Demons Heart

Chapter 4

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." I say to all the suitors as I bring out all the food I've made. The games is about not only showing what they're capable of but what I'm capable of as well.

The men's eyes feast on the meal as I take a seat the the end of the table. We eat in silence as I think about how tough the next game will be as my eyes go to Vornan. Will he pass this one as easily?

"Can you give us a hint?" Renade asks as Aiden scoffs and the others start to whisper about what it could be. "You must know the knowledge of Cleyan nation." I tell them as I finish my meal and leave.

I head to the west wing of the castle, where our grand library is as I've already instructed Dina to lead them here after they eat. I push the door open that has our crest on it and see the large windows and books that line the shelves.

My feet move forward as I go near the swing my father had hung in here for me. I was five at the time as I try to recall the memory. The first image is of laughter as my father pushes me from the front as I tell him to stay, to catch me if I fall.

He tells me over and over again that he's here, that he won't be going anywhere. My heart flutters as it's one of the few memories of mine that depict love. That is until I do fall, my father catching me as my mother walks in.

She looks at us as we smile at one another, until I see the smile fall from my fathers face. "Why do you waste time on such things?" "You have a nation to run." She briskly walked out as my father gets up, leaving me in the library.

I remember the disappointment as I waited for him to come back. When he didn't come back even at dark, that's when I got back on the swing, going higher and higher. "Catch me." I say as I know he'll come. He always catches me when I fall, only he didn't.

My hands slip off the ropes as my small body hits the floor hard. I remember waking up in the hospital, one of the maids at my side. She had found me when it was time for dinner.

I asked about my father and all she did was shake her head as she frowned. It was the last time I went into the library, until now.

"A library?" I hear as the men enter as I try to well up my tears as I turn around, telling them to take a seat at each of the tables. They do as I say as Dina hands them out a test. The test of Cleyan nation.

"What's this?" Aiden asks as he raises the paper. "The next king must abide by all rules and the way of Cleyan nation." "It also helps to know the history." "I know it all." He smirks as I'm sure Benjamin knew this game was coming up eventually. He prepared him, which does give him an advantage.

"The test will be two hours and will end when the clock strikes noon." I point to the old clock before walking over to sit on the swing. I push back as I watch them look over the test.

I see most of them taking their time answering each question, while Vornan is writing and flipping through the test easily. He's done in mere minutes as he comes over and hands me the test.

He leaves as I stop swinging and flip over the cover page to look over his answers. They answers are written elegantly.

When was Cleyan founded?

The date is said to be 1654 but I do believe someone found it before then in 1537.

I question this answer as I've never known anyone else to of settled here, to of found Cleyan. I go to the next question as it's more elaborate.

What are the core values of Cleyan nation?

Noah Cleyan is know to of written the values in a sacred book. He depicts the values to be loyalty, obedience and dedication to uphold the throne to a high standard with in society.

These words cut as I remember my mother telling me this when I was young. That I wasn't what the settler wanted, that I didn't uphold Cleyans Values. I didn't understand what it meant as I tried to please her. I still have a reminder of that lesson as I had cooked for her at the age of seven.

I wasn't a cook, not even a baker as I had reached for the cake after, burning my wrist on the rack. I remember my mother walking in and telling me to get one of the maids to take care of it. It was the last time I tried to earn my mother love.

Why do you wish to become the king of Cleyan?

The crown is by any standard a heavy burden to bare but with Emory by my side, I know we can take it on together. We will better Cleyan nation as we uphold it's values, while I dedicate myself to becoming a king not only for the people but for my queen.

I scoff out loud as everyone continues to write. I bow my head slightly as to apologize to them. Vornan's answer is basic at best and is something I expect all of the men to write. Here I thought he was different and has something unique about him.

He's trying to get the crown, not your love. I remind myself as I know this to be true of all my suitors. Renade is the only one I've had any real connection with beside Vornan.

Where do you see the kingdom in years to come, once you become king?

I see it flourishing under our ruling. We'll make it better as we'll talk and compromise on what matters as we strive to make Cleyan one of the best nations with in all the land.

His answers could be from a text book at this point as eventually I get bored as I'm about to put his paper down, only I see a lengthy answer to the last question.

What matter more to you, the crown or the queen?

I'd like to say the crown as I care deeply for the people but if I ever had to sacrifice my wife, I wouldn't do so, not for anything or anyone. To love is something not all of us can find or bare, so I would say the queen.

My heart jumps as this is the first answer that seems mildly truthful. I had assumed him to be after the power and while he may be trying to fool me and everyone else, it will still show in the next games to come.

"Emory." Renade says as he gives me his paper, while everyone else continues to write. He walks out as I flip over the page and read similar answers to Vornan's, only his answer to what matter more, the crown or the queen, he chose the people.

The crown and the queen should never come before the people of Cleyan.

I appreciate his answer more than Vornan's as I continue to read through Renades answers. He talks about how he'd handle being king. That he would listen to the people above all else, that he hopes to rule as a compassionate leader.

His words tug on my heart strings as he wants to rule in the same way I do. Aiden is next to give me his test as the answer I'm most curious with all of them is whether they'd choose the crown or me.

Aiden's answer is one I expected. I scoff at just how accurate it is, for him. He hears me as well as he walks out. I see him scowl slightly before leaving the room. Does he really think he'll win because my cousin says he will?

It has to be the crown. A queen can die and so can a king but to keep the monarchy intact, to produce an heir and to rule over the people is our job. It's what we were born into.

I do wonder if any of the others will surprise me as a few of the other hand in their tests. Carlon, Alon, Trinit and Darmen hand their tests in as I look over them. Their answer to the crown question isn't anything abnormal as they choose both. They say the crown and the queen is equally important.

The rest of the answers are adequate as they leave and Wren brings his paper up. I know his answers will be unexpected since he's old fashioned and his answer about the crown is unlike the rest.

It isn't the crown or the queen but the king. He protects the people. He protects the queen. The most important aspect of the monarchy is a strong king. A king that is loyal, strong and willing to fight for all of the nations people.

His answer though not being to be my liking, does stem from the way he was raised and the values of his own nation. I can understand his answer, though it isn't ideal with how I wish to rule as queen.

The rest of the suitors come to me in minutes as the second hour is almost up. Slain, Brent, Polter, Karden, Hugh and Quinn bring their tests up as I decide to look at another question.

What do you plan on changing once you're king?

Slain- I'd like to change laws, to encourage change in the community as we strive for a better future for everyone. I'd make a difference with a queen by my side.

Brent- I'd listen to my queen. I'm a prince in a long line of princes, like some of the others here. I have no idea what Cleyans people want but once I'm king, I'd discus all matters with my queen. To make decisions together, for the people.

Polter- The competition is steep and while I may not become king, I'd like to tell you what I'd do as king. I would give money to the schools, the charities in the nation, to the people who need it. I wouldn't live in luxury. I'd be with the people and become a regular person as I hope they'd seek me out for help. I'd want to be a king who is admired, trusted and is one of the people.

Karden- Do I need to say more except I want to be a king who pleasures his queen. I'd fulfill all of her desires and would take her lead to protect and care for Cleyans people. What do you say my queen? You want a man who puts you first?

I laugh out loud at this as I imagine him smirking while writing. It isn't a great answer but it's humorous none the less. I make sure to put him in the pile of the suitors I'm keeping. There may still be more to him then meets the eye.

Hugh- To be king would be an amazing gift. I would cherish the position as I could dedicate my life serving Cleyans people. I'd live by the rules of Cleyan and do what was right by the people.

Quinn- I'd never dreamed of becoming king with my six older brothers being next in line in my own nation, yet now I hope to make real change. To be the solution and not the problem. My own nation is in war with another and I'd do my best to protect Cleyan from ever experiencing such hardship.

All their answers are unique. I can't fault many of them, yet one does stand out to me as I'd wish for the king of Cleyan to be strong, to build Cleyan into a better nation and this person doesn't seem to show new ideas and ways to do so.

I walk out and see them all chatting or playing a few card games in the living room on the second floor. I stand and watch them, observing them until I see Vornan in the corner, watching me.

They seem to be getting along, yet Vornan is keeping a distance. I then try to listen in from around the corner and hear them voice their concerns on who will go home.

"Emory." I hear as my attention is drawn from them and Vornan, to Karden. He's the one filled with desire. "Karden." I say back as he addressed my name first, instead of your highness or Ms. Cornan. "May we talk?"

I see the other suitors looking our way but it isn't until I see the slight glare in Vornan's eyes that I agree. "This way." I take him to one of the balconies just around the corner as I feel the cold hit my skin.

"He looks out at the view before looking back at me, eyeing me up and and down. "You're quite beautiful." The word beautiful exists his lips and yet I don't feel any familiarity as it has never been a word that described me.

"You think so?" I ask him as I turn away, putting my arms on the balcony as I look out to the fields and trees surrounding us. "I wanted a moment with you." "I never did get a chance at the dance and would like to ask you for a dance now."

I smile softly as I turn to him, taking his hands in mine, placing each of them on my hips. "Sorry, I don't have music." "I can make our own."

Playfully fun as we move

Is this a melody or do we groove?

I laugh at my own lyrics I make up as we dance slowly. He holds me gently as we spin slowly. "Was this your idea?" He asks as I tense slightly. "It was an afterthought." "A way for me to choose the one I wish to be king."

"Not to over sell myself but I should tell you just how excellent of an option I am." "I'll wake you up in the mornings you need it, I'll bring you breakfast in bed, I will make sure all your needs are satisfied." He winks as I laugh, yet a throat clears as we both turn to see Aiden.

"May I cut in?" I'm about to say no, when Karden steps away, leaving us alone. "Must you entertain these men?" "You already belong to me." He grabs me roughly, pulling me tightly into his chest, moving us as if we're close, intimate and in love.

"Do you think so highly of yourself?" "My cousin will never decide who the next king of Cleyan is." "Now let me go." "Not until you understand." His hands dig into my sides, leaving bruises in their wake as he whispers into my ear.

"He'll make sure of it, even if I don't." "You think you'll have complete control with us around." "You're sadly mistaken as we'll make sure that your life goes according to plan." "Now be a good girl and don't damage the purity of my soon to be wife."

He lets me go as I see Vornan watching us from inside. Aiden walks back in as I see Vornan take him by the neck. "Don't." I say as I follow after them as Vornan looks about ready to kill him.

"What are you doing?" I ask him as he has Aiden by the collar. "He said..." "What did he say?" I ask him as I know he wouldn't have been able to hear us from inside. "He..." Vornan doesn't finish as he lets go of Aiden.

"What kind of beast are you?" Aiden accuses Vornan as he scoffs and walks away. "I do hope you aren't planning on picking him." I look to where Vornan left before I see Aiden also walk back to the group.

"We should reveal the results." Dina tells me as we both head over to the suitors. They all stop talking to one another as everyone is told to gather at the table.

"We'll decide this by giving back each of you your test papers back and the score given. The first is Vornan as he scored 95%. "95?" He questions as he looks at me before I give back Renades test. "Whoa, 98%" Vornan's eyes narrow at the fact Renade scored higher but in truth his answers were excellent and truly did speak well as someone who could potentially be king of Cleyan.

The next tests are 90% or higher, Aiden's test being on 80%. I do love the horror on his face as he sees his score. The rest are just thankful to pass as I get down to Karden, Hugh and Quinn.

"Karden, I know your answers are quite foolish but some of them weren't bad and since you have a real interest in me, I'm inclined to keep you here."

"Now Hugh and Quinn." "I'll start with Hugh." "Your answers weren't terrible, they just showed a lack of confidence in what you would do as king." "It didn't show any real initiative."

"Quinn, well your answers too were great, yet you spoke often about your own nation." "It left me wondering whether you'd dedicate your life to a new nation or if you'd constantly worry about your own."

"Both have faults in your answers and priorities, yet the one leaving today is... Hugh." I say as I put down Quinn's paper that got 65%. I then place Hugh's paper down as it on got 50%. The men start shaking his hand as he's leaving before I stand with him walking him out.

"I'm sorry that I couldn't be your king." "Don't be, perhaps being king just isn't in the cards, that isn't a bad thing though, just dedicate your life to something you're interested in." "You'll excel, just not as Cleyans king."

We reach the door as I give him a small hug before he walks out. I'm already feeling bad about him leaving as the door shuts. Everyone else goes back to their rooms as I decide to sit by the fire, thinking about how there's only 13 left now and that one of them is my husband.

I remember just days ago, I was planning to buy more seeds for my garden, to cook recipes from a book I had just bought and now I'm testing men out to see who can rule a nation with me.

It all really happened too fast. "May I sit with you?" You may I say as I see Polter. I've yet to talk to him but his answers showed me already that he's a decent person, who's wanting to change Cleyan for the better.

"Your answers were very thoughtful and I too want to implement better changed to Cleyan." I say to him as he sits down, relaxing as we talk.

He starts telling me about Alade, his nation and the beauty of it and he hopes to immerse himself in Cleyan and become one of it's citizens. To study it well and while I wish he knew more about Cleyan, this is the best I can hope from those who are from a nation far away, that has different way of ruling.