"Your majesty, I…"
"Is that denial I'm hearing?" She asked without missing a beat.
Valoric was visibly taken aback – his grip tightened around his sword. A flicker of hatred crossed his eyes as he glanced at Eric, who had risen to his feet with shaky steps.
"Even being her trusted shield isn't saving him from her wrath. Some people never learn. She has never raised her sword without reason."
Duchess Lancaster commented as she came up behind Sauveur. Sauveur looked over his shoulder. His muscles still tensed from the early situation.
"He gave her one," he replied.
"He should've remained loyal. They were each other's sword and shield on the battlefield."
Their attention returned to the arena. The air crackled with unspoken tension.
"I accept your offer, your majesty. Let's have a duel." Valoric responded, his hold against his sword tightened.
He couldn't refuse a challenge from the Empress. Then again, she wasn't an opponent to take lightly.
Why am I doing this? I'm fighting my men because of a man I don't even trust? I shouldn't be so kind to my enemy, even if he holds the title of my husband.
Nashia's mind was filled with words she couldn't voice. Her expression remained calm and regal as she glanced at the duchess, a signal to escort Eric out of the arena.
Seeing her signal, Duchess Lancaster and Sauveur hurried in to escort him out. They helped him out while he was still coughing up blood.
Once seated, Eric remained unmoving, his gaze locked on Nashia, as if the rest of the world had faded around her.
"Are you okay, your highness?" Sauveur asked while he held out a handkerchief for him.
"I'm fine," he answered while wiping the blood away with the given handkerchief.
"If you are hurt, just say it, please," he pressed on, yet he met a firm denial.
Sauveur remained by his side until he settled in his seat properly. The Duchess stood in the distance while Sauveur helped Eric.
"Should I call for the imperial doctor?" she asked as Sauveur returned to her side.
"No. He said he doesn't need it," Sauveur replied with a sigh.
"He says no, but one look at him says otherwise," she muttered. Sauveur held her gaze in silence.
Meanwhile, the battle in the arena continued.
Valoric and Nashia were facing each other, his dark aura illuminating the gallery. She stood like a monarch carved from stone – serene, unreadable. She didn't need to use her aura. Not yet.
The air got heavy as the crowd went silent when they saw the scene unfolding in front of their eyes. It was a rare sight. Seeing the Empress herself step into the arena.
The shadows themselves appeared to writhe and twist around Valoric like living things. The water surrounding the battleground beneath them was creating waves due to his aura.
Nashia's eyes flashed with amusement as she saw Valoric being reckless. As expected of him. He never held back once given permission.
With a swift motion, Nashia leaped around Valoric, avoiding his attacks with ease. Her movements were fast and smooth, each step perfectly choreographed to counter his blows.
Valoric's eyes grew increasingly frustrated as he found himself unable to land a hit on her. He knew her power, but still, he expected at least one hit.
As the battle raged on, Nashia toyed with Valoric, using her agility and cunning mind to wear him down.
The crowd erupted with cheers as the fight intensified. The gallery filled with win chants, some for Valoric, some for Nashia.
It was clear that Nashia was more than a match for the Valoric's brute strength. She hadn't even used her vampiric powers, yet she was already so untouchable.
Valoric snarled, frustration burned in his eyes. But Nashia was a master of her craft. The outcome of this battle was all but certain.
The match was truly worth seeing. The best knight of the empire, struggling to put up a fight in front of his empress.
Eric's eyes were fixed on the unfolding spectacle, as if mesmerised by the sheer display of power. His poker face remained, but the glint of confusion slowly crept into his eyes.
Eric stayed still on his seat outside the battleground without making any moves as he waited to see what would happen next.
Even in rage, her moves were lethal… Can I survive her… or will I be devoured?
Eric winced occasionally through his chest pain. His heart raced as he saw her fighting without mercy. It made him more aware of the position he may end up in if he isn't careful.
Why do I feel like I'm the one she is defending – when I was never hers to protect? Those words coiled through Eric's mind while his eyes strayed to the arena.
As the time kept passing, Valoric grew tiring himself, his aura growing weaker by the minute. While Nashia was still radiating energy.
As she saw Valoric getting exhausted, she quickened the pace of her feet. She struck like an eagle, swooping down on prey.
She got Valoric where she wanted him, holding out her sword at him. She struck a few blows at him. He blocked the strikes with the flat of his sword, his boots skidding towards the edge.
She put more power into her grip over the sword, cornering him. His arm trembled under the pressure, his sword quivering in resistance.
He was about to fall into the water behind him as he lost his balance. Valoric shut his eyes as he prepared for the fall. All the crowds gasped at the scene.
At that time, Nashia held his wrist to prevent him from falling as she pulled him back up. A silent reminder that even wrath can't blind a leader's judgement.
Valoric sat on the ground, exhausted.
"T-thank you… Your majesty." He gasped, looking up at her.
Nashia silently darted her gaze toward him. The silence spoke louder. A series of relief sighs rings in the air of the gallery.