Chapter 89

The whole town of Sea Meet came out to watch their princess get married. Well, they came for the duel between Aurelia and Zinjo. At the beginning of their adventure, Aurelia felt great swarms of butterflies in her stomach at the very sight of Zinjo. The moments before the duel brought the same feeling to the princess.

She peered across the dueling yard at the local guardhouse. Aurelia's enhanced hearing picked up on all the people who bet against her. Three-quarters of the crowd came to see Zinjo victorious over aurelia. Once upon a time, such actions would've crushed her spirit. Today it left her with a deep thirst to prove herself.

Ayasu and Sophie approached the princess and smiled. The elder lioness held a red paste in her hand, "I will now apply the ceremonial markings." She dipped two fingers in the paste. Aurelia's nose detected fruit of some kind, "Zinjo is excited. I don't think he's stopped smiling since this morning."

Ayasu smeared the thick substance across her forehead and cheeks. Aurelia saw a tear in her mother's eyes, "Are you sure about this? I mean, you might be...," Sophie started to say

"I am sure. Zinjo would never hurt me intentionally," The princess pulled her leather breastplate up. She looked down at her breasts. Were they growing, or was all the talk about pregnancy affecting her mind?

"The purpose of the duel is not about winning, but compatibility. We've found the ritual prevents divorce?" Ayasu looked over at Sophie, who nodded, "We have another name for it, but it is long and unpronounceable."

"How so?" Aurelia drew the onyx blade known as Lion's fang and inspected the edge. The instrument of death hadn't dulled since she had acquired it.

"We believe a couple should have a balance between them. Couples who truly love each other will develop a rhythm as they duel. It resembles an elaborate dance, rather than a fight to the finish," Ayasu put her arm on Aurelia's shoulder, "I think the duel between you and Zinjo will be nothing short of Spectacular."

Aurelia stared at the people, "I hate how they doubt me," it didn't take much to bring the royal bride back to the failure of the Heart's Call.

Soft, caring, motherly arms surrounded Aurelia, "Now you listen to me. You have surpassed the awkward little girl who left Shadowfen to prove herself. You are a woman I am proud to call my heir."

"Then let us begin," Aurelia's face grew determined and fierce as she entered the practice area.

***

Ayasu stood between Aurelia and Zinjo. At first glance, it appeared Zinjo held the advantage. His size and strength made Aurelia look small and weak. The crowd pointed and laughed while Zinjo stared at her with respect and Devotion.

For the first time in a long time, Aurelia let the insults slide off her back like water and kept her focus on Zinjo. She wouldn't be dueling the whole crowd. One man's love meant more than a thousand insincere voices.

She opened and closed the parasol in thought. Today wasn't about them. Why should it be? Did they survive the rigors of the Litchford hills? Were they there when she battled the spider demon? Did they experience her victory over Kongamato? No. Aurelia would show them the power of their next queen.

Ayasu transformed into a lioness and roared the crowd to silence. Not a single soul dared sneeze as the Pride Mother addressed the crowd. "Today is a proud day for the Kingdom of Shadowfen. You have all gathered to witness the ascension of two worthy souls."

She gestured to Zinjo, "My son traveled the world to find the other half of his soul. I will admit, I was against such a pairing for what could this puny human offer my Zinjo?"

Aurelia scowled at Ayasu, who ignored the dour expression with a smile. "I was wrong. Aurelia Dusk has proven herself to be a capable leader and faithful companion. If you doubt my words, then I will remove it." She motioned for the guards who sat on the fringes of the practice field.

They marched in unison, holding a wooden platform, on it the Skull of Kongamato. The oddly shaped skull provoked a response from the crowd. Several people whispered the word Dragon, while others said, "Our princess did that?"

"Your princess and future queen traversed the broken plains of Kiazangi to rescue two innocent lives. I know in my heart, despite your poor treatment of her, she would do no less for any of you." Aurelia blushed, and Ayasu Cleared her throat, "But I digress. When I leave the ring, you may duel."

Zinjo gripped his partisan with a smile on his face. The yellow eyes caused Aurelia to grow weak in the knees. She hadn't forgotten the first meet with Zinjo and the feelings he conjured. The hilt of the Lion's Fang felt comfortable in her hand.

The male lion didn't waste time. In the space of three seconds, Zinjo covered half the field. The partisan lunged forward. The Lion's Fang hissed from the sheath and batted the large blade down into the earth. Clumps of dirt flew upward from the force of the blow.

Aurelia twisted and knocked the weapon from his hand, "Is that all you have, my love? I was expecting more from the chief's son," Aurelia taunted.

The taunt cost her. Zinjo spun low and extended a leg out before Aurelia could react. Her back hit the soft earth, and her eyes admired the clear blue sky above her. Zinjo used the blunt of the staff and attempted to strike her in the stomach.

Ayasu and Sophie hid their faces because they feared Aurelia to be pregnant. Aurelia smacked her palms together and halted the shaft a micro inch from her stomach. She grinned and Kicked his legs out from her him, and he tumbled to the earth. She regained her feet and stood with her blade at the ready.

Zinjo Smiled and Stood across from her, "Well, it seems we are about even. Shall we take it up a notch?" He shifted into his lion form, and the crowd held their breath in worry for their princess.

The eyes of Aurelia closed as she put on the catsuit and became the lioness, "Nothing would give me more pleasure," She shouted before the Lion's Fang streaked toward Zinjo.

He blocked and countered, "Let's give these people a show they won't soon forget.

For the next five minutes, the couple dropped into a natural rhythm. Neither cared about winning or losing and lived in the moment. The crowd Cheered for the combatants. They performed stunning feats of agility and guile until they fought each other to a standstill. They held the position until their arms found each other and kissed.

Ayasu roared and provoked silence from the crowd, "I can feel the strength of the combatant's hearts and the joy in their movements. In Kianzangi, I'd marry them on the spot. However, the couple insists on exchanging vows according to the traditions of Shadowfen."

The crowd began to chant Aurelia's name, and she stared into the gorgeous yellow eyes, her heart filled to the brim with love. "I am ready to be your wife."

Zinjo kissed her softly and stroked her hair, "I am ready to be your husband."

With that, the couple headed off to prepare for the upcoming nuptials.