“Traveler.” Vi hadn’t realized they’d ended up side by side until she glanced over and found the princess at her shoulder. “Is Tiberus Solaris on that vessel?” Vi nodded, hoping her grandfather made the same choice in this world as he had in her own. “Then we press onward.” Fiera sprang to her feet. “Quickly now!”
Vi, Fiera’s five Knights, and the woman herself came to a stop at the center of the docks, right before the main vessel that had been unleashing an artillery assault.
Fiera drew her sword and shouted, “Tiberus, face me!”
The world seemed to hold its breath. Even the soldiers that had been marching down the gangplanks of the other two ships paused as Fiera’s voice reverberated off rock and sea. Vi prayed this world was unfolding like her own, that she hadn’t started out by lying to Fiera.
“I know you’re there. Come out and duel me like the honorable man you claim to be. I am the sword arm of the King of Mhashan. You will not conquer us until you have conquered me!”
“You have been heard, princess.” A deep voice filled the air.
Standing at the bow of the ship before them was a man clad in golden armor, trimmed in silver polished so brightly it shone white in the pale moonlight. His hair was the same hue as his armor and his face was clean-shaven, almost roguish—Vi had only ever seen portraits of her grandfather and he looked nothing like the young man standing before them now. She searched his face, seeking out some familial resemblance. But the only thing her father had inherited from Tiberus was the pallor of his skin. Fiera’s features had won out in every other way.
Fiera pointed her sword directly at Tiberus. Raw magic sparked from it, falling to the ground like dying fireworks. “And do you accept my challenge?”
“I will accept your surrender,” the Emperor said haughtily, in a tone Vi recognized from her own father.
“You must earn it first.”
“You’ve lost this war.”
“He’s as arrogant as they say,” the long-haired honor guard muttered.
A sailor ran up to the Emperor, whispering something in his ear. As they exchanged words none of them could hear, Fiera remained poised, waiting. Her arm didn’t so much as quiver despite holding out the long sword.
“You may have your duel, princess. With whatever time is left,” Tiberus said ominously before disappearing from sight. Soon enough a rowboat worked its way from the side of the boat to the docks.
“Your highness—”
“I told you before, this ends tonight.” Fiera glanced over her shoulder at them before turning to the castle.
Vi took a step forward. Something in Fiera’s eyes compelled her. She had an understanding no one else did, save Vi herself.
“You know,” Vi whispered softly. Saying nothing, Fiera gave a small nod.
“As do you?”
It was Vi’s turn to nod. “Fighting the Emperor won’t change anything.”
“I realize.” Fiera shifted her attention to the rowboat that pulled up alongside the docks. “But the longer I can distract him, the more lives I can spare in the city. If I can be the outlet for his rage, act as the embodiment of my family, then he might spare my siblings.”
It was a noble goal. Vi would’ve admired it more if it wasn’t leading toward her grandfather and grandmother dueling. Bringing Fiera here had been a terrible decision.
Taavin had said she was here to change fate.
What if she changed it in the wrong way?
Three soldiers quickly disembarked, followed by Tiberus, then two more soldiers. Were it not for Vi, they would’ve been evenly matched. In a way they still were. Vi wasn’t about to fight for or against either side if it came to blows.
“Sheathe your sword and I’ll spare your life.” Tiberus wasn’t very tall, Vi realized. Yet he spoke with authority that towered above them all.
In reply, Fiera hoisted her weapon, pointing it directly toward the Emperor.
Vi inched backward, her heart racing. Had Fiera and Tiberus traded blows in her time? She swiftly ran through her options for diffusing the situation. If one of them was killed now, would she—rather, the new Vi—even be born?
“Let it be death, then.” Tiberus drew his weapon.
“Wai—” Vi never had a chance to finish.
