Lights. So many lights. I blink desperately, but not daring to raise a hand to my eyes, flashing back to what Kor Larks told me. “You’ll want to make a good impression on the other Kor’s,” she said, brushing the hay out of my hair as she braided it. “They’ll be judging your every move, especially due to your… status.” I had rolled my eyes. “You mean because I’m the first Hex to be born on a farm.” Larks sighed. “Yes. Listen, I know you don’t like it, but this is your destiny.” She gave me a sad, half smile. “But hey, isn’t this better than growing up with an ordinary life?” “I guess.” I had looked in the mirror and hardly recognized myself. I’d managed to avoid getting make-up on my face, but even so, with no dirt on my face, my hair perfectly braided back, and wearing a beautiful dress, I felt pretty, but different. I looked down and fidgeted with my hands. “I know you’re nervous, but just hold your head high. If it seems like someone is.. Looking down on you, look at them. Challenge them. Don’t shy away.” I nodded. The lights continued to flash. An assortment of townsfolk and reporters lay beneath me. Guards had put up a barrier to protect a large, ornate table. Several Kor’s sat, some kind, some stern, a few sneering. Remembering her words, I took a deep breath and looked straight at them, tilting my head a bit and bearing a small but challenging smile. They looked down, avoiding my gaze. [i]That’s right. You’ll never dare to oppose me.[/i] She relaxed, her smile now genuine rather than forced. (281 words) WILL BE CONTINUED
