Blinding Light (BLS Book 1)

…

…

My eyes snap open. I can’t see anything!

Don’t panic, Mila. Just relax. It’s probably too bright, that’s why you can’t see.

I blink a few times. A foggy silhouette hovers over me—two blue dots on its dark figure. I don’t know why, but…

It terrifies me.

…

“Miss Hayes? Mila! Are you alright?” My vision suddenly clears and I see a pair of blue eyes staring at me. I sit up too fast, and forehead bumps him. My head explodes with pain, but it’s gone in an instant.

Panting, I rub my head. I look around for doors, but I all see is the carriage I was in just earlier—along with Asher.

Asher!

“Asher.”

“What?” He responds immediately. Then he composes himself and clears his throat. “Are you alright, My Lady? You passed out.”

His perfectly featured face contorted in worry. Then I remember what he said before. I hardly ever dislike anyone, but he makes it hard not to. Just as I predicted, his emotions suddenly completely disappear off his face. I push my hair behind my ears and exhale a shaky breath.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” I whisper, my mind wanders back. I hate spiders.

They didn’t bother me too much before, but now? A chill travels down my spine, making me shudder.

I grimace at the thought of foot-sized spiders crawling all over me.

“If it’s nothing, best to put it off your mind. You seem fine,” Asher replies in a monotone voice. Anger rises. Before I can stop myself, I slap him.

He looks surprised for not a second longer, then returns to his poker face. I almost felt bad, but no, only nearly.

I turn away, refusing to interact with him any longer. “Are we close? I can’t deal with this right now.” I cross my arms, not bothering to apologize.

“Not to worry, we are here,” he says, deadpan. The carriage comes to a stop. Asher says nothing—only steps out and holds out a hand as if nothing had happened. I slap his hand away and storm out of the carriage. The least of my worry is my figure right now. I’ll come to regret it later. I know I’m acting like a child, but he had no right to treat me this way.

I could hear him following me, “Why are you following?”

“It was my order. I was to escort you to the main hall with the other suitors,” he says calmly, his face expressionless.

Just ignore him, I tell myself.

Scowling, I turn my back on him and speed walk towards the door.

***

“Take your seat, s’il vous plait (please). The king will make an announcement soon.” The servers rush forward and push me toward a table. I glare at her, my mood shifting so violently as if it’s that time of month; she backs away and mutters a sorry. I could care less about her apology. Spotting Raven, I walk over as quickly as I could without losing my composure. Also eager to lose Asher.

“Horrible day,” I mutter as I grab a seat next to Raven.

“Has something happened?” Raven looks at me with concern.

“It’s nothing to worry you with.” I give her a weak smile. Unconvinced, she glances once more at me then stands to the king’s arrival. I spot Asher in the corner of the room.

Isn’t he supposed to be my escort? What is he still doing here? I rip my gaze away, pulling my chair in as I sit down, waiting for King Leopold to speak.

“Welcome, suitors. I hope you don’t find any trouble over your way over to the countryside,” he pauses. “Today is the peach festival. Iwera is known for producing peaches, and as a welcome for our guests from Sargon—all picked peaches will be used for tasting later during the feast. Each suitor will receive a moment with my son, during their tasting, to get to know one another mildly.” Giggles sound around me, and I scoff.

What are they, women born of status with no dignity? I despise people who can’t be professional at a professional event. I curse mentally at myself for suddenly being so judgy to people I don’t even know. I will not stoop down to his level.

…

Prince Nolan steps forward and smiles at everyone. He scans the room cheerfully. He’s so happy and bright all the time, and I admire him for that. He makes every little thing fun and ends every little conversation with laughter.

“Nolan will make his own accord of who’s is the best—which is nothing for you to be worried about. It’ll also be an opportunity to know each other better. Enjoy yourselves.”

Applauses sounds and the king and queen take their leave. Nolan glances back once more and leaves also. The people scatter, some out to the front entrance: nobles, head family members, and sponsors. The suitors exit out the back entrance to the peach tree plantation. Raven follows me.

I’m glad she’s here. I haven’t made any friends except maybe that one girl who said hi to me. So technically, none, because I haven’t seen her since.

***

In the yard, Raven hums to herself and grabs handfuls at a time. The sun burns through the trees. Even under the shade, I can feel the burning gaze of the sun on my body. And I’m sweating in no time.

“Why must we pick the peaches for the festival?” I walk up to Raven, whose basket is almost full.

“It’s a tradition—one of short history. A couple of decades back, His Majesty’s family line had peach trees planted for harvest. Then it became the best tasting around the whole country. Iwera’s known for its peaches because of the soil. Ever since, they pulled nobles from the Suitor’s Campaign into picking to test their knowledge—whether or not they could keep the peach season going.” She laughs,

“But, if you must know…” She leans towards my ear, “It’s just the prince loves peaches, and it was the court’s idea to make the Suitor’s Campaign more exciting when the prince announces his new betrothal.” I chuckle and grab a giant peach from the nearby tree.

“But, I don’t think it’s fair, though,” she continues.

“Pourquoi pas (why not)?” I ask as she brushes her hair out of her face,

“The people are getting the most exciting news and we’re just here in the dark.” I laugh as she pouts. I pat her on the shoulder, shaking my head.

“You’ll find out eventually, be patient, Rave.”

“Only for you, Chuckaboo.” She elbows me in the stomach before dashing off. I glare at her disappearing figure and roll my eyes.

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Thanks, with lots of smiles

☆•Yiona•☆