Betrothed to a Monster

Chapter Two: The Tavern

    20 days. 20 days of traveling on horseback to reach the Spade Kingdom.

   Usually, it would take us 11 days on our horses and 16 on the average speed. But because we had to make false Trails to keep the trackers off our backs it took us longer. But we finally made it to our destination.

   The Lion's Den. The Tavern where you can find only the bravest and daring of knights. And the food was immaculate. My stomach started to growl in protest of all the roots and herbs consumed in the past three weeks. Lilith looked over at me condescendingly. “ Drooling over meat is not proper etiquette for a princess. Even for a runaway.”

   “Ugh not only is my stomach starting to eat itself but my ass feels like it's gonna fall off,” I whined.

   “I don't want to hear it, your highness, need I remind you that this was your idea. And please refrain from using such vulgar language”

    “After you stop using my title.” I glared at her. We had been over this numerous times. She cannot call me by my name or title because our identities could be revealed. Especially right now. The Spade kingdom is teeming with people of all regions. Knights, Trackers, Archers, Mercenaries, Bounty hunters, and the list goes on. And they are all here for one reason.

    The Mastery Tournaments. Only once every four years it is held. It is a way for people to ascend ranks and positions through trials and tests. it is also a way to be declared the best in all the five kingdoms. Swordsman, archers, trackers, and bounty hunters all compete to be declared the Kings champion. And this year, Lilith and I will be competing. But in order to compete, you need an invitation. And that's what brings us to the Lion’s Den. What's more, is that women are not able to compete, which is complete horseshit.

    The look on my face must have been foul because Lilith is giving me a questioning look.” Come on Lily.” Yet another dirty look for my companion. We had talked about code names for each other, she had wanted Mila but I thought Lily suited her better.

    After the horses were let into the tavern stable, we finally headed into the Lion's Den. There was loud music and Hardy belly-laughs practically shaking the dark Spruce beams. The cobblestone fireplace lit the room along with the candle chandeliers. The place was bursting with life and jolly energy, not what I expect from such a high state tournament happening soon. I look around the den to try to find our sponsor. The person who got us enrolled with fake identities.

    “Hey yo! Over here!” Thank goodness he yelled because I could barely hear him.

    We danced through the endless sea of people to get to the table in the back corner where it was dimly lit. And while trying to do so Lilith bumped into a man with a full mug of alcohol. The contents spilled all over him and onto the ground. His small brown eyes became dark and veins started to burst on his bald head. He reeked of 8 other pints of ale consumed prior to the incident. Before Lilith could even apologize, he grabbed her by her hair and lifted her off of the ground.

    “AAAHHH!!” tears formed in her eyes as her white hair was being pulled painfully.

    “You little wench! Are you going to pay for my spilled booze? Huh? I can't understand you, you little bi-"

    Bam!

    I kicked that SOB so hard in the gut that I left him wheezing on the ground. “ And that's for being ungentlemanly you pig” He started drooling into his beard and become incoherent before blacking out.  I grabbed Lilith’s hand and pulled her aside “Are you okay?”

    She rubbed her eyes, and wiped the tears away,” Yeah just a little surprised is all. Thank you, my lady.” The smile she gave me was so warm that I struggled to tell if it was forced.

    “Are you sure you're alright?”

    “Yes I am fine, let us carry on.” Now it was Lilith pulling me to the table. The spruce wood table was old and carved by what seems like a master Craftsman. The smooth edges show the many years of use that it had gone through, but it was still a beautiful piece of wood.

    “Wow, that was quite the show, young lady.” Festus, a man with many mysteries and no last name. our sponsor.