A Game of Crowns

CHAPTER 3

“Your highest obligation to other people is to be your highest self.”

-Rory Vaden

The next morning was full of mayhem; outfits were brought in for me to try on and it took all of two hours. Thankfully, Georgiana brought up food and sat with me as I sorted through the ten racks of clothes.

The wardrobe people insisted I take no less than fifteen outfits, along with shoes and jewelry. Pulling my hair out would quickly become a reality. I wasn’t one for fashion. Fortunately, Georgiana made it somewhat enjoyable with her company.

I tried to protest, telling them I had my own clothes. Georgiana blushed furiously. She was told to throw out the clothes I had brought with me. If I hadn’t seen how embarrassed she was, I might have been angrier.

After my entourage left, I dressed quickly and efficiently. An ivory crop top with a sheer silk over it was paired with silk emerald green pontoon pants. I hated to say it or even think it but I was happy with the outfit. My mother would die if she knew I was dressing like a girl instead of my usual overalls like my dad. I was even wearing jewelry again. I mean, the earrings were clip-on studs and the bracelets were simple, but it was a start.

I smiled at myself appreciatively in the mirror. Georgiana had pulled my hair into a soft bun with stray strands of hair around my neck and face. It was an effortless updo and it matched who I was and how I wanted to portray myself. I wasn’t going to be all uppity about my place in this game. I wasn’t going to let it change me.

“My lady, I haven’t had time to bring you up to speed on the going on of the palace and the other nine female participants. Some of the women are already networking with the men, trying to find a partner.”

I rolled my eyes at their audacity in trying to sway The Trinity. What did they think they could do to ensure they were partnered with the man of their own choosing?

“I see...What do you think I should do?”

“You should try and find someone to partner with as well. You will need an ally.”

“How would it even matter? The Trinity will be choosing.”

“They see everything. They’ll know who works well together and who has chemistry. They’ll know who will bring peace and prosperity to the Kingdom like King Stephan was trying to do. They have the insight of The Priestess. Xandra will guide them.”

I still didn’t believe in The Priestess or the so-called Hidden Realm, but should I try and win this? Should I try and make Iron Forge a better place? Was I capable of enacting change to our territory? Did I owe it to the people of Iron Forge?

I nodded, “I’ll think about it. Thank you, Georgiana.”

She smiled and stood to leave but I grabbed a hold of her hand. Her eyebrows rose as she tilted her head. “Was there something else I could help you with, my lady?”

I hesitated. I played with the beading at the bottom of my top. “Georgiana, I was wondering if maybe you knew anything about The Trinity.”

She sat back down. “Well, I know what every child knows and maybe a little more. How about you tell me what you know of them and we’ll go from there.”

I nodded. “Okay. Well, both my mother and father believe in the Priestess Xandra and her two sisters, Kaitha and Meylee. Other than a few prayers, I don’t know much,” I said, pathetically.

“It’s not a problem. I can fill you in. We’ll start from the beginning,” She said as she patted my hand. “The Great Mother created her three daughters when she became lonely, but it wasn’t enough. She then created humankind. We were enough to tame her loneliness but soon humankind became rebellious and corrupted. She decided the best course of action was to destroy her creation. Her daughters would not accept the annihilation of their mother’s creation so they smuggled as many people as they could into a world of their own making, Iweah.” She waited for me to process what she said.

I motioned for her to continue. “The three Priestess’s then split Iweah into three territories: Iron Forge, Terra, and Clearwater. Each one of the priestesses would preside over a territory for the next one thousand years. After their one-thousand-year reign, it is said they returned to The Hidden Realm.”

It was an interesting tale I had to admit but I wasn’t ready to say I believed in it all. “So, how does The Trinity fit into everything?”

“Before the Priestess’s returned to their home, they appointed each territory with a Trinity Council who would help the chosen ruling family keep the peace. That was the first game of crowns to take place in each territory. There has only ever been one in the history of Iron Forge.”

How had I never heard this story? I wondered if my parents even knew the whole narrative.

She continued, “The Trinity are chosen every ten years by Xandra herself. The previous Trinity finds the next set before vacating their positions. It is always a set of three twelve-year-olds; before, it was two males and a female.”

“Okay, but why does the monarchy allow them such power? It’s not like they have any real authority. I mean it’s all just a fairy tale, right?” I said, throwing a crumpled piece of paper into the wastebasket near my desk.

“Ah, you are not a believer. I see. It all makes sense now. If you were, you would have been trying harder. Maybe before all is done you might believe.”

I scoffed. “That’s doubtful.”

She shrugged her shoulders. “Is that all, my lady?”

“It is. Thank you, Georgiana.” I stayed seated on the loveseat.

She smiled and went about my rooms cleaning up after the clothing staff.

“So, are you ready for your first lesson of the crown?” Georgiana asked.

“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” I said, not feeling ready at all.

I entered the designated area that Madame Lorrelle had wanted us to meet her. It was the Throne Room. I entered from a different door than before. The main doors were grand and beautiful, with ornate detailing. The marble thrones sat empty at the head of the room. A long table was set with eleven piles of plain white dishes with silverware and glasses. I already knew what this lesson would be and I was already dragging my flats across the floor.

Seven of the other women were already present. I took a spot among the gaggle and waited for our lesson to begin. The remaining women were all beautiful in their own way. Some had copper hair, others had blonde hair, and most had brown. None of the remaining had black hair like my own. Their skin ranged from a beautiful brown to a milky white. Iron Forge was rich with diversity and it made me happy to know that we at least had that going for us.

The last to arrive were Viktorya and another arrogant replica of her. Her name was Siobhan Merloe. If possible, her sneer was worse than that of Viktorya. I hadn’t done anything to either of them and they were both sneering at me even though I was surrounded by seven other participants.

Why me? I didn’t need this. I didn’t even know how to respond to their pettiness. I had only ever had a friend in Thomas. There was never a girl for me to play with.

I ignored them and faced Madame Lorrelle, who now stood by the long table.

“Hello ladies, today you will be learning how to eat properly in modern society. I know some of you have the background to already know this skill. If you so choose, you are free to leave for the lesson.”

Half of the women wore smug expressions; they obviously knew how to eat ‘properly’. They raised their hands to signify that they would be leaving.

Madame Lorrelle gave a stiff nod.

“Before you leave, I have a few things to discuss that everyone should know. While you are here, your family will receive a stipend, which will increase over the time of your stay. Next week a member of your family will be allowed to visit for an afternoon; then again midway through the trials and finally at the finals.”

I hoped momma or papa would be able to make the trip. The farm needed at least two people on hand; maybe they could find someone to help for the day. The stipend would be a nice bump to their income.

Half of our group left, some with their noses in the air, others didn’t care one way or another.

Just as they were about to leave, the hall doors opened. The ruggedly handsome man I met the previous night walked in. Viktorya’s eyes widened as the man held open the door for them. He was a handsome specimen of a man, I couldn’t blame her for checking him out. The other women left hesitantly, but they left. Viktorya and her friend decided to stay behind. She gave Thelonious a pretty little smile that made one think she was an innocent bunny but she was a wily fox. He returned her smile as he accompanied both her and her friend back to our group. Madame Lorrelle eyed them disapprovingly.

“Ah, so we meet again,” Thelonious said, as he walked towards me. Viktorya’s eyes bulged again at the familiarity of his greeting. I ignored her.

I smiled warmly at the man, putting on a show for Viktorya. Gosh, what was I doing? Thelonious was surprised by my warm greeting. He was even more astonished when I gave his hand a squeeze in hello. My body wanted to blush at my forwardness but I refused to let my body control me. Viktorya was fuming as I slyly gazed at her from the corner of my eyes. I looked back at Thelonious who was grinning at me, catching on. He artfully winked.

Oh, Priestess, the man had caught on. As I moved to remove my hand from his grasp. He held on tighter, pulling my hand up to his lips. I heard everyone gasp, Viktorya being the loudest. The blood rushed to my face as his lips touched my skin.

“A pleasure to see you again, Miss Tate.”

At least he hadn’t called me by my given name.

“It is a delight to see you as well, good Sir,” I said, smiling coyly.

“Can I help, Mr. Cavahn?” Madame Lorrelle asked in a no-nonsense way.

He turned to look at her frosty stare, “I just came to greet my potential Queen.” He smiled at the group of ladies.

The collective sigh from the group was resounding. I was glad I wasn’t one of them. My sighing was done internally. He looked at every one of us, making us feel as if his words were meant for us alone. This man was a charmer and that was a dangerous thing. Madame Lorrelle shooed him out of the room and he left unwillingly; giving us one last wave before exiting the hall doors.

“Now, if you are all done swooning, we will begin our lesson.”

The collective murmur of the women was positive for Mr. Cavahn; all agreeing he was a handsome gentleman. They all wanted to be in his acquaintance even though he was at least twenty years older than most of them.

The lesson was a bore. It went on for three hours. The proper way the dishes should be placed, which utensil went with which dinner course, and the way a lady eats in company.

I felt it was all useless in how to rule a kingdom. Was the Queen just a showpiece for the King? Did the King rule Iron Forge alone with a Queen who was compliant to what he wanted?

This was just reaffirming my dislike of the game. I didn’t want to be someone’s showpiece. Why would I want to be Queen if I wouldn’t be able to help anyone? I bet the guys weren’t learning the nonsense of how to eat ‘properly’.

I left the throne room last; being that I had to most difficulties with the cutlery. I was annoyed with the path our lessons would be taking. What in the world would be next? Dancing? I scoffed at the ridiculousness.

Entering another hallway, I ran into Viktorya and Siobhan, the blonde replica. They were seductively batting their eyelashes and pouting their lips for Thelonious. I almost gagged at their apparent flirting. Thelonious’s smile was warm and kind with an edge of ambition when he looked at me. Well, when he looked at us all. What did this man want out of our acquaintance? He’d have the ear of the Queen.

Oh Priestess, here I was thinking I’d be Queen. I rolled my eyes at myself.

“It seems we can’t keep away from each other,” Thelonious purred.

Yes, the man was attractive as hell, but he didn’t send shivers down my body with just a look, a smile, or a word.

I also didn’t appreciate the looks Viktorya and Siobhan were giving me now, but it was nice to be noticed by the opposite sex.

It felt good to be wanted and I could tell this man wanted me, but what did I know? The only real interaction I had with the opposite sex was with Thomas and my father.

My father sure as heck didn’t count and Thomas.... well, Thomas was Thomas; he was my childhood best friend. He was there for me, through thick and thin. I had harbored a small crush on him when I was thirteen, but I grew out of that as we grew up. I really did miss him.

“We live in the same place, I’m sure we’ll keep running into one another,” I chuckled.

Viktorya furrowed her eyebrows, throwing me a ‘I’m going to make your life a living hell’ look. She tried to regain his attention. She caressed his upper arm. He looked down at her briefly but returned his gaze towards me.

I wanted to laugh wickedly, but I refrained.

“I’d be careful if I were you ladies. This man is a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” said a smooth voice from behind me. Judging by Viktorya’s eyes, I could tell he was another target of hers, meaning he’d be gorgeous.

I turned to face the stranger; it was none other than Tobias. The last time we met, I hadn’t heard him speak as much; I couldn’t recognize his voice. He was as beautiful as I remembered, but probably just as offensive.

Thelonious’s eyes narrowed at his presence. Did they know each other?

“Mr. Hart, it’s not a surprise to see you here. You are within age range after all.”

“How do you know each other?” I asked.

Viktorya was trying to figure out who to give her attention to. Siobhan waited for Viktorya to make the first move. Her small lips were pinched in concentration, trying to figure out what her leader wanted.

Tobias looked at me and then back at Thelonious, seeing something there that obviously wasn’t. He sneered at Thelonious.

“We know each other through my family...my late family. They’ve recently passed.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” I mumbled. It must be hard to lose a loved one, not to mention a whole family. He rolled his eyes at me. He didn’t want my sympathy.

He nodded a greeting at Viktorya and Siobhan, but then looked back at me.

“Will you walk with me for a minute, Penelope?”

My heart fluttered as if it had grown its own pair of wings. He called me by my full given name. Not Penny, Pen, P, or some mean nickname; he had used Penelope. I was mush and he was none the wiser. All I could do was nod. I started to walk off before remembering my manners. I turned back towards Thelonious and waved. He smiled at me but turned an unpleasant grin towards Tobias.

Tobias took me by the elbow, pulling me away from them. My heart had yet to calm down; his touch was sending it a flutter.

“Look, I’m telling you this because you seem naïve. Thelonious is bad news. Viktorya and her friend know what they’d be getting into, but you’re different than them. You’re soft...kind.”

Was this real?

“What do you know about him? Why should I believe you?”

He began to walk away, just as he was about to reach a curve in our hallway he turned back.

“He killed my family.”