Chapter 19 – The Kiss

Contrary to the noises before, when the fight commenced everyone fell silent that she could even hear her pounding heart inside her chest.

Like what she assumed, the fight is not even close to be called one, when one of the contenders seems to act like a child, holding a sword for the first time that after a few minutes some of the onlookers have already started to laugh while there are others who outrightly expressed displeasure.

Aurora smiled to herself, feeling the satisfaction that she chose the correct side. Though she’s still pondering the possibility that maybe, her champion is just too good hence making the other one look like a fool. After all, a win streak in a sword fight is still considered a feat.

The man called a savage from the north sure knows how to wield his sword. His stance is right and the timing is perfect that even the imperial knights are evidently impressed and enough for the other ladies to be charmed by him more.

On the other hand, his opponent could barely deflect his attacks let alone keep himself on his toes. It’s as if the sword being wielded by the savage is not a weapon, but an extension of his body. His moves are smooth but dangerous, Aurora has already assumed that he’s purposely doing it to at least prolong the fight. The scene is like a predator playing with its prey before going for the kill.

After a few more attempts to deflect his opponent’s attacks, the defending champion sunk on his knees when the challenger sent his sword flying away leaving him with nothing but his hands. Aurora felt the tips of her hair tingle, seeing how her champion suddenly smiled cynically his eyes turned cold, looking down at the fallen man who’s now quivering in fear. As if not yet satisfied, the savage of the north brought the sharp tip of his sword cutting a little at the base of his defeated opponent’s neck solidifying his victory.

The audience are stunned but upon the realization that the five-week champion has been dethroned easily, they roared into surprise when an imperial knight entered the arena and lifted up the victor’s hand in the air. Most are disappointed because of the loss they suffered when they wagered for the wrong contender, while those who sided with the savage of the north did not think twice of expressing their satisfaction.

Aurora on the other hand just kept a straight face as her eyes remained on her champion. She expected an easy victory for him but a part of her felt terrified at that, realizing that the man’s swordsmanship is really exemplary that for a moment there she can’t help but compare herself to him.

“My lady,” a knight approached her, getting her attention. The first thing she noticed is the flower crown that he’s holding that he’s now giving to her. She narrowed her eyes, confused.

“As per the bookmaker, you are the victor’s highest wagerer. As a tradition, if that person is a lady, she would have to put this flower crown on the victor’s head and then a kiss afterwards.”

Her jaw dropped upon hearing that. She was too excited with the idea of watching a sword fight that she has completely forgotten the tradition.

Another knight came forward who bowed to her. “We deeply apologize for not recognizing you, Lady Aurora Alvarez.”

The other knight who was just talking to her was obviously alarmed. He then looked at her then also bowed, as he apologizes repeatedly.

“There’s no problem at all with not recognizing me especially if I am wearing a commoner’s clothes. Please stop already as I do not want to grab attention from the others,” the two knights did not have any choice but to straightened up.

“If you do not want to do it, my lady, it’s okay. We’re just going –”

But Aurora isn’t listening anymore. She darted her attention again on the man and this time to her surprise, he was looking at her intently. At that moment, she badly wanted to tear away her gaze from him, but she can’t seem to do so as her red, jewel eyes seem to magnetized hers.

Unbeknownst to her, she’s already clutching her chest with her right hand and her lips parted.

“My lady?” if it isn’t for the knight, she could’ve continue acting foolish like that.

“I’ll do it,” she said without missing a beat. The two knights nodded at that and the flower crown was given to her. She held it carefully, not wanting the entire thing to crumble. It’s designed simply with small red roses, and daisies.

She then looked up and found the savage of the north in front of her. He then kneeled and bowed down his head.

With her hands slightly trembling, she put the flower crown carefully on his head and made sure it won’t fall off.

“Rise,” she whispered to him and that’s when he looked up to her.

She just realized how beautiful his eyes are especially now that she can even see herself on those. He stood up without looking away from her.

“The lady is too beautiful who doesn’t deserve to be tainted by someone lowly like me,” the man said in a cold, but serious voice. “I thank you for putting your trust on me, I hope you found it amusing.”

He was about to turn on his back when she instinctively reached out his arm to stop him. He looked at her, waiting for what she’s going to say.

Aurora felt like she’s swallowing stones, as she’s struggling to open her mouth but after a few moments, she has managed to finally let it out.

“I would like to give you that kiss. Come closer to me and lower your body a little so I can reach your lips.”

The man was obviously surprised but he obeyed her. He inched closer to her and lower himself until their faces are on the same level.

Aurora haven’t kissed anyone on the lips aside from his father and twin brother so she doesn’t have an idea how she should do it when the person is not her family. But since there is no turning back now, she held his chin and then put her lips on him.

The imperial knights and the onlookers are beyond flabbergasted, witnessing them. Cries from ladies can even be heard.

Based on the tradition, the kiss is supposed to be just a light one; a peck. But the two of them are doing it for almost a minute now that one of the man’s arms are already around her waist, while both of her hands are enveloped around his neck.