Chapter 4 (continued)
Let the selection begin!
While I was studying space, they served breakfast. But I didn't have a piece in my throat. If nobody had looked at me before, now the whole palace will be watching the selection and candidates for the hand of the princess. By the way, as it was supposed, nobody began to cancel the selection. Apparently, my absence will be written off as a maiden modesty and will pretend that everything goes as it should be, and during the days of selection they will try to find me. But what happens if they don't find me before the final? However, why should it bother me? The main thing is that no one will force a hated marriage. And I can cope with the trials. Even if I don't, I will quietly fly to Cavernell and go to the wrong place on the way. I hope Cavernel himself received my letter, otherwise, I will be exposed quickly.
The time until noon lasted even longer than the day before at the inn. I was nervous. Gods, how nervous I was! But I couldn't see any other way out, even if I cried. So I accepted my fate and accepted it as a given. I can handle it. I will definitely manage. Otherwise, it can't be.
When I finally heard the knock on the door, I almost rushed to open it and only then calmly answered:
- Come in.
- My lord," the maid bowed down, "you are asked to come to the ceremonial hall to begin the ceremony.
- Lead the way. - I barely shook my head and rose majestically from my chair.
The corridors were shimmering before my eyes, and the guest rooms were already being replaced by the same halls familiar from childhood. I never thought that I would be a guest in them. More precisely, a guest. The doors opened, and I was brought into the front hall. Everywhere the courtiers crowded, wanting to see the candidates for the hand of the princess and the throne of Aldon. His father's throne was on a hill, with three steps leading up to it. On the penultimate throne was smaller - for the mother. And at the foot of the stairs - twelve chairs for twelve candidates. Only they had the right to sit in the presence of the monarch, and even then, in cases corresponding to the etiquette.
- The Supreme Lord Elias Cavern! - an unusual voice was heard in the ceremonies of the master. - The Lord of Cavernel, Ivilkhil, and Osby.
I took a chair with the coat of arms of Lord Elias's family. Now that the game had begun, I had to call for help with all my self-control. Five chairs were already occupied. And where is Reniard?
- Lord Reniard Ayordan! - It was as if the master of ceremonies had heard my thoughts, and Reniard went majestically to his place.
I heard whispers all around me - surprised and mostly dissatisfied. Yes, someone here is not loved very much. It's a good thing it wasn't me. But it was a shame for Reniard. He didn't do anything to these people. And that his mother didn't want to marry by choice... As I understood her! I found myself in the same situation.
- Lord Andreas Liverani, Lord of Liverani, Lord of Liverani, Lord of Ibringan and Lord of Ava.
I studied the grooms closely. Lord Liverani was a tall redheaded man, so proud that his pride could be frozen in the fireplace. And the gold of the suit made his eyes ripple. An unpleasant personality. And clearly ambitious.
- Lord Kyrian Laherney, Lord of Laherney and Abinwald.
The same one whose arrival was discussed by the girls on the street. It is worth admitting that Lord Laherney was good for himself. Blonde-haired, blue-eyed, he looked like a bright god. His face radiated a smile. Only I wasn't fooled. I saw such magicians pretending to be the soul of the company. And then they turned out to be either state traitors or rare pigs.
- Lord Ingerd Dinard.
I missed the list of estates - I still won't remember everyone. Ingrid seemed unsightly against the background of the other lords. Stuffy, brownish, he did not attract much attention. And he was dressed easier than others.
Two more, and everyone will be there.
- High Lord Aurelius Listias.
The Listias had to be planted next to Liverani, and they would compete in an atmosphere of pride and contempt for others.
- High Lord Ellentar Asteris.
Lord Asteris seemed to be the most enjoyable of the company. With a disposing appearance, calm and seemingly friendly.
- His Majesty His Serene Highness Erlizar of Aldon with his daughter, Her Highness the Lady Eliza of Aldon.
What? I jumped from my chair. It is good that the other lords rose with me, welcoming the king. And my father was on his way... with me. An illusion! Well, of course, the illusion. The same as now is thrown at me. Only who is this girl? Really... Both the movements and the turn of the head turned out to be familiar. Ari? But it's mean! To give my cousin away for me. Of course, who knows me better than Ari? Well, Father! You asked for it! The made decision seemed to be correct as never before. Want a princess? Get the princess! They will remember me for a long time. They won't forget a century, I swear!
My father sat down on the throne. The second "I" took the chair on the stairs - apparently, my mother decided not to participate in this ... in this showdown! Otherwise, you can't name it. At least something made me happy. My mother always treated me with noticeable coolness, and I did not expect support from her.
After the king sat down and we. I really wanted to make a scandal, say, "And the real princess is here," but I made the emotions remain silent. If I can't hold back now, what happens next? During the selection?
- I am glad that you responded to our invitation and came to the palace to take part in the selection of my daughter, Princess Eliza of Aldon.
Eliza's face looked so gloomy that her level of happiness could be read through her eyes. I'm sorry, Ari. I didn't want you to get involved.
- You're going to have to prove yourself in seven competitions," Dad continued. - The first of them will start tomorrow, but you'll only know the conditions in the morning. Alas, there is not much information about the selection of the grooms of old times, but we have restored everything we could and we assure you that the selection will be fair. Tonight there will be a solemn ball where you will be able to get acquainted with my daughter and gain strength before the trials. In the remaining time to the ball, I suggest you rest and look around the palace.
I did not want to see the palace - and so my whole life passed here. So as soon as the official part of the reception was over, I slid away into the rooms.
- Cavern, wait! - Lord Liverani called me out. - We are going to have lunch. Join us.
It was rude to refuse, so I forced myself to draw sincere attention:
- Of course, Liverani. I would love to.