Cyprian turned and caught Nikias’ gaze. Cyprian tilted his head, and Nikias nodded. They both quietly rose and left the dining hall, Turpis and the others none the wiser that Nikias had been listening or had even been there at all.
When the two of them reached the servants’ hall, Cyprian said, “That brat ought to be taught a lesson or two.”
Nikias’ jaw clenched before he said, “He will be. Maybe he’ll learn some respect when his plan completely falls apart.”
Cyprian raised an eyebrow. “I could interpret that one of two ways, Your Highness. Is there something I ought to know,considering I walked in on you sitting vigil over her bedside all night?”
Nikias said, “It wasn’t all night.”
An absolute lie, but Cyprian didn’t need to know that.
“And what about the rumors going on about her spending the night in your tent on the road?”
Nikias was going to find every single guard that had opened their mouths and he was going to kill them.
“I was injured. She was simply assisting the healers by watching over me. Nothing untoward happened.” Nikias narrowed his eyes. “And that is the last I am going to say on the matter. That’s not what we’re here to discuss. Commander Aimilia still insists on competing.”
“Well, Your Highness, I have no intention of losing, but I acknowledge my niece is a fierce opponent. However, I will not stand for that disrespectful brat to be brought into this house.”
Nikias said, “I have no intention of letting that happen either.”
Cyprian said, “You still mean to marry her?”
“I do.” Nikias leveled Cyprian with a stern look. “It will be because she wants to. Is that clear?”
“I understand, Your Highness. We both want the same thing.”
Nikias wasn’t entirely certain he believed that, but still said, “We do.”
“Have you seen her today?”
Nikias shook his head. “No, only briefly yesterday. That’s when I came in on Turpis.”
Cyprian raised an eyebrow. “After she left the infirmary?”
Nikias asked, “Should she not have left?”
Cyprian’s brow furrowed for a moment and then he shook it off. “I would have preferred it if she’d stayed, but if thehealers let her go, I don’t have the authority to stop them. But considering…”
“Considering what?’
Cyprian lowered his voice. “Considering Eleni’s condition. She’s made no improvements. I fear she’s not going to last the night.”
Nikias said, “Believe me, we would both rather Aimilia not be in this at all, but I will not stop her. She would never forgive me.”
Cyprian said, “Then let’s hope she comes to her senses. She might be my competition but first she is my family. I don’t want to see any of them hurt. Did she say anything to you when you saw her?”
Nikias shook his head. “No. She wants to focus on the tournament.”
Cyprian hummed. Then he shook his head and bowed. “I should go check on Eleni. Good luck. Maybe you’ll be able to get through to Aimilia before she ends up getting herself hurt.”
Nikias watched Cyprian walk away before he glanced back at the dining hall. Nikias wasn’t going to let anyone take her from him. Not Turpis. Not even Aimilia herself.
Chapter 54
AIMILIA
Aimilia’s head was still pounding and her stomach was turning as she waited in the early dawn for Turpis.
