The sprawling residence was almost as tall as the tops of the Candidacy stadium itself. Whoever had decided to call it a mansion had grossly underestimated its size. It might not be as big as the king’s palace in Devon, but it was at least equal to that of the Academy’s castle in Sjeka.
A giant circular dome made up the highest point of the building, several sections of the roof supported by heavy columns and a steep indoor balcony overlooking the grand ballroom at the center. The whole place was a wash of white stone and golden tile. All over were raised statues depicting the four previous victors of each faction. I recognized the current one closest to the door –Marius’s crooked smile captured perfectly by the sculptor’s hand.
I supposed Darren’s would be next.
Heavy brocade curtains of blue and red adorned most of the many-paned windows, and a thick light streamed down from a hole at the center of the globe’s roof. At the angle it was placed it would highlight the victors’ balcony at precisely the right moment. I suspected that had been its intention.
The moment Paige, Ella, and I entered we were offered a very fine selection of wines. Their heady aroma alone made my stomach roll, and sensing my discomfort Ella passed. Paige, off-duty for the night but rarely ever sociable, passed as well.
As we took our places in the grand atrium we waited for the spectacle to begin. The room was packed full of nobility—ambassadors and highborns clamoring for the best place to stand. Darren and the other two victors, as well as the previous Council, were nowhere to be seen. I did spot the king and Blayne with Princess Wrendolyn a bit closer to the front, but I couldn’t stomach the thought of standing so close to the man who had put my brother through such a horrible ordeal just days before. The room was so crowded, and there were so many important dignitaries around I doubted he would even notice my absence.
I felt Ella tense up as she noticed my stare. She had never trusted the Crown and I knew it was taking everything in her not to react. She put on a brave face, but she loved fiercely and was just as outspoken—if not more so— than I. It was killing her just to be in the same room as the man who had come so close to murdering her husband just to make a point.
I was sick to my stomach just thinking of the long years ahead, trapped in the palace with Lucius as my father-in-law.
Forcing my gaze elsewhere, I spotted Merrick glaring pointedly in my direction. As soon as he registered my attention he spoke loudly to his companion, proclaiming how big his winnings were from betting on the prince.
Oh, and that the only reason I had beat him was because he’d thought it only fair to give “the girl” a chance. “Thought I would do her a favor, let the girls pretend they could win… for once.”
Arrogant little—
“My cousin is a fool.”
My head swerved to the side and I heard Ella’s shocked intake of breath as Priscilla emerged from the audience. She wore her mage’s robe like a queen, and she didn’t appear to look the least perturbed over her loss.
“S-sorry?” I stammered.
“You heard me perfectly well the first time, Ryiah. I’m not going to repeat myself.”
“Priscilla.” Ella wore a predator’s smile. “What a delight.”
“Ah, and I see you haven’t lost your charm, Eleanor.” The girl gave my friend a curling smile before turning back to me. “I bet on you. For the final match.”
So she was here to chastise me for losing her coin? I bit back a groan. Priscilla had always known Darren was better. Everyone else had. “I’m sorry for your loss.” I said it through clenched teeth.
The girl rolled her eyes. “I’m not sorry. Well, I am that I have to listen to that idiot rattle on. But I’m not sorry I bet on you.”
Ella’s jaw dropped to the floor, and I was sure mine followed.
“Stop gawking, you two. I just came to tell Ryiah here that I wouldn’t have been surprised if she’d won. Darren was good, but he was always good.” Priscilla crooked a nail at my face. “You, you are a cockroach. No matter how many times we tried to get rid of you, you kept finding a way to scuttle your way back. And as much as I don’t like you, well, you are persistent. And even I can admire you for that.”
I opened my mouth and she cut me off with a hand to the face.
“Don’t even bother, Ryiah. We aren’t friends, and I have no doubt you’ll make a horrible princess. I just thought I’d show you a bit of kindness before you run this kingdom to the ground.” Then she sauntered off like the lady of court she was.
Leaving Ella and me to stare at her back in shock.
“Did that really just happen?”
“It did.”
A cockroach.
It was quite possibly the best and worst compliment I’d ever received.
****
When the herald called his name, Darren emerged at the open balcony, Marius at his left.
A collective murmur went through the audience as the Black Mage unclasped the robe from himself, placing the shimmering silk upon the non-heir’s shoulders. Darren stood so still as the gold-lined sleeves slipped down his arms.