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The ale flows freely in the Great Hall after that, but Luka doesn’t touch another drop. It’s the only outward sign that he takes any of this seriously. He moves us from the dais to sit with Eldon, Noé, and other warriors, and they spend hours noisily re-living their battle exploits as if none of them has a care in the world.
I, however, am not as adept at hiding my feelings. I’ve been on the verge of screaming all night. Plus, I’m tired. When I finally mention to Luka that it’s time to go upstairs to bed, I cradle my belly and he immediately takes the hint. Unfortunately, Eldon and Noé follow us upstairs to our chamber for an unplanned meeting. Because the stronghold is filled with guests, the map room has been converted into a temporary bedroom.
It’s not until we’re behind closed doors that I explode. “How could you agree to such a thing?!”
“I could do nothing else. Please sit down.” He signals Kata, who’s been waiting up for us, and she comes to place a hand on my arm. I shake her off.
“What if you die? What then?”
“Rina,” Eldon cautions. “He’s right. He can’t ignore a challenge. Though . . .” He sets his jaw. “I’ve never heard of a First Deve himself presenting a challenger.”
“We all knew something was coming,” Luka says as he turns one of the hearth chairs and indicates that I should sit. I purse my lips, but accept.
Noé shakes his head in disgust. “We knew something was coming, yes. But notthis.I have lost all respect for Kharon.”
“Kharon is not the issue here!” I insist. “What if Luka dies?”
“Then Eldon will take care of you and our child, my love.”
“But –”
“But nothing. He has sworn it to me, haven’t you, cousin?”
Eldon nods gravely, and I don’t know whether it makes me feel better or worse that the situation weighs on Eldon as much as it does on me. I open my mouth to continue, but Luka stops me.
“Enough, Rina. There is only one way out of this and that is through victory. And I’m going to need your full support.”
Every argument on my tongue shrivels and dies. He’s right. This may be the first challenge to his leadership, but it will surely not be the last.
Kneeling down in front of me, he takes my hands in his. “You must know I have no intention of losing to that great oaf.” His calloused thumb strokes along the back of my hand in a soothing motion.
“But I love you so much, Luka. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you.”
“I love you too.” He reaches up to caress my cheek. “But if something does happen to me, youwillbear it for our child’s sake. I need to know that you will keep him safe.”
I sniffle, hating that my emotions have been on a see-saw lately. “Of course I’ll protect her. You needn’t worry about that.”
His lips pull into a grin. We have been calling our unborn childhimorhersince we discovered I was pregnant. “That’s my woman.” He kisses me, lingering sweetly before he gets back to his feet. “It’s settled. If I should lose, Eldon will challenge and all will be well. And if things go wrong from there, you will go to Koda and the Wolves. They will give you sanctuary.”
Chapter 26
Rina
Idon’t know why I’m surprised that Kharon travels with his own raised platform that can be assembled for any occasion, complete with a plush throne-like chair and lavish velvet draperies that hang on three sides to help break the wind . . . or add to the pretentiousness of it all. I’d probably be more impressed if I didn’t loathe the man.
Luka had led the procession from the stronghold to the training ground, the drums thumping, as usual deep in his own thoughts, mentally preparing to fight for his life. I’d followed him, head held high and stomach quivering in my beautiful fur cloak, the crown on my head, held firmly in place by my braids. I would not dishonor him by showing even an ounce of fear or anxiety.
My husband delivers me to the platform where I’ll watch this farce play out next to Kharon. At least I won’t have to suffer Mattice Dulat’s presence. Reportedly, he made a hasty departure last night, citing the unwelcoming atmosphere. Good riddance.
“My dear,” Kharon says as I take my seat next to him.
Keeping my eyes on Luka, I offer him a simple, “Deve,” in return.
The man harrumphs softly. How I wish I could join Bron, Daysa, and Yvette wherever they are in the crowd. I’m sure Ion, who wasn’t allowed on the platform and now prowls at its base, feels the same way.
In the center of the clearing, Eldon announces the challenger and I rather enjoy the strident boos he receives. Kharon’s little moue of disapproval is the icing on the cake until Luka is named and the crowd detonates with wild approval.
“You seem surprised by the people’s love for Luka,” I say blandly, watching as the combatants take up their swords and shields and start to circle each other.
