Chapter 5

~Zariel~

No one moved forward, no one could locate her anywhere. I felt lost without her I couldn't sleep, eat; I skipped my training I didn't care that the competition was in two days I only wanted her.

"Son I know how you feel, I realize it hurts, but you can't skip you fighting classes, the fights in just a few days!! Now I don't want to put any pressure on you, but I would like it if you could come home from this." She placed her palms in either side of my face.

"I know you know this feeling with fathers passing."

"You mean his murder?" Peniel's voice went dark for a moment.

"Yes mother his murder." I took her hands in mine. "Tell me mother how do you do it? How can you breathe without him?"

I knew I was asking hurtful questions, but I had to know. When he died, I thought I would lose her, but she pulled through. She has her moments where it seems she might break, but she doesn't.

"Because I have you, and you, my dear boy are the reason I live. I see so much of your father in you that makes it, so I can survive every day."

With that she left her long silvery gown flowing behind her, her blonde hair mixed with the silvery lace of her robe. I noticed she held on to me that's why I was homeschooled, and only trained to fight by my uncle because she wants to protect me for as long as she can, but I never realized she saw so much of my father it eases the pain for her.

I laid back on my bed, but it doesn't mean that I am going to my training. I needed my other half or I may die before the day challenges are even here.

I woke up to the day of the battles maybe she will be in the crowds I told myself as the maids came to get me ready. I can do this, I can win so I can find my true love and everything will be right in my kingdom.

~Lilanya~

The day of the competition was here I was ready I have trained my entire life for this moment.

"Princess Lilanya the King is asking for your presence in the throne chamber." The maid who delivered the message bowed and left.

I finished putting on the uniform for the competitors, all black tight fitted clothes easy to move in and very breathable. Also, simple to be cut open. Walking to the throne room I did my best to show no emotion on my face I knew he would feed off anything I showed him. I stood outside the throne room's double doors all black with red Ruby's making designs all over it almost like vines.

The guards didn't open the gate right away they let me steel my nerves before going to take the door handles pausing one turned to me

"We believe in you, Princess Lilanya, and we have your back." With that, they opened the gate. I realized as I walked in the room that they had been sparing partners with me growing up. I knew what they had said to me could mean death for them, but they risked it anyway. If I had the chance, I would tell them they are putting their faith in the wrong person, I would die today no matter the outcome.

Going to one knee in front of my father, I bowed to him. He seems to enjoy keeping me on my knees for longer than necessary this week.

"Rise, daughter." His hard voice rang out in the empty room.

Standing, I met his eyes that seemed to be blood-red dead on. I never backed down from him if I did, it would show weakness.

"Now you will succeed no matter what, or need I remind you what we will lose if you lose?"

"No father I remember what is at stake. I will overcome the battle today for our kingdom, and my family."

"Good, now you will fight for the shipment of meat for my kingdom. This is very import the people have not had food for years do not fail." With that, he dismissed me.

Walking down the long halls towards the main doors waiting for me, there would be a carriage that will take me to the arena.

My brothers joined me on either side, Raz taking my hand in his, stopping me outside the wide gates to the awaiting carriage.

"We are behind you Lil, we have your back forever and always sister." He kissed my cheek and took a step backward. I turned around to face Bo.

"If I have to kill him, you will end me, won't you?"

"It will be the hardest thing I will ever do, but I will do it for you, dear sister." Bolfara pulled me into a hug. This would be the last time I saw my family.

Turning, and stepping backwards I took one last look at the image of my brothers their wives walking up to them, seeing the worry they have for my brother's I realized they would be okay they have people who will take care of them once I'm gone. Turn back to face the carriage I stepped in, the door was shut and locked, we have known contestants to run away before the fights.

I wouldn't run I have never run from anything in my life and I knew this day would come. Today I will die, but I will make sure my kingdom will live.

Being escorted to the underground waiting area I met the four other people who would fight today as well, the first thing I noticed a child who was no old then ten curled up in one seat crying. An older man seemed to console the inexperienced child he wasn't apart of the battle I could tell by what he was wearing. The others were around my age.

"Well if it isn't her highness appeared to battle, we didn't expect you would come." One of the young men smirked at me from across the room as his friends snickered.

"Hopefully you can fight as well as you assume you can make jokes." I went over to the weapons, picking up a sword I swung it around it was perfect for me. Tying its sheet to my hip I slid it in its place, going to the wall closet to the gate I leaned against it, and glanced out at the battlefield.

They would pick who fought one on one at random, would I go first or last? I heard a sniffle from the boy in the chair they had taken the man from before out, and he was alone now.

"Hey kid." I said.

He peered up at me, his eyes widening once he saw who was speaking to him.

"P…p…prin…princess..." He looked horrible with his tears running down his face. I recognized he wouldn't last in the fight from how tiny his arms are I doubt he could even lift a sword.

I crouched down in front of him. "What's your name?"

"M…my name is Aamon princess."

Aamon is a good powerful name, your parents named you well." I said patting his head.

I realized there was nothing I could do to save him. If only father hadn't taken the age limit off the fights, he wouldn't be here for a few more years. I stood back up Aamon took my hand.

"Mother told me the gods picked you to rule out kingdom after your father...will you stay with me and give me strength till it is my time?" He also knew today he would die.

Not many people talk about the fact that I am supposed to take over next not one of my brothers. My father does not believe a woman should rule which is just one reason he hates me.

"Yes little one I will stay with you. Would you like to pray to Seros with me?"

"Yes, please."

I sat with him and asked the gods to watch over him, to help lead his soul to the other side. Who knows maybe he could win his fight? .