The carriage clattered to a halt when I finally arrived at the East Palace Gate. As soon as it stopped, the vines around the carriage let go of their hold, and the entire carriage fell apart. I fell with it, but luckily was not jolted out of my seat. Though I suspected I would be very bruised regardless.

“Ouch,” I muttered. I sat in a near state of shock as I watched a wheel with ruined spokes escape from its axle and roll down the hill we just ascended.

Well. I guess that is that. I’m glad it managed to hold up all the way here somehow.

I clambered out of the ruined carriage, holding up my dress, in a fruitless attempt to stop it from becoming more tattered. I knew I would have stares for my unsightly appearance, but I did not want gaping holes in my outfit to add to that. Strangely enough, there was no one around to watch my ungraceful actions as I clambered about. I dusted myself off as best as I could before turning to the carriage. “Little brethren, I bid you thanks for holding up all the way to my destination, may you now rest safe and at ease, farewell,” I said to the vines, as they slowly withered away. I watched as they turned black and slowly flaked off, dissipating into the wind. Then I turned to the gate.

Where is everybody? I suppose there must have been a guard at the front. Perhaps he has gone to retrieve someone to meet with me. I wonder what he is actually telling them.

I opened the door of the carriage and collected my meagre belongings. Where most ladies would have a separate carriage for all of their belongings, I only brought two suitcases along with me. I pulled out my crumpled invitation from the carriage seat, and dusted it off.

At least I still have it. That has to count for something. I hope. I would be lucky if they don’t turn me away at the door. I hope none of my belongings are damaged. I didn’t have time to sort through them.

It was lucky that no one stopped me along the way. I was wondering what I would have done if the guards at the gates of the capital decided to, but a single glance at our family crest upon the carriage was all they needed before letting me through, their heads bent to the floor. Fortunately, not many people were wandering the roads either. Most seemed to be busy with the festivities in the centre of town.

While we were to be fighting for a position at the next king’s side, the throng would be having a month long series of parties and entertainment. Food stalls with mouthwatering delicacies and tents with exciting shows would be made available for all. Some of it for free. Finding a future queen should be a joyous occasion after all.

What an enjoyable way to celebrate this dark little game.

I sighed and turned to the East Gate.

Well. What happens outside doesn’t really matter to me. What happens inside does.

The Garden Palaces comprised of three different palaces and one large administrative building. Each of the different palaces had their own separate gates that led to them. The Oak Palace stood to the North. Big and majestic, it was where the King resided. The Rose Palace lay to East, where I was to reside for the trial. It was the domain of the Queen. And the Primrose Palace was where the offspring of whomever was the current king resided. The Crown Prince, once he was of age, was to move to the Oak Palace, before the Trial of Roses began. To the south was the administrative building that was as large as two smaller palaces. With rooms upon rooms for business and politics. Envoys were also stationed there when they arrived from other countries.

There were many other buildings situated around the different palaces, but in the middle of all of it were the ruins of a castle that once was. The only thing that remained intact was a large tower, that was taller than all of the palaces. No one knew what the tower was made of. It looked as though it was formed out of translucent glass, yet it was stronger than steel. Scholars still called the material glass, for they did not know what else to call it. Around it was large maze, made of the same material as the tower. It was where our final trial would take place.

Suddenly the gate in front of me swung open, and with it a guard walked back to his position. Trailing after him was a well dressed thin brown haired man. His nose was high and sharp, and he sported a neatly trimmed moustache.   

I took a deep breath in, steadying myself as the man approached.

His shirt is red. He’s someone from the Rose Palace. But he doesn’t look as though he is in a very high position. This isn’t right. The Head Steward should be greeting me. In the absence of the queen, he should be the one in charge. Perhaps they do not think me deserving of such an honour. Or perhaps, like I thought, arriving early would be to my detriment.

I slowed down my breathing, and counted to ten in my head.

It’s okay. Focus Dawn. Remember. Sharp eyes. Sharp tongue. If they look down on me from the start, there will be problems later on. We can’t have that. I am a daughter of the House of Thorn…. House of Thorn… The formidable House of Thorn. Alright.

I took a deep breath and gripped the invitation in my hand tightly, stopping myself from thrusting it into the hands of the man.

“Welcome to the Rose Palace,” the man bowed. “I am under-steward Jarrel. What, may I ask, brings you to our gates?,” the man asked. His tone was cordial, but it was clear my presence was causing confusion.

“Why else would I be here if not for the trial?” I said with a huff. I waved my envelope in front of his face. “Is this really the way you treat your contestants?” My voice nearly cracked to begin with, but I thought I was doing well otherwise. “Good grief, wait until my unc- uh, father hears about this treatment!”

“Oh, oh yes.” The under-steward calmly took my crumpled invitation, and smoothed it out. He glanced down at my name, and looked at my battered carriage.

“Ah… Lady Thorn?” He raised his eyebrows, clearly confused.

“Yes,” I huffed. “As though you don’t already know!”

He wouldn’t. I don’t think anybody knows what I look like outside of our Dukedom. Save

“Ah. You… you’re here… early?”

“Yes, I don’t suppose that will be a problem. Will it?” I said, arching an eyebrow of my own.

Please don’t say anything about the carriage. Please don’t say anythi-

“No, no, of course not,” the man said wiping his forehead. He handed my invitation back to me. “Of course, you are more than welcome to arrive… and early at that. Um… your driver can… we must… you can put … your carriage?” The man said confusedly, looking at the wreckage in front of him.

Ahhhhhh. Noooo. Panic flittered across my eyes for a brief second before I could stop it. I narrowed my eyes and huffed.

“There was a minor mishap that happened along the way, and my driver… had a bit of an accident and could not finish the journey with me,” I said, in my sternest voice. I glanced at it as though it was a pile of garbage. “I suppose you may dispose of the carriage. I have no need of it any longer.”

Please don’t ask any more questions, please don’t ask any more questions, please don’t-

“What? Um… Yes… of course.” His gaze turned to look at the carriage. “But- what-“

At that moment, I heard a loud noise behind me. I did not have to turn around to know that another one of my carriage wheels had promptly decided to roll off, to join its companion down the hill.

“What?” Jarrel said alarmed.

“Well then,” I said, clapping my hands together loudly. The man snapped his attention back to me. “I suppose that sorts out everything. My luggage is by my carriage.” I pointed to it with my envelope. “I expect you would need it searched as per regulations before it is sent to my room?”

“Why, uh, yes, of course, thank you for understanding,” he stuttered.

“Now, I am tired from my journey. I would like to go to my room now.”

“Room?” He turned back to the carriage but I clapped loudly again.

“My room? Yes? I expect to be taken to it? Good grief, you do not expect me to walk there unaccompanied? I don’t even know where it may be! What kind of treatment is this! I demand to see your head steward!”

“What? I do apologise, but the head steward is busy with preparations. There is a lot to do before the arrival of –“

“Well I have arrived haven’t I? Fine. If he cannot see to me I suppose I shall not take it as a slight. I did arrive early after all. But don’t tell me you haven’t prepared the rooms already!”

“As a matter of fact, all rooms for our esteemed candidates have already been prepared with utmost care.”

“Well then lead me to it!”

“Very well, follow me Lady Thorn,” he said. With another confused glance at the carriage, he turned on his heels and lead the way.

Well, it isn’t what uncle wanted, but I suppose I made some sort of impression.

I quickly followed through the gates, sighing as softly as I could as soon as I was through.