The Labyrinth Heiress

Chapter 5

Rowan~

Alivia's limp body rests in the middle of our bed, drenched in sweat. In just a few hours, the color has drained from her face, leaving it a ghostly pale. She shivers constantly, a few tears rolling down her cheeks. I kneel next to our bed, wiping away the sweat from her face with a cool cloth. Alivia has always been the bright light amidst my darkness, even with a common cold. Seeing her like this frightens me to my core. It's been years since I saw her in such agony and pain—since the death of our parents.

Taking a deep breath, I stay strong for her. "Liv, you should eat something... please," I whisper, my eyes threatening to well up. Her eyes flutter open, and she nods weakly.

I spoon-feed her the dinner she left untouched a few nights ago. Each fragile bite she takes threatens to break my heart. How did she contract this illness? I never let her go to the market alone. She must have snuck out to sell her latest piece.

Hours pass, and her fever only worsens. I've spent all my newly acquired Solaras on every medicine that could help. My fear has turned into a life-threatening sense of despair.

If you could actually provide for your sister, she would be okay by now.

A banging on the door snaps me out of my thoughts. I rush down the hall and crack it open to find two premier guards. Confusion washes over me as they open a royal scroll—one used to deliver direct messages from the queen—and begin to read:

My Dearest Miss Rowan Hart:

As you may know, the kingdom's yearly trials begin in 4 days' time. Each year I choose a contestant willing to volunteer as the Wildcard, and I would like to offer you this year's place. If you manage to come out of the Labyrinth alive- becoming the victor of the trials- I will grant you any gift of your choosing. However, be aware that your success in the trials hinges upon that. Any accommodations for family members may be granted if needed.

If you choose to accept this invitation, please sign on the dotted line below.
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- Queen Reyna of Solaria

My head spins. Why me? What do the trials even have in store? It's been years since I attended one of the watch parties, and even then, it's a blur. As members of parliament, my parents were always required to attend, even though they detested the concept. I would usually run off with other members' kids during those two weeks and explore the palace. I know the trials are dangerous, the tributes even more so, but all I can think of is Alivia. It's been over 24 hours since she fell into this critical condition, and nothing scares me more than losing her—not even risking my own life in the trials. If I win, I could save her. And she'd be staying in the palace under their care, much better than what I'm attempting here. I know I can fight and survive improbable situations, but I despise the queen for everything she stands for. For what she did to my parents. For what she did to me and my sister. She left us to fend for ourselves after two members of high nobility from her parliament were murdered. She acted as if we were nothing, her loyalty slipping through her fingers. And now she offers me a place as the Wildcard?

Before I can regret my decision, I pluck a pen from one of the guards and sign my name. The other guard hands me an envelope, and both turn on their heels to leave. As I watch them fade into the horizon, I turn my attention to the envelope. I carefully open it, the words in delicate calligraphy:

My Dearest Miss Rowan Hart:

You have chosen to accept the place as a Wildcard in this year's trials. I will send someone to fetch you tomorrow at the tenth hour. You will be settled into one of our rooms to prepare for the imminent trials. If needed, please inform your driver of any extra accommodations required.

May the lucky stars watch over you,

- Queen Reyna of Solaria

I push the letter back into its envelope and shove it into my back pocket. I pad back to where Alivia is resting, her hands tucked under her head. When I approach, her eyes blink open, and she gives me a small smile. My heart breaks into millions of pieces.

"Liv, I'm going to get you better, okay? I'm going to volunteer in this year's trials, and you'll get better. You'll have all the art supplies you want and an even bigger, better bed. I'll be gone for only a little while, then I'll come back... okay?" My words trail off, my voice breaking.

"Tomorrow we're going to go to the palace and you'll get your own room and have anything you want," I whisper, a sad smile breaking across my face.

"Okay," she whispers absentmindedly, her smile widening as she drifts off to sleep again.

When her breathing becomes even, I tuck her fully into bed and place a kiss on her forehead.

When her breathing evens out, I tuck her fully into bed and place a kiss on her forehead. I leave our room, close the door behind me, and plop down onto the couch. I take a few deep breaths and center myself like my mom used to say.

Rowan, some days are going to be harder than most, but you can't let it get to you. Take a deep breath, and use that beautiful brain of yours. Figure out what you'll do and how you'll do it. Always have a plan and stick to it. You're my darling girl, Rowan, embrace it.

When my heartbeat steadies, I start to come up with a plan. A plan to win the trials and save my sister.