Heartless | A Powerless Fanfiction Novella

Chapter 21: Corrine

I watch the prince's eyes follow Paedyn through the projection above us, something along the lines of wander swimming in his gaze as he witnesses the girl become prey to one of the contestants' power, forcing her to see an illusion of Kitt himself on the verge of death in the middle of the forest. The week-long trial ended three days ago and after the players have been given time to rest, they have been forced to join the rest of Ilya in the Bowl arena to relive their seven days hunting each other. The Sights have been present for their every move all for it to feed into this moment as the people are revelling in their entertainment. Worry and fear, that is what the Silver Saviour's face is screaming as she rushes to help the illusion of a prince in front of her. The projection switches and so does Kitt's expression, as if he caught himself just in time before anyone saw him - except the guard standing across from him to the side of the glass room on duty to protect him and his parents for the event. Lucky me. The mundane survived, but there are only seven of them left with three deaths now being commemorated by the audience. For each soul lost like a puzzle piece I watch the audience raise their pointer and middle finger raising above their hearts - a diamond, representing Ilya's image of strength, power and honour.

"Your vote is more important than you know," The presenter projects her voice across the stands, "Honour your kingdom, honour your family and honour yourself."

I barely contain myself once the event has finished and I made sure the Royals weren't killed for the day - with only one look shared between me and Kitt that no longer felt so much at odds, but more as if we had shared it a thousand times before - "What an honour to die for the fun of others." I say to the Enforcer walking at my side.

His laugh is dry, even he can't bring himself to lie for the sake of his father's game, "Honour has many meanings Lowes, I am only honouring my duty by obeying my father's design."

The prince is no less of a pawn than me. Yes he might have the status of a knight rather than the weaker chess pieces so easily knocked off, but that doesn't mean he can move whichever way he wishes - in reality he has a most restricted path he will submit to, the shape of it predicted, the end of it unknown.

"And does obeying your father mean winning Paedyn Gray's affection? Or is that just your personal prize?"

He chuckles, "Oh I don't think I can win something twice. But I'm not saying I will not try."

"You think highly of yourself."

I say that and yet I know the scenes that played for the audience prove my words wrong. The Silver Saviour and Enforcer looked like they decided on common ground after a near death wish barely avoided, maybe this was even their plan. Swooning half of Ilya's population because of featherlight touches and an unexpected alliance is surely the way to win the votes they need to win this damn thing.

"Lowes, how was the guard whilst I was gone?" As we walk through the palace corridors I practically see every white uniform in sight perch their ears to hear my response, "Anyone who I need to take care of?"

His father is involved now. I can't tell him, there's nothing he could do.

"Yes, everything was fine. Only a few servant girls missed you according to the gossip whispers I kept hearing."

"And you didn't miss me, Lowes?"

"I had Matthew to replace your charm, not to worry."

"You do make me worry if you think anyone can replace me." His smirk fades for a moment, a thought clearly now concerning him, "Corrine who took...my job when I was away?"

A knot forms in my throat but I swallow it, answering promptly, "I only heard that it was taken care of."

I only heard the screams of the man and woman, the thuds of the children's bodies on the floor, the clatter of Matthew's dagger landing next to me.