Page 84 of Hunt Me

He stroked her damp cheek, truly treasuring the woman before him. “They do not deserve you,” he whispered. “And neither do I, for that matter.”

“This is usually the part where I give a witty comment, but I’m emotionally drained and don’t have anything in me.”

“No witty remark necessary, but I must know: have you forgiven me?”

“How could I not?”

“I need to hear you say it,” he insisted.

“I have forgiven you.”

“Wonderful. Will we be sharing our marital bed this night?”

She grinned. “Such a lascivious vamp you are. Are you looking for one more roll in the hay?”

“I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea.”

“That is too bad because I must wake Ezra from the cold of sleep to spar with my new spear. Thank you, my love,” Matilda said before leaving her chambers.

“But—”

“Goodnight, my King!”

***

Matilda grinned down at Ezra, who lay bleeding before her. “You’re dead.”

“While I find it utterly unnecessary to stab me, I have fallen. Congratulations, Matilda. I think you’re ready.”

She smiled and twirled her new lightweight spear above her head. She sliced it at her side and nearly shuddered from the sound it made as it cut through the air.

“May the gods have mercy on Alaria’s soul.”

30

To the Death

Luka approached the dais with as much courage as he could muster. The time had come for his huntress to put her skills to the test. She’d crawled into bed with him early in the morning, and they made love until she collapsed from exhaustion, which happened to be fifteen minutes later. He held her close and brushed his fingers through her curls while whispering prayers of strength and protection.

He was in a melancholy mood at breakfast. He stared at her while she devoured her meal and spoke between bites as if it were the last time he’d experience her shameless gluttony. She spoke of things in the future, such as going to her favorite tavern run by orcs and eating Belzara’s boar stew until she was as fat as a tick. She discussed the design for her wedding dress and how she loved her crown, but would require an alternate one that was less ornate for daily use. Luka remained silent as she entertained herself. He understood that her nerves were why he couldn’t get a word in edgewise.

Hours later, they’d reached the town center, and the crowd took Luka by surprise. All of Night Falls had to be in attendance, and he wouldn’t doubt if people from neighboring nations had also come to spectate the barbaric challenge. Sadly, he knew that most were in favor of seeing Alaria Marquis as the victor and were quietly praying for his queen’s downfall. Still, Matilda was a strong warrior who had received Ezra’s stamp of approval. She had all the tools and wit to win—or so Luka chose to believe.

Luka waited until it was silent to address the crowd. “Good evening, Night Falls. There is no use for me to stand here and give you a long-lasting speech. We all know why we are here. I, King Luka Alesi of Night Falls, intend to make Matilda Seraphina Helsing my bride and the future Queen of Night Falls.”

Boos of displeasure and jeering taunts erupted from the crowd. Luka looked down on Matilda to gauge her reaction. She stood proudly, like a peacock, with her chest puffed out and her arms by her side. His eyes flicked to Alaria, who grinned, amused by the discontent echoing from the crowd. She bathed in the discord, silently celebrating her victory. Lawrence Marquis seemed equally impressed.

“The House of Marquis has evoked an ancient challenge to the queen’s throne, and Matilda Helsing has accepted the challenge. These two capable women have agreed to fight to the death for the title of Queen of Night Falls. Duchess Alaria Marquis, do you wish to renounce the challenge, forgoing becoming Queen of Night Falls?”

“I will not forfeit to this nasty human!” Alaria snarled, pumping up her supporters and receiving hissing boos from the humans.

“Huntress Matilda Helsing, do you wish to renounce the challenge, forgoing becoming Queen of Night Falls?”

“I will not forfeit, my love,” she replied, sending the spectators and his heart into a frenzy. For a moment, he considered snatching her up and flying away, leaving everything behind—his title, castle, and riches, but like Matilda, he cared for his kingdom and wouldn’t leave the citizens with such political instability. Moonshire would have control of Night Falls before daybreak.

“Very well. Before we begin, I will remind you both that you may use any weapons during combat. If a participant withdraws, you must stop your attacks immediately. Failure to do so will result in the offending participant being put to death. Duchess Alaria Marquis, do you understand these rules that have been given unto you?”

“Yes, King Alesi.”