Chapter 98

“Did you do a great deal of hunting in Brendrake?” Kit asked, and Landon was glad just to have the opportunity to speak to her without others constantly interrupting, though Cassius was lingering behind them, and Eli was always a few feet away from the princess, looking disinterested but on top of everything, Landon had learned. Even Reeve, who seemed to be having difficulty realizing how important he was to Kit, was nearby.

But for now, Landon had her to himself—more or less. “I did,” he nodded. “Of course, being so close to the sea, we spent much of our time fishing. It’s my parents main source of income. But whenever we got the chance to explore the woods near our family home, my brothers and I were always keen for a good hunt.”

“Did you hunt fox or some other animal?” she asked, giving her horse a nudge so that she stayed next to him even though the woods thickened up in the section they were passing through.

“Actually, we mostly hunted rabbit. And our dogs were not trained to let them live. So... it was very different than this. But fun just the same.”

Kit’s smile beamed in the sunlight as it filtered through the canopy, and he was satisfied that he’d brought that expression to her face. They rode on, chatting as they went, and by the time Castle Wrenbrook came into view, Landon felt like he’d gotten to know the princess much better than he had before. He was fairly certain he was the youngest Representative, at just barely eighteen, but she seemed to think him mature enough and likeable, and he was more than infatuated with the beautiful woman. It wasn’t just her pretty face or gorgeous body that had him thinking about her nearly every moment since he’d found out he’d been selected to be part of her Choosing, Princess Katrinetta was one of the most kindhearted, loving, intelligent individuals Landon had ever had the honor of knowing. She’d certainly proven that when she’d stood up for Jecob, even if he didn’t deserve it. The nearer they got to the castle, the more nervous he became. In just a moment, she might be asking him to join her in her chambers later that evening, perhaps announcing it to the entire party. A lump settled into his throat, and when she patted his arm and said she’d speak to him soon before riding on ahead, all he could do was nod.

The party congregated near the stables momentarily as horses were handed off to liegemen or stable boys. Then, the entire group followed the queen to the small porch outside of the closest castle door. She ascended the steps, like she would if the porch were a dais, and gestured for her daughter to do the same. A few other noblewomen came to stand behind them. Landon recognized Kit’s two ladies-in-waiting, but he didn’t truly know who the others were. He noted it would be worth figuring that all out. When Queen Rona began to speak, a hush came over the crowd.

“Once again, I would like to thank you all for joining in our hunt. Though it did not take quite as long as I projected, I think we can all agree it was a wonderful time!” Everyone clapped in agreement before the queen signaled for them to stop, and all hands became still at the same time. “Now, my daughter, Princess Katrinetta has a few words she’d like to say.”

Kit stared up at her mother, as if she wasn’t sure what her mother was talking about. The queen nodded at her, and Kit drew in a deep breath. “Well, first of all, I do want to congratulate Landon for his victory.” She gestured in his direction, and Landon felt his cheeks blaze. “I will speak to you in a moment, Landon.” She smiled at him, and he returned the gesture, but the fact that he didn’t say anything about her chambers had him worried. Had she changed her mind? Was she not interested in him that way? They’d just had a lovely conversation. Could it be that she’d decided they were better off as friends?

“In other matters, I’m afraid I have some not so wonderful news, but it must be addressed, nonetheless.” He could see her face losing color and wondered what it might be that she had to tell them. Clearly, whatever it was, she was uneasy about it, and his heart melted for her—even if she didn’t want him to spend the night in her chambers.

“As you all know, there are several steps to a Choosing. Of course, you are all aware that I can only Room seven of you, and as difficult as it is for me to consider picking only seven gentlemen at this stage, I do feel that I’ve gotten to know all of you to some degree over the last few weeks. Some of you, I’ve instantly felt connected to. Others, I’m still unsure about. And still others, well, I’m certain now about four of you, that while you are wonderful men, you’re not the right ones for me. So... I’m afraid to announce that I will be cutting four of you right now. You will have until tomorrow morning to pack up your belongings and exit the castle grounds. I know this isn’t easy, but it must be done.”

Whispers passed through the crowd like a soft breeze as the princess gathered her wits about her. Glancing around, Landon noted that everyone looked a bit nervous—except for Cassius. He was the only Representative who had been Roomed and therefore couldn’t be cut. Even Reeve, who was certainly one of Kit’s favorites, had a nervous look about him. Landon noticed Eli had his saber on, which he found odd. He was quite certain the commander hadn’t been wearing it during the hunt itself. He also noticed several more of the princess’s guards had moved in to the perimeter of the crowd, and Landon wondered if this was all a precaution to make sure that any Representative who felt rejected didn’t have a chance to make his feelings known.

Kit cleared her throat. “The four Representatives I’m letting go are... Owin of Alderleef, Ywain of Swanpass, Teodric of Gatherbrook, and Jesper of Dunbourne. I’m so sorry, gentlemen. Thank you for your participation, and may your futures be full of love and prosperity.”

She nodded at each one of them, though from his angle it didn’t look like her eyes went quite high enough to meet any of theirs. A quiet settled over the crowd before Kit said, “Thank you all for taking part in the hunt. I shall see you at dinner.”

She turned to proceed up the steps, behind her mother, when the shock seemed to have worn off. Out of nowhere, Teodric, a burly man with a long, red beard, lurched forward out of the crowd, his arms flailing. “You can’t do that!” he shouted. “You don’t even know me!”