Master Vahn steps up to the platform beside me and gestures for attention. “Good afternoon, honored guests. The solha, Light of the Sun, has decreed that today’s challenge will be a duel. You will have as much time as there is sand in this glass.” He indicates a large hourglass set up beside the arena. “In that time you will attempt to strike your opponent on the body, excluding the groin or head. At the end of the time, the prince with the most strikes will be named the winner, unless his opponent has forfeited the challenge.”
I frown. Standing, I step forward. “This is not to be a lethal battle, is it, Vahn?”
He looks around and gives me a patronizing smile. “Of course not, Solha. Merely a competition in the spirit of your decree.”
I’m not certain the skills of a warrior are what I need in a husband, but I can see this will be an important match for the two males. They are already sizing each other up.
Kaelun casts me another pleading glance. “I’m afraid I’m a little rusty with a sword.”
Aurelion laughs. “Are you scared, Noreth? Do not be scared. I promise not to kill you.”
I scowl at him. “There will be no killing. This is purely a demonstration.”
His wings flex and he inclines his head. Then his grin returns. “Perhaps we should make a little wager, to make things more interesting.”
Kaelun folds his arms across his chest. “What do you suggest?”
“Whoever wins will spend the night demonstrating his other, more intimate skills to the solha.”
My mouth drops open, and I’m about to tell him to mind his manners when I think about spending a night with either one of them. I cannot deny I would relish the chance for another night with Kaelun, and how am I to truly choose between them if I don’t know what it feels like to be with Aurelion?
Against my better judgment, I agree. “Alright. The winner will have a private dinner with me in his rooms.” I flush as my advisors look on, but I’ve made up my mind.
Kaelun’s mouth drops open for a moment, and then he closes it and a determined expression settles on his face. “Then I’ll just have to win.”
“That’s the spirit, Noreth. Give me a good fight at least.” Aurelion claps him on the back and strides out into the arena, spreading his arms wide. “In the spirit of sportsmanship, I volunteer to have my wings bound and choose no weapon.”
I roll my eyes at his showy display, but I have to applaud his honor. Perhaps I have misjudged him.
“Do not make concessions on my account, Aurelion,” calls Kaelun.
“Oh but I would hate to accidentally defy the wishes of my future wife. She did say no lethal force.” He grins dangerously.
Kaelun scoffs. “You won’t kill me, dragon.”
In the end Aurelion insists on having wings bound, kneeling so one of my servants can do the task. I wonder if it truly makes him less dangerous. His claws and fangs are sharp, and his scaled hide could probably take a lot more damage than human flesh.
Still, they are not fighting to the death.
I watch as Kaelun walks cautiously into the arena, flexing muscles and walking softly, keeping Aurelion in his sights at all times. He selects a long wooden pole as his weapon, leaving the longsword and the daggers on the table. I’m relieved. I would hate for Aurelion to get hurt too, though something tells me that is unlikely.
Master Solen hands me a scarf, and I stand, raising it in my hand. The two opponents crouch low, ready for action. I drop the scarf. Aurelion lunges at Kaelun immediately. I gasp at how fast he moves, but unbelievably, Kaelun matches him. He darts out of the way, rolling and getting to his feet again in a swift, smooth motion.
I lean forward, unable to sit passively as they face off.
Aurelion lunges again, but it quickly becomes apparent that Kaelun is a match for his speed. He dodges away from every swipe of the dragon’s claws. A huff of smoke escapes Aurelion’s nostrils. His face lengthens into a snout. His body grows even larger.
I almost stop the match. He said nothing about shifting! But to stop them now would be to declare that I have no confidence in Kaelun.
I hold my peace, watching in agony as Aurelion swipes with longer reach, growls, and lunges with sharp jaws.
Kaelun is still too fast for him, and I can tell it’s starting to get to Aurelion. I think he expected to defeat Kaelun easily. But instead he is having to work hard and cannot even catch him.
Kaelun twists after Aurelion’s next lunge and thrusts the tip of the pole into the dragon prince’s chest.
Master Solen leaps to his feet excitedly. “A strike!”
This seems to harden Aurelion’s determination. With a roar he charges, no longer relying on stealth or speed. He grabs the pole as Kaelun thrusts it toward him, snapping it in half and tossing it aside. Then he closes his fist around Kaelun’s neck and tosses him to the ground like a bag of onions.
