Behind My Shadow - Book Three

43. Now I'm Lying on the Cold Hard Ground

My eleventh Labor takes place inside of the White Shrine, the memorial building dedicated to the White Knights of the past.

The structure itself looks like a little fortress in the middle of our vast gymnasium. Like a four-story castle on a smaller scale. Each level is built to honor each Knight of the past and my Labor will be finished if and when I reach the top. I'll have to fight every step of the way and honestly, my nerves are pretty much fried at this point.

I bounce up and down in place anxiously as the Judge describes my Labor to the crowd of spectators surrounding the White Shrine. The most nerve-wrecking part of this experience for me though is the fact that most of the Shrine is covered in enormous arched windows so everyone will be able to see me battling my way up the spiraling staircase inside.

These people could literally bear witness to my demise if I don't ace this test.

I try my best not to glance at Regina or her family that are all watching me intently as if I'm under a microscope. I really just try to block out everyone, I haven't even glanced at Quill since earlier but now I'm beginning to feel a little guilty. I mean, any time I start a Labor I stand the chance of getting killed and I'd kinda hate for him to think I might die mad at him.

I'm really not mad at him anymore -shocked and slightly mortified, yes- but I can't be mad when he's only this upset because he lost his mom whom I still feel responsible for losing. No matter what he or Queen Lyna or anyone else says, Queen Eastyn is only dead because of the Black Hearts gunning for me.

"Are you alright, my dear?" Dad softly asks me, searching my face with concern.

I've been keeping all of my emotions in check so I outwardly look chill despite how frantic I feel on the inside. "I'll be better once this is over," I flash a brief smile.

"Aye, I believe we all will," he hands me his sword. "My Alice, your weapon." It's tradition that the Promised Alice competes in this Labor with the current White Knight's blade, but this feels even more special to me because this blade is my father's.

I gratefully accept it from him. I briefly study my reflection in the glass blade, his entire sword is made of mirror and the pommel is an enormous diamond cut like the knight chess piece. Despite my jitters, I look calm and capable in my reflection. "Thank you," I quickly kiss his cheek. "Wish me luck."

"You won't need luck, my dear. You have superior skills." He bows as he backs away.

I take a deep breath as I eye the White Shrine. Four levels, four Knights to defeat. I can do this, I can do this, I keep reciting to myself. If I can do this than I'll only have seven more Labors left. If all goes well, I'll be sitting on the Throne of Swords in a week. I smile a bit at that thought.

"You may commence with the Labor, Promised!" The Judge announces. "May fortune favor you!"

"May fortune favor you!" The entire crowd of spectators chorus.

I grin and shake my head faintly before I stride forward. I finally glance at Quill as I march up to the arched doors. I can sense he's every bit as anxious as I am about this Labor but he manages a hopeful smile when I catch his gaze. I give him a curt nod and faint smile before I disappear through the opening doors.

I'm instantly greeted by a gust of fridged air and for a moment, my eyes strain to adjust to the blinding light emitting from the glowing white marble insides of the Shrine. Now my eyes finally lock on my target; the enormous floating staircase of black and white steps. They look like they've floated right off a chess board. Lining the concave perimeter of the Shrine on every level is a glamorous collection of glowing, giant black and white chess pieces, they each clutch a mirrored sword and wield a huge shield. I can see my reflection in every blade.