Book 16: Calling Him Out

Kaleb

The ballroom in the palace is crowded but so quiet I can hear the echo of my footsteps. I didn’t bother to bathe, let alone change into something more appropriate for this occasion. My shirt is dust-stained red and wilted from a day spent in the sun, in the sparring ring, where I beat my tension into submission until I couldn’t so much as lift my arms anymore.

Fae guards stomp beside me, flanking me on either side until we reach the top of the staircase leading down to the wide, ornate ballroom where a crowd of mostly men waits. The balcony overlooking the ballroom is wrapped in banners, like some kind of celebration is being held soon, the decorating in the early stages.

A celebration for the victor, the champion, of the Trials that are not yet over.

Several faces turn as I move down the stairs on my own. My