Sincerely, yours (Completed)

Chapter 9

   When we arrived to the arena, the king explained all the rules and the competition. We would start with showing the jury our chosen skill. Then we continue with a hand to hand combats, the duos are already chosen based on the trainings. The royal family, our trainers and a few more people from the counselor would choose the winner at the end.

   I was last so I had time to slow my heart beat and control my breath. It was a simple trial, I'm sure I'm going to succeed. There is a kind of waiting that feels like gentle onshore breezes kissing salty stones. It isn't warm but there is a sense of calm, of nature, of things expected. Then there is the kind that feels like the head of a medieval mace is loose in my guts and my head has taken a beating with a hefty plank of wood. As I wait for my turn to come, it is the latter. I stare so hard my mind almost conjures some to please me but I won't let it. Today I have to stay in reality, for myself, not depart into the fantasy life that demands my attention at all the worst moments. I have to focus on each trial that I'll have to face and not dwell on my "what ifs".

   One by one the room was being emptied. Jason released my hand when his turn came, "Show them what you can do tiger." I offered him a small encouragement before he disappeared by the door.

   "Olivia Rose Willow please present yourself for your test."

   This is my time to shine. I'm going to leave them speechless. I know it.

   I walked into the room, everyone was watching me eagerly, as if they were waiting for me to make a mistake so they laugh. I bowed in front of the royal family and walked toward the table. So many options to choose from, knives pistols, bow and arrows. But I already know what I'm going to be showing them today.

   I took the knife and felt the familiar grip. I smiled to myself. I took one last look at my audience before loosening the bandana from my wrist and tying it as a blindfold. I heard a few whispers and gasps. I wanted to tell them to wait until the end of my performance, I'm going to take their breath away.

   I stood my ground, my right foot forward and my left slightly behind it. Relax. I remembered the position the mysterious boy put me into, I lifted my hand into the right angle, steadied myself, took a deep breath, and threw the knife. I didn't dare to remove my blindfold at first, I didn't hear any reaction from anyone. No, I want to see the results, I'm sure of myself and I'm sure I hit the target.

   I slowly removed it but I couldn't believe my eyes. The knife was hanging at the very center of the bull eye. I lifted my chin up and walked outside the room. As soon as I closed the doors, the only thing I could hear is the discussion from inside.

   "This is impossible! How did she do it?" Earle wasn't helping me at all win. A guard cleared his throat and gestured to me to move forward.

   I guess the first part is done now to the next challenge but first, lunch.

   .My boyfriend came and sat next to me "Are you proud of your performance?"

   "Yes I perfectly hit the target but I didn't feel any of them liked it."

   "Don't worry, I'm sure they love you but don't want to show it, their ego doesn't allow it," He laughed. "Now eat, you need your energy for the fighting. I'm always proud of you." He kissed my temple and left me to my plate of meat and rice.

   We took our places and waited for our names to be called. Everyone was a very good fighter but some were better and it was clear. Jason fought very professionally so did his friends. Seth and the twins were pretty strong fighters, I haven't spent a lot of time with them but I was surprised by their skills.

   "Olivia and Lucas." really? Why did they have to put me with him? We were the last two so I should've have known but I was lost in thoughts. I heard Jason giving me some encouraging words while I stood up and making my way to the center of the room.