The Dragon Queen Selection Chapter 10

LIRA

My grip tightened around the stem of my goblet. I could feel the weight of every stare, every breathless pause as the room waited for me to make a fool of myself.

I met Prince Cassian’s eyes and gave him a slow, practised smile the kind that meant nothing and everything at once.

“My visions rarely show me trivial things, Your Highness,” I said evenly.

A few girls gasped. One even dropped her fork.

Cassian tilted his head slightly, like he wasn’t sure whether to be amused or offended. “Is that so?”

“It is,” I replied, voice steady. “Some things are better discovered the hard way, I suppose we shall all have to wait and see.”

His smile widened. “A philosopher. How unexpected.”

“No,” I said, lifting my glass. “Just honest.”

The table was completely silent. The other girls were too shocked to breathe, waiting to see how he’d respond. I didn’t look away. I didn’t blink. I was too tired to play their games and too determined to win my own.

Finally, Cassian leaned back, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Well, I do like a challenge.”

He turned his attention elsewhere, asking Lady Vivienne something about archery, and the spell broke. Laughter resumed, conversation picked up, and everyone politely pretended I hadn’t just insulted the crown prince in front of half the court.

I kept eating, ignoring the glares from Calista and the curious glances from the others.

My heart was thudding, but I didn’t let it show.

I had meant every word.

Cassian Valemont could flirt and joke and charm his way through this ridiculous parade of girls, but I wasn’t here for him. I was here for answers.

And if he thought I was just another girl here to swoon over his looks and title, he was about to learn otherwise.

After lunch, we were escorted to the gardens for a “casual stroll” with the prince. That was what the head attendant called it, anyway. Casual. As if anything in this palace wasn’t laced with performance and purpose.

The gardens were breathtaking, rows of blooming firelilies, rose trees shaped into dragons, and enchanted fountains that glittered with golden light. But I barely noticed any of it.

I was too focused on finding better ways to figure out the truth.

Cassian walked ahead, flanked by a few guards, letting the girls surround him like doves fighting for crumbs. He said something to Juliette that made her blush. Lenora asked about the royal archives, and he looked impressed. Calista was glued to his side, her hand lightly brushing his sleeve when she laughed.

I kept my distance.

I trailed behind, content to walk alone near the thorn trees. The sun felt too warm. My gown itched. I hated how my body moved in it, how heavy it felt, how fake.

I bent near a rose bush, pretending to admire a blossom, just to get a break from the noise.

“You’re either avoiding me,” a voice said behind me, “or you’re are really interested in plants.”

I straightened slowly, not bothering to hide the annoyance on my face. Cassian stood just a few feet away, hands clasped behind his back, expression unreadable.

“Does it matter which one it is?” I asked.

He smiled lazily. “No. I’m entertained either way.”

I glanced around. The other girls were still clustered by the fountain, something else seemed to have caught their attention, the presence of Princess Aveline, Prince Cassian's sister. “Aren’t you supposed to be winning hearts?”

“Maybe I’m curious about the one heart that doesn’t want to be won.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Or maybe you are bored and decided to pick on someone who doesn’t fawn over you.”

His smile faded a little. Not completely, just enough for me to see the flicker of something else underneath. Interest. Maybe even frustration.

“I think I liked you better when you were quiet,” he muttered.

I stepped toward him, letting my voice drop. “Then I suggest you stay on the other side of the garden, Your Highness.”

His eyes narrowed just slightly, then he laughed. “Oh you! You are dangerous.”

I looked him dead in the eye. “You have no idea.”

He stared at me for a beat longer, like he was trying to solve a riddle he didn’t have all the pieces to.

Then he turned away and walked off without another word.

I didn’t watch him go.

Instead, I turned back to the rose bush, gently running a finger along the edge of one of the blossoms. It was a deep crimson, like blood. Like memory.

He thought I was dangerous?

Good.

Because I hadn’t even started yet.

...............................

PRINCE CASSIAN

While I sat there, pretending to listen to the rustling wind and the distant clinking of teacups, Aveline kept talking. She always had a way of sounding like she knew best because she was my sister.

"Let me give you some advice,” she said, her voice sharp but not unkind. “I know you're not interested in the Queen's Selection, but trust me, the sooner you figure out who you want to be your queen, the easier all of this becomes."

I raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly do you mean by that?"

She shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. Like the entire weight of my future wasn’t currently tied to this ridiculous circus of gowns and smiles.

"Get acquainted with the ones you know our parents would approve of," she said casually. "You’ve got thirteen weeks. I’m sure you can find one you can tolerate."

Tolerate.

That word sat heavy in my chest.

"And what about the others?" I asked, frowning. "Don’t they deserve a fair chance?"

Aveline gave me a look, one of those cutting stares only a younger sister could get away with.

"Aren’t you the one complaining that you can’t possibly get to know thirteen girls in three months?" she snapped. "I’m narrowing the numbers for you. Pick three."

I let out a slow sigh, raking a hand through my hair. She wasn’t wrong. Thirteen girls, thirteen weeks. It was overwhelming. Strategic. Unnatural.

"I know," I muttered. "You’re right. It’s just… it doesn’t feel fair, cutting the rest off before they’ve had a real chance."

Aveline said nothing. She just looked at me, like she could see the doubt written all over my face.

"Life isn't fair either, I'm sure not all of them expect to win anyway."