Page 57 of A Spark So Bright
"You wouldn't be thinking of starting a brawl without me, now would you?" Magnus crooned into his ear before steering him away from the men who were talking far too carelessly about Rose.
Gunnar allowed it only because he knew the prince was taking him in the right direction. "What are you even doing here?"
"Competing, as my father has requested."
Wrestling himself free from the taller troll's grip, he grumbled, "Why would your father want you to compete now?"
Magnus waved his arms wide. "Because of all this."
Gunnar took in all the trolls in the stands. More structures had been built so there could be more bystanders. Even a few railings so the crowd could be kept away. A group of troll women hung onto the barrier, topless, some of them crying out for Magnus to look at their pierced nipples where glittering diamond chains hung.
"If your father knew he wanted you to compete in this year’s games, then why didn't he allow the women to know?" Gunnar waved at those who were already being shooed back by some of the other warriors so they didn't run out into the clearing afterMagnus. "Obviously, there were more who would have declared interest."
"He wanted only the serious ones." Magnus shrugged. "He wasn't wrong. There are many people who would love to marry a prince, and many more who see the value in having royal lineage."
Gunnar supposed. But Magnus must have been very limited in who he actually could marry. For all that the prince looked more like an elf than anyone else that existed, he still wasn't an elf. Not yet. He needed a high bloodline, one that had the most magic in it, to succeed in the king's plan.
"So who are you interested in?" Gunnar asked. "Have you given them all a look?"
"Have you?"
At Magnus's nod toward the line of women and men who’d declared their interest, he turned to see that Rose was there. He was surprised. Astrid must have brought her, but the crowds... he worried about the crowds.
She didn't even have her cloak. She should have had it in case she needed to draw up the hood to hide the people around her. Instead, she stood there with her pale hair unbound around her face. Tangled, as always. She had on a pretty blue dress that tucked in at her waist, a design that was clearly one of Astrid's. Troll clothing was made of woven fibers, not tightly knit fabric. But it showed just how tiny she was.
The other male who had declared she was small hadn't been wrong. He could frame her entire waist with his hands and have room to spare. The hemline of the dress skimmed just barely over the tops of her boots, black and tilted up at the toes. Those he recognized as a troll creation, at least.
"Shit," he muttered.
"Shitis right. She's pretty in that dress."
"No one would dare. They all know she's..." It didn't feel right to call her mad. Or his.
"Odd?" Magnus asked. "That much was obvious just from spending a few days with her."
"It's more than that. She's been struggling. I think she's coming out of it now, though." Gunnar looked at her, waiting until she found him in the crowd. She didn't smile at him. She never did that, but she nodded her head in his direction, and it made him feel like he was the only person here.
"Interesting," Magnus murmured.
He appeared as if he was going to say more, but then his father showed up. King Egil walked up the steps, using the railing to balance himself lest his wings pull him back. He stood there, surveying the entire crowd like a proud father seeing his children.
"Here we go," Gunnar said.
"I guess I have to make my choice quickly."
Egil raised his arms over his head, silencing the crowd as they all waited to hear what he would say. "Family! Friends. It is my honor to welcome you all back. Thank you for your patience as I worked on getting our surprise. My son, your prince, will be competing in these bridal games as well."
A cheer rose from the crowd, deafening with the excitement of all the trolls. It was wonderful to hear, if a little intimidating. Poor Magnus. He had a lot to live up to.
But Gunnar only had his eyes on Rose. The cheer made her flinch. Her hands rolled up inside the sleeves of her dress, but that was the only sign she gave of being uncomfortable. He tried to catch her gaze. To tell her from across the clearing, that everything was going to be all right.
She didn't need him to. Rose balled up the loose sleeves of her dress in her hands and kept her gaze on the king. She didn'tshudder. She didn't quake. And if he let his gaze go a little foggy, her soul was right where it was meant to be.
He breathed out a sigh of relief and turned his attention back to the king.
"We are truly lucky to witness what will happen today! The choosing is a declaration of interest. If you do not have anyone come to stand with you, you may remain in the games. This does not mean that one of our fine competitors will not change their mind." Egil winked over at the group of people where Rose stood. "But for now! Let us see who has already caught the interest of those who seek a partner."
Gunnar remained rooted where he was. There were many trolls who headed out instantly. They all beelined for women or men that they were interested in, pleased to finally get this chance. A few even ran, and there was a group of them who sprinted toward a tall troll woman, her skin such a dark purple that it was nearly black. She had oiled her skin, so she reflected the lights of the surrounding leaves, a woman made entirely out of rainbows, it seemed.
