Reza settled into one of the brown leather chairs in the sitting room of his suite at the Rewans estate. The day had been long, and he had finally found the time to examine the numerous correspondences he had received from friends and contacts over the past few days. He was delighted to receive one from a friend in the fifth legion, who had transferred from Reza’s own company approximately a year ago. The man was part of the same legion as Hasbeck, a centurion in the fifth.
Reza had sent messages to anyone who might have information about the contestant’s powers, of which he was unaware. He had yet to receive any news about Tannic. The man was not a member of the legion and displayed no signs of his power during his fight. However, his friend had shared some intriguing information about Hasbeck.
“The man is known as the ‘Hundred Hands.’ I’m not certain what that entails, as I haven’t witnessed his power firsthand. However, I’ve been told that he has stockpiled hundreds of weapons for himself.” Reza read aloud. The name and the weapons suggested a potential advantage in the duel. During his first fight in the arena, spectators had only seen him duel with two swords and remained largely out of the fray until the end.
Reza’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Before he could even move, he heard Sabine’s voice behind it.
“Marius, are you awake?”
Reza rose, placed the letter on the side table, and walked over to let Sabine in. She was dressed in a silver nightgown, and a silk burgundy robe draped over the top accentuated her curves. Reza let her pass, and she moved to the two chairs by the side table where his letters lay.
She sat, curling her legs up onto the chair underneath her. “Come sit down. I couldn’t sleep and stay in that room any longer.”
“Is the room too small for you out here?” Reza laughed and moved past the chair to the fireplace. Sabine had thankfully not argued against his suggestion that they both sleep in the guest house. It would allow their guards a single spot to protect, and they would be away from their families if they were attacked. It also made it easier for them to come to each other’s aid. She had moved into a second suite in the building last night.
Reza worked silently, pulling a kettle and bringing it over to another table where some cups lay.
“No, I’ve lived here for years when I didn’t want to be in the same house as the rest of the family,” she replied. “But I never sleep well before a fight or battle. I can’t settle; my mind doesn’t stop. ”
Reza brought the tea over, handing a cup to Sabine and then placing his own down on the side table to let it cool for a moment. “Well, we can talk and do anything you’d like. I’m here for you,” he said.
Sabine examined the papers scattered across the table. “What have you been up to?”
He cleaned them up into a single pile before answering. “I’ve been researching Hasbeck and my potential opponents. Some reports and letters finally arrived from people who know what they know about him and his powers. However, it’s only hints. Tannic and Hasbeck have kept their powers completely secret, so I must be cautious during the next fight. I think I’ll need to be quick on my feet, or I might not last long.”
“Every fight is always like this. Tomorrow will be no different. I’ll face Lucius, and we both know that if he gets close to me, I have no chance against him,” she said, sipping her tea. Reza noticed the slightest tremor in her hands, which vanished in moments.
Where was this coming from? This wasn’t the confident Sabine he had always known. Lucius was always a formidable opponent that no one could afford to leave to chance. But Sabine’s abilities were ideally suited to counter Lucius’s monstrous melee fighting style with her vast range. The man would have to catch her and close the distance to secure the victory. Reza was concerned, but it was because he couldn’t bear the thought of her being injured by anyone. However, he had enough faith in her abilities to know she would emerge victorious. He firmly believed in her triumph.
Before he could react, Reza moved over to Sabine, kneeling before her and pulling her into a tight hug. She clung to him, pulling him even tighter. “Never think that way. You possess the skills necessary to win. I know you will triumph,” he reassured her.
Sabine looked up, her eyes intense. Before Reza could react, she took his face and kissed Reza deeply. He clung to her, not breaking the contact, and kissed her back with the same intensity he had ever felt. His heart pounded in his chest, threatening to burst. He kept his hands on her hips, feeling her sink deeper into him.
What was happening? Reza had always yearned for this, but he knew it was impossible. They had danced around their feelings and urges, choosing friendship over something they both knew would never be possible. Reza was lowborn despite being the head of his household, while Sabine was the heiress to the Rewan Family, one of the ten. She was expected to marry someone from her family or a highborn from another nation. Not him; it could never be him.
Reza simply stayed in the moment, trying to prevent the thoughts from overwhelming his pure joy of holding Sabine in his arms and the pleasure he felt from her.
Finally, after a wait longer than he had anticipated, Sabine pulled herself back, staying close to him. She gently stroked the scar on his neck with one hand. “Thank you.”
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Reza remained on one knee before her, contemplating what he should say. There were numerous questions he needed answers to, but he didn’t want to appear foolish. He tried to calm himself and put his thoughts and feelings into words. “I never thought this would happen. I had always hoped, but…”
“Reza, stop. We can discuss this tomorrow,” she interrupted, ending any further conversation with another kiss. That kiss ended everything else, and Reza swiftly swept her up in his arms and carried her to his bedroom.
The next morning, Reza awoke to a knock at the door. Sabine was sleeping naked close to him, one leg draped over his body and her arm across his chest.
“Sir, it’s time,” a voice from the other side of the door asked. Reza recognized it as Kelvin, the man who managed the guest house with a small staff. Reza had requested that someone wake him up every morning at dawn, and Kelvin had taken on the responsibility.
Reza slowly removed himself from under Sabine without disturbing her sleep, leaving her side.
He draped a small blanket around his waist and headed to the door. “Yes, I’m awake,” he replied softly, ensuring he didn’t disturb Sabine. He’d give her a few more minutes of rest before her battle today.
“Oh, good sir, would you like coffee or tea with your breakfast?” Kelvin inquired. As always, he was impeccably dressed in a stiff black and gray suit that matched his hair and mustache.
“Tea for myself and Lady Sabine,” Reza responded in a low voice, keeping the door slightly ajar, only allowing his head to be visible.
“Perfect. I’ll have both of your meals ready for you shortly. I know Lady Sabine’s maids are also about to wake her,” he said, bowing before leaving.
Shit. Reza retreated to the bed and shook Sabine awake as softly as possible. She opened one eye and looked at him, half-naked, standing over her. “Oh, well, this is a lovely sight in the morning. Come back over here,” she whispered, her tone sending a shiver down Reza’s spine. He grabbed the blanket at his waist.
Reza held her hands, preventing her from removing the blanket. “Sabine, before we proceed any further, I hope you don’t mind if every servant in the household and likely the entire district discovers our secret by the end of the day.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, she responded. “Of course not. I don’t care what people think or say.”
Sabine pulled him closer, and he collapsed next to her. She kissed him as she moved her leg back over his waist, placing herself on top of him. “Why do you ask?”
“Kelvin informed me that your maids were about to wake you up, and they will notice that you’re not in your bed but mine.” He smiled, pulling her close.
“Well, it’s not like half the city didn’t already know we were sweet on each other. Now they’ll have proof of what many of them suspected from the rumors that have been circulating.”
“As long as you don’t mind the gossip, I won’t either. By the way, breakfast will be ready soon.” Reza replied. He had more than a few concerns about what they had done and the implications of it for their future. Everyone would have their own opinions, but as long as Sabine didn’t care, he would do his best to avoid causing any trouble.
“Well, we should probably finish here.” She moved on top of him, the blanket falling off her naked body.
______________
Reza guided Sabine into the Stadium two hours later. She was dressed in her uniform, her hair tied back in a ponytail, and her multiple weapons within easy reach. Notably, she still kept her bow strung on her back.
Reza wore a midnight blue suit that Sabine had bought for him the night before. The suit was designed to withstand knife stabs and slashes without puncturing. The silk layers underneath provided a strong barrier if he were attacked again. Unlike his previous suit, this one allowed him to fight effortlessly in case of an attack.
Additionally, Reza had two new blackwood daggers sheathed under his arms. Kelburn had readily agreed to the investment, with Reza holding twenty percent of the business.
As a gift for their new venture, Kelburn had provided Reza with these elaborate and beautiful weapons. Each dagger was intricately carved with a raven and lines of runes from the Imperial tongue of the Old Empire of Rhelyeh. Kelburn had explained that the runes were inscribed with the quote, “You shall be the witness.” Reza wasn’t entirely sure about the meaning of the words, but the daggers were undoubtedly unique in their craftsmanship and beauty.
They descended into the underground holding area, a familiar space they had visited numerous times during this contest. Multiple groups of priests and other individuals milled around, but they barely made it in before the orator approached them. Reza realized he had never learned the man’s name, but it would be awkward to ask now.
“Excellent, you’re here. I was waiting for your arrival. We have a room where you can stay and prepare for the contest.” He turned his attention to Reza. “Lord Reza, we can show you to the box if you would like. However, it’s quite early for premier spectators to arrive. Only a few lower stands have been filled for preliminary activities and games.”
Reza shook his head. “No need; I’ll stay with Sabine and head up closer to the start of the fight.”
He wouldn’t return to the Noble District to travel with his sisters and the Sulli, as Sabine wanted him to stay with her until it was time.
The orator nodded, his expression unwavering. “Very well, then follow me.”
He led them to a much more luxurious room than Reza had been forced to sleep in while waiting for the other fights to conclude in the first round. This room was elegantly furnished with high-quality furniture and colorful tapestries adorning the walls. A comfortable bed was placed against one wall, while another was lined with a table with three leather-bound chairs.
“If you require anything, there will be someone in the hall to attend to you,” the orator bowed and departed.
Sabine approached the table and placed each of her weapons on it. She began inspecting and adjusting the minor components of her crossbows and bow. Next, she meticulously cleaned each dagger and polished them until they shone brilliantly. While Reza took the opportunity to order tea and food to be brought in case she needed anything, he sipped silently, allowing her time to concentrate. As the time for the duel drew near, he rose.
“It’s time. I should go find the others,” Reza said.
Sabine turned, and he embraced her. “Remember, maintain your distance and force him back. Don’t expend energy until you’re certain; let him be the monster we know and exhaust him. You’ve have this.” He spoke calmly and confidently.
“I will,” she kissed him, and he held her for a few more precious moments before letting his arms fall away from her.
He gave her one last kiss and walked out of the room. Reza returned to the vast, open holding area, composed himself, and steeled himself for the fight ahead. It would be more challenging than he had ever imagined it would be to witness. Sabine, you better damn well send an arrow into the bastard’s eye and end this swiftly.