Fallen Chapter Two
In the previous chapter Soran's Anwei tried on a beautiful dress, and now Soran has to keep an eye on her while he faces his opponent.
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Soran hovered in the air. He didn’t use his wings, but rather let wind course around him and provide lift. His long spear hung across his lap and he traced the wood grain up and down. He knew his weapon like a dear friend. Today, there would be a guard over the blade.
His thoughts went to his sister, and turbulence shook him. If she wore the dress…
He didn’t want to think about it.
She looked beautiful in her dress. It suited her with her slender form and delicate features, but so many people wouldn’t understand. He just wanted the best for her.
“There you are,” Dona said.
He let out a quick exhale and let himself slip to the ground. “What do you want?”
“I’m still waiting for you to agree to our duel.”
“You know why I won’t.”
“Because you’re afraid.” He smiled with danger in his golden eyes. He had umber skin and coiling black hair. Handsome, but with a terrible personality.
“Damaging the second strongest warrior would be foolish.” Soran smirked.
Dona flashed his teeth. “I wouldn’t want to put you into the infirmary, cousin.”
“Then you understand.”
Dona hissed and turned away. Soran’s skin crawled as he watched him walk away. He shouldn’t have riled up Dona right before he’d be seeing Anwei.
The sun hung high in the sky, which meant the duel would soon be upon him. He held his spear against his chest and stretched out his wings.
“Your majesty, it’s time.”
He nodded and took a deep breath.
The dueling arena had arching seats that blossomed out like a water lily. The pink sand colored the ground and his feet squished into it as he stepped onto the field. The crowd burst into applause as he appeared. He searched the seats until he found Anwei sitting on a raised platform high above. She wore a simple suit and her white wings and hair became iridescent in the lighting. She looked a little uncomfortable. In the corner of the box stood Dona with his arms crossed. His eyes widened. Dona should have been down with the other duelists. He clenched his fists. Dona better not mess with her.
A figure stepped out of the opposite dugout. Nora was a tall woman with ebony skin, golden hair, and orange eyes. She had a sturdy build and rippled with muscles. She beamed at the crowd as they screamed for her.
She noticed me and gave a stiff salute.
I returned the gesture.
A pressure built in the arena, like static electricity, and Soran shivered. The weight of the Queen’s presence hung in the air even before she appeared. Her golden hair matched her eyes and her deep brown skin glowed under the sun. She put her gloved hands on the railing, her hair flowing out around her as if caught in the wind. He knew she commanded the air around her. It gave her an ethereal quality that she always presented to her subjects. Sometimes she projected it even to her children. The thought made his heart squirm.
“Welcome,” she said to the silent arena. “To the final duel of the season. May the fates be in your corner.”
A pressure pushed against his mind and he knew his mother had pulled upon the Collective. An idea bubbled up that wasn’t his. Win at all costs.
As the prince, he had no choice but to represent his people.
Soran’s heart pounded as his reality finally dawned on him. This would be the third time defending his title, since he had been allowed to compete when he turned sixteen. Now at nineteen, he had pride to preserve.
“Duelists at the ready,” the referee said.
Extending his wings, he held his spear aloft.
“Begin!”
Nora and he launched into the air.
I clenched my shaking fists as Soran shot into the air. He immediately pressed into an assault on Nora, poking at her with his spear, and twisting around in the air with expert momentum. His golden feathers flickered in the light like a campfire.
I heard a throaty laugh and stiffened.
I focused on the sounds of the battle, the clang of long spear on spear. Nora danced through the air, darting away from Soran’s relentless attacks. Always gentle, Soran fought fiercely in contradiction. He chased after her, making a sharp turn up into the air, gaining on her. The two spiraled to the height of the arena. Nora skimmed the shield, her wind magic making the invisible bubble shimmer for a moment.
Snide laughter made me glance to the side. Dona stared at me with a wicked grin.
I pushed my hair behind my ear as my body chilled. Footsteps made my stomach twist.
“Prince Reno,” Dona said.
Bile rose in my throat. I glanced at him, but didn’t turn to face him.
“Ignoring me, I see?” A hand grazed my hair, and I recoiled.
“What are you doing?”
“You had a stray hair, your majesty.”
“Don’t touch me.”
He chuckled. “Don’t you think your hair’s getting too long?”
“No.”
“You’re always so mean to me, Reno.”
I grit my teeth and turned to him. “I’m trying to watch the duel.” The crowd roared as Soran won a hit on Nora.
“I thought you didn’t like duels?”
“I like Soran,” I said.
He scoffed. “I’m trying to be nice, you know.”
“Why?”
“I want to get along, cousin.”
My nails bit into my trousers. I wanted to be back in my room, twirling around in my dress.
“What do you really want?” I said.
He showed his teeth. “Enjoy the duel, your majesty.”
I shivered and watched as Nora got sent to the ground in one final, powerful attack. The duel had ended before it properly began. A lump settled in my stomach as the arena cheered. Soran beamed as he raised his spear into the air. He had become champion-
And all I felt was sick.