Shouldn’t that be a disqualification?
Princess Senta flew upwards. Duke Albert followed her. But at the last second, she somersaulted and dove below Duke Albert, out of his reach. She flew downwards towards the stands. At the least second, she pulled up.
She flew above the crowds towards the field. The people cheered as she glided over them. In a moment she’d no longer be above the onlookers and could properly fight this wanker.
Suddenly, Princess Senta catapulted upwards into theair, blown on the wind. Elias frowned. Then he saw the cell of wind sorcerers, their hands lifted. He thought they’d only stop her if she looked like she was about to land on or hit the crowds. But she’d clearly been in control of herself as she flew.
And it had been Duke Albert who’d been a danger to the crowds anyway. Not her!
The herald blew her trumpet. The wind sorcerer’s interference meant an immediate disqualification to the dragon who’d caused it.
“Duke Albert is the winner!” the herald yelled.
This time the crowd erupted in a mixture of cheers and boos. Not everyone felt satisfied by the outcome. Elias glanced at King Alaric Drachen. His lips pursed in a thin line. But he did not dispute the call.
Now shifted, Princess Senta sneered as she stalked off the field. Blood streamed down her face, dripping onto her robe. A healer dove ran after her, trying to get her to stop so she could tend to the wound.
But Princess Senta waved her off. “It’s just a scratch.” She lifted the sash from her robe to wipe at the blood. But she just ended up smearing it all over her skin.
Lady Juniper ran to her.
“That fucking dickhead! He played dirty! He attacked me above the stands. He knew I wouldn’t fight back, as I didn’t want to endanger the crowds.” She threw a look at Duke Albert, who had now landed and shifted. He raised his hands in victory as he walked across the field.
When he reached the side, Beau met him, clapping and cheering.
“That weaselly shit! If it had been a fair fight, I would have won! He knew he could only beat me if he played dirty!” Princess Senta shook her head, face twisted.
Lady Juniper took out a handkerchief and pressed it to Princess Senta’s bleeding wound.
“Luther or Gerard, whichever of them wins the next fight, better destroy that sneaky shit in the finals.” Princess Senta glared at Duke Albert.
Moments later, Gerard and Prince Luther, accompanied by Warden Onyx, approached the field. Gerard glanced at his sister, who still continue to glower at Duke Albert. He took a step towards her, but the herald blew her trumpet.
“In the second semifinal, Prince Gerard will face Prince Luther. Prepare yourselves,” the herald announced.
Gerard hesitated, then stripped. So did Prince Luther, who handed his robe and cane to Warden Onyx. Gerard gave his robe and eye patch to a servant. They both strode out onto the field.
“I’m going to bury you!” Prince Luther taunted, limping as he walked.
“You can try,” Gerard returned.
Elias glanced around at the reserved section, at the lonely cushions and seats provided for the partners of the competing dragons.
Fuck this!
He ducked beneath the rope. He strolled up to the servant carrying Gerard’s belongings.
“I’ll take those.” Elias held out his hands. He flashed a smile.
“Oh. Ah …” The servant glanced at Prince Gerard’s naked back as he walked away.
“It’s fine. I am his betrothed.” Then he winked. “If anyone gives you any trouble, just say the lightning prince threw a giant fit and demanded you relinquish the robe.”
The servant let out a nervous laugh. “All right, YourHighness.” He bowed and handed Elias the robe and eye patch.
Elias turned. Prince Luther and Gerard had already shifted and flew up into the air. They fought, clashing and roaring. Despite Prince Luther’s injury, it seemed a fair and even match.
But soon Gerard clearly dominated. He kept knocking, smacking, and attacking his brother with claws, horns, tails, and wings. Finally, he drove Prince Luther into the ground.
