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“If I was caught helping you, we’d both be dead.”
“I hate to be the one to break it to you, but if any of the other pledges win, you’ll likely die, anyway.”
“True, but it would be with cause.”
“And what cause is that?”
“My life would end, but most of the clans would be united for the next ten years. If I help you cheat and get caught, the gauntlet would be for nothing. My father would have to publicly execute me. There would be no wedding and no chosen prince. The clans would go to war because the oaths spoken here tonight would be null and void.”
He pushes a lock of my hair behind my ear. “You’re a smart girl. I’m not asking for a miracle or for you to fight for me. I’m asking for you to help where you can.”
This might be the only way for me to live and fulfill my duty. It’s my one shot, but if I mess up, it’s over and my family will pay the price.
“I have a duty... and if I turn my back on it, it won’t only be me paying the price.”
He sets his jaw and forces a smile to his lips. “We forge our own paths in this life, Scarlet. You shouldn’t let others choose it for you. Outside these castle walls, there are places unlike anything you can imagine. I’ve seen them and I still can’t fathom their beauty. Haven’t you ever wondered what it’s like?”
“Of course, I have. I’ve dreamed of it. I’ve stared out the windows for hours wondering what could be had I not been born into a golden cage, but this is reality. I’ve accepted it, and I’ve renounced myself to seeing the world through my books.”
He laughs silently. “Books? They’ll never compare.”
“It’s what I have.”
“Then let me give you more.” Sebastian stops us once more, taking my hands between both of his. “Let me show you.”
I’m not sure how long I stare at him, but the longer I do, the more I want to say yes, but the more I need to say no.
I’ve wanted nothing more than to know what lies beyond the ocean outside my bedroom window. If he’s telling the truth, he could show me. Maybe if Sebastian won the king’s advantage, he would stand a chance. I don’t have to risk more than I have to...
“Fine, I’ll help you, but only if you win the king’s advantage. You’re a dark elf. He’s been looking to form a permanent alliance with them for years. Use that when you pledge.”
Sebastian grins so wide, that I see every white tooth of his smile gleam. “I will. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. I’ll expect you to hold up your end of the bargain when it’s over.”
“Have you considered what your choice of arena will be?”
“Do you have a suggestion?” I’m not sure why I ask. Clearly, he does or he wouldn’t care where I choose for the gauntlet to take place.
“Something open. The fewer hiding places, the better.”
I cock my head to the side. “Why?” How could that possibly help him?
“Because I don’t need to hide and I hate surprises.”
“You’re willing to face an ogre and troll head-on, with no cover? I might not be trained in the art of war, but I can recognize stupidity when I see it.”
He snorts, blinking at me like a man who’s been struck, but he doesn’t seem upset about my insult. In fact, he almost seems intrigued by it. “Do you trust me?”
“No.”
Sebastian smiles, letting his head drop forward for a moment before meeting my gaze again. “Can you try?”
“Perhaps.”
“Then choose somewhere open.”
“Fine… Poseidon’s Punch Bowl it is.”
