ultimate victory, killing King Philipp and neutralizing Leonora at long last.
Princess Dior would be sent back to Fleur, without a wedding. When finally I selected a bride, I would choose someone honest and hardworking, who didn’t have a temper more volatile than my own. Our match would be an advantageous one sure to aid my kingdom. I wouldn’t wait to find my fated mate, like so many other avian did.
I didn’t believe such a thing was possible for me. At times, Craven had been certain Leonora was his fated mate, even though he hadn’t produced the amour for her. Look how their relationship had turned out. Twice doomed to fail.
Resentment welled, but I tamped it down. Now was not the time for emotion, but cold determination.
“Welcome, one and all, to the most spectacular tournament ever held in Enchantia, with a prize among prizes. Marriage to the beauteous Princess Dior!” The master of ceremonies spoke, his voice filling the stands. “This incredible event will run for three consecutive weeks. During each of those weeks, our combatants will compete in at least one physical battle. But don’t despair. They’ll have the option to compete in many other types of battles, as well. We will test their speed, cunning, and even their ability to negotiate. The victors of the smaller contests will win some kind of advantage. A head start in the next physical battle, perhaps. A weapon when everyone else is weaponless. They can even win disadvantages for their fellow competitors.”
Cheers erupted.
He continued, saying, “Combatants may use their innate abilities for each and every competition. Magic? Yes. Flight? That, too. Nothing is taboo while our warriors are on the battlegrounds. Outside of the battlegrounds, however, they are mystically prohibited from harming each other. If they miss a physical battle, they will be disqualified. If they wish to withdraw at any point after this first battle, they must petition the king.”
Now boos filled the air.
I roved my gaze over the competition, picking out my preferred victims. A daylight vampire...strong, quick, able to heal faster than most. A wolfin...able to jump high enough to rip me out of the air, if I decided to fly. A mer...wily, able to slip out of any hold. A goblin...able to dematerialize and possess a body for short periods of time. A sorcerer...able to syphon power from combatants, weakening them in minutes. A snake-shifter...their venom could paralyze me for several precious seconds. A troll...their toxic fangs could turn most species into raging monsters before dying a horrid death. I’d recently lost a beloved friend in such a way.
The trolls, then. I’d go after them first, one by one. Eight had entered. If there was time, I would take out the snake-shifters, goblins, and sorcerian afterward. In that order.
Drawn by a force I couldn’t control, I slid my gaze to Ashleigh for the thousandth time since her arrival. And she must be Ashleigh again, Leonora hidden once more. She perched on a child’s throne high atop the stands, and continually cast her father quick, longing glances that hurt my heart, as if the organ were learning to beat for the first time. It was an unacceptable reaction to an unacceptable girl, and another annoyance to add to the princess’s tally.
Because of her, I’d tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep. Sleep I’d needed, considering today was life-and-death. But how was I supposed to drift away with her at my side? Every time I’d inhaled, I’d breathed in the sweet scent of roses and vanilla and remembered her naked, water-damp skin. I’d tried to think of something, anything else, but my thoughts had remained trapped in a mental quicksand of her making.
The madness had to end.
While the first avian king had possessed a weakness for the evil witch, I wouldn’t be so foolish. I wouldn’t soften with Ashleigh. Not again. I reminded myself of my goals. Expose her for the dangerous murderess she is. Protect my people for once. Enjoy my vengeance.
Then, and only then, could I enjoy the rest of my life.
But why did she have to look so lovely in her new gown?
Before I’d left the garment for her, I’d paid Ophelia to enchant the material. The moment Ashleigh had donned it, a powerful—temporary—tracking spell had absorbed into her skin. For the next twenty-one days, I would be able to discern her location with only a thought. If she ran from me, as Leonora had often done, I could find her in a matter of minutes.
At my