Lazy dark emeralds landed in my direction. Fuck, this is exactly what I wanted to avoid. I knew this summons was a terrible idea, but what was even worse was the assumption I could come through without being noticed.
"Line up so that we may begin introductions! We care not of your story or your questions, you will provide your packs title and name that is all. The rest your king will determine." Benjamin was firm in his direction nodding to the surrounding guards to tighten their security.
Martin led me over into the line of warriors, giving me a soothing pat on the shoulder.
"Do not stress Siy, we just need to make an appearance and run a few courses. Then we go home."
He whispered softly next to my ear as wolves and their alphas began to introduce themselves. Part of me felt relieved knowing it was just that, keep my head low and do what I'm asked. Yet why did a small part of me feel ashamed that Martin held no pride or hope that I would be chosen. This would be a tremendous honor to our pack, regardless of my anger to the man in the crown. I owed everything to the Creed pack, how amazing would it be to gift them with that recognition.
"... my name is Joshua Grant, alpha of the Grant pack. This is my strongest warrior, Sam Andrews." Two men bowed slightly, giving their respects to the king. All that was offered was a small wave of King Zekes hand dismissing the two from line to show him his next possibility.
Martin stepped forward with his head held high, beckoning me forward. I couldn't move. My feet had frozen forbidding me from taking another step closer. A rough tug had me coming out of my thoughts and staring into light brown orbs.
"We cannot cause a scene, regardless this is our king."
Martin seethed and quickly sent his apologies. He was right, I was just saying how much of an honor this could be and here I am already embarrassing our pack. I steeled my exterior, and straightened my posture ignoring the sickening feeling that pooled in my guts.
"I am Martin Creed, Alpha of the Creed pack. This is my strongest warrior Asiyah Winters."
Whispers and a few gasps rushed through the crowed. Of course they've heard of me. I had been a true heathen back in the day, promoting crime for my own survival. Though the days were behind me, the rumors and stories were still very much alive.
The king adorned an odd expression, and a quirked dark brow. I peaked his interest with the reaction my name had given the others. Not to include the fact I was also a female, which wasn't unheard of just unusual. Many women didn't believe in becoming a warrior, still promoting their traditional lifestyles of growing a family.
"I must ask, why does your name and appearance strike such a familiarity within my warriors?"
The kings voice was like velvet, draping over his subjects like a blanket of warmth. Martin quickly ushered me forward to speak to the King.
"I am fairly well traveled throughout our kingdom sire, and unfortunately my past is yet to be something I can escape. "
King Zeke was calculating with his stare, a small ghost of a smirk passed over his lips. The emotion was ever so quick, almost like it had never occurred. A moment later he waved his hand dismissing the two of us and continuing his line of introductions.
~
After introductions were finished the guards led everyone out to a training ground within a large colosseum and laid out the rules. Our first task was going to be hand to hand combat in a 1 on 1 duel.
The king sat a few steps up the colosseum seperating himself from the nonparticipating warriors. Those that had completed their combat course were spilt. The winners were sat to the left and the right sat the losers. This being the first course already cuts half of the warriors down to the possible victor.
I couldn't help my eyes from gliding in his direction. He was concentrated watching his people give their best in showing off their skills. His jaw was clenched tight with anticipation, already setting his bets on who will make the final strike. My eyes began to squint with disdain. This man was still a monster, all of the lives he's ruined by the pointless battles. To him every subject was a pawn, and he wasn't afraid to use them all.