The day came to an end, fifteen contestants were able to pass to the final round including Rose and Roy.
- You were amazing, Albert. Your skills are scary, I understand why John wanted to keep you away from the competition. You will definitely succeed.
- You too Roy, you are a fine swordsman. I hope we will be chosen the two of us.
They came back to the camp, but all the tents were gone.
- What's going on here? Where is our tent? And our luggage?
While they were in chaos, the knights' commander Jude came towards them.
- Don't panic fellas, you will be our guests for tonight. your luggage was already taken to the palace. Come on, follow me.
- Are we going to spend the night in the palace?
- Yeah, it seems so.
Rose was so excited, this is her first time visiting a place like that. She heard from other people's stories, how beautiful and luxurious was the palace. But what she saw was beyond her imagination.
The fancy decorations, Golden statues scattering in every corner, the big crystal chandelier on the ceiling, the marble floor. She felt like she was in a beautiful dream that she didn't want to wake up from.
Sir Jude took them to their rooms.
- Everyone will have his own room with a private bathroom. Take a shower, you stink.
The contestants sniffed themselves
" Of course, we stink, since we got in the contest, we barely have time to eat or to sleep"
As soon as she went in and closed the door, Rose took off the headcover and jumped on the bed.
- Ahhh, laying down on a bed did never feel this good... I need to take a shower first.
She went directly to the bathroom and took a quick shower.
" I can't let my guard down, anything can happen tonight"
She wore new clothes that were specially prepared for them. A pair of black pants with a white shirt and a long black jacket. They didn't fit her perfectly, but they were better than her old worn clothes.
She laid down on the bed while thinking about tomorrow.
" Are we going to fight again?"
Suddenly the door knocked:
- The food is ready, come down to eat everyone, a big feast is waiting for all of you.
" What good timing, I feel very hungry, their food is delicious"
She put her mask on, then she headed down with the rest of the contestants.
There was a big table full of all kinds of food prepared for them. The smell was irresistible.
- Come on everyone, take your seats, this food is for you.
Said sir Jude while smiling at them.
" He seems like a nice man"
They sat down and started eating immediately, After a short time, all the food was gone and everyone was full.
- The food was very delicious, I ate as much as I can.
- Yeah, me too.
Sir Jude stood in front of them while smiling widely:
- Did everyone eat well?
- Yes, sir. Replied the contestants at the same time.
- Good. Now listen to me everyone, we put poison in the food. If you don't get the antidote in less than an hour, you will die.
- ....
- I know it is quite a shock, but time is running, I suggest you move right away.