06

The formal dinner was a trap, and I knew it even before stepping into the hall. Torches illuminated the long tables where advisors, high-ranking soldiers, and noble figures of the kingdom had already gathered. At the center sat Kaelor, his expression unshaken, as though he had anticipated my hesitation.

As I crossed the massive wooden doors, I felt the weight of their gazes on me. They weren’t kind. Curiosity, distrust, and even disdain were etched on their faces, their expressions making it clear they saw my presence as an insult. I was the outsider, a misplaced piece in a game I barely understood.

Maela, standing beside me, gave a slight nod toward the chair next to Kaelor. My place. The only empty seat at the long table, strategically positioned as a reminder of my vulnerability. I took a deep breath and walked toward it, forcing myself to keep my posture straight, even though every step felt like a burden.

When I sat down, the sound of conversations dwindled, replaced by a heavy silence. The eldest advisor, a man with a graying beard and sharp eyes named Theron, was the first to speak. His voice carried a formality laced with sarcasm.

“Your Majesty,” he began, leaning slightly toward Kaelor but keeping his eyes fixed on me. “I must confess, the decision to place… this young woman in such a position has been the subject of much discussion among us.”

The room grew tense. It wasn’t just an attack on me; it was a direct challenge to Kaelor’s judgment. My heart pounded, but I kept my gaze steady, refusing to show weakness.

Kaelor didn’t respond immediately. He picked up a goblet of wine, swirling the dark liquid slowly before finally lifting his eyes to Theron.

“If there are doubts about my decision,” he said, his voice calm but laced with authority, “perhaps you’re underestimating your king’s judgment.”

Theron leaned back slightly, but the defiance in his gaze didn’t waver. “Of course not, Majesty. We merely question… the young lady’s suitability for such a vital task. After all, the future of the kingdom depends on it.”

His words hung in the air, and a knot tightened in my stomach. He wasn’t wrong. I didn’t know what the future held, but I doubted I was the right choice to save an entire kingdom.

Kaelor finally turned his gaze to me. “Elara,” he said, his tone firm. “Speak for yourself.”

I swallowed hard. He wanted me to defend myself? In front of all these men who clearly didn’t want me here? But when I met Kaelor’s eyes, I realized he wasn’t testing me out of cruelty. He wanted me to prove something—not just to them, but to myself.

I took a deep breath and stood, my hands trembling slightly as I steadied myself on the table. “I didn’t ask to be here,” I began, my voice stronger than I expected. “But if I’m here, it’s because someone believed I was capable. Maybe you don’t see that now, but I’m here to learn, to prepare. What matters isn’t what you think of me now. What matters is what I’ll be capable of when the time comes.”

The room fell silent again, and for a moment, I thought I had made a mistake. But to my surprise, a few advisors exchanged quiet glances, and even Theron seemed taken aback. I sat back down, my heart pounding like a drum.

Kaelor said nothing, but I caught the faintest lift at the corner of his mouth, as if he was satisfied.

The dinner continued, but I barely touched the food. Every conversation around me seemed laden with subtext, full of carefully chosen words and insinuations. I stayed quiet, watching, trying to pick up on anything that might give me an advantage.

Then Theron spoke again, this time addressing Kaelor. “Your Majesty, since we’re discussing the kingdom’s future, I must ask: is the ritual truly guaranteed to… break the curse?”

The entire room fell silent. Even Kaelor took longer than usual to respond. He placed his goblet on the table, his fingers tapping lightly against the glass before turning his sharp gaze to Theron.

“The ritual will be completed,” he said, each word filled with conviction. “And the future of the kingdom will be secured.”

I knew he was speaking to the advisors, but I couldn’t help feeling those words were also meant for me. What did “secured” mean? What price would be paid for it? The words from the diary I’d found came back to me, but I kept my questions to myself. It wasn’t time to confront him yet.

When the dinner finally ended, Kaelor asked to speak with me privately. He led me to a smaller room, away from the prying eyes of the advisors. The space was simpler, with a wooden table and a fire crackling softly in the hearth.

“You did well,” he said, breaking the silence.

“Was that a test?” I asked, trying to hide my irritation.

“It was a beginning,” he replied, leaning against the table. “But if you think you can hide behind me forever, you’re mistaken. They will keep testing you. And you’ll need to do more than just speak to convince them.”

I crossed my arms, frustration bubbling inside me. “Why does this matter so much? You keep telling me everything depends on me, but you still treat me like I’m just a piece in your game.”

Kaelor looked at me for a long moment, and something in his gaze shifted. It wasn’t cold or calculating. It was… introspective.

“Because I know what’s coming,” he said, his voice lower. “And because I know that when the time comes, they won’t hesitate to sacrifice you if it means saving the kingdom.”

His words hit me like a blow. He didn’t try to soften them, didn’t attempt to hide the truth. This was it. This was what I was to them—a potential solution to a problem far bigger than me.

But instead of making me feel defeated, it filled me with something unexpected: determination. If they wanted to use me, I would find a way to turn the game in my favor.

“Then maybe they should underestimate me,” I said, my voice steady. “It will be their mistake.”

Kaelor tilted his head slightly, as though considering my words. And for the first time, he gave a small smile—not sarcastic, but something more genuine.

“We’ll see,” he said, before leaving the room and leaving me alone with my thoughts.