Backbone

The Chancellor huffed and puffed. "Duke, this is a travesty."

The young duke of Dawnharbour was transfixed. He couldn't take his eyes off the Forest's guild leader. "He's actually very good." He watched every blow and grinned at the sight of blood.

His young wife was a beautiful blonde from one of the noble families of Loctris. She was a second cousin to its duke and younger sister to one of the Protectors of Loctris. Despite her good breeding she winced at the combat. 

The young duke grabbed her hand without taking his eyes off the combat. The forest monster as the nobles named him just ripped the head off an opponent.

"Ayeee," the Duke said. "I've never seen that." He pointed. "Don't look away darling, these are adventurers - they're not really dead."

In less than a minute the fight was over.

The Chancellor grumbled, "My lord they can't be allowed to take first prize. Think of the Duke of Salastria."