The rest of the ceremony went peacefully as other clans fought each other and inched to the pinnacle. Penum and I were poring over our plan frequently and correcting even a minor misstep. According to our strategy, I should have reached the final fight with Lee and then lose. I couldn't become my own bodyguard, could I? Okay, I could. It was just what Penum filled my head with. I agreed with his only statement that I needed Lee by my side in that palace. If Lee became my sentry, Penum would gain more respect, and his promotion as the king's advisor would be delightful!
The amount of information and power he would obtain was immense. But there was another thing too. We agreed that I would blackmail Axel. If he didn't fill me in with the sources regarding my tremendous threat, I would win the competition and announce myself as my guard, which would taint his name. No king would allow that. The thing was… if he refused, he would win. In any case, I had to lose against Lee, and revealing myself after the combat was over was useless. It only favored us if I won and took the spot of my sentry.
"Rebel?"
The woman called Adriana pulled me out of a daze as I sighed and faced the surroundings. Axel, with his comrades and priestess along with other dolled-up women, were resting in the vast terrace as the shimmering stars played across the dark sky.
My eyes caught beautifully carved pillars as the fierce dragons were engraved in them. The moonstone arches led to the lounge area, which was at the lower level of the terrace. The round glass tables offered us platters full of different food. Smoked meat, exquisite assorts of cheese, and various sweets: tartlets, small, delicate cakes, and other pastries.
I would add wine to the list, but everyone already held a glass of wine, swirling and savoring the rich, velvety liquid.
A chilly breeze caressed my cheeks as the sparkling night left me speechless. The star-flecked darkness was never this comforting.
If only I could catch Axel alone. NO! Don't be a pervert. I didn't mean it like that! I wanted to discuss that mating bond thing with him.
"Princess, how did you like today's matches?"
The melodic sound poured into me and warmed my shivering body. I looked up at Ash from my cushioned chair as everyone's gazes landed on me.
"I enjoyed them."
"What do you think about Lee from the shadow clan?"
Ash was leaning with his side to the pillar with Harley standing at the other side of it as he bore into my eyes and swirled his wine. Ash was tall and lean but had broad shoulders and was screaming to be hugged. His droopy honey eyes were beaming at me, and overall he was stealing the spotlight.
"He's a decent sorcerer."
"Only decent? I liked him."
Axel sat in the seat before Harley and Ash. His eyes were burning holes in my soul, yearning for my attention. They all were wearing pants and plain shirts as if the sun was melting surroundings.
"Yeah," Danu sighed, "he is good."
The green-haired man was sprawled in his seat beside Axel. Seriously, why did these men had that long legs?
"I liked the one from the…." Harley gave to pondering as he gazed at the voidness at my feet, "Lost clan, was it?"
Ash tilted his head to the side and seemed to contemplate Harley's statement.
"Nah, he struggled too much," Danu said half-heartedly. "We need someone much stronger for our queen. I offered you myself Axe-"
"No. You are needed in the second division, Danu." Axel waved a hand at him and rolled his eyes. He was the most careless king ever. How did he obtain so much respect?
At this, everyone burst into a peal of laughter as Axel's lips tugged into a lopsided smile at me.
"Good question, princess," Ash said as he smiled at me. Then he started advancing towards me before he squatted in front of me.
"Just call me Rebel when we are in the circle."
"Sure. I itched for you to offer me that," Ash admitted with his mellifluous voice, and Harley clicked his tongue while Axel gave him a soft chuckle. "Now," a playful smile reflected on his face as he went on, "How about I teach you some cool moves?"
Women sitting to either of my sides burned holes into me because I got Ash's attention.
The blood raced in my veins as the excitement clouded my mind. Would Ash tutor me?
The blonde lowly chuckled and caressed the back of my hand.
"I would die for you, Rebel." He winked at me, and guys threw taunts at him as Axel shook his head.
"What did Axel mean in divisions?" I asked and sipped my wine, but the glass was snatched from me, causing red droplets to splatter my pants.
I glared at Axel, whose hand waved simultaneously as my glass, floating in the air, was placed on the table.
"No alcohol for babies," Ash said and winked at me as I stuck my tongue out at him. Axel had his legs spread while smirking at me.
"Axel has five divisions. Ash is the captain of the first one, I'm the captain of the second one, and Harley is the third one." Danu replied.
"Think of divisions as armed squads ready to assist the king without anticipating for the profit, Rebel," Ash explained.
I never asked about the remaining two squads.
The rest of the night went smoothly in waves of laughter and a soothing aura. As everyone left the terrace, I approached Axel, who was staring at the sky and leaning on the rails.
"Axel?"
"Hm?" He turned to me, and as our eyes met, he gave me a soft smile. This time it was devoid of playfulness or mockery.
"I wanted to…um…." I stuttered as I realized how close I stepped to him.
Axel quirked his eyebrows before he faced the sweeping view and grinned.
"Talk about the mating bond?" Axel turned to me again, and this time I averted my gaze from his addictive dark blue eyes.
"Yeah."
To my surprise, he strolled towards me and stopped in mere inches from me.
"I ordered to leave our clothes in your chamber. You don't have to wear those stupid dresses you had in the River kingdom every day." Axel stuffed his pockets with his hands.
My pulse quickened as I couldn't hide my delight. I smiled at Axel, and he returned the expression.
"It will be held only formally. I won't touch you, dumbass." The raven-haired man poked my forehead as I flinched and involuntarily shut my eyes.
As the faint sting faded away, I opened my eyes to be met by the loneliness. Swiftly I walked to the covered area and froze as I saw Axel sauntering in the palace. Gosh, that jerk was getting less annoying. Or did I develop Soe liking towards him?
I smiled as I hopped inside and marched towards my room.
***
The following day I woke up feeling delightful. I stretched my limbs and jumped from my bed. Olivia barged into the room alongside my maids and started arranging my day.
I tried calling her Karen to anger her, but she laughed so hard we had to wait a few minutes. So… That plan didn't work. Long story short, I had to endure her singing and hyperactivate dancing as she prepared me for breakfast.
At last, I stormed out of my chamber dressed in a crop top and leather pants. My hair was braided and dangled behind me. Da da da, da da da. Life was good. Lalalala. I wasn't going to have kids! Kids were…Disturbing.
My eyes widened instinctively as I imagined those things jumping all around the palace. No.
Before I could halt my steps, I approached Axel's room. Why was I so excited? I didn't even like him—wink, wink.
"Rebel?"
I turned around and was met by Harley, who looked dead serious like always.
"If I were you, I wouldn't step any further."
I blinked twice before detecting him walking towards me.
"You aren't me, though," I complained, but he grabbed my hand and dragged me towards the other end of the hall.
As we neared the stairs, I twisted his arm without a second thought, but he hugged my body to prevent me from escaping.
"Pft… Harley? You are just Axel junior." I mocked him as he fake grinned.
I pushed him and instantly yelped as we both fell down the stairs.