Chapter 9 - Fighting roses

"A competition that you're also not interested in, apparently. You should do us all a favor and drop out of it. One less girl to worry about," Amara murmured.

The others laughed, the tension thickening with each passing moment. Amara and Vivienne's rivalry was clear, and while some girls exchanged awkward glances, others seemed more entertained by the spectacle of it all.

Amara, despite her extraordinary powers of invisibility had a natural talent for always putting herself in the spotlight. She leaned back in her seat with a self-satisfied grin. She had always enjoyed provoking others, especially those who thought too highly of themselves. But Vivienne, she realized, was a force to be reckoned with and wouldn't let Amara have the last laugh.

"Drop out of the competition so you can have a chance? Not happening. You should rather focus your energy on working on that attitude of yours. I don't think the Prince will appreciate a smart mouth like yours."

Vivienne snapped in anger. The other girls gasped and chuckled while Amara sat there fuming.

Calista, who had been observing the unfolding drama with quiet precision, finally spoke up, her voice low but authoritative. "It's way too early to be fighting girls. But I do wonder," she mused, her eyes flicking between the girls, "which one of us will make it to the dragon trials and get to see the dragons up close. Everyone here seems to think that winning Cassian's heart is the ultimate goal, but let us not forget—it's not just about him, is it? The crown is at stake here. One of us would become the future Dragon Queen of this kingdom."

"I think it would be proper if we could at least start acting like one."

Her words were measured, and though she was speaking to no one in particular, the message got to the girls. Everyone went quiet and faced their food. Her gaze swept the group, assessing each of the girls carefully. She would need to know who to avoid, who to ally with, and most importantly, who might pose a true threat. But for now, she was still testing the waters.

While the other girls continued to engage in their own conversations shortly after, Lira quietly stood up from her spot by the fountain, her mind churning. The tension in the air was suffocating, and though she knew she should participate in the discussions to further ingratiate herself with the group, she didn't have the right words. She feared that if she opened her mouth, the rest of the girls would laugh at her. They were all so intimidating in a way.

And she wasn't there to make friends. She was there for one thing only: vengeance.

Slipping away from the group, Lira wandered through the garden, her steps deliberate but calm. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the path as she passed under arched vines and towering trees. She didn't care about the petty squabbles between the girls. She cared about getting closer to the throne, about making the royal family pay for everything they had done to her family.

As she walked, her mind raced with plans and calculations. She had to stay hidden, stay unnoticed, but also make her move when the time was right. She had to get close to the crown prince to learn his weaknesses and understand how best to strike.

As she strolled further away, she couldn't help but smile to herself. Soon, the game would begin in earnest. And Lira Sutton would make sure the royal family never saw her coming.

After ensuring she wasn't being followed, Lira slipped into an unused corridor near the kitchens. The stone walls were lined with faded tapestries, and the faint smell of damp earth lingered in the air. Her fingers traced the edges of the wall, searching for any irregularities. She has heard the palace had secret passages and tunnels hidden deep.

"Looking for something?"

Lira froze. She turned slowly to find Lady Amara Fenwick leaning against the wall, a sly smirk on her face.

No," Lira said smoothly. "Just exploring."

Amara tilted her head, studying her. Her invisibility powers made it perfect for her to spring up anywhere unnoticed. And she had particularly noticed Lira slipping out of the gathering. She had followed her immediately, promptly cloaking herself so she wouldn't be seen. Amara looked at Lira carefully, searching her face for a lie, anything she could use.

"Exploring? That is bold of you, considering the rest of us are sticking to the main halls like obedient little sheep. But you don't strike me as the obedient type, Lira of the Vale."

Lira forced a smile, her heart pounding. "I like to familiarize myself with my surroundings."

"Hmm." Amara's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You're an interesting one. I'll give you that. Just be careful—some of these old halls have ears. And they talk."

With that, she sauntered off, leaving Lira to breathe a quiet sigh of relief.

She had to be more careful next time, she had almost been discovered by Amara. She vaguely remembered Amara's powers and wondered if that was why she had not spotted her until she came up close. If she was to sneak around the palace the next time she had to make sure she was not caught.

....

Later that evening, palace halls buzzed with tension as the founding families in their luxurious guest suites, began their schemes. It all started when the King invited every founding family who had a daughter participating in the Dragon Queen Selection to the palace for a celebration dinner. Lord Vale was the only noble who did not attend; a letter had arrived from the Crown with his noble family seal stating that his health would not allow him to make the long trip to the palace, but he brought gifts.

Lira knew the letter was her brother's idea, but she didn't know where he got the money for the presents he had sent the Crown. He probably had to raid Lord Vale's dwindling coffers.

The dinner quickly turned into something else.

Servants moved quickly and quietly, carrying trays laden with wine and delicacies to rooms where whispered conversations and thinly veiled plots took root. Each family was intent on ensuring their daughter emerged victorious, regardless of the cost.

"You must outshine the others, Calista," Lord Gareth Harthwell said, pacing his daughter's chambers. His voice was a low growl, but his words were sharp. "This selection isn't just about love; it's about power. Remember that. The Crown Prince doesn't have to like you—he simply has to see you as the most advantageous choice."

Calista sat on the velvet chaise, smoothing the folds of her pale blue gown. Her serene expression masked the storm brewing beneath. "I know, Father. You've only reminded me every day of my life," she replied dryly.

Lord Harthwell turned sharply. "Don't take that tone with me. This family has poured every resource into your success. If you fail..." He trailed off, but the unspoken threat lingered heavily in the air.

"I won't fail," Calista said, her voice firm. "I cannot fail. I've already started watching the others; they are not much of a competition, to be honest. Lady Saphira is too cold; she will alienate herself. Her abilities are just as useless as well. She lifts forks and knives with her mind as some sort of party trick, but nobody is particularly interested. Lady Elora is far too timid; all the money and wealth her father has cannot bring her out of her shell. Lady Vivienne is not even interested in being Queen although I have to admit she would make a fine dragon rider. But I have never met a woman so bold and aggressive in my life, I think that would turn the Prince off. Then, there is Lady Amara Fenwick and, yes, you can imagine, she's just as sharp-tongued as her mother with a foul mouth. Plus, her powers pose a threat, she can be invisible, so she has a habit of showing up where she's not wanted. And then there's not much to mention of the rest. They are just as mediocre as their powers. They are simply not outstanding at all. And Lira of the Vale..." She paused, narrowing her eyes. "She is the worst of them all. Nothing to note about that."

"Then keep an eye on all of them," her father advised. "But don't waste time on petty rivalries, Calista. Secure the Prince's attention—quickly."

Calista nodded, her expression hardening. "I will do whatever it takes."

Meanwhile, in Lady Lenora's room, her poor mother was trying to persuade her to make better efforts to win the Crown Prince's attention. Lady Lenora knelt by her bed, hands clasped in fervent prayer. Her mother, Lady Eleanor, sat nearby, her lips pursed in a mixture of irritation and impatience.

"Lenora, dear," Lady Eleanor finally said, her voice tight, "while I admire your dedication to the faith, prayer alone won't win you a dragon nor the Crown Prince. Perhaps maybe you could at least try to use your powers. Persuasion is a powerful skill. You could persuade the Prince to pick you."

"Mother," Lenora replied, her tone exasperated, "I cannot compromise my principles. Using my powers to influence the Dragon Queen selection is cheating. And if I am caught I would be thrown out. What I'm more concerned about is the Crown Prince's behaviour. Someone needs to bring righteousness back to the throne."

Lady Eleanor rolled her eyes. "You won't change Cassian Valemont by lecturing him. Men like him are ruled by their desires. If you truly want to be Queen, you'll need to use your powers. What use is having such powers if you cannot use it?"

Lenora shook her head, rising to her feet. "If I have to compromise who I am, then I don't think I deserve to win."

Lady Eleanor's lips pressed into a thin line. "If you lose, our family loses everything. Do not forget that!"