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Over the next week, new biographies would appear under my pillow. Sometimes, I noticed that my leftovers had been pillaged. But I didn’t lay eyes on Zamire. I couldn’t help but think that I had crossed a line by offering to play counselor for him. In truth, all I wanted to do was help. My intentions may have chased away my only ally.
As I kneaded the dough to make pie, I heard my door open. I jumped and spun around. A tall woman with long, golden hair and bronzed skin stormed over to me. She sneered at the day dress I wore.
“Did the prince give that to you?” the woman demanded. I frowned, unsure of what this stranger was talking about.
“Prince? What prince? Never mind that, I sewed this dress. You could confirm that with my father,” I offered. The woman’s eyes narrowed on me.
“So you’re nothing more than a seamstress who is vying to be the prince’s concubine?” the woman questioned.
“Look, uh... I’m sorry, I don’t know your name,” I said, confused. “But what prince?”
“Lord Larshak hasn’t been coronated yet, but it is understood that he will be the crowned prince of Neretha in a few weeks,” she huffed. “Don’t play smart with me.”
“Oh, Lord Larshak is a prince? Oh, wow! Anyway, I have no interest in being a concubine. He only came in here to eat my food. Apparently, he hates the cook’s food. Sometimes he left me books to read, since we sort of have a barter system going. He eats my food, I read a book. I had no idea—”
“Books?” the woman, who now looked embarrassed, cried. “Zamire came in here to give you books?” I gestured to my pillow.
“I hide the biographies under my pillow, because I’m not sure if I’m supposed to have them,” I explained, my heart pumping.
“You’re a seamstress that likes to read?” the woman slowly asked. “What kind of universe am I living in?”
“I also like to cook. If you wait fifteen minutes, I can bake a mean pie for you,” I replied.
“What’s pie?” the woman said.
“It’s an Earth dish. So, uh, who are you again?” I asked, confused. I was relieved that this stranger was speaking in English, because the language came naturally to me.
“Right. I’m Aneli Rema, the future princess of Neretha,” she bragged. Embarrassment quickly flooded my face, my heart beginning to crack. No wonder why Zamire chose to keep me at arm’s length. He had a gorgeous fiancée that he didn’t want to mess things up with. I felt even lonelier than ever before. Why hadn’t Zamire bothered telling me that he was a prince? Why allow me to be surprised in that way?
“Oh, don’t be embarrassed. Many people don’t know that I’m going to be queen someday. So, let me check under your pillow.” The future queen of Neretha strolled over to my bed and lifted the pillow. “Oh, The Three Doomed Princes, one of the more depressing books,” Aneli commented.
“Right, because they all die from being poisoned,” I agreed, figuring that I might as well go back to my pie. Maybe if she saw that I was busy, she would leave me be.
“Precisely,” Aneli brightly said. “Tomorrow, we’re going on a trip, Jade. Be sure to wear our colors,” she said before storming out. I had a terrible feeling that the trip wasn’t going to be a pleasant one.
I wasn’t surprised when I found the biography missing. It was disappointing, since I had been halfway through it. Aneli would probably take the proof of the prince’s indiscretions and show them to his father. Annoyed, I ate my dinner, which was tacos and pie, and decided to do some yoga to pass the time. After I couldn’t quite get into the soothing routine, I brushed my teeth and forced myself to fall asleep.
***
A cranky guard woke me up the next day. He informed me that Lady Aneli would retrieve me soon. I quickly showered and dressed in the same silver gown that I had arrived in. Then I twisted my locks into an updo, and didn’t bother with makeup. I wasn’t talented at the feat, and had no blemishes, so what was the point?
“I’d like a gown just like that one, but with jewels,” Aneli said as she entered the cottage.
“Sure,” I said. “As long as someone provides me with the materials, I can make it for you.”
The lady laughed.
“As if I’d actually wear something that you touched. No, my seamstress will make the gown for me,” she said. What a witch. If she was going to be queen of the country, I felt terrible for the Nerethians. Hopefully, I would escape this wretched place before she ascended to the throne.
I followed the princess out of the cottage, and into the warm air. We made our way to the steps of the platform, where five guards dressed in silver stood. Silver uniforms were waiting for us. I gawked as one of the guards lifted Aneli into his arms and walked her up the steps. I couldn’t suppress the eye roll. I walked up the steps, my calves aching as I reached the top, where two silver flyers were waiting for us. Aneli was led to one flyer, while I was directed to another.
“Lady Rema, you’re going to the same place,” one of the guards protested in Nerth.
“I’m not riding with that piece of trash,” she responded, and anger filled me. She didn’t have to be so rude to the commoners. I was sure that Molly would have decked her if it were her.
I headed over to the other flyer and got in. The same quiet guard that had picked me up from my father’s spaceship was the one that piloted the transport. Did women drive or fight in the military? Maybe if Zamire bothered speaking to me, I could ask him.
By the time we reached our destination, I was ready to get my punishment over with. What grand thing was the witch going to do to me? The possibilities were infinite. I knew that the future princess couldn’t kill me. Her father acquired me for a purpose.
“We’re here,” the guard said before the flyer landed on another platform. The door slid open and I exited the transport. The platform was filled with transports and well-dressed men and women in colorful clothes.
The guard that had carried the princess up the stairs grabbed my arm and hustled me through the crowd. He led me down the stairs of the platform and down the path that led to a castle double the size of Lord Rema’s. We met up with Aneli on the lawn. She scowled at the line of people that were waiting to gain entrance.
“What is this place?” I asked, confused.
“The Peirc Estate,” Aneli answered, a bright smile on her face. I stiffened at the thought that we were at my father’s home. What was this broad thinking? Was she trying to return me?
“Why are we here?” I questioned, nerves making my voice shaky. That must have been what Aneli wanted to see, because she rolled her eyes.
“I can’t believe that Zamire actually took pity on you. You’re such a weakling,” she said. Agitation filled me, and my fists clenched. I was dreaming of punching her square in the nose. But the guard that seemed to be assigned to the future princess appeared. To my utter disgust, he actually lifted the lazy woman into his arms and began carrying her like a baby.
It took half an hour to file into the mansion. The foyer was practically painted with gold, making me understand why Lord Peirc was always in debt. We were led down another hallway with stunning murals and gold trim. The hallway went for a quarter of a mile. Eventually, we turned down another hallway that was a dead end. There were two guards, each of them dressed in green, holding open two ornate oak doors that led into an indoor stadium.
I followed Aneli and the guard through the open doors and down an endless amount of stairs, until we reached the front row. Aneli plopped into one of the recliner seats, while I was directed to sit on another. The guard then nodded to Aneli and made the trek out of the stadium. Aneli glanced over at a raven-haired woman that was wearing a red dress. Since the section I was in was virtually empty, I easily overheard them.
“Is it set?” Aneli demanded in Nerth.
“It is. I spoke to the obnoxious lady of the house,” the woman with raven hair said, which made my pulse race. Was I going to be thrown into one of the stupid competitions? “By the way, this is an utter waste of time, Aneli.”
“I think that certain people need to be put in their place,” the prince’s woman replied as our section began to fill up. I was sitting in an end seat, which was lucky. At least I didn’t have to deal with another pompous alien. I was beginning to think that the women of this planet were far worse than the men. The memory of the punishment beam still made me shiver. It was mostly psychological torture, a way to fool the brain into thinking that the body was in pain. It was a way to inflict punishment without harming a female. Did the punishment beams exist back in the days of my mother? I had no way to research that bit of information, since I had left the tablets in Lord Peirc’s spaceship.
Thinking of the spaceship made my mind land on Molly, Amy, and Nina. Were they all right? Was I going to see them compete in an asinine competition that was created to dangle the hope of having a bride in front of desperate men? How much Nerth had the others managed to learn? Did Karen outwardly act against them? What of Hope and Faith? Would they attend this stupid competition?
The front rows were filling up with people representing different holdings. There was a private box where six ornate chairs sat. I had a feeling that the lord and lady hosted important guests in the box. I briefly wondered why Lady Aneli wasn’t seated in such a place of honor. Maybe her engagement was a secret? Judging by how Lord Rema’s daughter carried herself, I doubted that she could keep such news close to the vest. I bet that Lady Aneli was guilty of using her clout to get her way. Suddenly, a horn sounded, and the crowd got to their feet. Judging by the stunned expression on Lady Aneli’s face, I had a feeling that this surprise wasn’t a welcome one.
The horn sounded three times, then the wall that was previously in front of me vanished, revealing the attraction. There was a stage constructed of wood with gold trim. To the left of the stage was what looked like an orchestra pit that was filled with dozens of men that were well dressed. They each held a stick that had their names engraved at the top. I glanced into the box and saw a tall man with thick black cropped hair dressed in gold robes standing beside a stunning woman with red hair and a peaches-and-cream complexion. They both waved at the crowd before sitting in two of the seats. They were joined by Lord and Lady Peirc, and Gwen and David.
My eyes were drawn to the seat that was across from the aisle. Someone familiar was standing in front of it. Prince Zamire stood there, his posture stiff, as if he was in the last place that he wanted to be. When his dark eyes met mine, he scowled, clearly blaming me for being at this deplorable event. My stupid heart didn’t allow me to scowl back. Despite the fact that Zamire was off limits, I still felt my pulse speeding up. His gaze was on mine until Lord Peirc began speaking, his voice amplified by a cube-shaped device he held in his hand.
“Welcome to the tournament of brides, where lovely ladies compete to win the hand of our most eligible bachelors,” he said, and a cheer went up in the room. “Let me explain how it will go. The titled gentlemen will bid on the lady that wins the contests, while the commoners will bid on the woman that loses. The betting is now open. If you are willing to place a bet, then press the button on the side of your seat, and one of our bookies will assist you.” Since Father said the word “bookie” in English, it was obvious that he had stolen the concept from Vegas. Seriously? Why couldn’t Lord Peirc bring an idea back from Earth like women’s independence? I had to remind myself that the noble only cared about bringing his house out of debt. That was probably why he fathered so many children.
“If you would like refreshments, press the button located on your armrest. Now get seated, the first competition of the day is a fencing match.” Fencing? I grew concerned for the safety of my sisters. They would not fare well in a fencing match. Well, Molly would. She was feisty enough to fight dirty. I tried to relax, reminding myself that these pointless competitions were for show. The women wouldn’t be expected to fight to the death. I eased my breathing and listened to my father attempt to imitate a wrestling announcer.
“Now entering the stage is Anastacia Peirc, an intelligent woman who enjoys horseback riding and dancing.” Anastacia wore a knee-length gown that was so tight that she had problems moving. She held a sword in her hand, and it thankfully had a dulled point. Anastacia seemed to stand tall despite how ridiculous her heels looked.
“The next woman joining us is Amy Peirc, who enjoys reading.” That was a bald-faced lie, but everyone gasped in surprise when Amy walked on stage wearing a silk jumpsuit. Her shoes were more sensible, and her hair was up in a bun. She held her sword confidently, as if she’d held it before. “Remember, ladies, the rule is that the person that gets a chest shot will win the point. Now, touch swords.”
The ladies touched swords, Anastacia’s expression telling me that she was actually determined to win. Why? If I were her, I would have sat on the stage and refused to perform. But I wasn’t showered with Father’s attention, so didn’t feel the need to make him proud.
“Now go.”
Anastacia glanced at Amy’s sword as if she were focusing on it. The sword suddenly flew from Amy’s hand. . Things had sure changed. Amy was unsurprised by the move and eyed Anastacia with frustration. Anastacia moved to give Amy a chest shot, but Amy dodged her. The audience seemed baffled by how fast Amy moved. But then again, she had worn appropriate clothing. Anastacia focused on Amy, sweat dripping down her forehead. But Amy made herself a moving target.
Amy sprung forward and lifted her sword from the floor. With quick movements, Amy scored the chest shot, which made the people that had bet on Amy cheer. Anastacia grew angry and lifted her hand. Amy abruptly dove to the stage floor, the telekinetic force slamming into the wall, causing it to crack. I stared at my father, who seemed annoyed by the damage. I hoped that someone chose to bid on my sister, because if not, then she would surely be punished for causing damage. Hadn’t one of the twins been married off for breaking a glass?
Anastacia’s distraction was Amy’s gift, since she hit Anastacia another time with her foil in the chest. Amy did her dodging trick again and ran leaps around the stage to wear Anastacia out. Then she tapped Anastacia’s chest for the third time, and Father’s scowl was noticeable.
“The winner is Amy,” he said with little enthusiasm. A buzzer sounded, which made my father’s eyes light up. “It would seem that there is a bid. Does any of the commoners in the pit want the lovely Anastacia?” For a moment, no sticks were in the air. But then, a tall, thin man stood and reluctantly held up his stick.
“Six hundred Nerethian credits,” he shouted. That was rather low, as the Nerethian currency was similar to America’s currency in value.
“Twelve hundred,” another man shouted. This wasn’t going as my father expected. More half-hearted bids were made, until a bored-looking man stood and yelled “twelve thousand.” Everyone that had been standing sat, and my father’s mouth tightened.
“Going once, going twice... Sold to Mesko Salomon,” he said. “Now a bid on Amy?” A tall, handsome man got to his feet, his dark eyes gleaming with excitement.
“Forty thousand,” he said. It was obvious that he had an interest in Amy, who looked surprised. My father looked relieved, seeming to be glad that someone bid on the daughter that he treated like trash.
“Going once, going twice, sold to Lord Harogo,” he called. Moments later, guards removed both women, and the two men that had one my sisters left the pit. I hadn’t been surprised that Amy sold for more than Anastacia, since she seemed to have more intelligence. Most of the commoners in the pit were probably spending their hard-earned money for the hopes of buying a bride. They weren’t going to vote for someone who was pampered beyond belief. The man that received Anastacia didn’t seem all that excited. He just looked relieved. As both brides were given to their grooms, I couldn’t help but think that there had to be a better way to match up the women.
“Ladies and gentlemen, there will be another fencing match. Let me introduce Lena Peirc, a talented musician who enjoys going for long walks on the beach.” Lena entered the stage, dressed in a green jumpsuit modeled after what I’d created. She had short black hair and a nose ring. Some people murmured about her appearance. Father looked especially surprised by how one of his favorites was dressed. But he didn’t say a word.
“The next contestant is Molly Peirc.” He didn’t even put a tidbit of information about my sister in the sentence. Two guards forced Molly on stage, her bruised face causing outrage in the crowd. Once she was released, a guard nervously handed her a sword. Molly immediately pulled the tip off the sword and charged the guards. She moved so quickly that they didn’t even have a chance. She slashed at one while kicking the other in the shins. Her kick was so powerful that the guard crumpled to the floor. She eyed Lena, who nodded. This must have been something coordinated. Lena ran toward the third guard, her hands clenched into fists. The buzzer sounded, which halted all action.
“Gentleman, you can’t bid on the females until the competition—”
“One million on the redhead,” a tall blond said, his eyes filled with excitement.