Chapter 32: The Wish
Lirian sat stiffly on her horse, her chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath.
Sweat clung to her skin despite the cool air, and her legs felt weak from the frantic race.
Her horse snorted, shifting beneath her, just as tired as she was.
Beside her, Daria sat on her white horse, pouting and scowling as she fought to compose herself.
Her hair was slightly disheveled, and her face was flushed with redness.
The two women hadn't exchanged a word since crossing the finish line, though Lirian had caught Daria glaring at her more than once.
The murmurs of the crowd swirled around them.
Servants whispered behind their hands, casting curious glances at the pair.
Gabriel stood near the center of the arena, he was looking at them, moving between as he waited for the noise to settle.
Finally, he raised his hand, his voice cut through the murmurs. "The hunt is complete. We have our winner."
Lirian's air was caught in her throat.
She clenched the reins tightly, her heart pounded in her ears.
Gabriel's eyes met hers, and a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"The winner... is Duchess Lirian."
The crowd broke into polite applause, though the atmosphere was unmistakable.
Daria's reaction was immediate.
With a loud growl, she slammed the three rabbits onto the ground in front of her, her lips and cheeks frowned with barely concealed rage.
The sudden sound made Lirian's horse jolt, but she quickly steadied it, sliding off the saddle to stand on shaky legs.
Her breaths came in short gasps as she bent slightly, hands on her knees, trying to support herself.
Every muscle in her body ached, and her lungs burned from the effort.
Daria dismounted her horse with far more grace, smoothing her skirt and forcing a bright smile onto her face.
She walked toward Lirian, weirdly cheerful.
"Congratulations," Daria said, her voice was covered in sweetness.
She extended a hand toward Lirian. "You were... impressive out there."
Lirian straightened, her eyebrows lifted as she looked Daria.
Just minutes ago, this woman had been shouting at her, trying to force her to give up.
Now, she was acting like they were old friends.
Lirian didn't take her hand.
Instead, she fixed Daria with a hunting glare.
"Don't pretend with me," she said, hardly enough that only Daria could hear.
"If you have something to say, say it. But don't insult me with this fake act."
Daria's smile faded for the briefest moment, but she recovered quickly, tilting her head with a mockingly innocent expression.
"I don't know what you mean, Duchess. I'm simply being kind."
Lirian leaned in slightly. "I don't care what game you're playing, Daria. But if you think you can manipulate me, you're wrong. This is your only warning."
Daria's eyes changed to anger, but she didn't respond.
She stepped back with a stiff smile, bowing her head slightly. "Of course, Duchess."
Gabriel's voice came through. "Lirian, step forward."
She turned to see him standing near the center of the arena.
He gestured for her to approach, and the crowd fell silent.
Lirian removed her gloves slowly, tucking them into her belt as she walked toward him.
Her heart was as loud as a drum, but she walked confidently.
She stopped a few feet away, lifting her chin to meet him.
"It is tradition for the winner to make a wish," Gabriel stated loudly enough for everyone to hear.
"Name your wish, Lirian, and it shall be granted."
All eyes were on her.
Lirian let the silence stretch for a moment, her bare hands curled into fists at her sides.
Then, she took a deep breath...
"My wish..." She paused, and looked over the crowd before landing back on Gabriel. "I want a divorce."
The arena went completely still.
Gabriel looked like he was paralysed. His lips parted slightly as if he hadn't heard her correctly.
"A... divorce?" he repeated quieter...
"Yes," Lirian said firmly, lifting her chin higher. "That is my wish...Gabriel Sylcrest, I want to divorce you."