Gerard frowned. “I hardly think that makes up for all they have been through. Warden Onyx was betrayed by his uncle. He is devastated. The two of them almost died at Warden Flint’s hands.”
“But they didn’t die,” Elias pointed out. “And they seem happy. Before they seemed … less so.” He watched as Prince Luther laughed at something Warden Onyx said. “So perhaps it was worth it for them.”
Gerard’s jaw tightened. Clearly, he did not agree with Elias’s comments. Perhaps this topic was not a good one if he was trying to win Gerard over.
But it was true! Of course, it must all have been unpleasant for the two of them. Being attacked and almost killed usually was. But they were alive! And in love, it seemed. Surely that was worth some suffering.
Although, how long could that love last? After all, from what Elias had seen of the two, they ran hot and cold. They’d probably be hating each other in no time.
Still, it was probably best to abandon this topic too and find another. “I have not seen you dance at the peace assembly so far. Do you enjoy dancing?”
“I do not dance much these days.”
“Well, you’re very good at it, and I enjoy dancing. So I hope you will humour me and dance with me often.” He moved in closer. He squeezed Gerard’s shoulder.
Gerard glanced down at the hand. He frowned. Then Elias remembered the first lightning bolt he’d thrown at Gerard. It had hit him directly in the chest. It would have covered his chest and perhaps even his shoulder and arm in scars.
“Do you have scars there?” Elias asked. “Do they hurt when I squeeze?”
Gerard met his gaze and held it properly. His eyes narrowed. “No. They do not hurt anymore.”
The music stopped. Immediately Gerard stepped back and out of Elias’s hold. He held his head high. They bowed.
“Thank you for the dance, Prince Elias,” Gerard said. “It has been very pleasant.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
Then Gerard spun on his heels and walked away.
Well, it seems I failed to charm him. Good thing I have the rest of our lives to try and do so.
Chapter
Nineteen
Gerard exited his tent. He rolled his shoulders as he strode towards the massive field where the Tournament of Dragons was taking place. Around the field stood stands filled with rows and rows of spectators.
But Gerard’s gaze fixed on Senta and Princess Dorothye above, battling it out in the cloud-filled sky. Their roars echoed. Teeth bared. Wings flapped. Claws raked against scales. Blood dripped.
Gaze still on the fighting, Gerard walked towards the grandstand, which held royals, nobles, dignitaries, and some high-ranking monks. The other stands surrounding the field held city folk. And on the cliffside above, overlooking the field, stood even more onlookers.
Cheers and cries filled the air as his sister fought their cousin.
As Gerard drew closer to the grandstand, Senta and Dorothye circled each other. Gerard had no doubt his sister would win. Although Dorothye was a competent fighter, she was no match for his sister.
The Tournament of Dragons had been set up as part of the courtship rituals. The eight dragons who would marry, or had been married, as part of the peace treaty would compete, along with eight other dragons. This tournament allowed them to show off their strength and skills for their spouse or future spouse.
It had been his father’s idea. It would be a knock-out tournament, where only the winner of each round would progress to the next. In the end, the last two dragons would meet in the finale.
Dorothye flew straight at Senta. Senta opened her claws wide. At the last second, Dorothye swooped down and away. Senta could have given chase, but Dorothye flew out over the crowd. Senta would not risk knocking her into the cheering civilians.
Apparently, wind sorcerers were on standby, ready to blow away any dragons into the air if they looked like they were about to land or knock into the onlookers. That would result in an immediate disqualification.
But that should not be needed. The dragons competing today were seasoned warriors. They should not be aiming to knock the other dragon into the onlookers.
Now back in the air over the middle of the field, Senta flew straight at her opponent. She opened her jaws wide. But she did not spew dragonfire. Dragonfire was also against the rules today, in order to avoid causing serious harm to the dragon contestants.
Dorothye swerved, trying to dodge. But she wasn’t fast enough. Senta’s teeth bit into Dorothye’s yellow, scaly throat. Her claws pressed into Dorothye’s chest. Dorothye roared as the blood trickled.
