Chapter 11 (continued)
The mission is not for the proud
I slipped out of the library and rushed to my room. I guess my absence from lunch raised a lot of questions for the lords. But I don't care about the lords! But at the room Reniard stopped for a while, and then, surprised herself, knocked.
- Come in," the answer was given.
- Good evening. - I crossed the threshold, even though everything inside was stuck in embarrassment. Wren was sitting at the table and writing something, but when he saw me, he put down the pen.
- Elias? Did something happen?
- No. I just wanted to know how the meeting with the princess went.
Reniard came up from behind the table and asked me to sit on the couch.
- A meeting? - He said it thoughtfully. - Better than I expected. The princess is a beautiful girl. However, Laernie and Liverani had a different opinion. It's a pity you weren't at lunch. I would have listened.
- I decided to spend some time usefully and study the palace library," I answered. - And I have no doubt that Lords Laherney and Liveran's valor will not say anything good about anyone, even on their deathbed. So, Reniard, have you changed your mind about winning?
- Ah, that's what's bothering you. - Wren smiled. - No, I didn't change my mind. Despite Princess Eliza's appeal, I need to think about my home. And then, I am the only heir to the main branch of the Ayordan family. If I inherit the throne of Aldon, what happens to my lands?
- You ask yourself too many questions, Wren," I said. - Maybe it's better to rely on fate? It's not for nothing that they came up with this selection. I want to believe in it.
- No, Elias, I don't believe in the honesty of the selection. The last time my family didn't take part in it when they chose a wife for the current king, but there was a girl in Aerdon, my mother's pupil, who loved his Highness. And it was mutual. But because she did not belong to the Higher House, of course, their marriage was impossible. The prince married another and soon inherited the throne, and Marianne never returned to Ayordan. Her mother had never seen her again. All I heard was that she died a couple of years after Is there justice in this, Elias?
Dad had a lover? I had never heard of it. Well, that explains the light coolness that always reigned between him and his mother.
- No," I admitted. - We can't talk about justice.
- And I'm talking about the same thing. Therefore, no matter how sympathetic my princess is, I don't need it. However, I am beginning to repeat myself. Well, tomorrow you will get to know the princess better. You're going to win. You have to impress her.
- The selection does not depend on the impression made on the princess. - I was sad again. - On the contrary, I don't think she likes the idea herself. What do you think?
- Like it or not, it's her duty. Just like you and me, coming here," said Wren ruthlessly. - When it comes to power, it is better to forget about personal feelings.
- You're probably right. - I got up because I couldn't listen to him anymore. - I will go. Goodnight. See you tomorrow.
As soon as I made myself feel comfortable passing the short corridor between our rooms, I locked the door behind me, and tears rolled down my cheeks. Even if Wren thinks I should have accepted it, what do I do? No, no way! I would never agree to this hated marriage. At least let the sky fall on my head. I will show them who is worthy to win the selection here! And Lisias, Liverani, and even Reniard himself.
I was sobbing in my pillow until midnight - it was a stupid thing to do, but, alas, I couldn't do anything about it. But in the morning I woke up with determination. Now I'm going to have breakfast, swap places with Ari and terrify the rest of the lords. And then I will do everything to win. I had breakfast in my room. My favorite dishes used to seem fresh and tasteless, but I still made myself swallow piece by piece. You have to be strong.
I was just about to dive into the library when they knocked on the door. Well, at least I didn't have time to leave. Behind the door was a servant who said the king wanted to see me immediately. I wonder if it was just me. Or would my father voice some of the nuances of the future assignment? I had to leave my thoughts about the library and hurry to the ceremonial hall. I crossed his threshold and realized that all eight of the remaining participants had gathered here. I barely had time to say hello when the king came in, alone again, without Arietta.
- Good morning, lords," he turned to us, taking the throne. - Tomorrow you will have to pass the third stage of selection. We argued for a long time about what this stage would be, but in the end, we decided that it was time for you to show your talent in managing a large number of people. The day after tomorrow there will be a big royal masquerade. And you will have to take care of the preparations for the celebration. Which part of the preparation will take you - will determine the lot. Today you will be able to think about your actions and tomorrow you will start the task. Please.
A servant with a tray on which the sealed envelopes lay entered the hall. What can be there? I still did not understand. Each of the lords took an envelope and printed it out.
"Responsible for preparing the guest rooms," I read.
Room preparation? Will I have to command the maid? It's not even funny!
- Please, read your assignments, - my father ordered.
I listened - and realized that I got the worst option. Reniard was in charge of meeting the guests. Liveran got the illumination. Latias had fun and music. Laernie wasn't the luckiest person I ever met. He was supposed to take over the royal lunch. Daniel was in charge of decorating the hall and the garden, Asteris was a guest servant, and Yarden was in charge of snacks and drinks at the masquerade.
- Are you kidding, Your Majesty? - Listias was outraged.
- I didn't think so," Dad said calmly. - Anyone who wants to run the state must be able to lead people and organize anything, including celebrations. For King Aldon and my daughter's wife, there can be no trifles. You should understand and take note of this.
- I'm sorry, Your Majesty," Listias worshipped. - Your task is clear to us.
- I am glad to hear it. Lord Yarden, my daughter is waiting for you by breakfast. Gentlemen, I wish you good luck in your trials and in your meeting with Princess Eliza.
The king left, and we looked at each other in bewilderment. Of course, it was not the Lord's business to serve guests and entertain others. But my father was right - there are no trifles in the management of the state. And since he thought such a task was necessary, so be it.