Total pages in book: 169
Estimated words: 156210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 781(@200wpm)___ 625(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 781(@200wpm)___ 625(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
Sabine apologizes for keeping me collared, but apparently her husband, who is one of the Law Keepers, awaits me by the arena with a key. I can’t wait to get the damn thing off. It’s because of it that I almost didn’t bond with Luke last night, so its existence grates on me even more. I was on the verge of tears, but Luke thought on his feet as usual and embraced me with his own shadow. I can’t think of a more perfect way for him to use his new powers.
We begin our descent into the bay, but I can already see the arena built out of black rock in the shape of an amphitheater facing the sea. At least it’s no longer raining, but the wind remains strong, and brings high waves onto the sunken stage. The moon is bright and silver when it slips out from behind the clouds to wish me luck. It was a witness to my marriage after all.
Spectators hold flags with the colors of all the royal houses, even the Bloodweeds, despite none of them participating in the challenge. The noise made by countless elves reminds me that my life and Luke’s aren’t the only ones at stake today. I am the superior choice for the new Lord—the most skilled warrior, and unlike Anatole or Elodie, I shall never prioritize my dynastic interests over the good of my people.
I know what it means to be left wanting.
I know how it hurts to be ignored.
I will not only be a champion in the hour of blood and sword, but also a fair Lord in peace time.
I need to win today.
And I shall.
As I ride through the open gates and onto the parade track climbing along the edge of the arena, the noise of the audience briefly dies, just to erupt in a mixture of cheering and jeers. It seems the entire principality has come to watch the freak of nature who replaced the heir apparent in secret. But I keep my head high and seek the familiar figure in the royal box.
Luke smiles at me, and the sight of him brightens my heart in ways I can’t describe. He’s a ray of moonlight in any darkness that might encroach on me. I want to keep him hidden from danger, but as my Dark Companion he’s ready to be at my side, and he’d resent me if I didn’t accept his help.
When I reach the box from which we will descend into the water, watched by all the spectators, I’m surprised to see not Elodie but Sylvan at Anatole’s side. His expression is grim and he’s also in his riding leathers, but strapped to them are dozens of vials and pouches. I have no idea what they might be for. Is he intending to poison the leviathan?
The crescent-shaped arena, huge enough to accommodate a sea monster, booms with noise, but when I step closer to Luke and spot my crest on the cape slung over his arm, I want to ravage him in the backrooms, after throwing out the servants. As I step closer, Anatole blocks my way in his fine black leathers, and spits between us with an expression colored by unadulterated loathing.
“You’re a fraud and everyone here knows it, regardless of what the letter of the law says.”
My fingers twitch with the desire to knock his jaw out of alignment, but I keep the fury in and meet his gaze as if he doesn’t have the capacity to slight me. I’m satisfied enough to see that he’s limping a little. Guess even the best potions can’t heal a broken bone overnight.
“Is Elodie not participating after all?”
Sylvan takes a deep breath and avoids my gaze. Taking into account that he barely reaches my shoulder, he’d have to arch his head a lot to do that. He usually wears at least an inch of heel, but for the competition, he’s opted for flats, and it shows.
“She drowned. The River of Souls took her.”
I never had much love for Elodie, but it must hurt to lose two family members in such a short time, so I nod and say my condolences. It is only then that I notice the ribbon in faded hues on both the Goldweed brothers’ shoulders, a symbol of mourning.
The one close person I ever lost was my mother, so I can’t know how they feel. It is a shame that they’re choosing to put their lives on the line too, in a fight that won’t be even. Especially Sylvan, who’s never had much talent for shadowcraft.
When Anatole refuses to move, I step around him instead of creating a scene and finally, finally reach out for Luke. Andros, who’s been waiting alongside him, shows me a coal-black key and approaches me from behind with an apologetic expression.