The Golden Haven

The Singing Challenge

LUNAR’s POV

Arriving at the palace gate, my heart thumped at the crowd. I let my graze travelled the gate: I saw maidens arrayed in a straight line as they stood before seven nobles seated in golden seats.

“A screening exercise?” I muttered, pursing my lips into a pout.

My head was spinning earlier. I remember Leonard carried me bridal style to the guest room, the one with the drawings. I had a fitful sleep, but woke up with Unusual strength. I felt as though I met with the god of strength himself. Without letting them know, I disappeared from the mansion, navigating my way to the palace.

I pushed myself further through the crowd until I was close to the screening centre.

Thanks the beautiful blue dresses Selena gave me to augment my wardrobe, I looked like someone from a noble family.

“Shut hair” Some teased from the crowd, whispers of mockery traveling through my eyes, my feet weakened.

I saw a light-skinned handsome gentleman in a royal apparel, he must be the prince.

“Why do I feel like I know him?” I wondered, looking straight into his eyes, our eyes locked.

My admiration soon faded into a scorn as he shoved aside a little child who grabbed his leg.

“Where is the mother” He thundered

Without waiting for a response, “Take him to the childcare unit. A lesson for mothers not to let their kids roam aimlessly” He ordered.

Two guards picks up the baby, carrying him away. I lips quivered.

He poorly dressed lady jumped out of the crowd, crying and pleading to take back her baby

“Lock her up” he ordered, the guards, staring at me but I looked away, clenched feet.

Puffing out some air, I pressed the shoulder of a lady in front of me, summoning the courage to ask.

“What’s the screening about?”

“They are ensuring only/cursed breeds don’t get through to the palace”

“Meaning?” I c****d my eyebrows

She batted her eyelashes, marveling at the dumbness of my question. I swallowed hard.

“Sorry” I blurted.

I scratched my head.

Beads of sweat suddenly arising from my forehead.

“What do I do? I panicked

“Feed her to the vultures” A noble cussed out after screening one of the participants. A young lady in her early twenties. What could she have done? My heart jumped to my lips.

Why is everyone so hostile here?

I take few steps backwards, drawing closer to the gate.

“Lock the gate, no one is permitted to leave” Four guards rushed towards us, carrying out the command. My feet trembled.

Now I don’t know if it was better, to die at the mansion or the palace.

I plodded forward as the line diminished, the prince fixed his gaze at me, letting the nobles do their thing.

I lifted my eyes and saw the king walking into the open field, everyone bowed.

“Long Live the King”

He sat down signaling them to continue.

His eyes peered through the crowd at stopped at my gaze. I saw emotions glistening in his eyes.

The prince looked at me, tracing my gaze to the king, and back to me. He stretched his lips.

“It’s your turn” Some echoed from behind me.

“Move forward” Another yelled.

“This is the death of me” I dragged my feet as I plodded towards them, faking confidence.

I missed a step and fell on my feet, the crowd scoffed and chuckled. Tears gathered in my eyes.

A hand lifted me, I dust my dress without looking. Raising my head it was the prince. Just when I thought he had some humanity, he pushed me forward to be screened, staring me without emotions.

Cold shivers flew down my spine. It’s over!

The scientist pierced a syringe on my wrist, I yelped.

I fell on my knees, fighting back my tears, as my heart thumped at my fate after the result.

The scientist nodded with approval, confirming the presence of lycanthropic markers on the test result.

The king exhaled. A smile stretched my lips.

“My mum is human? It’s not possible” A quizzical plastered my face as I marveled at my new identity. Tears cascaded down my eyes.

“Next!” One of the nobles ordered. I plodded towards the direction for those already screened.

Not long the challenge began.

The crowd were active. They would clap and hail their favourites or jeer and release boos until they leave in shame.

It soon got to my turn, as my lips parted in melody, a hush fell on the hall.

There where many good voices but mine was magical. The effect from my song was so deep that people started crying. The prince walked out of the hall midway into my song, he couldn’t stand it.

“Assign her to my quarters” He ordered the palace head of Admin.

DUSTIN’s POV

“Impressive” A new catch for me, huh! Let’s get to it” I walked majestically to the back stage

Grabbing her from behind, she stares at me with disgust, slapping my hand away, she wriggled herself from my grip.

Ladies are always fighting to have me hold them like this. They would burn with desire when I go this close, “But the way she looked at me—

I pulled her towards me forcefully this time

“Pah”

Silence greeted everyone save the hurt from my burning face. Dusting my face, I watched those in the room fight back their scoffs.

“She will pay for this humiliation” I cussed out.

I yanked her along with me but she struggled

“And the winner is, Lunar” A great shout of joy raced through the walls. I hissed, releasing my grip from her. She massaged her palm and followed the guards waiting to walk her to the stage.

Grimacing, I marched to meet my father.

“Can we get the Lunar lady?”

“Only if the king has no interest in her”

“Now we have to pick?”

“More reasons you have to work with me to take back the throne”

“What do you want?”

“Win back your friendship with Ethan”

“No, please! Anything else?”

“The best way to defeat an enemy is to keep them close”

I caressed my forehead.

We both lifted our heads at the sound of the bell. It was time for the nobles to meet.

Father left a gentle part on my shoulder and walked away.

LORD RAGNAR

I know about my son’s relationship with women, this lady looks innocent and timid. If giving helping him get her is the price I have to pay for him to yield to my mission, then so be it.

I walked into the room and the nobles quaked. It’s no news that I’m the most feared noble in the land after the King.

“I need a favour from you, my King”

“Ask”

“I want the maiden”

The king cracked up in laughter.

“Anything else other than this”

I exhaled.

“A wedding”