The courtyard of the Imperial Palace had transformed into a spectacle of torchlight and murmured anticipation.
At the center stood Queen Mira, her crimson gown trailing behind. Her bow, ivory and gold, glinted under the light.
Facing her, calm and radiant, was Daphne Blake.
Her sapphire gown had been exchanged for a simpler silk gown, still elegant, but fitted enough for freedom of movement.
Every eye was on her.
Every breath in the courtyard seemed to wait for her next move.
"Let us make this interesting," Mira said, her smile deceptively sweet. "The Rose of Eldoria will stand between ten targets, five on each side. I shall release my arrows first. And I promise" her eyes glinted "not a single one will touch her."
The crowd gasped, a ripple of unease passing through the nobles. Even the foreign kings exchanged glances.
"That woman is either bold or foolish," Katherine murmured, her tone dripping with disdain.
Arin's lips curved faintly. "Perhaps both."
