“As you all heard last night, the maze trials were won for the first time in thirty years. However…” The King motions toward me, waving me closer. Malachi nudges me when I don’t move.
I stagger closer, the King offering me his hand and his eyes flicker in warning not to disobey the offer. I take his hand, and he tugs me closer.
“Your winner, Zirah here. Refused her prize and asked for her freedom.” The crowd lifts their heads, all looking at me with curiosity.
“Now I am sure you are wondering what prize she turned down?” The King speaks, murmurs break out, following his silence, and my heart races in my chest.
“As you all know, I am trying to choose between my sons, which are eligible for the Throne to the four Kingdoms. The prize she turned down was a marriage. Now, since she asked for her freedom, I am obligated to give it as you know already.” The crowds murmurs grow louder and the King raises his hand and stamps his golden staff on the stage, making them fall quiet.
“I have granted Zirah her freedom, on one condition, which is why I have had your partners and daughters gathered here.” the King speaks clearly and I see the three Kings step forward, casting confused glances at their father.
“That condition is, Zirah here must choose twenty women to survive the Maze trials in exchange for her freedom.” My heart nearly leaps out of my chest as I take in the sea of faces watching me. The women wail and parents and men fight to get past the guards. The King smiles and turns to me, yet the unruly crowd grows angrier. After a few minutes, the King grows tired and growls, making the town square fall silent.
“Malachi, take Zirah down to pick her twenty contestants.” King Theron orders and Malachi climbs a few steps toward me and offers me his hand.
“Oh and Shelley dear, hand Zirah her bag and the gold.” the King snaps at her, and she steps forward. I shake my head, not wanting his blood money.
“You refuse?” the King questions and I glance out at the crowd all watching me with tear-stained faces.
blood money!” I sneer and the King smiles.
well, now choose!” he growls. Malachi seizes my arm and pulls me down
which are around my age. They all shake, tears streaming and whimpering as Malachi leads me past each one and makes me stop.
shoulder at the King, who has an unreadable expression on his face. Malachi
older than the first. The girls whimper and plead, and their parents plead in the background as I Malachi leads me to the end. He dismisses the next row and motions toward
states, but how do I choose
I move toward the stage. “Are you confused about whom to choose? I can ask my sons if they have a preference?” King Theron asks. I glance at the three Kings who look
All virgins come forward!” The King orders, and the
can tell who is pure or not. Now step forward!” The King orders. The girls stumble forward, clutching each other, and crying. They were all teenage girls. Yet some of the older ones also
you.”
forward at various ages, while those with blond or red hair are
that is willing to die on the end of his cock.” The King ponders, steepling his fingers under his
tits and ass, father,” Zeke
they are ushered forward and the rest are released. “Now that should make it a little easier. Go ahead, Zirah, and pick twenty to enter the trials. They will
given up hope. Around forty remain and most were younger than me.
ten minutes or they all enter the maze.” King Theron states. The women wail and cry and my heart breaks for them.
to state their name and age. Knowing their names makes it harder to decide. Moving to the next girl, I know I can’t decide, but if I don’t, all will be forced to