We pass dozens of streets crowded with smiling strangers, all waving and gawking. Some cheer and run next to the coach as we pass, trying to get a glimpse of us before we roll away to our dooms.
As we get closer to the palace, the houses grow larger, finer, and the streets are no longer riddled with homeless shuffling about. I spot the tips of the daunting towers before the whole daunting palace comes into view below them. It’s huge. Even with its gray stone and cold exterior, it’s breathtaking. Grassy hills and vibrant gardens filled with brightly colored flowers I didn’t even know existed surround the castle walls, softening the intimidating structure.
I hear the clopping of hooves hammering against smooth stone as we head into a courtyard, passing a large fountain residing in the center while white statues scatter around its perimeter. When the coach finally slows to a stop, I peek through the window to see a large, stone staircase leading into the palace and surrounded by beds of flowers.
The Imperials hop from their cushioned perch and open the doors to the coach, allowing warm sunlight to pour into our small compartment. I practically tumble out in my hurry to escape the cramped coach and the company inside. Once my feet are on solid ground again and swallowed by open air, I take a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of flowers and sunshine.
The other two stumble out to stand beside me, both wide-eyed and staring. A voice startles us from our gawking when the red-haired Imperial clears his throat and says, “Follow me.”
We file up the stone steps behind him, passing dozens of Imperials lining the staircase. When we reach the top, two more guards step out and join the redhead leading us before walking through the giant doors.
If the outside was beautiful, it pales in comparison to this. Every wall is ornately decorated with glittering paintings and intricate molding that climbs up the walls and clings to the ceiling. Everything is dazzlingly white with the occasional pop of emerald that dots the hallways we trudge down, showcasing Ilya’s kingdom color.
I’m too mesmerized by the sheer size and beauty of this place to even realize that the redhead is speaking to the three of us. “—rooms are this way, in the East wing of the palace.” He gestures to the many hallways that I’m assuming are filled with equally embellished rooms.
He suddenly spins on his heel to turn and face us, forcing me to skid to a stop before I nearly crash into his chest. “The next two weeks will consist of training, meeting the other contestants, interviews, and the first ball. And every week between each Trial will follow the same routine. An Imperial will be assigned to you for remainder of your stay here, and they will escort you too and from anywhere you need to be until you are acquainted with the castle.”
One of the Imperials standing behind us moves beside Hera, while the other takes his place next to Ace. “Well,” the young Imperial claps his hands in front of him with a sigh, “we will show you your rooms and let you get situated.”
When Hera and Ace have rounded the corner at the end of the hall, I turn to my personal Imperial. “So, you’ll be keeping an eye on me then?”
“Lucky me.” He chuckles and turns, motioning for me to follow. “I’m Lenny, by the way.”
“I never thought I’d say this to an Imperial, but it’s nice to meet you, Lenny.” Clamping my mouth shut before anything else I shouldn’t be saying spews out, I pick up my pace and try to catch up with his long strides.
“Yeah, well, I don’t blame you. Most Imperials can be...” He rubs the back of his neck, searching for the right word.
“Pigs?” I mutter before I can think better of it.
He cuts off his laugh with a quick clearing of his throat. “Yeah, they have me do a lot of the talking around here. I guess I’m not as intimidating.” I swiftly look him up and down, unable to help but agree. His messy red hair combined with the explosion of freckles splattering out from under his mask diminish any hope of looking threatening. He stops in front of a door near the end of a long hallway before pushing it open and gesturing inside.
I bite my tongue to keep from gasping at the sight of the most beautiful room I’ve ever seen, filled with bookcases, a dainty vanity, a writing desk, and...
A bed.
An enormous bed. After sleeping on jagged cobblestone for five years, the thought of getting to sleep on that is overwhelming. I blink in amazement as I finally take a step inside. The carpet is plush beneath my feet, and I spin to see a bathroom peeking out behind a door to the left. I stride towards it, fighting my smile when I see a pristine, porcelain bathtub, sitting atop golden legs.
Hot, running water.
An equally shiny toilet and sink sit on the white, marble floor to complete the set. I slowly step out of the bathroom, still staring at the bedroom before me. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Lenny watching me, amused by my awe. “I hope you find your room to be...satisfactory?”
“Oh, it’ll have to do, I suppose.” I plop onto my bed as I say it, sarcasm dripping from the words.
“Well, I’ll let you get comfortable, seeing that you’ll be spending a lot of time in here,” he says, turning to step out the door.
“What do you mean by that?”
He rubs his hand over the back of his neck with a sigh. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
Lenny was right to tell me to get comfortable.
I’ve been trapped in this room for two days.
It’s become my personal gilded cage, locking me in with luxuries. The guards stationed outside my door don’t deem me important enough to grumble more than a few words about following orders by keeping me confined to my room. So I’ve scoured every inch of the chamber, occupying myself by thumbing through books, soaking in hot baths, devouring delicious meals.
And yet, I’ve never felt more anxious.
The inside of my cheek is sore, the result of incessant biting in an attempt to calm my nerves. And despite sleeping in a soft bed for the first time in years, I’m restless. I haven’t spoken to anyone since my first day here, haven’t even been told what the hell is going on. I’ve been left to pace the padded floor, worrying over who my opponents are and what they can do.
Mind games, that’s what this is.
The king likely finds this comical. Loves the idea of us anxious, restless, and trapped in our rooms until he says otherwise. This is meant to set us on edge, make us antsy.
A knock at the door has me pausing my pacing.
Lenny’s head peeks around the doorframe, a sheepish grin on his face. “So...how are you, Paedyn?”
I blink at him. “How am I? How am I?”
He creeps farther into the room, his next words slow. “Okay, so, I’m getting the feeling that you’re not...great.”
My laugh is bitter. “You could say that. It’s been two days. Where the hell have you been?”