“I will not hear you speak another word on the matter.” His voice dropped, colder now but edged with something like desperation. “No daughter of mine would make herself sovulnerable.” He spat the last word as he released her, so suddenly that she stumbled back, her breathing shallow and her arms throbbing.
He’d been stern before. That was his way. Cold. Controlling. But never this. Never violent. Her father looked away, his hands shaking, shame shadowing his face. Silence fell. Her hand went to the bruises blooming on her arms, emerald flaring instinctively, to heal. But she stopped herself.
No, let him see what he did.
After a long moment, Alaric spoke, his voice steady and composed, as though nothing had happened. “You’ve always done what was asked of you. I know you’ll do it again.”
It wasn’t an apology. Of course it wasn’t. Alaric Hale didn’t apologise.
To her dismay, tears threatened to fall, but her father pretended he didn’t see. He simply turned to the window.
“You will also represent Hale at the Arcalon next week,” he said, still not looking at her.
The Arcalon – Vallenna’s grand tournament – the most important event of the year. Seven of the eight Houses formed teams, competing together in trials that demanded every magical gift.
Kara blanched. “Again?”
Her father turned to face her. “Yes. You’ve been named fourth delegate. Your cousin Alys and two from families under our stewardship will complete Hale’s offering.”
Kara’s brow furrowed. “I thought first-time delegates were favoured–”
“This year, Hale favour visibility and strength,” Alaric said.
“Why?”
Alaric considered her before answering. “You are one of our strongest, Karalynna.”
She stared at him, waiting. Yes, they sent those who would represent their House well, but there was more to it. She could see it on his face.
Her father sighed. “Henry is competing this year as a Caldris delegate. Galen thought it would be a good show of unity,” he explained. “And I agree,” he added, before she could argue.
Unity. There that word was again. At least if she had the Arcalon to prepare for, she could spend time practising healing spells rather than studying.
She nodded silently. What else was there left to say?
“And Karalynna...” he called, as she turned to go. “Do not underestimate the value of what you represent – to Hale, to Vallenna. Don’t let me down.”
She stared at the floor as she muttered, “Yes, Father.”
She left the room with her heart in her mouth. The Ball. An engagement she didn’t choose. And now the Arcalon, pretending with Henry in front of all of Vallenna, with barely any time to prepare.
Gods be good, she didn’t want this.
But she walked with her head held high, her expression calm, until her mother caught up with her. Eliyana watched her carefully.
“These matches are rarely what we dream of, Kara,” she said softly. “But they can bring respect. Even love, in time.”
Kara all but heard the words her mother didn’t speak:I should know, mine was the same.
“At least you’ll remain here, in Hale territory,” Eliyana said, reaching for her hand and squeezing it lightly.
Her mother’s words were meant to bring her comfort, but hidden beneath them was a wave of sadness – Eliyana didn’t believe her own reassurance. She couldn’t bring herself to speak, so they walked in silence until they reached her chambers. When Kara was finally alone, she let the tears fall, furious, helpless, and silent.
They didn’t stop for a long time.
CHAPTER 2
THE STRANGER IN THE CITY
