A Game of Crowns

“The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies."

-Anonymous

Every head turned in my direction. All eyes were on me. Madame Lorelle’s eyebrows nearly reached her hairline.

“Miss Tate, you do not have to participate in this again,” she said worriedly.

“It’s not a problem. I don’t mind.”

I was sure I heard several gasps and no one tried to hide their whisperings. I shrugged it off. It surprisingly didn’t bother me.

Madame Lorrelle nodded. I walked to the platform with my head held high. I kept my eyes on Rowan’s gaze. His eyes were burning with an emotion I couldn’t place but that was okay. I didn’t need to understand everything he was thinking. Although, I was sure I’d get a taste of what he was feeling. His touch would tell me everything.

Willow and Ivy were smirking as I continued to walk towards them. The three of them were easy on the eyes. Their high cheekbones and full lips mesmerized all who looked at them. The twins sported a grey streak of hair on opposite sides of their onyx hair. I guess this would help tell them apart if they decided to keep the look.

Their usual white attire was back to black. Ivy and Willow wore black leather pants with black spaghetti strap tops. Rowan wore a black vest without a shirt. His creamy skin was on full display. He wore it with low hung black jeans and a black bowler hat. His eyes never left me and I didn’t know how I knew but I felt Tobias’s eyes on me too.

I stepped onto the stage and stood next to Rowan. I knew they had a façade to keep going but I hoped he wouldn’t overdo it this time. I looked into the faces of my competitors and saw an array of emotions. They weren’t the only faces in the crowd. Some of the parents of the competitors who lived nearby were able to visit. As long as they paid for the visit themselves. Unfortunately, my parents couldn’t afford any extra trips here. There was also some of the staff who took the time to come and see the trial. I recognized some of their faces. They all had a warm smile for me.

I looked back at the Trinity. Who would be the one to touch me? Would it be one of the twins or would it be Rowan?

My stomach flipped. I wanted it to be Rowan and that scared the hell out me. I couldn’t bring myself to look at Tobias.

Rowan looked towards his sisters allowing them to start the trial but they grinned mischievously and motioned for him to do it. He looked back at me and that elusive emotion ran across his face again.

I turned away from him and found myself staring at Tobias. Killian now stood next to him. His dark brooding eyes looked from me to Tobias to Rowan and back. His raised eyebrow told me he knew something was up but did Tobias? Could he see my feelings towards Rowan?

I was overreacting. What was I feeling towards Rowan? Attraction? That’s all it was. It had to be. I had a deeper connection with Tobias. We were going to save the kingdom together.

Tobias smiled and I knew everything would be okay. It had to be okay.

I looked back at Rowan. “Let’s do this.”

Rowan hesitated before taking a step towards me. He took another and another until he stood in front of me, his back to the crowd. Dark eyes peered into mine as if we were the only two people in the world. He searched my face vehemently looking for something but what?

Madame Lorrelle cleared her throat which sprung Rowan into action. He inhaled deeply before taking hold of my hand. Just like last time it was instantaneous. My head flew back in sweet ecstasy. Unlike last time, I could see and the feelings were somewhat different. Last time, greed, power, and lust ran rampant through my body. This time I still felt the all-consuming power but it was in check. Rowan was keeping it in check.

These feelings were all Rowan. I wasn’t doused in auras from the Hidden Realm.

Happiness filled me and my heart flew. A tinkling laugh left my lips. Rowan was still looking down at me. His mouth curved into a smile that reached into the deepest parts of my soul. There was a lingering tether to feelings of ardent desire but it was overpowered by a feeling I didn’t understand.

No. That was a lie. It was a feeling I knew all too well but I was unwilling to acknowledge.

He winked before turning to face everyone. I could see them watching us curiously and whispering quietly. They were no doubt adding fuel to the rumors about us but right now it didn’t bother me.

“There will only be seven of each gender that will remain,” my voice boomed. My voice was obviously not my own but the collective voices of Rowan and the twins. A shiver ran through me.

“Two males and one female will be going home today. There are seven white and black coins in the course you will be navigating. White for the women and black for the men. May the Priestess bless you and may the chosen win.”

With those words finally spoken, the connection to the Trinity broke but Rowan still held my hand in his own. I turned to face him and he, in turn, turned to face me.

“Good luck out there, Penelope,” he said in a husky voice. He gave my hand a gentle squeeze before letting go.

He walked away and I watched him go before turning my gaze towards Tobias. His blue eyes missed nothing. I walked off the stage and headed towards him.

Killian, again, looked from Tobias back to me. “Uh, yeah, this is too awkward. I’ll be back.”

I rolled my eyes. Tobias chuckled.

Hmm...he was laughing. That was a good sign.

“Tobias...”

He held up his hand. “You don’t have to say anything. We chose each other. I trust you.”

His words calmed me. I didn’t want another fight with Tobias.

I smiled. “Let’s do this,” I said, echoing my words to Rowan.

Killian returned with those words. “All good, kiddos?”

We ignored him.

“So, what’s the plan?” Killian asked.

“They didn’t say we couldn’t work together so at least we have that. We need two black coins and one white. We’ll get Penelope’s coin first then we’ll concentrate on ours,” Tobias said.

Killian was about to object but Madame Lorrelle called us to gather around.

Sir Hawthorne held a small pile of envelopes in his hands. His handlebar mustache twitched as he crinkled his nose. “All the coins are housed together. You may only take one. If you take more than what you are allotted, you will be disqualified. Understood?”

Everyone muttered a reply. Madame Lorrelle took the envelopes from her husband and began to hand them out. No one dared open them until given the okay. Especially, given what happened on our first day here. We didn’t want to unknowingly get ourselves disqualified.

“Everyone, line up,” yelled out Sir Hawthorne.

We did as we were told. Husband and wife inspected each of us for any contraband before giving us the okay to head over to the starting section.

We all wore light weight black cotton pants with a white shirt and a light jacket. I was grateful for the comfort the material offered.

“May the great Mother bless you. You may begin.” He took hold of Madame Lorelle’s hand and walked to a shaded area.

We all stood at the entrance to the orchard as we read the contents of the envelope.

Siobhan stood next to Matthew as they hovered over their envelopes. She finally managed to get herself a partner. He wasn’t the brightest flower in the garden so he would be easy for her to control and manipulate. She had chosen well if that was what she wanted. Viktorya worked with Anthony and George. I wasn’t sure if they had an alliance for the whole game but at least for this trial they seemed to.

Everyone seemed to be working in groups. Tobias pulled out his envelope. As did Killian. I was quick to follow.

You will find me behind a cascading wall

where land and water meet.

Beyond the orchard is where you go

to find what you seek.

Beware of traitors

they are closer than you think.

856E to 366I -plot points

I looked at Tobias and Killian with raised eyebrows. They weren’t traitors. I trusted them with my life.

“You’re not a traitor right, Penelope?” Killian asked.

Tobias hit him in the gut.

“What? I had to ask,” he said chuckling.

“You’re forgetting about the team we’ve been training with,” Tobias chimed in.

I had almost forgot about our Guardians. I looked over to my team who was waiting on my signal to join us.

I nodded them over; Killian and Tobias did the same. Our group was huge and conspicuous. We had to cut our numbers down. There wasn’t a rule against it. I chose two who had been the nicest to me during the last week. They were all adequate so why not base it on who I preferred to work with. I chose two women who happened to be sisters, Opal and Diamond.

Opal was the cheery one where as Diamond chose not to talk. They hit their fits over their chest in a sign of respect. I wondered how much loyalty they had to the crown and how much they had for Thelonious. He was their employer after all. He was the one who filled their pockets.

“Good idea, Penelope,” Tobias followed suit and kept two of his Guardians. Killian only kept one.

Killian shrugged. “What? I’m only keeping him because I know his brother.”

The rest of our Guardians grumbled under their breath as they left the trial area.

“So, anyone know where to go? It gives plot points but I don’t know how to use plot points.” Killian said as he eyed another team take off.

Tobias shook his head.

“Boys, you’re in luck because I know exactly where this is located,” I said grinning.

Killian raised his eyebrows. Should I be offended that he looked surprised?

“Let’s go,” I said taking off at a slow pace.

Our Guardians quickly worked out a protection formation as we ran. Opal jogged by my side and Diamond jogged at the end of the formation. They didn’t trust anyone but each other.

We passed row upon row of trees, the apples prime for the picking. The day had a slight coolness to it. The storm had brought in a cold front. We trekked over the water-logged ground and made quick time to the ends of the orchard. We quickly left behind the twins cottage.

“My lady, we have a tail,” muttered Diamond. She had moved up the formation to deliver the news.

“Who?”

“The one who won the first trial,” she growled.

Siobhan.

“What’s going on?” Tobias asked.

“Siobhan and her group are trailing us. She’s probably hoping we’ll lead her to the coins,” I grunted.

“Well, let’s double time it. I’ve see her run and she can’t keep a fast pace,” Tobias said.

I didn’t like the fact that he had been watching her. My nostrils flared and my eyes narrowed. I kept my eyes on the forest that was coming up. I made sure to point out the poison ivy as we passed. We didn’t need anyone encountering that.

Tobias seemed to be picking up my emotions because he chuckled. “Jealousy is sexy on you.”

“Shut up,” I said annoyed.

This made him laugh harder.

“Let’s keep going. We need to make it there first before the others mess with the set up,” I said, stating the obvious.

I picked up the pace.

We ran through the forest for at least another five minutes. The terrain was a little rougher here. We had to watch our footing for exposed tree roots, rocks, and basically anything nature thought to set in our path.

We heard the waterfall before we saw it. The humming sound vibrated in the air. I slowed the pace down as we neared. I pushed aside the blanket of vines that covered the entrance to the lagoon.

“I never would have guessed that was there,” Killian said awed.

“How did you know this was here?” Tobias asked raising an eyebrow.

“I found it that week I spent with Lucas,” I mumbled.

Tobias swallowed roughly. “So, he knows where this place is as well?”

I nodded.

His eyes darkened. “Let’s hurry up.”

The area was breathtaking. I can’t believe I hadn’t visited this place again. The water fall met rocks at the edge of the divinity pool, frothing slightly at the base. The water was crystal clear with a slight blue tinge. The foliage around the pool was a deep green, living and breathing. The sun made the waterfall look silver with its rays.

“Guardians, keep watch. Kil and Penelope, let’s go,” Tobias ordered.

I bristled at his take charge attitude but I shrugged it off. I had just been giving orders and he seemed to be okay with complying. I could comply too.

We made it through the wall of water with ease. Behind the wall was a small cave lit up with torches. In the middle laid a small chest full of black and white marble crowns. They reminded me of chess pieces.

Tobias and Killian were high fiving each other like children. I walked towards the chest and was about to grab my piece when two burly arms grabbed me from behind and pulled me away from the box.

“Tobias,” I yelled.

He turned and his eyes went wide. Before he could reach me two others had made it into the cramped space. Tobias and Killian were both occupied. If I wanted to get out of this I would have to take care of this guy myself.

What would Trixie have me do in this situation?

I couldn’t think of anything. My mind was caught up in the throbbing of my head. I needed to get out of the arms of my attacker. I stomped on his foot. The man gruntled in pain but laughed heartily at my attempt.

He pulled me off my feet and carried me like a sack of potatoes. I twisted and turned, grunting as I scratched my arm on his uniform. He was a Guardian. I finally got a look at his face. It was a Guardian I’d never encountered.

I had only one option and I wasn’t keen on doing it. I hit him in a place I knew would have him on the ground in a second. He dropped me like a hot potato and fell to the dank floor clutching his lower half.

I spit out the blood that was collecting in my mouth. I had managed to bite myself somehow.

Tobias and Killian were still occupied with their guys. I quickly swiped two black pieces and one white one before kicking over the chest. One rolled into the pool of water and the others rolled around in the cave. Everyone would have to scramble to find theirs. I wasn’t taking any extra with me so I was good. I’d be covered.

I ran towards Tobias to lend a hand but he had managed to knock out his Guardian. Killian on the other hand was having a tough time. His Guardian was a petite woman. He could have probably managed better but it seemed he didn’t want to hit a woman.

The woman was lethal and it was a miracle Killian was only sporting one swollen eye. Poor Georgiana would be distraught at the sight of his face.

“Hold her,” I yelled at Killian.

He launched himself at her and grabbed her arms. Tobias grabbed her feet while I used my belt to tie up her hands. Tobias gave me his belt to tie around her ankles. They gently put her down near the back of the cave.

She let out a few cuss words but we were already gone. We splashed our way out from behind the falls to find a whole other level of fighting going on. I quickly handed them their pieces before heading out into the chaos.

Opal and Diamond were fighting off Siobhan’s guards while the rest of our Guardians held off Viktorya’s.

“Opal,” I yelled.

Opal’s brown eyes narrowed as she saw us. She gave a loud screeching whistle and the rest of our Guardians withdrew themselves from their fights. Viktorya and Siobhan continued their struggle. I wished I could stay and see the outcome but I had a trial to win.

Our group took off at a face pace, faster than the one we initially had when heading towards our destination.

We could all feel the thrill of the trial. My blood hummed with energy and my heart raced a mile a minute. We were going to make it first.

Diamond gave a cry of alarm. She had been tackled to the ground by a Guardian, four other Guardians appeared. Who did they belong to?

Lucas’s popped up behind the group. His smug smile way too obvious to hide. They had made it first to the lagoon and waited to ambush us after.

But why?

“You should have chosen me, Penny,” he stated simply.

“Leave me,” yelled Diamond.

Our Guardians looked to us for orders. “I’m not leaving her behind,” I growled.

Tobias and Killian nodded their agreement. Opal sighed gratefully. Killian’s Guardian spoke up. “This is just a trial. It’s not like they’re going to hurt her. We should just go.”

I glared at him. He held his hands up in surrender. “You’re the boss.”

“Damn right, I’m the boss.”

Killian cleared his throat. “Well, technically...”

“Shut up, Killian.”

He chuckled.

Lucas glared at Tobias and held his fists up, ready to fight, but that’s not what had my attention.

My eyes had zoomed onto the corner of his left eye. He had been through the falls and it had washed away whatever he had been using to cover the mark.

A small tear drop tattoo grazed his skin, beneath his left eye. He was the traitor. He was the one in the cottage. That was why he refused to fight me that day. He was the reason Ruby was dead.

“Traitor,” I yelled.

This got everyone’s attention, even his own Guardians.

“What are you talking about?” Tobias asked.

“It was him. He attacked the twin’s cottage in the last attack. My attacker knew me. It had to have been him. He has the same tattoo as they did.”

Lucas’s hand flew to his face. He cursed underneath his breathe. He looked at the Guardians as they began to circle him. Even his own Guardians were now on alert. It was as if they had all decided to move at the same time. Lucas sprinted into the forest, five Guardians hot on his trail.

“Miss Tate, you need to finish the trial,” Opal stated. She went to give her sister a helping hand off the ground.

Diamond smiled and spoke again. “Thank you for not leaving me.”

I patted her arm.

“She’s right. The Guardians are taking care of Lucas. We need to make sure we have a spot,” Tobias added.

“Go now,” cried Opal. “My sister and I will catch up.”

Like her, I could hear the fast approach of another group. I looked around our circle before coming to a quick decision.

“Alright, let’s do this. We’ll see you at the end.”

Our remaining Guardian ran behind us and we led the way back to the orchard.

He yelled, “Faster. They’re catching up.”

I picked up the pace. My heart was just about ready to explode out of my chest. I could see the finish line. They had strung a blue ribbon across it. The crowd, upon seeing us, burst into cheers.

I pushed myself even harder, passing Killian and Tobias. I ran through the finishing line and pulled the blue ribbon with me. A cry of triumph erupted from some of the palace staff as I crossed the finish line. They continued their onslaught of cheers as Tobias and Killian followed after me.

I stopped at the stage and leaned forward resting my hands on my knees as I caught my breath. We were soon followed by Opal and Diamond. Who were then trailed by Viktorya and her group.

Killian and Tobias were sprawled on the ground. Georgiana handed us water as our supporters tapped us on the back and shouted happily of a job well done.

I looked up on the stage to find Rowan staring at me. He walked to the edge of the platform, a smug grin graced his face. He crouched down. “I knew you’d win.”

I grinned back. It felt good to have a win but the feeling was quickly overshadowed by the news of Lucas. My smile fell from my face. Rowans eyebrows pinched together.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

I told him about what happened and his face drained of color. He was instantly on alert. He called for more Guardians to join the hunt.

“We’ll get him,” Rowan muttered darkly.

“I hope so...”