Realm of the Chosen: A Reverse Harem Romance

Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

Frick the fox was a fierce fellow, but Landon of Brendrake was hot on his bushy tail, and as the fox dove beneath a fallen log, Landon’s horse leapt over top of it, forcing the creature to stop in his tracks and turn back. The sound of hooves in the distance had him halting once more, and as Landon jumped from his steed, the fox attempted to take cover beneath the fallen timber.

“I’ve got you now, you feisty critter,” Landon mumbled as he moved in slowly. The hound he’d been assigned was waiting on the other side of the log, watching to see if it should do something more to try to corner the animal they’d been pursuing for going on two hours, but once he was trapped, Frick was intelligent enough to realize he’d been bested, particularly when Landon carefully reached beneath the fallen log and scooped the animal into his arms.

Just like a timid puppy, the fox curled himself up a bit into the crook of Landon’s bicep. “Well, now’s not the time to show your cowardice,” he teased, stroking the animal lovingly on the top of his head. “You’ve done a fine job of outrunning all of us, little Frick.”

“Oh, you captured him!” The sound of Kit’s cheerful voice had Landon looking up in anticipation of seeing her lovely face. She was already alighting from her steed, even though the horse hadn’t come to a complete stop, and he was glad she was nearby when he’d made his claim.

“I did,” Landon said proudly, walking over to meet her. “And he’s just as adorable as you said he was.”

Kit was giggling as she reached out to stroke the fox on his soft head. “Well done, little Frick! Well done!”

“Way to go, Landon!” Cassius said, staying atop his large white stallion. “You were certainly the best man out here today.”

“Nicely done,” Kit’s Commander, Eli, added with a smile that made Landon feel even more proud of himself.

“The rest of us gave up some time ago, certain you had it in the bag,” Drake laughed.

“Perhaps that’s the only reason I was able to nab him,” Landon joked in return.

Several other horses approached from the woods now, including the queen herself and Frick’s handlers. Landon bowed his head, as did everyone else, until the queen assured them it was quite all right for them to resume their normal positions. Landon was certain she was just about to congratulate him on winning the hunt when Merek, the bulbous a*s from Calster shouted, “Why didn’t you kill the varmint? He’d taste pretty good over a skewer!” and then burst into laughter at his own heinous joke.

“That’s enough!” the queen shouted. It took Merek a few more seconds to regain control of himself, and he didn’t even apologize to Her Majesty. Landon wondered if he really thought the objective was to kill the fox, despite the queen’s warnings. He had noticed Merek usually didn’t pay much attention to anything anyone said, including the queen.

Queen Rona climbed off of her horse with the help of two of her guards and slowly picked her way through the fallen branches and high grass to come to stand before him. “Landon of Brendrake, well done,” she said with what he could only assume was a smile. He’d never actually seen the queen look joyful, so he had to deduce the slight uprising in her tight mouth and the fact that her eyes were tipped upward meant that she was pleased. “You have accomplished a great task today. It isn’t easy to track our Frick at all, and to have found him in such a short amount of time, to extract him without one of his handlers, is to be commended. Now, let us return to the castle where my darling daughter, Princess Katrinetta, has a few announcements to make.”

Landon’s eyes shifted to Kit’s face in time to see the surprise at her mother’s choice of words. While he hadn’t had the opportunity to spend as much time with Kit as some of the other Representatives, he knew the situation well enough to understand that the queen wasn’t as fond of her daughter as she let on in public, particularly in situations such as this when it was to be expected that the queen would have something kind to say about her offspring. Still, Landon didn’t let on that he’d noticed Kit’s consternation or her mother’s flair for the dramatic. With one more scratch of Frick’s head, he handed the fox over to his handler and whistled for his horse, Crisper, which had wandered off a step or two with free rein and all of the excitement.

Back on his mount, Landon headed toward the castle, pleased that Kit fell in alongside him. “That really was quite impressive,” she said, smiling up at him. “I’ve never seen Frick captured that quickly.”

“Thank you.” He couldn’t help but beam at her. Thoughts of her mother’s promise earlier, that the winner would be spending the evening with the princess, invaded his mind, but he fought them off, deciding it would be better to wait to hear it from the princess herself. Even then, he wouldn’t believe it until he was in her chambers with her. The idea of actually pleasuring the princess was too good to be true. “How did your escapade go? Did you find what you were looking for?”

He watched Kit’s face blanche and wished he hadn’t asked. Had something gone wrong? “It was fine. I didn’t find what I was looking for, I’m afraid, but I’m still glad I went.”

Landon nodded, thinking he’d keep the rest of his questions to himself. When she’d first left the hunt, Cassius had mentioned he’d heard Jecob say something about this land once belonging to a disgraced nobleman, and he thought maybe the house was still on the grounds. Landon had questioned why Kit would be looking for such a place. Cassius hadn’t wanted to speculate, but he had said he thought it might have something to do with Kit’s childhood, and maybe with her commander. Landon wanted to ask Kit now if that was the case, if she’d ridden off with Eli to someplace they used to go when she was younger, but clearly she didn’t wish to speak about it, so he didn’t press her.

“Did you do a great deal of hunting in Brendrake?” Kit asked, and he was glad just to have the opportunity to speak to her without others constantly interrupting, though Cassius was lingering behind them, and Eli was always a few feet away from the princess, looking disinterested but on top of everything, Landon had learned. Even Reeve, who seemed to be having difficulty realizing how important he was to Kit, was nearby.

But for now, Landon had her to himself—more or less. “I did,” he nodded. “Of course, being so close to the sea, we spent much of our time fishing. It’s my parents main source of income. But whenever we got the chance to explore the woods near our family home, my brothers and I were always keen for a good hunt.”

“Did you hunt fox or some other animal?” she asked, giving her horse a nudge so that she stayed next to him even though the woods thickened up in the section they were passing through.

“Actually, we mostly hunted rabbit. And our dogs were not trained to let them live. So... it was very different than this. But fun just the same.”

Kit’s smile beamed in the sunlight as it filtered through the canopy, and he was satisfied that he’d brought that expression to her face. They rode on, chatting as they went, and by the time Castle Wrenbrook came into view, Landon felt like he’d gotten to know the princess much better than he had before. He was fairly certain he was the youngest Representative, at just barely eighteen, but she seemed to think him mature enough and likeable, and he was more than infatuated with the beautiful woman. It wasn’t just her pretty face or gorgeous body that had him thinking about her nearly every moment since he’d found out he’d been selected to be part of her Choosing, Princess Katrinetta was one of the most kindhearted, loving, intelligent individuals Landon had ever had the honor of knowing. She’d certainly proven that when she’d stood up for Jecob, even if he didn’t deserve it. The nearer they got to the castle, the more nervous he became. In just a moment, she might be asking him to join her in her chambers later that evening, perhaps announcing it to the entire party. A lump settled into his throat, and when she patted his arm and said she’d speak to him soon before riding on ahead, all he could do was nod.

The party congregated near the stables momentarily as horses were handed off to liegemen or stable boys. Then, the entire group followed the queen to the small porch outside of the closest castle door. She ascended the steps, like she would if the porch were a dais, and gestured for her daughter to do the same. A few other noblewomen came to stand behind them. Landon recognized Kit’s two ladies-in-waiting, but he didn’t truly know who the others were. He noted it would be worth figuring that all out. When Queen Rona began to speak, a hush came over the crowd.

“Once again, I would like to thank you all for joining in our hunt. Though it did not take quite as long as I projected, I think we can all agree it was a wonderful time!” Everyone clapped in agreement before the queen signaled for them to stop, and all hands became still at the same time. “Now, my daughter, Princess Katrinetta has a few words she’d like to say.”

Kit stared up at her mother, as if she wasn’t sure what her mother was talking about. The queen nodded at her, and Kit drew in a deep breath. “Well, first of all, I do want to congratulate Landon for his victory.” She gestured in his direction, and Landon felt his cheeks blaze. “I will speak to you in a moment, Landon.” She smiled at him, and he returned the gesture, but the fact that he didn’t say anything about her chambers had him worried. Had she changed her mind? Was she not interested in him that way? They’d just had a lovely conversation. Could it be that she’d decided they were better off as friends?

“In other matters, I’m afraid I have some not so wonderful news, but it must be addressed, nonetheless.” He could see her face losing color and wondered what it might be that she had to tell them. Clearly, whatever it was, she was uneasy about it, and his heart melted for her—even if she didn’t want him to spend the night in her chambers.

“As you all know, there are several steps to a Choosing. Of course, you are all aware that I can only Room seven of you, and as difficult as it is for me to consider picking only seven gentlemen at this stage, I do feel that I’ve gotten to know all of you to some degree over the last few weeks. Some of you, I’ve instantly felt connected to. Others, I’m still unsure about. And still others, well, I’m certain now about four of you, that while you are wonderful men, you’re not the right ones for me. So... I’m afraid to announce that I will be cutting four of you right now. You will have until tomorrow morning to pack up your belongings and exit the castle grounds. I know this isn’t easy, but it must be done.”

Whispers passed through the crowd like a soft breeze as the princess gathered her wits about her. Glancing around, Landon noted that everyone looked a bit nervous—except for Cassius. He was the only Representative who had been Roomed and therefore couldn’t be cut. Even Reeve, who was certainly one of Kit’s favorites, had a nervous look about him. Landon noticed Eli had his saber on, which he found odd. He was quite certain the commander hadn’t been wearing it during the hunt itself. He also noticed several more of the princess’s guards had moved in to the perimeter of the crowd, and Landon wondered if this was all a precaution to make sure that any Representative who felt rejected didn’t have a chance to make his feelings known.

Kit cleared her throat. “The four Representatives I’m letting go are... Owin of Alderleef, Ywain of Swanpass, Teodric of Gatherbrook, and Jesper of Dunbourne. I’m so sorry, gentlemen. Thank you for your participation, and may your futures be full of love and prosperity.”

She nodded at each one of them, though from his angle it didn’t look like her eyes went quite high enough to meet any of theirs. A quiet settled over the crowd before Kit said, “Thank you all for taking part in the hunt. I shall see you at dinner.”

She turned to proceed up the steps, behind her mother, when the shock seemed to have worn off. Out of nowhere, Teodric, a burly man with a long, red beard, lurched forward out of the crowd, his arms flailing. “You can’t do that!” he shouted. “You don’t even know me!”

Before the man got within ten yards of the princess, Eli stepped in front of him and grabbed him by the collar, and two of the princess’s other guards came shooting through the back of the crowd, clutching at the angry ex-Representatives arms. Landon stared in disbelief at how quickly it had all unfolded. When he realized Cassius was sweeping the princess into the castle, out of harm’s way, and several of the Queen’s Guard were between her and the bad actor, he felt as if he should’ve done something. Why had Cassius and Eli anticipated this while he stood dumbfounded, staring on?

He caught eyes with Jate and then Drake before all three of them hustled up the steps behind the princess, creating an even thicker barrier between her and Teodric. The other dismissed Representatives were being escorted away by members of the Queen’s Guard, and as Landon looked over his shoulder, he saw one of the queen’s men using the butt of his sword to drive compliance home through Teodric’s thick skull. Eli was trying to interject, but the tall man with the jagged scar on his face made it pretty clear this was now a matter for the Queen’s Guard and the commander had best step aside.

Once inside, Landon followed along the small party accompanying the princess. She had asked to speak to him after all, so he didn’t feel completely out of place. Once they were around the corner, and the queen and her guards had broken off, heading toward her own chambers, Kit stopped and turned to face them.

Her hands were shaking, and she was clutching at Cassius’s arm, which was wrapped firmly around her shoulders. “Thank you,” she said, looking up at him, and then she looked to the other three Representatives who had escorted her inside, as well as her guards. “Thanks to all of you. I had no idea....”

“Bastard,” Cassius muttered.

“The Queen’s Guard is putting him in his place,” Drake assured her, and Kit’s eyebrows arched.

“I never meant for him to get hurt. Or anyone for that matter. He just needed a moment to think about it, to accept it. Poor Teodric.” She was shaking her head, looking at the floor.

“His reaction wasn’t normal,” Jate reminded her. “No one should come after you like that. Ever.”

Kit nodded her head, and Landon thought he should come up with something to say, something clever, something to make her feel better. But he could only think of one thing. “Are you all right, Princess?” he asked, stepping forward.

“Yes, I’m fine,” she said, launching herself away from Cassius and into his arms. Landon hardly had time to open them before she was clinging to him, and he wrapped her up tight, glad to have her nestled in his chest but surprised at her reaction. He caught Cassius’s eyes, assuming the other Representative would be angry, or at least jealous, but instead, he only looked amused.

After a moment, Kit stepped back. “Thank you, Landon,” she said, her blue eyes tearing up a bit. “I’ll see you at nine?”

His eyebrows shot up, and he stared at her dumbly, trying to decipher exactly what she was asking. Jate leaned in close to his ear and whispered, “Say yes.”

“Yes,” Landon echoed, and then realizing that she was asking what he assumed she had been asking, he repeated it, “Yes, yes, of course.”

A peel of laughter rang out of the princess’s mouth, and even though he felt silly, at least he’d made her laugh. She leaned up then and kissed his cheek before waving to him and the other Representatives and falling into step with her guards. Landon’s feet wanted to follow, but it was clear she was safe now, and she expected them not to come along.

“Damn. I’m jealous,” Drake muttered. “But I’m proud of you, youngster.” He violently shook Landon’s shoulders, almost knocking him over.

“I’ve seen the way she looks at you,” Cassius said to the other giant of a man whose hand was still on Landon’s shoulder. “It’s just a matter of time.”

“I hope so,” Drake said, shaking his head. He withdrew his hand and folded his arms in front of him.

“Aren’t you jealous?” Landon asked, looking from Cassius to Jate and then back again. “That is... you’ve both been with her. Don’t you hate the thought of any other man sharing her bed?” Landon hadn’t been able to stand the thought, even though he had yet to pleasure the princess himself.

“No, I wouldn’t call it jealousy,” Cassius casually replied, leaning on the wall. “I just want her to be happy. She has to experience everyone she’s interested in order to decide who she likes best.”

“Besides,” Jate added, “she gets to Room seven. And... I have a feeling even after she’s made her selections, this will be a long process.”

Landon was surprised to hear that. “You don’t think she’s just going to pick someone and that will be that? Not even the commander?”

“Not at all.” Cassius sounded confident in his response. “She is quite fond of Eli. But I know how she feels about me, and I’m not giving up on her yet.”

“I can say the same,” Jate replied, and there was some sort of passing of knowledge between the two, a knowing glance Landon assumed he wouldn’t understand. Until later that night.

Realizing he’d be with the princess himself in a few hours made his stomach tighten both in anxiety and anticipation. He’d bedded his fair share of women in hopes of someday having an opportunity like this, but she had a lot of experience. Would he be enough for her? Hopefully, he wouldn’t do anything to embarrass himself, like he had just now when she’d asked him. Jate wouldn’t be there to whisper in his ear in the bedroom—thank the goddesses.

“Come on, lad. You’ll be fine,” Cassius said, as if reading his mind. He clasped Landon on the shoulder and steered him toward the hallway that led to all of their rooms. With the four dismissed that day, there would only be thirty-eight others, and that meant Landon’s chance at being Roomed had improved both numerically and hopefully exponentially since he’d won the hunt. If Kit ended up caring for him even a fraction of the amount he already felt for her, his chances at winning her over were infinite.