance, gripping the sword with both hands, waiting for her to advance.

She couldn’t believe what she was witnessing. She thought maybe she’d misinterpreted his body language, but there he was, waiting for her to come closer.

So she obliged.

She sprung forward, knowing she was nowhere near a match for his brute strength. She’d have to rely on her quick feet and wit to stand a chance.

He was barely able to deflect her attack as she came forward, caught off guard by her speed and skill. She pressed closer, never letting his feet find a good stance, pushing him back toward the tree line until she found her opening.

She stuck her foot out to knock a small rock to where his foot would land, then struck a blow on the same side. Roman lost his balance as his foot landed directly on the rock, falling flat on his back.

She struck again. Roman barely blocked it in time, but the action made him lose his grip on his sword. Before he could move to retrieve it, she pointed the tip of her sword to his throat.

She’d never forget the look he gave her on that rocky forest floor. His dazzling gold eyes blazed with life, as though she held a match that had just ignited into pure flame—a flame thatblazed fiercer the longer she stared. It was a look similar to one she hadn’t seen from him since they were children. She couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was until it hit her—Admiration.

With a start, Rose realized her blade was still pointed at the base of his throat. Gradually, she lowered it and held her hand out.