Candidate (The Black Mage #3)
Rachel E. Carter
For every little girl who wished for a sword instead of a tiara. And for every little girl who wished for a tiara. Because tiaras are pretty cool, too. And for the girl that wanted both. Because that just kicks ass.
In truth, I have so many people to thank for continuing to support me on this journey. I honestly wasn’t sure anyone would ever want to read about the crazy cast of characters inside my head -so thank you for proving me wrong. Especially the online community, my wonderful reader and reviewer friends who have helped my book get noticed. I love you all, even when you are posting updates about how you want to strangle a certain non-heir or hit Ryiah on the head. You make me laugh, you make me smile, and most of all, you make me feel like a friend –and that’s what matters the most. So thank you. For making my dream real.
The People of My Life-
My mom. For buying me books –all of those trips to B&N for, yes, every single of the 56 Nancy Drew’s, and that’s before I even liked to read. For taking me on hikes in beautiful places. For letting me keep the family computer in my room. And most of all, for supporting my dream. Always.
My dad. For introducing me to more music than I ever would have listened to on my own. Especially that first Savage Garden CD. My book playlists are the result of your work. For the video games. For the good times. For everything.
Rotna. You get me –the whole me. The dark parts that no one else sees. The good and the strong. We couldn’t be more different, and yet at the end of the day we are one and the same. You and Shelly are my Ella, and I know you will never let me fall. You will never let me break. And if I do break, you will be there to pick up the pieces. Because that’s what best friends do. I love you.
Courtney. Because the second I told you I wrote a book you asked for it. And you read it the very next day. And you kept cheerleading me on every step of the way. Before I was convinced it would ever get published you were swearing up and down you were my #1 fan. You haven’t stopped. And for that I owe you two things when I become famous: 1) a trip to England to stalk JK Rowling, live it up BBC-style, and listen to them speak in accents all day long, and 2) a dedication in this book. One down, one to go!
Last but definitely not least, to my new family! Susan, Gary, Thom, Amy, David, and Malachi (yes, books are cool, don’t listen to your uncle!) –such wonderful, amazing people that I am so happy to share my new life with! You have all made me feel so loved & supported throughout this journey and I just wanted to say THANK YOU and I love you all.
Chapter One
Darren laughed softly. It was like water. The sound of a stream cascading down rock, low and unhurried. Silky. Confident. “You don’t really think you can beat me, Ryiah.”
I put my hands on my hips. “How would you know? We’ve never dueled before.”
“I beat you in that contest when we were apprentices in Port Langli.”
“Yes, but we didn’t fight with magic.” I shifted from one foot to the next as the non-heir raised a brow and gave me a knowing look. He was tapping his fingers against his wrist, and I could tell he was torn between dismissing my challenge and outright intrigue. Prince Darren of Jerar, second-in-line to the throne, was nothing if not proud.
But he was also stubborn. Like me. And I knew he wasn’t thrilled by the prospect of dueling his future wife.
I bit my lip. How to convince him otherwise. I watched as Darren’s eyes fell to my mouth. Suddenly I was quite sure I knew the answer. Senseless attraction had made the past five years a misery for the both of us, but now it was going to help.
“How about a wager?”
“A wager?” Darren’s tone was instantly suspicious. “What kind of wager?”
I took a step forward and lightly laid my palm against his form-fitting tunic. I had to swallow as I felt the flat layer of hard muscle beneath. Control yourself, Ryiah. Now was not the time to be noticing things like that. I was the one who was supposed to be seducing him.
“Careful, Ryiah.” The prince was smiling.
“I win and you join me in Ferren’s Keep.” Ha. We’d spent the past week arguing over where the two of us were going to be stationed.
“You know I need to remain at the palace.”
“Then win and you won’t have to leave.”
“What’s my counter?”
I spoke without thinking. “Anything you want.”
“Anything?” Darren’s eyes met mine, and my stomach dropped. A flush crept up the side of my neck and stained my whole face crimson.
“I – I didn’t mean a-anything,” I stuttered.
“Then don’t lose.” His eyes were dancing. “Isn’t that what you just told me?”