The Dragon Games

The Auction

Bianca spent the afternoon leading up to the auction fighting Gordo for the chamber pot, almost coming to blows at one point. "

I can hardly remember last night," she told me between trips. "I didn't do anything embarrassing, did I?"

"Watch out for Edmond Balthasar," I said with a smirk. "He swore eternal damnation on you for dirtying his pretty blond hair."

"I'm being serious."

"As am I," I replied. But no matter what I said, she refused to believe me.

The auction was already packed when squad Tudor arrived. Some pledges were still rubbing their eyes, shaking off the side effects of last night's celebrations, but I jerked wide awake at the spread laid out before us. 

The servants had arranged a huge feast, sprawling halfway across the wall, stocked with every plate imaginable. My mouth watered at the sight. When I stole an extra serving of porridge at the orphanage, the caretakers would stuff me in a cupboard for the rest of the day – longer if they forgot I was there. 

Now I had my pickings of glazed pork and roasted lamb chops, cakes and pies, thick, creamy soups, piping hot bread rolls, and plenty more dishes too fancy to recognise. As my eyes glittered from dish to dish, I felt a prick on the back of my neck.

I turned, just in time to see four Balthasar pledges heading my way. I tensed, ready for a confrontation, but they kept walking, each wearing a small grin. Before I could react, Cassian cut in front of my path.

"Over there, Black." 

Cassian pointed at a table at the front of the mess hall, place on an elevated platform to overlook the whole mess hall. Three of the four chairs were occupied, seated with Atlas, Edmond, and Grace. "The four favorites sit together until the auction begins."

"Favorites? What's that got to do with me?"

Cassian rolled his eyes. "You beat Grace Midland in a one-on-one duel. If you can't take the fourth chair, I don't know who can."

My eyes shifted to Edmond. "Is that a good idea?"

"It's a great honor. You couldn't be happier." 

Cassian gave me a push, and I was off. After Atlas greeted me, the four of us fell into silence, no one even looking at other. Atlas and Edmond sat on opposite ends of the table, as far away from each other as they could. Grace prodded at her plate, making loud clinks every time her knife clashed against the fine china. 

Clearly, their were no allies among the House heirs. Only varying degrees of dislike.

Edmond heaved a great sigh at the ceiling. "I am sorry, I have never had to make small talk with a raider before. Uh, murder any small children lately?"

"Funny that's where your mind goes," Atlas said. "Out of all the topics in the world, you set your sights on small children first. Or should I say, hands?"

Edmond made a show of rolling his eyes. "I do not pretend to know what your twisted mind is insinuating."

"Oh, I am entirely sure you know exactly what I am insinuating, but should you like me to come right out and say it, it would be my honor."

"For the last time, there is nothing of the sort going on; she is my cousin," Edmond snapped. "We are not betrothing until she comes of age."

"Jealous?" Grace asked Atlas, arching an eyebrow.

Atlas made an incredulous face. "Of a child?"

"Of the satisfaction Edmond finds in his chosen match."