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“I guarantee it,” Envy states firmly, drawing my attention back to the pair. “If you can resist the princess and refuse the promise she’ll present to you, you’ll win.”
“She’ll be very angry if I reject her request for marriage.” Ackealenvyos is hesitant to agree.
“Then don’t make her feel slighted. Say you’d rather have a public wedding. One that will display your love to the kingdom.” When Envy can see that his ancestor isn’t totally on board, he presses, “Do you honestly think she would deny a proposal from you after you win? And if you ask in front of an audience as the new victor? Think of the entertainment you’ll provide. Everyone is expecting a battle, but to give them an engagement as well… you’ll be so loved by your people.”
“Well.” There’s a pause and then a calculating grin almost identical to Envy’s spreads over Ackealenvyos’ face. “When you put it that way, of course she wouldn’t turn me down. It’d be impossible for her to refuse.”
“There you have it. There’s no reason to bargain with her when you already have her right where you need her to be.” Envy turns to us. “You may go now. I’d like a private word with my new friend.”
“My flask,” Ellister reminds him, hiking up our luggage. Relief and excitement filter through our bond as we get closer to freedom, but the positive emotions get cut off pretty quickly with Envy’s response.
“You must stay for the tournament.”
“No.”
“I insist.” He uses his kingly tone. “This is history, Ellister. You don’t want to miss such an important event.”
“I’ve held up my end of our deal.”
“Not completely. Not until I’ve been relocated. Save a seat for me in the arena.”
With that, we’re dismissed.
Ellister glares at Envy with intense hatred, and I can see the wheels turning in his mind as he contemplates attacking the man.
But we can’t afford to go through a scuffle, especially when I’m certain Envy would kick Ellister’s ass with his wizardry.
Besides, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to see how the challenge plays out.
“Come on,” I say softly, tugging Ellister by the hand while limping toward the portal.
ELLISTER
“Are you sure you’re all right?” I ask Hannah as soon as she’s settled into her seat.
She gives me a tight smile. “I’m not going to keel over within the next couple of hours.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Yes, I do. This ain’t my first rodeo.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means I’ve been through the sickness before, and I’ll know when the end is close. And it’s not. Trust me.”
I must believe her. Not just because her trust in me is so steadfast and she deserves the same from me, but because I don’t have any other choice.
Until Envy is completely satisfied with the outcome of my assistance, he won’t hand over the flask. Besides, even if I did have my Glow, I couldn’t leave right away. I’d need to rest for a little while to regain my energy.
I guess doing that here is as good a place as any.
“I hope your stomach is strong enough to handle the bloodshed you’re about to see.” I rest my hand on Hannah’s thigh to lessen the pain I know she’s battling. “If it becomes too much for you, just don’t look.”
“I went to a UFC fight once. It was kind of like this.”
I don’t know what a UFC fight is, but I doubt it was anything close to what will happen in this arena.
These matches usually include disembowelment, severed limbs, and decapitated heads.
