I Refuse to be a Named Character

Part 7

He stared at me "You had a name before, right? In your old world? Will you take that name back?"

"No." I shook my head, thinking of my life before I arrived in this world. "I... was a very different person" A weak person. Dependent on Chloe and her good opinion. Scared to be alone. "I don't want to be that person again. I'll choose a new name."

I met Luke's eyes as I spoke, surprised to see him blush slightly. Looking away, he mumbled. "Well, when you do want a name... there's something I call you in my heart..."

Seeing his embarrassed, flushed appearance, I couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, when we've gotten through this safely. I'd love to hear you call my name."

"..." He nodded slowly, his hand still tightly holding my own. The warmth of his palm seemed to travel up my arm, settling in my chest, my heartbeat increasing as the silence stretched between us.

Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. "So... the second party."

Luke let go of my hand, leaning back in his chair to sip his now-cold tea. "When you told me you know how to convince the Nine Lords to support me...?"

"It was because I know how Graham did it in the books."

"But then no one has the advantage, right?" he frowned as he thought. "Graham's party can convince the Lord's, and Fetter has your sister who has the same knowledge as you do."

"That would be true... if this world were the same as 'Deadly Crown.'" I rubbed my hands together. "Which is why I have a plan."

We spent the rest of the night plotting and scheming.

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Before long, the next party had begun.

Everyone had gathered again, but the tension in the room had greatly increased, to an almost palpable level. I clenched my fists into the skirt of the grey silk gown Luke had prepared for me, the smooth sensation against my palm strangely comforting as I stared at the battleground before me.

There were nine Lords, nine keys, and we needed five of them.

"Are you ready?" Luke leaned in closely, grabbing one of my hands in his own with a grin. Before I could answer, a loud voice interrupted, grabbing the room's attention.

"His Royal Majesty would like to say a few words!" The servant bowed deeply as he spoke, turning the room's attention towards the gold encrusted throne and the figure sitting upon it.

It was my first view of the king, Luke's father. He was older than I imagined, his hair and beard grey. His straight-backed form was draped in deep purple robes, a tall golden crown resting on top of his head. His face would have been considered attractive, I could see certain similarities to Luke and Graham, if not for his eyes.

His eyes were a dark green, filled with a certain arrogance as he stared down at the crowd. But there wasn't just arrogance...

His eyes were filled with madness.

We're all crazy.

I remembered Fetter's words from the last party, and shuddered. I felt the hand holding my own tighten almost uncomfortably. Looking up, Luke's solemn face stared down at me, before seemingly forcing a reassuring smile. I smiled back, trying to hide my unease, before looking back up to the man on the throne.

"Welcome all to the final test of the remaining heirs to the throne." The king grinned, appearing unconcerned regarding the fact that the majority of his sons were dead. "Over tonight and tomorrow night, the nine Lords will make their selections of who they believe to be the next best king. Whichever of you three brings five keys at the end of the third party will be allowed to open this chest which contains the next crown and seal." He gestured to a solid gold chest on the platform next to him which had five locks around its closure. "Good luck."