"What are you doing standing out in the hall, Edric?"
The voice was familiar—someone I hadn't seen in a long time. I turned toward it and saw Lord Thorne approaching, his boots heavy against the stone. At first, a flicker of relief stirred in my chest. But the closer he came, the more something gnawed at me.
His skin was the same deep, coal-rich tone I remembered, but his hair had faded to a washed-out ash-white. His frame, once broad and commanding, looked thinner now—worn down, like a fortress left too long against the tide. There was something about the way he moved, too—less certain, less solid. Like the ground beneath him wasn't as firm as it used to be.
"My boy… come now, what's with that face?" Thorne said, his voice rich and familiar. "You're at your zenith now. After today, you'll be Champion Edric. That's something to stand tall about."
I watched him approach, noticing the long shadow he cast down the hall.
"Ah, my lord," Kushim chimed in from nearby, grinning. "It's probably just a lover's quarrel. You saw Heather walk past us earlier…"
Thorne chuckled, deep and easy. "Ah, that's true. Goddess knows—a good woman can be a blessing… or a curse to a man."
He clapped a firm hand on my shoulder, the pressure familiar—steady, reassuring—but heavier than it should have been.
"But she's probably just worried for you, boy. That's all."
"I know, sire. It's just…" I hesitated, searching for a simple excuse. "I guess I didn't sleep well last night."
I thought the answer would settle them. Instead, both of them laughed harder than I expected.
"My boy… come now," Thorne said, shaking his head with a wide grin. "That's a boast, not a burden! What I'd give to be able to go at it all night again…"
He chuckled low. "Alas—these old bones can't handle that anymore. Especially the most important one."
We all shared a low laugh, but under it, I could feel the strain in Thorne's smile.
"Now, let's get you armored up," he said. "Seems today's more important than I thought. The king brought his entire family to watch. They even shipped in some... 'special' crates."
His voice dipped slightly on that last word. He looked almost apologetic.
"Even though it's my city, I didn't have much say in the match lineup this time. I wish I could tell you more—but I can't."
His face, usually so firm, looked almost forlorn when he said it.
"It's not a problem, sire," I said, shrugging. "I'll be ready for whatever it is."
I meant it. I hadn't expected much help from the beginning.
"Well, if it's any consolation, Edric," Kushim added, crossing his arms, "I doubt there's much they could throw at you that you can't handle."
I nodded slightly. Lately, it was rare for me to struggle in the arena.
"Now then—the armor," Thorne said, walking into my cell and opening the leather sack.
Kushim followed him, and I came last. Together, they helped me put the armor on, making sure every strap and buckle was tight. When we were done, I followed them in silence toward the waiting area near the arena.
Sitting down in the waiting area, Kushim moved to the bench beside me. Thorne gave us both a small nod and wished me good luck before turning to leave. I imagined he had to deal with the royals—no doubt they were already demanding his attention.
I was surprised he had even found the time to come down here and speak with me at all. I was glad he did, though. I'd worried he'd forgotten about me over the years. But seeing him up close again… it seemed more likely he'd simply been busy. And looking at him now, he didn't seem to be in good health—which I found odd, considering his station.
Princess Aliynn POV
I paced my quarters, heels clicking against the cold stone. My nails itched to be bitten. I refused. Today was too important. Years of patience, of careful weaving—and now, finally, the knot would tighten.
"My lady…"
The voice rose from the shadows, velvet-smooth and familiar. I didn't look at him. I didn't need to. His voice alone was enough—steeped in worship, stitched with devotion. He had always spoken that way to me. Ever since he found me, broken and furious, after Edric's betrayal.
Edric.
How sweet he could have been. How loyal. How perfectly shaped. And yet even the best-behaved beasts can forget who holds their chain.
No matter. Love was never required. Ownership... was enough.
"What is it?" I snapped, the words cutting sharper than any blade.
"My lady seems... unsteady," he said, soft and reverent. "But fear not. I have tended every thread. Your dominion is assured."
I smiled my practiced courtly smile—cold and small. Of course he spoke the truth. How could he not?
His leash was bound to my very skin, stitched into me by ancient rites I had learned after countless hours of study. I looked over at him, his face tanned and elderly. He seemed like a grandfather of just anyone—but that wasn't what he was.
"You're sure of this plot?" I had to check once more with him.
"My lady, I would wager the soul of everyone here that not one thing could go wrong this day."
His voice threaded calm through my veins, whether I wanted it or not.