SKERPLA DAY OF THOR

The sun was not even on the horizon when I was woken by my maidservants. I plotted to skip out and already prepared an excuse. I didn't want to be alone with the king. Even so, he seemed to know what I was thinking that he came personally. I almost fell on the bed when the maidservant reported King Freed was waiting outside.

The hours of preparation were condensed into several minutes as they dressed me up as fast as they could. My hair was fixed in a loose braid on my side. The dark green gown was hidden beneath the furred cape provided by the King himself.

At least he had consideration about the chilling winds of Deliora on early mornings. This was the only kingdom having the lush greens and the Winterlands in their territory so it was much colder compared to Ezriel.

They stepped out and the king was standing opposite the hallway in a similar stance as Reid was yesterday. 

"Your majesty." I bowed as soon as we fully exited the chamber.

"A lovely morning, Princess Carline," King Freed greeted as well.

"Likewise, your majesty."

He held out his arm and I accepted it, locking my arms on him as we strolled outside. It was certainly more vast than our palace garden. The surrounding may have lost their saturation and looked dull due to dark green leaves and white flowers but every flower was of a different kind.

It was as if every single white flower in the continent was brought here.

"Do you have any questions to ask, Princess?" he prompted when we were basked in silence the whole time.

"Nothing, your majesty," I said when in fact I did have a lot.

"Don't worry. You can ask me anything. You look like an inquisitive person who always searches for answers so I don't mind," he stated with sureness as if he knew everything about me.

I wished to ignore and politely refuse him but eventually, I surrendered to my curiosity.

"If you excuse my insolence, your majesty, I do wonder why you chose me as a candidate."

He merely stared at me while I waited for him to speak. His eyes were evidently the same as Reid's. The perfect hue of brown was so similar that captivated her for some reason.

His lips finally moved and answered, "Let's just say I'm intrigued."

"But that isn't enough reason to marry some stranger, your majesty."

"That reason will suffice, Princess."

"Then again we just met once and don't even know each other, your majesty."

"Well, that is why we are having the Selection, aren't we?"

"You can't just find the perfect bride in a mere three days." I tried so hard not to raise my voice so he can see reason in this absurdity.

This whole Selection was a whole joke in my opinion. Cindra was right. This was pure rubbish. Even if it was me or the others who were chosen, there was no way a fruitful relationship could come up from this game.

"It doesn't matter, Princess. In this day and age, a political marriage is nothing personal anymore as long as both parties have an agreement. It is purely for the sake of power."

That sounded like an obnoxious person would say. I shouldn't have expected much from a young king. He was not wise beyond his years as they depicted him to be.

Maybe the previous king really did pass him the throne because he was nearing his deathbed. It was only recently that I had learned that King Freed was actually the youngest king in history at the age of twenty-one.

The previous king and the late queen had him when they were past their prime. It was even said he was a miracle baby that was why he was hidden after his birth to protect him.

If I was the old king, I would do the same after he let the late queen purge all his illegitimate children. That was enough to gain a lot of enemies for a lifetime.

Ah. This was why I hate being part of the royals. One was as vile as the others.

Now that I thought about it, maybe Reid was also one of the survivors of the purge. Both he and King Freed didn't look alike except for the voice and the eyes so no one could really scrutinize them.

If that was true, then I had to commend Reid for staying in his enemy's lair and even working for them.

Without realizing it, we arrived at an orchard. An enchanted one that was filled with only Silvermist trees. A tree that was unique to the kingdom of Deliora.

As we came nearer, the more in awe I was. Atop numerous trees were the Silverious, the most precious mineral on the continent. The hints of the morning light slowly coming up were enough to make it glisten. Unlike any other trees, only the Silvermist trees could bear a gemstone.

"Your majesty, why are we here? Isn't this the most sacred place in the kingdom?"

Stuff like this could only be found in books in the past. I never once imagined setting foot in this orchard. The Silvermist trees decorated outside this place had already reared their fruit so it was solely for decoration as it only produced one gem on its lifespan.

While the trees here were the ones that the crystal had not been plucked or the tree hadn't bear one yet. Thus, making it the most heavily guarded area in the kingdom.

"A tree is almost in full bloom. I assumed you wanted to see it," he explained.

"How thoughtful, your majesty."

My response was bland but I was actually very enthralled. It was not every day you could witness a gem appear out of a tree.

We reached a tree that was entirely stained with ink, completely standing out among the white background. It was as mesmerizing as it was when its leaves were white. What made it more enthralling was the round object at the top, reflecting light from the torches held by the servants gathering around it.

"We are estimating several more minutes, your majesty," one of them informed.

"Is it always like this? Can you always tell when it will bloom?" I could not help but ask.

"Yes, Princess. We had learned it over the years. As legends told, the trees were said to be gifted by the True God to his favorite mortal, the late Queen Riena Deliora. This has become the most guarded treasure in our kingdom. We must know everything about it, or else how can we take care of it, right?"

Why do I feel like there's another meaning behind his words?

"Of course, your majesty," I replied, nonetheless.

Minutes after, the servants were in a frenzy as the round thing peeled layer after layer. As the shimmering skin dropped to the ground one by one, the more my mouth hung open.

Now I got why there were a lot of people here. When the pieces fell, a burst of flame will appear. By the time it was done, the surrounding patches of grass were burnt black like the tree.

But when I looked up, the crystal was there with its outstanding beauty. It was so clear even from afar as it sparkled like a newly polished gemstone.

The tree was high but no one could mistake its dazzle due to its large size that was as big and shaped similar to an acorn. It was clearer than a diamond, almost translucent but even with its rough edges, it exuded no blemishes.

"Get it," King Freed ordered.

A servant pulled a ladder and I caught a glimpse of his leathered glove.

Maybe they are really hot... Its skin could even make a fire.

"Yes, they are, Princess."

"Pardon?"

"A newly bared Silverious is extremely hot."

Oh. I must have said my thoughts aloud.

"Then why are you picking that instead of the older ones, your majesty?"

"They are perfect for making jewelry," he answered and checked his pocket watch. "Let us head back, Princess. It is almost time for breakfast."

I agreed and we left the orchard together. Too bad I could not see the Silverious up close.

***

The candidates had assembled. We were together with Princess Alana, the old king's sister, and was the one currently in charge to groom the future queen.

We were all trailing behind her since the venue for the second test would be held at the greenhouse.

We entered and the long table during the previous tea part was replaced with several desks and chairs.

"You can take a seat wherever you like, Princesses," said Princess Alana.

It was only the six of us here while all the servants and our knights were outside.

I took the one in the second row and was seating beside Princess Ivy who was scowling so much.

She reminded me of my sisters in the past. Nonetheless, my sisters knew how to shroud their true intentions while Princess Ivy was utterly obvious of her hate towards me.

"What are you staring at?" she snarled, her brows knitting together.

"I apologize, Princess Ivy. I hadn't realized I was staring---"

"Don't call me by my name," she cut off.

"Well, if that's what you want, Princess," I mumbled and left her alone.

Thankfully, Princess Alana started her introduction.

"Welcome to Deliora once again, princesses. We are glad that you had come here. For today's trial. King Freed specifically wrote all the questions for this. Our theme is Progress: A queen's power is not just her graces. It is her knowledge that leads her to advancement. She who leads men and women shall have the wisdom to share."

Papers were shortly handed out to each of us. It was two sheets with questions from back to back. I skimmed it to see how it difficult it was but it was a piece of cake.

It was all basic questions and some essays. Even Cindra's exams were much more difficult in this. I grabbed the pen and started writing.

It was only when a servant excused herself that I realized I was putting effort into answering the questions.

"I have a sudden matter of import to attend to, princesses. I will leave for a while and back. The servants will be outside so do continue answering while I'm gone."

Princess Alana left as soon as she was done talking. I already put down the pen since I didn't want to answer any more of it.

I was just reading the blank spaces as I heard the murmurs behind me.

"Norinne, do you know the answer to this?"

"I thought you don't want to marry King Freed then don't answer it."

So it was not just me who was reluctant in this situation.

"Of course, I don't but they said they would publicize our papers."

"How do you know that?"

"Thanks to my extraordinary hearing. I thought they were just jesting about the written exam. Dear me! I had no way of knowing this. You're fully aware I hate studying, Norinne."

"The second trial is always the most unexpected."

"I thought we're going to have an embroidery contest again."

"There's no way they will repeat a trial."

"Won't you shut up? Your whispers are irritating me," Princess Ivy complained to the two.

There she went again making a fuss.

"We are not even talking to you," Princess Charlotte retorted.

"This is a trial and you're acting like you're in gossiping in a park. Don't you have manners? Oh, that's right. It's because you are a monster."

"You b---"

"Stop it, Charlotte."

"She's been like that since yesterday and I can't put up with her anymore!" Princess Charlotte shouted as she rose to her feet but her tears already erupted.

Princess Norinne was quick to soothe her. I did not quite expect her to be so sensitive. I thought Princess Charlotte was the cheerful type but it seemed like she was someone who easily cried, too.

"You bitch." It was Princess Priscilla who spoke. She was the only one sitting in front but she was already in between me and Princess Ivy.

"How dare you!" Princess Ivy stood up and practically growled at her.

"So you answered. I was just completing Charlotte's sentence."

"Why are you even interfering with us? Well, I almost forgot. You are royals but you are just slaves to monsters like them."

Princess Priscilla just smiled but her curled lips gave me goosebumps. I could actually feel the rising anger in her.

"Is that so? Then perhaps I am a lucky slave. At least I had indulgent parents than those who only remember their bastard children to marry them off."

I thought it was only rumored but Princess Priscilla managed to poke where the wounds ran deep. I already had a hunch since I learned all the royals near my age from Cindra's lessons but I did not remember her.

"You talk big but aren't you also sent to marry off?" Princess Ivy snapped back.

"Me? No way. It is simply a pleasantry to come here as we could not deny a Selection invite. I was given a choice but you? You have to do everything. I had heard that the King of Helia badly wanted an alliance with Deliora and what more perfect pawn than an ill-favored daughter, correct?"

The tension rose between them. Princess Norinne was still comforting Princess Charlotte so I had to step in the middle.

"Princesses, I think we need to get back to our papers. I'm sure Princess Alana will be back soon and the servants are watching."

Even the servants here were just wall decorations. I was certain they could see us with this ruckus but no one dared to come in.

"Shut up, monster!" Princess Ivy spat.

I almost shuddered. I absolutely hated that word and it irked me for a second but I quickly regained my composure.

"Princess, we are here for a trial and not to be involved in an argument. I'm sure if you are finished you can already go if you don't want to see any of us," I voiced out but Princess Priscilla seemed to want the last words.

"Hah! How can she even finish when she was just picked up from out of nowhere? She probably didn't receive a proper education. She acts how she hates you since that was how the children of Helia were raised but she was not even one a couple of months ago." She, then, returned to her chair after she said it.

Princess Ivy was apparently boiling in rage but Princess Priscilla's ridicule made her mute. Girl fights were no doubt the messiest. It was not just physical but the words spoken were a lot worse.

I went back to my seat again but someone suddenly pulled me.

I turned back and Princess Ivy had already let me go. Her face had already lost the redness from anger as she looked back in forth between her hands and me.

"Monster!" Princess Ivy screamed. "How dare you use your magic!"

As Princess Ivy became hysterical I was once again confused. So my magic was still working but why not on King Freed and Reid?

"What's going on?"

And with such flawless timing, Princess Alana arrived.

"The servants reported me the commotion here. I had not even been gone in an hour but why is Princess Charlotte crying?"

My question too since her tears never ceased the whole time.

"That monster tried to use magic! I just tried to touch her and she did something to me!" Princess Ivy grunted.

"Calm down, Princess Helia. What exactly did Princess Ezriel do?"

"I felt paralyzing shocks cursing in my body. You really are a monster! I will tell my father I'm leaving this place. There was no way I can stay any longer with all these detestable people surrounding me!"

"That is enough, Princess Helia." Princess Alana then confronted me. "Is it true, Princess Ezriel?"

"I apologize, your highness."

I did not even bother to deny it. I did not want them to know that I had a barrier placed in me.

Princess Alana let out a deep breath. "It is greatly prohibited for Amicas to use magic on regular people. I had to disqualify you for today's trials."

My ears almost rang with her announcement. I unintentionally let myself be disqualified! I should probably thank Princess Ivy.

I bit back the smile that was trying to ease its way up to my face and appeared sullen as possible.

"I will call for your knight to escort you back," Princess Alana continued.

"I understand. I apologize again for making a scene, your highness."

"Make this a lesson. Not everyone accepts the idea of magic. You know it better than anyone as a child of Ezriel," she warned that I almost thought she knew my situation from her words.

But then, I realized she was just talking about it generally since it was well-known how Ezriel hated Amica but it was only in the past weeks that I had learned about it.

"I'll put it in mind, your highness."

***