Desert Winds (a Percy Jackson AU)

The King's Decision

The day after she had shown King Frank the city through her eyes, Hazel was surprised by the news: he had chosen to eliminate all but ten of the contestants. The remaining contenders were gathered in the throne room.

"I'm sorry that this process is being rushed," King Frank said.

Bianca raised her hand. "Why is that so?"

King Frank shifted nervously on his throne. "There have been a few attempts of assassination," he said. "My advisors have told me to speed up the process. The kingdom — my kingdom — needs an heir to create stability. The Mitanni have taken advantage of the situation to rebel and other cities may follow suit."

Hazel and Bianca exchanged glances. Was the situation really so precarious?

"I am hoping that once I have chosen a queen, the kingdom will calm down," King Frank said. "It might not, however, and any one of you may face danger staying here. That is why I eliminated so many women. It is also why I am saying this: if any of you do not wish to remain, there are still positions to be filled. There will be no hard feelings from me or my advisors towards you. Those who choose to stay will have a guard posted outside their room at night."

Five of the remaining girls, including Bianca, raised their hands. They stepped forward. After some discussion, Bianca returned to Hazel with a pleased expression on her face. "I am going to be a priestess of Ishtar," she said.

Hazel hugged her sister. She smelled of figs and baked bread; soon, she'd smell of incense and stone. "Congratulations," she said. "I know this is what you wanted, but I will miss you."

"And I, you," Bianca said, "but this is what I want. I won't ever have to marry. I can be an eternal maiden. No man shall command me — only the goddess shall."

Hazel smiled as her sister released her and was led away, but inside she was scared. She had gotten farther than she had ever imagined, but what if she wasn't the one chosen? Then, her mother's disappointment would be ten times worse.

****

The five remaining Maidens of the Palace were invited to a feast that was more somber than it was glorious. The news of assassination weighed down the mood. Since she didn't really feel like talking, Hazel studied her four remaining competitors.

Katie was a tall brunette with green eyes. She talked animatedly about the gardens. A girl with big, brown eyes and shiny black hair named Silena seemed the most at ease at the palace. She was the daughter of a baker. A curly redhead named Rachel talked about the beautiful art in the palace. The remaining contender was a sweet-faced woman named Gwen.

      As Hazel studied them, her heart sunk lower and lower in her chest. How could she compare to any of them? Her mother had told her she was a curse from the time she was born. Maybe she was right. There was no way Hazel could make her mother proud.