Isla clapped her hands together. "Speaking of that, Evie. Is there anyone you’re going after specifically?”
Anyone I’m going after?
“I personally think she’ll do well with Prince Torin, or maybe she’d prefer not to be a queen. Maybe just a Duchess? I hear all three of the Faolan sons will participate this year, and you’re already from their territory,” Kael babbled, speaking of the eligible bachelors for the first time.
“Absolutelynotto any Faolan. They’re rumored to be a pack of brutes and womanizers. Relentless flirts with no sense of devotion!” Isla proclaimed, scandalized at Kael’s assessment.
He snorted. “Oh, and who would you be going after then, Miss Isla?”
“I would be interested in either of the Ekpen brothers. Mosi and Taji seem to be the kindest of the group, and have you seen them before?” She leaned in and whispered. “They’re so handsome.”
Kael nodded, and I blinked. “She’s right. They’re sex on legs, those two.”
Alright then. I peered at Isla from the corner of my eye to see if she would have an issue with what Kael had just slyly let us know. Relief settled in my bones when I saw the biggest smile on her face yet.
“And who would you go after then, Kael?”
He didn’t hesitate to answer me, and he appeared lighter, the tension in his shoulders finally relaxing. “The Faolan’s would typically have me weak in the knees with all that red hair, but have you ever seen the Oberon men? Built like trees and as fierce as the bears on their family crest.”
“And renowned for their stubbornness!” Isla added excitedly.
“The last thing I need is a stubborn man,” I grumbled. Truth be told, I’d never seen any of the men they were speaking about. The only way the people in my village got that opportunity was if they traveled in the bigger cities and happened to see someone by chance. Or by attending the celebrations and weddings for The Recurrence in the capital. Many people made the journey to get a chance to lay eyes on them, though.
My father held nothing but absolute hatred for the royals, but he loathed The Volos Kingdom the most. With a curling dragon on their family crest, he often told me how fitting it was that they belonged to a kingdom of serpents. I asked him multiple times what the turning point was for him, or at least what fueled that fire in him so strongly. The closest I ever got to an answer was that he’d been betrayed many years ago, and that cemented his feelings.
“Oh, I think a stubborn male would suit you quite well,” Kael teased.
I dropped my mouth in mock scandal. “I believe one would suit you even better.”
Isla laughed as Kael fanned his face before looking me over. “Hey, you’re looking better. How are you feeling?”
I paused and gasped. “I feel fine!” Turning to Isla, I grabbed her hand. “You’re a miracle worker. Thank you so much!”
“I’m just glad they helped. You looked so miserable.” She squeezed my hand, and then it was her turn to gasp as her gaze swept out to the sea. “I can see the island!”
Kael and I shared a look, and then all three of us hopped up and moved to the railing. Rising out of the water was a massive island with trees as big around as a wagon. There were higher points, not quite mountains, though they would be one hell of a climb. But the thing that set me on edge was the imposing stone castle that was perched on the edge of a cliff. Like someone had built it there to send a message. Even close to the edge, with sharp rocks and perilous waters below, the royals wouldn’t go down.
As we got closer, more and more people were coming out on the deck to get a look at the mysterious island. The way I understood it, this place was only used for The Hunt during The Recurrence, but there were people who lived here year-round. Guards and servants to upkeep the grounds and maintain the day-to-day work that was required. Seemed like a waste to have such a beastly castle that was only used every ten years but then again, that was in line with all of the greed.
“Look at the statues,” Isla whispered to me, pointing to the shore. Four stone animals stood in a row, looking ferocious. A dragon towered over the other three statues in the front row, wings spread wide and teeth on display. To its right stood a huge wolf, ears pinned down and snarling. Beside that was a ten foot tall bear, maw open in a silent roar. And at the end, a tiger, claws prominent against the stone log it was perched upon.
“Well, they certainly know how to make a first impression,” I mumbled, and both Isla and Kael agreed with my statement. Little did they know I wasn’t impressed. No, seeing the display of riches was making my blood boil. That was probably good since I’d already befriended a royal guard—something I never dreamed of. I needed to remember the whole reason behind this adventure.
A man with gray hair and a twirly gray mustache walked past us, flanked by two more men in royal guard uniforms with the Volos colors—red and silver. We looked on as he approached the ship’s helm and turned to face everyone now on the deck.
“As you can see, we have arrived at The Roaring Isle!” he shouted, and several cheers of excitement rang out. “I know everyone is excited to get off of this ship and to get the festivities started. Ladies, if you could, please begin forming a line so we can exit in a timely and organized fashion. I have received word that the other group arrived a couple of hours prior, and are already settling into the castle.”
A woman standing just in front of me grumbled in annoyance. Judging from the finery of her gown and the perfect way her golden hair was styled, she likely wasn’t used to having to wait her turn. She’d probably make a fine queen one day.
“I’m so nervous,” Isla whispered. “What if nobody likes me?”
I looped my arm in hers. “That would be impossible.”
Twenty minutes later, we were herded down the gangway like lambs to the slaughter. On the verge of murmuring the bleating cry of a sheep, I cut the thought off with a grimace at my own morbid thought.
I could’ve cried the moment my feet sank into the soft sand. All I needed to do now was get through this and then suffer one more ride on a ship so I could go home. I’d never have to get on another retched boat in my life.
“This way, dears!” the man shouted over the excited murmuring of the crowd. From what I could gather there were maybe fifteen women and a handful of guards. Kael was at my side the entire time, just as he vowed he would be.
