Page 21 of This Prince Is Not Charming

Ceri

Sconces blazed to life on the stone walls around us, the sparsely filled room now dimly lit. We all looked like we’d just been through a battle, hair going in all directions, clothes rumpled, faces drawn, and our crowns all glowing brighter than they had in the throne room.

“Where is the prince?” Siobhan asked, and we all looked around the circular space.

“If I had to wager a guess, I’d say he’s not here.” Meera studied her long claws.

My mouth dropped open. They were right. Cillian was gone. Panic seized me, and my throat went dry as I imagined him falling in that dark space, getting lost, never coming back.

“Hey.” Marsten put an arm around me. “I’m sure he’s fine.”

“The high prince is safe,” Morton said from above us, perched on a stone that jutted out of the wall. “However, the seven of you are not.”

Everyone gasped.

“I’m kidding,” he said, clearly enjoying this far too much. “I already made it clear that none of you are in danger. Does anyone listen to me?”

“Morton, can you get to the point?” I planted my hands on my hips. “We’re all tired and a little rattled, and frankly, I think we could use some answers.”

He sent me a pointed stare. “Might I remind you that as the master of these trials, I will reveal information as I see fit.”

“Look, I think his head might be growing,” Marsten mumbled.

“Welcome to your first trial.” Morton’s wings spread out like he was making some grand pronouncement.

“Why are there no doors or windows?” Clio asked as the flames around her head whirled and sparked viciously.

Morton sighed. “I would love it if I could get through my speech without any interruptions.” Clio’s mouth snapped shut as she glared at the bookwyrm. “That’s better. Now, for trial one: the seven of you are locked in this tower, and it is up to you to escape. A good queen must be the light for her people in the dark. Good luck.”

With a pop, the bookwyrm disappeared.

“Without champagne this is far less fun,” Marsten said.

“What are we going to do?” Lila asked, blue eyes wide and chin trembling. She looked so helpless in this circular room, her small frame trembling. “I have to get back to Grayson. Who’s going to cook his supper?”

“He’s a grown man,” Marsten said. “I think Grayson can cook Grayson’s supper.”

Lila glared at him. “I do it for him.”

“Do you also do all his washing and pack him a lunch every day?” Meera said, voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Of course I do,” Lila said.

“Shite,” Meera mumbled.

My mind was already whirling with possibilities as I glanced around the tower. “It’s like a puzzle.”

“Why do you sound so excited by that?” Meera asked.

“Because puzzles are fun.”

Father and I loved doing puzzles, and it was often a way to wind down at night, to calm my father before bedtime, to occupy his brain so he couldn’t worry about anything else.

Siobhan stepped forward, chin raised. “Like Morton said, a good queen must find the light.”

“There’s a light.” Marsten pointed at Clio’s fiery head. “And it’s warm. Ooh.” He rubbed his hands together while Clio swatted at him.

“We’re going to have to work together on this,” I said. “Everyone spread out and study every detail. Mention anything you notice.”