The Courting Games by Missx Freedom (books for new readers .txt) 📕

"Shapeshifting into any living form or inanimate object," Pamelia said.

"Accelerated regeneration. The ability to heal from physical damage quickly and reality warping; changing a person's sense of surroundings for sixty seconds," Lia said.

"Summoning of an ally and telekinesis," Melian speaks next.

Then Rey: "Enhanced strength and agility." Rey was an exceptional fighter, her moves were fast and controlled; none of the girls could successfully match her combat skills, it made sense why now.

"The ability to bring dead things back to life," Estel said.

"Resistant to all powers," Rina said cockily. She sits upright in her chair, head high, smiling as the girls look at her in awe.

"I don't believe I've come across an elf with abilities such as yours," Balin said, his eyes are glinting now. "Very good Rina, I look forward to seeing it in practice."

Lavendars next: "Summoning an ally and teleportation."

Then its me. "Power absorption."

There's silence for an extended moment. Balin is watching me. Probably trying to determine whether I'm telling the truth.

"Lies," Rina scoffed, breaking the silence and gets up. "Power absorption? From a half-elf? I don't believe it for a second. Prove it."

I think that Prince Bronn will step in to settle us but he too looks at me in disbelief.

"Okay," I breathed and got up. I didn't know what I was going to do. "Who's power shall I use?"

"Mine, of course." Rina cuts in before Balin could speak. She turns to Ornelia. "Ornelia, control the half-elf with your powers."

Ornelia's eyes dart between her strands of black hair. She gets up slowly, stalks me for a moment. She has a clunky necklace loosely hanging from her neck, its lined with black stone charms. I turn my focus on Rina. Resistance to all powers. How was I suppose to do that? I know it worked with Angel, but she was the only elf that had been close to me at the time. I was around a dozen now.

"Imperium." Ornelia said in a hushed whisper. I look around, waiting for my arms to flail like a puppet or to take a step forward without wanting to. But nothing.

"That doesn't mean anything," Rina stated after a full minute has passed. "Ornelia, are you sure it's not just your foolish powers?" Ornelia turned, and instantly Rina is forcefully bent to her knees, and flipped over onto her back. She coughs as she meets the ground and cries out.

Theoden and Eldrand come running to her side.

"Enough. Back to your seats" Theodon says and checks to see if Rina's okay.

I took my seat, but could feel the girls' eyes burning on me.

"Well, it seems you group of girls have a great set of powers on you," Prince Bronn says after a moment, rubbing his gauntlet gloves together. "I'm impressed, and look forward to seeing you use them. Before we really start working your powers though, I want to share with you some information on how you will be expected to use them." Prince Bronn is close to us now, the girls wait eagerly for him to proceed. "After day one, you will go face to face against one another in the Control Room. You'll stand and fight each other using your abilities. The Control Room is ability-proof, which means everything you do will stay in that room."

"And how long does it last for?" Lia asked.

"Well, until one dies of course," Prince Bronn laughed. His face drops when concerned voices begin to stir. "Let's not act like we don't know whats going to happen, now."

I watch Prince Bronn. He treats us like cattle, preparing us for slaughter. We, like fools, sit and wait out our destiny, in the hopes we might be able to survive.

Balin steps in. "Pamelia and Melian, up you girls get. Face each other. Now, on the mark of three, I want you to use your abilities. Don't take it too far, just enough to prevent the other from using their power."

They face each other. Balin let's out a loud "Go!" and Melian uses her ability of telekinesis to throw Pamelia to the ground. Pamelia then shifts into the form of a leapord, lunging with outstretched claws at Melian who is quickly able to forcefully throw her back and she thumps to the floor.

Pamelia shifts back. She's naked, and tries to cover herself. Theodon comes over, a throw forms in his hand and he places it around her, grabbing her hand and pulling her up. She looks shaken, but otherwise fine.

We train for hours. I'd proven my ability of power absorption once I'd fought against Lia, and was able to heal a cut I'd developed on my cheek when Lia's boot collided into my face. Rina wasn't impressed - or didn't show it - and didn't say anything. Prince Bronn appeared rather excited, as did the trainers. By the time we were back indoors, it was dark. We'd taken plenty of breaks, and a few of the servants had brought out tea and raisin scones earlier.

"Aldwyn, may I speak with you please."

I turn, its Prince Bronn. His hands are behind his back, a smile placed on his face.

Text: MissxFreedom
Publication Date: 08-25-2021

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