Chapter 25

A ria ran to the courtyard where her family waited in an open carriage, ready to head to the lists.

The queen sat peacefully in a deep red gown, her bundled hair woven with strands of tiny white roses, her expression breezy as she hummed a tune to herself. By contrast, the king was a red-and-white thundercloud beside her. The moment Aria sat next to Eliza, he waved for the carriage to move.

Causing delay. Mark.

"I'm sorry, Father. I ... fell asleep."

"I am not surprised," he said, and his tone added a wealth of extra, silent words. After a quick glance in her direction, he added, "Don't mistake me, Aria. My anger is not directed at you. Not completely."

She shared a look with Eliza. The younger princess shrugged.

"Have the latest soldiers returned from Northglen?" Aria asked.

After the break-in at the castle, her father had ordered another strike against Northglen, though Aria didn't know the full details. Despite her best efforts, she'd nodded off in the meeting. She had, however, managed to speak to the captain in charge, briefly explaining Artifacts and asking him to bring back any suspicious items Widow Morton might have used to anchor her power. It was the best she could do.

Her father's expression darkened at the mention of soldiers, so Aria didn't press.

If Northglen became a true battlefield—if Casters became the enemy —what would happen to Baron?

Aria twined her fingers in her lap, missing the warmth of his hands around hers and trying not to think of his words. She means to kill you. I can't combat this.

Despite the chill breeze and overcast sky, the stands hummed with excitement. All of court was in attendance, with the rest of the seats given to castle staff and people from Sutton—one of the benefits of living near the castle. The contestants rode on prancing horses through the lists, giving parade to the audience, basking in cheers and, occasionally, catching a tossed handkerchief or flower.

Biting her lip, Eliza pointed out Henry, the contestant bearing a blue siren on his coat of arms. The sisters shared a smile.

The contestants took up their line, and the king stood to begin the formal welcome.

To Aria's surprise, he gestured for her to join him.

Brushing her skirt quickly, she strode to the front of the royal box, looking out over the canopied stands. Too many faces to find Baron, but he would see her, and she smiled at the thought.

"Esteemed members of court and people of Loegria," the king boomed, silencing the crowd. "Welcome to the Crown's joust. If only it could be a welcome beneath fairer circumstances. Instead, our kingdom is in dire times. Beset by wicked magic."

Aria's smile faltered. She glanced at her father, but he stared resolutely across the lists.

"The Morton family, once beloved in our court, has committed treason." Raising a hand, the king brandished a sheet of parchment, torn in the center by a dagger. "First, Clarissa Morton, once-countess and Caster, denounced the authority of the Crown. Next, she invaded the royal castle. Warned to desist, she persisted. Stripped of title, she persisted. Now, she has delivered a blow to the heart of the kingdom—she has cursed my daughter and heir!"

Widow Morton wasn't the only one delivering a blow. Aria's father had finally realized the truth, but rather than speak to her in private, he announced it to the kingdom. Aria felt as exposed as if he'd passed her journal out for everyone to read. Shouts rose in the audience, and conversations grew, like the first rumblings of a rockslide.

She wished she could find Baron's face in the crowd.

The king spoke louder still. "Thankfully, my valiant soldiers have managed to recover the malicious Artifact used in this curse."

At a gesture from the king, a servant came forward, carrying a thin display cushion with something atop it. Aria lurched forward, then stopped herself. It was not a broken teacup or bloody towel the servant carried. It was a strange bronze box, small enough Aria could have lifted it with one hand.

What is happening?

Her father continued without falter. "As a result of these events, I make two proclamations. First, all Casters within the kingdom are confined to their homes until this matter is resolved. Any found to be sympathetic to Morton will be arrested."

Illness swayed Aria on the spot. She remembered Baron standing before her father, speaking truth: I've done nothing wrong. Condemned for it anyway. He was out there right now, hearing this, bearing it like the burn of a fresh brand.

But the madness only grew.

"Second, any eligible man within court may take the Crown's challenge—to destroy this Artifact, thereby rescuing my daughter. The man successful in this endeavor will be awarded Crown Princess Aria's hand in marriage."

" Father ," Aria hissed.

He didn't look at her.

"Be warned—those who fail this challenge will receive punishment in accordance with failing their kingdom. I seek only the most inexorable among you, those with the power and determination to protect this kingdom, now and forever.

"We will prevent our kingdom's fall from peace. We will stand strong, as Loegria has always done. In the face of threat, we will be noble, fearless, and undaunted!"

A cheer went up from the stands, shaking Aria's world like an earthquake.

"Let the tournament begin!"