(CHAPTER FIVE)
FINALLY THE SUMMER TOURNAMENT HAD CAUGHT UP. BRITHA WAS WAITING FOR THIS DAY. But she wouldn't let anyone else know it. It was being held on the edge of the cliff on Insweal the isle of woe. Due to them being a numerous group, Her family decided to leave a little earlier to get a good view when they chose their seats. Of course with her father being the master of alchemy he had no problem getting one. In fact they all ended up placing a row under the High King and his royal family. A crowd gathers around the tented box him and his family were to be placed. Eldreds, symbol Long cream colored banners whip through the air. A tree that is half white flowers, half white thorns with roots dangling under it and a crown on top. It shows the allied relationship between the Seelie and Unseelie courts. Last but not least the wild fey under one crown representing the regal Greenbriar Line.
The eldest son, Prince Balekin sprawled in carved chair, with three attendents behind him. His sister Rhyia nicknamed "The Huntress" sits beside him. Her eyes intently on the potential combatants below.
From the corner of her eye, Britha sees Jude straighten up a little.
"You're not planning to back pedal now, I hope?" She makes sure her voice is loud enough for the mortal to hear but low enough for everyone else. Jude simply gives her a silent look. Displeased the witch asked that sort of question.
Ever since they ended up leaving the mall that day there were awkward and short exchanges all around. It was lovely meeting Heather, Vivi's girlfriend. She had quite a personality and was not judgemental at all. Although it seemed Vivi still wanted to keep the fae realm a secret from her. Britha didn't know how it was going to work but it wasn't any of her business to pry. It wasn't until they all left that ended up in an altercation with nuisances ready to ruin the rest of their day.
Jude saw red. She ended up getting a good kick out of a pink haired boy with spiky hair. Britha didn't blame the mortal. It was clearly in her instinct. But she couldn't help but have a feeling that Jude enjoyed pummeling him more than she thought. She didn't question it.
Seemed from then on Judes mood began to sour even more. Of course she still attended classes and did what she was supposed to do. Still there was that feeling of caution Britha felt around the mortal during countdown of the tournament. And it didn't help when Cardan, of course the last straw of it, decided to do what he did best. Which was belittle those before him. He ended up making Taryn cry which caused Jude to shove him in front of some of her classmates, Britha was also amongst them and witnessed their slight altercation.
"Oh." Cardans mouth turned up slightly his cold gaze meeting Judes. "You're going to regret doing that."
Which brings them back to the lovely tournament. Tension was high all around. Everyone participating wanted to win this thing and prove to be the best. Britha notices Fand gather around some of her teammates no doubt giving them a pep talk to calm their nerves. Jude however still looks uneasy as she looks around. Britha tries not to mind the stares being thrown their way. With them being the only witch and mortal on the field, of course they would gain more scrutiny than most.
Shifting her attention elsewhere, she notices Cardan and his friends standing to the side. He looks proud and haughty with silver on his arms and chest. he also carries a plate of gleaming steel that hooks over his shoulders and it looks more ornamental than protective. While assessing the youngest Greenbriar prince, she is too late in looking away when his eyes meet hers. Deciding not to give him satisfaction she doesn't look away instead she holds his gaze.
He gives her a condescending smirk in return.
"Britha!" Fand calls out breaking her stare down with the prince. Britha doesn't look back at him as the blue pixie in front of her gains all her attention now. Fand gives her a gold band and tells her where to stand. When Britha does as shes instructed, her teammate moves on to the next person, which is Jude.
And then its time, they all troop into field and salute the seat of the High King. Although he hasn't seemed to arrive yet. However Britha noticed the recognizable golden locks that stood out at best. Of course Prince Dain didn't miss a chance to attend. Madoc, Judes foster father is diligently standing next to him.
While saluting she managed to catch her family as well. Allora and Jaser wave excitedly at her while her father and step mother give her warm and encouraging smiles. Nyathera is seated and gives her a nod. Britha couldn't help but be touched that they all came to see and support her. Giving them a short greeting in return she notices Dain look at her, but she tries not to catch his eye. She knows what he expects out of this tournament. Results and promising results at that. Jude passes by her without saying a word.
If Britha could cut the tension with a knife she would. But for now she focused on surviving the rounds of the tournament. Instead of following Jude she went the opposite direction.
Everything about this round of action screamed strategy. Britha decided to do what she did best. Was to observe her opponents before her while also keeping a safe distance. She decided to set her eyes on Nicasia first, Nicasia wasn't as active and avid as much as the others in the core four. Of course the undersea fae wasn't meek but between her Cardan, Britha found her the easiest to target. Before she could get to the blue haired beauty a pixie from the opposing team rushed towards her, a big mistake Britha knocked him to the ground rather roughly.
"Ouch." She hears Locke laugh as he runs past her. Britha wasn't amused. She had missed Nicasia, no longer was she in her sight. Instead she managed to escape at the end of the field. Britha needed to get to the deer hide as soon as possible. Jude was excelling, she managed to knock down a few opponents in her sight. It was obvious how much she wanted to win this. And it was all because of a certain insufferable prince.
Britha found herself running with him in toe, he seemed to want to tell her something.
"You know if you provoke her even more you're simply making it worse for yourself." Cardan scoffs as he continues to run side by side, blocking her entry.
"I don't think i'll have much trouble she seems to be pretty docile today." That mock smile is back. In her view she could see Jude also in front of them, the mortal girl has her hand clenched tightly on her sword.
"Say that now but then your words will come back to bite you in the arse." Britha shoves the next fae who tries to come at her, but she makes sure to direct her shove towards the prince, who barely misses the hit. He sneers at her.
"Wonder why you care so much. What happened, did you both bond over some hot rosemary tea gossiping about us while braiding each others hair?"
"Hilarious to think I would even spend a minute with you on my mind." Another fae, shoved. "The world really seems to revolve around you in your own delusions."
"Why should it not?"
Britha pauses for a moment. It seems the first round has come to an end, while everyone seems to be heading off the field, she stands there saying one last thing to the prince before running over.
"A sad way to think." With that she leaves him the field. Cardan bares his teeth. There she goes again, walking off and saying what she thinks represents him. Who did she think she was, he'll show her, her and the Duarte girl, he'll show them who will really come on top.
Fand praises the performance of her team as they drink their refreshments, the next round will start in about ten minutes. Britha decides to approach Jude.
"Hey." She startles the mortal girl a bit. "A bit jumpy there." Jude eyes the crowd sitting in the stands.
"Madoc, my foster father is watching." She says meekly. It was easy to tell who Madoc was by the intimidating stature he possessed as well as the green color of his skin. His face was unreadable as he watched the combatants below.
"Is he the one you seek approval from?"
"No rather..." Jude moves her gaze to Taryn.
"Do you have any idea what Cardan would say to my sister?" She asks with a hint of desperation in her voice.
"I'm sorry I am as just in the dark."
"I just don't understand why he would target her. She didn't do anything wrong."
"Instead you want him to target you?" Britha deadpanned.
"Thats not what I mean."
"I just want him to leave us alone." Britha sees everyone is getting around to finishing their break. The second round is about to commence.
"Then make him. Show him you are a force to be reckoned with." She doesn't turn to face her. "At least prove him wrong."
FIRST THING BRITHA IS MET WITH IS THE UGLY FACE THAT POSSESSED THE FAERIE THAT WAS VALERIAN. HE GLOATED WITH SO MUCH UGLINESS SHE REALLY COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. The sadistic faerie crouched down to her eye level. He was baring his sharp teeth at her as if he was some kind of guard dog. They don't say anything but he is the first to strike, he bands the tip of sword as hard onto Brithas head at possible, she loses her composure just for a moment. Luckily with the helmet she was wearing the impact wasn't that bad but he managed to catch her off guard.
She watches his movements, that he wobbles back and forth. The faerie is unstable, he seems to always have a crooked state when standing. Off balance Britha notes, she doesn't do anything until he tries to forcefully knock into her again. This time she brings her sword out, the swords clash against eachother making a sound.
"With the way your attacking me its almost as if you're trying to kill me."
"And what about it madwoman? This is a war."
Madwoman
There it was that nickname again, the one Locke cruelly made up when she showed them the power she possessed. It should have felt mocking, humiliating even.
It just made the witch much more determined.
"You don't belong here just as much. Killing you would be a favor." They clash their swords even closer. "Maybe I should start with your precious family. One by one."
Valerian felt a leg trip him up as he fell on his behind. The impact was hard enough to catch the attention of some combatants near by. Cardan and Jude included. A tip of the sword met his chin as it forced him to meet the eyes of the witch.
What he was met was burning red. The tip of Brithas sword manages to scrape some blood from the nape of his neck.
"Careful now madwoman, people are watching." He says maliciously. Britha wips the sword toward her noticing the blood stain.
"Don't worry, I can show restraint. The real question is can you?" She gives him a smirk. "Because you seem to be seething right now."
"I guess I rejoice in pissing folks off." Valerian rushes foward to her to catch her off guard one last time, but ready for blow Britha manages to knock his helmet out and knock her head into his. It was a brutal impact, but he was knocked to the ground once and for all.
And when she meant knocked out she meant knocked out. Taking his silver armband she nonchantly drags him by the foot and sets him down next to an angry Nicasia who's silver band had already been taken.
"Here leftovers from the ground." She says simply.
"You will pay for this you wench." Nicasia boils behind her. She gets a wave in return. She hears the blue fae still pissed screaming behind her. Some faeries are commenting about how she knocked Valerian out cold. It was rather an embarrassing sight, he wasn't going to wake up anytime soon there for he was eliminated from the tournament.
From a distance she thought she could hear both her siblings cheering.
Britha was rather proud of herself. Adreneline took over as she looked for her next target. Jude was just as bloodthirsty as well, making sure to knock every opponent she came face to face with down. Cardan included. The two girls fought viciously and made sure to spare no one in their sight. On instinct they both tag team the prince, cornering him. Jude slammed her sword onto Cardans chest plate while Britha hurled her shoulder on his side. It was swift move on both their parts and it managed to bring him down.
The crowd cheers in joy. Allora, Jaser and Vivi all stand up as they cheer for their respective loved ones.
The tournament finally ends as the crowd is in a more celebratory mood. The Gold side has won. A pixie tossed flower petals at the winning team, And from the stands Vivi salutes both of them with a goblet while Princess Rhyia applauds politely.
Britha is about to congratulate Jude on her performance until she peeps the look of unhappiness on her face. From the stands both Madoc and Prince Balekin had gone. It was weird to Britha because Madoc didn't service the eldest Prince, He serviced Dain. Was it a coincidence that they had both gone? Thoughts were beginning to form in her head.
Maybe she was exaggerating.
But Dain was still there, talking to his father who finally decided to make an appearance.
"Are you content with yourself?" Cardan corners her when she gets off the field, she rolls her eyes. She does not have time for this. She is about to walk past him but he grabs her face rather roughly. Everyone else was distracted by the victory so nobody takes notice of them.
"Look at you, you are." He sneers. "I wish I could just rip that pretty face of yours." Britha mocks raising her eyebrows.
"Oh so you think i'm pretty. I'm flattered." He tightens his grip on her chin.
"Taking time to think about what I said earlier? Don't think it wasn't deserved." She doesn't miss to add again. From the corner of their eye they see Jude approaching them, angry.
"What are doing?" She asks him angrily once she notices where his hand is placed.
Cardan still has his hand on Brithas chin as he addresses the Duarte girl. "Do you know what mortal means? It means born to die. It means deserving of death. Thats what you are, what defines you...dying." His onyx eyes darken in anger again. "And yet here you stand, determined to oppose me even as you rot away from the inside out. You corrupt corrisive mortal creature."
"Thats it Greenbriar. Let it all out, its always good to tell people how you really feel. And you can't even lie, thats a bonus." Britha quips sarcastically.
"Do you really think you could win against me, a Prince of Faerie?" He questions her. Before she could answer Jude does instead.
"No, I don't." But Britha knows she is lying. His black eyes simmer with rage.
"So your not completely lacking in some small amount of animal cunning. Good now beg my forgiveness." He demands.
"Let go of Britha first." Jude demands back. Instead Cardan lets go of his grip on her chin but still has his arm tightly around her waist.
"No rather lets make this fun." He disregards Jude. Instead he meets his eyes with the witch. A slow crowd begins to form in front of them. Eager for the drama they are about to witness.
"Come on tell me how you really feel." Britha eggs him on again. As always she sounded like she could careless.
"The defiance act is getting old. I'm tired of you ignoring me without giving me a second glance. I'm still your prince. I don't care how much you hate me. You think you know me? I believe i've been way too kind."
"If drowning two innocent mortals in the riverbank is kind then you are so far gone." Britha retaliates.
"Duarte means so much to you? Then take the heat off of her." He moves even closer, his breath meets the tip of her ear. "Get down on your knees."
Cardan looks insufferably pleased with himself as he gloats out loud. "Beg. Make it pretty. Flowery. Worthy of me." Jude gaps in shock as Cardan begins to humiliate the girl she could call a friend right in front of her. Was she really going to give him the satisfaction.
"Come on you want to be a commendable representative for your family don't you?" He touches her chin very lightly. "Be a good girl and do it."
"How about I just cut out your eyes instead?" For a moment he looks surprised but its replaced by even greater malice.
"You and the mortal girl defied me. More than once, your only hope is to throw yourself on my mercy in front of everyone. Do it or I will keep on hurting you, making your life even more miserable." Taryn is next to Locke, she looks nervous as Britha and Jude both face Cardan.
Jude shakes her head. She's had enough. This was the last straw, she was not about to let Britha humiliate herself in the crowd, not with her whole family watching. She saw how excited her younger siblings were for her, how her father looked so proud seeing her on the field. Cardan wanted to ruin that pride because he knew she carried so much dignity. He wanted to see it crumble before him.
Jude would be damned to let that happen. "You think just because you can humiliate us you can control both of us? Well I personally think your an idiot. Since we've started to be tutored together. you've gone out of your way to make me feel like i'm less than you. Make us feel like we're less." She gestures to her and Britha. Britha looks at the Duarte girl as if she's really looking at her this time. "And to coddle your ego I have made myself less. I have made myself small, I have kept my head down. But it wasn't enough to make you leave us alone. So i'm not going to do that anymore." She glares.
Britha moves slightly away from Cardan and finds herself next to Judes side. "You know I find it rather fun. To defy you. It makes me feel a certain satisfaction to see you wither in anger. I mean who do you think you are. Using my family as a tool. My family knows our worth, we're not stupid. The trap you are trying to lay as if my family would show disapproval in me defending myself." She meets eyes with him. "You couldn't be more wrong." Burning red meets onyx once again.
Cardan looks at them as though he's never been spoken to like that in his life. It was obvious to Britha that he wasn't. He was a man child in her eyes. There he was throwing a tantrum because somebody had the balls to stand up to him.
"You can say that I'm lying but wheres the fun in that. The truth is I want to see you hurt just as much you want me hurting. I just have more self control." She ends. Its quiet once again as nobody makes a move. Jude breaks the tension first as she runs out of everyones sight. Britha wants to go after her but decides best to give her some space.
Britha shoves Cardan lightly as she faces the crowd. "Shows over! I hope everyone had their fun." She gives a mocking bow before leaving the prince to his thoughts she didn't want to deal with him any longer. She was half expecting for him to grab her again but was relived that he let her go. Still she feels his gaze on her back it pricks the hairs on her skin, she didn't like it all. It was as if he was trying to read her after all. Maybe he was.
She noticed as she left that Locke was no where in sight. But Taryn still was. The shy twin widened her eyes once she noticed Britha approaching. She didn't miss the disappointment in the witches face.
"I hope you're happy with yourself." She widened her eyes at Brithas words. Did she know?
She didn't get a chance to say anything because right after that Britha moved past her as if she was some kind of nuisance.
Having other things to do the witch didn't have time for petty nonsense. She makes her way towards the changing rooms to switch out of her uniform and meet up with the rest of her family.
"SHE WAS LIKE BAM! THE BLOW OF THE HIT LOOKED SO PAINFUL BRITHA. I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW YOU HAD THAT MUCH STRENGTH." The minute she got to the stands where her family was sitting. She was ambushed by her two younger siblings. Definitely they didn't miss a chance to congratulate her on the performance.
"It was glorious." Nyathera comments, happily sipping on her goblet of wine. Caris shushes her two children before. They seemed to have forgotten they were settled literally right below the royal family. So they could have the potential of hearing every word they were saying, if they hadn't so already.
"I would watch what you guys say in public."
"Your mother is right we want to set a good example for the folk"
"Since when do you care and take notice of the folk?" Britha asks curiously her grandmother hums in agreement next to her. Ember simply smiles at his daughter. He raises his arms so he coild beckon her closer, Britha abides.
Giving his daugther a half smile and a satisfied look on his face. "Never mind that. Amazing work you presented out there. I couldn't be more proud." He compliments. Britha looks at her hands they had some after scars from where she was tightly holding her sword.
"I felt I was too eager. I should have been more clearheaded." She admits.
"Nonsense, thats just the natural competitiveness that runs in our family. Nothing to be worried about." He tries to reassure her. Although in the midst of it he shares a look with Nyathera who is not drunk enough to miss it.
"You moved so elegantly across the field it was like watching a beautiful swan." Caris cooed over her step daughter.
"Really, I thought I was quite sloppy." Nyathera gives Britha a look.
"Oh my dear granddaughter stop being humble and learn to take a compliment once in a while." She affectionally pinches her cheek.
Ember grabs Brithas attention once more. "When we get home I have some stuff to go over with you." She brightens up a little at that.
"Is something the matter?" Ember shakes his head.
"Nothing to be alarmed over. But i've noticed you haven't been practicing your blood magic as much." He whispers the last part so shes the only one who could hear. Britha pales slightly at that. "I wanted to know if something was going on?"
Caris peers at the both of them albeit curious. Britha doesn't have anything else to say, rather no words are coming out of her mouth. So she simply nods diligently and sits back in her chair.
Meanwhile unbeknownst to the witch, Cardan reemerges in the royal box wearing loose white linen and a flower crown of roses. Ignoring his father and elder brother Dain, he flops down in a chair next to his eldest brother Balekin. They seem to exchange some sharp words to each other before Cardan focuses his attention elsewhere. Hearing a small shout, he sees the youngest Longdale twins fawning over their eldest sister. Cardan didn't know what they were talking about but he could tell they were praising her with glee. Britha listens intently on what her youngest sister is telling her. Jaser then cuts in the conversation offending Allora but Britha simply ruffles their heads affectionately. The two twins giggle once more before chatting up a storm once again. Cardan glares bitterly at the scene before him.
Unwillingly he takes a look at Britha. Of course she always had that neutral look on her face that pissed him off immensely but he couldn't help but notice something off. It's as if her head space wasn't the same as usual. Distracted. He wondered what could be on her mind just now.
It disgusted him greatly to even think about it
Why is Cardan lowkey hard to write omg 😭