He hasn’t come down to force me into prison yet, which means the plan is working. He’s going to allow me to fight.
My gaze stays locked on the Emperor’s Box where a glowing object hovers above a pedestal. Rosalina’s Bow of Radiance.It’ll be ours again soon.
“You’ve already stirred the hearts of your soldiers with merely your presence,” Tilla says. “I cannot wait to see what flames you ignite upon the sands.”
“Down here, Tilla, we’re not soldiers,” I say, slapping her on the shoulder. “We’re gladiators.”
I’m not sure my wolf is going to fit. I stand in my box of a room. Each gladiator is given one, consisting of nothing more than a single bed and a basket for our things. I’d wanted to stay in Rosie’s room, but there would really be no space for that. At least she’s in the chamber right beside mine, so I’ll be able to hear if anything goes amiss. I’d sleep outside her door if a giant wolf wouldn’t draw too much attention.
Rosalina had been delighted that Tilla was alive, and only a little disappointed she couldn’t have a formal reunion. As much as I trust Tilla, it’s safer if no one knows who Madison truly is.
I tug off my shirt and throw it in my little basket and start on the clasps of my pants just as my door opens. Maybe Rosie decided she wanted to stay in my room after all. “Ro—Wrenley!”
My mate stands in full acolyte robes, white hood drawn over her hair. In her hand is a tray of star-shaped biscuits.
“You’re okay!” I tug her inside, closing the door. “You survived the storm. I thought the waves might have taken you.”
Something akin to sadness flickers in her eyes. “They did almost. Huxton was able to throw a rope over for me.”
I clutch my chest, breathing a deep sigh of relief. Thank the stars my decision to rescue Rosalina hadn’t condemned Wrenley.
“You’re okay, too.” She sets the tray on the bed and then wraps her arms around my neck. “I was so worried about you. We searched all over when you fell off the ship.”
“I got lucky. A siren rescued me.”
“The one you brought with you to the arena? Dayton, they’re all talking about it. Kairyn is furious. But he thinks he can humiliate you out there. I don’t know what, but there’s something horrible planned for your match tomorrow.”
“Whatever it is, I can handle it.”
Wrenley’s eyes shimmer as she looks up at me. “Even with your power as it is now?” Then her hand is on my arm. “You wouldn’t have to worry about sunset or lacking magic if—”
I step away from her and look at the tray on the bed. “You’re right. It’s almost sunset. You shouldn’t be here.”
“I don’t care, I had to see you. I even volunteered to hand out blessings of the Queen to the fighters as a way to get down here.”
“Blessings of the Queen,” I say, taking a bite of the star cookie. It’s dry. “Can’t hurt.”
“Dayton, where is Rosalina? She fell from the ship in the storm. Did the sirens rescue her as well?”
“I don’t know. I couldn’t find her.”
She gives me a speculative gaze. “Yet, you returned to Hadria without her?”
“I’m sure she made it to shore. Rosie’s a great swimmer. Besides,” I walk over to her and tuck a loose strand of curly brown hair behind her ear, “if she were in danger, one of her mates would have felt it and come running. I had to return to the capital.”
“Yes, they would,” she says, then, “So, you really don’t think she’s dead?”
“No, it’ll take more than a little wave to get Rosie.”
“Trust me,” Wrenley says, picking up the tray of star-shaped cookies. “I know.”
I nod my head toward the door. “You should probably get going. You know, with sunset approaching and all that.”
Tears shimmer in her eyes. “You would send me away so soon? We only just reunited.” Her hand trails down my chest. “Didn’t you miss me, Dayton?”
Actually, I barely thought of you at all,I think, but I can’t say that out loud. “Of course I did.”
“I’ve missed you so much,” she says softly. “I didn’t realize it until we were separated, how much these last few months being with you have meant to me. Ever since my parents died and I came to live in the monastery, I’ve only ever had myself. But you look after me now, don’t you?”
