The Dragon Queen Selection Chapter 22

LIRA

For the first time, his smile faltered. It was the briefest flicker, but I saw it. The truth behind his mask. Then it returned, smooth as silk.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about."

“Don’t I?” I took a step forward. The corridor felt smaller now, as if the palace itself was holding its breath. “You could end this whole Queen Selection with a single word. But you haven’t. That tells me something.”

“And what does it tell you, Lady Vale?” His voice was low now. Curious. Almost dangerous.

“That you enjoy watching us scramble for your attention,” I said. “That you like the power, the chase, you like watching us fight ourselves. But power without purpose is just... indulgence.”

His gaze sharpened. For a heartbeat, I thought he might walk away. But instead, he stepped closer. I could see the gold flecks in his eyes, like stardust trapped in the ocean.

“You’re bold. I’ll give you that. But boldness only gets you so far in this palace.”

“Then I’ll just have to get further,” I said quietly, “won’t I?”

We stood there, neither of us moving. The silence stretched like a drawn bowstring.

He studied me, really studied me this time. As if he wasn’t sure whether I was still the girl who’d walked into this palace clueless and out of place, or someone else entirely.

“We’ll see, Lady Vale,” he said at last, voice like velvet over a blade. “We’ll see.”

Then he walked past me, the scent of cold air and something darker clinging to him as he went.

I didn’t turn to watch him leave.

Instead, I exhaled, lifted my chin, and kept walking.

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

The floral competition was my chance to make a real move. I was way behind on all the challenges, my scores were probably one of the lowest, if I didn't act smart now, I was going to be sent home.

We were all gathered in the royal gardens, each of us given a table, fresh flowers, and the same task: create a bouquet that captured the heart of the kingdom. Most of the girls took it as a silly game. I didn’t. I was already far behind, more than most of the girls, if I failed this assessment, then I could be well on my way home.

As soon as it started, I could feel the tension buzzing in the air. Girls were already sizing each other up, whispering behind their hands, tossing fake smiles around like confetti. And there was Amara, loud, proud, and as usual, too busy showing off to pay attention to what she was doing.

She swept across the garden like she owned it, tossing orders at the gardeners. “I want the fire lilies, the white hyacinths, oh, and the moon orchids. All of them.”

The gardener she spoke to gave her a polite but firm smile. “Those are reserved for next week’s actual state banquet, my lady. I'm afraid we can't hand them to you."

Amara scoffed. “Well, I’m sure you can make an exception. I need them for my flower arrangement. They're very important."

I bit back a grin. She was digging her own grave.

I drifted toward a quieter corner where two gardeners were chatting. One of them, an older woman with kind eyes, noticed me. I gave her a warm smile.

“You’ve done such beautiful work around the palace,” I said softly, crouching beside her. “That hallway arrangement yesterday? It was breathtaking. I couldn't take my eyes off them."

Her cheeks flushed. “Oh, you’re too kind.”

We talked for a few minutes about blooms, colours, and scents. She told me which flowers were local to Aurelia, which ones grew only in the north, and which symbolised loyalty, hope, and sacrifice. I listened carefully, asked more questions, nodded with real interest.

Finally, she pointed to a cluster of small blue flowers. “These ones are called the crown’s heart. They’re simple, but they’ve been in Aurelia’s fields for centuries. Good roots. You'll always find them at every Aurelia state gathering."

“Thank you,” I said. “That’s exactly what I needed.”

While Amara stormed off in a huff about not getting her way, I quietly began my bouquet. I didn’t go for rare or dramatic. I chose strong stems, soft colors, and pieces that spoke of Aurelia. When the judge stopped at my table, he raised a brow.

“Lady Vale,” he said slowly, “You’ve captured something... honest. The true spirit of Aurelia."

I dipped my head. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

From the corner of my eye, I saw Amara’s face tighten. Her arrangement looked like a storm had passed through it, chaotic, overdone, desperate. Her arrangement was ranked the lowest, with mine the fourth.

One small win. But a win nonetheless.

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

That evening, I slipped into the library to breathe. My nerves were still humming from the day’s events. I liked the quiet here. It brought me clarity.

I was tucked between two shelves when I heard a voice behind me.

“I didn’t expect to see you here, Lady Vale.”

I turned. Prince Evander was standing by the window, a book in hand. His eyes studied me with more curiosity than surprise.

“Should I not be here?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light.

He smiled faintly. “Most girls go straight to the ballroom after the challenges to unwind and catch a glimpse of my brother. But you... you seem to prefer quiet celebrations.”

I tilted my head. “Are you saying I won today?”

“I’m saying you didn’t lose,” he said simply. “You made an impression. Not just with the judges.”

I folded my arms. “Is that a compliment?”

“It’s a warning.”

I blinked. “A warning?”

He stepped closer. His voice lowered, and the smile faded from his face. “I saw you today. I wanted to see how the challenges were going. I saw you with the gardeners. You were talking to them for quite a while. They showed you the Crown's heart flower and you included it in your arrangement. You cheated today."