The Kingdom of Vanora

The Tournament

Korbin's Pov

"Elysia, the kind of power he emitted yesterday was insane! It should have killed him!" A familiar voice cries. I keep to the shadows to avoid being seen. I note the voice sounds like Carys. He must be talking with his twin. Who else would he be talking to?

Elysia sighs.

"Yeah, I know."

"What if he gets his marks?" Carys groans. Spirits. Can he not degrade my abilities?

"At that age?" Elysia snorts. "I think not."

"You never know when you get marks or if you will be gifted with them." She continues.

Screw them all I'll prove them wrong. I'll prove all my siblings wrong. Nobody can tell me no! I am going to prove them wrong. I will get my marks before them all.

"But what if he does?"

"Carys, if Korbin gets his Marks before us then it's the will of the spirit king."

"Fine, it's time for lunch. Let us go eat," I listen as their footsteps fade down the hall. I follow them softly. I'd rather not be attacked because I was eavesdropping. That happened once. It was not fun being chased through the castle. My legs quiver at the thought of being chased around the castle.

Down the hall to the dining hall, I hear Carys, Avalon and Aveyard bellow with laughter. As I get closer there laughter begins to fade. Almost as if my presence cuts the fun out. I wouldn't be surprised.

A few minutes later we are let into the dining hall. It's already filled with lords and ladies. Many of whom will compete today.

The seats between Avalon and Elysia, our parent's seats, are empty. Yet no one seems to notice. How can so many lords and ladies not notice King and Queen are missing?

"Korbin, how are you feeling today? I heard your magic took a toll on you." My head snaps to my right. Ignatius. My older brother genuinely looks concerned. How nice of him.

"I'm fine."

"Right...where's Father? He should be here." Ignatius glances down at the empty seats. Even after yesterday, I find myself watching the doors. How can I not? They're still my parents. "And it's not like Mother to miss an event."

I hum in response. Where they could be I know not. Minutes pass and the King and Queen are nowhere to be found and no message has been sent. What is happening?

Avalon begins to worry. As the oldest, it's his duty to ensure this event goes smoothly. Or as smoothly as possible. Avalon motions for a guard. They quietly speak. Even I can't hear them. The constant chatter of the room doesn't help either.

"My Lords and Ladies, apologies for keeping you waiting. My wife and I had urgent business to discuss." Fathers voice fills the dining hall. Everyone stands while Mother and Father take their seats.

"Before we eat, I'd like to congratulate Lord Agis and Lady Bilana on their pregnancy. Now raise a cup to our fearsome competitors. My sons Avalon, Aveyard, Carys, Hadriel, Ignatius, and daughter Elysia."

"Competitors from afar, we welcome you and the feast tonight shall be held in your honour. Whether that is in your victory or your loss. We will gladly raise a glass in hopes you return next year." Father gives his short speech. A round of applause echoes around the room. And the feast begins.

Down the table, Avalon and Father are quietly conversing. Their voices are so quiet my ears can't even hear them and I have exceptional hearing. As do most fae.

Ignatius pulls me from my attempts at listening in. "Korbin, would you like some wine?"

"No."

"Thank you Esmera." Ignatius smiles wistfully at the female retreating down the aisle to tend to the Lords and Ladies. Gross.
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