Chapter 7
The desert sunset was as red as blood.
I sat in the rocking carriage, watching the barren land race past the window.
Lester's cavalry led the way. Their pounding hooves kicked up so much dust that it nearly swallowed the whole procession.
It was wild and rough there, nothing like Valenor.
The wind there tasted salty, with a smell of cracked earth.
Penny held her waterskin. Her fingers were still shaking slightly. "Bella, that man... he was so fierce."
I looked away and down at my palms, red and chafed from the rough cloth.
"He wanted to intimidate us," I said calmly. "And to test my limits."
In Valenor, I was the daughter of the Deputy Minister of Ceremonies. I was the model of gentleness, kindness, respectfulness, thrift, and modesty.
But in this savage land where the strong preyed on the weak, being gentle would only turn me into meat on someone's plate.
I had to grow thorns.
*****
After two more days on the road, the view finally changed.
A vast city built of massive stones and animal hides appeared at the far edge of the horizon.
That was the royal court of the Torgun tribe, Ulun.
It had none of the capital's bustling charm. Instead, it gave off a chilling sense of oppression.
Lester pulled his horse to a stop and looked back at my carriage.
A cruel glint of amusement shone in his eyes. "Princess, we're here. My brother is waiting for you in the golden tent."
I straightened my heavy crown, took Penny's hand, and slowly stepped down from the carriage.
All around stood burly tribal soldiers.
They stared at me with greedy, curious eyes, bursting into ugly mocking laughter now and then.
I looked straight ahead, my back ramrod straight.
My white wedding gown looked especially striking against the gray, dusty court, like fresh snow fallen on dry earth.
In front of the golden tent stood a tall figure, backlit by the sun.
That was the High Chieftain of the Torgun tribe, Felix Torgun.
He was more mature and more sinister than Lester.
When his eyes fell on me, I felt like a snake was sizing up its prey.
He didn't greet me or bow.
He just walked up, reached out with rough fingers, and squeezed my chin hard.
"So this is the princess Valenor sent?" His voice was low and hoarse.
I forced myself to look him straight in the eye, biting back the sharp pain that felt like my jaw was about to crack.
I said, "I am Princess Isabelle of Valenor. I am here on behalf of our King to make peace with your country."
Felix gave a cold laugh and squeezed harder. "Make peace?
"Your Marquis of Northhold killed at least 3,000 of my warriors last year. Now your King sent a woman to settle that blood debt?"
When he mentioned Joseph, my heart still ached. I couldn't help it. But my face gave nothing away.
I looked at Felix, my voice ice cold. "That's exactly why I am here. I am Valenor's compensation to you, Chieftain. And a sign that we truly want peace.
"If you don't want this peace offer, go ahead and kill me. Then go back to the border and see how the Marquis of Northhold's heavy cavalry deals with you."
The whole place fell dead silent.
Everyone held their breath.
Lester stood to the side and whistled with amusement.
Felix stared at me hard. For a moment, anger flickered in his eyes, then it turned into keen interest.
He let go of my chin with a jerk. His fingers had left clear red marks on my skin.
He said, "Good. You have guts."
He strode back to the golden tent and sat down heavily at the head. "Since you're here, you'll follow our tribe's rules.
"If you want to be my consort, you must survive tonight's Hunter's Feast."
My heart sank.
I had never heard of any Hunter's Feast back in Valenor.
Philip stepped forward, anxious. "Chieftain, the princess is of noble birth. That's not proper."
Felix didn't even look at him and just waved his hand.
Several soldiers immediately stepped forward and blocked Philip and the others.
Lester came to my side and lowered his voice, with a hint of glee. "Princess, the Hunter's Feast means they put you in the woods.
"My father's old rule. Only a woman who survives the wild wolves and traps is worthy of carrying the High Chieftain's heirs."
I looked at the face in front of me, dripping with malice.
I thought of Joseph's cold eyes before I left.
He had handed me over to these demons.
He had traded my flesh for Evelyn's peace.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
When I opened them again, my eyes were hollow.
"Fine," I heard myself say. "I'll go."