I Have Screwed Up!

A week has passed after the incident, and currently, it has been a month and two weeks since Yennefer has been held within the castle.

Luthiel who had been summoned by the emperor to the meeting hall, stood with his gaze fixed on each of the ministers.

"Luthiel." The emperor uttered his name.

Luthiel stared at him as if knowing what he was about to say.

"It has been nearly two months now, so I have come to my decision." The emperor smiled as he spoke. "Today, in the dueling ring, you and Yennefer Bllergard shall have a near-death duel. I'm curious to see how far her potential has progressed."

"You are not allowed to go easy on her. You shall go full strength on her, and don't you dare think of defying me, because if you do... I will make sure she suffers for it." He smiled evilly as he spoke.

Confused as to why the emperor made such a statement, a confused glint flickered in Luthiel's eyes.

He is certain that something was going on for the emperor to suddenly call and make this statement, but then again, he can't go against him.

He knows the emperor more than anyone else, and he was not one to give empty threats.

What should he do now? If he holds back, Yennefer will get hurt, and if he doesn't, Yennefer will still get hurt.

'Shit!' He cursed in his heart, and with no tinge of emotion on his face, he slightly bowed.

"Yes, your majesty." He straightened up and walked out of the room.

The emperor stared at his disappearing back, and once the door was shut, he turned his head to his brother, Adolf.

"Adolf, are you sure about this?" He questioned, and Adolf confidently nodded.

"I am very sure of it. He has feelings for her. Have you not noticed that he has changed since you put that assassin under it? You forbade it, but—"

"Enough." The emperor cut him off and let out a deep breath. "They are both important tools to me, so... each will have to know not to cross forbidden boundaries." He spoke with a slight fury in his tone, and Adolf nodded with a smile on his face.

...….

Luthiel quickly made his way upstairs into the castle.

He proceeded toward the chamber where Damian stays and pushed the door open.

"Damian." He called as he shut the door, and Damian turned around to look at him.

A curious expression emerged on his face on seeing the worried look on Luthiel's face.

"Is everything okay?" He asked.

Luthiel shook his head at him and sighed.

"No," He responded.

"What happened?" Damian inquired.

"I don't know, but something is going on. The emperor wants me to have a near-death duel with Yennfer on the dueling ring in thirty minutes. I feel like there is no way to get out of this. If I don't go easy on her, she will get hurt, and if I do, she will still get hurt."

He explained.

Appalled to hear this, a deep frown ensued on Damian's face.

"That is really weird. Why such a decision all of a sudden?" He asked, and Luthiel shook his head in cluelessness.

"I have no idea, and that's why I believe that something I don't know of, has happened or is going on." He replied.

"I see…" Damian pinched between his brows and began to pace back and forth. "I don't really know how you can avoid this situation." He shook his head.

Luthiel raised his head to look at him, and deep apprehension filled his eyes. "Are you saying that I have to hurt her? I don't want to do that, Damian." He spoke with worry in his tone.

Damian sighed and rubbed his temple. "But there is nothing I can do. I am weak and powerless now. Maybe if you hadn't made that past decision and controlled your temper, I probably could have helped you now. Maybe I could have even protected her with a shield or something, but I can't do that now. I'm too weak, and I need a lot of rest."

He clarified, and Luthiel, who couldn't figure out any other way, buried his face in his palm.

"I have screwed up." He sighed and quickly raised his head when the alarm bell began to ring.

"It looks like it's time."

Damian smiled slightly at him in concern.

Luthiel rubbed his temple, and got up from the chair.

He walked out of the chamber, and the moment he arrived downstairs, he met Yennefer, who was looking at everyone in puzzlement.

What are they all staring at her? Where are they all rushing to as well?

"Yennefer…" He called her, and Yennefer turned around to look at him.

"Luthiel."  She walked up to him. "What is going on? Why is everyone staring at me and murmuring? Did I do something wrong?" She inquired.

"No…you didn't. It's not your fault." Luthiel said to her, and Yennefer furrowed her brows in confusion.

"What is not my fault?" She asked.

"Yennefer, listen to me—," Luthiel began, but before he could finish his sentence, a royal guard hurried up to him and bowed to him.

"General, the emperor requests your presence. "It is about to begin." He reported.

Luthiel slowly nodded his head and turned his head to look at Yennefer.

"Whatever happens, Yennfer... Please know that I would never want to hurt you, okay?" He spoke to her.

Deeply confused, Yennefer proceeded to ask what was going on, but he grabbed her by the wrist and began to walk away with her toward the training ground where the duel will take place.