Free Web NovelChapter 54: The First Stroke
Chapter 53: The First Stroke
Lyria’s POV
The King’s commanding voice rose, drawing the attention of all present. His dark eyes swept the assembly once more, lingering over each noble as though weighing them, before returning to the footman, who unrolled the scroll once again with a crisp crackle.
"Now, for the first event of this competition," the King began, his voice firm and precise, "each suitor shall present an art piece. This shall be created in the presence of Her Highness the Princess, of the assembled judges, and the esteemed members of this court. Furthermore, let it be known that this process shall be witnessed by the entirety of the Kingdom through the scrying mirrors, from the furthest territories to the capital, that all may observe each stroke, each choice, each demonstration of skill and character."
A ripple of subdued astonishment ran through the assembly. Whispers flitted from noble to noble, some impressed, some skeptical, some openly dubious. I could see the subtle curl of apprehension on the faces of certain suitors as the weight of the King’s words settled upon them.
Duke Thorncrest inclined his head slightly, clearing his throat before speaking. "Your Majesty, if it pleases you, must this art indeed be a painting? Or may other forms of artistry be considered?"
The King’s gaze did not waver. He lifted a hand, nodding once with deliberate authority. "A painting, indeed. The Princess is a collector of works from all corners of the kingdom, and she shall be pleased to know that her future spouse possesses not only courage and virtue but skill with brush and canvas as well."
Jacinta, seated near the dais, inclined her head with a faint smile, her delicate fingers brushing the folds of her gown. She seemed to regard the announcement with genuine pleasure, as though her eyes alone could grant approval to each candidate before the King’s edict even took full effect.
The suitors bowed deeply, voices in unison: "We shall abide by your words, Your Majesty."
The King waved them off with a slight lift of his hand, signaling that he had no further need for ceremony on that point.
"Then let all enjoy the evening’s festivities," he declared, voice rich and resonant, "drink, converse, and make merry. Soon, the Sun of this Empire shall be chosen, and we shall witness the blooming of a union that shall bless this Kingdom."
The assembly obeyed, though with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Laughter echoed in polite arcs, glasses clinked against one another, and toasts were made, yet the air carried an undercurrent of skepticism. Many of the nobles raised brows, murmuring half-hearted exclamations of pleasure. The spectacle of the scrying mirrors, it seemed, had tempered their spirits.
From my place in the shadows, I could see the King return to his seat. The Queen leaned toward him instantly, her voice soft yet laced with impatience, just enough for me to catch it despite the distance and the chatter of the ballroom.
"Why is the Duke of Blackmere not present?" she asked, the sharpness of her tone barely veiled beneath her genteel posture.
The King inclined his head slightly, eyes narrowing as he considered her. "Apparently," he said, voice low, "the Duke has been indisposed due to a stomach ailment. Nothing more."
The Queen’s lips curved into a tight frown, the expression one of disbelief. "That is a blatant lie," she hissed, though she did so quietly enough to maintain decorum.
"I am aware of that," the King replied evenly, "but there is nothing to be done. Should any offense be directed at Blackmere, the consequences would be severe. His power and influence are too great, and I will not risk a needless scandal upon this court."
The Queen’s eyes flared. "I care not for his influence! He has disrespected the crown and Jacinta herself. He should be punished!"
The King leaned back slightly, gaze steady and cold. "He has claimed a grievous stomach ailment, which, I assure you, will be evident in any duel or engagement. No court could reasonably claim that he disrespected the Crown in any proceeding, especially when Blackmere territory carries such formidable sway. Should any harm come to him, past grievances—such as the duel and the protection of his mother—will be invoked against the offender."
A flicker of surprise passed over the Queen’s expression, though her pride prevented it from fully showing. "You speak as if the Duke were untouchable," she said, voice barely above a whisper.
"Indeed," the King replied, "for the Duke hails from a lineage of pirates. Do not forget that his forefathers loved the sea, that his mother herself traversed it, though she was no pirate. Their strength is as much in cunning and maritime tradition as in coin or command."
The Queen’s frown deepened, her delicate fingers pressing against the arm of her chair. "I cannot abide the idea that he would disrespect Jacinta. Were it not for his power and wealth, and Jacinta’s inexplicable fascination with him, he would not even be considered among the candidates. He does not deserve her."
The King’s gaze softened slightly toward Jacinta, though his posture remained firm. "No one deserves our daughter, but at least she is the Moon of this Kingdom. And the Moon shines, regardless of the men who orbit it."
The Queen rolled her eyes, lips pressing into a thin line. Her gaze shifted sharply, and I felt it land on me as though I were a candle flickering too near her flame.
"Make yourself disappear," she said, voice silky but edged with authority.
I started, tilting my head in confusion. "Your Majesty...do you mean I—I can go?" I asked her.
"Go where?"
"Back to my c-chambers."
I doubted that was what she meant, though.
"You are not done with your duties," she said, "but you shall remain even further in the shadows. Lurk as the shadows themselves do, unseen but ever-present."
I nearly asked how she expected me to accomplish such a feat, when I was already doing it. But I merely inclined my head, lips pressed together, and shifted back further into the darkness. The cold marble of the pillar pressed against my back, but I made no complaint.
