Chapter 19: Battle in the Ring

In a secluded chamber away from the arena, Bertrand and his team stood before Alina and Lyra, the glow of torchlight casting flickering shadows on their faces.

Bertrand cleared his throat, glancing at his notes. "Alright, Alina, you're up against Valeria tonight. She's built like a fortress and moves like a panther. Don't let her size intimidate you; she's not invincible."

Alina, ready and focused, nodded. Lyra leaned in. "What's the best strategy here, Sir Bertrand?"

"Speed and agility," Bertrand replied, eyes sharp and calculating. "Valeria's strength is her power, but it's also her weakness. She relies on brute force, and that leaves her vulnerable to quick, precise attacks. Alina, you need to be swift, stay light on your feet, and look for openings. Wear her down. Don't engage directly, she'll overpower you."

Lyra interjected, "What about her endurance?"

Bertrand frowned slightly. "She can go the distance, but she tires quicker than you if you make her chase you. Stay defensive, let her come to you, and when you see an opening, strike hard and fast."

Alina took a deep breath, absorbing the advice. She adjusted her cloth strips, tightening them around her wrists. "I can do this," she said.

Bertrand placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You've got this, Alina. Remember, she's just another fighter. You've faced tough opponents before. Stick to the plan, and you'll come out on top."

Lyra smiled confidently, though a hint of concern lingered in her eyes for her sister. "Just remember your training, sis. We've prepared for this."

The distant roar of the crowd signaled the imminent start of the match. Alina stood, rolling her shoulders and bouncing on the balls of her feet to stay loose. She adjusted her fighting gear one last time, her eyes narrowing with focus.

Bertrand led the way toward the entrance to the arena, the roar of the crowd growing louder with each step. As they approached the entrance, the old wooden doors creaked open, revealing the dimly lit ring and the eager spectators beyond.

Lyra pulled Alina into a quick embrace. "Give them a show they won't forget."

Alina nodded, her expression fierce. She stepped into the ring, the noise of the crowd washing over her like a wave. Across the arena, Valeria stood, a mountain of muscle and athleticism, her eyes locked onto Alina with a predator's focus.

The bell rang, and Alina moved, light and quick, her eyes never leaving Valeria.

The arena buzzed with anticipation as Alina, her muscles taut with readiness, squared off against the formidable Valeria. The crowd's roars echoed off the walls, a noise of excitement and nervousness. King Thorian watched from his private box, his knuckles white as he gripped the railing. Beside him, Queen Seraphina sat with a forced smile, her eyes narrowing as she observed her husband's agitated state.

Lyra stood near the ring, her heart pounding with every beat. She knew this fight would be intense. But Alina had to win as usual, no matter how hard it appeared. The opponent, a hefty woman with a reputation for brutality, charged forward. Alina dodged the first blow, her movements smooth and precise. But her opponent was just getting started. She landed a crushing punch to Alina's side that sent Alina staggering.

"Come on, Alina," Lyra muttered under her breath, her fists clenched.

King Thorian leaned forward, his eyes never leaving Alina. Each strike and blow she took seemed to land on him as well. "Get up, Alina. You can do this," he whispered, his voice lost in the roar of the crowd.

Alina's vision blurred momentarily as pain shot through every side of her body. She could feel the blood trickling from a cut above her eye. Her opponent's grin was wild as she advanced, sensing victory. Alina knew she had to find her strength, not just for herself but for Lyra, for King Thorian, for the reputation she had to maintain, and for the life they were trying to build.

Summoning her inner will, Alina dodged the next attack and countered with a burst of punches that stunned her opponent and everyone. The crowd's roar grew deafening as Alina gained an edge over her opponent. With a powerful uppercut, she sent her opponent sprawling to the ground.

The referee's count seemed to take an eternity, but finally, the opponent stayed down. Alina stood victorious, her chest heaving, as the crowd erupted in applause. Lyra ran to her side, tears of relief streaming down her face.

"You did it, Alina!" Lyra cried, hugging her sister tightly.

Alina smiled weakly, her body aching. "We did it, Lyra."

King Thorian's relief was noticeable as he sank back into his seat. Seraphina, however, was far from pleased. She had seen the concern in her husband's eyes, the way he had leaned forward, desperate for Alina to win. It was more than mere interest—it was affection.

As Alina and Lyra made their way to King Thorian's private box with the medical team to have Alina's wounds tended to, they were surprised to find Queen Seraphina waiting for them with King Thorian.

"Alina," King Thorian said, his voice filled with genuine concern. "Are you alright?"

Alina, who had grown fond of Thorian, nodded. "I'll be fine, Your Majesty. Thank you."

Queen Seraphina's eyes were cold as she stepped forward. "You fought well," she said, the words clipped and insincere.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Alina replied, feeling a pang of disappointment. She had hoped for more, perhaps a sign of kindness or understanding, but it was clear the Queen held no affection for her.

As the medical team began to treat Alina's wounds, Thorian formally introduced his wife. "This is my wife, Queen Seraphina. She insisted on coming tonight."

Alina bowed her head respectfully. "It's an honor, Your Majesty."

Seraphina's smile was thin. "I've heard a lot about you, Alina. Almost everyone talks about you. I was surprised to see that my husband is also a fan of the fast-rising "Princess Warrior". You seem to be quite... resilient."

Alina sensed the underlying hostility in the Queen's tone. "I do what I must to survive," she replied evenly.

The tension was thick in the air as the Queen stood up and turned to leave. Everyone could feel it. Thorian lingered for a moment, his eyes lingering on Alina with a mix of admiration and concern. "Rest well, Alina. You've earned it."

"Please take care of her. I'm leaving now." He told Lyra.

He looked at Alina, and they let their eyes do the talking. Alina nodded at him.

As the King and Queen left, Lyra turned to Alina. "She doesn't like you," she observed bluntly.

Alina sighed, wincing as the medic cleaned a particularly deep cut. "No, she doesn't. And it makes things... complicated."

Lyra's eyes were determined. "But it also means we… no, you need to be more careful in how you relate with the king. The Queen's disapproval can be dangerous."

Alina nodded, the weight of the situation settling on her shoulders. "You're right. And it also strengthens my stance. I can't accept his proposal. Just as I feared, marrying him would only bring me trouble. She doesn't look like one who would want to share her husband with anyone."

Lyra scoffed and glanced at Alina. Alina chuckled lightly, slightly holding her head in pain.

Lyra squeezed her sister's other hand. "If there's one thing life has taught me in these few years of my life is that everything works out eventually, no matter how difficult it may seem when you're in it. We'll find our way, Alina. Just like we always have."

Alina looked into her sister's eyes, drawing strength from her unwavering support. "I love you," she said firmly.

Lyra smiled. "I love you."

The medical team rounded up Alina's treatment. "Please come back tomorrow morning, so I can take a look at it." One of them said as they packed their tools.

Alina nodded, "thank you."

As they left the king's private box, Alina couldn't help but glance back at the arena where she had fought so fiercely and had almost lost a fight. She had forgotten what it felt like to be helpless over these past two years. Her mind drifted off to how the King's affection and the Queen's animosity were two sides of the same coin, and how navigating their world would require all the strength and cunning she possessed if she dared to enter into it.