District 17

“He can’t….” Skylar whispered, “He can’t die….” She shook her head. “I…he’s…” She tried, but she couldn’t hold back the tears. She let out a whimper.

“Sky…” Amara rushed into the room. “Eva. Thank the maker.” She hugged Eva a moment before she took Skylar’s hand into her own. “This is my fault…” She whispered. “I should have had more guards…security…I should have done something…”

“Amara….” Mavis came into the room, he had a bandage on his forehead. “This isn’t your fault. Those men were with Ainsley, we will continue to have problems throughout this city until we eradicate them. The laws that were just passed will help do just that.” He gave a gentle smile to Eva. “Thank you, Eva.” He gave her a gentle hug. “You saved both myself and my family, I am indebted to you.” He then stepped to Skylar and kissed her forehead. “I’m sorry Sky.” He looked over the devices and tubes coming from her body.

“Father….” Skylar whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I’m sorry….” She reached up then with a trembling hand, the world stopped around her and an icy air settled. She reached her hand into his chest, her lip quivering. “I’m sorry…” She spoke again as she slipped his soul from his chest. “I’m sorry…” She muttered again as she released his soul into the flash of light. She watched as Mavis stood before her. He blinked his eyes a few times, his face twitched.

“Mavis?” Amara asked, “Honey?” She stepped to him as he stumbled slightly. “Mavis?” She asked as he leaned against the bed, pushing it slightly with his weight. He then collapsed onto the floor. What followed was pure chaos. “Doctor!!! Nurse!!!” Amara cried. “Help!!!” She knelt at his side. “Mavis!” She touched his face.

A team rushed into the room and in the next moments they had him up on a cot and he was rushed from the room. Skylar by this point was crying so hard she could barely breathe. Tears streamed down her cheeks like a river. She clenched both her fists shut as she tried to fight back the whimpers that forced over her lips. Her body trembled. The heart monitor beeped quickly.

“Miss Greystoke.” The nurse that helped clean up Eva spoke. “Hey, shh..” She drew her brows together. “You’re going to hurt yourself, Skylar.” She pulled a syringe and injected it into the line. “Just breathe for me.” The nurse spoke. Her name was Riley. She’d been a good friend of Skylar’s when they were younger, but once Skylar left for law school and she went into nursing, they hadn’t kept up with each other.

Skylar gripped onto Eva’s hand as her body shook with her sobs. “I’m sorry…” She whimpered, her eyes began to grow heavy, “I’m sorry…” She whispered again before she fell silent, her eyes slipped shut.

Riley bit her lip she looked up to the monitor as Skylar’s vitals began to even out. “There we go….” She spoke softly. “She would have ripped the tube from her chest with how hard she was crying…” She looked to Eva and gave a gentle smile. “If you need anything just call, okay?” She then stepped from the room.

Moments later Amara came into the room, she was a complete wreck. Her mascara was running down her face, “Th….” She sat down in a chair at the end of the bed. “They…couldn’t…” She stared at Skylar’s unconscious body, not blinking. “They couldn’t save Mavis….he bled…his brain bled…he had an aneurysm they said…he…” She whimpered. “I…” She swallowed hard and squeezed her eyes shut, “He’s gone….”

Skylar’s eyes fluttered open, she glanced around the room. Amara was curled up in a chair, she’d fallen asleep after the bit of energy Eva gifted her. She went to side up only to realize the amount of pain her body was in. She grit her teeth and looked to the tube that stuck from her side, she groaned and lay back in the bed. A rush of cold air filled the room, the ticking of the clock on the wall ceased. “I know how hard that must have been, Skylar.” Remi’s voice came. He stepped to the side of the bed and sat down, he gave a gentle smile. “Being a reaper is the hardest job…” He muttered, “I too had to reap the souls of my loved ones….” He then sighed and gave a smile, “At least, you have Eva, that is something to be thankful for, she is a god as well, you will not suffer the same fate as all of us, you will be able to grow with her, and in time when your time is up you two will move on together, I presume.” He looked over her injuries, “As fate would have it, your father is gone, however you put up a pretty good fight, I’m sure the fates are talking about you.” He chuckled. “I too fought for someone I loved once. You did the right thing in ending his life now, Skylar.” He waved his hand and an image appeared before her eyes.

It was Remi, he stood his hands held onto a beautiful woman’s hands, their lips pressed together. He was happy. He hugged her close. In the next image he was given the note by the fates. Remi rushed frantically and stepped in front of a speeding car, shoving her out of its tracks, saving her. In the next she had become ill. She’d begun to age rather quickly.

“I let her suffer, I was so selfish…I made her suffer just so that she would be alive…because I wouldn’t reap her soul…” He whispered softly. “I let her suffer like that, getting sicker, weaker….for two years, until she couldn’t even get out of bed…I had to do it…I couldn’t take it anymore…the pain I caused her…I caused it…it was much worse than just a simple death…”

Skylar relaxed into the bed more, she shut her eyes, “I’m sorry I didn’t listen, Remi…” She whispered.

“We all make mistakes….Lucille reminded me of that…it happens to all of us in the beginning, especially reapers. It is difficult to reap the soul of a loved one. But, if not reaped, more pain and suffering will come and it will be much, much worse…I assure you.” Remi then gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I’ll see you in Domum when you’re healed up. Allow me to help you.” He placed his hand on her side, a red aura surrounded his hand, “That’ll speed you up a bit.” He gave a smile. “See you soon, Skylar Greystoke.” With that he burst into ashes and time resumed.

Skylar took in a gasp of air, she watched as blood leaked from her wound more quickly than it was before, she could breathe better. She looked up as Eva walked into the room. “Eva.” She spoke softly. “I’m sorry for all of this…” She whispered. “I was foolish…I put you and myself in danger….” She looked to her mother. “I made this much worse than it ever would have been…” She then looked back to Eva. “Thank you for saving us.” She winced slightly as pain raced about her body. She had a black eye from one of the hits that the man had gotten in on her. “Remi…did something…” She spoke softly. She felt hot, like fire.

Riley came into the room, a puzzled look on her face. “Skylar are you feeling alright?” She asked as she looked at her vitals, her pulse was racing once again.

Skylar looked to the nurse, “I’m…okay…” She furrowed her brows.

Riley stepped forward checking everything over. “You are really warm.” She spoke as she checked her temperature, she slipped the device along Skylar’s temple and looked to the temperature. “You have a fever.” She spoke and then left the room. Moments later she returned with a few pills and a glass of water. “Take these.” She gave a gentle smile.

Skylar reached out and took the pills and downed the water. She then relaxed once again. Skylar looked to Eva with tired eyes. “Why…did this have to happen?” She whispered.

Riley took in a breath and sighed softly, “If you need anything just call…” She spoke as she left the room.

Skylar looked to her as she left and then back to Eva. “We escape one nightmare and into another…” She shut her eyes and then sighed slightly, she then let out a soft laugh. “I wouldn’t change it though.” She gave Eva a soft smile. “Not unless I could just take all of that away and keep you.” She laughed softly and then winced. “I just want…the lake…ice skating…I want to experience that…you know? But….I want that everywhere…with you…” She then shook her head. “I’m sorry, Eva….” She felt as though she was rambling. Her temperature was beginning to lower by that point from the medication that Riley gave her.

Skylar gripped onto Eva’s hand tightly. “No!” She screamed. As Eva flickered within her grip she lost her hold on Eva’s hand. “Eva!!” She screamed as she lunged forward at the demon before her. He chuckled deeply as she swung hard and caught his jaw against her knuckles. His head snapped to the side. He lunged for her and gripped her throat before he snickered.

“Release her!” The woman in green called.

The demon looked over his shoulder to her and smirked, “As you wish.” He spun and flung her into the rip of the slipstream.

Skylar screamed as she was ripped from the slipstream and tumbled wildly out of control. Skylar’s vision clouded as she suddenly slammed against a hard surface. She let out a cry and squeezed her eyes tightly shut. She grit her teeth and gasped for air as her lungs fought to pull in oxygen.

“Princess!!” A voice echoed through the darkness.

Skylar’s eyes fluttered, she could feel the heat of the sun on her body. She winced as she felt a hand on her arm.

“Princess? Are you alright?” The voice again.

Skylar’s vision began to clear as she looked up at the man above her. “What…” She still fought to breathe.

“Your horse reared up, something must have spooked him, I’ve never seen him do that before.” The man spoke as he carefully pulled her to her feet. Skylar looked around, she was in a training area of some sort. She looked down to her clothing, she wore leather riding boots and pants, a maroon tunic with ruffled white long sleeves. She blinked a few times. “Do you remember?” He asked and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Come on, let’s get you in. That’s enough riding for one day, huh?” He whistled and a huge black Clydesdale horse came trotting toward them. He pat the horses neck. “That a boy.” He pet the horse for a moment. “Princess.” He nodded to her. “Go on.” Skylar took a slow step forward she reached up to the side of the saddle and fit a foot in the stirrup before she climbed atop the horse. The horse breathed heavily and bounced its head. “Shhh.” The man patted the horse’s shoulder gently before he clicked his tongue and pulled the reins forward.

Skylar looked around to the world around her, beautiful homes. Skylar turned her head as they made their way into the streets, cobblestone paths led them through the buildings. Armored knights stepped up and were in formation, two in front and two behind. The bells of a church rang out through the city, the tone was beautiful and found its way to each and every home in the city it seemed. Skylar could see the mast of a ship at the ports as they made their way down a street that was next to a large cobblestone wall that protected the city. As they rounded the corner onto what seemed to be the main street Skylar looked to merchants that were selling meats, vegetables, and all sorts of goods. Skylar looked to a blacksmith that beat away on a hot sword that he had just taken out of the hot fires. Her eyes then fell upon the beautiful castle that sat upon a huge foothill. It had gorgeous white walls that shot up into the sky above, it was huge, with towers that surely more knights were within.

Skylar looked to the people on the streets around them, they bowed to her presence, Skylar gave a gentle smile and a nod of her head to the people of her city. As they climbed toward the castle the houses thinned out into steep cliffs that fell down toward the city. They eventually crossed a long bridge that led to the huge front gate of the castle. Skylar looked around to the knights and a few nobles that walked around within the walls. Once in the stables she climbed down from her horse and looked to the man that led her home. “How are you feeling princess?” He asked and gave a gentle smile. “That was a really hard fall.”

Skylar gave a gentle nod, “I feel well, sore, but well.”

“Dimitri.” A woman came forward, “Princess.” She then looked to the man. “What happened?” She asked, worry in her voice.

“The horse reared, it spooked…” The man, Dimitri spoke. He lowered his head and took a step back.

“Are you hurt?” The woman’s voice was full of concern. “The queen would have your head if you injured the princess, Dimitri.”

“It was not his fault.” Skylar spoke, “I am well.” Her voice was full of a different tone than the normal Skylar, she had a royal accent, her words were more pronounced.

“Let’s get you inside, princess. Not to worry I will take good care of you, I always have, haven’t I?” The woman gave a gentle smile.

Skylar was led away then into the castle. She looked about the beautiful marble flooring and the paintings upon the walls. It was absolutely gorgeous the construction of the place. She’d never seen anything else like it. Skylar was led through several halls and up a winding flight of stairs to her bedroom which was positioned in a tower that overlooked the beautiful city. She went to her balcony and stared out at the town. She staggered a bit and took in a quick breath as the knowledge of the Skylar of this world flooded her mind.

“Princess?” The woman asked as she took a step forward and placed her hand on her back. “What ails you?”

“My head.” She spoke softly.

The woman reached forward and brushed Skylar’s hair from her forehead. “Oh dear…” She spoke. “Let us get you a nice bath, and then we will get you off to bed, hm?” The woman rushed back into her room and left. She came back with two buckets of steaming water that she carried into the side room. The sound of the water pouring into the tub could be heard. The woman left again. Skylar sighed Willowsdale was the name of this place, this kingdom to be exact. Skylar took in a shaken breath, the was an event tomorrow. A ceremony to be exact. She was to be courted by royalty. It was a ceremony that was held for centuries.

“Eva…” She spoke softly. She grit her teeth as she thought of the pitch fork stabbing through Eva’s abdomen. “No…” She breathed.

The woman came back into the room and poured more water into the tub. “Come, come.” She gave a gentle smile. She helped loosen the corset that was around Skylar’s waist and helped her with her clothing before she set out a gown for her to sleep in. “Call for me if you need me dear.” She left the room then.

Skylar climbed into the water and let out a heavy sigh. She felt the bruise on her forehead. She also had a nice bruise on her ribs. She had fallen really hard. From the height of that horse, it wasn’t hard to believe. She bathed herself, thinking of Eva, worrying about her. Eventually she climbed from the tub and dried herself. She pulled on the long gown and looked to herself in the mirror. She had long flowing chocolate hair, her eyes were a crystal blue, just like before….before everything happened. She took in a breath as she headed to her bed. She lay down and shivered slightly. The night was cool as the air came in from the open balcony. The woman came back in with a pot full of hot water. She wrapped it up and placed it near Skylar’s feet before she closed the huge glass doors to the balcony. “Can’t have you catching a cold, princess. Tomorrow is a big day. Many events await you.” She smiled as she tucked the blankets in.

Skylar gave a nod. “Of course.” She spoke softly.

“Good night, princess.” She spoke as she set the candle down on the table beside the bed before she exited the room.

Skylar stared up at the ceiling for a long time before eventually, she slipped into a deep sleep, rocked by nightmares of the demon that stabbed Eva. She tossed and turned, she drew her brows together and whimpered slightly in her sleep. Though, eventually her dreams left her, allowing her to finally rest….

“Time to rise, slumbering Princess.” The woman from the night before spoke. Her name was Jolene; she’d been Skylar’s maid since she was born. She’d cared for her when she was a baby, when her mother, the queen, was busy with other matters. “You’ve a big day before you today.” Jolene threw back the curtains which let in the warm beams of sun over Skylar’s bed. Skylar opened her eyes slowly and rubbed the bruise on her head. “Let’s see.” Jolene brushed Skylar’s hair to the side and looked her over. “Come.” She helped the princess from the bed. “I’ve got to get you ready for brunch with your parents, and then there is the parade, tonight the dinner and masquerade ball.”

Skylar stood and lifted her arms as Jolene directed her. She pulled off her gown and pulled on a beautiful dress. It was red and black, the colors of her family crest. The sleeves hung down from her arms, flowing beautifully. She winced as Jolene started to lace up the corset. When the woman pulled tight at the strings she whimpered and buckled slightly. “Princess?” Jolene asked, worry in her voice, she loosened the corset. “I knew you were hurt…” She muttered as she felt along her ribs, Skylar gripped her hand when she reached the area that was bruised, her rib was fractured beneath her flesh. “I’ll be careful.” Jolene gave a nod as she went back to lacing up the corset. She pulled other areas tight, trying to keep the upper part as loose as possible.

Skylar winced as a tear rolled over her cheek. “I can’t do this.” She whispered.

Jolene sighed heavily as she moved Skylar in front of a mirror and sat her down. She began brushing through her hair. “You knew this time would come. You will be courted, just as your mother was courted. It is tradition, you’ve no choice in the matter, princess.”

Skylar shut her eyes and took in a small breath, she fell silent as Jolene began to style her hair. She didn’t speak the entire time as Jolene did her make-up and prepared her for the day. Once her tiara was set upon her head she stood slowly, “I only wish I was given a choice in the matter.” Skylar spoke as she left her quarters.

“Princess!” Jolene chased after her. “You’ve a choice.” She spoke as they descended the stairs.

Skylar stopped and looked to her, her brows drew together. “What choice do I have when I am held up to the men of other kingdoms like a meat bag? A trophy for their taking. What choice do I have?”

Jolene took in a slow breath, she looked away and lowered her head slightly, defeated. “You may help push for the one you wish to have your hand. It is ultimately the king and queen who will decide. So yes, you don’t really have a choice, but you may persuade them….princess, I can not imagine how you feel, nor can I give you the answer, but trust me, you can push for this.” She gave a nod.

Skylar took in a slow breath the sun that shone in through the stained glass window reflected off of her tiara. “Thank you, Jolene.” She gave a nod and turned down the stairs. She walked all the way to the dining hall where she entered and found her parents sitting at the table.

“Skylar.” Amara spoke with a smile on her lips.

“Come sit, Sky.” Mavis spoke, “We must discuss the day.”

Skylar stepped forward, her father sat at the head of the table. He wore his crown upon his head and his royal attire, red and black as well. They were all dressed for the parade. Amara wore a beautiful dress as well, her crown was gorgeous, the handy work of a true craftsman. Skylar sat down across from her mother and looked to her father. “Good morning.” She nodded her head.

Mavis reached his hand to hers and gave a gentle squeeze. “Don’t be nervous, Sky.” He gave a smile. “Your mother and I had to go through this process many years ago.” He had grey whiskers in his beard that Skylar couldn’t help but notice as he spoke. “It is tradition.” He nodded.

Skylar gave a nod as the food was set before them. Her father spoke a prayer before they began to eat. Skylar looked around the room, the knights at the doorway stood in attention. Guarding their king and queen. After brunch they were led outside to the carriage where her parents climbed upon the highest rung into chairs that looked much like a throne. Skylar sat one rung below. Music began to play from the band ahead of them. Cheering came from the city streets as they approached. The trumpets announced the arrival of the king and queen into the city. The streets were lined with people, both royals and peasants alike cheered on their king and queen. Willowsdale was a very well off kingdom, the people here loved their king. He did everything he could to supply for them. They didn’t have many living without homes. If they were not homed Mavis found a way to get a roof over their heads. He was one of the few kings that offered that. That took in people from outside his kingdom. Those that came to his throne room and asked for help, he gave assistance, when he could.

The parade took them through the city. Skylar’s eyes looked through the crowd, searching for Eva. Hoping to catch her eyes. “Smile, Skylar.” Amara spoke as she waved to her people. Skylar perked up and waved to the crowd, she forced a smile on her lips.

After the parade was finished Skylar was led back to her quarters where Jolene helped change her into her ball dress. It was a satin material of red and black, strapless, sleeveless. It would certainly attract attention. Skylar let out a cry again as Jolene tightened the corset. She could barely breathe, the break in her bone was weakened. She was led down the stairs and to the ball room where light music played. Her mother hugged her and kissed her cheek. “It’s time.” She gave a smile. “The first of many.” She nodded.

Mavis hugged her gently. “You look beautiful, honey.” He then stepped out onto the stage, the musicians stopped playing the crowd froze and turned to him. “My noble ladies and gentlemen I thank you for coming tonight.” He smiled the crowd clapped. “Tonight we have a few wonderful prospects for my daughter. You will be courting her from behind your mask, this is no simple task, I assure you.” He smirked, “I give you…” He turned and held his hand up. “My beautiful daughter, Princess Skylar Greystoke and my wife, the beautiful Queen Amara Greystoke.”

The crowd clapped as Skylar and her mother came out onto the stage. Skylar stepped down into the crowd as instructed by her father. The music began then. A man stepped up to her. He wore a raven mask and was dressed to the T. He offered her his hand and bowed. “May I have the first dance with you, my lady?” He asked. Skylar gave him a slight nod and took his hand, and then they were off. The music played as Skylar danced with this man, she was moved around to others for nearly an hour before she could break away. Her side was on fire, she couldn’t breathe.

She was held a glass of champagne by a man that wore a simple golden mask. “For you, Princess.” He bowed his head and offered a smile.

Skylar took in small breaths, “Thank you.” She bowed her head and took a sip. She needed air, she couldn’t breathe. Skylar broke away to the balcony as everyone began to chat about. She leaned against the railing and took in a breath.

“My lady.” A voice came from behind her.

Skylar turned her eyes to the voice as she took another sip of champagne. Her eyes fell upon the man, he wore a black mask with blue accents. She gave him a nod.

“You shouldn’t be outside, you’ll catch a cold.” He spoke, a smile on his lips. “Though, if this is what you want, why should I tell you otherwise?” He leaned against the balcony. “All of the others are out for your hand, to control you, you’re special, princess.” He watched her with his warm hazel eyes. “Control isn’t really something that a king should do to his queen.” He then stood, “When you’ve had enough air, I would like your hand in a dance, if you would allow it, princess. I’ll be waiting by the stage, we can dance front and center for the king and queen.” He flashed a smile, “If you’d like.” He then stepped away, without another word.

Skylar turned and stared down to the city below. The lights sparkled from the flickering flames. Skylar turned as she heard footsteps approaching. A hand slipped to her hip. “What are you doing out here, all alone princess? You don’t enjoy the party?” His voice spoke. She looked up to him, his eyes were familiar. He pulled her close and chuckled. “You’ll be mine, my kingdom has more to offer than any other here.” He stared into her eyes, “You’ll see, princess, it isn’t about what you want, it is all about what the king and queen want for their kingdom, for the future of Willowsdale.” He grinned a sinister grin as he pressed his body against hers, “I’ll enjoy you.” He whispered into her ear.

Skylar shoved against him, she drew her brows together. “My family will not allow someone as devilish as you to have my hand.”

He lunged forward and wrapped his arm around her again, “We’ll see.” He leaned down and forced a kiss upon her lips, he chuckled then before he shoved her and returned to the party.

Skylar gripped her side for a moment, she winced. She took in a slow breath before she stepped inside. “Princess.” The man with the black and blue mask spoke. He bowed deeply and offered her his hand. “I would be most honored to dance with you.” Skylar took a step forward and placed her hand in his.

“She’ll be dancing with me.” The sinister voice again, she was jerked to the side and to the front of the stage. Skylar leaned heavily against this man. He chuckled as he pushed her through the motions of the dance. Skylar’s eyes caught her father’s, he was watching closely as they danced. When the dance was over she took a few steps back from the man.

“Princess.” A voice from beside her. The man took her hand and pulled her gently into his arms. “Don’t worry.” He brushed a tear from her cheek. He gave a gentle smile, the man in the blue mask once more. They danced through the end of the tune, he was careful not to hurt her. “What happened to your side?” He questioned as they danced.

“Nothing.” Skylar responded. “I am alright.” She stared to him, he’d noticed. No one else had noticed.

The music slowed down then. “Ladies and gentlemen it is now time for you to enjoy some of the wonderful food that we have put together for you this evening.” Mavis spoke. The men and women clapped then and cheered as the waiters came out with food on trays held to the guests.

Skylar looked to the man in the blue and black mask for a moment, she gave a gentle smile and a nod as she slipped into the crowd once more.

Another dance. Skylar looked to this man before her, his soft features. A small smile curved up her lips as they danced, it was fun, fluid, he matched her every move. She thought back to the times that she danced with Eva. There are…people who would hurt you…don’t let them… Skylar’s eyes looked to this mystery man. She searched his eyes as she was pulled away by another prince. Her eyes scanned the crowd in her next dance. She stumbled as the prince changed direction, as she was not paying any attention to the dance.

“Can’t keep up?” He asked, his voice unamused. “You’re supposed to be well versed in dancing, princess.”

Skylar turned her eyes to him then, “I had something on my mind, my apologies.” She spun in his arms then and danced along with him, better than any partner he had ever had. At the end of the song Skylar looked up to the prince, a smirk on her lips. “Was that more to your liking? What you expected?” She mocked him in a way. Skylar was known to push back against the normal interaction, what was expected of her. She pulled from him then and found yet another hand offered to her. Skylar was growing tired. She searched the crowd for the man in the red coat. She danced, distracted as she searched. She drew her brows together.

The music drew to a close, the final dance of the evening. Mavis and Amara stood in the center of the floor, dancing about to the music gracefully. One of the knights, Sir Allister helped Skylar through the crowd of people and to the stage where he gave her a nod and a gentle smile. Mavis and Amara returned to the stage, the crowd looked to them awaiting their words. “I would like to thank all of you for coming out tonight.” Mavis spoke, a warm smile on his lips. His eyes looked over the crowd, “At this time, I would like everyone whom is not courting my daughter to kindly head into the dinner hall. I would like to get a closer look at the young men whom ask for my daughter’s hand.” He spoke. The crowd began to exit the room.

Skylar searched through the crowd, a smile curved up her lips when she saw the red coat, there was something familiar about this man. She couldn’t quite place it. Skylar stood on the stage as Mavis stepped down. She looked to her mother for a moment before her eyes locked on the man in red. She wanted to know more, to know who it was beneath the mask.

Mavis stepped up to the men, one by one he looked them over. “I was impressed with the dancing tonight, all of you seem to be very well prepared to suit my daughter.” He spoke as he walked the line of men. There were 16 in total. A high number of men to court a princess. Amara had 6 at the time of her courting. It was incredible to see such a large turnout. “I would like to see each and every one of you in a duel, against each other. I would like to know that I can trust you to protect my daughter. Tomorrow afternoon we will hold this challenge in the arena, we will cut half of you away. Each process that we go through will eliminate at least one of you from the running to have my daughter’s hand.” He stepped back up onto the stage. “Be prepared for tomorrow, it will be a test that most of you have not had to face. But tonight.” He paused and gave a grin. “We feast to celebrate.” He stepped up to his daughter on the stage he gave a smile. “You are all dismissed to the dining hall.” He spoke and waved his hand. “You looked like you were enjoying yourself a few times out there tonight.” He spoke after the men had left the room.

Skylar gave a nod, “Yes. There are a few with a good heart, though, there are a few that I do not trust father.”

Mavis rose his brows, “For what reason?” He questioned.

Amara took in a breath, “For the same that I did not trust some of the men whom courted me, some see it as overtaking a kingdom, as a prize, they are abusive and will abuse her. We must be careful in our decision, Mavis.” She spoke. “Come, let us eat.” She gave a smile and led Skylar into the dining hall. “Go, mingle with our guests.”

Skylar gave a nod, she grabbed a goblet of wine and sipped from it. “For you, princess.” The man in the black and blue mask held a plate to her. Skylar gave a gentle smile and took the plate of food that was assorted with fruit. “I trust you are having a fun evening?” He asked as he munched on his own food.

“Yes, of course.” Skylar responded with a smile on her lips. “Where is it that you are from?”

The man gave a soft chuckle. “But that defeats the fun.” He smiled, “Doesn’t it? You are to choose us not based on whom we are. At least, in the beginning. Surely after the duels tomorrow you will get a chance to meet us, to get to know us, for now, enjoy.” He gave a nod and stepped off.

Skylar was bounced from man to man, it was exhausting. Each and every turn she took someone wanted her attention. “Hey!” A familiar voice spoke. “Come on.” She felt a tug on her arm. She turned her eyes to see the back of a woman’s head, her hair was done up beautifully. The woman towed her away from the crowd and to the balcony. “Are you hanging in there alright Sky?” She turned around, Ayla.

Skylar gave a smile, “Yes, I’m well. Just overwhelmed. Thank you, Ayla.” She let out a sigh and leaned against the balcony.

Ayla let out a chuckle, “Of course, what good of a friend would I be if I didn’t rescue you from all of those knights in shining armor?” She grinned. “Take a rest for a minute. I’ll see you back inside.” She then slipped off.

Skylar turned and looked to the moon in the sky. A cool breeze brushed against her. She shivered slightly. She took another sip of her wine, where was Eva? She wondered. Was she dead? The stab to her abdomen by the pitch fork was horrible…she’d be lucky to be alive….

Skylar turned to one of the men her eyes staring into his, it was the man before, with the sinister voice. He grinned, “I’ll kill all of these sorry excuses for men.” He spoke as he stood close to her. Pinning her close to the wall. He chuckled as Skylar backed into the wall, nowhere to go. “Then I’ll take you.” He smirked before he stepped off.

Skylar let out a breath, she didn’t want to be caught alone with him. With her rib hurting like it did, if he hit her just right she wouldn’t be able to defend herself, especially with the corset constricting her. She was the mystery man in red then, her eyes locked on his and she gave a slight smile. She made to step to speak to him when another man stepped in her path. Skylar looked up to him with a disgruntled glare. “Princess.” He smiled. “I will fight for your honor tomorrow. I wish to lead this kingdom one day, at your side, as your father and mother have led this kingdom. It is the most successful kingdom around, not many can come close to this kingdom.” He smiled.

Skylar gave him a nod. “It is a great thing what they have done.” She looked then, she’d lost sight of the man in red. Skylar then was caught by the man in the black and blue mask.

“I’m not going to lie and say that I am the best fighter, as I am sure everyone in this room has done.” He spoke, “Honestly, I believe that such a charade is rather brutal, but I will do as the king wishes, as war does come upon kingdoms and it is needed in times of darkness. I would much rather court you with words.” He smiled.

Skylar bounced between men, she was exhausted. Mavis clinked his glass to silence everyone. “Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming tonight. I look forward to seeing you at the arena tomorrow at high noon.” He grinned, “I bid you farewell for this evening.” He rose his glass. A few clapped, others cheered. It was a good time.

“Who is that in red?” Ayla asked as she came to Skylar’s side. “Do you know him?”

Skylar gave a smile and let out a chuckle. “I was wondering the same.”

“I spoke with him.” Ayla grinned. “He seems like one of the good guys.”

“Oh?” Skylar looked to her friend, intrigued. She then searched the room as everyone began to leave. “Yeah…I could see that.” Skylar then looked to her mother as she approached.

“Darling, come with me.” She led Skylar from the room. Skylar looked around, trying to find the mystery man in red. No luck. She wanted to ask, how he knew about the sinister man. How he knew someone was here to hurt her. “You did wonderfully tonight.” Amara spoke as they walked the halls. “You deserve a good rest, tomorrow will be another big day. Out of the 8 fighters that remain, your father and I will officially choose 4 to remain. Based on their performance. Your father and I would like your help, of course.” She smiled as they stood at the base of the stairs. “I’ll send Jolene to assist you to bed. Good night darling.” She kissed her forehead. “You were beautiful tonight.” Amara turned and walked off down the hallway, her heels clicked.

Skylar stood for a moment in silence before she climbed the stairs. She stepped to her balcony and looked down to the crowd as they left the castle. She tried to pick out any of the men she’d danced with, but more importantly the man in red. She then looked to the moon, “Eva…where are you…?” She whispered, worried. She had to sneak out, to find her. She had to get out somehow, there had to be a way.

Jolene came to her room then. “It’s going to get cold tonight, you best come in, princess.” She spoke as she pulled the gown and shuffled Skylar away from the balcony. “You’re always dreaming, aren’t you? You’ve done that since you were young.” She let out a chuckle. She loosened the corset and helped Skylar change into her gown before she tucked her away and tucked in another hot pot of water. “Good night princess.” She spoke as she left the room.

Skylar lay, staring at the ceiling. How could she get out? She had to find Eva…