Chapter 5 Three Suitors and a Threat

The tea room glowed with firelight and polite chatter, silver spoons clinking gently against porcelain cups. Yet despite the warmth, my father’s cold anger clung to me like frost, coiling tighter the longer I lingered at his side. Something gnawed at him beneath that regal composure, and I dared not make myself its target.

Noble ladies fluttered nearby, laughter practiced and sharp as pins as they angled for attention. Watching them practically begging over what I did not want left a sour taste in my mouth. Still, duty demanded I play the game. I began with Kyril, if only to get him out of the way. He stood by the finger foods glaring at it all. Everything about him felt dead. His hair was like the color of straw. It fell lifeless on his head. Dull brown eyes and pale skin.

“How are things, Kyril?” I asked politely, bowing.

“Better now that dumb Farret is gone,” he sniffed.

My brows knit. “Farret?” I wasn’t aware of anyone by that name. 

“That man with the order,” Kyril stated unamused. 

My teeth clenched automatically. I did my best to relax my face. I had to play the game. “Oh, you mean Sir Garret.”

“Whatever. His order is pointless… they’ll all be dead before long. Your father was wise to send them elsewhere tonight.” smugness laced his words. 

My pulse spiked, what was Kyril talking about.  “Elsewhere? I hadn’t heard a word”.

Kyril smirked. The smugness radiating off of him made me sick. “Of course not. Your father didn’t want your delicate ears sullied by the many vulgar words that fell after you left.”

I forced a tight smile. “How thoughtful of him.”

From there, I let him drone about crop yields and harvests until my eyelids threatened to close. At last, I excused myself.

Artair was next, Curly black hair sat styled nicely on his head. Sharp steel grey eyes watched as I approached with a welcomed warmth. He is handsome, kind, and the most tolerable to talk to of the three. His smile put me at ease as I approached. I didn’t have to play the game as intensely as I did with the others when I interacted with him.

“How are you Artair?” I bowed as I greeted him. 

“Things are better now that I’m speaking with you,” he said sweetly.

“You’re too kind, sir.”

He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Tell me…” he paused as he looked around to make sure no one was in earshot. “So do you crave adventure?”

My heart skipped. “Sometimes… it depends.”

A knowing grin curved his lips. “I thought so. You're close with Sir Garret so it makes sense. If you choose me, I’ll take you traveling. My family obligations are lighter than most. We could see the world together before settling into duty.”

“Can you elaborate?” I asked, trying not to get too excited.

“Of course, you might not know. Unlike the other gentlemen here, I am not the eldest. I have an older brother who is already married and they just gave birth a couple of months ago to a boy.” He simply explains. If he wasn’t the oldest and there was already a male in line to replace his father. A fluttering feeling fell in my belly. His words struck like flint to tinder. Marriage had never sounded like freedom before, but his promise was a spark in the dark.

“Tempting,” I admitted softly. “May I have time to consider?” I didn't want to seem too eager.

“Of course. Take all the time you need, may I tell you about some of the places I have seen? And places I want to see?” He seemed eager to tell me. If he has already been on adventures then it would explain why his skin looked sun kissed.

“Yes please” I couldn’t help but show my true excitement. Adventure was something I craved deeply.

As he spoke of mountains and seas he longed to see. I listened intently. I also began to admire his looks and think about what life could look like with him. A fragile hope lit in my belly. I almost lost myself to time as I listened to Artair's stories.  The spell was broken once Artair leaned in to whisper. 

As much as I am enjoying my time with you, I think it's about time you move on to the last suitor.” He gave me a mischievous grin that made me feel things I haven’t felt in a long time. A flush ran up my face. He smiled with amusement as I took a deep breath and made my way to the last suitor… Remier. 

Remier stood watching me like prey with his ice cold blue eyes.  His blond hair was slicked back. I usually thought blue eyes were pretty, but something about his was cold and dead. I approached with extreme caution. He looked angrier than usual. 

“When will you be done playing with the others and come to me?” His voice was sharp, his eyes sharper still.

I bowed low, meek. “Forgive me, sir. My simple mind lost track of time.” The game was life and death with him. I had to play as prey or I would suffer.

“Stupid girl,” he sneered. “You’re lucky you’re pretty.”

Rage flared hot in my chest, but I forced myself smaller, weaker. Hopefully he thought me trembling in fear. Not trembling with anger. He was the worst. “I’m sorry, sir. Please… correct me. How can I please you”

He smirked, pleased. “Tell your father you choose me. I’m bored of this game.”

I swallowed, my voice trembling just enough. “I Father said he’ll summon me when it’s time to decide.” I hoped that answer was enough to hopefully keep his hand from striking me. He looked like a person who answered everything he didn’t like with violence. He still looked like he wanted to strike. I really thought he was going to. 

The luncheon bell chimed, merciful as any prayer. Father rose, regal, commanding. “Thank you for your company. We will meet again tomorrow at the same time as today.” My father paused his announcement, his eyes searching.  When his eyes landed on me, “Nera! My study. Now.” he ordered.

I turned to leave, but a bruising grip clamped down on my arm. Remier’s face loomed close, his whisper venomous. “You will choose me, Or You will lose everyone you love and will suffer a slow and miserable life by my hands.”