For What is Bought in Blood

Predation

I do not arrive late. I walk into the large dining hall, tables and chairs pushed to the sides of the room to leave much of the floor open. Only my mother and Ervan stand towards the small upraised platform, undoubtedly making sure their scheme to unnerve me is going to plan.

Flowers meaning first love and fertility hang from the ceiling, casting the room into the light colors of lilac and baby's breath. Small pieces of glass meant to catch the sunlight hang lower, causing bright splotches to dance around the room as the spring breeze filters through the windows. The tile in this room was chosen by mother before I was born, the deep green of Arithia and a soft crème alternating to create a chessboard pattern. The dress chosen for me is a light green, almost as if the tile colors blended to clothe me. I stand out, but also look like I belong here, like a statue in the garden. This dress was made for me to be the most important person in attendance today. No music yet plays, but a small stage for live instruments sits in the middle of the open dancing space. Tonight, I will likely do a lot of dancing.

"Oh, Alula, darling," my mother coos, walking over to me with Ervan in tow. With the space only containing us, my mother's words echo. Being approached like this by them sends a nervous flutter into my stomach. I cannot help but think of the assassin with my face at the top of his list, hired by my mother dearest.

Despite her temporary presence today she still dresses for royal introduction. Deep forest green silk covers her lithe form, cascading along the floor behind her in an elegant train. Status exudes from her. The pearls and glimmering jewels hanging low on her throat would be enough, but she also wears stilted shoes that increase her height. While I usually stand a few inches taller than her, we meet eye-to-eye right now. The face of all the power of Arithia has her hair pinned high and her features softened by powders. This tells me something I didn't expect- there will be guests today that have never visited The Capital City before. She hopes to make a glimmering impression.

"You look so elegant. Ready to meet your husband tonight?" Her eyes toy with me, encouraging me to put up a fight. Instead, I glance at Ervan.

He is dressed in finery for a king. If he didn't stand much shorter and heavier than my father, I would almost say they were fathers, just altered. His attire is dark, the crest of Arithia plastered on his jacket like a fashion statement. The sight makes my stomach turn again. Never when he was an advisor for my father did he own such finery, nor did he don the crest daily like he does now. His grey hair is pushed back on his head and the gleam of his face indicates a fresh shave for the occasion. Instead of faking a smile, he looks quite bored with me.

"I am excited to meet possible suitors, Your Majesty." I bow my head to my mother, hoping the words don't sound as mocking as they feel.

"Now, Alula," Ervan starts. I feel my head snap up from the floor, eyes boring into his. He does not falter as I hoped he would. "When you find the man you prefer, you'll need permission from your mother to wed."

I'm sure I cracked a tooth from the force behind my jaw clench. More permissions, more belittling me. My pride begs me to lash out. I feel my eye twitch as Ervan flashes me the most ignorant smile I have ever seen. These men were already invited by her, chosen already as suitable options. She will likely want me to beg for permission as if this entire charade was my idea.

"Of course," I grind out. My hands are clenched so hard behind my back, I swear I'm about to draw blood. I know this entire idea was meant to put me in my place, end the lifelong freedom I have had in this castle. Maybe it was hard for my mother to watch me dance around this place like I belonged- maybe she feels I have been too folly all my life.