Fit for the Throne: The Trial of Ten by S. McPherson

Author:S. McPherson [McPherson, S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-02-14T00:00:00+00:00

23

A Queen Doesn’t Yield

SPIRITED FROM THE auditorium, I emerged in the Eternal City arena. The stands were packed. The noise deafening. Midday sun; bright and punishing.

“Well done, Initiates,” Goather bellowed from where he strutted across the sand. “You have survived phase one of the Third Trial Twist.”

Around him, other contestants were gathered in small groups—most female.

I searched those beside me. Three girls I barely recognized, Maura, a bear shifter, and Vivienne. Apparently, the Fae-bitch had had allies to help with her potion after all.

Every player was dressed in some type of battle armor. I wore a brass crop top, chainmail skirt and leather sandals that tied around my calf. The straps thankfully added extra support for my aching ankle. Spiked cuffs were fitted on my wrists and my hair was braided into a crown with a few tendrils left free.

“It’s time to awaken your inner beast,” Goather bellowed.

The audience cheered. A line of grey stone columns materialized on the other side of the arena. Chained to each one was a shirtless male contestant, and a couple of females. My blood ran cold. Countless camera-orbs zoomed closer.

“Over the last few weeks, you’ve each been trying to identify your mate. Now, you’ve been grouped based on who you think it is.” Goather turned to a girl and guy dressed in silver armor. “You both believe Michael is your mate.” He gestured to another group. “You think yours is André.” On he went, until, finally, he turned to my group. “You think Exekiel is yours.”

I stiffened, wanting to argue. Exekiel couldn’t be my mate. He was the bastard who’d kidnapped me, built a barrier to block out the innocent and who was most likely responsible for my mother’s captivity. But the Game didn’t care about any of that. The potion had pulled out my truest desire and that was Exekiel, whether I liked it or not.

“Today, you will prove how far you’re willing to go for those you love—for your people; your Kingdom.”

Hulking men stalked across the arena. Each stopped beside a stone column. The fine hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. Something was wrong.

A band of goblins on the edge of the grounds, beat on their drums.

Goather bellowed,

“Be the first to reach your mate.

Save them from this cruel fate.

Seal it with a kiss that’s true.

Show the realm, they belong to you.”

The hulking men revealed whips in their beefy hands. My gut tightened. Was this the cruel fate? Torture, unless they were saved by true-love’s kiss? I swallowed bile that rose in my throat. It was like a fairytale for the Dark Ages. This couldn’t be real. But Goather had warned us that it was. Only the stage had changed.

“In this Trial, you have two options, Initiates: Fight to the death or yield.”

The brawny men raised their whips. Gasps rang through the arena—the air taut. I gaped from Exekiel who stood tall with his brow rested on the column, to the enrapt audience.

Goather’s grin twisted. “However, a true Queen never yields.

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