Lucky Charm (Reverse Fairytales Book 2)(42)

The cheers rang out immediately, although I noticed the people booing were louder than normal. I suppressed a sigh and smiled and waved as I was supposed to do. I read some of the banners as I made my way over to Marybelle. “Cynder is our king!” and “No royal Magi!” At least both sides of the argument were covered. I’d instructed the guards to throw out anyone causing problems, but I’d forgotten to be specific on banners. Technically, the people holding them were not doing anything wrong, but it wouldn’t look good to all the people watching at home. Still, it was too late now.

“Good morning, Your Majesty,” Marybelle smiled as I walked out onto the stage.

“Good morning, Marybelle, and to everyone out there who made the effort to come and see us today. It’s quite a turnout.”

“Yes, it is,” she agreed. “Estimates have it at ten times the turnout for Prince Luca’s interview. I think Cynder is going to be a popular choice.”

I didn’t glance to the side of the stage. I could already imagine Luca’s expression.

“That’s a little unfair, Marybelle,” I began, trying to sound diplomatic. “The prince’s interview was at very short notice and not really advertised. This time, everyone knows. It makes sense that more people would turn up.”

“Some would say that it’s because the Magi are trying to take over. It’s been said that it’s a conspiracy to get a Mage into the royal family.”

A fresh round of boos went up, probably from both sides.

“There is no conspiracy, Marybelle,” I laughed lightly to cover how annoyed I was with this particular line of questioning. “I’ve already chosen who I’m going to marry. However, I want to keep things fair. As it has been noted on many occasions, no Magi were invited to my ball last summer. Both Luca and I agreed that to build a stronger future for Silverwood, we would open it up just this one time. Both Luca and Cynder are very fine men, and it would be an honor to be a wife to either of them.”

“But it sounds like Cynder doesn’t have a chance if you’ve already picked. Wouldn’t you say that this contest is already over before it’s even begun?”

I took a deep breath. There was no way to get out of this line of questioning without either upsetting the people or one of the men. Cynder knew we could never be together, and he also knew that it had nothing to do with him being a Mage. If I chose Cynder at this stage, I’d look like an adulteress and lose the tiny bit of respect I’d won. I couldn’t really win no matter what I said. Not that it mattered anyway. Cynder already had a wife!

“How about we take a seat and let the boys speak for themselves?” I said in an attempt to wiggle my way out of it.

I sat in one of the four oversized chairs that had been set out for us. Each had our name taped to the cushion. Luca and Cynder had been placed on each end with Marybelle and me in the middle. I wondered for a second if it was done that way on purpose to put me closer to Cynder. I ignored the sign, and, instead, I sat on the seat designated for Luca. Now the two boys would have to sit next to each other, and I couldn’t be called out for favoritism.

Marybelle took it in her stride. She turned back to the crowd and invited Luca onto the stage.

Luca gave Marybelle a quick peck on the cheek and sat in the seat next to me. So much for trying to manipulate things! Marybelle took the seat next to him leaving the one on the end for Cynder.

“So, Your Highness,” Marybelle began, speaking to Luca first. “How do you feel now that Cynder is here?”

“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. The queen and I have a very tight relationship. I have to admit to being a little taken aback when I first saw him. He’s a good-looking fellow, but I’m confident that I’m the one who holds the queen’s heart.”

“Well, there you have it, folks. Prince Luca is a man you don’t want to go up against. Well, we’ve waited long enough. It’s now time to introduce the man of the moment. Please put your hands together for Cynder.”

The crowd went wild. Half were screaming and clapping, while the other half jeered. Cynder walked onto the stage and waved to the crowd. He held his own well, but I could see his nerves just under the surface. This had to be difficult for him. He sat in the last remaining seat and grinned shyly. Behind my back, I crossed my fingers. This had to go well. I knew both men would play their parts well. Maybe Cynder’s shyness would work in all our favors, but it didn’t stop me feeling nervous about the whole thing.

“So, Cynder. Tell us about yourself.”

‘Yeah,’ I thought. ‘Tell us about yourself, such as how you met your wife!’ A mixture of nerves for him and anger at him surged through me. Before today, I’d not known it was possible to feel two completely different emotions about one person.

“There’s not much to tell,” began Cynder. “I worked in the palace here for a long time.”

“And what did you do?” Marybelle interrupted.

“I was the kitchen hand. I washed the dishes.”

“That’s not all,” I interjected. “He served us our food on big occasions. He’s also an excellent cook and is in training to be a chef at Prince Luca’s palace in Thalia.”

Urgh. I hated myself. I was sticking up for him now and why? Despite my anger at him, I didn’t want him looking like a fool on stage.