After agreeing to Xenia’s counteroffer, Gregory immediately scheduled a meeting with Jarek Heraklinos and Erika Sage. He had just landed in the Heraklinos capital to meet with the two masters. He stepped out from his traditional supersonic jet and walked with a pep in his step. His smile never left his face as he greeted every individual who he came in to contact with.
Gregory was high on life as he felt he had just been hand-delivered the keys to winning the war on a silver platter. It wouldn’t be long before he had every disputed territory under his control or Heraklinos and Sage control. He would also have Peter back in short order.
After being escorted to the conference room, Gregory burst through the door smiling with his arms wide as he greeted the two masters, “Thank you for having me! Can you believe it?”
Jarek stood to give his old friend a hug and said, “I honestly have a hard time believing it. Just how did you convince Xenia BloodStar to accept this duel for the fate of the war?”
Gregory beamed with excitement as he said, “Convince? Oh no. It was she who offered to me!”
Erika incredulously asked, “She offered to fight you 1-on-1? After nearly dying at your hands in Houston? Why would she do that?”
The three sat down at a small round table by a large window overlooking the capitol grounds. Jarek began, “Are you not concerned Gregory? The BloodStar family is fraught with secretive powers and skills. Should we not be cautious regarding a boost in her power following near death? That very thing has been reported to occur in many powerful ki users throughout history.”
Erika nodded, “I agree. What if you were to lose? Your entire empire would be controlled by BloodStar rule. She has so much less at stake. She’s not a Master. She has less to lose than you in this duel.”
Gregory chuckled, “She is not a Master. You are right Erika. And I intend to make her pay with her life for challenging one.” He continued to beam undeterred, “It is as you say, that I have my empire at stake. However, it is unfair to say she has less at stake. She has her entire future at stake. Without Xenia, Victoria will also be vulnerable with no Bloodline power heir. This is a shifting tide, a turning point for history. And I intend to be the hero of time that made it possible!”
Jarek laughed, “I for one think it’s great. Even if you are playing into her hand, even if she is more powerful than before… I know for a fact that you have a vault of holy artifacts that would serve as a mountain to overcome in the hands of a master ki user such as yourself.”
Gregory pointed to Jarek and looked to Erika, “He’s right. By golly, he’s right you know!” He leaned towards Erika and said, “Have you heard of the God Sword? Jarek here has seen it in action during the Great War.”
Erika sheepishly said, “I have not heard of it. But I know that if Jarek has heard of it, then so has Victoria. It will not be the advantage you think it is.”
Gregory chuckled, “No, maybe not. It certainly won’t be a surprise. But it won’t need to be.”
Jarek cut to the point and said, “You accepted these terms already, so there must be another reason you are here Gregory.”
Gregory smiled still yet, “I am here to ask you to host this 1-on-1 match. Host it and televise it to the world!”
Erika responded immediately, “You plan to televise this duel? Again, what if you lose?! The damage to the morale of the world would be irreparable!”
Jarek maintained a level head and said, “I quite agree with Erika. Were things to not go as planned, this could be very bad for the world to see.”
Gregory shook his head, “Do I need to remind you what power the God Sword holds? I have it here with me. It is imbued with Holy Water even.”
Jarek shook his head, “I have not forgotten the power of the God Sword. How could I after fighting alongside you and your father who wielded it so valiantly in war.”
Gregory smiled, “We were an unstoppable force together.” He then said, “I am a senior Master of the world. Grant me the faith in knowing I will handle this appropriately. Grant me the faith in me that I will be victorious.”
Jarek nodded, “All right, old friend. As a senior Master of the world and old-time war partner… if you say you can defeat Xenia BloodStar… then you have my faith.”
The two men looked to Erika expectantly, and she said, “What do I know? I’m one of the youngest Masters of the world. If Jarek has faith in you, then I too have faith in your victory.”
Gregory clapped his hands and shouted, “Yes! You won’t regret this. It will be a shining moment in history for the three of us!”
Jarek steadily said, “The only venue I have for such a colossal clash would be the Saber Plains in the East. We have the necessary infrastructure to televise a battle from that location. Furthermore, any accidental casualties would assuredly be rebels.”
Gregory stood and continued his streak of smiling glee, “I don’t care where it is. Give me a wide-open area for me to punish that heathen demon with the might of God. That is all I ask.”
Gregory took several lively steps towards the door before turning and saying, “Where is Jacek? Just to be prudent, I had better ask him about Xenia. He was the last to spar with her was he not?”
Erika hated the idea of someone prodding Jacek for information about Xenia. She wanted those thoughts to remain buried within his mind; however, she also knew this might be crucial for Gregory’s victory. She gathered herself and said, “He is where he always is. Training near the mountains. Careful as you approach. He is stronger by the day and doesn’t yet realize it.”
Gregory laughed, “Just like his father! I shall find him shortly. Thank you both.”
Jarek looked to Erika after Gregory left and said, “I don’t love this either. But Gregory is much more powerful than you know. When he puts his mind to something, he can nearly match my own power. Nearly. He has shown incredible achievements with strength in his life. There’s just one problem…”
Erika curiously asked, “What problem would that be?”
Jarek grimaced, “The BloodStar family never failed to rebuke our offensives in the Great War. Victoria held her own against us every time. While I don’t fear Xenia as she was, I do fear what her power could have her become. I just hope she hasn’t made that jump in power just yet. The BloodStar family has persisted for so long in the face of opposition because they are so powerful. There is no denying it. However, I do have faith in Gregory. And I do agree that if there were ever a time to break the Bloodline power, it’s now.”
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Erika found herself holding her breath. She said, “I hope you are right.”
____________________________________________________
Michael sat in the back of an armored car as it rumbled along the road. He had met the Texas armed forces at the border of San Antonio and agreed to be transported to see Warlord BloodStar.
The car came to a stop in front of a magnificent and ornate mansion. The soldiers exited the car and came around to open the locked door confining St. Michael to the backseat.
As Michael stepped out from the car, he looked to the mansion and saw a familiar face standing with an ominous presence prepared to greet him.
He walked to the front of the house and said, “Nero, good evening. I am here to see Warlord BloodStar.”
Nero stood silently refusing to return his greeting. After a few moments, Michael decided to walk past Nero rather than wait. As he motioned to walk past Nero to the side of him, Nero drew his sword.
The sword gave a loud metallic ring as it was unsheathed from Nero’s back. He held it out horizontally to his right-side blocking Michael’s path. The sword glowed a vibrant red.
Nero finally said, “I don’t need to remind you the power of this sword. You have proven to be a worthy opponent to the likes of me. However, to this sword… imbued with the ki of Empress Victoria… you fall well short of worthy. Do not step out of line.”
Michael didn’t bat an eye at the provocation. While the sword was indeed powerful, he knew the limits of it after having seen it in action at the battle of Houston. He smirked and said, “You think you are worthy of being my opponent? Nero, you far underestimate me.”
Nero growled and gave a menacing look to Michael. The two stared each other down prepared to stand off with one another; however, just at that moment a voice called from the terrace above, “Are you two so intent on making me wait?”
Nero immediately sheathed his sword without question and knelt in the direction of the voice without looking up, “I apologize Warlord BloodStar. Forgive me.”
Michael looked up to see Xenia resting her hands on the terrace ledge. She looked absolutely beautiful in a black long-sleeved dress with a white cross adorning the chest of the dress. He called out to her, “I will be up at once Warlord BloodStar. I apologize for keeping you waiting.”
Nero stood up and opened the door for Michael to pass through, and Michael silently walked through the door and into the mansion.
As he entered the elaborate foyer, he looked to the central staircase winding up to the second floor. He followed the staircase with his eyes to see Xenia standing at the top of the staircase in a black latex dress with a stunning slit all the way up to her hip. She had donned her sexiest sacrilegious dress for Michael.
She merely beckoned him with a finger calling him to follow her as she walked off into one of the hallways.
Michael quickly followed as he ascended the staircase and followed down the hallway Xenia had entered. He came to an open door and saw her standing near a bar pouring a glass of wine.
He walked up and stood next to her at the bar as he said, “I thought you didn’t touch the stuff. Something about it not being a real drink?”
She smiled and said, “Oh, this is the real drink.” She placed the glass on the bar top and turned to him.
He couldn’t help but look her up and down. She smirked and said, “Like what you see?”
He found himself in a stupor before he answered her, “I love what I see.” He grabbed her waist and pulled her closer to him. The two locked eyes, and Michael leaned in for a kiss.
She put her finger up to his lips and said, “Nuh uh. First, do you have any good news for me?”
Michael withdrew his kiss and cleared his throat as he stood a bit embarrassed from the rejection. He released his hold of her waist and motioned for them both to sit at the nearby leather chairs arranged around a short coffee table.
She looped her arm through his as he walked her over to her chair. The two took their seats, and Michael said, “My father, Pope Gregory, has agreed to your counteroffer.”
Xenia sat up straight and clasped her hands together as she smiled brightly, “Really?! Yes!”
Michael did not share her excitement and sternly said, “The terms are not favorable for you.”
She continued to smile and said, “Oh, please. The terms mean nothing to me. I could defeat your father with one hand tied behind my back.”
Michael gave her a serious look and said, “The duel will take place in the Heraklinos Empire. Weapons are permitted; however, items may not be used. The match will be televised globally, and the fight will be to the death.”
Xenia let out a breath of excitement and disbelief, “You. You have done well. Televised globally?”
She stood up and walked over to him and sat sideways in his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and said, “You can have your kiss now.”
He leaned in and kissed her soft lips as he felt her sexy dress against his skin. He ran his hands up and down her dress eventually stopping to grab her big boobs as they kissed.
She broke off their kiss and looked to him as she sat in his lap, “I could get used to this Michael. If you serve as a high-ranking member of my ruling cabinet beneath me, we could have fun like this all the time.”
She kissed him again before continuing, “And if you ever want to make me yours and be the only guy in my life, all you would have to do is best Nero in a gladiator match. I think you’re one of the few in the world who could actually have a shot at success against Nero.”
Michael laughed, “I could defeat Nero, that is not my concern.” Xenia raised her eyebrows, “You think so? I love the confidence. But Nero is just as gifted as you. His achievements come from hard work unlike you and I who are largely blessed with talent.”
Michael shook his head, “Nero is not my concern at the moment. I like you Xenia. You’re powerful. Extremely powerful. You’re smart, sexy, eligible. You just happen to be on the wrong side of the world at the moment, and I am afraid that is going to get you killed for good this time.”
She shook her head with a smile, “What do you mean?”
He played with her hair and continued, “I mean… you just agreed to a death match with my father. You let him set the terms. You just signed your own death certificate. You haven’t seen the depths of his powers. He will call on family treasures to increase his power. He will utilize powerful weapons to crush you. I’m afraid I am set to lose you, Xenia.”
Xenia laughed, “Don’t you worry about me. I have family treasures to call on as well. I am quite talented too. Far more talented than your father I’d say.”
Michael smirked, “Maybe so, but he has decades more experience of active battle under his belt.” He paused and then said, “I’m afraid this is one of the last times we will have together. You’re death, in my opinion, is all but a certainty now.”
She ran her fingers through his hair, “Gosh, if this is my last time with you… does that mean I can do whatever I want with you tonight before my certain death?”
He laughed and said, “I’m afraid I know better than to agree to that. I have heard stories of your predilections, and I do not want to be feasted upon or tortured this evening.”
She laughed with him, “Is that what they say about me? Did they forget to mention that it’s not all pain? It’s a balance of pain and pleasure. That’s what I love!”
She stood up and said, “Fine. But once you’re serving under me, you won’t have a choice.”
He stood as well and said, “If that day comes, I will happily submit as it will mean you are still alive.”
Michael couldn’t help but think to himself, “Her charm is exquisite. The promise of power and sex has made me completely abandon my own allegiances. What a dangerous force in the world. It won’t be the worst outcome should she perish in battle against my father.”
He looked to her and said, “I suppose the next time I see you will be at the match in the Heraklinos Empire. Good luck. You will need it.”
She briskly walked up to him and pushed her big boobs up against his chest and stroked his crotch over his pants and said, “You aren’t allowed to leave yet. Even if I can’t do whatever I want, we can still do something a little more… plain.”
Michael didn’t even have a second to answer as she pushed him back into his seat and began to take his pants down. She maneuvered between his legs after taking his pants down and smiled up at him, “Now you just relax. This will be mostly pleasure with just a little bit of pain.”