Chapter 17 Family Tensions Surface A 59 +10 Free Coins That power - hungry , iron - willed Helen had eventually begged to be posted far from court . She knew the new monarch would settle old scores , and she could already taste the chill of approaching death . Later , Pierre Lawson's scandal would erupt . It became the first crack in the Princess Royal's family - after that , everything the great residence did was little more than a delayed collapse . Fiona fell deep into thought . Back then , how could I have slipped into Granny's residence and solved that coming disaster for her ? The Niven family prized self - preservation above all ; they never wanted me too close to the Princess Royal's family's affairs . " Why did you not ride out with the hunting party ? " Emperor Aldric asked , his voice warm enough to fool the unwary . " Uncle Aldric , the archery examination is only a month away , " Fiona answered , bowing lightly . " I stayed behind to steady my draw instead of chasing game ." " And who tutors you in the bow? " " Ulrich learned that Mr. Xavier studies under Mr. Sunfield , " she said carefully . " He persuaded Mr. Xavier to coach me as well . " " Since Xavier follows Mr. Sunfield , your mounted archery should be solid , " Emperor Aldric said , twirling his beard . " Princess Aurora keeps clamoring for a match . Naomi injured her ankle , and Roxanne has already escorted her home . The other ladies have all declined . You should entertain Princess Aurora . " Ulrich's complexion tightened ; even the Sixth Prince's brow creased . Across the way , Soren watched the drama unfold with the calm amusement of a man at the theater . Pain lanced through Fiona's wrist . She opened her mouth to refuse , then met Ulrich's heavy gaze - and a cold rush slid down her spine . She stole a glance at Emperor Aldric . Though he still smiled , impatience was flickering behind his eyes . She recalled what had followed the autumn hunt , and that was Emperor Aldric's thunderous rage . Days later , the Ministry of Rites issued new edicts that weighted archery and horsemanship far more heavily - her two weakest arts , which promptly dragged down her scores . 1/3 14:38 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 17 Family Tensions Surface : Why that sudden focus on mounted archery ? Fiona pondered momentarily . Most likely , it traced back to this very moment . 59 +10 Free Coins The match against Princess Aurora might be billed as sport , yet if no Duflanan lady dared step forward , the realm would look timid . No wonder Emperor Aldric erupted . Fiona also understood why the court ladies shrank away . Princess Aurora was fiercely skilled , while Duflanan women valued poise ; none wished to disgrace themselves before the young gentlemen . Emperor Aldric's mild visage lulled them into refusing , never guessing the stakes . But an emperor's mercy was a myth . During the old succession war , bodies had stacked through the palace like cordwood - not even thirty years ago . At that moment , Emperor Aldric teetered on the brink of another explosion . If she rejected him , his fury might well fall on the entire Niven family . " Uncle Aldric , I have heard tales of Princess Aurora's prowess . I have long wished to test my skill against hers , " Fiona said with a bright , unwavering smile . Her ready assent softened Emperor Aldric's expression at once . " Then meeting us today has proved remarkably convenient for you , has it not ? " Fiona weighed every angle with the caution of a chess master . Admiration alone would never be enough . She had grown up in manicured courtyards , not on the saddle the way Princess Aurora had . If she fought to win , she would only expose her limits . She needed to lose - and do so gracefully - so that Emperor Aldric would see nothing worth punishing . With that thought fixed in her mind , she tipped her chin toward Ulrich , a silent cue passing between them like a spark in the air . " Your Majesty , Fiona has practiced mounted archery for barely ten days . She was gravely ill until recently , and I fear for her safety , " Ulrich said as he dropped to one knee . Ah , the half - truths we tell . Warmth climbed into Fiona's cheeks . Two lifetimes of practicing mounted archery , and he makes it sound like ten short days . Yet she needed Ulrich's plea . If she lost , the blame would fall on limited training and lingering weakness , not on the Niven family or the women of Duflana . Pride would remain intact , even in defeat . " Uncle Aldric , I have always revered women who master the art of mounted archery , " Fiona said , voice clear as a bell across the courtyard . " This chance is rarer than sunrise in winter . I 2/3 14:38 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 17 Family Tensions Surface will keep myself safe while I learn from Princess Aurora . " A 59 +10 Free Coins The brittle impatience in Emperor Aldric's eyes melted , replaced by a surprisingly gentle gleam . " You fearless little lady ... " He chuckled . " Very well . Since you insist this is a lesson , go and learn from Princess Aurora . " Relief loosened the knots in Fiona's shoulders . Emperor Aldric's choice of the word " lesson " told her he no longer cared who won or lost . " Rest easy , " Emperor Aldric added , lifting a hand before Ulrich could speak again . " I give my word - your cousin will not suffer the slightest scratch . Blaze , Ms. Fiona is your fellow student . See that she leaves the field unharmed . " Blaze was the courtesy name of Soren , renowned across court for both his talent and his impeccable honor . " As Your Majesty commands , " Soren said , rising with a fist over his heart . Ulrich bowed in gratitude and stepped back to his place beside the other nobles , tension ebbing from his frame . " Princess Aurora , your mastery of mounted archery is famed even in Duflana , " Fiona said , turning to her opponent . " My own skill is a pale shadow by comparison . I hope you will not think less of me for that . " The shine in her eyes gave away an earnest admiration no courtier could fake . Though her desire to compete was mostly a strategy , her reverence for Princess Aurora burned brighter than forged gold . 3/3