“And Dominik?” Mych’s arms were crossed, a defense against the pain. Jasyn didn’t know what—if anything—transpired between them, but clearly, there was enough weight there now that it affected Mych.
Bron’s eyes hardened. “She can do whatever she pleases with him. I’m not here because of her.”
“Why not seek a different future for yourself? Is power more important than a true connection with someone?” Mych’s voice was cold.
If Jasyn saw it correctly, Bron’s face softened. “I’m sorry.” The guard’s voice cracked, revealing the sincerity of those simple words. “I know we discussed a future in which we would be working side-by-side, but I don’t know if being Esi and Jasyn’s guard would be enough to fulfill what I need.”
Jasyn squinted at Bron. There was more to this story.
“Then you have no imagination if you think our only options are being guards or you becoming king.” Mych turned to Jasyn. “Good luck, Your Highness.”
Jasyn bowed his head. “Thank you for all your work.”
They hugged each other quickly, and Mych left without sparing Bron a glance.
“He’s right.” Jasyn said.
Bron whipped his head in his direction.
“You two would have had my blessing to leave your work and live your lives away from the castle if you desired it. Hopefully, that future is still possible—if we make it out alive.”
Bron shook his head, and Jasyn saw a deep sadness cross his face, like he didn’t truly want this either, but he had been cornered into it.
Jasyn didn’t have a chance to pry for answers, because a large bell sounded, and the competitors focused on the minister. Kryth seemed ravenous for a good show as he smiled at them, his hands occupied with a bundle of smoking, burning herbs. The stench was strong, and Jasyn wondered what exactly the point was.
“The Undertaking will begin shortly. There is only one rule: fight until one of you gets the Heart, or the court will burn to ash.”
Jasyn swallowed, thinking about Iskra. A part of him wished he had read the letter, but it would have only distracted him.
“Please position yourselves,” the minister announced. “When I ring this bell again, my fierce dragon will come out and begin this all.”
Eighteen
The bell echoed in the cavern, but he barely heard it as the dragon flew overhead, its large form a looming shadow, showcasing the monstrosity they were about to face. Kryth stormed away, no doubt running somewhere he would be safe with a view of the cavern.
Jasyn took a stance as he pulled the sword from his sheath, but his legs were heavy, like roots had clawed their way around his ankles and held him down. None of the competitors wore armor, as it would be too constricting for climbing. The dragon perched itself on a ledge, its reddish-brown scales gleaming in the sun from the spotlight above it. Its amber eyes practically shone as the beast assessed the space.
Jasyn didn’t have time to admire it, because before he could blink, the dragon dove from its spot.
The competitors scattered, and Jasyn ran behind a boulder to cover himself, sheathing his sword. Heat scorched the area, and he knew the dragon would not take it easy on them. Jasyn thought back to his siblings, how scared they must have been,of his father, who had been thrown across this very cavern. He wondered how many people would die today.
Someone shouted, the sound loud in his ears. But it was the way it quickly became silent again that had Jasyn gripping the hilt of his sword tighter.
He couldn’t hide for long, but he took the advantageous position he was in to let his eyes scour. There were numerous ledges climbing high up the walls. The Heart could be on one of those. He’d need to find a way to get up to each of them, or at least one at the highest point to be able to look down. There were some ropes he could use to hoist himself up, but he reconsidered that option. After all, rope burned.
Jasyn crawled away from the boulder and saw the dragon was on the same ledge again, waiting. Unlike the participants, the dragon seemed to be in no rush. It would gladly drag this out, causing the tension to build.
Jasyn wondered if the Heart was right on that ledge, the dragon protecting the precious ruby. There was no guarantee, and Jasyn would rather search lower before committing to the high climb, but…
As if hearing Jasyn’s doubts, the dragon practically snapped its attention to Jasyn. With widened eyes, Jasyn took a step back, uncomfortable with the scrutiny.
“Watch it, prince.” One of the competitors shoved him, running toward one of the walls. She was lithe, easily hauling herself upwards using the small pockets within the rock. Jasyn watched in awe at the technique.
Others took her lead, following on other sides of the cavern, like they trusted she knew something.
Jasyn had his eyes on the dragon again. It seemed to be focused on itself now, so this would be the time to attempt something. Instead of going up, Jasyn decided to go down intothe crater. If the dragon attacked, there at least wouldn’t be a big fall below him.
The terrain was steep, and he almost tumbled too many times, but he wouldn’t stop. He had one goal in mind: the Heart, the Heart, the Heart. He repeated it in his head like it was his own heartbeat, pumping the adrenaline through his veins.
