Page 101 of Their Fierce Little Monster

Everyone cheers, and my stomach sinks because I doubt he has a second set of special attendees he’s referring to.

“Please join me,” the king says, calling each of us by name.

Corvin takes the first step, and everyone parts for us. Suddenly, I feel as though I’m being led to judgment.

The king’s eyes glint in the sunlight, and I hate standing in front of all these strangers.

“The maze challenge is open to everyone, and I’ve completed it myself many times.” King Slate turns to us, smiling as though proud of his stupid maze. “So what do you say? Will you accept my challenge for some fun?”

I grin out of politeness, while my stomach still twists.

Corvin bows his head, saying, “Your Majesty, we are deeply honored, but with so many eager participants waiting in the audience, we are happy to step back and let them enjoy this amusement. There is still so much for us to explore in your beautiful gardens.”

Thank the Gods he’s got the right idea. If I had it my way, we’d be leaving.

“I understand,” the king says with a shrug, as though he honestly doesn’t care but was simply putting on a show. “If you’d prefer to⁠—”

“Your Majesty,” the Gamemaster interrupts, stepping out from the crowd in a black suit over a purple button-up shirt. “Surely our guests cannot deny a king’s request?” His gaze sweeps over us, landing firmly on Corvin. “Are you scared of a child’s game?”

Corvin’s shoulders jerk back, and Lian huffs, puffing out his chest. The king stands there, and his darkening expression puts us in a shitty position.

Except Kazak steps forward. “No insult intended, and if it means that much to you, Gamemaster, we’d be happy to accept the king’s offer.” He faces the king. “Your Majesty, we would be honored.” He gives a slight bow.

But something feels wrong with the whole damn thing.

The king approaches Kazak and pats him on the shoulder. “I admire your good humor.” Then he whips toward the audience and claps. “We have our next contestants.”

Suddenly, they all roar and applaud, and I start to feel sick.

Lian glares at the Gamemaster as though he’s about to launch himself at him and tear his head from his neck.

“The rules are easy.” The king paces toward the maze’s thorny entrance. “At the center of the labyrinth, you’ll discover your bounty. Collect it and bring it back. You must return as a team to win. If any team members are missing, you’ve failed. The purpose of the maze is to establish teamwork and trust.” He grins directly at me. “Seems fitting, don’t you think?”

The guards usher us inside, and it’s all happening too fast. They make it sound like fun, except I feel the opposite.

The nobles are yelling at us about being fast and bringing back the bounty.

Sure, it sounds easy, and maybe I’m reading too much into my paranoia?

Then we’re heading down a dirt path flanked by lofty walls of greenery and tiny flowers. The sun beats down overhead, heating me, and I wait for the real reason to drop on us any second now.

I stroll alongside Corvin, while Kazak and Lian lead us.

“All right,” Lian turns to face us and walks backward. “Maybe that Gamemaster dick wasn’t plotting something for us and wanted us to enjoy the maze!”

Kazak fake-chokes, while Corvin chortles.

“I highly doubt that, but go on. You were saying?” I ask.

“Just saying, this should be easy, and I bet we can set a royal record. In and out, faster than that last couple.”

“Fuck that,” Corvin murmurs. “We don’t need to prove anything to anyone. I don’t want to be in this fucking maze, so they can damn well wait. On the bright side, we’re here and not with all those nobles sucking up to the king.”

“Says the heir to a throne,” Lian answers, turning around to march ahead of us.

“Doesn’t mean I like it,” Corvin snaps. “I hate those damn gatherings back in the court.”

“I’m with Corvin. Collect the bounty and get out. Then we say we’re exhausted and retiring to our room,” I suggest.