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As Theron descended into the arena to face off against Xadrian, I watched, trying to focus on my breathing. Theron wore his bone armor, a tactical move against Xadrian’s metal manipulation magic. I couldn’t help but worry about him, even though I knew I shouldn’t care.
They circled one another, saying something that I couldn’t make out, but Theron’s eyes darted up to me.
“His foolish infatuation with you is going to get him killed.” Nyana pointed out, drinking from a golden goblet as she joined me at the railing. “Look how he leaves himself open because he watches you.”
I frowned because she was right. Theron kept watching me, ignoring Xadrian as he circled him.
“I’m sure that you’re standing beside me for precisely that reason,” I said, turning my attention back to the battle, where Theron parried an attack of Xadrian’s sand.
“Clever.” Her voice dripped with venom. “I almost wish that you’d outlive the day. You’d make for superb entertainment for Rhazien.” She waited for my fear, her eyes narrowing when I didn’t react.
“Good luck dealing with Theron if you succeed,” I warned, my eyes tracking him as he ducked one of Xadrian’s spears.
Nyana laughed a cruel sound that sent shivers down my spine. “Are you trying to threaten me? You’re nothing but a little girl playing at being a warrior. You’re not even worth the dirt beneath my feet.”
I clenched my fists, the desire to hurt her rising in me before I reined it in, focusing on Theron once more.
Theron and Xadrian moved with blinding speed, their swords clashing against each other in a deadly dance. Theron blocked the metal spears that Xadrian launched at him with ease though Xadrian’s magic made him a formidable opponent. Still, Theron was the better warrior. The crowd murmured about how he was able to hold his own without the use of his magic.
The arena rumbles with the sound of metal on bone, as the two men continue to circle each other, clashing and breaking apart once more, looking for an opening. Theron’s sword pommel flashed in the sunlight, his movements blindingly fast, while Xadrian’s metal armor glinted as he darted out of the way.
I watched from the sidelines, my heart pounding in my chest as I watched Theron duck a blow that would have killed anyone else.
The fight came to a sudden end, with Theron’s sword at Xadrian’s throat and Xadrian’s spear hovering dangerously close to Theron’s back. They stared at each other, the tension between them palpable. The crowd waited with bated breath for the outcome, wondering who would emerge victorious.
I released a sigh when the announcer called the bout a draw.
Theron and Xadrian returned to the viewing platform, their bodies glistening with sweat and blood. Theron rushed over to me, his eyes filled with concern. A rush of something warm squished in my chest at his protectiveness.
“Sihaya, are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” I said, trying to brush off his worry. “You shouldn’t have worried about me during the fight. You kept leaving yourself open.”
“I can’t help it,” he replied, his gaze intense. “I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you.”
A blush crept up my neck at his words, but then my attention was diverted as the announcer called for the next bout.
“We have a newcomer to the arena today. Tannethe Vennorin.” He called, his voice echoing over the cheering crowd.
She strutted onto the sand, her golden armor gleaming in the late evening sun, an enameled blue viper on her chest plate.
“Who do you challenge, Lady Vennorin?”
Tannethe smirked, enjoying the attention as all eyes locked on her. She lifted a hand, pointing to the viewing box.
My heart plummeted when I realized she was gesturing at me. I followed Theron’s gaze to Rhazien, who laughed with his mother, no doubt relishing the shock and terror on my face.
“Lady Tannethe has chosen Prince Theron’s concubine, the Desert Lily!” Gods, they didn’t even know my name.
This is what Nyana meant. The only reason they wanted me to fight Tannethe was because I had publicly beaten her and they needed to make an example of me for standing up for myself. Killing me reinstated order in their world. Because in what world would a lowly Remnant take on the ones who’d killed gods?
“Kael isn’t trained. This isn’t a fair fight,” Theron argued, his eyes wild as he looked around for an ally and found none.
Nyana lifted a shoulder. “You flaunt her like she is one of us. Let her prove it.”
Nothing was going to get me out of this. All that would happen was that Theron would get himself killed. I swallowed down my fear and spoke. “I’ll fight.”
Theron’s eyes widened. “Kael, you don’t have to do this. It’s one thing to brawl in the mines, but fighting in the arena is another.”
