A permanent thorn in her side

Gritting her teeth to stop herself from crying out from the intense pain, Freya took out a small pouch from her pocket her fiery gaze focused on the young woman lying on the ground.

She opened the bottle of elixir to soothe the intense burn on her cheek but before she could apply it her attacker suddenly sprung up to her feet and rushed towards her.

This time her momentum caught Freya off guard. She was pressed on the ground and the woman proceeded to try and sprinkle the rest of the powder on her face. Freya grasped the woman's wrist grappling with her with the intent of forcing her to let go of the powder. There were mixed reactions in the crowd with others screaming in excitement while the rest wore anxious expressions on their faces.

The Wright family weren't an exception. They looked towards the King but just like the crown prince he didn't intend to stop the competition. Madam Wright happened to catch Matron Dour's gaze and when she saw that malicious smile on her face she instantly knew that this was revenge for not forming a partnership with them. She should have known that this heartless woman would resort to such hateful methods.

Meanwhile, her son-in-law wasn't fairing well either. Lenox gripped the armrest of his seat as he glanced around looking for a guard with a bow and arrow at hand. If no one would do something about it then he would take matters into his own hands. The anxiety in his eyes didn't escape the crown prince's gaze.

This kind of worry was beyond that of a master worrying for a servant. It was the type of worry where one would jump into the flames, and disregard who they would offend just so they could save that person. He had a feeling Freya was not just a mere maidservant and that the Wright family where downplaying her importance.

Freya was completely unaware that her identity at this moment was being questioned. She was more focused on trying to survive this calamity.

Her life under threat she abandoned all restraint. She barred her teeth in a feral grin as she drove a balled-up fist into the woman's throat. Having never suffered such an excruciating pain the young woman fell to the side her throat closing from the blow. With her head lowered gagging, Freya took advantage striking her with terrifying powerful hits before sprinkling the powder on the young woman's face.

Freya wasn't the type to make herself feel wronged. If someone wronged her she would revenge twofold. The woman screamed while writhing on the muddy ground. Freya wiped away the mud on her face looking down at her with an indifferent gaze. She picked up the bottle of elixir that had fallen on the ground and poured some on her hand before slathering it on her cheek. The intense heat burning holes into her skin lessened greatly and a sense of relief washed over her body.

She tossed the bottle near the young woman before turning to leave. This was her show of mercy though this person was arguably undeserving of such kindness.

Crown Prince Roan followed Freya's figure with his eyes his emotions complicated. Queen Rhea clenched her fist inside her sleeve her plan having failed. It seemed this Freya wasn't such an easy person to deal with. She was like a succubus sent to challenge her authority and ruin her plans.

Not only had she hooked crown prince Roan's attention but her son as well. If she was allowed to run around freely she would become a permanent thorn in her side.

The sonorous sound of drums soon filled the air and the young women hurried to exit the maze. As expected, Isabella was the first to come out and behind her were the ones who managed to stick to her like glue.

Rose wasn't far behind but she was in a much worse state than the others. It seemed she had got into a fight with another girl.

Freya was one of the last girls to leave the maze right before the drums stopped playing. Any other young woman who came out after the drums stopped playing was automatically disqualified thus they were taken away by the Keres warriors out of the arena.

The boisterous cheers of the crowd shook the skies and the master of ceremonies stood up with his arms outstretched to calm the crowd. The loud jeers soon died down as the young maidens were led up to where the royal family were sitting.

"When your name is called please present your flags," said the man.

When they left the maze, Freya called Rose to get her half of the green flags but Rose tremblingly shook her head.

Freya laughed softly internally and didn't push the matter further. She had expected this from the very beginning but wanted to give Rose a chance and possibly develop a partnership rooted in trust.

Growing up her uncle had thoroughly instilled in her the idea that she could only trust three people in her life that is himself, Cara and Lionel. Alliances could be formed but with caution. Who would have thought her very first alliance in this palace would be broken so easily?

Freya ignored crown prince Roan's cold gaze directed towards her. She was seething in anger at the moment so she could care less about acting in front of this person. She had not only been betrayed but she was almost disfigured and they did nothing to come to her rescue. She didn't even care to look back when that young woman was dragged out of the maze.

Isabella was the first to step up. She proudly presented twenty-five green flags and earned the praise of both the King and Queen. The person she wanted the most praise from though just gave her an indifferent nod.

She felt quite dispirited as she stepped aside but when she met Freya's gaze her eyes flashed a glint of pleasure in Freya's demise. It had paid greatly blocking Rose in the maze.

She had given Rose an ultimatum that is getting robbed of all her green flags or give none of them to Freya when they exit the maze. Rose's choice was easy to guess. She even suggested that Isabella's followers rough her up a bit to make it look like she was beaten and robbed. They put a lot of effort into this play but Freya wasn't so easily deceived. This was after all a dog-eat-dog world.

None of the girls that followed after had more than half of what Isabella had. It was obvious she was the clear winner and both Queen Rhea and the Martin family were proud like she had come out on top of her own effort.

The master of ceremonies was about to announce another young woman's name when crown prince Roan pointed at Freya.

"Step forward," he said his charming voice melting the hearts of the young women that they couldn't help but blush.