Fiction: The Library of Eristat / The Seven Suitors, Chapter 5

A serialized mystery in a fantasy setting.

Author’s note: The Seven Suitors is a novel-length mystery in a fantasy setting I’ll be serializing here. It’s also the follow-up to the Library of Eristat story you may have read. Chapter One can be found here, the previous chapter can be found here.

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Image generated by Midjourney, all text human-written by me and human-edited by Alyssa Sparza

“Silas…Silas? Come on, wake up.”

Semote buried his face deeper into the covers.

“Unless you had a much more successful night than the rest of us, you can’t be tired already. Come on, there are kingdoms to save and hearts to win. Rise, and greet the dawn, Silas!”

Whoever this Silas is needs to wake up already, Semote thought to himself. The voice droned on for a few more seconds before a state of alarm overtook him as he remembered exactly who this Silas was supposed to be. Semote sat upright in a start. Alexander was grinning down at him.

“Time to face the world. You seemed quite out of it—were you dreaming of true love’s consummation, or the agony of heartbreak perhaps?”

“Neither,” Semote mumbled back, attempting to blink the sleep out of his eyes. “I was just tired.”

“Well, get a move on. The princess is about to announce our agenda for the day. You should know that everyone else has been up since the crack of dawn. We both know you’re not going to win, but you should at least pay her royal richness the honor of making it look like you’re trying.”

Semote carefully stepped out of bed, deciding he still didn’t want to trip in front of Alexander. He made his way to the closet that stored his clothes. “Could you give me a minute?”

“I think we’ve already given you plenty.” Alexander turned around anyway. Semote could still hear him talking as he struggled to change into something respectable. “I saw you chatting with our other out of town guest the other night. What do you make of him?”

Well, that explained why Alexander was really here. “I think it’s hard to get to know a man like Darius when he’s convinced everyone else is waiting for the chance to have the two of us killed.”

Alexander laughed. “Obviously not your concern, since you’re not exactly sleeping with one eye open.”

“You don’t think our presence here would make us rather unpopular?”

“Silas, you wound me. After everything I did to get you here. I even put in a good word for you with the princess, you know, I told her you were exactly the sort of man she’d enjoy having around. Actually I think I said that about myself. But the point stands.”

“Darius would have me believe men like me die all the time in Aeolian political intrigue.”

“Well, not men like you per se, but commoners, absolutely.” Alexander frowned. “I really hope no one’s given you the wrong impression. There’s a world of difference between some of the mess that goes on and your presence here.”

“Which is?”

“You may be foreign, but you’re nobility, like the rest of us. Killing either one of you would be tantamount to declaring war without provocation. Anyone stupid enough to try anything like that would have no support from the other houses, and probably open themselves up to invasion. It goes against the Aeolian Concordat, which is all that’s kept the peace here for generations. I’m surprised Darius hasn’t figured that much out. Unless your families have disowned you and there are messengers hot on your heels, you should be perfectly safe here.”

Semote tried to show relief rather than the actual concern he was beginning to feel for his own safety. “But anyone outside the nobility is another matter.”

Alexander turned back around. “I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but they’re perfectly capable of dying without our help. As I understand it, it happens all the time. Now, shall we depart?”

Semote followed Alexander out of his room, still not willing to let the topic go. “If deaths among the nobility are so dangerous, has anyone raised the question about Rowena’s father?”

“I don’t mean to tell you your business...wait, I think I do. Your business should be to worry about the living gentlemen around you, not the deceased father you’ve never met.”

Semote did his best to press on. “I just wanted to know what everyone else knows. Who were the last people to see him? Did anything happen?”

Alexander gave him a look. “Your status may make you safe here, but there are still doors better left unopened. I’ll tell you what I know, but I’ll expect you to do the same the next time I’m interested in information you might be privy to. Are those terms acceptable?”

Semote nodded, and Alexander began to speak. “At the last public event I’m aware of, Owen of Lithos received a number of suitors for his daughter’s hand. Anyone who thought they were important enough to demand consideration, which included all the suitors you’ll find here, save yourself and Darius. Rumor has it the princess herself had no interest in the affair, but Owen felt bound by tradition to respond, even if all he gave the men was bad news.”

“Is that what you received?”

“I do not wish to speak ill of the dead, but the man had no taste in lords, given that he was no fan of mine. He told me, in what I suspect he actually intended to be an act of kindness, that I had absolutely no chance of ever marrying the princess. I was forced to hold back a laugh at the favor he had done me—” Alexander smirked. “A spark of parental rebellion and the desire to forge her own path is probably the reason I’m here now. I do remember hearing some argument that night that suggested that someone took the news far worse. That would narrow it down to lords without a sense of humor—of which there’s no shortage. And speak of the devil, here comes one now.”

Lord Cedric was standing in the hall, looking a bit more put together than Semote at the moment, his sandy blonde hair neatly in place. Cedric nodded to them. “Silas. Alexander.”

“Cedric.” Alexander looked at him dispassionately. “What else is there to say, really. I think I’ve entertained you all I can for one day, Silas. I’ll leave you in the company of Cedric here. Brace yourself.” Alexander nodded to them both, then continued down the hall.

Cedric remained silent for a moment, his pale blue eyes looking like he could still be in mourning from yesterday. “Has Alexander told you what to expect?”

“We’ve discussed everything except that I think.”

“Well, I don’t think you have too much to worry about. It’s mostly just symbolic.” Cedric looked at Semote with a curious expression on his face. “By the way, have you done this kind of thing before?”

The question took Semote off guard. “Competing to marry a princess? No, nothing remotely like this in my life. What makes you ask?”

“Just something about you.” Cedric squinted a little as he studied Semote. “You even slept in this morning, you don’t seem as stressed or on edge as most of the others, like none of this has really gotten to you. I think I envy that.”

They began to walk down the hallway together. “If you don’t mind my asking...” Cedric began.

“Go ahead.”

“Which would you prefer, ending up married to Rowena without her loving you, or without you loving her? Knowing she might have only picked you to save her house, or realizing you were caught up in the moment and committed the rest of your life to a love that wasn’t real?”

“Neither one sounds particularly appealing.”

“But which would be worse?”

Semote thought for a moment. This was a serious line of inquiry for having only recently woken up. “Being the party that loved the most would hurt more, but being the one that loved the least would be a betrayal of both her and myself. So I’d say the second would be worse.”

Cedric nodded. “Well if it comes to that, I think she would be likely to grow on you, so I wouldn’t worry too much. But here we are.”

They had arrived in the throne room where Rowena had initially received them all. The princess herself was there, taking particular notice of their arrival. “Glad you were able to join us. I don’t require much of your time.” Rowena looked around to make sure she had everyone’s attention. “As most of you know, in a time like this it would normally be the custom to offer gifts of support demonstrating your commitment to the well-being of Lithos and your desire for positive relations between us. I have no particular need of anything nor any desire to ask for more, but as I understand it, some of you are insisting on going through with it.” Rowena gave a practiced smile. “And so I thought it was only fair to let everyone know. It can be as simple as a word, a deed, or some small token. If nothing else, it will be something to remember each of you by. Make whatever preparations you need to. In two hours time, the people of Lithos are looking forward to meeting you all.”

Semote looked around the room to spot Darius. He didn’t seem particularly surprised, which made Semote wonder if he was the only one who had benefited from the announcement. He turned back to look at Rowena, but she had already excused herself.

Cedric nodded to him. “Well, now you know. Good luck with whatever you plan to do.”

Semote turned his attention back to Cedric. “What usually happens from here?”

Cedric paused. “If you’re worried about what you can afford, she gets to keep the gift whether she marries you or not. The more impressive your gift, the more it says about you. Sometimes it turns into a bidding war as two suitors compete, encouraged by a family trying to add to its wealth. But that’s not Rowena’s style.”

“What would be suitable then?”

“Something that speaks to who you really are. But that’s the last thing you’re likely to see from anyone here.”

“Do you know what you’re planning to do?”

“Of course.” Cedric’s voice was muted and his eyes downcast. “But I don’t think it really matters. It’s not going to change anything. It might for you. But not for me.”

“Why not?” It was a surprising admission, particularly to a rival. “She brought you this far. Why should you be any less likely to win than me?”

“It’s not about winning.” Cedric replied, keeping his voice low as Alexander glanced their way. “For all I know I could be her favorite right now, my being here is a positive sign. But whether or not she plans to marry me is not my problem.”

“What is?”

“She doesn’t love me. And given that, I might be more miserable if I win.” Cedric looked back at him. “So, maybe I should wish you good luck after all.”

Cedric shuffled away, leaving Semote in stunned silence. He wasn’t exactly in a position to refute the allegation. Rowena had never said anything to suggest she was in love with any of the men pursuing her, although with the stakes as high as they were, he would expect that no prior attachment mattered. Maybe Rowena didn’t feel that way about anyone. Or perhaps there were things she wasn’t ready to share with him yet.

“Do you need any help arranging for anything?” Darius drew close to Semote, side-eyeing Cedric as he left.

“I think I’ll manage, thanks.”

“Well, let me know if you do, I want to make sure you stay in the game. I meant what I said the other day. We have to stick together in this.” Darius paused for a moment. “Despite the princess’s protests, I’m guessing these gifts are meant to be a test. I think this is where we’ll lose our first contender. But don’t let any of their sob stories get to you, everyone here couldn’t be happier to see it be one of us, the tragedy of failure distilled into sweet pleasure when they see it happening to someone else. Keep an eye out, all right?”

Darius’s departure revealed Lucien, who looked to be about to make his exit. The noble shook his hand, as Semote tried to keep his posture and grip a perfect match for what he remembered seeing among the nobility. “Silas. I’m sure we’re all looking forward to seeing what treasures you’ve brought us from Erelia. No doubt you’ll do the house of Nareth proud today with your generosity.”

Semote could only smile weakly.

---

The receiving line was being conducted in public this time. Rowena and Skye were seated up on a wooden stage with a crowd forming a half-circle out in front of them. Semote guessed this must be what passed for entertainment in Lithos. Watching a bunch of young nobles try to impress their princess, and getting to see most of them fail. The crowd’s opinion might carry as much weight as the princess’s own—it would certainly be offered much more directly. It could be worse, he supposed. They could all be about to fight to the death over her. Maybe that came later.

Semote already regretted not getting the chance to talk to Rowena privately before this. She knew as well as he did that he had nothing with him that would suffice as a gift. In theory he had the least to lose out of anyone from this exercise, but if his performance was weak enough it could raise uncomfortable questions about why he was still around, or have the others stop taking him seriously. Perhaps this itself was a test from the princess to see how well he thought on his feet. Or maybe he was overthinking it, and it really didn’t matter what he did.

There looked to be no roll call this time. The steward appeared in front of them, asking whoever was ready to approach the princess. Cedric seized the opportunity, stepping forward almost immediately. His gait was slightly stiff as he approached Rowena. Semote tried to read something into Rowena’s expression as she gazed at him—was it affection? Doubt? Pity? He couldn’t really say one way or another. Cedric opened his palms and the crowd murmured in appreciation. He held his hands up in the air, and Semote could make out what looked like a golden dove, inset with sparkling jewels in its eyes.

“To an enduring friendship and peace between us.” Cedric spoke quickly. “As representatives of our houses and as people.”

Rowena smiled graciously. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

Cedric hesitated for a moment before turning around and walking back. He seemed slightly deflated from the effort. Darius was already heading towards the stage to take his place. He held up a small pot containing a single scarlet flower in full bloom. “A gift from Serenia, a rare flower that is the first of its kind to leave our land. I’ve had a chance to experience the beauty of your country, I thought it fitting to return the favor.” That drew some applause from the crowd, but Lucien was already walking up to the stage before it had a chance to die down.

“Are you sure you aren’t forgetting something?” Valerian had stepped into Semote’s line of sight. The man was at least half a head taller than he was, a sight made no less imposing by the jeweled sword hanging at his side. “If you were here for anyone from my house, you’d be leaving within the hour if you showed up empty-handed.”

Semote saw Lucien hand over a beautifully woven dress out of the corner of his eye, idly wondering if Rowena’s measurements were a closely guarded state secret. “I might be less empty-handed than you think. I happen to believe the true worth of a man lies in who he is, not what he has.”

Valerian made a booming laugh as he took a hard look at Semote. “If that’s the case, you’re even worse off than I thought. I’m guessing you didn’t have any prospects back home, so you had to go scour the world in search of a woman who will take you. How’s that been working out for you?”

Alexander was presenting a set of perfumes to the women up on the stage. Not the most practical gift ever. “You should see for yourself soon enough. I’m thinking I can do more than the rest of you, working with far less.”

Semote regretted the words as soon as he had spoken them. In reality, he had no idea how he was going to get out of here without making a complete fool of himself. But Valerian’s egging had led him to blurt the words out before he knew what he was saying. Semote kicked himself mentally, he was here to play a role, not mouth off at these braggarts. From Rowena’s perspective, competitiveness wasn’t necessarily an undesirable trait in a man destined to be a political leader. Even if it did make Valerian a bit intolerable at the moment.

Valerian laughed derisively. “Please. There’s only going to be one man anyone will be talking about at the end of today. Interesting to have met you though. I doubt we’ll have reason to speak again.”

Semote chose to ignore the other man and focus back on the stage. Wesley was delivering a handful of pages. “A collection of sonnets: meditations on the nature of beauty. I wouldn’t wish to embarrass you by reading them out loud. But please, take a look. Whenever you can spare a minute to yourself.” Semote heard a wistful sigh that sounded like it came from the crowd rather than the stage.

Gideon was the next to approach, carrying a large scroll in his hand. If this was all it took, maybe Semote should have just scribbled something down and let Rowena bluff the rest into thinking it was worth her esteem. “Lithos is in a perilous position these days.” Gideon’s voice was deep and grave. “There are many who would threaten her safety. My gift to you is one of security. I’ve prepared an analysis on how to better manage Lithos’s defenses and keep your people safe. I hope it serves you well.”

“I’ll pass on your recommendations.” Rowena responded. “Thank you.”

Valerian gave Semote one last look. “This is your final chance to go before me, you know. If I follow you, you might get lucky and they’ll forget all about you.”

“I’ll take my chances.” Semote said calmly.

“Suit yourself.” Valerian sauntered off to the stage. He pulled the jeweled sword out of his sheath and raised it up in the air. A collective gasp came over the crowd as he held it up to the light, casting reflections in every direction. He gestured to hand it over to Rowena...then withdrew his hand at the last second.

“This has been a fairly dull exercise so far, don’t you think?” A chorus of agreement sounded out from the crowd. “A sword by itself is just a weapon, but in the right hands, it can be a tool to reshape the world. I think this particular piece calls for a demonstration. Finn, would you please?”

Valerian motioned to a plainly dressed man standing at the periphery, who scrambled over. “Watch carefully everyone, and try to keep up.”

What followed was a dizzying display of finesse as the two men fenced back and forth across the field. Valerian looked like he could bash the sword out of the other man’s hands at a moment’s notice, but chose instead to deflect all his blows, and slowly gain position on him until he had backed him up against the stage. As the cheers of the crowd grew louder, the other man made one last desperate attempt to strike back, which Valerian intercepted, knocking away the other man’s weapon and holding the blade up against his chest. The other man slumped down in defeat, in what was likely an exaggerated pose.

The cheers soon gave way to a rustling of applause. Valerian bowed, and offered the sword up to Rowena. “You’ll think this an ill-fitting gift for a woman, I’m sure. But I offer it in the expectation that it will one day serve Lithos’s future protector. Whoever that may be.”

Rowena again nodded graciously...but her smile seemed strained. Semote caught her looking at him for a second. Was there something she wanted to communicate to him? Or perhaps it was simply his turn to step forward. There was no getting around it now.

Semote advanced at as slow of a pace as he felt he could get away with. He had nothing left to him but his wits. And a mental inventory that included a passing familiarity with most of the contents of the Library of Eristat. He could easily tell a story, a riddle, or offer up some Erelian poetry from memory. But nothing that would result in anything like the reaction he selfishly wished he could produce right now. It was a shame the timing wasn’t right for a solar eclipse—if they wouldn’t burn him at the stake for predicting one.

But something else was drawing his attention. Semote realized it had been bothering him since he’d arrived. There was a strange asymmetry to the stage. The support structure seemed crooked, uneven at different points. As he ran out of steps to take, Semote realized he was standing almost directly in front of Rowena, with the crowd waiting for him expectantly...but he couldn’t tear his eyes away from the stage now that he was actually close to it. It looked like the wood was already beginning to strain in a couple places. He let his eyes trace through the patterns in the structure, trying to calculate in his head the ultimate effects of all various tensions and balancing forces at play, bringing a mathematical language to bear that was close to becoming a second nature to him.

The wizards and mystics of the world had long claimed that reality was controlled by invisible forces: ley lines signifying accumulations of spiritual energy, and the distant forces of planets and stars exerting their influence on the future. The most concrete parts of the Codex suggested that while they were completely wrong about the specifics, the overall metaphor had some truth to it; and as Semote gazed at the stage, weighing the balance of invisible forces, he felt as though he could almost see the future due to play out from the effects of that unseen world, the hidden calculus of reality.

“So, our guest from Erelia. Did you have something for me?” Rowena’s tone made it sound like a genuine question.

Semote let himself stare for a moment longer. “You need to fire your architect or your builder. Probably both. They’re either really bad at their jobs or they’re trying to kill you.”

Semote heard laughter coming from the sides. “That is an interesting recommendation.” Rowena’s voice didn’t carry any sign of disrespect or sarcasm. “Are you able to explain why?”

“Yes.” Semote traced a few lines by hand. “But I think you’ll want to get down first.”

Rowena looked at him to judge if he was serious, then turned to Skye. Her sister shrugged, and they began to gather up their things.

“Actually...” Semote spoke up. “Could I see that sword for a minute?”

Rowena looked at him with a puzzled expression, but handed it over. Semote grabbed it from her without turning his head. He had found it. The single point of failure. Not wanting to let it out of his sight, he called back to Rowena. “Are you both clear?”

“I believe so.” The laughter had let up, as though the crowd was waiting to see what would happen next.

Semote gripped the sword in his hand. It was heavier than he was used to carrying, yet still lighter than he had expected. He had little experience using anything like it for its intended purpose, but it should prove sufficient. He turned it on its side, preparing to knock firmly against the single point he’d identified, that looked to be one bad bit of rainfall or extra pressure away from disaster. “It’s a matter of true quality versus a façade. Something can appear fine from a distance, but the right weakness, if properly exploited...” Semote heard a sharp crack and jumped back instinctively.

Piece by piece, the whole edifice came crumbling down, starting from the side with the small cut he’d made, rippling all the way to the end like a child’s game of dominoes. The crowd pulled further back as the woodwork splintered free. When the dust settled, the chairs Rowena and Skye had been sitting on were overturned, with a large piece of wood stretching diagonally through the arms of Rowena’s chair in particular.

“So as I said, a new architect and builder.” Semote looked down and realized he was still holding the handle of the sword in his hand from when he had jerked back. The blade must have snapped free, caught on a piece of wood somewhere in the heap, a bit of cheap construction despite its apparent extravagance. He held the empty handle up into the air. “Speaking of things that weren’t built to last. Sorry about the mess.”

The tension in the air finally broke and gave way to laughter. Applause roared out from the crowd. Rowena was looking at him, shaking her head slightly, but with a smile on her face. Off to the side the other nobles were clapping graciously—for the most part. Alexander was laughing harder than anyone, Darius looked pleased...but Valerian was staring at him with a dark look in his eyes.

---

On the walk back to the castle, Semote found himself intercepted by Gideon, who grabbed his hand and shook it firmly. “I wanted to tell you, that was some valuable insight you showed. Even without the demonstration, I think you would have made a better showing of yourself than almost anyone else.”

Semote looked back at him. “Are you being entirely serious?”

“I am.” Gideon looked directly at him, without a hint of irony in his voice. “I don’t believe ours should be a life idly spent. It speaks well of a man to have skills beyond what he needs to simply maintain his position. Precious few among the nobility do anything worthwhile with their privileged existences, or would be able to live as anything else. Your example alone makes your presence here notable. And I’m sure the princess would agree.”

Not quite sure what to make of the praise, Semote thanked him, and continued in silence. Upon making it inside the walls of the castle, Valerian grabbed him by the arm and pulled him aside.

“We need to talk.” The taller man hissed. He dragged him into a room at the far end of the guest wing, that Semote assumed must be where Valerian was boarded. As the door shut behind them, it occurred to him that there was at least one upside to whatever was about to happen. He no longer had to worry about finding an excuse to spend more time around Valerian.

Valerian spun around to face him, still breathing heavily. “I want to be perfectly clear on one point. I think you are the absolute worst candidate facing the princess.”

Semote paused for a moment. “I can see that. Especially in the light of what just happened.”

“I mean it. Your grace and manners are nonexistent. You show up with no plan, altogether disengaged from what we’re all here to do. Another dull-witted oaf bringing nothing of value other than a handful of cheap tricks. I can hardly think of anything less relevant to the life of a noble than knowing trivia about the art of construction.”

“The physics involved are far more generalizable than—”

“Shut up.” Valerian continued, still seething. “It’s clear that you are also the most different from myself. Perhaps from any of us. And since the princess has been unable to make up her mind for some time now, I can not escape the possibility that if she does not choose me, she may end up choosing you. I would like to give her more credit than that she would mistake your novelty and lack of sophistication for anything of value, but it seems that I can not count on anything anymore.”

Semote simply shrugged.

“So, my question: what is it going to take?”

“Pardon?”

“Don’t toy with me. Your family can’t have any fortune to speak of if you can’t find a woman back home, and you’re stuck trying to find a wealthy heiress to take advantage of.” Valerian began to raise his voice. “What do I need to pay you for you to abandon your claim here?”

Semote winced, trying to lower his own voice so the whole castle wouldn’t hear Valerian yelling at him. “It would look a little suspicious to leave right now, don’t you think?”

Valerian glared at him. “You still aren’t going to win. Your capital will never rise higher than it has this day. But I do not intend to leave anything up to chance after having come this far. Name your price, and let’s be done with it.”

Semote idly wondered if there was more money to be made this way than in helping Rowena. But that wasn’t really why he’d come. Or the kind of thing he would be able to live with.

“Thank you, but no.”

“Don’t insult me further by drawing this out. You can get what you came for. Just say what you want, and we can both be done.”

“Sorry. I think I’d rather see how this one plays out.”

Valerian fell into silence. “I gave you a chance. If you won’t do this my way, you’ll have a powerful enemy when this is done.”

Semote decided to take a chance. “Is that what you told Rowena’s father? When he informed you that he would never allow you to marry his daughter?”

Valerian laughed. “You really are a fool. Your implication is vulgar and baseless. I do not kill my enemies, Silas. I make them suffer. I’ll see your family dragged into disgrace, leaving you to be thrown out into the streets and live as a pauper. I hope you die alone, shivering, filled with regret. And when your life reaches its apex of misery, I would like you to remember this day, and say to yourself, ‘Why did I ever anger Valerian, the lord of Alden...and of Lithos.’”

Valerian stormed out of the room. Well, Semote thought to himself. I suppose that’s one down.

---

Two years ago

True to his word, Valerian was nowhere to be found inside the castle. Rowena was midway through her casual stroll of the grounds, doing her best not to look like she was seeking anyone in particular, when she spotted him in the courtyard. At first sight she thought there might be reason to be concerned—Valerian was standing next to another man who had his sword drawn. Neither of their postures suggested there was anything unfriendly at work, however. The other man slowly brought down his sword, and Valerian deflected it, laughing.

“Come on, Finn, you can give it a better go than that. I’d say I’m already at the point where you wouldn’t be able to hurt me if you tried.”

The other man nodded, feinting on one side, before swinging around to the other. Rowena watched the display with interest. She’d never seen the other man before, she guessed that Valerian must be studying swordplay with him. Although watching the two of them go at it, she honestly couldn’t say which one was the expert. Their swords clashed at an ever increasing tempo, neither one finding an opening, until...

Valerian cried out as Finn’s sword nicked his face. “I’m terribly sorry.” The other man immediately responded. “But you said to...”

“You miserable cur.” Valerian glared back at the other man, wiping a small trickle of blood. “You cheated in what was meant to be a fair fight. You know I can’t be seen in public like this.”

“I’m sorry, I never meant to...”

Valerian’s blade lashed out at the other man, cutting deeply into his cheek, far in excess of Valerian’s own wound. Rowena bit her lip to keep herself from crying out. She didn’t want to be seen right now if she could help it.

Valerian dabbed at the cut on his face with part of his shirt, and looked contemptuously at Finn. “Try anything like that again and it’ll come out even worse for you. You’re here to serve me. We fight as gentlemen, not as petty street-brawlers. You’d best learn to appreciate the difference or I’ll see to it you never fight again.”

Valerian walked away without looking back as the other man slumped onto the ground. Rowena ducked into the shadows to avoid being seen, and rushed over to tend to the other man’s wound when she was confident Valerian had passed by.

They only ran into each other one other time that night. Valerian’s cut was barely even visible, and he had on a slight smirk, the image of his old self restored once again. “Sorry if you haven’t been able to find me, I’ve been otherwise occupied. Perhaps we’ll meet again sometime.”

“Perhaps.” Rowena responded coolly. “I’m sure there’s a lot we have yet to learn about each other.”

Valerian grinned back. “There certainly is.”

---

Now

“So. That would be a ‘no’ on Valerian then.”

Rowena was standing next to the empty throne as she looked back at Semote. “As a murderer or as marriage material?”

“My gut says ‘no’ for both. But most confident on the second.”

Rowena had an interested expression on her face. “I’d like to hear your reasons.”

“We’re really going to do this?”

“You’re here to advise me, but the final decision still has to be mine. Knowing your opinion won’t be enough, I need to know why you think it.”

“If you insist.” Semote sighed. “Where should I start? He’s arrogant yet insecure. Short-tempered. Lacking in compassion and empathy. Disdainful of people he has power over. There’s the fact that he threatened to wreak revenge on me if I didn’t accept a bribe to drop out. I could go on, but...”

“Yes?” Rowena’s expression betrayed nothing.

“But I think you already know what I’m telling you.”

Rowena smiled slightly. “Really.”

“Yes. You don’t seem like you particularly care for this man, and I don’t believe you could have spent any significant amount of time around him without realizing what he is.” Semote began to pace back and forth, nervous energy working its way out. “Which brings me to the question of why he’s here in the first place.”

Silence reigned for a moment. “Go on.”

“Why take the time to be courted by a man you already know is unsuitable? I had it backwards it seems. You didn’t bring me here to evaluate him. You brought him here to evaluate me. He’s here because you’re not sure you can trust me. You want to know if my opinions are worth anything by testing them against someone you already know.”

Rowena nodded, her smile widening. “That’s essentially accurate. I hope you’re not too offended.”

Semote smiled, trying not to to let the satisfaction he felt distract him too badly. “I understand why. Considering your position I think it was a smart move. But if this is going to work, we’re going to need to trust each other further than this. You’re not the only one who’s investing anything in this, and we don’t have enough time to spare that I can spend all my effort chasing down the men you already know aren’t worth your time, or covering ground you’ve already explored with the rest.”

“That is a reasonable request.” Rowena took a deep breath. She still had one hand on the throne, as though she derived some comfort or security from it, while still declining to sit on it. “You asked me earlier why I chose the men I did. For Darius and Alexander, you already know my reasons. But even Valerian served a dual purpose. He and the rest were the men everyone expected me to consider, the ones who might think they had something to gain from forcing me to marry. Bringing them all here at least mitigates the danger of the killer taking things further.”

That was more than Semote had gotten out of her so far, but still... “That doesn’t tell me how you feel about any of them.”

“Astute observation.” There was something almost playful in her eyes as she looked back at him. “And the moment that becomes relevant to finding out which one of them could be a murderer, maybe I’ll share that too.”

Semote sighed. It wasn’t as though he was an open book either. Or an unencrypted one. “Do you know anything about an argument between your father and one of the suitors?”

“No, I wanted nothing to do with the whole thing at the time.” Rowena hesitated for a moment. “You should learn what you can, but be careful, try to find multiple sources. Even the innocent ones might see it as an opportunity to weaken a rival if they thought it would get back to me.”

Semote nodded. “What are you planning on doing about Valerian?”

“I was planning on giving him a dignified send-off tomorrow morning. Or an undignified one. It may depend upon how I’m feeling.”

“That’s what everyone expects, certainly.” Semote paused. “Would you have done the same if I’d decided he was our killer?”

“My options concerning the other houses are limited.” Rowena’s tone dropped. “Imprisoning a noble would be an act of war. Even making the wrong accusations, if unsubstantiated, could disrupt a peace that’s been standing for generations. We will have to tread carefully if the time comes.”

Semote frowned. “So you’d consider just letting him get away with it?”

Rowena looked back at him. “I can promise you this is far more personal for me than for you. But I will have to live with the consequences for longer. And I don’t yet know how this will end. Is that a problem?”

“Yes.” Semote spoke the words without thinking. The princess fixed her gaze on him, challenging him to say why. He took a breath. “If we let a murderer slip away to strike again or coerce someone else into marrying them, my presence here may have done no good at all. We should either deal with this properly or there’s no point.”

“I don’t have any intention of escaping that particular fate to leave it to someone else.” Rowena replied, carefully delivering each word. “But we’ll need to be judicious with whatever we uncover. If we move at the wrong time or in the wrong manner, we accomplish nothing.”

“And where does that leave us with Valerian?”

“You said it yourself. No one could spend any amount of time around him and not know the kind of man he is. If I thought there was a risk there, I might consider saying something. But I don’t think we need to damage his reputation any further. Will you be satisfied to see him leave?”

“Yes, but maybe not right away.” Semote paused. “I had another idea I’d like you to consider. Would you be willing to put up with Valerian for a while longer?”

“I suppose. What did you have in mind?”

“I’d like to see how the rest of the group reacts under pressure. Come dinner, I’d like you to play Valerian up as the favorite. Make the rest think this might all be ending soon, with him as your pick. I want to observe how they take it.”

“I suppose my conscience can take leading him on a little longer.” Rowena replied wryly. “All right. We’ll see what happens.”

---

By his own request, Semote ended up seated between Wesley and Gideon for dinner. There were five men left the princess appeared to consider as serious prospects, and he had spent the most time with Darius, Cedric, and Lucien. Alexander and Cedric took the long walk down to the far end of the table when it was their time to be seated—a detail Semote knew signified nothing, but after tonight he suspected the seating arrangement would be read as a scorecard of sorts. Valerian took his seat in the spot closest to the princess without acknowledging any of the other guests, perfectly composed.

Rowena spent the dinner engaged in conversation with Valerian, although Semote thought that calling it a conversation would be doing a disservice to the art of monologue. True to her word, the princess had singled out Valerian to be on the receiving end of her attentions, and he was capitalizing on the opportunity by regaling her with stories and anecdotes all centering around himself. Watching Rowena zeroed in on Valerian with a rapt gaze, Semote observed a condescending smirk from Valerian aimed in his direction. Rowena caught his eye briefly in a knowing glance, and Semote forced himself to turn away before he spent the rest of the evening trying to make eyes at her. He wasn’t doing this for her attention, he reminded himself. And being too obvious would spoil the ruse.

It looked like Rowena was taking advantage of her lack of participation in the one-sided table talk to finish off her dinner quickly. No sooner had she finished, than she excused herself for the evening. She promised to see them all tomorrow, saving one last look for Valerian. Valerian and Skye took off almost immediately afterwards, leaving the rest of the table sitting in an uncomfortable silence.

Cedric was the first one to speak. “Please tell me I’m not the only one who has a problem with this.”

Alexander looked more amused than anything else. “I’d wager everyone here has a problem with everyone else. But I think you’re wrong to be concerned. It’s not about who catches her eye at the start, but who has it at the end.”

“But come on.” Cedric laid his arms on the table, his plate of food still untouched. “After today’s performance, I honestly thought we were about to be rid of him. It seems no matter how much of a buffoon he is or how badly he screws up, she doesn’t seem to take notice. Are we really going to let her make this big of a mistake without saying something?”

“It is not our choice to make, Cedric.” Gideon spoke firmly, putting down his fork. He wiped the crumbs out of his beard and continued. “You are here as Rowena’s guest, the same as the rest of us. However she chooses to exercise her hospitality is her business.”

“But you know what he’s like, he’s terrible.” Cedric was refusing to let up. “It’s not fair at all. It’s obvious he doesn’t deserve to have her, let alone all of Lithos.”

The table grew silent. Gideon locked eyes with Cedric for a moment before he spoke. “In the final estimation, I doubt any of us deserve that. She’s not going to marry one of us because someone proves themselves more worthy in this short span of time than anyone did over the past few years. She’s going to do so because the laws of our land require it. Whoever marries her will have a difficult burden to bear. And if that ends up being you, you should hope we treat you with more grace than you showed tonight.”

Cedric shook his head and stood up. “I’m not going to apologize for saying anything about that man. And if any of the rest of you cared about her at all, you wouldn’t stand for this either. But I guess sitting around and doing nothing is easier, isn’t it?”

The stomping of Cedric’s feet echoed down the hall as he left. Semote couldn’t help but feel a little guilty for being the ultimate instigator of the nighttime drama. Darius looked more than a little uncomfortable. Lucien was keeping whatever thoughts he had to himself, although he looked a little pleased when Cedric finally left. And Wesley...strangely, Wesley had seemed the least affected by Valerian’s special treatment at dinner and by Cedric’s outburst. Semote thought he had even caught Wesley rolling his eyes at one point. Was he genuinely indifferent to the outcome of his attempted courtship, or did he know something the rest didn’t?

Semote leaned over to speak to Wesley. “So, do you think this means it’s time to pack up my things?”

“Quite the opposite.” Wesley spoke softly, with a smile on his face. “I suspect we’ll soon see our little game of love claim its first victim. I would be surprised if Lord Valerian made it to the next dinner.”

Interesting, Semote thought. “And why is that?”

“You gave us a good show at his expense today, so I suppose I can let you in on a secret.” Wesley’s voice became a whisper. “Did you see the way she was talking to him?”

“I assume everybody did.”

“Not really, I think. She’s faking it.” Wesley’s smile was approaching a smirk. “She was enduring his company, not enjoying it. You should see her when she’s genuinely lost in the moment—it takes over her whole face, a difference I happen to be familiar with. She was flirting to make someone else jealous. I have my own theory as to whom of course.” Wesley leaned back.

“You sure you’re not just seeing what you want to see?”

Wesley frowned for a moment, then shook his head. “No. I know her better than that. We used to be close. Quite close in fact. Which actually makes this competition harder to deal with.”

“Really.” Semote watched Wesley carefully. “Listening to Cedric, you’d think he was the only one who had any feelings for her.”

“Please.” Wesley groaned, his voice rising back to its previous level. “Do not get me started on Cedric. If he does end up marrying Rowena he’ll spend all his time sulking about how her love doesn’t measure up to his expectations. He thinks if he plays the white knight and proves himself worthy, someday she’ll see what she’s been missing and fall at his feet. No amount of performative chivalry entitles you to love, especially not from a woman like that. You want it, you have to fight for it.”

“And that’s what you intend to do?”

“It’s what I’ve done, and what I’ll continue to do. That woman’s love is the only prize worth having.” Wesley raised his glass in a mock toast. “And may the best man win.”

---

Two years ago

“So, how is married life?”

“It’s a lot like single life, but with more sneaking around.” Lucinda fanned herself with one hand. “Thank goodness my first child turned out to be a son though. It’s opened up my options considerably.”

Rowena shook her head. She’d never been one to judge her friend, even now, but that didn’t make it any easier to hear. “Raynor doesn’t care what you do at this point?”

“If nothing else comes of this marriage, I’ve given him a son and a legitimate heir. I’ve fulfilled my duty. And as for where that leaves me, let’s just say I’ve learned to take love where I can find it.” Lucinda’s eye turned towards the guests milling around, passing from one face to the next.

Rowena felt like it would be cruel to talk about her own romantic dreams at this point, so she simply said nothing and followed her friend’s gaze across the crowd. Rowena was always more drawn to the happy couples, watching them interact and the way they seemed to play off each other in conversation. Lucinda appeared to be setting her eye on the single young men. One of them in particular looked like he was stealing glances back at her, a handsome young man with silky black hair and a winning smile he was currently sharing with a woman standing next to him.

“Is he one of yours?” Rowena asked.

Lucinda smiled. “He hasn’t had that honor, although from what I hear he still keeps himself busy. But I don’t think it’s me he’s interested in.”

“Then why does he keep looking over here?”

Lucinda looked back at her. “You poor girl. You really haven’t let any of this get to your head, have you? Come on, let’s not make him wait any longer.” She waved at the man, and beckoned for him to come over.

The man excused himself from his other conversation, and walked towards them with that same smile. Rowena had a suspicion if she could see her own face, she’d find herself blushing. “You don’t think...”

“I know.”

“But what am I supposed to say?”

“Let him do most of the talking if you want. Conversation is overrated, compared to your other options. You should go have a little fun.”

Rowena shushed her friend and focused her attention on the man now standing in front of them. He bowed to them both, but his eyes lingered on her. “The ladies Lucinda and Rowena. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

Rowena tried to ignore the look Lucinda was giving her. “Thank you. And you are?”

“Wesley of Gilder, at your service.”

Lucinda was quick to respond. “We have a service you might be able to provide. Rowena was just complaining that she wished she could head out to the dance floor, but was afraid she might end up with some bore.”

“That does sound like a serious problem.” Wesley looked over to Rowena. “I’m sure I could find you any number of fascinating fellows to keep you occupied. Do you have any preferences for size, shape, or temperament? There’s this friend of mine who’s an amazing dancer, but he’s a bit of a grouch.”

“I think you’ll do just fine.” Lucinda replied, gently pushing Rowena forward. “Off you go now.”

Rowena grabbed on to Wesley’s hand to stabilize herself, and ended up being led towards the dance floor. She clung onto his hand—telling herself it was for direction, warmth, and definitely not something else. Wesley came to a halt, and turned towards Rowena, raising the hand holding hers up and bringing his other hand to her waist. He gently took her right hand and brought it over his shoulder. They stood there for a few moments, as the music began to play.

“Do you know what to do from here?” Wesley asked.

Rowena permitted herself to raise an eyebrow. “Do you?”

It soon became apparent that he did. Wesley led her through a few basic steps, then into a gradually escalating series of maneuvers that had her spinning and turning in every direction. Early on she tensed up, not sure if Wesley was going to let her fall or lead her into the path of another couple, but she gradually began to relax and get into the flow of it, as he proved to be deft enough to handle himself.

She was both relieved and disappointed when the dance was over. The next song was a much more relaxed waltz. Wesley seemed to be taking his time on this one, gazing thoughtfully at her. She looked back at him carefully. There was something in his eyes she recognized.

“So, what do you plan on doing when all of Lithos is yours?”

Wesley laughed quietly. “That’s not why I’m here.”

“It could hardly have escaped your attention.”

“I know how this must look, but I can prove it to you.” Wesley looked down at her. “I’m not interested in your money, or the title. I’m interested in you. You can keep trying to figure out who you want to be Lord of Lithos someday. But when you’re not doing that, you should spend some time with me.”

“Doing what exactly? This doesn’t exactly sound like a proper courtship.”

“Not a courtship per se.” Wesley smiled at her again. “But perhaps doing some of the other things people do together.”

Rowena missed a step, and had to catch herself to keep up. “You’re really going to try aren’t you.” She didn’t know whether to laugh or be offended. That wasn’t exactly true however, she knew how she was supposed to feel. She just didn’t know how she did feel. “I don’t know if that would be as good of a deal for me as it would be for you.”

“I’m pretty sure it would be an amazing deal for you.” Wesley responded. “Consider it leveling the playing field. A young man in my position has plenty of opportunities to test love’s waters without making an enduring commitment. But I imagine you deal with plenty of young men where if you so much as hold their hands, they’ll announce to the world that wedding bells are about to ring.”

Wesley took her on a quick spin and turned her to face him again. “We can both worry about who we want to marry and where our lives are going later. But right now: you’re here, you’re beautiful, and I think it would be a waste not to simply enjoy ourselves.” He leaned in, bringing their faces closer. “So, what do you think?”

Rowena felt herself lean into him, then pulled herself away at the last moment. “An intriguing offer, Lord Wesley.” She was breathing more heavily than she wanted to be right now. “I will take it under consideration.”

Wesley bowed, seemingly unshaken, and grinned back at her. “I hope you do.”

---

To be continued in Chapter 6, available here: