Chapter: 13: Wildcard

“What?” I said, unable to make sense of his words.

They wanted me to participate in the most prestigious contests Heliac had yet to witness.

A frown unintentionally creased the bridge of my nose.

I did not desire to become the golden queen or fight for Prince Atlas’s hand in marriage. So why would they propose such an outrageous idea?

“Miss Aldwyn,” the king said, stepping forward before I could open my mouth to refuse the offer less politely than I probably should have.

“What happened in the dining room was remarkable and rare. Not many can ~hide~ their powers and suppress them for as long as you have, especially with potential as grand as yours.

“We would like to help you gain full control of those powers at the palace.”

His face slightly twitched when he said ~hide~. They did not want me at the palace to help me. They wanted me there so they could keep an eye on me.

“Why not send me to one of the academies in the Sky Realm? Why the Trials?” I asked before I realized the thought had turned into words.

I pressed my lips together, cursing my habit of speaking before thinking. However, neither the king nor the prince seemed particularly offended by my audacity to question them.

“We have already arranged for an appropriate master to tutor you,” the prince explained, appearing oddly stiff compared to a few moments ago.

“He is very powerful and has mastered his element to perfection. However, he is currently a resident at the golden palace, and we would like him to remain that way.”

“That’s very kind of you,” I said, muttering the words. “But… The Trials just seem a little…excessive. How about I come to the palace every day to study instead?”

The thought of leaving my family stung my heart. We’d always been together. Besides, they needed me.

The prince sighed and kept his hands hidden behind his back.

“I believe your suggestion is worth considering; however, my father believes it to be for the best if your previous life remains hidden from public exposure.”

Prince Atlas’s eyes were no longer looking at me but at Mom as if she was in charge of my future.

“I won’t tell anyone,” I said, clenching my fists. “I’ll keep it a secret. I believe I’ve proven myself to be good at it.”

My heart skipped a beat when Prince Atlas looked at me again. These people might know about my powers, but they were still elite.

I wasn’t supposed to look directly at them, but I needed answers, and I needed them now. My life could be about to change forever.

“We, unfortunately, can’t take that risk, Miss Aldwyn,” Prince Atlas said, avoiding my gaze this time.

“The king worries that if people discover that an Iridis has been hiding from the guardians for twelve years, they may begin to question the system that is meant to protect them.

“Trust and harmony will cease to exist among the realms, and Heliac may change for the worse.”

~Your perfect system is already in disarray.~

I wanted to snap those words, but I bit my tongue. Not even the powerful royals could save everyone in the entire world.

But there was a reason I’d been able to keep my secret for so long. We lived in an area of our region that not even the guardians voluntarily ventured into.

“Your participation in the Crown Trials will serve as a cover for your training.

“You will not be able to earn the title of queen, but you will need to participate in mandatory events and courses like the other suitors,” Prince Atlas continued.

I shook my head and chuckled anxiously. “Hold on; I have to act as a real suitor too? Why?”

“Much of what happens during the Crown Trials will be recorded, which is why we need you to ~be ~a suitor as well. It will appear less suspicious that way.”

“But—”

“You will act as a wildcard—a new concept for a new generation,” the king said, interrupting me as if he was tired of my persistent questions.

“The contenders who did not earn a spot among the existing suitors will be given another chance. A selector algorithm will ~randomly~ pick a ~wildcard, ~and that wildcard just happens to be you—an Air Iridis from the Storm Academy.”

He made it sound simple, but I still had endless questions I needed answered.

“What about the other suitors? Isn’t it reasonable to assume they’ll see through my attempted act? What makes you think Heliac won’t do the same?” I said, my eyes stinging from the burning tears pressing.

“I mean… I’m not exactly academy material.”

I clenched the remaining fabric of my torn dress.

The king sighed and leaned against Master Deveroux’s office table. “Miss Aldwyn, I am unsure why you hesitate to accept this offer. Many would likely jump at an opportunity like this.”

I didn’t want to be rude, but I wasn’t expecting him to understand either, so I just remained silent.

“You have kept your blood secret for many years, as you indicated yourself, so spitting another lie shouldn’t be problematic.

“We’ll make sure to inform the other suitors of your position, but I remain faithful in your ability to mislead the rest of Heliac.”

I snorted quietly. His words sounded more like an accusation rather than encouragement.

“We realize that to remain with your family, you have kept your abilities a secret; however, we promise to compensate them greatly for your cooperation and participation.

“Naturally, the same holds true for your friend and his family.”

I stiffened. Had Mom told them about Koa too?

“Your Majesty,” Mom said, grabbing my shoulders. “May I have a moment with my daughter in private?”

The king nodded politely, and Mom pushed me out of the door before I could complain.

“Willow,” she whispered, slowly turning to face me.

“I can’t do it, Mom,” I said before she had the chance to express herself. “I don’t care how big of an opportunity this is! I’m finally old enough to provide you with some real help!”

“Will,” she said, but I wasn’t done.

“We kept my powers a secret to stay together. We said no to money then, so why should we say yes now? I—”

“Willow!” Mom suddenly exclaimed, rendering me mute. “Honey, you know how much we love you, but we chose not to send you away because you were too young back then. You’re twenty now, and—”

She paused.

“I-I’m not sure we have a choice anymore.”

A nervous laugh tickled my throat. She couldn’t be serious.

“Of course we have a choice,” I said, stepping away from her. “We could say no, and I could stay with you. And what about Tristan? How do you think he’ll—”

“Of course, I want our family to be together, Willow!” she shouted, agitated and on the verge of tears. “Honey… You’re getting stronger; we all knew that, but I had no idea how much stronger until today.”

Mom sniffled in an attempt to compose herself. “You need a master, Willow. I don’t—I don’t dare to imagine what could happen if you—”

She looked away to hide her tears.

I recognized the concern she was describing. I’d never experienced anything close to the power I’d felt inside that dining hall, and it terrified me.

“I know, Mom,” I whispered. “I know this is what I need, but I don’t want to be part of that ridiculous competition.

“I don’t want to lie in front of a broadcasting camera, and I don’t want to be a wildcard. It’ll change everything.”

Mom touched my chin and lifted my face for my eyes to meet hers. “And maybe for the better,” she said, wiping a tear away.

Mom sighed when I didn’t smile.

“Honey, I wish there were another way, but the king only stated the facts. It’s either the Crown Trials or the dungeons, and I don’t want to see you end up as a prisoner.”

What she said made sense, but there was no guarantee that I would be able to maintain the charade longer than a few weeks. Then what?

Then again, she was only trying to protect me, and I knew my choices were limited.

“Fine,” I muttered, surrendering to my inevitable fate.

“Thank you, darling,” Mom whispered, kissing my forehead before pulling me into her embrace. “Everything will be all right. I promise. You’ll be home before you know it, stronger than ever.”

I allowed myself to enjoy her warmth for a few minutes. Then she pulled back to guide me inside the office.

“Have you come to a conclusion?” the king asked the second we entered.

I nodded, making sure to lower my gaze, so I didn’t look at him. “I accept the offer to become part of the Crown Trials.”

I wanted to whisper the words and hope he didn’t hear them, but I would never be that disrespectful toward the golden king—usually, anyway.

“Wonderful,” the king said. “Miss Pride will visit your house in a few days to provide you with the necessary information and to answer any questions you might have.

“Then a small team will take you to the castle in two weeks.”

“Two weeks?” I said, repeating the king’s words. “I only have two weeks before I need to leave?”

Allowing me so little time to adjust to such a fundamental change in my life seemed absolutely absurd.

“I’m afraid so,” Prince Atlas said, politely nodding to appear remorseful. “The date of your arrival will be revealed to the public tonight, along with the names of the other triumphant suitors.”

If he were attempting to justify the time restriction by claiming that I’d been informed like the other suitors, he’d be better off trying again.

I was not the same as the other suitors. I hadn’t been preparing for this moment most of my life.

Two weeks were not enough.

Koa left not long ago, and he wouldn’t be back before I had to leave. I wouldn’t have the chance to say goodbye.

“Well, Miss Aldwyn,” the king said, grabbing his son’s shoulders. “We best be on our way if we hope to reach the castle before the big reveal tonight.

“I would advise you to watch the show as well. It will provide you with a wide range of information that may prove helpful in the future.”

My cheeks began burning, embarrassed by the issue behind his suggestion.

“Your Majesty,” I said, keeping my gaze lowered. “I would love for nothing more than to respect your advice, but—”

I paused.

“O-our family has not been blessed with the money to afford a device capable of that.”

I squeezed my eyes together, waiting for laughter to fill the room. It didn’t.

“Oh,” the king said instead, seemingly more surprised than amused. “I see that might pose a bigger problem if your family wishes to follow your journey through the Crown Trials.

“We’ll have someone come by your house in an hour to install a device for you.”

“But, Your Majesty,” I exclaimed, my heart racing. “We have no money to pay—”

“Not to worry, Miss Aldwyn,” the king said, smiling widely. “The royal funds will cover the expenses. You may look at it as a sign of appreciation for your silence.

“We wish you the best until we meet again. Farewell, and may the wind always lead you home,” he said and bowed before us—a sight I never thought I’d see with my own eyes.

Then they left.

“Well, little Miss Willow. Aren’t you full of surprises?”

Lady Deveroux’s voice resonated in my head with a mix of indignation and amusement lurking in her poisonous voice.

I looked back with squinted eyes to see her smiling wide.

“An Air Iridis, hiding among us this whole time. And the Trials. What a lucky girl,” she said, laughing as she slowly stepped toward me.

Her smile looked sinister, which was odd, given that none of us would work here again.

The compensation we’d receive through my participation in the Crown Trials would be more than enough for Mom never to return to this place.

“I am sorry about the disturbance, my lady,” Mom quickly said before I could spit words I would come to regret.

“We wish your son a quick recovery, but I’m afraid we have to leave if we hope to be home before the technician arrives.”

“Of course, of course,” Lady Deveroux said, furrowing her thin eyebrows in response before grinning even wider.

“Such nice people to provide you with luxury like that,” she continued, gradually bringing her trivial talk to a ruthless conclusion.

“But I am afraid we’ll have to secure some sort of arrangement before you leave, dear.”

I failed to see why that would be necessary, but Mom didn’t look nearly as confused as I felt. On the contrary, she seemed to agree with Lady Deveroux’s unreasonable suggestion.

“Your daughter made quite a mess in the dining hall, for which we’ll have to charge you.

“Fortunately, I overheard the king affirming some manner of reimbursement, so I’m confident it will be paid back soon enough. I look forward to seeing you after the weekend, Elia.”

My eyes widened.

I’d already feared how much damage my untamed powers had caused, but she made it sound a lot worse than I’d dared to imagine.

“Of course, my lady. Thank you, my lady,” Mom said and curtsied to end their conversation.

Mom had to pay because of my actions, and I already knew Lady Deveroux wouldn’t be nice about it.

I felt like crying but held back my tears. I couldn’t let that monster see the pain she inflicted. I wouldn’t let her have that satisfaction.

Lady Deveroux’s gaze left my mom and turned to me. “I guess we’ll see you on the big screen tonight, dove.

“However, I sincerely hope you’ll consider visiting us when you return. And who knows, maybe you’ll return to work here after the Trials. I’m sure Knox will be pleased about that.”

Mom grabbed my hand and dragged me out when a malicious smile stretched across Lady Deveroux’s face.

“Let’s go, Willow,” Mom said, keeping her grip tight.

Mom dragged me through the halls, past the bedrooms, and past the dining hall.

I managed to get a glimpse of the dining room before we rushed past it, and what I saw made my heart drop.

The place was in ruins, destroyed, and barely standing.

The outer wall had been sliced in half. Tables, chairs, and decorations had been turned upside down, mostly broken. The windows were shattered into fragments, and food covered the walls like paint.

“Mom?” I asked. She didn’t answer. “Did I do that to the dining room?”

She squeezed my hand, which could only mean one thing. I’d caused all of it. Knox hadn’t been responsible for anything.

I suddenly realized how right Mom had been when she’d convinced me to join the Trials.

My powers were dangerous. If I didn’t learn how to control them, the next thing I destroyed could be more than just a room. I could hurt the people I cared about.

“Willow!”

I turned around to see Milo fearlessly fighting to push through the massive crowd watching us in the kitchen.

“I’m sorry, Milo!” I shouted when Mom pulled me through the door.

I hadn’t been able to see Milo’s facial expression, but I could picture it.

Some of the people I’d come to consider friends in the short time I’d been here had stared at me in fear or contempt. Why should Milo have been any different after seeing the destruction I could cause?

Knox and his family might be the only people who probably weren’t scared of me.

If that soulless monster could even comprehend the feeling of fear, it would undoubtedly be overshadowed by his ill-tempered rage. I was lucky to be out of reach when he recovered; otherwise—

Cursed blood. What was going to happen to Maeve?

“Mom, wait!” I said and freed myself to run back to the mansion.

“Willow!” she shouted, but I was already far out of reach.

“I will be right back. I promise!”

I couldn’t leave without warning Maeve.

Maeve wasn’t anywhere to be found in the kitchen.

“Will?”

Milo grabbed my shoulder and turned me around. “What happened in there?” he asked, but I didn’t have time to explain.

“Where’s Maeve?” I asked, frustrated and rushed by time.

“Maeve?” Milo repeated, giving me a puzzled look. “Maeve is fine, but I thought they’d put you away for good.”

I gritted my teeth. Milo was only trying to look out for me, but my fuse was short and my patience low.

“Milo! Please! Where is Maeve?” I said again.

Milo still searched for answers in my eyes, but I couldn’t give him the answers he deserved. Not yet.

“She’s in the dining hall, cleaning,” he finally revealed.

Without as much as a ~thank you~, I ran past him to find the dining hall.

The door was still partly open, and I found Maeve immediately after barging into the ruined room.

“Willow,” Maeve exclaimed, dropping the broom she was using to assemble the shards of glass scattered on the floor.

“How are you still here?” she asked and embraced me.

“You have to get out of here,” I said, squeezing her tightly before I moved her away. “I-I did something stupid, Maeve. Knox is probably more furious than ever.

“The only thing keeping him from currently hurting anyone is his injuries, but as soon as he’s healed… He could hurt you, Maeve, and—”

“I already handed in my resignation,” Maeve said, cutting my complicated explanation short.

I looked at her, bewildered. “What?”

“Yup. I saw what happened, and I’m not going near Knox for a long time,” she said and picked up the broom again.

“But more importantly,” Maeve said, hitting me with the broom shaft, “you’re an elemental!”

My breath hitched. She really did see everything.

“Um, I—” I stuttered, trying to think of a rational way to explain my secret.

“Maeve! What did we talk about?” Milo yelled as he stepped through the entrance.

Maeve rolled her eyes at him as if she knew exactly what he was referring to.

“She’ll explain when she’s ready. Don’t push her,” Milo clarified and approached us.

“Fine,” Maeve said, pouting. “But what happened in there, Willow? I saw the king and the prince walk into a room and you being dragged in there not long after. What about your mom?”

Cursed blood. Mom was still waiting for me outside; it had probably been more than ten minutes since I’d left her.

If I didn’t hurry, she’d storm in here and drag me out again.

“I have to get back to her,” I whispered and let Maeve go. “She’s waiting for me.”

“Willow!” Maeve shouted, reaching out in a futile attempt to catch me. “You can’t just leave like that. What happened?”

I was already by the door but turned around just before I ran out.

“Just—” I sighed, clenching the door frame. “Just watch the show tonight.”

Maeve still looked confused. “What show?”

“Um,” I said, suddenly realizing I didn’t know. “I don’t know the name of it, but it’s the one where they reveal the suitors for the upcoming Crown Trials.”

I swallowed my urge to run back to them.

“The Crown Trials?” Maeve shouted, but I’d already rounded the next corner.

I felt terrible for leaving them with more questions than answers, but my time here was up. I was going home, and maybe for the last time.